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PRIORITY CLAIM This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/915,070, filed Dec. 12, 2013, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/035,821, filed Aug. 11, 2014, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference and relied upon. TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure provides methods for monitoring subject (e.g., patient) adherence to lurasidone therapy, for example as a component of treating a subject for a mental health disorder such as schizophrenia. BACKGROUND Lurasidone (Latudaยฎ) is an atypical antipsychotic prescribed for the treatment of acute symptoms of schizophrenia. Drug adherence has been shown to be particularly low in patients with schizophrenia. Urine drug testing has been employed by behavioral health clinicians to monitor patient compliance through analysis of drugs and their major metabolites. Typically, adherence to lurasidone therapy is monitored by evaluating levels of lurasidone and one of its plasma metabolites, M11 (2-{(3,5-Dioxo-4-azatricyclo[5.2.1.0 2,6 ]dec-4-yl)methyl}cyclohexanecarboxylic acid) (see Table 1 for structure). However, these molecules are present in only low levels after dosing, thus false negative monitoring results are common. Such false negative reports can improperly induce a clinician (e.g., a physician or psychiatrist) to alter a compliant subject's lurasidone therapeutic regimen when no alteration is warranted. Improved methods for assessing and monitoring a subject's adherence to lurasidone therapy are needed. SUMMARY The present disclosure provides methods for monitoring patient adherence to lurasidone therapy, for example as a component of treating a subject for a mental health disorder such as schizophrenia. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for monitoring lurasidone therapy in a subject who has been prescribed lurasidone therapy, the method comprising: obtaining a fluid sample from a subject who has been prescribed lurasidone therapy, analyzing the fluid sample for the presence of M8/M9, M21, and M22, and identifying the subject as adherent to the prescribed lurasidone therapy if the fluid sample contains M8/M9, M21, or M22 above a threshold level but non-adherent if the fluid sample contains no M8/M9, M21, or M22 or an amount of M8/M9, M21, or M22 below a threshold level. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of evaluating compliance with lurasidone therapy in a subject, the method comprising obtaining a fluid sample (e.g., urine) from the subject, analyzing the fluid sample for presence or absence of an analyte, and identifying the subject as compliant if the analyte is present in the fluid sample. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 shows the MS/MS spectra of M8/M9 metabolite of lurasidone. DETAILED DESCRIPTION While the present invention is capable of being embodied in various forms, the description below of several embodiments is made with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. Headings are provided for convenience only and are not to be construed to limit the invention in any manner. Embodiments illustrated under any heading may be combined with embodiments illustrated under any other heading. The use of numerical values in the various quantitative values specified in this application, unless expressly indicated otherwise, are stated as approximations as though the minimum and maximum values within the stated ranges were both preceded by the word โ€œabout.โ€ Also, the disclosure of ranges is intended as a continuous range including every value between the minimum and maximum values recited as well as any ranges that can be formed by such values. Also disclosed herein are any and all ratios (and ranges of any such ratios) that can be formed by dividing a disclosed numeric value into any other disclosed numeric value. Accordingly, the skilled person will appreciate that many such ratios, ranges, and ranges of ratios can be unambiguously derived from the numerical values presented herein and in all instances such ratios, ranges, and ranges of ratios represent various embodiments of the present invention. Lurasidone (Latudaยฎ) is an atypical antipsychotic prescribed for the treatment of acute symptoms of schizophrenia. Lurasidone has a molecular weight of 492.6 g/mol, and empirical formula of C 28 H 36 N 4 O 2 S, a pK a of 7.6, a log P of 5.9, a CAS number of 367514-87-2, a mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of 493.6 when ionized with addition of a proton (ESI MS), and has a formula chosen from the stereoisomeric Formulas (I) and (II) shown below: Lurasidone is commercially available as 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, and 120 mg tablets and is typically prescribed or administered at 40 or 80 mg per day. It is absorbed after oral administration with a bioavailability of 9 to 19%. Dosing is designed to be with food as this can increase the bioavailability by 100%. The mean elimination half-life is 18 hours. Steady state serum concentrations for Lurasidone are typically achieved after 7 days of dosing. Lurasidone is metabolized in the liver primarily by CYP3A4. Metabolism includes oxidative N-dealkylation, hydroxylation of the norbane ring, S-oxidation, and reductive cleavage of the isothiazole ring followed by S-methylation. Nearly two dozen metabolites of lurasidone have been previously identified. Select metabolites of lurasidone are shown in Table 1 below. TABLE 1 Select Metabolites of Lurasidone. โ€ƒ M10, ID-14324 (C 28 H 36 N 4 O 3 S), m/z = 509 โ€ƒ M11, ID-20219 (C 17 H 23 NO 4 ), m/z = 306 โ€ƒ M8, ID-14283 (exo-OH), (C 28 H 35 N 4 O 3 S), m/z = 509 โ€ƒ ID-20221 (exo-OH) (C 28 H 35 N 4 O 4 S), m/z = 525 โ€ƒ M5, ID 20220 (C 17 H 23 NO 5 ), m/z = 322 โ€ƒ M7, M11 Glucuronide (C 23 H 31 NO 10 ), m/z = 482 โ€ƒ M9, ID-14326 (endo-OH) (C 28 H 35 N 4 O 3 S), m/z = 509 โ€ƒ ID-20222 (exo-OH) (C 28 H 35 N 4 O 5 S), m/z = 541 โ€ƒ M22 (C 29 H 40 N 4 O 3 S), m/z = 525 โ€ƒ M21 (C 29 H 40 N 4 O 2 S), m/z = 509 Among the various known lurasidone metabolites, M11 and M5 are not biologically active, but have been reported to be โ€œmajorโ€ metabolites (e.g., defined by โ‰ง10% total drug exposure). Metabolites ID-14283 (M8) and ID-14326 (M9) are known to be biologically active, but not considered โ€œmajorโ€ metabolites. Lurasidone metabolite designated M8 and its isomer M9 (C 28 H 36 N 4 O 3 S) are a result of the hydroxylation of the norborane ring and are both the only known active metabolites of lurasidone. Previous studies using radiolabelled lurasidone (e.g., [carbonyl- 14 C]lurasidone) have identified M8 (ID-14283) as present in an unspecified low amount in serum of humans after (40 mg oral dosing) and in mice, rats, dogs, and monkeys after 10 mg/kg oral administration. Additionally, M9 (ID-14326) was also identified in rats and dogs, and was the more preferential metabolite in dogs over M8. Lurasidone metabolite designated M21 (C 29 H 40 N 4 O 2 S) is the result of reductive opening of the isothiazole ring followed by methylation of the free sulfur. Previous studies using radiolabelled lurasidone (e.g., [carbonyl- 14 C]lurasidone) did not detect M21 as a circulating metabolite in serum of any of the animal models. However, other metabolites that have been further modified from the original M21 compound (N-dealkyl-M21, Keto-N-dealkyl M21, and Trioxy-M21) have been identified in the majority of the animal models in unspecified low amounts in serum, including humans. Lurasidone metabolite designated M22 (C 29 H 40 N 4 O 3 S) is the result of reductive opening of the isothiazole ring followed by methylation of the free sulfur and hydroxylation of the norborane ring. Previous studies using radiolabelled lurasidone (e.g., [carbonyl- 14 C]lurasidone) have identified M22 as present in an unspecified low amount in serum of humans (after 40 mg oral dosing) and in mice, rats and dogs after 10 mg/kg oral administration. However, M22 was present in humans at less than 10% of the total drug-related exposure, and was not detected in any amount in other animal models, such as rabbits or monkeys. Previous studies do not identify M22 as a primary circulating metabolite in mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, monkeys or humans. Drug adherence has been shown to be particularly low in patients with schizophrenia. Urine drug testing has been employed by behavioral health clinicians to monitor patient compliance through analysis of drugs and their major metabolites. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for monitoring lurasidone therapy in a subject. In some embodiments, the method comprises obtaining a fluid sample from a subject who has been prescribed lurasidone therapy, analyzing the fluid sample for the presence of M8/M9, M21, and M22, and identifying the subject as adherent to the prescribed lurasidone therapy if the fluid sample contains M8/M9, M21, and/or M22 above a threshold level but non-adherent if the fluid sample contains no M8/M9, M21, and/or M22 or an amount of M8/M9, M21, and/or M22 below a threshold level. In some embodiments, the method further comprises identifying the subject as having been prescribed lurasidone therapy. In some embodiments, the method further comprises counseling the subject on dangers of non-adherence to lurasidone therapy if the subject is identified as non-adherent. In some embodiments, the threshold level is a minimum detectable amount of M8/M9, M21, and/or M22. In some embodiments, the threshold level is about 5 ng/mL to about 500 ng/mL, for example about 5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, about 20 ng/mL, about 25 ng/mL, about 30 ng/mL, about 35 ng/mL, about 40 ng/mL, about 45 ng/mL, about 50 ng/mL, about 55 ng/mL, about 60 ng/mL, about 65 ng/mL, about 70 ng/mL, about 75 ng/mL, about 80 ng/mL, about 85 ng/mL, about 90 ng/mL, about 95 ng/mL, about 100 ng/mL, about 125 ng/mL, about 150 ng/mL, about 175 ng/mL, about 200 ng/mL, about 225 ng/mL, about 250 ng/mL, about 275 ng/mL, about 300 ng/mL, about 325 ng/mL, about 350 ng/mL, about 375 ng/mL, about 400 ng/mL, about 425 ng/mL, about 450 ng/mL, about 475 ng/mL, or about 500 ng/mL. In some embodiments, the threshold level is about 50 ng/mL. In some embodiments, the fluid sample is a urine sample. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of evaluating compliance with lurasidone therapy in a subject. In some embodiments, the method comprises obtaining a fluid sample from a subject who has been prescribed lurasidone therapy, analyzing the fluid sample for presence or absence of an analyte, and identifying the subject as compliant if the analyte is present in the fluid sample. In some embodiments, the analyte comprises lurasidone and/or a lurasidone metabolite. In some embodiments, the analyte is selected from the group consisting of M5, M10, M11, M11 Glucuronide, ID-20221, ID-20222, M8/M9, M21, and M22, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the analyte comprises M8/M9, M21, and/or M22. In some embodiments, the analyte is considered present in the fluid sample if the analyte is detected above a threshold value. In some embodiments, the threshold value is about 50 ng/mL. In some embodiments, the threshold value is about 5 ng/mL. In some embodiments, the method further comprises identifying the subject as having been prescribed lurasidone therapy. In some embodiments, two or more drug metabolites (e.g., primary, secondary, and/or tertiary metabolites) are determined, a ratio of one metabolite to at least one other metabolite is calculated, and a risk of the subject's noncompliance is determined if the ratio falls outside confidence intervals or mathematically transformed and normalized range of that ratio for the daily dose of the drug. In some embodiments, one metabolite is the parent drug originally dosed to the patient. In some embodiments, the ratio is of one metabolite to the sum of all metabolites. EXAMPLES Example 1 Urine samples of normally metabolizing human subjects who were known to be taking chronic doses of lurasidone were tested for the presence of lurasidone and eleven metabolites (excluding isomeric metabolites). Each patient sample was analyzed twice to ensure accuracy. Due to the high probability for false identification of isobars, MS/MS data was collected and selectively looked at to add confidence to the identification. In particular, it was determined that a peak that could have arisen from any of M8, M9 or M10 was actually M8/M9 (stereoisomers) because of the presence of a peak at 182 m/z indicating a hydroxylated norborane ring. If the peak had been M10, there would have been a prominent peak at 166 m/z indicating an un-hydroxylated norborane ring and a peak at 152 m/z indicating an oxidation on the sulfur and neither peak was observed. The 182 m/z peak is highlighted in FIG. 1 (arrow) indicating that the species identified is M8/M9. It is also clear in this spectrum that there are not any apparent peaks between 140-170 m/z where the expected M10 fragments of 166 and 152 m/z would appear indicating that the M10 is not present at any significant amount. Due to the high mass accuracy and low mass error on the Quadrupole Time-of-Flight (Q-ToF) Mass Spectrometer, compounds that have similar mass to charge ratios (e.g., m/z), but different chemical formulas were differentiated with the searching algorithm (e.g., M8/M9 and M21). In plasma, lurasidone has been reported to account for 12% of the total radioactivity post oral dosing, while ID-20219 (M11) represents 24% of the total radioactivity, and ID-20220 (M5) for at least 10% (e.g., about 11%) of the total radioactive dose in the plasma. Excretion studies in humans report that the drug is excreted with 80% in the feces and 9% recovered in the urine. Surprisingly, neither metabolite ID-20220 (M5) nor metabolite ID-20219 (M11) were found to be excreted through human urine in detectable amounts. Instead, the identity of detectable lurasidone metabolites varies widely from subject to subject, as shown in Table 2 below. Only the eight most significant metabolites out of the eleven searched are presented in Table 2 for simplicity. TABLE 2 Lurasidone Metabolite Distribution in Human Urine Analyte M8/M9/ M11 M4/M5/ Lurasidone M10 M11 Gluc ID-20221 ID-20222 M22 M21 M6 MW Subject ID Run 492.2559 508.2508 305.1627 481.1948 524.2457 540.2406 524.2821 508.2872 321.1576 Subject 1 1 โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)} โœ“*โ€‚ โœ“ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* 2 โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)} โœ“*โ€‚ โœ“ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* Subject 2 1 โœ“* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}โ€‚ โœ“ 2 โœ“* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}โ€‚ โœ“ Subject 3 1 โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)} โœ“โ€ƒ โ€‚โœ“* โœ“ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* 2 โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)} โœ“*โ€‚ โ€‚โœ“* โœ“ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}โ€‚ Subject 4 1 โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โ€ƒโœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“ โœ“ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“โ€ƒ โœ“ 2 โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โ€ƒโœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“โ€ƒ โœ“ Subject 5 1 โœ“* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}โ€‚ โœ“ 2 โœ“* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}โ€‚ โœ“ Subject 6 1 โœ“* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}โ€‚ โœ“ โœ“ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* 2 โœ“* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}โ€‚ โœ“ โœ“ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* Subject 7 1 โœ“* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“ โœ“ โœ“โ€ƒ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โ€‚โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)} 2 โœ“* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“ โœ“ โœ“โ€ƒ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โ€‚โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)} Subject 8 1 โœ“* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“ โœ“ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}โ€‚ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* 2 โœ“* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“ โœ“ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}โ€‚ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* Subject 9 1 โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)} โœ“โ€ƒ โ€‚โœ“* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* 2 โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)} โœ“โ€ƒ โ€‚โœ“* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* Subject 10 1 โœ“โ€‚ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}โ€‚ โœ“ โœ“ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โ€‚โœ“* 2 โœ“โ€‚ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}โ€‚ โœ“ โ€‚โœ“* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}โ€‚ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โ€‚โœ“* Subject 12 1 โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)} โœ“*โ€‚ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* 2 โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)} โœ“*โ€‚ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* Subject 13 1 โœ“โ€‚ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“ 2 โœ“โ€‚ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“ โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“{circumflex over (โ€‰)}* โœ“ โœ“ Indicates that the compound was successfully identified in a qualitative manner; โ€œ{circumflex over (โ€‰)}โ€ Indicates that the noted compound was one of the three most abundant compounds identified in that particular sample; โ€œ*โ€ Indicates that the noted compound was one of the three most confidently identified in that particular sample and run. As shown above, metabolites M8/M9, M21, and M22 were unexpectedly present in detectable quantities in each test of each subject's urine sample. This was unexpected because M8/M9, M21, and M22 are reported to be only minor metabolites detectable in plasma in only a few species. Notably, reliance on the presence of any metabolite other than M8/M9, M21, or M22 in urine would have generated false negative test results for at least half of the 12 subjects listed in Table 2. While lurasidone was detected in the majority of the samples, it was typically not one of the three most abundant peaks in the sample and was unobserved in one sample. Therefore, the monitoring of the M8/M9, M21, and M22 metabolites can be used to reduce the possibility of false negatives. Example 2 The urine of 20 patients who were prescribed 20 mg of Latudaยฎ (lurasidone) was tested for compliance over 5 days (Table 3). The preponderance of M8/M9, M21, and M22 in the urine as the major metabolic urine compounds is shown in Table 3. Assuming 60 opportunities to determine the patient to be either positive or negative for Latudaยฎ dosing, the use of M8/M9, M21, and M22 resulted in 100% correct identification of those taking the prescribed medicine. The data in Table 4 demonstrate the โ€œnormalโ€ nature of the sample validity criteria (i.e., pH, specific gravity, and creatinine). Without the M8/M9, M21, or M22 metabolites, only หœ88% were determined to be positive solely by the parent compound lurasidone. Thus, use of M8/M9, M21, and M22 as a urine biomarker at this low dose adds value to compliance monitoring for Latudaยฎ. TABLE 3 Test Results from Patients Prescribed 20 mg/day Latudaโ€‰ยฎ (all metabolite data reported in ng/mL). S-Methyl Hydroxy- S-Methyl Hydroxy Creatinine Specific Lurasidone Lurasidone Lurasidone Subject Day pH (mg/dL) Gravity Lurasidone (M8/M9) (M21) (M22) A 1 7.7 76.0 1.007 12.0 29.6 32.6 42.6 4 7.5 163.0 1.011 149.0 456.1 240.9 76.8 5 9.0 โ€ก 134.7 1.003 9.6 21.9 21.0 40.2 B 1 8.6 78.0 1.005 9.7 12.2 22.3 18.6 4 5.4 121.0 1.014 14.3 15.9 104.1 33.5 5 8.4 110.6 1.006 8.8 24.7 127.9 108.7 C 1 5.4 287.5 1.022 12.7 38.2 201.6 153.0 4 5.3 300.3 1.022 18.9 53.8 355.2 256.3 5 6.5 178.3 1.014 13.2 31.4 142.1 109.1 D 1 6.2 193.4 1.017 9.0 11.8 118.8 57.7 4 5.6 74.2 1.009 4.8** 18.2 113.4 60.3 5 5.6 206.9 1.017 24.4 76.0 324.0 157.3 E 1 7.1 95.3 1.008 33.1 70.0 88.8 43.7 4 6.8 39.0 1.004 14.0 41.9 37.2 22.6 5 6.3 62.1 1.007 26.2 47.0 51.9 24.4 F 1 6.6 225.4 1.018 24.6 82.1 81.3 46.8 4 7.9 56.6 1.005 5.7 10.9 25.2 7.3 5 5.5 129.8 1.016 20.3 29.6 66.7 20.4 G 1 6.2 22.7 1.003 6.9 8.3 44.0 7.8 4 5.5 12.1 โ€ก 1.002 4.7* ** 6.1 17.5 4.1** 5 5.1 13.6 โ€ก 1.003 6.5 6.7 25.1 5.3 H 1 6.9 171.1 1.013 6.0 6.3 53.1 16.4 4 5.0 71.4 1.008 7.0 11.0 57.1 13.3 5 7.1 151.0 1.009 6.6 85.7 138.4 39.5 I 1 5.3 24.0 1.003 4.4* ** 3.7* ** 35.3 6.1 4 5.9 27.5 1.003 2.9* ** 3.3* ** 32.5 4.4** 5 4.7 22.2 1.003 6.0 7.1 29.4 4.1** J 1 6.4 71.8 1.005 9.1 17.0 53.4 16.0 4 5.0 247.5 1.018 31.3 63.7 245.2 61.0 5 5.7 120.0 1.009 18.6 38.9 134.2 34.7 K 1 8.8 188.8 0.982 โ€ก 9.1 184.5 311.8 342.0 4 8.4 65.2 0.993 โ€ก 13.0 75.2 163.1 91.5 5 8.4 89.0 0.993 โ€ก 12.1 97.5 221.7 107.9 L 1 7.3 72.6 1.006 10.1 17.3 11.0 16.2 4 7.8 105.3 1.004 7.3 1.2** 15.8 20.9 5 8.0 87.1 1.006 13.6 32.2 21.7 27.8 N 1 6.6 210.0 1.002 5.7 11.0 14.9 8.4 4 6.5 113.1 1.009 24.3 38.9 111.0 51.1 5 6.5 13.3 โ€ก 1.001 โ€ก 5.4 4.3** 10.7 5.0 O 1 7.1 94.7 1.010 7.8 8.6 49.5 19.0 4 7.8 46.5 1.005 4.3** 2.8** 15.6 6.9 5 5.7 119.3 1.010 10.2 18.1 53.8 16.2 P 1 8.1 153.8 1.008 12.9 41.4 92.2 46.0 4 8.2 196.9 1.005 12.5 89.8 223.0 157.2 5 8.6 293.6 1.003 11.0 88.2 173.7 213.0 Q 1 6.7 112.9 1.011 25.8 80.2 94.9 37.9 4 6.8 88.2 1.013 17.5 20.1 38.2 14.1 5 5.8 53.0 1.008 12.4 13.4 26.1 11.8 R 1 6.9 40.0 1.004 13.8 35.5 60.6 33.8 4 7.5 41.0 1.004 7.0 17.3 33.3 24.6 5 8.6 26.1 1.001 โ€ก 5.2 19.7 27.8 17.5 YY 1 7.3 30.0 1.005 3.2** 12.8* 29.5 27.3 4 6.6 87.8 1.010 5.8 21.0 110.7 88.2 5 6.6 55.3 1.006 4.7** 10.7 61.5 47.4 CCC 1 5.8 113.4 1.012 83.1 181.3 637.9 365.9 4 5.4 96.1 1.015 29.1 26.7 208.9 133.1 5 5.7 89.6 1.014 23.2 21.1 152.3 96.7 III 1 5.4 34.9 1.001 โ€ก 33.4 89.7 107.7 59.2 4 5.4 25.8 1.009 8.0 7.4 41.7 28.8 5 6.1 141.6 1.010 10.4 15.6 149.7 117.1 โ€ก Indicates that the specimen validity criteria marked was not acceptable. *Indicates that the ion ratio criteria were not met. **Indicates that the value is below our established LOD/LOQ of 5 ng/mL and should be interpreted as a negative result. TABLE 4 Sample Validity and Urine Results Summary at 20 mg/day (all metabolite data reported in ng/mL). S-Methyl Hydroxy- S-Methyl Hydroxy Creatinine Specific Lurasidone Lurasidone Lurasidone pH (mg/dL) Gravity Lurasidone (M8/M9) (M21) (M22) Average 6.52 113.61 1.01 18.38 43.67 102.39 60.97 Standard 1.03 72.35 0.01 23.16 68.39 108.52 70.37 Deviation n 53 Maximum 8.60 300.30 1.02 149.00 456.10 637.90 365.90 Value Median 6.50 95.30 1.01 12.45 22.90 60.60 34.25 Value Minimum 4.70 22.20 1.00 5.70 6.10 11.00 5.30 Value Samples that were deemed invalid based on pH and/or specific gravity (n=7) were not included in calculations. Any drug/metabolite concentration that was less than the LOD/LOQ (5 ng/mL) as noted in Table 3 was also excluded from the calculations. Example 3 The urine of 12 patients who were prescribed 40 mg of Latudaยฎ (lurasidone) was tested for compliance over 5 days (Table 5). The preponderance of M8/M9, M21, and M22 in the urine as the major metabolic urine compounds is shown in Table 5. Assuming 36 opportunities to determine the patient to be either positive or negative for Latudaยฎ dosing, the use of M8/M9, M21, and M22 resulted in 100% correct identification of those taking the prescribed medicine. The data in Table 6 demonstrate the โ€œnormalโ€ nature of the sample validity criteria (i.e., pH, specific gravity, and creatinine). Without the M8/M9, M21, or M22 metabolites, only หœ92% were determined to be positive solely by the parent compound lurasidone. Thus, use of M8/M9, M21, and M22 as a urine biomarker at this dose adds value to compliance monitoring for Latudaยฎ. TABLE 5 Test Results from Patients Prescribed 40 mg/day Latudaโ€‰ยฎ (all metabolite data reported in ng/mL). S-Methyl Hydroxy- S-Methyl Hydroxy Creatinine Specific Lurasidone Lurasidone Lurasidone Subject Day pH (mg/dL) Gravity Lurasidone (M8/M9) (M21) (M22) S 1 8.8 182.8 0.993 โ€ก 77.1 248.1 685.1 269.1 4 9.2 โ€ก 92.4 0.996 โ€ก 21.7 68.3 176.6 11.2 5 9.0 โ€ก 63.5 0.999 โ€ก 37.9 89.2 173.7 75.6 T 1 7.2 100.8 1.011 30.5 42.2 129.0 35.8 4 8.3 148.2 1.011 25.6 60.5 313.4 136.3 5 7.6 274.8 1.014 37.9 66.3 443.7 186.3 U 1 6.0 99.5 1.006 31.9 25.1 131.4 86.4 4 5.2 264.6 1.015 70.7 74.4 559.0 424.1 5 5.1 162.3 1.014 60.0 57.7 283.7 170.6 V 1 5.9 103.4 1.013 63.9 131.2 571.3 470.9 4 5.4 305.7 1.024 69.3 163.5 1282.8 1099.2 5 5.7 58.2 1.006 33.4 48.4 290.6 241.1 W 1 7.3 292.8 1.015 25.8 39.7 640.5 346.5 4 6.7 94.3 1.013 26.4 24.1 252.6 198.1 5 6.9 229.8 1.012 40.1 67.7 823.1 547.3 X 1 8.0 69.4 1.008 4.4** 5.6 39.4 35.3 4 6.9 15.0 โ€ก 1.005 1.0** 2.7** 31.8 11.6 5 8.4 36.0 1.004 1.3** 5.9 80.3 45.0 Y 1 5.8 77.5 1.011 30.6 53.4 201.5 140.3 4 5.4 201.7 1.021 41.3 59.0 373.8 291.5 5 7.3 72.7 1.009 35.8 38.9 112.5 104.7 AA 1 6.8 71.1 1.008 9.8 16.1 183.3 91.2 4 5.3 101.2 1.011 14.5 16.5 270.4 92.3 5 5.5 33.3 1.006 7.2 5.2 59.5 26.2 BB 1 5.9 217.1 1.016 112.1 155.1 345.6 151.7 4 7.2 47.3 1.004 54.0 66.4 66.4 48.7 5 5.6 206.0 1.018 192.1 220.1 525.9 220.7 CC 1 6.7 42.1 1.008 14.0 21.1 42.0 22.3 4 6.4 162.0 1.010 32.8 155.8 206.8 71.2 5 6.9 40.3 1.005 11.3 11.8 31.5 15.8 DD 1 6.2 45.9 1.006 11.8 17.2 53.2 11.5 4 7.5 71.1 1.007 12.8 10.9 59.2 14.0 5 7.1 133.9 1.010 7.8 11.5 101.3 26.7 DDD 1 5.3 160.9 1.018 129.1 586.5 2766.0 2285.4 4 6.2 139.6 1.014 38.0 230.9 1164.2 1397.7 5 6.9 73.1 1.007 56.4 452.1 1010.8 1054.1 โ€ก Indicates that the specimen validity criteria marked was not acceptable. *Indicates that the ion ratio criteria were not met. **Indicates that the value is below our established LOD/LOQ of 5 ng/mL and should be interpreted as a negative result. TABLE 6 Sample Validity and Urine Results Summary at 40 mg/day (all metabolite data reported in ng/mL). S-Methyl Hydroxy- S-Methyl Hydroxy Creatinine Specific Lurasidone Lurasidone Lurasidone pH (mg/dL) Gravity Lurasidone (M8/M9) (M21) (M22) Average 6.50 129.27 1.01 44.23 91.90 407.47 306.08 Standard 0.92 80.21 0.005 39.43 126.81 529.54 480.90 Deviation n 33 Maximum 8.40 305.70 1.02 192.10 586.50 2766.00 2285.40 Value Median 6.70 101.00 1.01 33.10 50.90 252.60 136.30 Value Minimum 5.10 33.30 1.00 7.20 5.20 31.50 11.50 Value Samples that were deemed invalid based on pH and/or specific gravity (n=3) were not included in calculations. Any drug/metabolite concentration that was less than the LOD/LOQ (5 ng/mL) as noted in Table 5 was also excluded from the calculations. Example 4 The urine of 2 patients who was prescribed 60 mg of Latudaยฎ (lurasidone) was tested for compliance over 5 days (Table 7). The preponderance of M8/M9, M21, and M22 in the urine as the major metabolic urine compounds is shown in Table 7. Assuming 6 opportunities to determine the patient to be either positive or negative for Latudaยฎ dosing, the use of M8/M9, M21, and M22 resulted in 100% correct identification of those taking the prescribed medicine. The data in Table 8 demonstrate the โ€œnormalโ€ nature of the sample validity criteria (i.e., pH, specific gravity, and creatinine). Without the M8/M9, M21, or M22 metabolites, still 100% were determined to be positive solely by the parent compound lurasidone. Thus, use of M8/M9, M21, and M22 as a urine biomarker at this dose does not appear to add additional value to compliance monitoring for Latudaยฎ. TABLE 7 Test Results from Patients Prescribed 60 mg/day Latudaโ€‰ยฎ (all metabolite data reported in ng/mL). S-Methyl Hydroxy- S-Methyl Hydroxy Creatinine Specific Lurasidone Lurasidone Lurasidone Subject Day pH (mg/dL) Gravity Lurasidone (M8/M9) (M21) (M22) FF 1 7.5 80.1 1.008 15.6 6.3 31.9 19.2 4 5.4 84.1 1.008 25.3 31.5 104.5 76.7 5 5.8 282.6 1.020 50.5 93.5 324.0 248.6 GG 1 5.6 37.2 1.010 16.3 24.6 112.5 85.0 4 5.2 122.1 1.015 36.8 50.1 260.3 199.8 5 5.8 151.0 1.013 37.3 55.3 279.1 266.7 โ€ก Indicates that the specimen validity criteria marked was not acceptable. *Indicates that the ion ratio criteria were not met. **Indicates that the value is below our established LOD/LOQ of 5 ng/mL and should be interpreted as a negative result. TABLE 8 Sample Validity and Urine Results Summary at 60 mg/day (all metabolite data reported in ng/mL). S-Methyl Hydroxy- S-Methyl Hydroxy Creatinine Specific Lurasidone Lurasidone Lurasidone pH (mg/dL) Gravity Lurasidone (M8/M9) (M21) (M22) Average 5.88 126.18 1.01 30.30 43.55 185.38 149.33 Standard 0.75 78.43 0.004 12.49 27.59 107.25 93.56 Deviation n 6 Maximum 7.50 282.60 1.02 50.50 93.50 324.00 266.70 Value Median 5.70 103.10 1.01 31.05 40.80 186.40 142.40 Value Minimum 5.20 37.20 1.01 15.60 6.30 31.90 19.20 Value Example 5 The urine of 15 patients who were prescribed 80 mg of Latudaยฎ (lurasidone) was tested for compliance over 5 days (Table 9). The preponderance of M8/M9, M21, and M22 in the urine as the major metabolic urine compounds is clearly demonstrated in Table 5. Assuming 45 opportunities to determine the patient to be either positive or negative for Latudaยฎ dosing, the use of M8/M9, M21, and M22 resulted in หœ96%% correct identification of those taking the prescribed medicine. The data in Table 10 demonstrate the โ€œnormalโ€ nature of the sample validity criteria (i.e., pH, specific gravity, and creatinine). Without the M8/M9, M21, or M22 metabolites, only หœ93% were determined to be positive solely by the parent compound lurasidone. Thus, use of M8/M9, M21, and M22 as a urine biomarker at this dose adds value to compliance monitoring for Latudaยฎ. TABLE 9 Test Results from Patients Prescribed 80 mg/day Latudaโ€‰ยฎ (all metabolite data reported in ng/mL). S-Methyl Hydroxy- S-Methyl Hydroxy Creatinine Specific Lurasidone Lurasidone Lurasidone Subject Day pH (mg/dL) Gravity Lurasidone (M8/M9) (M21) (M22) HH 1 6.2 127.3 1.016 138.5 400.4 1839.9 831.6 4 6.3 205.1 1.013 83.8 192.9 1954.6 805.5 5 7.6 87.4 1.008 67.6 118.0 555.0 388.1 II 1 5.5 102.7 1.013 147.1 258.8 1613.9 736.5 4 5.9 155.9 1.017 144.8 195.5 2289.0 804.5 5 7.4 148.7 1.012 112.7 117.2 1475.2 773.7 JJ 1 6.1 218.7 1.011 57.3 29.9 309.4 129.2 4 6.7 281.9 1.009 69.6 142.8 1163.8 909.3 5 5.9 315.9 1.012 100.6 243.3 1615.3 1134.8 KK 1 5.3 147.4 1.013 152.8 343.3 1274.9 795.7 4 6.1 130.9 1.011 83.3 135.3 662.1 575.0 5 5.0 290.2 1.020 72.4 121.0 1379.3 773.0 LL 1 5.7 247.7 1.013 556.6 897.1 7993.3 2285.6 4 5.3 218.2 1.016 503.8 695.0 6790.7 1949.3 5 6.5 160.8 1.009 264.0 276.7 4321.1 1709.6 MM 1 6.9 191.0 1.011 175.2 377.1 2054.5 1152.6 4 7.1 158.7 1.010 96.4 152.9 836.2 679.7 5 6.1 301.5 1.015 116.3 162.6 1663.1 1009.9 NN 1 6.9 74.4 1.007 52.6 66.3 329.0 91.8 4 7.7 90.8 1.007 43.7 54.6 293.8 102.0 5 7.7 88.7 1.006 38.9 53.2 288.5 107.9 VV 1 8.7 124.2 1.009 23.0 58.5 210.5 171.0 4 7.9 203.3 1.011 0.1** 0.0** 0.0** 0.0** 5 6.6 249.6 1.010 36.7 146.4 448.8 387.6 WW 1 8.1 230.7 1.008 40.5 272.2 1014.4 2176.4 4 5.3 171.3 1.016 162.5 202.2 1214.3 1053.3 5 7.1 127.5 1.010 48.3 80.5 534.6 886.9 EEE 1 7.0 17.9 1.002 10.1 18.2 29.0 15.1 4 5.5 36.3 1.003 14.5 15.4 32.6 28.2 5 5.7 124.7 1.007 41.0 42.2 69.8 88.4 FFF 1 7.0 137.4 1.011 210.7 380.1 1469.3 564.9 4 5.5 148.1 1.014 70.4 82.1 913.3 349.3 5 5.5 20.9 1.003 16.1 11.8 104.9 54.4 HHH 1 6.4 285.5 1.010 145.2 290.9 8565.0 6401.5 4 6.5 235.3 1.012 298.3 837.0 9603.9 5431.7 5 6.6 222.5 1.013 539.5 887.1 9292.5 4613.8 JJJ 1 6.9 83.2 1.007 59.5 88.0 443.6 320.0 4 5.5 187.7 1.014 35.9 14.3 199.5 84.7 5 7.3 141.1 1.012 69.5 71.2 1236.1 398.7 KKK 1 7.3 355.5 1.009 4.8** 3.3* ** 48.4 40.7 4 6.6 18.3 1.003 52.0 147.2 462.7 476.7 5 7.4 43.7 1.007 22.9 30.3 142.1 243.7 LLL 1 5.7 299.7 1.020 0.0** 0.0** 0.0** 0.0** 4 5.5 248.0 1.019 32.9 246.2 915.3 1120.9 5 5.6 306.3 1.023 43.5 295.6 1277.9 1502.4 โ€ก Indicates that the specimen validity criteria marked was not acceptable. *Indicates that the ion ratio criteria were not met. **Indicates that the value is below our established LOD/LOQ of 5 ng/mL and should be interpreted as a negative result. TABLE 10 Sample Validity and Urine Results Summary at 80 mg/day (all metabolite data reported in ng/mL). S-Methyl Hydroxy- S-Methyl Hydroxy Creatinine Specific Lurasidone Lurasidone Lurasidone pH (mg/dL) Gravity Lurasidone (M8/M9) (M21) (M22) Average 6.47 172.50 1.01 120.26 220.27 1835.61 1026.87 Standard 0.88 87.12 0.005 131.50 226.06 2550.78 1359.91 Deviation n 45 Maximum 8.70 355.50 1.02 556.60 897.10 9603.90 6401.50 Value Median 6.50 158.70 1.01 70.00 146.80 1014.40 736.50 Value Minimum 5.00 17.90 1.00 10.10 11.80 29.00 15.10 Value Any drug/metabolite concentration that was less than the LOD/LOQ (5 ng/mL) as noted in Table 5 was also excluded from the calculations. Example 6 The urine of 1 patient who was prescribed 100 mg of Latudaยฎ (lurasidone) was tested for compliance over 5 days (Table 11). The preponderance of M8/M9, M21, and M22 in the urine as the major metabolic urine compounds is clearly demonstrated in Table 11. Assuming 3 opportunities to determine the patient to be either positive or negative for Latudaยฎ dosing, the use of M8/M9, M21, and M22 resulted in 100% correct identification of those taking the prescribed medicine. The data in Table 12 demonstrate the โ€œnormalโ€ nature of the sample validity criteria (i.e., pH, specific gravity, and creatinine). Without the M8/M9, M21, or M22 metabolites, still 100% were determined to be positive solely by the parent compound lurasidone. TABLE 11 Test Results from Patients Prescribed 100 mg/day Latudaโ€‰ยฎ (all metabolite data reported in ng/mL). S-Methyl Hydroxy- S-Methyl Hydroxy Creatinine Specific Lurasidone Lurasidone Lurasidone Subject Day pH (mg/dL) Gravity Lurasidone (M8/M9) (M21) (M22) OO 1 5.6 172.4 1.014 94.9 188.4 1404.7 271.2 4 5.9 239.9 1.012 62.5 186.4 1599.4 456.6 5 6.0 141.9 1.011 64.5 153.9 1032.3 253.8 โ€ก Indicates that the specimen validity criteria marked was not acceptable. *Indicates that the ion ratio criteria were not met. **Indicates that the value is below our established LOD/LOQ of 5 ng/mL and should be interpreted as a negative result. TABLE 12 Sample Validity and Urine Results Summary at 100 mg/day (all metabolite data reported in ng/mL). S-Methyl Hydroxy- S-Methyl Hydroxy Creatinine Specific Lurasidone Lurasidone Lurasidone pH (mg/dL) Gravity Lurasidone (M8/M9) (M21) (M22) Average 5.83 184.73 1.01 73.97 176.23 1345.47 327.20 Standard 0.17 40.95 0.00 14.82 15.81 235.28 91.77 Deviation n 3 Maximum 6.00 239.90 1.01 94.90 188.40 1599.40 456.60 Value Median 5.90 172.40 1.01 64.50 186.40 1404.70 271.20 Value Minimum 5.60 141.90 1.01 62.50 153.90 1032.30 253.80 Value Example 7 The urine of 6 patients who were prescribed 120 mg of Latudaยฎ (lurasidone) was tested for compliance over 5 days (Table 13). The preponderance of M8/M9, M21, and M22 in the urine as the major metabolic urine compounds is clearly demonstrated in Table 13. Assuming 18 opportunities to determine the patient to be either positive or negative for Latudaยฎ dosing, the use of M8/M9, M21, and M22 resulted in 100% correct identification of those taking the prescribed medicine. The data in Table 14 demonstrate the โ€œnormalโ€ nature of the sample validity criteria (i.e., pH, specific gravity, and creatinine). Without the M8/M9, M21, or M22 metabolites, 100% were still determined to be positive solely by the parent compound lurasidone. TABLE 13 Test Results from Patients Prescribed 120 mg/day Latudaโ€‰ยฎ (all metabolite data reported in ng/mL). S-Methyl Hydroxy- S-Methyl Hydroxy Creatinine Specific Lurasidone Lurasidone Lurasidone Subject Day pH (mg/dL) Gravity Lurasidone (M8/M9) (M21) (M22) PP 1 7.6 90.6 1.008 102.7 185.5 506.6 315.2 4 8.0 106.5 1.007 87.3 89.0 359.6 296.1 5 7.7 57.1 1.008 59.1 63.4 491.2 436.1 QQ 1 6.7 13.9 โ€ก 1.002 21.7 17.1 150.3 50.4 4 6.7 26.5 1.001 โ€ก 23.7 17.4 207.0 75.2 5 6.1 129.7 1.007 61.6 56.7 708.6 273.6 RR 1 6.1 230.4 1.019 83.9 329.9 2127.9 1608.2 4 6.9 141.5 1.008 46.4 269.8 2039.4 1590.1 5 6.7 149.7 1.010 63.3 313.7 2507.7 1697.6 SS 1 7.7 24.5 1.003 126.2 130.2 413.7 262.9 4 7.4 37.9 1.004 150.7 124.9 731.4 340.2 5 7.1 69.1 1.009 251.7 208.1 1588.9 620.5 UU 1 5.3 180.6 1.016 23.4 170.9 425.0 305.7 4 5.2 217.1 1.018 27.5 23.1 202.4 207.5 5 5.5 110.7 1.013 12.4 7.8 81.6 75.7 GGG 1 6.3 40.2 1.002 148.7 162.4 1094.9 774.5 4 6.0 303.7 1.014 260.1 586.3 6580.7 4807.4 5 6.6 16.5 โ€ก 1.001 โ€ก 57.2 50.3 244.9 224.4 โ€ก Indicates that the specimen validity criteria marked was not acceptable. *Indicates that the ion ratio criteria were not met. **Indicates that the value is below our established LOD/LOQ of 5 ng/mL and should be interpreted as a negative result. TABLE 14 Sample Validity and Urine Results Summary at 120 mg/day (all metabolite data reported in ng/mL). S-Methyl Hydroxy- S-Methyl Hydroxy Creatinine Specific Lurasidone Lurasidone Lurasidone pH (mg/dL) Gravity Lurasidone (M8/M9) (M21) (M22) Average 6.64 125.95 1.01 95.42 171.18 1250.62 853.86 Standard 0.87 77.40 0.01 73.60 145.10 1562.57 1151.33 Deviation n 16 Maximum 8.00 303.70 1.02 260.10 586.30 6580.70 4807.40 Value Median 6.70 110.70 1.01 73.60 146.30 607.60 327.70 Value Minimum 5.20 24.50 1.00 12.40 7.80 81.60 50.40 Value Samples that were deemed invalid based on pH and/or specific gravity (n=2) were not included in calculations. These examples demonstrate that lurasidone metabolites M8/M9, M21, and M22 provide a greater level of sensitivity and consistency among subjects on lurasidone therapy than afforded by the parent drug alone, particularly at lower doses, and therefore provide superior urine analytes for evaluation of a subject's compliance with a lurasidone therapeutic regimen. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.
The present disclosure provides methods for monitoring subject (e.g., patient) adherence to lurasidone therapy, for example as a component of treating a subject for a mental health disorder such as schizophrenia.
6
FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the field of a mechanically vibrating string or rod monitored from a distance by a microwave system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] In the early days of Radar, it was discovered that thin pieces of aluminium have a high radar reflectivity. This property was used during the World War II and was called โ€œChaffโ€. An aircraft spread a cloud of small, thin pieces of for example aluminium, which either appears as a cluster of secondary targets on radar screens or swamps the screen with multiple returns. Modern armed forces use chaff, for example in naval applications, using short-range SRBOC rockets, to distract radar-guided missiles from their targets. Most military aircraft and warships have chaff dispensing systems for self-defense. The length of the chaff should be approximately half the wavelength of the radar. [0003] The inventor of the present invention found that a metal string, which was caused to vibrate with its fundamental frequency, imposed an amplitude modulation on a microwave radiation, such as a radar signal. Thus, WO 01/73389 discloses a metal string, which is caused to vibrate. The frequency of the vibrations is dependent on the length, density and tension of the string. The vibration frequency is also influenced upon by temperature. A microwave transmitter directs an electromagnetic microwave signal towards the string and the reflections there from are received by a microwave receiver. The received signal is amplitude modulated by the frequency of the vibrating string. Thus, for example temperature can be measured from a distance. By connecting the string to a pressure membrane, so that the pressure influences upon the tension of the string and thus on the vibration frequency, the pressure can be monitored from a distance. Force and torque can also be measured indirectly. [0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,492,933 discloses a microwave sensor that employs single sideband Doppler techniques in innumerable vibration, motion, and displacement applications. When combined with an active reflector, the sensor provides accurate range and material thickness measurements even in cluttered environments. The active reflector can also be used to transmit multi-channel data to the sensor. The sensor is a homodyne pulse Doppler radar with phasing-type Doppler sideband demodulation having a 4-decade baseband frequency range. Ranging is accomplished by comparing the phase of the Doppler sidebands when phase modulated by an active reflector. The active reflector employs a switch or modulator connected to an antenna or other reflector. In one mode, the active reflector is quadrature modulated to provide SSB reflections. Applications for the low-cost system include a mechanical motion/rotation sensor, a robust security alarm, a throat microphone, a stereo guitar pickup, a direction sensitive cardiac monitor, an electronic dipstick, a material thickness/dielectric sensor, a metal smoothness meter, a non-contact electronic readout, an RFID tag, silent โ€œtalkingโ€ toys, a passive-emitter data link, a beam interrupter, and a gold nugget finder. [0005] These previously known devices operate well in many applications. However, in harsh environment and at large distances, the received signal is weak and cluttered by reflexes from other objects. Thus, it may be difficult to discriminate the signal from the noise floor. [0006] There is a need in the art for a microwave device for sensing a vibrating object with an improved signal-to-noise ratio. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies and disadvantages singly or in any combination. [0008] In an aspect, there is provided a device for measuring a vibration frequency of a mechanically vibrating object, such as a string or rod, of an electrically conducting material, comprising a microwave transmitter for directing microwaves towards the vibrating object and a microwave receiver for receiving said microwaves amplitude modulated by said frequency of vibration, characterized by a member of an electrically conducting material arranged adjacent a vibration maximum of said vibrating string, in order to increase said amplitude modulation; said member being arranged at a distance which is smaller than about 3%, such as smaller than about 1%, for example smaller than 0.3% of the wavelength of the microwaves. [0009] In an embodiment, the distance may be larger than the amplitude of the vibrations of said object, such as equal to or larger than about twice said amplitude. [0010] In a further embodiment, the member may have a length parallel with the vibrating object, which is smaller than about 50% of the length of the vibrating object, such as smaller than about 33%, for example smaller than about 20%. The member may have a width perpendicular to the vibrating object, which is smaller than about 50% of the length of the vibrating object, such as smaller than about 33%, for example smaller than about 20%. The member may be a screw, or a ring surrounding the vibrating object. The vibrating object may be a string or a rod. The microwave transmitter may be a continuous transmitter. The microwave transmitter may operate at a frequency of between about 0.1 GHz and about 50 GHz, such as between 0.5 GHz and 30 GHz, for example between about 1.0 GHz and 10 GHz. The vibrating object may have a length which is smaller than the wavelength of the microwaves, such as smaller than half the wavelength, for example about 47.5% or 24% of the wavelength. The member may be arranged in a holder, which comprises a device for adjusting the distance between said member and said vibrating object. The member may be arranged on one side of the vibrating object and the microwave receiver is arranged on the other side thereof. The member may surround said vibrating object at all sides. The vibrating object may be a tensioned string or a beam supported at one side and free at the other side. The vibrating object may be made from a metallic material, which has a good electric conductive property, such as cupper, silver, steel, or a mixture of metals. The member may be made from a metallic material, which has a good electric conductive property, such as cupper, silver, steel, or a mixture of metals. The vibrating object may alternatively be made from a dielectric material, which has a surface layer of a conducting material, or completely from a dielectric material. [0011] In a still further embodiment, two vibrating objects may be arranged at an angle in relation to each other at a rotating shaft. [0012] In another aspect, the device mentioned above may be used for measuring temperature, pressure, torque, force or identity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, in which: [0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a vibrating string for explaining the principles of the invention. [0015] FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but rotated 90ยฐ in the horizontal plane in relation to FIG. 1 . [0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a vibrating string exposed to microwaves. [0017] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a further embodiment similar to FIG. 3 . [0018] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a still further embodiment similar to FIG. 3 . [0019] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an alternative vibrating element. [0020] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a yet further embodiment similar to FIG. 3 . [0021] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a vibrating element having a rectangular cross-section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0022] Below, several embodiments of the invention will be described with references to the drawings. These embodiments are described in illustrating purpose in order to enable a skilled person to carry out the invention and to disclose the best mode. However, such embodiments do not limit the invention. Moreover, other combinations of the different features are possible within the scope of the invention. [0023] In embodiments of the invention, a vibrating string of an electrically conducting material is exposed to a continuous field of microwave radiation from a microwave transmitter. [0024] The string is arranged for changing its fundamental vibration frequency in dependence of a property to be measured. If temperature is to be measured, the tension of the string is dependent on the temperature. In another application, one end of the string is attached to a membrane exposed to a pressure, and the tension of the string is dependent on the pressure. Such pressure may be the internal pressure of a car tire. In a further application, the string is attached to a shaft in order to measure torque in the shaft. In a yet further example, the string is exposed to a force which should be measured and which alters the frequence of vibration of the string. Other applications may be possible, such as identification of an object. [0025] A receiving antenna picks up reflected, scattered or retransmitted microwave signals from the vibrating string at a distance. The received signal is amplitude modulated by a frequency equal to the frequency of vibration of the string. [0026] The exact theory for the amplitude modulation is not fully understood. Without being bound by any theory, it is supposed that the amplitude modulation is due to a varying reflectivity or gain of the string when the string moves in space, similar to the directivity of an antenna being arranged close to an earth plane, as explained below. [0027] The string may be regarded as an antenna exposed to the microwave energy from the transmitter. The microwaves induce a current in the antenna/string. The current will be larger if the antenna has a length corresponding to substantially half the wavelength of the radiation, whereby the antenna will operate as a half-wave dipole antenna. The current will be larger if the polarization plane of the microwave is parallel with the antenna, i.e. if the electric vector of the microwave is parallel with the antenna. The current induced in the antenna will be partially re-transmitted into space by the antenna in all directions, operating as dipole antenna. [0028] FIG. 1 shows an antenna 1 arranged adjacent a ground plane 2 in parallel with such a ground plane. The antenna extends perpendicular to the paper plane and is shown as a circle. The antenna receives microwave energy and retransmits the microwave energy in all directions as indicated schematically by microwave ray 3 . Another microwave ray 4 is emitted towards the ground plane and is reflected by the ground plane as microwave ray 5 . At the reflection, a reversal of sign takes place. Thus, the microwave ray 5 is seen as if emitted by a virtual antenna 1 โ€ฒ positioned at a distance d below the ground plane and with the opposite sign in relation to the antenna 1 . [0029] The two microwave rays 3 and 5 from antennas 1 and 1 โ€ฒ will interfere and generate a dipole radiation pattern, which exhibits a gain, which is: [0000] G= 2*sin ((ฯ€* d/ฮป )*cos ฮธ)) [0030] where [0031] ฮธ=angle to the normal of the ground plane [0032] d=the distance between the antenna and the ground plane [0033] G=the gain of the antenna at the angle ฮธ [0034] Thus, if the distance d between the string and the ground plane is much smaller than the wavelength ฮป of the microwave radiation, the gain perpendicular to the ground plane (cos ฮธ=1) is approximately: [0000] G= 2*ฯ€* d/ฮป [0035] When the antenna/string vibrates, the distance d will vary as the string vibrates and the gain G will also vary. Suppose that the string vibrates with an amplitude A, then the gain at the lowest position of the string will be: [0000] G โˆ’A =( dโˆ’A )*2ฯ€/ฮป [0036] and the gain at the highest position of the string will be: [0000] G +A =( d+A )*2ฯ€/ฮป [0037] The ratio between these gains, the relative gain G R , will result in the amplitude modulation of the combined microwave rays 3 and 5 . [0000] G R =G +A /G โˆ’A =( d+A )/( dโˆ’A )=1+2 A/ ( dโˆ’A ) [0038] Thus, the relative gain G R will be larger the smaller the distance d is between the antenna and the ground plane. However, the gain of the antenna is also inversely proportional to the distance d, resulting in that the gain of the antenna decreases as the distance decreases. Thus, the normalized gain of the antenna G N becomes: [0000] G N =G R /G= (ฮป/2ฯ€)*(1/ d )*(1+2 A/ ( dโˆ’A )) [0039] It can be shown that the normalized gain G N has a maximum when d= 2 A. Thus, the amplitude modulation will be maximum when the distance between the vibrating string in its position closest to the ground plane is equal to the amplitude A and the distance d between the vibrating string in its position farthest away from the ground plane is equal to three times the amplitude A, see FIG. 2 . If the total amplitude 2 A of the vibrating string is 0.1 mm, the distance between the string in rest and the ground plane should be 0.1 mm. This will also ensure that the string never touches the ground plane during the course of vibration. [0040] The largest amplitude variations take place in a direction perpendicular to the ground plane. Thus, the microwave transmitter and receiver should be arranged in this direction (ฮธ=0). [0041] As can be seen from FIG. 2 , only a part of the string vibrates with a substantial amplitude. The theory above supposes that the entire length of the string moves with the same amplitude back and forth in relation to the ground plane. However, it is mainly the central portion of the string, which vibrates and contributes to the variation in gain and variation in amplitude. Thus, the ground plane may be arranged only over a part of the string, for example over the central half of the string, or even with a less extension in the string direction. The ground plane may also extend only a part at each side of the string, see further below. Such arrangement will ensure that the signal strength of the retransmitted microwave energy will not be attenuated by the ground plane. [0042] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment comprising a vibrating string 11 , which is attached between two supports 12 , 13 . The string is a metallic string similar to a guitar string. The string is tensioned between the supports 12 , 13 in any manner, known per se. The string may vibrate at a fundamental frequency and its harmonics, which are determined essentially by the length, the weight and the tension of the string. [0043] A microwave transmitter 14 transmits microwaves 15 towards the string in a continuous mode. The string scatters or re-transmits the microwaves 16 , which are picked up by a receiver 17 . The transmitter 14 and the receiver 17 may be combined in a single transceiver. Several transmitters and several receivers may be used, separately or in a combination, for example with different polarization planes. [0044] As shown in FIG. 3 , a metallic member 18 is arranged adjacent to the string where it has its largest vibration amplitude, such as adjacent to the middle of the string. It has been found that the arrangement of such a member 18 close to the middle of the string results in a substantial augmentation or increase of the amplitude modulation of the received microwave signal compared to the situation when no member is present. Without being bound by a theory, it may be that such increase of the amplitude modulation is due to the fact that the metallic member 18 acts as a partial ground plane and the gain of the vibrating string will vary as the distance to the ground plane varies, as explained above. A gain of up to 5 times in the receiver has been obtained. [0045] The metallic member 18 should be arranged close to the string, but so that the string can vibrate freely without touching the member 18 . [0046] The member 18 may be made from an electrically conducting metal, such as cupper or iron, see further below. [0047] As shown in FIG. 4 , the transmitter and receiver may be arranged as a single microwave transceiver 27 . [0048] The member may be embodied as a screw 21 having threads 23 for movement in a support 22 , which is fixed. By rotating the screw 21 , the distance to the string may be adjusted. If the string has a strong tension, the amplitude of the vibrations will be small and the screw 21 can be screwed closer to the string, and vice versa. The exact distance can be tailored to the specific set-up and the vibrations of the surroundings, which set the string into vibration. [0049] Alternatively, the screw 21 may be fixed and the support 22 can be moveable in relation to the string. [0050] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the member 18 , 21 , 22 is arranged at a side facing away from the microwave transceiver 14 , 17 , 27 . Thus, the member may not disturb the microwaves and prevent them from reaching the string to be scattered and/or reflected and/or retransmitted there from. [0051] Alternatively, the member may be embodied as a ring 38 or block surrounding the string at all sides, as shown in FIG. 5 . Since the string normally vibrates in all directions, such an arrangement would be advantageous in order to influence upon the string as much as possible. Theoretically, the amplitude modulation should be by the double frequency as the string fundamental frequency, since movements in any direction from the central rest position will result in an altered gain. However, because the string vibrates in all directions, a substantial amplitude modulation by the string fundamental frequency will be obtained. [0052] In the above embodiments, a vibrating string has been shown. However, the string may be replaced by a vibrating beam 41 as shown in FIG. 6 . The beam 41 is rigidly attached to a support block 42 , for example by being inserted in a hole therein and welded or soldered or clamped therein. The member 48 is arranged as close as possible to the position in which the beam has its largest vibrations or fluctuations. The vibration frequency of the beam is influenced upon by the temperature, and such an embodiment will be suitable for temperature measurements. [0053] The string or the beam may be excited into vibrations by any means. Often, the string or beam is arranged in a vibrating energy rich environment, wherein the string/beam may pick up vibration energy from the surroundings. Alternatively or additionally, an exciting unit 43 may be arranged at the support block 42 , for example a piezo-electric crystal, which is fed by an electric alternating voltage. [0054] FIG. 7 shows that the string is supported at its end by sleeves 52 , 53 . Each sleeve comprises a blind hole 54 , in which a restriction 55 is arranged. The string is forced beyond the restriction 55 , which keeps the string in place. The string may comprise an enlargement 56 , which after having passed the restriction 55 prevents the string from exiting the hole. Alternatively or additionally, the string may be attached to the restriction by gluing, welding, soldering or any similar means. The string may be passed beyond the restriction in an initial open state, whereupon the sleeve is compressed so that the restriction 55 grasps the string by frictional forces and or by deforming the material of the string. [0055] The restriction and the sleeve may be made from an electrically conducting material. Alternatively, the restriction can be made from an insulating or dielectric material, so that the string is electrically isolated from the surrounding support structure. The entire sleeve may also be made from a dielectric material. [0056] The sleeves are in turn supported by a frame not shown so that the string is kept in tension. The axial position of the sleeves may be adjusted so that the string obtains the intended tension and vibration frequency. Another manner to adjust the tension would be to provide the inner surface of the blind hole 54 with internal threads as indicated by 58 in FIG. 7 . By rotating the entire sleeve in relation to the restriction 55 , the axial position of the restriction can be adjusted. [0057] Without being bound by any theory, it may be that the string forms a part of a dipole antenna, which is arranged close to a ground plane embodied by the member 18 . When the string vibrates, the distance to the ground plane change. [0058] At present, the exact mechanism of operation is unknown. It is not known if the effect observed is due to amplitude modulation or phase modulation or both, or if further mechanisms are involved. [0059] It has been found that the amplitude modulation is increased if the distance between the string and the member 18 , 21 , 22 , 38 , 48 , 58 , 68 etc is smaller than about 3% of the wavelength, or smaller than 1% of the wavelength, such as smaller than 0.3% of the wavelength. The distance is calculated as the distance from the string in rest, with no vibrations, and the member 18 etc. However, the distance should be larger than the amplitude of the string vibrations. [0060] In an embodiment, there is used microwaves at a frequency of 2.45 GHz, the wavelength of which is 122 mm. The string length should be about 58 mm. The amplitude of vibrations is estimated to less than about 0.05 mm, resulting in that the distance should be about 0.1 mm. The distance should be smaller than 3.7 mm (3%), such as smaller than 1.2 mm (1%), for example smaller than 0.37 mm (0.3%). [0061] For microwaves at a frequency of 24 GHz, the wavelength is 12.5 mm. The string length should be 5.9 mm. The amplitude of vibrations is estimated to less than about 0.01 mm, resulting in that the distance should be about 0.02 mm. The distance should be smaller than 0.38 mm (3%), such as smaller than 0.13 mm (1%). Since it would be difficult to arrange the member as close as 0.02 mm, a distance of about 0.1 mm may be selected. However, the amplitude modulation will then be smaller compared to the situation in the preceding paragraph with a frequency of 2.45 GHz. [0062] If the string is insulated from the surroundings, it may form a dipole antenna. In this case, the antenna may have a length, which is so related to the wavelength of the microwaves that a high frequency electrical resonance is obtained. For example, if the microwave frequency is 2.45 GHz, the string length may be 58 mm corresponding to 95% of half the wavelength. [0063] The member 18 etc may have an extension in the direction parallel with the string, which is smaller than half the length of the string, such as smaller than one third or one fourth or one fifth of the string length. In this way, the member 18 will be arranged at a position in which the influence on the amplitude modulation will be largest. [0064] The member 18 etc may have an extension in the direction perpendicular to the string, which is smaller than half the length of the string, such as smaller than one third or one fourth or one fifth of the string length. In this way, the member 18 will be arranged at a position in which the influence on the amplitude modulation will be largest. [0065] The member may be arranged symmetrically around the middle of the string. [0066] The member may be made from a conducting material, such as iron, steel, cupper, silver, etc. [0067] If the string is insulated from the surroundings, for example by arranging the restrictions 55 of an insulating material and the sleeves are made from en electrically conducting material, the ends of the string will be arranged close to the ground, which may also influence upon the reflection or scattering or retransmission of the microwaves. [0068] The string 11 etc may have a circular cross-sectional area as a normal guitar string. However, in a further embodiment, the string may have a rectangular cross-sectional area so that the string vibrates, with a string behavior, essentially only in one direction, parallel to the smallest side in the rectangle and in its orthogonal plane primarily oscillates in a beam manner at another frequency. Such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 8 , wherein a string 61 has a rectangular cross-sectional area. The ends of the string are attached to metal support blocks 62 , 63 , by welding or soldering or clamping. A metal block member 68 is arranged close to the middle of the string 61 on the opposite side in relation to the microwave transceiver. [0069] The string may be made from any metallic material, which has a good electric conductive property, such as cupper, silver, steel, or a mixture of metals. [0070] Alternatively, the string may be made from a dielectric material, which has a surface layer of a conducting material, or completely from a dielectric material. Other materials, such as amorphous materials can also be used. [0071] The string 11 can be used for measuring the temperature of the surrounding environment, since the string vibration frequency is dependent on the temperature in relation to changes in the conductivity or elasticity module E with temperature. Thus, the temperature can be measured from a distance. [0072] If the string 11 is attached to a pressure membrane, upon which a pressure is exerted, the pressure will influence upon the frequency and can be measured at a distance. [0073] Two strings may be arranged in different directions on a rotating shaft in order to measure the torque transmitted by the shaft. The strings may be arranged as a normal torque sensor, perpendicular to each other. A torque in the shaft will then increase the tension in one of the strings and decrease the tension in the other string. Thus, the difference between the string frequencies is related to the torque. [0074] The microwaves should be directed essentially perpendicular to the string to obtain the largest modulation of the microwaves. Moreover, the microwaves should have a polarization so that the electric component of the microwaves is substantially parallel with the direction of the string. [0075] The frequency of microwaves should be between about 0.1 GHz and about 50 GHz, such as between 0.5 GHz and 30 GHz, for example between about 1.0 GHz and 10 GHz. In an embodiment, microwaves of 2.45 GHz have been used. [0076] The transmitter and receiver should be arranged close to the string, such as less than about 10 m, such as less than about 3 m, for example about 0.5 m or 0.2 m from the string. The transmitter and the receiver may be arranged at substantially the same distance, although the transmitter or receiver may be arranged at a larger distance than the other. [0077] The microwaves may be continuously transmitted microwaves and the receiver may be provided with a circulator of a conventional design in order to separate transmitted microwaves from received microwaves. In another embodiment, the transmitter and receiver may be pulsed or arranged as Doppler radar equipment. [0078] When two strings are used for example on a rotating shaft, it may be advantageous to use two or several microwave transmitters having different directions and polarizations and possibly also different frequencies. [0079] The vibrations of the string can be detected at a large distance, such as 10 meters or more. However, the microwave transmitter may be arranged close to the string. [0080] The length of the string may be related to the microwave wavelength so that the string acts as an antenna, for example a half-wave dipole antenna or a quarter-wave antenna. As is conventional, the length of the antenna should be about 95% of half the wavelength of the microwaves in order to take account of the difference in the velocity of wave propagation in the string as opposed to the same wave in free space. [0081] However, the embodiments work fine also when the string is no multiple of a quarter of the wavelength, for example much longer than the wavelength. [0082] For example, the vibrations of a guitar having steel strings may be picked up at a large distance from the guitar by use of a microwave transmitter and receiver. The length of the strings may be 600 mm or more and the microwave wavelength may be 122 mm. The vibrations may be picked up at a distance of up to 10 meters. Thus, this embodiment of the invention may for example replace traditional magnetic pick-ups on a guitar for electronic amplification, for example during a concert. [0083] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiment, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the invention is limited only by the accompanying claims and, other embodiments than the specific above are equally possible within the scope of these appended claims. [0084] In the claims, the term โ€œcomprises/comprisingโ€ does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or method steps may be implemented by e.g. a single unit or processor. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. The terms โ€œaโ€, โ€œanโ€, โ€œfirstโ€, โ€œsecondโ€ etc do not preclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.
A device for measuring a vibration frequency of a mechanically vibrating string or rod, comprising a microwave transmitter for directing microwaves towards the vibrating string and a microwave receiver for receiving the microwaves amplitude modulated by the frequency of mechanical vibration. A member is arranged close to a vibration maximum of the vibrating string. The member is arranged on one side of the vibrating object and the microwave receiver is arranged on the other side thereof. The device is used for measuring temperature, pressure, torque, force or identity.
6
TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] This invention pertains generally to internal combustion engine control systems, and more specifically to fluid-driven actuators on an engine. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Engine manufacturers are incorporating systems with fluid-driven actuators, including actuators driven by engine lubricating oil pumped from an engine oil pump. Systems that include such actuators include variable cam phasing, cylinder deactivation, and variable valve lift and duration, among others. A system uses an oil control valve to divert flow of pressurized engine oil to drive the actuator to accomplish a desired work output. By way of example, an oil control valve used in conjunction with a variable cam phaser is used to accomplish variable opening time of an intake or exhaust valve, relative to a position of a reciprocating piston. The system uses the oil control valve to control the flow of engine oil to the variable cam phaser that is attached to a camshaft of the engine, based upon a command from an engine controller. Distinct engine performance benefits that are realized from the use of variable cam phasing include an improvement in combustion stability at idle, improved airflow into the engine over a range of engine operations corresponding to improvements in engine performance, and improved dilution tolerance. This results in such benefits as improved fuel economy, improved torque at low engine speeds, lower engine cost and improved quality through elimination of external exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems, and improved control of engine exhaust emissions. [0003] Performance of a fluid-driven actuator is reduced due to aeration of the fluid. The fluid is aerated by entrainment of air or by dissolving of air into the fluid. Dissolved and entrained air affects the physical properties of the fluid, including bulk modulus, or compressibility, and viscosity. When aerated fluid is pressurized, it increases in temperature at a greater rate than when not aerated. When the fluid is engine lubricating oil, this leads to reduction in oil lubricity and oil life. The aeration amount affects the performance of a pumping device to pump the fluid, in terms of pressure, flow and volumetric efficiency. It also affects the dynamic response of the pumping device. The amount of aeration also changes resonant frequency of the fluid, which affects response time and durability of a system that employs fluid to drive an actuator. There is a risk of increased of unacceptable noise levels and component-to-component interference when there is an unanticipated change in the dynamic response or resonant frequency of the system. [0004] There are known engine operating characteristics that lead to aeration of the fluid. When the fluid is an engine lubricating oil, there is a sump in a crankcase of the engine. The engine lubricating oil is aerated as a result of rotating and reciprocating action of the crankshaft and piston rods into the sump and oil, and as a result of oil level in the sump being below a pump inlet pipe. The amount of aeration of the oil is measured and quantified for an engine that is operated under steady state operating conditions. The amount of aeration for a specific engine design is measured using a representative engine. This information is used by an engine control system to limit operation of the actuator, including implementation of algorithms that estimate an oil aeration amount based upon engine operation and time. In one example, an algorithm infers oil aeration by measuring an amount of time the engine spends within each of a number of engine speed ranges, including idle, off-idle to 1500 rpm, 1500-2000 rpm, and others. There are also algorithms that monitor both engine speed and engine temperature to determine oil aeration amount. [0005] The engine control system uses information from an aeration algorithm to limit operation of the actuator, either by limiting the operating range or completely disabling the actuator when the oil aeration amount exceeds a threshold value. In either instance, the operator no longer derives any engine performance benefit from use of the actuator. A system that fails to employ some form of control based upon aeration of the oil risks loss of control of the actuator, which leads to degradation in functional performance and durability of the actuator and the base engine. Therefore, it is likely that a system designer will overestimate the amount of oil aeration, to protect the system and improve system and component durability. Again, the operator no longer derives any engine performance benefit from use of the actuator when it is disabled due to excessive oil aeration. [0006] Each of these methods carries the disadvantage that it fails to account for a change in oil aeration amount associated with changes in attitude of the engine caused during dynamic operation. An engine in a vehicle experiences accelerations, decelerations, turning maneuvers, incline ascents and descents, and other actions that affect the fluid level and position in the sump, and therefore affect the interaction between the reciprocating parts of the engine and the oil. This action leads to more entrainment of air into the oil than was anticipated by the existing art, which compels a system designer to establish narrow actuator enable criteria. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] The present invention provides an improvement over conventional engine controls that employ fluid-driven actuators in that it more accurately determines the amount of aeration of fluids such as engine oil, thus permitting more aggressive operation of the oil-driven actuator, with less limitations in scheduling operation of the actuator. [0008] The present invention provides a method and a system for controlling a fluid-driven actuator used in an engine. This includes monitoring engine speed and fluid temperature, and determining a first and second attitude of the engine relative to a first and second axis. The invention then determines an amount of aeration of the fluid based upon those factors. The method determines an operating range of the fluid-driven actuator based upon the amount of aeration, and then permits the operation of the fluid-driven actuator within the operating range. [0009] The present invention also encompasses monitoring an amount of agitation of the fluid directly, and determining the amount of aeration based upon the amount of agitation. The method then determines an operating range of the fluid-driven actuator based upon the amount of aeration, and allows operating the fluid-driven actuator within the operating range. [0010] These and other objects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, the preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein: [0012] [0012]FIG. 1 is a block diagram, in accordance with the present invention; and [0013] [0013]FIG. 2 is a flowchart, in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0014] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating an embodiment of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 2 with an internal combustion engine 5 and controller 10 which has been constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The engine 5 includes an oil pump 12 that pumps oil from a sump 15 to lubricate various moving components within the engine 5 , including for example, crankshaft, pistons, and camshafts (not shown). The oil from the oil pump 12 is pressurized and is diverted using a control valve 16 to drive a fluid-driven actuator 14 , which is a cylinder deactivation device in this embodiment. [0015] The engine 5 and controller 10 are mounted in a four-wheeled vehicle 2 in this embodiment. The controller 10 is operably connected to sensors that are used to monitor operation of the engine 5 . The sensors may comprise an engine speed sensor 20 , a coolant sensor 22 , a manifold absolute pressure sensor, a throttle position sensor, an oxygen sensor, intake air temperature sensor, mass air flow sensor, EGR position sensor, exhaust pressure sensor, exhaust gas sensor, torque sensor, combustion sensor, among others (not shown). The controller 10 is also operably connected to sensors that are used to monitor operation of the vehicle 2 , and may comprise a vehicle speed sensor 24 , at least one wheel speed sensor 26 on each side of the vehicle 2 , a fuel tank level sensor (not shown), among others. The controller 10 is also operably connected to output devices that are used to control operation of the engine 5 , including the cylinder deactivation device 14 , ignition system, fuel system, exhaust gas recirculation system, (not shown) and others. The controller 10 operates by collecting information from the sensors (not shown) and controlling the output systems (not shown), including the fluid-driven actuator 14 , using control algorithms and calibrations internal to the controller 10 . The operation and control of the engine 5 and vehicle 2 using the controller 10 with control algorithms and calibrations is known to one skilled in the art. [0016] There is a first attitude 32 of the fluid in the sump 15 of the engine 5 in the vehicle 2 relative to a first axis 30 , and a second attitude 36 of the fluid in the sump 15 of the engine 5 relative to a second axis 34 . The first axis 30 is defined to be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle 2 , and is fixed relative to earth. The second axis 34 is lateral, and defined to be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 2 , parallel to a horizontal surface, and fixed relative to earth. The first attitude 32 is a measure of the vertical movement of the fluid in the sump 15 of the engine 5 relative to the first axis 30 . This happens during vehicle acceleration or braking, or when the vehicle 2 is ascending or descending an incline. The second attitude 36 is a measure of the vertical movement of the fluid in the sump 15 of the engine 5 relative to the second axis 34 , as happens during vehicle cornering maneuvers, or when the vehicle 2 is inclined laterally. The first attitude 32 is determined by measuring vehicle speed using information from at least one of the vehicle speed sensors 26 , 28 and calculating a longitudinal acceleration value that is based upon the vehicle speed. The second attitude 36 is determined by measuring a relative wheel speed on each side of the vehicle 2 , using the wheel speed sensors 26 , 28 on each side of the vehicle 2 , and calculating a lateral acceleration value that is based upon the relative wheel speed. The determination of longitudinal and lateral acceleration values is well known to one skilled in the art. [0017] Referring now to FIG. 2, the invention comprises a method for controlling the cylinder deactivation device 14 used in the engine 5 . The method is executed using algorithms and accompanying calibrations that are contained in the controller 10 . The method determines an amount of aeration using an algorithm that is executed every 100 milliseconds of engine operation. An amount of aeration at engine startup is initialized to a value of zero. [0018] As shown in block 50 , the method includes monitoring engine speed, preferably using the engine speed sensor 20 . The method also includes determining a temperature of the fluid, in this case the engine oil. The controller 10 determines engine oil temperature based upon the coolant temperature as measured by the coolant sensor 22 , and other operating conditions. The other operating conditions include an amount of time that has elapsed since the engine 5 was last operating, an amount of time that the engine 5 has been operating, speed and load of the engine 5 during the operating time, and an initial temperature of the engine 5 at startup. Determining engine oil temperature is known to one skilled in the art. The first attitude 32 and the second attitude 36 are then determined, as described earlier. [0019] As shown in block 52 , an amount of aeration of the fluid is then determined by the controller 10 based upon the engine speed, the oil temperature, the first attitude 32 , and the second attitude 36 . The amount of aeration is a pre-calibrated value that is determined for a specific engine design over a range of operating conditions related to the speed of the engine, the temperature of the fluid, the first attitude and the second attitude. The amount of aeration for each operating condition is determined by testing representative engines during engine development, and employing an oil density meter that is operable to continuously measure oil density and temperature. For example, the oil density meter can be a Micromotionโ„ข Massflow meter, which is operable to instantaneously measure a percentage of oil aeration, based upon a change in density. [0020] A designed experiment is created using the engine operating factors of engine speed, oil temperature, first attitude, and second attitude. Test conditions comprised of preset values for the engine operating factors are determined based upon the designed experiment. The engine is operated at each of the predetermined test conditions and the density of the oil is measured. The measured density of the oil is normalized, based upon the baseline curve of density as measured for the oil at the specific oil temperature. After the density of the oil has been normalized, any change in density of the oil is attributed to a change in aeration of the oil. This is expressed as a percentage of aeration. [0021] The representative engine is operated at each test condition, and a rate of aeration and a steady state amount of aeration of the oil are measured. The engine speed test conditions will range from idle to maximum engine speed. Test conditions for oil temperature will typically range from 20 C to 100 C, with most of the focus on the range of 80 C to 100 C. The first and second attitudes are tested over a range from 0 to 1 g of acceleration force. A useful factor in determining a representative first attitude or second attitude is that 1 g of acceleration represents a 45ยฐ rotation of the engine in a test dynamometer setup. [0022] By way of example, a typical cylinder deactivation system may be scheduled to operate over a range of engine speeds from idle to 3000 rpm, when the engine oil temperature is warmed up, which is about 90ยฐ C. A calibrator will reduce the measured rate of aeration and steady state amount of aeration of the fluid to an array of reference values of aeration. The array of reference values of aeration represents the amount of aeration that occurs during 100 milliseconds of engine operation, based upon monitored operating conditions. The results of the designed experiment, in the form of the array of reference values of oil aeration, are used to create a calibration array that is stored in the controller 10 as either a series of equations or as lookup tables. Designed experiments and the creation of calibration arrays for use in engine controllers are well known to those skilled in the art. [0023] As shown in block 54 , a new cumulative aeration value is determined by adding the amount of aeration determined in block 52 to an existing cumulative aeration value. The amount of aeration is determined during each 100 milliseconds of engine operation, and the new cumulative value of aeration is stored in the controller 10 . The reference value of aeration determined in block 52 can be a net increase or a net decrease, and is either added to or subtracted from the cumulative value of aeration. [0024] As shown in block 56 , the controller 10 determines if a limited range of operation of the output device has been enabled. If the limited range of operation has not been enabled, the controller determines if the cumulative value of aeration exceeds a first predetermined threshold (block 58 ). When the cumulative value of aeration does not exceed the first predetermined threshold, the 100-millisecond execution of the algorithm (block 66 ) ends without further action. When the cumulative value of aeration exceeds the first predetermined threshold, the controller 10 enables the limited range of operation of the output device in subsequent operations (block 62 ), and the method ends (block 66 ). If the limited range of operation of the output device has not been enabled, the controller 10 determines if the cumulative value of aeration is less than a second predetermined threshold (block 60 ). When the cumulative value of aeration is less than the second predetermined threshold, the method disables the limited range of operation of the output device in subsequent operations (block 64 ) and the algorithm ends (block 66 ). When the cumulative value of aeration is not less than the second predetermined threshold, the method will continue to enable the limited range of operation of the output device in subsequent operations (block 62 ) and the method will end (block 66 ). When the engine 5 and controller 10 are using the cylinder deactivation device 14 , the cylinder deactivation device will be completely disabled outside the range of operation. A typical value for the normal range of operation for the cylinder deactivation system 14 is an operating engine speed range between idle and 3000 rpm. A typical value for the limited range of operation for the cylinder deactivation system 14 is an operating engine speed range between idle and 2000 rpm. [0025] The first and second predetermined thresholds for the cumulative value of aeration are determined during vehicle development, and are specific to engine design and actuator applications. The first predetermined threshold is a level of aeration at which the functional performance of the cylinder deactivation device 14 degrades unacceptably, and will include an assessment of risks related to short-term performance objectives and long-term durability of the system. The second predetermined threshold is set at a value below the first predetermined threshold so as to allow for hysteresis in the operation of the system. [0026] Although this is described as a system and method for controlling the cylinder deactivation device 14 used in the engine 5 , it is understood that embodiments of this invention include all actuators that are driven by engine oil. These include, for example, valve deactivation devices, variable cam phasing devices, variable valve timing devices, and two step valve control devices. The invention also includes any application of the invention onto vehicles other than four wheel vehicles, including for example, trucks, boats, ships, motorcycles, farm tractors, and construction equipment. The invention also includes applications on diesel or spark-ignition engines. The invention also includes all applications wherein the amount of aeration is determined at a regular interval, including for example, when such an interval is determined by elapsed time, operating time, or quantity of engine rotations, and other loop cycles in addition to the 100 millisecond loop mentioned in the embodiment. [0027] It is also understood that the invention includes other methods and devices to determine the first attitude 32 and the second attitude 36 , including for example, monitoring changes in fluid level of a vehicle fuel tank (not shown) using a fuel level sensor (not shown), or wherein there is a direct measure of the fluid level in the sump 15 . The invention also includes other methods of determining a change in lateral or longitudinal acceleration, such as a sensing method to directly determine the g forces. It is also understood that the invention includes a system that can monitor a level of agitation of the fluid in the sump 15 . [0028] The range of operation of the actuator 14 is described as being either full range or a limited operating range. The invention also includes a system wherein there is at least one intermediate range, such as would allow a range of operation that is less than the full range. The invention also includes other methods and devices to determine temperature of the engine oil or other fluid, including for example an oil temperature sensor or an oil quality sensor with temperature measuring capability, or other methods of temperature estimation. [0029] The amount of aeration at engine startup is initialized to a value of zero, but it is also understood that the startup aeration can be determined based upon a previous operating cycle and an amount of time the engine has been shutdown. [0030] It is also understood that the engine oil temperature may be derived by the controller 10 , using input from an oil pressure sensor (not shown). Engine oil temperature may also be directly measured, using input from an oil temperature sensor (not shown) or an oil condition sensor (not shown) that are connected to the controller 10 . [0031] The invention has been described with specific reference to the preferred embodiments and modifications thereto. Further modifications and alterations may occur to others upon reading and understanding the specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the invention.
The present invention is a method and apparatus to determine an amount of aeration of fluids such as engine oil, thus permitting more aggressive operation of an oil-driven actuator, with fewer limitations in scheduling operation of the actuator. It includes monitoring engine speed and fluid temperature, and determining a first and second attitude of the engine relative to a first and second axis, and determines an amount of aeration of the fluid based upon those factors. The method determines an operating range of the fluid-driven actuator based upon the amount of aeration, and then permits the operation of the fluid-driven actuator within the operating range.
5
The present invention generally relates to the collection and removal of trash or floating debris from waterways and, more particularly, to systems designed for use in combined sewer systems or storm drain conduits to trap water borne trash for removal. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Trash and debris floating on the surfaces of waterways or along shorelines and beaches is a highly visible form of water pollution, which is receiving attention for its adverse, polluting effect and for its unaesthetic appearance on the surfaces of lakes and other water bodies. One type of system for the collecting and removing of floating debris has consisted of arrays of disposable mesh nets installed in receiving bodies of water in the flow path of a sewer outlet, particularly in applications referred to as โ€œCombined Sewer Overflowsโ€ or โ€œCSOsโ€. Such systems are described in Vol. 2, No. 3, of Fresh Creek Technologies, Inc. โ€œShorelinesโ€ newsletter. Systems of this type are effective in collecting floatables or trash for removal and are shown in Fresh Creek Technologies, Inc. Netting Trashtrapโ„ข Product Bulletin. Improvements in such devices are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,819, owned by the assignee of the present application, which provides an underground, in-line apparatus for trapping and collecting debris in a sewer or storm flow conduit, a secondary trap which provides continued protection when primary collection traps are full, a system which signals when primary bags or nets are full and servicing is required, and a trapping facility in which bags or nets may be replaced without loss of trapping protection during servicing. More specifically, the device in the patent referred to above includes an enclosure or chamber with an inlet and an outlet each adapted to be connected to a sewer, storm drain conduit or outflow. A debris removing system is disposed within the chamber between the inlet and the outlet for trapping and collecting water borne debris entering at the inlet and thereby providing for an outflow of substantially debris-free water. The enclosure includes an access opening comprising upper doors or hatches or access hatches in the enclosure sized to allow the debris removing system to be removed and replaced. The debris removing system specifically includes a perforated container having an open end facing the inlet of the chamber. The perforated container includes a netting assembly that traps and collects the trash or floating debris. The container is in the form of a netting assembly having a flexible bag-shaped mesh net attached to a frame. The netting assembly is attached to lifting structure having supports or handles for allowing the frame and net to be lifted out when the net is full of captured debris. In some applications, a bypass weir or screen is provided to normally direct flow from the chamber inlet through the open end of the net while allowing flow to bypass the net and flow to the chamber outlet when the net is full of debris. Sensing and signaling elements are typically provided for sensing and signaling the passage of solid debris around the net when the net is full of debris and is in need of servicing. The sensing and signaling elements may include mechanical structure which permits passage of water, but is displaced by impingement of solid debris flowing around the nets. Displacement of such mechanical structure signals when the net is full of debris, for example, by actuating a visible flag above ground or by actuating an electrical switch which activates an aboveground indicator or remote indicator. The sensing and signaling may include an optical sensor for detecting the passage of debris around the netting assembly. Upon detection of debris, the optical sensor emits a signal indicating that the trap is full of debris. The signal may also activate an aboveground indicator or a remote indicator. Multiple trap systems are employed in which the enclosure includes side-by-side trap assemblies. Such systems may be configured such that, upon filling of the first trap, the flow and debris can be diverted over a bypass weir disposed between the inlet ends of the first and second traps so that flow is thereby directed through the second trap and overflow debris is trapped and collected. Closure panels may be provided in a stationary frame structure disposed adjacent the inlet ends of the traps in either the single-trap systems or the multitrap systems to restrain debris from flowing through the chamber during servicing. The reliability of debris removing systems depends on the strength of the mesh nets and on the manner in which the net material is fabricated into the disposable net assemblies. The resultant hydraulic forces are a function of the velocity of the flow of water through the mesh of the nets as well as on the pressure exerted on the debris trapped by the nets. There are many outfalls where extreme forces exist that are too high for standard and commonly available materials or for materials made by normal fabrication practices to last. Furthermore, the operation of such debris removal systems results in the nets filling with floatable materials over time as one or more overflows occur. In the process, large objects such as plastic bottles and sheets of plastic wrapping materials tend to cover and blind openings of the mesh, which reduces the overall effective area of the filter and results in higher hydraulic loading on the mesh, contributing to a higher pressure drop through the system and increased loads, and excessive forces on the nets. Accordingly, a need exists for stronger and more reliable mesh nets in the traps of floatable debris collecting systems, and particularly for net assemblies that can be easily constructed and easily replaced. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a stronger and more reliable mesh net for the traps of systems for collecting floatable debris than have been provided by the prior art. A further objective of the invention is to provide a reliable net assembly for such systems that can be easily constructed and easily replaced. According to principles of the present invention, disposable mesh nets are provided for debris traps that can withstand higher level of forces than can nets of the prior art. Such nets are, according to a preferred embodiment, made with a high strength and high stretch yarn and may be provided with reinforcing tape on seams and high stress areas of the net material. The flexible, stretchable mesh material allows for an increase in the free area of the mesh as the nets expand under hydraulic loads as the nets fill. High elasticity materials are those that are elastic enough, either due to their composition or the ways in which they are knitted, to allow the nets to deform when clogged with debris and thereby expand to allow flow paths around the trapped debris to minimize pressure. Nylon that has these properties would, for example, be suitable. The knit of the mesh material yarn is selected to produce the desired aperture size and maximize the breaking strength of the finished material and ability to maintain constant aperture. The material used in the manufacturing process enables the flexible mesh to maintain a consistent percentage of free area as the nets fill and expand. The material is fabricated into the form of a bag-shaped mesh net from flat material with seams that are rolled and stitched to give a strength greater than the knitted material itself. Further according to principles of the invention, a netting assembly is provided with structure for holding the mouth of the bag-shaped net in an open position and which can be easily and securely attached to the netting material. In the preferred embodiment, the structure includes a one-piece frame that is provided with a strap configured to hold the netting material in place on the frame. The strap fits in a recessed groove molded into the outer perimeter of a generally rectangular molded plastic frame. Rows of raised buttons integrally molded into the frame extend from the bottom of the groove such that the mesh net will be sandwiched between the strap and the buttons. The frame is sized to provide sufficient strength to counter the hydraulic forces on the net. This particular embodiment of the invention is particularly suited to resist hydraulic forces in the dirty environment wherein the netting assemblies trap floating debris from waterways, sewers or storm drain conduits, as the frame assembly requires no removable locks, pins, clamps, brackets or other devices to hold down the netting material to the frame. The structure has a minimum of parts to collect debris while permitting the netting assembly to be loosened from the system with a pair of gloved hands. In other embodiments, the netting assemblies are provided with a two part molded plastic rectangular frame, the parts of which clamp together with the knitted mesh material around the mouth of the net clamped therebetween, thereby evenly distributing the forces around the mouth of the net and holding the mouth in an open condition. The two part frame uses hole and post members on the respective parts that snap together for easy assembly. In another alternative embodiment, a one part rectangular frame is provided to which four plates having post members clamp into hole members on the frame. These embodiments have limited projections, thereby avoiding the collection thereon of debris with structure that can easily be loosened by gloved hands. In accordance with certain principles of the invention, the traps are provided with net assemblies having a two-stage filter mesh. The nets for such traps are constructed of an inner net and an outer net. The inner net provides a first layer of mesh having larger aperture mesh openings so that the inner net captures only the larger items of debris, allowing the smaller items to pass through to the outer net or second layer of mesh. The outer net has smaller openings that trap smaller items of debris that pass through the openings of the inner net. The openings in the inner net may, for example, be at least two or three times the dimension of the openings in the outer net, or have an area from about four to ten times the area of the openings in the outer net. The outer net may also have a greater volume than the inner net, for example, at least about one fourth larger than that of the inner net. The two stage filter produces a larger effective filtering capacity, in that the trap does not blind as quickly, holds more material and distributes the hydraulic loads between the two layers resulting in greater overall strength. Further, were the first or inner net to fail, the second or outer net retains the ability to trap additional debris. These and other objectives and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the common features of a debris trapping system of the prior art for the removal of trash or floatables from flowing water. FIG. 1A is an underground in-line version of the prior art system of FIG. 1 . FIG. 1B is a floating version of the prior art system of FIG. 1 . FIG. 1C is an end-of-pipe version of the prior art system of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the net assembly of a trap according to certain principles of the invention. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view along line 2 Aโ€” 2 A of FIG. 2 . FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view along line 2 Bโ€” 2 B of FIG. 2 . FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the net of a trap utilizing a net frame construction alternative to that of FIG. 2 . FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view along line 3 Aโ€” 3 A of FIG. 3 . FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view along line 3 Bโ€” 3 B of FIG. 3 . FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional of an alternative to FIG. 3 B. FIGS. 4A-4B are cross-sectional views illustrating double net construction according to certain embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the net assembly of a trap according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view along line 5 Aโ€” 5 A of FIG. 5 . FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view along line 5 Bโ€” 5 B of FIG. 5 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 illustrates the basic components of one system 40 of the prior art described in the background of the invention above. The system 10 includes one or more traps 12 , illustrated as two in number, separately designated as traps 12 a and 12 b . The traps 12 a , 12 b are located within a flow constraining housing or enclosure 11 between inlet 13 and outlet 14 thereof. The inlet 13 and the outlet 14 are each respectively connected in a known manner to conduits 15 and 16 , which may be storm drain or combined sewer conduits or other structures or the terrain of the site. The traps 12 a , 12 b each include a netting assembly 19 formed of a bag-shaped mesh net 17 that is attached to a lifting basket 18 . Each of the netting assemblies 19 captures and holds floatable velocity borne debris 20 entering enclosure 11 through inlet 13 . The arrows 25 indicate the direction of water flow. Perforations or openings in nets 17 may vary in size depending on the intended use, with sizes generally in the range of from about 0.1โ€ณ to about 2โ€ณ. Nets 17 are open on the upstream facing end 17 a thereof, toward inlet 13 of enclosure 11 . Upper support members (not shown in FIG. 1) are attached to lifting baskets 18 for allowing the netting assemblies 19 of traps 12 a , 12 b to be lifted out of enclosure 11 for periodic removal of captured debris. The netting assemblies 19 are configured such that the nets 17 provide a large filter area for the size of the mouth, thereby minimizing head loss. For example, 80 square feet of net 17 may be provided for a netting assembly mouth area of 6 ยฝ square feet, resulting in a pressure drop across a net 17 of three or four pounds. A bypass weir (not shown in FIG. 1) or screen is typically located upstream of traps 12 and on one side of inlet 13 to permit continued flow in the event that the nets 17 of traps 12 a , 12 b are filled to capacity with debris. To signal that nets 17 of the netting assemblies 19 of traps 12 a , 12 b are in need of replacement or emptying, sensing and signaling mechanisms may be provided. The multiple trap system 10 can be configured to provide continuous and uninterrupted capture of debris through second trap 12 b after the netting assembly of first trap 12 a has been filled and during the process of removing and replacing it. While servicing is being performed, movable panels can be positioned in front of each respective trap 12 a or 12 b being serviced, as necessary, prior to its removal from enclosure 11 . In this way, the system 10 is protected against passage of floatable debris during net removal and replacement. FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate the basic system 10 of the prior art in three environments. These arrangements are generally described in a publication of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, No. EPA 832-F-99-037, September, 1999, hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. In particular, in FIG. 1A, an in-line system 10 a is illustrated in which the two traps 12 a , 12 b are contained in an enclosure in the form of an underground or subterranean vault 11 a . The vault 11 a includes its inlet 13 a and its outlet 14 a respectively connected to conduits in the form of buried pipes 15 a , 16 a , for example, of a storm drain. The in-line traps 12 a , 12 b each include a netting assembly 19 with a mesh net 17 installed in and held in place by a respective lifting basket 18 . A lifting bridle (not shown) is attached to upper support members 21 of the lifting basket 18 for allowing the netting assemblies 19 of traps 12 a and 12 b to be lifted out of vault 11 a through doors 22 a for periodic removal of captured debris. A bypass screen 23 a is located above the traps 12 a , 12 b to allow flow to divert from the inlet 13 a to permit continued flow in the event that nets 17 of the traps 12 a , 12 b are both filled to capacity with debris. In FIG. 1B, a floating system 10 b is illustrated that is configured to float in a body of water in front of a stream, pipe or other water source from which enters into the body of water a flow of water containing trash or floatables to be removed by the system. The direction of water flow into and through the system 10 b is also indicated by arrows 19 . The floating system 10 b also includes two traps 12 a , 12 b , shown in a floating hull 11 b that is provided with closed cell foam panels 23 and pontoons to float the hull at the surface 28 of the body of water. The traps 12 a , 12 b also each include a mesh net 17 held in place within a lifting support 18 a . Because the system 10 b is floating and the traps 12 a , 12 b are immersed in water, a less extensive support frame 18 a is substituted for the lifting basket 18 of system 10 a , described above. In the system 10 b, the hull 11 b has its inlet 13 b extending above and below the surface 28 of the water so that trash or floatables at and immediately below the surface enter through it into the interior of the hull 11 b . The hull 11 b has its outlet 14 b below the water surface 28 on the back of the hull 11 b . The inlet conduit 15 is formed of a set of curtains 15 b which hang from below the inlet 13 b and from floats 24 extending respectively between the hull 11 b on both sides of the inlet 13 b to the shore on the opposite sides of the flowing source, connected to buried concrete conduits (not shown) of a storm drain, for example. The curtains 15 b may extend from the water surface 28 to the bottom 29 of the water body and channel water from the source into the inlet 13 b . The traps 12 a , 12 b are supported in the hull 11 b in a manner similar to the way they are supported in the vault 11 a described above. They can be lifted out of hull 11 b through grate doors 22 b for periodic removal of captured debris from the nets 17 thereof. In FIG. 1C, an end-of-pipe system 10 c is illustrated in which the two traps 12 a , 12 b are shown in an enclosure in the form of a surface mounted three-sided concrete headwall and knee wall enclosed cavity 11 c having an open end that defines its outlet 14 c . The cavity 11 c has its inlet 13 c connected to a pipe 15 c draining into the cavity 11 c . The traps 12 a , 12 b each include a net assembly 19 having a mesh net 17 . A fiberglass drain grating 16 c is provided beneath the netting assemblies 19 to allow flow to exit each net 17 through its bottom to the outlet 14 c of the enclosure 11 c . The net 17 of each netting assembly is attached to a lifting structure (not shown), which may be similar to the lifting basket 18 described in FIG. 1A above, or in the form of lifting frame 18 a described in FIG. 1B above where the traps 12 a , 12 b are submerged. Door grates 22 c are provided above the traps 12 a , 12 b to permit them to be raised for periodic removal of captured debris. A bypass weir 23 c may be located above the traps 12 a , 12 b to allow flow to divert from the inlet 13 to permit continued flow in the event that traps 12 a , 12 b are both filled to capacity with debris. In FIGS. 2, 2 A and 2 B are illustrated netting assemblies for the traps 12 for use in systems 10 of the various types illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C described above. According to certain aspects of the invention, the netting assemblies 19 are constructed with a mesh net 17 connected to a frame assembly 30 . The frame assembly 30 includes a rectangular frame body having a pair of horizontal top and bottom members 31 and 32 , respectively, and a pair of side members 33 . The top member 31 is wider than the bottom member 32 , and the side members 33 are tapered from the wider top member toward the narrower bottom member 32 , as illustrated in FIG. 2B, for easy installation and removal from the lifting basket 18 or support frame 18 a . The side members 33 are also inwardly tapered in the downstream direction, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, to lock into the supporting rails as the flow goes through the nets 17 . Flow direction is indicated by the arrows 25 . Each of the members 31 - 33 has a rim 34 on the upstream side thereof and a recessed step 35 on the downstream side thereof. A pattern of holes 36 is formed in the steps 35 of each of the members 31 - 33 . Each of the members 31 - 33 has associated therewith a plate 37 having a plurality of projections in the form of posts 38 arranged in a pattern that corresponds to the pattern of the holes 36 in the respectively associated member 31 - 33 of the frame 30 so that the plates 37 can be connected to the members 31 - 33 by snap fitting the posts 38 into the holes 36 . The plates 37 are so connected with the edge of the mouth of the net 17 between the plate 37 and the respective member 31 - 33 and the posts 38 extending through holes in the mesh of the net 17 , thereby locking the mouth of the net 17 to the frame 30 . When so connected, the plates 37 set into the steps 35 so that the tops thereof are flush with the lip 34 of the members 31 - 33 . When the net 17 is attached to the frame 30 , the net extends around the outside of the members 31 - 33 with the mouth of the net wrapping around the upstream side of the frame 30 to the inside of the frame 30 and between the plates 37 and the members 31 - 33 . The frame 30 may be made of wood and the plates 37 made of metal, but other materials may be used. In one preferred embodiment, the frame 30 is formed of an integral piece of molded plastic material. The plates 37 may also be formed of molded plastic. The frame 30 securely attaches to the nets 17 by being formed of elements that clamp together with the mesh material of the nets 17 between them, with one of the elements having posts or projections thereon against which the other member bears so that the projections serve as hooks that trap the net between the elements while the other element prevents the net from slipping off the projections. An alternative frame structure 18 is illustrated in FIGS. 3, 3 A, 3 B and 3 C, in which mesh net 17 is shown connected to a frame assembly 40 . The frame assembly 40 is a two part rectangular frame that includes an inner frame portion 40 a having an array of holes 46 on the upstream facing side thereof and an outer frame portion 40 b having a matching array of posts on the downstream facing side thereof. The two portions 40 a , 40 b of the frame snap together and clamp the mouth of the net 17 therebetween. The two parts of the frame 40 are preferably formed of an integral piece of molded plastic, but other materials may be used. The frame 40 has a pair of horizontal top and bottom members 41 and 42 and a pair of side members 43 . The side members are tapered inwardly in the downstream direction and fit in correspondingly tapered vertical channels 44 in vertical rails 45 that are part of the lifting basket 18 or support frame 18 a . Further, the top member 41 is thicker in the flow direction (that is, upstream to downstream) than is the bottom member 42 ; and the side members 43 are correspondingly tapered in the downward direction to fit into the channels 44 , which are similarly tapered, as illustrated in FIG. 3 A. As a result of the tapers, the frame 40 of the netting assemblies 19 fit firmly in the channels 44 of the rails 45 when in position, but can be loosened by impact and removed with a minimum of sliding friction. FIG. 3B shows the net 17 wrapped around the outside of the frame 40 with the mouth of the net 17 wrapping around the front of the frame 40 and extending between the portions 40 a , 40 b thereof from the inside. Alternatively, FIG. 3C shows the net 17 wrapped around the inside of the frame 40 with the mouth of the net 17 wrapping around the front of the frame 40 and extending between the portions 40 a , 40 b thereof from the outside. As a result of the tapers described above, the greater the forces on the traps, the more tightly the mesh nets 17 are gripped and the less likely are the nets to pull out or tear around the posts. FIG. 4A illustrates a two layered net 17 that includes an inner net 17 a of a course mesh having holes mounted to frame structure 18 c so as to extend through the inside of the frame and with an outer net 17 b of a fine mesh mounted to frame structure 18 c so as to extend around the outside of the frame and thereby enclosing the inner net. The holes in the inner net 17 a may, for example, be about 1-2 inches in size with the holes in the outer net 17 b being of about ยฝ inches in size. The holes of the inner net 17 a should be at least two to three times larger on a side than those of the outer net, with a cross sectional area of at least about four times the area of the holes of the outer net. As a result, large pieces of debris 48 such as plastic bottles, cans, plastic bags, styrofoam cups, etc. only are trapped by the inner net 17 a while smaller pieces of debris 49 pass through the larger holes of the inner net 17 a and are trapped by the outer net 17 b. FIGS. 5, 5 A and 5 B illustrate netting assemblies for the traps 12 that are alternative embodiments of the assemblies of FIGS. 2-2B and FIGS. 3-3C described above. In FIGS. 5-5B, the traps 12 are each constructed with mesh net 17 connected to a frame assembly 50 . The frame assembly 50 includes a rectangular frame body. As with the embodiments above, the frame 50 is preferably formed of an integral piece of molded plastic, but other materials are suitable. The body of frame 50 has a pair of horizontal top and bottom members 51 and 52 , respectively, and a pair of side members 53 , with the top member 51 wider than the bottom member 52 and the side members 53 tapered from top to bottom as was illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 2 B. The side members 53 are also inwardly tapered in the downstream direction, as illustrated in FIG. 5 A. Each of the members 51 - 53 has an outside surface 54 having a groove 55 extending around the frame 50 . On the bottom surface of the groove 55 is preferably a plurality of projections or posts 56 to help grasp the netting material, particularly where the frame is formed of plastic or other low friction material. A clamping element in the form of a tension band 57 lies in the groove 55 in contact with the tips of the projections 56 . The tension band may be of a natural fiber, metal or plastic. Plastic is particularly suitable for the band 57 . The net 17 extends between the band 57 and the frame members 51 - 53 , so that the mouth of the net 17 is locked to the frame 50 . When the frame 50 is inserted into the rails of the system, the tapered frame is forced against the frame by the forces produced by the flowing water on the net 17 to further clamp the net 17 between the frame 50 and the rail. Other applications of the invention can be made. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the applications of the present invention herein are varied, and that the invention is described in preferred embodiments. Accordingly, additions and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the invention.
A disposable net assembly is provided for a trap for collecting floatable debris in a waterway or combined sewer system. The net assembly includes a knitted bag-shaped mesh net having a frame surrounding the mouth of the net with the net secured around its rim to the frame. The net may be formed of an inner layer and an outer layer of mesh with the openings of the inner layer being substantially larger than the openings of the outer layer. The frame may be formed of a plastic molded material having side members tapered in the vertical direction to facilitate the changing of the netting assemblies and tapered in the downstream direction to lock into place under the force of the flow. Several embodiments of the frame members have projections thereon which cooperate with a clamping element to hold the net to the frame. Some embodiments of the members have parts that lock together with a post and hole construction while others employ a tension band to clamp the net to the projections on the frame. The net is preferably secured around its rim to the frame, with the mouth of the net extending around the outside and upstream side of the frame and over the surface having the projections. The net is preferably formed of a high strength and high stretch yarn, with rolled sewn seams and having reinforcing on the seams and on high stress areas of the net.
4
PRIOR APPLICATION [0001] This application is the continuation of provisional application 61/657,016 TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The disclosure relates to an apparatus and process for producing nanofibers from polymer melts using a two-phase flow nozzle. BACKGROUND [0003] New applications require nanofibers produced from a variety of materials including polymer melts, nanoparticles such as carbon nanotubes and liquid solutions. The diameters of such fine fibers can range in size from submicron to several microns depending on the functional requirements. There is also increased demand for loading various drugs and other active ingredients into fine fibers for the production of topical or systemic wound dressings, sublingual or oral drug delivery systems. There are several methods for producing small diameter fibers using high-volume production methods, such as flash-spinning, island-in-sea, and melt-blowing. However, the usefulness of the above methods is restricted by combinations of narrow material ranges, high costs and difficulty in producing submicron diameter fibers. [0004] Electrospinning is a simple and well established process for producing fine fibers from solutions. Electrospinning is a process for submicron scale polymer-based filament production by means of an electrostatic field and solvent evaporation. The principal limitations of electrospinning are a very low productivity and the use of organic solvents which are difficult and costly to fully remove. Electrospinning is not well suited to produce fine fibers from fiber forming materials such as polymer melts as the much higher viscosity requires greater electrical fields leading to arcing. Electrospinning of solutions with high loading of particles is also very difficult. Drug loading is always a problem and loads greater than 5% are difficult to achieve with electrospinning. Furthermore, high drug/particle loading will often result the uneven distribution of the drug/particle in the electrospun fine fiber matrix resulting in initial burst effects. See Electrospun nanofibers - based drug delivery systems. D G Yu et al. Health I (2009). Despite the versatility and popularity of electrospinning, high-voltage electrical fields, sensitivity to variability in solution conductivity, low production rate, solvent based processing and difficulty in drug loading limit its application. [0005] Rotary-jet spinning is another method in the early development stage which seeks to overcome some of the above listed limitations of electrospinning of nanofibers. U.S. Pat. No. 7,134,857 to Andrady et al. The method uses a high-speed rotating nozzle to form a polymer jet which undergoes extensive stretching before solidification. The system consists of a reservoir containing a polymer in solution with two side wall orifices that was attached to the shaft of a motor with controllable rotation speed. The outward radial centrifugal force stretches the polymer jet as it is projected toward a collector wall, but the jet travels in a diffuse trajectory due to rotation-dependent inertia. Concurrently, the solvent in the polymer solution evaporates, solidifying and contracting the jet. [0006] Another problem with the processing of polymers into fine fibers is that such processes generally involve organic solvents which can be highly toxic and damaging to the environment. Flash-spinning, jet-spinning, electrospinning and electro-blown spinning typically require that the polymer be dissolved in a solvent. While manufacturing processes typically involve the removal of organic solvents, such processes require specially equipped manufacturing facilities. Additionally, small quantities of organic solvents still remain and may leach from the fibers over time. Such solvent residues can be problematic in sensitive biological applications. The limited availability of ecologically friendly manufacturing processes has been a major barrier to the greater use of biodegradable polymers in the medical field. There is therefore a need for a production process capable of producing fine fibers of controllable diameter size and distribution without the use of organic solvents. [0007] Several research efforts have involved the formation of fine fibers directly from melts. One important advantage of creating fine fibers from polymer melts is that the dissolution of polymers in organic solvents and the subsequent removal/recycling of solvents are no longer required. Meltblowing processes manage the separate flow of process gases, such as air, and polymeric material through a die body to effect the formation of the polymeric material into continuous or discontinuous fiber. In most known configurations of meltblowing nozzles, hot air is provided through a passageway formed on each side of a die tip. The hot air heats the die and thus prevents the die from freezing as the molten polymer exits and cools. In this way the die is prevented from becoming clogged with solidifying polymer. In addition to heating the die body, the hot air, which is sometimes referred to as primary air, acts to draw, or attenuate the melt into elongated micro-sized filaments. In some cases, a secondary air source is further employed that impinges upon the drawn filaments so as to fragment and cool the filaments prior to being deposited on a collection surface. Meltblown fibers are known to consist of fiber diameters of 1 to 10 microns. Further reduction of meltblown fiber size to submicron ranges is typically difficult, requiring a combination of smaller capillary size, lower polymer throughput per capillary, increased number of capillaries per die width to compensate for the lower throughput, specialized polymer rheology, and control of polymer cooling temperature as filaments solidify. (See Melt blown nanofibers: Fiber diameter distributions and onset of fiber breakup, Christopher J. Ellison, Alhad Phatak, David W. Giles, Christopher W Macosko, Frank S. Bates, Polymer 48 (2007) 3306-3316) [0008] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,260,003 and 5,114,631 to Nyssen, et al., both hereby incorporated by reference, describe a meltblowing process and device for manufacturing ultra-fine fibers and ultra-fine fiber mats from polymers with mean fiber diameters of 0.2-15 microns. Laval nozzles are utilized to accelerate the process gas to supersonic speed; however, the process as disclosed has been realized to be prohibitively expensive both in operating and equipment costs. U.S. Pat. No. 6,800,226 to Gerking, hereby incorporated by reference, teaches a method and a device for the production of essentially continuous fine threads made of meltable polymers. The polymer melt is spun from at least one spin hole and the spun thread is attenuated using gas flows which are accelerated to achieve high speeds by means of a Laval nozzle. The air is rapidly accelerated as it passes the converging section of the nozzle. The polymer melt is attenuated by the air jet until the fiber bursts open and disintegrates into a multitude of finer filaments. Nonwoven fabrics made of fibers with diameters from 2 to 5 microns have been successfully fabricated using this process. [0009] More recently, methods of forming fibers with fiber diameters less than 1.0 micron, or 1000 nanometers, have been developed. These fibers are often referred to as ultra-fine fibers, sub-micron fibers, or nanofibers. Methods of producing nanofibers are known in the art and often make use of a plurality of multi-fluid nozzles, whereby an air source is supplied to an inner fluid passageway and a molten polymeric material is supplied to an outer annular passageway concentrically positioned about the inner passageway. One such process, referred to as melt-film fibrillation includes the steps of utilizing a central fluid stream to form an elongated hollow polymeric film tube and using high velocity air to shear multiple nanofibers from the hollow tube. [0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,526 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,425 to Reneker, et al., both hereby incorporated by reference, disclose such a melt film fibrillation process for producing nanofibers. Fiber forming material is forced concentrically into a thin annular film around an inner concentric passageway of pressurized gas. This film is subjected to shearing deformation by an outer concentric gas jet until it reaches the fiber-forming material supply tube outlet. At this point, expansion of this inner pressurized gas stream is said to eject the โ€œfiber-forming material from the exit orifice of the annular column in the form of a plurality of strands of fiber-forming material that solidify and form nanofibers having a diameter up to about 3,000 nanometers. [0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,536,361 to Torobin, incorporated herein by reference, teaches a similar microfiber formation method wherein a coaxial blowing nozzle has an inner passageway to convey a blowing gas at a positive pressure to the inner surface of a liquid film material, and an outer passageway to convey the film material. The combined action of the expansion of the blowing gas and an entraining fluid jet impinging at a transverse angle fracture the film to form microfibers. Drawbacks of the film fibrillation processes are that they require multiple pressurized gas streams which complicate nozzle design and they do not readily produce fibers smaller than meltblown fibers. There is therefore a need for a production process capable of producing submicron fibers of controllable diameter size and distribution from polymer melts. [0012] There is also a need for producing fine fiber webs of high uniformity and loft. [0013] Additionally, there is a need for a high-throughput process capable of producing large numbers of fine fibers per spinning nozzle. SUMMARY [0014] The subject matter of the present disclosure is directed to the production of fine fibers of controllable fineness in a single step, high throughout process, and a novel two-phase flow nozzle device used for this purpose. Highly uniform materials comprised of nonwoven webs of fine fibers have been produced at commercial scale throughputs. Increased pore size materials combined with high surface area are also produced by the present disclosure. With the present disclosure, high quality, nanofibrous nonwoven products having improved thermal and liquid barrier properties, uniformity, loft, absorbency, resistance to compression and high surface area are provided that are suitable for a large variety of industrial and biomedical care fibrous products. [0015] The present inventors have surprisingly found that non-woven materials with high loft and uniformity, comprising a high proportion of fine fibers, can be produced without the use of organic solvents in a single step, highly scalable production process. [0016] The disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for forming fine fiber webs from polymer melts. The operative mechanism is to combine and mix both the fiber forming polymer melt and the working pressurized gas stream into a two phase flow within a spinning nozzle, upstream of the nozzle exit, and to pass this two phase flow through a long narrow channel of high length to width ratio, such that the polymer eventually forms a film on the walls of the channel. The film is thinned by the gas flow and is split into filaments at the nozzle exit. [0017] A polymer melt heated and stirred to the desired spinning temperature and heated ambient air are pressurized and fed into a mixing means within the spin nozzle. There the polymer melt and the heated pressurized gas are mixed to create a two-phase flow. The multi-phase flow is then forced through a film forming channel exiting through an annular exit orifice. In one embodiment, the mixing means is a centrifugal two-phase chamber and the film forming channel is a converging conical geometry. The accelerating gas flow within the converging channel creates thin polymeric film layers on both sides of the converging channel. Upon exit from the nozzle the film layers are sheared into multi-fibrous strands of fibers with controllable fineness collected on a collector at a set distance from the tip of the nozzle. [0018] One aspect of the inventive subject matter is to provide an apparatus and method for producing biocompatible non-woven fibrous webs without the use of organic solvents. [0019] Another aspect of the inventive subject matter is to produce non-woven fibrous webs with fibers with a median diameter of less than 1 micron in economical and commercially viable quantities. [0020] A further aspect of the inventive subject matter is to produce fine fiber webs with high loft and porosity for industrial and medical uses. [0021] A further aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for the production of uniform submicron fiber webs. [0022] In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides a method and apparatus for producing a fibrous web of fine fibers which exhibits increased surface area, higher porosity and loft over that previously available and which does not pose the health concerns associated with fibers produced with organic solvents. [0023] In a further aspect, the disclosure provides a method of making on nonwoven fibrous web, including the steps of: a) supplying a first phase comprising a polymer melt and a second phase comprising a pressurized gas stream to a two-phase flow nozzle; b) injecting the polymer melt and the pressurized gas stream into a mixing chamber within the two-phase flow nozzle wherein the mixing chamber combines the polymer flow and pressurized gas into a two-phase flow; c) distributing the two-phase flow uniformly to a converging channel terminating into an channel exit wherein the converging channel accelerates the two-phase flow creating a polymeric film along the surface of the converging channel; d) fibrillating the polymeric film at the channel exit of the converging channel in the form of a plurality of nanofibers. e) collecting the fibers on a collector such as a screen or moving belt at a set distance of the spin nozzle exit orifice. [0029] In another embodiment, a method for the production of a non-woven nanofibrous web from melted polymers comprises the steps of: a) heating and stirring a polymer in a reactor vessel to a spinning temperature above the melting temperature the polymer; b) feeding ambient air through a pressurization line to establish a head pressure on the melted polymer; c) opening a valve forcing the melted and pressurized polymer out of the reactor vessel through the valve and then through a filter into a spin nozzle; d) injecting a heated, pressurized gas through ports of a two-phase chamber of the spin nozzle into said two-phase chamber creating a rotational flow; e) injecting the polymer into a mixing chamber through multiple orifices equally spaced around a cylindrical polymer feed tube; f) forcing the two-phase air-polymer flow through a converging channel; g) creating polymeric film layers on both sides of the converging channel; h) shearing the polymeric film layers into fibers wherein the fiber fineness corresponds to the thickness of the polymeric film layers; i) collecting the fibers on a screen or moving belt at a set distance of the spin nozzle exit orifice. [0039] In an additional aspect, the disclosure provides a method and apparatus for producing a non-woven fibrous web with high uniformity, high porosity, large pore size and high surface area. [0040] In various exemplary embodiments, the two-phase nozzle, apparatus, and method of the present disclosure may permit production of nonwoven fibrous webs containing fine fibers with a narrow distribution in fiber diameter. Other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may have structural features that enable their use in a variety of applications; may have exceptional absorbent and/or adsorbent properties; may have exceptional thermal resistance, may exhibit high porosity, high fluid permeability, and/or low pressure drop when used as a fluid filtration medium and may be manufactured in a cost-effective and efficient manner. [0041] In other exemplary embodiments, the disclosure provides a process and apparatus for the production of relatively strong composite fibrous webs of discontinuous fibers made of polymeric materials, which fibrous webs contain significant amounts of fine fibers suitably dispersed for use as high efficiency filtration media to purify water and other fluids. [0042] In other exemplary embodiments, the disclosure provides an apparatus and method to make high efficiency polymeric composite filtration media incorporating fine fibers which incur relatively low pressure losses associated with the flow of water and other liquids through such media. [0043] In still further embodiments, the disclosure provides a process and apparatus for the production of relatively strong composite fibrous webs of discontinuous fine fibers. [0044] Another advantage of some preferred embodiments of the disclosure is to allow the production of commercial quantities of fine fibers in a manner which avoids the use of organic solvents and which can be employed as at least one of the following media: superabsorbent biodegradable wound care dressings, drug delivery patches, tissue engineering scaffolds, biofiltration membranes. [0045] Another aspect of some preferred embodiments of the disclosure is to prepare nonwoven fibrous webs containing particles i such nanoparticles which are anchored sufficiently in the webs to minimize their subsequent detachment, for example, during the passage of liquids or air through the webs. [0000] In further embodiments, the disclosure provides an apparatus and method to prepare a non-woven fibrous web containing nanoparticles for use as a wound care dressing, in which such nanoparticles are suitably dispersed so as to produce a wound care product with superior small particle holding ability. [0046] In still further embodiments, the disclosure provides a process which allows the creation of a non-woven fibrous web which minimizes the clumping together and clustering of nanoparticles in a wound care dressing. [0047] In still further embodiments, the disclosure provides a process a process which allows the creation of a non-woven fibrous web reinforced with carbon nanotubes in a manner which overcomes the low mechanical strength of the non-woven fibrous web. [0048] In yet further embodiments, the disclosure provides a process to make polymeric/nanoparticle composite media incorporating nanoparticles with efficiencies high enough to eliminate the need for separate coating of the fine fiber web, thereby avoiding the costs of coating the fibers and the potential loss of filtration or drug delivery efficiency which results from the loss of coated media of while it is in storage or in use. [0049] Another object of some preferred embodiments of this disclosure is to make polymeric composite non-woven fibrous webs incorporating nanoparticles which can be released in a controlled manner over time to extend and maintain the effect of particle delivery or filtration, and to reduce the burst effect from high nanoparticle loading. [0050] In still another aspect, the disclosure relates to methods of production of biodegradable filtration media which avoid the high cost and potential for pollution of solvents. [0051] In still another embodiment, the disclosure relates to polymeric/nanoparticle composite filtration media incorporating different polymers and nanoparticles in an economical manner. [0052] Various aspects and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been summarized. The above summary is not intended to fully describe or limit each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The Drawings and the Detailed Description that follow more particularly exemplify certain preferred embodiments using the principles disclosed herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0053] FIG. 1 is a generalized view of a process to produce nanofibers according the present disclosure. [0054] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a two-phase flow nozzle according to the disclosure. [0055] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a two-phase flow nozzle according to the disclosure. [0056] FIG. 4 is cross-sectional view of a mixing chamber according to the disclosure. [0057] FIG. 5 is cross-sectional view of a two-phase flow nozzle according to the disclosure. [0058] FIG. 6 is a cut-out perspective view of a converging channel according to the disclosure. [0059] FIG. 7 is a cut-out perspective view of a polymer feeding tube according to the disclosure. [0060] FIG. 8 is cross-section view of a two-phase flow nozzle according to the disclosure with a particle loading option. [0061] FIG. 9 is a microscope picture of fibers produced according to example 1 of the disclosure. [0062] FIG. 10 is the fiber size distribution corresponding to FIG. 9 . [0063] FIG. 11 is a microscope picture of fibers produced according to example 2 of the disclosure. [0064] FIG. 12 is the fiber size distribution corresponding to FIG. 11 . [0065] FIG. 13 is a microscope picture of fibers produced according to example 3 of the disclosure. [0066] FIG. 14 is the fiber size distribution corresponding to FIG. 13 . [0067] FIG. 15 is an SEM picture of fibers produced in Example 4. [0068] FIG. 16 is an SEM picture of fibers produced in Example 5. [0069] FIG. 17 is an SEM picture of fibers produced in Example 6. [0070] FIG. 18 is an SEM picture of fibers produced in Example 7. [0071] FIG. 19 shows the release of oxygen corresponding to Example 7. [0072] FIG. 20 is an SEM picture of fibers produced in Example 8. [0073] FIG. 21 is an SEM picture of fibers produced in Example 9. [0074] FIG. 22 is an SEM picture of fibers produced in Example 10. [0075] FIG. 23 is an SEM picture of fibers produced in Example 11. [0076] FIG. 24 is an SEM picture of fibers produced in Example 12. [0077] FIG. 25 is an SEM picture of fibers produced in Example 13. [0078] FIG. 26 is a photograph materials produced in Example 14. [0079] FIG. 27 is a photograph of materials produced in Example 14. [0080] FIG. 28 is a photograph of materials produced in Example 14. [0081] FIG. 29 is a tubular structure produced in Example 15. [0082] FIG. 30 is an SEM picture of fibers produced in Example 18. [0083] FIG. 31 is an SEM picture of fibers produced in Example 19. [0084] FIG. 32 is a cross-section of a two-phase flow nozzle according to the disclosure in Example 21. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Fiber Forming Two Phase Flow Nozzle [0085] Melt film fibrillation nozzles described in the prior art differ from the fiber forming nozzles in the current disclosure in how the fibers are made and the starting melt geometry from which a fibrous web is produced. Melt film fibrillation processes of the prior art start with a single phase polymer flow that is impinged by a separate working air stream. The polymer melt film tube is thinned to a polymer film from the shearing action of the air stream. The polymer stream and the working air streams are combined externally to the nozzle at the nozzle exit. The shearing action of the inner gas stream and the effect of the outer gas stream produces a multiplicity of fibers. [0086] In contrast, the process of the current disclosure utilizes a mixing chamber to produce a two-phase polymer-gas mixture within the fiber-forming nozzle. The two-phase flow under pressure is then uniformly distributed to and forced through a film forming channel of high length to width ratio. This two phase flow of polymer and working gas in the same narrow long channel within the spin nozzle before the nozzle exit is a novel feature of the disclosure. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that in the long narrow channel, the higher viscosity polymer phase forms a film along both surfaces of the channel while the air separates and is forced through the center of the channel. The long narrow channel geometry and control of the magnitude and ratio of polymer melt and gas flows determine the thickness and other attributes of the polymer film. Upon exiting the channel, these in combination with the aerodynamic forces of the gas jet cause the polymer film to disintegrate into a multitude of finer filaments. The thinner the polymer film upon exit from the film forming channel, the finer the ultimate fibers produced. Thus, by varying the polymer flow rate and the gas velocity, it is possible to control film thickness and hence the fine fiber diameter. [0087] In one embodiment the mixing chamber is a two-phase chamber and the long narrow film forming channel has a converging conical geometry. Heated pressurized air, together with a polymer melt under pressure are both injected into the two-phase chamber where the mixture combines to form a two-phase flow. The rotational two phase flow in the two-phase chamber is converted into an axial flow along the length of a narrow converging conical channel. As the converging flow geometry decreases flow area, the accelerating gas velocity in turn increases shearing forces on the polymer film as the polymer progresses along the channel tending to thin the polymer film. However, that same converging flow geometry reduces the wall area supporting the polymer film which tends to increase the film thickness. Balancing these opposed effects offers unique control over the resulting fiber size and the fiber size distribution. Apparatus and System for Forming Nanofibrous Materials [0088] The present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for forming non-woven nanofibrous materials. The non-woven nanofibrous materials are formed from one or more thermoplastic polymers. Generally suitable polymers include any polymers suitable for melt spinning. The melting temperature is generally from about 25 C to 400 C. Nonlimiting examples of thermoplastic polymers include polypropylene and copolymers, polyethylene and copolymers, polyesters, polyamides, polystyrenes, biodegradable polymers including thermoplastic starch, PHA, PLA, PCL, PLGA, polyurethanes, and combinations thereof. Preferred polymers are PCL, PLA, PLGA and other biodegradable linear aliphatic polyesters. Optionally, the polymer may contain additional materials to provide additional properties for the fiber. These may modify the physical properties of the resulting fiber such as elasticity, strength, thermal or chemical stability, appearance, liquid absorbency, surface properties, among others. A suitable hydrophilic melt additive may be added. Optional materials may be present up to 50% of the total polymer composition. It may be desired to use a mixture of lower and higher molecular weight polymers in a web. The lower molecular weight polymer will fibrillate easier which may result in fibers having different diameters. If the polymers will not blend, separate nozzles may be utilized for the different molecular weight polymers. [0089] The average fiber diameter of a significant number of fibers in the fine fiber layer of the web can be less than one micron and preferably from about 0.1 microns to 1 micron, more preferably from about 0.5 microns to about 0.9 microns. The basis weight of the fine fiber layer can be less than about 25 gsm, commonly from about 0.1 to about 15 gsm, preferably less than 10 gsm or 5 gsm. The fine fiber layer may have a basis weight in the range of from about 0.5 to about 3 gsm or from about 0.5 to about 1.5 gsm, depending upon use of the nonwoven web. Process for Producing Uniform Fibers [0090] Current fiber spinning methods such as melt spinning, electrospinning, flash spinning, etc., deposit fibers with a mass distribution centered on the fiber issuing orifice because the probability of fiber deposition is highest at the point of fiber generation. The conical pack of the current disclosure avoids this problem because fiber generation and deposition are distributed uniformly around the circumference of a circle. The result of deposition on a moving take-up device from a single nozzle is a nominally uniform mass profile across the width of the deposition circle. [0091] The laws of physics make it increasingly difficult to distribute mass uniformly from a single fiber generating nozzle as throughput increases. This is because more work, faster is required for distribution as throughput increases. This is not the case with the conical pack. Because of the geometry the uniformity of fiber distribution is nominally independent of throughput. The nozzle of the current disclosure provides therefore a unique capability to make uniform webs from a single nozzle at high throughput. [0092] While current film fibrillation methods typically produce non-uniform non-woven fibrous web, a more uniform fibrous web may be desirable for application such as drug delivery or wound care. A uniform fibrous web may have more controllable and predictable drug or active agent release characteristics. Web uniformity can be measured through several methods. (See description of uniformity index (UI) in U.S. Pat. No. 7,118,698 to Armantrout et al). Example 21 deposits fibers with mass distribution centered on the fiber issuing orifice, such as other nonwoven processes; however, the technology of this disclosure lends itself to the design of a fiber forming nozzle with a conical, hollow laydown wherein the fiber generation and deposition are distributed uniformly around the circumference of a circle (see FIG. 32 ). Examples of uniformity metrics include low coefficient of variation of pore diameter, basis weight, air permeability, and/or thermal resistance. Uniformity may also be evaluated by the hydrohead or other liquid barrier measurement of the web. The relative distribution of microfibers in the non-woven fibrous web depends on the application and the polymer used. Certain thermoplastic polymers such as PCL offer greater compression resistance and elasticity retaining its original shape after compression. The table below compares the uniformity levels of non-woven materials produced with the method of the current disclosure to other nonwoven materials. The uniformity of the produced materials with the methods of the current disclosure approaches that of films. In a preferred embodiment the UI of the material produced is between 2 and 6. [0000] NON-WOVEN UNIFORMITY INDEX TYVEK 18 Melt-blown 10 Kraft paper 7 Films 2 Disclosure 2-6 Method for Spinning Nanofibers into Non-Woven Materials [0093] A process for spinning polymer submicron fibers into non-woven webs without the use of solvents according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1 and consists of the following process steps: The two-phase method for spinning polymeric fibers without the use of solvents is shown in FIG. 1 and consisted of the following process steps: polymer was heated and stirred in a reactor vessel 1 to the desired spinning temperature (the polymer temperature). The stirrer 2 was stopped and ambient air was fed through a pressurization line 3 to establish a head pressure 4 on the melted polymer (the polymer pressure). The valve 5 was opened and pressurized polymer was forced out of the reactor vessel 1 through the valve 5 and then through a filter 6 and into the nozzle 7 . Heated, pressurized air was injected through ports 8 (see FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 , FIG. 4 , and FIG. 5 ) into the mixing chamber 9 of the two phase flow nozzle creating a rotational flow 10 (see FIG. 4 ). Heated polymer was injected into the two-phase chamber 9 through eight orifices 11 (see FIG. 6 , FIG. 7 ) spaced at 45 degree locations around a cylindrical polymer feed tube 12 . The two-phasing air flow mixed with the polymer creating a two-phase flow which was then forced through a converging channel 13 . The decreasing area of the converging channel 13 forced an increase in air speed along the axis of the nozzle and transitioned the rotational flow in the two-phase chamber into a mainly axial flow as it exited the nozzle through the annular orifice 14 . It is believed that: the polymer is sheared by the accelerating gas flow within the converging channel creating polymeric film layers on both sides of the converging channel 13 . These polymeric film layers were sheared into fibers by the accelerated gas flow such that resulting fiber fineness corresponded to the thickness of the polymeric film. One aspect of the process is that the total volumetric polymer flow can be easily regulated by the number of polymer injection orifices 11 , thus creating a way to vary film thickness at the exit annular orifice 14 and hence fiber size. Heated air carrying powder(s) was injected 15 (see FIG. 8 ) into the two-phase nozzle and forced into an annulus 16 such that this flow impinged upon and into 17 the two-phase flow of polymer and heated air while the polymer was still above its melt temperature. The combined flows then mixed and the powder(s) became attached to the fibers. In a preferred embodiment, the fibers are collected on a screen at a distance of approximately 12-28 in from the exit of the two-phase nozzle. [0094] In an alternate embodiment of the process, the solidified issued material is collected at a set distance from the exit of the two-phase nozzle, also referred to herein as the โ€œcollection surfaceโ€. The collector can be a stationary flat porous structure made from perforated metal sheet or rigid polymer. The collector can be coated with a friction-reducing coating such as a fluoropolymer resin, or it can be caused to vibrate in order to reduce the friction or drag between the collected material and the collection surface. The collection surface is preferably porous so that vacuum can be applied to the material as it is being collected to assist the pinning of the material to the collector. In one embodiment, the collection surface comprises a honeycomb material, which allows vacuum to be pulled on the collected material through the honeycomb material while providing sufficient rigidity not to deform as a result. The honeycomb can further have a layer of mesh covering it to collect the issued material. [0095] The collection surface can also be a component of the desired product itself. For instance, a preformed sheet can be the collection surface and a thin layer can be issued onto the collection surface to form a thin membrane on the surface of the preformed sheet. This can be useful for enhancing the surface properties of the sheet, such as printability, adhesion, porosity level, and so on. The preformed sheet can be a nonwoven or woven sheet, or a film. In this embodiment, the preformed sheet can even be a nonwoven sheet formed in the process of the disclosure itself, and subsequently fed through the process of the disclosure a second time, supported by the collection belt, as the collection surface. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a preformed sheet can even be used in the process of the disclosure as the collection belt itself. [0096] The collection surface can alternatively comprise a flexible collection belt moving over a stationary cylindrical porous structure. The collection belt is preferably a smooth, porous material so that vacuum can be applied to the collected material through the cylindrical porous structure without causing holes to be formed in the collected material. [0097] The collection surface can alternatively further comprise a substrate such as a woven or a nonwoven fabric moving on the moving collection belt, such that the issued material is collected on the substrate rather than directly on the belt. This is especially useful when the material being collected is in the form of very fine particles. [0098] In one embodiment of the disclosure in which the material being issued comprises a polymeric fibrous material, the material collected on the collection surface is heated sufficiently to bond the material. This can be accomplished by maintaining the temperature of the atmosphere surrounding the collected material at a temperature sufficient to bond the collected material. The temperature of the material can be sufficient to cause a portion of the polymeric fibrous material to soften or become tacky so that it bonds to itself and the surrounding material as it is collected. A small portion of the polymer can be caused to soften or become tacky either by heating the issued material before it is collected sufficiently to melt a portion thereof, or by collecting the material and immediately thereafter, melting a portion of the collected material by way of the heated gas passing therethrough. In this way, the process of the disclosure can be used to make a self-bonded nonwoven product, wherein the temperature of the gas passing through the collected material is sufficient to melt or soften a small portion of the web but not so high as to melt a major portion of the web. [0099] Various methods can be employed to secure or pin the material to the collection surface. According to one method, vacuum is applied to the collection surface from the side opposite the collection surface at a sufficient level to cause the material to be pinned to the collection surface. [0100] As an alternative to pinning the material by vacuum, the material can also be pinned to the collection surface by electrostatic force of attraction between the material and the collection surface, the collecting cylindrical structure, or the collection belt, as the case can be for a particular embodiment of the disclosure. This can be accomplished by creating either positive or negative ions in the gap between the nozzle and the collection surface while grounding the collection surface, so that the newly issued material picks up charged ions and thus the material becomes attracted to the collection surface. Whether to create positive or negative ions in the gap between the nozzle and the collector is determined by what is found to more efficiently pin the material being issued. It has surprisingly been found that the uniformity index of the produced material improves with the application an electrical charge. [0101] In order to create positive or negative ions in the gap between the nozzle and the collection surface, and thus to positively or negatively charge the solidified issued material passing through the gap, one embodiment of the process of the present disclosure employs a charge-inducing element installed on the nozzle. The charge-inducing element can comprise pin(s), brushes, wire(s) or other element, wherein the element is made from a conductive material such as metal or a synthetic polymer impregnated with carbon. A voltage is applied to the charge-inducing element such that an electric current is generated in the charge-inducing element, creating a strong electric field in the vicinity of the charge-inducing element which ionizes the gas in the vicinity of the element thereby creating a corona. The amount of electrical current necessary to be generated in the charge-inducing element will vary depending on the specific material being processed, but the minimum is the level found to be necessary to sufficiently pin the material, and the maximum is the level just below the level at which arcing is observed between the charge-inducing element and the grounded collection belt. EXAMPLES [0102] All documents cited are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Method Used to Determine Fiber Size Distributions [0103] A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to take micrographs of polymer fibers. Various magnifications were used and a scale watermark of 5, 10, 20, or 100 microns was overlaid onto the SEM image accordingly. The SEM picture was imported into PowerPointยฎ, and an x and y axis was placed onto the picture and related to the micron scale using the line drawing tool. The resulting image was captured and imported into Digitizeltยฉ (a software program used to digitize points within an image). Lengths (in microns) of the pictured axes were reported to the program relative to the micron scale overlaid onto the SEM image, and two (x,y) data point. [0104] Method Used to Determine the Machine Direction Uniformity Index. The MD UI of a sheet is calculated according to the following procedure. A beta thickness and basis weight gauge (Quadrapac Sensor by Measurex Infrand Optics) scans the sheet and takes a basis weight measurement every 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) across the sheet in the cross direction (CD). The sheet then advances 0.42 inches (1.1 cm) in the machine direction (MD) and the gauge takes another row of basis weight measurements in the CD. In this way, the entire sheet is scanned, and the basis weight data is electronically stored in a tabular format. The rows and columns of the basis weight measurements in the table correspond to CD and MD โ€œlanesโ€ of basis weight measurements, respectively. Then each data point in column 1 is averaged with its adjacent data point in column 2; each data point in column 3 is averaged with its adjacent data point in column 4; and so on. Effectively, this cuts the number of MD lanes (columns) in half and simulates a spacing of 0.4 inch (1 cm) between MD lanes instead of 0.2 inch (0.5 cm). In order to calculate the uniformity index (UI) in the machine direction (โ€œMD UIโ€), the UI is calculated for each column of the averaged data in the MD. The UI for each column of data is calculated by first calculating the standard deviation of the basis weight and the mean basis weight for that column. The UI for the column is equal to the standard deviation of the basis weight divided by the square root of the mean basis weight, multiplied by 100. Finally, to calculate the overall machine direction uniformity index (MD UI) of the sheet, all of the UI's of each column are averaged to give one uniformity index. The units for uniformity index are (ounces per square yd)ยฝ. Example 1 [0105] A stainless steel reactor vessel (volume=0.5 l) was charged with 70 g of Capa 6100 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp) and 30 g of Capa 6500 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp). The polymer mixture was heated to 140 C and pressurized to 25 psig. The heated and pressurized polymer was forced through a 140 micron rated filter and then into the two-phase nozzle. Heated air was injected into the two-phase chamber at 171 C and 40 psig. Fibers were produced at a rate of 0.014 g/min. A microscope picture of the fibers produced is shown in FIG. 9 . The fiber size distribution is shown in FIG. 10 . Example 2 [0106] A stainless steel reactor vessel (volume=0.5 l) was charged with 70 g of Capa 6100 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp) and 30 g of Capa 6500 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp). The polymer mixture was heated to 160 C and pressurized to 40 psig. The heated and pressurized polymer was forced through a 140 micron rated filter and then into the two-phase nozzle. Heated air was injected into the two-phase chamber at 181 C and 60 psig. Fibers were produced at a rate of 0.31 g/min. A microscope picture of the fibers produced is shown in FIG. 11 . The fiber size distribution is shown in FIG. 12 . Example 3 [0107] A stainless steel reactor vessel (volume=0.5 l) was charged with 70 g of Capa 6100 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp) and 30 g of Capa 6500 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp). The polymer mixture was heated to 156 C and pressurized to 40 psig. The heated and pressurized polymer was forced through a 140 micron rated filter and then into the two-phase nozzle. Heated air was injected into the two-phase chamber at 225 C and 60 psig. Fibers were produced at a rate of 0.014 g/min. A SEM of the fibers produced is shown in FIG. 13 . The fiber size distribution is shown in FIG. 14 . Example 4 Kaolin [0108] A stainless steel reactor vessel (volume=0.5 l) was charged with 100 g of Capa 6100 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 30 g of Capa 6500 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 5 g of Capa 6800 (Perstop), and 0.5 g of Cocamidopropyl Betaine. The mixture was heated to 158 C and pressurized to 38 psig to make example 4-1 and the mixture was heated to 155 C and pressurized to 38 psig to make example 4-2. The heated and pressurized mixture was forced through a 140 micron rated filter and then into the two-phase nozzle. Heated air was injected into the two-phase chamber at 238 C and 40 psig for example 4-1 and heated air was injected into the two-phase chamber at 240 C and 40 psig for example 4-2. A SEM of example 4-1 as spun is shown in FIG. 15 . A flow of air and Kaolin powder at 81 C was impinged upon the primary two-phase flow, thereby attaching powder to the polymer mixture melt for example 4-1; and a flow of air and Kaolin powder at 120 C impinged upon the primary two-phase flow, thereby attaching powder to the polymer mixture melt for example 4-2. The production rates where: 0.77 g/min for example 4-1 and 0.81 g/min for example 4-2. The samples as-spun were water washed in stirred beaker to induce some shear on the attached powder. The samples were then โ€œashedโ€ to determine the amount of powder remaining on the samples. [0000] TABLE 1 Fibers As-spun Weight % Kaolin on fibers Water washed (average of 4 samples) Example 4-1 no 3.4 Yes 1.3 Example 4-2 no 6.9 Yes 0.9 Another set of the samples were heated in an oven to 55 C for 10 minutes and then subjected to water washing and โ€œashedโ€ to determine the remaining amounts of powder. [0000] TABLE 2 Fibers Post-spun Heated Weight % Kaolin on fibers Water washed (average of 4 samples) Example 4-1 no 3.4 Yes 1.3 Example 4-2 no 6.9 Yes 2.7 Another set of samples were tested for blood clotting time. For reference, the control clotting time was 7.5 minutes, whereby the blood was brought to body temperature and allowed to clot without clotting agents present. [0000] TABLE 3 Air washed Weight % Kaolin Lost Clotting time (min) Example 4-1 no 1.8 Yes 17.6 1.5 Example 4-2 no 1.3 Post heated Yes 6.3 1.7 Example 5 Chitosan [0109] A stainless steel reactor vessel (volume=0.5 l) was charged with 105 g of Capa 6100 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 45 g of Capa 6500 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), and 0.5 g of Cocamidopropyl Betaine. The mixture was heated to 157 C and pressurized to 38 psig. The heated and pressurized mixture was forced through a 140 micron rated filter and then into the two-phase flow nozzle. Heated air was injected into the two-phase chamber at 220 C and 38 psig. A flow of air and chitosan powder at 105 C impinged upon the primary two-phase flow, thereby attaching the powder to the polymer mixture melt. A SEM of the fibers produced is shown in FIG. 16 . The production rate was 1.72 g/min. The amount of attached chitosan powder was 10.1% by weight. The blood clotting time was measured to be 4.5 minutes. An observation was that chitosan absorbed the blood very well and created a gel although the time to clot was lengthy. Example 6 Chitosan and Kaolin [0110] A stainless steel reactor vessel (volume=0.5 l) was charged with 105 g of Capa 6100 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 45 g of Capa 6500 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), and 0.5 g of Cocamidopropyl Betaine. The mixture was heated to 154 C and pressurized to 37-38 psig. The heated and pressurized mixture was forced through a 140 micron rated filter and then into the two-phase nozzle. Heated air was injected into the two-phase chamber at 218 C and 30-37 psig. A flow of air, chitosan powder, and kaolin powder at 76 C impinged upon the primary two-phase flow, thereby attaching the powders to the polymer mixture melt. The ratio of powders was: kaolin 75% and chitosan 25%. A SEM of the collected fibers is shown in FIG. 17 . The production rate was 0.7-0.88 g/min. The amount of attached powder (chitosan and kaolin) was 17% by weight; chitosan at 14.5% and kaolin at 2.5%. The sample was water washed and amount of attached kaolin after washing was 0.9% and the amount of attached chitosan was found to be approximately unchanged at 14.5%. [0000] TABLE 4 Air washed Powder Weight % Lost Clotting time (min) no 1.8 Yes 3.4 1.5 Air washing was observed to create a more โ€œopenโ€ structure, thereby permitting the blood to flow more freely into the fibrous structure. Also, it was observed that the blood began clotting immediately and wetted out the sample due to the chitosan. Example 7 โ…“ Mol Calcium Peroxide and โ…” Mol Citric Acid [0111] A stainless steel reactor vessel (volume=0.5 l) was charged with 105 g of Capa 6100 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 45 g of Capa 6500 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), and 0.5 g of Cocamidopropyl Betaine. The mixture was heated to 154 C and pressurized to 40 psig. The heated and pressurized polymer was forced through a 140 micron rated filter and then into the two-phase nozzle. Heated air was injected into the two-phase chamber at 228 C and 40 psig. A flow of air, โ…“ mol calcium peroxide powder, and โ…” mol citric acid powder at 60 C was impinged upon the primary two-phase flow, thereby attaching the powders to the polymer mixture melt. The production rate was 0.71 g/min. The attachment of the powders to the fibers is shown in FIG. 18 . The sample was saturated with water and the release rate of oxygen was measured (see FIG. 19 .) Example 8 Copper Oxide, Chitosan, and Reon [0112] A stainless steel reactor vessel (volume=0.5 l) was charged with 105 g of Capa 6100 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 45 g of Capa 6500 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), and 0.5 g of Cocamidopropyl Betaine. The mixture was heated to 152 C and pressurized to 40 psig. The heated and pressurized polymer was forced through a 140 micron rated filter and then into the two-phase nozzle. Heated air was injected into the two-phase chamber at 212 C and 38 psig. A flow of air, Reon powder, copper oxide powder, and chitosan powder at 350 C was impinged upon the primary two-phase flow, thereby attaching the powders to the polymer mixture melt. The weight ratio of the powders was: Reon 25%, copper oxide 25%, and chitosan 50%. A SEM picture of the collected fibers is shown in FIG. 20 . The production rate was 0.6 g/min. Example 9 โ…“ Mol Calcium Peroxide and โ…” Mol Citric Acid; and Chitosan [0113] A stainless steel reactor vessel (volume=0.5 l) was charged with 105 g of Capa 6100 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 45 g of Capa 6500 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), and 0.5 g of Cocamidopropyl Betaine. The mixture was heated to 154 C and pressurized to 40 psig. The heated and pressurized polymer was forced through a 140 micron rated filter and then into the two-phase flow nozzle. Heated air was injected into the two-phase chamber at 228 C and 40 psig. A flow of air, โ…“ mol calcium peroxide powder, โ…” mol citric acid powder, and chitosan powder at 60 C was impinged upon the primary two-phase flow, thereby attaching the powders to the polymer mixture melt. The weight ratio of the powders was: citric acid 51%, calcium peroxide 19%, and chitosan 25%. A SEM picture of the collected fibers is shown in FIG. 21 . The production rate was 0.71 g/min. Example 10 Kaolin, Chitosan, and Reon Vacuum Steamed [0114] A stainless steel reactor vessel (volume=0.5 l) was charged with 105 g of Capa 6100 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 45 g of Capa 6500 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), and 0.5 g of Cocamidopropyl Betaine. The mixture was heated to 152 C and pressurized to 40 psig. The heated and pressurized polymer was forced through a 140 micron rated filter and then into the two-phase flow nozzle. Heated air was injected into the two-phase chamber at 212 C and 38 psig. A flow of air, Reon powder, kaolin powder, and chitosan powder at 350 C impinged upon the primary two-phase flow, thereby attaching the powders to the polymer mixture melt. The weight ratio of the powders was: Reon 40%, kaolin 50%, and chitosan 10%. The production rate was 0.6 g/min. After the sample was formed, a flow of steam was vacuumed through the material. This technique made the reon powder sticky thus forming more of a bond between the powders and the fibers. A SEM picture of the material is shown in FIG. 22 . Example 11 Kaolin, Chitosan, and Reon [0115] A stainless steel reactor vessel (volume=0.5 l) was charged with 105 g of Capa 6100 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 45 g of Capa 6500 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), and 0.5 g of Cocamidopropyl Betaine. The mixture was heated to 152 C and pressurized to 40 psig. The heated and pressurized polymer was forced through a 140 micron rated filter and then into the two-phase nozzle. Heated air was injected into the two-phase chamber at 212 C and 38 psig. A flow of air, Reon powder, kaolin powder, and chitosan powder at 350 C was impinged upon the primary two-phase flow, thereby attaching the powders to the polymer mixture melt. The weight ratio of the powders was: Reon 25%, copper oxide 25%, and chitosan 50%. A SEM picture of the collected fibers is shown in FIG. 23 . The production rate was 0.6 g/min. Example 12 Kaolin [0116] A stainless steel reactor vessel (volume=0.5 l) was charged with 100 g of Capa 6100 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 30 g of Capa 6500 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 5 g of Capa 6800 (Perstop), and 0.5 g of Cocamidopropyl Betaine. The mixture was heated to 156 C and pressurized to 50 psig. The heated and pressurized mixture was forced through a 140 micron rated filter and then into the two-phase nozzle. Heated air was injected into the two-phase chamber at 197 C and 50 psig. A flow of heated air and Kaolin powder was impinged upon the primary two-phase flow, thereby attaching powder to the polymer mixture melt. A SEM picture of the collected fibers is shown in FIG. 24 . The flowrate was 1.89 g/min. Example 13 [0117] A stainless steel reactor vessel (volume=0.5 l) was charged with 100 g of Capa 6100 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 30 g of Capa 6500 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 5 g of Capa 6800 (Perstop), and 0.5 g of Cocamidopropyl Betaine. The mixture was heated to 130 C and pressurized to 42 psig. The heated and pressurized mixture was forced through a 140 micron rated filter and then into the two-phase nozzle. Heated air was injected into the two-phase chamber at 207 C and 38 psig. Heated air was impinged onto the 2 phase flow at 400 C. A SEM picture of the collected fibers is shown in FIG. 25 . The flowrate of fibers was 0.33 g/min. Example 14 [0118] A stainless steel reactor vessel (volume=0.5 l) was charged with 50 g of NatureWorksยฎ PLA polymer 6302D. The polymer was heated to 174 C and pressurized to 42 psig. The heated and pressurized polymer was forced through a 140 micron rated filter and then into the two-phase nozzle. Heated air was injected into the two-phase chamber at 278 C and 50 psig. A flow of heated air at approximately 350 C and powder mixture impinged upon the primary two-phase flow, thereby attaching the powder mixture to the polymer mixture melt. The powder mixture was 95% Reonโ„ข and 2.5% Chrysal Clear Professional 2. The free jet carrying the PLA fibers and the attached Reonโ„ข and Chrysal Clear Professional 2 powder mixture impinged upon the stems of a bouquet of cut flowers. The flowers were rotated slowly under the free jet allowing the fibers and attached powders to form a layer of material for transporting the bouquet. The material covered the cut ends of the stems and a distance of about 6 cm along the stems from the cut ends toward the flowers. The bouquet of flowers with the material is shown in FIGS. 26 , 27 , and 28 . Example 15 Tissue Scaffold [0119] A stainless steel reactor vessel (volume=0.5 l) was charged with 105 g of Capa 6100 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 45 g of Capa 6500 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), and 0.5 g of Cocamidopropyl Betaine. The mixture was heated to 150 C and pressurized to 40 psig. The heated and pressurized mixture was forced through a 140 micron rated filter and then into the two-phase nozzle as shown in FIG. 2 . Heated air was injected into the two-phase chamber at 210 C and 38 psig. Flowrate was 0.6 g/min. The issuing fibers were impinged upon a rotating circular plastic drinking straw at a distance of about 8 to 10 inches. The fibers were allowed to collect for about 4 to 4 minutes resulting in the formation of a tubular structure as shown in FIG. 29 . The structure would be useful as a tissue engineering scaffold. Example 16 [0120] A stainless steel reactor vessel (volume=0.5 l) was charged with 70 g of Capa 6100 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 30 g of Capa 6500 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 25 g of Natureworks polylatic acid polymer (PLA grade 6302D), and 2.5 g kaolin powder. The mixture was heated to 165 C and pressurized to 40 psig. The heated and pressurized mixture was forced through a 140 micron rated filter and then into the two-phase nozzle as shown in FIG. 2 . Heated air was injected into the two-phase chamber at 265 C and 50 psig. The fibers produced were collected on a screen 12-28 inches away. Example 17 [0121] A stainless steel reactor vessel (volume=0.5 l) was charged with 105 g of Capa 6100 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 37.5 g of Capa 6500 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 7.5 g of Capa 6800 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), and 0.75 g of cocamidopropyl betaine. The mixture was heated to 150 C and pressurized to 50 psig. The heated and pressurized mixture was forced through a 140 micron rated filter and then into the two-phase nozzle as shown in FIG. 2 . Heated air was injected into the two-phase chamber at 232 C and 52 psig. The fibers produced were collected on a screen 12-28 inches away. Example 18 [0122] A stainless steel reactor vessel (volume=0.5 l) was charged with 105 g of Capa 6100 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 37.5 g of Capa 6500 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 7.5 g of Capa 6800 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 0.75 g of cocamidopropyl betaine, and 1.5 g sodium percarbonate. The mixture was heated to 80 C and pressurized to 40 psig. The heated and pressurized mixture was forced through a 140 micron rated filter and then into the two-phase nozzle as shown in FIG. 2 . Heated air was injected into the two-phase chamber at 240 C and 50 psig. The fibers produced were collected on a screen 12-28 inches away. A SEM picture of the fibers collected is shown in FIG. 30 . Example 19 [0123] A stainless steel reactor vessel (volume=0.5 l) was charged with 25 g of Capa 6100 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 25 g poly (2-ethyl 2 oxazoline) polymer, and 2.75 g kaolin powder. The mixture was heated to 154 C and pressurized to 32 psig. The heated and pressurized mixture was forced through a 140 micron rated filter and then into the two-phase nozzle as shown in FIG. 2 . Heated air was injected into the two-phase chamber at 243 C and 40 psig. The fibers produced were collected on a screen 12-28 inches away. A SEM picture of the fibers collected is shown in FIG. 31 . Example 20 [0124] A stainless steel reactor vessel (volume=0.5 l) was charged with 25 g of Capa 6100 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 27.3 g of Capa 6500 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 10 g poly (2-ethyl 2 oxazoline) polymer, and 5 g water. The mixture was heated to 151 C and pressurized to 32 psig. The heated and pressurized mixture was forced through a 140 micron rated filter and then into the two-phase nozzle as shown in FIG. 2 . Heated air was injected into the two-phase chamber at 222 C and 40 psig. The fibers produced were collected on a screen 12-28 inches away. Example 21 [0125] A stainless steel reactor vessel (volume=0.5 l) was charged with 105 g of Capa 6100 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), 45 g of Capa 6500 polycaprolactone polymer (Perstorp), The mixture was heated to 160 C and pressurized to 60 psig. The heated and pressurized mixture was forced through a 140 micron rated filter and then into the two-phase nozzle as shown in FIG. 32 . Heated air was injected into the two-phase chamber at 245 C and 80 psig. The fiber flowrate was 0.141 g/min. The fibers produced were collected on a moving scrim of Reemayยฎ as it passed over a vacuum box. The exit of the two-phase nozzle was 18 inches from the collecting surface. The machine-direction (MD) uniformity of the collected sheet material was measured by weighing 0.5 inch squares in lanes in the MD. Three lanes were measured, each with 14 squares. The sample uniformity index, UI, was calculated to be 5.6 (see definition of UI.)
The disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for producing nanofibers and non-woven nanofibrous materials from polymer melts, liquids and particles using a two-phase flow nozzle. The process comprises supplying a first phase comprising a polymer melt and a second phase comprising a pressurized gas stream to a two-phase flow nozzle; injecting the polymer melt and the pressurized gas stream into a mixing chamber within the two-phase flow nozzle wherein the mixing chamber combines the polymer flow and pressurized gas into a two-phase flow; distributing the two-phase flow uniformly to a converging channel terminating into an channel exit wherein the converging channel accelerates the two-phase flow creating a polymeric film along the surface of the converging channel and fibrillating the polymeric film at the channel exit of the converging channel in the form of a plurality of nanofibers.
3
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of electronic text entry, and more particularly to a method of entering Japanese hiragana characters and translating into appropriate Japanese words using a combination of hiragana, katakana and kanji characters. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The Japanese written language contains three separate character strings. Simple Japanese characters representing phonetic syllables are represented by the hiragana and katakana character sets (together referred to as โ€œkanaโ€). Hiragana characters, which are characterized by a cursive style, are typically used for words native to Japan. Katakana characters, which are characterized by a more angular style, are typically used for words borrowed from other cultures, or for emphasis and sound effects. The third character set in Japanese is kanji. Kanji are the complex Japanese characters borrowed from the Chinese language. There are over 9000 kanji characters in the Japanese language. Approximately 4000 kanji are used on a semi-regular basis, while knowledge of 2000 kanji is generally required to read a newspaper or get around in Japan. The complexity of the Japanese written language poses several challenges for efficient text entry in computers, word processors, and other electronic devices. [0003] [0003]FIG. 1A shows an example of Japanese hiragana and katakana characters. The hiragana 151 and katakana 152 character sets each contain 46 base characters. Both sets of kana have identical pronunciations and rules of construction, only the shapes of the characters are different to emphasize the different usage of the words. Some base kana characters are used in certain combinations and in conjunction with special symbols (called โ€œnigoriโ€ and โ€œmaruโ€) to produce voiced and aspirated variations of the basic syllables, thus resulting in a full character set for representing the approximately 120 different Japanese phonetic sounds. If a Japanese keyboard included separate keys for all of the voiced and aspirated variants of the basic syllables, the keyboard would need to contain at least 80 character keys. Such a large number of keys create a crowded keyboard with keys, which are often not easily discernible. If the nigori and maru symbol keys are included separately, the number of character keys can be reduced to 57 keys. However, to generate voiced or aspirated versions of a base character requires the user to enter two or more keystrokes for a single character. [0004] Common methods of Japanese text entry for computers and like devices typically require the use of a standard Japanese character keyboard or a roman character keyboard, which has been adapted for Japanese use. A typical kana keyboard has keys which represent typically only one kana set (usually hiragana) which may be input directly from the keyboard. A conventional method is to take the hiragana text from the keyboard containing the hiragana keys as an input, and convert it into a Japanese text using a process called Kana-Kanji conversion. A typical Japanese text is represented by hiragana, katakana and kanji characters, such as sentence 150 , which has English meaning of โ€œWatch a movie in San Joseโ€. The text 150 includes katakana characters 154 which are corresponding to a foreign word of โ€œSan Joseโ€, a hiragana character 155 that is normally used as a particle, and a kanji character set 153 . [0005] [0005]FIG. 1B shows a conventional method of converting a hiragana text to a Japanese text. Referring to FIG. 1, the Japanese hiragana characters are entered 1101 through a keyboard. The hiragana characters are converted 102 to Japanese texts by looking up characters in a database (e.g., dictionary). Then the user has to inspect 103 and check 104 whether the conversion is correct. If the conversion is incorrect (e.g., the dictionary does not contain such conversion), the user has to manually force the system to convert the hiragana text. A typical user interaction involves selecting 105 portions of the hiragana texts, which are converted incorrectly and explicitly instructing 106 the system to convert such portion. The system then presents 107 a candidate list including all possible choices. The user normally checks 109 whether the conversion is correct. If the conversion is correct, the user then selects 108 a choice as its best output and inserts the correct result to form the final output text. If the conversion is incorrect, the user reselects a different portion of the input and tries to manually convert the reselected portion again. [0006] One of the conventional methods, transliteration (direct conversion from hiragana to katakana) normally does not provide a correct result for most of the cases, because typically users choose (e.g., in a method shown in FIG. 1B), instead of the katakana word, a segment containing the word and one or more trailing post particles that are written in hiragana in the final form. The normal transliteration will also convert all trailing post particles to katakana form which is incorrect. [0007] Another conventional method generates alternative candidates by transliterating the leading sub-string of the string. This method takes advantage of the fact that the trailing particles are always trailing and are all in hiragana. This method creates many candidates that may include the correct one among them. Following is an illustration of an example of the a conventional method (in English): input: inthehouse output 1: INTHEHOUSE output 2: i NTHEHOUSE output 3: in THEHOUSE output 4: int HEHOUSE output 5: inth EHOUSE output 6: inthe HOUSE - (correct one) output 7: intheh OUSE output 8: intheho USE output 9: inthehou SE output 10: inthehous E output 11: inthehouse [0008] As described above, the conventional method generates many candidates after the user selects a potion of the input text to be corrected, which may lead to confusion of the final selection, even though such candidates may include a correct choice. Another conventional method involves an analyzer, which can recognize post particles. It analyzes the range from the end until the analyzer cannot find post particles any more. However, the conventional methods require a user to interact thereby potentially lower efficiency in order to achieve accurate results. [0009] One of the disadvantages of the conventional method is that if a Katakana word is not in the dictionary, the conversion containing the Katakana word usually fails. Another disadvantage of this method is that it involves user-specific interaction to convert and select the best candidate. It consumes more time and efforts if the user does not know the possible outputs of the conversion. Hence, a better method to automatically and efficiently convert Japanese hiragana character string to katakana character string is highly desirable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] The present invention discloses methods and apparatuses for converting a first character string to a second character string. In addition to a regular dictionary, the invention includes a virtual dictionary to generate an artificial character string based on the first character string. When the first character string cannot be converted through a regular dictionary (e.g., the regular dictionary does not know the first character string), the invention uses the artificial character string generated by the virtual dictionary to convert the first character string. Therefore, with the virtual dictionary of the invention, the conversion never fails. [0011] In one aspect of the invention, an exemplary method includes receiving a hiragana input, automatically determining a plurality of possible katakana candidates based on the hiragana input, analyzing the plurality of possible katakana candidates to convert the hiragana input to katakana characters, selecting one of the katakana candidates, and outputting converted text comprising the one of the katakana candidates and, at least in some cases, kanji characters. [0012] In another aspect of the invention, an exemplary method includes receiving a first character string having the source character string, dividing the first character string into a plurality of sub-strings, converting the plurality of the sub-strings to second character strings through a dictionary, creating third character strings corresponding to the plurality of the sub-strings, analyzing the second and third character strings, constructing fourth character strings from the second and third character strings based on the analysis, creating a candidate list based on the fourth character strings, selecting the target character string from the candidate list and outputting the target character string. [0013] In one particular exemplary embodiment, the method includes constructing the fourth character strings from the second character strings, if the second character strings contain a character string corresponding to the first character string, and constructing the fourth character strings from the third character strings if the second character strings do not contain the character string corresponding to the first character sting. In another embodiment, the method includes examining the output of the conversion to determine whether the conversion is correct, providing the candidate list of alternative character strings if the conversion is incorrect, and selecting a character string from the candidate list as a final output. In a further embodiment, the method includes providing an artificial target character string and updating the database based on the artificially created character string. [0014] The present invention includes apparatuses which perform these methods, and machine readable media which when executed on a data processing system, causes the system to perform these methods. Other features of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description which follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. [0016] [0016]FIG. 1A shows examples of Japanese characters including hiragana, katakana, and kanji characters. [0017] [0017]FIG. 1B shows a conventional method of converting a hiragana text to a Japanese text. [0018] [0018]FIG. 2 shows a computer system which may be used with the present invention. [0019] [0019]FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the kana-kanji conversion system of the present invention. [0020] [0020]FIG. 4 shows an example of calculation of cost values of the katakana character set used by one embodiment of the invention. [0021] [0021]FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the kana-kanji conversion system with user interaction of the present invention. [0022] [0022]FIG. 6A shows an embodiment of conversion processes from hiragana character set to katakana character set of the invention. [0023] [0023]FIG. 6B shows an illustration of an example of the invention versus a process of a conventional method. [0024] [0024]FIG. 7 shows a method of converting hiragana characters to katakana characters of the invention. [0025] [0025]FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of conversion processes from hiragana character set to katakana character set of the invention. [0026] [0026]FIGS. 9A and 9B show another method of converting hiragana characters to katakana characters of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0027] The following description and drawings are illustrative of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention in detail. [0028] Japanese is written with kanji (characters of Chinese origin) and two sets of phonetic kana symbols, hiragana and katakana. A single kanji character may contain one symbol or several symbols, and may, by itself, represent an entire word or object. Unlike kanji, kana have no intrinsic meaning unless combined with other kana or kanji to form words. Both hiragana and katakana contain 46 symbols each. Combinations and variations of the kana characters provide the basis for all of the phonetic sounds present in the Japanese language. All Japanese text can be written in hiragana or katakana. However, since there is no space between the words in Japanese, it is inconvenient to read a sentence when the words of the sentence are constructed by either hiragana or katakana only. Therefore most of the Japanese texts include hiragana, katakana and kanji characters. Normally, kanji characters are used as nouns, adjectives or verbs, while hiragana and katakana are used for particles (e.g., โ€œofโ€, โ€œatโ€, etc.). [0029] As computerized word processors have been greatly improved, the Japanese word processing can be implemented through a word processing software. Typical Japanese characters are inputted as hiragana only because it is impractical to include all of hiragana, katakana and kanji characters (kana-kanji) in a keyboard. Therefore, there is a lot of interest to create an improved method of converting hiragana characters to katakana characters. The present invention introduces a unique method to convert hiragana characters to katakana characters automatically based on the predetermined relationships between hiragana characters and katakana characters. The methods are normally performed by software executed in a computer system. [0030] [0030]FIG. 2 shows one example of a typical computer system, which may be used with the present invention. Note that while FIG. 2 illustrates various components of a computer system, it is not intended to represent any particular architecture or manner of interconnecting the components as such details are not germane to the present invention. It will also be appreciated that network computers and other data processing systems (e.g., a personal digital assistant), which have fewer components or perhaps more components, may also be used with the present invention. The computer system of FIG. 2 may, for example, be an Apple Macintosh computer or a personal digital assistant (PDA). [0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the computer system 200 , which is a form of a data processing system, includes a bus 202 which is coupled to a microprocessor 203 and a ROM 207 and volatile RAM 205 and a non-volatile memory 206 . The microprocessor 203 , which may be a G3 or G4 microprocessor from Motorola, Inc. or IBM is coupled to cache memory 204 as shown in the example of FIG. 2. The bus 202 interconnects these various components together and also interconnects these components 203 , 207 , 205 , and 206 to a display controller and display device 208 and to peripheral devices such as input/output (I/O) devices which may be mice, keyboards, modems, network interfaces, printers and other devices which are well known in the art. Typically, the input/output devices 210 are coupled to the system through input/output controllers 209 . The volatile RAM 205 is typically implemented as dynamic RAM (DRAM) which requires power continually in order to refresh or maintain the data in the memory. The non-volatile memory 206 is typically a magnetic hard drive or a magnetic optical drive or an optical drive or a DVD RAM or other type of memory systems which maintain data even after power is removed from the system. Typically, the non-volatile memory will also be a random access memory although this is not required. While FIG. 2 shows that the non-volatile memory is a local device coupled directly to the rest of the components in the data processing system, it will be appreciated that the present invention may utilize a non-volatile memory which is remote from the system, such as a network storage device which is coupled to the data processing system through a network interface such as a modem or Ethernet interface. The bus 202 may include one or more buses connected to each other through various bridges, controllers and/or adapters as are well known in the art. In one embodiment the I/O controller 209 includes a USB (Universal Serial Bus) adapter for controlling USB peripherals. [0032] [0032]FIG. 3 shows a system used by an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the system 300 typically includes an input unit 301 , an input method UI, and system interface 302 , a morphological analysis engine (MAE) 303 , a dictionary management module (DMM) 305 and an output unit 308 . The input unit 301 may be a keyboard such as I/O device 210 of FIG. 2. The input unit may be a touch pad, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). The input unit may be a set of application programming interfaces (APIs) that receive inputs from an application. Other types of inputs may exist. The input unit 301 accepts Japanese characters inputted (e.g., Japanese hiragana characters). The hiragana characters are transmitted to the input method and interfaces 302 , which in turn transmits to the MAE 303 . The MAE 303 then accesses to a databases, such as regular dictionaries 307 and virtual dictionary 306 , through DMM 305 . The regular dictionaries 307 may include most known Japanese words corresponding to the hiragana words. The regular dictionaries 307 may be stored in a random access memory (RAM), such as volatile RAM 205 , or it may be stored in a hard disk, such as nonvolatile memory 206 . In one embodiment, the regular dictionaries 307 may be stored in a remote storage location (e.g., network storage), through a network. It is useful to note that the present invention may be implemented in a network computing environment, wherein the regular dictionaries may be stored in a server and an application executed in a client accesses to the regular dictionaries through a network interface over a network. Multiple applications executed at multiple clients may access the regular dictionaries simultaneously and share the information of the regular dictionaries over the network. Although the regular dictionaries 307 are illustrated as single dictionary, it would be appreciated that the regular dictionaries 307 may comprise multiple dictionaries or databases. In another embodiment, the regular dictionaries 307 may comprise multiple look-up tables. The virtual dictionary 306 may direct convert every single hiragana character to a katakana character. The virtual dictionary may contain a look-up table to look up every single katakana character for each hiragana character. The DMM 305 is responsible for managing all dictionaries including dictionaries 306 and 307 . DMM 305 is also responsible for updating any information to the dictionaries upon requests from the MAE 303 . In one embodiment, the DMM 305 also manages another database 304 where all of the rules or policies are stored. [0033] The virtual dictionary 306 may include direct translation of the hiragana characters to katakana characters. The virtual dictionary 306 may return all multiple words with different part of speeches. In one embodiment, the virtual dictionary may return three parts of speeches. They are noun, noun that can be used as verb and adjective. It is useful to note that artificially generated katakana words from the virtual dictionary look no different from regular words once they are returned from the virtual dictionary. [0034] In another embodiment, the dictionary database may be divided into two or more dictionaries. One of them is a regular dictionary containing regular words. The other dictionary is a special dictionary (e.g., so-called virtual dictionary). The special dictionary may contain all possible katakana characters including the artificial katakana characters created during the processing. The katakana is straight transliteration of the hiragana input. The virtual dictionary may return multiple words with different part of speeches. Each word has its priority value. Such priority value may be assigned by the virtual dictionary. For example, in the implementation for string โ€œA-Ka-Ma-Iโ€, the dictionary may return three outputs with different part of speeches, Noun, Noun that is associated with verb and adjective, as follows: [0035] A-Ka-Ma-I POS: Noun Priority: 100 [0036] A-Ka-Ma-I POS: Noun that can work as a verb Priority: 100 [0037] A-Ka-Ma-I POS: Adjective Priority: 100 [0038] Other implementations may exist. [0039] Three words can be considered as one record, or they may be considered as three separate records. The priority value can be the same for all words returned from the dictionary. The priority value could be calculated from the katakana and/or the part of speeches. In one embodiment, the priority value is determined by the length of the word. In another embodiment, the priority may be based on bi-gram and tri-gram statistics of the katakana and can be adjusted based on the part of speeches. Typically the priority value is set lower than all or most of regular words in regular dictionaries, in order to prevent the artificial katakana words from appearing as the most probable conversion when there are proper regular words available. [0040] Part of speeches defines how often or easy words of a certain part-of-speech come next to the other words of certain part-of-speech. It could be just yes/no value. Subject to the implementation, there are cases one word has two part-of-speeches. One for the right side connection and the other for left side connection. Also, there are cases that it is also used to determine not only the next or previous words, but also the connection with words at before the previous or after the next. [0041] Referring to FIG. 3, the MAE 303 sends a request to DMM 305 to convert the inputted hiragana words. The DMM 305 searches the regular dictionaries 307 for corresponding Japanese words. At the mean while, the MAE 303 then sends a request to DMM 303 to retrieve all possible katakana character combinations from the virtual dictionary 306 . In general the MAE 303 will select the words from the regular dictionaries 307 , if the dictionaries 307 contain such direct translation. Otherwise, the MAE 303 will select an artificial katakana word created by the virtual dictionary 306 . [0042] The MAE 303 also invokes a set of rules from a database 304 and applies the set of rules to the analysis of all possible combinations. The database 304 containing the rules may be a separate database, or it may be the same database as the dictionary 306 or 307 . Each of the possible combinations is associated with a usage frequency. The usage frequency represents how frequent the characters are previously being used. The dictionary may also include a connection relationship between each character set (e.g., noun, adjective, and verb, etc.). The set of rules may include the information of usage frequency and connection relationship. The MAE 303 applies these rules to construct a possible candidate pool or list from the possible combination from the dictionary 306 , based on the set of rule. In one embodiment, the set of rules may include semantic or grammar rules to construct the candidate list. For example, the word โ€œhotโ€ may mean hot temperature or mean spicy food. When the word โ€œhotโ€ is associated with the word โ€œsummerโ€, e.g., โ€œhot summerโ€, the word โ€œhotโ€ means more like โ€œhot temperatureโ€, rather then โ€œspicyโ€. The MAE 303 may calculate the cost values of the candidates based on the set of rule. The final candidate may consist of the least cost value among the candidate list. [0043] [0043]FIG. 4 shows an example of two candidates being constructed to represent the word of โ€œSan Joseโ€, where each of them comprises a usage frequency. The first choice comprises character 401 , 402 and second choice comprises character set 404 . Character 404 is a particle. Character 401 has a usage frequency of f1 and character 402 has a usage frequency f2. The particle character 403 has a usage frequency f3. In addition, the connection between characters 401 and 402 is c1 and c2 between characters 402 and 403 . As a result, the cost value of the first choice may be: Cost Value 1 =f 1 +f 2 +f 3 +c 1 +c 2 [0044] Similarly, the second choice may have cost value of: Cost Value 2 =fa+f 3+ ca [0045] In one embodiment, the cost values may include semantic or grammar factors. The evaluation unit 303 evaluates the cost values of two choices and selects the one with the least cost value, in this case cost value 2, as a final output of the conversion. [0046] However, although the evaluation unit selects the final output based on least cost value and in most cases the selected outputs are correct, in some rare cases, the correct output may not has least cost value. Under the circumstances, the invention provides an opportunity for a user to interact. FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, the system 300 provides a user interaction 309 , where the user can examine the output generated by the MAE 303 and determine whether the output is correct. If the user decides the output is incorrect, the MAE 303 retrieves the candidate list from the database (e.g., virtual dictionary 306 ), through DMM 305 , and displays the candidate list to a user interface. In one embodiment, the user interface may be a pop-up window. The user then can select the best choice (e.g., final choice) from the candidate list as an output. In a further embodiment, the output may be transmitted to an application through an application programming interface (API), from which the application may select a final choice. [0047] In another embodiment, if the candidate list does not contain a correct output the user desires, the invention further provides means for user directly enters the final output manually and force the system to convert the hiragana characters to katakana characters. The system will update its database (e.g., virtual dictionary 306 or regular dictionaries 307 ) to include the final output katakana word entered by the user as a future reference. In a further embodiment, the user may in fact modify the rules applied to the conversion and store the user specific rules in the database 304 . [0048] [0048]FIG. 6A shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention. A Japanese hiragana character string 601 , which has English meaning of โ€œWatch a movie in San Joseโ€, is inputted to the system. The morphological analysis engine (MAE) 604 will look up a database, such as dictionaries 307 , to search corresponding Japanese words. The system transmits the portion 602 to the morphological analysis engine (MAE) 604 , through a user interface 616 . The MAE 604 divides the input into a plurality of sub-strings and communicates with the dictionary management module (DMM) 608 and looks up dictionaries 606 for direct translation for each sub-string. At the mean while, the DMM instructs the virtual dictionary 607 to create all possible katakana words corresponding to each sub-string. As a result, a pool of words 605 is formed with regular Japanese words from the regular dictionaries 606 and artificially created katakana words from the virtual dictionary 609 . In one embodiment, each of those Japanese character strings 605 is associated with a usage frequency value and there is connection relationship information between each of the character set. In another embodiment, each of the character strings 605 is associated with a priority value. Typically the priorities of the artificially created katakana words are lower than the regular words from the regular dictionaries to prevent any confusion. That is, the system will pick the regular words from the regular dictionaries over the artificially created katakana words. The system utilizes the artificially created words only when there are no corresponding regular words from dictionaries 606 . The priority information may be stored in the dictionaries 606 as well. Next, the MAE 604 evaluates and analyzes the character strings 605 and applies a set of rules from the database 607 . Although database 607 and dictionary 606 are illustrated as separate databases, it would be appreciated that these two databases may be combined to form a single database. The MAE 604 constructs another set of character strings 610 from the character strings 605 , based on the set of rules. The words 610 are considered as a candidate list, where the word with least cost value is considered higher priority, such as word 611 , while the character set with high cost value, such as word 612 , is considered lower priority. Other priority schemes may exist. Based on the candidate list, the MAE 604 selects a candidate with higher priority, such as character strings 613 as final target character string. The character string 613 is then applied to the rest of the character strings to form the final sentence 614 . [0049] [0049]FIG. 6B shows a method used by the invention against a conventional method. Referring to FIG. 6B, a Japanese hiragana character string 651 , which has an English meaning of โ€œSan Joseโ€, is inputted through an input method. The input method normally divides the input into multiple sub-strings 652 . For each of the multiple sub-strings, the dictionaries 653 are used to convert the sub-strings 652 as much as possible into another set of Japanese words 654 . The dictionaries 653 normally contain most of the known words, such as word 663 . However, in the case of word โ€œSan Joseโ€, such as word 662 , it is not known to the dictionaries. Thus, the dictionaries are not able to convert it, leaving the word 662 unavailable. A conventional method will perform analysis on the words 654 , applies rules 664 (e.g., grammar rules), and generates a candidate list 660 . From which word 661 is selected as a final candidate, which is incorrect. As a result, a user must manually convert the input 651 to generate the correct conversion. [0050] The present invention introduces a virtual katakana dictionary 655 . In addition to the conversion using regular dictionaries, the virtual dictionary 655 takes the sub-strings 652 and creates a set of corresponding artificial katakana words 656 . By combining the regular words 654 from the dictionaries 653 and the artificial katakana words 656 generated from the virtual dictionary 655 and applying set of rules, the full set of words 658 corresponding to the sub-strings are created. As a result, each of the sub-strings has its corresponding converted string, which may be a regular Japanese word, such as word 663 , or an artificial katakana word. The invention then creates a candidate list 658 based on the set of rules 657 . Each of the candidates is associated with a priority based on the rules. From the candidate list the word with highest priority is selected as final correct candidate 659 . [0051] [0051]FIG. 7 shows a method of an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIGS. 6A and 7, the method starts with inputting 701 Japanese hiragana characters, such as hiragana character string 601 . It divides 702 the hiragana character string into multiple sub-strings and converts 708 each of the sub-strings into Japanese words through a dictionary, such as dictionaries 606 . At the mean while, the method creates 703 all possible katakana character strings related to the input, through the virtual dictionary 609 . A pool of the Japanese words 605 is formed from both the regular words and artificial katakana words. It then constructs 704 a candidate list 610 , wherein the candidate with lower cost value has higher priority while the candidate with higher cost value has lower priority. The priority of the artificially created katakana words may be assigned by the virtual dictionary. The method then analyzes 705 the candidate list and selects 707 the best candidate 613 (e.g., lowest cost value) based on the analysis. The final candidate is then outputted 708 to form the final sentence 614 . [0052] [0052]FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the invention, where the invention may involve a user interaction. The input 601 contains Japanese hiragana character string where portion 602 (e.g., โ€œSan Joseโ€) cannot be directly converted, while portion 603 can be converted through regular dictionaries 606 . The system then uses virtual dictionary 609 to create all possible corresponding katakana words for every single sub-strings of portion 602 . The morphological analysis engine (MAE) 604 then constructs a candidate list 610 based on a set of rules. The set of rules may include character's usage frequency and connection relationship information between the characters. In another embodiment, the set of rules may contain semantic and grammar rules. A cost value is calculated for each candidate of the list. The candidate with the least cost value has highest priority, while the candidate with the most cost value has lower priority. As shown in FIG. 8, candidate 611 has highest priority among the candidates in the list. As a result, candidate 611 is selected as a final choice for the conversion by the evaluation unit 609 . However, in some rare cases, the choice 611 may not be correct, in which case, it involves a user interaction 615 . During the user interaction, the user selects portion of the input, such as portion 602 which has an English meaning of โ€œSan Joseโ€ and instructs the system to convert it. The system will pull out the pool of all candidates, such as candidate list 610 . In one embodiment, the candidate list is displayed through user interface, such as a pop-up window. From the list, the user selects the final output 616 and forms the final sentence 614 . Based on the user's selection, the system may update its database (e.g., dictionaries 606 and virtual dictionary 609 ), so that subsequent conversion will most likely succeed. [0053] [0053]FIG. 9 shows a method of another embodiment of the invention, converting a source character string to a target character string. The method receives a first character string having the source character string from a user interface. It divides the first character string into multiple sub-strings. It then converts the sub-strings to second character strings through a dictionary. At the same time, the method creates third character strings corresponding to the sub-strings through a virtual dictionary. It then analyzes the second and third character strings and constructs fourth character strings based on the analysis. Next it creates a candidate list based on the priority information and selects the final candidate with the highest priority from the candidate list. [0054] Referring to FIG. 9, Japanese hiragana character string is received 901 through a user interface, such as keyboard. In one embodiment, the user interface may include a touch pad from a palm pilot, or other inputting devices. In a further embodiment, the Japanese hiragana character string may be received from an application software through an application programming interface (API). The hiragana character string is divided 902 into multiple sub-strings. The morphological analysis engine (MAE) then communicates with the dictionary management module (DMM) to convert 903 each of the sub-strings into corresponding Japanese words through regular dictionaries. At the same time, the MAE also instructs DMM to create 904 all possible katakana words corresponding to the sub-strings through the virtual dictionary. Next the system constructs 905 possible candidates from the all possible words including Japanese words from the regular dictionaries and artificial katakana words generated from the virtual dictionary, and forms a candidate list. The possible choices of the katakana words from the virtual dictionary may include part speech information. The system may use a set of rules to construct the candidates. In one embodiment, the set if rules may include usage frequency of each katakana character set and connection relationship between each choice. In another embodiment, the set of rules may include word's semantic or grammar rules. This information may be stored in the database where the all possible katakana character sets are stored. In another embodiment, these rules may be stored in a separate database. The system next retrieves 906 the usage frequency and connection relationships from the database, and applies 907 the semantic and grammar rules to the analysis. Based on this information, the system calculates 908 cost values for all candidates. The candidate with least cost value is then selected 909 as final target character set. The final target character set may be displayed to a user interface in a display device. [0055] In a yet another aspect of the invention, a user may inspect 910 the result provided by the kana-kanji conversion engine to check 911 whether the conversion is correct. If the user is satisfied with the result, the conversion is done. However, if the conversion is incorrect, the user selects 912 the portion of the input (e.g., original hiragana input) and instruct the system to explicitly convert it. The system in turn provides all possible combination of Japanese words including the artificial katakana words, in a form of candidate list. The user then retrieves 913 such candidate list and display in a user interface. In one embodiment, the user interface is in a form of pop-up window. Next, the user may check 914 whether the candidate list contain the correct conversion. If the candidate list contains the correct conversion, the user selects 915 the best candidate from the candidate list. The system then updates 916 its database (e.g., knowledge bases) of the parameters (e.g., usage frequency, connection relationship, etc.) regarding to the user selection. The final selection is then outputted 917 to the application. In one embodiment, if the candidate list does not contain the correct result, the user may construct 918 and create the correct result manually through a user interface. Once the artificial conversion is created by the user, the system saves 919 such results in its database as a future reference. [0056] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will be evident that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set fourth in the following claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense.
Methods for converting a source character string to a target character string are described herein. In one aspect of the invention, an exemplary method includes receiving a first character string having the source character string, dividing the first character string into a plurality of sub-strings, converting the plurality of the sub-strings to second character strings through a dictionary, creating third character strings corresponding to the plurality of the sub-strings, analyzing the second and third character strings, constructing fourth character strings from the second and third character strings based on the analysis, creating a candidate list based on the fourth character strings, selecting the target character string from the candidate list and outputting the target character string. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
6
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates in general to pickup arm driving apparatus and, more particularly, to a pickup arm driving control system in record disc players with repeat playback function. 2. Description of the Prior Art Auto-repeat record players which can automatically repeat the playback operation are known in the prior art. Conventionally, auto-repeat players repeatedly play back the full recorded surface on one side of a record disc. That is, it has been impossible in such record disc players to repeatedly play back an optionally selected part of the loaded record disc. While, there will be an occasion where an user requires to play back only a part of a loaded record disc recording some music or information to which he like to listen. Any heretofore known auto-repeat record disc player could not meet such user's requirement. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel pickup arm driving control system in record disc players capable of repeatedly playing back a part of a loaded record disc set or directed by an user without using recording-break portion detecting sensors or the like. In accordance with the above object, the present invention is addressed to a pickup arm driving control system which comprises means for producing an output signal at every predetermined step of the moving of a tone arm, means for calculating the moving distance of the tone arm from a reference position at every output signal by accumulating said output signals, means for generating a first setting signal in response to a manual operation conducted when the tone arm is just tracking the start position of a part of the loaded record disc where an user wants repeat playback operation and a second setting signal in response to another manual operation conducted when the tone arm is just tracking the end position of the above mentioned repeat playback part of the loaded record, a memory unit for successively storing the up-dated one of the calculated result of moving distance as a first memory value at a first address, the first memory value upon the generation of the first setting signal as a second memory value at a second address and the first memory value upon the generation of the second setting signal as a third memory value at a third address, means for generating a first coincidence signal when the first memory value coincides with the second memory value during the repeat playback operation mode and a second coincidence signal when the first memory value coincides with the third memory value while the repeat reproduction for the above mentioned part of the record disc is being executed, and means for in response to the first and second coincidence signals controlling the manipulation of the tone arm so that the repeat reproduction may begin from the start position determined by the generation of the first setting signal and terminate at the end position determined by the generation of the second setting signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a linear tracking arm assembly applicable to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a pickup arm driving control system embodying the present invention. FIG. 3 consisting of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B is a flow chart showing the logic operation sequence of the system of FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION There is shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings main part of a linear tracking pickup arm mechanical assembly which is applicable to a pickup arm driving control system according to the present invention. Worm gear 1 with a horizontal center axis is mounted across mounting plates 2 and 3 in such a manner as to freely rotate about the horizontal center axis. Reversible motor 4 drives worm gear 1 in a forward or reversal rotation through pulley 5 and belt 6. Sliding table 7 is engaged with worm gear 1 so as to slide along worm gear 1 rotates and disc-like rotator plate 8 is fixed to the end portion of worm gear 1 so as to rotate together with the rotation of worm gear 1. Tone arm 10 is pivotally mounted on arm holder 9, which is secured to sliding table 7, so as to be freely turned in vertical planes making a right angle with the horizontal center axis of worm gear 1. An arm lifter (not shown in the drawing) pivotally turns tone arm 10 by a predetermined angle in a clockwise or counterclockwise. On one end of tone arm 10 is provided pickup cartride 11 and on the other end of tone arm 10 balancing weight 12. Guide rails 13 crossing from plate 2 to plate 3 guide sliding table 7 through rollers 14 projecting out of table 7. And also, mounting plate 2 is provided with rest position detecting means (not shown in the drawings), for example limit switch, which detects that tone arm 10 reaches the arm rest position and in response to the detection produces an output signal. In rotator plate 8, a plurality of slits are radially formed. As a photocoupler a light emitting element and a photodetecting element are positioned at the opposite sides of rotator plate 8. Rotator plate 8 and photocoupler 15 constitute rotary encoder 16 which produces output pulses, the number of which is proportional to the number of rotations of rotator plate 8. The rotation of reversible motor 4 in a forward mode causes sliding table 7 and tone arm 10 to travel toward mounting plate 3 and the rotation of motor 4 in a reversal mode causes sliding table 7 and tone arm 10 to travel toward mounting plate 2, that is the arm rest position. When a positive polarity input signal is applied to the afore-mentioned arm lifter, tone arm 10 is driven to pivotally turn in a vertical plate to the position where the stylus point of cartridge 11 abuts with the surface of a loaded record disc. Reversely, the arm lifter in response to the receipt of a negative polarity input signal pivotally turns tone arm 10 to the position where the stylus point lies apart from the surface of the loaded record disc. System Architecture Description A pickup arm driving control system embodying the present invention is illustrated in a schematic block diagram of FIG. 2. The illustrated system is arranged to controllably drive the pickup assembly of FIG. 1. Central processor unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 21, read only memory (ROM) 22, read and write memory (RAM) 23, clock pulse oscillator 24, input/output interface unit (I/O adaptor) 25 and operation board 26 constitute a microcomputer system. It will be easily understood that CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, oscillator 24 and I/O adaptor 25 can be realized by making use of corresponding parts of one chip microcomputer. ROM 22 previously stores a predetermined program which serves to control the sequence operation of CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23 and I/O adaptor 25. As required, CPU 21 fetches this program from ROM 22 and decodes it to generate control signals. ROM 22 also stores data for available record disc sizes, for 30 cm diameter record disc, count a 1 of output pulses produced in rotary encoder 16 when tone arm 10 travels from the arm rest position to the position where the stylus point of cartridge 11 lies right above the most outside sound groove of the loaded record disc during the forward driving mode of reversible motor 4 and count a 2 of output pulses produced in rotary encoder 16 when tone arm 10 travels from the arm rest position to the position where the stylus point lies right above the most inside sound groove of the disc. As further data of record disc size, counts b 1 and b 2 as defined in the above for 17 cm diameter record disc also are previously stored in ROM 22. Operation board 16 are provided with switch 26-1 for designating a record disc size in loading, switch 26-2 for directing the start of repeat operation and the end thereof, switch 26-3 directing play-cut operation and the like. When any one of switches on board 26 is depressed, an output signal associated with the depressed switch is transmitted through I/O adaptor 25 to CPU 21 and a processing directed by the depressed switch is executed. A control signal directing any one of forward rotation, stop or reverse rotation of reversible motor 4 is applied from CPU 21 through I/O adaptor 25 to motor driver 27. The rotation of motor 4 is driven by the output of driver 27 is a forward rotation mode, stop mode or reverse rotation mode. When tone arm 10 reaches the arm rest position, rest position arrival detector 28 produces an output signal which is in turn transmitted through I/O adaptor 25 to CPU 21. CPU 21 generates a signal for directing the turn of tone arm 10 in a vertical plane. This signal is applied through I/O adaptor 25 to the arm lifter. Reversible motor 4 rotates worm gear 1 through belt 6 and pulley 5. The rotation of worm gear 1 is accompanied with the rotation of rotator plate 8 of rotary encoder 16. Rotary encoder 16 produces output pulses the number of which is proportional to the number of rotations of rotator plate 8. These output pulses are transmitted through I/O adaptor 25 to CPU 21 and counted therein. The count V of these pulses is stored in RAM 23. The count V is up-dated at every output pulses produced by rotary encoder 16. During the interval while reversible motor 4 is rotating under the forward rotation driving signal, the pulses are up-counted. During the interval under the reverse rotation driving signal, the pulses are down-counted. And when tone arm 10 reaches the rest position, CPU 21 in response to the output issued from rest position arrival detector 28 clears count V. Accordingly, count V corresponds to the distance from the tone arm rest position to the existing position of tone arm 10. RAM 23 stores repeat operation start and end position data at predetermined addresses. When repeat switch 26-2 is depressed in such a manner as to direct the repeat operation start position, count V upon this depression of switch 26-2 (this count is hereinafter referred to as count C) is stored at an address in RAM 23. When repeat switch 26-2 depressed in such as amnner as to direct the repeat operation end position, count V upon this depression of switch 26-2 (this count is hereinafter referred to as count D) is stored at another address in RAM 23. CPU 21 makes a comparison between the current count V and the data count, that is count a 1 , a 2 , b 1 , b 2 , C or D, at a predetermined timing. According to the comparison resultant, CPU 21 provides moter driver 27, through I/O adapter 25, with a driving signal for directing forward rotation, stop or reverse rotation of reversible motor 4 and provides the arm lifter with a positive or negative polarity signal. System Operation Description A flow chart showing the logic sequence in the operation of the system arranged as shown in FIG. 2 is presented as FIG. 3. Steps in the sequence of the flow diagram are numbered 1-36 as shown in FIG. 3. The following description will be drawn along the flow in the diagram of FIG. 3. Steps 1-11 (Playback Start Operation Sequence) As a power switch is thrown, the microcomputer system enters on a running condition. It is examined as the first step whether or not tone arm 10 presently lies at the arm rest position. If yes, the system proceeds to a condition for waiting for a playback start signal originated by the depression of operation direction switch 26-3. If not, CPU 21 provides motor driver 27 with a reverse rotation driving signal so that the reverse rotation of motor 4 may move tone arm 10 to the arm rest position in a fast reversal driving mode. In response to the detection that tone arm 10 lies at the rest position, counts V, C and D in RAM 23 are cleared. As operation direction switch 26-3 generates the playback start signal, CPU 21 in response to the receipt of this signal provides motor driver 27 with a fast forward driving signal to drive motor 4 in a fast forward rotation mode so that tone arm 10 may move toward the center of a record disc (this moving direction is hereinafter referred to as forward direction) in a fast driving mode. Rotary encoder 16 generates output pulses as worm gear 1 rotates during the rotation of motor 4. These pulses are received by CPU 21 and counted therein. The count V is stored in RAM 23 and incrementedly up-dated at every pulse generated by rotary encoder 16. At every increment of count V, the current count V is compared with count a 1 or b 1 stored in ROM 22 according to the size of the loaded record disc. The record disc size has been designated by switch 26-1 before the user directs the start of playback. In the flow chart, the record disc size is designated as 30 cm diameter. Thus, CPU 21 can access an appropriate count data, in this case count a 1 , stored in ROM 22 according to the disc size designation. Disc size designation switch 26-1 can be replaced with for example an optical sensor mounted on tone arm 10 for detecting the outside peripheral edge of a loaded record disc. With this sensor, the size of a record disc loaded in the player can be determined by the count V at an instant when the optical sensor detects the outside peripheral edge of the record disc during the fast forward driving of tone arm 10. When count V coincides with count a 1 during the fast forward-driving of tone arm 10, CPU 21 learns it from this coincidence that tone arm 10 reaches the position right above the most outside sound groove of the loaded record disc. At this instant, CPU 21 generates a stop signal to be applied to motor driver 27 to transiently stop motor 4 and also a positive polarity signal to be applied to the arm lifter. Then CPU 21 provides motor driver 27 with a normal forward driving signal. Accordingly, tone arm 10 transiently stops at the position where count V=count a 1 . The arm lifter turns tone arm 10 so that the stylus point of cartridge 11 is put down on the record disc. After that, tone arm 10 is moved in the forward direction at a normal speed, with the stylus point of cartridge 11 abutting on the record disc. Now, the recorded information in the record disc is sequentially reproduced from the most outside sound groove. While tone arm 10 is being moved, rotary encoder 16 keeps generating output pulses. CPU 21 increments count V at every pulse. During the forward driving of tone arm 10, CPU 21 executes a comparison at every increment of count V to examine whether the current count V coincides with count a 2 stored in ROM 22 and with counts C and D stored in RAM 23. On the way of playback, when tone arm 10 reaches the start position of a part at which the user wants repeat playback, repeat switch 26-2 is depressed by the user. Steps 12-29 (Repeat Playback Operation Sequence) CPU 21 in response to an output signal produced by this first time depression stores at a predetermined address in RAM 23 count V upon the depression of repeat switch 26-2 as a start position data of repeat playback operation. As aforementioned, this count V is referred to as count C. Irrespective of the above repeat playback start position setting, the moving of tone arm 10 is kept and the reproduction continuously goes forward. Subsequently, when tone arm 10 reaches the end position at which the user requires to terminate the repeat playback operation, repeat switch 26-2 is depressed once again. CPU 21 in response to the second time depression on switch 26-2 stores at another address in RAM 23 count V upon the second time depression of switch 26-2, which is referred to as count D. At the same time of setting up the end position of repeat playback operation in the above manner, CPU 21 provides motor driver 27 with a stop signal to stop reversible motor 4. Successively, CPU 21 provides the arm lifter with a negative polarity signal to lift up tone arm 10 and also drives it at a fast speed through the fast reverse rotation of motor 4 so that tone arm 10 is moved toward the outside of the record disc (this direction is referred to as a reversal direction). CPU 21 decrements count V at every pulse generated from rotary encoder 16 during the reversal driving of tone arm 10. When tone arm 10 returns to the rest position, CPU 21 in response to the output signal produced by reset position arrival detector 28 rotates through motor driver 27 reversible motor 4 in the fast forward rotation mode. CPU 21 clears count V upon the situation of tone arm 10 at the rest position and in turn increments it at every pulse from rotary encoder 16 as tone arm 10 travels in the forward direction again. It will be understood that the above clearance of count V can be omitted from the operation sequence in case that count V decrements to zero when tone arm 10 arrives at the rest position. During the fast forward moving of tone arm 10, when the incremented count V coincides with count C stored in RAM 23 as the start position data of repeat playback operation, CPU 21 in response to this coincidence provides motor driver 27 with a stop signal and also the arm lifter with a positive polarity signal. Subsequently, CPU 21 provides motor driver 27 with a normal forward driving signal. As a result of the control by CPU 21, tone arm 10 transiently stops at the position where count V=count C, that is the start position of repeat playback operation, pivotally turns on arm holder 9 so that the stylus point of cartridge 11 may be put down on the record disc and then moves in the forward direction at the normal speed. Hereafter, the reproduction begins from the repeat playback start point set up through the first time depression of switch 26-2. On the way of this repeat playback, when count V coincides with count D stored in RAM 23 as the end position data of repeat playback operation, CPU 21 in response to this coincidence provides motor driver 27 with a stop signal to stop motor 4 at the end of repeat playback operation directed by the second time depression of repeat switch 26-2, the arm lifter with a negative polarity signal to lift up tone arm 10 so that the stylus point of cartridge 11 may lie apart from the record disc and then motor driver 27 with a fast reverse rotation signal to rotate motor 4 in a fast reversal mode so that tone arm 10 may be driven to the arm rest position. The next operation after tone arm 10 has arrived at the rest position returns to the starting step of repeat playback sequence. In this manner, the reproduction only for the selected part of a record disc is repeated. If the user want to stop the executing playback after step 28, he will depress operation direction switch 26-3 to generate an output signal which is interpreted as a cut signal in CPU 21 according to the program stored in ROM 22. In response to the cut signal, the operation sequence deviates from the repeat playback operation loop and goes to step 32 from step 29. Accordingly, tone arm 10 returns to the arm rest position. Provided that during the playback operation the second time depression of repeat switch 26-2 has not been made until tone arm 10 reaches the most inside sound groove of the loaded record disc, CPU 21 will detect the coincidence between count V and count a 2 . In this case, the operation sequence branches at step 14 and goes to step 17. CPU 21 stores count 92 at a predetermined address in RAM 23 as count D to set up D=a 2 . After that, the branch returns to the stem sequence at step 18. This operation is the same manner as a case where the second time depression of repeat switch 26-2 is made when count V reaches count a 2 . Accordingly, if the second time depression of repeat switch 26-2 is not made during the playback, the repeat playback operation will be executed in a range from the starting position directed by the first depression of repeat switch 26-2 to the end of recording in the loaded record disc. Steps 30-36 (Playback End Operation Sequence) After starting the playback operation, where the first time depression of repeat switch 26-2 is not made, tone arm 10 continues moving to the end position of the loaded record disc without any transient stop. CPU 21 will detect the coincidence between count V and count a 2 at the end position of the loaded record disc. CPU 21 in response to this detection stops reversible motor 4, lifts up tone arm 10 and return it to the arm rest position in a fast reversal driving. When motor 4 arrives at the arm rest position, count V is cleared. CPU 21 becomes a condition of waiting for a signal produced by operation direction switch 26-3. Thus, the repeat playback operation is not executed and the full one side of a record disc is reproduced. Cut Operation When a cut signal is originated by the depression of operation direction switch 26-3, CPU 21 in response to the receipt of the cut signal during the fast forward driving mode and the normal forward driving mode provides motor driver 27 with a stop signal, the arm lifter with a negative polarity signal and subsequently motor driver 27 with a fast reversal driving signal. Thus, tone arm 10 transiently stops, pivotally turns to the position where the stylus point of cartridge 11 can lie apart from the record disc and travels toward the arm rest position in the fast reversal driving mode. When tone arm 10 reaches the arm rest position, rest position detection device 28 generates an output signal. CPU 21 in response to the receipt of this signal stops motor 4 and becomes a condition of waiting for a signal from operation board 26. Whenever the cut signal is generated, CPU 21 accepts it except the operation stages where tone arm 10 is placed at the rest position or is moved toward the rest position in the fast reversal driving mode. The executing program is interrupted by the cut signal and the program following the interrupt is an instruction sequence which performs the return of tone arm 10 from the current position to the rest position. On the flow chart of FIG. 3, the cut signal acceptance is illustrated only at step 26. It, however, should be noted that the cut signal can be accepted as an interrupt signal with the first priority during any operation except the fast reversal driving of tone arm 10. In the foregoing repeat playback operation, it is required that tone arm 10 returns from the repeat playback end position to the arm rest position before the next repeat operation and then travels to the repeat playback start position. Instead of such a return manipulation of tone arm 10, CPU 21 can stop motor 4 when count V coincides with count C during the reverse driving of tone arm 10 toward the outside of the record disc. Subsequently, CPU 21 puts down cartridge 11 on the record disc at the stop position and starts the next repeat reproduction. Since count V decrements at every output pulses of rotary encoder 16 during the fast reverse driving of tone arm 10, tone arm 10 is correctly placed at the start position of repeat reproduction without returning arm 10 to the arm rest position. With the above mentioned pickup arm driving control system wherein tone arm positions corresponding to repeat playback start and end positions are memorized during the first time playback through manual operation by an user and then in the next time playback the current tone arm position is compared with the memorized tone arm position data to automatically determine the start and end positions of repeat playback, only the part of a loaded record disc where the user likes the listen is repeatedly reproduced. As one of the features, the system does not require recording-break portion detecting sensors or the like the execute the above repeat operation. As another of the features, an user can easily set up any position of a loaded record disc as the start and end positions of repeat playback while he is listening to the reproduced information like music, instead of previously giving a concrete data of repeat playback for the loaded record disc to the system. A program expressed in assembly language for MUCOM43 series by Nippon Electric Company Ltd., which serves to execute the operation sequence of FIG. 3, is shown in an attached Appendix. It will be easily understood for those skilled in the art that the present system is applicable the turning tracking arm assemblies as well as linear tracking arm assemblies. Since certain other changes also may be made in the above-described pickup arm driving control system without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the acompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. ##SPC1## ##SPC2## ##SPC3##
A pickup arm driving control system in record disc players with repeat playback function. The driving control system can drive the manipulation of a tone arm in such a manner that only an optionally selected portion is repeatedly reproduced. The system includes an encoder for producing an output pulse at every predetermined step of the moving of the tone arm, a circuit for calculating the moving distance of the tone arm from an arm rest position by accumulating the output pulses, an operation switch for generating setting signals in response to manual operations conducted when the tone arm is just tracking the starting and end positions of a repeat playback part of the loaded record disc, a memory for storing the up-dated one of the calculated result of moving distance as a first memory value, the first memory values upon the generation of the setting signals as a second and third memory values, and a circuit for in response to the coincidences between the first memory value and the second or third memory value controlling the manipulation of the tone arm.
6
The invention described herein may be manufactured, used, and licensed by or for the Govenment for governmental purposes without the payment to me of any royalties thereon. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A prior art means for generating a noise-free signal which is locked in frequency and phase to the fundamental, a harmonic, or sub-harmonic of an input reference signal, which may be noisy, in the phase locked loop (PLL). Such circuits can function as frequency dividers if a subharmonic of the input frequency is chosen and can function as a frequency synthesizer if the circuitry is capable of selecting numerous different harmonics or subharmonics of the input frequency. These prior art PLLs have certain disadvantages, for example, they cannot function without the continuous application of the input frequency, and they are of an analog nature comprising a variable voltage controlled oscillator connected in a feedback loop which includes RC circuits. This circuitry with its inherent RC time constant means that the output frequency cannot instantly follow changes in the input frequency. Another disadvantage of these PLLs is that they are only capable of generating integral harmonics or sub-harmonics of the input frequency. One aspect of the present invention comprises a digital frequency divider or synthesizer which does not have these disadvantages. One application of the present invention is to provide a digital tracking clock generator for an asynchronous multiplexer set, for example, the US Army's AN/GSC-24. This multiplexer set presently comprises equipment which is capable of providing asynchronous time division multiplexing and demultiplexing capabilities for a digital transmission network. The multiplexing function accepts up to 15 channels of source data at various different low rates and interleaves them into a single high speed data stream. After transmission, the demultiplexer separtes the high speed digital stream into 15 different user channels and applies each channel of data to its user data modem at the lower rate. To accommodate non-synchronous channels which may have somewhat different timing sources, this multiplexer set uses a technique known as "bit stuffing" and "bit de-stuffing". The composite high speed digital bit stream has a percentage of its time slots devoted to "overhead", which is used for synchronizing purposes as well as to compensate for changes in user data rates, which may vary over or under the multiplexer internal timing or clock. Thus if the number of bits per frame allotted to a given channel is not sufficient to transmit all of the bits arriving from that user during that frame, the extra bits are transmitted as stuffing bits during the overhead portion of the frame, and conversely if the input channel generates fewer bits than are allotted to it, a delete bit or bits are inserted in the overhead. The action taken on the demultiplexing side of the AN/GSC-24 to accommodate this overhead servicing is referred to as "bit destuffing", followed by "smoothing". Thus any extra overhead bits are inserted in the proper user's data stream and his clock rate automatically adjusted to take care of the extra bit. A delete bit in the overhead results in the deletion of a given bit and the smoothing of the user's clock rate to match that of the source input. The stuffing and delete operations result in the smoothing of the individual channel output data and clock rates or frequencies. The present design of this equipment includes an analog PLL of the type described above in each of the demultiplexer channel cards. These PLLs slew the channel output data/clock up or down in frequency in accordance with the stuff/de-stuff commands. This increase or decrease in the output of one bit time is accomplished over an extended number of clock periods. The smoothing buffer is presently designed so that this one bit correction must be accomplished in a time period of no more than approximately 2000 bit times. Such a slew rate exceeds the synchronization capabilities of certain user modems connected to this multiplexer set. These interoperability problems of the AN/GSC-24 with these user modems can be eliminated with the use of an asynchronous storage buffer controlled by a digital tracking clock generator, which is another aspect of the present invention. This digital tracking clock generator is a device that has as its input any timing signal and has an output which is the average of the input frequency. The advantage of such a circuit is that momentary changes in input, causes for example by stuffing and destuffing of the channel clock, may be averaged over a long period of time. This capability enables the tracking generator to recreate at the user's modem the channel clock that originated at the transmit modem and thus provides a high order of immunity to changes introduced by the multiplexer's stuffing and de-stuffing action. The tracking clock generator uses the concepts of the digital frequency divider/synthesizer which is part of this invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The digital frequency divider/synthesizer of this invention can produce an infinite number of output frequencies which can be any non-integral sub-multiple of the input frequency to be divided. The basic concept involves dividing the input frequency sequentially by two integers which differ by unity, to obtain an average or mean output frequency which falls anywhere between the two consecutive integral submultiples of the input frequency. The relative time during which each of the two paralleled, integral, digital frequency dividers are operating (or connected to the output) determines the average output frequency. The frequency jitter in the output caused by the frequency shifting between the two dividers can be made neglibible by dividing the input frequency by large integers, differing by one, to reduce the percentage difference in the two output frequencies. Thus when used as a frequency divider the circuitry would for practical purposes be restricted to applications where frequency division is to be large, e.g., by a factor of 100 or more. The concept can be utilized as a variable, digital frequency generator or synthesizer and in such an application a wide range of output frequencies can be generated with low jitter by selecting the input frequency to be much greater than the highest desired output frequency. The relative duty cycles of the two integral frequency dividers can be calculated from a simple formula, to yield any given desired output frequency. Novel circuitry is disclosed for achieving any desired duty cycle and hence any output frequency. Such a frequency synthesizer can be calibrated against a highly accurate, but not necessarily stable, frequency source and then the stable local oscillator which forms the input to the synthesizer will produce an output which is both stable and accurate. This calibration involves simply comparing the frequency of the stable local oscillator (SLO) to the more accurate reference signal which is to be duplicated with the stability of the SLO. The calibration yields information which is used to program the relative times of operation, or duty cycles, of the two digital dividers which comprise the synthesizer. Thus the invention also comprises a method for obtaining such a duplicated signal with increased stability. The digital tracking clock generator of the present invention includes such an SLO which is calibrated against the multiplexer's master clock to yield a channel clock equal to the average frequency of the master clock. This digital tracking clock generator is connected to an asynchronous channel buffer in such a way that the clock generator output is smoothed in response to the aforementioned stuffing/de-stuffing action of the multiplexer. It is thus an object of this invention to provide a digital frequency divider capable of yielding any non-integral submultiple of an input frequency. Another object of the invention is to provide a digital frequency synthesizer which produces output frequencies by alternately dividing the output frequency of a local oscillator by a pair of consecutive integers by means of a pair of digital integral frequency dividers to yield an output frequency which is a non-integral sub-multiple of the frequency of the local oscillator. Another object of the invention is to provide a frequency synthesizer which can be calibrated against a reference signal and thereafter can reproduce said reference signal with extreme accuracy and stability using only a local oscillator of high stability but low accuracy. A still further object of the invention is to provide a digital frequency divider/synthesizer which can be programmed to produce any non-integral sub-multiple of an input frequency. Another object is to provide a circuit for measuring the ratio of two frequencies. A further object of the invention is to provide a tracking clock generator for a multiplexer set which can be programmed to produce any desired user clock signal and which can be connected to a user storage buffer by means of a feedback system so that the said user clock signals will be smoothed to accommodate the insertion or deletion of stuffing or de-stuffing bits in the data stream processed by said multiplexer set. These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1 and 2 are circuits embodying concepts of the digital non-integral frequency divider or synthesizer. FIG. 3 is a prior art multiplexer set to which the invention is applicable. FIG. 4 is a circuit for measuring the ratio of two frequencies. FIG. 5 is a digital tracking clock generator and buffer which is useful in a multiplexer such as that of FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram which illustrates the mode of operation of the frequency divider or synthesizer of the present invention. The local oscillator 3 comprises the input signal and this signal would be the signal to be divided if the circuit is used as a frequency divider and it would be the reference or stable local oscillator (SLO) if the circuitry is used as a frequency generator or synthesizer. The output of local oscillator 3 is applied in parallel to a pair of integral digital frequency dividers, 5 and 7. These dividers may comprise counter type dividers which may be programmable so that they can be easily adjusted to produce any integral frequency ratio between the inputs and outputs thereof. The outputs of the dividers 5 and 7 are applied to a switch 9, which preferably would be a electronic switch capable of alternately connecting the outputs of each of the dividers 5 and 7 to output lead 8. The switch has only one pole, the solid line pole 9a being shown connected to the output of divider 7 and the dashed line pole 9b indicating the alternate connection to the output of divider 5. The switch control circuit 11 operates and controls the switch 9 and it can be programmed to any desired switch frequency and duty cycle, as indicated by the inputs so labelled. The two dividers 5 and 7 are programmed or constructed to provide frequency division by consecutive integers. The symbol M applied to divider 5 in FIG. 1 indicates the integral frequency division provided by this circuit and similarly the symbol M`indicates the frequency division provided by divider 7. Thus, for example, M may be 500 and M+1, 501. If local oscillator 3 has a frequency of, for example, 100. MHz, the output frequency at lead 8 could be anything between 200. kHz and 199.6008 kHz, depending on the relative times during which each of the frequency dividers 5 and 7 are connected to the output 8 via switch 9. These relative times are determined by the duty cycle of switch 9. A duty cycle which results in the switch 9 being connected to divider 5 for a large percentage of the time would result in an average output frequency close to the output of this divider, and likewise a duty cycle favoring divider 7 would result in an output frequency close to that of divider 7. As stated above, by making M large the frequency jitter in the output can be minimized. For most applications, M should be made at least 100. In certain applications where lower jitter is required, M may be required to be 500 or more. Simple formulas can be used to relate the desired output frequency of the circuit of FIG. 1 to the duty cycle of the switch 9. Assuming that it is desired to divide the frequency of the local oscillator 3 by a non-integral factor, M.k. It is obvious that this decimal is always greater than M and less than M+1, so there exists some combination of frequency divisions by M and M+1 which will yield a division by Mยทk with in a small interval of time. The number of times that we divide by M and M+1 may be derived from k, however it is more helpful if these two numbers are expressed as Y 1 and Y 2 , where Y 1 is the number of times we divide by M and Y 2 the number of times we divide by M+1. The ratio of Y 1 to Y 2 is given by the following equation: Y.sub.1 /Y.sub.2 =1/ยทk-1 (1) FIG. 2 is a circuit which includes a pair of digital frequency dividers which can be set to any values of M and M+1 and also includes circuitry which can be set for any values of Y 1 and Y 2 to yield any desired output from any given input signal source 13. This circuity comprises a signal source 13 which may be a stable local oscillator, the frequency of which is to be divided. The output of 13 forms one input of each of two AND gates 15 and 17. The output of gate 15 is applied to digital divider 5, which is set to divide its input by the integer M. The output of gate 17 is applied to digital divider 7, which is set to divide its input by M+1. The output of divider 7 is applied to programmable counter 21 and also to one input of AND gate 29. Similarly, the output of divider 5 is applied to programmable counter 19 and to one input of AND gate 27. Divider 5 is similar to divider 7 but is programmed to divide its input by the integer M. The outputs of counters 19 and 21 form the two inputs of OR gate 23, the output of which is connected to the input of bi-stable flip-flop 25. The output Q of flip-flop 25 forms the second input of both of the AND gates 17 and 29, and similarly the other flip-flop output, Q, forms the second input of both the gates 15 and 27. The outputs of AND gates 27 and 29 are tied together to form the circuit output on which the divided frequency appears. The dividers 5 and 7 are settable to M and M+1 and both of these dividers may comprise digital counters that can be programmed to reset and produce an output pulse for any number of input pulses, after which the cycle repeats. The programmable counters 19 and 21 can be identical to the dividers 5 and 7, but these counters are set or programmed to produce a pulse output after Y 1 and Y 2 input pulses, respectively, or Y 1 and Y 2 multiplied by some power of 10, as explained below, have been accumulated from the dividers 5 and 7. Thus, after counter 19 has reached Y 1 counts, it will apply an output pulse to flip-flop 25 through OR gate 23. Flip-flop 25 wil change state and its output Q is applied to AND gate 17 which will switch the signal source 13 to divider 7 which will then start to accumulate counts on counter 21. When counter 21 reaches Y 2 counts, the flip-flop 25 will again change state and divider 5 and its counter, 19, will again become operative. The settings M, M+1, Y 1 and Y 2 of the dividers and the counters are derived from the formula (1) and from the known frequency of source 13 and the desired output frequency. For example the frequency of source 13 divided by the desired output frequency is M.k. The ratio Y 1 /Y 2 obtained from equation (1) will usually be a number less than 10 and often will be a decimal number. Thus it is convenient to obtain Y 1 in terms of Y 2 or vice versa, and to eliminate the decimal by multiplying by an appropriate power of 10. For example, if Y 1 /Y 2 = 1.314, then Y 1 =Y 2 ยท1.314 and 1,000 Y 2 =1,314 Y 1 . Thus the counter 19 would be set to 1314 and counter 21 to 1,000, to yield the proper ratio of the outputs of the dividers 5 and 7. It should be noted that the quantities Y 1 and Y 2 define the duty cycle for use in the circuit of FIG. 1, for example, if Y 2 /Y 1 =2.0, then the duty cycle of switch 9 would be adjusted so that switch 9 is connected to divider 7 for twice as long as it is connected to divider 5. For digital data transmission applications such as in the aforementioned AN/GSC-24, where jitter must be minimized, allowing the counters 19 and 21 to continuously accumulate a large number of counts before switching to the other frequency divider would result in unacceptably high jitter. The same output frequency accuracy can be achieved with lower jitter by switching back and forth between the two frequency dividers more often but with a more complex algorithm. For example if Y 1 =2.12 Y 2 , the algorithm could be as follows: For nine cycles, Y 1 would be 1 and Y 2 would be 2, on the tenth cycle Y 1 would be 1 and Y 2 would be 3; this pattern will repeat up to the 90th cycle, after which Y 1 will continue to be 1 until the 100th and last cycle in the algorithm. For cycles 91-97, inclusive, Y 2 =2, and for cycles 98-100, inclusive, Y 2 =3. This sequence or algorithm yields the desired ratio of 100 to 212 for Y 1 /Y 2 and thus yields the desired average frequency with low jitter. With this algorithm Y 1 is always 1 but Y 2 varies to achieve the desired ratio of Y 1 to Y 2 . In practice all of the counters of FIG. 2 are programmable binary or decimal counters and are capable of being pre-loaded so that they can divide by any programmed integer. In order to achieve synchronization, the same load signal can be applied to both counters 5 and 7 with a separate but synchronized load signal applied to counters 19 and 21. FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of a multiplexer (MUX) set similar to the aforementioned AN/GSC-24, but having only a 10 channel (or 10 user) capability. The system comprises two identical terminals, 52 and 54. Terminal 52 comprises a multiplexer (MUX) 49, having the 10 user channel duplex data and clock lines connected thereto, as shown. The MUX 49 time division multiplexes the 10 incoming data channels into one outgoing high speed data stream with its own clock, and with the aforementioned overhead time slots in each frame. This outgoing high speed stream is indicated by data and clock lines 51. The modem 55 modulates onto a carrier the signals on lines 51 for transmission to the remote terminal 54. The modem 55 also demodulates the incoming high speed data received from terminal 54 and applies it to the MUX 49 via leads 54. This incoming data is then de-multiplexed and fed to the appropriate users. The second terminal, 54, comprises modem 57, MUX 61, incoming data and clock 58 and outgoing data and clock 59. This terminal operates in the same way as terminal 52. The interoperability difficulties of the AN/GSC-24 mentioned above, due to the use of a conventional PLL therein, can be eliminated by the use therein of an asynchronous storage buffer with a digital tracking clock generator between the units. Such a buffer and clock generator is shown in FIG. 5. An asynchronous buffer is a storage device which allows data to be written in and read out from its arrays at different and independent rates. It is composed of cascaded FIFO (first in-first out) units. Data bits are fed to the input end of the FIFO array and are fed out at the other end. If the output end clock is running slower than the input end clock, bits will accumulate in the FIFO storage units. Speeding up the output rate or slowing down the input rate or clock will cause the buffer to be emptied out by the faster output clock. The advantage of such a buffer is that momentary changes in the input, such as results from the stuffing/de-stuffing of the AN/GSC-24 channel clock, may be averaged over a long period of time, and thus the tracking clock generator connected thereto can be increased or decreased by the smallest increments. Thus the tracking clock generator recreates at the receive modem the same channel clock that originated at the transmit modem, to thus provide a high order of immunity from changes causes by the MUS stuffing/de-stuffing action. The purpose of the tracking clock generator is to provide the receive modem with a clock equal to the source or transmit clock in rate and stability. This is accomplished by generating a clock equal to the long term average AN/GSC-24 clock, thus smoothing and eliminating short term variations caused by the stuffing/de-stuffing action. The generation of this clock equal to the source clock in rate and stability is accomplished by frequency divison by means of techniques embodying the concepts of the circuits of FIGS. 1 and 2. The desired clock frequency is obtained by dividing the frequency, F 2 , of a very high frequency stable local oscillator (SLO). The diagram of FIG. 4 shows circuitry by means of which the frequency, F 1 , of an internal MUX channel clock can be averaged and compared in frequency to a higher frequency SLO at frequency F 2 to yield the parameters M 1 Y 1 +Y 2 for adjustment of the frequency divider which forms part of the tracking clock generator of FIG. 5. Since the MUX channel clock at F 1 has high accuracy but is not stable, the divided frequency of the SLO will be both stable and accurate, thus this circuitry can be used to practice the aforementioned method. In FIG. 4, the internal MUX clock at frequency F 1 is applied to control circuit 31 and to one input of AND gate 33, the other input of which is the output of circuit 31. The stable local oscillator at F 2 , which is much larger than F 1 forms one input of AND gate 35, the other input of which is the output of control circuit 31. Counter #1,37, which contains N decimal stages has as its input the output of gate 33 and has its output connected to control circuit 31. The decimal counter #2, 39, has the same number of stages or digits, N, as does counter #1, and has its output connected to the input of overflow counter 43. The read circuits 41 and 45 are connected to the counters 39 and 43, as shown, and are adapted to read these counters. Initially all counters are reset to zero and the signals F 1 and F 2 applied as shown. The control circuit 31 is a transmission gate which will allow the signal F 1 to pass through to gate 33 as long as there is no signal on lead 34 from counter #1. When counter #1 reaches its capacity of 10 N counts, a signal on lead 34 closes control circuit 31 and thus stops all three counters. During this counting period the high frequency SLO signal F 2 has been applied to the counter #2 (39) and to overflow counter 43. The overflow counter 43 indicates the number of times that counter 39 has cycled while counter #1 (37) has cycled once. Thus the reading on counter 43 is equal to the previously defined integer M. The remainder factor k is represented by the reading on counter 39. Thus with these two quantities the settings M,M+1, Y 1 and Y 2 required to adjust a circuit such as FIG. 2 to achieve the desired frequency division have been obtained. The figures obtained will represent the average frequency during which the counters were operating, and by selecting counters 37 and 39 to have a large number of stages, or a large N, the averaging time can be made any desired length. The tracking clock generator and the asynchronous buffer of FIG. 5 comprises a digital frequency divider similar to that of FIG. 2, with the stable local oscillator 63 at frequency F 2 , connected to the divider input. The asynchronous smoothing buffer comprises an array of cascaded FIFO storage devices, 85, 87, 89, 91, 93, 95, and 97. The user data and clock signals are applied to the left end of the FIFO array from the MUX and this input clock and data will vary in rate as a result of stuffing and de-stuffing. The output clock and data stream at the right end of the cascaded FIFO array will be at the rate of the divided output of SLO 63, smoothed by means of a feedback system which senses the condition of the FIFO stages to determine whether any temporary increase or decrease in the output clock and data rates is required to achieve smoothing. The clock and data output stream is fed to the appropriate user, as illustrated by the channel pairs 1-10 in FIG. 3. The digital frequency divider of FIG. 5 comprises SLO 63 connected to one input of each of the AND gates 65 and 67. Gate 65 has its output applied to digital divider 71, which divides its input by the integer M+1 and has its output connected to programmable counter 73, which is programmed to produce one count after Y 2 input pulses have been received from counter 71. The output of counter 71 also forms one input of AND gate 81. Similarly the digital divider 69 divides its input by M and has its output connected to programmable counter 75 which produces one output pulse for each Y 1 input pulses. Both of the counters 73 and 75 have their outputs connected to OR gate 77, as shown, the output of which controls flip-flop 79. It can be seen that the circuitry so far described is the same as that of FIG. 2, and it functions in the same way to divide the frequency, F 2 , of SLO 63 to yield a divided frequency output at the tied-together outputs 86 of AND gates 81 and 83, which output frequency is equal to the average of the MUX clock signal F 1 which was applied to the circuit of FIG. 4 to yield the parameters M, Y 1 and Y 2 used to adjust the counters of FIG. 5. The programmable counters 73 and 75, in addition to being programmable so that they can be set to produce outputs after Y 2 and Y 1 input pulses, respectively, are tied into the asynchronous storage buffer comprising the cascaded FIFOs in such a way that the settings, Y 1 and Y 2 of these counters can be changed slightly in accordance with the amount of data in the buffer, to achieve smoothing by slightly increasing or decreasing the frequency of the divider output on lead 86 which forms the user clock at the output of the buffer. The buffer comprises seven FIFO storage devices, 85, 87, 89, 91, 95, and 97, cascaded as shown. The three stages 87, 89, and 91 are connected to counter 75 via leads 99, 101, and 103. Data in any of these stages will produce a signal on these leads connected to counter 75 and such signal will alter the setting Y 1 thereof by increasing it. The signal on lead 103 is arranged to increment the least significant bit of the binary number Y 1 , indicated by the numeral 1 at the connection of lead 103 to counter 75. Similarly a signal on lead 101 indicative of data in buffer stage 89 will increment the next more significant bit of Y 1 , indicated by digit 2. Also data in buffer stage 87 will produce a signal on lead 99 which will increment the binary digit of Y 1 which has a value of 4. Thus Y 1 is incremented if the buffer is nearing its capacity caused by the insertion therein of a large number of stuffing bits. With Y 1 incremented, the divider will spend a greater percentage of its time dividing by the lower factor M, thus resulting in a higher output frequency on lead 86. This higher output clock cranks the stored data out of the buffer faster to prevent overloading. The last three FIFO stages 93, 95, and 97 are similarly arranged to alter the setting Y 2 of counter 73 by incrementing Y 2 in the event that the last three stages are empty, indicating that the output clock rate at lead 86 should be reduced to accomodate the insertion of delete bits in the user's data stream. Inverters 105, 107, 109 are connected between the FIFO stages 93, 95, and 97, respectively and the three control inputs 1, 2, and 4 of counter 73, via leads 111, 113, and 115. The lack of a data bit in stage 93 will produce an output from inverter 105 which will apply this signal to the least significant control input (1) of counter 73 and thus increment Y 2 by one binary digit. Similarly, the lack of a signal in FIFO stage 97 will increment Y 2 by four binary digits. This incrementing of Y 2 will increase the time during which the divider 71 is operating and temporarily reduce the output clock rate at lead 86, until the three FIFO stages 93, 95 and 97 are again filled with data. While the invention has been described in connection with illustrative embodiments, obvious variations therein will occur to those skilled in the art, accordingly the invention should be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
The digital frequency divider (or synthesizer) produces non-integral submultiples of an input frequency by alternately dividing its input by two integers by means of two integral digital frequency dividers, one of which produces an output higher than the desired non-integral submultiple and the other of which produces an output lower than the desired non-integral submultiple. The desired non-integral submultiple is obtained by alternately switching the circuit output to two integral digital dividers, the duty cycle of the switch determines the precise output frequency obtained. The concept can be implemented with programmable digital counters and logic circuitry. The circuitry can be used to implement a novel method of duplicating an accurate signal with improved stability. A circuit useful in practicing the method measures the ratio of two frequencies. The frequency divider can be used in a multiplexer set to provide an improved digital clock generator and asynchronous buffer which provides improved user clock signals.
7
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to a gene promoter characterized in that it can be over-expressed in various plant tissues, as well as to applications of said promoter. 2. Description of the Prior Art Banana ( Musa spp.) belongs to Musaceae, Monocotyledon, with its fruit being fragrant and delicious, as well as having high nutritional value. The desired banana protein can be used to produce in large quantities vaccines useful for treating diseases in humans or animals, by using the banana as gene transfer material. The banana can be used to directly uptake the vaccine orally, which is not only more convenient and safer than a vaccine injection, but also prevents proteins from losing their function through denaturizing in cooking, since banana fruit can be eaten raw. In order to enable a transgenic plant to produce protein in large amounts, in the construction of a gene transfer construct selection of a proper promoter for activating the target gene that is highly associated with the production of proteins is important. At present, most conventional technologies for plant gene transfer has use cauliflower mosaic virus 35S (CaMV 35S) promoter to induce the over-expression of target genes in dicotyledon or monocotyledon plants. However, the expression of CaMV 35S promoter in a monocotyledon plant is relatively low. In order to improve the activation ability of a promoter, cloning of a promoter with high expression strength originally present in the monocotyledon plant, such as the Act1 promoter for paddy rice actin gene, Ubi1 promoter for corn polyubiquitin gene, and the like, might be carried out. Among these, the expression strength of Ubi1 promoter in a monocotyledon plant system is higher and more stable than that of CaMV 35S promoter, thereby the gene expression can be increased significantly (Christensen et al., 1992; McElroy et al., 1991). Ubiquitin is a small molecular protein extensively present in a eukaryote. Its gene belongs to a polygene family. Based on its gene structure, it can be classified into three major groups: polyubiquitin gene, ubiquitin extension gene and ubiquitin-like gene. Polyubiquitin gene consists of arranging identical mono ubiquitin gene head-to-tail in a manner of tandem repeat in same direction. There are many types of polyubiquitin gene in plants, each with different modulation mechanisms. Further, there are different expression patterns such as constitutive expression, inducible expression, tissue specific expression and the like. Polyubiquitin gene with constitutive expression can be over-expressed in all tissues and organs, such as parsley ubi 4-2 (Kawalleck et al., 1993) and UBQ10 of Arabidopsis thialana (Sun et al., 1997) and the like. Another feature of polyubiquitin gene is that there is a first intron connected tightly with ATG at its 5โ€ฒ-untranslation region, where the sequence at the joint of this intron and exon is highly conserved, which is consistent with AG/gt principle at 5โ€ฒ-terminal cleavage and the ag/GT principle at 3โ€ฒ-terminal cleavage, such as genes of rice RUBQ1 and 2, sunflower UbB1 and 2 as well as Arabidopsis thialana UBQ3, 10 and 11. The presence or absence of the first intron might influence the activity of a polyubiquitin gene promoter, and its length varies with species (Norris et al., 1993; Plesse et al., 2001). Many researches had shown that ubiquitin gene promoters isolated from a variety of plants exhibited expression activity in gene transfer system stronger than that of CaMV 35S promoter. Accordingly, studies on the activity and tissue-specific expression of ubiquitin gene promoter in order to assess its applications will become a topic worthy of future investigation. In view of the importance of developing promoters with high activating ability for the biotechnical industry, the inventor had thought to improve and innovate, and finally, after studying intensively for many years, successfully developed the promoter with high expression strength and capable of being over-expressed in various tissues of a plant, as well as its application according to the invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One object of the invention is to provide a promoter characterized in that it exhibits high expression strength and can be over-expressed in various tissues of a plant. Another object of the invention is to provide an application of the promoter that has high expression strength and can be over-expressed in various tissues of a plant, where by taking advantage of the high ability of activating a downstream gene; the promoter can be used for over-expression of a target gene in various tissues of a plant. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a gene expression vector. Said vector comprises a promoter with high expression strength and can be over-expressed in various tissues of a plant, such that, by cloning a target gene into a plant cell through said vector, said target gene can be over-expressed in various tissues of said plant. A promoter with high expression strength and can be over-expressed in various tissues of a plant that can achieve the above-described objectives of the invention is characterized in that sequences of said promoter are obtained from genomic DNA of banana ( Musa spp.). By using a fragment of Arabidopsis thialana polyubiquitin UBQ3 gene (GenBank accession number L05363; SEQ ID No: 1) as a probe, selection of banana genomic library is carried out, and after several purifications, a banana polyubiquitin genomic clone is obtained. By performing restriction map analysis and nucleic acid sequencing, a banana polyubiquitin gene Mh-UBQ1 is obtained, with its coding region sequence having a GenBank accession number as AF502575 (SEQ ID No: 2), and a 3,093 bp regional sequence (SEQ ID No: 3) ahead of the translation start site (gene code ATG) of banana polyubiquitin gene Mh-UBQ1 is also obtained, wherein said 3,093 bp regional sequence is at 5โ€ฒupstream region of the translation start site (ATG); wherein said 5โ€ฒupstream region comprises the postulated gene promoter, 5โ€ฒ-end untranslated region (5โ€ฒUTR), an postulated exon 1 and intron 1; and wherein said 3,093 bp DNA sequence is used as the banana polyubiquitin gene Mh-UBQ1 promoter in the construction of cloning vector. To analyze the ability of said banana polyubiquitin gene Mh-UBQ1 promoter (SEQ ID No: 3) for activating a downstream gene, said promoter sequence is ligated to the 5โ€ฒ terminal of the gene sequence of a reporter gene, ฮฒ-glucuronidase (GUS), to act as the promoter of said reporter gene, and then Mh-UBQ1 promoter is constructed into a Agrobacterium tumefaciens cloning vector to form a pMhUBQ1p-GUS plasmid; next, by means of Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation, said pMhUBQ1p-GUS plasmid is cloned into model plants, Arabidopsis thialana ecotype Columbia and Nicotiana tabacum L., respectively; and finally, the activity of said promoter is assayed by GUS histochemical staining. The results show that said banana polyubiquitin gene Mh-UBQ1 promoter (SEQ ID No: 3) driven target gene to over-express in all tissues of a plant. Accordingly, the inventive banana polyubiquitin gene Mh-UBQ1 promoter (SEQ ID No: 3) possesses activating ability of high expression strength, and can be over-expressed in various tissues of a plant. In addition to providing a promoter that has a high expression strength and can be over-expressed in various tissues of a plant, the invention provides further a gene expression cassette. Said gene expression cassette comprises: (1) the inventive promoter sequence (SEQ ID No: 3), and (2) a length of polynucleotide having an open reading frame (ORF), i.e. a target gene; wherein said polynucleotide is ligated to the 3โ€ฒ terminal of the inventive promoter, and said promoter can initiate the transcription of said polynucleotide in a organism containing said gene expression cassette. In a preferred embodiment, said target gene is a reporter gene ฮฒ-glucuronidase (GUS). Further, the inventive banana polyubiquitin gene Mh-UBQ 1 promoter (SEQ ID No: 3) can be constructed into a commercial cloning vector which includes, but not limited to: pBI101, pBI121, pBIN19 (ClonTech), pCAMBIA1301, pCAMBIA1305, pGREEN (GenBank Accession No: AJ007829), pGREEN II (GenBank Accession No: EF590266) (www.pGreen.ac.uk), pGreen0029 (John Innes Centre), to form a gene expression vector. Then, a target gene can be inserted said gene expression vector in a manner that, after inserting said target gene to the 3โ€ฒ terminal of the inventive promoter, a gene expression cassette described above is formed. Furthermore, the inventive promoter together with the target gene ligated at its 3โ€ฒ terminal can be transferred in a target plant through gene transfer, and hence change further the genomic constitution of the transgenic plant such that the inventive promoter with the target gene can activate effectively the expression of said target gene in the objective transgenic plant and the progeny thereof. Moreover, the invention provides a process for producing a transgenic plant or part of organ, tissue or cell thereof containing the above-described gene expression cassette, said process comprising following steps: step 1: providing a cell or tissue of a target plant; step 2: transferring a gene expression cassette containing the inventive promoter sequence (SEQ ID No: 3) into the cell or tissue of a target plant obtained in step 1 to obtain a transgenic plant cell or transgenic plant tissue; and step 3: culturing the transgenic plant cell or transgenic plant tissue obtained in step 2 to produce a transgenic plant or part of organ, tissue or cell thereof comprising the gene expression cassette containing the inventive promoter sequence (SEQ ID No: 3). wherein the gene transfer described in said step 2 includes, but not limited to: Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediation, recombinant virus transformation, transposon vector transfer, gene gun, electroporation, micro-injection, pollen tube pathway, liposome-mediation, ultrasonic-mediation transfer, silicon carbide fiber-mediated transformation, electrophoresis, laser microbeam mediation, polyethylene glycol (PEG) mediation, calcium phosphate-mediated transformation, DEAE-dextran transformation and the like. These features and advantages of the present invention will be fully understood and appreciated from the following detailed description of the accompanying Drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee. FIG. 1A is the genomic restriction map of the inventive banana polyubiquitin gene MhUBQ1. FIG. 1B is a construction strategy scheme for constructing partial GUS fragment (fragment I). FIG. 1C is a construction strategy for constructing said banana polyubiquitin gene Mh-UBQ1 promoter (MhUBQ1p fragment). FIG. 1D is a construction strategy scheme for constructing cleaved pGKU. FIG. 1E is a construction strategy for constructing a plasmid pMhUBQ1p-GUS of the inventive banana polyubiquitin gene MhUBQ1 promoter. FIG. 2 shows the construction strategy for the transformation vector pGKU of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. FIG. 3 shows the transient expression of GUS by gene gun transformed said expression vector (pMhUBQ1p-GUS); wherein the materials are Phalaenopsis petal, suspended banana cell and banana pericarp, respectively, and the transient expression of CaMV 35S promoter expression vector is used as the control group ( FIGS. 3A , B, and C); and wherein the transient expression of MhUBQ1 promoter expression vector is used as the test group ( FIGS. 3D , E, and F). The white bar on each figure is 0.5 cm in length. FIG. 4 shows the expression analysis of reporter gene ฮฒ-glucuronidase (GUS) in various tissue of the progeny of Arabidopsis thialana transformant containing pMhUBQ1p::GUS-NOS gene expression cassette. FIG. 4A : GUS histochemical staining results of Arabidopsis thialana transformant whole plants grown for different number of days. FIG. 4B : GUS histochemical staining results of Arabidopsis thialana transformant flower organ at different developmental stages, where non-transformed flower organs at each stage were used as the control groups. FIG. 4C : GUS histochemical staining results of siliques of Arabidopsis thialana transformant at different maturing stages, where non-transformed siliques at different stages were used as the control groups. All transformants tissues assayed presented blue color. FIG. 5 shows expression analysis results of reporter gene ฮฒ-glucuronidase (GUS) at various tissue of Nicotiana tabacum L. transformant progeny comprising MhUBQ1p::GUS-NOS gene expression cassette. FIG. 5A : GUS histochemical staining results of Nicotiana tabacum L. transformant whole plants grown for different number of days. FIG. 5B : GUS histochemical staining results of Nicotiana tabacum L. transformant flower organs at different developmental stages, where non-transformed flower organs at different stages were used as control groups. All of the transformant tissues assayed presented blue color. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Example 1 Cloning of Banana Polyubiquitin Gene Mh-UBQ1 Promoter 1. Sources of Banana ฮปEMBL3 Genomic Library (Genomic Library) Banana genomic library was genomic DNA that was extracted from leaves of a banana species, Musa spp. cv. Hsien Jin Chiao (AAA group) plant, and the genomic library was constructed then by cleavage substitution of DNA fragments using bacteriophage ฮปEMBL3 as the vector. 2. Preparation and Labeling of Nucleic Acid Probe Nucleic acid probe was prepared by using a gene fragment of Arabidopsis thialana polyubiquitin UBQ3 gene (GeneBank accession number L05363, SEQ ID No: 1) as the template, and employing Prime-A-Gene kit (Promega, USA) in the process described below: total reaction volume was 50 ฮผL, consisting of 1ร— labeling buffer, pH 6.6 {50 mM Tris-HCL, pH 8.3, 5 mM MgCl 2 , 2 mM DTT, 0.2 M HEPES [N-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-Nโ€ฒ-(2-ethanesulfonic acid)], 26A 260 unit/mL random hexadeoxyribonicleotides}, 20 ฮผM each of dATP, dGTP, and dTTP, 500 ng/mL denatured DNA template, 400 ฮผg/mL Bovine serum albumin (BSA), 50 ฮผCi [ฮฑ- 32 P] dCTP (333 nM), and 5 unit Klenow DNA Polymerase. The reaction was carried out at 37ยฐ C. for 2 hours, and then 2 ฮผL of 0.5 M EDTA (pH 8.0) was added to terminate the reaction. Thereafter, 8 ฮผL of tracking staining agent (50% glycerol, 0.25% bromophenol blue) was added. The reaction solution was passed through Sephadex-G50 chromatographic column, and was eluted with TE (pH 7.6) buffer solution; every 160-180 ฮผL aliquot was collected in a tube. Radioactivities of these aliquots were determined in a scintillation counter (Liquid Scintillation Counter, Beckman 1801) and the aliquot with the highest radioactivity was used as the probe. 3. Selection of Banana Polyubiquitin Gene Mh-UBQ1 Genomic Library Banana genomic library was selected by plaque hybridization. At first, E. coli strain XL1-Blue MRA (P2) used as the infiltration host of ฮปEMBL3 was cultured in NZY medium (consisting of 5 g NaCl, 2 g MgSO 4 .7H 2 O, 5 g yeast extract per liter). 1.5 million plaque forming units were selected under high stringency. Bacteriophages were transferred on a nitrocellulose membrane, and the membrane thus transferred was treated in a denaturing buffer (0.5 M NaOH, 1.5 M NaCl) for 2 minutes, then in a neutralization buffer [0.5 M Tris base, 1.5 M NaCl, 0.035% HCl (v/v)] for 5 minutes, and finally incubated in 2ร—SSPE (1ร—SSPE, consisting of 0.18 M NaCl, 10 mM NaH 2 PO 4 , 1 mM EDTA pH7.4) for 30 seconds. Thereafter, the membrane was treated in a vacuum oven at 80ยฐ C. for 2 hours to immobilize bacteriophage DNA and then was incubated in a solution containing 2ร—SSPE and 0.1% SDS. The mixture was shaken at room temperature for one hour. Then, the nitrocellulose membrane was transferred in a pre-hybridization solution containing 5ร—SSPE, 5ร—BFP (1ร—BFP consisting of 0.02% BSA, 0.02% Ficoll-400000, 0.02% PVP-360000), 0.1% SDS, 50% formamide and 500 ฮผg/mL salmon sperm DNA. A pre-hybridization reaction was carried out at 37ยฐ C. for 2 hours. Next, a hybridization reaction was carried out on the membrane with a radio-labeled probe in 5ร—SSPE, 1ร—BFP, 0.1% SDS, 50% formamide and 100 ฮผg/mL salmon sperm DNA at 37ยฐ C. for 16หœ18 hours. Thereafter, the nitrocellulose membrane was treated twice in a wash buffer I (5ร—SSPE, 0.1% SDS) at room temperature for 15 minutes, then twice in a wash buffer II (1ร—SSPE, 0.5% SDS) at 37ยฐ C. for 15 minutes to remove non-specific probes. After developing by pressing exposure on an X-film (Kodak XAR film) at โˆ’80ยฐ C., bacteriophages containing target gene DNA could be detected. Said bacteriophages were isolated from the medium, stored in a SM buffer solution containing 0.03% chloroform. After several purifications, a banana polyubiquitin gene Mh-UBQ1 genomic clone ฮปMhUBQ79 was obtained. 4. Extraction of ฮปMhUBQ79 Bacteriophage Clone DNA The thus-obtained liquor containing bacteriophages clone ฮปMhUBQ79 was placed on NZY solid medium. The bacteriophage liquor was grooved with a toothpick, and then 3 mL Top agar containing host cells E. coli XL1-Blue MRA (P2) was added, and mixture was cultivated on NZY solid medium at 37ยฐ C. for 8 hours. On the next day, mono-plaque agar plaque was picked up from the groove with a capillary. The plaque was spread and cultivated again over a NZY solid medium at 37ยฐ C. for 7หœ11 hours. Then, the medium was placed in a refrigerator at 4ยฐ C. Bacteriophages were lysed by adding SM. The lysate was collected in a centrifuge tube, and chloroform was added to 0.03%, and then was centrifuged at 4ยฐ C. and 7,000 rpm (Beckman J2-MC, JS-13.1) for 5 minutes. It was stored at 4ยฐ C. for use. Thereafter, the target bacteriophage clone mass reproduced above was used to infect host cells at a bacteria ratio of 5:1 as follow: 1 mL SM buffer solution and 5 mL of 2.5 mM CaCl 2 was added, well-mixed, stored at room temperature for 15 minutes and then at 37ยฐ C. for 45 minutes. Then, it was poured in 100 mL 2ร—NZY liquid medium (0.4% MgSO 4 ยท7H 2 O, 2% NaCl, 1% bacto-yeast extract, 2% NZ amine, 0.2% casamino acid, 5 mM MgSO 4 , 25 mM Tris-HCl pH7.5), and was cultured at 37ยฐ C. and 240 rpm for more than 8 hours. 4.5 mL chloroform was added, and the mixture was treated by shaking at 37ยฐ C. and 240 rpm for 15 minutes, and then the mixture was centrifuged at 4ยฐ C. and 7,000 rpm for 20 minutes (Beckman J2-MC, JA 10 rotor). To the supernatant, 100 ฮผL DNase I (1 mg/mL) and 100 ฮผL RNaseA (10 mg/mL) were added. The mixture was treated at 37ยฐ C. and 80 rpm for 45. 33 mL of 4M NaCl was added thereto, and the mixture was cooled in an ice bath for 1 hour. Then, 33 mL ice-cold 50% polyethylene glycol was added thereto, and was settled at 4ยฐ C. overnight. The mixture was centrifuged at 4ยฐ C. and 5,000 rpm for 20 minutes (Beckman J2-MC, JA 10 rotor). The supernatant was discarded. The pellet was air-dried and then was re-suspended in 500 ฮผL PKB solution (10 mM NaCl, 10 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.0, mM EDTA, 0.1% SDS). Thereafter, proteinase K (final concentration 12.5 ฮผg/mL) was added thereto and reacted at 37ยฐ C. for 20 minutes. The mixture was extracted successively with equal volume of phenol, PCI (phenol: chloroform: isoamyl alcohol=25:24:1), CI (chloroform:isoamyl alcohol=24:1) and centrifuged at room temperature and 14,000 rpm for 5 minutes. To the supernatant was added 2-fold volume of โˆ’20ยฐ C. 100% ethanol, and the mixture was centrifuged at 4ยฐ C. and 14,000 rpm for 10 minutes. The supernatant was discarded and the pellet was air-dried. The precipitated DNA washed with 70% ethanol, and 100% ethanol, respectively, then dissolved in TE (pH 7.5) buffer solution, and stored at 4ยฐ C. for use. 5. Sequencing of DNA DNA sequencing was carried out on an automatic nucleic acid sequencer (ABI sequencer 377) to obtain the sequence of the genomic clone ฮปMhUBQ79 of banana polyubiquitin gene Mh-UBQ1, and was analyzed with PC/Gene software from IntelliGenetics Inc. The result was shown in FIG. 1A , where genomic clone ฮปMhUBQ79 of banana polyubiquitin gene Mh-UBQ1 contained 5โ€ฒupstream region ahead of the translation start site (ATG) and a coding region. Said 5โ€ฒupstream region comprised the postulated gene promoter, 5โ€ฒ terminal untranslation region (5โ€ฒUTR), postulated exon 1 and intron 1; wherein the second exon of the coding region is consisted of 5 homogeneous ubiquitin genes aligned head-to-tail repeat in same direction (5 homogeneous ubiquitin genes were designed as 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively); wherein its translation start site (gene code ATG) was located on the first nucleotide of the exon 2. The inventive banana polyubiquitin gene Mh-UBQ1 promoter was selected from the DNA sequence of about 3,093 bp in the 5โ€ฒ upstream region (5โ€ฒ upstream) of the translation start site (ATG), as shown in SEQ ID No: 3. Example 2 Construction of Vector Containing Banana Polyubiquitin Gene Mh-UBQ1 Promoter Construction strategy of banana polyubiquitin gene Mh-UBQ1 promoter was shown in FIG. 1E , where 3,093 bp promoter sequence (SEQ ID No: 3) ahead of translation start site of banana polyubiquitin gene Mh-UBQ1 was constructed into a transformation vector pGKU for Agrobacterium tumefaciens to replace the original CaMV 35S promoter (35Sp) in a manner that banana polyubiquitin gene Mh-UBQ1 promoter (SEQ ID No: 3) was ligated to the 5โ€ฒ terminal of reporter gene ฮฒ-glucuronidase (GUS) gene sequence so as to act as the promoter of said reporter gene. Step 1: Construction of Agrobacterium tumefaciens Transformation Vector pGKU The construction strategy for Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation vector pGKU was shown in FIG. 2 , where a CaMV 35S promoter (35Sp)-reporter gene (GUS)-terminator (NOS-ter) fragment (CaMV 35s::GUS-NOS) on a commercial vector pRT99GUS was constructed into a commercial Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation vector pGreen0029 (John Innes Centre) so as to obtain an Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation vector pGKU. The construction strategy comprised synthesis of CaMV 35S promoter (35Sp) DNA fragment and reporter gene (GUS)-terminator (NOS-ter) DNA fragment through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively; by means of the design of PCR primer, NcoI restrictive cleavage site was inserted on the 3โ€ฒ terminal of CaMV 35S promoter (35Sp) DNA fragment and the 5โ€ฒterminal of reporter gene (GUS)-terminator (NOS-ter) DNA fragment, respectively; and finally, these two PCR-derived fragments were constructed in pGreen0029 to obtain Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation vector pGKU. Step 1.1: Obtaining of CaMV 35S Promoter (35Sp) Fragment on a Commercial Vector pRT99GUS By using DNA of a commercial vector pRT99GUS as a template, amplification of DNA sequence of CaMV 35S promoter (35Sp) fragment was carried out through PCR, where PCR used primers with following sequences: forward primer S5 (containing HindIII restriction site): (SEQ ID No: 4) 5โ€ฒ-tgcatgcatgc aagctt g-3โ€ฒ โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒHindIII reverse primer S3 (containing NcoI restriction site): (SEQ ID No: 5) 5โ€ฒ-ata ccatgg cccggggatcctctagagtcgaggtcct-3โ€ฒ โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒNcoI The total reaction volume of PCR was 50 ฮผl (comprising: 1 ฮผl genomic DNA, 10 ฮผl 5ร— Phusion HF buffer solution, 1 ฮผl 10 mM dNTP, 1 ฮผl 20 ฮผM forward primer, 1 ฮผl 20 ฮผM reverse primer, 35.5 ฮผl sterile water, 0.5 ฮผl Phusion DNA polymerase). PCR reaction conditions were: after reaction at 98ยฐ C. for 30 seconds, performing total 35 cycles of: reactions at 98ยฐ C. for 10 seconds, 60ยฐ C. 30 seconds, and 72ยฐ C. 60 seconds, and finally, reaction at 72ยฐ C. for 10 minutes as elongation. A PCR product of 544 bp in length was synthesized. The PCR product was cleaved with HindIII and NcoI restrictive enzymes to recover a DNA fragment of 470 bp in length (fragment S) which was stored at 4ยฐ C. for use. Step 1.2: Obtaining Reporter Gene (GUS)-Terminator (NOS-Ter) Fragment on a Commercial Vector pRT99GUS Similarly, DNA sequence of a commercial vector pRT99GUS was used as a template, and an amplification of DNA sequence of reporter gene (GUS)-terminator (NOS-ter) fragment was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Primers used in PCR had following sequences: forward primer G5 (containing NcoI restriction site): (SEQ ID No: 6) 5โ€ฒ-ata ccatgg tacgtcctgtag-3โ€ฒ โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒNcoI reverse primer G3 (containing HindIII restriction site): (SEQ ID No: 7) 5โ€ฒ-acggccagtgcc aagctt gcat-3โ€ฒ โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒHindIII Total reaction volume of PCR was 50 ฮผl (comprising: 1 ฮผl genomic DNA, 10 ฮผl of 5ร— Phusion HF buffer solution, 1 ฮผl of 10 mM dNTP, 1 ฮผl of 20 ฮผM forward primer, 1 ฮผl of 20 ฮผM reverse primer, 35.5 ฮผl sterile water, 0.5 ฮผl Phusion DNA polymerase). PCR reaction conditions were: after reaction at 98ยฐ C. for 30 seconds, performing total 35 cycles of reactions at 98ยฐ C. for 10 seconds, 60ยฐ C. 30 seconds, and 72ยฐ C. 60 seconds, and finally, reaction at 72ยฐ C. for 10 minutes as elongation. A PCR product of 2,108 bp in length was synthesized. PCR product was cleaved with HindIII and NcoI restriction enzymes, and a DNA fragment (fragment G) of 2,093 bp in length was recovered and stored at 4ยฐ C. for use. Step 1.3: DNA Ligation A commercial vector pGreen0029 was cleaved with HindIII restriction enzyme, a DNA fragment (fragment P) of 4,632 bp in length was recovered, and DNA ligations were carried out with fragment S and fragment G obtained separately from the above steps 1.1 and 1.2 to obtain Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation vector pGKU. As shown in FIG. 2 , in addition to the feature of pGreen, said Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation vector pGKU possessed CaMV 35S promoter (35Sp)-reporter gene (GUS)-terminator (NOS-ter) DNA fragment of a commercial vector pRT99GUS, as well as it had a NcoI restriction site at the 3โ€ฒterminal of the CaMV 35S promoter (35Sp). Accordingly, Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation vector pGKU could utilize the multiple cloning site comprising SmaI restriction site in pGreen0029, and NcoI restriction site to replace CaMV 35S promoter (35Sp) with other promoter sequence so as to initiate reporter gene GUS. Step 2: Obtaining of Partial Sequence of GUS Fragment For maintaining the self-splicing function (i.e., following ag/GT principle) of intron 1 in banana polyubiquitin gene thus constructed in order to assure the high activating ability of the promoter, NcoI restriction site of Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation vector pGKU was not used but in stead, each insert fragment was prepared through PCR, as shown in FIG. 1B . By using Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation vector pGKU as the template, a partial GUS fragment from GUS translation start site (ATG) to SnaBI restrictive site was synthesized at first by amplification through PCR. Primers used in PCR had following sequences: forward primer G5-1: (SEQ ID No: 8) 5โ€ฒ-atggtacgtcctgtagaaacc-3โ€ฒ reverse primer G3-1 (containing SnaBI restriction site): (SEQ ID No: 9) 5โ€ฒ-tga tacgta cacttttcccggc-3โ€ฒ โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒSnaBI Total reaction volume of PCR was 50 ฮผl (comprising: 1 ฮผl genomic DNA, 10 ฮผl 5ร— Phusion HF buffer solution, 1 ฮผl of 10 mM dNTP, 1 ฮผl of 20 ฮผM forward primer, 1 ฮผl of 20 ฮผM reverse primer, 35.5 ฮผl sterile water, 0.5 ฮผl Phusion DNA polymerase). PCR reaction conditions were: after reaction at 98ยฐ C. for 30 seconds, performing total 35 cycles of reactions at 98ยฐ C. for 10 seconds, 60ยฐ C. 30 seconds, and 72ยฐ C. 60 seconds, and finally, reaction at 72ยฐ C. for 10 minutes as elongation. PCR product was cleaved with SnaBI restriction enzyme, a partial GUS fragment (fragment I) of 387 bp in length was recovered and stored at 4ยฐ C. for use. Step 3: Obtaining Banana Polyubiquitin Gene Mh-UBQ1 Promoter (MhUBQ1p) Sequence Banana genomic DNA extracted as described in Example 1 was used as template, amplification of the sequence of 3,093 bp (SEQ ID No: 3) ahead of the translation start site of banana polyubiquitin gene Mh-UBQ1 promoter was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), as shown in FIG. 1C . Primers used in the PCR had following sequences: forward primer M1: 5โ€ฒ-ggatccacatgttctgcagatagatag-3โ€ฒ (SEQ ID No: 10) reverse primer M2: 5โ€ฒ-ctgatcaaagagataaaagaagaaagg-3โ€ฒ (SEQ ID No: 11) Total reaction volume of PCR was 50 ฮผl (comprising: 1 ฮผl genomic DNA, 10 ฮผl 5ร— Phusion HF buffer solution, 1 ฮผl of 10 mM dNTP, 1 ฮผl of 20 ฮผM forward primer, 1 ฮผl of 20 ฮผM reverse primer, 35.5 ฮผl sterile water, 0.5 ฮผl Phusion DNA polymerase). PCR reaction conditions were: after reaction at 98ยฐ C. for 30 seconds, performing total of 35 cycles of: 98ยฐ C. 10 seconds, 65ยฐ C. 30 seconds, and 72ยฐ C. 60 seconds, and finally, 72ยฐ C. for 10 minutes as elongation. PCR product (fragment MhUBQ1p) of full length was recovered and stored at 4ยฐ C. for use. Step 4: DNA Ligation The Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation vector pGKU prepared in step 1 was cleaved with SmaI+SnaBI double restriction enzymes (as shown in FIG. 1D ), and after purification, a cleaved pGKU vector was obtained. Referring to FIG. 1E , this cleaved pGKU vector was ligated with the partial GUS DNA fragment (fragment I) prepared in the step 2 and the banana polyubiquitin gene MhUBQ1 promoter (fragment MhUBQ1p, SEQ ID No: 3) prepared in the step 3 to obtain a plasmid pMhUBQ1p-GUS containing banana polyubiquitin gene MhUBQ1 promoter sequence (SEQ ID No: 3). In said pMhUBQ1p-GUS plasmid, the 3โ€ฒterminal of the banana polyubiquitin gene MhUBQ1 promoter was ligated with DNA sequence (MhUBQ1p::GUS-NOS) of the reporter gene ฮฒ-glucuronidase (GUS). Consequently, by transferring said pMhUBQ1p-GUS plasmid into a plant body through Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation, the pattern as banana polyubiquitin gene MhUBQ1 promoter initiating the expression of reporter gene ฮฒ-glucuronidase (GUS) gene could be analyzed. Example 3 Analysis of the Transient Expression of Banana Polyubiquitin Gene Promoter with Gene Gun 1. Preparation of Micro-Particle and DNA Packaging To 60 mg of metal tungsten particle with a diameter of 1.7 โ–กm, 1 mL of 70% EtOH was added and after shaking for 3-5 minutes, the mixture was allowed to stand for 15 minutes. After a short centrifuge to settle the particles, the supernatant was discarded. 1 mL sterile water was added thereto, shaken for 1 minute, short centrifuged again, and discarded the supernatant. These treatments were repeated several times. Finally, 1 mL sterile 50% glycerol was added thereto. To 50 โ–กg glycerol suspension containing metal micro-particles, 5 โ–กL plasmid DNA (1 โ–กg/โ–กL), 50 โ–กL of 2.5 M CaCl 2 , 20 โ–กL of 0.1 M spermidine were added successively, and the mixture was vortexed for 2-3 minutes. The mixture was allowed to stand for 1 minute. After settling by centrifuge, the supernatant was discarded. After washed with 140 โ–กL 70% EtOH and 100% EtOH, respectively, the supernatant was aspirated off, and finally, 48 โ–กL of 100% EtOH was added thereto, and the mixture was stored for use. Each gun hit used 6 โ–กL. 2. Conditions for Gene Gun Transformation Banana cell suspension, banana pericarp and Phalaenopsis petal were used as materials and treated with pressure-accelerated particle gene gun, PDS-1000/He particle gun, from Bio-Rad under conditions: Gap: โ…œ inches; micro-carrier flight distance: 8 mm; vacuum: 25 inches-Hg; pressure sheets used: 900, 1350 and 1100 Psi, respectively; and distance from material to stop screen: 6 cm. 3. GUS Histochemical Staining Materials to be tested were incubated in pre-treatment buffer solution [50 mM Na 3 PO 4 (pH6.8), 1% TritonX-100] at 37ยฐ C. for 2 hours, and then rinsed 2-3 times with buffer solution (50 mM Na 3 PO 4 , pH6.8) containing no Triton X-100. Thereafter, buffer solution (1 mM X-Gluc dissolved in 50 mM Na 3 PO 4 , pH 6.8) containing X-Gluc (5-Bromo-4-chloro-3-indoxyl-beta-D-glucuronic acid) was added thereto. The mixture was evacuated at 25 inches-Hg for 5 minutes, and then returned to atmospheric pressure for 5 minutes. This process was repeated once more. The mixture was then placed at 37ยฐ C., reacted for 2 days, and finally, 70% ethanol was added to terminate and reaction and tissue discoloration, where coloration was to be observed. FIG. 3 shows the results of GUS activity analysis, where conventional CaMV 35S promoter was used as the control group ( FIGS. 3 A, B, and C); reporter gene GUS activated with banana polyubiquitin gene MhUBQ1 promoter was test groups ( FIGS. 3 D, E, and F), wherein reporter gene GUS activated with banana polyubiquitin gene MhUBQ1 promoter, either for suspended banana cell, banana pericarp or Phalaenopsis petal, their transient expressions in monocotyledon plant materials were analyzed as good activation ability ( FIGS. 3 D, E, and F), and especially, suspended banana cell and banana pericarp exhibited significant genetic bombardment results ( FIGS. 3 E and F). Within banana tissues, CaMV 35S promoter exhibited extreme low activation ability for GUS ( FIGS. 3 B and C), where only few cells presented coloration response. In contrast, banana polyubiquitin gene MhUBQ1 promoter exhibited significant activation ability for downstream GUS gene, indicating that banana polyubiquitin gene MhUBQ1 promoter did have high expression ability in monocotyledon plants. Accordingly, if this promoter could be applied in the gene transfer of monocotyledon plants, the development of the biotechnical industry of monocotyledon plants (for example: paddy rice, corn, banana, orchid and the like) should be improved. Example 4 Gene Transfer of Arabidopsis thialana Through Agrobacterium tumefaciens Transformation In this example, Arabidopsis thialana was used as a model material. By means of Agrobacterium tumefaciens floral dip transformation, pMhUBQ1p-GUS plasmid prepared in Example 2 was transferred into Arabidopsis thialana so as to change the genomic constitution of the transgenic plant such that the banana polyubiquitin gene MhUBQ1 promoter could activate effectively the expression of reporter gene GUS in the objective transgenic plant and the progeny thereof. In addition, the expression sites of reporter gene GUS on Arabidopsis thialana transformant as well as the expression strength of the banana polyubiquitin gene MhUBQ1 promoter were analyzed by means of GUS active histochemical staining. 1. Growth Condition of Arabidopsis thialana Plant Material Seeds of Arabidopsis thialana were wet and cold stratified at 4ยฐ C. for 2-4 days and sowed then in a medium consisting of peat:Perlite:vermiculite in a ratio of 10:1:1. Cultivation conditions were: 22-25ยฐ C., 16 hours light cycle, and 75% relative humidity. After about 4-6 weeks, the plant was pruned. As the rachis had grown to a length of about 3 inches on 4-8 days after pruning, the plant was subjected to transformation. 2. Preparation of Agrobacterium tumefaciens Liquor and Infiltration Agrobacterium tumefaciens LBA4404 strain was inoculated in YEB solid medium (0.5% beef extract, 0.1% yeast extract, 0.5% peptone, 0.5% mannitol, 0.05% MgSO 4 , 1.25% agar, pH 7.5) containing suitable antibiotics (50 ฮผg/ml of kanamycin, 50 ฮผg/ml of ampicillin), and cultivated at 28ยฐ C. for 2 days. Then, single colony was picked, inoculated in 20 ml YEB liquid medium containing suitable antibiotics (50 ฮผg/ml of kanamycin, 50 ฮผg/ml of ampicillin) and cultivated by shaking at 28ยฐ C. and 240 rpm for 1 day. 5 ml bacteria liquor thus obtained was added in 200 ml YEB liquid medium and cultivated at 28ยฐ C. and 240 rpm for 9 hours. The culture suspension was centrifuged at 4ยฐ C. and 4,200 rpm for 20 minutes (Beckman J2-MC, JA-10 rotor). The supernatant was discarded, and the pellet was suspended in 20 ml pre-cooled YEB medium. The resulted suspension was centrifuged again at 4ยฐ C. and 4,200 rpm for 20 minutes. The pellet was re-suspended in 20 ml pre-cooled YEB medium and was stored at 4ยฐ C. till used. Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation was performed by employing frozen-thaw method. 500 ฮผl suspension of Agrobacterium tumefaciens to be transformed was well mixed with 1 ฮผg pMhUBQ1p-GUS plasmid DNA prepared in Example 2, and the mixture was treated successively on ice, in liquid nitrogen and at 37ยฐ C., each for 5 minutes. The bacteria liquor was then mixed with 1 ml YEB medium and cultivated by shaking at 28ยฐ C. and 240 rpm for 3หœ4 hours. The bacterial liquor was applied over medium containing suitable antibiotics (50 ฮผg/ml of kanamycin, 100 ฮผg/ml rifamycin, and 20 ฮผg/ml streptomycin), and cultivated at 28ยฐ C. for 2 days. Agrobacterium tumefaciens that had been transformed to contain plasmid pMhUBQ1p-GUS prepared in example 2 was used to inoculate single colony of the above-described Agrobacterium tumefaciens on 5 ml YEB medium (0.5% beef extract, 0.1% yeast extract, 0.5% peptone, 0.5% mannitol, 0.05% MgSO 4 , pH 7.5) containing suitable antibiotics (50 ฮผg/ml kanamycin, 100 ฮผg/ml rifamycin, and 20 ฮผg/ml streptomycin) and cultivated by shaking at 28ยฐ C. and 240 rpm for 2 days. Then, it was poured in 250 ml YEB medium containing suitable antibiotics (50 ฮผg/ml kanamycin, 100 ฮผg/ml rifamycin, 20 ฮผg/ml streptomycin), and cultivated again by shaking at 28ยฐ C. and 240 rpm for more than 24 hours. It was then centrifuged at 4ยฐ C. and 6,000 rpm for 10 minutes. The supernatant was discarded, and the pellet was suspended in 200 ml infiltration medium (ยฝ MS, 5% sucrose, 0.044 ฮผM ABA, 0.01% Silwet L-77, pH 5.7). Arabidopsis thialana plants to be transformed were placed upside down in the Agrobacterium tumefaciens suspension, and soaked there for 20 seconds. Arabidopsis thialana plants were taken off and kept wet for 24 hours. Seeds could be harvested after about 3หœ4 weeks. 3. Sowing and Selection of Transformant The transformed Arabidopsis thialana seeds thus-collected was rinsed several times with sterile water, treated with 70% ethanol for 2 minutes, treated with sterile water containing 1% Clorox and 0.1% Tween-20 for 20 minutes, and then rinsed 4-5 times with sterile water for 5 minutes each time. Thereafter, these seeds thus-treated were sown in germinating medium (ยฝMS, 1% sucrose, 0.7% agar, 50 ฮผg/ml of kanamycin, 50 ฮผg/ml of ampicillin) to carry out segregation assay of anti-antibiotic progeny. Homozygote transformant progeny thus obtained could be used in assay of promoter activity. 4. GUS Histochemical Staining The procedure described in Example 3 was repeated. FIG. 4 shows the result of GUS activity analysis. As shown in FIG. 4 , reporter gene GUS activated by banana polyubiquitin gene MhUBQ1 promoter could be expressed in every tissue of Arabidopsis thialana , including root, stem, leaf, pod and pollinia (as shown in FIG. 4 ); wherein, FIG. 4A : GUS histochemical staining results of Arabidopsis thialana transformant whole plants grown for different number of days; FIG. 4B : GUS histochemical staining results of Arabidopsis thialana transformant flower organ at different developmental stages, where non-transformed flower organs at each stage (stages 1-4) were used as the control groups; FIG. 4C : GUS histochemical staining results of siliques of Arabidopsis thialana transformant at different developmental stages, where non-transformed siliques at each stage (stage 1-4) were used as the control groups. From results of GUS activity analysis, it indicated that banana polyubiquitin gene MhUBQ1 promoter did have high expression strength, and could be over-expressed in various tissues of the transformant progeny. Example 5 Transformation of Nicotiana tabacum L. via Agrobacterium tumefaciens -Mediated Transformation Process Separately, Nicotiana tabacum L. cv Wisc. 38 was used as the material, and similarly, Agrobacterium tumefaciens -mediated transformation was employed to transform plasmid pMhUBQ1p-GUS prepared in Example 2 into Nicotiana tabacum L. to alter genomic constitution in the transgenic plant such that banana polyubiquitin gene MhUBQ1 promoter could activate effectively the expression of reporter gene GUS at objective transgenic Nicotiana tabacum L. plant and progeny thereof. Furthermore, GUS histochemical staining was used to analyze expression patterns of reporter gene GUS in Nicotiana tabacum L. transformant to detect whether banana polyubiquitin gene MhUBQ1 promoter exhibited likewise activation ability with high strength. 1. Preparation of Agrobacterium tumefaciens Liquor The same procedure described in Example 4 was followed in this example. 2. Transformation of Agrobacterium tumefaciens The same procedure described in Example 4 was followed in this example. 3. Small Amount Preparation of Transformed Agrobacterium tumefaciens Plasmid The same procedure described in Example 4 was followed in this example. 4. Transformation and Selection of Nicotiana tabacum L. Leaves of Nicotiana tabacum L. cv Wisc. 38 plants sterile seeded were cut into square of 1.5 cmร—1.5 cm in a bacteria liquor, placed on N01B1 solid medium (MS, adding 0.1 mg/L of 1-naphthyl acetic acid, 1 mg/L of BA, 3% sucrose, pH 5.7, 0.7% agar) and cultivated at 25ยฐ C., 16-hour lighting environment for 3 days. Then, the square leaves were rinsed by dipping in N01B1 liquid medium containing 250 mg/L cefotaxime for 1 minute. Next, they were placed on N01B1 solid medium containing 250 mg/L cefotaxime and 100 mg/L kanamycin, and selected at 25ยฐ C., 16-hour lighting environment for 3 weeks. Thereafter, those square leaves were soaked and washed in 20 mL N01B1 liquid medium containing 250 mg/L of cefotaxime for 1 minute. Subsequently, they were transferred on N01B1 solid medium containing 250 mg/L of cefotaxime and 100 mg/L of kanamycin, and were selected at 25ยฐ C., 16-hour lighting environment for about 3 weeks. Upon germination of adventitious buds from square leaves, those leaves were moved onto N01B1 solid medium containing 250 mg/l of cefotaxime and 200 mg/l of kanamycin. Selection was carried out at 25ยฐ C., 16-hour lighting environment. As shoots had grown to longer than 1 cm, shoots without etiolation could be cut and cottage cultivated in MS solid medium containing 250 mg/L of cefotaxime and 200 mg/L of kanamycin at 25ยฐ C. and 16-hour lighting environment till rooting. The plants were used in GUS activity assay. 5. GUS Histochemical Staining The Nicotiana tabacum L. transformant survived in the above selection was subjected to GUS histochemical staining analysis followed the procedure described in example 4. Results of GUS activity analysis were shown in FIG. 5 ; wherein FIG. 5A : GUS histochemical staining results of Nicotiana tabacum L. transformant whole plants grown for different number of days, and non-transformed flower organs at each stage (stages 1-5) were used as control groups. Here, as shown, reporter gene GUS activated with banana polyubiquitin gene MhUBQ1 promoter could be expressed likewise at all sites of the Nicotiana tabacum L. transformant. Accordingly, double analyses of GUS activity in Arabidopsis thialana and Nicotiana tabacum L. transformants revealed that the inventive banana polyubiquitin gene MhUBQ1 promoter did exhibit significant high expression strength in different spices, as well as could be over-expressed in various tissues of the transgenic plant and progeny thereof. The promoter that has high expression strength and can be over-expressed in various tissues of a plant as well as its application provided according to the invention has following advantages over other conventional techniques: 1. The inventive promoter can activate the expression of the gene behind its 3โ€ฒterminal in all tissues of a plant, thereby the high expression strength of said promoter makes possible the over-expression of a target gene in an objective plant so as to increase the product of said target gene. 2. The inventive promoter can be transferred as a vector into a plant, and either a monocotyledon or dicotyledon plants, it exhibits strong activation ability. In a dicotyledon plant, it can be expressed in all sites and tissues, while in monocotyledon plant, its activation ability is higher than that of conventional CaMV 35S promoter; consequently, a common problem as insufficient expression of a transferred gene in a monocotyledon plant can be thus overcome. While the detailed description provided above is directed to a possible embodiment of invention, it should be understood that said embodiment is not construed to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims, and those embodiments or alteration that can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the invention has indeed not only an innovation on the species gene, but also has particularly an expression uniqueness, and therefore, the application should meet sufficiently requirements of patentability on novelty and non-obviousness, and should deserve an invention patent right. Many changes and modifications in the above described embodiment of the invention can, of course, be carried out without departing from the scope thereof. Accordingly, to promote the progress in science and the useful arts, the invention is disclosed and is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
The invention provides a promoter that has high expression strength and can be over-expressed in various tissues of plant, said promoter is a promoter for banana polyubiquitin (polyubiquitin) gene MhUBQ1, and has a sequence as SEQ ID No: 3. The invention provides further a gene expression cassette that contains a promoter comprising a DNA sequence as SEQ ID No: 3, and a polynucleotide having a open reading frame (ORF) linked to the 3โ€ฒ terminal of said promoter, wherein said promoter can activate the transcription of said polynucleotide in a organism containing said gene expression cassette. The invention provides further a gene expression vector that contains a promoter having a DNA sequence as SEQ ID No: 3. Also, the invention provides a process for producing a transgenic plant or part of organ, tissue or cell thereof containing the above-described gene expression cassette.
2
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. ยง119(a) from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-0113190, filed on Nov. 7, 2007, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present general inventive concept relates to an audio-book, and more particularly, to an audio-book playback method and apparatus to provide a text-playback mode and a speech-playback mode simultaneously when an audio-book is played back. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Conventional portable multimedia playback devices such as MP3 players mainly focus on playback of either an animated picture file or an audio file. However, recent portable multimedia playback devices further include a text-viewer function and thus contents of various books may be visually communicated to a user in either a textual or visual form. [0006] Meanwhile, due to development of text-to-speech (TTS) conversion technology, a user can easily convert text data to speech data (or voice data), so that the user can โ€˜readโ€™ a book not only visually but also aurally. [0007] However, conventional portable multimedia playback devices fail to provide a convenient and efficient audio-book function providing merits of both the text viewer and the TTS conversion technology. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] The present general inventive concept provides an audio-book playback method and apparatus to provide both a text viewer function and a book teller function to enable a user to read a book more conveniently and efficiently. [0009] The present general inventive concept also provides a user being able to read a book while also listening to the content of the book being voiced by a portable multimedia playback device by using the audio-book playback method and apparatus. [0010] The present general inventive concept also provides a seamless text/speech-playback mode by employing a double buffering technology. [0011] Additional aspects and utilities of the present general inventive concept will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the general inventive concept. [0012] The foregoing and/or other aspects and utilities of the general inventive concept may be achieved by providing an audio-book playback method including buffering text data that is to be played back by speech, converting the buffered text data to speech data, performing speech-playback by using the speech data, and buffering next text data that is to be played back by speech. [0013] The foregoing and/or other aspects and utilities of the general inventive concept may also be achieved by providing an audio-book playback method including selecting an audio-book playback mode, and performing one of a text-playback operation, a speech-playback operation, and a text and speech playback operation based on the selection. [0014] The foregoing and/or other aspects and utilities of the general inventive concept may also be achieved by providing a computer-readable recordable medium having embodied thereon a computer program to execute a method, wherein the method including buffering of text data that is to be played back by speech, converting of the buffered text data to speech data, performing of speech-playback using the converted speech data, and buffering of next text data. [0015] The foregoing and/or other aspects and utilities of the general inventive concept may also be achieved by providing an audio-book playback apparatus including a display to display text data, a buffer to buffer text data that is to be played back by speech, and a TTS converter to convert the text data stored in the buffer to speech data, and the apparatus outputs the text data and converted speech data simultaneously with buffering text data that is to be played back next. [0016] The foregoing and/or other aspects and utilities of the general inventive concept may also be achieved by providing an audio-book playback apparatus having a display and a speaker, the apparatus including a text-viewer function to provide text data to the display to be displayed to a user, and a book teller function to provide speech data corresponding to the text data to the speaker to be transmitted to the user, wherein the text data is displayed by the display and the speech data is transmitted by the speaker simultaneously. [0017] The audio-book playback apparatus may further include a buffer to buffer a next set of text data and speech data while a previous set of text data and the speech data are being respectively displayed and transmitted. [0018] The foregoing and/or other aspects and utilities of the general inventive concept may also be achieved by providing a method of playing back an audio book, the method including providing text data to be displayed to a user, and providing speech data corresponding to the text data to be transmitted to the user such that the text data is displayed and the speech data is transmitted simultaneously. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] The above and other features and utilities of the present general inventive concept will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which: [0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a physical configuration of an audio-book playback apparatus according to an embodiment of the present general inventive concept; [0021] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an audio-book playback method according to an embodiment of the present general inventive concept; [0022] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an audio-book speech-playback operation illustrated in FIG. 2 ; [0023] FIG. 4 is a detailed flowchart of the audio-book speech-playback operation illustrated in FIG. 2 ; [0024] FIGS. 5A-5H are examples of a graphic user interface (GUI) through which the audio-book playback methods illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 are implemented; [0025] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an audio-book playback method according to another embodiment of the present general inventive concept; and [0026] FIG. 7 is an example of a GUI through which the audio-book playback method illustrated in FIG. 6 is implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0027] The present general inventive concept will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the general inventive concept are illustrated. [0028] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present general inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below in order to explain the present general inventive concept by referring to the figures. [0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a physical configuration of an audio-book playback apparatus according to an embodiment of the present general inventive concept. [0030] The audio-book playback apparatus 1 includes a memory 11 , a text-to-speech (TTS) converter 12 , a liquid crystal display (LCD) 13 , a data bus 14 , a buffer 15 , a user input device 16 , and a speaker 17 . [0031] The LCD 13 displays a text viewer program, and the buffer 15 buffers text data of a page that is to be played back by speech. [0032] The TTS converter 12 converts the text data stored in the buffer 15 to speech data, and the speaker 17 outputs the converted speech data. The user input device 16 denotes a remote control having keys, such as a menu key, directional keys, and a confirm key, or a control panel. [0033] The audio-book playback apparatus 1 plays back text data and speech data and simultaneously buffers and/or converts next text data. Detailed functions of components of the audio-book playback apparatus will now be described in greater detail. [0034] While the audio-book playback apparatus 1 may be embodied as an independent electronic device, the audio-book playback apparatus 1 may also be embodied as a portion of a portable multimedia playback device such as an MP3 player, a portable multimedia player (PMP), a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a cellular phone. [0035] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an audio-book playback method according to an embodiment of the present general inventive concept. [0036] Referring to FIG. 2 , a user turns the audio-book playback apparatus 1 on (operation 21 ), and selects an audio-book playback mode (operation 22 ). User-selectable audio-book playback modes can be, for example, a text-playback mode, a speech-playback mode, and a text/speech-playback mode. [0037] If the user selected the text-playback mode in operation 22 , the audio-book playback apparatus 1 only performs text-playback (operation 23 ). Meanwhile, if the speech-playback mode is selected, the audio-book playback apparatus 1 performs only speech-playback (operation 24 ). Also, if the text/speech-playback mode is selected, the text-playback and the speech-playback are simultaneously performed in operation 23 and operation 24 , respectively. [0038] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate graphic user interfaces (GUIs) through which the audio-book playback mode selecting operation 22 is implemented. If a user presses the menu key included in the user input device 16 of the audio-book playback apparatus 1 , a playback mode selecting window 51 is displayed on the LCD (or a text viewer) 13 . [0039] Referring to FIG. 5A , a current playback mode is set to a text-playback mode 511 . If a user wants to select a text/speech-playback mode 513 as the audio-book playback mode, the user needs to press directional keys included in the user input device 16 so as to relocate a cursor in the playback mode selecting window 51 to the text/speech-playback mode 513 and press the confirm key as illustrated in FIG. 5B . [0040] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating detailed operations of speech-playback operation 24 illustrated in FIG. 2 . [0041] Referring to FIG. 3 , the audio-book playback apparatus 1 buffers a portion of text data included in an audio-book file in the buffer memory 15 (operation 31 ). [0042] The buffered text data is converted to corresponding speech data by performing TTS conversion (operation 32 ). The speech data has an audio file format from among one or more audio file formats, such as MP3, Windows Media Audio (WMA), and OGG. A format in which seamless playing and real time playing are guaranteed, for example, can be used. Also, factors such as the processing capability of the TTS converter 12 , and storage capacities of the memory 11 and the buffer 15 , etc. should be considered in selecting the audio file format. [0043] The speech data is played back via the speaker 17 (operation 33 ). At this point, text displayed on the LCD 13 and the voice output via the speaker 17 can be synchronized. [0044] Once speech-playback begins, the audio-book playback apparatus 1 determines whether data currently in playback is the last data of the audio-book file (operation 34 ). [0045] If the data currently in playback is the last data, the speech-playback is terminated. However, if the data currently in playback is not the last data, the audio-book playback apparatus 1 returns to operation 31 and buffers a certain amount of text data next to the data currently in playback in the buffer 15 . [0046] Buffering of the next text data in operation 31 may be performed while the current data speech-playback operation 33 is being performed, which is so-called โ€œdouble buffering.โ€ Moreover, the TTS conversion of the next text data in operation 32 may also be performed while the speech-playback operation 33 of the current data is being performed. This enables seamless audio-book playback. That is, the buffering of the next text data should start before data currently being buffered is completely played back. [0047] An amount of current data or next data buffered in operation 31 should be determined such that seamless playback of the data can be guaranteed. [0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 , the amount of data to be buffered each time should be determined in consideration of factors such as the processing capability of the TTS converter 12 , the storage capacities of the memory 11 and the buffer 15 , and an amount of data displayable on the LCD (or a text viewer) 13 at once. [0049] Hereinafter, an embodiment wherein the text-playback operation 23 and the speech-playback operation 24 are simultaneously performed when the text/speech-playback mode 513 has been selected by the user in operation 22 of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 , 4 , and 5 A- 5 H. [0050] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of another embodiment illustrating detailed operations of the speech-playback operation 24 illustrated in FIG. 2 . [0051] FIGS. 5A-5H are examples of a GUI through which the audio-book playback methods illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 are implemented. [0052] A page 1 to be first played back as the text-playback in operation 23 is displayed on the LCD (or the text viewer) 13 , as illustrated in FIG. 5C . [0053] Referring to FIG. 4 , while the audio-book playback apparatus 1 performs the text-playback operation 23 and the speech-playback operation 24 simultaneously, a number of a page to be first played back is set as a page number (operation 41 ). Referring to FIGS. 5A-5H , in an embodiment of the present general inventive concept, the page number is set to be โ€œ1,โ€ because the page to be first played back is page 1 . [0054] Text data of the page 1 is buffered in the buffer 15 (operation 42 ). An amount of data buffered in the operation 42 should be determined within a scope which can guarantee seamless playback of the data. [0055] Therefore, if a size of the text viewer on the LCD 13 is changed, or if a type or a size of a text font displayed is changed, an amount of data to be buffered at once should also be changed. For example, if 50 Korean characters may be displayed at a time on the LCD 13 or per page, the amount of data to be stored in the buffer at one time should be at least 100 bytes, which is equivalent to an amount of text per page. If the size of the text font is doubled, at least 50 bytes of the text data must be buffered since 25 characters can be displayed per page. In this case, buffering 100 bytes of data is equal to buffering an amount of text data worth 2 pages. [0056] TTS conversion is performed on the buffered text data to generate speech data corresponding to the text data (operation 43 ). [0057] The speech data obtained by TTS conversion in operation 43 is played back via the speaker 17 (operation 44 ). [0058] The text displayed on the LCD 13 and the voice output via the speaker 17 are synchronized. In the case of FIGS. 5A-5H , a voice saying โ€œrampantโ€ is being output via the speaker 17 , while the word โ€œrampantโ€ on the LCD 13 synchronized to the voice is being displayed in a different text size and/or text font so as to be distinguishable from other words. [0059] Once the speech-playback begins in operation 44 , the audio-book playback apparatus 1 determines whether the page currently in playback is the last page of the audio-book (operation 45 ). [0060] If the current page is the last page of the audio-book, the speech-playback operation 44 will be terminated. If the current page is not the last page, the page number will be changed to the next page number (operation 46 ), and text data of the next page will be buffered. By doing so, once page 1 is played back as illustrated in FIG. 5E , and page 2 may be played back without delay in FIG. 5F . The text data of page 2 is displayed on the LCD 13 , and the corresponding speech data synchronized to the text data is output via the speaker 17 as illustrated in FIG. 5F . [0061] If the user wants to cease the speech-playback during the audio-book playback and return to the text-playback mode, the user may switch the speech-playback mode to the text-playback mode by using the user input device 16 as illustrated in FIGS. 5F and 5G . [0062] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an audio-book playback method according to another embodiment of the present general inventive concept. [0063] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 and the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 share many common features in terms respective operation details thereof. Therefore, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 will be described by focusing on differences between the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6 . [0064] Initially, the user turns the audio-book playback apparatus 1 on (operation 61 ), and plays back an audio-book in a text-playback mode (operation 62 ). If the user wants to listen to what he or she was reading while reading the audio-book in a text-only mode, the user should switch the current audio-book playback mode to the text/speech-playback mode by using the user input device 16 (operation 63 ). When the user selects the text/speech-playback mode, the next operations 64 through 69 , which are identical to operations 41 through 46 illustrated in FIG. 4 respectively, are performed. The only difference is that a number of the page being currently played back is set as the page number (operation 64 ), while in operation 41 the number of the page first played back is set as the page number. [0065] FIGS. 7A-7H are examples of a GUI through which the audio-book playback method illustrated in FIG. 6 is implemented. [0066] Initially, an audio-book is being played back in a text-playback mode as illustrated in FIG. 7A . [0067] If the user wants to listen to content of the audio-book in voice as well as read the text, the user may relocate the cursor in a selecting window to a text/speech-playback mode by pressing the menu key and the directional keys included in the user input device 16 , and then press the confirm key as illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 7C . Meanwhile, FIGS. 7F and 7G illustrate a process wherein the user terminates the text/speech-playback method. [0068] The audio-book playback method according to the present general inventive concept can also be embodied as computer-readable codes on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable medium can include a computer-readable recording medium and a computer-readable transmission medium. The computer-readable recording medium is any data storage device that can store data which can be thereafter read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable recording medium include read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, and optical data storage devices. The computer-readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer-readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. The computer-readable transmission medium can transmit carrier waves or signals (e.g., wired or wireless data transmission through the Internet). Also, functional programs, codes, and code segments for accomplishing the present general inventive concept can be easily construed by programmers of ordinary skill in the art to which the present general inventive concept pertains. [0069] While this present general inventive concept has been particularly illustrated and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims. The preferred embodiments should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Therefore, the scope of the general inventive concept is defined not by the detailed description of the general inventive concept but by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present general inventive concept.
An audio-book playback method includes buffering text data that is to be played back by speech, converting the buffered text data to speech data, performing speech-playback by using the speech data, and buffering next text data for continuous playback. The provided audio-book playback method and an apparatus enable a user to enjoy reading a book while also listening to content of the book being voiced by a multimedia playback device. Moreover, double buffering technology is employed to provide seamless text and speech-playback services.
6
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/626,486 filed, Sep. 25, 2012, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/852,812, filed Sep. 10, 2007, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/825,252, filed Sep. 11, 2006, which are all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Technical Field [0003] The present invention relates generally to a fall safety device for persons working at or scaling heights. More specifically, the present invention relates to method of using an improved lanyard device with an integrated etrier system that functions to reduce suspension trauma to the user. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] Safety harness and lanyard devices and systems are known in the art and are commonly used to provide fall protection for persons subjected to the potential of a fall from height. In the workplace, most fall protection systems incorporate a safety belt or harness and a lanyard for anchoring one end of the fall protection system to an anchor point and the other end of the fall protection system to the safety harness or belt that is worn by the user. The harness and lanyard must be made of material with sufficient strength to support the weight of a user, who after sustaining a fall at height, typically remains suspended above the ground awaiting rescue. However, prior art safety harness and lanyard systems do not include additional accoutrements that provide for the comfort of the user that is suspended in the harness after the fall sequence is over and that assist with the prevention of suspension trauma injuries to the body of the user caused by hanging suspended in a safety harness, for what may be an extended period of time, prior to rescue. Accordingly, providing a fall protection system with the ability to lessen or completely alleviate suspension trauma injury would be of great benefit to users working at height. [0006] Thus, a need exists for an improved safety lanyard device and system that provides a deceleration capability to lessen the force of fall impact on the user which is easily integrated with existing safety harnesses, belts and safety lines. Furthermore, a need exists for an improved safety lanyard which includes an etrier system that is deployed either automatically during the fall sequence or manually by the user after the fall. The etrier system should allow the user to orient himself or herself in a comfortable position while strapped into his or her safety harness, thereby reducing and/or preventing the deleterious effect of suspension trauma on his or her body while awaiting rescue. Additionally, a need exists for an approved safety lanyard that allows a user to perform a weight transfer while suspended such that the user can use a rescue kit to lower himself or herself to safety rather than awaiting rescue. [0007] Further objects of this invention will be apparent to persons knowledgeable with devices of this general type upon reading the following description and examining the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] In accordance with the foregoing objects, the present invention includes a method of using a fall arrest lanyard. In one embodiment of the invention the method comprises the steps of connecting a first end of a lanyard assembly to a point on the user wherein the lanyard assembly comprises an etrier in an undeployed configuration between the first end and a second end of the lanyard; connecting a second end of the lanyard assembly to an anchor point; causing the etrier to be moved to a deployed configuration; using the etrier to remove tension on the lanyard assembly in a first length of the lanyard assembly between the first end and a point of attachment of the etrier to the lanyard assembly; and disconnecting the first end of the lanyard assembly from the point on the user while a second length of the lanyard assembly between the point of attachment and the second end remains under tension of the weight of the user. [0009] Many other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts, especially in light of the foregoing discussions and the following drawings, exemplary detailed description and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: [0011] FIG. 1 is plan view of one embodiment of the fall arrest lanyard showing the individual components of same; [0012] FIGS. 2A-2B is a side view of the etrier shown in the folded, pre-deployment position; [0013] FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing a worker with the fall arrest lanyard attached to a safety harness and attached to an anchor point; [0014] FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing deployment of the fall arrest lanyard during a fall sequence; [0015] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the fall arrest lanyard with etrier fully deployed with the user suspended in the safety harness at the end of the fall sequence; [0016] FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the fall arrest lanyard with the user placing his feet within the etrier to assume a comfortable rest position which prevents the onset of suspension trauma injury while awaiting rescue; [0017] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a fall arrest lanyard showing a manually deployed etrier in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; [0018] FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing a user with the fall arrest lanyard and manually deployed etrier attached to a safety harness and a self-retracting lifeline; [0019] FIG. 5B is a perspective view showing a user suspended from a self-retracting safety line deploying the manually deployed etrier; [0020] FIG. 5C is a perspective view showing a user climbing the manually deployed etrier; and [0021] FIG. 5D is a perspective view showing a user lowering himself to the ground after performing a weight transfer using the manually deployed etrier. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0022] A preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed herein as shown in FIGS. 1 through 3B . FIG. 1 shows the fall arrest lanyard 10 assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the lanyard assembly 10 is comprised of two upper straps 12 connected at one end via universal connectors of sufficient tensile strength, in this instance shown as clamp 20 a , and two lower straps 14 . Upper straps 12 and lower straps 14 are connected via sewn loops as shown in FIG. 1 , although alternative connection devices may be utilized including universal clamps, lobster clamps and load bearing rings of requisite tensile strength. Upper straps 12 include a folded etrier 16 secured to each upper strap 12 . Etrier packs 16 comprise a length of nylon strap with loops sewed therein that is folded and enclosed in a breakaway sheathing, such as shrink wrap. Etrier packs 16 are shown in the stored position wherein the etriers, a French term used by climbers to denote โ€œstep rope ladders,โ€ are attached to upper straps 12 by stitching or other connection methods as known in the art. Shock packs 18 comprise a length of folded upper strap 12 which is enclosed in a breakaway sheathing material such as shrink wrap plastic. The sheathing material utilized with etrier packs 16 and shock packs 18 acts to keep the etriers and shock packs in a secure, folded position until the application of sufficient tensile force which overcomes the restrictive force of the sheathing and allows the etriers and shock packs to deploy during a fall sequence. Incorporated and secured to upper straps 12 are cinch buckles 24 which provide an additional attach point for securing tools or other objects as desired by the user. Clamps 20 are positioned at the terminal ends of lower straps 14 for attachment directly to anchor points such as retractable safety lines or fixed anchor components. Sliding buckles 22 are included on each of the lower straps 14 to facilitate attachment to the anchor system. [0023] FIG. 2A shows the folded etriers 16 in greater detail in the โ€œstoredโ€ position. In this position, the etrier pack 16 is shown folded and retained in the folded position by shrink-wrap type material sheathing 26 . The etrier strap 28 is typically anywhere from four to six feet in unfolded length, although shorter or longer lengths may be utilized depending upon the specific application. Sheathing 26 retains the length of strap 28 in a folded state until sufficient tensile force exists between lower strap 14 and upper strap 12 thereby causing the etrier pack 16 to begin deploying along its length. As shown in FIG. 2B , as sufficient tensile force acts across upper strap 12 and lower strap 14 , the sheathing 26 breaks away and provides a decelerative force as the etrier pack strap 27 pulls through the loop in the lower strap 14 . The action of the strap 27 acts both to provide a declarative force and to deploy the etrier strap 28 . [0024] FIGS. 3A-3D represent a typical operation of the fall arrest lanyard described herein. In FIG. 3A , a user 30 is shown wearing safety harness 32 as is known in the art. Lanyard assembly 10 is connected to the user's harness 32 via clamp 20 A. At least one end of the lanyard assembly 10 is anchored to a secure point such as static beam 34 or to an existing safety line (not shown). FIG. 3B shows the beginning of a fall sequence wherein user 30 has lost his or her footing and begins to fall. As tensile forces begin to act across the upper strap 12 and lower strap 14 of the lanyard assembly 10 , the etrier pack 16 deploys. Thereafter, the development of increasingly greater tensile forces across the upper and lower straps of the lanyard assembly 10 triggers activation of the shock pack 18 to resistively release the folded portion of the upper strap 12 contained within the shrink wrap material resulting in the development of a decelerative force acting to slow the fall of the user 30 . The user stops falling as the length of upper strap and lower strap is fully deployed. [0025] FIG. 3C shows the user suspended above the ground after the fall scenario is complete. In this depiction, the weight of the user 30 causes the safety harness 32 with leg straps 33 to act as constriction points on the body of the user 30 . This phenomena, known as โ€œsuspension trauma,โ€ can act to constrict blood flow and decrease circulation which can lead to fatigue, unconsciousness and possibly death if the user is not quickly rescued. However, the deployed etrier 28 provides the user 30 with the ability to independently avoid suspension trauma. As shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D , the etrier 28 includes loops 29 into which the user 30 may insert his or her feet and assume a comfortable sitting or standing position while awaiting rescue and retrieval. This allows the user 30 to remove the pressure from remaining suspended in the harness 32 thereby preventing the onset of suspension trauma while awaiting rescue. Alternatively, the user can take advantage of the weight transfer capability of the manually deployed etrier to lower himself or herself to the ground using a rescue kit as discussed below with regard to an alternative embodiment of the invention. [0026] Referring now to FIG. 4 , a fall arrest lanyard 40 with a manually deployed etrier strap 28 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention as illustrated. In certain situations, the force created as a result of a fall by a user of a safety harness might not be sufficient to deploy the etrier pack discussed with regard to the automatically deployed etrier discussed above. Consequently, it may be desirable to have an etrier that may be manually deployed by the user in the event of a fall. In particular, the use of a self-retracting safety line (SRL) results in the safety line remaining taut while the user is working, for example, on the side of a building. In this situation, the user will be arrested immediately upon falling and will not typically gain enough momentum to deploy either an automatically deployed etrier or a shock pack as discussed above. The manually deployed etrier of FIG. 4 is constructed by sewing an etrier strap 28 to a cow tail strap. The cow tail strap is known in the art and is used to provide an extension to make it easier for the user to attach his or her harness to a lifeline. The distal end of the etrier strap 28 has a small ring 42 and tab 44 to provide a surface that may be easily grasped by the user to manually deploy the etrier strap 28 . The etrier strap 28 is folded and a sheath 46 is placed around the folded etrier strap 28 in a manner similar to the manner in which the etrier strap on the automatically deployed etrier discussed above is stored. [0027] FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a worker with the manually deployed etrier 40 attached to the dorsal connection of the user's safety harness. The other end is attached to a self-retracting lifeline (SRL) 52 . [0028] FIG. 5B shows the user 30 deploying the etrier 28 by pulling the ring 42 and tab 44 after a fall. As he pulls the etrier, the sheathing 46 breaks and falls off allowing the etrier 28 to fully extend. [0029] FIG. 5C shows the user climbing up the etrier after the etrier 28 has been deployed. As the user 30 climbs up the etrier 28 , the user 30 can cause the tension in strap 54 to be released so that clamp 56 can be disconnected after a rescue line is attached to the user's harness or belt. [0030] FIG. 5D shows the user descending to the ground using a rescue line attached to the clamp 58 at one end and the front of his harness (not shown) to allow the user 30 to lower himself to the ground. In this manner, the user 30 need not await a rescue. [0031] The arrest lanyard and etriers disclosed herein can be manufactured from nylon or polyester materials and plastics as known in the art to sufficient specifications for all applicable OSHA and specific industry safety requirements, including requirements which meet or exceed OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502 and ANSI Z359.1-1992. These materials are abrasion resistant and display excellent durability in all operational environments. In an alternative embodiment, the fall arrest lanyard of the first embodiment disclosed herein may comprise a โ€œsingle legโ€ lanyard which incorporates only one upper and lower strap with terminal connection points at the ends of the upper and lower straps, and which includes the shock pack and deployable etrier system disclosed herein. [0032] Although the present invention has been described in terms of an exemplary embodiment, it is not limited to these embodiments and modifications. Alternative embodiments, modifications, and equivalents, which would still be encompassed by the invention, may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art, in light of the foregoing teachings. Therefore, the following claims are intended to cover any alternative embodiments, modifications, or equivalents which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention defined by the claims.
An improved fall arrest lanyard apparatus and method for decelerating and arresting a user from impacting the ground after a fall, along with an integrated, deployable etrier. After the fall sequence has ended, the user may use the etrier to relieve tension in an upper portion of the lanyard and thereby disconnect the lanyard from the user while suspended.
0
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/666,767 filed Mar. 8, 1991, abandoned. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for preparing pattern data for a machine tool which performs a desired work for a workpiece according to a desired pattern. Among industrial machines, a machine such as sewing machine by which a desired stitch pattern is formed on a cloth automatically by moving the latter along a flat surface while holding the cloth with pressure, according to sewing data preliminarily programmed and stored in a memory device thereof is known. Such sewing data are usually stored in a recording medium in the memory device such that sewing of any of different patterns can be done easily. As the recording medium, semiconductor memory, magnetic card or floppy disc, etc., may be used, in which sewing machine operation information is stored according to the sequence of stitching. Control information for controlling the machine operation includes a control instruction concerning relative positional shift of the cloth to a needle of the sewing machine and a moving rate of the cloth for each stitching and a control instruction for controlling a motor for driving the sewing machine and the needle thereof. Control information for each sewing pattern is formed as a collection of these control instructions for each stitch. Therefore, in order to perform sewing of a desired sewing pattern with this sewing machine, it is necessary to prepare control data corresponding to the desired sewing pattern and store it on the recording medium. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example of a conventional sewing data preparing apparatus which is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Kokai (Patent) No. 60-148582, FIG. 8 is a plan view of an example of a tablet digitizer thereof and FIG. 9 is an example of a hardware construction thereof. The tablet digitizer 10 (FIG. 8) is provided in front of the apparatus, which includes a menu portion 11 for inputting data and a pattern input portion 13. In FIG. 7, a cursor 12 is used for selection on the menu portion 11 and acquisition of coordinate data from the pattern input portion 13. The sewing data preparing apparatus includes an LED display panel 20 including various switches and LED's provided on a front panel thereof and a CRT 26 for displaying pattern data, the CRT 26 being equipped with a usual key board 26A including ten keys and alphabetic keys, etc. The apparatus further includes a floppy disc driver 16 for driving a floppy disc 18 (FIG. 9) inserted thereinto as a recording medium to write sewing data into the floppy disc 18 or read it therefrom and a LED display panel 20. In FIG. 7, the cursor 12 is shown together with an example of the menu portion 11. The cursor 12 includes a readout portion 12a and a switch 12b. An operation of this sewing data preparing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. 9. By drawing a desired sewing pattern on the tablet digitizer 10 using the cursor 12, sewing data is produced by control operations to be performed mainly by a CPU 14, which is temporarily stored in a RAM 24. Then, the temporarily stored data is written in the floppy disc 18 by the floppy disc driver 16 and the sewing machine 38 is driven by inserting the floppy disc 18 into the control device 40 as the sewing data recording medium. In the conventional sewing data preparation apparatus mentioned above, the memory capacity of the apparatus for storing the sewing data depends upon a size of the RAM 24 and it is impossible to prepare sewing data whose size is larger than the capacity of the RAM 24. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method and device for preparing machining data according to which a plurality of machining data a total size of which is beyond a memory capacity of a machine and which are used to perform machining operation of a certain continuous machining pattern can be produced sequentially. In a machining data preparing apparatus according to the present invention, a plurality of partial pattern data for machining a certain pattern are stored in a memory and the partial pattern data are read out from the memory and connected in series or made contiguous according to codes each indicative of a connection of a partial pattern data to another partial pattern data, to form a whole machining data for such complete pattern. The apparatus and method of preparing machining data, according to the present invention, employ an information indicative of connection of one machining datum to an adjacent machining datum, the information being inserted into a machining data. In the present invention, a plurality of pattern data can be processed as a single data. Although, in this specification, a sewing machine is employed as an example of machine adapted to be used with this invention, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto and is applicable to any other machines such as welding machine, etc., whose machining point is movable with respect to a workpiece. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a tablet digitizer and a cursor of a sewing data preparing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2a shows an example of a pattern to be sewed; FIGS. 2b, 2c and 2d show elementary patterns constituting the pattern shown in FIG. 2a when made contiguous; FIG. 3 shows an example of data change resulting from partial pattern assembling; FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing an operation of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a sewing data preparing apparatus of a conventional sewing machine; FIG. 8 shows a conventional tablet digitizer and a cursor associated therewith; and FIG. 9 shows a construction of a conventional sewing data preparing apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention when applied to an industrial sewing machine will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In FIG. 1 which shows a construction of a tablet digitizer and a cursor, the tablet 10 includes a menu portion 11A which has, in addition to a conventional menu portion, a "continuation" option which indicates a continuity of data. The cursor 12 includes a read portion 12a and a switch 12b. A reference numeral 13 depicts a sewing pattern input portion. When the switch 12b is depressed at a certain position of the sewing pattern input portion, the read portion 12a reads data in that position. FIG. 2a shows a complete pattern 21 to be sewed by a sewing machine, FIGS. 2b, 2c and 2d show partial patterns constituting the complete pattern 21 in FIG. 2a when connected in series. Although the complete pattern 21 shown in FIG. 2a is a simplified example of a sewing pattern having minimum number of stitches, an actual pattern to be handled according to the present invention should be considered as a large or complicated pattern whose data size may be larger than that of the RAM 24 in FIG. 9. Furthermore, since a construction of hardware is similar to that of the conventional device, details thereof are omitted. An input method of input of the complete sewing pattern 21 shown in FIG. 2a as three files will be described with reference to FIG. 1. First, a drawing bearing the complete pattern 21 is put on the pattern input portion 13 of the tablet digitizer 10 and then the read portion 12a of the cursor 12 is put on a "pattern input" option of the menu portion 11a. Then, the switch 12b is depressed to make a pattern input ready. Similarly, an input condition setting is performed by sequentially putting the read portion 12a on positions "scale", "1", "0", "0", "stitch length", "3", ".", "0", "high speed", "linear input" and "start" with respective depressions of the switch 12b. In the above example, the scale is set as 100% so that the size of the drawing is made equal to the size of data. Thus, the input method is linear input and a stitch data of 3.0 mm is produced when two points are input. The sewing speed is set high in this example. Thereafter, the read portion 12a of the cursor 12 is put on a start point A of the pattern 21 and the switch 12b is depressed to input the start position. Subsequently, data of point A to B "linear input", "high speed", point B to C "linear input", "high speed", the point C "continuation code" on the menu portion 11a are input by the cursor 12 in the above order and stored temporally in RAM 24. Thereafter, the data are written to a floppy disc 18. Although, in this example, the sewing data are input a group of as coordinate data of the partial sewing pattern, they can be stored as pattern data constituted with relative values corresponding to a shift amount of a position from a preceding position to a next, depending upon selected sewing conditions. The "continuation code" indicates that one datum is followed by another datum. In writing, a file name is given to each partial pattern. For a partial pattern 22 in FIG. 2b, "PATTERN 100" 32 is given as its file name (FIG. 3). "The PATTERN" of this file name will be referred to by pattern name and the extension "100" following thereto will be referred to as the pattern number. Data of a partial pattern 23 in FIG. 2c which provides intermediate data when connected is written in by putting the cursor 12 sequentially in point C to D "linear input", "high speed", point D to E "linear input", "high speed", the point E "continuation code". These data are written in the floppy disc 18 in the same way. The partial pattern 23 is given a file name "PATTERN.101" 33 (FIG. 3). A partial pattern 24 in FIG. 2d whose data form a final data when continued has its start point coincident to the final stitch position E of the partial pattern 23 and the data thereof are inputted by putting the cursor 12 sequentially in point E to F "linear input", "high speed", point F to G "linear input", "high speed" , point G "thread cut code" and "end code". The data thus obtained are written in the floppy disc 18 similarly. The "end code" is a code notifying the sewing machine of an end of data. The partial pattern 24 is given a file name "PATTERN.102" 34. Then, a connecting operation for connecting these data in series is performed for the three files written in the single floppy disc 18 in a manner mentioned below with reference to FIG. 4. In the step S11, various setting conditions necessary to prepare the sewing data are inputted. Then, data of a partial pattern which forms together with other partial patterns the complete sewing pattern are inputted in the step S12 and it is checked in the step S13 whether or not it is a final partial pattern. If it is decided in the step S13 that this partial pattern is not a final partial pattern, a connection code is input in the step S14 and stored in an external medium, i.e., the floppy disc 18, in the step S15. This flow is repeated. If the decision in the step S13 indicates that the input partial pattern is a final pattern, an end code is input in the step S16 which is stored in the floppy disc 18 in the step S17. Thus, in the step S12, it is enough to store, in the memory of the apparatus, partial patterns whose size is within a RAM 24 capacity of the memory and-store other pattern data in the floppy disc 18 which may have larger memory capacity. These partial patterns are connected in the step S18. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the pattern numbers of the three files are inputted, in the step 41, by means of a key board 26a in a desired continuation order. In this case, the order is from 100 to 101 and then to 102. In the step S42, the pattern names of the continuation data to be produced, for example, SAMPLE, is inputted by the key board 26a. In the step S43, it is checked whether or not the pattern number inputted in the step S41 exists and, if absence, an error indication is made on a CRT 26 in the step S47. If exists, the following processing is performed in the step S44. In the step S44, a pattern number of the continuation data is determined. In this case, a non-used pattern number 104 is automatically allocated thereto. If there is no non-used pattern number, the process is shifted to the step S47 and an error indication is given. The pattern name SAMPLE assigned in the step S42 and the pattern number 104 assigned in the step S44 are added to the file name under which the data corresponding to the "PATTERN.100" 32 in FIG. 3 are stored, resulting in "SAMPLE.104" 35. In the step S45, the continuation file name is produced as to be described below. In order to give a relation between the file name corresponding to "PATTERN.101" 33 in FIG. 3 and a top file name "SAMPLE.104" of the continuation data, the pattern number "104" is made as a pattern name. Since the pattern number is a file which has to be read next to the top data, it is made as "001". That is, the continuation data corresponding to "PATTERN.101" 33 in FIG. 3 is made as "104.001" 36. Similarly, the file name corresponding to "PATTERN.102" 34 in FIG. 3 is produced as "104.002" 37. Finally, the files are made continuous in the step S50. The continuation of files to be performed in the step S50 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. In the step S51, it is decided whether processings of all files are completed and if completed the operation is moved to the step S62. If operation is not completed in the step S52, "PATTERN.100" 32 corresponding to the partial pattern 22 is read in. Then, in the step S53, it is decided whether the read-in is completed normally and if completed the operation is moved to the step S56. If not completed, the operation is moved to the step S63 and an error indication is provided on the CRT 26. In the step S56, it is checked whether the file on process is the first file. If yes, the operation is moved to the step S57 and the data is written in "SAMPLE.104" 35 without correction. Then, in the step S61, it is checked whether or not the writing is completed normally. If not completed normally, an error indication is given in the step S63. If completed normally, "PATTERN.101" 33 is written in the step S52 after the checking in the step S51. Then, when the checking in the step S53 is yes, it is checked in the step S56 whether the file is the second file. If yes, it is checked in the step S58 whether or not a first stitch is the start code and if yes the first stitch is skipped and data of the second and subsequent stitches are written in "104.001" 36 in the step S59. The writing of the second stitch is to prevent a needle at the start point in FIG. 2c from stitching twice. If not, it is written in the step S57 as it is. "PATTERN.102" 34 is also processed similarly to "PATTERN.101" 33 to produce "104.002" 37. When this processing is completed normally, the continuation file name is displayed on the CRT 26 in the step S62. On the contrary, when the data read/write in this processing is not performed normally, the continuation file produced in the step S64 is deleted. In this case, all of the original files, "PATTERN.100" 32, "PATTERN.101" 33 and "PATTERN.102" 34 are saved and thus these original files and the continuation file are saved in the floppy disc 18. Although in the described embodiment the three files are made contiguous, the number of files to be connected is not limited thereto. For example, any number of files can be made contiguous theoretically by modifying pattern number input and exchanging floppy discs. In the continuation processing, pattern data such as various informations in the sewing data are constituted with relative values corresponding to an amount of shift from a preceding position, rather than absolute values such as coordinate values. Therefore, the memory capacity for storing the contents of the respective partial pattern data may be small since it is enough to delete the start data, that is, no operation of coordinate values is necessary. In other words, in the described example, since the continuation processing includes giving file names to the files of the assigned partial patterns according to a desired continuation scheme and writing them as a different file, the continuation relation can be determined by only the file name. Further, in order to provide means for obtaining a timing of a next file name writing in performing a sewing by the sewing machine, a continuation code may be used. An operation of a sewing machine which is instructed to perform a sewing of a pattern No. 104 prepared in the described manner will be described as an example of the above scheme: (1) read-in of SAMPLE. 104 in an execution memory. (2) sewing operation according to data stored in the execution memory. (3) pick-up of a continuation code in the data. (4) Read-in of a data 104.001 next to SAMPLE. 104 in the execution memory according to the continuation scheme. (5) repetition of (1) to (4). (6) read-in of a data 104.002 next to 104.001 in the execution memory. (7) sewing operation according to the data stored in the execution memory. (8) termination of one pattern by an end code. Although the data preparing apparatus and data preparing method have been described for sewing data for use in a sewing machine, the present invention is not limited to such application. For example, the present invention is also applicable to preparation of drawings. Further, data to be processed may be machining data. Furthermore, since the original files are saved, not only different files but one and same file can be made contiguous. Furthermore, since, in FIG. 3, the files 104.001 and 104.002 can not function as independent files, it is preferable to attach an identification codes to the respective files to make them not possible to be called independently. As described, according to the present invention, it becomes possible to produce a sewing data whose size is selected regardless of the size of memory provided in the sewing data producing device of an industrial machine capable of machining a workpiece along a desired pattern, Although the present invention has been described with reference to an industrial sewing machine, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention is easily applied to other machines including a welding machine.
An information indicating that a pattern machining data for an industrial machine, which data is a collection of sectional machining data each including workpiece feed amount for each sectional machining and machining information for each sectional machining, is made contiguous to another machining data is inserted into a predetermined one of the machining data so that a plurality of machinings whose data size exceeds a capacity of a machining data memory of the machine can be can be performed thereby continuously.
3
FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to electrified rails for a railroad. While the invention has applicability to any scale or type of railroad, it is particularly useful in scale model railroads. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A long standing problem in electrified rails in railroads and particularlty in scale model railroads has been how to provide good electrical continuity the full length of the track while segmenting the track into easily installed sections. The electrical continuity between the rail sections in model railroads has been poor. Typically, the entire rail in a section was made of a conductive material such as brass or aluminum. Abutting sections of rails were connected physcially and electrically by conductive clips that slid over the foot of the "I" cross-sectional shape of both rails at the abutting joint. The conductivity of these clip connections between rails was dependent on the tightness of the clip as it gripped the abutting rail sections. Inevitably, these clips would make poorer electrical connections as the track was used. The result was that electric engines drawing power from the track would lose electrical power in certain track sections or would receive less power the longer the distance from the electrical power source to the position of the electric engine drawing power from the track. Some solutions for this problem in the past have included track sections that have conductive rails with male/female couplings at the abutment between rail sections. In at least one case, U.S. Pat. No. 3,583,631, the rail body was non-conductive and was covered by conductive channel member having couplings to connect abutting sections or rails. Another solution shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,084,322 also uses track sections with non-conductive rails covered by conductive channels fitted over the non-conductive rail. In this solution, abutting sections of rails are electrically connected by channel clips that fit over the conductive channels at the abutment joint. Both of these solutions are dependent on a tight fit at the coupling between rail sections to provide good electrical conductivity between abutting rails. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The electrical continuity problem in sectional rails has been solved by fabricating a composite minimum-joint conductive rail which effectively eliminates the electrical discontinuity across joints between abutting rail sections. This composite minimum-joint conductive rail comprises a sectional non-conductive support rail and a minimum-joint conductive rail member that slideably engages the surface of the support rail and spans the abutment joints between rail sections. An electro-motive device riding on the conductive rail and drawing power from it sees no electrical discontinuity across support rail abutment joints. The conductive rail member may be of any length, depending on the length of track to be electrically powered. The conductive rail is fabricated from copper, aluminum, nickel or other conductive materials and is flexible for ease of installation. It gains its physical strength from the sectional non-conductive support rails. In one aspect of the invention the surface of the non-conductive rail that is to be electrified is shaped to receive the conductive member. After the non-conductive support rail slideably engages the conductive rail, it the support rail serves to guide the flexible conductive member to a similar receiving and guiding means on an abutting support rail. In another aspect of the invention the length of track may be electrically subdivided into electrical blocks by using conductive rail members whose length corresponds to the electrical block and by separating the ends of the conductive rail members with short insulative rail members that slideably engage the support rails in the same manner as the conductive rail member. The length of electrical blocks is completely independent of the support rail abutment joints. The support rail may receive multiple conductive rails, members or strips. The conductive strips may share the same surface of the support rail or may be on different surfaces of the support rail. The conductive rails or strips mate with receiving and guiding means on the support rail in a number of ways. There may be grooves in the support rail and matching beads on the conductive strips that snap into such grooves. The conductive strip may have beveled edges that snap under matching counter-beveled edges on the top surface of the support rail. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the minimum-joint conductive rail. FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C show a fish plate for connecting abutting support rails and for compressing the support rail to grip the conductive rail. FIG. 3A shows a spring-loaded clip for mounting the support rail on interconnecting ties. FIG. 3B shows a support rail with two minimum-joint conductive strips, one for providing power to the vehicle and one for providing control signals. FIG. 4A shows a conductive support rail having insulating layers to insulate the support rail from the minimum-joint conductive strips. FIGS. 4B and 4C show a preferred embodiment for rail clip for mounting the rail on ties or roadbed. FIG. 5 shows a double cylindrical groove and matching bead for attaching the conductive rail to the non-conductive support rail. FIG. 6 shows a nonconductive support rail with a dovetail top surface to receive a matching dovetail shaped conductive member. FIG. 7 shows a non-conductive support rail carrying two conductive strips with dovetail beads. FIG. 8 is the bottom view of a conductive rail with beads at spaced intervals. FIG. 9 shows a mono-rail embodiment where the support rail carries two minimum-joint conductive rails. FIG. 10 shows a hanging mono-rail embodiment where the minimum-joint conductive strips are attached to vertical portion of the I-beam. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1. Support rail 10 is made of electrically non-conductive or insulative material such as poly-carbonate materials, carbon fibers, ceramics, or combinations thereof. Any insulative material that has sufficient structural strength to support a vehicle on the rail may be used. The top of the support rail 10 contains a notch 12 that runs the length of rail 10. In the preferred embodiment, notch 12 is a dovetail groove. This dovetail groove is designed to receive the dovetail bead 14 of a minimum-joint conductive rail 16 on top of support rail 10. Support rails 10 are abutted end-to-end to form any desired length of rail in a track system. In FIG. 1, support rail 10 is joined to abutting support rail 18 at joint 22 by fish plate 20 and a matching counterpart fish plate (not shown) on the other side of rails 10 and 18. In a model railroad implementation, the fish plates are preferrably plastic with simulated bolts and nuts molded as a part of each fish plate. Each molded bolt (see FIG. 2C) is a nub 38 molded on the fish plate and snapfits through holes 58 in a matching fish plate on the other side of the rail. In FIG. 1, nubs (not shown) from the opposite-side fish plate pass through holes in rails 10 and 18 and snapfit through holes 26 in fish plate 20. False nuts 24 are molded into fish plate 20 to simulate real nuts. Of course, in a conventional rail system, the fish plates would have holes at the locations of false nuts 24 for normal nut/bolt fastening of two abutting rails. The continuous conductive member or rail 16 is attached to both rails 10 and 18 by inserting the dovetail bead 14 into matching dovetail groove 12 in the rails. The flat portion of conductive rail 16 rests on the top surface of support rails 10 and 18. The bead 14 of rail 16 riding in groove 12 holds the conductive rail in place. Thus conductive rail 16 spans the support rail abutment joint 22 so that relative to a vehicle or electro-motive device riding on the rail there is no physical discontinuity or electrical discontinuity of the composite minimum-joint conductive rail at joint 22. The minimum-joint conductive rail 16 terminates at some point along the track where it is desireable to end an electrical control zone. In FIG. 1, rail 16 terminates where it abuts against floating insulator 28. Insulator 28 thus defines the end of one electric control zone or control block defined by conductive rail 16 and the beginning of the next control block defined by conductive rail 30. Floating insulator 28 has a dovetail bead 32 to engage groove 12 in the support rail in the same manner as conductive rail 16. Insulator 28 and conductive rail 16 float on support rail 18 in that they may slide along the top of rail 18. This allows for expansion and contraction of the conductive rails due to changes in temperature. FIGS. 2A and 2B show an alternative design for the plastic fish plates. Fish plates 34 and 35 are concave relative to the support rail 44 so that a cavity 36 is formed between plates 34 and 35 and the non-conductive support rails. As illustrated in end view in FIG. 2B, nub 39 of shaft 38 is pressed through a hole in the fish plate by deforming the fish plates 34 and 35 inward as depicted by arrows 33. Fish plates 34 and 35 are identical; when installed, plate 35 is reversed in direction relative to plate 34. Thus, shafts 38 of one plate extend through holes 58 (FIG. 2C) of the other plate. After nub 39 on shaft 38 of fish plate 34 has snapped through the hole in fish plate 35, plates 34 and 35 are held deformed toward the support rail 44. As a result, plates 34 and 35 want to extend in an upward and downward direction, as depicted by arrows 42, against the foot 46 and head 48 of rail 44. The upward pressure on head 48 of the support rail causes the walls of groove 50 to pinch or grip the dovetail 52 of the conductive rail 54 mounted on the support rail. FIG. 2C shows details of the fish plate or bracket 34. Shafts 38 and nuts 40 are molded as a part of plate 34. The position of the innermost edge of the concave inner surface of plate 34 is illustrated by dashed line 56. Holes 58 in the plate are tapered to receive the nubs 39 of shafts 38 that snapfit into holes 58. The molded shape of nuts 40 is a matter of choice since they are provided for aesthetics in simulating the appearance of conventional track installation. FIG. 3A illustrates a clip 64 for holding the support rail to a support member or railroad tie 62. Alternatively, the clip could hold the support rail directly to the roadbed. Clip 64 has spring tension arms 60. A support rail may be snapped into the clip between the arms 64 as shown in FIG. 3B and be held by the clip on tie 62 or a roadbed (not shown). FIG. 3B shows a non-conductive support rail 65 and minimum-joint conductive member 67 similar to rail 16 in FIG. 1. In addition FIG. 3B shows a second conductive strip 69 (shown in end view at the end of the rail) positioned at the bottom of support rail 65. One or more conductive strips 69 might be used to conduct control signals, such as a radio frequency control signals, down the length of the track. Conductive strip 69 would be a continuous or minimum-joint strip in the same manner as conductive strip 67. A end view of support rail 65 with conductors 67 and 69 is shown in FIG. 4A. In addition in FIG. 4A, the support rail 65 is made of a conductive metal such as steel, brass, aluminum or tin. In this embodiment with a conductive support rail, there must be an insulating layer 67A and 69A between the support rail 65 and conductors 67 and 69 respectively. Insulating layers 67A and 69A are preferrably coatings of polycarbonate materials. Plastics such as Vinyl or Teflon might be used. Also shown in the end view in FIG. 4A is a space between the bottom of conductor 67 and the bottom of the dovetail groove. This space is provided so that a electrical wire might be trapped in the space after passing through a hole (not shown) in the support rail. Thus the conductor 67 can receive electrical power from a power source. A preferred embodiment of the rail clip 64 is shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C. Clip 64 is precast or molded out of flexible polycarbonate materials and has posts 68 with ears 63 that snap fit over the base 46 of support rail 44. In the detail of FIG. 4B, the clip 64 has upstanding posts 68 molded as a single piece with base 65. Upstanding posts 68 have arcuate, vertical-fluted surfaces 66 and ears 63 to hold a rail firmly in place after it is snapped into clip 64. Fluted surfaces 66 would be shaped out of a harder material than the plastic clip and for example might be a metal insert such as steel, brass, or aluminum, molded into the clip. Further the rail base is held in a recessed area 67. In FIG. 4C, there is a top view of clip 64 in FIG. 4B. Four posts 68 are shown. Arcuate fluted surfaces 66 are shown by dashed lines. The edges 67A of recess 67 are indicated. Also holes 61 in base plate 65 are provided so that the clip 64 can be fastened to railroad ties or roadbed with nails, spikes or bolts through the holes. When a rail is pushed down into clip 64, base 65 and posts 68 flex to allow posts 68 to open sufficiently for the base of the rail to slip past ears 63. After ears 63 snap over the base of the rail, the rail is kept from moving vertically and is held in recess 67 by ears 63 applying retentive forces in direction of arrows 63A. In addition the rail is kept from slipping transverse to the direction of the rail by the edges of recess 67 and by retentive forces (in the direction of arrows 66A) from the inner arcuate surfaces 66 of posts 68. The rail is kept from slipping along the length of the rail by the vertical fluted surfaces 66. FIGS. 5 through 7 illustrate various alternative embodiments for attaching the minimum-joint conductive strip on top of the nonconductive sectional support rail. In FIG. 5, the conductive strip 71 has two rounded beads 70 and 72 for engaging rounded grooves 74 and 76 respectively in non-conductive support rail 69. In FIG. 6, the support rail 79 has a top surface containing a cylindrical groove 80 with ears 82 and 83. The minimum-joint conductor 84 has a cylindrical cross-sectional shape. When the conductor 84 is pressed into groove 80, ears 82 and 83 of the groove snap over the conductor. Conductor 84 has a diameter somewhat greater than the depth of groove 80 so that upto 20% of the diameter of the conductor protrudes above the surface of the support rail. This will insure good electrical contact between the conductive strip and wheels electro-motive device drawing power from the rail. In FIG. 7, the support rail 87 has two dovetail grooves 88 and 90 to engage two conductive strips 92 and 94 respectively. Strips 92 and 94 each have a dovetail bead 96 and 98 for engaging dovetail grooves 88 and 90. Strips 92 and 94 are insulated from each other by a ridge 100 on the top of the non-conductive support rail 87. In FIG. 8, an alternative embodiment of the minimum-joint conductive rail is shown. In this embodiment, the dovetail bead 102 is discontinuous. The bead need not extend the length of the conductive strip. There only needs to be a bead at spaced intervals. Two beads 102 and 104 are shown. The interval between beads should be short enough so that good engagement with the support rail is maintained when the conductive rail is snapped into the matching groove in the non-conductive support rail. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate attachment of minimum-joint conductive strips to sectional non-conductive mono-rails. As in FIG. 1 the non-conductive mono-rail would be built of strong relatively stiff material to support the weight of the vehicle travelling on the rail. Accordingly, the mono-rail would be in sections which would be assembled to form a track. The conductive strips would be flexible and of any length and would span any number of mono-rail sections thereby providing electrical continuity for a predetermined length of track. In the mono-rail illustrated as an end view in FIG. 9, the rail is supported at the base 108 by pylons or a roadbed in cross- section. The electro-motive vehicle rides on the top surface 110 of the rail and carries two electrical conductive wipers or wheels which make contact with conductive strips 112 and 114. The continuous conductive strips have a dovetail bead 116 and snap into a matching dovetail groove 118. In the mono-rail illustrated as an end view in FIG. 10, the rail is supported at the top 120 of the I-beam by hanging support 122 in cross-section. The electro-motive vehicle rides on wheels running on the top surfaces 124 and 126 of the base 128 of the I-beam. The vehicle also carries two electrical conductive wipers or wheels which make contact with conductive strips 130 and 132. The continuous conductive strips have a dovetail shape and snap into a matching dovetail grooves 131 and 133 respectively. While a number of preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, that a number of further variations or modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention.
A composite minimum-joint electrified rail is constructed by combining a non-conductive support rail divided into easily installed segments with a continuous conductive rail that mounts on the support rail and spans any number of support rail segments. The conductive rail may be attached to the non-conductive rail by a tongue and groove arrangement. Multiple conductive rails or strips may be attached to different portions of the same support rail. In addition spring clips are shown for attaching the support rail to railroad ties or roadbed, and fish plates are shown for attaching abutted support rails.
4
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to archery and, more particularly, to an arrow rest assembly and method for providing accurate and unimpeded shooting of an arrow from a bow. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION An arrow rest assembly is a device which is mounted to a bow for supporting the arrow shaft of an arrow during the launching of the arrow from the bow. Arrow rest assemblies are intended to enhance the shooting accuracy by securing and stabilizing the front end of the arrow while the bow string is drawn backwardly away from the bow and during the release of the bow string. Most arrow rest assemblies fall into two basic design categories: (1) side control rest assemblies and (2) launcher rest assemblies. Side control rest assemblies consist of a shelf, which the bottom of the arrow shaft sits upon, and a side plate, which one side of the arrow shaft presses against. Examples of this type of rest include the "springy" arrow rest and the "flipper-plunger" arrow rest assemblies, which are both well known in the art. Side control rest assemblies have been traditionally used with finger-released arrows, as opposed to arrows shot with mechanical bow string release aids, because of the peculiarities associated with finger-released arrows. More specifically, a finger-released arrow bends dramatically from side to side as the arrow leaves the bow, and this bending, often called "archer's paradox", must be controlled with some sort of rigid or flexible arrow plate. Hence, side control rest assemblies are an appropriate option for archers who intend to finger release their arrows. The more accurate design choice for an arrow rest is a launcher rest assembly, which is generally used with mechanically released arrows. These arrow rest assemblies take a number of forms, but all cradle the arrow from below with two upwardly protruding, tentacle-like, support prongs. Essentially, the arrow shaft is supported by and slides securely along a launcher track formed by the two prong arrangement during the arrow draw and shooting. The fletching, or arrow feathers (3 or 4 per arrow), are oriented so that they do not contact either support prong during shooting of the arrow. Sometimes the support prongs are flexible and/or are spring-loaded in an upward position so that if fletching contact does occur, the support prongs can move downwardly to thereby minimize prong obstruction of the fletching. The configuration of launcher rest assemblies offers the significant advantage of increased accuracy by minimizing arrow shaft contact and fletching contact, while providing sufficient support and stability. Although the launcher rest assemblies provide for better support and accuracy than the side control rests, the launcher rest assemblies are problematic when used by an archer who releases arrows with fingers. When arrows are finger-drawn, the arrow shaft tends to jump off the support prongs during release of the bow string as a result of archer's paradox described previously. Consequently, serious shooting inaccuracy occurs as well as game-spooking bow noise. Furthermore, the fletching of the arrow must be precisely oriented with the support prongs to prevent collision during shooting between the fletching and the support prongs. Big game arrows having a broad head arrow tip are especially sensitive to fletching contact with the rest assembly. Finally, when an archer hunts and carries a loaded bow around with his hand holding the bow and with his forefinger wrapped around the arrow shaft, the arrow often undesirably falls between the support prongs, thereby requiring readjustment prior to shooting. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thus, an object of the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies and inadequacies of the prior art as noted above. Another object of the present invention is to provide a launcher arrow rest assembly which may be easily implemented on any conventional compound bow. Another object of the present invention is to provide an arrow rest assembly and method for optimizing accuracy and providing unimpeded shooting of an arrow from a bow. Another object of the present invention is to provide an arrow rest assembly and method for preventing an arrow from jumping off of the arrow rest assembly during release of the bow string. Another object of the present invention is to provide an arrow rest assembly and method for eliminating the need to precisely adjust and orient the arrow fletching in order to prevent collision of the fletching with the arrow rest assembly. Another object of the present invention is to provide an arrow rest assembly for permitting an archer to hold the bow and wrap his forefinger around the shaft of the arrow while carrying the bow in an unaimed position during, perhaps, hunting. Another object of the present invention is to provide an arrow rest assembly which is simple in design, inexpensive to manufacture, and efficient and reliable in operation. Briefly described, the present invention is an arrow rest assembly for providing accurate and unimpeded shooting of an arrow from a bow. The arrow rest assembly has an arrow cradle configured to raise upwardly from an initial first position to a second position where the cradle supports the underside of an arrow while a bow string associated with the bow is drawn, or moved away from the bow. The arrow cradle is configured to quickly lower downwardly to the first position away from the arrow just after release of the bow spring. A lever arm is adapted to move the arrow cradle upwardly, or from the first position to the second position. For moving the lever arm, a connecting means, for example, a flexible cord, connects the lever arm and the bow cables of the bow. A spring biases the arrow cradle in favor of the first position and moves the arrow cradle from the second position to the first position when the bow spring is released. The present invention may also be viewed broadly as a method for shooting an arrow, the method being independent of structure and hardware. In essence, the method comprises the steps of (1) supporting the underside of an arrow with a cradle while a bow string associated with the bow is drawn, or pulled away from the bow, and (2) forcing the cradle downwardly and away from the arrow after release of the bow string. An important feature of the present invention is the spring for biasing the arrow cradle downwardly in favor of the first position. This feature is not present in the prior art. The novel spring arrangement forces the cradle quickly into the first position and away from the arrow shaft so as to provide unimpeded launching of the arrow from the bow. Another important feature of the present invention is a one-piece, continuous U-shaped member of the cradle for contacting the arrow. This U-shaped men, her provides superior support for the arrow shaft and permits engagement of the arrow shaft with, for example, a forefinger, without disengagement of the arrow with the desired cradle position. Another important feature of the present invention are the user-friendly adjustment mechanisms. There is a horizontal adjustment mechanism, two vertical adjustment mechanisms (coarse and fine), and a flexible elongated cord connecting the lever am to the bow cables, all permitting easy implementation of the novel arrow rest assembly with numerous types of conventional bows. Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention, as defined in the claims, can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a side view of a novel arrow rest assembly in accordance with the present invention showing a cradle of the arrow rest assembly residing in a first position; FIG. 2 shows a side view of the arrow rest assembly of FIG. 1 in a second position wherein the cradle resides in a second position supporting an arrow shaft prior to launch; and FIG. 3 shows an assembly view of the novel arrow rest assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now in more detail to the drawings wherein like numerals represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, a novel arrow rest assembly 10 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. The arrow rest assembly 10 provides for high shooting accuracy, high arrow speed, and total unimpeded shooting of an arrow 12, shown in FIG. 2, from a compond bow 14 having pulleys (not shown) operated by bow cables 16a, 16b with a bow string (not shown) connected to the bow cables 16a 16b. The arrow rest assembly 10 is mounted in the sight window 17 of any conventional bow. The arrow rest assembly 10 has a continuous, U-shaped arrow cradle 18 with a downwardly bending cradle tip 19 for engaging and supporting the underside of the arrow 12. The arrow cradle 18 is connected to a pivotal mounting block 22 which has a U-shaped aperture 23 and which pivots about an elongated axis member 24. The elongated axis member 24 passes through an aperture 25 of the pivotal mounting block 22. Preferably, the elongated axis member 24 is a bolt having a smooth shoulder for permitting free frictionless rotation of the pivotal mounting block 22 about the elongated axis member 24. The elongated axis member 24 is mounted to an adjustable arm member 26 via threaded male and female mating engagement, respectively. Further, the adjustable arm member 26 is mounted to the bow 14 via a threaded elongated axis member 28 passing through a threaded hub 32 in the bow 14 at one end, and at the other end, passing through an elongated adjustment aperture 34 in the arm member 26 and then into an affixing mechanism, for example, a threaded lock nut 36. The arrow rest assembly 10 may be adjusted horizontally by loosening the lock nut 36 and moving the adjustable arm member 26 side to side about the threaded elongated axis member 28, thereby horizontally moving the arrow cradle 18 either closer to or further away from the bow 14. Without any pulling force on the bow string away from the bow 14, the pivotal mounting block 22 is forced to rotate about the elongated axis member 24 via a circular spring 38 so that the arrow cradle 18 is forced downwardly in a direction away from the arrow 12. The circular spring 38 coils around the elongated axis member 24 and presses against the upper end of the pivotal mounting block 22 at a looped first end 38a, and at a second end 38b, the circular spring 38 engages the underside of the adjustable arm member 26. Essentially, the circular spring 38 creates a separating force between the pivotal mounting block 22 and the adjustable arm member 26, thereby forcing the arrow cradle 18 downwardly. An elongated lever arm 42 is disposed substantially orthogonally with respect to the elongated axis member 24. The lever arm 42 fixedly mounts in an aperture 43 of the pivotal mounting block 22 via threaded male and female mating engagement, respectively. The lever arm 42 is adapted to rotate the pivotal mounting block 22 about the elongated axis member 24. A connecting cord 44 connects the lever arm 42 with the bow string (not shown) of the bow 14. The cord 44 preferably comprises a flexible rubber tubing 46 affixed at one end to the distal end of the lever arm 42, and at the other end, to a nonflexible cable 48 having an aperture 52 for attachment to a bow cable 16a, 16b. The arrow rest assembly 10 further comprises two vertical adjustment mechanisms, coarse and fine, for adjusting the vertical level of arrow support provided by the arrow cradle 18. A coarse vertical adjustment mechanism includes the adjustable arm member 26, the elongated axis members 24, 28, and the elongated aperture 34. The position of the elongated axis member 28 passing through the aperture 34 and the physical orientation of the adjustable arm member 26 relative to the axis members 24, 28 permits the user to orient the pivotal mounting block 22 and the arrow cradle 18 in variety of vertical position. In addition, the arrow rest assembly 10 comprises a fine vertical adjustment mechanism. A set screw 54 passes through a threaded aperture 56 in the pivotal mounting block 22 to thereby contact the bow 14 at a first end 54a. At a second end 54b of the set screw 54, the set screw 54 may be turned clockwise or counterclockwise to selectively rotate the rotatable mounting block 22 about the elongated axis member 24 in small increments to thereby raise and lower the arrow cradle 18. OPERATION Initially, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the pivotal mounting block 22 is forced in a clockwise rotation about the axis member 24 via the circular spring 38 (FIG. 3). Rotation of the pivotal mounting block 22 about the axis member 24 is stopped by engagement of the arrow cradle 18 with the bottom 55 of the sight window corresponding with the bow 14. The arrow cradle 18 is now in a first position. The arrow 12 is inserted on the bow and arrow arrangement. The arrow shaft is disposed to engage the cradle tip 19, pass between the U-shaped arrow cradle 18, and pass through a U-shaped passthrough 23 of the pivotal mounting block 22. The nock (not shown) of the arrow 12 is engaged with the bow string of the bow 14. As the bow string of the bow 14 is pulled backwardly away from the bow 14, the bow cable 16b is moved upwardly as indicated by an arrow 58 of FIG. 1, thereby creating pulling tension in the cord 44 and causing the lever arm 42 to be pulled backwardly toward the bow cables 16a, 16b. 2. Movement of the lever arm 42 in a backward direction causes counterclockwise rotation of the pivotal mounting block 22 about the elongated axis member 24. Counterclockwise rotation of the pivotal mounting block 22 forces the arrow cradle 18 in an upward direction, as illustrated in FIG. 2, and raises the arrow 12 from engagement with the U-shaped passthrough of the mounting block 22. The arrow cradle 18 is now in a transitional and temporary second position. When the bow string is released by the user, the bow cable 16b moves abruptly downwardly, as illustrated by an arrow 59 in FIG. 2, to thereby deplete the pulling tension in the cord 44. As a result, the circular spring 38 (FIG. 3) causes the pivotal mounting block 22 to rotate counterclockwise about the axis member 24 so that the arrow cradle 18 is quickly moved downwardly away from the arrow 12 as the arrow 12 passes horizontally by and adjacent to the bow 14. In essence, the arrow rest assembly 10 assumes the initial first position as indicated in FIG. 1. The features and principles of the present invention have been described and illustrated with reference to a preferred embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications may be made to the preferred embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be incorporated within the scope of the present invention, as defined hereinafter in the claims.
An arrow rest assembly (10) provides accurate and unimpeded shooting of an arrow (12) from a compound bow (14). A U-shaped arrow cradle (18) is configured to raise upwardly to a second position so that the arrow (12) is supported and is configured to lower downwardly to a first position away from the arrow (12) during launching. A lever arm (42) is capable of moving the arrow cradle (18) upwardly, or from the first position to the second position. To this end, a cord (44) connects the lever arm (42) with a bow cable (16a, 16b). A circular spring (38) biases the arrow cradle (18) downwardly, or toward the first position.
5
TECHNICAL FIELD This invention pertains to making and using polymer devices that display three or more shape memory events when subjected to an external stimulus such as heating. Such devices are sometimes called โ€œsmartโ€ devices because they appear to remember previously imparted shapes when they are heated. The invention, in which three or more such shapes are remembered, is particularly applicable to polymer compositions displaying a broad glass transition temperature range. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Present shape memory polymers are materials that can memorize one or two temporary shapes and eventually revert to an original permanent shape upon exposure to an external microstructural-transforming stimulus such as heat. In some shape memory polymers the external stimulus for shape change may be an electric or magnetic field, light, or a change in pH. A conventional shape memory polymer (SMP) is deformed at an elevated temperature (deformation temperature, T d ) and the deformed temporary shape is fixed upon cooling. Often, this deformation temperature is above the glass transition temperature of the polymer composition. When heated to a recovery temperature (T r ), the temporary shape reverts to the original permanent shape. With a total of two shapes involved in each shape memory cycle, such an effect is called dual-shape memory effect (DSME) where the two shapes consist of the deformed temporary shape and the permanent shape. Quantitatively, this effect is evaluated based on the percentage of shape fixation of the temporary shape (shape fixity R f , i.e. strain imposed compared to strain retained) and shape recovery of the permanent shape (shape recovery, R r ). At the molecular level, materials displaying the DSME typically possess a polymer microstructural mechanism for setting the permanent shape and a reversible polymer phase transition for fixing the temporary shape. A prototype shape memory cycle occurs with both shape fixation and recovery above a reversible phase transition temperature (or the shape memory transition temperature, T trans ). In contrast to polymer materials displaying a dual-shape memory effect, a triple-shape memory effect has also been observed in some polymers. The triple-shape memory effect refers to the capability of some combinations of polymer materials to memorize a second temporary shape (three shapes are involved) using an additional reversible phase transition in the polymer composition. The fixation of two temporary shapes in a body of the polymer (and subsequent shape recovery) for a triple-shape memory polymer is achieved either above or between two transition temperatures existing in the mixed polymer composition. Overall, various SMP systems have been adapted for use in a number of very useful applications including biomedical devices, self-healing surfaces, โ€œsmartโ€ fasteners, and โ€œsmartโ€ adhesives. In each of these applications the polymer may be placed in a temporary shape for initial placement. But upon heating (or other application of energy) the polymer self-transforms from its temporary shape to its permanent shape. It is apparent that the ultimate potential of this class of materials hinges heavily on tailoring (or tuning) their shape memory properties for the targeted applications. Due to the strong tie between R f (and R r ) and T trans , tuning shape memory properties often involves adjustment in T trans , which requires material composition change via synthesis of new polymers or modification of existing polymers. There remains a need for the adaptation of new polymer materials and new uses of polymer materials in SMP applications. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the many possible embodiments of this invention, a single polymer composition with a single broad reversible phase transition is used to display a dual-, triple-, and even quadruple-shape memory effect. The availability of multiple temporary shapes is sometimes referred to herein as a โ€œdynamicโ€ memory shape effect. This unprecedented availability of three or more temporary shapes enables an article of the material to be given a permanent shape at a first relatively high temperature and a selected strain level and three or more temporary shapes at progressively lower temperatures and different strain levels. The article may be initially used in its third temporary shape indefinitely at a temperature below its lowest strain temperature. As the article experiences increasing temperatures (or other suitable energy input) it progressively transforms its shape from its third temporary shape to its second temporary shape, and from its second temporary shape to its first temporary shape, and from its first temporary shape to its permanent shape. The invention may be practiced on substantially single polymer compositions displaying a quite broad glass transition range. This transition range is observed, for example, in a dynamic mechanical analysis of the viscoelastic polymer material as presented in a graph of the log(Eโ€ฒ) in MPa v. temperature (ยฐ C.) where Eโ€ฒ is the storage modulus of the polymer. The transition range may also be observed in a graph of tan ฮด v. temperature of the polymer. In many embodiments, such polymers will be co-polymers with pendant groups along the polymer molecular chains. The size and distribution of such pendant groups determine the breadth of the thermal transition and enable the polymer to assume (and remember) different shapes if the transition occurs over a sufficiently wide temperature range. In a preferred embodiment, a polymer exhibiting the multiple-shape memory effect utilized in practices of this invention is DuPont's NAFIONยฎ, a commercial thermoplastic perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) backbone and perfluoroether sulfonic acid side chains. Members of this polymer family display broad glass transition temperature ranges, for example from about 55ยฐ C. to about 130ยฐ C., that are useful in the practice of embodiments of this invention. In a first illustrative embodiment of the invention, a film strip of this perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer having a permanent shape A was deformed at 140ยฐ C. to a different and temporary shape and fixed in the temporary shape at a lower temperature with substantially 100% fixity (R f ). The permanent shape was restored with substantially 100% recovery by reheating to 140ยฐ C. This dual-shape memory cycling of the perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer was also demonstrated using lower deformation and recovery temperatures. In another illustrated embodiment of the invention, a film strip of the perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer having a permanent shape A was deformed at 140ยฐ C. and fixed at 68ยฐ C. to yield a first temporary shape B. Temporary shape B was deformed at 68ยฐ C. and fixed at 20ยฐ C. to yield a second temporary shape C. Upon reheating the film to 68ยฐ C. the recovered first shape B rec was obtained. When the deformed film was further heated to 140ยฐ C. the permanent shape was recovered A rec . This embodiment demonstrated the practice of triple-shape memory effect with this polymer. In still another illustrated embodiment of the invention, a film strip of the perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer film having a permanent shape A was deformed at 140ยฐ C. and fixed at 107ยฐ C. to yield a first temporary shape B. Temporary shape B was deformed at 107ยฐ C. and fixed at 68ยฐ C. to yield a second temporary shape C. Temporary shape C was deformed at 68ยฐ C. and fixed at 20ยฐ C. to obtain temporary shape D. Upon heating temporary shape D to 68ยฐ C., temporary shape C was recovered. Upon heating temporary shape C to 107ยฐ C., temporary shape B was recovered. And upon heating temporary shape B to 140ยฐ C., permanent shape A was recovered. This is the first known example of a quadruple-shape memory cycle in a polymer. Polymer systems, such as perfluorosulfonic acid ionomers, having broad glass transitions and suitable side chain-containing molecules may be processed to have multiple temporary strained shapes that may be successively recovered to return to an initial permanent strained shape. Examples of other polymer compositions include copolymers of methyl methacrylate and butyl methacrylate with a broad distribution in composition such as a compositional gradient copolymer. The pendant methyl and butyl ester groups contribute to available multiple shape transitions In accordance with practices of this invention, such unique polymer compositions enable the making of polymer-containing articles that may have three or four shapes (for example) that may be utilized in applications in which the article may be subjected to progressively increasing temperatures and will progressively return to an earlier temporary shape or, ultimately, to an original permanent shape. The third or greater temporary shape may be set for stability in a device at a desired temperature of initial operation. For example, the initial temperature of operation may be an ambient temperature in which a device in its final temporary shape may be placed and used. Such a temperature may be about 30ยฐ C. or lower. Then, as the device experiences successively higher temperatures it will experience successive shape changes to its earlier temporary shapes, and in some instances, to its permanent shape. For example, controlled expansion foam bodies and multiple position strip valves can be made that take multiple new shapes with temperature increases or other energy stimulation. Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from a further description of preferred embodiments which follows in this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates the chemical structure of a perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer. This polymer is demonstrated in this specification to display the dynamic shape memory effect. FIG. 2 is a compound graph of a dynamic mechanical analysis of a perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer composed as illustrated in FIG. 1 . The graph presents log Eโ€ฒ(MPa) for the ionomer (solid line curve) on the left vertical axis (the numbers representing powers of 10) v. temperature (ยฐ C.) on the horizontal axis and tan ฮด (dashed line curve) on the right vertical axis v. temperature. FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating a dual-shape memory cycle of the perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer at T d =T r =140ยฐ C. Strain (%) (solid line), Temperature (ยฐ C.) (long dash line), and Stress (MPa) (short dash line) are presented on vertical axes, and Time (min) is presented on the horizontal axis. FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating a dual-shape memory cycle of the perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer at T d =T r =100ยฐ C. Strain (%) (solid line), Temperature (ยฐ C.) (long dash line), and Stress (MPa) (short dash line) are presented on vertical axes, and Time (min) is presented on the horizontal axis. FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating a dual-shape memory cycle of the perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer at T d =T r =60ยฐ C. Strain (%) (solid line), Temperature (ยฐ C.) (long dash line), and Stress (MPa) (short dash line) are presented on vertical axes, and Time (min) is presented on the horizontal axis. FIG. 6 is a graph of strain (%) v. time (min) illustrating consecutive dual shape memory cycling of a perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer at T d =T r =80ยฐ C. FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating multi-staged shape memory recovery of the perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer at T d =140ยฐ C. Strain (%) (solid line), Temperature (ยฐ C.) (long dash line), and Stress (MPa) (short dash line) are presented on vertical axes, and Time (min) is presented on the horizontal axis. FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating a first example of a triple-shape memory cycle of the perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer. Strain (%) (solid line), Temperature (ยฐ C.) (long dash line), and Stress (MPa) (short dash line) are presented on vertical axes, and Time (min) is presented on the horizontal axis. FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating a second example of a triple-shape memory cycle of the perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer. Strain (%) (solid line), Temperature (ยฐ C.) (long dash line), and Stress (MPa) (short dash line) are presented on vertical axes, and Time (min) is presented on the horizontal axis. FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating an example of a quadruple-shape memory cycle of the perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer. Strain (%) (solid line), Temperature (ยฐ C.) (long dash line), and Stress (MPa) (short dash line) are presented on vertical axes, and Time (min) is presented on the horizontal axis. FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a heat induced multi-staged cubic foam body expansion through four temporary shapes to a large permanent shape. FIG. 12 is schematic illustration of a flap-valve adapted to assume different bending positions based on increasing temperature. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One polymer family exhibiting the discovered dynamic shape memory effect that is NAFIONยฎ, a commercial thermoplastic perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) backbone and perfluoroether sulfonic acid side chains as illustrated schematically by its chemical formula in FIG. 1 . The protons on the sulfonic acid side chains are mobile and the polymer is in its ionic state. The perfluoroether sulfonic acid side chains are illustrated simply as straight chains but it is believed that their incidence, location and configuration in cooperation with the PTFE molecular backbone contribute significantly to the unexpected dynamic shape memory effect that we have discovered in this polymer composition. Due to its proton conducting capability, this perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer has been extensively studied as proton exchange membranes for fuel cells. Besides fuel cells, this polymer has also been used in a number of other applications including chlor-alkali cells, sensors, and actuators. The perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer possesses an amorphous phase (the broad glass transition from หœ55ยฐ C. to หœ130ยฐ C., shown in FIG. 2 ), an ionic cluster phase, and a crystalline phase. Although the exact nature of the thermal transition for the ionic phase is debatable, it is generally known that the crystalline transition occurs at a very high temperature of around 240ยฐ C. While a high temperature crystalline phase transition is a commonly known mechanism for setting permanent shapes for SMP, it is to be noted that ionic interactions have also been explored for such a function (the reported SMP system shows only the traditional DSME). The combination of a reversible glass transition ( FIG. 2 ) and the mechanism for setting a permanent shape served as our initial motivation to explore the shape memory properties for this family of polymers. FIG. 2 is a graph of log(Eโ€ฒ) in MPa and of tan ฮด (left and right vertical axes, respectively) each plotted against temperature (ยฐ C.). It is seen that the modulus of the ionomer decreases by about two orders of magnitude as the polymer is heated over this transition range of about 75ยฐ C. It is believed that this large range is an indicator of the polymer thermomechanical properties which may contribute to the unique dynamic shape memory effect that we have observed in this polymer as illustrated herein. Films of NAFIONยฎ in its acid form with an equivalent weight of 1,000 (m=5.56), and a thickness of 0.08 mm were obtained from DuPont and used throughout the embodiments and illustrations that follow in this specification. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) experiments were conducted in a tensile mode using a DMA Q800 (TA instruments). Each film sample was annealed at 140ยฐ C. for 30 minutes prior to testing. The DMA curve was obtained in a โ€œmulti-frequency, strainโ€ mode at 1 Hz, 0.3% strain, and a heating rate of 3ยฐ C./min. All quantitative shape memory properties (including dual-, triple-, and quadruple-shape memory) were evaluated in a tensile and force controlled mode in a typical DMA setup. The heating and cooling rates were both 5ยฐ C./min. The shape fixity (R f ) from shape X to shape Y and shape recovery (R r ) from Y to X were calculated using: R f ( Xโ†’Y )=100%ร—(ฮต y โˆ’ฮต x )/(ฮต yload โˆ’ฮต x )โ€ƒโ€ƒ(1) R r ( Yโ†’X )=100%ร—(ฮต y โˆ’ฮต xrec )/(ฮต y โˆ’ฮต x )โ€ƒโ€ƒ(2), where ฮต yload represents maximum strain under load, ฮต u , and ฮต x are fixed strains after cooling and load removal, and ฮต xrec is the strain after recovery. Visual demonstrations of the triple-shape memory effect and quadruple-shape memory effect were carried out using oven heating. A thirty minute equilibrium time was used for any temperature changes which occurred during the shape memory cycles. Prior to evaluating the thermomechanical and shape memory performance of the perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer films, the polymer was first annealed at 140ยฐ C., upon which it shrank by about 26% and reached an equilibrium length. The shrinkage was primarily due to the removal of residual stress/strain from the processing of the polymer into a film. In much of the following experimental work, the equilibrium dimension after annealing defined its โ€œpermanent shapeโ€ in the shape memory testing. The annealing led to polymer darkening, but the infrared spectra of the polymer before and after annealing appeared nearly identical, suggesting that the primary polymer structure remained intact. After annealing, the shape memory performance of the perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer films was evaluated using DMA in a tensile and force controlled mode. Ribbon sections of carefully determined dimensions were cut from the annealed films. These original ribbons were considered the permanent shapes of the polymer in each of the following shape memory tests. The varying temperatures, stresses, resulting strains, and time of deformation were carefully determined and recorded in each of the shape memory experiments described below in this specification and summarized in the graphs of FIGS. 3-5 and 7 - 10 . After the ribbons were deformed or restored the shape fixity (R f ) and shape recovery (R r ) were calculated using equations (1) and (2). FIG. 3 shows a graph presenting the stress (short dash line with reference to outer right vertical axis) applied to deform a ribbon of initial permanent shape at a temperature (long dash line with reference to inner right vertical axis) at a time in minutes (horizontal axis) with a resulting stain from the permanent shape (solid line with reference to left vertical axis). A like presentation of the data reflecting the formation of temporary shapes and restoration of shapes is presented in FIGS. 4 , 5 , and 7 - 10 . As seen in FIG. 3 , an initial ribbon (permanent shape of the ribbon article) was heated to 140ยฐ C. After about eight minutes a tensile stress of 0.3 MPa was applied to the ribbon. As the stress was applied and maintained the ribbon was cooled at a rate of 5ยฐ C./min to a temperature of 20ยฐ C. The applied tensile stress introduced a strain of about 45% in the ribbon which was set in the ribbon by the cooling. Thus, the ribbon acquired a temporary shape. At about 44 minutes into the test the deformed ribbon (in its temporary shape) was heated at 5ยฐ C./min to 140ยฐ C. under no stress. During the heating, the introduced strain was progressively removed and, at about 80 minutes into this thermomechanical testing, the ribbon had restored itself to substantially its original or permanent shape. Thus, when deformed and recovered at 140ยฐ C. (i.e. T d and T r both above the upper end of the glass transition), excellent dual-shape memory performance (both R f and R r approaching 100%) was observed ( FIG. 3 ). Shape fixing and recovery can also be carried out near the peak ( FIG. 4 , T d =T r =100ยฐ C.) or the onset ( FIG. 5 , T d =T r =60ยฐ C.) of the glass transition, with the values of both R f and R r above 97% in both cases. Quantitatively, the excellent shape fixing and recovering capability for perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer at any temperature above the onset of its glass transition distinguishes it from known SMP. It is also noted that, upon consecutive dual-shape memory cycling ( FIG. 6 , T d =T r =80ยฐ C.), the perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer experienced very minimal deterioration in either R f or R r , a desirable attribute for SMP. In the dual memory shape test summarized in FIG. 7 , the initial shape was deformed to a temporary shape at about 140ยฐ C. at a stress of about 0.6 MPa to a strain of about 100%. Again, the temporary shape was set at a temperature of about 20ยฐ C. As seen in FIG. 7 the ribbon was heated from 20ยฐ C. by pausing at temperature plateaus of 60ยฐ C., 80ยฐ C., 100ยฐ C., 120ยฐ C., and 140ยฐ C. But the strain was not wholly removed to perfectly restore the permanent shape. Although deformation imparted at a temperature as low as 60ยฐ C. can be fully recovered at the same temperature, the deformation strain introduced at 140ยฐ C. was unable to recover fully at lower temperatures. As shown in FIG. 7 , for perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer deformed at 140ยฐ C., increasing the recovery temperature in a staged manner led to a staged recovery behavior. This multi-stage recovery indicates that the polymer memorizes not just the strain, but also the deformation history. The multi-stage recovery ( FIG. 7 ) indicates that the polymer can memorize multiple temporary shapes in a single shape memory cycle, i.e. multi-shape memory effect. It is to be emphasized that current triple-shape memory polymer systems rely on two discrete phase transitions to fix two temporary shapes. Tuning triple-shape memory effect for such systems would require varying the ratio between the two reversible phases or changing the reversible phase transition temperatures, which cannot be realized without change in material composition. NAFIONยฎ, in contrast, has only one broad phase transition and its triple-shape memory effect, theoretically, can be realized at any two temperatures above the onset of its glass transition temperature. FIGS. 8 and 9 summarize stress-strain-temperature-time date for the practice of triple-shape memory effect on ribbons of the perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer. In the test of FIG. 8 the ribbon (permanent shape A) was heated to 140ยฐ C. and subjected to a relatively low stress of 0.3 MPa as the ribbon was cooled at 5ยฐ C./min to 53ยฐ C. A first temporary shape (B) having a strain of about 40% was set at this temperature. R f (Aโ†’B) was 83.5%. A stress of about 4.3 MPa was applied as the ribbon was cooled to about 20ยฐ C. to set the ribbon in a second temporary shape (B) in which the strain from the permanent shape was about 110%. R f (Bโ†’C) was 96.7%. The twice-deformed ribbon (C) was heated to and at 53ยฐ C. to restore the first temporary shape (B). R r (Cโ†’B) was 97.4%. The ribbon in its first temporary shape was heated to 140ยฐ C. to restore its permanent shape A. R r (Bโ†’A) was 94.6%. FIG. 8 shows the triple-shape memory effect for this perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer at two deformation temperatures at 140ยฐ C. and 53ยฐ C., the triple-shape memory effect with this perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer was also achieved at 90ยฐ C. and 53ยฐ C. ( FIG. 9 ), reflecting its dynamic nature. In this test R f (Aโ†’B) was 74.5%, R f (Bโ†’C) was 94.0%, R r (Cโ†’B) was 100.4%, and R r (Bโ†’A) was 97.9%. As seen, a notable difference between FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 , however, lies in the first shape fixity (R f (Aโ†’B) being 83.5% and 74.5%, respectively), suggesting that the first shape fixity is closely related to the difference between the two deformation temperatures in the corresponding triple-shape memory cycle. The dynamic shape memory effect of this perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer is also reflected in a quadruple-shape memory effect. As demonstrated in FIG. 10 , starting as a permanent shape A, the ionomer can memorize three temporary shapes (B, C, and D) in each shape memory cycle. Subsequent heating at the relevant temperatures led to the recovered shapes (C rec , B rec , and A rec ). The thermomechanical testing summarized in FIG. 10 was conducted as follows: (T d1 =T r3 =140ยฐ C., T d2 =T r 2=90ยฐ C., T d3 =T r1 =53ยฐ C.). The following fixity and recovery values were experienced in the ribbon: R f (Aโ†’B): 58.7%, R f (Bโ†’C): 57.1%, R f (Cโ†’D): 96.1%, shape recovery R r (Dโ†’C): 100.0%, R r (Cโ†’B): 99.6%, R r (Bโ†’A): 93.0%. While the R r values at all three recovery stages were above 93%, the first and second R f values were only about 60%. Theoretically, multi-shape memory effects beyond quadrupleโ€”are feasible as indicated in the multi-stage recovery shown in FIG. 7 . It appears, however, that R f would be further compromised as the fixation of more temporary shapes demands shape fixation at a temperature too close to the corresponding deformation temperature. Overall, this perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer exhibits unprecedented versatility as a shape memory polymer, reflecting the dynamic nature of its shape memory properties. The dynamic shape memory effect for this polymer stems from its broad glass transition. Such a transition can be viewed as a large number of reversible phase transitions (or amorphous domains), each corresponding to many narrow transition temperatures continuously distributed across the broad transition. Depending on the deformation temperature(s) during the shape memory cycles, a variable portion of its amorphous domains is responsible for its memory function(s). The discovery of this dynamic shape memory effect expands the technical scope for potential applications of shape memory polymers such as novel devices with multiple configurations. FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a cubic body of a foamed polymer formed of a material (e.g., perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer) capable of quadruple-memory effect. In this illustration, the foamed article is trained to change mainly in size to serve its โ€œsmartโ€ function. The original permanent size of the foamed cube is illustrated at the left of the sequence of cubes. The permanent shape is progressively compacted into four successively smaller temporary cube sizes. Upon heating to successively increased temperatures the smallest cube grows incrementally in size through three intermediate sizes until it attains the original largest cube size. This illustration demonstrates the utility of the multiple shape opportunities of this invention to provide larger shapes as temperature or other energy input is increased. FIG. 12 is an illustration of a strip-like shape of a dynamic shape memory effect article that can be trained by use of temporary shapes to take different positions. In this figure the upper end of the vertically suspended strip is fixed and the other end of the strip has been trained to deflect (like, for example, a valve) from left-to-right and left-to-right with increasing temperature. This illustration demonstrates the utility of dynamic shape memory effect articles to assume different operative positions in serving an intended function. While some practices of the invention have been illustrated, these embodiments are intended to illustrate the invention but not to limit its scope.
Certain polymer materials, including perfluorosulfonic acid ionomers, have been found to be capable of being deformed from an initial permanent shape into three or more temporary shapes. An article thus formed from such a polymer material may be used initially in a final temporary shape. As the article is progressively heated, the polymer composition reverts successively from its final temporary shape through its intermediate temporary shapes. If a suitable temperature is reached, the original permanent shape is recovered. The article may be devised to serve successive functions in each of its several shapes.
2
The invention relates to remote control of electrically operated devices in marine applications and, in particular, for pleasure and sport boats. PRIOR ART Leisure time spent on a pleasure or recreational boat can be simplified and made more secure and, therefore, more enjoyable, where basic chores and routines can be accomplished remotely, for example, by the push of a button. Certain precautions or necessary actions should or must be performed in preparing a boat for use or for a period of dockage or storage. For example, it is desirable to lock the various hatches and doors on a boat when it is to be left unattended. Similarly, in preparation for use it is desirable to unlock all of these hatches and doors with a minimum of effort and time. Other functions that can be convenient to initiate remotely are operating the bilge fan, trim motor, and/or lights. While the goal of providing remote power locking and unlocking, once conceived, is desirable, its practical realization is difficult for various reasons. Preferably, a power lock mechanism must be self-contained and, ideally, should comprise a relatively small package so that it is unobtrusive and, ideally, it should be integrated with a catch that can be both manually operated and manually locked. These functions should be integrated into a small package size that is not substantially larger than the size of manually operated latches. Further, the package size and shape should be of a nature that can be accepted in a simple round hole cut in a hatch, door or other panel and should be capable of use with hatches, doors and panels of different thickness. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a remote control system especially suited for pleasure boats and like marine applications that reduces time and effort spent in locking or unlocking a plurality of latches as well as performing other control functions such as bilge air exhaust, engine tilt, and lighting control. In accordance with the invention, remote control of the various functions is performed by a single radio control receiver unit. This single unit offers convenience to the user, reduces manufacturing costs and saves installation time and required skill. The system offers a remotely controlled power locked latch for hatches, doors and like closures. The remotely lockable latch is constructed in a manner that enables it to be contained within a small housing that fits within a correspondingly small circular hole. A mechanism within the latch housing includes a latch locking element or bolt that is operable by a remotely controlled electrical actuator within the housing or manually with a key operating a lock set also contained in the housing. The electrical actuator and the lock set are arranged to enable the lock set to override the actuator in the case of a power loss. A high locking force is developed by the actuator, despite its small physical size, with a novel gear train connecting the actuator to the locking bolt. The drive train, moreover, is arranged to permit the manual override function to be achieved in a simple, reliable manner. The invention simplifies routines involved in launching and docking recreational boats. The invention contemplates remote control of multiple locks as well as electrically operated devices by a simple hand-carried wireless transmitter and a simple single radio receiver mounted within the hull. The transmitter/receiver combination is capable of operating several devices independently thereby achieving economies of manufacture and installation as well as a high level of convenience to the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a stylized perspective view of merely but one example of a recreational boat with which the invention can be employed; FIG. 2 is a schematic electrical diagram illustrating certain aspects of the invention; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a hand-held signal transmitter for use with the invention; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a self-contained remotely operable lockable latch in accordance with the invention; FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 with a manual latch handle raised to an active position; FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of the lockable latch showing internal parts thereof; FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the lockable latch with its cover removed showing the latch locked and a key locked position; FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 with the latch locked and a key neutral position; FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 7 with the latch unlocked and a key unlocked position; FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 7 with the latch unlocked and a key neutral position; and FIG. 11 is a somewhat schematic vertical sectional view of the lockable latch showing internal parts thereof. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 schematically represents a pleasure, sport, or other recreational boat 10 with which the invention may be employed. The boat 10 has a helm 11 at or adjacent which a radio receiver and control unit 12 is installed, ordinarily in a permanent manner. The boat 10 also typically has hatches 13 , outboard motor 14 and a bilge blower 16 ( FIG. 2 ). The receiver/control unit 12 is remotely operated by a hand-held radio transmitter 17 schematically shown at the lower right in FIG. 2 and in perspective in FIG. 3 . FIG. 2 illustrates a typical wiring diagram that reflects electrical connections between the receiver/control unit 12 and various electrically operated devices. More specifically, the receiver/control unit 12 has a plurality of output circuits connected by electrical lines 21 to power locked latches 22 (described in detail below), by lines 24 to tilt/trim actuator(s) 23 for the outboard motor 14 and by a line 25 to the bilge blower 16 . A line 26 connects the positive terminal of a conventional lead acid storage battery 27 , normally the battery that operates the electrical system of the boat to the receiver/controller 12 . Ground wires 31 are common with the negative terminal of the battery 27 . The electronic components of the receiver/controller 12 are potted in a waterproof housing 30 with a suitable material such as epoxy. By energizing appropriate lines with DC power from the battery 27 , the receiver/controller 12 can operate locks of the latches 22 , motor tilt/trim actuator 23 , and/or the bilge blower 16 . Other electrically operated devices such as electric lights can be substituted for one or more of the mentioned remotely controlled devices by appropriately connecting the lines 24 , 25 . Similarly, auxiliary electrically operated devices can be connected in parallel with any of these devices where multiple simultaneous functions are desired. With reference to FIG. 3 , the transmitter 17 is preferably a small hand-held device that in the illustrated case is generally cylindrical in shape and can simulate the look of a buoy. At one end of a case or housing 36 of the transmitter 17 are five waterproof push buttons. Ideally, the volume of the housing 36 compared to the weight of the transmitter is such that the transmitter will float even when weighed down by a set of two keys of ordinary weight, or more, usable with the latch lock described below. Two buttons 41 , 42 control the tilt up or down action of the tilt actuator 23 and one button 43 controls the bilge blower 16 . In the illustrated arrangement, the controller 12 can be arranged with the transmitter 17 so that the lock and unlock buttons 37 , 38 and bilge blower button 43 can be of the momentary contact-type operation while the tilt buttons 41 , 42 are effective only while being depressed. Keys 39 of ordinary size for locking the latches 22 are shown in FIG. 3 to give an indication of scale or size of the transmitter 17 . The transmitter housing 36 contains a battery for its power and operates like the remote locks commonly used with automobiles. The transmitter 17 sends encoded signals corresponding to the button selected to the receiver/controller 12 . The receiver/controller 12 powered by the battery of the boat's electrical system responds to the signals received from the transmitter and energizes the appropriate line or lines 21 , 24 , 25 , and/or 26 . FIGS. 4-11 illustrate a lockable latch 22 in greater detail. The latch 22 , typically in multiple sets, can be fitted on the hatches, doors or like panels 13 of the boat 10 . Preferably, the latch 22 has a circular housing 47 molded of a suitable rigid plastic such as polycarbonate. The housing 47 has an externally threaded cylindrical wall or skirt 48 and a somewhat larger peripheral mounting flange 49 at its front face. A molded plastic internally threaded nut 51 mates with the threads of the housing skirt 48 . The front face of the housing 47 has a recessed end wall 52 generally perpendicular to the axis of the side wall or skirt 48 and integral with the sidewall. The sidewall 48 and end wall 52 have limited thickness so as to form and enclose a hollow housing interior. The end wall 52 has a first aperture 53 through which a handle stem 54 extends. A handle 56 pivots in a cross bore formed in an outer plastic part of the stem 54 which is permanently molded onto an inner metal part 58 of the stem. The metal stem part 58 , preferably formed of stainless steel, has a generally square cross-section with its corners externally threaded to accept a cam or latch bar 59 threaded onto it and retained in position by a set screw. The handle 56 is retained on the molded stem part 57 by C clips or other suitable elements. The molded stem part 57 has a stepped generally cylindrical body including a shank 61 that is supported in a bore 62 molded in an internal boss 63 in the housing 47 . The stem 54 pivots in the bore 62 about an axis that is offset and parallel to a central axis of the housing 47 . A spring loaded detent ball 64 carried in the molded stem part 57 indexes with recesses (not shown) in the bore 62 to accurately register the stem 54 in either the latching position shown, for example, in FIGS. 4-6 , or in an unlatching position 180ยฐ from the illustrated position. An elastomeric O-ring 66 in a groove in the shank 61 seals against the bore 62 to exclude water from the interior of the housing 36 . The rear of the housing 47 is closed by a circular molded plastic cover 67 and retained in place by screws (not shown). A short skirt 68 , integral with the cover 67 fits into the housing skirt 48 and is sealed with the housing by an O-ring 69 to exclude water from passing into the housing. An end of the molded stem part 57 projects through a hole 71 in the rear cover 67 and an O-ring 72 is assembled around the molded part to exclude water from entering the housing in this area. On a side of the central axis of the housing 47 opposite the stem 54 , i.e. in a diametral sense, is a cylindrical lock 76 , sometimes referred to as a plug. A cap 77 of the plug 76 has a slot for receiving a key 39 for operating it. The plug 76 is received in a bore 78 of an internal boss 79 integrally molded in the housing 47 . The plug 76 is sealed in the bore 78 by an O-ring to exclude water from entering the interior of the housing 47 . A molded finger grip part 82 of the handle 56 has a circular seal 83 of elastomeric material retained on its underside by a screw 84 . The seal 83 fits snugly into the plug receiving bore 78 to exclude water from the housing interior when the handle 56 is in a retracted or flush position on the housing as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 . A portion 86 of the molded part of the stem 57 has a square cross-section that can be engaged or disengaged by the forked end of a flat locking bolt 87 . The bolt 87 , made of a suitable metal, has a trapezoidal hole 88 as shown in FIGS. 7-10 at an end opposite the forked end that receives an operating lug 89 of the lock or plug 76 . The mid-section of one long edge of the bolt 87 is made with teeth that form a gear rack 91 . A miniature DC motor 92 within the housing 47 operates to drive the bolt 87 towards or away from the stem 54 depending on the direction it rotates. The motor or actuator 92 remains connected to the rack 91 by a gear train that, with reference to FIG. 6 , originates at a bevel pinion 93 on the motor shaft and includes a bevel gear 94 , a shaft 96 , and spur gears 97 , 98 and 99 . The spur gear 99 meshes with the teeth of the bolt rack 91 . It will be seen that the motor is situated between the stem 54 and plug 76 with its shaft in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the stem and plug. Three stages of gear reduction are produced by the pinion and bevel gear 93 , 94 , the spur gears 97 , 98 , and the spur gear 99 with the rack 91 . The orientation and position of the motor 92 and the three stage, right angle gear reduction achieves a compact drive package while developing a relatively high force on the bolt 87 and enabling the drive and motor to be easily back driven as will be discussed below. As indicated in FIG. 1 , a plurality of latches 22 can be operated by the receiver control unit 12 . The motors 92 have their electrical leads 102 , connected in parallel to the lines 21 . The direction that the motors 92 operate is dependent on the polarity of the voltage applied to the lines 21 . When the lock button on the transmitter 37 is pushed, the receiver/control unit 12 applies DC voltage, typically 12 volts, to the lines 26 . When the unlock button 38 is pushed, the opposite polarity is applied to the lines 26 . The latch 22 is easily installed on a panel 13 such as a hatch or door on the boat 10 . By way of example, the cylindrical housing skirt can fit comfortably in a nominal 2ยฝโ€ณ hole conveniently cut, for example, with a hole saw or other similar tool. A gasket 101 can be assembled on the skirt 48 so that a water-resistant joint is formed between the face of the panel and the back side of the mounting flange 49 . With the skirt 48 projecting through the panel, the nut 51 is threaded onto the skirt tightly enough to ensure the gasket 101 produces the desired water-tight fit. The length of the skirt 48 permits the latch 22 to be used with a large range of panel thicknesses. The adjustability of the cam or latch bar 59 on the threaded metal part of the stem 58 allows the cam to be properly fitted against the structure surrounding the panel 100 on which the latch 22 is installed. A latch 22 holds its associated hatch or panel closed when the cam or locking bar 59 is in the position of FIGS. 4 and 5 . FIG. 5 shows the handle 56 lifted from the front flush position of FIG. 4 to enable a user to rotate the stem 54 180ยฐ to thereby swing the cam 59 under the latch housing 47 and thereby unlatch the hatch or panel 100 . In this rotated stem position, the handle 56 can again rest flush with the housing 47 , i.e with the seal 83 facing outward. The bolt 87 locks the latch by preventing rotation of the stem 54 out of the latching position when tines 106 of the forked end embrace the opposed sides of the square section 86 of the stem part 57 . The bolt 87 slides on guiding surfaces 107 molded into the interior of the housing 47 generally in a diametral direction along the line extending between the stem 54 and plug 76 . The bolt 87 is moved by energization of the motor 92 when one or the other of the push buttons 37 , 38 on the transmitter 17 is pressed. Rotation of the motor 92 and gears is converted to translation of the bolt 87 in its plane by interengagement of the gear 99 and rack 91 . The bolt 87 can also be selectively manually moved by turning a valid key 39 in the plug 76 to cause the lug 89 to pivot in one direction or the other about the axis of the plug in a known manner. FIGS. 7-10 illustrate different positions of the bolt 87 and/or operating lug 89 . The lock plug 76 is of the commercially known type that requires the key to be in a neutral position for the key to be removed from the plug. FIGS. 8 and 10 illustrate the position of the lock lug 89 when the plug is in the neutral position. Friction and a detent leaf spring 109 squeezed between the bolt 87 and back cover 67 releasably retain the bolt in its locking or unlocking position. With the stem 54 in its latched position and the key in the neutral position, operation of the motor 92 will leave the bolt 87 either locked or unlocked depending on which transmitter button 37 or 38 was pushed and, consequently, the direction the motor 92 runs. At the end or limit of bolt motion, the motor 92 can momentarily stall until power is turned off. It will be seen from FIGS. 7-10 that when the lock lug 89 is in a neutral position, there is sufficient clearance in the lug receiving opening 88 for the bolt 87 to be driven by the motor 92 to either its locked or unlocked position without interference from the lug. Moreover, since the gear train and motor 92 can be back driven by the lug 89 by manipulating the key 39 , the bolt 87 can be locked or unlocked manually regardless of the position in which the bolt is left by the motor 92 . Stated otherwise, the key 39 can be used to drive the lug 89 in one direction or the other to change the position previously obtained by the remotely controlled motor 92 . It will be seen that the joints and apertures between the housing proper 47 and cover 67 as well as the areas of these elements penetrated by the stem 54 and plug 76 are sealed with elastomeric O-rings to exclude water that may be splashed or dripped onto the latch assembly 22 thereby making the assembly splash proof. It should be evident that this disclosure is by way of example and that various changes may be made by adding, modifying or eliminating details without departing from the fair scope of the teaching contained in this disclosure. The invention is therefore not limited to particular details of this disclosure except to the extent that the following claims are necessarily so limited.
A system for simplifying launching and storage procedures for a recreational boat comprising a radio receiver/controller adapted to be permanently installed onboard the boat, a hand-held radio transmitter for sending a plurality of different signals to the receiver/controller, the receiver/controller including a plurality of separate control circuits, said circuits being connectable to a plurality of power-operated locks on the boat and a set of other electrically operated devices on the boat such as electric lights, an engine tilt actuator, and a bilge blower, the receiver/controller being arranged to be powered by an electrical power circuit serving electrically operated devices on the boat separate from those controlled by the transmitter and receiver/controller, the locks being integrated with manually operated latches and having a manual key override feature.
8
TECHNICAL FIELD The technical field of this invention is standup portable toilets. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many disabled and injured persons are unable to use a conventional toilet. In many cases, these individuals are able to use a standup toilet. The term standup toilet refers to a toilet which can be used while the person is standing. Such standup toilets are particularly useful to people who have back injuries which prohibit them from bending at the hips. Standup toilets are not new and the prior art includes several different forms. One prior art standup toilet is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,327,324 to Marsch. The Marsch standup toilet has a tripodal foot arrangement with an upstanding central pillar which is adjustable in height. The central pillar supports a toilet receptacle having a somewhat rounded hourglass shape in plan view. Another standup toilet is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,032,998 to myself. My previous standup toilet had a framework which supported a relatively thin toilet receptacle. This previous standup toilet suffered from the difficulty that many disabled or injured persons were not able to satisfactorily use the toilet because they could not easily support themselves both in gaining access to the toilet and in using it. My prior standup toilet also was relatively unstable and subject to tipping. This precluded it from acting as a support for the user. My earlier toilet also required a stand which served no purpose other than to support the toilet receptacle. This increased the cost of the toilet and required that a storage place be created for the stand. My new invention solves the stability problem by providing a standup toilet which can either be attached to or incorporated directly into a walker. Such walkers are widely used by elderly and handicapped persons in assisting them in walking. Other important advantages and objectives of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred and alternate embodiment of this invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a walker having a detachable standup toilet structure according to this invention attached thereto; FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing the frame of the standup toilet shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the standup toilet frame shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a partial front elevational view of the lower portion of the frame shown in FIGS. 1 through 3; and FIG. 5 is an alternative embodiment of the standup toilet frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In compliance with the constitutional purpose of the Patent Laws "to promote the progress of science and useful arts" (Article 1, Section 8), applicant submits the following disclosure of the invention. FIG. 1 shows a walker 10 which has a walker framework 11. The walker framework 11 has attached handles 12 which can be easily grasped by the person using the walker. The walker framework 11 also includes an upper front cross bar 13 and a lower front crossbar 14. The back of the walker is open so that a person can step into the three sided framework as he or she walks with the assistance of the walker. The walker relates to my new standup toilet structure in that it provides a perfect structure for stabilizing both the standup toilet and the user who is trying to use the toilet. FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of my standup toilet which is specifically adapted for the walker structure shown therein. The standup toilet 20 has a toilet receptacle 21 which includes a deflector 22 at the rearward top end thereof. Toilet receptacle 20 rests upon a support arm 30 which is pivotally connected to an adjustable sliding plate 33 at pivot 32. Pivot 32 allows support arm 30 to swing from the approximately horizontal position represented in FIGS. 1 and 2, downwardly into an approximately vertical position shown in phantom in FIG. 3. Support arm 30 preferably has a channel cross-sectional shape which receives the bottom of receptacle 21 and prevents it from moving laterally. Support arm 30 is maintained in the approximately horizontal position by using a strut 31 which is pivotally attached to sliding plate 33 at pivot 41. The distal end 42 of strut 31 is secured under support arm 30 at latch means 43 so that support arm 30 is securely held in the approximately horizontal position. Latch means 43 can be a small block or other piece which receives the end of strut 31 or prevents it from moving. The support arm 30, sliding plate 33, and strut 31 form a support arm assembly 47 which is adjustably mounted upon a bar 35. Bar 35 has a slot 37 which receives fasteners 34 of the support arm assembly. Fasteners 34 extend through slot 37 and are tightened in order to fix the position of support arm assembly 47 at the desired height along bar 35. Bar 35 comprises the principal component of the frame of the standup toilet which also includes the support arm assembly 47. Bar 35 preferably includes a hooked end 36 which allows the toilet frame to be hung upon the upper front crossbar 13 of walker 10. The lower end of bar 35 is preferably attached to the walker frame 11 using an attachment means 40. Attachment means 40 is preferably a C-shaped structure which can be snapped over the lower front crossbar 14. Attachment means 40 is preferably adjustable along bar 35 and can be advantageously mounted to bar 35 using slot 37 and fastener 40a. Bar 35 also has a catch means 39 which extends outwardly and backwardly from the rear side of the bar and extends over the top front edge of the toilet receptacle 21 to restrain the receptacle near the toilet frame. FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the support arm assembly 47 has been replaced with an alternative embodiment of the support arm assembly 80. This alternative support arm assembly 80 has a support arm 81 which is integral with or securely attached to the sliding plate 83. Sliding plate 83 has fasteners 84 extending therethrough to secure the support arm assembly 80 to bar 35 as described above. The toilet receptacle 21 is shown in phantom and rests with its front lower corner upon the support arm 81 with the upper front edge being restrained by catch means 39. This alternative structure for the support arm assembly allows the toilet frame to be continuously mounted upon the walker without adjustment of the support arm upwardly or downwardly between the approximately horizontal and approximately vertical positions discussed above. The support arm 81 extends rearwardly only a short distance thereby preventing it from obstructing the ordinary use of the walker which might occur if a longer support arm, such as shown in FIG. 1, was left in the horizontal position while the walker was used as a walking aid. The description given above discloses two embodiments of a toilet frame which can be attached and removed from a walker framework. The invention also contemplates a wide variety of such attachable and detachable frames which will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. This invention also includes a walker which has a standup toilet frame incorporated directly into the walker framework 11. A wide variety of toilet frames could be directly incorporated within the walker framework 11 while still allowing the relatively thin toilet receptacle 21 to be used thereon. Such incorporated or attachable toilet structures are within the contemplation of this invention. The standup toilet of this invention is conveniently used by having the user position himself or herself within the walker framework 11 as shown in FIG. 1. An attendant then places the toilet receptacle between the user's legs and raises it into the position shown in FIG. 1. The support arm 30 is then raised into an approximately horizontal position between the legs of the user to support the receptacle. The height of support arm assembly 47 is adjusted if necessary, using fasteners 34. After the receptacle 21 is installed, the user can proceed to use the toilet. The attendant can thereafter remove the receptacle 21 and dispose of the waste. In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 the receptacle 21 must be tilted slightly while inserting the top front edge into catch 39. The bottom front edge of the receptacle can then be moved forwardly so as to rest on support arm 81. It is also possible to have the attendant install and position the toilet receptacle 21 upon support arm assembly 47 prior to the user assuming his position within the walker framework 11. The narrow width of toilet receptacle 21 allows even severely handicapped persons to straddle the receptacle and to position themselves thereover. The inventions disclosed herein can be easily constructed according to well-known manufacturing techniques preferably from metallic or plastic materials. The receptacle 21 is preferably made from a polymeric material which is flexible to accommodate the user's legs by flexing. Such manufacturing techniques would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, since the means and construction herein disclosed comprise a preferred form of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims, appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.
Disclosed is a standup toilet which can be directly incorporated into or attached to a conventional walker. The walker provides good stability both for the standup toilet and the person who is using it. The toilet structure has a frame with a support arm which can preferably be pivoted between a horizontal support position and a vertical position. The toilet frame can advantageously have a hook end and an attachment means to facilitate easy attachment and detachment of the frame from the walker.
4
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This reissue application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09 / 427 , 123 , filed Oct. 21 , 1999 , pending, which is a continuation of reissue application Ser. No. 08 / 610 , 127 , filed Feb. 29 , 1996 , now U.S. Pat. Re. 36 , 613 , reissued on Mar. 14 , 2000 , from U.S. Pat. No. 5 , 291 , 061 , dated Mar. 1 , 1994 . FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a multiple die module that has a thickness the same or less than a standard package but has two or more stacked die, thereby increasing device density. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Semiconductor devices are typically constructed en masse on a silicon or gallium arsenide wafer through a process which comprises a number of deposition, masking, diffusion, etching, and implanting steps. When the devices are sawed into individual rectangular units, each takes the form of an integrated circuit (IC) die. In order to interface a die with other circuitry, it is (using contemporary conventional packaging technology) mounted on a lead frame paddle of a lead-frame strip which consists of a series of interconnected lead frames, typically ten in a row. The die-mounting paddle of a standard lead frame is larger than the die itself, and it is surrounded by multiple lead fingers of individual leads. The bonding pads of the die are then connected one by one in a wire-bonding operation to the lead frame's lead finger pads with extremely fine gold or aluminum wire. Following the application of a protective layer to the face of the die, it, and a portion of the lead frame to which it is attached, is encapsulated in a plastic material, as are all other die/lead-frame assemblies on the lead-frame strip. A trim-and-form operation then separates the resultant interconnected packages and bends the leads of each package into the proper configuration. In the interest of higher performance equipment and lower cost, increased miniaturization of components and greater packaging density have long been the goals of the computer industry. IC package density is primarily limited by the area available for die mounting and the height of the package. Typical computer-chip heights in the art are about 0.110 inches inch. A method of increasing density is to stack die or chips vertically. U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,323, issued Apr. 30, 1991, having a common assignee with the present application, discloses a pair of rectangular integrated-circuit dice mounted on opposite sides of the lead frame. An upper, smaller die is back-bonded to the upper surface of the lead fingers of the lead frame via a first adhesively coated, insulated film layer. The lower, slightly larger die is face-bonded to the lower surface of the lead extensions within the lower lead-frame die-bonding region via a second, adhesively coated, insulative, film layer. The wire-bonding pads on both upper die and lower die are interconnected with the ends of their associated lead extensions with gold or aluminum wires. The lower die needs to be slightly larger in order that the die pads are accessible from above so that gold wire connections can be made to the lead extensions (fingers). U.S. Pat. No. 4,996,587 (referred to hereafter as '587) shows a semiconductor chip package which uses a chip carrier to support the chips within a cavity. The chip carrier as shown in the figures has a slot that permits connection by wires to bonding pads which, in turn, connect to the card connector by conductors. An encapsulation material is placed only on the top surface of the chip in order to provide heat dissipation from the bottom surface when carriers are stacked. A Japanese Patent No. 56-62351(A) issued to Sano in 1981 discloses three methods of mounting two chips on a lead frame and attaching the pair of semiconductor chips (pellets) to a common lead frame consisting of: method 1 two chips mounted on two paddles; method 2 one chip mounted over a paddle and one below not attached to the paddle; and method 3 one chip attached above and one chip attached below a common paddle. The chips are apparently wired in parallel as stated in the โ€œPURPOSEโ€ of Sano. The chips of patent '587 are also apparently wired in parallel by contacts on the โ€œSโ€ chips which contact the connection means. It is the purpose of this invention to provide multiple stacked dies assembled in a special vertical configuration such that as many as four encapsulated dies will have a height no greater than existing 0.110-inch high dies and also have a separate lead and lead finger for each die pad connection. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention generally stated is a multiple-die low-profile semiconductor device comprising: a lead-frame paddle supported by a lead frame; a controlled, first, thin-adhesive layer affixing a first die above the paddle; a plurality of thin wires having a first low-loop wire bond to a plurality of first die-bonding pads and a second wire bond to a plurality of adjacent lead-frame lead fingers; a second thin-adhesive layer affixing a second die above the first die; a second plurality of thin wires having low-loop wire bonds to a plurality of second die-bonding pads and second wire bonds to the plurality of lead fingers; additional dies affixed above the second die, by additional subsequent layers of adhesive and having additional thin wires bonded to addition additional bonding pads and lead fingers; and an encapsulated layer surrounding all dies, adhesive layers, and thin wires. Other objects, advantages, and capabilities of the present invention will become more apparent as the description proceeds. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention may be better understood and further advantages and uses thereof may become more readily apparent when considered in view of the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, taken with the accompanied drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a partial plan view of the stacked die, lead fingers, and bonded wires of the present invention; and FIG. 2 is a side elevation taken through lines 2 โ€” 2 of FIG. 1 showing a four die stacking. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1 , the stacked die device 10 is shown prior to encapsulation disclosing the top die 12 mounted upon to the paddle 14 and other dies 16 , 18 , and 20 ( FIG. 2 ) which are adhesively connected to each other by a controlled-thickness thermoplastic-adhesive layer at 22 . Thermoplastic indicating โ€œThermoplasticโ€ indicates that the adhesive sets at an elevated temperature. The group of four dies are attached to the paddle 14 by a controlled thin-adhesive layer 24 . Each of the die bonding pads 26 in double rows are electrically connected to multiple lead fingers 28 A, 28 B, 28 C . . . 28 N by thin (0.001 inch) gold or aluminum wires 30 A, 30 B, 30 C . . . 30 N; gold being the preferred metal. For clarity, only part of the 18 bonding pads, wires, and fingers are shown. The critical bonding method used at the die end pad 26 is an ultrasonic ball bond bond, as named by the shape of the bond as at 32 . This first-installed bond and formed gold wire are low-loop wire bonds as seen at critical dimension 34 , as will be described later. The other end of gold wires 30 are attached to the lead fingers by a wedge bond 36 , which is also an ultrasonic bond, indicating the use of ultrasonic energy to heat the wire 30 as it is compressed against the lead finger 28 . The wedge bond is not used on the die because the bonding machine contacts the bonding surface and could damage this critical surface. The lead fingers may be formed upward as at 38 to permit the use of shorter wires 30 . Paddle 14 which supports the stack is attached to the lead frame typically at four corners as at 40 and also typically, in this application, would have a downset from the lead frame and lead fingers 28 as at dimension 42 . The stack is finally encapsulated by a plastic or ceramic at 44 . A dimensional analysis is provided by referring to FIG. 2 . By careful control of layer thicknesses, it is possible to fabricate a four-stack die device having an overall height 46 of about 0.110 inches inch which is the same height as a current single die. Starting at the bottom, the encapsulation thickness 48 is between 0.010 and 0.012 inches inch. The paddle 74 14 thickness 50 can be between 0.005 and 0.010 inches inch and is a matter of choice. The controlled adhesive-layer thickness 52 can be from 0.001 to 0.005 inches inch. The individual dies 20 , 18 , 16 , and 12 each have a thickness 54 of 0.012 inches inch and the critical controlled, adhesive-layer thicknesses 56 between each die are between 0.008 and 0.010 inches inch. These thin layers have to be slightly greater than the low-loop wire dimension 34 , which is about 0.006 inches inch. Finally, the top encapsulation thickness 58 is between 0.010 and 0.012 inches inch so as to cover the top loop. Thus, it can be seen by carefully controlling and minimizing the adhesive layer thicknesses 56 , the top and bottom encapsulation thicknesses 48 and 58 , and the paddle adhesive layer 52 that it is possible to have an overall height between 0.108 and 0.110 inches inch overall for the four-stack die. If the looser tolerances were used for a two-stack die, the height at 60 would be between 0.058 and 0.073 inches inch and for a three-die stack it would be from 0.078 to 0.100 inches inch. The fabrication of these two or four-stack die devices, necessarily, has to be from the bottom up, since it is not possible to form the die pad wire ball bond 32 on the lower dies 16 , 18 , and 30 , if the four dies are already stacked. This is due to the overhead space required by the wire bond machine. The die pads 26 of each die can be each connected to an individual lead finger 28 or the dies can be wired in parallel. The former configuration would, therefore, require (for a four die stack) something less than 4ร—18=72 4 ร— 18 = 72 leads, while parallel connections would require something on the order of 22 or more pins, depending on the type of devices and system requirements. The final packages can be in the form of a small outline J-leaded (SOJ) package, a dual in-line package (DIP), a single in-line package (SIP), a plastic leaded chip carrier (PLCC), and a zig-zag in-line package (ZIP). While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed, various modes of carrying out the principles disclosed herein are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims. Therefore, it is understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited except as otherwise set forth in the claims.
A multiple stacked die device is disclosed that contains up to four dies and does not exceed the height of current single die packages. Close-tolerance stacking is made possible by a low-loop-profile wire-bonding operation and thin-adhesive layer between the stacked dies.
7
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/075,334, filed Feb. 14, 2002, entitled: Projectile Jacket Having Frangible Closed End and Method of Manufacture, such application being incorporated herein in its entirety, by reference. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] This invention relates to gun ammunition projectiles and particularly to frangible projectiles and more particularly to frangible projectiles for use in pistol or rifle ammunition of 50 caliber or smaller. [0004] In the art there exists a major concern relating to the danger associated with ricocheting projectiles fired from guns, especially from pistols and rifles of 50 caliber or smaller calibers. Major litigation has arisen seeking monetary recovery from law enforcement officers and/or governmental agencies as compensation from injury to a bystander or other innocent person struck by a ricocheting projectile or portion of a projectile. Also importantly, ricocheting projectiles are a very present danger to fellow law enforcement officers when gunfire erupts within a closed area, such as border patrol officers inspecting the holds of ships for contraband, etc. Further, training of law enforcement officers commonly includes participating in exercises which include entry into a โ€œlive fire houseโ€. These exercises involve rapid entry by a number of officers into a โ€œlive fire houseโ€ training building and live firing of weapons at designated targets within the building. The presence of several officers within the enclosure, each of which may be firing their weapon, generates a real danger of injury of an officer by reason of their being struck by a ricocheting portion or all of a projectile. [0005] Projectiles of the prior art have almost exclusively included a lead core, either with or without an outer covering of the core. In either event, lead has been recognized as an environmental pollutant and is now either banned or being considered for banning, in gun ammunition projectiles. Moreover, lead projectiles tend to ricochet from many surfaces which have a hardness on the order of a hardwood or even from the ground. [0006] Accuracy of delivery of a projectile to an intended target is of importance in any shooting situation, but is of great importance in competitive sport shooting and in certain military and/or law enforcement shooting situations. Of especial concern is the repeatability from projectile to projectile of accuracy of delivery of the projectiles to a target. [0007] To solve both the environmental concerns and the ricochet tendency of lead projectiles, there have been developed projectiles formed from a combination of materials which are collectively frangible when the projectile strikes a solid or semi-solid target. In those instances where these newer projectiles include a core which is housed within a jacket, such as copper, brass or other metal or metal alloy, the frangibility of the jacket is of concern. For example, fragments of the jacket may ricochet off an intended or unintended target and become independent small projectiles which can be injurious to an unintended target, such as a bystander or even the shooter. Depending upon various factors such as distance, outerwear protection, size of fragment, etc., such fragments can be lethal. [0008] The present inventor has found that dislodgement and escape of powder particulates from the trailing end of a powder-based core exposed to the heat and blast forces generated by the burning powder within the case of a round of ammunition create at least two deleterious effects. [0009] First, the center of gravity of the projectile is altered by the loss of the dislodged powder particles. The quantity of particles dislodged is different from projectile to projectile so that there is no consistency in the degree of alteration of the center of gravity between projectiles. This unpredictable alteration of the center of gravity of the projectile causes the projectile to exhibit more or less tendency to โ€œyawโ€ along its free flight path to a target, with resultant inaccuracy of delivery of the projectile to the target. This problem, in its more severe state, can actually lead to the projectile assuming a tumbling is action during its free flight to a target. [0010] Second, in those instances where the powder-based core of the projectile is incorporated into a metal jacket and the initially open end of the jacket becomes the trailing end of the projectile, upon the projectile being fired down the barrel of the weapon, the trailing end of the core is exposed to the blast of the burning gun powder held within the case in which the projectile is disposed. Unless this initially open trailing end of the jacket is closed by some means, it has been found that individual particulates of the powder-based core break away from the core and exit the unclosed open end of the jacket. Such particulates, especially when they comprise a heavy metal, such as tungsten, etc., have further been found to affect damage to the bore of the barrel of the weapon, and in some instances, affect physical injury to personnel who may be disposed adjacent the muzzle of the weapon at the time it is fired. The hazardous nature of such loose powder particulates (which may comprise a grouping of multiple individual powder particulates bound together into a larger missile) has prompted the establishment of a test for powder-based projectiles which provides a type of measure of the quantity and/or size of loose powder particulates exiting the muzzle of the weapon and striking a sheet of paper positioned substantially perpendicular to the flight path of the projectile and at a distance of about ten feet from the muzzle of the weapon. This test provides information as to the density of loose powder particles exiting the weapon, the size of individual ones or groups of particles, and their spatial relationship to the actual flight path of the projectile. [0011] It has been proposed that prevention of the release of powder particulates from the trailing end of a jacketed powder-based projectile may be affected by incorporating within the jacket a solid metal closure disc that is placed within the jacket in overlying relationship to the trailing end of the powder-based core, and thereafter the rim of the open end of the metal jacket is folded radially inwardly of the jacket to engage and anchor the solid metal disc within the jacket. Whereas this proposed procedure can be effective to block the egress of loose powder particulates from the trailing end of the projectile, it presents a more serious problem in that the solid metal disc does not readily disintegrate when the projectile strikes a solid or semi-solid target. Rather, the solid metal disc becomes a potentially lethal missile in and of itself and therefore presents a hazard which can be more serious than the hazard associated with individual powder projectiles. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0012] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a barrier disposed within the initially open end of the jacket in overlying relationship to the flat trailing end of a powder-based core disposed within the jacket, such barrier comprising a solid, preferably metal, disc which has been indented on at least one of its initially planar faces, with a multiplicity of indentations into the thickness of the disc prior to insertion and anchoring of the disc within the jacket. In accordance with the present invention, these indentations are spaced apart from one another over substantially the entire area of at least one face of the disc. Such indentations have been found to both weaken the disc at multiple locations over the area of an initially flat face of the disc and to impart multiple stressed areas within the disc, thereby rendering the disc frangible when the projectile strikes a solid or semi-solid target. [0013] Accordingly, the indentations preferably extend from a face of the disc into the thickness of the disc by a distance equal to about 30% to 75%, and preferably not less than about 50% of the thickness of the disc, but not so deep into the disc as to permit the disc to disintegrate due to the forces exerted against it when the projectile is fired from a weapon. The depth of the indentations is partially a function of the mechanical properties of the material from which the disc is formed. Whereas the size and geometry of the individual indentations may vary over relatively large ranges, it is preferred that the indentations be substantially uniformly sized and substantially uniformly spaced over substantially all of the area of at least one initially flat face of the disc. Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, indentations may be provided on both of the opposite faces of the disc, as desired. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0014] [0014]FIG. 1 is a side view, in section, of one embodiment of a metal jacketed projectile incorporating therein a barrier disc of the present invention; [0015] [0015]FIG. 2 is a side view, in section, of another embodiment of a jacketed projectile incorporating therein a barrier disc of the present invention; [0016] [0016]FIG. 3 is a side view, in section, of a further embodiment of a jacketed projectile incorporating therein a barrier disc of the present invention; [0017] [0017]FIG. 4 is a partial view, in section, of the left bottom corner of the projectile depicted in FIG. 2 and taken generally along the line 4 - 4 of FIG. 2; [0018] [0018]FIG. 5 is a sectional plan view taken generally along the line 5 - 5 of FIG. 2; [0019] [0019]FIG. 6 is side view, in section, of one embodiment of barrier disc incorporating various of the features of the present invention; [0020] [0020]FIG. 7 is perspective view of a barrier disc embodying various features of the present invention; [0021] [0021]FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a barrier disc embodying various features of the present invention; [0022] [0022]FIG. 9 is a top view of a strip of metal which has been indented in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; [0023] [0023]FIG. 10 is a top view of a die-punch device for punching a barrier disc from the strip of metal depicted in FIG. 9; [0024] [0024]FIG. 11. is a top view of a barrier disc which has been punched out of the strip of metal depicted in FIG. 9; [0025] [0025]FIG. 12 is side view of a section of an indented strip of metal as depicted in FIG. 9 and preparatory to the punching of a barrier disc therefrom; [0026] [0026]FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of a die-punch device for punching a barrier disc from an indented strip of metal preparatory to the deposit of such disc in a metal jacket containing a powder-based core and held in a die cavity; [0027] [0027]FIG. 14 is a further schematic view of the die-punch device depicted in FIG. 13 and depicting a punched-out barrier disc deposited within a metal jacket as depicted in FIG. 13; [0028] [0028]FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a further die-punch device for radially infolding of the rim of the open end of a metal jacket containing a powder-based core and a barrier disc of the present invention for anchoring the core and disc within the jacket; and, [0029] [0029]FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of a round of gun ammunition having incorporated therein a projectile embodying various of the features of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0030] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a projectile 12 for ammunition for a small bore weapon, i.e. a rifle or pistol of .50 caliber or smaller caliber. The projectile of this invention is powder-based, that is, all or the bulk of the projectile is formed from a blend of metal powders which, when blended, commonly exhibit a density equivalent to or greater than the density of lead, but may be less than the density of lead. [0031] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, there are depicted three embodiments of a projectile embodying various of the features of the present invention. In FIG. 1 there is depicted, in section, a projectile 12 suitable for firing from a rifle, for example. This projectile includes an outer jacket 14 which includes a generally cylindrical body portion 16 of substantially uniform wall thickness, a tapered closed leading end 18 defining an ogive 20 , and an open trailing end 23 . In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3, a core 26 made up of a cold-compacted quantity of a blend of a heavy metal powder such as tungsten metal powder and a relatively light metal powder, such as tin metal powder, is disposed within the jacket and substantially fills the interior volume of the jacket aside from a relatively small portion 22 of the jacket interior adjacent the trailing end 25 of the projectile (See FIG. 13). The quantity of the blended powder mixture is preferably cold-compacted, e.g. at room temperature, for example, in a die to form the self-supporting core 26 . In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3, the core is formed to geometrically conform to the interior wall of the jacket. [0032] [0032]FIGS. 1-13 depict a typical cup-shaped jacket 14 having an open trailing end 23 and a closed leading end 24 as employed in the manufacture of a projectile for gun ammunition. The depicted jacket is chosen to illustrate the present invention when manufacturing projectiles such as those depicted in FIGS. 1-3, but it is to be recognized that other caliber projectiles, of different outer geometries, etc., for either pistols or rifles of 50 caliber or smaller, may be manufactured employing the present invention and will exhibit the novel features referenced herein. The depicted jacket may be formed from a metal such as copper, or a metal alloy such as brass or other ductile metal or metal alloy, is thin-walled, e.g., having a wall thickness of about 0.013โ€ณ, is open at one end 13 and is closed at its opposite end 24 to define an interior surface 20 . In most instances, depending upon its mode of manufacture, the wall thickness of the jacket adjacent its closed end may increase by a few thousandths of an inch as compared to the wall thickness of the jacket adjacent its open end. The closed end or base of the jacket is commonly about 0.030โ€ณ thick. [0033] As seen in FIGS. 1-4, there is further included within the jacket a barrier disc 30 of the present invention. Prior to indentation, this disc 30 is initially of substantially uniform thickness and density throughout the disc. Prior to insertion into a jacket, at least one of its opposite faces is indented to define a plurality of indentations 34 which define outwardly extending projections 54 that are disposed adjacent to and engaging the end surface 36 of the trailing end 38 of the core. Within the jacket, the disc is oriented with its opposite faces 29 and 31 normal to and concentric with the longitudinal centerline 32 of the jacket. The disc further is of a diameter which is only slightly, e.g. a few thousandths of an inch, smaller than the internal diameter of the open trailing end of the jacket so that the disc will readily enter the open end of the jacket and snugly fit within the jacket. [0034] The barrier disc of the present invention is necessarily heat and pressure resistant for protecting the core from the heat and pressure generated by burning gunpowder. In smaller caliber projectiles, e.g. .22 caliber, the heat and pressure experienced is less than the heat and pressure experienced by larger caliber projectiles such as .50 caliber projectiles. Tin, copper and various metal alloys, such as brass, having heat and pressure resistance substantially equivalent to these same properties of tin, copper or brass are suitable candidates for the barrier disc of the present invention. Tin is preferred for smaller caliber projectiles and copper or brass is preferred for the larger caliber projectiles. The thickness of the disc can vary, the major determinant of thickness being the ability of the disc to retain its integrity and shape when subjected to the heat and pressure associated with the burning gunpowder employed in a given round of ammunition. By way of example, in a 9 mm pistol projectile, a tin barrier disc of 0.750 inch thickness is suitable. [0035] As noted, a relatively short length 22 of the trailing end of the jacket, e.g. a length of jacket which is a length not greater than a radius of the cylindrical portion 16 of the jacket, is folded inwardly, e.g. swaged, toward the longitudinal centerline 32 of the jacket and into contact with the rear face 31 of the disc, thereby anchoring the disc and the core within the jacket. Importantly, the disc covers the end surface 36 of the trailing end 38 of the core so that none of the core is exposed exteriorly of the jacket. As so disposed, the disc is in position to serve as a barrier against the heat and blast forces which are exerted against the trailing end of the projectile upon ignition and burn of the gun powder 42 of a round of ammunition 44 which includes the present projectile 12 in the open end of a case 46 as depicted in FIG. 16, thereby preventing the dislodgement and escape of powder particulates from the open end of the projectile during the firing and flight path of the projectile to a target. [0036] [0036]FIGS. 5-7 are enlarged views of one embodiment of an indentation pattern formed in that face 29 of the disc 30 which faces the trailing end 38 of the core. The pattern of indentations depicted in FIGS. 5-7 comprises a square pattern of parallel side-by-side, equally spaced apart, vertical elongated indentations 50 which are perpendicularly intersected by a plurality of parallel side-by-side, equally spaced apart, horizontal elongated indentations 52 formed in the face 29 of the disc. Each elongated indentation is of a generally triangular cross-section so that a pyramidal projection 54 (typical) is defined at each of the intersections of the several side-by-side vertical and horizontal elongated indentations. The base 56 of each pyramidal projection faces inwardly of the disc thickness and is preferably interconnected to the bases of each of its neighboring pyramidal projections. The apices 58 of the pyramidal projections terminate distally of the face of the disc. [0037] In a preferred embodiment, the individual indentations and resulting projections are each of like size and shape, thereby lending uniformity of distribution of the pyramidal projections over substantially the entire surface of the disc. The pattern of indentations into the disc may assume any of many geometrical configurations, including differently sized and/or shaped indentations in a given pattern, so long as the indentations are substantially uniform in size and shape and distribution radially of the central axis 60 of the disc. [0038] It will be recognized that the intersecting indentations define points of weakness of the disc at their intersections, thereby causing the disc to disintegrate into multiple very small fragments (each fragment approximating a pyramidal projection in size) upon the projectile containing the disc striking a solid or semi-solid target. Such relatively minute fragments, when separated from the disc, lose their velocity almost immediately, falling harmlessly away from the struck target. [0039] In a preferred embodiment of a disc for forming a .223 caliber rifle projectile, the disc 30 is of about 0.030โ€ณ thickness prior to indentation. In this embodiment, the depth of penetration of each of the indentations 26 into the thickness of the disc is about 0.015โ€ณ, thus defining a height of about 0.015โ€ณ for each pyramidal projection 54 , and leaving about 0.015โ€ณ of thickness of the disc intact over the area of the face 31 of the disc. Preferably, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, it is desired that the number of indentations be maximized, taking into consideration, among other things, the extent to which the indentations lessen the tensile strength of the disc, thereby maximizing the number of sites of fracture of the disc upon the projectile striking a target. By way of example, between about 24 and 48 indentations have been found to provide the desired disintegration of a disc for a .223 projectile jacket. Moreover, the total area of the face of the disc which is covered by the total area of the indentations preferably is between about 80% and about 99% of the total area of the disc face, i.e., the indentations may be slightly separated from one another or they may have common outboard perimeters between adjacent indentations. [0040] Preferably the depth of the indentations into the disc extends to about 50% of the thickness of the disc. The indentation may extend into the thickness of the disc a distance equal to between about 20% and about 75% of the thickness of the disc, leaving intact sufficient thickness of the disc as will withstand firing of the projectile to a target without disintegration prior to striking the target. [0041] Further referring to FIG. 6, there are depicted multiple stress lines 62 (typical), which develop within the disc upon the indentation into the disc. These stress lines represent avenues along which a fracture originating between or within adjacent ones of the pyramidal projections may propagate into the intact unindented portion of the disc upon the projectile striking a relatively hard surface. These stress lines thus function to further enhance the disintegration of the disc into fragments which are sufficiently small as to possess insufficient energy as to present a danger to persons or property located near a target impacted by a projectile of the present invention. [0042] Whereas pyramidal indentations into the thickness of the disc are most suitable, other geometric configurations of the indentations are acceptable, for example, indentations having a cross-section of rhomboidal or diamond geometry or a mixture of geometric configurations as will be recognized by one skilled in the art. Likewise, the pattern of the indentations may vary quite widely. By way of example, FIG. 8 depicts a disc 30 having a plurality of conical projections 69 formed over the face 29 of the disc. Preferably, the pattern of indentations provides for indentations over substantially the full area of the disc. In any event, it is desired that a maximum number of side-by-side indentations be provided, and that these indentations extend substantially fully over the area of the disc surface, thereby ensuring frangibility of all portions of the disc into harmless fragments. Further, desirably the indentations are uniform in geometry and spacing radially from the longitudinal central axis 60 of the jacket over the overall surface of the disc to avoid creating an imbalance of spin stability of the projectile about its longitudinal axis, when fired from a gun. [0043] One embodiment of apparatus and a method for the production of the disc useful in the present invention is schematically depicted in FIGS. 9-12. In this embodiment, a strip 70 of copper metal of about 0.030โ€ณ thickness which has had one of its flat faces indented with mutually perpendicularly intersecting individual pyramidal indentations, such as depicted in FIG. 7, is fed into a die 74 having a circular opening 76 through the thickness of the die. A cylindrical punch 78 is pushed through the circular opening to punch out a disc 30 as shown in FIG. 11. Formation of the indentations in the face of the disc may be effected by any of several well-known techniques. In Applicant's copending application, there is disclosed a die and punch technique for forming the indentations. Other techniques included feeding of the strip of copper metal through the nip between a smooth roll and a second roll having its surface provided with pyramidal projections which are forced into the thickness of the metal strip, thereby defining the projections illustrated in FIG. 7, for example. [0044] In FIGS. 13-16, there is schematically depicted a further embodiment of apparatus and method for both forming a disc and insertion of the same into a jacket containing a core. This further embodiment comprises a second die 80 disposed underneath a first die as depicted in FIG. 10. This second die includes a cavity suitable for receiving therein a jacket 14 having a powder-based core 26 disposed therein, the open end 13 of the jacket being in register with the circular opening in the first die. Thus, upon the disc being punched out of the strip 70 of indented copper, the disc is further pushed down into the open end 23 of the jacket and into overlying and covering relationship to the trailing end 38 of the core as best seen in FIG. 13. [0045] Referring to FIG. 15, closure of the open end of the jacket is effected by means of a second punch 84 radially inwardly folding the rim portion 22 of the jacket over onto the disc to lock the disc and core within the jacket. As desired, but not depicted, the closure operation may be carried out in multiple stages wherein the rim of the open end of the jacket is first folded partially radially inwardly toward the longitudinal centerline of the jacket and thereafter the infolding is completed in a further step. As depicted in FIG. 15, the infolded rim portion of the jacket fully covers the disc, but as seen in FIGS. 1-3, the infolded rim portion need not necessarily cover the entire surface of the disc. [0046] Whereas the present invention has been described employing specific examples and dimensions, it will be recognized by one skilled in the art that modifications or other embodiments of certain elements of the invention may be altered without departing from the concepts of the invention. In particular, it will be recognized that the pattern of indentations imparted to the disc may assume different geometries and may include more or fewer indentations per unit area of the disc without losing the desired frangibility of the jacket. Further, as noted each indentation need not necessarily be of the same size as others of the indentations, nor of the same geometry as others of the indentations. For example, where the rows of indentations cross one another at angles other than 90 degrees, the cross section of one or more of the indentations may be of a rhomboid or diamond geometry. It is therefore intended that the invention be limited only as set forth in the claims appended hereto.
An ammunition projectile comprising a metal jacket containing a powder-based core incompletely filling the trailing end of the jacket, and a disc overlying the trailing end of the core within the jacket, the disc being frangible by reason of a plurality of indentations in at least one face of the disc. A method is claimed.
5
FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates generally to antenna devices and more particularly to antenna devices adapted for internal mounting in a portable communication device, such as a mobile phone, wherein the characteristics are adjustable in a controlled way. The invention also relates to a communication device comprising such an antenna device and a method of adjusting the same. BACKGROUND Internal antennas have been used for some time in portable radio communication devices. There are a number of advantages connected with using internal antennas, of which can be mentioned that they are small and light, making them suitable for applications wherein size and weight are of importance, such as in mobile phones. However, the application of internal antennas in a mobile phone puts some constraints on the configuration of the antenna element, such as the dimensions of the element, the exact location of feeding and grounding portions etc. These constraints may make it difficult to find the correct tuning and matching of the antenna. This is especially true for so-called multi-band antennas, such as double-band antennas, wherein the antenna is adapted to operate in two or more spaced apart frequency bands. In a typical dual band phone, the lower frequency band is centered on 900 MHz, the so-called GSM 900 band, whereas the upper frequency band is centered around 1800 or 1900 MHz, the DCS and PCS band, respectively. If the upper frequency band of the antenna device is made wide enough, covering both the 1800 and 1900 MHz bands, a phone operating in three different standard bands is obtained. The European patent publication EP 1 003 240 A2 discloses a surface mount antenna comprising first and second radiation electrodes separated by a gap. Each electrode is connected to a grounded connection electrode, providing a double resonance with two pass bands. The two pass bands overlap slightly, effectively creating a single-band antenna with one wide pass band instead of a double-band antenna. No guidance of how to obtain desired antenna characteristics is given. The European patent publication EP 1 067 627 A1 discloses a dual band radio apparatus comprising a first and a second antenna element, both connected to a ground plate. A capacitive coupling is provided between the two antenna elements. IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol. 45, No. 10, October 1997, describes in an article by Liu Z D et al. โ€œDual-Frequency Planar Inverted-F Antennaโ€, pp 1451-1458 a dual-band antenna. An antenna with a single-input port is described on page 1457, where it is indicated that the dual-band antenna can also work with a single feed by electrically shorting the two radiating elements using common short pins. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an antenna device for a portable radio communication device which overcomes the above mentioned problems and wherein desired operating frequency bands can be obtained in a well-defined way. Another object is to provide a portable radio communication device comprising such an antenna device. Still another object is to provide a method of adjusting the characteristics of an antenna device in a controlled way. The invention is based on the realization that an antenna configuration having two element portions spaced apart by a gap can be provided, wherein one element portion is galvanically ungrounded and wherein the length and the width of the gap determines the characteristics of the antenna in a controlled way. According to the present invention there is provided an antenna device as defined in appended claim 1 . According to the present invention there is also provided a portable radio communication device as defined in appended claim 14 . There is also provided a method of tuning an antenna as defined in appended claim 15 . With the inventive antenna device the above mentioned drawbacks of prior art are eliminated or at least mitigated. The antenna device according to the present invention as defined by the appended claims has a configuration wherein the gap separating the two radiating element portions can be adjusted in a controlled way so as to obtain the desired characteristics. The dependent claims define further preferred embodiments of the inventive antenna device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is an overall view of a mobile phone, partially broken up, showing the positioning of a printed circuit board and a basic antenna pattern according to the invention; FIGS. 2 a - 5 a show the basic antenna pattern with different parameters denoted; FIGS. 2 b - 5 b show different antenna patterns derived from the basic antenna pattern shown in the respective FIGS. 2 a - 5 a; FIGS. 2 c - 5 c show frequency diagrams associated with the respective antenna patterns shown in FIGS. 2 a,b - 5 a,b, FIG. 6 shows an alternative basic antenna pattern; FIG. 7 shows an antenna pattern adapted for use with an external connector; FIG. 8 shows an antenna device with yet an alternative shape; and FIGS. 9 and 10 show frequency diagrams of an antenna device adapted to operation in desired frequency bands. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the following, a detailed description of embodiments of a connector device according to the invention will be given. In the description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particular hardware, applications, techniques etc. in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be utilized in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known methods, apparatuses, and circuits are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary details. Also, when references are made hereinbelow to directions, such as โ€œleftโ€ or โ€œrightโ€, these references are to be taken in connection with what is shown in the figures as exemplary embodiments and should not be construed as limiting to the scope of protection. In FIG. 1 there is shown a plan view, partially in cross-section, of a mobile phone, generally designated 2 . The mobile phone comprises a keypad 4 etc., as is conventional. Inside the phone 2 there is provided a printed circuit board (PCB) 6 with an extension essentially corresponding to the size of the phone. On the PCB 6 there are mounted electronic circuits etc. (not shown), for the operation of the phone. These circuits will not be discussed further except for the information that they comprise RF circuitry for operation of an antenna, i.e., for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals. The PCB 6 also functions as a ground plane for an internal antenna device, in the described embodiment a modified PIFA (PIFAโ€”Planar Inverted F Antenna) generally designated 8 and located in the upper portion of the mobile phone 2 . The antenna device comprises a radiating element divided into two generally planar portions, a first inner element 10 and a second outer element 20 . The radiating elements 10 , 20 are made of some suitable electrically conductive material, such as metal sheet, steel plate or the like, or as a conductive flex film. The elements 10 , 20 are supported by a frame made of a non-conductive material, such as a plastic (not shown). By means of the frame, the radiating elements are positioned essentially parallel to the PCB 6 and on a predetermined distance therefrom, which is preferred with this kind of antennas. The inner radiating element 10 is connected to a contact pin 12 having an extension essentially perpendicular to the plane of the inner element 10 and being electrically connected to the RF circuitry of the underlying PCB 6 . The pin 12 , being for example of the type sold under the Trademark PoGo, functions as a feeding portion of the antenna. The contact pin 12 is located on the edge of an opening or aperture 14 in the central part of the radiating element portion 10 , the function of which aperture will be described below. The second outer radiating element 20 is connected to a grounding portion 22 extending essentially perpendicularly thereto and being connected to a ground device of the underlying PCB 6 . The outer element 20 has a general shape resembling a โ€œCโ€ turned 90 degrees counter-clock-wise, as shown in the figures, thus essentially surrounding the inner element 10 . An important feature is thus that one of the antenna elements is connected to a feed device and the other of the antenna elements is connected to a ground device. The inner and outer elements 10 and 20 , respectively, are essentially coplanar and are separated by a non-conductive interspace or gap 30 . As can be seen in the figure, the gap 30 surrounds the inner element 10 on three sides thereof and provides for a controlled capacitive coupling between the inner and outer elements 10 , 20 . Due to the gap between the inner and outer elements 10 , 20 there are two distinct resonance frequencies. By means of this arrangement, a dual-band antenna is created and the capacitive coupling between the radiating elements is used for determining the characteristics of the antenna 8 , as will be described in the following and with reference to FIGS. 2 a-c - 5 a-c. In FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , and 2 c there is shown how the resonance frequency of the upper band of a dual-band antenna can be adjusted in a controlled way. In its basic shape, shown in FIG. 2 a , the antenna 8 has a lower resonance frequency of about 900 MHz and an upper resonance frequency of about 1900 MHz, thus making it suitable for use in a dual band mobile phone adapted for the GSM 900 and PCS bands. However, in order to fine-tune the upper band, the shape of the inner radiating element 10 is adjusted in a controlled way. In its basic shape, the inner radiating element 10 is essentially rectangular with a height h 1 and a width w 1 , see FIG. 2 a . It is surrounded on three sides by the gap 30 . In FIG. 2 a , the gap has been sub-divided into three portions, namely 30 a to the left of the element portion 10 , 30 b above the element portion 10 and 30 c to the right of the element portion 10 . The three gap portions 30 a-c have essentially the same width. The inner element 10 is shown with a first end portion 10 a facing the gap portion 30 a , a second end portion 10 c facing the gap portion 30 c and a portion 10 b facing the gap portion 30 b , see FIG. 1 . The antenna characteristics are changed by decreasing the width w 1 by increasing the width d 1 of the right gap portion 30 c . More specifically, by increasing the distance d 1 , the resonance frequency of the upper band is lowered. In FIG. 2 c there is shown a set of curves representing the Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) as a function of frequency. The curves represent the different characteristics when the width w 1 of the inner element 10 is adjusted from its original value, FIG. 2 a , to approximately half its original value, as is shown in FIG. 2 b. Referring to FIG. 2 c , to the left in the diagram there is shown a set of almost identical curves, representing the lower frequency band. Thus, it can be seen that the distance d 1 has almost no influence on this band. This is important in that it enables selective adjustment of the upper frequency band. In contrast to the lower frequency band there is a pronounced correlation between distance d 1 and the resonance frequency of the upper band. In the diagram there is shown a set of nine different curves, the rightmost of which representing the VSWR of the starting antenna, i.e., with a small distance d 1 (the original antenna shown in FIG. 1 ), and the leftmost of which representing the VSWR with a large distance d 1 , as shown in FIG. 2 b . The intermediate curves represent equally spaced distances d 1 between the small and large distances, some of which corresponding to a size of the inner element 10 denoted by dotted lines in FIG. 2 a. It is striking how the resonance frequency of the upper band correlates with the value of d 1 . However, the VSWR for the resonance frequency remains essentially unchanged. It is thus seen that an adjustment of the distance d 1 provides for an easy and well-defined way to adjust the characteristics of a dual-band antenna adapted for use with a mobile phone, for example. Another advantage with an adjustment only relating to the size of the inner element 10 is that the positions of the feeding and grounding portions 12 , 22 remain unchanged. From a design and manufacturing point of view this provides a solution wherein the contact points of the underlying PCB 6 remain unchanged, i.e., the same kind of PCB can be used for different phone models, for example dual-band phones for GSM/DCS and GSM/PCS. A way to change the resonance frequency of the lower band of the antenna device will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3 a-c . The procedure is similar to that concerning the upper frequency band, i.e., the size of the inner element 10 is adjusted. However, instead of removing part of the right hand portion of the inner element, i.e., that closer to the grounding portion 22 , part of the left-hand portion of the inner element 10 is removed. In other words, the width of the left gap portion 30 a is changed, this distance being denoted d 2 in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b. In FIG. 3 c there are shown two sets of curves for different values of d 2 , wherein one set relates to the lower band and one set relates to the upper band. The leftmost curve among the lower band curves is associated with the basic antenna pattern shown in FIG. 3 a , i.e., the small original width d 2 . The other lower band curves are associated with successively higher values of d 2 , i.e., there is a direct correlation between the value of d 2 and the lower resonance frequency. The rightmost curve of the lower band curves is associated with the antenna pattern shown in FIG. 3 b , wherein a large portion of the inner radiating element 10 is removed as compared with the basic pattern. From FIG. 3 c is also seen that the upper resonance frequency remains virtually unchanged. This means that by changing the value of d 2 the lower frequency band can be adjusted without affecting the upper frequency band. Yet another way of modifying the characteristics of an antenna device in a controlled way will now be explained with reference to FIGS. 4 a-c . In FIG. 4 a , there is shown the basic antenna pattern with the effective width of the upper gap portion 30 b denoted by d 3 . In FIG. 4 b , a modified antenna pattern is shown, wherein part of the inner element 10 has been removed as compared with the basic pattern. The amount of inner element material removed corresponds to the increase of the actual distance d 3 as compared with FIG. 4 a. It is here seen that by changing the distance d 3 , both resonances are affected and therefore an additional parameter to play with is created in order to match the antenna in a controlled way. It has been described above how the general shape of the inner and outer radiating elements 10 , 20 can be adjusted in order to obtain desired antenna characteristics in a controlled way. Another way to change the characteristics is to change the size of the aperture 14 as will be explained in the following and with reference to FIGS. 5 a-c. A number of VSWR curves for the upper frequency band is shown in FIG. 5 c , of which curves the rightmost is associated with the basic antenna pattern as shown in FIG. 5 a . The leftmost curve of the upper curves is associated with the antenna pattern shown in FIG. 5 b , wherein the aperture 14 has been enlarged as compared to that of the basic pattern. The intermediate curves falling between these two extreme cases represent the VSWR of apertures 14 having a size between those shown in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b . Thus, by changing the size of the aperture 14 , the upper resonance frequency can be changed in a controlled way. As in the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 2 a-c , the lower resonance frequency determining the lower frequency band remains virtually unchanged, thereby allowing for a selective adjustment of the upper frequency band. Besides providing for an adjustment of the upper frequency band, the change of size of the aperture 14 can be used for impedance matching the antenna device or to enable the use in this area of an external connector or other element, such as a plastic part extending from the housing of the device in which the antenna is provided. In FIG. 6 there is shown a plan view of an alternative antenna pattern wherein the aperture in the inner element 10 has been omitted. Thus, the contact pin 12 , shown in phantom in the figure, is attached to the underside of the element 10 by means of riveting or the like. In FIG. 7 there is shown an antenna pattern similar to that shown in FIG. 5 b . In addition to the antenna elements 10 , 20 there is shown a coaxial connector, generally designated 40 , connected to the underlying PCB 6 . The connector 40 is provided for connection of an external antenna device, such as an antenna provided on the outside of a car in which a mobile phone is operated by means of a so-called hands-free equipment. Thus the aperture 14 provides for a compact solution for positioning an external connector, a typical size of which is a diameter of six millimeters. In the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1-7 , the inner element 10 has been shown with a rectangular shape. However, many other shapes are viable, such as the one used in the antenna device 8 โ€ฒ shown in FIG. 8 , wherein the inner rectangular element 10 of the previous embodiments has been replaced with an inner element 10 โ€ฒ with a lower straight edge and an upper curved edge. An essentially uniform gap 30 โ€ฒ separates the inner element 10 โ€ฒ from an outer element, denoted 20 โ€ฒ, having an outer shape adapted to a mobile phone in which it is mounted. The contour of the upper portion of the mobile phone 2 โ€ฒ is denoted by a dotted line in FIG. 8 . As in the previous embodiments, the inner element 10 โ€ฒ comprises a feeding portion 12 โ€ฒ and the outer element 20 โ€ฒ comprises a grounding portion 22 โ€ฒ. Finally, in FIGS. 9 and 10 , there are shown curve diagrams showing the characteristics for the antenna device according to the invention adapted for dual-band operation in the 900/1800 MHz bands and the 900/1900 MHz bands, respectively. It is here seen, that desired characteristics can be achieved in a controlled way with the inventive device. Preferred embodiments of an antenna device according to the invention have been described. The person skilled in the art realizes that these could be varied within the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the shapes of the different parts shown in the figures can of course be adapted to different needs. Similar shapes and dimensions for the basic antenna pattern have been shown in the figures. It will be appreciated that these can be varied as long as the general shape with an inner radiating element with a feeding portion is surrounded by an outer radiating element with a grounding portion. Thus, the effective length and width of the left and right gap portions 30 a , 30 c can be adjusted by removing part of the outer element facing the gap portion in question, thereby adjusting the resonance frequencies of the device. The grounding portion 22 has been shown with a constant size throughout the figures. However, the size of the grounding portion can be used as a parameter when adjusting the characteristics of the antenna device. Also the positioning of the feeding and grounding portions 12 , 22 are the same in all figures. However, the distance between the feeding and grounding portions can be used as a means for adjusting the resonance frequencies of the antenna device. Also, the provision of the grounding portion 22 to the right of the inner portion 10 can of course be replaced by it being positioned to the left of the inner portion 10 . In that case, the reference in this description to โ€œleftโ€ and โ€œrightโ€ should be exchanged for each other. Different ways of adjusting the upper and lower frequency bands of a dual-band antenna have been explained. Although the different ways have been described separately, it will be appreciated that more than one can be applied simultaneously. Although the inner and outer elements 10 , 20 have been described and shown as generally planar, it will be appreciated that they can deviate from the planar shape so as to be adapted to the outer shape of the mobile phone in which they are provided, for example. Throughout this description, the term radiating element has been used. It is to be understood that this term covers any antenna element adapted to receive or transmit electromagnetic waves. When in this description there is referred to the width of the gap 30 , this refers to the distance between the inner and outer elements 10 and 20 in the gap portion in question. Also, when the length of a gap portion is discussed, reference is made to the effective length of the edge portion of the inner element 10 facing the gap portion in question.
A dual-band antenna device for a portable radio communication device ( 2 ) comprises an inner ( 10 ) and an outer ( 20 ) generally planar radiating element portion. The inner portion is galvanically ungrounded and connectable to feed and the outer portion is connectable to ground. The element portions are essentially coplanar and separated by a gap ( 30;30 โ€ฒ), wherein the outer element portion ( 20 ) surrounds the inner element portion ( 10 ). With this configuration desired antenna characteristics are obtainable in a controlled way. A portable radio communication device and a method for separate adjustment of the frequency bands are also provided.
7
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/259,116, filed Jun. 10, 1994, now abandoned, which in turn is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/839,967, filed Feb. 21, 1992, now abandoned. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field of electric utility meters. More particularly, the present invention relates to electronic utility watthour meters or meters utilized to meter real and reactive energy in both the forward and reverse directions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Electric utility companies and power consuming industries have in the past employed a variety of approaches to metering electrical energy. Typically, a metering system monitors power lines through isolation and scaling components to derive polyphase input representations of voltage and current. These basic inputs are then selectively treated to determine the particular type of electrical energy being metered. Because electrical uses can vary significantly, electric utility companies have requirements for meters configured to analyze several different nominal primary voltages. The most common of these voltages are 120, 208, 240, 277 and 480 volts RMS. Presently, available meters have a different style for each of these applications, both electro-mechanical and electronic. This forces the electric utility companies to inventory, test and maintain many different styles of meters. Consequently, a need exists for reducing the number of meter types a utility need inventory by providing a meter capable of operation over a wide dynamic range. The problem of wide amperage dynamic range was addressed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,976,941--Milkovic. It was there recognized that solid state electronic meters were becoming more desirable in metering applications, however, such solid state meters had a critical drawback in their amperage dynamic range. An effort was described to improve the amperage dynamic range of solid state meters so that such meters would be operationally equivalent to prior electro-mechanical meters. The problem with such meters, however, was their failure to address the multiple voltage situation. Utility companies utilizing such meters would still be forced to inventory, test and maintain many different styles of meters in order to service the various voltages provided to customers. It has been recognized in various meter proposals that the use of a microprocessor would make metering operations more accurate. It will be understood, however, that the use of a microprocessor requires the provision of one or more supply voltages. Power supplies capable of generating a direct current voltage from the line voltage have been used for this purpose. Since electric utility companies have requirements for various nominal primary voltages, it has been necessary to provide power supplies having individualized components in order to generate the microprocessor supply voltages from the nominal primary voltage. Consequently, a need exists for a single meter which was capable of metering electrical energy associated with nominal primary voltages in the range from 96 to 480 volts RMS. Applicants resolve the above problems through the use of a switching power supply and voltage dividers. It will be recognized that switching power supplies are known. However, the use of such a power supply in an electrical energy meter is new. Moreover, the manner of the present invention, the particular power supply construction and its use in an electrical energy meter is novel. It will also be noted, in order to solve the inventory problem, designing a wide voltage range meter in the past involved the use of voltage transformers to sense line voltage. A significant problem associated with the use of such transformers was the change in phase shift and the introduction of non-linearities that would occur over a wide voltage range. It was not easy to remove such a widely changing phase shift or to compensate for the non-linearities. Consequently, a need still exists for a single meter which is capable of metering electrical energy associated with nominal primary voltages that also minimizes phase shift in the voltage sensors over a wide voltage range. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The previously described problem is resolved and other advantages are achieved in a method and apparatus for metering electrical energy over a wide range of voltages with a single meter. The wide ranging meter includes a divider network for dividing the voltage thereby generating a divided voltage. It is preferred to generate a divided voltage that is substantially linear with minimal phase shift over the wide dynamic range. A processing unit processes the divided voltage and a current component to determine electrical energy metering values. The processing unit requires stable supply voltages for operation. A power supply, connected to receive the voltage component and connected to the processing unit, generates the supply voltages from the voltage component over the wide dynamic range. It is especially preferred for the power supply to include a transformer having first, second and third windings, wherein the voltage component is provided to the first winding and wherein the second winding defines the output of the power supply. A switching member is connected to the first winding for permitting and preventing the flow of current through the first winding. The switch member is operable in response to a control signal. A control member generates the control signal in response to the output of the power supply and is connected to the third winding. In the preferred embodiment, the control member consists of an oscillator, a current sensor for sensing the flow of the current through the transformer primary, comparators, and various other components. In response to the sensed current, the output voltage, and an inhibit signal from a voltage clamping circuit, the control member either completely disables the switching member or supplies the switching member with a control signal representing the ON and OFF times that the switching member must provide in order to maintain the proper output voltage of the supply. It is also preferred for the control signal to disable the switch member. Such an embodiment is achieved by the switching member including a first transistor, connected between the primary winding and ground, and an oscillator, connected to the base of the first transistor, for generating an oscillating signal for switching the transistor on and off. In such a device the control signal causes the output of the oscillator to disable the first transistor. It is also preferred for the control member to include a current sensor for sensing the current flowing through the primary winding and for generating a sensed current signal. A reference current generator generates a reference current signal in response to the output of the power supply. A comparator compares the sensed current and the reference current. In such an embodiment, it is preferred for the control signal to be generated in response to the comparator determining that the sensed current signal exceeds the reference current signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be better understood, and its numerous objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic meter constructed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the resistive dividers shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the linear power supply shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the power supply shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the control and switching members shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the startup/feedback shown in FIG. 4; and FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the voltage clamp shown in FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A new and novel meter for metering electrical energy is shown in FIG. 1 and generally designated 10. It is noted at the outset that this meter is constructed so that the future implementation of higher level metering functions can be supported. Meter 10 is shown to include three resistive voltage divider networks 12A, 12B, 12C; a first processor--an ADC/DSP (analog-to-digital converter/digital signal processor) chip 14; a second processor--a microcontroller 16 which in the preferred embodiment is a Mitsubishi Model 50428 microcontroller; three current sensors 18A, 18B, 18C; a 12 V switching power supply 20 that is capable of receiving inputs in the range of 96-528 V; a 5 V linear power supply 22; a nonvolatile power supply 24 that switches to a battery 26 when 5 V supply 22 is inoperative; a 2.5 V precision voltage reference 28; a liquid crystal display (LCD) 30; a 32.768 kHz oscillator 32; a 6.2208 MHz oscillator 34 that provides timing signals to chip 14 and whose signal is divided by 1.5 to provide a 4.1472 MHz clock signal to microcontroller 16; a 2 kByte EEPROM 35; a serial communications line 36; an option connector 38; and an optical communications port 40 that may be used to read the meter. The inter-relationship and specific details of each of these components is set out more fully below. It will be appreciated that electrical energy has both voltage and current characteristics. In relation to meter 10 voltage signals are provided to resistive dividers 12A-12C and current signals are induced in a current transformer (CT) and shunted. The output of CT/shunt combinations 18A-18C is used to determine electrical energy. First processor 14 is connected to receive the voltage and current signals provided by dividers 12A-12C and shunts 18A-18C. As will be explained in greater detail below, processor 14 converts the voltage and current signals to voltage and current digital signals, determines electrical energy from the voltage and current digital signals and generates an energy signal representative of the electrical energy determination. Processor 14 will always generate a watthour delivered (Whr Del) and, watthour received (Whr Rec), depending on the type of energy being metered, will generate either a volt amp reactive hour delivered (Varhr Del)/a volt amp reactive hour received (Varhr Rec) signal or volt amp hour delivered (Vahr Del)/volt amp hour received (Vahr Rec) signal. In the preferred embodiment, each transition on conductors 42-48 (each logic transition) is representative of the measurement of a unit of energy. Second processor 16 is connected to first processor 14. As will be explained in greater detail below, processor 16 receives the energy signal(s) and generates an indication signal representative of said energy signal. It will be noted again that meter 10 is a wide range meter capable of metering over a voltage range from 96-528 V. The components which enhance such a wide range meter include the divider network 12A-12C, which as previously noted are connected to receive the voltage component. The dividers generate a divided voltage, wherein the divided voltage is substantially linear voltage with minimal phase shift over the wide dynamic range, i.e. 96-528 Volts. A processing unit (processors 14 and 16) are connected to receive the divided voltage and the current component. The processing unit processes the divided voltages and the current components to determine electrical energy metering values. It will be appreciated from the following description that processors 14 and 16 require stable supply voltages to be operable. A power supply, connected to receive the voltage component and connected to processors 14 and 16, generate the necessary supply voltages from the Phase A voltage component over the wide dynamic range. Power supply 20 could also run off of phase B and phase C voltages or a combination of the above. However, a combination embodiment would require additional protection and rectifying components. In relation to the preferred embodiment of meter 10, currents and voltages are sensed using conventional current transformers (CT's) and resistive voltage dividers, respectively. The appropriate multiplication is accomplished in a new integrated circuit, i.e. processor 14. Processor 14 is essentially a programmable digital signal processor (DSP) with built in multiple analog to digital (A/D) converters. The converters are capable of sampling multiple input channels simultaneously at 2400 Hz each with a resolution of 21 bits and then the integral DSP performs various calculations on the results. For a more detailed description of Processor 14, reference is made to a copending application Ser. No. 839,182 filed on Feb. 21, 1992, and abandoned in favor of application Ser. No. 259,578, which is incorporated herein by reference and which is owned by the same assignee as the present application. Meter 10 can be operated as either a demand meter or as a time-of-use (TOU) meter. It will be recognized that TOU meters are becoming increasingly popular due to the greater differentiation by which electrical energy is billed. For example, electrical energy metered during peak hours will be billed differently than electrical energy billed during non-peak hours. As will be explained in greater detail below, first processor 14 determines units of electrical energy while processor 16, in the TOU mode, qualifies such energy units in relation to the time such units were determined, i.e. the season as well as the time of day. All indicators and test features are brought out through the face of meter 10, either on LCD 30 or through optical communications port 40. Power supply 20 for the electronics is a switching power supply feeding low voltage linear supply 22. Such an approach allows a wide operating voltage range for meter 10. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the so-called standard meter components and register electronics are for the first time all located on a single printed circuit board (not shown) defined as an electronics assembly. This electronics assembly houses power supplies 20, 22, 24 and 28, resistive dividers 12A-12C for all three phases, the shunt resistor portion of 18A-18C, oscillator 34, processor 14, processor 16, reset circuitry, EEPROM 35, oscillator 32, optical port components 40, LCD 30, and an option board interface 38. When this assembly is used for demand metering, the billing data is stored in EEPROM 35. This same assembly is used for TOU metering applications by merely utilizing battery 26 and reprogramming the configuration data in EEPROM 35. The additional time-of-use billing data is stored in the internal RAM of processor 16, which RAM is backed by battery 26. Consider now the various components of meter 10 in greater detail. Primary current being metered may be sensed using conventional current transformers. The shunt resistor portion of devices 18A-18C are located on the electronics assembly. The phase voltages are brought directly to the electronic assembly where resistive dividers 12A-12C scale these inputs to processor 14. In the preferred embodiment, the electronic components are referenced to the vector sum of each line voltage for three wire delta systems and to earth ground for all other services. Resistive division is used to divide the input voltage so that a very linear voltage with minimal phase shift over a wide dynamic range can be obtained. This in combination with a switching power supply allows the wide voltage operating range to be implemented. Referring briefly to FIG. 2, each resistive divider consists of two 1 Meg, 1/2 watt resistors 50/52, 54/56 and 58/60, respectively. Resistors 50-60 are used to drop the line voltage at an acceptable watt loss. Each resistor pair feeds a resistor 62, 64 and 66, respectively. Resistors 62-66 are metal film resistors having a minimal temperature coefficient. This combination is very inexpensive compared to other voltage sensing techniques. Resistors 50-60 have an operating voltage rating of 300 Vrms each. These resistors have been individually tested with the 6 kV IEEE 587 impulse waveforms to assure that the resistance is stable and that the devices are not destroyed. Resistors 62-66 scales the input voltage to be less than 1 Volt peak to peak to processor 14. Resistors 62-66 should be in the range of from about 100 ohms to about 1 K ohms to assure this maximum voltage and maintain maximum signal. On grounded, three wire delta systems, those components of the electronics assembly operating on logic voltage levels (including the battery connector) can be at an elevated voltage. In such situations, the two, 1 Meg resistor combinations (50/52, 54/56, 58/60) provide current limiting to the logic level electronics. The worse case current occurs during testing of a 480 V, 3 wire delta meter with single phase excitation. It will be appreciated that energy units are calculated in processor 14 primarily from multiplication of voltage and current. The preferred embodiment of processor 14, referenced above as being described in copending application Ser. No. 839,182 filed on Feb. 21, 1992, and abandoned in favor of application Ser. No. 259,578, includes three analog to digital converters. The necessity for three converters is primarily due to the absense of voltage transformers, present in prior meters. The M37428 microcontroller 16 is a 6502 (a traditional 8 bit microprocessor) derivative with an expanded instruction set for bit test and manipulation. This microcontroller includes substantial functionality including internal LCD drivers (128 quadraplexed segments), 8 kbytes of ROM, 384 bytes of RAM, a full duplex hardware UART, 5 timers, dual clock inputs (32,768 kHz and up to 8 MHz), and a low power operating mode. During normal operation, processor 16 receives the 4.1472 MHz clock from processor 14 as described above. Such a clock signal translates to a 1.0368 MHz cycle time. Upon power fail, processor 16 shifts to the 32.768 kHz crystal oscillator 32. This allows low power operation with a cycle time of 16.384 kHz. During a power failure, processor 16 keeps track of time by counting seconds and rippling the time forward. Once processor 16 has rippled the time forward, a WIT instruction is executed which places the unit in a mode where only the 32.768 kHz oscillator and the timers are operational. While in this mode a timer is setup to "wake up" processor 16 every 32,768 cycles to count a second. Consider now the particulars of the power supplies shown in FIG. 1. As indicated previously, the off-line switching supply 20 is designed to operate over a 96-528 VAC input range. It connects directly to the Phase A voltage alternating current (AC) line and requires no line frequency transformer. A flyback converter serves as the basis of the circuit. A flyback converter is a type of switching power supply. As used herein, the "AC cycle" refers to the 60 Hz or 50 Hz input to power supply 20. The "switching cycle" refers to the 50 kHz to 140 kHz frequency at which the switching transformer of power supply 20 operates. It will be noted that other switching cycle frequences can be used. Referring now to FIG. 4, power supply 20 for use in electronic meters includes a transformer 300 having primary and secondary windings. The input voltage (Phase A Voltage) is provided to the primary winding so that current may flow therethrough. As will be appreciated from FIG. 5, the secondary winding defines the output of the power supply. Referring back to FIG. 4, a switching member 302 is connected to the primary winding of transformer 300. Switching member 302 permits and prevents the flow of current through the primary winding. Switch member 302 is operable in response to a control signal, which control signal is generated by control circuit 304. Controller 304 generates the control signal in response to a limit signal generated by the start/feedback circuit 306 in response to the output of power supply 20. Voltage limiter 306 serves to limit the voltage applied to transformer 300 and switch 302. Surge protection circuit 309 is provided at the input to protect against surges appearing in the Phase A voltage. Referring now to FIG. 5, transformer 300 and switch 302 are shown in greater detail. It will be appreciated that switch 302 is a transistor. At the beginning of each switching cycle, transistor 302 "turns on" i.e. becomes conductive, and magnetizes the core of transformer 300 by applying voltage across the primary 310. At the end of each cycle, transistor 302 turns off and allows the energy stored in the core of transformer 300 to flow to the output of the power supply, which "output" can be generally defined by secondary 312. Simultaneously, energy flows out of the bootstrap or tertiary winding 314 to power the control circuitry 304. Feedback circuit 306 and controller 304 control the output of power supply 20 by varying the ON time of transistor 302. Controller 304 will be described in greater detail in relation to FIG. 5. Transistor 302 is connected through inverter 316 to receive the output of an oscillator formed from inverters 318,320 and 322. It will be recognized that such inverters form a ring oscillator. The oscillator has a free-run frequency of 50 KHz. The ON time of transistor 302 may vary between 200 ns and 10 ฮผs. The OFF time is always between 8 and 10 ฮผs. During operation, the bootstrap winding 314 of transformer 300 (pins 10 and 11) powers controller 304, but this power is not available until the power supply has started. The control circuit is a current-mode regulator. At the beginning of a switching cycle, transistor 302 is turned ON by the oscillator output. If left alone, transistor 302 would also be turned OFF by the oscillator output. Transistor 302 remains ON until the current in primary 310 of transformer 300 (pins 8 and 13) ramps up to the threshold current level I th represented as a voltage V th . As will be explained below, V th is generated by feedback circuit 306. When the primary current of transformer 300, represented as a voltage V t and sensed by resistor 326, ramps up to the threshold level V th , pin 1 of comparator 324 terminates the ON period of the oscillator by forcing the oscillator output HIGH, which output in turn is inverted by inverter 316, shutting OFF transistor 302. Transistor 302 then turns OFF until the next switching cycle. Since the V th indirectly controls the ON time of transistor 302, controller 304 regulates the output voltage of the power supply by comparing the sensed current in transformer 300 to this threshold level. Transistor 362 and pin 7 of comparator 326 can disable the oscillator. Transistor 362, described in greater detail in FIG. 7, disables the oscillator when the line voltage exceeds 400 volts. Comparator 328 disables the oscillator when the controller 304 has insufficient voltage to properly drive transistor 302. The voltage in controller 304, V c , will be described in relation to FIG. 5. Consider now feedback circuit 306, shown in FIG. 6. When connected to the Phase A Voltage, resistor 330 slowly charges capacitor 332. The high value of resistor 330 and the 400 volt limit by voltage clamp 308 limit the power dissipation of resistor 330. After a few seconds, capacitor 332 charges above 13 volts. Transistors 334 and 336 then provide positive feedback to each other and snap ON. Controller 304 can run for tens of milliseconds from the charge stored in capacitor 332. Normally, power supply 20 will successfully start and begin to power itself in this period. If it fails to start, transistors 334 and 336 turn OFF when the charge across capacitor 332 drops below 8.5 volts and capacitor 332 again charges through resistor 330. This cycle repeats until the supply starts. With high input voltages and without resistor 338 (FIG. 5), the current sourced by resistor 330 can hold the control and start-up circuits in a disabled state that does not recycle. When Capacitor 332 drops below 8.5 volts, resistor 338 places a load on the control circuit supply. This load insures that the start-up circuit recycles properly with high input voltages. As indicated above, when the primary current of transformer 300 sensed by resistor 326 ramps up to the threshold level V th , pin 1 of comparator 324 can terminate the ON period of the oscillator. When the voltage on capacitor 332 is less than 13 volts, zener diode 340 provides no voltage feedback. Under these conditions, the base-emitter voltage of transistor 336 sets the current threshold I th to about 650 mA. This maximum current limit protects transistor 302, as well as those transistors in voltage clamp 306, and prevents transformer 300 from saturating. As the voltage on capacitor 332, which is representative of the output voltage of the supply, approaches the proper level, zener diode 340 begins to conduct and effectively reduces the current threshold, i.e. effectively reduces V th . Each switching cycle will then transfers less power to the output, and the supply begins to regulate its output. When the regulating circuitry requires ON times of transistor 302 less than about 400 ns, the current sense circuitry does not have time to react to the primary current of transformer 300. In that case, the regulating circuit operates as a voltage-mode pulse width modulator. Resistor 342 (FIG. 5) generates a negative step at pin 3 of comparator 324 at the beginning of each switching cycle. The regulator feedback voltage at pin 2 of comparator 324, which contains little current information at the beginning of each switching cycle, translates the step at pin 3 into various input overdrives of comparator 324, thereby driving the output of comparator 324 to a logic HIGH level. The propagation time of the comparator 324 decreases with increasing overdrive, i.e. as the negative step increases, and the circuit acts as a pulse width modulator. The negative step will increase due to the changing level of V th . Any leakage inductance between the bootstrap winding (pins 10 and 11 of transformer 300) and the output winding (pins 3 and 4 of transformer 300) causes inaccurate tracking between the voltage on capacitor 332 and the output voltage of the supply. This leakage inductance can cause poor load regulation of the supply. The bootstrap and output windings are bifilar wound; they are tightly coupled, have little leakage inductance, and provide acceptable load regulation. Since the two windings are in direct contact, the bootstrap winding requires Teflon insulation to meet the isolation voltage specifications. A 100% hi-pot test during manufacture insures the integrity of the insulation. Consider now the details of voltage clamp 308, shown in FIG. 7. A 528 VAC input corresponds to 750 VDC after rectification. Switching transistors that can directly handle these voltages are extremely expensive. By using the voltage clamp of the present invention, relatively inexpensive switching transistors can be utilized. In power supply 20, the switching member 302 is shut down during parts of the AC cycle that exceed 400 volts. The switching transistor, transistor 302, in conjunction with two other transistors 344 and 346, can hold off 750 VDC. During surge conditions, these three transistors can withstand over 1500 volts. In the preferred embodiment, transistors 302, 344 and 346 are 600-volt MOSFETs. Because high-voltage electrolytic capacitors are expensive and large, this voltage clamp 306 has no bulk filter capacitor after the bridge rectifier 348. Without a bulk filter capacitor, this switching converter must shut down during parts of the AC cycle. It intentionally shuts down during parts of the AC cycle that exceed 400 volts, and no input power is available when the AC cycle crosses zero. The 2200 ฮผF output capacitor 350 (FIG. 5), provides output current during these periods. As discussed above, transistors 344 and 346 act as a voltage clamp and limit the voltage applied to switching member 302. At a 528 VAC line voltage, the input to the clamping circuit reaches 750 volts. During lightning-strike surges, this voltage may approach 1500 volts. When the voltage at the output of bridge rectifier 348 exceeds 400 volts, zener diodes 352 and 354 begin to conduct. These diodes, along with the 33 Kฮฉ resistors 356, 358 and 360, create bias voltages for transistors 344 and 346. Transistors 344 and 346 act as source followers and maintain their source voltages a few volts below their gate voltages. If, for example, the output of bridge rectifier 348 is at 1000 volts, the gates of transistors 344 and 346 will be at approximately 400 and 700 volts respectively. The source of transistor 344 applies roughly 700 volts to the drain of 346; the source of 346 feeds about 400 volts to switching member 302. Transistors 344 and 346 each drop 300 volts under these conditions and thereby share the drop from the 1000 volt input to the 400 volt output, a level which the switching converter 302 can withstand. As zener diodes 352 and 354 begin to conduct and as transistors 344 and 346 begin to clamp, transistor 362 turns ON and shuts down the switching converter. Although transistors 344 and 346 limit the voltage fed to the converter to an acceptable level, they would dissipate an excessive amount of heat if the switching converter 302 consumed power during the clamping period. When switching converter 302 shuts down, transistor 302 no longer has to withstand the flyback voltage from transformer 300. Resistor 364 takes advantage of this by allowing the output voltage of the clamp to approach 500 volts (instead of 400 volts) as the input to the clamp approaches 1500 volts. This removes some of the burden from transistors 344 and 346. Zener diodes 352 and 354 are off and the converter 302 runs when the output of bridge rectifier 348 is below 400 volts. During these parts of the AC cycle, the 33 Kฮฉ resistors 356, 358 and 360 directly bias the gates of transistors 344 and 346. The voltage drop across transistors 344 and 346 is then slightly more than the threshold voltages of those transistors along with any voltage drop generated by the channel resistance of those transistors. During the off time of transistor 302, about 10 ฮผS, the 33 Kฮฉ resistors can no longer bias the gates of transistors 344 and 346. Diode 366 prevents the gate capacitance of transistors 344 and 346 and the junction capacitance of zeners 368 and 370 from discharging when transistor 302 is off. This keeps transistors 344 and 346 ON and ready to conduct when transistor 302 turns ON at the next switching cycle. If the gates of transistors 344 and 346 had discharged between switching cycles, they would create large voltage drops and power losses during the time required to recharge their gates through the 33 Kฮฉ resistors. In the preferred embodiment, two 33 Kฮฉ resistors are used in series to obtain the necessary voltage capability from 966 surface-mount packages. This power supply must withstand an 8 KV, 1.2ร—50 ฮผS short-branch test. Varistor 372, resistors 374,376 and 378, and capacitor 380 protect the power supply from lightning strike surges. A 550 VAC varistor 372 serves as the basis of the protection circuit. It has the lowest standard voltage that can handle a 528 VAC input. The device has a maximum clamping voltage of 1500 volts at 50 amps. A varistor placed directly across an AC line is subject to extremely high surge currents and may not protect the circuit effectively. High surge currents can degrade the varistor and ultimately lead to catastrophic failure of the device. Input resistors 374 and 376 limit the surge currents to 35 amps. This insures that the clamping voltage remains below 1500 volts and extends the life of the varistor to tens of thousands of strikes. Resistor 378 and capacitor 380 act as an RC filter. The filter limits the rate of voltage rise at the output of the bridge rectifier. The voltage clamping circuit, transistors 344 and 346, is able to track this reduced dv/dt. Current forced through diodes 382,384 and capacitor 386 (FIG. 5) is also controlled by the limited rate of voltage rise. Resistors 374 and 376 are 1 watt carbon composition resistors. These resistors can withstand the surge energies and voltages. Resistor 378 is a flame-proof resistor that acts as a fuse in the event of a failure in the remainder of the circuit. The values of resistors 374, 376 and 378 are low enough so that they do not interfere with the operation of the power supply or dissipate excessive amounts of power. Finally it is noted that resistors 388 and 390 act to generate the power fail voltage PF. By using the wide voltage ranging of the invention, a single meter can be used in both a four wire wye application as well as in a four wire delta application. It will be recognized that a four wire delta application includes 96 V sources as well as a 208 V source. In the past such an application required a unique meter in order to accomodate the 208 V source. Now all sources can be metered using the same meter used in a four wire wye application. While the invention has been described and illustrated with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that modification and variations may be made without departing from the principles of the invention as described herein above and set forth in the following claims.
Methods and apparatus for supplying power for use in metering electrical energy over a wide range of voltages with a single meter are disclosed. The wide ranging meter includes a processing unit for processing divided input voltage and a current component in order to determine electrical energy metering values. The processing unit is operable in response to supply voltages. A power supply, connected to receive the undivided voltage component, generates the supply voltages over the wide dynamic range. It is especially preferred for the power supply to include a transformer having first, second and third windings, wherein the undivided voltage component is provided to the first winding and wherein the second winding defines the output of the power supply. A switching member is connected to the first winding for permitting and preventing the flow of current in response to a control signal. A control member generates the control signal in response to the output of the power supply. It is also preferred for the control signal to disable the switch member. It is further preferred for the power supply to include a voltage blocking clamp, connected to the transformer for blocking the voltage applied to the transformer. It is still further preferred for an oscillator to be used to generate an oscillating signal for switching the switching member ON and OFF so that the switching member is provided a substantially constant OFF time.
7
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to metal straps to hold roof trusses to the upper ends of vertical walls of a structure. 2. Description of the Prior Art In the construction of wooden framed residences or other structures there are many joints that in the past were fastened together by toe nailing which is not as secure as one would like for fixing a joint. In the past several years there have been several developments of fasteners and hangers made of steel plate or strip that have made such joints much more secure than ever before. Furthermore, the modern usage of prefabricated trusses for roof supports has made it important to provide hangers and fasteners for trusses to make them more secure against damage from winds and in general to be stronger. It is an object of this invention to provide a strap that adds strength to resist the separation of a truss from its supporting structure of studs and plates. It is another object to provide a strap made of a single strip of metal bent to the form of the desired hold-down strap. Still other objects will become apparent from the more detailed description which follows. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a strap to hold down a truss resting on a plate, a single, continuous elongated strip having a central saddle portion and two arms diverging therefrom; the saddle portion including two spaced parallel vertical sides and a top side perpendicular to both vertical sides; the arms diverging outwardly from the saddle portion at an included angle of about 40 degrees to 60 degrees, each arm lying in a common plane perpendicular to all sides of the saddle portion, and adapted to be fastened to a plate upon which the truss rests. In specific and preferred embodiments of this invention the saddle portion of the strap fits snugly around the inclined beam of the truss and the arms are fastened by nails or the like to the plate or plates of the framework of the house. The strap generally is about 20-30 inches in total length and is from 1-3 inches in width. Preferably the arms diverge equally with respect to a central vertical axis, with a total included angle of 40 degrees to 60 degrees, i.e., about 20 degrees to 30 degrees on each side of the vertical axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The novel features believed to be characteristic of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood, by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the strap of this invention; FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the strap of this invention; FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the strap of this invention; and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of how the strap of this invention is used to hold down a truss. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 4 shows how this invention is used and FIGS. 1-3 show the details of the strap 9 of the invention. The following description refers to the numbered components of the drawings. In FIG. 4 there is shown a portion of the framework of a house including a plurality of spaced vertical studs 19 connected together at their upper ends by upper and lower plates 20 (in many instances only a single plate 20 is used). Opposite walls of studs 19 are connected by a plurality of spaced trusses 21 which also form a support for a roof. Trusses 21 are usually combinations of horizontal beams 26 and inclined beams 27 joined by diagonal and vertical support beams (not shown). Trusses 21 can be built in place or purchased ready made from lumber suppliers. The spacing between adjacent studs (usually 16-18 inches) may not be the same as the spacings between adjacent trusses and accordingly trusses 21 may be located in line with or not aligned with vertical studs 19. Hold-down straps have been available in the past with long arms 11 that are spread apart at such angles and sufficiently long to reach to the next available stud 19 in both directions from a truss 21 placed midway between adjacent studs 19. In the hold-down strap 9 of this invention arms 11 are fastened to plates 20 and need not conform to the lengths and angles employed in the past. This permits the strap 9 of this invention to be useful without regard to the positioning of truss 21 with respect to studs 19. The particular details of the strap 9 of this invention are shown in FIGS. 1-3. The strap is a single strip of metal having a width 16 and an overall length to width ratio of about 10/1 to about 20/1. In the normal situation where inclined beam 27 (FIG. 4) is a two-inch beam the total length of the strap is about 20-30 inches, usually 22-26 inches. The strip preferably is galvanized steel of about 16-20 gauge, preferably 18 gauge. The strip may be prepunched with holes for nails or screws, but when nail guns are available, the strip is not prepunched and the carpenter is free to employ nails wherever he chooses. If there are two plates 20, it is preferable to use two spaced nails in each free end portion of arms 11 for each of plates 20. For a concrete lintel around the top of a wall, the straps 9 would be connected by concrete nails that are shot through the free end portion of arms 11 into the concrete lintel in a manner well known in the art. The strap 9 of this invention includes a saddle portion 10 in the center of the strap and two arms 11 that diverge from saddle portion 10 at equal angles 29 on both sides of vertical axis 24 to form a total included angle 30. Angle 29 is about 20 degrees to 30 degrees making angle 30 to be about 40 degrees to 60 degrees. Preferably arms 11 are at equal angles 29 from axis 24, but arms 11 may be somewhat skewed, i.e., net equal on both sides of axis 24, and still be suitable if the total included angle is about 40 degrees to 60 degrees. Saddle portion 10 and arms 11 are formed from a single flat strip of metal by four fold lines 14 and 15. Fold lines 14 form two right angle bends between two parallel space sidewalls 12 and one transverse top wall 13. If the inclined beam 27 of truss 21 is a single beam (2ร—4, 2ร—6, 2ร—8, or the like) the spacing between sidewalls 12 is 15/8 inches. If inclined beam 27 of truss 21 is a 4-inch beam or two 2-inch beams, the spacing between sidewalls 12 is 31/4 inches. The other two fold lines 15 are between arms 11 and sidewalls 12. Arms 11 lie in a common vertical plane 25, flat against the vertical edges of plates 20. The orientation of fold lines 15 with respect to the edges of arms 11 produces the appropriate angle of inclination to match that of truss 21. As may be seen in FIG. 2 fold line 15 causes transverse top wall 13 of saddle portion 10 to be tilted at an angle 18 from the horizontal 17. This tilt angle 18 should, of course, match angle of inclination between beams 26 and 27 of truss 21 so that saddle portion 10 will fit snugly over inclined beam 27 of truss 21. Angle 18 is 20 degrees to 30 degrees in normal cases, but may be any angle chosen by the architect designing the house. The preferred strap 9 of this invention is made of 18 gauge galvanized steel strip 13/4 inch wide (see 16 in FIG. 1). The spacing between sidewalls 12 is either 15/8 or 31/4 inches and, and arms 11 are 61/4 inches long (see 28 in FIG. 1) from the bottom of fold line 15 to the end of the strap 9, each arm 11 being angled outwardly from vertical axis 24 by about 24 degrees (see 29 of FIG. 1). While the invention has been described with respect to certain specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
A continuous narrow, elongated metal member bent to form a strap for holding down a truss, the strap having a saddle portion to fit over the truss and two arms diverging therefrom to lie flat against the plates upon which the truss is supported and adapted to be nailed or otherwise fastened to the plates.
4
RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 796,973, filed May 16, 1977, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,150,052 which was a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 486,566, filed July 18, 1974 (abandoned), which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 221,755, filed Jan. 28, 1972 (abandoned). FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to compounds having a physiological cooling effect on the skin and on the mucous membranes of the body, particularly those of the mouth, nose, throat and gastrointestinal tract. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART Menthol is well known for its physiological cooling effect on the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth and has been extensively used as a flavouring agent (menthol being a major constituent of oil of peppermint) in foodstuffs, beverages, dentifrices, mouthwashes, etc. and as a component in a wide range of toiletries, liniments and lotions for topical application. Menthol is also a well known tobacco additive for producing a "cool" sensation in the mouth when smoking. It is well established that the "cooling" effect of menthol is a physiological effect due to the direct action of menthol on the nerve endings of the human body responsible for the detection of hot or cold and is not due to latent heat of evaporation. It is believed that the menthol acts as a direct stimulus on the cold receptors at the nerve endings which in turn stimulate the central nervous system. Although menthol is well established as a physiological coolant its use, in some compositions, is circumscribed by its strong minty odour and its relative volatility. A few other compounds have been reported in the technical literature as having an odour or flavour similar to menthol and from time to time have been proposed as flavourants or odourants in a variety of topical and ingestible compositions. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 39-19627 reports that 3-hydroxymethyl p-menthane (menthyl carbinol) has a flavour closely resembling that of l-menthol and suggests its use as a flavourant in confectionery, chewing gum and tobacco. In Swiss Pat. No. 484,032 certain saccharide esters of menthol are proposed as additives to tobacco. In French Patent Specification No. 1,572,332 N,N-Dimethyl 2-ethylbutanamide is reported as having a minty odour and refreshing effect, and the minty odour of N,N-diethyl 2,2-dimethylpropanamide is referred to. A similar effect is reported for N,N-diethyl 2-ethylbutanamide in Berichte 39, 1223, (1906). A minty odour has also been reported for 2,4,6-trimethylheptan-4-ol and 2,4,6-trimethyl hept-2-en-4-ol in Parfums-Cosmetiques-Savons, May 1956, pp. 17-20. The cooling effect of menthol and other related terpene alcohols and their derivatives has also been studied and reported in Koryo, 95, (1970), pp. 39-43. 2,3-p-menthane diol has also been reported as having a sharp cooling taste (Beilstein, Handbuch der Organischen Chemie, 4th Ed. (1923) Vol. 6, p. 744.). Despite this knowledge of other compounds having an odour and flavour similar to that of menthol, menthol is still extensively used in topical, ingestible and other compositions notwithstanding the disadvantages mentioned above, namely its very strong odour and its relative volatility. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide other compounds having a pronounced physiological cooling effect, in many cases far more persistent than that obtained with menthol, without the attendant disadvantages of a strong odour. It is a further object to provide compounds having a pronounced physiological cooling effect and being of relatively low volatility. SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to the present invention there is provided a novel group of 3-substituted-p-menthanes which have a pronounced physiological cooling activity, which have little or no odour, which are of relatively low volatility and which are substantially non-toxic. These compounds are 3-substituted-p-menthanes of the formula: ##STR1## where R', when taken separately, is hydrogen or an aliphatic radical containing up to 25 carbon atoms; R", when taken separately is hydroxy, or an aliphatic radical containing up to 25 carbon atoms, with the proviso that when R' is hydrogen R" may also be an aryl radical of up to 10 carbon atoms and selected from the group consisting of substituted phenyl; phenalkyl or substituted phenalkyl, naphthyl and substituted naphthyl, pyridyl; and R' and R", when taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, represent a cyclic or heterocyclic group of up to 25 carbon atoms, e.g. piperidino, morpholino etc. In the above definitions "aliphatic" is intended to include any straight-chain, branched-chained or cyclic radical free of aromatic unsaturation, and thus embraces alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, hydroxyalkyl, acyloxyalkyl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, acylaminoalkyl, carboxyalkyl and similar combinations. Typical values for R' and R" when aliphatic are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, isobutyl, n-decyl, cyclopropyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cycloheptylmethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 3-hydroxy-n-propyl; 6-hydroxy-n-hexyl, 2-aminoethyl, 2-acetoxyethyl, 2-ethylcarboxyethyl, 4-hydroxybut-2-ynyl, carboxymethyl etc. When R" is aryl typical values are benzyl, naphthyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 3-hydroxy-4-methylphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, 2-hydroxynaphthyl, pyridyl, etc. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The 3-substituted-p-menthanes used as cold receptor stimulants of the invention may be readily prepared by conventional methods, such as by the reaction of the corresponding acid chloride (obtained by reacting p-menthane-3-carboxylic acid with thionyl chloride) with the appropriate amine. The reaction will usually be carried out in solution in the presence of a hydrogen chloride receptor e.g. sodium hydroxide. The reaction proceeds smoothly at room temperature. The compounds used as cold receptor stimulants is accordance with this invention exhibit both geometric and optical isomerism and depending on the starting materials and the methods used in their preparation the compounds may be isomerically pure, i.e. consisting of one geometric or optical isomer, or they may be isomeric mixtures, both in the geometric and optical sense. As is well known, the basic p-menthane structure is a chain-shaped molecule which can exist in cis or trans forms. Substitution of the carboxyl or amide group into the 3-position gives rise to four configurational or geometric isomers depending upon whether the substitution is axially or equatorially into the cis or trans isomer, the four isomers being related as menthol is to neomenthol, isomenthol, and neoisomenthol. In general it is found that in the compounds used in this invention the equatorially substituted derivatives have the greater cooling effect than the axial compounds and are to be preferred. Substitution of the amide group in the 3-position of the p-menthane structure also gives rise to optical isomerism, each of the above-mentioned four geometric isomers, existing in d, l and dl forms. The physiological cooling effect is found, in most cases, to be greater in the l-form than in d-form, and in some cases substantially greater. The amide derivatives of the l-acid are therefore preferred. The cooling sensation created by the compounds used in this invention on the skin and mucous membranes, for example, in the mouth, varies both in intensity and longevity from compound to compound. When either R' and R" is aliphatic the preferred values are C 1 -C 9 straight or branched chain alkyl, C 1 -C 9 straight or branched chain hydroxyalkyl or aminoalkyl and C 1 -C 1 acylated derivatives thereof, and --C n H 2n COR'" or --C n H 2n COOR'", where --C n H 2n is a straight or branched chain alkylene radical in which n is an integer of from 1-6 and R'" is hydrogen or a C 1 -C 8 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group, preferably a C 1 -C 4 straight chain alkyl group. In general the monosubstituted compounds, i.e. where R' is H, are preferred although di-substituted compounds where R' and R" are both C 1 -C 3 alkyl also show a very pronounced cooling effect. Most preferred of all are compounds where R' is H and R" is C 1 -C 3 alkyl, C 1 -C 4 hydroxyalkyl, or --CH 2 COOR'", where R'" is C 1 -C 4 alkyl. Also included within the scope of this invention are compounds where R' is H and R" is hydroxy or substituted phenyl, e.g. alkylphenyl, hydroxyphenyl, alkoxyphenyl, halophenyl of up to 10 carbon atoms, phenalkyl or substituted phenalkyl e.g. benzyl, naphthyl or substituted naphthyl and compounds where R' and R" are joined to form a cyclic group. When so joined R' and R" preferably represent an alkylene chain, optionally interrupted by oxygen, which together with the nitrogen atom to which R' and R" are attached forms a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring. For the purposes of the present disclosure the following test procedure has been devised as a means to identify compounds having a physiological cooling activity in accordance with the present invention and herein referred to as cold receptor stimulants. This test is intended purely as a means for identifying compounds having a physiological cooling activity and useful in the present invention and for giving an indication of the different relative activities of the compounds, as between themselves and as compared with menthol, when applied in a particular manner to a particular part of the body. The results are not necessarily indicative of the activity of these compounds in other formulations and other parts of the body where other factors come into play. For example, a controlling factor in the onset of cooling effect, its intensity and longevity will be the rate of penetration of the compounds through the epidermis and this will vary in different locations on the human body. The formulation of actual products according to this invention will therefore be done largely on an empirical basis although the test results and other figures given herein will be useful as a guide, particularly in the formulation of products for oral administration, since the test procedure to be described involves oral application of the compound. A similar test may, of course, be devised for the purposes of measuring the relative activities of the compounds on another area of the body, for example, the face or forearm, and this will be a useful guide in the choice of compounds to be used in preparations for external topical usage. It will also benoted that the described test procedure is done on a statistical basis. This is necessary since sensitivity to these compounds will vary not only from compound to compound and from one part of the body to another, but also from one individual to another. Tests of this nature are commonly used in the testing of the organoleptic properties, e.g. taste, smell etc. of organic and inorganic compounds, see Kirk-Othmer: Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 2nd.Ed. (1967) Vol. 14 pages 336-344. Test Procedure The following test procedure is aimed at determining the minimum quantity of the test compound required to produce a noticeable cooling effect on a person of average sensitivity, this minimum quantity being termed the threshold for that particular compound. The tests are carried out on a selected panel of 6 people of median sensitivity to l-menthol. Panel Selection To select a test panel of average sensitivity the following procedure is used. Known quantities of l-menthol in solution in petroleum ether (bp.40-60) are placed on 5 mm. squares of filter paper, whereafter the solvent is allowed to evaporate. A panel of observers is enrolled and asked to place one impregnated square at a time on the tongue and to report on the presence or absence of a cooling effect. The quantity of l-menthol on each impregnated square is gradually reduced from a value substantially above 0.25 ฮผg. per square to substantially below 0.25 ฮผg, the precise range being immaterial. Conveniently, one starts with squares containing 2.0 ฮผg. l-menthol, the amount on each successive square being half that of the preceding square, i.e. the second test square will contain 1.0 ฮผg, the third 0.5 ฮผg and so on. Each quantity is tested on the tongue at least 10 times. In this way, the thresholds to cold receptor stimulus by l-menthol are determined for each individual of the panel, the threshold for each individual being that amount of l-menthol for which, in a series of not less than 10 test applications, a cooling effect is reported 50% of the time. Six panel members are now selected whose threshold to l-menthol is in the range 0.1 ฮผg to 10 ฮผg and whose average threshold is approximately 0.25 ฮผg., this select panel being regarded as the test panel of average sensitivity. Compound testing To test the activity of compounds according to this invention, the above procedure is repeated using only the 6 selected panel members of average sensitivity to l-menthol. The individual thresholds for each test compound on each of the 6 selected panel members are determined and averaged. Those compounds whose average threshold on the select test panel is 100 ฮผg or less are regarded as having cooling activity in accordance with this invention. Test Results The following table sets out the relative cooling activities of compounds of the formula defined above when tested according to the foregoing procedure. Table__________________________________________________________________________Compound Threshold mp./bp.R' R" ฮผg. ยฐC.__________________________________________________________________________H --CH.sub.3 1.1 mp.95ยฐ-97ยฐ" --C.sub.2 H.sub.5 0.3 mp.82.5ยฐ-84.5ยฐ" --C.sub.3 H.sub.7 (n) 0.8 mp.65ยฐ-67ยฐ" --C.sub.3 H.sub.7 (iso) 0.5 mp.94ยฐ-96ยฐ" --C.sub.4 H.sub.9 (n) 1.4 mp.88ยฐ-90ยฐ" --C.sub.4 H.sub.9 (iso) 0.9 mp.111ยฐ-112ยฐ" --C.sub.4 H.sub.9 (sec) 0.7 mp.116ยฐ-119ยฐ" --C.sub.4 H.sub.9 (tert.) 0.4 mp.145ยฐ-146ยฐ" --C.sub.5 H.sub.11 (n) 3 mp.80ยฐ-82ยฐ" --C.sub.10 H.sub.21 (n) 10 bp.176ยฐ-8ยฐ/0.25mm" --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OH 5 bp.160ยฐ/0.1mm" --(CH.sub.2).sub.3 OH 3 bp.170ยฐ/0.1mm" --CH.sub.2 CH(OH)CH.sub.3 5.5 bp.184ยฐ/0.1mm" --C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 CH.sub.2 OH 0.4 mp.123ยฐ" -- CH.sub.2 C.tbd. CCH.sub.2 OH 17 bp.180ยฐ/0.1mm" --(CH.sub.2).sub.6 OH 1.0 bp.220ยฐ/0.1mm" --CH(C.sub.2 H.sub.5)CH.sub.2 OH 1.0 bp.190ยฐ/0.1mm" --CH.sub.2 OH 12 mp.141ยฐ-142ยฐ" --CH.sub.2 COOC.sub.3 H.sub.7 (n) 0.3 bp.170ยฐ/0.1mm" --CH.sub.2 COOC.sub.2 H.sub.5 0.2 bp.150ยฐ/0.1mm" --CH.sub.2 COOH 16 mp.93ยฐ-96ยฐ" --CH(CH.sub.3)COOC.sub.2 H.sub.5 0.4 bp.160ยฐ/0.1mm" --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 COOC.sub.2 H.sub.5 1.5 bp.152ยฐ/0.1mm" --CH.sub.2 COOCH.sub.3 0.6 bp.130ยฐ-140ยฐ/0.1mm" --CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2 COOC.sub.2 H.sub.5 0.8 bp.164ยฐ/0.1mm" --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OCOCH.sub.3 1.5 bp.159ยฐ-162ยฐ/0.1mm" --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 NH.sub.2 20--CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 1.5 bp.56ยฐ-57ยฐ/0.1mm--C.sub.2 H.sub.5 --C.sub.2 H.sub.5 3 bp.78ยฐ-80ยฐ/0.1mm--CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OH --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OH 50--CH.sub.3 -- CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 C.sub.2 H.sub.5 0.8 bp.125ยฐ-8ยฐ/0.2mm--CH.sub.3 --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OH 5 bp.140ยฐ/0.2mm--C.sub.3 H.sub.7 (iso) --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OH 3 bp.125ยฐ-30ยฐ/0.05mmH --C.sub.3 H.sub.5 (cyclo) 0.5 mp.125ยฐ-6ยฐ" --C.sub.5 H.sub.9 (cyclo) 0.5 mp.105ยฐ-7ยฐ" --C.sub.6 H.sub.11 (cyclo) 1 mp.170ยฐ-2ยฐ" --C.sub.7 H.sub.13 (cyclo) 3 mp.161ยฐ-3ยฐ--C.sub.2 H.sub.5 --C.sub.4 H.sub.9 (iso) 5 bp.84ยฐ-87ยฐ/0.1mmH --CH.sub.2 (C.sub.7 H.sub.13)(cyclo) 20 bp.170ยฐ-174ยฐ/0.1H --OH 11 mp.124ยฐ-125ยฐ--(CH.sub.2).sub.4 -- 5 mp.54ยฐ-56ยฐ--(CH.sub.2).sub.5 -- 6 bp.102ยฐ-104ยฐ/0.5mm --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 -- 5.5 bp.101ยฐ-103ยฐ/0.5mm --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 NHCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 15 --CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH(CH.sub.3)-- 0.5 bp.102ยฐ/0.005mm -- CH.sub.2 (CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH(CH.sub.3)-- 2 bp.130ยฐ/0.01mm --CH(CH.sub.3)CH(C.sub.2 H.sub.5)CH.sub.2 C(CH.sub.3)-- --CH(iso-C.sub.3 H.sub.7)CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 -- 50 mp.87ยฐ-91ยฐH --CH.sub.2 Ph 10 mp.106ยฐ-107ยฐ" --C.sub.6 H.sub.4 OMe(p) 0.1 mp.177ยฐ" --C.sub.6 H.sub.4 OH(p) 1.4 bp.230ยฐ/0.1mm --C.sub.6 H.sub.4 Me(p) 0.3 mp.176ยฐ-8ยฐ --C.sub.6 H.sub.4 OH(o) 0.5 mp.123ยฐ-4ยฐ --C.sub.6 H.sub.3 Me(p)OH(m) 0.1 mp.183ยฐ-4ยฐ --C.sub.6 H.sub.3 Me.sub.2 (m,p) 0.1 mp.106ยฐ-7ยฐ --C.sub.6 H.sub.4 F(p) 0.5 mp.123ยฐ --C.sub.6 H.sub.4 NO.sub.2 (p) 0.3 mp.134ยฐ-8ยฐ3-Pyridyl 0.5 bp.175ยฐ/0.1mm__________________________________________________________________________ Utility The compounds of this invention find utility in a wide variety of consumer products for consumption by or application to the human body. Broadly speaking, these products can be divided into comestible and topical compositions, both terms being taken in their broadest possible sense. Thus comestible is to be taken as including not only foodstuffs and beverages taken into the mouth and swallowed, but also other orally ingested compositions taken for reasons other than their nutritional value, e.g. indigestion tablets, antacid preparations, laxatives etc. Comestible products are also to be taken to include edible compositions taken by mouth, but not necessarily swallowed, e.g. chewing gum. Topical compositions are to be taken as including not only compositions such as perfumes, powders and other toileteries, lotions, liniments, oils and ointment applied to the external surfaces of the human body, whether for medical or other reasons, but also compositions applied to, or which, in normal usage, come in contact with, internal mucous membranes of the body, such as those of the nose, mouth, or throat, whether by direct or indirect application or inhalation, and thus include nasal and throat sprays, dentifrice, mouthwash and gargle compositions. Topical compositions are also to be taken to include toilet articles such as cleansing tissues and toothpicks. A further class of compositions into which the compounds of this invention can usefully be incorporated are tobacco and associated articles e.g. pipe and cigarette filters, especially filter tips for cigarettes. Consumer products containing the compounds disclosed herein are the subject of our copending application. Tobacco-containing preparations containing the compounds disclosed herein are the subject of our copending application. Compounds according to this invention are illustrated by the following Examples. All temperatures are given in degrees Centigrade. The p-menthane-3-carboxylic acid used as starting material in all the Examples was itself prepared by the carbonation of the Grignard reagent derived from l-menthol according to known techniques. EXAMPLE 1 PREPARATION OF N-ETHYL p-MENTHANE-3-CARBOXAMIDE p-Menthane-3-carboxylic acid (1.84 g.), was heated under reflux with thionyl chloride (4 ml.) for 3 hours. The excess of thionyl chloride was then distilled off in vacuo. The crude produce p-menth-3-oyl chloride was dissolved in diethyl ether (25 ml.) and the ethereal solution was added with stirring and cooling to a solution of ethylamine (1.0 ml. of 70% w/s solution in water) and sodium hydroxide (0.4 g.) in water (25 ml.). The mixture was stirred for one hour and the ethereal layer was then separated. The aqueous layer was washed with ether (25 ml.) and the combined ethereal solution was washed with dilute hydrochloric acid and then water. The ether solution was dried (MgSO 4 ) and evaporated to give a white crystalline solid. This solid was recrystallized from acetone: water (9:1) by dissolving the crystals at room temperature and then cooling to produce N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide as a white crystalline solid, mp. 82.5ยฐ-84.5ยฐ. [ฮฑ] D 25 =-46.71ยฐ (concentration--2.14 gms. per 100 ml. in ethanol) EXAMPLE 2 PREPARATION OF N-p-MENTH-3-OYLGLYCINE ETHYL ESTER ##STR2## Sodium bicarbonate (8.4 g., 0.1 mole) and glycine ethyl ester hydrochloride (7 g. 0.05 mole) were dissolved in water (100 ml.), and a solution of p-menth-3-oyl chloride (10 g., 0.05 mole) in ether (50 ml.) was added and the mixture stirred vigorously at room temperature for 2 hours. At the end of this time the other layer was separated and dried (MgSO 4 ). Removal of the solvent left an oily solid (12.3 g.) This was distilled under reduced pressure to yield N-p-menth-3-oylglycine ethyl ester, bp. 150ยฐ-2ยฐ/0.1 mm. as a colourless liquid which rapidly solidified. EXAMPLE 3 PREPARATION OF N-(2-HYDROXYETHYL)-p-MENTHANE-3-CARBOXAMIDE A solution of p-menth-3-oyl chloride prepared as in Example 1 (4.0 g., 0.020 moles) in chloroform (30 ml.) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of ethanolamine (3 g., 0.043 moles) in chloroform (50 ml.). The reaction mixture becomes warm, goes cloudy and finally a yellow oil starts to separate out. After stirring for 2 hours at room temperature the mixture was poured into water. The organic layer was separated, washed with dilute H 2 SO 4 , and dried (MgSO 4 ). Removal of the solvent left a viscous oil (3.8 g.). This was distilled under vacuum to yield N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide as a colourless very viscous oil, b.p. 160ยฐ/01. mm. EXAMPLE 4 PREPARATION OF N-(3-HYDROXYPROPYL)-p-MENTHANE-3-CARBOXAMIDE The procedure of Example 3 was reported using propanolamine in place of the ethanolamine. N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide was obtained as a very viscous oil, b.p. 170ยฐ/0.1 mm. EXAMPLE 5 PREPARATION OF N,N-DIMETHYL-p-MENTHANE-3-CARBOXAMIDE A mixture of p-menthane-3-carboxylic acid (1.84 g.) and thionyl chloride (5 ml.) was heated under reflux for 2 hours. The excess of thionyl chloride was then removed in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in dry diethyl ether (25 ml.) and this solution was added slowly with stirring and cooling to a solution of dimethylamine (0.46 g.) and sodium hydroxide 0.4 g.) in water (25 ml.). After stirring at room temperature for 1 hour, the ether layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with a further quantity (25 ml.) of ether. The combined ether extracts were dried (MgSO 4 ) and evaporated to leave an oil. This oil was distilled to give N,N-dimethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide as a colourless oil, b.p. 56ยฐ-7ยฐ/0.01 mm. EXAMPLE 6 PREPARATION OF N,N-BIS(2-HYDROXYETHYL)-p-MENTHANE-3-CARBOXAMIDE A solution of p-menth-3-oyl chloride (4.0 g., 0.020 moles) in chloroform (30 ml.) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of diethanolamine (4.2 g., 0.044 moles) in chloroform (50 ml.). The reaction mixture goes cloudy and a yellow oil separates out. After 2 hours at room temperature, the yellow oil (upper layer) was separated. Infra red spectrographic analysis indicated this to be (HOCH 2 CH 2 ) 2 NH 2 + Cl - . Removal of the chloroform left a viscous oil (6 g.). Thin layer chromatography (CHCl 3 and CHCl 3 +10% CH 3 OH) indicated it to consist of one major component and a minor component of larger R f value. This was separated by column chromatography on neutral alumina (activity 1). Eluting with chloroform (200 ml.) removed the minor component and the major product was eluted from the column with chloroform+5% methanol. The major component was shown to be N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide. Analysis: Found C: 65.8; H: 10.6; N: 5.2. Calculated C: 66.4; H: 10.7; N: 5.2. EXAMPLE 7 PREPARATION OF N-p-MENTH-3-OYLGLYCINE n-PROPYL ESTER Following the procedure of Example 2 p-menth-3-oyl chloride (2.0 g., 0.01 moles), was reacted with glycine propyl ester hydrochloride (1.5 g., 0.01 moles) and sodium bicarbonate (1.6 g., 0.02 moles). The crude product was distilled b.p. 170ยฐ/0.1 mm. (After distillation the product rapidly solidifies). (Found, C: 68.2; H: 1016; N: 5.0. C 16 H 29 NO 3 requires, C: 67.8; H: 10.6; N: 4.9.) EXAMPLE 8 PREPARATION OF N-(2-HYDROXY-n-PROPYL)p-MENTHANE-3-CARBOXAMIDE p-Menth-3-oyl chloride (3.0 g.) was reacted with isopropanolamine (3.0 g.) according to the procedure of Example 3. The product, N-(2-hydroxy-n-propyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide, was obtained as a viscous oil, boiling point: 184ยฐ/0.1 mm. EXAMPLE 9 PREPARATION OF N-(1,1-DIMETHYL-2-HYDROXYETHYL)-p-MENTHANE-3-CARBOXAMIDE p-Menth-3-oyl chloride (3.0 g.) was reacted with 2-amino-2-methyl-propan-1-ol (3.0 g.) according to the procedure of Example 3. Product N-(1,1-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide was obtained as a crystalline solid which was recrystallised from aqueous methanol. M.p. 123ยฐ. EXAMPLE 10 PREPARATION OF N,N-DIETHYL-p-MENTHANE-3-CARBOXAMIDE Following the procedure of Example 5, p-menthane-3-carboxylic acid (1.84 g.) was reacted with thionyl chloride and the p-menth-3-oyl chloride then reacted with diethylamine (0.74 g.) in the presence of sodium hydroxide (0.4 g.). The product N,N-diethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide was recovered. EXAMPLE 11 PREPARATION OF N-TERT-BUTYL-p-MENTHANE-3-CARBOXAMIDE Following the procedures of Example 1, p-menthane-3-carboxylic acid (1.84 g.) was reacted with thionyl chloride and the crude p-menth-3-oyl chloride recovered and reacted with tert butylamine (0.74 g.) in the presence of sodium hydroxide (0.4 g.). The crystalline product, N-tert-butyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide, was recovered and recrystallised from aqueous ethanol. M.p. 145ยฐ-146ยฐ. EXAMPLE 12 PREPARATION OF N-METHYL-p-MENTHANE-3-CARBOXAMIDE The procedures of Example 1 were repeated using methylamine (0.32 g.) in place of the ethylamine. Crystalline product N-methyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide was recovered, M.p. 95ยฐ-97ยฐ. EXAMPLE 13 PREPARATION OF N-(p-MENTH-3-OYL) MORPHOLINE The procedure of Example 5 was repeated using morpholine (0.88 g.) in place of the dimethylamine. The product N-(p-menth-3-oyl) morpholine was recovered. EXAMPLE 14 PREPARATION OF p-MENTHANE HYDROXAMIC ACID Hydroxylamine hydrochloride 1.0 g., (0.014 mole) and sodium bicarbonate 3.4 g (0.04 mole) was dissolved in 30 ml. water in a flask filled with reflux condenser and magnetic stirrer. When evolution of CO 2 had ceased 20 ml. of ether was added and the solution stirred vigorously. p-Menth-3-oyl chloride 2 g. (0.001 mole) in 15 ml. of ether, was added dropwise down the condenser.
Novel compounds are disclosed having a physiological cooling action on the skin. The compounds are N-substituted p-methane 3-carboxamides.
0
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to composite organic light-emitting devices and their fabrication. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Polymer organic electroluminescent devices such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,247,190 and molecular organic electroluminescent devices as described by C. W. Tang, S. A. Van Slyke and C. H. Chen in J Appl. Phys. 65, 3610 (1989) have been demonstrated with emission bands in all parts of the visible spectrum. Therefore this technology is amenable for use in multi-colour or true RGB emissive displays and these can be simple uniform lights, alphanumeric and dot-matrix displays or high-resolution displays. In order to achieve the desired multi-colour effect, pixels with different emission bands have to be processed/manufactured on a substrate next to each other. This requires patterning steps which can be very difficult to implement, even on a laboratory scale; the organic layers may not be compatible with the patterning processes and/or cross-talk between adjacent devices of different colours may occur. The devices emitting different colours can also be processed on top of each other with the higher energy light emission organic layers in front followed by the layers responsible for the lower energy light emission. Again, patterning and cross-talk issues are very important here and can add significantly to the device and manufacturing complexity. The same issues are relevant in devices in which various degrees of patterning complexities are required, such as in a combination of a uniform emissive area with a higher information content display. If such organic light-emitting devices with multi-colour emission and/or different patterning complexity are fabricated on one substrate where the active emissive organic layers, electrodes, and additional layers are sequentially deposited, then all processing steps (deposition of the organic electroluminescent layers, transport layers, electrodes, patterning, etc.) for all pixels and patterns of all employed colours and shapes have to be free of crucial defects and the yield for each processing step has to be high in order to result in an acceptable and economically viable total production yield and cost for the final display. Also, each change in one or more of the features of the final display, for example changing one of the emission colours or patterns in a display, may require a costly and significant if not complete re-design of the manufacturing process. The processes of making electrical contacts, testing, yield control, etc. can be very critical and complicated in a more complex display. Furthermore, individual processing steps, for example a heat treatment for one of the organic layers, may only be poorly or even not at all compatible with materials and/or structures already on the substrate or the substrate itself. The invention describes organic light-emitting devices which have one or more emission colours and/or one or more emission patterns and/or emission directions and describes a general and versatile method for the fabrication of such devices which avoids the problems described above and has further significant advantages which manufacturing methods have hitherto been unable to exploit. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of fabricating an organic electroluminescent display, which comprises laminating together a plurality of self-supporting organic light-emitting devices, each of which is capable of functioning separately as an individual device; wherein each of the organic light-emitting devices in the display emits radiation differently from one another in respect of colour, pattern and/or direction; and wherein each of the organic light-emitting devices in the display comprises a substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode, at least one of which electrodes is at least semi-transparent, and an organic electroluminescent layer between the electrodes. The organic electroluminescent layer may comprise a conjugated polymer capable of electroluminescence. Examples of such conjugated polymers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,247,190. These polymers include poly(arylene vinylene) polymers such as poly(paraphenylene vinylene) (PPV). Further examples of suitable poly(arylene vinylene) polymers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,125. The organic electroluminescent layer may comprise an emissive layer and at least one charge carrier injection and/or transport layer. This aspect of the invention of using lamination techniques makes specific use of the fact that organic light-emitting devices can be made very thin. The thickness of each device is typically in the range 25 ฮผm to 2 mm, for example from >25 ฮผm to about 1 mm. In particular, the devices can be fabricated using flexible substrates, such as polyester, polyimide or thin flexible glass, as well as rigid materials or a combination of flexible and rigid materials. The plurality of self-supporting organic light-emitting devices may comprise at least a first organic light-emitting device and a second light-emitting device in which a window is provided in the plane of the at least first organic light-emitting device so that radiation from the second light-emitting device will reach a viewer through the window. The window may be formed as a region of partial or high transparency in at least the first organic light-emitting device and preferably comprises a non-emissive window. The first organic light-emitting device may comprise two at least partially transparent electrodes and an emissive layer having a bandgap energy greater than the energy of the light emitted from the second light-emitting device. In a further aspect of the invention, the organic electroluminescent display is provided with one or more layers of additional functionality which are selected from colour filters, insulation layers, layers of refractive index suitable for reduction of internal reflection, encapsulation layers, diffusion layers, oxygen barriers and moisture barriers. The selection of such layers will depend upon the use to which the display is to be put. In a further aspect, at least one of the organic light-emitting devices comprise a backlight which may be formed from red, green and blue light-emitting devices which are capable of providing alternate red, green and blue emissions. In a further aspect, each organic light-emitting device has a different emission colour and an electrode pattern arranged so as to produce pixels in the display. In one method of manufacture, a plurality of composite displays is fabricated in a single laminate and individual composite displays are excised from the laminate. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a composite organic electroluminescent display, which comprises a laminate of a plurality of self-supporting organic light-emitting devices, each of which is capable of functioning separately as an individual device; wherein each of the organic light-emitting devices in the display emits radiation differently from one another in respect of colour, pattern and/or direction; and wherein each of the organic light-emitting devices in the display comprises a substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode, at least one of which electrodes is at least semi-transparent, and an organic electroluminescent layer between the electrodes. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of fabrication of multi-colour and/or multi-pattern organic electroluminescent displays by laminating together at least two individual self-supporting organic light-emitting devices as defined above in the first aspect of the invention and in which one or more additional layers which are not themselves organic light-emitting devices but have additional functionality are introduced into the composite display either between the light-emitting devices or at the outer side(s) of the composite display or both before or during the process of lamination of the composite display. These layers of additional functionality include but are not limited to colour filters, encapsulation layers and diffusion barriers, oxygen or moisture absorbers, layers of specifically chosen refractive index, insulating layers, etc. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a novel organic light-emitting composite display which is fabricated by way of lamination and which is comprised of at least two self-supporting organic light-emitting devices according to any one of the above aspects of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described in further detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b show a side view and top view respectively of a device according to a second embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b show respectively a side view and top view of a plurality of composite displays according to the present invention; and FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a device according to a further embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention is used to provide an easy and very versatile method of fabricating composite organic light-emitting displays with either more emission colours or more emission patterns or different emission directions or any combination of the three by laminating together at least two in themselves functional organic electroluminescent devices; the laminate may also include layers of other functionality. Each of the individual organic light-emitting devices used in the lamination process is comprised of a substrate, a first and a second electrode, at least one of which is at least semi-transparent, and one or more layers between the first and second electrode which act as charge carrier injection and/or transport layers and/or emissive layers whereby at least one of these layers between the first and second electrode is an organic electroluminescent layer which is preferably but not necessarily a conjugated polymer. The process of lamination can be of any suitable form such as a batch process in a press which may or may not be flat and may or may not be heated or it may be a batch or continuous lamination process using rollers; it may be a dry lamination process using, for example, heat, a wet lamination process using waxes or adhesives, an extrusion process, or indeed any other approved way of lamination which is compatible with all layers fed into the laminate; for example, adhesives which may be used to hold the laminate together, must be at least partly transparent to the emitted light. Some examples of lamination techniques are given in `The Printing Ink Manual` ed by R. H. Leach, published Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1988, pp 394-397 or in `Modern Coating Technology Systems--for Paper, Film and Foil` by F. Shepherd, published by Emap Maclaren Ltd, UK, 1995. The substrates or additional functional layers in the laminate used for the individual organic light-emitting devices can be of any suitable material, such as rigid or flexible glass, plastic, metal or other materials. The invention allows for the fabrication of composite organic light-emitting devices which are composed of individual organic light-emitting devices with or without additional layers of additional functionality in the composite display, in which the fabrication process of individual layers is not compatible with that of others. Furthermore, the invention allows the fabrication of a wide range of composite displays (colours, shapes, patterns, sizes, etc.) in a very flexible and cost-effective way due to the ability of combining elements from a multitude of individual organic light-emitting devices at a very late stage of the manufacturing process. In one embodiment of the invention the light-emitting laminate is constructed such that the emission from the device(s) which emit lower-energy light passes, at least in part, through light-emitting areas of the higher-energy light emitting devices; in this case the lower-energy light-emitting device would be behind the higher-energy light-emitting device as seen by the viewer. An example of this embodiment is given in FIG. 1 which shows a laminate consisting of a red emitting device 2 and a green emitting device 1 which partly overlap. Each device comprises a substrate, anode and cathode with connector leads 5, 6 and an organic layer system between the anode and the cathode from which light is emitted. FIG. 1 also shows the electrical contacts to the devices 1 and 2. The green emitting device 1 is in front and must be at least partly transparent to the red light; this is achieved by making both electrodes of the green device at least partially transparent. Over the area where both devices do not overlap the laminate emits red or green and over the area where the devices do overlap one sees either red or green, depending on which device is on, or a mixture of both colours if both devices are on at the same time. Cover layers 3 and 4 in FIG. 1 are at the outer sides of the laminate and are, for example, mechanically protecting plastic sheets which hold the laminate together. Layer 3 must be at least partly transparent to the light emitted from the devices. The cover layers can have other functionality such as having colour filter properties and/or being a moisture and/or oxygen barrier. The devices and/or the inner sides of the cover layers 3 and 4 in FIG. 1 would normally be coated, before or during the lamination process, with adhesives or waxes which make the laminate stick together (not shown in FIG. 1). Alternatively, this could be achieved by feeding a melt processible plastic into the laminate and using a heating step in the lamination process in order to glue the laminate together. In a specific embodiment of the invention a composite display in which sheets of a red, a green and a blue-emitting organic light-emitting device, with either uniform or patterned emission, are laminated together is used as a backlight in a full colour liquid crystal display; such a composite back light emitting alternately red, green and blue light would have the particular advantage of improved efficiency of the liquid crystal display due to the reduction of loss of light in the absorption filters, or indeed the partial or complete elimination of the need for the absorption filters normally used in colour liquid crystal displays. The degree to which the absorption filters in the liquid crystal displays can be eliminated or loss be reduced will depend much on the narrowness of the emission bands from the laminated organic light-emitting device. Thus a low cost monochrome liquid crystal display can be used in combination with a laminated backlight. The red, green and blue backlights are addressed sequentially in any order to provide alternate red, green and blue images, that make up the full-colour image. For operation of the display at video rate, each frame of the monochrome display as well as the individual backlight layers need to be addressed at three times the video rate. In general, therefore, thin and light-weight organic light-emitting displays such as for example described in this invention can be used to advantage as backlights in liquid crystal displays. In another embodiment of the invention the light-emitting laminate is constructed such that the devices which are in front, as seen by the viewer, contain parts of high transparency which are not part of their emitting area, for example which do not have electrodes or organic light-emitting and/or charge transporting layers or neither, in order to create windows of high transparency for the emission from other devices further behind. An example of such laminate is given in the FIGS. 2a (side view) and 2b (front view). The layers 13 and 14 are again the cover layers of the laminate which contains two devices 11 and 12 with the electrical contacts 15, 16 shown. As the FIGS. 2a and 2b show, by example only, device 11 may be a uniformly emitting light whereas device 12 may be an alpha-numeric display. In the FIGS. 2a and 2b device 11 is circular with a central rectangular transmission window 17 into which device 12 is positioned/laminated. The transmission window in device 11 permits the viewer to see emission from device 12. There would normally also be an insulating layer between the devices 11 and 12, for example in order to prevent electrical contact of the connector leads of device 12 with the active area of device 11 (not shown in the FIGS. 2a and 2b). Multiple leads 15 contact the pixels in device 12. The FIGS. 2a and 2b also show that the individual devices in the laminate do not need to be of the same size. In a specific embodiment of the invention various devices within the laminate emit in different directions, i.e. light is emitted out of the laminate in more than one plane of the laminate. Referring to FIG. 1, this could simply be achieved by turning one of the two devices in FIG. 1 around such that emission also occurs through cover layer 4. If both electrodes of one or more of the light-emitting devices in the laminate are at least semi-transparent, then emission in both directions will occur naturally. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the individual organic light-emitting devices within the laminate are electrically insulated from each other in order to avoid, for example, electrical interference and leakage currents. This may be achieved by feeding either electrically insulated light-emitting devices into the laminate or by introduction of insulating layers during the lamination process. The electrical insulation referred to in this embodiment also relates to the wires used to contact the devices in the laminate. In one embodiment of the invention the individual organic light-emitting devices are all rigid, in another embodiment they are all flexible and in another embodiment they are a combination of both. In one embodiment of the invention at least one of the light-emitting devices in the laminate is a flexible device which is fabricated on a flexible substrate, such as polyester, flexible glass or a metal foil. In a specific embodiment of the invention the lamination process is used to encapsulate the organic light-emitting devices with moisture, diffusion and/or oxygen barriers or the devices can already be encapsulated before they are fed into the laminate. Layers of other functionality may also be incorporated in the laminate. In a specific embodiment of the invention and taking FIG. 1 as example, a plastic layer with a refractive index in between that of the substrate of device 1 and that of the cover layer 3 in FIG. 1 could be incorporated in between device 1 and the cover layer 3 in FIG. 1 in order to improve output coupling of light from device 1 by reduction of internal reflections. Alternatively, for example, a diffuser layer may be laminated on the outer side of the laminate onto the cover layer 3 in FIG. 1, also in order to improve output coupling of light. In another specific embodiment, absorption filters are incorporated into the laminate in order to spectrally narrow the emission band from the light-emitting devices or to protect the devices from ambient light in order to minimise the creation of excited states in the organic layer due to external light, this also has advantageous contrast-enhancing effects by reducing reflection and photoluminescence. Such an absorption layer would, taking FIG. 2a as an example, be incorporated into the laminate between the devices 11 and 12 and the viewer, either inside or outside the cover layer 14. In one embodiment of the invention, electrical contacts to one, some or all of the individual devices are made before or after the lamination of the composite display; in another embodiment the contacting is done during the lamination process; another embodiment comprises a combination of the former two. In another embodiment of the invention the lamination is performed with a plurality of composite displays in the laminate and the individual composite displays are then cut, stamped, sawn, etc. out of the whole laminate. An example of such a process/laminate is given in the FIGS. 3a (side view) and 3b (top view) which is based on the laminate structure of FIG. 2. In this laminate the device 21 consists of a sheet with a multiple of individual uniform round emitting areas with a non-emitting transmission window and another sheet with a multiple of small alpha-numeric displays (device 22) which is laminated together with device 21 and the cover layers 23, 24. Both devices 21 and 22 would already have their electrical connections in place (for example metal tracking on the sheets of the devices); after the lamination process the individual composite displays can be stamped out and the connection to the metal tracking and hence the device is, for example, made by punching through the laminate onto the metal tracking. In a specific embodiment of the invention each individual organic light-emitting device of the laminate has a different emission colour but all have an electrode pattern which consists of an array of rows and columns to give a matrix of light-emitting pixels; in this specific embodiment the pixels of the different light-emitting devices may or may not overlap but preferably they do not overlap and devices in front have windows of high transmission for light emitted from pixels of the devices which are behind, as seen by the viewer. This specific embodiment provides a way to manufacture multi-colour pixellated dot-matrix/high-resolution graphic displays. FIG. 4 is used to show an example of the basic principle of this embodiment using two light-emitting devices; the embodiment, however, is not limited to the number of devices and geometrical arrangement shown in FIG. 4. The device 31 in FIG. 4 consists of an array of rows on columns with the organic layer system in between them. The rows 33 and columns 34 form the first and second electrodes of the device and the light-emitting pixels 35 of the device 31 are hence the square areas where the rows and columns overlap. Another light-emitting device of the same pattern but with a different emission colour is laminated together with device 31, the cover layers and possibly other layers such that the emitting pixels 36 of the second device (not shown) lie over the areas of device 31 marked with crosses. This would give a display in which each pixel of the first colour is surrounded by pixels of the second colour, and vice versa. The present invention describes multi-colour and/or multi-pattern organic light-emitting devices and a very flexible manufacturing process for such organic light-emitting devices by way of laminating together individual self-supporting organic light-emitting devices. Multi-colour and/or multi-pattern displays have a huge range of consumer and industrial applications where the invention can be used to advantage. Such applications are, for example, multi- or full-colour dot-matrix and high resolution displays, light-emitting areas with different emission colours for advertising purposes, displays which combine an alpha-numeric array with a uniformly lit background such as is useful in watches, car dashboards, mobile phones, pagers, instrument displays which combine a high resolution display with a display which shows a low resolution grid such as used in oscilloscopes, logos, etc. Another large area of application where the invention is useful is as thin-film and light-weight backlight for liquid crystal displays and there in particular for full colour liquid crystal displays where the loss in the absorption filters which are normally used can be reduced or preferably the filters can be eliminated by the use of a composite organic light emitting backlight with red, green and blue emission.
A method of fabricating an organic electroluminescent display, which includes laminating together a plurality of self-supporting organic light-emitting devices, each of which is capable of functioning separately as an individual device; wherein each of the organic light-emitting devices in the display emits radiation differently from one another in respect of color, pattern and/or direction; and wherein each of the organic light-emitting devices in the display includes a substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode, at least one of which electrodes is at least semi-transparent, and an organic electroluminescent layer between the electrodes.
8
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to an ink ribbon feeder used in a printing apparatus such as a printer of impact type or typewriter, and more particularly, to an ink ribbon feeder which automatically changes an ink ribbon feed between the forward and the reverse direction. A tape feeder is extensively used in a printer of impact type of typewriter which has a pair of ribbon spools to feed an ink ribbon from one of the ribbon spools to the other for each printing operation or each time one line is printed and which is provided with a reversing mechanism so that when the supply of the ink ribbon on the supply spool is exhausted, a switching mechanism is automatically operated to drive the ribbon spool which has been used as the supply side so that the ink ribbon is fed in the reverse direction. To switch the direction in which the ink ribbon is fed, means may be provided which detects the diameter of a roll of ink ribbon on the ribbon spool so that the end of the ink ribbon of the roll may be detected to switch the rotating drive to the other spool. Alternatively, the opposite ends of the ink ribbon may be anchored to the respective ribbon spools, and the ink ribbon is fed from one of the spools to the other until the end of the ink ribbon is reached, whereupon the tension in the ink ribbon disables the rotation of the both spools. By detecting the termination of rotation of the spools, a rotating drive may be applied to the other spool. The usual feeding techniques can be categorized into these two schemes. The invention relates to a tape feeder which operates on the principle of the latter technique. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART An ink ribbon feeder is known in which when the end of an ink ribbon is reached, the tension in the ribbon is utilized to prevent a further rotation of ribbon spools and the cessation of rotation in turn initiates a ribbon feed in the reverse direction, as disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 55-14,530. This ink ribbon feeder comprises a pair of spaced sprocket wheels mounted on a baseplate. A first elongate slot is formed in the baseplate intermediate the both wheels which extends in a direction perpendicular to a line joining the axes of the wheels. A connecting pin is loosely fitted in the slot, and has its lower end connected to a drive lever which is rotated below the baseplate. The drive lever extends in a direction parallel to the above line, and has its one end pivotally mounted on the baseplate. The upper end of the connecting pin extends through a transversely elongate slot formed in a feed pawl lever disposed on the baseplate intermediate the ratchet wheels and is fixedly connected to a transmission bar intermediate its ends. At its front end, the feed pawl lever is formed with feed pawls on its opposite sides, which selectively engage teeth on the pair of ratchet wheels. The transmission bar and an anti-reversing pawl lever are mounted on the feed pawl lever, with the rear end of the transmission bar being pivotally connected to the rear end of the feed pawl lever. On its front end, the transmission bar carries a guide pin which extends uprightly from the upper surface thereof, which guide pin engages a second longitudinally elongate slot formed in the anti-reversing pawl lever. The anti-reversing pawl lever has its rear end pivotally mounted on the baseplate while its front end is formed with anti-reversing pawls on the opposite sides thereof which selectively engage the teeth on the pair of ratchet wheels to prevent a reversing of the wheels. At its front end, the anti-reversing pawl lever is centrally connected with one end of a first spring which is ฮฉ-shaped. The other end of the first spring is connected to the baseplate on a perpendicular bisector to the line which joins the axes of the pair of ratchet wheels. A second, similar spring is disposed between the front end of a drive lever at the center thereof and an anchorage pin located on the perpendicular bisector. The anchorage pin extends through a third longitudinally elongate slot formed in the baseplate, and is attached to the underside of the front end of the feed pawl lever at the center thereof. A normal ink ribbon feed operation takes place by applying a drive to the free end of the drive lever in a direction toward the ratchet wheel, thereby locating the pin at the rear end of the first slot. The movement of the pin causes the transmission bar to move rearwardly within the second slot. The movement of the transmission bar in turn causes a rearward movement of the feed pawl lever which has its rear end connected to the rear end of the transmission bar. In this manner, one of the ratchet wheels which engages the feed pawl is caused to rotate. The ribbon spool which is disposed on the ratchet wheel thus driven takes up the ink ribbon, and when the end of the ribbon is reached upon the supply spool, the both spools are prevented from rotating as are the ratchet wheels. Under this condition, any drive applied to the drive lever cannot cause a rearward movement of the connecting pin, and hence the rear end of the feed pawl lever oscillates about the feed pawl which is engaged with the ratchet wheel, in a direction toward other ratchet wheel. This oscillating motion is allowed by the presence of the transversely elongate slot formed in the feed pawl lever. The oscillating motion causes the rear end of the transmission bar to oscillate in the same direction, whereby the guide pin on the transmission bar oscillates toward the other ratchet wheel. As the guide pin oscillates, the front end of the anti-reversing lever moves in an interlocked manner while compressing the first spring. When the guide pin moves past the perpendicular bisector, the resilience of the first spring causes the front end of the transmission bar and the anti-reversing lever to be located toward the other ratchet wheel by a snap action. When the anti-reversing lever oscillates toward the other ratchet wheel, the guide pin also moves toward the other ratchet wheel, whereby the rear end of the transmission bar moves toward said one ratchet wheel, accompanying the rear end of the feed pawl lever. The movement of the rear end of the feed pawl lever causes the front end of the feed pawl lever to oscillate about the connecting pin toward the other ratchet wheel. When the end of the second spring which is located nearer the feed pawl lever moves past the perpendicular bisector, its resilience causes the front end of the feed pawl lever to move toward the other ratchet wheel by a snap action, thus terminating a reversing operation. In the ink ribbon feeder described, the snap action which is produced by the pair of springs is relied upon to switch the feed pawl lever and the anit-reversing lever. Hence, the choice of the resilience of these springs has a significant influence upon the switching operation. If the resilience is increased, the snap action takes place more reliably, but the resilience of the springs acts most strongly at the neutral point where one end of each spring located nearer the anti-reversing lever and the feed pawl lever is located on the perpendicular bisector. Hence, a force must be applied to the anti-reversing lever and the feed pawl lever which overcomes the resilience to move them past the neutral point. However, since the force applied to these levers is transmitted through a fulcrum defined by the point of engagement between the feed pawl and one of the teeth on the ratchet wheel which engages therewith, the increased force is applied to this fulcrum. This imposes an undue rotating effort to the ratchet wheels, which inturn produces an increased tension in the ink ribbon, possibly causing a damage or an elongation of the ink ribbon. Conversely, if the resilience of the springs is reduced, there is a likelihood that a switching operation may take place inadvertently when the load on the ratchet wheels increases to retard the rotation thereof during a normal ribbon feed operation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide an ink ribbon feeder provided with a reversing mechanism which is capable of eliminating the described disadvantages of a conventional arrangement. It is another object of the invention to provide an ink ribbon feeder which is simple in construction and which is capable of providing a positive switching in response to a drive of a reduced magnitude without producing undue loading on ratchet wheel. In accordance with the invention, there is provided an ink ribbon feeder for causing a reciprocating movement of an ink ribbon between a pair of spools, comprising a baseplate, a pair of ratchet wheels rotatably mounted on the baseplate for driving the spools, a control member located intermediate the pair of ratchet wheels and supported on the baseplate so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to a line joining the axes of the pair of ratchet wheels and so as to permit one end thereof to be rockable toward either ratchet wheel, a ratchet wheel drive member carried by one end of the control member, the drive member having one end which is disposed centrally in one end of the control member so as to be rockable and so as to be movable in a direction toward the other end of the control member, the other end of the drive member selectively engaging with one of teeth on one of the ratchet wheels and being formed with an engaging element which causes said one ratchet wheel to rotate whenever it moves in said direction together with the control member, a resilient member having its one end connected to a central portion of the other end of the drive member and its other end connected to a central portion of the other end of the control member, thereby urging the ratchet wheel drive member toward the other end of the control member, a switching lever having a pair of anti-reversing pawls on one end thereof which selectively engage one of teeth on the pair of ratchet wheels to prevent a reverse rotation of the engaged ratchet wheel, the switching lever being pivotally mounted on the baseplate intermediate its end, one end of the switching lever carrying said one end of the control member so as to be movable in said direction and so as to be rockable whenever the control member rocks in the same direction as the rocking motion of the control member, means on the other end of the switching lever for selectively urging said one end of the switching lever toward one of the ratchet wheels, said urging means acting, whenever the center of said one end of the switching lever has rocked toward either ratchet wheel from a line which perpendicularly intersects with said first mentioned line at a point midway between the pair of ratchet wheels, to cause said one end of the switching lever to rock toward the ratchet wheel a drive member for moving the control member in said direction, and means for driving the drive member to urge the control member in one direction, the engaging element of the drive member being engaged with one of the ratchet wheels when the urging means urges the control member in said one direction. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a guide prove is formed in the baseplate along a line which perpendicularly intersects with another line joining the axes of the pair of ratchet wheels at a point substantially midway therebetween. A guide pin is loosely fitted in the guide groove, and rotatably carries one end of the control member, allowing a translational and rocking motion of the latter. An upright pin is fixed on the other end of the control member and fits in an elongate slot formed in one end of the ratchet wheel drive member. The elongate slot permits the control member to move independently from the ratchet wheel drive member. Consequently, when the end of the ink ribbon is reached to cease the rotation of the ratchet wheel, and when the control member is moved along the guide groove, the control member initially moves through a distance corresponding to the length of the elongate slot. During such movement, a drive of a magnitude which is slightly greater than the drive applied during a normal ink ribbon feed operation is applied to the point of engagement between one of the teeth on the ratchet wheel and the ratchet wheel drive member. Therefore, if the ratchet wheel temporarily fails to rotate as a result of an increased load on the ribbon pulley, the increased drive forcibly rotates the ratchet wheel, thus avoiding a reversing of the direction in which the ink ribbon is fed in response to the cessation of rotation other than that caused by the end of the ink ribbon being reached. When the rotation ceases as the end of the ink ribbon is reached, the application of the increased drive cannot cause rotation of the ratchet wheel, so that the ratchet wheel drive member rocks about its point of abutment against the ratchet wheel, as a fulcrum, toward the other ratchet wheel under the resilience of a tension spring. The rocking motion is transmitted through the upright pin to the control member, which also rocks about the guide pin, thereby rocking the switching lever toward the other ratchet wheel. The switching lever is pivotally mounted on the underside of the baseplate intermediate its ends where a fulcrum is defined. The other end of the switching lever is connected to one end of a bias spring, the other end of which is anchored to the baseplate in a manner such that its biasing force is at its maximum when said one end of the switching lever is located at a position midway between the pair of ratchet wheels. Consequently, if one end of the switching lever is slightly offset toward wither ratchet wheel from its position which is midway between the pair of ratchet wheels, the switching lever subsequently continues to rock under the action of the bias spring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view of an ink ribbon feeder according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the feeder shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section taken along the line 3--3 shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a transverse section taken along the line 4--4 shown in FIG. 1; FIGS. 5 and 6 are plan views which illustrate the operation of the ribbon feeder; and FIG. 7 is a bottom view of another form of a mechanism which supports the switching lever. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a baseplate 11 on which a pair of ribbon spool shafts 12, 13 are fixedly mounted in spaced relationship from each other. The top of each ribbon spool shaft 12, 13 is forked in order to support ink ribbon spools, not shown, in a coaxial, firm and rotatable manner and against unintended disengagement. A pair of ratchet wheels 14, 15 and a pair of spring abutment members 16, 17 are rotatably mounted on the ribbon shafts 12, 13, respectively, and held in place by E-rings 18, 19. A spacer, not shown, having a diameter which is slightly greater than the spool shafts 12, 13 are fitted thereon to space the ratchet wheels 14, 15 from the baseplate 11. The spring abutment members 16, 17 represent frictional transmission members which transmit the rotation of the ratchet wheels 14, 15 to their associated ribbon spools in a reliable manner. Intermediate the pair of spool shafts 12, 13, a control member 21 is placed on the baseplate 11 and extends from the front end of the baseplate 11, or the lower side as viewed in FIG. 1, to the rear end of the upper side, as viewed in FIG. 1. In the description to follow, the term "front end" or "front" refers to the lower side while the "rear end" or "rear" refers to the upper side, as viewed in FIG. 1. Toward the front end of the control member 21, a guide pin 22 has its one end mounted on the underside thereof, and has its other end extending through a guide groove 23 to project below the lower surface of the baseplate 11. The guide groove 23 extends from the front end toward the rear end of the baseplate 11 along a line which is substantially perpendicular to a line joining the axes of the pair of spool shafts 12, 13 and intersects therewith at a point midway therebetween. The rear end of the control member 21 is provided with an extention 24 of a reduced width, and adjacent to the boundary between the extension 24 and the remainder of the control member 21, an upright pin 25 is fixedly mounted thereon centrally crosswise thereof. A ratchet wheel drive member 26 is placed on the control member 21, and includes a ratchet wheel drive pawl 27 which is formed by a vertically upstanding portion thereof which is integral with the front end thereof. As shown in FIG. 1, the drive pawl 27 has its right-hand end engaged with one of the teeth on the ratchet wheel 15 when the control member 21 has rocked toward the ratchet wheel 15, and has its left-hand end engaged with one of the teeth on the ratchet wheel 14 when the control member 21 has rocked in the opposite direction, namely, toward the ratchet wheel 14. A projection 28 is formed centrally on the lower end of the drive pawl 27, and loosely fits in a substantially Y-shaped slot 31 formed in the control member 21 and including an arcuate slot 29 and a rectilinear slot 30 which extends forwardly from the middle portion of the arcuate slot 29. Toward the rear end, the drive member 26 is formed with a slot 32 which is elongate in the fore-and-aft direction and in which the upright pin 25 on the control member 21 is loosely fitted. When the upright pin is located against the front end of the slot 32, the projection 28 is situated within the rectilinear slot while when the upright pin 25 is located against the rear end of the slot 32, the projection 28 is situated within the arcuate slot. A coiled spring 33 has its one end engaged with the central portion of the drive pawl 27, and has its other end anchored to an upstanding piece 34 which is cut from the front end of the control member 21 at the central portion thereof. The coiled spring 33 normally urges the drive member 26 forwardly so that the pawl 27 can be accurately brought into abutment against one of the pawls of the ratchet wheels 14, 15. Referring to FIG. 2, a switching lever 41 which selectively drives the ratchet wheels 14, 15 is mounted on the underside of the baseplate 11, and is pivotally mounted on a pivot pin 42 extending from the underside of the baseplate 11 in its middle portion. It is to be noted that the pivot pin 42 is located substantially midway between the pair of spool shafts 12, 13. The upper end of the switching lever 41 is formed with a pair of anti-reversing arms 43, 44 and a guide 45 associated with the control member 21. An anti-reversing pawl 46 which extends vertically upward is formed on the free end of the arm 43 while an anti-reversing pawl 47 is similarly formed on the free end of the arm 44, both in an integral manner with the arms. The anti-reversing pawl 46 engages with one of the teeth on the ratchet wheel 14 to prevent a counter-clockwise rotation thereof, as viewed in FIG. 1, whenever the switching lever 41 rocks about the pivot pin 42 toward the ratchet wheel 14. Similarly, the anti-reversing pawl 47 engages with one of the teeth on the ratchet wheel 15 to prevent a clockwise rotation of the ratchet wheel 15 whenever the switching lever 41 rocks toward the ratchet wheel 15, as shown in FIG. 1. To provide such rocking motion of the switching lever 41, the upper edge, as viewed in FIG. 1, of the baseplate 11 is centrally formed with a notch 48, through which the anti-reversing pawls 46, 47 project above the baseplate 11. The guide 45 on the switching lever 41 associated with the control member extends through a substantially T-shaped guide slot 49 formed in the baseplate 11 to project above the latter. In its region above the baseplate 11, the guide 45 is formed with a slit 50 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) which permit the control member 21 and the drive member 26 to pass therethrough. On its other end, the switching lever 41 fixedly carries a pin 51 on its underside, which pivotally receives one end of a spring 52, the other end of which is similarly pivotally mounted on a pin 53 secured to the underside of the baseplate 11 intermediate the front end thereof and the spool shaft 12. The spring 52 is a coiled spring, and resiliently urges the switching lever 41 so that the anti-reversing pawl 47 firmly engages one of the teeth on the ratchet wheel 15 whenever the switching lever 41 assumes its position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and also resiliently urges the switching lever 41 so that the anti-reversing pawl 46 firmly engages with one of the teeth on the ratchet wheel 14 whenever the switching lever 41 rocks in the opposite direction from the position shown, namely, when the end of the switching lever 41 carrying the pin 51 rocks to its phantom line position shown in FIG. 2. In addition, when the center of the guide 45 is offset toward the ratchet wheel 15 from the central position which lies on an extension of the line joining the axes of the pivot pin 42 and the guide pin 22, the spring 52 resiliently urges the pin 51 upward to rock the switching lever 41 toward the ratchet wheel 15. Conversely, when the center of the guide 45 is offset to the opposite side of the extension which is toward the ratchet wheel 15, the spring 52 resiliently depresses the pin 51 to rock the switching lever 41 toward the ratchet wheel 15. Hence, when it is desired to change the switching lever 41 from its position toward the ratchet wheel 15 to its other position toward the ratchet wheel 14, it is only necessary that a rocking force be applied to the switching lever 41 which is of a magnitude to displace the center of the guide 45 to the other side of the above extension, whereupon the resilience of the spring 52 enables a continued rocking motion of the switching lever 41. As shown in FIG. 2, the guide pin 22 which projects below the underside of the baseplate 11 is loosely fitted in an elongate slot 56 formed in one end of a drive lever 55 which is substantially L-shaped and which is pivotally mounted on a pivot pin 57 at the bend thereof. The pivot pin 57 is fixedly mounted on the underside of the baseplate 11. The other end 58 of the drive lever 55 is adapted to receive an external drive in a direction indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 2. A return spring 59 associated with the drive lever 55 is disposed on the pivot pin 57, and has its one end anchored to the drive lever 55 and its other end anchored to a pin 60 which is secured to the underside of the baseplate 11. The return spring 59 resiliently biases the drive lever 55 so that said one end thereof is normally located adjacent to the rear end of the guide slot 23. In operation, it is assumed that the apparatus is initially in the condition shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. When a drive is applied to the end 58 of the drive lever 55 in a direction indicated by the arrow A at the termination of each printing operation or printing of each line, said one end of the lever 55 is driven forward about the pivot pin 57. The angular movement of the lever 55 causes the guide pin 22 which is fitted into the elongate slot 56 to move forwardly along the guide slot 23, as shown in FIG. 5. Since the control member 21 is located on the opposite or upper side of the baseplate 11 and is connected with the guide pin 22, the control member 21 also moves forwardly. The drive pawl 27 on the drive member 26 which is placed on the control member 21 is engaged with one of teeth on the ratchet wheel 15, and causes the ratchet wheel to rotate counter-clockwise when the drive member 26 moves forwardly in response to the forward movement of the control member 21. Since the drive member 26 is biased by the coiled spring 33 to move forward and the projection 28 is situated within the rectilinear slot 30, the drive member 26 rocks about the upright pin 25 without disengaging from the tooth on the ratchet wheel 15, and moves forwardly while maintaining such engagement, whereby the ratchet wheel 15 is positively rotated counter-clockwise. When the drive member 26 rocks from its position shown in FIG. 1 to its position shown in FIG. 5, the ratchet wheel 15 has rotated through an angular increment corresponding to twice its tooth pitch. During such angular movement, the anti-reversing pawl 47 on the switching lever 41 moves past two teeth on the ratchet wheel 15 to engage the third tooth against the resilience of the torsion spring 52. when the drive is no longer applied to the end 58 of the drive lever 55, the spring 59 returns the drive lever 55 to its position shown in FIG. 2, by causing it to turn back about the pivot pin 57. When the drive lever 55 returns to its original position, the control member 21 also returns to its position shown in FIG. 1. At this time, the drive pawl 27 slides over the teeth of the ratchet wheel 15. During this process, the drive pawl 27 imparts a clockwise rotating force to the ratchet wheel 15, which however is prevented from rotating clockwise by the presence of the anti-reversing pawl 47. Each time a drive is applied to the drive lever 55, the described operation is repeated. The rotation of the ratchet wheel 15 is effective to take up the ink ribbon from the ribbon pulley on the ratchet wheel 14 to the ribbon pulley on the ratchet wheel 15. Assuming that the opposite ends of the ink ribbon are secured to the respective pulleys, when the end of ribbon on the ribbon pulley fitted over the supply ratchet wheel 14 is reached, the ribbon pulley on the ratchet wheel 15 becomes unable to rotate, and the ratchet wheel 15 also cannot rotate if a drive is applied to the take-up ratchet wheel 15 through the drive member 26. A reversing operation is initiated at this point, and will be described below. When the ratchet wheel 14 can no longer rotate because the end of the ink ribbon is reached, a drive is applied to the end 58 of the drive lever 55, causing the guide pin 22 thereon to move forwardly along the guide slot 23. The control member 21 then also moves forwardly. The drive member 26 located on the control member 21 also tends to move forward together with the control member 21, but cannot move forwardly since the rotation of the ratchet wheel 15 is inhibited. Hence, only the control member 21 moves forward against the resilience of the coiled spring 33. In response thereto, the upright pin 25 thereon is located on the front end of the slot 32 in the drive member 26. On the other hand, the projection 28 which projects downwardly from the bottom of the drive pawl 27 moves out of the rectilinear slot 30, and is situated within the arcuate slot 29. Since one end of the drive pawl 27 is maintained in engagement with one of the teeth on the ratchet wheel 15, and the projection 28 is situated within the arcuate slot 29, the resilience of the coiled spring 33 is effective to rock the drive member 26 about the point of its engagement with the ratch wheel 15 toward the ratchet wheel 14, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The rocking motion of the drive member 26 is transmitted through the upright pin 25 to cause the control member 21 to rock in the same direction, whereby the control member 21 causes its extension 24 to rock about the guide pin 22 toward the ratchet wheel 14. Since the extension 24 is fitted in the slit 50 formed in the guide 45 of the switching lever 41, the rocking motion of the extension 24 causes the switching lever 41 to rock about the pivot pin 42 whereby the anti-reversing arms 43, 44 move toward the ratchet wheel 14. It is only necessary that such rocking motion takes place to an extent that the center of the extension 24 is offset from the line joining the axes of the pins 22, 42 toward the ratchet wheel 14. The resilience of the spring 52 subsequently brings the switching lever 41 to its operative position associated with the ratchet wheel 14. Since the switching lever 41 and the control member 21 are connected together by the guide 45, the control member 21 is also moved toward the ratchet wheel 14, whereby the drive pawl 27 on the drive member 26 engages with one of the teeth on the ratchet wheel 14 and the anti-reversing pawl 46 also engages with one of the teeth thereof. Thereafter, the ratchet wheel 14 rotates clockwise to take up the ink ribbon from the ribbon pulley on the ratchet wheel 15 onto the ribbon pulley on the ratchet wheel 14 each time a drive is applied to the end 58 of the drive lever 55 as indicated by the arrow A. In the embodiment described above, the spring 52 is interposed between the pin 51 on one end of the switching lever 41 and the pin 53 secured to the underside of the baseplate 11 to urge two pins 51, 53 in opposite directions to thereby achieve an engagement between the anti-reversing pawls 46, 47 and the ratchet wheels 14, 15, and to enable the switching lever 41 to be rocked toward the other ratchet wheel whenever it has rocked about the pivot pin 42 to the neutral point where the center of the extension 24 of the control member 21 is offset toward the other ratchet wheel from the extension of the line joining the axes of the pins 22, 42. When the switching lever 41 is located on the neutral point, the spring 52 urges the two pins 51, 53 in opposite directions with increased resilient force while the resilient force is reduced when one of the anti-reversing pawls 46, 47 is engaged with one of the ratchet wheels. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 7, an arrangement is made such that the greatest resilient force is applied to the switching lever 41 when the anti-reversing pawl is engaged with one of the ratchet wheels. Specifically, a cylindrical member 61 is fitted over the pin 51 on the switching lever 41, and the peripheral surface of the member 61 is maintained in engagement with the peripheral surface of a rotatable roller 62 which is rotatably mounted on one end of a pivotable arm 63, the other end of which is in turn pivotally mounted on a pivot pin 64 which is located adjacent to the spool shaft 12. A coiled spring 65 has its one end connected to the middle portion of the pivotable arm 63 and its other end anchored to the baseplate 11. The spring 65 normally urges the end of the pivotable arm 63 carrying the rotatable roller 62 upward in a resilient manner. As shown in FIG. 7, the axis of the cylindrical member 61 is located to the upper of the axis of the rotatable roller 62. When the extension 24 of the control member 21 causes the switching lever 41 to rock about the pivot pin 42 from its position adjacent to the ratchet wheel 15 to its position adjacent to the ratchet wheel 14, as shown in FIG. 7, the cylindrical member 61 urges the rotatable roller 62 to the right while rotating it counter-clockwise. When the extension 24 assumes the center position, the rotatable roller 62 is displaced to its maximum extent. At this time, the coiled spring 65 exhibits its maximum elongation. However, if the extension is offset toward the ratchet wheel 14 from the center position even slightly, the rotation of the rotatable roller 62 permits the cylindrical member 61 to be displaced to its phantom line position shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, when the cylindrical member 61 assumes its positions shown in solid line and in phantom lines, it is assured by the spring 65 that the anti-reversing pawls 46, 47 be engaged with one of the teeth on the associated ratchet wheels 14, 15 during a normal ribbon feed operation.
An ink ribbon feeder having a pair of rotatable ratchet wheels for driving ribbon spools. A control member rockable toward either ratchet wheel carries a ratchet wheel drive member movable on the control member for driving a respective one of the ratchet wheels to which the control member has been rocked. When ribbon from a spool has run out so that ribbon tension prevents further driving of a particular ratchet wheel, the control member rocks toward the other ratchet wheel to bring the ratchet wheel drive member into position to drive the other ratchet wheel and feed the ribbon in a reverse direction.
1
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sewing apparatus including a sewing machine, which is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and which can electronically perform information processing, such as a selection of a pattern to be sewn, and automatically perform a sewing process. 2. Description of the Related Art There is a sewing apparatus including a so-called embroidery sewing machine, which is provided with a built-in microcomputer containing a CPU or which is connected with an external computer so as to control the sewing machine by using the external computer, so that the sewing machine can perform various processes, such as an automatic sewing operation of a desired embroidery, for example, just by selecting a pattern to be embroidered by the use of a touch panel etc., on the sewing machine or by selecting it on the external computer. In the above mentioned sewing apparatus having the touch panel, all switches, keys, buttons or the like on the touch panel are displayed with a single color (or a monochrome) when the pattern to be embroidered and a position of a sewing needle (that is, a position where the embroidery or the like is actually sewn) are selected or set on the touch panel, for example. In the above mentioned sewing apparatus controlled by the external computer, all switches, keys, buttons or the like used for the control on a display picture plane on the external computer for the control of the sewing machine are displayed with the single color (or the monochrome). However, if the selections of the embroidery and the like are executed by using the touch panel, on which the switches etc., are displayed with the single color, since all of the colors of the switches etc., are same to each other, it is difficult to identify the switches etc., corresponding to the different kinds of sewing patterns. Hence, the operability is certainly degraded, and there is a probability that a switch etc., for a sewing pattern which is not desired by the user may be erroneously operated and that the undesired pattern is sewn. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is proposed in view of the above mentioned problems. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a sewing apparatus, which can clearly identify switches, keys, buttons or the like which correspond to various kinds of sewing patterns respectively, so as to improve an operability and prevent an erroneous operation from being performed. The above object of the present invention can be achieved by a sewing apparatus provided with: a stitch forming device; a driving device for driving the stitch forming device; a controller for controlling the driving device; a displaying device such as an LCD device including a plurality of display segments, each of which indicates information to control a sewing process through the controller, on a surface of the displaying device, the display segments being divided into a plurality of segment groups, each of which includes at least one display segment, on the basis of a predetermined criterion; and a display controlling device such as a CPU for controlling the displaying device to display thereon all of the at least one segment belonging to one of the segment groups and all of the at least one segment belonging to another of the segment groups so as to be visually differentiated from each other. According to the sewing apparatus of the present invention, the display segments are divided into a plurality of segment groups on the basis of a predetermined criterion in advance of the operation. In operation, by the displaying device under the control of the display controlling device, all of the at least one segment belonging to one of the segment groups and all of the at least one segment belonging to another of the segment groups are displayed so as to be visually differentiated from each other. Accordingly, by correlating the segment groups with the kinds of the sewing patterns classified in advance i.e., the sewing pattern groups classified on the basis of the predetermined criterion, it is possible to easily differentiate the display segments such as switches, keys, buttons and the like, which are displayed on the displaying device and which belong to respective one of the segment groups, from each other visually by virtue of the different display manners such as different colors, different tones, different line thickness, different brightness and the like, assigned to respective one of the segment groups. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation due to the confusing or misleading display manners of the display segments from being performed, and the operability of the sewing apparatus can be improved. In one aspect of the sewing apparatus, the display segments comprise a plurality of areas respectively into which one picture plane is divided, each of the areas corresponding to the information to control the sewing process. According to this aspect, since each of the display segments are in one-to-one correspondence with the information to control the sewing process, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation due to the confusing or misleading display manners of the information to control the sewing process from being performed. In another aspect of the sewing apparatus, the display controlling device controls the displaying device to display the at least one segment belonging to one of the segment groups and the at least one segment belonging to another of the segment groups with a boundary line therebetween. According to this aspect, since the display segments in different segment groups are divided from each other on the display device with the boundary line, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation due to the confusing or misleading display manners of the display segments from being performed. In another aspect of the sewing apparatus of the present invention, the display controlling device controls the displaying device to display thereon all of the at least one segment belonging to one of the segment groups in a first display manner and all of the at least one segment belonging to another of the segment groups in a second display manner, which is different from the first display manner. According to this aspect, in operation, by the displaying device under the control of the display controlling device, all of the display segment or segments belonging to one of the segment groups is displayed in the first display manner while all of the display segment or segments belonging to another of the segment groups is displayed in the second display manner, so that the display segment or segments displayed in the first display manner can be visually differentiated from the display segment or segments displayed in the second display manner. In this aspect, the display controlling device may control the displaying device to display thereon all of the at least one segment belonging to one of the segment groups in one color and all of the at least one segment belonging to another of the segment groups in another color. Alternatively, the display controlling device may control the displaying device to display thereon all of the at least one segment belonging to one of the segment groups in one tone and all of the at least one segment belonging to another of the segment groups in another tone. In another aspect of the sewing apparatus of the present invention, the displaying device comprises a switch panel such as a touch panel, the display segments comprise switches respectively on the surface of the switch panel, for selecting one of sewing patterns to be sewn in the sewing process, and the switches are divided into a plurality of switch groups as the segment groups on the basis of the predetermined criterion. According to this aspect, the switches for selecting one of the sewing patterns on the switch panel are divided into a plurality of switch groups on the basis of the predetermined criterion in advance of the operation. In operation, by the displaying device under the control of the display controlling device, all of the switch or switches belonging to one of the switch groups is displayed in the first display manner while all of the switch or switches belonging to another of the switch groups is displayed in the second display manner, so that the switch or switches displayed in the first display manner can be visually differentiated from the switch or switches displayed in the second display manner. Accordingly, it is possible to easily differentiate the switches, which are displayed on the switch panel and which belong to respective one of the switch groups, from each other visually by virtue of the different display manners. In this display condition, the switches are operated so as to select one of the sewing patterns. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation due to the confusing or misleading display manners of the switches on the switch panel from being performed, and the operability of the sewing apparatus can be certainly improved. In this aspect having the switch panel, the switch panel may comprise a color switch panel, the switches may comprise transparent switches respectively, the transparent switches may be divided into the switch groups on the basis of kinds of the sewing patterns corresponding to the transparent switches respectively, each of the switch groups including at least one transparent switch, and the display controlling device may comprise a color display controlling device for controlling the displaying device to perform a color display on the color switch panel by using one color for all of the at least one transparent switch belonging to one of the switch groups and by using another color for all of the at least one transparent switch belonging to another of the switch groups. Thus, it is possible to easily differentiate the transparent switches, which are displayed on the color switch panel and which belong to respective one of the switch groups, from each other visually by virtue of the different colors assigned to respective one of the switch groups. In this display condition, the transparent switches are operated so as to select one of the sewing patterns. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation due to the confusing or misleading colors of the transparent switches on the color switch panel from being performed, and the operability of the sewing apparatus can be more certainly improved. In this aspect having the color switch panel also, the at least one transparent switch corresponding to a same kind of the sewing pattern may constitute a same switch group. Thus, since the kinds of the sewing patterns are in one-to-one correspondence with the switch groups, to each of which different colors are assigned, the operability of the sewing apparatus can be further improved. In this aspect having the color switch panel also, the at least one transparent switch corresponding to straight stitching may constitute one switch group, the at least one transparent switch corresponding to zigzag stitching may constitute another switch group, the at least one transparent switch corresponding to over casting may constitute another switch group, and the at least one transparent switch corresponding to blind stitching may constitute another switch group. Thus, it is possible to easily differentiate the at least one transparent switch for straight stitching, zigzag stitching, over casting and blind stitching from each other visually by virtue of the different colors assigned to respective one of the switch groups. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the straight stitching operation, the zigzag stitching operation, the over casting operation and the blind stitching operation from being erroneously performed due to the confusing or misleading colors of the transparent switches, and the operability of the sewing apparatus can be certainly improved. In this aspect having the color switch panel also, the at least one transparent switch corresponding to the sewing pattern sewn by using a predetermined presser foot may constitute a switch group. Thus, since the presser feet used for the sewing patterns are in one-to-one correspondence with the switch groups, to each of which different colors are assigned, it is possible to prevent the presser foot from being erroneously used due to the confusing or misleading colors of the transparent switches, and the operability of the sewing apparatus can be further improved. In another aspect of the sewing apparatus of the present invention, the sewing apparatus is further provided with: at least one sewing machine including the stitch forming device and the driving device; and a controlling unit such as a computer externally connected to the at least one sewing machine and including the controller, the displaying device and the display controlling device. According to this aspect, in operation, the sewing machine including the stitch forming device and the driving device is controlled by the controller included in the controlling unit, which is externally connected to the sewing machine. The displaying device and the display controlling device are also included in the controlling unit. Therefore, in the sewing apparatus in which the controlling unit externally controls one or a plurality of sewing machines, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation due to the confusing or misleading display manners of the display segments from being performed, and the operability of the sewing apparatus can be improved. In another aspect of the sewing apparatus of the present invention, the display controlling device controls the displaying device to display symbols indicating sewing patterns on the display segments respectively in a differentiated manner for each of the segment groups. According to this aspect, by the displaying device under the control of the display controlling device, the symbols indicating the sewing patterns are displayed in the different display manners for each kind of the segment groups. Accordingly, since it is possible to easily recognize the relationship between the symbol and the sewing pattern, a preparation for the sewing process can be easily performed. In this aspect displaying the symbol, the display segments may be divided into the segment groups on the basis of kinds of presser feet, each of which is used for the sewing process. And that, the display controlling device may control the displaying device to display the symbols indicating sewing patterns sewn in correspondence with the kinds of the presser feet. Thus, the symbols indicating the sewing patterns are displayed in the different display manners for each kind of the presser feet. Accordingly, since it is possible to easily recognize the relationship between the sewing pattern to be sewn and the presser foot to be used for this sewing pattern, a preparation for the sewing process can be easily performed. In this aspect of employing the symbol, the sewing patterns may comprise practical sewing patterns. Alternatively, the sewing patterns may comprise embroidery patterns. In this aspect displaying the symbols, the display controlling device may control the displaying device to display the symbols indicating the sewing patterns on a single picture plane on the displaying device. Thus, since, by the displaying device under the control of the display controlling device, the symbols indicating the sewing patterns are displayed on a single picture plane, even in case that there exist various kinds of sewing patterns, it is possible to easily recognize the relationship between the symbol and the sewing pattern. Therefore, the preparation for the sewing process can be still easily performed in such a case. In this aspect displaying the symbols also, the displaying device may comprise a switch panel such as a touch panel, the display segments may comprise switches respectively on the surface of the switch panel, for selecting one of the sewing patterns to be sewn in the sewing process while displaying the symbols on the switches respectively, and the switches may be divided into a plurality of switch groups as the segment groups on the basis of the predetermined criterion. Thus, since the symbols indicating the sewing patterns are displayed on the switches respectively in the different display manners for each kind of the presser feet, it is possible to select one of the sewing patterns to be sewn while easily correlating the sewing patterns with the presser feet. In this aspect displaying the symbols also, the displaying device may display the symbols in monochrome. Thus, since the symbols are displayed with the monochrome in different display manners such as different tones, different line thickness, different brightness and the like, assigned to respective one of the segment groups, it is possible to easily recognize the relationship between the sewing pattern to be sewn and the presser foot to be used for this sewing pattern. Especially, it is possible to reduce the cost as compared with the case of employing the displaying device capable of full-color-displaying. Alternatively, the displaying device may display the symbols in full color. Thus, since the symbols are displayed with the full color in different display manners such as different colors, assigned to respective one of the segment groups, it is possible to easily recognize the relationship between the sewing pattern to be sewn and the presser foot to be used for this sewing pattern. In this aspect displaying the symbols also, the sewing apparatus may be further provided with a selecting device for selecting one of the sewing patterns to be sewn in the sewing process by selecting one of the symbols displayed on the display segments respectively, the display controlling device controlling the displaying device to display (i) the symbols indicating the sewing patterns in one of the segment groups and (ii) the symbols indicating the sewing patterns in another of the segment groups, in the differentiated manner from each other. Thus, by the displaying device under the control of the display controlling device, (i) the symbols indicating the sewing patterns in one of the segment groups and (ii) the symbols indicating the sewing patterns in another of the segment groups are displayed in the differential manner from each other. Accordingly, since it is possible to more easily recognize the relationship between the symbol and the sewing pattern to be sewn, a preparation for the sewing process can be more easily performed. In this aspect displaying the symbols also, the display controlling device may control the displaying device to collectively display the symbols, which correspond to the sewing patterns in respective one of the segment groups, on a single picture plane on the display device. Thus, by the displaying device under the control of the display controlling device, the symbols, which correspond to the sewing patterns in respective one of the segment groups, are displayed on the single picture plane on the display device. Accordingly, it is possible to easily recognize the sewing patterns to be sewn. The nature, utility, and further features of this invention will be more clearly apparent from the following detailed description with respect to preferred embodiments of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings briefly described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of an embroidery sewing machine as an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an inner schematic configuration of the embroidery sewing machine; FIG. 3A is a plan view of one example of a picture plane for a selection in the embodiment; FIG. 3B is a plan view of only keys related to the pattern selection extracted from the picture plane of FIG. 3A. FIG. 4A is a flowchart showing a whole operation of the embroidery sewing machine in the embodiment; FIG. 4B is a flowchart showing a detail operation in a picture plane displaying process of the embroidery sewing machine in the embodiment; FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a data structure of a data address header for a picture plane displaying process in the embodiment; FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a data structure of a main body of the data for the picture plane displaying process in the embodiment; FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sewing apparatus including a plurality of embroidery sewing machines as a modified embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a plan view of another example of a picture plane for a selection in the embodiment; FIG. 8 is a plan view of another example of a picture plane for a selection in the embodiment; FIG. 9 is a plan view of another example of a picture plane for a selection in the embodiment; FIG. 10 is a plan view of another example of a picture plane for a selection in the embodiment; FIG. 11 is a plan view of another example of a picture plane for a selection in the embodiment; FIG. 12 is a plan view of another example of a picture plane for a selection in the embodiment; and FIG. 13 is a plan view of another example of a picture plane for a selection in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained below with reference to the drawings. At first, an appearance of a sewing machine of the embodiment, which is an embroidery sewing machine, is explained with reference to FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, an embroidery sewing machine M is provided, on a main body 1, with: an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel 2 as one example of a displaying device for displaying an operation status etc., of the embroidery sewing machine M during sewing various embroideries; a card connector 3 to which an external ROM (Read Only Memory) card etc., for storing various embroidery patterns set in advance is to be connected; a communication connector 4 for performing transmission and reception of data by connecting an external computer with the embroidery sewing machine M; an electric source cable 5; a cloth fixing platform 6 on which a cloth is fixed during sewing; a sewing needle 7 for actually sewing; a start/stop button 8 operated when the sewing operation is to be started and stopped; a backstitch button 9 operated when a backstitch is performed; a needle up and down button 10 operated when the sewing needle 7 is manually moved up and down; a thread cutting button 11 operated when a thread is cut after sewing etc.; and a motor speed control 12 for adjusting a rotation speed of a motor to move up and down the sewing needle 7. Incidentally, on a surface of the LCD panel 2, a touch panel 25 is disposed as one example of a switch panel including one or more keys 25a to perform various inputting operations. Further, in the cloth fixing platform 6, a rotating motor for moving the cloth fixed on the cloth fixing platform 6 within a X-Y plane perpendicular to the moving direction of the sewing needle 7 in correspondence with the pattern to be embroidered etc., a loop taker for storing a bobbin thread and so on are accommodated. When actually sewing a sewing pattern, in addition to the constitutional elements of the embroidery sewing machine M as indicated by a solid line in FIG. 1, the embroidery sewing machine M is provided, as indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 1, with: an embroidery frame 72 for fixing a cloth to which a sewing pattern is to be embroidered; a moving body 71 for moving the embroidery frame 72 in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1 in correspondence with the sewing pattern to be sewn; and an embroidering device 70 for moving the embroidery frame 72 in a direction parallel to the paper surface of FIG. 1 by moving the moving body 71 in a direction parallel to the paper surface of FIG. 1 in correspondence with the sewing pattern to be sewn. Among those constitutional elements, within the embroidery device 70, an X direction driving motor 23 and a Y direction driving motor 24, which will be described later, for moving the embroidery frame 72 within a plane perpendicular to the moving direction of the sewing needle 7 by driving the moving body 71 and moving the moving body 71 in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1. Incidentally, in case that the embroidery device 70 is not used, the cloth is moved in synchronization with the up and down movement of the sewing needle 7 and the needle bar by means of a known feed dog mechanism equipped in the cloth fixing platform 6. Next, the internal structure of the embroidery sewing machine M is explained with reference to a block diagram shown in FIG. 2. The operation of the embroidery sewing machine M is concentrically controlled by a signal processing unit 15 within the embroidery sewing machine M. In FIG. 2, the signal processing unit 15 is provided with: a CPU 16 as one example of a display controlling device and a processing device for actually performing a control of the embroidery sewing machine M; a ROM 17 for storing a control program for operating the CPU 16 etc., in advance in a readable manner; a RAM (Random Access Memory) 18 for temporarily storing data necessary for controlling the embroidery sewing machine M etc., in a readable manner; a communication bus 20 for connecting each constitutional element within the signal processing unit 15; a controller 19 for controlling the connections between the constitutional elements respectively by the communication bus 20 and an input/output (I/O) interface 21; and the input/output interface 21 for connecting the signal processing unit 15 with external constitutional elements. Then, the signal processing unit 15 is connected through the input/output interface 21 with: an external ROM card 22 which is inserted into the card connector 3 (refer to FIG. 1); the communication connector 4; the LCD panel 2; external peripheral switches S (i.e., which is a generic name of the start/stop button 8, the backstitch button 9, the needle up and down button 10 etc., shown in FIG. 1 which are the buttons for operating the embroidery sewing machine M from the external); the touch panel 25; the X direction driving motor 23; the Y direction driving motor 24; and so on. Incidentally, the operation of the embroidery sewing machine M of the present embodiment is performed under the control of the CPU 16. The program corresponding to the processing operation indicated by each flow chart, which will be described later, and necessary for the control of the CPU 16 is stored in the ROM 17 in advance. In the signal processing unit 15, there is equipped an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable/Programmable ROM) 26 for storing peculiar information such as the repair history information related to the embroidery sewing machine M. The EEPROM 26 is adapted to electrically re-write the storage content and to maintain the storage content even after the electric source for the embroidery sewing machine M itself is turned off. Next, the display implementation of the LCD panel 2 and the operation in relation to it of the embroidery sewing machine M will be explained below with reference to FIG. 3A to FIG. 4B. At first, a picture plane for the sewing operation displayed on the LCD panel 2 is explained with reference to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B. FIG. 3A shows one example of the picture plane including keys (i.e., buttons each constituted by one transparent switch) to select the pattern to be sewn. FIG. 3B shows only the keys related to the pattern selection extracted from the picture plane of FIG. 3A. As shown in FIG. 3A, a selection picture plane 30 displayed on the LCD panel 2 when the sewing pattern is to be selected includes: a selection pattern display region 31 to display a presently selected sewing pattern; a plurality of pattern selection keys 32 operated when a pattern to be sewn is selected; an advice key 33 operated when information with regard to a method of using the embroidery sewing machine M is to be displayed; a how to sew key 34 operated when how to sew is to be displayed; a previous page key 35 operated when a picture plane for a pattern selection located at a previous page on the display picture plane is to be displayed; a next page key 36 operated when a picture plane for a pattern selection located at a next page on the display picture plane is to be displayed; a stitch width adjustment region 37 on which keys to adjust a stitch width of the sewing needle 7 are displayed; a stitch length adjustment region 38 on which keys to adjust a stitch length are displayed; a thread tension adjustment region 39 on which keys to adjust a tension of a sewn thread are displayed; a presser foot symbol 40 indicating a presser foot presently selected among a plurality of presser feet for pressing the cloth during sewing; a backstitch key 41 operated when the backstitch is to be performed; and a thread cutting key 42 operated when the thread cutting is to be performed. Among the above mentioned regions, in the stitch width adjustment region 37, a stitch width increase key 37b operated when the stitch width is to be increased and a stitch width decrease key 37a when the stitch width is to be decreased are displayed. In the length adjustment region 38, an extension key 38b operated when the stitch length is to be extended and a reduction key 38a operated when the stitch length is to be reduced are displayed. In the thread tension adjustment region 39, a high key 39c operated when the thread tension is to be made high, a low key 39a operated when the thread tension is to be made low and an automatic key 39b operated when the thread tension is to be initialized and automatically set are displayed. Transparent switches constituted by transparent electrodes are disposed at the positions of the touch panel 25 corresponding to the respective keys of the selection picture plane 30. As a presser foot symbolized by the presser foot symbol 40, there are a presser foot N, a presser foot A, a presser foot R, a presser foot Q and a presser foot M as described later other than a presser foot J shown in FIG. 3A as an example. The presser foot J, the presser foot N, the presser foot A, the presser foot R, the presser foot Q and the presser foot M have utilities different from each other. Moreover, the above described keys are displayed with colors different from each other depending upon the functions of the keys or the kinds to which the patterns corresponding to the keys belong. Namely, the pattern selection keys 32 are displayed with colors different from each other as described later for each of the kinds of patterns corresponding to the keys. For example, the advice key 33 and the how to sew key 34 are displayed with orange color. The previous page key 35 and the next page key 36 are displayed with yellowish green color. The increase key 37b and the decrease key 37a are displayed with dark brown color. The extension key 38b and the reduction key 38a are displayed with light purple. The high key 39c, the low key 39a and the automatic key 39b are displayed with block color. The presser foot symbol 40 and the selection pattern display region 31 are displayed with red color. The backstitch key 41 and the thread cutting key 42 are displayed with brown color. As shown in FIG. 3B, in the pattern selection keys 32, a straight stitch (left) key 32a, a straight stitch (middle) key 32b, a triple stitch key 32c and a stretch stitch key 32d, by which patterns belonging to a straight stitching pattern group are specified, are respectively displayed by using the same blue. A zigzag key 32e, a dashed-line zigzag key 32f and a two-point zigzag key 32g, by which patterns belonging to a zigzag stitching pattern group are specified, are respectively displayed by using the same yellow. Keys 32h to 32m, by which patterns belonging to an over casting pattern group are specified, are respectively displayed by using the same green. Keys 32n and 32o, by which patterns belonging to a blind stitching pattern group are specified, are respectively displayed by using the same violet. Next, the sewing operation in the embroidery sewing machine M is explained with reference to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. FIG. 4A is a flowchart showing the whole sewing process, and FIG. 4B is a flowchart showing the detail portion of the picture plane displaying process in FIG. 4A. As shown in FIG. 4A, in the sewing operation of the embroidery sewing machine M, when the electric source of the embroidery sewing machine M is firstly turned on, various initial settings (e.g., the initialization of the RAM 18) are executed (Step S1). Then, a straight pattern 1 is selected as an initial setting value in the sewing process (Step S2). Then, the picture plane displaying process is performed which displays a picture plane to select a pattern (e.g., the pattern exemplified in FIG. 3A) to be sewn and the like on the LCD panel 2 (Step S3). The detail portion of this picture plane displaying process will be described later. Then, it is judged whether or not the process of selecting the sewing pattern is executed by using the displayed picture plane and the touch panel 25 disposed on the surface of the picture plane (Step S4). If the selection process is executed (Step S4; YES), the operational flow returns to the step S3 so as to display the picture plane corresponding to the executed selection process. On the other hand, if the selection process is not executed or if the selection process is ended (Step S4; NO), it is judged whether or not the operation to indicate the start of the sewing operation is performed through the start/stop button 8 and the like (Step S5). Then, if the start of the sewing operation is not instructed (Step S5; NO), the operational flow returns to the step S4, and the pattern selection is performed. If the start of the sewing operation is instructed (Step S5; YES), the sewing process is executed on the basis of the information selected on the LCD panel 2 (Step S6). After that, it is judged whether or not the finish of the sewing process is instructed as the start/stop button 8 is again operated (Step S7). If the finish of the sewing process is not instructed (Step S7; NO), the operational flow returns to the step S6, and the sewing process is continued. If the finish of the sewing process is instructed (Step S7; YES), it is judged whether or not the electric source of the sewing machine M is turned off (Step S8). If the electric source is turned off (Step S8; YES), the process is ended directly. If the electric source is not turned off (Step S8; NO), the operational flow returns to the step S4 so as to select a next pattern and the like. Next, the picture plane displaying process at the step S3 is explained in detail with reference to FIG. 4B. As shown in FIG. 4B, in the picture plane displaying process, the color data, which is stored in the ROM 17 and will be described later, is firstly used to display the corresponding function keys respectively (that is, the advice key 33, the how to sew key 34, the previous page key 35, the next page key 36, the increase key 37b, the decrease key 37b, the extension key 38b, the reduction key 38a, the high key 39c, the low key 39a, the automatic key 39b, the backstitch key 41 and the thread cutting key 42) (Step S10). Then, the color data is used to display the corresponding pattern selection keys 32 respectively (Step S11). Finally, the pattern within the selection pattern display region 31 is displayed with the color corresponding to the selected pattern (Step S12). Then, the operational flow proceeds to the step S4 in FIG. 4A. Incidentally, the above mentioned process shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B is executed through the CPU 16 by using a program corresponding to the process (which is stored in advance in the ROM 17). Next, the color data to draw the respective keys and the like by using the respective colors is explained with reference to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B. The respective data shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are stored in advance in the ROM 17. As shown in FIG. 5A, a data address header 50, including lead addresses of memory areas where bit map data and color data to display the respective function keys or the pattern selection keys are stored, is stored in a high order region in the corresponding regions within the ROM 17. In the case exemplified in FIG. 5A, the data address header 50 includes a display data lead address 50a of the presser foot N, a display data lead address 50b of the presser foot J, a display data lead address 50c of the presser foot A, a display data lead address 50d of the presser foot R, a display data lead address 50e of the presser foot Q, a display data lead address 50f of the presser foot M, a display data lead address 50g of the backstitch key 41, a display data lead address 50h of the thread cutting key 42, a display data lead address 50i of the advice key 33, a display data lead address 50j of the how to sew key 34, a display data lead address 50k of the decrease key 37b, a display data lead address 50l of the increase key 37b, a display data lead address 50m of the reduction key 38a, a display data lead address 50n of the extension key 38b, a display data lead address 50o of the low key 39a, a display data lead address 50p of the automatic key 39b, a display data lead address 50q of the high key 39c, a display data lead address 50r of the next page key 36, a display data lead address 50s of the previous page key 35, display data lead addresses 50t, 50u and 50v of respective pattern selection keys 32. When the keys and the like are displayed in the picture plane displaying process at the step S3 in FIG. 4B, the data address header 50 is firstly referred to, so that the lead addresses of the bit map data and the color data of the corresponding keys are retrieved. Then, the selection picture plane 30 is actually drawn and displayed by accessing to the retrieved lead address and using the color data and the bit map data recorded thereat. Next, the configuration of the color data and the bit map data retrieved by using the data address header 50 is exemplified with reference to FIG. 5B. The color data and the bit map data are stored as data 60 in a lower order region of the ROM 17. For example, color code data 60a of the presser foot N, display bit map (BMP) data 60b of the presser foot N, color code data 60c of the presser foot J, display bit map data 60d of the presser foot J, color code data 60e of the backstitch key 41, display bit map data 60f of the backstitch key 41, color code data 60g and 60i of the respective pattern selection keys 32, display bit map data 60h and 60j and the like are stored in the data 60. Then, when the respective keys are actually drawn and displayed, the design instructed by the display bit map data is drawn by using the color specified by the color code data. As explained above, according to the embroidery sewing machine M in the embodiment, a plurality of pattern selection keys 32 are classified on the basis of the kinds of the sewing patterns to which the respective pattern selection keys 32 correspond. The colors displayed for the kinds of the respective sewing patterns are different from each other. Thus, it is possible to easily identify the corresponding pattern selection key 32 in response to the sewing pattern. A plurality of pattern selection keys 32 are classified into the pattern selection key groups corresponding to the same kinds of the sewing patterns as one set or category. Thus, the pattern selection keys 32 corresponding to the sewing patterns in the different kinds from each other are displayed by using the different display colors. Hence, it is possible to easily distinguish between the pattern selection keys 32 corresponding to the same kinds of the sewing patterns, to thereby improve the operability of the embroidery sewing machine M. Moreover, a plurality of pattern selection keys 32 are classified into: the pattern selection keys 32 corresponding to the straight stitching as one set; the pattern selection keys 32 corresponding to the zigzag stitching as one set; the pattern selection keys 32 corresponding to the over casting as one set; and the pattern selection keys 32 corresponding to the blind stitching as one set. Hence, it is possible to easily distinguish between the pattern selection keys 32 for each sewing manner. Incidentally, the configuration in which the single embroidery sewing machine M having the touch panel 25 and the LCD panel 2 is explained in the embodiment. In addition, the present invention can be applied to a sewing apparatus in which a plurality of embroidery sewing machines M are collectively controlled by a computer C servicing as a single controller, as shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, each sewing machine M is collectively controlled through a communication line by the computer C such as a personal computer. In this case, the picture plane shown in FIG. 3A or the like is displayed on a displaying device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) device or an LCD device of the computer C. It is also possible to construct the sewing apparatus such that some portion of the picture plane shown in FIG. 3A is displayed on a displaying device equipped to each sewing machine M while the remaining or full portion of the picture plane shown in FIG. 3A is displayed on the displaying device of the computer C. In the above mentioned embodiment, the color classification display of the corresponding key is performed for so-called practical patterns other than the embroidery patterns stored within the embroidery sewing machine M. Alternatively, a color classification display of a corresponding key may be performed for embroidery patterns stored in the external memory such as the ROM card 22. In this case, the color classification groups can be classified on the basis of the kinds of embroidery frames to be used. Moreover as the manner of classifying the colors of the transparent switches, the color classification may be performed on the basis of the kinds of the above mentioned presser feet, in addition to the above mentioned manners. That is, the presser foot used for each sewing pattern is predetermined in the sewing machine M in the embodiment. The transparent switches corresponding to the sewing patterns, in which the same presser feet are used, are displayed in an at-a-glance list (i.e., the display condition shown in FIG. 3A) of the sewing patterns by using the same color, on the basis of the kinds of the presser feet. The sewing patterns in which different presser feet are used are displayed by using different colors. More actually, among the pattern selection keys 32 shown in FIG. 3B, the sewing patterns corresponding to the straight stitch (left) key 32a, the straight stitch (middle) key 32b, the triple stitch key 32c, the stretch stitch key 32d, the zigzag key 32e, the dashed-line zigzag key 32f, the two-point zigzag key 32g, the key 32j, the key 32l and the key 32m are respectively sewn by using the same presser foot J. The sewing patterns corresponding to the key 32h, the key 32i and the key 32k are respectively sewn by using the same presser foot G. The sewing patterns corresponding to the key 32n and the key 32o are respectively sewn by using the same presser foot R. Thus, the sewing patterns maybe displayed using different colors according to the presser feet to be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a selection picture plane 75 may be displayed such that the straight stitch (left) key 32a, the straight stitch (middle) key 32b, the triple stitch key 32c, the stretch stitch key 32d, the zigzag key 32e, the dashed-line zigzag key 32f, the two-point zigzag key 32g, the key 32i, the key 32l and the key 32m are displayed by using the red color, the key 32h, the key 32i and the key 32k are displayed by using the blue color, and that the key 32n and the key 32o are displayed by using the yellow color. When the sewing pattern to be sewn is selected, the keys corresponding to other sewing patterns to be sewn by using the same presser foot used for the sewing operation of the selected sewing pattern may be displayed by using the same color, to thereby distinguish them from the sewing patterns in which presser feet different from the above mentioned presser foot are used. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a selection picture plane 76 may be displayed such that the straight stitch (left) key 32a, the straight stitch (middle) key 32b, the triple stitch key 32c, the stretch stitch key 32d, the zigzag key 32e, the dashed-line zigzag key 32f, the two-point zigzag key 32g, the key 32j, the key 32l and the key 32m are displayed by using the same color, and that other keys are displayed by using the different color or are inversion-displayed. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, a selection picture plane 77 may be displayed such that the keys corresponding to the patterns using the same presser foot are collectively displayed as one set, and that the border line of this one set is indicated by a dashed line. Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, a selection picture plane 78 may be displayed such that the keys corresponding to the patterns using the same presser foot are collectively displayed as one set, the border line of this one set is indicated by a dashed line, and that the keys corresponding to the sewing patterns different from the presently selected sewing pattern using the presser foot used in the sewing operation of the presently selected sewing pattern are displayed in a full tone while the keys corresponding to other sewing patterns not-using the presser foot used in the sewing operation of the presently selected sewing pattern are displayed in a half tone. In this way, if the display color is changed and displayed on the basis of the presser foot to be used, it is possible to distinguish the sewing patterns using the same presser foot from the other sewing patterns using the different presser foot, to thereby improve the operability of the sewing apparatus. Namely, since the keys indicating the patterns, which can be sewn in correspondence with the kind of the presser foot used in the sewing operation, are displayed in a distinguishable manner for each kind of the presser foot, it is possible to easily recognize the relationship between the pattern to be sewn and the presser foot to be used in correspondence with the pattern to be sewn, so that the preparation for the sewing operation can be easily executed. Further, since a plurality of keys indicating the patterns corresponding to plural kinds of presser feet are displayed for each presser foot on a single picture plane of the LCD 2, even in case that there exist plural kinds of presser feet corresponding to a plurality of patterns, it is possible to easily recognize the relationship between the pattern to be sewn and the presser foot to be used in correspondence with the pattern to be sewn, so that the preparation for the sewing operation can be easily executed. Furthermore, since the keys are displayed such that plural kinds of patterns which can be sewn can be selected, it is possible to sew the pattern by selecting the presser foot and the pattern corresponding to each other while easily correlating them. Even in case that the LCD displays the symbol in white and black, since it is possible to display the keys corresponding to the kinds of the presser feet such that the keys can be distinguished from each other for each presser foot, the cost reduction can be promoted as compared with the case that the LCD 2 capable of color-displaying is employed. Moreover, since a plurality of keys corresponding to the patterns to be sewn by using the same presser foot are collectively displayed on a single picture plane of the LCD 2, it is possible to easily recognize the patterns to be sewn by using the same presser foot. Next, in addition to the example of the practical sewing patterns aforementioned with reference to FIG. 3A, some more actual examples of classifying the pattern selection keys on the basis of the kinds of the embroidery patterns and displaying each kind of the pattern using a different color are explained with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. As shown in FIG. 11, a selection picture plane 80 may be displayed. Namely, a selection pattern display region 81 in which the selected pattern is displayed. A plurality of pattern group selection keys 82 are displayed such that the region of a pattern group selection key 82a to select Japanese Characters "Hiragana" or "Katakana" represented by "" in a thick line is displayed by using dark blue color, the region of a pattern group selection key 82b to select Japanese Characters "Hiragana" or "Katakana" represented by "" in a thin or normal line is displayed by using light blue color, the region of a pattern group selection key 82c to select alphabets represented by "ABC" in a normal shape is displayed by using read color, the region of a pattern group selection key 82d to select alphabets represented by "ABC" in an inclined shape is displayed by using pink color, the region of a pattern group selection key 82e to select a one-point comic pattern (such as animals, vessels and vehicles) is displayed by using orange color, the region of a pattern group selection key 82f to select symbols set in advance is displayed by using yellow color, the region of a pattern group selection key 82g to select flowers is displayed by using green color, and the region of a pattern group selection key 82h to select embroidery patterns stored in memory cards set in advance is displayed by using white color. Further, a group key 83 is high-lighted to indicate that the pattern group selection keys 82 are presently being selected and displayed. The case in which the pattern group selection key 82e is selected in FIG. 11 for example is explained with reference to FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 12 in this case, a selection picture plane 90 may be displayed such that a plurality of pattern selection keys 92 corresponding to the patterns in the selected pattern group are displayed as one set. Here, the color of the background of these pattern selection keys 92 is the orange color which corresponds to the color of the pattern group selection key 82e in the selection picture plane 80 in FIG. 11. Further, there are displayed: a previous page key 95 to display the previous page of the presently displayed page; a next page key 96 to display the next page of the presently displayed page; and a return key 97 to return to the selection picture plane 80 shown in FIG. 11. Each of these pattern selection keys 92 is displayed by using the color corresponding to the color of the thread to be actually used in the respective one of the patterns. In addition, a one-point key 93 is high-lighted to indicate that the pattern selection keys 92 are presently being selected and displayed. The case in which the pattern group selection key 82c is selected in FIG. 11 for example, is explained with reference to FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 13 in this case, a selection picture plane 100 may be displayed such that a plurality of pattern selection keys 102 corresponding to the patterns in the selected pattern group are displayed as one set. Here, the color of the background of these pattern selection keys 102 is the red color which corresponds to the color of the pattern group selection key 82c in the selection picture plane 80 in FIG. 11. Further, there are displayed: a delete key 103 to delete a provisionally selected pattern; a confirm key 104 to confirm a provisionally selected pattern; an enter key to enter the selected pattern; a return key 108 to return to the selection picture plane 80 shown in FIG. 11; and a size key 109 to set the size of each selected pattern to large, medium or small. Each of these pattern selection keys 102 is displayed by using the black color on the background red color. In addition, an alphabet key 105 is high-lighted to indicate that the pattern selection keys 102 are presently being selected and displayed. As explained above in each actual examples for the selection picture plane in the embodiment, since the keys are displayed by using the respective color for each group classified based on the kind of the sewing pattern, it is possible to easily identify the corresponding pattern group selection key 82 in response to the sewing pattern. The case in which the touch panel 25 is a so-called digital type touch panel which includes a plurality of keys constituted by the transparent switches is explained in the embodiment. In addition, the present invention can be applied to even a case in which the touch panel 25 is a so-called analog type touch panel wherein the resistance variations resulting from the entirely pushed pressure are accumulated and thereby a position of the pushed pressure is detected from an infinite number of (unspecified) positions on the touch panel 25, by changing the colors displayed by the respective keys. The relative movement between the cloth and the sewing needle 7 during sewing may be performed by either one of the embroidery device 70 and the feed dog mechanism, and may be performed by sewing the sewing needle 7 and the needle bar. The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. The entire disclosures of Japanese Patent Application No.09-267425 filed on Sep. 30, 1997 and Japanese Patent Application No.09-284699 filed on Sep. 30, 1997 each including the specification, claims, drawings and summary are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
A sewing apparatus is provided with: a stitch forming device; a driving device for driving the stitch forming device; a controller for controlling the driving device; a displaying device including a plurality of display segments, each of which indicates information to control a sewing process through the controller, on a surface of the displaying device, the display segments being divided into a plurality of segment groups, each of which includes at least one of display segment, on the basis of a predetermined criterion; and a display controlling device for controlling the displaying device to display thereon all of the at least one segment belonging to one of the segment groups and all of the at least one segment belonging to another of the segment groups so as to be visually differentiated from each other.
3
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a panhead device for movably supporting an equipment or an apparatus such as a video camera or the like, and more particularly to such a panhead device that is arranged to be driven by power. 2. Description of Related Art In performing a shooting operation with a video camera or the like, a panhead device of the above-stated kind permits a remote operation on the video camera which is mounted on the panhead device. For that purpose, there is known a motor-driven panhead, which is provided with a camera mount on which a video camera can be mounted through a camera screw for a tripod, a mechanism arranged to pan and tilt the camera mount with a motor serving as a drive source, and a control mechanism using a reflecting pattern and a photo-interrupter. The use of the motor-driven panhead enables a remote controller to carry out remote operations such as panning and tilting. It permits also a simple automatic operation by which panning can be automatically made within a predetermined range of angles. The conventional motor-driven panhead, however, has presented the following problems. The conventional motor-driven panhead does not permit not only manual panning but also manual tilting. Besides, it is difficult to effectively carry out fine control over panning and tilting operations on the panhead. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention has been developed in view of the above-stated problems of the prior art. Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a panhead device which is arranged to permit not only manual operations but also fine and accurate control in an improved manner. To attain the above object, in accordance with one aspect of this invention, there is provided a panhead device, which comprises a base, a support mount which is movably supported by the base to place a camera thereon, driving means for driving the support mount in at least one of a panning direction and a tilting direction, control means for controlling the driving means to cause the support mount to be moved in a predetermined direction, and clutch means, disposed inside the driving means, for transmitting and blocking a driving force. To attain the above object, in accordance with another aspect of this invention, there is provided a panhead device, which comprises a base, a support mount which is movably supported by the base to place a camera thereon, driving means, having a motor, for driving the support mount in at least one of a panning direction and a tilting direction, and control means for controlling the driving means to cause the support mount to be moved in a predetermined direction, wherein the control means breaks a current flowing to the motor when torque having a magnitude greater than a predetermined value is transmitted to the motor from the support mount. The above and other objects and features of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the whole arrangement of a panhead device arranged according to this invention as a first embodiment thereof. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a driving mechanism of the panhead device according to the first embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a main shaft and parts around the main shaft of the panhead device according to the first embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a control mechanism included in the panhead device according to the first embodiment of this invention. FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) show an example of the structure of a volume encoder in the panhead device in this invention. FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B) show the relation of the rotation angle of a camera mount to the outputs of the volume encoder and the relation of the rotation angle of the camera mount to reflecting patterns and outputs of photo-interrupters, respectively, in the panhead device in this invention. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing by way of example the arrangement of a control system for a panning mechanism included in the panhead device according to the first embodiment of this invention. FIG. 8 shows by way of example an operation panel disposed on the side of the body of a control device for the panhead device in this invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the whole arrangement of a panhead device arranged according to this invention as a second embodiment thereof. FIG. 10 is a side view taken in the direction of an arrow A in FIG. 9 showing the panhead device according to the second embodiment of this invention. FIG. 11 is a side view taken in the direction of an arrow B in FIG. 9 showing the panhead device according to the second embodiment of this invention. FIGS. 12(A) and 12(B) show the action of a panning click mechanism included in the panhead device according to the second embodiment of this invention. FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B) show the action of a tilting click mechanism included in the panhead device according to the second embodiment of this invention. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the whole arrangement of a panhead device arranged according to this invention as a third embodiment thereof. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of parts on a chassis of the panhead device according to the third embodiment of this invention. FIG. 16 shows a disk provided in the panhead device according to the third embodiment of this invention. FIG. 17 is a side view taken in the direction of an arrow C in FIG. 14 showing the panhead device according to the third embodiment of this invention. FIG. 18 is a top view showing the chassis of the panhead device according to the third embodiment of this invention. FIG. 19 is a sectional view showing a tilting drive gear and parts around the tilting drive gear arranged in accordance with this invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of this invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 4 show the arrangement of a panhead device as a first embodiment of this invention. Of these figures, FIG. 1 shows in a perspective view the whole arrangement of the panhead device with its exterior member omitted from the illustration. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a driving mechanism. FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a main shaft and parts around it. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a control mechanism. Referring to FIG. 1, a camera head 100 is supposed to be supported by the panhead device. The panhead device is provided with a panning mechanism for panning the camera head 100 around a main shaft in the direction of arrows P, and a tilting mechanism for tilting the camera head 100 in the direction of arrows T. The panning mechanism in the panhead device is first described below. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a motor 1 for panning has a small pulley 2 mounted on its output shaft. A gear 3 is composed of a large pulley 3a and a worm 3b formed as an integral unit. A toothed belt is placed between the small pulley 2 and the large pulley 3a, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. A gear 4 is composed of a worm 4a and a worm wheel 4b formed as an integral unit. There is provided another worm wheel 5. The worm 3b is in mesh with the worm wheel 4b, and the worm wheel 4a is in mesh with the worm wheel 5. These parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 are mounted on a single sub-chassis 6. Thus, the sub-chassis 6 on which the parts 1 to 4 are mounted are arranged to be rotated together by a panning operation. Parts of the panhead device around its main shaft are described here with reference to FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 3, a bearing 7 is mounted on the sub-chassis 6. In FIG. 3, the main shaft is denoted by reference numeral 8. As shown in FIG. 3, the main shaft 8 has its lower part arranged to be thick (to have a larger diameter than its upper part) in such a way as to lower the center of gravity of the panhead device as a whole. A camera screw 8a which is provided for a tripod is formed in the bottom part of the main shaft 8. The bearing 7 and the main shaft 8 are designed to have minimal friction between them. The sub-chassis 6 is thus arranged to readily rotate around the main shaft 8 integrally with the bearing 7. A bush 9 made of a rubber material is press-fitted into the worm wheel 5. The main shaft 8 is press-fitted into the bush 9. The worm wheel 5 is thus secured to the main shaft 8 through the bush 9 with a predetermined coupling strength. The worm wheel 5 is arranged to be able to be rotated on the main shaft 8 when torque having a magnitude greater than a predetermined value around the main shaft 8 is applied to the worm wheel 5. In other words, in this arrangement, clutch means (a friction clutch) is formed between the main shaft 8 and a member arranged to rotate around the main shaft 8. The clutch means permits a manual operation on the panhead device by imposing thereon a torque load having a magnitude greater than a predetermined torque other than the driving force of the motor 1. The panning mechanism is configured as described above. When a predetermined driving voltage is applied to the motor 1, power of the motor 1 is transmitted through the toothed belt to the gear 3. The power is transmitted in turn from the gear 3 to the gear 4 and then from the gear 4 to the worm wheel 5. Since the worm wheel 5 is coupled to the main shaft 8 in the above-stated manner, the worm wheel 5 does not move and remains stationary. The gear 4 and the parts coupled with the gear 4 on the side of the motor 1, therefore, rotate with respect to the worm wheel 5, that is, around the main shaft 8. In the case of the first embodiment, the angle range of such a panning operation is set to 300 degrees. This angle range is controlled by a control mechanism, which will be described below. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, there is provided a large spur gear 10, which is fixed to the main shaft 8. A small spur gear 11 is in mesh with the large spur gear 10. The rotation fulcrum shaft of the small spur gear 11 is connected to the sub-chassis 6. When the sub-chassis 6 rotates around the main shaft 8, the small spur gear 11 rotates while intermeshing with the large spur gear 10. In this case, the ratio in pitch circle diameter of the small spur gear 11 to the large spur gear 10 is 1:4. When the sub-chassis 6 rotates 300 degrees around the main shaft 8, therefore, the small spur gear 11 makes 3.3 turns for one turn of the sub-chassis 6. There is also provided a volume encoder 12, which has brushes fixed to the small spur gear 11. FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) show an example of the structure of the volume encoder 12. As shown in FIG. 5(A), the volume encoder 12 is provided with two brushes 13 and 14 each of which is composed of a good electric conductor having a pair of contact parts, and three wiring patterns 15, 16 and 17 which are formed in a triple arcuate shape. These parts are overlaid on each other as indicated by an arrow to be in a state of being matched with each other as shown in FIG. 5(B). In the case of this example, the brushes 13 and 14 are disposed on a rotating side, i.e., on the side of the small spur gear 11, and the wiring patterns 15, 16 and 17 are disposed on a stationary side, i.e., on the side of the sub-chassis 6. Of the wiring patterns 15, 16 and 17, the wiring pattern 15, which is located outermost, is made of a resistor, while the other two wiring patterns 16 and 17, which are located on the inner side, are made of copper foil. The two brushes 13 and 14 are arranged to be caused by the rotation of the small spur gear 11 to rotate while sliding on the arcuate wiring patterns 15, 16 and 17 in contact therewith. The brush 13 is arranged to output a voltage (output 1) obtained between one end of the resistor pattern 15 and the copper foil pattern 16, and the other brush 14 is arranged to output a voltage (output 2) obtained between one end of the resistor pattern 15 and the copper foil pattern 17. FIG. 6(A) shows a relation between the rotation angle (in the panning direction) of a camera mount 27 (which will be described later) and the outputs of the volume encoder 12. In the case of the first embodiment, the panning angle range is set to 300 degrees as mentioned above. While the camera mount 27 rotates 300 degrees, the outputs of the volume encoder 12, i.e., outputs 1 and 2, vary as shown in a graph of FIG. 6(A). In the graph of FIG. 6(A), the abscissa axis shows the rotation angle of the sub-chassis 6 relative to the main shaft 8 and the ordinate axis shows the voltage outputs of the volume encoder 12. Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 4, each of photo-interrupters 18 and 19 is composed of a pair of elements, i.e., light emitting and receiving elements, formed as an integral unit. The photo-interrupters 18 and 19 are mounted on the lower side of the panning motor 1 (FIG. 1). In each of the photo-interrupters 18 and 19, light emitted from the light emitting element is received by the light receiving element after the light is reflected by a reflecting pattern, and a signal of "1" or "0" is outputted according to whether the light falls on the light receiving element or not. A main chassis 22 is fixed to the main shaft 8 and is arranged to support the whole panhead device. Reflecting patterns 20 and 21 are stuck to the surface of the main chassis 22 in predetermined positions corresponding to the photo-interrupters 18 and 19. The photo-interrupters 18 and 19 are arranged to have the light from the light emitting elements reflected by the corresponding reflecting patterns 20 and 21 and to output their outputs by receiving the reflected light at the light receiving elements. These reflecting patterns 20 and 21 are in shapes which coincide respectively with the loci of the photo-interrupters 18 and 19. In other words, they are in arcuate shapes having their centers at the main shaft 8. In this case, the central angle of each arc is arranged to be 150 degrees. The phases of the two reflecting patterns 20 and 21 are arranged to deviate 75 degrees from each other. The positional relation of the reflecting patterns 20 and 21 to the photo-interrupters 18 and 19 is schematically shown in FIG. 6(B). Referring to FIG. 6(B), the relation is expressed on the basis of the rotation angles (0 to 300 degrees) of the camera mount 27 with respect to the main shaft 8. Within a range of rotation angles 0 to 75 degrees of the camera mount 27, i.e., an area S1, the outer photo-interrupter 19 is opposed to the reflecting pattern 21, while the inner photo-interrupter 18 is located off the reflecting pattern 20. Therefore, a combined output value of the two photo-interrupters 19 and 18 becomes (1, 0). Within a rotation angle range from 75 to 150 degrees, i.e., an area S2, the combined output value becomes (1, 1). Within a rotation angle range from 150 to 225 degrees, i.e., an area S3, the combined output value becomes (0, 1). Within a rotation angle range from 225 to 300 degrees, i.e., an area S4, the combined output value becomes (0, 0). FIG. 7 shows by way of example the arrangement of a control system for the panning mechanism. As shown in FIG. 7, the voltage output of the volume encoder 12 is detected by a detection circuit 72. The value of the voltage detected by the detection circuit 72 is sent to a control microcomputer 76. The outputs of the photo-interrupters 18 and 19 are likewise detected by a detection circuit 74. A value thus obtained by the detection circuit 74 is sent also to the control microcomputer 76. The control microcomputer 76 determines the position of the camera mount 27 on the basis of a combination of the combined output value of the photo-interrupters 18 and 19 and the voltage output of the volume encoder 12 obtained as shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B), and drives and controls the panning motor 1 according to the position of the camera mount 27 thus determined. The combined output value of the photo-interrupters 18 and 19 varies in a cycle of 75 degrees because of their positional arrangement which is shown in FIG. 4. On the other hand, the output of the volume encoder 12, i.e., a combined value of the outputs 1 and 2 shown in FIG. 6(A), varies in a cycle of 360 degrees. Considering the output in relation to the rotation angle of the camera mount 27 with the rotation angle of the camera mount 27 used as a datum, the output of the volume encoder 12 varies in cycle of 90 degree because, in this case, the rotation ratio between the two is 1:4. In this case, therefore, these outputs never appear in the same value within a rotation angle range less than 300 degrees of the sub-chassis 6. In other words, it is possible to detect, from the outputs of the photo-interrupters 18 and 19, in which of the areas S1 to S4 the rotating position of the sub-chassis 6 relative to the main shaft 8 is located. Further, the rotating position of the sub-chassis 6 within the detected area can be detected from the output of the volume encoder 12. The outputs of the photo-interrupters 18 and 19 and the output of the volume encoder 12 are controlled by the control microcomputer 76 shown in FIG. 7. Next, the tilting mechanism in the panhead device is described below. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are provided a motor 23 for tilting, a small pulley 24 which is mounted on the output shaft of the motor 23, a gear 25 composed of a large pulley 25a and a worm 25b formed as an integral unit, a gear 26 composed of a worm 26a and a worm wheel 26b formed as an integral unit, and a worm wheel 28 formed on the camera mount 27. The worm 25b is in mesh with the worm wheel 26b. The worm 26a is in mesh with the worm wheel 28. The camera mount 27 is provided with an accessory shoe 29. Reference numeral 30 denotes a volume encoder which will be described later herein. A support post 31 is arranged to support the camera mount 27 and is provided with a bearing for the camera mount 27. These parts are mounted on the sub-chassis 6. In the case of the tilting mechanism, the worm 26a of the gear 26 is arranged to have a large angle of lead, which is set, for example, at 25 degrees. With the tilting mechanism arranged in this manner, when a load having a magnitude greater than a predetermined value is applied to the camera mount 27 in the direction of tilting, the worm 26a of the gear 26 is caused to rotate, so that the rotation torque of the worm 26a is transmitted to the tilting motor 23. However, when a load having a magnitude greater than a predetermined value is applied to the tilting motor 23, a current flowing to the tilting motor 23 is caused to be cut off by a control circuit, which will be described later. A control mechanism for the tilting mechanism includes the above-stated volume encoder 30. The volume encoder 30 is arranged substantially in the same manner as the volume encoder 12 which is provided for control over the panning mechanism. On the sub-chassis 6, there are provided a driving circuit and a control circuit for the motors 1 and 23. The microcomputer 76 (FIG. 7) and a memory are included in the control circuit. The panhead device is controlled by the microcomputer 76 when an instruction is given from on the side of a control device body (not shown) by operating an operation switch (FIG. 8) on a video camera which has a liquid crystal monitor. In actually using the panhead device configured as described above, the camera head 100, which is small-sized, is secured to the camera mount 27 in a predetermined position through the accessory shoe 29 which conforms to applicable standard specifications. The camera head 100 is connected to the control device body through a cable 101 to receive power and control signals from the control device body. Further, the camera head 100 sends power and control signals to the panning motor 1 and the tilting motor 23 through a cable 32. An example of operation of the panhead device is next described in detail. An operation panel 200 on which operation switches of varied kinds are arranged as shown in FIG. 8 is disposed on the side of the control device body for the panhead device. The operation panel 200 has tilting switches 201 and 202 and panning switches 203 and 204. The sub-chassis 6 and members coupled thereto of the panhead device rotate counterclockwise while the switch 203 is continuously being pushed and rotate clockwise while the switch 204 is continuously being pushed. The camera mount 27 tilts upward while the switch 201 is continuously being pushed and downward while the switch 202 is continuously being pushed. In the operation panel 200, there are further provided a presetting switch group 205 and a presetting mode switch 206. The presetting switch group 205 is provided for causing an angle of the camera mount 27 relative to the main shaft 8 to be stored in response to a predetermined operation performed on the operation panel 200. The camera mount 27 can be rotated to a desired position by the operator by operating the panning switches 203 and 204 or the titling switches 201 and 202. When one switch of the presetting switch group 205 is pushed by the operator within, for example, two seconds after the presetting mode switch 206 is pushed with the camera mount 27 in the desired position, an angle of the camera mount 27 relative to the main shaft 8 at that moment is stored in a memory. The angle of the camera mount 27 relative to the main shaft 8 thus once stored in the memory is retained until the similar operation is performed again. Therefore, the operator can direct the camera head 100 in a direction stored beforehand in the memory by pushing the presetting switch group 205, no matter which direction the camera mount 27 has been set. This invention is not limited to the numerical values mentioned by way of example in the description of the first embodiment. These values may be changed to some other suitable values. Further, the clutch mechanism used in the panning mechanism is applicable also to the tilting mechanism. In that case, the clutch mechanism may be disposed between a support shaft 27a of the camera mount 27 and the support post 31. Further, the position detecting means used in the panning mechanism may be disposed also between the camera mount 27 and the support post 31. In the meantime, in driving the panning mechanism or the tilting mechanism of a panhead device of the kind described above, it is very important for securing the smoothness and accuracy of control over the driving system to grasp information on normal positions (or home positions) and specific positions in the panning and tilting directions of the camera mount. Accordingly, a panhead device according to a second embodiment of this invention is arranged to excel in handling information on these positions. The second embodiment is arranged as described below. FIG. 9 to FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B) show in outline the arrangement of the panhead device according to the second embodiment of this invention. Of these figures, FIG. 9 schematically shows in a perspective view the whole arrangement of the panhead device (with the exception of its exterior member). FIG. 10 is a side view taken in the direction of an arrow A in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a side view taken in the direction of an arrow B in FIG. 9. FIGS. 12(A) and 12(B) show the action of a click member in the panning direction. FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B) show the action of a click member in the tilting direction. Referring to FIG. 9 to FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B), essential parts of the panhead device according to the second embodiment are first described as follows. In the panhead device, a camera mount 101 has an accessory shoe 101a disposed on its upper surface. A camera head or the like having a mount member corresponding to the accessory shoe 101a can be mounted on the camera mount 101. The mount member of the camera head is arranged to be detachably fitted into and coupled with the accessory shoe 101a of the camera mount 101. The mount member has a plurality of electric contacts arranged on its bottom side with a lead wire connected to each of the contacts. The accessory shoe 101a of the camera mount 101, on the other hand, is provided also with electric contacts which correspond to those of the mount member of the camera head. When the mount member of the camera head is fitted into the accessory shoe 101a, these electric contacts come into contact with each other to permit communication between the camera head and the panhead device. In the case of the second embodiment, the panhead device is thus arranged to receive power and control signals from the camera head through these electric contacts. A helical gear 140 is formed integrally with the camera mount 101. A camera-mount side plate 130 is secured to one side of the camera mount 101. The camera-mount side plate 130 is provided with a recessed part 137, which is formed as shown in FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B). A camera-mount support post 102 is arranged to support the camera mount 101. A tilting drive unit 142 is arranged to output its driving power through a tilting drive gear 141. The tilting drive gear 141 and parts around it are arranged as follows. Referring to FIG. 19, the tilting drive unit 142 has an output shaft 171, a spring retainer 172, a helical gear 173, a compression spring 174, and a spring seat 175. The spring retainer 172 is press-fitted into the output shaft 171. The helical gear 173 is pressed against the spring retainer 172 by the force of the compression spring 174. The helical gear 173 is arranged such that, exertion of a force larger than a predetermined force on the helical gear 173 against the rotation force of the output shaft 171 brings about slipping between the spring retainer 172 and the spring seat 175 of the compression spring 174, thereby enabling the helical gear 173 to rotate on the spring retainer 172. An electric circuit board 143 is arranged to drive the motor of the tilting drive unit 142 and that of a panning drive unit which will be described later herein. The electric circuit board 143 receives power and control signals from the electric contacts provided at the accessory shoe 101a. When the power is supplied to the tilting drive unit 142 from a power supply which is not shown, the tilting drive gear 141 causes the helical gear 140 to rotate, thereby changing the inclination of the camera mount 101. The camera mount 101 can be also manually tilted when a force having a magnitude greater than a predetermined value is applied to the camera mount 101 by the operator. A base 106 is provided with a notch 120 in the periphery thereof as shown in FIGS. 12(A) and 12(B). With the exception of a portion where the notch 120 is formed, the whole periphery of the base 106 is smoothly formed. A panning bearing 107 is arranged to be rotatable on a rotation shaft which is perpendicularly erected on the central part of the base 106. A chassis 108 is fixed to the surface of the panning bearing 107. The camera-mount support post 102, the tilting drive unit 142 and the panning drive unit which will be described later are fixed to the upper surface of the chassis 108. A panning gear 105 is fixed to the base 106. The panning drive unit is denoted by reference numeral 103, which is composed of a motor and a plurality of gears. The output of the panning drive unit 103 is connected to a panning drive gear 104. The panning drive gear 104 is configured in the same manner as the tilting drive gear 141. The arrangement of the panning drive gear 104 is such that, when power is supplied to the panning drive unit 103 from the power supply which is not shown but is provided on the chassis 108, the chassis 108 and the members disposed on the chassis 108 rotate. The chassis 108 and the members disposed on the chassis 108 can be manually caused to rotate by the operator. A tilting click member 131 has one fore end 132 formed in a wedge-like shape having a round tip. The other end part 133 of the tilting click member 131 is formed by an iron material. The tilting click member 131 is arranged to be rotatable around a rotation shaft 135. An electromagnet 134 is series-connected to the motor disposed inside the tilting drive unit 142. A tension spring 136 is stretched between the other end 133 of the tilting click member 131 and a stop member erected on the chassis 108. The pulling force of the tension spring 136 exerted on the tilting click member 131 is set to be weaker than an attracting force of the electromagnet 134 to be exerted on the other end 133 of the tilting click member 131. A panning click member 110 has one fore end 114 formed in a wedge-like shape having a round tip. The other end part 115 of the panning click member 110 is formed by an iron material. The panning click member 110 is arranged to be rotatable around a rotation shaft 111. An electromagnet 112 is series-connected to the motor disposed inside the panning drive unit 103. A tension spring 113 is stretched between the other end 115 of the panning click member 110 and a stop member erected on the chassis 108. The pulling force of the tension spring 113 exerted on the panning click member 110 is set to be weaker than an attracting force of the electromagnet 112 to be exerted on the other end 115 of the panning click member 110. An example of driving for a panning action of the second embodiment is next described. When a panning drive switch which is not shown is operated, a current flows to the electromagnet 112 and the motor. Therefore, the other end 115 of the panning click member 110 is attracted by the electromagnet 112. The fore end part 114 of wedge-like shape of the panning click member 110 comes to part from the base 106. Under this condition, the members disposed on the chassis 108 are caused to rotate by the panning drive gear 104. When the flow of current to the panning drive unit 103 and the electromagnet 112 is cut off by operating the panning drive switch (not shown), the other end 115 of the panning click member 110 is pulled by the tension spring 113 to cause the fore end part 114 of wedge-like shape to come into contact with the base 106. Under that condition, a manual panning operation can be performed with a rotating force applied to the chassis 108 by the operator. When the panning click member 110 falls into the notch 120 of the base 106, the operator can recognize that the camera mount 101 has arrived at its home position. Further application of the rotating force to the chassis 108 causes the panning click member 106 to override the notch 120 of the base 106 without difficulty. An example of driving for a tilting action of the second embodiment is as follows. When a tilting drive switch which is not shown is operated, a current flows to the electromagnet 134 and the motor. Therefore, the other end 133 of the tilting click member 131 is attracted by the electromagnet 134. The fore end part 132 of wedge-like shape of the tilting click member 131 comes to part from the camera-mount side plate 130. Under this condition, the camera mount 101 is tilted by the tilting drive gear 141. When the flow of current to the tilting drive unit 142 and the electromagnet 134 is cut off by operating the tilting drive switch (not shown), the other end 133 of the tilting click member 131 is pulled by the tension spring 136 to cause the wedge-like fore end part 132 of the tilting click member 131 to come into contact with the camera-mount side plate 130. Under that condition, a manual tilting operation can be performed with a rotating force applied to the camera mount 101 by the operator. When the tilting click member 131 falls into the recessed part 137 of the camera-mount side plate 130, the operator can recognize that the camera mount 101 has arrived at its home position. Further application of the rotating force to the camera mount 101 causes the tilting click member 131 to override the recessed part 137 of the camera-mount side plate 130 without difficulty. As described above, the panhead device according to the second embodiment of this invention is arranged to give an apposite click feeling at the home position of the camera mount 101 only when the panhead device is manually operated. The click feeling enables the operator to know arrival of the camera mount 101 at the home position. It is another advantage of the second embodiment that the click member never causes any increase in resistance to rotation when the panhead device is operated by the motor. A panhead device according to a third embodiment of this invention is next described. FIGS. 14 to 18 show in outline the arrangement of the panhead device according to the third embodiment. Of these figures, FIG. 14 shows in a perspective view the whole arrangement of the panhead device, with the exception of its exterior member. FIG. 15 shows in a perspective view the panhead device with a chassis and members on the chassis omitted from the illustration. FIG. 16 shows a disk, which will be described later. FIG. 17 shows the panhead device in a side view taken in the direction of an arrow C indicated in FIG. 14. FIG. 18 shows the chassis and a stand as viewed from above. The essential component parts of the panhead device according to the third embodiment are first described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 18. In these figures, all parts that perform the same actions as those of the parts of the second embodiment are indicated by the same reference numerals and the details of them are omitted from the following description. In the case of the third embodiment, the chassis 108 has one window 151 formed therein. This window 151 has a cross mark carved therein. A stand 152 has also a cross mark carved therein and is revolvable around the base 106 along the periphery of the base 106. A window 161 is provided in the camera-mount support post 102. A disk 162 has a cross mark carved therein and is mounted on the rotation shaft of the camera mount 101 to rotate along with a camera head. The disk 162, which has a knurled periphery, is arranged to be rotatable alone around the rotation shaft of the camera mount 101 along the camera mount 101. An example of use of the panhead device according to the third embodiment is next described. The disk 162 and the stand 152 are rotated beforehand by the operator to set them in desired positions. In manually operating the panhead device after that, the camera mount 101 can be manually tilted to a position where the cross mark of the disk 162 and the cross mark of the window 161 of the camera-mount support post 102 come to coincide with each other. The camera mount 101 is likewise manually panned to a position where the cross mark of the stand 152 and the cross mark of the window 151 of the chassis 108 come to coincide with each other. According to the panhead device of the third embodiment described above, a desired rotating position can be marked to permit a manual operation to be accurately carried out up to the marked position. While the foregoing description of the second and third embodiments has omitted description about an angle detecting mechanism, the second and third embodiments include the same mechanism as the angle detecting mechanism in the first embodiment. According to the embodiments described above, when torque having a magnitude greater than a predetermined value other than the power from the driving mechanism of the panhead device is applied to the panhead device, the driving power is cut off by a slippage caused at the clutch means. This arrangement permits a manual operation on the panhead device in addition to the motor-driven operation on the body of the panhead device. The provision of the clutch means also serves to effectively prevent imposition of any excessive load, for safety of the panhead device, even when the panhead device happens to be prevented from acting by some impediment. Further, in driving the panhead device by the driving mechanism, its driving action can be very accurately controlled with the driving amount of the driving mechanism detected by a driving amount detecting means. Another advantage of the embodiments described above lies in that control information can be retained even in the event of a manual operation. The control information stored enables an action to begin immediately after the power supply is switched on without obtaining a control datum position every time. The operability of the panhead device thus can be enhanced by virtue of the control information stored. According to the arrangement of the embodiments described above, a specific position or a desired position can be discriminated from other positions in driving and rotating the panhead device. Therefore, the position of the camera mount is accurately controllable without difficulty in driving the panhead device. Further, since the specific or desired position is either distinguishable by a feeling of operation or visually distinguishable, the operator is enabled to appositely and accurately obtain information on the position of the camera mount, thereby attaining a high degree of usability.
A panhead device includes a base, a support mount which is movably supported by the base to place a camera thereon, a driving mechanism for driving the support mount in at least one of a panning direction and a tilting direction, a controller for controlling the driving mechanism to cause the support mount to be moved in a predetermined direction, and a clutch mechanism, disposed inside the driving mechanism, for transmitting and blocking a driving force.
5
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a low-porosity cement and methods for making same. More particularly, this invention relates to methods for producing low porosity cement from a gypsum-free hydraulic cement which includes alkali bicarbonates and lignosulfonates and gives cement pastes having an extended set time, reduced expansion due to alkali aggregate reactions and other benefits. Cements are produced by calcining suitable raw materials, generally a mixture of calcareous and argillaceous materials, to produce a sintered "clinker." Portland types are by far the most important cements in terms of quantity produced. The clinker is conventionally mixed with small amounts of gypsum, i.e., up to about 9%, and ground, usually in some type of ball mill, to a finely divided state having a relatively large surface area to yield the finished cement. The ground clinker containing gypsum is mixed with the proper amount of water to form a paste. Properly made cement pastes set within a few hours and then harden slowly. Cement pastes are combined with aggregates, either fine aggregates or sand to produce mortars or larger aggregates as gravel, stone and the like to produce concrete. The paste acts as the cementing material and its composition has a decisive effect on the strength and other properties of the resultant mortar or concrete. One of the main factors that determine the properties of hardened cement pastes and, consequently of mortar and concrete, is the water-to-cement ratio of the fresh mix. The lower the water-to-cement ratio the higher the strength, lower the shrinkage, and better the frost and corrosion resistance. The desirability of having a low water-to-cement ratio, the conventional practice being normally between about 0.4 and 0.6, is to obtain a concrete or mortar having minimum shrinkage and increased ultimate strength. However, simply lowering the water-to-cement ratio of conventional portland cements is not the answer. Thus, unfortunately the fact that a decrease of the water content improves the properties of the hardened concrete can be used only to a limited degree as a decrease of the water content results simultaneously in a deterioration of the workability of the concrete mix. The requirements for sufficient workability of the fresh concrete mix are the reasons for the fact that the water content of concrete mixes used in practical applications lies far above the amount that is needed for complete hydration of cement. While the amount of water needed for complete hydration of cement is stated to be about 22-23%, the lowest amount of water used in conventional concrete practice lies in the vicinity of 40% and usually range between 45% and 80%. Even through the use of conventional water reducers (mainly lignosulfonate from spent sulfite pulping liquors), a water reduction of only about 10% of the water added is possible. The water remaining in the concrete mix made from ordinary cement is still far above the requirements needed for complete hydration of the cement. Thus, if the water content could be further reduced without deterioration of the workability or without introducing other detriments, a significant gain in strength and an improvement of some other properties of the hardened concrete could be reached. 2. The Prior Art Efforts to produce low porosity cements by reduction of water-to-cement ratio have been long attempted. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,174,051 to Winkler teaches that an increase in strength is obtained with a low water-to-cement ratio and that certain organic compounds such as tartaric acid, citric acid and the like may be added to regulate the setting time. U.S. Pat. No. 2,374,581 to Brown teaches that small amounts of tartaric acid, tartartes and bicarbonates may be added to ordinary (gypsum containing) portland cement at conventional water-to-cement ratios to retard the rate of set at high temperatures in the cementing of oil wells. U.S. Pat. No. 2,646,360 to Lea teaches that an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal lignin sulfonate and an alkali metal salt of an inorganic acid (e.g., sodium carbonate) may be added to a gypsum containing cement slurry to reduce water loss and thus the amount of water initially needed. U.S. Pat. No. 3,118,779 to Leonard, on the other hand, teaches that sodium bicarbonate when added to a portland cement-Type III (containing gypsum) without lignin being present acts as an accelerator. U.S. Pat. No. 3,689,296 to Landry teaches that formaldehyde modified calcium lignosulfonates may be used in portland cements to replace all or part of the gypsum usually added and the amount of water required for a mix of a given degree of fluidity is reduced. U.S. Pat. No. 3,689,294 to Braunauer reflects more recent effort to produce low porosity cements by grinding portland-type cements without gypsum to a specific surface area between 6,000 - 9,000 Blaine (cm. 2 /gm.) and mixing with alkali or alkaline earth lignosulfonate, alkali carbonate and water. U.S. Pat. No. 3,782,984 to Allemand et al. teaches that the addition of 0.5 to 5% of alkali metal bicarbonates to portland-type cements accelerates the setting time. The French publication Les Adjuvants Du Ciment edited by Albert Joisel (Soisy, France 1973 published by the author) at page 102 teaches that sodium bicarbonate in ordinary portland cement is a retarder and again at page 132 that sodium bicarbonate may be added to portland cement with gypsum in the usual way. The above-described prior art is intended as exemplary and not inclusive of all low porosity cement art. It is, therefore, a general object of this invention to provide processes for making an improved low porosity, free-flowing cement paste. Another object of this invention is to provide concretes and mortars containing a high strength, low porosity portland cement without gypsum with improved workability, extended set time and reduced expansion due to alkali aggregate reactions. A further object of this invention is to provide an improved low porosity, free-flowing cement by including sodium bicarbonate as an additive. Other objects, features and advantages of this invention will become evident from the following detailed description of the invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A process is disclosed for making low-porosity, free-flowing cement pastes which includes as one embodiment the mixing scheme of combining ground hydraulic cement without gypsum with from 0.1 to about 1.0% of an alkali or alkaline earth lignosulfonate or sulfonated lignin, and with 0.1 to 2.0% of alkali bicarbonate, and combining with 20 to 40% water. In an alternative embodiment, the alkali bicarbonate is blended with the cement and the lignin is added to the mix water and then the two combined. These processes show the desirability of using alkali bicarbonates in low porosity cement rather than alkali carbonates. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The cement to which this invention is applicable is "hydraulic cements." Hydraulic cements include, but are not limited to, the portland cements, the natural cements, the white cements, the aluminous cements, the grappies cements, the hydraulic limes, and the pozzolanic cements including thos derived from industrial slags. The hydraulic cement which is most widely used is portland cement. Clinkers of the above-described types are ground to 3,500 cm. 2 /gm. and finer, e.g., up to 9,000 cm. 2 /gm. To assist in obtaining the desired fineness, it is common practice in the cement industry to employ grinding aids which increase the efficiency of the grinding operations. Satisfactory grinding aids include, among others, water-soluble polyols such as ethylene glycols, polyethylene glycols, as well as, other watersoluble diols. The grinding aids are generally added to the clinker in an amount of from 0.005 to 1.0% based on weight of cement, and the ground cement may include a pack set inhibitor. Additional examples of grinding aids may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,615,785 and 3,689,294. Although grinding aids are typically used to make the cement, they do not form a part of the present invention. The process of the present invention thus starts with a ground hydraulic cement without gypsum. Using the process of this invention, low porosity mortars and concretes may be made from the cement pastes. As used herein, the term "low porosity" cement is defined as a free-flowing and workable cement paste having a water-to-cement (w/c) ratio of below 0.40 down to about 0.2, with workable mortars and concrete preferably from 0.35 down to 0.25 w/c ratio. The hydraulic cement without gypsum in one embodiment of the process is combined with from 0.1 to about 1.0%, preferably 0.3 to 0.8%, based on the weight of dry ground cement of an alkali or alkaline earth lignosulfonate or alkaline earth sulfonated lignin. The lignosulfonates are obtained as byproducts from sulfite pulping of woody materials. The waste liquors from such pulping contain large quantities of lignin and lignin products in conjunction with other materials. The sulfonated lignins, on the other hand, are produced by reacting lignins obtained from alkali pulping, acid hydrolysis or other known recovery process with an inorganic sulfite, e.g., sodium sulfite, whereby sulfonate groups are added to the lignin. For use in this invention, any of the various water-soluble sulfonated lignins or lignosulfonates may be employed. It is preferable, however, to utilize sulfonated lignins which are free of carbohydrate materials. Sulfonated lignins obtained from reaction of sulfites with alkali lignin do not contain any appreciable amounts of these carbohydrates and consequently may be employed as is. The sulfonated lignins may be converted into water-soluble alkaline earth salts, and used as such, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,141,570. In the alternative embodiments of the process, the sulfonated lignin may be combined with the ground cement or with the mix water or a portion of the sulfonated lignin may be added to the cement and a portion added in the mix water. No essential differences in results are observed when using any of these procedures. Therefore, a portion of the lignin may be combined with the ground cement and the remaining portion added to the mix water. An alkali bicarbonate in the amount of 0.3 to 2.0%, preferably 0.7 to 1.5%, by weight based on the dry cement is employed. Sodium bicarbonate is preferred. It is unimportant how the bicarbonate is added, such as by straight inclusion of a bicarbonate or by adding soda ash and carbonating. It was found that when the alkali bicarbonate was used an unexpected increase in set time and workability over the use of alkali carbonate is obtained at water-to-cement ratios below 0.4. The amount of water used is 20 to 40% by weight based on dry cement or a water-to-cement ratio (w/c) of 0.4 to 0.2. It may also be desirable in some cases to add a third component to the low porosity system to obtain substantial lengthening of the plastic period for mortars and concretes while still having adequate one-day compressive strengths. These components used in small amounts, for example, 0.1% - 0.2%, are primarily of two classes of materials; surfactants and conventional water reducer/set retarders. Anionic surfactants may include the sodium salt of sulfonated alkalidiphenyloxide, while nonionic surfactants include polyethylene glycol and the like. Materials of the water reducer/set retarder class include carbohydrates like wood molasses sucrose, dextrose, and hydroxy acids like sodium gluconate. Typical air detraining agents, such as tributyl phosphate, may also be used to advantage in low porosity systems. Another important aspect of this invention is that it was found that the addition of alkali bicarbonate substantially reduces the potential for the alkali-aggregate reaction that take places when alkali (NaOH) is formed in the cement. The potential expansion when using an alkali carbonate and bicarbonate in low porosity systems was measured using a highly reactive aggregate (crushed pyrex glass) according to the procedure outlined in A.S.T.M. C-227. The results demonstrated a reduced expansion of a low porosity mortar prepared with NaHCO 3 when compared to an equivalent Na 2 CO 3 system. In addition, small quantities (0.05-1.5%) of lithium salts decrease the expansion of both alkali carbonate and bicarbonate containing low porosity pyrex glass mortars. The practice of this invention may clearly be seen in the following examples. EXAMPLE 1 This example is to illustrate the lengthened set time of cement paste made using an alkali bicarbonate rather than an alkali carbonate. A Type I portland cement clinker ground to 5,075 cm. 2 /gm. (A.S.T.M. C-204) having the following analysis was used in this example: Clinker %______________________________________SiO.sub.2 21.70Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 6.06Fc.sub.2 O.sub.3 2.51CaO 67.5MgO 0.99Na.sub.2 O 0.06K.sub.2 O 0.28Ignition Loss 0.62Insoluble 0.14______________________________________ The changes in physical properties (set time being the most dramatic) of cement pastes using alkali carbonates and alkali bicarbonates are illustrated in Table I. The amount of sulfonated lignin was held constant at 0.45% by weight based on the cement, and the water-to-cement ratio was 0.25. The amount of alkali carbonate was adjusted to provide equivalent molar quantities of CO 3 = . TABLE I__________________________________________________________________________COMPARISON OF ALKALI CARBONATES AND BICARBONATESON THE PROPERTIES OF LP CEMENT PASTES__________________________________________________________________________ Setting Compressive StrengthRun Type Time (p.s.i.)No. Carbonate % Flow* (Min.) 1 Day 7 Days__________________________________________________________________________1 Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 1.26 4 + 13 10,400 11,6002 NaHCO.sub.3 1.0 4 + 38 10,200 18,9503 K.sub.2 CO.sub.3.sup.. 1.5 H.sub.2 O 1.97 4 12 10,900 13,5004 KHCO.sub.3 1.19 4 + 19 9,600 16,580__________________________________________________________________________ Note: *Arbitrary flow units, see explanation below and are those used in all the examples. The consistencies of the cement pastes shown in Table I are according to the following scale: 1. Paste barely plastic, moves with difficulty even when vibration is applied. 2. Paste plastic but not freely flowing --flows easily when vibration is applied. 3. Paste freely flowing, but thick, can be poured without vibration. 4. Paste easily flowing. The results in Table I demonstrate increases in set time and superior 7-day compressive strength for bicarbonate systems over carbonate systems. EXAMPLE 2 This example demonstrates that the sulfonated lignin may be dry blended or dissolved in the mix water. In this example, a portion of the clinker from Example 1 was ground to a Blaine surface of 4,525 cm. 2 /gm. The mixing scheme designation in Table II denotes mixing all of the components within a set of parentheses and then mixing with the next component or components. For example, Run No. 1 in Table II designates blending the cement (C), the sulfonated alkali lignin (LS) and the alkali carbonate (AC), in this run; the alkali carbonate was sodium bicarbonate, and subsequently mixing the water. The amount of sulfonated lignin was held constant at 0.35% by weight based on the cement, and the water-to-cement ratio was 0.25. TABLE II__________________________________________________________________________EFFECTS OF MIXING SEQUENCE ON THE PROPERTIESOF LP CEMENT PASTES__________________________________________________________________________ Setting Compressive Strength Type Time (p.s.i.)Mixing Scheme Carbonate % Flow (Min.) 1 Day 7 Days__________________________________________________________________________1. (C + LS + AC) + W NaHCO.sub.3 0.80 4 + 32 9,200 17,2502. (C + AC) + (LS + W) NaHCO.sub.3 0.80 4 + 36 10,700 18,350__________________________________________________________________________ The data in Table II clearly demonstrate that the sulfonated lignin may be added to either the mix water or dry blended with the cement without significantly altering the paste properties. EXAMPLE 3 This example further illustrates the superior low porosity cement pastes prepared using NaHCO 3 instead of Na 2 CO 3 from ground cement with varying surface areas using Type I clinkers from various sources. Table III demonstrates the comparative longer set times and higher 7-day compressive strengths for the NaHCO 3 low porosity cement systems. The water-to-cement ratio was 0.25 in each Run. The amount of alkali carbonate was adjusted to provide approximate equivalent molar quantities of CO 3 = for each clinker at each surface area. TABLE III__________________________________________________________________________EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT CLINKER AND SURFACE AREA ONLP CEMENT PASTE PROPERTIES__________________________________________________________________________Surface Setting Compressive StrengthArea Type Time (p.s.i.)ClinkerCm..sup.2 /gm. Carbonate % Flow (Min.) 1 Day 7 Days__________________________________________________________________________B.sup.16,500 NaHCO.sub.3 1.20 4 31 10,100 15,400B.sup.16,500 Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 1.60 4 18 11,700 12,200A.sup.25,650 NaHCO.sub.3 0.60 4 49 7,500 19,550A.sup.25,650 Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 0.76 2 20 10,200 14,050C.sup.34,800 NaHCO.sub.3 1.00 4 + 63 11,800 17,900C.sup.34,800 Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 1.26 4 + 32 12,500 13,200__________________________________________________________________________ Notes: .sup.1 0.80% sulfonated lignin. .sup.2 0.45% sulfonated lignin. .sup.3 0.50% sulfonated lignin. EXAMPLE 4 The use of alkali bicarbonates rather than alkali carbonates also improves the fluidity in cases where marginal fluidity occurs. The examples in Table IV illustrate these points wherein equimolar amounts of CO 3 = were mixed with each of the ground clinkers at each surface area. TABLE IV__________________________________________________________________________FLOW ENHANCEMENT OF LP CEMENT PASTESPREPARED WITH ALKALI BICARBONATES__________________________________________________________________________ CompressiveSurface Setting StrengthArea Type Time (p.s.i.)ClinkerCm..sup.2 /gm. Carbonate % Flow (Min.) 1 Day 7 Days__________________________________________________________________________A.sup.15,650 Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 0.76 1-2 9 8,800 13,150A.sup.15,650 NaHCO.sub.3 0.60 4 35 9,700 18,000C.sup.25,325 Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 1.26 3 13 11,400 13,500C.sup.25,325 NaHCO.sub.3 1.0 4 + 59 12,500 13,350__________________________________________________________________________ Notes: .sup.1 0.45% sulfonated lignin. .sup.2 0.50% sulfonated lignin. These results show that cement pastes made with ground clinkers using sodium bicarbonate had superior flow properties. EXAMPLE 5 Extension of setting times using bicarbonates are also observed if lignosulfonates isolated from sulfite waste liquors are employed. Overall properties are, however, superior if sulfonated alkali lignins are utilized (compare Examples 1-4 with Example 5 below). TABLE V______________________________________COMPARISON OF ALKALI BICARBONATE ANDALKALI CARBONATE WITH A LIGNOSULFONATEDERIVED FROM SULFITE PULPING______________________________________ Setting Compressive StrengthType Time (p.s.i.)Carbonate % Flow (Min.) 1 Day 7 Days______________________________________Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 2 32 10,200 15,250NaHCO.sub.3 2 72 500 7,550______________________________________ EXAMPLE 6 This example clearly shows that a low porosity, ground pyrex glass mortar prepared with NaHCO 3 expands significantly less when compared to the corresponding low porosity mortar using Na 2 CO 3 . Samples C-1 and C-2 in Table VI demonstrate the reduced 14-day and 28-day expansion observed when Na 2 CO 3 is replaced with NaHCO 3 (to give equimolar CO 3 = ) in the low porosity pyrex glass mortar following the procedure outlined in A.S.T.M. C-227. Samples C-3 and C-4 show a significant reduced expansion in both the NaHCO 3 and Na 2 CO 3 low porosity systems when a lithium salt (Li 2 CO 3 ) is incorporated into the ground pyrex mortar. These results illustrate the reduced expansion of a low porosity pyrex mortar when replacing an alkali carbonate with an alkali bicarbonate and also a reduction in expansion of both the Na 2 CO 3 and NaHCO 3 low porosity mortars when a lithium carbonate is incorporated into the mix. TABLE VI______________________________________EXPANSION OF LOW POROSITY PYREXGLASS MORTAR BARS PREPARED WITHVARIOUS ALKALI CARBONATES______________________________________Alkali Expansion, %Sample Carbonate % 14 Days 28 Days______________________________________C-1 NaHCO.sub.3 1.00 0.24 0.32C-2 Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 1.26 0.50 0.56C-3 NaHCO.sub.3 1.00 0.03 0.04 Li.sub.2 CO.sub.3 0.22C-4 Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 1.26 0.01 0.08 Li.sub.2 CO.sub.3 0.22______________________________________ Notes: Glass:Cement = 1.80 0.50% sulfonated lignin w/c = 0.275 EXAMPLE 7 This example serves to illustrate the strength properties of low porosity (LP) mortars obtained using a process of this invention at acceptable water-to-cement ratios compared to ordinary water-to-cement ratios. The mortar was prepared using 2.25 parts fine sand per one part cement. ______________________________________MORTAR RESULTS______________________________________ Compressive Strength (p.s.i.)Cement w/c 1 Day 7 Days______________________________________LP.sup.1 .40 4,200 8,000LP.sup.1 .32 6,000 9,300LP.sup.1 .27 6,000 8,800Type IIIOrdinary .60 2,300 7,100______________________________________ Note: .sup.1 0.50% sulfonated lignin, 1.0% NaHCO.sub.3 The results show that good strength is maintained in the low porosity aggregates. While the invention has been described and illustrated herein by reference to various specific materials, procedures and examples, it is understood that the invention is not restricted to the particular materials, combinations of materials, and procedures selected for that purpose. Numerous variations of such details can be employed, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
A method is disclosed for making low-porosity, free-flowing cement pastes with extended set times, improved workability and reduced expansion due to alkali aggregate reactions by combining hydraulic cements, especially portland-type cements, ground without gypsum with from 0.1 to about 1.0% of an alkali or alkaline earth lignosulfonate or sulfonated lignin, and 0.1 to 2.0% of an alkali bicarbonate, and combining with 20 to 40% water. Mixtures of aggregates with such low-porosity pastes made according to this process produce very workable mortars and concretes with extended set times and upon hardening have reduced expansion.
2
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a metal anticorrosive agent. More specifically, the present invention relates to a water soluble metal anticorrosive agent comprising certain tetrazole compounds or a water soluble salt thereof, and various metal treating compositions containing the water soluble metal anticorrosive agents. 2. Description of the Related Art Component mixtures containing nitrites such as sodium nitride, and alkanolamines such as triethanolamine, and amine salts of p-t-butylbenzoate were previously long used as water soluble metal anticorrosives for ferrous metals. However, although boric acid amine salts, carboxylic acid amine salts and dibasic acid amine salts are used in place of the above anticorrosives from the viewpoint of overcoming the problems of carcinogenesis and safety and health, these compounds are still unsatisfactory in respect to rustproofing abilities and cost. Furthermore in recent years, environmental problems, particularly, problems with respect to waste water treatment, have arisen. On the other hand, although triazoles such as benzotriazole and imidazoles are used for preventing eluation of non-ferrous metals such as copper and copper alloys, and cobalt ions of super-hard alloys, these compounds are also unsatisfactory in respect to rustproofing abilities. The boric acid amine salts, carboxylic acid amine salts and dibasic acid amine salts, which are currently used, are required in high concentrations in order to exhibit rustproofing abilities. This is troublesome in respect to the recent environmental problems, particularly in regards to load in waste water treatment. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION As a result of intensive research performed by the inventors for solving the problems of conventional anticorrosives, the inventors discovered a water soluble metal anticorrosive agent having excellent anticorrosive abilities for not only ferrous metals but also non-ferrous metals such as copper, copper alloys and super-hard alloys, and having stable effects in low concentrations. The present invention relates to a water soluble anticorrosive agent and various metal treating compositions containing a water soluble metal anticorrosive agent comprising a tetrazole compound or a water soluble salt thereof represented by the following formula (1): ##STR2## (wherein R and R' each indicate hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group, a phenyl group, an alkylphenyl group, an amino group, a mercapto group or an alkylmercapto group). The water soluble metal anticorrosive agents of the present invention have excellent rustproofing abilities and exhibit stable effects at a low concentration. The anticorrosive agent is thus economical and allows better treatment of environmental problems, particularly, when used in attempts to decrease the load in water waste treatment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The detail of the present invention is further described below. Examples of the tetrazole compounds represented by formula (1) include 1H-tetrazole, 5-amino-1H-tetrazole, 5-methyl-1H-tetrazole, 1-methyl-5-ethyl-tetrazole, 1-methyl-5-mercapto-tetrazole, 5(2-aminophenyl)-1H-tetrazole, 1-cyclohexyl-5-mercapto-tetrazole, 1-phenyl-5-mercapto-tetrazole, 1- carboxymethyl-5-mercapto-tetrazole, 5-phenyl-1H-tetrazole and the like. The water soluble metal anticorrosive agent of the present invention includes a water soluble salt of a tetrazole of formula (1). The term water soluble salt of a tetrazole of formula (1) here refers to any inorganic and organic salt having a solubility of at least 0.001% by weight, preferably at least 0.01% by weight, in water at room temperature. The water soluble salt of a tetrazole compound of formula (1) can be produced by a known method using an organic nitrogen-containing compound, ammonia and an inorganic salt. Examples of inorganic salts suitable for producing the water soluble salts include oxides, hydroxides or carbonates of alkali metals such as sodium, potassium, lithium, etc., and also alkali earth metals such as barium, calcium, etc. Examples of organic nitrogen-containing compounds include monoamines such as monoalkylamine, dialkylamine, trialkylamine, monocyclohexylamine, dicyclohexylamine and the like; diamines substituted by 1 to 4 alkyl groups, and alkylmonoamines and alkyldiamines having alkyl groups at least one of which has a hydrophilic group such as a hydroxyl group or polyoxyethylene group. Of these amines, it is particularly advantageous to use monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, dimethyl-ethanolamine, diethylethanolamine, monomethylethanolamine, monoethylethanolamine or monobutylethanolamine. The metal anticorrosive agent is added at a concentration of 0.01 to 20% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 5% by weight, in the object system. Although the metal anticorrosive of the present invention can be used alone, it can also be used together with various general additives such as carboxylic acids, dibasic acids, triazoles, imidazoles, thiazoles, surfactants, mineral oil, extreme-pressure additives, inorganic salts, defoaming agents and preservatives. Examples of various carboxylic acids and dibasic acids include caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanoic diacid, C22 diacid. Examples of triazoles, imidazoles and thiazoles include benzotriazole, tolyltriazole, benzoimidazole, mercaptobenzothiazole, dimercaptothiadiazole and the like. Examples of surfactants include anionic surfactants such as fatty amine soap and petroleum sulfonate, nonionic surfactants such as polyhydroxy alcohol fatty acid esters (sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyglycerin fatty acid esters, propylene glycol fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, and the like); polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ethers, long-chain alkyl sulfates, synthetic sulfonates, petroleum sulfonates, fatty acid alkylolamide and the like. Examples of mineral oil include spindle oil, machine oil, cylinder oil, turbine oil and the like. Examples of extreme-pressure additives include chlorinated extreme-pressure additives such as chlorinated paraffin, chlorinated diphenyl, chlorinated fatty acids, chlorinated fatty oils and the like; sulfur-containing extreme-pressure additives such as sulfurized fats and oils, sulfurized olefins, dibenzyldisulfide, dodecyldisulfide, diphenyldisulfide, saturated fatty acid sulfides, dialkyldithiocarbamic acid-metal compounds and the like; and phosphorus-containing extreme-pressure additives such as phosphites, phosphates and the like. Examples of inorganic salts include phosphates, borates and the like. Methods of the present invention are illustrated with reference to the following examples, but the invention is not intended to be limited only thereto. In the examples, "%" is "% by weight" unless otherwise provided. The water soluble metal anticorrosives of the present invention used in the examples are shown in Table 1, and the anticorrosives used as comparative examples are shown in Table 2. EXAMPLE 1 AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1 0.1% each of the water soluble amine salts of tetrazole compounds (1 to 25) of the present invention, and 2.0% each of boric acid amine salts, carboxylic acid amine salts and dibasic acid amine salts (1 to 9) of Comparative Examples were respectively used in tests by a cast iron cuttings dip method, a cast iron specimen semi-dip method, a steel plate full dip testing method and a steel plate surface treatment test. The results obtained are shown in Table 2. The operation of each of the methods is as follows: (Cast iron cuttings dip method) Cast iron cuttings (FC-20) of constant mesh obtained by dry cutting were degreased and washed, and then placed in glass Petri dish. A test solution was poured into the Petri dish, the cuttings were left submerged in the solution for a predetermined time, and then the test solution was removed by tilting the Petri dish. The Petri dish was covered, and left to stand at room temperature for 24 hours. The rusting state was then observed. (Cast iron specimen semi-dip method) A cast iron plate (FC-20, 3ร—25ร—60 mm) was placed in a glass container, and a test solution was poured into the container. The plate was then left to stand in a semi-dip state at 40ยฐ C. for 24 hours. The rusting states in the solution, the gas phase portion and the boundary therebetween were observed. (Steel plate full dip method) A steel plate (SPCC-SB, 1ร—25ร—60 mm) which was polished, degreased and washed by conventional methods was dipped in a test solution, and then left to stand at 40ยฐ C. for 168 hours. The rusting state of the specimen was observed. (Steel plate surface treatment method) A steel plate (SPCC-SB, 1ร—60ร—80 mm) which was polished, degreased and washed by conventional methods was dipped in a test solution for 3 seconds, and subjected to a humidity test at 40ยฐ C. and a relative humidity of 95% for 96 hours. The rusting state of the specimen was observed. In these tests, the results were judged on the basis of the following criteria: (Criteria for cast iron specimen semi-dip method) โŠš . . . no rusting โˆ˜ . . . slight spot rusting ฮ” . . . spot rusting x . . . rusting x x . . . significant rusting (Criteria for steel plate surface treatment test method (JIS K2246)) A grade . . . Average rusting degree of 0 B grade . . . Average rusting degrees of 1 to 10 C grade . . . Average rusting degrees of 11 to 25 D grade . . . Average rusting degrees of 26 to 50 E grade . . . Average rusting degrees of 51 to 100 EXAMPLES 2 AND 3 AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES 2 and 3 Each of the water soluble anticorrosives of the present invention and the anticorrosives of the Comparative Examples of the types shown in Tables 5 and 7, respectively, was added in the amount shown in the tables to the experimental amine type antifreezing solution having the composition shown in Table 4 and the experimental non-amine type antifreezing solution having the composition shown in Table 6. Each of the resultant mixtures was subjected to the metal corrosion test of an antifreezing solution provided in JIS K 2234 (at 88ยฐยฑ2ยฐ C. for 3336 hours). The results obtained are shown in Tables 5 and 7. EXAMPLE 4 AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 4 The tetrazole compound water soluble amine salts of the present invention, and benzotriazole amine salts and tolyltriazole amine salts of the Comparative Examples,were tested with respect to the rustproofing effects on a steel plate having treated surfaces. The operation method was as follows: A steel plate (C1100P, 0.5ร—60ร—80 mm) which was polished, degreased and washed by conventional methods was dipped in each of test solutions respectively containing 0.03% of the compounds (1 to 25) of the present invention and test solutions respectively containing 0.2% of the compounds (10 to 17) of Comparative Examples for 3 seconds. After air drying, the steel plate was left to stand at 40ยฐ C. and a relative humidity of 95% for 168 hours, and the discoloration state of the specimen was observed. The results obtained are shown in Table 8. EXAMPLE 5 AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 5 The tetrazole compound water soluble amine salts of the present invention, and benzotriazole amine salts and tolyltriazole amine salts of the Comparative Examples were tested with respect to the effect of preventing eluation of cobalt ions. The operation method was as follows: A 3% aqueous solution of the experimental sample described below was first prepared, and 0.03% each of the compounds of the present invention (1 to 25) and 0.2% each of the compounds of the Comparative Examples (10 to 17) were respectively added to the solution to form test solutions. 5 g of metal cobalt powder were added to 100 ml of test solution and shaken at 40ยฐ C. for 96 hours, and the test solution was then filtered by using a No. 5A filter. The outer appearance of the filtrate was observed, and the cobalt ion concentration was measured. The cobalt ion concentration was measured by an atomic absorption method. The results obtained are shown in Table 9. ______________________________________Components of experimental Compoundingsample amount______________________________________Sebacic acid 10 (wt/wt %)Boric acid 10Diethanolamine 17Triethanolamine 13Water 50______________________________________ TABLE 1______________________________________ Water soluble metal anticorrosives of the present inventionNo. used in Experiments______________________________________1 1H-tetrazole-monoethanolamine2 5-amino-1H-tetrazole-diethanolamine3 5-methyl-1H-tetrazole-triethanolamine4 1-methyl-5-ethyl-tetrazole-dimethylethanolamine5 1-methyl-5-mercapto-tetrazole-diethylethanolamine6 5(2-aminophenyl)-1H-tetrazole-monomethylethanolamine7 1-cyclohexyl-5-mercapto-tetrazole-monoethylethanolamine8 1-phenyl-5-mercapto-tetrazole-monobuthylethanolamine9 1-carboxymethyl-5-mercapto-tetrazole-diethanolamine10 5-amino-1H-tetrazole-triethanolamine11 5-amino-1H-tetrazole-dimethylethanolamine12 5-amino-1H-tetrazole-diethylethanolamine13 5-amino-1H-tetrazole-monomethylethanolamine14 5-amino-1H-tetrazole-monoethylethanolamine15 5-amino-1H-tetrazole-monobutylethanolamine16 5-amino-1H-tetrazole-sodium salt17 5-amino-1H-tetrazole-potassium salt18 1H-tetrazole-sodium salt19 5-methyl-1H-tetrazole-potassium salt20 1-methyl-5-ethyl-tetrazole-sodium salt21 1-methyl-5-mercapto-tetrazole-potassium salt22 5(2-aminophenyl-1H-tetrazole-potassium salt23 1-cyclohexyl-5-mercapto-tetrazole-potasium salt24 1-phenyl-5-mercapto-tetrazole-potassium salt25 1-carboxymethyl-5-mercapto-tetrazole-potassium salt______________________________________ TABLE 2______________________________________ Water soluble metal anticorrosivesNo. used in Comparative Experiments______________________________________1 boric acid-diethanolamine2 boric acid-sodium salt3 caprylic acid-diethanolamine4 lauric acid-potassium salt5 oleic acid-diethanolamine6 sebacic acid-diethanolamine7 sebacic acid-potassium salt8 dodecanoic diacid-diethanolamine9 dodecanoic diacid-diethylaminoethanolamine10 benzotriazole-diethanolamine11 benzotriazole-triethanolamine12 tolyltriazole-diethanolamine13 tolyltriazole-diethanolamine14 benzotriazole-potassium salt15 benzotriazole-sodium salt16 tolyltriazole-potassium salt17 tolyltriazole-sodium salt______________________________________ TABLE 3______________________________________cast iron cast iron cuttings steel steel platecuttings semi-dip test plate surfacedip test liquid liquid gas full treatmentrusting rate (%) phase level phase dip test test (grade)______________________________________presentinven-tion No. 1 no-rusting โŠš โŠš โŠš no-rusting A 2 " โŠš โŠš โŠš " A 3 " โŠš โŠš โŠš " A 4 " โŠš โŠš โŠš " A 5 " โŠš โŠš โŠš " A 6 " โŠš โŠš โŠš " A 7 " โŠš โŠš โŠš " A 8 " โŠš โŠš โŠš " A 9 " โŠš โŠš โŠš " A10 " โŠš โŠš โŠš " A11 " โŠš โŠš โŠš " A12 " โŠš โŠš โŠš " A13 " โŠš โŠš โŠš " A14 " โŠš โŠš โŠš " A15 " โŠš โŠš โŠš " A16 5% rusting โŠš โŠš โ—ฏ " B17 " โŠš โŠš โ—ฏ " B18 10% rusting โŠš โŠš ฮ” " B19 " โŠš โŠš ฮ” " B20 " โŠš โŠš ฮ” " B21 " โŠš โŠš ฮ” " B22 5% rusting โŠš โŠš ฮ” " B23 " โŠš โŠš ฮ” " B24 " โŠš โŠš ฮ” " B25 " โŠš โŠš ฮ” " Bcom-parativeNo. 1 10% rusting โŠš ฮ” X a sign of C rusting 2 โ‰ง80% rusting ฮ” X XX spot D rusting 3 50% rusting ฮ” X X spot C rusting 4 โ‰ง80% rusting ฮ” X XX 50% D rusting 5 30% rusting โ—ฏ ฮ” X spot C rusting 6 20% rusting โŠš โ—ฏ X a sign of D rusting 7 โ‰ง80% rusting ฮ” X XX spot D rusting 8 20% rusting โŠš โ—ฏ X a sign of C rusting 9 โ‰ง80% rusting ฮ” X XX spot D rustingnot 100% rusting X XX XX 100% Eadded immediately rusting______________________________________ TABLE 4______________________________________experimental amine type antifreezing solutionemployed in anticorrosive testcomponent formulated amount (%)______________________________________MBT-Na 0.28ortho-phosphoric acid 0.41sodium nitrate 0.14benzotriazole 0.01triethanolamine 1.93diethanolamine 1.22water 4.15ethyleneglycol 92.00______________________________________ TABLE 5______________________________________anticorrosive test of experimental amine typeantifreezing solution (88 ยฑ 2ยฐ C. ร— 336 hrs)added change of mass of steel specimen (mg/cm.sup.2)amount cast(%) aluminum iron copper brass solder copper______________________________________presentinven-tion1 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 -0.01 -0.02 -0.02 -0.012 0.01 -0.01 -0.01 -0.01 -0.02 -0.02 -0.013 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 -0.01 -0.02 -0.01 -0.014 0.01 -0.03 -0.01 -0.01 -0.02 -0.02 -0.015 0.01 -0.03 -0.01 -0.01 -0.02 -0.01 -0.016 0.01 -0.03 -0.02 -0.01 -0.03 -0.02 -0.017 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 -0.01 -0.03 -0.02 -0.018 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 -0.01 -0.02 -0.01 -0.019 0.01 -0.02 -0.02 -0.01 -0.02 -0.02 -0.0110 0.01 -0.03 -0.01 -0.01 -0.03 -0.03 -0.0111 0.01 -0.03 -0.01 -0.01 -0.02 -0.02 -0.0112 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 -0.01 -0.01 -0.02 -0.0113 0.01 -0.03 -0.02 -0.02 -0.02 -0.03 -0.0114 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 -0.00 -0.01 -0.02 -0.0115 0.01 -0.01 -0.02 -0.00 -0.02 -0.03 -0.01com-parative1 0.3 -0.06 -0.03 -0.02 -0.05 -0.08 -0.023 0.2 -0.12 -0.02 -0.03 -0.04 -0.07 -0.035 0.2 -0.22 -0.02 -0.02 -0.04 -0.04 -0.036 0.15 -0.09 -0.02 -0.02 -0.04 -0.06 -0.028 0.15 -0.07 -0.02 -0.02 -0.04 -0.05 -0.029 0.1 -0.08 -0.02 -0.02 -0.04 -0.05 -0.02not -- -0.32 -0.42 -0.11 -0.09 -0.22 -0.05added______________________________________ TABLE 6______________________________________experimental non-amine type antifreezing solutionemployed in anticorrosive testcomponent formulated amount (%)______________________________________MBT-Na 0.10ortho-phosphoric acid 0.55sodium nitrate 0.18sodium benzoate 1.00sodium hydroxide 0.44benzotriazole 0.01water 4.72ethyleneglycol 92.00______________________________________ TABLE 7______________________________________anticorrosive test of experimental non-amine typeantifreezing solution (88 ยฑ 2ยฐ C. ร— 336 hrs)added change of mass of steel specimen (mg/cm.sup.2)amount cast(%) aluminum iron copper brass solder copper______________________________________presentinven-tion16 0.05 -0.03 -0.05 -0.02 -0.04 -0.07 -0.0217 0.05 -0.03 -0.04 -0.02 -0.04 -0.08 -0.0218 0.05 -0.03 -0.05 -0.02 -0.05 -0.08 -0.0219 0.05 -0.03 -0.05 -0.02 -0.05 -0.06 -0.0220 0.05 -0.03 -0.04 -0.02 -0.05 -0.06 -0.0221 0.05 -0.04 -0.04 -0.03 -0.03 -0.06 -0.0222 0.05 -0.03 -0.04 -0.03 -0.03 -0.04 -0.0223 0.05 -0.03 -0.04 -0.03 -0.03 -0.05 -0.0224 0.05 -0.03 -0.03 -0.02 -0.03 -0.04 -0.0225 0.05 -0.03 -0.03 -0.02 -0.03 -0.04 -0.02com-parative2 0.5 -0.10 -0.33 -0.09 -0.11 -0.24 -0.044 0.5 -0.22 -0.35 -0.12 -0.09 -0.26 -0.037 0.3 -0.09 -0.12 -0.08 -0.08 -0.12 -0.03not -- -0.32 -0.62 -0.22 -0.13 -0.32 -0.09added______________________________________ TABLE 8______________________________________ change in color of copper specimen after 40ยฐ C. ร— 95 PHR ร— 168______________________________________ hrspresent inventionNo. 1 no color change 2 " 3 " 4 " 5 " 6 " 7 " 8 " 9 "10 "11 "12 "13 "14 "15 "16 slight change (slight stain, flow mark)17 "18 "19 "20 "21 "22 "23 "24 "25 "comparativeNo.10 no color change11 "12 slight change13 "14 slight change (slight stain, flow mark)15 "16 medium change17 "not added significant change (partially blue-purple or black)______________________________________ TABLE 9______________________________________present invention appearance of filtrate cobalt ionNo. after test concentration______________________________________1 light yellow 402 " 253 " 74 " 235 " 176 " 157 " 108 " 199 " 2210 " 411 " 1012 " 913 " 1114 " 1615 " 1216 " 417 " 718 " 2319 " 2620 " 2921 " 2222 " 1923 " 2524 " 3125 " 2310 red orange 21011 light orange 18012 " 17513 " 12014 " 16615 red orange 23016 " 18917 " 200not added red orange 360______________________________________
A water soluble metal anticorrosive comprising a tetrazole compound or a water soluble salt thereof represented by the following formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R and R' each indicate hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group, a phenyl group, an alkylphenyl group, an amino group, a mercapto group or an alkylmercapto group).
2
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to an improved data processing system, and in particular to a method and apparatus for manipulating data. Still more particularly, the present invention provides a method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for reordering elements in a list of elements. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Data manipulation is a commonly performed process in a data processing system. The data manipulation may take many forms. For example, text may be copied, deleted, inserted, or saved. In other instances, data presented on a graphical user interface (GUI) may be displayed in the form of a list. The list may be ordered in many different ways. For example, the list for a set of files may be alphabetical, by date of modification, by file extension, or by file size. With a list of functions or topics, the elements within this type of list may be placed in alphabetical order, the order in which elements are added, or by categories. [0003] Oftentimes, a user may be allowed to move elements within the element list. This movement of elements within the list is also referred to as ordering or reordering. List reordering is present in many applications. Two examples of applications, which provide list reordering, are Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator. Internet Explorer is a browser program available from Microsoft Corporation, and Netscape Navigator is a browser program available from Netscape Communications Corporation. Both of these programs have lists of languages for the user to prioritize the language in which Web pages are to be displayed. However, these lists only allow single selection. As a result, the user has to move each list element individually to reorder them. Oftentimes, having to reorder multiple elements one at a time can be time consuming and tedious. [0004] Therefore, it would be advantageous to have an improved method and apparatus for reordering elements in a list. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for ordering elements within a set of elements in a list in a data processing system. The set of elements are presented in a list format in a graphical user interface. The present invention waits for a first user input selecting the elements within the set of elements. In response to detecting the first user input, monitoring is performed for a second user input indicating a movement of the elements within the set of elements. In response to detecting the second user input, the elements are automatically reordered within the set of elements based on the user input. In this manner, the elements may be manipulated within the list using a single user input rather that requiring a user input to manipulate each element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0006] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0007] [0007]FIG. 1 a pictorial representation of a data processing system in which the present invention may be implemented in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0008] [0008]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a data processing system in which the present invention may be implemented; [0009] FIGS. 3 A- 3 C are diagrams illustrating movement of multiple list elements in a list in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0010] [0010]FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process used for reordering multiple elements in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0011] [0011]FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process used for moving list elements upward in a list in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0012] [0012]FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process used for determining whether selected elements can be moved up in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0013] [0013]FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process used for moving list elements downward in a list in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and [0014] [0014]FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process used for determining whether selected elements can be moved down in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0015] With reference now to the figures and in particular with reference to FIG. 1, a pictorial representation of a data processing system in which the present invention may be implemented is depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A computer 100 is depicted which includes a system unit 102 , video display terminal 104 , keyboard 106 , storage devices 108 , which may include floppy drives and other types of permanent and removable storage media, and mouse 110 . Additional input devices may be included with personal computer 100 , such as, for example, a joystick, touchpad, touch screen, trackball, microphone, and the like. Computer 100 can be implemented using any suitable computer, such as an IBM RS/6000 computer or IntelliStation computer, which are products of International Business Machines Corporation, located in Armonk, N.Y. Although the depicted representation shows a computer, other embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in other types of data processing systems, such as a network computer. Computer 100 also preferably includes a graphical user interface (GUI) that may be implemented by means of systems software residing in computer readable media in operation within computer 100 . [0016] With reference now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of a data processing system is shown in which the present invention may be implemented. Data processing system 200 is an example of a computer, such as computer 100 in FIG. 1, in which code or instructions implementing the processes of the present invention may be located. Data processing system 200 employs a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) local bus architecture. Although the depicted example employs a PCI bus, other bus architectures such as Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) and Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) may be used. Processor 202 and main memory 204 are connected to PCI local bus 206 through PCI bridge 208 . PCI bridge 208 also may include an integrated memory controller and cache memory for processor 202 . Additional connections to PCI local bus 206 may be made through direct component interconnection or through add-in boards. In the depicted example, local area network (LAN) adapter 210 , small computer system interface SCSI host bus adapter 212 , and expansion bus interface 214 are connected to PCI local bus 206 by direct component connection. In contrast, audio adapter 216 , graphics adapter 218 , and audio/video adapter 219 are connected to PCI local bus 206 by add-in boards inserted into expansion slots. Expansion bus interface 214 provides a connection for a keyboard and mouse adapter 220 , modem 222 , and additional memory 224 . SCSI host bus adapter 212 provides a connection for hard disk drive 226 , tape drive 228 , and CD-ROM drive 230 . Typical PCI local bus implementations will support three or four PCI expansion slots or add-in connectors. [0017] An operating system runs on processor 202 and is used to coordinate and provide control of various components within data processing system 200 in FIG. 2. The operating system may be a commercially available operating system such as Windows 2000, which is available from Microsoft Corporation. An object oriented programming system such as Java may run in conjunction with the operating system and provides calls to the operating system from Java programs or applications executing on data processing system 200 . โ€œJavaโ€ is a trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. Instructions for the operating system, the object-oriented programming system, and applications or programs are located on storage devices, such as hard disk drive 226 , and may be loaded into main memory 204 for execution by processor 202 . [0018] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardware in FIG. 2 may vary depending on the implementation. Other internal hardware or peripheral devices, such as flash ROM (or equivalent nonvolatile memory) or optical disk drives and the like, may be used in addition to or in place of the hardware depicted in FIG. 2. Also, the processes of the present invention may be applied to a multiprocessor data processing system. [0019] The depicted example in FIG. 2 and above-described examples are not meant to imply architectural limitations. For example, data processing system 200 also may be a notebook computer or hand held computer in addition to taking the form of a PDA. Data processing system 200 also may be a kiosk or a Web appliance. [0020] The processes of the present invention are performed by processor 202 using computer implemented instructions, which may be located in a memory such as, for example, main memory 204 , memory 224 , or in one or more peripheral devices 226 - 230 . [0021] The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for allowing a user to reorder list elements for more than one element at a time through multiple selection. The mechanism of the present invention includes a list of elements in which the user is allowed to reorder or move elements within this list by selecting list elements and then clicking on a control, such as a navigation button, to move or reorder the list items. This navigation button may allow movement of elements in a number of different ways, such as, for example, move up/down one slot, move all the way to the top/bottom. This provides an advantage over current list manipulation systems, which only allow a single selection which means that only one list element can be moved at a time. The mechanism of the present invention allows multiple selections of elements such that multiple list elements may be moved at one time with a single user operation, such as a key stroke or clicking on a button. The elements also may be drag-and-dropped. [0022] With reference now to FIGS. 3 A- 3 C, diagrams illustrating movement of multiple list elements in a list are depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This example shows multiple selections that are spaced out with non-selected list elements in-between the selected list elements, but the mechanism of the present invention also works for consecutively selected elements as well. [0023] In FIG. 3A, window 300 displays elements 302 in which element 304 , element 306 , and element 308 have been selected from elements 302 . The presentation of these three elements are of the elements in an initial state prior to movement or manipulation of these three elements within elements 302 . [0024] Various manipulations of element 304 , element 306 , and element 308 may be made by input from a user. This input may be received or generated through the selection of buttons 310 , 312 , 314 , 316 , 318 , and 320 . Selection of button 310 moves all of the selected elements to the top of the list, while selection of button 312 moves all of the selected elements upward in the list by one slot or position. Selection of button 314 moves all of the selected elements downward by one slot or position. Selection of button 316 moves all of the selected elements to the bottom of the list. Selection of button 318 deletes or removes the selected elements. In this example, selection of sort button 320 sorts all of the elements within elements 302 . Alternatively, the selected elements may be sorted with respect to each other and not to other elements within elements 302 . [0025] In FIG. 3B, element 304 , element 306 , and element 308 have been moved upward by one slot in response to a selection of button 312 . In FIG. 3C, element 304 , element 306 , and element 308 have all been moved to the top of the list with respect to other elements within elements 302 in response to a selection of button 310 . The illustration and explanation of the mechanism of the present invention in FIGS. 3 A- 3 C have been provided for purposes of illustrating the mechanism of the present invention and are not meant as a limitation to presentation or movement of elements within a list. [0026] The elements may be moved in any first and second directions within a list other than merely upward or downward as shown in these figures. For example, the elements may be listed horizontally rather than vertically with movement of selected elements being to the left or right with respect to the presentation of the elements. [0027] With reference now to FIG. 4, a flowchart of a process used for reordering multiple elements is depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The process illustrated in FIG. 4 may be implemented in a data processing system, such as data processing system 200 in FIG. 2. This process may be implemented in the form of computer instructions within a program or an operating system. [0028] The process begins by receiving a first set of user inputs selecting a set of list elements (step 400 ). This set of user inputs may be, for example, a selection of the list elements by using a mouse pointer, and a selection of a button on the mouse device and a control button on the keyboard. Next, a second input to move the selected list elements is received (step 402 ). This second input may be, for example, a selection of a control, such as one of buttons 310 , 312 , 314 , or 316 in FIG. 3A. Then, all of the selected list elements are moved in response to the second user input (step 404 ) with the process terminating thereafter. [0029] Turning to FIGS. 5 - 8 , a set of flowcharts illustrating processes used to reorder elements are depicted in accordant with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In these examples, the processes are implemented using Java. With reference now to FIG. 5, a flowchart of a process used for moving list elements upward in a list is depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The process illustrated in FIG. 5 may be implemented in a data processing system, such as data processing system 200 in FIG. 2. [0030] The process begins with a determination as to whether input data is valid (step 500 ). The processes are implemented as code in a programming environment, such as Java. Since this is a static function that is used by many different Java classes, a test is used to ensure that the list and vector passed in are valid input before an operation is performed. If an operation is attempted and the list and vector do not exist or is a null, then a NullPointerException occurs. So, to avoid the case where the list or vector given to the function does not exist (is null), a check is first made, in step 500 , to ensure a null does not exist. The input data includes information to identify which elements are selected for movement as well as the type of movement or manipulation to be performed on the selected elements. If the input data is not valid, the process terminates. Otherwise, a selected list of elements is identified (step 502 ). This list of elements is also referred to as list elements. [0031] Next, a determination is made as to whether the selected list elements can be moved up in the list (step 504 ). A more detailed description of step 504 is found in FIG. 6 below. If the selected list elements cannot be moved up in the list, the process terminates. Otherwise, a determination is made as to whether the selected list elements are to be moved all the way to the top (step 506 ). If the selected list elements are to be moved all the way to the top, the list is examined starting from the bottom of the list to find the next selected list element (step 508 ). Then, a vector representation is removed from the vector for the selected list element (step 510 ). The selected list element is then reinserted at the top of the vector (step 512 ). [0032] A determination is then made as to whether more selected list elements are present to move (step 514 ). If no more selected list elements are present to move, a list is regenerated from the modified vector (step 516 ). Then, the display of the list is updated (step 518 ) with the process terminating thereafter. If more selected elements are present, the process returns to step 508 as described above. [0033] With reference again to step 506 , if the selected list elements are not to be moved all the way to the top, a first movable selected list element in the list is identified, starting from the top and working towards the bottom in this example (step 520 ). Next, a vector representation for the selected list element is swapped with the preceding one (step 522 ). A determination is made as to whether more selected list elements to move are present (step 524 ). If no more selected list elements are present to move, the process proceeds to step 516 as described above. Otherwise, the next selected list element is examined (step 526 ) and the process returns to step 522 as described above. [0034] Turning next to FIG. 6, a flowchart of a process used for determining whether selected elements can be moved up is depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The process illustrated in FIG. 6 is a more detailed description of step 504 in FIG. 5. [0035] The process begins with a determination as to whether input data is valid (step 600 ). If the input data is valid, the selected list elements are identified (step 602 ). A determination is then made as to whether the first selected element also is the first list element (step 604 ). If the first selected element also is the first list element, the next selected element in the list, starting with the first unexamined selected list element, is examined (step 606 ). Next, a determination is made as to whether the selected list element is preceded by an โ€œnon-selectedโ€ element (step 608 ). If the selected list element is not preceded by an โ€œnon-selectedโ€ element, a determination is made as to whether more selected list elements are present (step 610 ). If no more selected list elements are present, a โ€œfalseโ€ is returned (step 612 ) with the process terminating thereafter. [0036] Turning back to step 600 , if the input data is not valid, the process proceeds to step 612 as described above. With reference again to step 604 if the first selected list element is not the first list element, a โ€œtrueโ€ is returned, meaning that the selected object can be moved up in the list (step 614 ) with the process terminating thereafter. With reference again to step 608 , if the selected list element is preceded by โ€œnon-selectedโ€ elements the process proceeds to step 614 as described above. Turning back to step 610 , if additional selected elements are present, the process returns to step 606 as described above. [0037] Basically, the process examines each selected element to see if the selected element has an non-selected element directly above it. If the selected element has an non-selected element above it, then the selected list element may be moved above the non-selected element. The code does this by checking the indices, which are ordered, of the selected elements. For example, element at index 4 is selected and the next selected element is at index 6 , then it is known there is one element (at index 5 ) above the selected element at index 6 , which is non-selected. [0038] Turning next to FIG. 7, a flowchart of a process used for moving list elements downward in a list is depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The process illustrated in FIG. 7 may be implemented in a data processing system, such as data processing system 200 in FIG. 2. [0039] The process begins with a determination as to whether input data is valid (step 700 ). The input data includes information to identify which elements are selected for movement as well as the type of movement or manipulation to be performed on the selected elements. If the input data is not valid, the process terminates. Otherwise, a selected list of elements is identified (step 702 ). This list of elements is also referred to as list elements. [0040] Next, a determination is then made as to whether the selected list elements can be moved down in the list (step 704 ). If the selected list elements cannot be moved down in the list, the process terminates. Otherwise, a determination is made as to whether the selected list elements are to be moved all the way to the bottom (step 706 ). If the selected list elements are to be moved all the way to the bottom, starting from the top of the list to find the next unexamined selected list element, the next unexamined selected list element is examined (step 708 ). Then, a vector representation is removed from the vector for the selected list element (step 710 ). The selected list element is then reinserted at the bottom of the vector (step 712 ). [0041] A determination is then made as to whether more selected list elements are present to move (step 714 ). If additional selected list elements are not present to move, a list is regenerated from the modified vector (step 716 ). The display of the list is updated (step 718 ) with the process terminating thereafter. If additional selected list elements are present, the process returns to step 708 as described above. [0042] With reference again to step 706 , if the selected list elements are not to be moved all the way to the bottom, a first movable selected list element in the list is identified (step 720 ). The process starts with the bottom of the list and works back towards the top of the list in this example. Next, a vector representation for the selected list element is swapped with the succeeding one (step 722 ). A determination is made as to whether more selected list elements to move are present (step 724 ). If no more selected list elements are present to move, the process proceeds to step 716 as described above. Otherwise, the next selected list element is examined (step 726 ) and the process returns to step 722 as described above. [0043] Turning next to FIG. 8, a flowchart of a process used for determining whether selected elements can be moved down is depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The process illustrated in FIG. 8 is a more detailed description of step 704 in FIG. 7. [0044] The process begins with a determination as to whether input data is valid (step 800 ). If the input data is valid, the selected list elements are identified (step 802 ). A determination is then made as to whether the last selected element also is the last list element (step 804 ). If the last selected element also is the last list element, the next selected element in the list, starting with the first unexamined selected list element is examined (step 806 ). In this example, the process works on elements from the bottom of the list towards the top of the list. [0045] Next, a determination is made as to whether the selected list element is followed by an โ€œnon-selectedโ€ element (step 808 ). If the selected list element is not followed by an โ€œnon-selectedโ€ element, a determination is made as to whether more selected list elements, excluding the last one, are present (step 810 ). If no more selected list elements are present, a โ€œfalseโ€ is returned (step 812 ) with the process terminating thereafter. [0046] Turning back to step 800 , if the input data is not valid, the process proceeds to step 812 as described above. With reference again to step 804 if the last selected list element is not the last list element, a โ€œtrueโ€ is returned (selected object can be moved down) (step 814 ) with the process terminating thereafter. With reference again to step 808 , if the selected list element is followed by โ€œnon-selectedโ€ elements the process proceeds to step 814 as described above. Turning back to step 810 , if additional selected elements are present, the process returns to step 806 as described above. [0047] Thus, the present invention provides an improved method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for moving or reordering elements in a list by allowing multiple selection to be utilized. As described above, the mechanism of the present invention has an advantage of allowing the user to move list elements more easily and naturally. The ease of use comes from using a single input, such as, for example, one click or keystroke, to move many list elements as opposed to having to use a user input, such as one click, to move each of the list elements individually. For example, the present invention allows one click to move ten items as opposed to ten clicks to move the ten items one at a time with the currently available processes. The more natural list operation is most evident when using move all the way to one end of a list movements, such as top/bottom or left/right. Given multiple selections, the relative order of the selected items is preserved (โ€œfourโ€ was ahead of โ€œoneโ€ in the initial list in FIG. 3A, and it remained so after the move to the top operation shown in FIG. 3C). Using the move to the top operation on individual elements would require the user to do this on the last element first to preserve the initial relative ordering in the end (the user would have to move โ€œthreeโ€ all the way to the top, then โ€œoneโ€ and finally โ€œfourโ€ to preserve the initial ordering). This is counterintuitive to most users who are not used to thinking about multiple level moves/sorts where the least significant operation must be done first and the most significant operation done last. [0048] It is important to note that while the present invention has been described in the context of a fully functioning data processing system, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the processes of the present invention are capable of being distributed in the form of a computer readable medium of instructions and a variety of forms and that the present invention applies equally regardless of the particular type of signal bearing media actually used to carry out the distribution. Examples of computer readable media include recordable-type media such a floppy disc, a hard disk drive, a RAM, CD-ROMs, and transmission-type media such as digital and analog communications links. [0049] The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, although the description of the process flows are directed towards Java, the processes may be implemented in many other types of programming languages, such as C. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
A method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for ordering multiple elements within a set of elements in a list in a data processing system. The set of elements are presented in a list format in a graphical user interface. The present invention waits for a first user input selecting the elements within the set of elements. In response to detecting the first user input, monitoring is performed for a second user input indicating a movement of the selected elements within the set of elements. In response to detecting the second user input, the selected elements are automatically reordered within the set of elements based on the user input. In this manner, the elements may be manipulated within the list using a single user input rather that requiring a user input to manipulate each element individually.
8
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Technical Field [0002] The present invention pertains to firearms and firearm training devices. In particular, the present invention pertains to a firearm monitoring device that senses the position of a user hand or trigger finger relative to the firearm trigger. In the case of a training application or embodiment, the monitoring device produces an alarm in response to detecting incorrect handling of the firearm (e.g., incorrect position of the user hand or trigger finger relative to the firearm trigger). When employed with an actual firearm, the monitoring device may alternatively transmit a warning message in response to detection of the user hand or trigger finger near the firearm trigger to notify personnel associated with the user (e.g., law enforcement, military, etc.) that the user is in a situation likely to result in discharge of the user firearm (e.g., accidental discharge when the user hand or finger placement is unintentional, combat, shootout, engaging a dangerous suspect, etc.). [0003] 2. Discussion of Related Art [0004] Several police officers and civilians are injured or killed by accidental discharges from firearms each year. Many of these accidental discharges can be traced to improper placement of the trigger finger when the firearm is drawn or used to cover an individual. The trigger finger should always be placed outside the trigger guard of the firearm until the shooter is ready to pull the trigger and actuate the firearm. Ideally, the trigger finger should rest parallel to the barrel just above the trigger guard. Although this proper placement is emphasized during firearm training, numerous poor habits may develop for several reasons. For example, a plastic training weapon is typically employed to simulate an actual firearm during defensive tactics training (e.g., self defense, hand to hand combat, etc.). When the firearm is used as a blunt object or striking weapon for defensive tactics, the most comfortable place for the trigger finger is inside the trigger guard. Since the plastic training device does not actually discharge, this placement does not seem dangerous. However, the problem develops when this technique is transferred to an actual weapon that may discharge. For example, when a police officer is utilizing a firearm to guard a suspect with the officer trigger finger placed inside the trigger guard, there is a great risk of an accidental discharge. [0005] Further, a phenomenon exists, commonly referred to as โ€œsympathetic reflexโ€, where one hand performs a gripping motion or grips an object and the other hand tends to perform the same action unless commanded to conduct a different task. Thus, if an officer with a firearm drawn grabs at a suspect with one hand while the other hand or finger is placed within the trigger guard, the trigger quite possibly may be actuated consequently discharging the firearm. [0006] Moreover, poor habits may be developed on a shooting range. In particular, most shooting courses utilized by law enforcement provide timed exercises or drills with the elapsed time starting the moment a target faces a shooter. The shooter subsequently draws a firearm and fires a set amount of rounds into the target in the allotted time interval (e.g., three shots/four seconds, etc.). Due to the time constraints and point system utilized by these types of exercises in combination with the certainty of actuating the firearm (unlike the majority of real world scenarios), many shooters place their trigger finger into the trigger guard while the firearm is brought to the ready position. These actions result in an incorrect technique since the trigger finger should only enter the trigger guard when the shooter is ready to shoot. [0007] In addition, a firearm user may intentionally or unintentionally position their hand or finger into the firearm trigger guard. This action produces a situation containing high physical risk to the user and bystanders since discharge of the firearm is likely. However, the risk is often unapparent to those affected, or unknown to others that may be able to lend assistance to diffuse the situation (e.g., law enforcement officers in the field, police dispatch, military, etc.). OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to monitor handling of a firearm. [0009] It is another object of the present invention to detect and indicate improper handling of a firearm during firearm training. [0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to alert shooters, firearm training instructors or other parties when a shooter trigger finger is placed near the firearm trigger. [0011] Still another object of the present invention is to employ a firearm monitoring device that trains users to handle a firearm with proper technique. [0012] A further object of the present invention is to detect and indicate the proper position of a user trigger finger relative to a firearm trigger guard during firearm training. [0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to monitor user handling of a firearm and transmit a warning message in response to determining that the user is engaged in a situation likely to result in discharge of the firearm (e.g., accidental discharge when the user hand or finger placement is unintentional, combat, shootout, engaging a dangerous suspect, etc.). [0014] Still another object of the present invention is to monitor user handling of a firearm and provide a warning message to affiliated personnel (e.g., law enforcement, military, etc.) in response to detecting placement of the user hand or finger near the firearm trigger. [0015] The aforesaid objects may be achieved individually and/or in combination, and it is not intended that the present invention be construed as requiring two or more of the objects to be combined unless expressly required by the claims attached hereto. [0016] According to the present invention, a firearm monitoring system senses the position of a user hand or trigger finger on a weapon and generates a warning, status or control signal when the position of a user finger is in the proximity of a weapon trigger (e.g., the trigger of an actual weapon, training weapon, or other trigger actuated device). The present invention ensures generation of the warning signal in response to actuation or โ€œfiringโ€ of the weapon or device, either intentionally or unintentionally, based on the detected position of interest. One embodiment of the present invention system generates and conditions an excitation stimulus (e.g., that is interrupted or modified by the presence of a finger or trigger actuator), drives a finger position sensor with the excitation stimulus, detects the position of the user finger through a change in the output of the finger position sensor (e.g., detects a change in the excitation stimulus, while rejecting sources of noise external to the system, and conditions an electrical output that varies with a change in the stimulus), and generates a signal with timing properties appropriate for the input requirements of a downstream warning, recording, notification, or control system (e.g., sighting system with laser transmission (e.g., red-dot), radio unit, etc.). The generation of the excitation stimulus may be performed by a modulator to generate a signal that the finger position sensor may discern from noise in the environment. In this embodiment, the sensor is employed within or near the region of the trigger guard and positioned and oriented to detect the presence of an object or finger penetrating the plane of the trigger guard. [0017] Another embodiment of the present invention utilizes a set of sensors to detect the placement of a user trigger finger relative to the trigger. In addition, various types of output alarms may be utilized (e.g., visual and audio alarms, etc.), or the alarm event may be transmitted and/or logged. For example, a warning message may be transmitted to affiliated personnel (e.g., law enforcement or a police dispatch, military, etc.) to automatically request assistance for the firearm user (e.g., police officer, soldier, etc.). [0018] The above and still further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of specific embodiments thereof, particularly when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals in the various figures are utilized to designate like components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] FIG. 1 is a view in elevation of an exemplary firearm employing the firearm monitoring system according to the present invention. [0020] FIG. 2 is an electrical schematic diagram of the control circuitry of the firearm monitoring system of FIG. 1 . [0021] FIG. 3 is an electrical schematic diagram of the timing circuitry of the firearm monitoring system of FIG. 1 for driving an alarm unit or other device (e.g., laser sighting system, radio unit, etc.). [0022] FIG. 4 is a view in elevation of an exemplary firearm employing an alternative embodiment of the firearm monitoring system according to the present invention. [0023] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the control circuitry of the firearm monitoring system of FIG. 4 . [0024] FIG. 6 is an electrical schematic diagram of the detection control circuit of the firearm monitoring system of FIG. 4 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0025] An exemplary firearm employing a firearm monitoring system according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 . The firearm monitoring system senses the position of a user hand or trigger finger and produces an alarm in response to detecting the trigger finger in the proximity of the trigger. In the case of a training application or embodiment, the monitoring system produces an alarm in response to detecting incorrect handling of the firearm (e.g., incorrect position of the user hand or trigger finger relative to the firearm trigger). When employed with an actual firearm, the monitoring system may alternatively transmit a warning message in response to detection of the user hand or trigger finger near the firearm trigger to notify personnel associated with the user (e.g., law enforcement, military, etc.) that the user is in a situation likely to result in discharge of the user firearm (e.g., accidental discharge when the user hand or finger placement is unintentional, combat, shootout, engaging a dangerous suspect, etc.). [0026] Specifically, firearm monitoring system 100 includes a light source 12 , a circuit board 14 including control circuitry, a power source or battery 15 , a tubular member 16 , a light detector 17 and an alarm unit 18 . By way of example only, firearm 6 is implemented by a conventional hand-gun and includes a barrel 8 , a hammer 9 , a trigger 10 disposed within a trigger guard 11 and a grip 19 . Further, the firearm monitoring system may include or be coupled to a conventional laser sighting system 90 and/or a radio unit 94 . The laser sighting system may be disposed above barrel 8 to project a laser beam indicating a potential impact location due to firearm actuation. The radio unit (and associated circuitry) may be disposed within firearm 6 adjacent alarm unit 18 or, alternatively, may be disposed within a firearm accessory, such as laser sighting system 90 , to transmit a warning message or distress signal as described below. The radio unit is preferably implemented by a conventional low power transmitting device (e.g., for short distance transmissions) with suitable dimensions for placement within the firearm or a firearm accessory (e.g., laser sighting system, etc.), but may be implemented by any suitable conventional or other radio, transmitting and/or transceiving device. In any event, the firearm may be implemented by any conventional actual or mock firearms (e.g., hand-gun, rifle, shotgun, etc.). [0027] Light source 12 is disposed within the upper distal portion of trigger guard 11 and is oriented to transmit a light beam into an interior area 13 of the trigger guard. The light source is preferably implemented by a conventional infrared (IR) light emitting diode (LED) producing a non-visible light beam, but may be implemented by any suitable light or other energy source (e.g., laser, sound, RF, magnetic, etc.). Light source 12 is coupled to and controlled by control circuitry on circuit board 14 . The circuit board receives and distributes power from power source or battery 15 . [0028] Tubular member 16 is disposed within an intermediate portion of trigger 10 , preferably in the forward or distal face of the trigger, and is positioned and geometrically oriented with respect to light source 12 to receive the light beam generated by the light source while rejecting sources of light noise and interference (e.g., indirect or extraneous light emissions, etc.). Light detector 17 is disposed at the proximal end of the tubular member to detect the received light beam from light source 12 . The light detector is preferably implemented by a conventional infrared (IR) light detector, but may be implemented by any suitable light or other energy detector (e.g., laser, sound, RF, magnetic, etc.). [0029] The tubular member may be constructed of any suitable materials, and is typically hollow or includes a channel (not shown) of sufficient dimensions to enable a light beam from light source 12 to pass therethrough for detection by light detector 17 . The tubular member is disposed within the firearm and extends from trigger 10 through firearm grip 19 toward circuit board 14 . The interior of the tubular member is preferably dark in color or black. This enables the tubular member to reject or absorb environmental light emissions from extraneous sources, thereby allowing light emitted by light source 12 to pass from the entrance of the tubular member to light detector 17 disposed at the tubular member proximal end as described above. [0030] The light source and tubular member (and, hence, light detector 17 ) are disposed at opposing sides of trigger guard internal area 13 to provide and detect the presence of a light beam transmitted across that area, thereby enabling detection of the presence of a user finger. In particular, the positioning and alignment of the tubular member with the light source enables a significant portion of light energy reaching the light detector to be interrupted by the presence of a user finger or other mechanical obstruction within internal area 13 of trigger guard 11 . The change in light energy reaching light detector 17 results in a change in the electrical output of the light detector. Control circuitry of circuit board 14 detects this change in the light detector output, generates output timings appropriate for alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 and/or radio unit 94 , and drives the alarm unit, laser sighting system and/or radio unit to indicate the detected condition as described below. [0031] Alarm unit 18 is preferably implemented by a buzzer, but may be implemented by any suitable audio and/or visual indicator (e.g., LED, buzzer, speaker, display, etc.). The alarm unit is disposed at the proximal end of the firearm toward hammer 9 and is coupled to circuit board 14 . When a user incorrectly handles firearm 6 during training by prematurely placing a user finger in the trigger guard, the finger placement interrupts a light beam transmitted from light source 12 toward tubular member 16 (and, hence, light detector 17 ) as described above. This beam interruption is detected by the control circuitry and an alarm may be produced by alarm unit 18 to indicate improper handling of the firearm. Further, the firearm monitoring system may actuate laser sighting system 90 to produce a laser transmission (e.g., red-dot, etc.) to indicate improper handling of the firearm during training (e.g., improper placement of the user trigger finger, etc.). The laser sighting system is coupled to circuit board 14 . [0032] When employed with an actual firearm, the monitoring system may alternatively transmit a warning message or distress signal in response to detection of the user hand or trigger finger near the firearm trigger to notify personnel associated with the user (e.g., law enforcement, military, etc.) that the user is in a situation likely to result in discharge of the user firearm (e.g., accidental discharge when the user hand or finger placement is unintentional, combat, shootout, engaging a dangerous suspect, etc.). In this case, radio unit 94 relays a warning message or distress signal to affiliated personnel of the user (e.g., law enforcement, military, etc.) to indicate that the user is in a situation likely to result in discharge of the firearm. The message or signal is preferably in the form of, or includes, a digital or other code identifying the situation, but may include any desired information. For example, radio unit 94 may transmit a warning message to police radio equipment (e.g., in a nearby vehicle) for forwarding to a police dispatch (e.g., dispatch communications equipment) or other officer radio units in order to enable police to send assistance. The radio unit is coupled to circuit board 14 . [0033] Firearm 6 may be implemented as a mock or training firearm with the components of the firearm monitoring system (e.g., light source 12 , tubular member 16 , light detector 17 , circuit board 14 , battery 15 , alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 , etc.) mounted on and/or within the firearm components (e.g., trigger 10 , trigger guard 11 , grip 19 , etc.) in the manner described above, and/or mounted on external surfaces of and/or adjacent corresponding firearm components (e.g., trigger 10 , trigger guard 11 , grip 19 , etc.) to detect the presence of a user finger within the trigger guard area in the manner described above (e.g., with the light source and tubular member aligned, etc.). Alternatively, the firearm monitoring system components (e.g., light source 12 , tubular member 16 , light detector 17 , circuit board 14 , battery 15 , alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 , radio unit 94 , etc.) may be mounted on external (and/or internal) surfaces of, and/or adjacent corresponding components of, an actual firearm or other weapon (e.g., trigger 10 , trigger guard 11 , grip 19 , etc.) to detect the presence of a user finger within the trigger guard area in the manner described above (e.g., with the light source and tubular member aligned, etc.) to enable monitoring of an actual weapon (e.g., a user may train with their own firearm or other weapon, warning or distress messages may be sent during use of the firearm in the field, etc.). [0034] An exemplary control circuit of circuit board 14 for the firearm monitoring system according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 2 . Control circuit 75 controls light source 12 and processes information from light detector 17 to generate a signal appropriate to drive alarm unit 18 or other device (e.g., laser sighting system 90 , radio unit 94 , warning device, control device, data logging or recording device, etc.). Specifically, control circuit 75 includes a transmission control circuit 71 to control emissions from light source 12 , a reception control circuit 72 to process signals received from the light source and a timing circuit 38 ( FIG. 3 ). Transmission control circuit 71 includes light source (or IR LED) 12 , an oscillator 50 and a buffer 70 . The oscillator includes NAND gates 20 , 21 , resistors 24 , 25 and a capacitor 26 . An input of NAND gate 20 is coupled to a supply voltage 73 (Vcc; e.g., 5V DC) via a resistor 29 , while the other NAND gate input is coupled to resistor 24 disposed within an oscillator feedback path. The output of NAND gate 20 is coupled to the inputs of NAND gate 21 , where the output of NAND gate 21 is coupled to a feedback network including resistors 24 , 25 and capacitor 26 . Resistor 24 is coupled to an input of NAND gate 20 as described above, while resistor 25 is coupled to a junction between NAND gates 20 , 21 and to resistor 24 . Capacitor 26 is disposed between the output of NAND gate 21 and resistor 25 . This feedback configuration is suitable to enable oscillator 50 to produce an output voltage varying at a frequency of approximately 38 KHz. Resistors 24 , 25 and capacitor 26 may include any suitable characteristics (e.g., resistance, capacitance, etc.). [0035] The output of oscillator 50 is coupled to a buffer 70 via a resistor 30 . The buffer includes NAND gates 22 , 23 and a resistor 31 disposed between the NAND gates. The output of oscillator 50 is coupled to the inputs of NAND gate 22 , where the output of NAND gate 22 is coupled to the inputs of NAND gate 23 via resistor 31 . NAND gates 22 , 23 form a buffer and are coupled through a resistor 27 to light source (or a cathode of IR LED) 12 . Resistor 27 may include any suitable characteristics (e.g., resistance, etc.). [0036] NAND gates 20 , 21 , 22 and 23 may be implemented by a conventional single 74C00, 74AHC00, or 74HC00 quad NAND gate CMOS IC device. The quad NAND gate CMOS IC device and light source (or an anode of IR LED) 12 are coupled to and/or powered by supply voltage 73 (Vcc). Resistors 29 , 30 and 31 limit the input current and quad NAND gate CMOS IC device power consumption, and respectively couple inputs of NAND gates 20 , 22 and 23 to the previous stage or appropriate logic level. Resistors 29 , 30 and 31 may include any suitable characteristics (e.g., resistance, etc.). Alternatively, the oscillator and buffer arrangement may be implemented by a conventional 555 timer used and configured as an oscillator to generate the output voltage varying at a frequency of approximately 38 KHz described above. This timer and timer 41 described below for timing and control logic circuitry 38 ( FIG. 3 ) may be implemented on the same chip or integrated circuit in order to reduce the quantity of chips for the implementation. [0037] Reception control circuit 72 includes light detector 17 , an inverting transistor 33 and a transistor switch 34 . Infrared light, produced by light source (or IR LED) 12 and modulated at a frequency of 38 KHz via oscillator 50 , passes through internal area 13 ( FIG. 1 ) of trigger guard 11 for reception by tubular member 16 and energizes light detector or receiver module 17 disposed at the proximal end of the tubular member as described above. The light detector may be implemented by a model type IRM-8601S available from Everlight Electronics Co., Ltd., and is sensitive to a center frequency of 38 Khz to match the frequency of the signal produced by light source (or IR LED) 12 . The output voltage of light detector 17 is coupled to a base of inverting transistor 33 , preferably an NPN type transistor. Inverting transistor 33 forms a voltage inverter with the transistor emitter coupled to ground and the collector coupled to supply voltage 73 (Vcc) via a resistor 35 . Resistor 35 may include any suitable characteristics (e.g., resistance, etc.). The transistor switch is preferably an NPN type transistor with the base coupled to the collector of transistor 33 , the emitter coupled to ground and a collector 37 coupled to supply voltage 73 (Vcc) via an output load or resistor 36 . [0038] If internal area 13 of trigger guard 11 between light source 12 and light detector 17 is unobstructed, the light detector output voltage is sufficient to bias inverting transistor 33 to conduct current from resistor 35 coupled to supply voltage 73 (Vcc) and reduce the voltage at the base of transistor switch 34 to approximately zero volts. This causes the transistor switch to enter an off state and produce a detector high output signal at collector 37 of transistor switch 34 . However, when a user finger or other obstruction is present within internal area 13 of the trigger guard, the light signal transmitted between the light source and light detector is interrupted, thereby causing the voltage provided from light detector 17 to the base of inverting transistor 33 to be reduced to approximately zero volts. Consequently, the collector of inverting transistor 33 transitions to a high voltage, and bias current is supplied to the base of transistor switch 34 from resistor 35 coupled to supply voltage 73 (Vcc). This causes transistor switch 34 to saturate and supply power to output load or resistor 36 , thereby producing a detector active low output signal at collector 37 . Resistor 36 may include any suitable characteristics (e.g., resistance, etc.). Alternatively, alarm unit 18 or other warning device or indicator (e.g., buzzer, annunciator light, laser sighting system 90 , radio unit 94 , etc.) may serve as the output load and be driven by transistor switch 34 for actuation during the interval a user finger is detected within the trigger guard area as described below. [0039] The output load resistance (or resistor 36 ) produces a detector active low output signal (e.g., alert_n as viewed in FIGS. 2-3 ) at collector 37 of transistor switch 34 in response to interruption of the light beam as described above. Collector 37 of transistor switch 34 is coupled to the input of timing and control logic circuitry 38 ( FIG. 3 ) to provide the detector output signal to circuitry 38 and generate alert signals via alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 and/or radio unit 94 . An exemplary timing and control logic circuit 38 of the firearm monitoring system according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 3 . Specifically, circuitry 38 includes a timer 41 and a differentiator 76 . The detector output signal remains active at a low voltage during interruption of the light beam from light source (or IR LED) 12 to light detector 17 as described above. Alert signal timing control is accomplished by initially conditioning the detector output active low signal through differentiator 76 . The differentiator includes a capacitor 39 coupled to collector 37 of transistor switch 34 ( FIG. 2 ) and a resistor 40 coupled between capacitor 39 and supply voltage 73 (Vcc). Capacitor 39 and resistor 40 may include any characteristics (e.g., resistance, capacitance, etc.) sufficient to provide a suitable RC time constant substantially less than the smallest desired alert duration interval, and convert the active low detector output signal to a negative pulse of short duration. [0040] Differentiator 76 is coupled to timer 41 . The timer may be implemented by a 555 timer IC configured in the monostable operating mode, and includes a trigger input 61 , a threshold input 62 , a discharge input 63 and a timer output 64 . This type of device produces a high level logic signal at timer output 64 in response to receiving a sufficient signal on trigger input 61 . The trigger input is activated by a low level signal (e.g., the detector active low output signal as conditioned by differentiator 76 ). The timer output signal remains in the high state until a sufficient signal is received on threshold input 62 . Once this occurs, the timer output signal enters a low state. Alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 and/or radio unit 94 may be coupled to timer 41 , where the timer output signal is utilized to drive the alarm unit, laser sighting system and/or radio unit (e.g., during high level logic states of the timer output: the alarm unit provides an alarm indication; the laser sighting system produces a laser beam or dot; and the radio unit transmits the warning message or distress signal). [0041] Differentiator 76 is coupled to the trigger input of timer 41 , while the timer threshold and discharge inputs are each coupled to supply voltage 73 (Vcc) through a resistor 42 and to ground via a capacitor 43 . Resistor 42 and capacitor 43 may include any suitable characteristics (e.g., resistance, capacitance, etc.). While light detector 17 receives the beam transmitted from light source 12 , a detector high output signal is generated by reception control circuit 72 ( FIG. 2 ) and provided to differentiator 76 as described above. The resulting conditioned signal (e.g., a high signal) produced by differentiator 76 is applied to trigger input 61 of timer 41 . Since this signal is insufficient to trigger timer 41 as described above, the timer produces a low level logic signal at timer output 64 , thereby maintaining alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 and/or radio unit 94 in a disabled state. [0042] However, during interruption of the beam generated by light source 12 (e.g., due to a user finger placed in the trigger guard area), a detector output active low signal is generated by reception control circuit 72 ( FIG. 2 ) and provided to differentiator 76 for conditioning as described above. The resulting short duration or conditioned pulse (e.g., low or negative level) produced by differentiator 76 is applied to trigger input 61 of timer 41 (e.g., with capacitor 43 initially discharged), thereby controlling the timer to produce a high level logic signal at timer output 64 and drive alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 and/or radio unit 94 to provide an alarm or warning indication, a laser beam transmission and/or a warning or distress message transmission, respectively. Capacitor 43 begins charging toward the supply voltage (Vcc) and, upon reaching a sufficient level, provides a suitable signal on threshold input 62 (and discharge input 63 ) to cause timer 41 to produce a low level logic signal at timer output 64 and discharge capacitor 43 (e.g., to initialize the capacitor for the next cycle). The low level logic signal disables alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 and/or radio unit 94 . The timer basically produces a positive pulse that drives alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 and/or radio unit 94 to respectively produce an alarm indication, a laser transmission and a warning message or distress signal transmission during the width of each pulse (e.g., the time interval a generated pulse remains in the high level logic state). The duration of the warning signal or transmission, generated by alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 and/or radio unit 94 , is controlled by the characteristics of resistor 42 and capacitor 43 (e.g., controlling the charge time of the capacitor to trigger the threshold input). A variable resistance may be applied to timer 41 (e.g., resistor 42 may be a variable resistor, etc.) to control the charge time of capacitor 43 and enable adjustment of warning signal durations and transmissions (e.g., from zero (e.g., warning disabled) to several seconds, provide flash or beeps, etc.). [0043] The alarm unit, laser sighting system and/or radio unit may alternatively serve as the output load within reception control circuit 72 and be driven by transistor switch 34 . In this case, the alarm unit, laser sighting system and/or radio unit are actuated during the interval a user finger is detected within the trigger guard area. In addition, the control circuitry may alternatively include a processor (e.g., microprocessor, controller, etc.) to control transmissions by light source 12 , process received signals by light detector 17 , and produce appropriate signals to drive alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 , radio unit 94 and/or other devices (e.g., for a predetermined time interval, during the interval a user finger is detected, etc.). [0044] Operation of the firearm monitoring system is described with reference to FIGS. 1-3 . Initially, transmission control circuit 71 controls light source 12 to transmit a modulated light beam across internal area 13 of trigger guard 11 toward tubular member 16 (and light detector 17 ) as described above. A user grips firearm 6 in an appropriate manner to perform a drill, exercise or other activity for training purposes, or in response to a situation arising when employed in the field. During the training activity, the user handles the firearm in a manner for firearm actuation. The proper procedure is to move the firearm into a ready position for firing with a user finger outside the trigger guard area. In the case of a situation in the field, the user may place the finger appropriately for discharge of the firearm. [0045] While the user maintains the user finger outside the trigger guard area, light detector 17 receives the beam transmitted from light source 12 and a detector high output signal is generated by reception control circuit 72 ( FIG. 2 ) as described above. The detector high output signal is provided to timing circuitry 38 . Since this signal is insufficient to trigger the timing circuitry, the circuitry produces a low level logic signal to maintain alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 and/or radio unit 94 in a disabled state as described above. [0046] However, when the user places a finger in the trigger guard area, the light beam transmitted by light source 12 is interrupted. Reception control circuit 72 senses the change in output from light detector 17 and produces a detector active low output signal that is provided to timing circuitry 38 . The timing circuitry generates an appropriate waveform to drive alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 and/or radio unit 94 to provide a suitable indication (e.g., audio and/or visual, transmission, etc.) of the user finger placed proximate the trigger. This may indicate improper handling of the firearm during a training activity, or a situation in the field likely to result in discharge of the firearm by the user. [0047] An alternative embodiment of the firearm monitoring system is illustrated in FIG. 4 . Specifically, firearm 6 is substantially similar to the firearm described above and, by way of example only, includes barrel 8 , hammer 9 , trigger 10 disposed within trigger guard 11 and grip 19 . Firearm monitoring system 200 is similar to firearm monitoring system 100 described above and includes one or more sensors 80 , a circuit board 92 including sensor control circuitry, power source or battery 15 and alarm unit 18 . Further, the firearm monitoring system may include or be coupled to laser sighting system 90 and/or radio unit 94 . The laser sighting system may be disposed above barrel 8 to project a laser beam indicating a potential impact location due to firearm actuation as described above. The radio unit (and associated circuitry) may be disposed within firearm 6 adjacent alarm unit 18 or, alternatively, may be disposed within a firearm accessory, such as laser sighting system 90 , to transmit a warning message or distress signal as described above. Firearm 6 may alternatively be implemented by any conventional actual or mock firearms (e.g., hand-gun, rifle, shotgun, etc.). [0048] Sensors 80 are disposed within and/or on the interior surface of trigger guard 11 and/or the exterior surface of trigger 10 . The sensors are preferably implemented by conventional pressure or contact sensors and detect contact or pressure applied by a user finger to trigger 10 and/or trigger guard 11 . The sensors may be disposed at any suitable locations within the trigger guard area (e.g., on or within the trigger guard perimeter, trigger, etc.) and be configured to be responsive to any degree of pressure or contact sufficient to detect the presence of a user finger in that area. The sensors are coupled to sensor control circuitry on circuit board 92 . The circuit board receives and distributes power from power source or battery 15 , and processes the output from sensors 80 , generates output timings appropriate for alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 and/or radio unit 94 , and drives the alarm unit, laser sighting system and/or radio unit to indicate the sensed condition as described below. [0049] Alarm unit 18 is preferably implemented by a buzzer, but may be implemented by any suitable audio and/or visual indicator (e.g., LED, buzzer, speaker, display, etc.). The alarm unit is disposed at the proximal end of the firearm toward hammer 9 and is coupled to circuit board 92 . When a user places a user finger in the trigger guard, the finger placement is detected by one or more sensors 80 . The presence of the user finger within the trigger guard area is detected by the sensor control circuitry and an alarm may be produced by alarm unit 18 to indicate improper handling of the firearm during a training activity. Further, the firearm monitoring system may actuate laser sighting system 90 to produce a laser transmission (e.g., red-dot, etc.) to indicate the placement of the user trigger finger proximate the trigger during the training activity, while radio unit 94 may transmit a warning message or distress signal in response to this finger placement when the firearm is employed in the field as described above. [0050] Firearm 6 may be implemented as a mock or training firearm with the components of the firearm monitoring system (e.g., sensors 80 , circuit board 92 , battery 15 , alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 , etc.) mounted on and/or within the firearm components (e.g., trigger 10 , trigger guard 11 , grip 19 , etc.) in the manner described above, and/or mounted on external surfaces of and/or adjacent corresponding firearm components (e.g., trigger 10 , trigger guard 11 , grip 19 , etc.) to detect the presence of a user finger within the trigger guard area in the manner described above. Alternatively, the firearm monitoring system components (e.g., sensors 80 , circuit board 92 , battery 15 , alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 , radio unit 94 , etc.) may be mounted on external (or internal) surfaces of and/or adjacent corresponding components of an actual firearm or other weapon (e.g., trigger 10 , trigger guard 11 , grip 19 , etc.) to detect the presence of a user finger within the trigger guard area in the manner described above in order to enable monitoring of an actual weapon (e.g., a user may train with their own firearm or other weapon, warning or distress messages may be sent during use of the firearm in the field, etc.). [0051] An exemplary sensor control circuit of circuit board 92 for firearm monitoring system 200 according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 5 . Sensor control circuit 85 processes information from sensors 80 to generate signals appropriate to drive alarm unit 18 or other device (e.g., laser sighting system 90 , radio unit 94 , warning device, control device, data logging or recording device, etc.). Specifically, control circuit 80 includes a detection control circuit 82 to process signals received from sensors 80 , and timing circuit 38 to generate appropriate signals to drive the alarm unit, laser sighting system and/or radio unit. [0052] Referring to FIG. 6 , detection control circuit 82 is substantially similar to reception control circuit 72 ( FIG. 2 ) described above and includes sensors 80 in place of light detector 17 . The outputs of sensors 80 may be combined and/or processed in any suitable fashion (e.g., logic OR or other operations, inverted, etc.) by any conventional or other devices (e.g., gates, circuitry, etc.) within or coupled to the sensors, and are provided to the base of inverting transistor 33 to generate appropriate signals for timing circuit 38 . This enables the detection control circuit to produce suitable signals for timing circuit 38 in response to a detection by any quantity of sensors 80 . [0053] Briefly, when sensors 80 do not detect the presence of a user finger, the resulting sensor output voltage is sufficient to bias inverting transistor 33 to conduct current from resistor 35 coupled to supply voltage 73 (Vcc) and reduce the voltage at the base of transistor switch 34 to approximately zero volts. This causes the transistor switch to enter an off state and produce a high output signal at collector 37 of transistor switch 34 . However, when a user finger or other obstruction is present within the trigger guard area, the sensors detect the presence of the finger, thereby causing the voltage provided from sensors 80 to the base of inverting transistor 33 to be reduced to approximately zero volts. Consequently, the collector of inverting transistor 33 transitions to a high voltage, and bias current is supplied to the base of transistor switch 34 from resistor 35 coupled to supply voltage 73 (Vcc). This causes transistor switch 34 to saturate and supply power to the output load or resistor 36 , thereby producing an active low output signal at collector 37 . [0054] Timing circuit 38 is substantially similar to the timing circuit ( FIG. 3 ) described above and generates appropriate signals to drive alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 and/or radio unit 94 . Basically, when sensors 80 do not detect the presence of a user finger within the trigger guard area, a high output signal is generated by detection control circuit 82 as described above and provided to differentiator 76 of timing circuit 38 . The resulting conditioned signal (e.g., a high signal) produced by differentiator 76 is applied to trigger input 61 of timer 41 as described above. Since this signal is insufficient to trigger timer 41 as described above, the timer produces a low level logic signal at timer output 64 , thereby maintaining alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 and/or radio unit 94 in a disabled state. [0055] However, in response to detection of a user finger in the trigger guard area by one or more sensors 80 , an output active low signal is generated by reception control circuit 82 as described above and provided to differentiator 76 of timing circuit 38 for conditioning. The resulting short duration or conditioned pulse (e.g., low or negative level) produced by differentiator 76 is applied to trigger input 61 of timer 41 (e.g., with capacitor 43 initially discharged), thereby controlling the timer to produce a high level logic signal at timer output 64 and drive alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 and/or radio unit 94 to provide an alarm or warning indication, laser beam transmission and/or warning message or distress signal transmission, respectively. Capacitor 43 begins charging toward the supply voltage (Vcc) and, upon reaching a sufficient level, provides a suitable signal on threshold input 62 (and discharge input 63 ) to cause timer 41 to produce a low level logic signal at timer output 64 and discharge capacitor 43 (e.g., to initialize the capacitor for the next cycle). The low level logic signal disables the alarm unit, laser sighting system and/or radio unit. The timer basically produces a positive pulse that drives the alarm unit, laser sighting system and/or radio unit to respectively produce an alarm indication, a laser transmission and a warning message transmission during the width of each pulse (e.g., the time interval a generated pulse remains in the high level logic state) as described above. The duration of the warning signal or transmission, generated by alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 and/or radio unit 94 , is controlled by the characteristics of resistor 42 and capacitor 43 (e.g., controlling the charge time of the capacitor to trigger the threshold input). A variable resistance may be applied to timer 41 (e.g., resistor 42 may be a variable resistor, etc.) to control the charge time of capacitor 43 and enable adjustment of warning signal durations and transmissions (e.g., from zero (e.g., warning disabled) to several seconds, provide flash or beeps, etc.). [0056] The sensor control circuitry may alternatively include a processor 84 ( FIG. 5 ) (e.g., microprocessor, controller, etc.) to process signals received from sensors 80 and produce appropriate signals to drive alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 , radio unit 94 and/or other devices (e.g., for a predetermined time interval, during the interval a user finger is detected, etc.). In addition, the alarm unit, laser sighting system and/or radio unit may serve as the output load within detection control circuit 82 and be driven by transistor switch 34 to be actuated during the interval a user finger is detected within the trigger guard area in substantially the same manner described above. [0057] Operation of firearm monitoring system 200 is described with reference to FIGS. 4-6 . Initially, a user grips firearm 6 in an appropriate manner to perform a drill, exercise or other activity for training purposes, or in response to a situation arising when employed in the field. During the training activity, the user handles the firearm in a manner for firearm actuation. The proper procedure is to move the firearm into a ready position for firing with a user finger outside the trigger guard area. In the case of a situation in the field, the user may place the finger in an appropriate position to discharge the firearm. [0058] While the user maintains the user finger outside the trigger guard area, sensors 80 do not detect the presence of the user finger in the trigger guard area and a high output signal is generated by detection control circuit 82 ( FIG. 6 ) as described above. The high output signal is provided to timing circuitry 38 . Since this signal is insufficient to trigger the timing circuitry, the circuitry produces a low level logic signal to maintain alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 and/or radio unit 94 in a disabled state as described above. [0059] However, when the user places a finger in the trigger guard area, one or more sensors 80 detect the presence of the finger. Detection control circuit 82 processes the sensor signals and produces an active low output signal that is provided to timing circuitry 38 . The timing circuitry generates an appropriate waveform to drive alarm unit 18 , laser sighting system 90 and/or radio unit 94 to provide a suitable indication (e.g., audio and/or visual, transmission, etc.) of the user finger placed proximate the trigger. This may indicate improper handling of the firearm during a training activity, or a situation in the field likely to result in discharge of the firearm by the user. [0060] It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings represent only a few of the many ways of implementing a method and apparatus for monitoring handling of a firearm. [0061] The firearm monitoring systems may be utilized with any type of actual or dummy (e.g., training or mock and incapable of firing live projectiles, etc.) firearm or other weapon including trigger actuation (e.g., hand-gun, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, cross-bow, flame-thrower, etc.). The monitoring systems may utilize any conventional transmitters and detectors emitting and detecting any type of energy (e.g., optical, light, infrared, RF, magnetic, sound or acoustics, mechanical waves or vibrations, etc.), and may accommodate a variety of usage environments (e.g., thermal, RFI, EMI, audio and/or light spectrum background interference, etc.). The monitoring systems may be available in the form of kits for installation on an actual or training weapon, and/or may be available as a weapon (e.g., an actual or dummy weapon) including system components integrated therewith and/or mounted thereon. [0062] The light source may be implemented by any quantity of any conventional or other devices (e.g., LEDs, laser modules, vibrators, speakers, etc.) transmitting any suitable energy wave (e.g., optical, light, infrared, RF, magnetic, sound or acoustics, mechanical waves or vibrations, etc.). The light source may be disposed at any suitable location on or within the weapon (e.g., trigger guard, barrel, grip, etc.) via any conventional or other techniques (e.g., brackets, adhesives, clamps, etc.) and may be oriented or positioned in any fashion to enable reception of an emitted signal by the detector. The emitted light or other energy may be visible or invisible (e.g., white light, infrared, etc.), may be of any color or power level, may have a pulse of any desired duration and may be modulated in any fashion (e.g., at any desired frequency or unmodulated) or encoded in any manner to provide any desired information. [0063] The light detector may be implemented by any quantity of any conventional or other detection devices (e.g., receiver, sensors, microphones, etc.) receiving and detecting any suitable energy wave (e.g., optical, light, infrared, RF, magnetic, sound or acoustics, mechanical waves or vibrations, etc.). The light detector may be disposed at any suitable location on or within the weapon (e.g., trigger guard, trigger, barrel, grip, etc.) via any conventional or other techniques (e.g., brackets, adhesives, clamps, etc.) and may be oriented or positioned in any fashion to enable reception of an emitted signal by the light source. The detector may be configured to detect the emitted light or other energy beam including any characteristics (e.g., modulation, frequency, encoding, etc.). [0064] The sensors may be implemented by any quantity of any conventional or other sensing devices detecting any desired characteristics of a user finger, hand or other body portion. The systems may be designed with one or more hand or finger position sensors to detect either correct or incorrect hand or finger placement on the weapon for training. The sensors may be implemented by any suitable sensor type (e.g., optical, inductive, capacitive, thermal, resistive, ultrasonic, motion, pressure (e.g., mechanical, sound, force, etc.), etc.) and may be disposed at any suitable locations on or within the weapon (e.g., trigger guard, trigger, barrel, grip, etc.) via any conventional or other techniques (e.g., brackets, adhesives, clamps, etc.) and may be oriented or positioned in any fashion to enable detection of the user hand, finger or other body portion. Additional sensors and/or logic may be employed to accommodate both right and left handed users. In addition, supplemental materials may be employed for placement on the user hand and/or finger to aid in the detection of hand and finger position. [0065] The tubular member may be of any quantity, shape, size or length, and may be constructed of any suitable materials molded or cast within the weapon. The tubular member may be disposed at any suitable locations on or within the weapon (e.g., trigger guard, trigger, barrel, grip, etc.) via any conventional or other techniques (e.g., brackets, adhesives, clamps, etc.) and may be oriented or positioned in any fashion to enable reception of an emitted signal by the light source. The light detector may be positioned at any suitable location on or within the tubular member, or may be utilized without the tubular member to receive the emitted signal. The tubular member may be hollow or include a channel of any quantity, shape or size to enable the emitted signal to pass therethrough. The channel may extend in any suitable directions. The tubular member interior may include any coating or other surface to reduce noise and/or interference (e.g., dark color, filters, etc.), and/or filters may be employed by the systems for noise reduction. [0066] The alarm unit may be implemented by any quantity of any conventional or other suitable devices providing a warning or alarm indication (e.g., audio, visual, speaker, buzzer, lights or LEDs, display, etc.). The alarm unit or other devices may be disposed at any location on or remote from the weapon and receive signals in any manner (e.g., wires, wireless, etc.). The monitoring systems may further actuate and/or be coupled to any suitable systems (e.g., laser sighting system, control system, data recordation or logging system, etc.). [0067] The laser sighting system may be implemented by any conventional or other sighting or transmission devices projecting a laser or other energy beam (e.g., light, etc.). The laser sighting system may be disposed at any suitable location on the weapon via any conventional or other techniques (e.g., brackets, adhesives, clamps, etc.). [0068] The radio unit may be implemented by any conventional or other radio, transmitting or transceiving devices transmitting information (e.g., message, signal, etc.) in any suitable energy form (e.g., IR, RF, etc.) and at any desired frequencies. The signal may contain any desired information or codes, and may be modulated and/or encoded in any fashion (e.g., modulated, unmodulated, encrypted, etc.). The radio unit may transmit messages any suitable distances (e.g., locally to nearby devices, remotely to equipment located at further distances, etc.) and to any suitable equipment (e.g., computer systems, relay systems, etc.). The radio unit may be disposed at any suitable location on or within the weapon or a weapon accessory (e.g., laser sighting system, etc.) via any conventional or other techniques (e.g., brackets, adhesives, clamps, etc.). The radio unit may be employed to interface any existing organization communications equipment and may be utilized for various applications (e.g., law enforcement, security, military, entertainment, training or gaming applications, etc.). [0069] The alarm unit or other devices (e.g., laser sighting system, radio unit, control system, data recordation or logging system, etc.) may be employed either individually, or in any combinations, for any training, field or other applications, and may be actuated for any desired time interval in response to detection of a user finger or hand, or may be actuated during the interval the user finger or hand is detected by the system. [0070] The control circuitry may include any quantity of conventional or other components (e.g., gates, resistors, capacitors, transistors, IC devices, etc.) arranged in any fashion to perform the functions described herein. The supply voltage may provide any suitable voltage to the circuit. The systems may be powered by the battery or other portable power source, or may be configured to receive power from a common wall outlet jack. The control circuitry may generate any suitable signals of any desired levels or values and in any form (e.g., analog, digital, active high, active low, etc.) to perform the functions described herein (e.g., drive the timing circuit, drive the alarm unit or other device, indicate detection of the emitted beam, etc.). The signals may have any desired values to drive other circuits or devices (e.g., active high, active low, etc.), while the circuitry (e.g., transmission control circuit, reception control and detection control circuits, timing circuit, etc.) may be implemented utilizing any desired logic or polarities (e.g., inverted and/or non-inverted logic, NPN or PNP bipolar transistors, MOS transistors, etc.). [0071] The transmission control circuit may include any quantity of any conventional or other components (e.g., gates, resistors, capacitors, etc.) arranged in any fashion to control emission of the beam. The oscillator may be implemented by any conventional or other oscillator or circuitry and may modulate the emitted beam in any suitable fashion (e.g., any desired frequency, encoding, etc.). The buffer may be implemented by any conventional or other buffer or circuitry. The gates may be implemented by any quantity of any conventional or other components (e.g., transistors, diodes, IC devices, gate arrays, etc.) and may be arranged for any suitable logic schemes (e.g., TTL, ECL, etc.). Alternatively, the transmission control circuit may include a conventional 555 timer used and configured as an oscillator to generate the output voltage varying at any desired frequency. The circuit components may include any desired characteristics (e.g., resistance, capacitance, any types of transistors (e.g., NPN, PNP, FET, etc.), etc.). [0072] The reception control and detection control circuits may include any quantity of any conventional or other components (e.g., resistors, capacitors, transistors, etc.) arranged in any fashion to process a received beam. The components of the circuits may include any desired characteristics (e.g., resistance, capacitance, any types of transistors (e.g., NPN, PNP, FET, etc.), etc.) and may provide signals for the timing circuit of any desired levels or values (e.g., high, low, analog, digital, etc.). [0073] The timing circuit may include any quantity of any conventional or other components (e.g., gates, resistors, capacitors, etc.) arranged in any fashion to provide any suitable signals of any desired level or value (e.g., high, low, analog, digital, etc.) to drive the alarm unit or other device (e.g., laser sighting system, radio unit, data recordation or logging system, control system, etc.). The differentiator may be implemented by any conventional or other differentiator or circuitry and may condition a signal to any desired level or form (e.g., pulse of any desired level, duration or frequency, etc.). The timer may be implemented by any conventional or other timer or circuitry (e.g., transistors, IC devices, processor, logic or gate arrays, etc.) and may provide signals in any suitable form (e.g., pulse train of any frequency, waveform, high, low, analog, digital, etc.). The circuit components may include any desired characteristics (e.g., resistance, capacitance, etc.). The timing circuit may be configured to alter the behavior of the alarm or other device in any fashion (e.g., alter the temporal conditions required to activate or reset the alarm or device, alter the interval of alarm or other device actuation, etc.). [0074] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the applications described above, but may be utilized for any weapons for any suitable purposes (e.g., military, law enforcement, civilian training, security, etc.). Further, the present invention may employ any suitable sensing and notifying arrangements to indicate the presence of a user finger, hand or other body portion in the proximity of a trigger of an actual or training weapon. Moreover, the various components of the systems (e.g., sensors, detector, control circuitry, alarm unit or other device, etc.) may be local to or remote from each other and transfer signals in any desired fashion (e.g., wired, wireless, etc.). [0075] From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that the invention makes available a novel method and apparatus for monitoring handling of a firearm, wherein a firearm monitoring device senses the position of a user hand or trigger finger and produces an alarm or transmission in response to detecting placement of the trigger finger proximate the firearm trigger. [0076] Having described preferred embodiments of a new and improved method and apparatus for monitoring handling of a firearm, it is believed that other modifications, variations and changes will be suggested to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings set forth herein. It is therefore to be understood that all such variations, modifications and changes are believed to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
A firearm monitoring system according to the present invention senses the position of a user hand or trigger finger on a weapon and generates a warning, notification, status or control signal when the user finger position is proximate the trigger. One embodiment generates and conditions an excitation stimulus (e.g., interrupted by the presence of a trigger actuator), drives a sensor with that stimulus, detects the user finger position through a change in the sensor output, and generates an appropriate signal for a downstream warning or other device (e.g., alarm, radio unit, laser sighting system, etc.). In this embodiment, the sensor may detect the presence of an object or finger penetrating a trigger guard plane. Another embodiment utilizes a set of sensors to detect the placement of a user trigger finger relative to the trigger. In addition, various types of output alarms may be utilized (e.g., visual and audio alarms, etc.).
5
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to the field of wireless network systems, and relay terminals and programs in the wireless network systems, in which an information transmission source terminal broadcasts data, and in which relay terminals relay in multiple stages and distribute data to peripheral terminal devices. [0003] Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-55227, filed Feb. 27, 2004, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] In the wireless network system, a technique called โ€œfloodingโ€ is applied to notify receipt of broadcasted packets. โ€œFloodingโ€ is a technique to distribute data to terminals distributed around an information transmission source terminal. The information transmission source terminal transfers (broadcasts) the broadcast packet and all the terminals that receive it broadcast it. The process is repeated. In other words, when processing a flooding, data is transferred to terminals located in all the directions. [0006] On the other hand, for the purpose of reducing the number of terminal equipment to relay, โ€œthe information transmission method, the information transmission system, the information terminal, and the information memory mediumโ€ (for example, in Japanese Patent Application, Unexamined Publication No. 2001-339399) have been proposed. In this proposal, terminals relay the data only when the current information direction vector and the current direction vector show the same direction. The current information direction vector shows the movement of the data from the information transmission source terminal to the reply terminal. The current direction vector shows the movement direction of the relay terminal. However, the method transfers the data in all the directions. [0007] In some cases, the data can be effective only for the terminals in some directions and some positions. In this case, the data cannot be useful in other directions and other positions. Transferring such data to all directions wastes electric power and resources for wireless terminals. [0008] For example, in the case of a multi-hop radio network, formed among cars, informs about the approach of the emergency vehicle. Information has importance for cars in the area where an emergency vehicle will pass by shortly. With the conventional technique, notifying information in all directions, wireless terminals, behind the emergency vehicle, might waste resources. Also, in notification of traffic accident information, the information is meaningful for cars which head for the place where the accident occurred. That is why, for example, on a one-way road, it can also be a waste of the wireless terminal resources. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, the invention aims to offer the relay terminal and the program in the wireless network system which achieves effective use of the resource of the wireless terminal. The system in this invention, referring to the position information and the direction vector, given by the information transmission source terminal, distinguishes whether or not to relay the received broadcast packet. [0010] According to the first aspect of the invention, a wireless network system relaying a broadcast signal in multiple stages and distributes data to terminals there around, comprises: a transmission source terminal which generates the broadcast-signal; and multiple relay terminals which determine whether it is necessary to relay a broadcast packet according to a direction vector and a position information specified by the information transmission source terminal referring to the position information and its own direction. [0011] According to the second aspect of the invention, a relay terminal in a wireless network system which relays a broadcast-signal in multiple stages and distributes data to terminals there around, comprises: a packet receiving part which receives a broadcast packet from an information transmission source terminal; a self-position information acquisition part which determines its own position; and a relay judging part which determines whether it is necessary to relay the broadcast packet according to a direction vector and position information in the broadcast packet, specified by the information transmission source terminal. [0012] According to the third aspect of the invention, in the above-mentioned relay terminal, the relay judging part determines whether to relay the broadcast packet according to an available angle range specified by the information transmission source terminal in the broadcast packet. [0013] According to the fourth aspect of the invention, in the above-mentioned relay terminal, the relay judging part determines whether to relay the broadcast packet according to relay position range in the broadcast packet, specified by the information transmission source terminal. [0014] According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the above-mentioned relay terminal further provides an acceptance judging part which determines whether to accept the broadcasted packet according to a data available range in the broadcast packet, specified by the information transmission source terminal. [0015] According to the fifth aspect of the invention, a program for a relay terminal in a wireless network system which relays a broadcast signal in multiple stages and distributes data to terminals there around, comprises: a packet receiving process which receives a broadcast packet from a transmission source; a self-position information acquisition process which obtains position of the relay terminal; and a relay judging process which determines whether to relay the broadcast packet according to a direction vector in the broadcast packet, specified by the information transmission source terminal, and position information. [0016] The system in this invention, referring to the position information and the direction vector, given by the information transmission source, distinguishes whether or not to relay the received broadcast packet. This helps to reduce the amount of unnecessary data relay and terminals accept the data only when it is required. This invention therefore achieves effective use of wireless terminal resources. Also, terminals can prevent transmission of packets which are useless and save the electric power. [0017] This invention is effective for an information distribution in the network with ad hock data transmission such as information of approaching emergency vehicles or accident information, especially in ITSs (Intelligent Transport Systems). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0018] FIG. 1 shows the process sequence of the wireless network system in this invention. [0019] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram which shows the internal design of the relay terminal from the functional point of view in this invention. [0020] FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of the process in relay terminal. [0021] FIG. 4 shows another flow chart of the process in relay terminal. [0022] FIG. 5 describes positions between the car and the emergency vehicle. [0023] FIG. 6 is the image figure of the car and the emergency vehicle. [0024] FIG. 7 is the image figure of the accident car and the emergency vehicle. [0025] FIG. 8 describes the position of the accident car and the emergency vehicle in another implementation form of this invention. [0026] FIG. 9 describes the position of the accident car and the emergency vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0027] FIG. 1 shows a process sequence of the wireless network system in this invention. In FIG. 1 , the relationship between a broadcasting terminal as information transmission source 1 and relay terminals 2 to n (n is an integer, larger than or equal to 2) are shown. [0028] In FIG. 1 , information transmission source 1 adds a parameters about its own โ€œposition informationโ€, โ€œdirectionโ€, โ€œposition offsetโ€, โ€œrelay terminal position rangeโ€, โ€œdata available position rangeโ€, and โ€œavailable angle rangeโ€ to the broadcast packet and transmits it (S 1 ). The โ€œposition offsetโ€ is an offset for shifting a reference position from an actual position of information transmission source 1 to the rear direction with respect to the direction of the movement. The โ€œrelay terminal position rangeโ€ is a distance from information transmission source 1 for determining whether the relay terminals 2 - n perform relay. When the distance is smaller than the โ€œrelay terminal position rangeโ€, relay terminal 2 - n relay the data from information transmission source 1 to other relay terminals. The โ€œdata available position rangeโ€ is a distance from information transmission source 1 for determining whether the relay terminals 2 - n notify information to an application program. When the distance from the source 1 to relay terminal 2 - n is smaller than the threshold, relay terminal 2 - n notifies the existence of the information transmission source 1 to the appropriate application program. [0029] The relay terminal 2 receives the broadcast packet from information transmission source 1 , and calculates the position vector, starting from information transmission source 1 as the reference, referring to its own position information. Moreover, the position vector is calculated based on the position that is shifted only for the position offset from the position information of information transmission source 1 , to the reverse direction of the direction of the movement of information transmission source 1 . [0030] Also, relay terminal 2 takes data from information transmission source 1 as a candidate to relay and accept data when cosine ฮธ obtained from the inner product of the โ€œdirectionโ€ vector and position vector is larger than the value obtained from โ€œavailable angle rangeโ€. For example, when โ€œavailable angle rangeโ€ is 90 degrees and when cosine ฮธ is larger than 0, data from information transmission source 1 can be a candidate. When data from information transmission source 1 is a candidate, relay terminal 2 calculates the size of the position vector. Also, relay terminal 2 relay from information transmission source 1 when the size of the position vector is smaller than the โ€œrelay terminal position rangeโ€. Also, relay terminal 2 accepts the data from information transmission source 1 when the size of position vector is smaller than the โ€œdata available position rangeโ€. FIG. 5 shows โ€œdata available position rangeโ€ or โ€œrelay terminal position rangeโ€ with hatching, including the relationship between a vehicle and approaching emergency vehicle as mentioned above. [0031] FIG. 2 is the block diagram which shows internal design of relay terminal in one implementation of this invention. [0032] Relay terminal 2 judges whether or not the received broadcast packets should be relayed according to the position and direction vector of itself, based on the direction vector and position information specified by information transmission source 1 . The relay terminal 2 is comprised of packet receiving part 21 , self-position information acquisition part 22 , vector calculation part 23 , relay judging part 24 , acceptance judging part 25 , data transmitting part 26 , and application execution part 27 . [0033] Packet receiving part 21 receives the broadcasted packet from information transmission source 1 and supplies it to vector calculation part 23 , relay judging part 24 and acceptance judging part 25 . Self-position information acquisition part 22 calculates its own position information and supplies the information to vector calculation part 23 , using, for example a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. [0034] Vector calculation part 23 performs a vector operation referring to the direction vector and the position information which are specified by the transmission source terminal, and to the position information and direction vector of relay terminal 2 , and supplies the operation results to relay judging part 24 and acceptance judging part 25 . Relay judging part 24 determines whether or not the relay of received broadcast packets is required, based on the vector value output from the vector calculation part 23 and on โ€œrelay terminal position rangeโ€. Acceptance judging part 25 determines whether or not packets received by packet receiving part 21 should be accepted, based on the vector value output from vector calculation part 23 , โ€œdata available position rangeโ€, referring to โ€œdata available position rangeโ€ contained in the broadcasted packets received by packet receiving part 23 . [0035] The determination results are transmitted to data transmitting part 26 and application execution part 27 , so that data is transmitted or application programs are executed. [0036] FIG. 6 is a figure to explain one implementation of this invention. This is a drawing of approaching emergency vehicle. Hereinafter, explanation of this implementation form applies concrete examples such as the notation of approaching emergency vehicle. FIG. 3 shows the flow chart of the process. [0037] In FIG. 3 , the emergency vehicle is information transmission source 1 . Relay terminal 2 receives a broadcasted packet from the emergency vehicle via packet receiving part 21 (S 21 ) and calculates the position vector, based on the position of information transmission source 1 , from vector calculation part 23 (S 22 ) with reference to the position information of its own. Here, the position vector is based on the position that is shifted only for the position offset from the position information of information transmission source 1 , to the reverse direction of the direction of the movement of information transmission source 1 . [0038] Vector calculation part 23 calculates cosine ฮธ from the inner product of the above-mentioned position vector and notified movement direction vector (S 23 ). When the packet from information transmission source 1 is taken as a candidate to relay and to accept when cosine ฮธ (S 23 ), calculated from the inner product of the direction vector and position vector, is larger than the cosine of the โ€œavailable angle rangeโ€. [0039] For example, when the โ€œavailable angle rangeโ€ is 90 degrees and when cosine ฮธ is larger than 0 (S 24 , cosine ฮธ>ฮฑ), vector calculation part 23 takes the packet from information transmission source 1 as a candidate and supplies it. [0040] When the packet from information transmission source 1 is a candidate, relay judging part 24 calculates the size of position vector. Also, relay judging part 24 relay the packet from information transmission source 1 when the size of position vector is smaller than โ€œrelay terminal position rangeโ€ (S 25 , S 26 ). Also, relay judging part 24 decides to ignore the data from information transmission source 1 when the size of position vector is larger than โ€œrelay terminal position rangeโ€ (S 25 , S 29 ). Acceptance judging part 25 compares the size of position vector, calculated by relay judging part 24 , to โ€œdata available position rangeโ€ (S 27 ). When the size of the position vector is smaller than the โ€œdata available position rangeโ€, application execution part 27 decides to accept data from information transmission source 1 (S 28 ) and executes an appropriate program. [0041] Details are explained below. [0042] First, the emergency vehicle, which is information transmission source 1 , transmits the broadcasted packet including its own โ€œposition informationโ€, โ€œtraveling directionโ€, โ€œposition offsetโ€, โ€œrelay terminal position rangeโ€, โ€œdata available position rangeโ€, and โ€œavailable angle (90 degrees)โ€. Hereafter, the broadcasted packet is called a notification packet for approaching emergency vehicle. [0043] The car (relay terminal 2 ), which received the notification packet for approaching emergency vehicle, calculates the position vector, starting from information transmission source 1 , referring to its own position information. [0044] Next, relay terminal 2 calculates cosine ฮธ from the inner product of the direction vector, transmitted from information transmission source 1 , and the position vector, calculated above. Also, relay terminal 2 compares cosine ฮธ and the notification packet for approaching emergency vehicles. That is, relay terminal 2 relays the packet when the distance from relay terminal 2 , providing in the car, to information transmission source 1 , providing in the emergency vehicle, is less than โ€œrelay terminal position rangeโ€ and moreover, when the position vector โ€œfrom the emergency vehicle position to the car positionโ€ and direction vector, transmitted from information transmission source 1 , have same direction in the range of ยฑ 90 โ€ฒ (calculated inner product is positive). [0045] In this case, the vector, from the emergency vehicle to the car, starts from the position of the emergency vehicle, but is shifted for position offset (for example, about 20 meters to the back of the emergency vehicle). In other words, relay terminal 2 should stop the relay when information transmission source 1 , the emergency vehicle, passes by a little. [0046] Similarly, relay terminal 2 receives packets and outputs them to the application, when the distance between the car and the emergency vehicle is less than the โ€œdata available position rangeโ€, and moreover, when the vector, from a position of the emergency vehicle to the position of the car, and the direction vector, received from information transmission source 1 , are in the same direction (an inner product is positive) in the range of ยฑ90 degrees. [0047] In this implementation, one packet has sufficient capacity for urgent information to be sent and the latest position information can be attached to the packet anytime. Furthermore, the vector from the emergency vehicle to the car, its starting position is not the position of the emergency vehicle, but is an offset position (for example, about 20 meters behind the back of the emergency vehicle) is applied. [0048] Besides, relay terminal 2 can be controlled to relay packets, received from the emergency vehicle equipping information transmission source 1 , to other vehicles providing relay terminal 3 - n only when โ€œcosine ฮธ>ฮฑโ€. Here, ฮฑ is a fixed real number. In other words, relay terminal 2 relays packets only when its own vehicle is in the range among arccosine ฮฑ. For example, relay terminal 2 relays packets to other vehicles among ยฑ45 degrees, in the direction the emergency vehicle moves, when ฮฑ=1/{square root}2. [0049] Also, the direction can be the direction to the final destination for the emergency vehicle. It will be helpful for vehicles around the emergency vehicle, to avoid being disturbed every time the emergency vehicle turns and to decide the range to broadcast packets. [0050] Here, (1) is the formula expressing position vector of the car, (2) is the formula expressing the speed vector of the car, (3) is the formula expressing the position vector, received from the emergency vehicle, (4) is the formula expressing the speed vector, received from the emergency vehicle. {right arrow over (L)} 1 =(x 1 ,y 1 )โ€ƒโ€ƒ(1) {right arrow over (V)} 1 =(ฮฝ x1 ,ฮฝ y1 )=(ฮฝ,sin ฮธ 1 , ฮฝ 1 ,cos ฮธ 1 )โ€ƒโ€ƒ(2) {right arrow over (L)} 2 =(x 2 ,y 2 )โ€ƒโ€ƒ(3) {right arrow over (V)} 2 =(ฮฝ x2 ,ฮฝ y2 )=(ฮฝ 2 ,sin ฮธ 2 ,ฮฝ 2 ,cos ฮธ 2 )โ€ƒโ€ƒ(4) [0051] Here, ฮฝ 1 is the speed of the car equipping relay terminal 2 , ฮธ 1 is the direction of the movement of the car equipping relay terminal 2 . ฮฝ 2 is the movement speed of the emergency vehicle equipping information transmission source 1 , and it makes ฮธ 2 to the direction of the movement of the emergency vehicle equipping information transmission source 1 . Also, ฮณ[m] is coefficients of position offsets. Also, a judgment formula is the following formula (5). cos โข โ€ƒ โข ฮธ = [ L -> 1 - L -> 2 - ฮณ โข โ€ƒ โข V -> 2 ๏˜ƒ V -> 2 ๏˜„ ] ยท V -> 2 ๏˜ƒ L -> 1 - L -> 2 - ฮณ โข โ€ƒ โข V -> 2 ๏˜ƒ V -> 2 ๏˜„ ๏˜„ โข ๏˜ƒ V -> 2 ๏˜„ > ฮฑ ( 5 ) [0052] Here, โ€œยทโ€ is the inner product and (ฯ‡1, y1)ยท(ฯ‡2, y2)=ฯ‡1ฯ‡2+y1y2. [0053] FIG. 7 is the figure which explains the other implementation form of this invention. In this figure, an image of broadcasting the accident information is shown. Hereinafter, process flow of this implementation is explained using the concrete examples such as broadcasting the accident information. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the process flow. [0054] In FIG. 4 , the accident car, which is information transmission source 1 , attaches โ€œposition informationโ€, โ€œposition offsetโ€, โ€œrelay terminal position rangeโ€, โ€œdata available position rangeโ€, and โ€œavailable directionโ€ to the broadcast packet, and transmits them. Relay terminal 2 , providing in the car, receives the broadcast packet from information transmission source 1 via packet receiving part 21 (S 21 ) and vector calculation part 23 gets the position vector, from the position of the information transmission source 1 to relay terminal 2 , referring to its own position information (S 22 ). In this process, vector calculation part 23 calculates above-mentioned position vector based on the position which is shifted from the position of information from transmission source 1 just for the position offset. Then, vector calculation part 23 calculates cosine ฮธ from the inner product of the position vector and vector of the direction of its movement, and outputs cosine ฮธ to both relay judgment part 24 and acceptance judgment part 25 (S 23 ). [0055] Relay judgment part 24 checks cosine ฮธ (S 24 ). When cosine ฮธ is smaller than a specific value ฮฒ, for example 0, relay judgment part 24 takes the received packet as a candidate for relay and expects to extract data from the packet. Also, only when the received packet is the candidate for relay, relay judgment part 24 checks the size of position vector (S 25 ). When the size of position vector is smaller than โ€œrelay terminal position rangeโ€ of the received packet, relay judgment part 24 relays the packet (S 26 ) and when the size of position vector is larger than โ€œrelay terminal position rangeโ€, relay judgment part 24 ignores the packet (S 29 ). [0056] Also, acceptance judgment part 25 checks the size of the position vector. When the size of the position vector is smaller than the โ€œdata available position rangeโ€, acceptance judgment part 25 stores the data (S 28 ). After that acceptance judgment part 25 requires application execution part 27 to execute the appropriate application program. [0057] Next, the implementation described above is explained to detail with a concrete example of alerting information about a traffic accident. First, the accident car transmits the broadcasted packet (hereafter, an accident information packet) including โ€œposition informationโ€ of the accident car, โ€œposition offsetโ€, โ€œrelay terminal position rangeโ€, โ€œdata available position rangeโ€, โ€œavailable angle (in this case, 90 degrees)โ€. [0058] The car receives the accident information packet, and calculates distance from the accident car referring to the received packet. The car relays the packet only when the distance from the accident car is less than the โ€œrelay terminal position rangeโ€ and when the position vector of โ€œthe accident car to the car which received the packetโ€ and direction vector of its movement turn to opposite ยฑ90 degrees to each other (when the inner product is negative). [0059] The car receives the broadcasted packet from the accident car and calculates the position vector from the accident car to the car referring to its own position information. [0060] In this process, the car calculates the position vector based on the position which was shifted (in order to stop the relay just a little after the car passes by the accident car) from the position of the accident car just for the position offset (for example 20 meters behind the accident car). [0061] Similarly the car receives the packet and passes it to the application program when the distance from the accident car is less than โ€œdata available position rangeโ€ and when the position vector of the accident car to the car, received the packet, and direction vector turn to opposite ยฑ90 degrees to each other (when the inner product is negative). [0062] However, when the car detects โ€œcosine ฮธ<ฮฒโ€, it is also preferable to have a rule of the packet receiving and sending process like that the car relays only when the accident car is ahead of the car and in the angle range of arccosine ฮฒ. For example, when ฮฒ=1/{square root}2, the car relays only in the case in which the accident car is in ยฑ45 degrees ahead of the car. [0063] The judgment formula is shown in (6) below and the position of the car is shown in FIG. 8 . cos โข โ€ƒ โข ฮธ = [ L -> 1 - L 2 -> - ฮณ โข โ€ƒ โข V -> 1 ๏˜ƒ V -> 1 ๏˜„ ] ยท V -> 1 ๏˜ƒ L -> 1 - L -> 2 - ฮณ โข โ€ƒ โข V -> 1 ๏˜ƒ V -> 1 ๏˜„ ๏˜„ โข ๏˜ƒ V -> 1 ๏˜„ < ฮฒ ( 6 ) [0064] Here, โ€œยทโ€ is the inner product and (ฯ‡1, y1)ยท(ฯ‡2, y2)=ฯ‡1ฯ‡2+y1y2. [0065] Next, in another form of this invention, only when the car and the information transmission source car are facing each other, the car relays or stores the packets from the information transmission source car. FIG. 9 shows the situation including the car and the information transmission source car. The judgment formulas in this case are (7) and moreover (8) below. cos โข โ€ƒ โข ฮธ 1 = V -> 2 ยท V -> 2 ๏˜ƒ V -> 1 ๏˜„ โข ๏˜ƒ V -> 2 ๏˜„ < ฮฒ 1 ( 7 ) cos โข โ€ƒ โข ฮธ 2 = [ L -> 1 - L -> 2 - ฮณ โข โ€ƒ โข V -> 2 ๏˜ƒ V -> 2 ๏˜„ ] ยท V -> 2 ๏˜ƒ L -> 1 - L -> 2 - ฮณ โข โ€ƒ โข V -> 2 ๏˜ƒ V -> 2 ๏˜„ ๏˜„ โข ๏˜ƒ V -> 2 ๏˜„ > ฮฒ 2 ( 8 ) [0066] Next, in another form of this invention, only when the car and the information transmission source car are going to be moving away from each other, the car relays or stores the packets from the information transmission source car. The judgment formulas in this case are (9) and (10) below. cos โข โ€ƒ โข ฮธ 1 = V -> 1 ยท V -> 2 ๏˜ƒ V -> 1 ๏˜„ โข ๏˜ƒ V -> 2 ๏˜„ < ฮฒ 1 ( 9 ) cos โข โ€ƒ โข ฮธ 2 = [ L -> 1 - L -> 2 - ฮณ โข โ€ƒ โข V -> 2 ๏˜ƒ V -> 2 ๏˜„ ] ยท V -> 2 ๏˜ƒ L -> 1 - L -> 2 - ฮณ โข โ€ƒ โข V -> 2 ๏˜ƒ V -> 2 ๏˜„ ๏˜„ โข ๏˜ƒ V -> 2 ๏˜„ > ฮฒ 2 ( 10 ) [0067] Next, in another form of this invention, only when the information transmission source car is on the right side or left side of the car does the car relay or store the packets from the information transmission source car. The judgment formulas in this case is (11) below. ฮฒ 1 < cos โข โ€ƒ โข ฮธ = ( L -> 1 - L -> 2 ) ยท V -> 2 ๏˜ƒ L -> 1 - L -> 2 ๏˜„ โข ๏˜ƒ V -> 2 ๏˜„ < ฮฒ 2 ( 11 ) [0068] From the explanation above, in this invention, a relay terminal checks and determines whether to relay the received broadcast packet to terminal that requires information, referring to the direction vector and position information in the packet. [0069] According to this invention, wireless terminals can avoid wasting the resources and each relay terminal can avoid sending packets which are unnecessary, so that terminals can avoid wasting electric power. [0070] This invention is effective especially for broadcasting information about approaching emergency vehicle, broadcasting traffic accident information in ITS and information distribution in an ad hock network. [0071] Moreover, it is possible to construct a wireless network system and relay terminal in this invention with a computer-readable storage medium that contains the processing steps of packet receiving part 21 , self-position information acquisition part 22 , vector calculation part 23 , relay judging part 24 , acceptance judging part 25 , data transmitting part 26 and application execution part 27 , and the computer that reads and executes the program. [0072] The computer herein contains OS and hardware such as the peripheral devices. [0073] Also, when a โ€œcomputer systemโ€ is connected to the WWW, this system contains home page provision environments (or display environments), too. [0074] Also, the program, described above, can be transmitted from one computer, which stores the program in the storage and so on, to other computers via a transmission medium or transmission waves. [0075] Here, a โ€œtransmission mediumโ€, which transmits the program, is a medium providing the function to transmit information like the internet or other networks (communication networks), or telephone lines or other communications lines (telecommunication line). [0076] Also, the program, described above, can provide some parts of the above mentioned functions. [0077] Moreover, the program, described above, can realize the above mentioned functions together with the program already stored in the computer. This type of program can be a so-called difference file (difference program). [0078] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are exemplary of the invention and are not to be considered as limiting. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered as being limited by the foregoing description, and is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.
A wireless network system relays a broadcast signal in multiple stages and distributes data to terminals there around, and relay terminals determine whether to relay broadcast packets according to the direction vector and the position information, specified by the information transmission source terminal, referring to their own position information and direction, and relay and accept the packets or ignore them.
7
RELATED APPLICATIONS This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/384,055, filed May 29, 2002, entitled โ€œDevice For Directing A Wire Guide.โ€ TECHNICAL FIELDS This invention relates to medical devices, and more particularly to a flexible elongate member having means to direct a wire guide through a bodily passageway. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Navigating a wire guide or catheter through a body passage can be especially problematic when attempting to negotiate a branching pathway, such as a bifurcated duct or vessel. Although adding steerability to a medical device is possible, it usually adds to the diameter of the device (a serious disadvantage in endoscopy) and may not result in a device having the desired characteristics. Most wire guides lack a satisfactory means to guide them in a particular direction, especially a direction that is against the natural pathway that the device wants to take. An example of an area of the body where this poses a problem is the biliary tree, where wire guides are often introduced prior to ERCP and other procedures involving the gall bladder, pancreas, liver, and associated ducts. The biliary tree includes bifurcations at the junction of the biliary and pancreatic ducts, as well as the right and left hepatic ducts. Using fluoroscopy or a cholangioscope, it is sometimes possible to successfully navigate the wire guide or device into the desired branch of the bifurcation; however, some anatomies can make that extremely difficult. Adding steerability to a small-diameter wire guide like those used in endoscopy is generally not an option. One solution is to occlude the non-target branch of the bifurcation by inflating a balloon just past the junction. The balloon can be used to deflect a wire guide which is separately introduced through a different lumen of the scope, thereby directing it into the desired duct. While this method has been used successfully, a certain amount of trial and error is often required, primarily due to difficulties in visualizing the ducts and the lack of directional control over the wire guide. What is needed is a device that is configured such that the wire guide can be aligned with the occlusive means such that it reliably deflects it in a predictable manner and direction to successfully cannulate a particular branch of a bifurcated duct or vessel. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The foregoing problems are solved and a technical advance is achieved in an illustrative apparatus comprising an elongate member, such as a endoscopic balloon catheter, that includes an obstructive member (e.g., an inflatable or expandable member) having a first configuration and a second expanded configuration sized and configured for blocking a first bodily passageway, such as one branch of a bifurcated duct, blood vessel, or the bronchial tree. The apparatus further includes a first lumen having an external opening that is situated and aligned such that an elongated medical device, such as a wire guide, is advanced out of the external opening, whereby it contacts the obstructive member in the expanded configuration and is deflected away from the first bodily passageway and into the second bodily passageway (e.g., the opposite branch of the bifurcation) in a generally predictable manner. In a first aspect of the present invention, the elongate member comprises a balloon catheter in which the obstructive member comprises a balloon that is inflated to block one branch of a bifurcated passageway. A wire guide is advanced through a first lumen of the balloon catheter until it exits via an external opening, such as a scive formed in the tubing proximal to the balloon. The external opening is aligned and configured such that the wire guide deflects out of the lumen where it contacts the inflated balloon and is further deflected away from the blocked first bodily passageway of the bifurcation (the natural or โ€œpreferredโ€ pathway that the wire guide would otherwise travel) and into the open, second bodily passageway of the bifurcation. In the illustrative embodiment, a plug situated within the first lumen beyond the scive, forces deflection of the wire guide out of the lumen and external opening. The balloon catheter includes a second lumen for accommodating a wire guide that is extendable from the distal tip of the catheter to access the first bodily passageway, and a third lumen for inflation of the balloon. In a second aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes an outer sheath with at least two lumens, the first lumen coaxially housing an elongate member, such as a balloon catheter, and a second lumen for a wire guide. The balloon catheter is advanced from the distal end of the outer member and inflated to block the first bodily passageway. The wire guide is advanced from the external opening located at the distal end of the outer sheath, the opening being situated such that the advancing wire guide deflects off of the surface of the expanded balloon and toward the second bodily passageway. In a third aspect of the invention, the obstructive member of the apparatus comprises a self-expanding member, such as a stainless steel or nitinol basket that includes a surface configuration of sufficient density, such as fabric or metallic mesh, that allows a wire guide to deflect off of the obstructive member. Alternatively, the obstructive member may be made expandable in another manner, such as longitudinal compression or some other well-known means. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 depicts a side view of the illustrative embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 depicts a partially sectioned detail view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view taken along line 3 โ€” 3 of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 4 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 1 in situ; FIG. 5 depicts a pictorial view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention that includes an outer member; and FIG. 6 depicts an alternative embodiment of the present invention in situ, wherein the obstructive member comprises an expandable member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In particular, an apparatus 10 is provided for directing an elongate medical device 14 , such as a wire guide or catheter, into a particular bodily passageway, such as a branch of a bifurcated duct, common duct, or vessel 31 (which is depicted in FIGS. 4 and 6 ). The apparatus comprises an elongate member 11 , such as a catheter, that includes an obstructive member 12 affixed about the distal portion 46 thereof. The obstructive member 12 is remotely expandable or inflatable from a first configuration 44 (e.g., FIG. 5 ) and size, such as one having a low profile that enables the elongate member to be navigated within the patient, to a second, larger configuration 45 (e.g., FIG. 4 ) and size for at least partially occluding a particular bodily passageway into which the operator does not wish the elongate medical device 14 to enter. The portion of the apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a first lumen 16 sized to accommodate the elongate medical device 14 which is then advanced out of an external opening 19 , such as a scive 20 in the apparatus that communicates with the first lumen 16 . The external opening 19 is situated or aligned relative to the obstructive member 12 such that as the elongate medical device 14 is advanced out of the external opening 19 , it comes into contact with the expanded obstructive member 12 (i.e., when in the second configuration 45 ) and is deflected in a particular direction. For example, the medical device 14 is deflected from its natural pathway and away from the first bodily passageway 33 (see FIG. 4 ), and toward the intended second bodily passageway 34 , which typically is the opposite branch emanating from the common duct or vessel 31 through which the apparatus is being navigated. A first embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 1โ€“4 for use in the biliary tree in which the elongate member 11 of the apparatus 10 comprises a endoscopic balloon catheter and the obstructive member 12 comprises a balloon, typically made of a compliant material such as latex or silicone. The shaft portion of the elongate member 11 , which is made of a biocompatible polymer, such as PEBAXยฎ resin (ATOFINA Chemicals, Inc., Philadelphia, Pa.) or some other suitable material, includes three passageways or lumens 16 , 17 , 18 extending therethrough ( FIG. 3 ). The first lumen 16 is sized to accommodate a standard wire guide 14 , such as a 0.025โ€ณ METROโ„ข Wire Guide (Wilson-Cook Medical). In the illustrative embodiment, the second lumen 17 is sized to accept a second wire guide 15 , such as a 0.035โ€ณ METROโ„ข Wire Guide. The second lumen 17 extends the length of the catheter 11 . At the distal end of lumen 17 , catheter 11 includes a distal opening 41 from which the second wire guide 15 may exit to access the blocked passageway or provide access so that the apparatus 10 can track over the second wire guide 15 if already in place. The third lumen 18 has a diameter of approximately 0.019โ€ณ and communicates with an inflation port 38 located inside the balloon 13 . The three lumens 16 , 17 , 18 each are accessible via hub connectors 27 , 28 , 29 , respectively, which comprise the proximal hub assembly 25 . The illustrative hub connector 27 that feeds the inflation lumen 18 and balloon 13 , includes a stopcock and a luer fitting for attaching to an inflation device 26 , such as a syringe. The hub connectors 28 , 29 for the first 14 and second 15 wire guides, respectively, each include a Touhy-Borst adaptor and side-arm port 47 for infusion of fluids around the wire guide 14 , 15 , if necessary. Referring now to FIG. 2 , the catheter lumen 16 for accommodating the wire guide 14 of the illustrative first embodiment includes an external opening 19 that comprises a scive 20 formed in the side of the tubing at a location proximal to the balloon 13 . A plug 21 , such as a metal or plastic insert or other permanent obstruction such as a cured adhesive material, helps to deflect and force the advancing wire guide out of lumen 16 via the scive 20 , which is configured to guide the wire guide 14 toward the balloon 13 . In the embodiment shown, the proximal edge of the balloon 13 is located about 1โ€“2 cm from the external opening 19 . The balloon 13 is affixed to the shaft of the catheter using a standard bond means 68 , such as an adhesive and a wrapping. Additionally, radiopaque metal bands 22 , 23 are placed to identify the proximal and distal ends of the balloon. Another radiopaque maker 26 , such as a band of radiopaque ink, is also conveniently included proximal to the external opening 19 . The typical diameter of the illustrative balloon 13 intended for biliary use, is approximately 10โ€“15 mm when fully inflated. The point of contact 24 at which the tip of the wire guide 14 first abuts the balloon 13 , when the balloon is in the inflated configuration 45 , is somewhat variable, depending on the shape and size of the balloon when lodged within the first passageway; however, it is generally located as a point along the balloon's proximal or rearward portion such that when the balloon 13 is properly inflated (i.e., not overinflated or underinflated), the advancing wire guide 14 glances off of the balloon and is directed laterally (i.e., further away from the longitudinal axis of the catheter 11 ). It should be noted that an overinflated balloon may assume a squarish shape that may not permit the wire guide 14 to properly deflect in the desired manner. FIG. 4 depicts the illustrative endoscopic biliary catheter being used to direct a wire guide away from the obstructed first bodily passageway 33 , such as the right hepatic duct, and into a second bodily passageway 34 , such as the left hepatic duct. In this particular instance, the physician may have attempted to cannulate the left (second) branch 34 , but was unable to do so because the wire guide 14 tended to follow a natural pathway into the right (first) branch 33 instead. To address this problem, the apparatus 10 is advanced just pass the point of bifurcation 32 into the first branch 33 , which in the illustrative situation, has been cannulated by the second wire guide 15 . The balloon 13 is then inflated such that it generally obstructs the entrance to the first or right branch 33 . The wire guide 14 is then manually advanced through the catheter 11 and out of the scive 20 , where it contacts the balloon 13 along the rearward portion 24 thereof, thereby deflecting the wire guide 14 away from the balloon 13 and toward, and ultimately into, the second or left branch 34 . Once successful cannulation has occurred, balloon 13 can be deflated and the catheter portion 11 of the apparatus withdrawn, leaving the wire guide 14 (or both wire guides 14 , 15 ) in place. A second embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 5 in which the apparatus 10 further includes an outer member 35 having a first passageway 48 for receiving the first wire guide 14 and a second passageway 49 for accommodating the elongate member 11 , which in the illustrative embodiment, comprises a balloon catheter. The external opening 19 , through which the wire guide 14 exits to contact and deflect off of the balloon 13 (shown here in the first or deflated configuration 44 ), is located at the distal end 40 of outer member 35 , rather than at an intermediate point along the elongate member 11 as in the embodiment of FIG. 1 . The second passageway 49 for the balloon catheter 11 and the first passageway 48 for the wire guide 14 are aligned with one another such that the wire guide 14 contacts the balloon 13 at a location 24 that enables the wire guide to be redirected in a manner similar to that depicted for the embodiment of FIG. 1 . In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 5 , the elongate member includes lumens for inflating the balloon 13 and accommodating a second wire guide 15 , but lacks the third lumen for receiving the first wire guide 14 , which instead, is housed within the outer member 35 . A third embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 6 , in which the obstructive member 12 comprises an expandable member such as expandable basket 93 . In this embodiment, a self-expanding wire basket is mounted on an elongate member 11 comprising a flexible braided sheath, nitinol shaft, or the like to which an expandable basket 93 may be affixed. The wire members 50 of the expandable basket 93 are typically made of spring stainless steel or nitinol, such that they resiliently assume the expanded configuration 45 upon being advanced from the constraining outer member 35 . The expandable basket 93 preferably includes a mesh covering 37 , preferably made of a tight-woven and durable material, such as nylon, polyethylene terepthalate, etc. such that the wire guide 14 will deflect off of, rather than penetrate the fabric. It is possible, however, to construct a basket with a sufficient density of wire members 50 to accomplish the same function. In a related embodiment, the wire members 50 of the expandable member 93 could be eliminated and the mesh covering 37 comprise a material with shape memory, such as fine nitinol wire, so that it assumes the expanded configuration 45 with sufficient rigidity to form an effective obstructive member 12 for deflecting the wire guide 14 . The illustrative embodiment optionally includes a lumen 17 for receiving a second wire guide 15 . It should be noted that it is also within the scope of the invention for the expandable member 93 to be manually expandable, such as a basket that must be axially manipulated (i.e., longitudinally compressed) in order to expand the device, rather than the device being resiliently self-expanding. Any other undisclosed or incidental details of the construction or composition of the various elements of the disclosed embodiment of the present invention are not believed to be critical to the achievement of the advantages of the present invention, so long as the elements possess the attributes needed for them to perform as disclosed. Certainly, one skilled in the medical arts would be able to conceive of a wide variety of obstructive member and elongate member configurations and successful combinations thereof. The selection of these and other details of construction are believed to be well within the ability of one of even rudimental skills in this area, in view of the present disclosure. Illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described in considerable detail for the purpose of disclosing a practical, operative structure whereby the invention may be practiced advantageously. The designs described herein are intended to be exemplary only. The novel characteristics of the invention may be incorporated in other structural forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The invention encompasses embodiments both comprising and consisting of the elements described with reference to the illustrative embodiments. Unless otherwise indicated, all ordinary words and terms used herein shall take their customary meaning as defined in The New Shorter Oxford English Dictionary , 1993 edition. All technical terms shall take on their customary meaning as established by the appropriate technical discipline utilized by those normally skilled in that particular art area. All medical terms shall take their meaning as defined by Stedman's Medical Dictionary , 27th edition.
A device for directing a wire guide into a bodily passageway such as a branch of the biliary tree or other difficult to access bodily passageway. The device includes a member, such as an inflatable balloon or a self-expanding basket, for obstructing a first passage. Once the balloon is inflated, or the basket expanded, the wire guide can be reliably directed or deflected into a preferred adjacent passageway in order to cannulate the preferred adjacent passageway. A procedure for cannulating a preferred passageway by obstructing a passageway in the natural flow-path of a wire guide is also provided.
0
BACKGROUNG OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a wheel lock and in particular to a wheel lock that does not be removed whenever the user wishes to lock or unlock a wheel. [0003] 2. Description of Related Art [0004] Besides a door lock or an active lock of a car, most people will install more car locks for preventing their car from being stolen. In general, car locks are classified into several types, such as a gear lock or a steering wheel lock. A gear lock is small. However, the gear lock is installed on the gear. When a thief attempts to remove a gear lock, he or she will not be seen by others. Therefore, the chance of the vehicle not being stolen is not decreased significantly. Moreover, a gear lock needs to be installed in a car factory, and the body of the car will be pierced a hole. [0005] A steering wheel lock is attached on the wheel of the car. One end of the steering wheel lock attaches to the body of the car. Because the steering wheel lock is installed in the front of the car, a thief can clearly be seen by other people walking past the vehicle as they attempt to remove the steering wheel lock. However, the steering wheel lock is big and heavy. Furthermore, it must be installed and removed every time when the wheel needs to be locked or unlocked. Therefore, a steering wheel lock often remains unused by car owners who can't be bothered to it every time they leave their vehicle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a wheel lock that locks on the wheel. The wheel lock does not need to be taken off when the wheel is unlocked. When a user wants to lock the wheel the user just has to pull out the working stick. When a user wants to unlock the wheel the user just has to insert the working stick. Therefore, the use of the wheel lock is very convenient. [0007] The other object of the present invention is to provide a lock structure used for the wheel lock, or any other lock. [0008] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a lock structure, comprising: a body having a curved track and a concave; a guiding lug having a shaft pivoted on one end of the concave, one surface of the guiding lug having a first guiding channel corresponding to the curving track, the opposite surface of the guiding lug having a second guiding channel; a movable arm having a post corresponding to the second guiding channel; and a back lock disposed on the body, the back lock having a bolt; wherein the bolt pushes the shaft to the other end of the concave, the guiding lug is attached on the curving track and the movable arm is attached. [0009] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a wheel lock, comprising: a body having a hollow pipe; a working stick slidably disposed on the hollow pipe; an attaching arm disposed on the body; a front lock disposed on the body through the attaching arm for attaching the working stick; a movable arm slidably disposed on the body; a back lock disposed on the body for attaching the movable arm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] The present invention can be fully understood from the following detailed description and preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0011] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the lock structure and the wheel lock according to the present invention; [0012] FIG. 2 is a exploded view of the a guiding lug according to the present invention; [0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lock structure and the wheel lock according to the present invention; [0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lock structure and the wheel lock according to the present invention; [0015] FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams of the lock structure according to the present invention; [0016] FIG. 6 is an assembled view of the wheel lock and the wheel, with the working stick not installed; [0017] FIG. 7 is an assembled view of the wheel lock and the wheel, in which the wheel is locked; and [0018] FIG. 8 is an assembled view of the wheel lock and the wheel, in which the wheel is unlocked. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0019] The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated modes of applying the invention. This description is not intended to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. [0020] Please refer to FIGS. 1 to 4 , a lock structure and a wheel lock of the present invention includes a body 1 , a guiding lug 2 , an attaching arm 3 , a movable arm 4 , and a working stick 5 . One side of the body 1 has a housing 11 . The housing 11 has a curving track 16 and an elliptic concave 15 . The concave 15 has a rectangle shape formed on a post protruding from the body 1 . The concave 15 has a first part 151 and a second part 152 . The curving track 16 has an arc-shaped track protruding from the body 1 . The position of the first part 151 of the concave 15 is the center of a circle of the curving track 16 . The opposite walls of the housing 11 have two grooves 14 respectively. The other side of the body 1 has a hollow pipe 17 passing through the housing 11 . The body 1 has a front lock room 12 in which a front lock 61 is disposed, and the body 1 has a back lock room 13 in which a back lock 62 is disposed. The position of the opening of the front lock room 12 faces the front of the body 1 is near to the hollow pipe 17 . A hole (not shown) is disposed on the front lock room 12 for a bolt (not shown) of the front lock 61 to pass through to enter the hollow pipe 17 . The opening of the back lock room 13 faces the back of the body 1 . The back lock room 13 has a hole 131 facing towards the concave 15 . The hole 131 is used for the bolt (refer to FIG. 5A ) to pass through. The concave 15 is formed from a hollow post on the body 1 . [0021] The guiding lug 2 can be moved within the housing 11 of the body 1 . Please refer to FIG. 2 , in which a shaft 23 is disposed on the guiding lug 2 . The shaft 23 protrudes from two opposite surfaces of the guiding lug 2 , respectively. The shaft 23 couples to the concave 15 of the body 1 and a concave 34 of the attaching arm 3 respectively. The guiding lug 2 has a first guiding channel 21 and a second guiding groove 22 . The first guiding channel 21 corresponds to the curving track 16 , and the second guiding channel 22 corresponds to a post 42 of the movable arm 4 . An elastic element 18 is disposed in the housing 11 of the body 1 near the concave 15 . The elastic element 18 is used to push the shaft 23 to the first part 151 of the concave 15 . [0022] Furthermore, the guiding lug 2 has a ball aperture 24 that a ball 25 fits in to. The ball 25 protrudes through the surface facing the body 1 of the guiding lug 2 . Therefore, the guiding lug 2 moves along the surface of the body 1 smoother. [0023] One end of the attaching arm 3 has a lock hole 32 that corresponds to the front lock room 12 for attaching the front lock 61 . The attaching arm 3 has a third guiding channel 33 . A curving claw 31 is formed on the other end of the attaching arm 3 . The concave 34 of the attaching arm 3 corresponds to the concave 15 of the body 1 . The movable arm 4 is disposed movably on the groove 14 of the body 1 and the third guiding channel 33 . A curving claw 41 is formed on one end of the movable arm 4 . The attaching arm 3 and the movable arm 4 can be curve-shaped. [0024] The working stick 5 has two round grooves 51 , 52 on opposite ends thereof respectively. The working stick 5 is inserted into the hollow pipe 17 . The front lock 61 can attach the working stick 5 via at the round grooves 51 , 52 . [0025] Please refer to FIG. 4 , in which the body 1 , the attaching arm 3 , and the movable arm 4 are assembled. The working stick 5 is movably disposed inside the body 1 . Please also refer to FIG. 6 . When the present invention is being used the curving claw 31 of the attaching arm 3 is attached to an inner side of a wheel Y. When the movable arm 4 is pulled out the curving claw 41 of the movable arm 4 is allowed to attach to the inner side of the wheel Y. Then the back lock 62 is locked. Therefore, the wheel lock of the present invention is attached onto the wheel Y When a user needs to take off the wheel lock of the present invention, the user need to unlock the back lock 62 and push the movable arm 4 toward the attaching arm 3 . The method of moving and attaching the movable arm 4 is described below. [0026] Please refer to FIG. 5A , in which a diagram of the movable arm 4 being moved can be seen. The shaft 23 of the guiding lug 2 is disposed within the first part 151 of the concave 15 , and the shaft 23 of the guiding lug 2 is disposed on the center of the circle of the curving track 16 . Moreover, the moving path of the first guiding channel 21 of the guiding lug 2 is attached with the curving track 16 . Therefore, the guiding lug 2 can pivot with shaft 23 , and the first guiding channel 21 moves relative to the curving track 16 . When the movable arm 4 is moving, the post 42 within the second guiding channel 22 pushes the guiding lug 2 around. [0027] Please refer to FIG. 5B , in which the movable arm 4 is locked. The bolt 63 of the front lock 62 protrudes from the front lock 62 , and the shaft 23 is pushed to the second part 152 of the concave 15 . Because the position of the shaft 23 is not the center of the circle of the curving track 16 , the moving path of the first guiding channel 21 is not along the curving track 16 . In the other words, the guiding lug 2 is attached on the curving track 16 and cannot be moved. Therefore, when the movable arm 4 is pushed, the post 42 is jammed within the second guiding channel 22 and the movable arm 4 cannot be moved anymore. [0028] Please refer to FIG. 6 , which shows the wheel lock of the present invention attached on the wheel Y As can be seen, there are no structures extending out of the wheel. Therefore, a user does not need to take the wheel lock off when driving his or her car. When a user needs to secure the car against theft, the user just puts the working stick 5 into the hollow pipe 17 of the body 1 . And then, referring to FIG. 7 , the user locks the front lock 61 to insert the bolt of the front lock 61 into the first round groove 51 to attach the working stick 5 . For another method please refer to FIG. 8 . The user can lock the front lock 61 at the second round groove 52 of the working stick 5 . Therefore, the working stick 5 does not need to be taken off when the user drives. [0029] In conclusion, the present invention does not need to be taken off regardless of whether the present invention is being used or not. Therefore, that is more convenient for users to use. [0030] The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
A wheel lock includes a body, an attaching arm, a movable arm, and a working stick. One end of the attaching arm and the movable arm are disposed on the body. The other end of the attaching arm and the movable arm attach to a wheel. The working stick is slidably disposed on the body. When a user wants to lock the wheel the user simply pulls out the working stick. When a user wants to unlock the wheel the user pushes in the working stick. Therefore, when the user uses the present invention, the user does not need to remove the wheel lock from the steering wheel of the vehicle.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention generally relates to automated anti-skid braking systems. More specifically, the invention concerns control methods for determining which of a number of available brake commands will be issued at a given point in time during an anti-skid braking sequence. Automatically controlled anti-skid braking systems (ABS) traditionally have sought to attain three goals. The first goal of an ABS is to avoid front wheel lock-up. Under such a condition, one loses "steerability." The second goal of a typical ABS is to avoid "fish-tailing" or rear-end stability. The third goal of an ABS is to minimize the stopping distance. It has been found that the stopping distance of a vehicle may be made shorter if the wheels are operated at low slip rather than in a fully locked or skid condition (the effective coefficient of friction is greater at lower slip than at full slip). The typical ABS attempts to optimize stopping distance, steerability and rear-end stability during so-called "panic stops". In a typical ABS method, one desires a high brake torque "apply" rate for quick response. Additionally, one needs a high "release" rate, if the condition of lock-up is sensed as about to begin. The conditions of "apply", "hold" and "release" refer respectively to increasing, constant and decreasing brake pressure or resulting brake torque. The apply state means brake torque is being increased, the release state means that brake torque is being decreased, while the hold state indicates that the brake torque is being maintained constant. In most control systems there is a desire for large rates of change when the controlled state is far from its desired value and for small rates of change when the controlled state is close to its desired value. Also, it is undesirable to have large swings between the apply and release states, due to limitation of typical hydraulic braking systems. Hence, any chosen ABS control law should not go back and forth at high rates between the apply and release states, else a requirement for larger hydraulic components will arise. One known solution for producing smaller rates of change which avoid such large swings between apply and release is to use the so-called "step-up" and "step-down" approach. The step-up and step-down approach basically interposes a hold state between any apply and release sequence. For example, under a step-up, one would enter an apply state, then enter a hold state perhaps longer than the apply state before entering another apply state, and alternating thereafter. Functionally, such an approach mimics a slow apply condition. Conversely, in a step-down, one would have a release state followed by a hold state and so on to provide a type of "slow release". In the prior art, most logic required to implement the control law for an ABS is used in formulating step-up and step-down sequences, which may involve many special cases which need special timers and control paths along with storage or saving of previous control states and a history of their occurrence over time. Additionally in the prior art, the phase plane of wheel slip versus angular acceleration of the wheel utilized a great number of control areas in the plane, each of which called for one of several different actions on the part of the braking system. Therefore, there is a need for an anti-skid braking method using a control law which will result in a savings of the logic required for its implementation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to eliminate the need for step-up and step-down routines in a control method for determining required commands in an anti-skid braking system. It is a further object of the invention to eliminate the need for use of phase planes with a large number of control cells. The method for determining a desired one of a plurality of available brake control actions involves the steps of partitioning a phase plane having coordinates defined by wheel slip and wheel acceleration into a predetermined number of sectors, each meeting at a common point in the plane and each sector representing one of the desired brake control actions. Wheel slip and acceleration are estimated, and the phase plane is examined at a coordinate point defined by the slip and acceleration estimates. From the phase plane examination, one can determine the sector containing the point and may then issue a command designating one of the desired brake control actions in accordance with the determined sector. It is a feature of the invention that the control method limits wheel lock-up to maintain steerability and lateral stability of the vehicle during panic stops. It is a further feature of the invention that only three control commands are required, without the need for step-up and step-down command sequences. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING These and other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from a reading of a detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawing in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle wheel depicting coordinate systems which will be used in explaining the invention, one coordinate system associated and moving with the wheel and a second coordinate system attached to the surface upon which the wheel rotates; FIG. 2 is a graphical representation of a typical relationship between wheel slip and the effective longitudinal coefficient of friction of a rotating wheel on a surface; FIG. 3 depicts a typical limit cycle path in a phase plane for a three-sector control method; FIG. 4 depicts a limit cycle in a phase plane utilizing a four-sector control method; FIGS. 5a and 5b set forth comparative sector boundary line slopes, with FIG. 5a showing typical slopes at a lower speed and FIG. 5b showing typical sector dividing line slopes at a higher speed; and FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the sector control method designed in accordance with the principles of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Phased Plane Analysis The phase plane is a natural and classical tool for studying the behavior of low order nonlinear systems. It is particularly useful when studying "bang-bang" control systems which use lines in the phase plane as switching boundaries. This section of the description will introduce the phase plane concept, form simplified equations of motion for a one-wheel system, and show how a phase plane may be used to graphically depict the open loop system response and the effect of control switching boundaries. In conjunction with system requirements and with equations of motion, the phase plane may be used to develop control methods following the principles of the invention. One of the most important criteria for an ABS control method is its robustness to parameter variations. Large variations are expected in several parameters including vehicle speed, road surface, brake fluid viscosity, and drive train effective inertia. Any ABS controller method must be able to give acceptable performance as these and other parameters are varied. Consider a nonlinear second order system: ##EQU1## Define y: ##EQU2## giving a coupled nonlinear set of first order differential equations: ##EQU3## The traditional phase plane is a plot of x vs. y as a function of time. Initial conditions on x and y completely define the path or trajectory that the curve of y vs. x will take. The entire initial condition problem may be solved by plotting the path resulting from a sufficiently large number of different initial conditions. No two paths may cross, although two or more paths may converge and neighboring paths may diverge. From any initial condition there is a unique path that the solution of the above set of differential equations will follow; if paths could cross, there would be two different paths from the crossing point. To apply phase plane analysis to an anti-skid braking system, consider a very simplified model of a wheel rolling on the ground. With reference to FIG. 1, let A be a coordinate system fixed in the ground with a 3 directed downward, and let W be a coordinate system fixed in the wheel. Assume that the wheel is constrained to rotate about an axis w 2 through W * , the wheel center of mass. Consider the special case of planar motion of the wheel in a vertical plane such that w 2 is perpendicular to a 3 . Choose a 2 =w 2 , a 1 =a 2 ร—a 3 -i.e. a 1 is defined by the vector cross product of a 2 and a 3 . The above definitions are in agreement with the SAE standard coordinate systems in which the z or `3` axis is nominally downward, the x of `1` axis is nominally forward, and the y of `2` axis is out of the right. Unfortunately for forward motion of the vehicle, the wheel angular velocity about w 2 is typically negative as defined. To simplify the following analysis ฯ‰ will be defined so that it is positive in normal driving: ฯ‰=--.sup.A.sub.ฯ‰.sup.W W.sub.2 (4) where A.sub.ฯ‰ W is the angular velocity of W with respect to A The equation of motion for the wheel motion about -w 2 is: ##EQU4## where: I=spin inertia of the wheel (inertia about w 2 ) t=time T=torque exerted by car on wheel about w 2 (typically positive for braking) T r =moment about -w 2 of all forces exerted by the road on the tire ("road torque", typically positive for braking.) Modeled as: T.sub.r =ฮผ.sub.eff Nh (6) where: h=height of wheel center above ground (taken positive) N=normal force between tire and road (taken positive) ฮผ eff =effective coefficient of friction between rolling and slipping tire and road. Modeled as a simple function of longitudinal slip, s. The slip, s, is defined as follows: ##EQU5## where: R=effective rolling radius of the wheel (typically R h, but R>h) pe,uns/v/ = A V W* . a 1 where A V W* is the velocity of W* in A. Eq. (5) defines the motion of a wheel. Using it as the basis of phase plane analysis requires a number of simplifying assumptions. A simple model for the brake torque is a linear function of time which depends on the ABS control mode. T=T.sub.0 +Qt (8) where Q is the apply or release rate of change of brake torque, and ##EQU6## An additional "Step Up" mode exists which is a sequence of Applys and Holds. This is approximated below as a slow Apply. Although the torque is a decidedly nonlinear function of time, a linear approximation may be adequate for ABS operation, given the short period of time that the system is in any one mode. Considering Eq. (5) and the subsequent definitions, assume that I, N, h, and Q are constants and the ฮผ eff is a constant function of slip--which may be a function of time. Substituting Eq. (8) into Eq. (5) and differentiating with respect to time removes the time dependence and allows a nondimensional formulation which exposes which combinations of parameters are important. ##EQU7## The slip, s, is a function of both ฯ‰ and v. For simplicity, and recognizing that the vehicle speed tends to change much more slowly than the wheel speed, it is assumed that v is constant. This simplifies the computation of the time rate of change of s and avoids the introduction of an additional variable, v, into Eq. (10). ##EQU8## giving: ##EQU9## After some algebra: ##EQU10## where: ฯ‰=ฯ‰R/v=1-s ฮฑ=d/dt ฮฑ=ฮฑR/g=dฯ‰/dt=wheel acceleration in g's t=tg/v=time in units of the time required to stop at one g. g=acceleration of gravity I=Ig/NhRโ‰ˆIg/NR 2 Q=Qv/Nhgโ‰ˆQv/NRg Eq. (13) can be put in the form of Eq. (3) if ฮฑ is identified with y and -s is identified with x. In a slight variation from tradition, plots of ฮฑvs. s will be described as the phase plane. The path in the phase plane will depend on the non dimensional parameters I, Q, and d ฮผeff/ds. I depends on the effective moment of inertia of the wheel--including the drive train, the rolling radius and wheel center height, and the instantaneous normal force. The effective moment of inertia can vary by as much as an order of magnitude, and the normal force will vary by a large fraction of its nominal value in severe maneuvers and due to loading variations. Q depends on the vehicle velocity and the rate of change of brake torque as well as the wheel center height and the normal force. The vehicle velocity variation over which a typical ABS should operate covers about two orders of magnitude form 1-3 mph at the low end to 120-180 mph at the high end. The rate of change of brake torque will vary due to ยฑ30% variations in specific torque and variations in hydraulic fluid flow rates through orifices. The flow rates depend on both the temperature and the pressure difference across the orifice. Since ฮผ eff is an explicit function of slip, d ฮผ eff/ds is an explicit function of slip. It is also a function of the road surface and the slip angle. Road surface variations can change the slope of the ฮผ-slip curve at low slip by an order of magnitude and change the location of the maximum coefficient of friction. As the slip angle increases from zero, the longitudinal friction coefficient, ฮผ eff decreases at increasing values of slip. The decrease is greater at low slip than at high slip, resulting in a shift of the maximum coefficient of friction to higher values of slip, s. Plots of the effective longitudinal friction coefficient, ฮผ eff vs. longitudinal slip, s are called "ฮผ-slip curves." Typical ฮผ-slip curves are characterized by a maximum at some relatively low--5% to 30%--value of slip, dropping to zero at zero slip and decreasing gradually from the peak at higher values of slip. For passenger cars, the peak varies from about 1.0 on dry surfaces to 0.1 on ice. Some references describe wet ice values as low as 0.02. A typical ฮผ-slip curve used in phase plane analysis is shown in FIG. 2. The features to note with reference to the ฮผ-slip curve of FIG. 2 are that at low slip, the effective coefficient of friction is zero, while at high slip, the coefficient of friction is relatively high. The coefficient of friction shows a peak 200 at an intermediate value of slip. To the left of peak 200 is the stable region 201, while to the right of peak 200 is the unstable region 202. The lateral coefficient of friction is highest at zero slip and monotonically decreases as slip increases. The optimal ABS attempts to operate in a region of slip where both lateral and longitudinal forces are relatively high. With reference to FIG. 3, the paths the system will follow in the phase plane selected are shown as dotted lines. These paths are proportional to the ฮผ-slip curve for the vehicle in question and are displaced in the acceleration coordinate due to brake torque. The three-sector control method utilizes the phase plane depicted in FIG. 3. As seen from FIG. 3, the phase plane is defined by coordinates of slip and wheel angular acceleration ฮฑ, and the plane is divided into three pie or wedge shaped sectors; Apply or A sector 302, Hold or H sector 303 and Release or R sector 301. Zero angular acceleration is depicted along dashed line 320, while the sectors are divided by linear boundaries--the boundary between the Release and Apply regions being designated 331, the boundary between the Apply and Hold regions being designated 332 and the boundary between the Hold and Release sectors designated as 330. The three-sector control method works as follows. Starting in the Apply region A, a stable region of the ฮผ-slip curve focuses most elements of the set of possible paths (shown as dotted lines) to a line 380 and then to a point 355 at the Apply/Hold switching line 332. The slopes of the paths in the A and H regions are such that the control method will switch back and forth between Apply and Hold sectors while moving along the switching curve. This feature or inherent characteristic of this phase plane combines a pure Apply region followed by switching between the Apply and Hold sectors and automatically provides the prior art function of step-up mode without the necessity for providing specific implementing logic. The phase plane will be traversed along a typical path in a counter-clockwise direction, and once the path begins to nearly repeat itself, a path sweeping through 360ยฐ is termed a "limit cycle". It is desirable to maintain the limit cycle relatively large and non-collapsing toward the center point 340 at which all three sectors meet, since this enables better slip, velocity, and acceleration state estimates while using the phase plane control approach. A typical limit cycle shown as path 310 in FIG. 3 begins in the Release or R region at point 351, crosses between regions of negative and positive angular acceleration at point 352 and continues to boundary line 331 with the Apply or A region at point 353. The direction traversed along the path is shown by arrows 301a and 301b. The path continues and crosses back into a region of negative acceleration at point 354 whereupon it is caused by stable region 201 (FIG. 2) to converge to point 355 located at boundary 332 between the Apply and Hold regions. At this point the path will continue toward the right through region 356 where it takes the form of an arcuate saw-tooth for switching back and forth between the Hold and Apply regions until the path intersects a curve tangent to line 332 at point 357 whereupon it will follow that curve along the region of 358 to point 359 along boundary 330 between the Release and Hold regions. Overshoot will then bring the path down to point 360 whereupon a new limit cycle will begin along path 370 which will generally parallel the path just described. This process continues until the vehicle comes to a speed below which it is safe to lock up the wheel (typically on the order of three miles per hour). It should be noted that the paths in the phase plane such as that shown in FIG. 3 are very much function of vehicle speed, this means that a design that works well at one speed will not necessarily have the required performance at other speeds. It has been found that optimal results occur when the slopes of the sector boundary lines vary with vehicle speed. In particular, choosing the slopes proportional to vehicle speed is both simple and effective. A minimum slope is needed at lower speeds to limit the effect of acceleration noise. The desire to have the slopes of the switching lines adaptive with vehicle speed can be shown by starting from Eq. 13 reproduced below. ##EQU11## Eliminating time: ##EQU12## For slip above about 20%, the variation of ฮผ eff with slip, s, is small and equation 15 may be rewritten as: ##EQU13## Consider the slope of the curves defined by Eq. 16 at a given acceleration, ฮฑ, of interest, say ฮฑ=ฮฑ*. In a given control mode, Q is a function of translational velocity and has the form Q=Q*[v/v*] where Q=Q* when v=v*. At ฮฑ*: ##EQU14## where ##EQU15## By choosing the switching line to have the form of Eq. 17, we can retain the same angle between the switching line and the path line at all vehicle speeds. Accordingly, the vehicle speed estimate will be used to vary the slope of the switching lines. A preferred type of phase plane sector layout utilizes four sectors as seen in FIG. 4. The fourth sector is an additional Hold region 402 added between the Apply and Release regions 403 and 401 respectively, by adding a boundary line 431 in the upper right hand quadrant of the plane shown. The purpose of adding the fourth sector is that in the three sector algorithm, a large Release region results in an excessive decrease in brake pressure. Hence, an additional Hold region was interposed between the Release region and the Apply region when moving in a counter-clockwise direction about the phase plane. It is felt this fourth sector will improve stopping distance. A typical limit cycle path in the phase plane of FIG. 4 is designated 410, and its direction is indicated by arrowheads 401a and 401b. As in the three sector control method, one typically will start into an ABS mode while in the Release region (for example at point 451). The path will then proceed across the zero line of acceleration 420 at point 452 up to sector dividing line 431 at point 453. In the added Hold sector 402 between switching lines 431 and 432, it will be seen that with the four sector approach, the locus of possible paths in this added Hold region 402 is substantially horizontal or parallel to the slip axis of the phase plane. Continuing with the limit cycle of path 410, the path proceeds substantially parallel to the slip axis to dividing line 432 at point 454 whereupon it descends through the Apply region to cross zero acceleration line 420 at point 455, whereupon the stable ฮผ-slip region will cause the path to converge to a line 480 and then to a point 456 located at switching line 433 between the Apply and Hold regions 403 and 404 respectively. At this point, the path will again automatically switch in a saw tooth fashion between the Hold and Apply regions as depicted in region 457 until it intersects a curve parallel to the ฮผ-slip curve at point 458. The path then follows the curve up to its peak at 459 and then to point 461 on switching line 430 separating the Hold and Release regions 404 and 401, respectively. At this point, due to overshoot, the path will descend to point 462 whereupon a new limit cycle will be initiated at path 470. As with the three-sector control method, the four-sector approach may also have adaptive control wherein different slopes for the sector dividing lines will be chosen as a function of the vehicle speed. One set of comparisons of sector switching or dividing line slopes as a function of speed is set forth in the representative phase planes of FIGS. 5A and 5B. As seen from FIG. 5A, the slopes of the sector dividing lines are lower than those set forth in FIG. 5B. Hence, the phase plane for FIG. 5A would be used at lower speeds, for example on the order of six miles per hour, while the phase plane sections of FIG. 5B would be used at relatively higher vehicle speeds, for example on the order of 24 miles per hour. Hence a family of phase planes, one for each desired range of vehicle speeds could be advantageously employed in a control method adapted to vehicle speed. FIG. 6 depicts, in flow chart form, the overall control method block diagram. Given estimates of wheel slip, wheel angular speed, and wheel angular acceleration for a particular wheel, (using known elements such as variable reluctance transducers) the control algorithm chooses which command to send to the hydraulic sub-system: Apply, Hold or Release. Two types of phase plane maps are available, an initial map and a normal or anti-skid map. The first step as set forth in FIG. 6 is to select which type of map to use. This decision is based on the following sequential logic: (1) If the last command was Release, use the normal or anti-skid phase plane map; (2) If the time continuously in the Apply command mode exceeds a predetermined limit, use the initial map; (3) If the extrapolated reference speed of the vehicle (i.e., extrapolated from the wheel speed at low slip) is below a pre-selected limit, use the initial map; (4) If none of the above conditions are satisfied, use the map used during the last limit cycle. The initial map is the map of brake commands used in typical driving and used in the initial phase of entering an anti-skid mode. For conditions of low-slip and low wheel acceleration, the ABS capability does not come into play. When limits of slip and wheel acceleration are exceeded, a release of brake pressure is begun and the system begins ABS cycling. The normal of anti-skid phase plane map is divided into sectors, preferably into four sectors, and the command selected depends upon which sector holds the current estimate of slip and wheel acceleration. The invention has been described with reference to embodiments set forth solely for sake of example. The invention is to be interpreted in scope and spirit in accordance with the appended claims.
An anti-skid braking system control method determines the brake torque on a wheel of a road vehicle to prevent wheel lock-up while retaining braking force. The method utilizes a wheel slip-wheel acceleration phase plane (400), which is divided into at least three and preferably four wedge-shaped sectors (401, 402, 403, 404) meeting at a central point (440), each sector representing one of three available brake control actions (A, H, R) to be taken. The vehicle's wheel slip and wheel acceleration are estimated, a representation of the phase plane is used to determine in which sector the slip/acceleration coordinate lies, and a control command is output to the system for effecting the desired control action in accordance with the sector determined. The control method is adaptive to vehicle speed.
1
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to neurological instruments and, more particularly, to a reflex hammer for attachment upon a handle-forming instrument. Heretofore, there has been an established recognition of the desirability of incorporating a reflex or percussion hammer for neurological diagnostic purposes with a coordinating instrumentality; thereby forming a composite device which obviates the need for a physician to have a separate independent hammer. In comprehensively physically examining a patient, a physician should check the deep nerve reflexes as by striking above the patella on the knee to cause the knee to jerk in order to determine the character of the nerve circuitry. With relative frequency, a physician may find when making such an examination away from his office or a hospital that a reflex or percussion hammer has been misplaced or forgotten and thus the examination is perforce not completed. In order to obviate such a contingency, there have been various efforts made heretofore so as to integrate a reflex hammer within a composite instrument. One such prior art structure is revealed in the Golub et al, U.S. Pat. No. 2,532,093. This patent discloses an instrument incorporating a handle which at one end has the conventional head crosswise permanently fixed thereon and with said handle at its other end being engageable to a cylindrical casing for housing other neurological diagnostic implements such as a brush and a needle. The Guest U.S. Pat. No. 2,908,268, shows another effort at providing a composite diagnostic instrument which incorporates a handle-forming casing for a tuning fork and with the handle or extension of the latter being suitably engageable to a socket member which mounts a triangular rubber impact or hammer head. The Leopoldi U.S. Pat. No. 3,185,146, reveals another attempt at providing a diagnostic instrument of which the reflex hammer constitutes but a portion. In this particular embodiment, the hammer end, having two ends, is pivotally mounted upon one end of a telescoping handle structure and thus being permanently integrated therewith; said handle structure internally providing a chamber for receiving associated diagnostic implements such as a brush has a pin. It will thus be seen that the prior art discloses only fixedly integrated structures, but, nonetheless, demonstrate the recognized need for diagnosticians to be provided with a reflex hammer which is not of independent construction but is integrated within a composite instrumentality. The present invention contemplates the provision of a reflex hammer component which is of independent construction but which is readily attachable, or otherwise detachably engageable, upon another instrument which may be for neurological examination, but not necessarily, and alone as it is of such nature as to provide a handle. Thus, the present invention involves a hammer of sleeve-form which simply frictionally engages the body of another instrument. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a reflex hammer attachment for neurological diagnostic purposes which is readily detachably engageable upon another instrument or supporting device. It is another object of the present invention to provide a reflex hammer attachment of the type stated which is constructed of suitable flexible and resilient material so as to easily accommodate the supporting instrument. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a reflex hammer attachment of the character stated which accordingly may be detachably mounted upon any suitable instrument or device and not necessarily one which is useful for neurological diagnosis. It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a reflex hammer of the type stated which is most economically manufactured so that loss or misplacement of the same does not entail a substantial economic loss as would be with currently available reflex hammer; which is easily mounted upon the selected handle-forming support and is secured thereon for assuring of reliable usage; and which is constructed of durable material but which is of relatively light weight so as to be a negligible weight factor in a physician's bag. It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a method for using a reflex hammer attachment of the character above stated for determining human reflex reactions. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an instrument having mounted thereon a reflex hammer constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top plan view. FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the instrument illustrated in FIG. 1, but shown at an angle of 180ยฐ therefrom. FIG. 4 is a horizontal transverse sectional view taken on the line 4--4 of FIG. 1. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now by reference characters to the drawing which illustrates the preferred embodiment of the present invention, A generally designates a medical instrument such as for diagnostic purposes which comprises an elongated rigid body 1 embodying a handle-defining portion 1' and which carries at one end portion thereof a particular tool or working element, as at a. The exact nature of instrument A is immaterial but for purposes of illustration, comprehends an ophthalmoscope as utilized in neurological examination. Thus, it is to be understood that instrument A is not a part of the present invention, but simply exemplifies a commonly used medical instrument of elongate character and having a rigid body of such overall, length adequate for accommodating the present invention, as set forth below, while not interfering with the operation or effective utilization of the tool or work element a; it being understood that such body 1 may be solid or hollow in accordance with the particular purpose of such instrument. Provided for optional, frictional engagement upon body 1 of instrument A is a reflex or percussion hammer B which constitutes a tube or sleeve having a preferably circular wall 2 and being open from end to end throughout its length. Said hammer 2 is fabricated of durable, flexible and resilient material such as preferably natural or synthetic rubber or a suitable plastic and having an inside diameter or cross section substantially complementary to the outside diameter or cross-section of body 1 of instrument A so that hammer B may snuggly receive the normally inoperative end of body 1. It will thus be seen that the aforesaid relationship must be such as to assure that hammer B will be tightly engaged about body 1 so as to avoid any undesired or accidental axial rotation thereabout, much less inadvertent displacement from instrument A. It is to be recognized that the handle-defining portion 1' is of such overall length that a substantial portion 1" of the same remains uncovered when hammer B is engaged upon said rigid body 1 to be available for gripping for appropriate manipulation of the hammer attachment as well as the particular tool or working element a. Integrally formed with hammer wall 2 is a lengthwise extending continuous head-forming portion or head 3 which may be substantially coextensive wwith said wall 2. Said head 3 is of generally triangular character and cross section having outwardly converging sides 4, 4' which terminate in a relatively narrow striking edge or ridge forming portion 5. Head 3 may be of any other suitable configuration for contacting the patient's body such as at the knee or elbow region for provoking the particular response. The particular edge-developing head 3 is thus shown for exemplary purposes, as the same does lend itself for facilitating production, as well as being efficient for the intended purposes. Thus, it would be within the scope of one having skill in the art to cause such head to be of an arcuated nature as shown in the Guest patent, above noted, or to be of the more familiar generally rounded configuration. It is to be understood that hammer B may be, of course, produced to the size desired for accommodating instruments of different outer diameter or cross section and the thickness of wall 2 may, of course, be varied so as to provide the requisite durability, as well as reliability in operation. Thus, with the present invention, a physician may select any particular instrument he wishes to mount the hammer B upon, but necessarily will utilize a hammer B of commensurate inside diameter or cross section. Instrument A thus by reason of the detachable engagement of hammer B thereon develops a composite character with one end portion of body 1 supporting hammer B and the remaining portion serving as a handle for such hammer. Accordingly, hammer B is actually an accessory for any suitable instrument and yet in and of itself functions as efficiently as the customary self-contained, independent, currently-used reflex hammers. Head 3 is of adequate thickness and hardness so as to impart the requisite blow to the body zone for assuring accuracy of response. Therefore, it is quite apparent that hammer B may be most economically manufactured so that the displacement of the same will not necessitate a substantial expense for replacement as would be the base with currently used reflex hammer and manifestly the utilization of hammer B relieves the concern as to the ready availability of another instrument. It is, of course, understood that head 3, if desired, could be constructed dependently of wall 2 and being formed of any preselected suitable material and fixed upon said tubular wall 2 by requisite means. However, it is quite obvious that the embodiment above discussed and shown in the drawings is preferable in that it is manifestly cheaper to fabricate and will be of relative strength so as to assure of maximum durability.
A reflex hammer having a tubular body dimensioned for readily attachable frictional engagement upon the elongated body of a preselected medical treatment, the hammer being fabricated of flexible, resilient material and incorporating a head projecting beyond the periphery of the wall of the hammer.
0
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application claims priority to German Application DE 10050123.0, filed Oct. 11, 2000. The entire contents of the application is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the processes of racemization and deprotection of special N-protected amino acids in the acylase/racemase system for the total conversion of special N-protected racemic amino acids into optically pure amino acids. 2. Discussion of Background Optically pure enantiomers of both L- and D-amino acids are important starting compounds in chemical syntheses, as well as for parenteral nutrition. Many methods of producing oprtically pure amino acids are possible and known to a person skilled in the art. Suitable processes include relevant enzymatic processes since they take place catalytically and produce with very high enantiomer concentrations of amino acids. A racemic mixture of amino acids is not optically pure and contains both L-amino acid and D-amino acid enantiomers. Both L-amino acid and D-amino acid enantiomers can be utilized through enzymatic catalysis of a racemic mixture of N-protected amino acids. For example, it is known that L-amino acids are prepared from a racemic mixture of N-acetylated amino acids by using amino acid acylases. However, it is thought that these acylases are specific only for the cleavage of N-acetyl-protected amino acids and amines/alcohols (EP99118844.2; A. S. Bommarius et al., Tetrahedron; Asymmetry, 1997, Vol. 8, 3197-3200). Further, various racemization processes have been developed to prepare L-amino acids from the remaining D-acetyl amino acid fraction of the racemic mixture. DE 19935268.2 discloses an acetylamino acid racemase in the acylase/acetylamino acid racemase system that can prepare optically pure L-methionine from a racemic mixture of N-acetylmethionine. Less specific N-acetylamino acid racemases (AAR) have been described previously. These racemases can be found in the microorganisms Streptomyces atratus Y-53 (Tokuyama et al., Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 1994, 40, 835-840) and Amycolatopis sp. TS-1-60 (Tokuyama et al., Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 1995a, 42, 853-859). For example, the racemase of Amycolatopis sp. TS-1-60 can catalyze the racemization of N-carbamoylamino acids to L-amino acids, although with less than optimal activity. Processes for complete conversion of amino acids other than acetyl-protected or carbamoyl-protected amino acids to optically enriched amino acids are not known. Further, racemases with the ability to convert amino acids other than acetyl-protected or carbamoyl-protected amino acids are not known. Therefore, there is a need for enzymatic processes that racemize N-protected amino acids in general, as well as those N-protected amino acids other than acetyl-protected or carbamoyl-protected amino acids. The N-protected amino acid products of such racemic converstions may then be converted into the optically enriched amino acid by a subsequent enzymatic cleavage of the protecting group(s). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One object of the present invention is a process for the racemization of N-protected amino acids, comprising contacting a compound of the general formula (I): wherein X=O, NH, R 1 =CH 3 , CH 3 CH 2 , tert-butyl, benzyl and R 2 denotes the ฮฑ-radical of a natural or synthetic amino acid, with an N-acetylamino acid racemase. Another object of the present invention is a process for the cleavage of the protective group from N-protected amino acids, comprising contacting a compound of the general formula (I): wherein X=O, NH, R 1 =CH 3 , CH 3 CH 2 , tert.-butyl, benzyl, wherein if X is NH, then R 1 may be H, and R 2 denotes the ฮฑ-radical of a natural or synthetic amino acid, with an amino acid acylase. Another object of the present invention is a process, comprising contacting a compound of the general formula (I): wherein X=O, NH, R 1 =CH 3 , CH 3 CH 2 , tert-butyl, benzyl, wherein if X is NH, then R 1 may be H, and R 2 denotes the ฮฑ-radical of a natural or synthetic amino acid, with an N-acetylamino acid racemase (AAR) in the presence of an amino acid acylase. In one embodiment, the racemase contacts the compound first followed by the acylase. Either or both the racemase and the acylase may be in a homogeneous free form, a recombinant free form, a part of a host organism, a portion of a digested cell mass, an immobilised form. Another object of the present invention is to provide a process for the production of optically enriched amino acids from a racemic mixture of amino acids that are N-protected. Another object of the present invention is to provide a process for the production of optically enriched amino acids from a racemic mixture of amino acids that are N-protected by means of a urethane-protected or carbamoyl-protected amino acid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Unless specifically defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a skilled artisan of molecular biology and biochemistry. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described herein. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. Further, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting. Reference is made to standard textbooks of molecular biology that contain definitions and methods and means for carrying out basic scientific techniques, encompassed by the present invention. See, for example, Maniatis et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York (1982) and Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York (1989) and various references cited therein. The term โ€œฮฑ-radical of an amino acidโ€ is understood to denote the radical located on the ฮฑ-C atom of an ฮฑ-amino acid. This radical may be derived from a natural amino acid, as described in Beyer-Walter, Lehrbuch der organischen Chemie, S. Hirzel Verlag Stuttgart, 22 nd Edition, 1991, p. 822f. Furthermore, corresponding ฮฑ-radicals of synthetic ฮฑ-amino acids are also covered, as listed for example in DE19903268.8. โ€œOptically enrichedโ€, or โ€œenantiomer-enrichedโ€, compounds within the scope of the present invention is understood to mean the presence of an optical antipode mixed with the other antipodes in a concentration of >50 mole %. โ€œPolynucleotideโ€ in general relates to polyribonucleotides and polydeoxyribonucleotides, it being possible for these to be non-modified RNA or DNA or modified RNA or DNA. โ€œPolypeptidesโ€ are understood as meaning peptides or proteins, which comprise two or more amino acids, bonded via peptide bonds. โ€œFree formโ€ of a polynucleotide or polypeptide refers to a polynucleotide or polypeptide separated out of its natural environment and into an aqueous solution. โ€œDigested cell massโ€ is any solution of cellular components produced as a direct result of disrupting the integrity of a cell wall and/or cell membrane. The cell may be a unicellular organism and/or may be a portion of a multi-cellular organism. โ€œN-acetylamino acid racemaseโ€ denotes a class of enzymes that can racemise optically enriched N-acetylamino acids. On account of the great similarity to one another, all N-acetylamino acid racemases known to the person skilled in the art can be used for the present conversions. Preferably, the racemases to be used are those from Streptomyces atratus Y-53 as well as Amycolatopis sp. TS-1-60. A process that is particularly preferred is one comprising the N-acetylamino acid racemase from Amycolatopsis orientalis subspecies lurida (SEQ ID NO. 2), since this particular N-acetylamino acid racemase has advantages over other representatives of this class of compounds with regard to dependence on metal ions and activity (EP99118844.2) This enzyme is encoded by the polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO. 1. Also included in the present invention are those racemases having amino acid sequences that are at least 70, 80, 85, 90, 95, and 98% identical to SEQ ID NO. 2 and which have racemase activity. Homology, sequence similarity, or sequence identity of nucleotide or amino acid sequences may be determined conventionally by using known software or computer programs such as the BestFit or Gap pairwise comparison programs (GCG Wisconsin Package, Genetics Computer Group, 575 Science Drive, Madison, Wis. 53711). BestFit uses the local homology algorithm of Smith and Waterman, Advances in Applied Mathematics 2: 482-489 (1981), to find the best segment of identity or similarity between two sequences. Gap performs global alignments, i.e. aligning all of one sequence with all of another similar sequence, using the method of Needleman and Wunsch, J. Mol. Biol. 48:443-453 (1970). When using a sequence alignment program such as BestFit, to determine the degree of sequence homology, similarity, or identity, the default setting may be used, or an appropriate scoring matrix may be selected to optimize identity, similarity, or homology scores. Similarly, when using a program such as BestFit to determine sequence identity, similarity, or homology between two different amino acid sequences, the default settings may be used, or an appropriate scoring matrix, such as blosum45 or blosum80, may be selected to optimize identity, similarity, or homology scores. Further racemases that may be used according to the invention are those portions or fragments of the above-mentioned polypeptides exhibiting any enzymatic racemization of optically enriched N-acetylamino acids. Methods for determining racemase activity of polypeptides have been described previously. The analysis can thus be carried out, for example, by reacting enantiomer-pure amino acid derivatives in the presence of a solution containing at least one polypeptide and following the formation of a corresponding racemate using a polarimeter (Perkin-Elmer 241) at various wavelengths. The reaction can be carried out at temperatures ranging from 15 to 55ยฐ C. (heatable cell) for time increments from 3 to 12 hours in reaction media deemed appropriate for optimizing racemase activity. For example, the reaction media can be buffered at a pH ranging from 5.0 to 9.0 and can include divalent metal ion salt concentrations ranging from 1 to 15 mM. โ€œAmino acid acylasesโ€ within the scope of the invention is understood to denote enzymes that deacetylate N-acylamino acids in a stereospecific manner. In principle all representatives of this class of compound known to the person skilled in the art are suitable for the reactions according to the invention and may be employed. It is preferred, however, to employ amino acid acylases such as the L-specific acylase I or D-specific acylase from Aspergillus oryzae. Both amino acid acylases can be obtained from Amano International Enzyme Company at 1157 N Main Street, Lombard, Ill. 60148. Further acylases that may be used for the reaction are described in the following literature citations: Wakayama M, Yada H, Kanda S, Hayashi S, Yatsuda Y, Sakai K, Moriguchi M, Role of conserved histidine residues in D-aminoacylase from Alcaligenes xylosoxydans subsp. xylosoxydans A-6, Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem. 2000 Jan;64(l):1-8; Wakayama M, Hayashi S, Yatsuda Y, Katsuno Y, Sakai K, Moriguchi M., Overproduction of D-aminoacylase from Alcaligenes xylosoxydans subsp. xylosoxydans A-6 in Escherichia coli and its purification, Protein Expr. Purif. 1996 Jun;7(4):395-9; Wakayama M, Katsuno Y, Hayashi S, Miyamoto Y, Sakai K, Moriguchi M., Cloning and sequencing of a gene encoding D-aminoacylase from Alcaligenes xylosoxydans subsp. xylosoxydans A-6 and expression of the gene in Escherichia coli, Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem. 1995 Nov;59(11):2115-9; Wakayama M, Ashika T, Miyamoto Y, Yoshikawa T, Sonoda Y, Sakai K, Moriguchi M.; Primary structure of N-acyl-D-glutamate amidohydrolase from Alcaligenes xylosoxydans subsp. xylosoxydans A-6, J. Biochem. (Tokyo). 1995 Jul;118(1):204-9; Chen HP, Wu SH, Wang KT., D-Aminoacylase from Alcaligenes faecalis possesses activities on D-methionine, Bioorg. Med. Chem. 1994 Jan;2(1):1-5; Moriguchi M, Sakai K, Miyamoto Y, Wakayama M., Production, purification, and characterization of D-aminoacylase from Alcaligenes xylosoxydans subsp. xylosoxydans A-6, Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem. 1993 Jul;57(7):1149-52; Yang YB, Hsiao KM, Li H, Yano H, Tsugita A, Tsai YC, Characterization of D-aminoacylase from Alcaligenes denitrficans DA181, Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem. 1992 Sep;56(9):1392-5; Tsai YC, Lin CS, Tseng TH, Lee H, Wang YJ, Production and immobilization of D-aminoacylase of Alcaligenes faecalis DA 1 for optical resolution of N-acyl-DL-amino acids, Enzyme Microb. Technol. 1992 May;14(5):384-9; Batisse N, Weigel P, Lecocq M, Sakanyan V., Two amino acid amidohydrolase genes encoding L-stereospecific carbamoylase and aminoacylase are organized in a common operon in Bacillus stearothermophilus, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 1997 Feb;63(2):763-6; Yang YB, Hu HL, Chang MC, Li H, Tsai YC, Purification and characterization of L-aminoacylase from Alcaligenes denitrficans DA181, Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem. 1994 Jan;58(l):204-5; Jakob M, Miller YE, Rohm KH, Cloning and sequence analyses of cDNAs encoding aminoacylase I from porcine kidney, Biol. Chem. Hoppe Seyler. 1992 Dec;373(12):1227-31; Mitta M, Ohnogi H, Yamamoto A, Kato I, Sakiyama F, Tsunasawa S., The primary structure of porcine aminoacylase 1 deduced from cDNA sequence, J. Biochem. (Tokyo). 1992 Dec;112(6):737-42; Bommarius AS, Drauz K, Klenk H, Wandrey C., Operational stability of enzymes. Acylase-catalyzed resolution of N-acetyl amino acids to enantiomerically pure L-amino acids, Ann. N Y Acad. Sci. 1992 Nov 30;672:126-36; Gentzen I, Loffler HG, Schneider F., Aminoacylase from Aspergillus oryzae. Comparison with the pig kidney enzyme, Z. Naturforsch. [C]. 1980 Jul-Aug;35(7-8):544-50. Further acylases that may be used according to the invention are those portions of the above-mentioned polypeptides exhibiting any deacetylation of N-acylamino acids in a stereospecific manner. Methods for determining acylase activity of polypeptides on various N-protected amino acids have been described previously. The analysis can thus be carried out, for example, by reacting various N-protected amino acids derivatives in the presence of a solution containing at least one polypeptide and following the increasing presence of the unmodified N-amino acid. The reaction can be carried out at temperatures ranging from 15 to 55ยฐ C. (heatable cell) for time increments from 3 to 12 hours in reaction media deemed appropriate for optimizing acylase activity. For example, the reaction media can be buffered at a pH ranging from 5.0 to 9.0 and can include divalent metal ion salt concentrations ranging from 1 to 15 mM. The invention also provides host organisms which express one or both of the racemase and acylase described herein. These enzymes may be expressed from the chromosome, either as endogenous or inserted by recombinations, or from a vector or plasmid existing episomally. These organisms can be cultured continuously or discontinuously in the batch process (batch culture) or in the fed batch (feed process) or repeated fed batch process (repetitive feed process). A summary of known culture methods is described in the textbook by Chmiel (Bioprozesstechnik 1. Einfiihrung in die Bioverfahrenstechnik [Bioprocess Technology 1. Introduction to Bioprocess Technology (Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart, 1991)) or in the textbook by Storhas (Bioreaktoren und periphere Einrichtungen [Bioreactors and Peripheral Equipment] (Vieweg Verlag, Braunschweig/Wiesbaden, 1994)). The culture medium to be used must meet the requirements of the particular strains in a suitable manner. Descriptions of culture media for various microorganisms are contained in the handbook โ€œManual of Methods for General Bacteriologyโ€ of the American Society for Bacteriology (Washington D.C., USA, 1981). Digested cell mass may be produced, for example, from cell lysis methods described in Glenney, Jr., J. R. and Zokas, L. (1989). J. Cell Biol.108:2401; Glenney, Jr., J. R. (1991). Meth. Enzymology 201:92; Maniatis et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York (1982); Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York (1989) and various references cited therein. Such cell lysis methods may be performed on unicellular organisms or cells from multicellular organisms which may or may not express one or both of the racemase and acylase described herein. N-acetylamino acid racemases and amino acid acylases may be used together, or successively, in the free form as homogeneously purified compounds or as enzymes produced by recombinant techniques. In addition the enzymes may also be used as a constituent of a host organism (whole cell catalyst as in U.S. Ser. No. 09/407062) or in combination with the digested cell mass of the host organism. It is also possible to use the enzymes in immobilised form (Bhavender P. Sharma, Lorraine F. Bailey and Ralph A. Messing, โ€œImmobilisierte Biomaterialiemโ€”Techniken und Anwendungenโ€, Angew. Chem. 1982, 94, 836-852). The immobilisation is advantageously carried out by lyophilisation (Dordick et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 194, 116, 5009-5010; Okahata et al. Tetrahedron Lett. 1997, 38, 1971-1974; Adlercreutz et al. Biocatalysis 1992, 6, 291-305). The lyophilisation is preferably carried out in the presence of surfactants such as Aerosol OT, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol (PEG), or Brij 52 (diethylene glycol monocetyl ether) (Goto et al. Biotechnol. Techniques 1997, 11, 375-378). The reaction according to the invention is preferably carried out in an enzyme-membrane reactor (DE 199 10 691.6). Methods for the determination of N-amino acids have been described previously. The analysis can thus be carried out, for example, as described in Spackman et al. (Analytical Chemistry, 30, (1958), 1190) by anion exchange chromatography with subsequent ninhydrin derivation, or it can be carried out by reversed phase HPLC, for example as described by Lindroth et al. (Analytical Chemistry (1979) 51: 1167-1174). The present invention is explained in more detail with the aid of the following embodiment examples. The microorganism, Amycolatopsis orientalis subsp. lurida, has been filed at the German Collection for Microorganisms under Number DSM43134. EXAMPLES Example 1 Detection of the racemase activity of a recombinant N-acetylamino acid racemase AAR enzyme The substrate spectrum of the N-acetylamino acid racemase (AAR) from Amycolatopsis orientalis subsp. lurida was tested with the enzyme assay described herein below. The composition of the assay was as follows: Buffer Tris/HCl 50 mM (pH 8.0) Substrate 25 mM Cobalt chloride 6 mM AAR ca. 150 ฮผg purified protein Final volume 1 ml Enantiomer-pure amino acid derivatives were used in the assay and the formation of the corresponding racemate was followed using a polarimeter (Perkin-Elmer 241). The incubation was carried out at 30ยฐ C. (heatable cell) for 3 to 12 hours. The measurements were made at a wavelength of ฮป=365 nm. TABLE 1 List of the tested substrates and corresponding specific activity of the AAR. Substrate Specific Activity N-methyloxycarbonyl-L-Met 42 mU/mg Example 2 Producing D-Met and L-Met from Moc-L-Met Moc-L-Met was used in an assay to determine the activity of the L-acylase from Aspergillus oryzae. A. Producing L-Met from Moc-L-Met Buffer Tris/HCl 50 mM (pH 8.0) Moc-L-Met 25 mM Cobalt chloride 6 mM L-Acylase 2.0 U ( Aspergillus oryzae ) Final volume 200 ฮผL Volume activity: 1.4 U/ml B. Producing D-Met from Moc-L-Met Moc-L-Met was used in an assay to determine the activity of the D-acylase from Aspergillus oryzae in the presence of an N-acetylamino acid racemase (AAR) from Amycolatopsis orientalis subsp. lurida . Buffer Tris/HCl 50 mM (pH 8.0) Moc-L-Met 25 mM Cobalt chloride 6 mM D-Acylase 2.4 U (Amano International Enzyme Company at 1157 N Main Street, Lombard, IL 60148) AAR 0.4 U Final volume 200 ฮผL Volume activity: 0.6 U/ml D-Met and L-Met were detected by reverse phase HPLC (RP 18). The unit data for the enzymes refer to specific activity with N-Ac-L-Met and N-Ac-D-Met as substrate. Numerous modifications and variations on the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the accompanying claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒSEQUENCEโ€ƒLISTING <160>โ€ƒNUMBERโ€ƒOFโ€ƒSEQโ€ƒIDโ€ƒNOS:โ€ƒ2 <210>โ€ƒSEQโ€ƒIDโ€ƒNOโ€ƒ1 <211>โ€ƒLENGTH:โ€ƒ1107 <212>โ€ƒTYPE:โ€ƒDNA <213>โ€ƒORGANISM:โ€ƒAmycolatopsisโ€ƒorientalis <220>โ€ƒFEATURE: <221>โ€ƒNAME/KEY:โ€ƒCDS <222>โ€ƒLOCATION:โ€ƒ(1)..(1107) <223>โ€ƒOTHERโ€ƒINFORMATION: <400>โ€ƒSEQUENCE:โ€ƒ1 gtgโ€ƒaaaโ€ƒctcโ€ƒagcโ€ƒggtโ€ƒgtgโ€ƒgaaโ€ƒctgโ€ƒcgcโ€ƒcggโ€ƒgt #cโ€ƒcggโ€ƒatgโ€ƒccgโ€ƒctcโ€ƒgtgโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ48 Valโ€ƒLysโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒSerโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒValโ€ƒGluโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒArgโ€ƒArgโ€ƒVa #lโ€ƒArgโ€ƒMetโ€ƒProโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒVal 1โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ5โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ10โ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ15 gccโ€ƒccgโ€ƒttcโ€ƒcggโ€ƒacgโ€ƒtcgโ€ƒttcโ€ƒgggโ€ƒacgโ€ƒcagโ€ƒtc #cโ€ƒgagโ€ƒcggโ€ƒgaaโ€ƒttgโ€ƒctgโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ96 Alaโ€ƒProโ€ƒPheโ€ƒArgโ€ƒThrโ€ƒSerโ€ƒPheโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒThrโ€ƒGlnโ€ƒSe #rโ€ƒGluโ€ƒArgโ€ƒGluโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒLeu โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ20โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ25โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ30 ctgโ€ƒgtcโ€ƒcgcโ€ƒgcgโ€ƒgtgโ€ƒaccโ€ƒccgโ€ƒgcgโ€ƒggcโ€ƒgagโ€ƒgg #cโ€ƒtggโ€ƒggcโ€ƒgaaโ€ƒtgtโ€ƒgtcโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ144 Leuโ€ƒValโ€ƒArgโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒValโ€ƒThrโ€ƒProโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒGluโ€ƒGl #yโ€ƒTrpโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒGluโ€ƒCysโ€ƒVal โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ35โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ40โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ45 gcgโ€ƒatgโ€ƒgagโ€ƒgcgโ€ƒccgโ€ƒctcโ€ƒtacโ€ƒtcgโ€ƒtcgโ€ƒgagโ€ƒta #cโ€ƒaacโ€ƒgacโ€ƒgccโ€ƒgccโ€ƒgagโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ192 Alaโ€ƒMetโ€ƒGluโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒProโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒTyrโ€ƒSerโ€ƒSerโ€ƒGluโ€ƒTy #rโ€ƒAsnโ€ƒAspโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒGlu โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ50โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ55โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ60 cacโ€ƒgtgโ€ƒctgโ€ƒcggโ€ƒaacโ€ƒcatโ€ƒctgโ€ƒatcโ€ƒcccโ€ƒgcaโ€ƒct #gโ€ƒctgโ€ƒgcgโ€ƒgccโ€ƒgagโ€ƒgacโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ240 Hisโ€ƒValโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒArgโ€ƒAsnโ€ƒHisโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒIleโ€ƒProโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒLe #uโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒGluโ€ƒAsp 65โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #70โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #75โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #80 gtgโ€ƒaccโ€ƒgcgโ€ƒcacโ€ƒaagโ€ƒgtgโ€ƒacgโ€ƒccgโ€ƒttgโ€ƒctgโ€ƒgc #gโ€ƒaagโ€ƒttcโ€ƒaagโ€ƒggcโ€ƒcacโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ288 Valโ€ƒThrโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒHisโ€ƒLysโ€ƒValโ€ƒThrโ€ƒProโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒAl #aโ€ƒLysโ€ƒPheโ€ƒLysโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒHis โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ85โ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ90โ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ95 cggโ€ƒatgโ€ƒgcgโ€ƒaagโ€ƒggcโ€ƒgcgโ€ƒctgโ€ƒgagโ€ƒatgโ€ƒgcgโ€ƒgt #cโ€ƒctcโ€ƒgacโ€ƒgccโ€ƒgaaโ€ƒctcโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ336 Argโ€ƒMetโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒLysโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒGluโ€ƒMetโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒVa #lโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒAspโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒGluโ€ƒLeu โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ100โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ105โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ110 cgcโ€ƒgcgโ€ƒcatโ€ƒgacโ€ƒcggโ€ƒtccโ€ƒttcโ€ƒgcgโ€ƒgccโ€ƒgagโ€ƒct #gโ€ƒgggโ€ƒtccโ€ƒactโ€ƒcgcโ€ƒgacโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ384 Argโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒHisโ€ƒAspโ€ƒArgโ€ƒSerโ€ƒPheโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒGluโ€ƒLe #uโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒSerโ€ƒThrโ€ƒArgโ€ƒAsp โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ115โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ120โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ125 tccโ€ƒgtgโ€ƒgccโ€ƒtgcโ€ƒgggโ€ƒgtcโ€ƒtcgโ€ƒgtcโ€ƒgggโ€ƒatcโ€ƒat #gโ€ƒgacโ€ƒtcgโ€ƒatcโ€ƒccgโ€ƒcacโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ432 Serโ€ƒValโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒCysโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒValโ€ƒSerโ€ƒValโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒIleโ€ƒMe #tโ€ƒAspโ€ƒSerโ€ƒIleโ€ƒProโ€ƒHis โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ130โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ135โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ140 ctgโ€ƒctcโ€ƒgacโ€ƒgtcโ€ƒgtcโ€ƒggcโ€ƒggcโ€ƒtacโ€ƒctcโ€ƒgacโ€ƒga #gโ€ƒggcโ€ƒtacโ€ƒgtcโ€ƒcggโ€ƒatcโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ480 Leuโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒAspโ€ƒValโ€ƒValโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒTyrโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒAspโ€ƒGl #uโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒTyrโ€ƒValโ€ƒArgโ€ƒIle 145โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ1 #50โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ1 #55โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ1 #60 aagโ€ƒctgโ€ƒaagโ€ƒatcโ€ƒgagโ€ƒcccโ€ƒggcโ€ƒtggโ€ƒgacโ€ƒgtcโ€ƒga #gโ€ƒccgโ€ƒgtcโ€ƒcggโ€ƒcagโ€ƒgtgโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ528 Lysโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒLysโ€ƒIleโ€ƒGluโ€ƒProโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒTrpโ€ƒAspโ€ƒValโ€ƒGl #uโ€ƒProโ€ƒValโ€ƒArgโ€ƒGlnโ€ƒVal โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ165โ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ170โ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ175 cgtโ€ƒgagโ€ƒcgcโ€ƒttcโ€ƒggtโ€ƒgacโ€ƒgacโ€ƒgtgโ€ƒctgโ€ƒctgโ€ƒca #gโ€ƒgtcโ€ƒgacโ€ƒgcgโ€ƒaacโ€ƒaccโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ576 Argโ€ƒGluโ€ƒArgโ€ƒPheโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒAspโ€ƒAspโ€ƒValโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒGl #nโ€ƒValโ€ƒAspโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒAsnโ€ƒThr โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ180โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ185โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ190 gcgโ€ƒtacโ€ƒacgโ€ƒctgโ€ƒggcโ€ƒgacโ€ƒgcgโ€ƒcccโ€ƒctgโ€ƒctgโ€ƒtc #cโ€ƒcggโ€ƒctcโ€ƒgacโ€ƒccgโ€ƒttcโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ624 Alaโ€ƒTyrโ€ƒThrโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒAspโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒProโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒSe #rโ€ƒArgโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒAspโ€ƒProโ€ƒPhe โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ195โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ200โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ205 gacโ€ƒctgโ€ƒctgโ€ƒctgโ€ƒatcโ€ƒgagโ€ƒcagโ€ƒccgโ€ƒctcโ€ƒgaaโ€ƒga #aโ€ƒgagโ€ƒgacโ€ƒgtgโ€ƒctcโ€ƒggcโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ672 Aspโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒIleโ€ƒGluโ€ƒGlnโ€ƒProโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒGluโ€ƒGl #uโ€ƒGluโ€ƒAspโ€ƒValโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒGly โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ210โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ215โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ220 cacโ€ƒgccโ€ƒgagโ€ƒctgโ€ƒgccโ€ƒaagโ€ƒcggโ€ƒatcโ€ƒcggโ€ƒacgโ€ƒcc #gโ€ƒatcโ€ƒtgcโ€ƒctcโ€ƒgacโ€ƒgagโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ720 Hisโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒGluโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒLysโ€ƒArgโ€ƒIleโ€ƒArgโ€ƒThrโ€ƒPr #oโ€ƒIleโ€ƒCysโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒAspโ€ƒGlu 225โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ2 #30โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ2 #35โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ2 #40 tcgโ€ƒatcโ€ƒgtcโ€ƒtcgโ€ƒgccโ€ƒaagโ€ƒgccโ€ƒgccโ€ƒgcgโ€ƒgacโ€ƒgc #gโ€ƒatcโ€ƒaagโ€ƒctcโ€ƒggcโ€ƒgccโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ768 Serโ€ƒIleโ€ƒValโ€ƒSerโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒLysโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒAspโ€ƒAl #aโ€ƒIleโ€ƒLysโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒAla โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ245โ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ250โ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ255 tgcโ€ƒcagโ€ƒatcโ€ƒgtcโ€ƒaacโ€ƒatcโ€ƒaaaโ€ƒccgโ€ƒggcโ€ƒcggโ€ƒgt #cโ€ƒggcโ€ƒggaโ€ƒtacโ€ƒctcโ€ƒgaaโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ816 Cysโ€ƒGlnโ€ƒIleโ€ƒValโ€ƒAsnโ€ƒIleโ€ƒLysโ€ƒProโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒArgโ€ƒVa #lโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒTyrโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒGlu โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ260โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ265โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ270 gccโ€ƒcgcโ€ƒcggโ€ƒgtgโ€ƒcacโ€ƒgacโ€ƒgtcโ€ƒtgcโ€ƒgcgโ€ƒgcaโ€ƒca #cโ€ƒgggโ€ƒatcโ€ƒgcgโ€ƒgtgโ€ƒtggโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ864 Alaโ€ƒArgโ€ƒArgโ€ƒValโ€ƒHisโ€ƒAspโ€ƒValโ€ƒCysโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒHi #sโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒIleโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒValโ€ƒTrp โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ275โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ280โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ285 tgcโ€ƒggcโ€ƒgggโ€ƒatgโ€ƒatcโ€ƒgagโ€ƒaccโ€ƒgggโ€ƒctcโ€ƒggcโ€ƒcg #gโ€ƒgcgโ€ƒgccโ€ƒaacโ€ƒgtcโ€ƒgcaโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ912 Cysโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒMetโ€ƒIleโ€ƒGluโ€ƒThrโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒAr #gโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒAsnโ€ƒValโ€ƒAla โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ290โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ295โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ300 ctgโ€ƒgccโ€ƒtcgโ€ƒctgโ€ƒcccโ€ƒggcโ€ƒttcโ€ƒacgโ€ƒctgโ€ƒccgโ€ƒgg #gโ€ƒgacโ€ƒaccโ€ƒtcgโ€ƒgcgโ€ƒtccโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ960 Leuโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒSerโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒProโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒPheโ€ƒThrโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒProโ€ƒGl #yโ€ƒAspโ€ƒThrโ€ƒSerโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒSer 305โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ3 #10โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ3 #15โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ3 #20 ggcโ€ƒcggโ€ƒttcโ€ƒtatโ€ƒcgcโ€ƒaccโ€ƒgacโ€ƒatcโ€ƒaccโ€ƒgagโ€ƒcc #gโ€ƒttcโ€ƒgtgโ€ƒctgโ€ƒgacโ€ƒgccโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ1008 Glyโ€ƒArgโ€ƒPheโ€ƒTyrโ€ƒArgโ€ƒThrโ€ƒAspโ€ƒIleโ€ƒThrโ€ƒGluโ€ƒPr #oโ€ƒPheโ€ƒValโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒAspโ€ƒAla โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ325โ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ330โ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ335 gggโ€ƒcatโ€ƒctgโ€ƒccgโ€ƒgtgโ€ƒccgโ€ƒaccโ€ƒgggโ€ƒccgโ€ƒggcโ€ƒct #cโ€ƒgggโ€ƒgtgโ€ƒactโ€ƒccgโ€ƒattโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ1056 Glyโ€ƒHisโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒProโ€ƒValโ€ƒProโ€ƒThrโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒProโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒLe #uโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒValโ€ƒThrโ€ƒProโ€ƒIle โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ340โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ345โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ350 ccgโ€ƒgatโ€ƒcttโ€ƒctgโ€ƒgacโ€ƒgagโ€ƒgtcโ€ƒaccโ€ƒacgโ€ƒgagโ€ƒaa #aโ€ƒgcgโ€ƒtggโ€ƒatcโ€ƒggtโ€ƒtcgโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ1104 Proโ€ƒAspโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒAspโ€ƒGluโ€ƒValโ€ƒThrโ€ƒThrโ€ƒGluโ€ƒLy #sโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒTrpโ€ƒIleโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒSer โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ355โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ360โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ365 tagโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ1107 <210>โ€ƒSEQโ€ƒIDโ€ƒNOโ€ƒ2 <211>โ€ƒLENGTH:โ€ƒ368 <212>โ€ƒTYPE:โ€ƒPRT <213>โ€ƒORGANISM:โ€ƒAmycolatopsisโ€ƒorientalis <400>โ€ƒSEQUENCE:โ€ƒ2 Valโ€ƒLysโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒSerโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒValโ€ƒGluโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒArgโ€ƒArgโ€ƒVa #lโ€ƒArgโ€ƒMetโ€ƒProโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒVal 1โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ5โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ10โ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ15 Alaโ€ƒProโ€ƒPheโ€ƒArgโ€ƒThrโ€ƒSerโ€ƒPheโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒThrโ€ƒGlnโ€ƒSe #rโ€ƒGluโ€ƒArgโ€ƒGluโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒLeu โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ20โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ25โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ30 Leuโ€ƒValโ€ƒArgโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒValโ€ƒThrโ€ƒProโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒGluโ€ƒGl #yโ€ƒTrpโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒGluโ€ƒCysโ€ƒVal โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ35โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ40โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ45 Alaโ€ƒMetโ€ƒGluโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒProโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒTyrโ€ƒSerโ€ƒSerโ€ƒGluโ€ƒTy #rโ€ƒAsnโ€ƒAspโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒGlu โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ50โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ55โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ60 Hisโ€ƒValโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒArgโ€ƒAsnโ€ƒHisโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒIleโ€ƒProโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒLe #uโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒGluโ€ƒAsp 65โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #70โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #75โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #80 Valโ€ƒThrโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒHisโ€ƒLysโ€ƒValโ€ƒThrโ€ƒProโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒAl #aโ€ƒLysโ€ƒPheโ€ƒLysโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒHis โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ85โ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ90โ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ95 Argโ€ƒMetโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒLysโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒGluโ€ƒMetโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒVa #lโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒAspโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒGluโ€ƒLeu โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ100โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ105โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ110 Argโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒHisโ€ƒAspโ€ƒArgโ€ƒSerโ€ƒPheโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒGluโ€ƒLe #uโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒSerโ€ƒThrโ€ƒArgโ€ƒAsp โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ115โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ120โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ125 Serโ€ƒValโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒCysโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒValโ€ƒSerโ€ƒValโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒIleโ€ƒMe #tโ€ƒAspโ€ƒSerโ€ƒIleโ€ƒProโ€ƒHis โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ130โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ135โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ140 Leuโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒAspโ€ƒValโ€ƒValโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒTyrโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒAspโ€ƒGl #uโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒTyrโ€ƒValโ€ƒArgโ€ƒIle 145โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ1 #50โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ1 #55โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ1 #60 Lysโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒLysโ€ƒIleโ€ƒGluโ€ƒProโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒTrpโ€ƒAspโ€ƒValโ€ƒGl #uโ€ƒProโ€ƒValโ€ƒArgโ€ƒGlnโ€ƒVal โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ165โ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ170โ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ175 Argโ€ƒGluโ€ƒArgโ€ƒPheโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒAspโ€ƒAspโ€ƒValโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒGl #nโ€ƒValโ€ƒAspโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒAsnโ€ƒThr โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ180โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ185โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ190 Alaโ€ƒTyrโ€ƒThrโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒAspโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒProโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒSe #rโ€ƒArgโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒAspโ€ƒProโ€ƒPhe โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ195โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ200โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ205 Aspโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒIleโ€ƒGluโ€ƒGlnโ€ƒProโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒGluโ€ƒGl #uโ€ƒGluโ€ƒAspโ€ƒValโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒGly โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ210โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ215โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ220 Hisโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒGluโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒLysโ€ƒArgโ€ƒIleโ€ƒArgโ€ƒThrโ€ƒPr #oโ€ƒIleโ€ƒCysโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒAspโ€ƒGlu 225โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ2 #30โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ2 #35โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ2 #40 Serโ€ƒIleโ€ƒValโ€ƒSerโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒLysโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒAspโ€ƒAl #aโ€ƒIleโ€ƒLysโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒAla โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ245โ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ250โ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ255 Cysโ€ƒGlnโ€ƒIleโ€ƒValโ€ƒAsnโ€ƒIleโ€ƒLysโ€ƒProโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒArgโ€ƒVa #lโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒTyrโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒGlu โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ260โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ265โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ270 Alaโ€ƒArgโ€ƒArgโ€ƒValโ€ƒHisโ€ƒAspโ€ƒValโ€ƒCysโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒHi #sโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒIleโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒValโ€ƒTrp โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ275โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ280โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ285 Cysโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒMetโ€ƒIleโ€ƒGluโ€ƒThrโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒAr #gโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒAsnโ€ƒValโ€ƒAla โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ290โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ295โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ300 Leuโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒSerโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒProโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒPheโ€ƒThrโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒProโ€ƒGl #yโ€ƒAspโ€ƒThrโ€ƒSerโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒSer 305โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ3 #10โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ3 #15โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ3 #20 Glyโ€ƒArgโ€ƒPheโ€ƒTyrโ€ƒArgโ€ƒThrโ€ƒAspโ€ƒIleโ€ƒThrโ€ƒGluโ€ƒPr #oโ€ƒPheโ€ƒValโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒAspโ€ƒAla โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ325โ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ330โ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ335 Glyโ€ƒHisโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒProโ€ƒValโ€ƒProโ€ƒThrโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒProโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒLe #uโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒValโ€ƒThrโ€ƒProโ€ƒIle โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ340โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ345โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ350 Proโ€ƒAspโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒLeuโ€ƒAspโ€ƒGluโ€ƒValโ€ƒThrโ€ƒThrโ€ƒGluโ€ƒLy #sโ€ƒAlaโ€ƒTrpโ€ƒIleโ€ƒGlyโ€ƒSer โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ355โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ360โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ #โ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒโ€ƒ365
The present invention relates to the processes of racemization and deprotection of special N-protected amino acids in the acylase/racemase system for the total conversion of special N-protected racemic amino acids into optically pure amino acids.
2
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to a small television receiver of the type which is readily transportable, for example, in a person's pocket and more particularly to a pocket television receiver having the display attached to the user's wrist. In pocket television receivers of the prior art, the processor unit of the broadcast signal, power source and display device are incorporated into one body. Therefore, such a television set is disadvantageous in that the television unit per se is large and the user must take the receiver out of his pocket each time he watches television reception. It is generally not convenient to watch television while walking. What is needed is a pocket television receiver which is sized for carrying in the pocket but also allows for convenient use and watching of television, for example, while walking. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, a pocket television receiver especially suitable for transport in a garment pocket and which readily allows television viewing while walking is provided. The pocket television receiver is broken into two major components, that is, a receiver body, including a processor unit for processing the broadcast signals and also including a power source. The receiver body is sized to fit in a garmet pocket. The pocket television receiver also includes an independent display device which can be fitted, for example, on the user's wrist. A user can watch the picture image of television easily while walking because the display device can be attached to the wrist and is very small and lightweight. A watch can also be incorporated in the display. The receiver body and the display device are releasably interconnected by cables which also serve as the antenna for receiving broadcast signals. Audio is provided through earphones which connect to the receiver body. Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved pocket television receiver which is of small size and weight. Another object of this invention is to provide an improved pocket television receiver which is easily viewed by a user while walking. A further object of this invention is to provide an improved pocket television receiver which separates a television display device from other elements in the receiver. Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification. The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the constructions hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is had to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pocket television receiver in accordance with the invention; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view to an enlarged scale of the display device and connector of FIG. 1; and FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a circuit for processing a broadcast signal in a pocket television receiver in accordance with the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 illustrates a pocket television receiver in accordance with the invention, wherein the receiver 10 is comprised of a receiver body 11, display device 12, and a head phone 13. The display device 12 is configured and sized similarly to a wristwatch and is adaptable for attachment on the wrist of a user. The receiver body 11 outputs video signals and sound signals in response to a broadcast wave signal, that is, a conventional radio or television transmission. A clip 21 on the front of the receiver body 11 allow for attachment of the body 11 to a pocket or the belt of a user who carries the pocket television receiver. Additionally, the receiver body 11 includes a rotary switch 22 for switching television channels and a power source switch 23 on the side of the body 11 which serves not only to turn the internal power supply ON and OFF but also is used as a volume control of the output audio signal. Also included is a selector 24 which is alternatively positioned for reception of television or radio broadcasting signals. An ON/OFF switch 25 is provided for television video and this switch also serves for selecting between either stereo or monaural reception. A video cable jack 26 is positioned on the upper surface (FIG. 1) of the receiver body 11. The display device 12 has a strap 27 which, like a wristwatch, is fitted to the wrist of the user and also includes a high density dot liquid crystal panel 29 attached to the surface of a central portion of a case 28 of the display device 12. As best illustrated in FIG. 2, input terminals P 1' . . . P 5' are provided on one side surface of the display device 12 so as to correspond to electrical pins P 1 . . . P 5 on the connector 30, which pins are individually connected to the electrical wires of the video cable 14. In FIG. 2, the connector 30 includes a lock pin 31 for connecting to the side of the case 28 which holds the liquid crystal panel 29. A button 32 in the connector 30 actuates the lock pin 31 for releasing the connection between the connector 30 and the case 28. A headphone 13 (FIG. 1) suitable for stereo or monaural connects to the receiver body 11 through a audio cable 15 including a mute switch 33 in circuit. Operation of the mute switch 33 cuts off the sound signal from the receiver body 11 to the headphone 13. The cable 14 carries video signals and electrical power from the receiver body 11 to the display device 12. FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram illustrating signal processing in a pocket television receiver in accordance with the invention. The receiver body 11 includes a power source and a processing unit operating on the broadcast signal. In the broadcast signal processing unit, the broadcast wave, picked up in a central wire associated with the voltage supply within the video cable 14 and the sound cable 15, is inputted to a high pass filter in the receiver body 11. The signal from the high pass filter is inputted to a tuner and then to a video intermediate frequency amplifier and detector. The video signal obtained in the intermediate frequency amplifier and detector is inputted by way of the cable 14 to a video amplifier located in the wrist display device 12. On the other hand, the audio signal is amplified by an audio amplifier after passing through an audio intermediate frequency amplifier and detector. The power source comprises a battery and a DC-DC convertor which outputs operating voltages of 0, 4, 8 and 12 volts for driving the broadcast signal processing circuits and the wrist display device 12. The wrist display device 12 is a liquid crystal display device comprising a liquid crystal panel 29 mounted in a case 28. The operating voltages from the power source and the video signal are inputted from the receiver body 11 to the display device 12 by way of the video cable 14. The video signal is amplified by the video amplifier and supplied to the liquid crystal panel 29. A sync separation circuit separates a horizontal synchronizing signal and a vertical synchronizing signal from the video signal and these synchronizing signals are inputted to a matrix signal generation circuit so as to provide matrix signals which are applied to the liquid crystal panel 29 so as to scan the dot pattern in every picture frame in a conventional manner. Operating procedures for a pocket television receiver in accordance with the invention follow. The wrist display device 12 is put on the wrist and held there by tightening the strap 27 in the conventional manner, as done with a wristwatch. The headphone 13 is set on the head of the user in the conventional manner. The wrist display device 12 and the headphone 13 are connected to the receiver body 11 by the cables 14 and 15, respectively. The selector switch 24 on the receiver body 11, used for selecting between television or radio reception, is switched to the TV position and the TV video ON/OFF switch 25 is placed in the ON position. Then, the switch 23 is rotated to turn on the power and the rotary switch 22 is adjusted to the desired television channel. When the receiver body 11 is fitted to the user's clothing, by attachment to a waist belt by means of the clip 21 or in a pocket, the video cable 14 and sound cable 15, respectively operate as antennas for catching the broadcast signal, passing the signal through the video and sound signal processing units and inputting signals to the wrist display device 12 and headphone 13 through the video cable 14 and sound cable 15. As a result, television video, which is transmitted to the liquid crystal panel 29 of the wrist display device 12, is visibly displayed and audible sound is provided from the headphone. When listening only to the television sound, the ON/OFF switch 25 of the television is set to the OFF position to stop the functioning of the wrist display device 12. Additionally, the sound can be temporarily interrupted by operating the mute switch 33 in the cable 15. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments of a pocket television receiver in accordance with the invention a speaker can be provided in the receiver body 11 for use when the pocket television receiver is not being transported or in a quiet environment where the headphone 13 is not necessary. As stated above in accordance with the invention, it is possible to watch television by putting the receiver body 11 in the user's clothing, that is, a pocket or on a belt, because the television receiver is divided into a receiver body 11, comprising the broadcasting signal processing unit and power source, and also into a separable television video display device. These devices 11, 12, are connected to each other by a cable 14. Moreover, the cable 14 which links the receiver body and the wrist display device is used as an antenna so that clear pictures and strong audio signals with high quality are provided without using an independent antenna. However, it should be understood that in an alternative embodiment in accordance with the invention, a rod antenna can also be used instead of the wire within the cables as described. It should be understood that broad applications and modifications may be made in accordance with the invention. For example, it is possible to have a calculator function incorporated into the body 11 using the display device 12 for calculator functions. Also, it is possible to have a memory function in the receiver body 11 such that a schedule can be displayed on the wrist display device 12. A ten-key input panel may be provided in association with the calculator and memory functions to provide inputs by the user. Also, as previously stated, a watch can be incorporated providing a display of time on the liquid crystal panel 29. It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
A pocket television receiver comprises a receiver body, including a processor unit for processing the broadcast signals and a power source. The receiver body is sized to fit in a garment pocket. The pocket television receiver also includes an independent display device which can be fitted on the user's wrist. A user can watch the picture image of television easily while walking. The receiver body and the display device are releasably interconnected by cables which also serve as the antenna for receiving broadcast signals. Audio is provided through earphones which connect to the receiver body.
7
RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/874,285, filed on Dec. 12, 2006, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to a method and apparatus for facilitating the self-examination of the plantar surface of the foot. It is intended to be used in the home environment, but may be used in clinic as well. Specifically, the invention is intended to assist a person, principally, but not exclusively, a diabetic patient diagnosed with neuropathy, to examine the image and condition of the soles of their feet in connection with a daily self-examination for irritation, abrasions, cuts, bruises, swelling, inflammation and other damage to the sole of the foot that can lead to ulceration. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The disease process of diabetes has been studied extensively, and its debilitating effects on its victims and the financial drain on the healthcare system are well documented. The actual disease of diabetes can be controlled with medication, but the side effects and secondary complications of the disease are what cause the real damage to its victims. Foot ulceration is the single most common cause for hospitalization of diabetic patients. Foot ulceration occurs as a result several factors, but the most important cause is the lack of patient awareness of the potential problem and their subsequent lack of attention and care of the cause of the foot ulcers. Peripheral neuropathy plays a role in diminishing the feeling in the patient's foot, and incorrectly providing the patient with a sense of well-being through a lack of any pain or sensation. [0004] Ulceration on the sole of the foot is most often preceded by an increase in skin surface temperature at the pre-ulceration and ulceration site. The ADA, as well as other clinical practice guidelines, suggests that diabetic patients with neuropathy should monitor their feet for temperature changes that could indicate that inflammation is present and an ulcer could develop. However, just informing a patient that due to their neuropathy they are at higher risk for foot ulceration, without providing them a simple means to monitor the temperature and condition of the soles of their feet (which they likely can't see or even touch) is not effective. [0005] As described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,566 to Dribbon, thermography has been identified as a potential diagnostic tool is in the treatment of the diabetic and insensate foot patient. Unable to feel pain, the insensate foot patient is at great risk of foreign body infiltration, shoe irritation and the trauma caused by simple ambulation. It has been found that typically only after blood appears on the sock or shoes will such a patient seek treatment, but by that time serious damage may have already occurred. Research has been conducted with respect to the effectiveness of contact thermography as a diagnostic tool to detect areas of tissue damage and inflammation which can lead to ulceration on the plantar surface of the foot. See Stess et al.: โ€œUse of Liquid Crystal Thermography in the Evaluation of the Diabetic Foot,โ€ Diabetes Care., 9(3):267-272 (May-June, 1986); Benbow et al.: โ€œThe Prediction of Diabetic Neuropathic Plantar Foot Ulceration by Liquid-Crystal Contact Thermography,โ€ Diabetes Care, 17(8)835-639 (August, 1994); and Dribbon: โ€œThermography and Diagnosis,โ€ Pain Practitioner, the Quarterly Newsletter, pp. 3-4. As explained in these articles, tests indicate that contact thermography is a viable diagnostic tool which is capable of providing an indication of abnormalities in the diabetic foot even before the occurrence of ulceration or other tissue damage. [0006] There have been a number of prior patents filed to measure visual pattern of infrared heat emissions from a particular area of the body employing thermochromic liquid crystal technology (See U.S. Pat. No. 5,124,819, Davis, U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,566, Dribbon, U.S. Pat. No. 4,327,742, Meyers et. al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,327,743, Katz). [0007] Unfortunately, the mechanisms and devices used in each of these prior uses of LCT and the devices themselves were not tailored specifically to enable a diabetic patient to use the device in the home environment on a daily basis to monitor and examine the planter surface of the foot. Specifically, these prior uses failed to optimize the device so that (i) temperature differences represented by color changes would be readily apparent to the home user and not require the skill of a physician to interpret results and (ii) the design of the device itself would facilitate its use as a tool for contra-lateral comparison and visual self-examination in the home environment. [0008] A detailed discussion of LCT can be found in the publication โ€œThe Hallcrest Handbook of Thermochromic Liquid Crystal Technologyโ€ published by Hallcrest Products, Inc. of Glenview, Ill., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. OBJECTS AND SUMMARY [0009] The subject invention is a simple, easy to use, low-cost, device that enables a patient to compare his or her left and right thermal foot images for noticeable differences in temperature at specific areas on the sole of the foot that may indicate that inflammation is present and ulceration may soon follow. The subject invention accurately measures plantar temperature variations using liquid crystal thermal-imaging technology (โ€œLCTโ€), coupled with single temperature range leuco dye. The subject invention incorporates a proprietary layering system of multiple layers of LCT to stimulate color changes at the level relevant to the monitoring of temperature changes in a foot that may be in the early or late stages of inflammation. The subject invention also incorporates a magnification mirror to facilitate visual self-examination, both in connection with an adverse temperature reading as well as independently. [0010] For purposes of the present discussion, thermochromic liquid crystals are heat-sensitive and have the property of exhibiting different colors, when visualized against a black background, indicative of the temperature of an object placed thereagainst. As described below in connection with a discussion of method of diagnosis of this invention, the LCT's are useful in providing an indication of the infrared thermal emissions from the plantar surface of the foot of a particular patient. [0011] The subject invention significantly improves the ability to differentiate temperature differences by combining LCT technologies and setting specific temperature ranges so differences in the higher temperature ranges will be more noticeable. Further, the subject invention has incorporated an additional single temperature event marker, with a distinctive color separate from the colors in the LCT spectrum, which is triggered at a preset temperature to alert a patient that an area has approached the highest temperature range. To overcome ease of use issues by patients with limited mobility, the invention was designed to be used from a seated position to provide the patient with a clear comparative reference view. Additionally, the subject invention was designed to incorporate a magnification mirror to facilitate visual self-examination, both in connection with an adverse temperature reading as well as independently. Finally, in various forms of the invention, the design includes the incorporation of a plantar pressure map to assist the patient to focus on high risk areas of the plantar surface of the foot. [0012] It is a first object of the present invention to use a temperature measuring device to identify higher (or lower) temperature areas of the plantar surface of the foot. [0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide a device not to identify specific plantar temperatures (i.e. by providing specific temperature outputs in numerical degrees), but to operate by creating an easy to understand visual-based comparison between the feet. [0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a device to create an easily identifiable visual difference between contra-lateral feet when one foot has an area of higher (or lower) temperature that is not present on the other foot. Achieved by placing mats side-by-side. [0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a device to be able to used by patients, including diabetic patients that may be suffering from obesity or otherwise have limited mobility or the ability to examine the plantar surface of their feet. Achieved by ability to use from a seated or standing position with no requirement to reach, touch or see the plantar surface of the foot. [0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide a device to have a magnification mirror incorporated within the device to allow visual self-inspection of the plantar surface of the foot apart from or in connection with temperature monitoring. [0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide a specific number of layers of LCT required to create the intended visual effect of identifying high (or low) plantar temperatures in a comparative visual representation. [0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide specific temperature ranges of the LCT layers which are relevant identifying both normal and abnormal temperature conditions on the plantar surface of the human foot. [0019] It is another object of the present invention to provide specific temperature ranges of the LCT layers specific to identify higher temperature areas (e.g. caused by inflammation and infection) or lower temperature areas (e.g. caused by PVD) on the plantar surface of the human foot. [0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide specific temperature ranges of the LCT layers to create a footprint even below normal temperature ranges to enable a patient to see a footprint even in a colder environment, where no LCT reaction would normally occur. [0021] It is another object of the present invention to provide specific temperature ranges of the LCT layers to create a visible differentiation between a higher (or lower) temperature area on the subject foot and the normal contra-lateral foot. [0022] It is another object of the present invention to highlight the differentiation between a higher temperature area on the subject and the normal contra-lateral foot by introducing a leuco dye or other similar temperature sensitive compound (the โ€œHighlight Indicatorโ€) that reacts with one specified distinctive color at one specific temperature setting. [0023] It is another object of the present invention to incorporate the Highlight Indicator in a specific layer of the LCT mat to maximize its effect. [0024] It is another object of the present invention to incorporate a plantar pressure assessment footprint (e.g. PressureStat) to provide increased awareness of high plantar pressure as a risk factor in developing ulceration. [0025] It is another object of the present invention to incorporate a plantar pressure assessment footprint (e.g. PressureStat) to provide the patient with a visual โ€œmapโ€ of their high plantar pressure areas so they can focus their attention on those specific areas while using the device. [0026] It is another object of the present invention to incorporate a plantar pressure assessment footprint (e.g. PressureStat) within the design of the device to provide a visual reference that can be easily seen while using the device. In one version of the device, the PressureStat would be inserted into the inside front cover of the device (which opens to 135ยฐ) in specifically designed recessed holders. In another version of the device, the PressureStat would be inserted into specifically designed sleeves on the laminated instruction card. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING [0027] FIG. 1 is a top view of an LCT pad in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; [0028] FIG. 2 is a side view of the pad of FIG. 1 , showing the various layers, in one accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; [0029] FIG. 3 is a top view of the console, with pads as show in FIG. 1 , in one accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and [0030] FIG. 4 is a top view of the console, with pads as show in FIG. 1 , having an additional pressure sensor pad, in one accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0031] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the pads ( FIG. 1 ) were designed as 6โ€ณร—14โ€ณ rectangles to be of a size that would accommodate most foot sizes with sufficient viewing area for the imprint. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a matte, 7 mil Polycarbonate Film ( 1 ) was placed on the surface to protect the LCT layers, enable superior viewing and photography of the thermal image without glare and to make it easy to clean, but any similar protective layer would be sufficient. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a โ…›โ€ณ Closed Cell Foam backing ( 2 ) was affixed to provide insulation for the LCT as well as a soft, non-slip surface, but any similar backing would be sufficient. [0032] FIG. 2 shows the preferred embodiment of the invention, with A 7 mil polycarbonate film ( 3 ) with a Tycote ink layer ( 4 ), a chiral nematic liquid crystal layer ( 5 ), two cholesteric liquid crystal layers ( 6 ), ( 7 ), a leuco dye layer ( 8 ), a florescent yellow ink ( 9 ), Pressure sensitive adhesive ( 10 ) and backed with โ…›โ€ณ closed cell foam ( 11 ). [0033] The temperature events are represented by one formulation of chiral Nematic liquid crystals, two formulations of cholesteric liquid crystals and one leuco dye formulations applied to the back of the polycarbonate film which change color in sequence as defined in ASTM specification E1061 for Direct Reading Liquid Crystal Forehead Thermometers. [0034] The formulation of the layers of the pads were chosen to obtain the desired specificity of image at the various temperature ranges. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the temperatures of the layers were calibrated approximately as follows: [0000] TABLE 1 Leuco Dye Liquid Crystal Liquid Crystal Liquid Crystal Color to Clear Start of Red Start of Green Start of Blue on Heating Specification Specification Specification Specification Layer (ยฐ F.) (ยฐ F.) (ยฐ F.) (ยฐ F.) 1 60.0 n/a 70.0 n/a 2 74.0 75.0 80.0 n/a 3 82.0 83.0 86.0 n/a 4 n/a n/a n/a 87.8 [0035] The first layer is composed of a Chiral Nematic Liquid Crystal due to its expanded temperature range and clearer color imaging. The purpose of the first expanded range was to always obtain a clear, thermal image even in lower temperature environment (approximately 60-70 degrees F.). It was thought that failure to achieve a thermal image at all times would frustrate the patient and cause him or her to cease using the invention. A Chiral Nematic layer was used for superior imaging at a broader range. A 2 degree temperature spread per color change was deemed to be sufficient for readings at this temperature range. [0036] The second layer was set to achieve a clear thermal image in the mid-range (approximately 74-80 degrees F.). The purpose of the second layer was again to provide a clear thermal image, but as the this mid-range was closer to the norm for a healthy foot, the tolerance between color change events was lowered to approximately 1.5 degrees to enable a clearer differentiation at closer relative temperatures. By compressing the range to a 6 degree spread, this clearer color differentiation between smaller temperature intervals is achieved. [0037] The third layer was constructed specifically to identify temperature changes in the neuropathic foot, which has a higher mean foot temperature than a healthy foot. In this layer, the temperature spread was compressed to a four degree F. spread, so that an identifiable color change would in tighter temperature intervalsโ€”closer to 1 degree F. intervals. As the average foot temperature was determined to be 82 degrees, we designed this layer to achieve a glow-green color at this normal range so that higher temperature areas (represented by increasingly darker blue colors) would be readily apparent and clearly distinguishable. The purpose of the tighter spread is to enable a more clearly discernible and differentiated color pattern at the higher end of the range so that temperature differentials at the higher end of the range were readily apparent. [0038] Finally, the fourth layer consists of a leuco dye was set to clear (and reveal the florescent yellow ink backing) at approximately 88 degrees, because high risk temperature for inflammation is scientifically proven to be between 88 and 90 degrees F. The purpose of the leuco dye is to reveal a clearly distinctive florescent yellow ink at the highest end of the range so that a very distinctive color differentiation from the contra-lateral footprint is observed. [0039] The thermal image of the patient's feet will normally take 10-30+/โˆ’5 seconds to fully develop and is dependent upon contact not pressure. Once the patient removes their feet from the temperature sensing surface, the thermo-graphic map will degrade back to the original appearance at room temperature within minutes. However, the areas indicative of the hottest foot contact temperatures (โ€œHot Spotsโ€) will be clearly discernable compared to adjacent areas of the thermal image of that foot and the same position on the thermal image of the contra-lateral foot. Further, the hottest areas will be the last to degrade and there will be ample time (as much as one minute or more) for the patient or a care giver to note this difference. The Leuco indicator is designed to last even longer than the LCT so that the fluorescent yellow spot which appears at the highest temperature range will last the longest. It is also very easy to take digital photos. The matt surface of the mat's Lexon surface prevents reflections that would impair photo quality. [0040] Part of the problem with simply using multiple LCT layers to create differentiation is that it is sometimes it is difficult to visually identify differences between color patterns since sometimes a higher temperature will be indicated by a color at the highest end of the subject range (e.g. violet โ€œhot spotโ€ on green background), but in other times, if the temperature has risen to a range in the beginning of the second LCT layer and is in the lower end of that color spectrum (e.g. green), the higher temperature would be represented by a lighter color (e.g. green โ€œhot spotโ€ on violet background). [0041] The subject invention overcomes these obstacles in the preferred embodiment by specifically setting the ranges of the three LCT layers to identify focal increases in plantar temperature specifically targeted to the neuropathic foot and therefore making visual identification of relevant color differences between contra-lateral thermal images easier to identify. Under normal circumstances, the base temperature of a neuropathic foot is between 82 and 85 degrees F. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the temperature ranges of the pads were specifically so that: 1. A clear thermal footprint would be observable even at lower temperatures to account for โ€œcoldโ€ feet (e.g. after walking over a cold floor) and provide a background image of footprint so that if inflammation was present on a โ€œcoldโ€ foot, the โ€œhot spotโ€ would be identifiable within the confines of a footprint. Otherwise, a โ€œhot spotโ€ might have registered, but would not be identifiable to a specific area of the foot since no frame of reference would have been provided. The importance of this layer also relates to its ability to always form a print and therefore not discourage patients from using the device if a footprint, even on โ€œcoldโ€ feet were not observable. 2. A clear thermal footprint would continue to appear through the temperature range most common for a โ€œnormalโ€ foot. The second layer was primarily constructed to provide a bridge from the upper range of the first layer to the beginning of the third layer. 3. At the average mean temperature for the neuropathic foot (between 82 and 85 degrees F.), the thermal image of the footprints would glow green to provide a compelling background for the higher temperature range color spectrum (blue to violet to florescent yellow). This range was designed with a 4 degree spread so that it would be more reactive to smaller incremental temperature changes and therefore change color to identify โ€œhot spotsโ€ approximately every 1 degree F. so that temperature differences would be more noticeable. 4. At the average mean temperature for inflammation (88 to 90+ degrees F.) a fourth layer, consisting of a leuco dye, would clear and identify this highest and most dangerous temperature level. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a leuco dye was chosen due to its ability to clear at a specific temperature range (within a 2 degree F. tolerance) and reveal a distinctive color or color pattern. As described earlier, since it is sometimes difficult to determine a โ€œhot spotโ€ based on a specific color change in the LCT spectrum due to overlapping multi-eventing, a leuco dye was chosen so that a distinct color (florescent yellow) would emerge as a โ€œhot spotโ€ that could not be confused with an earlier LCT event color and could be easily identified by a patient using the device to connote danger. Therefore, by incorporating a florescent yellow, a color that is distinctive and not present in any LCT color pattern, the patient is alerted to a dangerously high focal temperature โ€œhot spotโ€ in a clearly distinctive fashion. [0046] The device itself was designed to promote ease of useโ€”a patient simply places his or her feet on the temperature sensitive pads for 60 seconds from a comfortable sitting position. [0047] The preferred embodiment of the proposed invention ( FIG. 3 ) is ergonomically designed to be used by patients with obesity and limited joint mobility that would otherwise not be able to reach or even see the bottoms of their feet. The frame will be light weight yet strong enough for any patient to stand on. The preferred embodiment of the frame is as depicted in FIG. 3 , but could be any flat or folding surface where the pads and mirror could be affixed. In an alternate form of the invention, the mirror could be placed on the opposite side rather that the center console for viewing. [0048] There are two thermographic sensing surfaces on the top surface of the frame, one for each foot, each measuring 6โ€ณ wide X 14โ€ณ length. The 20โ€ณ width of the screening surface will enable patients place their feet on the pads in a comfortable stance. The device is placed on the floor. The patient simply places one foot on each of the pads from a seated or standing position sufficient to maintain contact for 60 seconds (60 seconds is ideal, but a shorter duration is sufficient as well). The feet are removed from the pads and the thermographic images are observed. If significant color differences both feet on the mat so the full plantar surfaces are in contact. Since the thermal sensing capability of the mat is not influenced by pressure (beyond that required to create full contact), the patient can do this from either a standing or a seated position as long as the full plantar surfaces are in full contact with the mat. The patient's feet can either be bare or they can be wearing thin socks or stockings. After approximately 6tgv0 seconds of contact, the feet are removed from the mat and a full field thermal image will be presented of the plantar surfaces of both feet. Once appropriately instructed, patients (or a caregiver) will be able to assess their feet for โ€œhot spotsโ€ and alter their activity. [0049] The proposed invention was designed specifically to enhance the ability to use contra-lateral comparison to evaluate โ€œhot spotsโ€. By placing the pads side by side in the frame, it is easy to visually compare the left thermal image to the right thermal image for noticeable differences. [0050] The proposed invention was also designed specifically to facilitate self-examination by incorporating a 2ร— magnification mirror. The purpose of the mirror is to allow a patient to easily examine the sole of the footโ€”an area of the body inaccessible for viewing by an overweight or inflexible patientโ€”either as part of the daily temperature examination or separately. Simply creating another mechanism to facilitate and encourage a self-examination by a patient of his or her feet is very beneficial to the diabetic population. As part of the proposed invention, the mirror allows a patient to immediately examine those areas of the foot that are represented by higher temperatures on the LCT pads and better communicate any problems to their healthcare provider. For those home users who do not have the benefit of a friend, family member or healthcare provider to examine their feet for signs of irritation, abrasions, cuts, bruises, swelling, inflammation and other damage to the sole of the foot that can lead to ulceration, the incorporated mirror provides a means to do so. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the mirror is placed in the center console for easy viewing of the plantar surface of the foot after the foot has been removed from the pads. However, the incorporated mirror could be placed in other areas in other embodiments of the invention. [0051] Another purpose of this invention is to combine plantar temperature detection with plantar pressure detection. In order to more specifically focus a patient's attention on the most high risk areas of the foot, it is the purposes of this invention to integrate a patient's plantar pressure assessment within the invention. As ulcerations are more likely to occur in the high plantar pressure areas, the benefits of providing a patient with this plantar pressure โ€œmapโ€ are significant. To this end, in one embodiment of the invention, a patient's plantar pressure assessment, on a PressureStatโ„ข or similar device, would be placed in easy view of the patient while utilizing the invention. In one version, the device itself would include a plastic cover with a recessed area specifically designed to accept a PressureStat. In another more portable version of the invention, there would be no cover, but a large laminated instruction card or similar device would accompany the device with specific sleeves intended to hold the PressureStat prints and be easily viewed by the patient while using the invention. [0052] While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes or equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore, to be understood that this application is intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the invention.
A console for measuring plantar foot pressure includes a support case and at least two temperature sensitive pads, disposed in the case, configured to allow a user to measure the temperature of the soles of their feet without assistance.
0
RELATED APPLICATION DATA [0001] The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of the priority date of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/987,869 filed Nov. 14, 2007 which is hereby incorporated by reference. The application also claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of Ser. Nos. 12/264,029,12/264,060 and 12/264,076 all filed Nov. 3, 2008 which are hereby incorporated by reference. [0002] The application is also related to the following applications, all of which are filed on this same date and hereby incorporated by reference herein: [0003] INTEGRATED CIRCUIT EMBEDDED WITH NON-VOLATILE PROGRAMMABLE MEMORY HAVING VARIABLE COUPLING (attorney docket no. JONK 2008-4) Ser. No. ______ [0004] METHOD OF MAKING INTEGRATED CIRCUIT EMBEDDED WITH NON-VOLATILE PROGRAMMABLE MEMORY HAVING VARIABLE COUPLING (attorney docket no. JONK 2008-5) Ser. No. ______ [0005] Method of Operating Integrated Circuit Embedded with NON-VOLATILE PROGRAMMABLE MEMORY HAVING VARIABLE COUPLING (attorney docket no. JONK 2008-6) Ser. No. ______ FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0006] The present invention relates to non-volatile memories with variable coupling which can be programmed multiple times. The invention has particular applicability to applications where is it desirable to customize electronic circuits. BACKGROUND [0007] One time programmable (OTP) and multi-time programmable (MTP) memories have been recently introduced for beneficial use in a number of applications where customization is required for both digital and analog designs. These applications include data encryption, reference trimming, manufacturing ID, security ID, and many other applications. Incorporating OTP and MTP memories nonetheless typically comes at the expense of some additional processing steps. [0008] A new form of OTP is disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. application Ser. No. 12/264,029 and which is incorporated by reference herein. In that disclosure, a new type of single-poly non-volatile memory device structure can be operated either as an OTP (one time programmable) or as an MTP (multiple time programmable) memory cell is disclosed. The device structure is fully compatible with advanced CMOS logic process, and would require, at the worst case, very minimal additional steps to implement. A unique aspect of the device is that the floating gate of the memory cell structure is electrically coupled strongly through one of the S/D junctions of the transistor, whereas traditional single poly nonvolatile memory cells require either an additional interconnect layer to couple to the floating gate, or the floating gate has virtually none or minimal electrical coupling to any of the existing electrical signals. [0009] Another key feature is that it is implemented with an NMOS device structure, whereas the traditional single-poly OTP is commonly implemented with a PMOS device structure. This means that the device can be formed at the same time as other n-channel devices on a wafer. [0010] Another advantage of an NMOS device structure is that it behaves similar to an EPROM device, i.e., the device is programmed into a non-conducting state from a conducting state. (The most commonly used PMOS OTP device is programmed from a non-conducting state into a conducting state). This can eliminate the need of an additional masking step that is commonly associated with a PMOS OTP device in order to make sure that PMOS device is in a non-conducting state coming out of the manufacturing fab. In addition, since an NMOS device's programming mechanism with channel hot electrons injection is self-limiting, unlike that case of a PMOS with channel hot electron programming, the amount of energy consumption during programming is self-limited for this invention. [0011] An additional benefit of the aforementioned device is the fact that multi-level functionality can be incorporated very easily by simply employing different forms of variable electrical coupling as discussed below. The ability to have OTP and MTP cells capable of storing n bitsโ€”instead of merely oneโ€”is believed to be unique to the aforementioned device. [0012] Another NMOS OTP implementation is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,920,067, incorporated by reference herein. The device in this reference is programmed with channel hot-hole-injection. The disclosure teaches that the device is programmed into conducting state, after the channel hot hole injection. However, it is unclear whether the device actually works in the way the inventors claim. That is, it is not apparent that the channel current will be initiated to induce hot-hole-injection since the state of the floating gate is unknown and there is no available means to couple a voltage unto the floating gate. An NMOS device will conduct a channel current to initiate the hot hole injection only when the floating gate potential is sufficient to turn on the device, or when the threshold voltage is always low initially to allow channel current conduction. The only way to ensure either scenario is to introduce an additional process step to modify the turn on characteristics of the NMOS. Now assuming the channel is conducting initially and hot holes are injected, the holes injected on the floating gate will make the device more conductive. So the device basically goes from a conductive state (in order to initiate channel current for hot hole injection) to a highly conductive state. This is not a very optimal behavior for a memory device. [0013] Another prior art device described in U.S. publication no. 2008/0186772 (incorporated by reference herein) shows a slightly different approach to the problem of providing a programming voltage to a floating gate embodiment of an OTP device. In this design, shown in FIG. 4 , the drain border length L 1 is increased relative to the source side length L 1 to increase a coupling ratio to the eraseable floating gate 416 . By increasing the coupling ratio, the amount of channel current is increased; therefore the charge injection into the floating gate will also increase. The drawbacks of this cell, however, include the fact that the cell and channel 412 must be asymmetric, and the coupling is only controlled using the length dimension of the active regions. Because of these limitations, it also does not appear to be extendable to a multi-level architecture. Moreover, it apparently is only implemented as a p-channel device. [0014] Accordingly there is clearly a long-felt need for a floating gate type programmable memory which is capable of addressing these deficiencies in the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0015] An object of the present invention, therefore, is to overcome the aforementioned limitations of the prior art. [0016] A first aspect of the invention therefore concerns a programmable multi-state non-volatile device situated on a substrate comprising: a floating gate; wherein the floating gate is comprised of a material that is also used as a gate for a transistor device also situated on the substrate and associated with a logic gate and/or a volatile memory; a source region; and a drain region; and an n-channel coupling the source region and the drain region; wherein the drain region overlaps a sufficient portion of the gate such that a programming voltage for the device applied to the drain can be imparted to the floating gate through capacitive coupling; further wherein the device is adapted so that more than one bit of information can be stored by the programming voltage. [0017] In this multi-state embodiment, the device is preferably adapted such that during a read operation only a portion of the drain region receives a read voltage. That is, a portion or all of the drain region can be biased during a program operation to vary an amount of information stored in the device. In some instances the device can be read by a bias voltage applied to the drain region which is adjusted with time to determine a threshold voltage of the floating gate. [0018] In other preferred embodiments the floating gate can be erased to allow the device to re-programmed. Preferably the floating gate is eraseable by an erase voltage applied to the source region. [0019] In some applications the device can be integrated as part of a programmable array embedded with separate logic circuits and/or memory circuits in an integrated circuit. Such circuit may be one of the following: a data encryption circuit; a reference trimming circuit; a manufacturing ID; a security ID, or any other circuit that requires customized non-volatile data. [0020] In some embodiments the capacitive coupling can take place in a first trench situated in the substrate. These trenches may be part of an embedded DRAM array. The amount of coupling can be tailored as desired based on selective control of a gateโ€”interconnect mask, a source/drain diffusion mask, or both. [0021] Other configurations can include a second programmable device coupled in a paired latch arrangement such a datum and its compliment are stored in the paired latch. [0022] To program the device to a multi-level state, a variable programming voltage is preferably used. This allows for multiple bits of data to be written by the programming voltage. [0023] Another aspect of the invention concerns a multi-level one-time programmable (MOTP) device situated on a substrate comprising: a floating gate; wherein the floating gate is comprised of a material that is also shared by an interconnect and/or another gate for a transistor device also situated on the substrate and associated with a logic gate and/or a volatile memory; a source region; and a drain region overlapping a portion of the floating gate, and the drain region including at least a first drain region and a second selectable drain region; wherein a variable capacitive coupling between the drain region and the floating gate can be effectuated by one or more selection signals applied to the first drain region and the second drain region respectively; wherein the variable capacitive coupling causes a variable amount of channel hot electrons from the first drain region and from the second drain region to permanently alter a threshold value of the floating gate and store multi-bit data in the OTP device. [0024] A further aspect of the invention concerns the fact that in some embodiments, the device has a multi-level (multi-bit) programmed state defined by an amount of charge stored on the floating gate by the variable programming voltage. [0025] Other aspects of the invention concern methods of forming the aforementioned multi-level non-volatile programmable memory device. [0026] Still other aspects of the invention concern methods of operating the aforementioned multi-level non-volatile programmable memory device. In preferred embodiments an amount of capacitive coupling can be adjusted based on altering a number of N (N>1) separate drain regions selected to overlap the floating gate and/or by altering a programming voltage level. [0027] In instances where N=2, the threshold of the floating gate can be set to one of three (3) or four (4) different values as desired. When N=3 the threshold of the floating gate can be set to one of eight (8) different values, and so on. To read the state of the device, a read voltage is preferably controlled to have a range of values which vary in time corresponding to threshold states of the floating gate. [0028] The multi-state device is preferably programmed with channel hot electrons that alter a voltage threshold of a floating gate, and erased with band-band tunneling hot hole injection. In some embodiments the device is adapted so that different ones of the first drain region and the second drain region can be coupled to the gate during program and read operations respectively. For example either, none or both the first drain region and the second region can be biased during a program operation, and only one of the first region and the second region can be biased during a read operation. Similarly, either or both of the first region and the second region can be biased during an erase operation. [0029] Preferred embodiments of the multi-state device are n-channel, but p-channel can also be supported. In some applications the floating gate can be implemented as a multi-level structure, as part of a thin film transistor, or even oriented in a non-planar configuration. [0030] Another aspect of the invention concerns a single bit NV memory which shares similar structural, formation and operating characteristics as the multi-state device noted above. [0031] Still another aspect concerns a one-time programmable (OTP) device comprising: a floating gate; wherein the floating gate is comprised of a material that is also shared by an interconnect and/or another gate for a transistor device also situated on the substrate and associated with a logic gate and/or a volatile memory; a source region; and a drain region overlapping a portion of the floating gate, and the drain region including at least a first drain region and a second selectable drain region; wherein a variable capacitive coupling between the drain region and the floating gate can be effectuated by one or more selection signals applied to the first drain region and the second drain region respectively; wherein the variable capacitive coupling causes a variable amount of channel hot electrons from the first drain region and from the second drain region to permanently alter a threshold value of the floating gate and store data in the OTP device. [0032] The OTP device can be similarly configured structurally and operationally as the multi-level device noted above. That is, an amount of capacitive coupling can be adjusted based on controlling/selecting a number of N (N>1) separate drain regions, or the size of an overlap with the floating gate, or using a variable programming voltage. [0033] The devices are preferably embedded in a computing circuit and formed entirely by masks/CMOS processing used to form other logic and/or memory n-channel devices in the processing circuit. In some instances the non-volatile programmable memory device is used to store one or more identification codes for die/wafers. [0034] It will be understood from the Detailed Description that the inventions can be implemented in a multitude of different embodiments. Furthermore, it will be readily appreciated by skilled artisans that such different embodiments will likely include only one or more of the aforementioned objects of the present inventions. Thus, the absence of one or more of such characteristics in any particular embodiment should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present inventions. While described in the context of a non-volatile memory array, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present teachings could be used in any number of applications. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0035] FIG. 1 is a top down view of a preferred embodiment of a non-volatile memory cell of the present invention; [0036] FIG. 2 is a side cross section view of the preferred non-volatile memory cell; [0037] FIG. 3 is an electrical diagram illustrating the electrical relationship of the structures of the preferred non-volatile memory cell; [0038] FIG. 4 depicts a prior art non-volatile memory cell which uses a floating gate for an OTP application; [0039] FIG. 5 is an electrical diagram showing a preferred embodiment of a latch circuit constructed with the NV memory cells of the present invention. [0040] FIG. 6A is a top down view of a preferred embodiment of a non-volatile memory cell of the present invention which uses variable coupling; [0041] FIG. 6B is an electrical diagram illustrating the electrical relationship of the structures of the preferred non-volatile memory cell using variable coupling. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0042] The present disclosure concerns a new type of non-volatile memory device structure (preferably single poly) that can be operated either as an OTP (one time programmable) or as an MTP (multiple time programmable) memory cell using variable capacitive coupling. The preferred device structure is fully compatible with advanced CMOS logic process, and would require, at the worst case, very minimal additional steps to implement. [0043] A unique aspect of the present device is that the floating gate of the memory cell structure is electrically coupled strongly through a variable number of S/D junctions of the transistor, whereas traditional single poly nonvolatile memory cells require either an additional interconnect layer to couple to the floating gate, or the floating gate has virtually none or minimal electrical coupling to any of the existing electrical signals. Moreover, unlike the 2008/0186772 reference, the coupling ratio can be more specific and precise. That is, by exactly controlling the coupling ratio (through areal means) the amount of charge, and thus the final programmed Vt, are directly proportional to the product of the coupling ratio and the drain voltage. It can be more precisely controlled such that the coupling ratio is dictated or designed by the desired programming threshold level (V t ) of the memory cell. This allows for a design that evolves easily into a multi-level version of an OTP since different coupling ratios yield different programmed V t . [0044] FIG. 1 illustrates the top view of the layout of a preferred structure used in the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a representative cross-sectional view of the device structure. It will be understood that these drawings are not intended to be set out to scale, and some aspects of the device have been omitted for clarity. [0045] The device includes a typical NMOS transistor 100 which is modified so that the gate (poly in a preferred embodiment) 110 of the device is not electrically connected to a voltage source. A drain 120 of the device is bent around and is preferably joined by an N-type well 130 that typically already exists in a conventional advanced CMOS process. As an alternative, the N-Well 130 can be replaced with an n-type diffusion layer introduced so as to be beneath the poly floating gate. A conventional source region 125 is also utilized. [0046] The floating gate poly 110 is extended beyond a typical transistor channel region 135 and includes an overlap region 140 which overlaps an active region extending from the drain junction. The active region portion 141 that is surrounded by the N-Well region serves as an effective capacitive coupling to the floating gate. Thus any voltage applied to the drain junction will be effectively coupled onto the floating gate. [0047] As seen in the electrical diagram of FIG. 3 , if the coupling ratio of the drain to the floating gate is sufficiently highโ€”which is determined by the ratio of the area of the gate channel region and the area of the Poly extension overlapping the drain extension regionโ€”the floating gate can effectively acquire and have a high percentage of the value of the drain voltage. [0048] A key advantage of the preferred embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 , is that it is formed from same layers conventionally used to make active n-channel devices in a CMOS process. The only difference is that the poly (or metal as the case may be) gate layer is not interconnected with such other formed active devices or coupled to a gate signal. The other implants for the source/drain are also part of a CMOS conventional process. Thus, in most applications the invention can be integrated without any additional processing costs, because the only alteration is to an existing mask for each relevant layer of the wafer being processed. [0049] One other optional variation of this device structure is to make the drain-to-gate coupling capacitor area on the sidewall of a trench. This will greatly reduce the area of the drain-to-gate coupling capacitor. This reduction in cell area may come at the expense of significantly increase the manufacturing process complexity. However, again, in applications where the invention is integrated with certain types of DRAM architectures (especially embedded types), it is possible to incorporate the conventional processing steps for such memories to avoid additional processing costs. Other techniques for coupling a voltage to the floating gate and achieving a desired coupling ratio will be apparent to those skilled in the art. [0050] While the floating gate is shown as a single polysilicon layer, it will be appreciated by skilled artisans that other materials could be used as well. In some applications for example it may be possible to exploit the formation of other structures/devices which while part of other main underlying logic/memory structures, can be exploited for purposes of making a floating gate of some kind. In this respect it should be noted that floating gates can typically be formed of a number of different materials, including through techniques in which impurities are implanted/diffused into a dielectric/insulating layer. [0051] Moreover while the preferred embodiment depicts the NVM cell as part of a conventional lateralโ€”planar FET structure on a substrate, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other geometries/architectures can be used, including non-planar structures. Thus the invention could be used in SOI substrates, in thin film structures, at other levels of the device than the substrate, in multi-gate (FINFET type) orientations, and in vertical/non-planar configurations. In such latter instances the floating gate would be embedded and oriented vertically with respect to the substrate. [0052] The preferred operation of device 100 will be described. The non-volatile device structure preferably has the physical features of a conventional I/O transistor implemented in an advanced CMOS logic process. At present, such I/O transistor is nominally operated at 3.3V but it will be understood that this value will change with successive generations of manufacturing. [0053] This type of I/O transistor typically has a threshold voltage of 0.5V to 0.7V, with a typical electrical gate oxide thickness of 70 A. With a drain coupling to floating gate ratio of 0.90, and a read drain voltage of 1.0V applied to the device, the floating gate will effectively be coupled with a voltage of about 0.90V. This is sufficient to turn on the un-programmed NMOS device 100 , and a channel current can be detected by typical means of sense circuitry to identify the state of the device. It will be understood to those skilled in the art that the particular coupling ratio, read voltage, etc., will vary from application to application and can be configured based on desired device operating characteristics. [0054] The device is originally in a unprogrammed state, which in the preferred embodiment is characterized by a low resistance coupling between the source and drain through channel region 135 . This means that the channel region 135 can be substantially uniform and current flow is reliable. While the preferred embodiment is shown in the form of a symmetric cell/channel, it will be understood that the invention could be used in non-symmetric forms such as shown in the aforementioned 20080186722 publication. [0055] To program the device into a programmed state, the device must be shut off by reducing carriers in the channel region, and increasing the threshold voltage. To do this a drain voltage of 6.0V can be applied and this will effectively couple a voltage of about 5.4V to the floating gate. This bias condition will placed the device into a channel hot electron injection regime. The electrons injected into the floating gate effectively increase the threshold voltage of the device. When a subsequent read voltage of 1.0V is applied again on the drain, the device does not conduct current due to its high threshold voltage, and this second state of the device is thus determined. As with the read characteristics, it will be understood to those skilled in the art that the particular coupling ratio, program voltage, etc., will vary from application to application and can be configured based on desired device operating characteristics. [0056] The prior art referred to above is primarily a one time programmable device, since there is no disclosed mechanism for removing the charge on the floating gate. In contrast, some embodiments of the present invention can be made to be capable of multiple-time-programming. To do this, an erase operation can be introduced to remove or neutralize the electrons that have been injected into the floating gate. The mechanism for removing or neutralizing electrons is preferably through band-band tunneling hot hole injection from the other non-coupling junction 125 of the device. The preferred bias condition would be as followed: the non-coupling junction (source junction) is biased with 6V to cause the junction to initiate band-band tunneling current. The band-band tunneling current causes hot holes to be injected into the floating gate and neutralize the electrons that are stored on the floating gate. Thus it is (re)programmed from a non-conducting, or even a low conducting state, into a conducting state. The device is then able to conduct channel current when a subsequent read voltage is applied to the coupling junction during the read operation. It will be understood that programming from a low conducting state to a conducting state may have a limited operating sense window. [0057] As an additional optional operation, to facilitate erase operation and enhance band-band tunneling current, the coupling junction can be supplied with a negative voltage so that the floating gate is made more negative to cause higher band-band tunneling current across the source junction. [0058] Thus the operating characteristics are preferably as follows: [0000] OPERATION Drain Source Substrate Program 6.0 V 0 V 0 V Read 1.0 V 0 V 0 V Erase Float or -Vcc 6.0 Vโ€‚โ€‰ 0 V [0059] In some embodiments, additional protection can be implemented to ensure the OTP and MTP device have sufficient immunity against the loss of charge stored on the floating gate. To do this, the device can be configured into a paired latch 500 โ€”as shown in FIG. 5 โ€”where the data and its complement are stored into the latch, thus effectively doubling the margin in the stored data. As seen therein, a top device 510 couples a node 530 to a first voltage reference (Vcc) while a second bottom device 520 couples the node to a second voltage reference (Vss). By placing charge on the top device floating gate, the top device 510 is programmed into a non-conductive state, thus ensuring that node 530 is pulled down by bottom device 520 to Vss, representing a first logical data value (0). Similarly, by placing charge on the bottom device floating gate, the bottom device 520 is programmed into a non-conductive state, thus ensuring that node 530 is pulled up by top device 510 to Vcc, representing a second logical data value (1). [0060] Another useful advantage of the present preferred embodiment is that it is implemented with an NMOS device structure, whereas most traditional single-poly OTPs are commonly implemented with a PMOS device structure. This means that the device can be formed at the same time as other n-channel devices on a wafer. Another advantage of an NMOS device structure in this invention is that it behaves similar to an EPROM device, i.e., the device is programmed into a non-conducting state from a conducting state. In contrast, the prior art 20080186722 type deviceโ€”and other commonly used PMOS OTP devicesโ€”are programmed from a non-conducting state into a conducting state. This aspect of the invention thus can eliminate the need of an additional masking step that is commonly associated with a PMOS OTP device in order to make sure that PMOS device is in a non-conducting state coming out of the manufacturing fab. [0061] In addition, since an NMOS device's programming mechanism with channel hot electrons injection is self-limiting, unlike that case of a PMOS with channel hot electron programming, the amount of energy consumption during programming is self-limited for this invention. [0062] As seen in the present description therefore, the particular configuration of the floating gate is not critical. All that is required is that it be structurally and electrically configured to control channel conduction and also be capacitively coupled to an electrical source of charge carriers. The particular geometry can be varied in accordance with any desired layout or mask. In some instances it may be desirable to implement the floating gate as a multi-level structure for example. Moreover, since capacitive coupling is a function of the materials used, the invention allows for significant flexibility as the composition of the floating gate can also be varied as desired to accommodate and be integrated into a particular process. An array of cells constructed in accordance with the present teachings could include different shapes and sizes of floating gates so that cells having threshold cells could be created. Variable Coupling [0063] In other embodiments of the invention, the effective coupling ratio of the device 100 can be made different/varied between read, program and/or erase operations. That is, while not shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 , the drain region 120 coupled to the floating gate could be partitioned into one or more separate sub-regions. This is shown in detail in FIGS. 6A and 6B . Each sub-region 121 , 122 , etc. may be fabricated or controlled to have a different amount of overlap with the floating gate. By selectively applying a different voltage for one or more of such sub-regions, differing types of performance can be achieved for read/program/erase operations. For example it may be desirable to have an ultra low power (but somewhat slower) program or erase operations. This can be achieved by making a coupling area for such first type of operation smaller than the nominal area used during a second type (read) operation. [0064] While in FIGS. 6A and 6B the variable coupling geometry is done by altering a drain diffusion size (in a diffusion mask) and keeping a floating gate size constant, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same effective result could be achieved by keeping a drain diffusion constant and altering a floating gate size. For example the floating gate region 122 could be reduced in size to achieve the same result. By adjusting floating gate sizes it then becomes possible to share diffusion regions as well, so that an adjacent floating gate 122 โ€ฒ (for another cell) could be coupled to drain region 120 . Other combinations of these techniques will be useable as well and can be selected based on design/performance requirements. [0065] Notably, the variable coupling aspects of the present invention can be used for both PMOS and NMOS OTP. Different coupling ratio options could also be used to impart different voltages on the floating gate, which has the potentially for multi-state storage, i.e., multi-level for an OTP. [0066] As an alternative embodiment the programming voltage could be adjusted instead of course, so that for a given drain coupling, the programming voltage applied to a particular cell is adjusted to write a different state to the floating gate. Because the drain is coupled to the floating gate the variable programming voltage should be imparted to the floating gate. For example, a drain voltage could be adjusted to have 3, 4 or more different levels. This effectuates a different form of variable capacitive coupling that may be more complex from a write perspective but may be useful in some applications. [0067] A multi-level OTP variant for an NMOS implementation must take into account that NMOS is programmed to an off state, so a little off is very similar to very much off, unless one uses different level of floating gate voltages through different applied drain voltages to sense the state. In such circumstances, however, the different drain voltage could undesirably degrade the read disturb immunity, so there is a potential trade off here. [0068] Another option for multi-level capability is this: since different drain to gate capacitance options are used (via different overlap area) to select a programming state, a read operation can be performed through the same single drain overlap in order to detect the multi-state of the cell. For example, with two different drain overlaps, a total of 2 bits could be implemented. In such an implementation, Drain 1 can be set to have a coupling ratio (or overlap) which is some multiple (in this case preferably 2) of that of Drain 2. [0069] As the table shows below, a program voltage which imparts Drain 1 with a voltage of 0 and Drain 2 with a voltage of 6 V would write a first state in the cell, based on a first amount of charge imparted to the gate. If instead all drains are programmed the charge added would be higher, thus corresponding to a second state, and so on. [0070] A total of four (4) different couplings (0 (no drains), 1ร—(Drain 2), 2ร—(Drain 1), 3ร—(both Drain 1 and Drain 2)) corresponding to four different threshold voltages, and thus four different logic states is achievable with this simple arrangement. [0071] The preferable method of reading the state of the cell applies a read voltage on both Drain 1 and Drain 2 as seen in Table 2 below. The amount of cell current is then sensed, which current is inversely proportional to the amount of charge on the floating gate. The charge on the floating gate as noted above is a direct function of the amount of coupling applied during the programming. Thus the state of 0, 1ร—, 2 ร— and 3ร—in the cell can be detected by its relationship to the amount of read current. In this embodiment the read drain voltage is preferably selected to be on the order of 1 volt. This has the advantage of preventing any kind of read disturb or drain induced leakage contribution. [0072] As an alternative which allows less decoding during read operation, the read can always be done on the Drain node with the highest coupling ratio, in our example, the 2ร— Drain. In such instances it may not be possible to differentiate between all 4 different states, but this may be a desirable trade off in some applications. [0073] As also shown in Table 2, as a further alternative to read the multi-level cell state, any single one (or combination) of the drains is biased with a varying voltage over time to determine the coupled charge contribution from the collective overlaps. The drain is biased with an increasing voltage (from 0 to some target voltage sufficient to trigger the gate in the highest threshold state) with time until the threshold voltage is achieved or decoded within a certain time interval at a particular voltage level to identify the state of the cell. Thus while all or some drains are biased during a program operation, only a single drain need be biased (although others can, as above) during a read to determine the state of the cell. The particular range of read drain voltages will be dependent on the particular cell architecture, desired operating characteristics, etc. and can be determined by routine testing. Again in this embodiment may not be possible to differentiate between all 4 different states, but this may be a desirable trade off in some applications. Other examples for programming and reading the cell will be apparent to those skilled in the art. [0000] OPERATION Drain 1 Drain 2 Source Substrate Program 0 or 6 V 0 or 6 V 0 V 0 V Read 1 volt (or 0-N 1 volt (or 0-N 0 V 0 V volts in M volt volts in M volt increments) increments) Erase Float or -Vcc Float or -Vcc 6.0 Vโ€‚โ€‰ 0 V [0074] Other ratios are possible, of course, subject to the restriction that by selecting different ratios which are not multiples of 2, the sensing margin/differentiation may not be as great. However, in some instances it may be desirable to set the respective overlaps to some higher/lower multiple, which would have the effect of reducing a sense margin between two adjacent states at some range of output. If there is an imbalance in the sensitivity of the sense range, however, this may be a desirable option (i.e., if it is easier to detect the difference between 1ร— and 2ร— than it is for 4ร— and 5ร— or vice versa). Furthermore in some cases it may be satisfactory to reduce the number of effective logic states by sacrificing one of the combinations to result in an odd number of logic states. For example, a multi-bit cell may have 3 programmed drain couplings simply of {0, Drain 1, Drain 2} thus ignoring {Drain 1+Drain 2}. [0075] While two separate coupling ratios are shown in FIG. 6A and three separate coupling ratios are shown in FIG. 6B , it will be understood that other partitionings and couplings could be implemented in accordance with the present teachings. In the case of FIG. 6B , for example, 8 different programmed states can be achieved by using 3 different levels of charge coupling. For example, different combinations of drains having coupling ratios of 1ร—, 2ร— and 4ร— can be combined, or some other set of ratios. Again, other selections could be made with fewer logic states in exchange for higher margin between states. Other variations of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. [0076] The above descriptions are intended as merely illustrative embodiments of the proposed inventions. It is understood that the protection afforded the present invention also comprehends and extends to embodiments different from those above, but which fall within the scope of the present claims.
A multi-programmable non-volatile device is operated with a floating gate that functions as a FET gate that overlaps a portion of a source/drain region and allows for variable coupling through geometry and/or biasing conditions. This allows a programming voltage for the device to be imparted to the floating gate through variable capacitive coupling, thus changing the state of the device. The invention can be used in environments such as data encryption, reference trimming, manufacturing ID, security ID, and many other applications.
7
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of the prior filed nonprovisional application Ser. No. 10/229,846 under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 121 which in turn claims the benefit of PPA Ser. No. 60/315,860 under the provisions of 35 USC 119(e). STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT Not applicable REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX Not applicable BACKGROUND The present invention relates to a materials cutting device. More particularly, a wood cutting device used in the capacity of a shaper or saw. The device performs numerous types of cuts, such as chop cuts, miter cuts, crosscuts and rip cuts, both from above and below the work piece support table. Various saws currently available are used for performing a variety of operations and several saws combine certain functions. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,797,307; 5,768,967; 4,211,134 and 3,465,793. However, in the various permutations, there appears to be a fixed relationship between the cutting blade and the work surface or table or the cutting blade is designed to move primarily relative to the fixed position of the work surface. There is presently no saw known in which the position of the work surface, and consequently, the work piece, and the cutting device can adopt many and varied positions relative to one another. This results in much of the prior art being utilized for limited functions such as cutting as opposed to routing, or chop cutting as opposed to rip cutting. Portability functions are not integral in much of the prior art. Currently existing saws uniformly exhibit narrow cutter enclosures or inserts. Because of this limitation, these saws are less capable of performing cuts on irregularly shaped work pieces. Cutter inserts are non adjustable and when changing cutters, inserts must also be changed or removed. Adjustments in blade angle and height in the prior art is usually accomplished by a sometimes laborious and time-consuming hand cranking. In those existing saws where the motor is close to the cutter, moving the cutter also requires moving a bulky motor past the work piece. OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES An object of this invention is to provide multiple cutting functions and complete versatility regarding the way the cutter can act upon a workpiece and complete versatility regarding the angle the workpiece can adopt, through the adjustability of the machine, in relation to the cutter. Because of its mobile, yet substantial base and carriage, the benefits of many different cutting functions may be easily transported to the job site yet have the stability of the stationary machines seen in a standard workshop. The device is stable on its own frame without the necessity of a separate work platform. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a broad range of configurations of the work surface and the cutting apparatus relative to one another. Just as the cutter may be positioned above or below the work surface and consequently above or below the work piece, the work surface is also adjustable and may be raised either lower or higher in relationship to the cutter. In addition, the work surface may be tilted from the horizontal resulting in miter cuts of varying degrees being performed on the work piece. The cutter arm and consequently the cutter may be moved back and forth in relation to the work surface and, in addition, is rotatable through 360 degrees along its long axis. This coupled with the fact the work surface may also be tilted, results in a miter cuts through a large range of angles. Thus, this device allows an unlimited number of positional permutations to be achieved. The miter gauge and the variable opening between the left and right work surface components allow the work piece to be placed and supported in large number of positions. A corollary to the ability to place the work piece in a number of positions is the ability for the invention to accommodate work pieces with a large variety of shapes. Because of this feature, the device has application in a production settings where it might be more efficient to pre-assemble components and then subject the component to certain milling operations. The pre-assembled components could have irregular shapes this device could accommodate. The distance between the left and right work surfaces have an added advantage of accommodating cutters of various sizes and configurations. The cutter can also be rotated to and fixed in a position parallel to the worktable allowing the work piece to be laid flat on the work surface. This would allow the routing or cutting of the edges of the work piece. The cutting arm can be moved downward into the work piece facilitating a chop cut. The arm, if kept on the horizontal, can be moved through the work piece by riding forward and backward on rails allowing the blade to move horizontally through the workpiece for cross cuts. The table elevation assembly associated with the work surface is also capable of adjusting its position relative to the work piece from both above and below allowing a depth of cut adjustment. The broad range of adjustability of the device components along with the ability to position the work piece in a number of ways provides maximum flexibility and utility. In addition to the adjustability of the device, another object of the invention is to allow the operation and adjustments quickly, safely and efficiently from a front-mounted control handle. Table tilt and height are controlled though mechanisms that initially allow quick adjustment without hand cranking. However, after the quick adjustment, this device allows hand cranking to achieve more precise settings if needed. These quick adjust mechanisms utilize threaded drives which benefit from a mechanism to both lubricate and clean the threads of dust and debris as adjustments are made thereby avoiding wear and extending the life of the adjustment components. Utilization of a direct shaft drive connecting the motor to the cutter allows better power transfer, requires less space than standard belt drives and dramatically reduces vibration associated with belt drive mechanisms. Further, using a shaft allows the motor to be positioned along the same axis of the shaft itself avoiding using additional gears. Using a shaft with the motor position along its axis also allows the shaft to be rotated 360 degrees allowing the cutter to adopt almost any orientation relative to the work piece. The combination rip face and miter gauge is integral in maintaining work piece positioning yet allowing a variety of work piece positions to be achieved. These and other objects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in is art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWING FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the cutting workstation. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the mobile base assembly positioned below the cutting workstation. FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the leg assembly. FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the cutter arm assembly. FIG. 1E is a perspective view of the work surface platform. FIG. 1G is a perspective view of the cutter arm positioning assembly. FIG. 1F is a perspective view of the work surface positioning assembly. FIG. 1H is a perspective view of the workstation base frame. FIG. 2A is a left elevation view of the work surface platform and its relationship to the work surface positioning assembly, with the work surface positioning assembly in a contracted position. FIG. 2B is a left elevation view of the work surface positioning assembly in an expanded position. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the left fine adjuster strut. FIG. 4 is a perspective of the height adjuster universal block and height adjuster universal mounting block bracket. FIG. 5 is an elevation cross section of the work surface height adjuster and the work surface angle adjuster. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the height adjuster universal block. FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the angle adjuster universal mounting block bracket. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the height quick adjust block and the height quick adjust block-mounting bracket. FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the cutting workstation mounted on the mobile base assembly. FIG. 9A is a right side perspective view showing work surface platform in an angled position. FIG. 9B is a left side perspective view of the height adjuster frame. FIG. 9C is a right side perspective of the height adjuster frame. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the stop angle adjust assembly. FIG. 11 is an elevation view of the slide bracket. FIG. 12 is a top plan view showing the relationship of the cutting head and the work surface platform. FIG. 13 is a partial cross section view of the cutter arm lock. FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the rotational positioning means mounted on an alternative embodiment drive mechanism of a motor and drive belt. FIG. 14A is a top plan view of the rotational positioning means mounted on the cutter arm assembly. FIG. 15A is a perspective view of the work surface assemblies showing the work surface insert components and lateral work surface extensions. FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the undersurface of the work surface assemblies showing the work surface connector. FIG. 15C is a perspective view of the insert adjusting means. FIG. 15D is a perspective view of the work surface assemblies. FIG. 16A is a right elevation view of the elevation and chop cut carriage. FIG. 16B is a left elevation view of the elevation and chop cut carriage in relation to the carriage and control assembly. FIG. 16C is a perspective view of the chop cut activating hinge. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the carriage elevation locking assembly. FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the catch means. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the carriage elevation locking assembly. FIG. 19A is a perspective view of the carriage lock cam housing. FIG. 20A is a right elevation view of the cam lobe housing. FIG. 20B is a perspective view of the carriage lock housing. FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of the carriage lock housing in relation to workstation base frame rails. FIG. 22A is an elevation view of the rip fence and miter gauge. FIG. 22B is an elevation view of the fence. FIG. 23 is an elevation view of the pin plate and set screw assembly. FIG. 24 is top plan view of the combination rip fence and miter gauge. FIG. 25 is an elevation view of the rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket. FIG. 26 is a cross-section view of the rip fence miter gauge mounting bracket. FIG. 27 is an elevation view of the rip fence. FIG. 28A is a partial cross-sectional plan view showing the cutter arm assembly. FIG. 28B is a perspective view of the motor mounting plate. FIG. 28C is a perspective view of the first and second clutch plates. FIG. 28D is a plan view of the cutter drive assembly. FIG. 28E is a plan view of the shaft housing. FIG. 28F is a perspective view of the clutch access opening. FIG. 29A is a side elevation view of the cutter arm and cutter arm gear case with a chuck and router bit installed held by the arm clamp. FIG. 29B is a perspective view of the arm clamp. FIG. 29C is an elevation view of the router bit, chuck and gear case oriented for routing at an angle. FIG. 30 is a left elevation view of the carriage control assembly. TABLE OF REFERENCE NUMERALS work surface angle adjuster โ€ƒ9 first friction feet โ€‚10 work surface height adjuster โ€‚11 wheels โ€‚12a leg assembly โ€‚13 first leg mounting plate โ€‚13a axial component โ€‚13b first leg mounting plate detent โ€‚13c second leg mounting plate โ€‚13d bolts โ€‚13e vertical leg struts โ€‚13e second leg mounting plate detent โ€‚13f base leg component โ€‚13g second long strut โ€‚14 first long strut โ€‚14a axle โ€‚15 wheel assembly โ€‚15a lower mobile base frame โ€‚16 short strut โ€‚16a lower frame transverse member โ€‚16b lower frame first longitudinal member โ€‚16c lower frame second longitudinal member โ€‚16d leg mounting strut โ€‚17a handles โ€‚18 upper mobile base frame โ€‚19 third transverse member โ€‚19a upper frame second transverse member โ€‚19b upper frame first longitudinal member โ€‚19c upper frame second longitudinal member โ€‚19d upper frame first transverse member โ€‚19e base support โ€‚20 base support circular apertures โ€‚20a left fine adjuster strut โ€‚24 first vertical strut component โ€‚24a second vertical strut component โ€‚24b adjuster strut base โ€‚24c horizontal face โ€‚24d vertical face โ€‚24e lateral adjust apertures โ€‚24f right fine adjuster strut โ€‚24g vertical adjustment bolt โ€‚25 vertical adjustment locknut โ€‚26 cranking handle โ€‚27 left table elevation lever โ€‚28 left handle attachment end โ€‚28a right handle attachment end โ€‚28b right table elevation lever โ€‚28c outer left bracket member โ€‚29 inner left bracket member โ€‚29a inner right bracket member โ€‚29b outer right bracket member โ€‚29c left lower positioning assembly bracket โ€‚29d right lower positioning assembly bracket โ€‚29e height mounting first strut โ€‚30 height mounting second strut โ€‚30a bolt โ€‚30b height quick adjust block mounting bracket โ€‚30c partially threaded pins โ€‚31 lock washer โ€‚31a first strut aperture โ€‚31b spacer โ€‚31c height adjuster central rod โ€‚32 second cap sealing washer โ€‚32a second cap dust wiping washer โ€‚32b first cap sealing washer โ€‚32d first cap dust wiping washer โ€‚32e height adjuster central rod first end โ€‚32f height adjuster central rod second end โ€‚32g adjuster strut pivoting fastener โ€‚33 second vertical strut component aperture โ€‚33a pivoting fastener โ€‚33b fastener โ€‚33c first vertical strut component aperture โ€‚33d pivoting fastener โ€‚33e height adjuster first cap โ€‚34 first cap top โ€‚34b height adjuster second cap โ€‚34c second cap annular body โ€‚34d second cap top โ€‚34e first cap internally threaded aperture โ€‚34f height adjuster annular section โ€‚35 height adjuster annular section second end โ€‚35a height adjuster annular section first end โ€‚35b height adjust block set handle โ€‚36 pad โ€‚36a internally threaded top surface aperture โ€‚36b height quick adjust block โ€‚37 height adjust quick block smooth bore aperture โ€‚37a height adjust quick block smooth bore aperture โ€‚37b left horizontal member โ€‚39 right horizontal member โ€‚39a right horizontal member threaded aperture โ€‚39b angled flange โ€‚39c right adjuster strut โ€‚39d left adjuster strut โ€‚40 table elevation assembly โ€‚41 front rail โ€‚42 front rail front face โ€‚42a front rail screws โ€‚42b second rear rail โ€‚43 first rear rail โ€‚43a hinge assembly โ€‚44 work surface hinge components โ€‚44a left horizontal member hinge components โ€‚44b work surface connector first end โ€‚44c work surface connector second end โ€‚44d annular front rail first end โ€‚44e annular front rail second end โ€‚44f first rear rail first end โ€‚44g first rear rail second end โ€‚44h second rear rail first end โ€‚44i second real rail second end โ€‚44j pivoting fastener โ€‚45 pivoting fastener โ€‚45a work surface connector โ€‚46 work surface connector first strut โ€‚46a work surface connector second strut โ€‚46b first connector end โ€‚46h second connector end โ€‚46i front rail spacer โ€‚47 spacer aperture โ€‚47a first bar first tube โ€‚47c first bar โ€‚47d first bar second tube โ€‚47e second lateral work surface extension โ€‚47f first lateral work surface extension โ€‚47g bar โ€‚47h tube โ€‚47i tube โ€‚47k central rod snap rings โ€‚48 circumferential grooves โ€‚48a adjuster strut bolts โ€‚49 adjuster strut nuts โ€‚49a vertical adjust apertures โ€‚50 internally threaded hinge box aperture โ€‚51 internally threaded hinge box aperture โ€‚51b first threaded pin โ€‚52 second threaded pin โ€‚52a spacer โ€‚53 fasteners โ€‚55 horizontal member hinge pin โ€‚56 head โ€‚56a face frame โ€‚57 hinge box โ€‚58 hinge box mounting plate โ€‚58a angle adjuster universal block โ€‚58b height adjuster universal block โ€‚59 height adjuster universal block first smooth bore โ€‚59a height adjuster universal block second smooth bore โ€‚59b joint block โ€‚59c smooth bore aperture โ€‚59d horizontal hinge pin snap ring โ€‚60 annular groove โ€‚60a first work surface โ€‚61 second work surface โ€‚61a first side panel โ€‚61e second work surface assembly front panel โ€‚61f second work surface assembly rear panel โ€‚61g second work surface inner panel โ€‚61h quick adjust block central bore โ€‚62 handle bar โ€‚64 control handle stem โ€‚65 control rod handle โ€‚65a control โ€‚66 slotted brace โ€‚67 slotted brace bracket โ€‚67a aperture โ€‚67b aperture โ€‚67c slotted brace bracket bolt โ€‚68 washer โ€‚68a nut โ€‚68b cutter โ€‚69 slotted brace knob โ€‚70 slotted brace washer โ€‚70a first adjusting handle bracket โ€‚71 first adjusting handle longitudinal slot โ€‚71b adjuster handle โ€‚72 handle portion โ€‚72a curved face portion โ€‚72b faceted face โ€‚72c lever mounting brackets โ€‚72d lever mounting bracket pin โ€‚73 insert adjusting rods โ€‚74 insert adjusting rod second end โ€‚74a front rail perforations โ€‚74b insert adjusting means โ€‚74c insert adjusting rod first end โ€‚74d stop โ€‚74e groove โ€‚74f work surface aperture โ€‚74g adjusting rod compression springs โ€‚75 apertures โ€‚75a aperture โ€‚75b work surface perforations โ€‚75g first work surface insert โ€‚76 second work surface insert โ€‚76a vertical first work surface insert component โ€‚76b first work surface insert horizontal component โ€‚76c vertical component โ€‚76d interior surface โ€‚76e spring adjuster seat โ€‚76f horizontal component โ€‚76g spring adjuster โ€‚76i hinge mounting bracket โ€‚76q apertures โ€‚76t rear face perforations โ€‚76u cutter arm extension โ€‚77 stop arm threaded knob โ€‚78 rocker assembly stop arm โ€‚79 slide bracket slot โ€‚79a stop arm retention washer โ€‚79b stop angle adjust assembly โ€‚79c stop arm aperture โ€‚79c cut out โ€‚79c work surface connector stops โ€‚80 slide bracket โ€‚81 retention flanges โ€‚81a rocker handle โ€‚82 rails โ€‚84 first rail lower component โ€‚84a first rail upper component โ€‚84b first rail lower component lip โ€‚84c first rail upper component lip โ€‚84d distal end โ€‚84e second rail lower component โ€‚84e proximal end โ€‚84f second rail lower component lip โ€‚84f second rail upper component โ€‚84g transverse rail support โ€‚84g second rail upper component lip โ€‚84h rocker bracket โ€‚85 rocker bracket first flange โ€‚85a rocker bracket second flange โ€‚85b threaded sleeve โ€‚87 rod โ€‚88 bearing enclosure โ€‚89 cutter arm โ€‚90 cutter arm setscrew โ€‚90a collar positioning tabs โ€‚91 collar positioning set screws โ€‚91a collar positioning tab openings โ€‚91b collar positioning tab first aperture โ€‚91e collar positioning tab second aperture โ€‚91f cutter arm lock shoe โ€‚92 brake โ€‚92a shoe setting cap handle โ€‚93 central rod knob โ€‚94 shoe setting cap โ€‚95 internally threaded shoe setting cap aperture โ€‚95a shoe setting cap first end โ€‚95b shoe setting cap second end โ€‚95c shoe setting cap central bore โ€‚95d plate โ€‚96 plate set screw โ€‚96a plate set screw aperture โ€‚96b drive belt โ€‚97 first pulley โ€‚98 arm rotating lever โ€‚99 motor mount 100 belt drive motor 101 motor mount annular shaft 101a plate annular aperture 101b shoe setting spring 102 cutter arm lock central rod 103 cutter arm lock central rod first end 103a cutter arm lock central rod second end 103b cutter arm lock shoe neck 104 shoe setting neck aperture 104a central rod stop 105 shoe setting cap tube 106 shoe setting tube snap ring grooves 106a cutter arm lock 107 rotational positioning means 107a axle 108 axle first end 108a axle second end 108b second pulley 109 annular flange 109a arbor 109b washer 110 nut 111 external treads 112 elevation and chop cut carriage 112a carriage struts 112c carriage upper platform base 112d carriage upper platform second sidewall 112f bearings sets 113 central apertures 113a collar 114 collar first leg 114a collar second leg 114b transverse collar section 114c collar first bore 114d collar second bore 114e circular collar second bore 114e transverse collar section aperture 114f transverse collar section first end 114g transverse collar section second end 114h shoe setting tube snap rings 115 clutch and primary shaft enclosure smooth bores 116 shoe setting means 116a carriage lock housing 117 carriage central handle 118 handle rod 119 control handle sleeve 120 catch means 120a first catch 121 offset catch cam 121a catch handle 121b first catch pin 121c first pin annular groove 121d first catch pin snap ring 121e first catch aperture 121f leaf spring 121g second catch spacer 121h leaf spring bolt 121i leaf spring nut 121j first catch pin head 121k half moon tabs 121l leaf spring aperture 121m first catch curved face 121n first catch tooth 121o second catch pin 121p third catch spacer 121r offset catch cam aperture 121s first catch pin snap ring 121t first catch spacer 121u retaining flange 121v annular groove 121w handle rod set 122 pin 123 control rod 124 control rod tab 124a second control rod end 124b first control rod end 124c chop cut activating hinge 126 chop cut activating hinge pin 126a chop cut activating hinge slot 126b lower platform first support 126c lower platform second support 126d lower platform first support first end 126e lower platform first support second end 126f first platform first support mounting flange 126g second platform support first end 126h second platform support second end 126i second platform support mounting flange 126j lower carriage platform first end 126j carriage roller platform second end 126k struts 127a struts 127a sleeves 127b upper aperture 127c carriage upper platform 128 pin 128a carriage upper platform first sidewall 128e sidewall 128e head 128f snap ring 128g annular groove 128h second catch 129 second catch curved face 129a second catch tooth 129b serrated arm 130 serration 130a serrated arm tension spring 131 cam lobe axle handle 132 cam lobe axle 132a control rod stop 133 offset cam 133a cam sleeve 134 carriage locking offset cam lobe 135 cam sleeve slot 136 cam lobe slot 136a carriage lower platform 137 carriage lower platform first sidewall 137a carriage lower platform base 137c carriage lower platform second side wall 137d catch opening 137e spring attachment bracket 137f base hinge 138 horizontal base hinge component 138a base hinge pin 139 carriage elevation locking assembly 139b offset cam lobe 140 carriage elevation locking shoe 141 elongated tabs 141a offset cam bracket 141b first offset cam support 142 apertures 142a second offset cam support 142c serrated arm catch 143 catch 143c tension spring 144 vertical base hinge component 145 carriage wheel 146 carriage wheel axle 146a carriage wheel edge 146b carriage wheel edge 146c carriage lock wheels 146e bearing 146f rim 146g stop plate hinge pin 148 carriage lock assembly 149 carriage lock cam housing 149a first cam housing sidewall 149b second cam housing sidewall 149c cam housing top 149d cam housing bottom 149e first sidewall cam aperture 149f second sidewall cam aperture 149g cam housing bottom lip 149h stop plate 150 snap ring 151 annular groove 151a hinge lip 152 sleeve bracket 153 set screw 153a carriage lock housing top 154a carriage lock housing left sidewall 154c carriage lock housing right side wall 154d carriage lock housing front 154e carriage lock housing back 154f left rail front aperture 154g left rail back aperture 154h front rod aperture 154i right rail front aperture 154j right rail back aperture 154k back rod aperture 154l left front rail aperture 154m first rail spacers 155 second rail spacers 155a wheel mounting bracket 156 mounting plate 156a fastener 158 fence 159 semicircular fence component 159a straight edge component 159b fence semicircular slot 159c internally threaded aperture 159d fence under lip 159e second fence surface 159f third fence surface 159g extension arm 160 aperture 160a rip fence and miter gauge 160b fence position fixing means 160c bridge set screw 164 fence pin 165 head 165a externally threaded end 165b bushing 166 bushing 167 internally threaded knob 168 vertical pin spring 169 mounting bracket bridge 170 base arm 171 base arm adjusting plate 171a distal extension arm end 171b proximal extension arm end 171c washer 172 slot 172b base arm threaded knob 173 arm pin 174 set screw 175 mounting bracket bolt 175a adjustable base 176 semicircular slot 176a adjustment plate set screw seats 176c angle bracket 177 a vertical angle bracket component 177a horizontal angle bracket component 177b horizontal angel bracket internally threaded 177c aperture rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178 sliding bracket 178a mounting bracket tabs 178b slot 178c first horizontal mounting bracket component 178d second horizontal mounting bracket component 178e vertical mounting bracket component 178f pin plate 179 set screw assembly 179a horizontal pin plate component 179b vertical pin 179c bridge pressure spring 182 pressure bushing 183 second horizontal mounting bracket internally threaded aperture 183a aperture 183b fence component circular pressure bushing seats 185 spring washer 186 washer 187 nut 188 first spring base washer 189a second spring base washer 189b motor mounting plate 190 motor mounting plate setscrew 190a gear case nipple 193 secondary shaft first bearing 194 secondary shaft second bearing 194a gear case bearing seats 194b gear case bore 194c gear case bore 194d primary shaft 195 clutch plate alignment pin 195a longitudinal primary shaft slot 195b primary shaft slot 195b second key 195c cutter drive assembly 195d primary shaft first end 195e primary shaft second end 195f positioning rod 195g cover plate 196 clutch access opening 196a bolt 197a bolt 197b motor mounting plate bolts 198 clutch and primary shaft enclosure 199 clutch enclosure bearing seats 199a motor 200 clutch and primary shaft enclosure first end 201 motor mounting plate central aperture 201a mounting corresponding bracket 201b first annular sleeve 202 first annular sleeve slot 202a primary shaft first bearing 203 primary shaft second bearing 203a first clutch plate setscrew 204 second annular sleeve aperture 204a first annular sleeve aperture 204b second clutch plate setscrew 204c second beveled gear 205 secondary shaft 206 secondary shaft first end 206b secondary shaft second end 206c routing chuck 207 straight router bit 207a cove bit 207c motor shaft 208 cutter drive shaft spring 209 first beveled gear 210 bearing with lubricant seal 210a first clutch plate 211 first clutch disk 211a first clutch disk central opening 211d second clutch plate 212 clutch plate friction inducing surface 212a second clutch disk 212b second clutch disk central opening 212e second clutch disk supports 213a second annular sleeve 215 second annular sleeve slot 215a second annular sleeve internal stop 215b first annular sleeve internal stop 215c longitudinal motor shaft slot 216 first key 216a first clutch plate supports 216b gear case 217 gear case neck 217a internal threads 217b clutch and primary shaft enclosure second end 217c height adjuster universal mounting bracket 240 angle block partially threaded pin 240a angle block partially threaded pin 240b angle strut internally threaded apertures 240c angle block mounting bracket first strut 240d angle adjuster universal block mounting plate 240e angle block mounting bracket second strut 240f angle adjuster mount 241b cutter stabilization clamp 245 arm clamp 246 jaw hooking end 246a jaw adjusting end 246b clamping jaw 246c clamping arm hinge pin 246d cutter arm anvil 246e arm clamp shaft 246f clamping bracket adjusting handle 246h hinge flanges 246i arm clamp shaft first end 246j arm clamp shaft second end 246k arm clamping bracket 246l cutter arm anvil first end 246m cutter arm anvil second end 246n jaw adjusting internally threaded aperture 246q arm clamp base 247 arm clamp base internally threaded aperture 247a arm clamp base locking handle 247b arm clamp base locking handle externally threaded end 247c table clamp 248 adjusting block 248a adjusting block internally threaded aperture 248b clamping base 248c clamping base first end 248d adjusting tab smooth bore 248e smooth bore aperture 248e hooking lip 248f adjusting tab 248g adjustable hooking bracket 248h clamping base second end 248i fixed hooking bracket 248j second clamping base end hinge 248k adjuster handle 248l adjusting block snap ring 248m snap ring seat 248n adjuster handle threaded end 248o cutter arm assembly 249 work surface platform 250 cutter arm positioning assembly 251 work surface positioning assembly 252 mobile base frame 253 workstation base frame 253a work station base first longitudinal member 253b work station base first transverse rail support 253c work station base second longitudinal member 253d work station base transverse member 253e work station base second transverse rail support 253f first rail 253g second rail 253h mobile base assembly 254 cutter drive shaft assembly 255 shaft housing 256 carriage and control assembly 257 first work surface assembly 300 second work surface assembly 300a first insert adjusting means 301 second insert adjusting means 301a first work surface inner panel 302 first work surface inner panel first end 302a first work surface inner panel second end 302b first work surface rear panel 303 first work surface rear panel first end 303a first work surface rear panel second end 303b first work surface outer panel 304 first work surface front panel 305 first work surface front panel first end 305a first work surface front panel second end 305b first work surface top panel 306 top panel inner edge 306c top panel ledge 306d height adjuster frame 307 first work surface outer panel first aperture 307 first work surface outer panel second aperture 308 first work surface inner panel first aperture 309 first work surface inner panel second aperture 310 first work surface top panel ledge 311 height quick adjust block top surface 325 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Turning first to FIG. 1A , the relationship of the various components of the cutting workstation are seen. The cutting work station is composed primarily of metal. FIG. 1B illustrates the mobile base assembly which allows the cutting workstation to be mounted thereon. FIG. 1C illustrates leg assembly 13 . Leg assembly 13 is composed of axial component 13 b , vertical leg struts 13 e , which are connected in turn to base leg component 13 g . The ends of base leg component 13 g end in friction feet 10 . Leg assembly 13 is pivotally mounted to second leg mounting strut 17 and first leg mounting strut 17 a . Second leg mounting strut 17 exhibits second leg mounting plate 13 d , which further exhibit second leg mounting plate detent 13 f . Similarly, first leg mounting strut 17 a exhibits first leg mounting plate 13 a which also in turn exhibits first leg mounting plate detent 13 c . The ends of axial component 13 b are disposed within the second leg mounting plate detent 13 f and the first leg mounting plate detent 13 c allowing the entire leg assembly 13 to pivot there within. First leg mounting strut 17 a is mounted to upper frame second longitudinal member 19 d while second leg mounting strut 17 is mounted to upper frame first longitudinal member 19 c . FIG. 1D illustrates the cutter arm assembly 249 which carries the power source, power transmission means to the cutter and the cutter itself is contained. Cutter arm assembly 249 is mounted to cutter arm positioning assembly 251 which is illustrated in FIG. 1G . Cutter arm positioning assembly 251 allows the cutter arm assembly 249 to be raised, lowered, moved forward and rearward, and moved in a chopping action. Cutter arm positioning assembly 251 along with cutter arm assembly 249 is mounted to workstation base frame 253 a which is illustrated in FIG. 1H . The cutter arm positioning assembly 251 is moved forward and rearward, along the workstation base frame 253 a . FIG. 1F illustrates worksurface positioning assembly 252 which is adjustably mounted to the workstation base frame 253 a . Work surface platform 250 is adjustably mounted to the worksurface positioning assembly 252 . The worksurface positioning assembly 252 allows the work surface platform 250 to be raised and lowered relative to the cutter arm assembly 249 . The work surface platform 250 is itself adjustable to any number of angles, in conjunction with the worksurface positioning assembly 252 and in relation to the cutter arm assembly 249 . Turning now to the components of cutter arm assembly 249 . As shown in FIG. 28A , the motor 200 is mounted actually with the shaft housing 256 . The motor mounting plate 190 is fixed to the motor 200 by means of a plurality of motor mounting plate bolts 198 . FIG. 28B shows the motor mounting plate 190 having a motor mounting plate central aperture 201 a into which the externally threaded clutch and primary shaft enclosure first end 201 is disposed. Once disposed, the clutch and primary shaft enclosure first end is secured by means of motor mounting plate set screw 190 a . The opposing end of the cutter arm, the clutch and primary shaft enclosure second end 217 c is internally threaded. The externally threaded gear case neck 217 a is disposed within the internally threaded clutch and primary shaft enclosure second end 217 c . The gear case 217 is equipped with a gear case nipple 193 for lubrication purposes. FIG. 28A further shows the motor shaft 208 dispose through the center of the motor mounting plate 190 , extending into the center of shaft housing 256 . FIG. 28C illustrates the relationship between the first clutch plate 211 and the second clutch plate 212 . The first annular sleeve 202 is attached to the first clutch disk 211 a . This attachment is strengthened by a plurality of triangular first clutch plate supports 216 b mounted at pre-determined intervals around the first annular sleeve. The first annular sleeve 202 exhibits the first annular sleeve slot 202 a . The motor shaft 208 is disposed within the first annular sleeve. The motor shaft 208 exhibits a corresponding longitudinal motor shaft slot 216 first key 216 a is of such dimensions that it may be simultaneously disposed within first annular sleeve slot 202 a and longitudinal motor shaft slot 216 , thereby locking motor shaft 208 and first annular sleeve 202 in rotation. First key 216 a is secured with first clutch plate set screw 204 b . Clutch plate alignment pin 195 a is inserted through first clutch disk central opening 211 d until it comes into contact with the first annular sleeve internal stop 215 c . This allows a pre-determined length of the clutch plate alignment pin 195 a to protrude from first clutch disk central opening 211 d . Second clutch plate 212 is attached to second annular sleeve, and again is strengthened with the plurality of second clutch disk supports 213 a and a configuration substantially similar to that scene with the first clutch plate 211 . The clutch plate alignment pin 195 a is disposed through the second clutch disk central opening 212 e and extends into the second annular sleeve and will rest against any second annular sleeve internal stop 215 b . When the motor shaft 208 is in its fixed position within the first annular sleeve 202 , the distance between the end of the motor shaft 208 and the first annular sleeve internal stop 215 c is somewhat longer than the length of the clutch plate alignment pin 195 a . This will allow the first clutch disk 211 a and the second clutch disk 212 b with its clutch plate friction inducing surface 212 a will allow full contact with one another. Cutter drive shaft spring 209 is disposed within the second annular sleeve on the side of the second annular sleeve internal stop 215 b opposed to the location of the clutch plate alignment pin 195 a . The end of primary shaft 195 is narrowed to form a positioning rod 195 g which is disposed a short distance within cutter drive shaft spring 209 . Longitudinal primary shaft slot 195 b in primary shaft 195 receives second key 195 c which is also received within second annular sleeve slot 215 a . Second key 195 c is secured by second clutch plate set screw 204 a and prevents the primary shaft 195 from rotating within the second annular sleeve. This configuration allows lateral movement of the second annular sleeve 215 , along the primary shaft thereby allowing cutter drive shaft spring 209 to exert a force against second clutch plate 212 , which in turn allows pressure to be exerted against first clutch plate 211 . Primary shaft first bearing 203 is pressed onto primary shaft 195 . Turning again to FIG. 28A , it is seen that when the primary shaft 195 is disposed within clutch and primary shaft enclosure 199 , primary shaft first bearing 203 is pressed into and rests in clutch enclosure bearing seats 199 a . The primary shaft 195 extends along and within the clutch and primary shaft enclosure through gear case neck 217 a and into gear case 217 . A primary shaft second bearing 203 a is pressed onto primary shaft 195 in such a position and it is pressed into and seats into another clutch enclosure bearing seat 199 a . The first beveled gear 210 is mounted on the end of primary shaft 195 that extends within gear case 217 . A secondary shaft 206 is disposed within the gear case 217 at right angles to the axis of the primary shaft 195 . A secondary shaft first bearing 194 is pressed onto the end of secondary shaft 206 . Secondary shaft first bearing 194 is then pressed into and rests within one of the gear case bearing seat 194 b . The second beveled gear 205 is mounted on the secondary shaft in such a position as to communicate with first beveled gear 210 at the end of primary shaft 195 . A secondary shaft second bearing 194 a is pressed onto secondary shaft 206 and extends through gear case 217 terminating at arbor 109 b . The arbor 109 b then receives the cutter 69 , which is secured by a nut. Clutch and primary shaft enclosure 199 has a clutch access opening 196 a covered by cover plate 196 . The clutch and primary shaft enclosure has two internally threaded apertures corresponding to two apertures in cover plate 196 and is held in place by bolts. It will be noted that cutter drive assembly 195 d , shaft housing 256 , and clutch access opening 196 a are respectively and separately shown in FIG. 28D , FIG. 28E and FIG. 28F . An alternative embodiment of the machine capable of routing and shaping is illustrated in FIG. 29A . This illustrates secondary shaft 206 equipped with routing chuck 207 . Mounted in routing chuck 207 is straight router bit 207 a . As the work piece is moved past straight router bit 207 a , a milling operation is produced on work piece W. Although straight router bit 207 a is illustrated, router or shaper bits and other configurations may be utilized such as cove bit 207 c . FIG. 29C illustrates a configuration where the clutch and primary shaft enclosure 199 is rotating allowing production of an angled groove in work piece W. Returning to FIG. 29A , cutter stabilization clamp 245 is seen in place. Cutter stabilization clamp 245 mutually communicates with clutch and primary shaft enclosure 199 and first work surface 61 and second work surface 61 a . FIG. 29B shows the major components of the cutter stabilization clamp. The major components being arm clamp 246 which communicates with clutch and primary shaft enclosure 199 , table clamp 248 , which communicates with first work surface 61 and second work surface 61 a . Arm clamp 246 is composed of clamping jaw 246 c and cutter arm anvil 246 e . Clamping jaw 246 c exhibits jaw hooking end 246 a and jaw adjusting end 246 b . Jaw hooking end 246 a substantially conforms to the shape of the clutch and primary shaft enclosure 199 . The jaw adjusting end 246 b contains jaw adjusting internally threaded aperture 246 q through which the clamping bracket adjusting handle 246 h is disposed. The clamping jaw 246 c hingeably communicates with cutter arm anvil 246 e by means of clamping arm hinge pin 246 d inserted through apertures in a pair of hinge flanges 246 i and through a corresponding aperture in cutter arm anvil 246 e . Cutter arm anvil 246 e is mounted to arm clamp shaft 246 f . Arm clamp shaft 246 f is inserted into arm clamp base 247 and is adjustable in an upward and downward direction. The arm clamp base is fixed in place by arm clamp base locking handle 247 b which is disposed within arm clamp base internally threaded aperture 247 a . Arm clamp base 247 is mounted to clamping base 248 c of table clamp 248 . Clamping base 248 c exhibits clamping base first end 248 d and clamping base second end 248 i . Clamping base first end 248 d exhibits a fixed hooking bracket 248 j . The fixed hooking bracket 248 j hooks over and under the first work surface 61 . The clamping base second end 248 i communicates through second clamping base end hinge 248 k with adjustable hooking bracket 248 h . Adjustable hooking bracket 248 h exhibits adjusting tab 248 g which contains adjusting tab smooth bore 248 e . Adjuster handle 248 l exhibits adjuster handle threaded end 248 o . Adjuster handle threaded end 248 o is inserted through adjusting tab smooth bore 248 e and is threaded into adjusting block internally threaded aperture 248 b in adjusting block 248 a . Adjusting block 248 a is mounted to clamping base 248 c . After insertion through adjusting tab smooth bore 248 e , adjusting block snap ring 248 m is mounted within the snap ring seat 248 n on adjuster handle 248 l . Adjusting block snap ring 248 m now rests between adjusting tab 248 g and adjusting block 248 a . When adjuster handle 248 l is rotated out of adjusting block 248 a , adjusting block snap ring 248 m engage adjusting tab 248 g causing adjustable hooking bracket 248 h to move and clamp over second work surface 61 a whereby clamping the cutter stabilization clamp to the work surfaces. Arm clamp shaft 246 f is then adjusted to the proper height such that clutch and primary shaft enclosure 199 is cradled in the cutter arm anvil 246 e . When clamping bracket adjusting handle 246 h is rotated, the threaded end that comes into contact with the arm clamp shaft causing the clamping jaw to clamp the clutch and primary shaft enclosure 199 between itself and the cutter arm anvil 246 e . FIG. 2A and 2B show the relative position of the work surface platform 250 and cutter 69 when the work surface positioning assembly is extended as in FIG. 2A and contracted as in FIG. 2B . As seen in FIG. 2A , the first work surface 61 is attached to the left horizontal member 39 to a hinge assembly 44 . Hinge assembly 44 is composed of a series of work surface hinge components 44 a , which communicate with a series of left horizontal member hinge components 44 b by means of a horizontal member hinge pin 56 extending through the hinge components and held in place by horizontal hinge pin snap ring 60 . Left horizontal member 39 is pivotally attached to left adjuster strut. While left horizontal member 39 is again pivotally attached to the left table elevation lever 28 . Left adjuster strut 40 is attached to outer left bracket member 29 and inner left bracket member 29 a . The left table elevation lever 28 is similarly pivotally attached to outer left bracket member 29 and inner left bracket member 29 a . The left table elevation lever 28 extends below and between the outer left bracket member 29 and inner left bracket member 29 a and is curved toward and extends beyond the front of the work surface positioning assembly 252 and terminates at left handle attachment end 28 a . As shown in FIG. 8 , the left handle attachment end 28 a of the left table elevation lever 28 is attached to handle bar 64 , which extends horizontally to the right side of the work surface positioning assembly 252 and attaches to right handle attachment end 28 b of the corresponding right table elevation lever 28 c . Also shown in FIG. 8 , the right table elevation lever 28 c extends between and is pivotally attached to the inner right bracket member 29 b and outer right bracket member 29 c . The right table elevation lever 28 c then extends upward to be attached to the right horizontal member 39 a . The right horizontal member 39 a communicates with right adjuster strut 39 d , which in turn communicates and is pivotally mounted between the inner right bracket member 29 b and the outer right bracket member 29 c . FIG. 2B further shows left fine adjuster strut 24 which communicates with the outer left bracket member 29 and inner left bracket member 29 a . FIG. 3 illustrates the left fine adjuster strut 24 . A first vertical strut component 24 a and a second vertical strut component 24 b extend upward from adjuster strut base 24 c . Left adjuster strut 40 , which is mounted between outer left bracket member 29 and inner left bracket member 29 a is also mounted between first vertical strut component 24 a and second vertical strut component 24 b . Adjuster strut pivoting fastener 33 is inserted through second vertical strut component aperture 33 a , then through outer left bracket member 29 , through left adjuster strut 40 , through inner left bracket member 29 a and finally through first vertical strut component aperture 33 d . First vertical strut component 24 a and second vertical strut component 24 b are mounted to the horizontal face 24 d of adjuster strut base 24 c . The vertical face 24 e of adjuster strut base 24 c contain a plurality of lateral adjust apertures 24 f , which correspond to base support circular apertures 20 a . Adjuster strip bolts 49 inserted through lateral adjust apertures 24 f , through base support circular apertures 20 a and are fixed in a position utilizing adjuster strip nuts 49 a . Due to the oblong nature of lateral adjust apertures 24 f , the left fine adjuster strut 24 may be moved laterally along base support 20 allowing the lateral strut adjustment and allowing adjustment of the work surface positioning assembly 252 as a whole. Horizontal face 24 d also contains internally threaded vertical adjust apertures. Externally threaded vertical adjustment bolts 25 are inserted through vertical adjustment lock nuts 26 and then through vertical adjust apertures 50 . Vertical adjustment bolt 25 then makes contact with base support 20 by turning the vertical adjustment bolt 25 against base support 20 , vertical adjustment of the left fine adjuster strut 24 is accomplished. After vertical adjustment is accomplished, vertical adjust lock nut 26 is tightened against horizontal face 24 whereby holding vertical adjustment bolt 25 in place. FIG. 9B illustrates the position of work surface height adjuster 11 in relation to the height adjuster frame 307 . FIG. 9C illustrates the position of the work surface angle adjuster 9 also in relations to height adjuster frame 307 . FIG. 9A shows the work surface angel adjuster 9 operating on the worksurface surface platform 250 . Left fine adjuster strut 24 is mounted to base support 20 extending across the work station base frame 253 a . The right fine adjuster strut 24 g is constructed similar to the left fine adjuster strut 24 and communicates a similar fashion with base support 20 and the outer right bracket member 29 c and the inner right bracket member 29 b . FIG. 8 shows the face frame 57 , which is part of the work station base frame 253 a . The face frame 57 communicates and is permanently mounted to both the inner right bracket member 29 b and the inner left bracket member 29 a and the inner right bracket member 29 b and the outer right bracket member 29 c . Also shown in FIG. 8 is the face frame 57 , the upper left corner of which is truncated to allow the work surface positioning assembly 250 to tilt as is illustrated in FIG. 8 . Returning to FIG. 2B , it can been seen when handle bar 64 is raised, the table elevation assembly 41 collapses and the work surface positioning assembly 250 is lowered, allowing the left horizontal member 39 and the corresponding right horizontal member 39 a to rest on outer left bracket member 29 and inner left bracket member 29 a and rest on inner right bracket member 29 b and outer right bracket member 29 c as seen in FIG. 2A . Conversely, when the handle bar 64 is fully lowered, the work surface positioning assembly 250 is at its maximum height. FIG. 2B also shows the work surface height adjuster 11 which is attached to face frame 57 . Turning now to FIG. 7 , it is seen that work surface height adjuster 11 is attached to face frame 57 by means of height mounting first strut 30 and height mounting second strut 30 a . FIG. 5 shows the work surface height adjuster 11 in detail. A height adjuster central rod 32 exhibits two circumferential grooves 48 a at the height adjuster central rod first end 32 f . FIG. 6A shows the height adjuster universal block 59 equipped with a bore through which height adjuster central rod 32 is inserted. The height adjuster universal block is positioned on height adjuster central rod 32 between circumferential grooves 48 a and central rod snap rings 48 are inserted into the circumferential grooves 48 a fixing the position of height adjuster universal block 59 on height adjuster central rod 32 . Turning now to FIG. 4 , it can be seen that the height adjuster universal block 59 is pivotally mounted within hinge box 58 . Hinge box 58 is attached to the left horizontal member 39 . This provides the work surface height adjuster with its attachment to the work surface platform 250 . Returning to FIG. 5 , it is seen that height adjuster central rod 32 is disposed through height adjuster first cap 34 , first cap sealing washer 32 d and first cap dust wiping washer 32 e . The central rod is then disposed through height adjuster annular section 35 which has a height adjuster annular section first end 35 b and a height adjuster annular section second end 35 a , both of which are externally threaded. The internally threaded height adjuster first cap is then exposed over the height adjuster annular section first end 35 b securing first cap sealing washer 32 d and first cap dust wiping washer 32 e . The externally threaded height adjuster annular section second end 35 a is then disposed within height adjuster second cap wherein second cap ceiling washer 32 a and second cap dust wiping washer 32 b are retained. Turning again to FIG. 7 , it shows height adjuster annular section 35 in place through height quick adjust block 37 . FIG. 7 also shows a view of height adjuster first cap 34 with first cap internally threaded aperture 34 f . The threads of the first cap internally threaded aperture 34 f communicate with external threads of height adjuster central rod second end 32 g . It is this communication, which allows fine adjusting movements of central rod 32 . The externally threaded height adjuster central rod second end 32 g is attached to cranking handle 27 . Returning now to FIG. 7 , it further shows the height quick adjust block 37 . The height quick adjust block 37 exhibits an internally threaded top surface aperture 36 b disposed within internally threaded top surface aperture 36 b is pad 36 a and externally threaded height adjust block set handle 36 . The height adjust block set handle 36 may be deployed to secure height adjuster annular section 35 in a given position within height quick adjust block 37 . Height quick adjust block 37 exhibits height quick adjust block smooth bore aperture 37 a and opposing height quick adjust block smooth bore aperture 37 b and are designed to receive partially threaded pins 31 . Height mounting first strut 30 is attached to height quick adjust block 37 by the partially threaded pins 31 which are inserted through lock washer 31 a then through internally threaded first strut aperture 31 b . Height mounting second strut 30 a is attached to height quick adjust block in a similar fashion allowing the height quick adjust block to pivot between height mounting first strut 30 and height mounting second strut 30 a . FIG. 4 illustrates the attachment of the height adjuster central rod 32 to the left horizontal member 39 by the insertion of the height adjuster universal block 59 into hinge box 58 by aligning the internally threaded hinge box 51 and 51 b with the height adjuster universal block smooth bores 59 a and 59 b . The external threads of first threaded pin 52 and second threaded pin 52 a are disposed within the internally threaded hinge box apertures 51 and 51 b allowing the pins to engage the height adjuster universal block 59 less allowing the height adjuster universal block 59 to pivot within hinge box. Hinge box 58 is fixed by hinge box mounting plate 58 a which is fixed to the left horizontal member 39 . Returning now to FIG. 2B , it can be seen that quick adjustment of the work surface platform is achieved by loosening height adjust block set handle 36 allowing height adjuster annular section 35 to slip within height quick adjust block 37 . Upon achieving the approximate position, height adjust block set handle 36 is tightened. Further refinement of height may be achieved by rotating the height adjuster central rod 32 by turning cranking handle 27 . FIG. 8 shows the work surface angle adjuster 9 . It is constructed substantially similar to the work surface height adjuster 11 . The work surface angle adjust is mounted to the right horizontal member 39 a . FIG. 6B illustrates the height adjuster universal mounting bracket 240 . The angle adjuster universal block is substantially similar to the height adjuster universal block 59 . The angle adjuster universal block 58 b is inserted between angle block mounting bracket first strut 240 d and angle block mounting bracket second strut 240 f and is secured by angle block partially threaded pin 240 a and angle block partially threaded pin 240 b . The pins are then inserted within angle strut internally threaded apertures 240 c allowing angle adjuster universal block 58 b to pivot therein. Returning to FIG. 8 , it illustrates the work surface angle adjuster being attached to the angle adjuster mount 241 b which is in turn attached to the right horizontal member 39 a. Now turning to FIG. 10 , which shows the mechanism quickly adjusting the work surface to predetermined angles. Work surface connector 46 exhibits a plurality of work surface connector stops 80 positioned partially around exterior surface. FIG. 15B best illustrates the relationship of the work surface connector 46 to the first work surface 61 and the second work surface 61 a . The work surface connector 46 is attached to first side panel 61 e of the first work surface 61 and the left side panel 61 h of the second work surface 61 a . Now returning to FIG. 10 , it is seen that work surface connector stops 80 are positioned such that when engaged by rocker assembly stop arm 79 , the work surfaces are fixed at certain predetermined angles such as 22.5 degrees, 45 degrees, 67.5 degrees, etc. Rocker assembly stop arm 79 is inserted through slide bracket 81 . FIG. 11 shows that slide bracket 81 contains slide bracket slot 79 a which exhibits overhanging retention flanges 81 a , which capture the rocker assembly stop arm. The rocker assembly stop arm 79 contains a stop arm aperture 79 c through which stop arm threaded knob 78 passes. Internally threaded stop arm retention washer 79 b rests below rocker assembly stop arm 79 . When stop arm threaded knob 78 is tightened, the stop arm retention washer 79 b is drawn tight against the rocker assembly stop arm which in turn is drawn tight against the retention flanges thereby locking the rocker assembly stop arm 79 in place. By adjusting the position of the rocker assembly stop arm 79 within slide bracket 81 , small variances in the angle of the work surfaces can be achieved and the angle of the work surface can best be calibrated to predetermined angles. Returning to FIG. 10 , it is seen that slide bracket 81 is mounted to rod 88 . Rocker bracket 85 , which is mounted to the right horizontal member 39 a , contains two corresponding flanges, rocker bracket first flange 85 a and rocker bracket second flange 85 b . Rocker bracket first flange 85 a and rocker bracket second flange 85 b contain two corresponding apertures through which rod 88 extends. Rod 88 rotates freely within those apertures. Slide bracket 81 is mounted on that portion of rod 88 resting within rocker bracket 85 . Right horizontal member 39 a exhibits a cutout 79 c allowing the rocker assembly stop arm to assume a proper position in relation to the work surface connector stop 80 . Externally threaded sleeve 87 is received within right horizontal member threaded aperture 39 b in addition to being held within the corresponding apertures of the rocker bracket first flange 85 a and rocker bracket second flange 85 b , rod 88 is mounted within threaded sleeve 87 allowing free rotation. Rocker handle 82 attached to rod 88 allows rotation of rod 88 and consequent movement of the rocker assembly stop arm toward or away from work surface connector stops 80 . The threaded sleeve 87 extends through angled flange 39 c and through slotted brace 67 . Slotted brace washer 70 a is placed over threaded sleeve 87 and slotted brace knob 70 is mounted thereon. When slotted brace knob 70 is tightened, it secures slotted brace 67 in position. Slotted brace 67 is pivotally attached to slotted brace bracket 67 a . Slotted brace bracket 67 a is mounted to front rail 42 . Front rail 42 is, in turn, mounted to the second work surface 61 a at the second work surface assembly front panel 61 f . The ability to secure slotted brace 67 by means of slotted brace knob 70 allows the work surface to be positioned between predetermined angles established by the work surface connector stops 80 . FIG. 12 illustrates the relationship between the first work surface assembly 300 , the cutter 69 , and the second work surface assembly 300 a . Within the first work surface assembly 300 is first work surface 61 . Similarly within the second work surface assembly 300 a is second work surface 61 a . First work surface 61 and second work surface 61 a are separated by a space, the width of which is modifiable by the activation of the first inserted adjusting means 301 and the second inserted adjusting means 301 a . When the inserted adjusting means are activated, the distance between the first work surface insert 76 and the second work surface insert 76 a is either narrowed or expanded. The cutter 69 mounted to the cutter arm 90 rides on the cutter arm positioning assembly 251 forward and between the first work surface insert 76 and the second work surface insert 76 a thereby performing a cross cut on the work piece. Further, the cutter arm positioning assembly 251 may be locked in any position, completely rearward, completely forward or any variation inbetween. At any fixed position, a chop cut can be performed or a rip cut can be performed by moving the work piece into the cutter. In addition, if the shape of the piece to be milled warrants, the cut can be initiated in a chop cut fashion cutting through or to any desired depth and then the cut may be transformed into the cross cut or rip cut. FIG. 13 illustrates the cutter arm lock 107 . Cutter arm 90 is capable of 360 degree rotation and contains a plurality of clutch and primary shaft enclosure smooth bores 116 around its circumference at predetermined positions. Central rod knob 94 is fixedly mounted to cutter arm lock central rod first end 103 a . Cutter arm lock central rod second end 103 b extends through clutch and primary shaft enclosure smooth bores 116 thereby locking cutter arm 90 at a predetermined position which in turn determines the angle of the cutter 69 . The travel of the cutter arm lock central rod 103 through the clutch and primary shaft enclosure smooth bores 116 is limited by central rod stop 105 . Positions and consequent angles between those established by the clutch and primary shaft enclosure smooth bores 116 are achieved by the use of the brake 92 a of the cutter arm lock shoe 92 . The brake 92 a having a concave face which communicates with the convex exterior of cutter arm 90 . Cutter arm lock shoe 92 exhibits an externally threaded cutter arm lock shoe neck 104 . Cutter arm lock central rod 103 extends through shoe setting neck aperture 104 a which itself extends through brake 92 a . The shoe setting neck aperture 104 a is large enough to accommodate central rod stop 105 as well as shoe setting spring 102 which when in position over the cutter arm lock central rod 103 and within cutter arm lock shoe 92 , rests against central rod stop 105 . The shoe setting cap 95 exhibits an internally threaded shoe setting cap aperture and also large enough to accommodate shoe setting spring 102 . The shoe setting cap exhibits a shoe setting cap first end 95 b and a shoe setting cap second end 95 c . Shoe setting cap first end 95 b exhibits a shoe setting cap central bore 95 d . Shoe setting cap tube 106 is disposed over shoe setting cap central bore 95 d . Shoe setting cap tube 106 exhibits shoe setting tube snap ring grooves 106 a designed to receive shoe setting tube snap rings 115 . The cutter arm lock central rod extends through shoe setting cap tube 106 . Shoe setting cap handle 93 is mounted to shoe setting cap tube 106 and operates to rotate shoe setting cap 95 allowing it to be disposed over the cutter arm lock shoe neck 104 . This compresses shoe setting spring 102 between shoe setting cap 95 and central rod stop 105 . When central rod knob 94 is pulled, cutter arm lock central rod 103 is withdrawn from the clutch and primary shaft enclosure smooth bores 116 releasing the cutter arm 90 and allowing the rotation. If the cutter arm lock central rod second end 103 b is outside an aperture and riding on the surface of cutter arm 90 , shoe setting spring 102 exerts pressure on central rod stop 105 which transmits the pressure to the cutter arm lock central rod 103 such that when the cutter arm lock central rod second end 103 b encounters a succeeding clutch and primary shaft enclosures smooth bores 116 , cutter arm lock central rod 103 is automatically seated. FIG. 14 shows an alternative embodiment of the cutter arm assembly 249 as well as the cutter arm lock 107 . Turning first to the cutter arm lock mechanism 107 , it is seen that collar 114 is composed of a collar first leg 114 a , collar second leg 114 b , and a transverse collar section 114 joining the two legs. Collar first leg 114 a exhibits collar first bore 114 d , while collar second leg exhibits collar second bore 114 e . Cutter arm 90 is disposed through collar first bore 114 d and collar second bore 114 e . The transverse collar section 114 c also exhibits central angular transverse collar section aperture 114 f through which shoe setting cap tube 106 is disposed. Shoe setting cap tube 106 is held in position by shoe setting tube snap rings 115 . When the cutter arm lock 107 is rotated clockwise onto the cutter arm lock shoe neck 104 , it causes cutter arm lock shoe 92 to pull away from cutter arm 90 . This allows the cutter arm to be repositioned. When the cutter arm lock 107 is rotated counter clockwise, cutter arm lock shoe 92 and brake 92 a , frictionally engages cutter arm 90 allowing cutter arm to be positioned at any angle in addition to the angle predetermined by the location of clutch and primary shaft enclosures smooth bores 116 . Collar positioning tabs 91 respectively contain collar positioning tab openings 91 b through which collar positioning tab set screws 91 a attach collar positioning tabs 91 to cutter arm 90 . The collar positioning tab openings are elongated and oriented toward opposing corner of the collar positioning tabs 91 . This allows the position of the collar 114 to be adjusted to facilitate the seating of cutter arm lock central rod 103 within clutch and primary shaft enclosure smooth bores 116 . Returning to the alternative embodiment of the cutter arm and cutter drive mechanism. Here, in contrast to the preferred embodiment, the motor 101 is mounted perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of cutter arm 90 on motor mount 100 . Motor mount 100 also exhibits a motor mount annular shaft 101 a extending perpendicularly from the plane of motor mount 100 . Mounted to cutter arm 90 is plate 96 . Plate 96 contains a plate annular aperture 101 b within which motor mount annular shaft 101 a is disposed such that motor mount 100 may rotate. Plate set screw 96 a is disposed within plate set screw aperture 96 b and plate 96 such that the set screw communicates with motor mount annular shaft 101 a , hocking plate 96 , and consequently cutter arm 90 in a fixed position. Belt drive motor 101 is attached to it. First pulley 98 that communicates with drive belt 97 , which in turn communicates with the second pulley 109 , located at bearing closure 89 . Bearing closure 89 is to tubular in shape and mounted to cutter arm extension 77 . Cutter arm extension 77 is tubular in nature and is disposed of within tubular cutter arm 90 and is held in a particular position by 90 a . Further cutter arm extension 77 may be rotated within cutter arm 90 allowing precise calibration of the angle of the cutter 69 in relation to the clutch and primary shaft enclosure smooth bores 116 . Bearing sets 113 are mounted at each end of tubular bearing and closure 89 . Axle 108 is disposed through bearing sets 113 and disposed within bearing enclosure 89 and is mounted perpendicularly on and to cutter arm extension 77 . Second pulley 109 is mounted to axle first end 108 a with arbor 109 b mounted to axles second end. FIG. 15D is a perspective view of portions of the first work surface assembly 300 and second work surface assembly 300 a . A portion of first work surface assembly 300 is designated as first work surface 61 . Not only are we extending from first work surface 61 is first work surface front panel 305 , the first work surface outer panel 304 , first work surface rear panel 303 , first work surface inner panel 302 . In combination with first work surface top panel 306 creates a rectangular box-like configuration with an open bottom comprising the first work surface 61 . On the interior edge of first work surface top panel 306 , the first work surface front panel 305 , the first work surface rear panel 303 , the first work surface top panel 306 , and the first work surface inner panel 302 are modified to form a top panel ledge 306 d . Turning now to FIG. 15A , it is seen that the first work surface insert 76 , has first work surface insert horizontal component 76 c and a first work surface insert vertical component 76 b . In its retracted position, the first work surface insert horizontal component 76 c rests on the top panel ledge 306 d such that the first work surface 61 is flush with the first work surface insert horizontal component 76 c forming a contiguous plane. Further, in its retracted position, the first work surface insert vertical component 76 b rests flush with first work surface inner panel 302 . The configuration of the second work surface assembly 300 a is substantially similar to that described above for the first work surface assembly 300 . Turning now to FIG. 15B , it can be seen that the insert adjusting rods 74 communicate with the interior surface of the first work surface insert vertical component 76 b . The insert adjusting rods 74 extend through insert adjusting rod apertures 75 a in first work surface inner panel 302 . The insert adjusting rod 74 are further disposed through adjusting rod compression springs 75 and thence through internally threaded spring adjuster seat 76 f , which form apertures in first work surface outer panel 304 . Spring adjuster 76 i is then threaded into spring adjuster seat 76 f . FIG. 15C illustrates this relationship in a magnified view. This is repeated for both insert adjusting rods 74 . The insert adjusting rods 74 has the exit through spring adjuster seat 76 f mutually communicate with first adjusting handle bracket 71 . As can be seen in FIG. 15D , midway along first adjusting handle bracket 71 are two lever mounting brackets 72 d . Lever mounting bracket pin 73 extends through apertures in lever mounting brackets 72 d and the corresponding aperture in the adjuster handle 72 allowing adjuster handle 72 to pivot. Adjuster handle 72 has a curved face portion 72 b . An alternative embodiment of adjuster handle 72 would exhibit a facet face 72 c as can be clearly seen in FIG. 15B . Returning now to FIG. 15D , we see that when handle portion 72 a rests against the handle bracket, the work surface insert is fully extended. Resting at its maximum distance from the work surface. When handle portion 72 a is rotated away from the work surface, then the work piece support abuts the work surface. Returning to FIG. 15B , it can be seen that when adjuster handle 72 is rotated away from the first work surface 61 adjusting rod compression springs 75 are compressed between spring adjuster 76 i and the first work surface insert. This provides tension between the curved face portion 72 b of the adjuster handle 72 and the first work surface outer panel 304 , allowing adjuster handle 72 to remain in the set position. Further assisting the adjuster handle to remain in set position, it is groove 74 f. Thus, it can be seen that if both the first work surface insert 76 and the second work surface insert 76 a are fully extended, it provides the narrowest path for cutter 69 to traverse. If both work surface inserts are retracted, it provides the widest path for the cutter 69 allowing work pieces of regular dimensions to be partially positioned below the work surface and still be operated upon. FIG. 15A also shows front rail 42 . Front rail 42 has a series of front rail perforations 74 b on front rail front face 42 a . Corresponding rear face perforations 76 u of a smaller diameter occur in the opposing face of front rail 42 allowing front rail screws 42 b to be inserted through front rail perforations 74 b , then through rear rail perforations 76 u , thence through spacer aperture 47 a , then into work surface aperture 74 g . In this way front rail 42 is mounted to the front panels of first work surface 61 and second work surface 61 a . Front rail 42 extends across and beyond the width of the work surfaces. Now turning again to FIG. 15B , at the rear of first work surface 61 and second work surface 61 a , second rear rail 43 and first rear rail 43 a are respectively mounted in a similar fashion as front rail 42 . However, first rear rail 43 a and second rear rail 43 are mounted such that the cutter 69 can pass between them. Further, it can be seen that second lateral work surface extension 47 f is comprised of first bar 47 d and first bar first tube 47 c and first bar second tube 47 e . First bar first tube 47 c is inserted within second rear rail 43 and first bar second tube is inserted in front rail 44 f . The first lateral work surface extension is similar constructed and mounted opposite to the second lateral work surface extension 47 f. FIG. 15B also serves to illustrate the configuration of attachment of work surface connector 46 . Work surface connector 46 contains four work surface connector perforations 75 g through which insert adjusting rods 74 pass. Work surface connector 46 is secured to the second work surface inner panel 61 h and first work surface outer panel 304 . Work surface connector 46 exhibits work surface connector first strut 46 a and work surface connector second strut 46 b which extends to the rear walls of their respective work surfaces. Hinge mounting brackets 76 q is fixedly attached to the first work surface and extends parallel to first work surface outer panel until it meets work surface connector strut 46 a and is mounted thereto. Mounted to the hinge mounting brackets 76 q is hinge assembly 44 which consists of a plurality of hinges. FIG. 16A shows the components of the cutter work station that allow the elevation of the cutter arm 90 and allows chop cutting and is consequently termed the elevation and chop cut carriage 112 a . Carriage lock housing 117 communicates with base hinge 138 . Base hinge 138 exhibits horizontal base end component 138 a and vertical base hinge component 145 . Both joined by base hinge pin 139 . As illustrated in FIG. 16A , carriage lower platform 137 is composed of carriage lower platform base 137 c , carriage lower platform first side wall 137 a and carriage lower platform second side wall 137 d . Turning to FIG. 16B , first catch 121 is pivotally mounted to carriage lower platform first side wall 137 a and carriage lower platform second side wall 137 d , and extends below and through catch opening 137 e (visible on FIG. 16A ) such that when carriage lower platform is horizontal, first catch 121 communicates and interlocks with second catch 129 mounted on carriage lock housing top 154 a (visible in FIG. 20B ). When first catch 121 and second catch 129 interlock, cutter arm 90 is fixed in a horizontal position allowing cross cut and rip operations. The horizontal base hinge component 138 a is mounted to carriage lock housing and communication with tension spring 144 , which in turn communicates with the carriage lock housing 117 . Tension spring 144 operates on the rear edge of carriage lock housing 117 through its attachment with the horizontal base hinge component 138 a allowing the forward edge of the carriage lower platform to elevate. FIG. 18A illustrates the catch activating mechanism. First catch 121 exhibits first catch aperture 121 f . First catch pin 121 c extends through an aperture in carriage lower platform first side wall 137 a and then through second catch spacer 121 h and out through a corresponding aperture and carriage lower platform second side wall 137 d . First catch pin 121 c is held in position by the first catch pin head 121 k and first catch pin snap ring mounted outside carriage lower platform second side wall 137 d and seated in first pin annular groove 121 d . Leaf spring 121 g is mounted between half moon tabs 121 l , which protrude from carriage lower platform base 137 c . Leaf spring 121 g is held to the carriage lower platform base 137 c at leaf spring bolt 121 i . Pass through leaf spring aperture 121 m and a corresponding aperture in carriage bolt platform base 137 c and fixed with leaf spring nut 121 j . Leaf spring 121 g is mounted substantially in the center of the carriage lower platform base 137 c so it corresponds with the position of first catch 121 and communicates therewith. Leaf spring 121 g is also positioned to apply continuous pressure to catch 121 . Turning now to FIG. 16B , it can be seen that second catch 129 is positioned in such matter that when carriage lower platform 137 is lowered toward the upper surface of carriage lock housing 117 , the first catch curved face 121 n of first catch 121 contacts the second catch curved face 129 a of second catch 129 such that first catch 121 depresses leaf spring 121 g until first catch tooth 121 o of first catch 121 passes below second catch tooth 129 b of second catch 129 . Leaf spring 121 g then presses on first catch 121 causing second catch tooth 129 b and first catch tooth 121 o to interlock. Returning to FIG. 18A , it can be seen that first catch 121 is released from its interlock position with second catch 129 by means of offset catch cam 121 a . Second catch pin 121 p extends through an aperture in carriage lower platform first side wall 137 a , then through third catch spacer 121 r , then through offset catch cam aperture 121 s , then through first catch spacer 121 u and out through a corresponding aperture and carriage lower platform second side wall 137 d . Second catch pin 121 p is held in position in a similar fashion as first catch pin 121 c . However, second catch pin 121 p is fixed to offset catch cam 121 a . Further, second catch pin 121 p exhibits catch handle 121 b . When second catch pin 121 p is rotated, offset catch cam 121 a communicates with first catch 121 which in turn depresses leaf spring 121 g . First catch 121 is moved away from second catch 129 causing first catch tooth 121 o to disengage from second catch tooth allowing carriage lower platform 137 to rise. Carriage lower platform first side wall 137 a and carriage lower platform second side wall 137 d exhibit a plurality of pivotally mounted carriage struts 112 c , which also pivotally communicating with and lending support to carriage upper platform 128 . Turning now to FIG. 16A , it is seen that the serrated arm 130 extends downward and rearward between first offset cam support 142 and second offset cam support 142 c . The serrated arm 130 communicates with serrated arm tension spring 131 , which in turn communicates with the carriage lower platform base 137 c . When the serrated arm 130 is drawn rearward, carriage upper platform 128 pivots rearward on pivotally mounted carriage struts 112 c causing carriage upper platform 128 and consequently the cutter arm 90 to lower. At the same time the tension in the serrated arm tension spring 131 is increased. Turning now to FIG. 17 , it is seen that the first offset cam support 142 and the second offset cam support 142 c are mounted to carriage lower platform first sidewall 137 a and carriage lower platform second sidewall 137 d , and extend upward and rearward. First offset cam support 142 and second offset cam support 142 c exhibit corresponding apertures, through cam lobe axle 132 a extends. Thus, cam lobe axle 132 a creates a pivotal mounting for offset cam lobe 140 . Offset cam lobe 140 is fixedly attached to cam lobe axle 132 a and mounted between first offset cam support 142 and second offset cam support 142 c . One end of cam lobe axle 132 a exhibits cam lobe axle handle 132 . When cam lobe axle handle 132 is activated, offset cam lobe 140 rotates within first offset cam support 142 and second offset cam support 142 c . Each offset cam support exhibits an additional pair of corresponding apertures through which elongated tabs 141 a of carriage elevation locking shoe 141 extend allowing carriage elevation locking shoe 141 to be pivotally mounted between the offset cam supports. Serrated arm catch 143 is mounted between carriage lower platform first side wall 137 a and carriage lower platform second side wall 137 d . In this configuration, when cam lobe axle handle is activated, offset cam lobe 140 is rotated into contact with carriage elevation locking shoe 141 which in turn contacts serrated arm 130 forcing serrations 130 a to communicate with serrated arm catch 143 . Friction between offset cam lobe 140 , carriage elevation locking shoe 141 and the upper surface of the serrated arm 130 will assist offset cam lobe 140 to maintain its position. The pressure exerted by offset cam lobe 140 causes serrated arm catch 143 to remain in position between serrations 130 a , locking the carriage upper platform 128 in a temporarily fixed position thus counteracting the tension in serrated arm tension spring 131 . Placing serrated arm catch 143 between the various serrations 130 a determines the height of carriage upper platform 128 and consequently the height of cutter arm 90 . FIG. 19A illustrates the carriage lock assembly 149 in its relationship to first rail 253 g . Further shown in 19 A is the carriage locking offset cam lobe 135 disposed within carriage lock cam housing 149 a . FIG. 21 illustrates an end view of first rail 253 g . First rail 253 g has a first rail lower component 84 a and a first rail upper component 84 b and their parallel configuration. First rail lower component 84 a exhibits first rail lower component lip 84 c while first rail upper component 84 b exhibits first rail upper component lip 84 d . First rail lower component 84 a and first rail upper component 84 b exhibit a plurality of first real spacers 155 , which appear periodically along the entire length of the rails and separate first rail lower component 84 a from first rail upper component 84 b . This separation is designed to allow the fall through of cutting dust, keeping the rails clear and smoothly operating. The rails are disposed at an inward angle relative to the carriage lock housing 117 . FIG. 21 shows that carriage wheel 146 is disposed between the first rail lower component 84 a and the first rail upper component 84 b . The carriage wheels 146 are disposed at an inward angle relative to carriage lock housing 117 , substantially the same as the angle at which the rails are disposed. Carriage wheel 146 communicates with carriage wheel axle 146 a . Carriage wheel 146 rides on first rail lower component lip 84 c . The first rail upper component lip 84 d is angled towards carriage wheel 146 to such a degree that the extended lip rests above carriage wheel edge 146 c . This configuration is substantially similar for second rail 253 h . The component lips of the rails and their position above the carriage wheels rocks the plurality of carriage wheels in their position below the upper rail components and the lower rail components. Carriage wheel axle 146 is disposed within sleeve bracket 153 and communicates with wheel mounting bracket 156 and is attached to carriage lock housing left side wall 154 c . Two wheels are thus attached to carriage lock housing left side wall 154 c and two wheels are attached to carriage lock housing right side wall 154 d in a similar fashion. Turning to FIG. 20B , it can be seen that carriage lock housing 117 is substantially in the shape of rectangular box having carriage lock housing top 154 a , carriage lock housing left side wall 154 c , carriage lock housing right side wall 154 d , carriage lock housing front 154 e and carriage lock housing back 154 f . Carriage lock housing front 154 e contains three apertures. Left rail front aperture 154 g has a corresponding and opposed left rail back aperture 154 h . Right rail front aperture 154 a in carriage lock housing front also has a corresponding and opposed right rail back aperture 154 k . Four apertures allow first rail 253 g and second rail 253 h to pass through carriage lock housing 117 . The first rail 253 g and second rail 253 h are disposed between work station base first transverse rail support 253 c and work station base second transverse rail support 253 f . The carriage lock housing with its plurality on internally mounted wheels is thus allowed to traverse the length of the rails. This allows the cutter arm positioning assembly to move to and fro. Carriage lock housing front 154 e also exhibits front rod aperture 154 i through which control rod 124 is disposed. It should be noted that in accordance with FIG. 20B , carriage lock cam housing 149 a is mounted to the interior of carriage lock housing front 154 e . Turning again to FIG. 19A , it is shown that carriage lock cam housing 149 a exhibits opposing side walls specifically first cam housing side wall 149 b and second cam housing side wall 149 c as well as opposing top and bottom, specifically cam housing top 149 d and cam housing bottom 149 e . At first cam housing side wall 149 b and second cam housing side wall 149 c contain corresponding apertures, first side wall cam aperture 149 f and second side wall cam aperture 149 g . FIG. 20 illustrates cam sleeve 134 that extends through first side wall cam aperture 149 f through carriage locking offset cam lobe 135 and then through second side wall cam aperture 149 g . Cam sleeve 134 rotates freely within the side wall apertures, however, it is fixed within the carriage locking offset cam lobe 135 a , so that cam sleeve cam 134 rotates in conjunction with carriage locking offset cam lobe 135 . Cam sleeve 134 is annular in nature with the exception that a portion of the cam is removed along the axis resulting in cam sleeve slot 136 running the length of cam sleeve 134 . Carriage locking offset cam lobe 135 also exhibits cam lobe slot 136 a corresponding to cam sleeve slot 136 . Cam lobe slot 136 a is best visualized in FIG. 21 . As seen in FIG. 16C , control rod 124 exhibits control rod tab 124 a . Control rod tab 124 a is configured such that its width and its height, or in other words, the maximum distance it extends from control rod 124 allows it to freely slide within cam sleeve slot 136 and cam lobe slot 136 a . Then control rod 124 is drawn forward, such that control rod tab 124 a is disposed within cam sleeve slot 136 , when control rod 124 is rotated, control rod tab 124 a communicates with and in turn rotates cam sleeve 134 which in turn will rotate carriage locking offset cam lobe 135 . Returning to FIG. 19A , it will be seen that cam housing bottom 149 e is extended to form hinge lip 152 . Stop plate 150 is hingeably mounted to hinge lip 152 through stop plate hinge pin 148 . At such time as control rod tab 124 a is disposed within cam sleeve slot 136 and cam sleeve 134 and consequently, carriage locking offset cam lobe 135 is rotated against stop plate 150 . Stop plate 150 is forced against the first rail lower component 84 a thus preventing carriage lock housing 117 from moving along first rail 253 g , and second rail 253 h rotating carriage locking offset cam lobe 135 away from stop plate 150 releases carriage lock housing 117 for movement. Control rod 124 is not only used to lock carriage lock housing 117 but serves two additional purposes. FIG. 16B shows chop cut activating hinge 126 attached to carriage lower platform 137 through chop cut activating hinge pin 126 a . As shown in FIG. 16C , chop cut activating hinge 126 exhibits a longitudinal chop cut activating hinge slot 126 b . When control rod tab 124 a is located behind chop cut activating hinge 126 as shown in FIGS. 16B and 16C , and is rotated perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the chop cut activating hinge slot, then when control rod 124 is drawn forward, control rod tab 124 a engages chop cut activating hinge 126 drawing the hinge forward and pulling carriage lower platform 137 downward which results in cutter arm 90 being pulled downward and consequently results in the performance of a chop cut. When control rod 124 is released, tension spring 144 causes carriage lower platform 137 to elevate at the front. Control rod 124 may be positioned such that tab 124 a is clear of cam sleeve 134 . At this point carriage control handle 118 may be rotated down and out of the way of cutting operations as is illustrated in FIG. 8 . FIG. 22A through FIG. 27 show the rip fence and miter gauge 160 b . FIG. 24 illustrates the major components being adjustable base 176 , arm 171 , and fence 159 . FIG. 26 illustrates rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178 attached to adjustable base 176 , which is in turn is attached to base line 171 . FIG. 24 illustrates extension arm 160 mounted within base arm 171 with the opposing end of extension arm pivotally attached to fence 159 . Returning to FIG. 26 , it is seen that rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178 is in the form of a U-shape of such a dimension that it would slip over front rail 42 . Rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178 exhibits mounting bracket tabs 178 b which come out above and below the open side of rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178 . Tabs 178 b prevent the rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178 from being pulled off front rail 42 . This arrangement allows the rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178 and consequently the rip fence and miter gauge 160 b to slide along the length of front rail 42 keeping in mind that tabs 178 b clear both above and below front rail spacers 47 . Returning to FIG. 26 , it is seen that along the bottom edge of rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178 is mounted internally threaded mounting bracket bridge 170 . Externally threaded bridge set screw 164 is disposed within the internally threaded aperture of mounting bracket bridge 170 . When bridge set screw 164 is rotated within the internally threaded aperture, bridge set screw 164 makes contact with bridge pressure spring 182 , which in turn makes contact with first rail 42 resulting in rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178 being held in a temporarily fixed position along front rail 42 . Rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178 is attached to angle bracket 177 , which in turn has a vertical angle bracket component 177 a and a horizontal angle bracket component 177 b . Horizontal angle bracket component 177 b contains horizontal angle bracket internally threaded aperture 177 c . Angle bracket 177 is mounted such that horizontal angle bracket component 177 b is flush with the surface of rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178 . Mounting bracket bolt 175 a is disposed within semi-circular slot 176 a within adjustable base 176 . When mounting bracket bolt 175 a is rotated, in the appropriate direction, adjustable base 176 is tightened against angle bracket 177 temporarily fixing base arm 171 in position. FIG. 24 shows two of the various positions the rip fence and miter gauge 160 b may adopt through its arc. Semi-circular slot 176 a exhibits a plurality of adjustment plate set screw seats 176 c . The adjustment plate set screw seats 176 c are positioned around the semi-circular slot 176 a in such a way that when mounting bracket bolt 175 a is disposed within the adjustment plate set screw seats 176 c , rip fence and miter gauge 160 b will adopt a series of predetermined angles relative to front rail 42 . Mounting bracket bolt 175 a may be tightened at positions between the adjustment set plate set screw seats 176 c so that angles between predetermined angles established by the location of adjustment plate set screw seats 176 c may be obtained. FIG. 26 also illustrates that base arm 171 pivots upon arm pin 174 which mounted to rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178 . The distal end of arm pin 174 is externally threaded and the base arm 171 is retained by base arm threaded knob 173 . FIG. 24 illustrates fence 159 with semi-circular fence component 159 a and straight edge component 159 b . Semi-circular fence component 159 a also exhibits fence semi-circular slot 159 c . Fence semi-circular slot 159 c is configured substantially similar to semi-circular slot 176 a . Turning to FIG. 27 , it is seen that fence 159 pivots about fence pin 165 . Fence pin 165 exhibits a head and an externally threaded end that is disposed through aperture and third fence surface 159 g . Then through apertures in the distal extension arm end 171 b , then through a corresponding and opposite aperture in second fence surface 159 f . Allowing fence 159 to pivot on the distal extension arm end 171 b . FIG. 27 also exhibits horizontal pin plate component 179 b attached to the upper surface of extension arm 160 . Vertical pin 179 c is attached to pin plate 179 b . Vertical pin 179 c is disposed through fence semi-circular slot 159 c . Pressure bushing 183 is then disposed over vertical pin 179 c as is vertical pin spring 169 , spring washer 186 , and internally threaded base arm threaded knob 173 a . When base arm threaded knob 173 a is tightened, vertical pin spring 169 compresses applying pressure to pressure bushing 183 , which rests at some point within fence semi-circular slot 159 c or within fence component circular pressure bushing seats 185 , which are configured substantially similarly to adjustment plate set screw seats 176 a . Thereby keeping fence 159 in a predetermined position. CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE The unusual versatility of this machine is apparent from the specification. The cutter arm may be raised or lowered to accommodate any shape or form of workpiece. The cutter arm may be drawn forward through the workpiece and returned to its position ready to cut again. The cutter arm may also operate on the workpiece in a chop cut fashion. By using a routing bit as the cutter many milling operations may be performed on any shape or form of workpiece. The work surface holding the workpiece may be angled as well as adjusted upward or downward again facilitating the unlimited configurations between the cutter and the workpiece. The work surface inserts maybe narrowed or widened again conforming to large workpieces or workpieces of unusual shape. It is worthy to note that although this machine may perform many functions in orienting and operating on a workpiece, the majority of those functions are control from the front of the machine increasing operator safety. It will be appreciated that although the description contains many specificities, numerous changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Nothing in the description should be construed as limiting the scope and the foregoing description should be construed in an illustrative and not limitative sense.
A cutting workstation which includes a cutter mounted on an arm type configuration. The arm configuration is slidably moveable relative to a divided work piece support table, the cutter moveable between the divided table. The cutter arm contains a cutter drive assembly exhibiting clutch plates mounted on shafts supported by bearings and driven by gears which in turn are driven by a motor. A gear case with shafts, bearings and internal gears allow the direction of the drive train to be altered.
8
This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 70,528, 8-28-79, abandoned. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a process for the continuous production of a precursor of alumina fiber. 2. Description of the Prior Art Heretofore various processes and apparatus have been proposed for the production of alumina fiber. For example, British Pat. No. 1,360,197 teaches an apparatus for the production of rayon fiber. During operation of the apparatus a solution is extruded through a spinneret with about 400 micron diameter dies and is blown with the air discharged through two nozzles that are disposed so as to converge at an angle of about 30ยฐ in the direction of air blowing. For the invention of this British patent to permit effective mass production of rayon fiber, installation of a multiplicity of extruders in a plurality of rows is necessary. Because of the restrictions arising from the nature of the apparatus designed primarily for the production of rayon fiber, the mat of alumina fiber to be produced by this apparatus assumes the form of a laminate of thin webs and therefore is quite susceptible to separation into individual webs of the laminate. Thus, the alumina fiber mat in its unmodified form cannot be effectively used as a lining material for furnaces. To serve advantageously as the lining material, the alumina fiber must be used in the form of a blanket mixed with rayon fiber. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION After a diligent study, the present inventors have developed an improved method capable of remedying the disadvantage suffered by the conventional method for alumina fiber production as described above. It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a process for the production of an alumina fiber mat free from the phenomenon of layer separation. More specifically, the present invention relates to a process for the production of a precursor of alumina fiber, which process comprises causing a thick aqueous solution for alumina fiber to be continuously supplied to and uniformly dispersed on the inclined surface of a funnel-shaped disk in rotation via a feed pipe projecting through an opening at the center of the funnel-shaped disk and to be sent flying with hot compressed air and thereby converting the thick aqueous solution into alumina fiber precursors. The apparatus used in the invention comprises a funnel-shaped disk used directly in the aforementioned process, a hollow rotary shaft connected to the center of the reverse side of the funnel-shaped disk, a feed pipe disposed within the hollow portion of the rotary shaft, with the leading end of the feed pipe projecting through the opening at the center of the funnel-shaped disk, and a pipe disposed around the funnel-shaped disk for discharge of a compressed fluid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are each an elevational view, partly in section, of the rotary disk used in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the process of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the process of firing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The words "alumina fiber" as used in the present invention mean a fiber that contains 80 to 100% by weight of an Al 2 O 3 component, with SiO 2 , MgO, Fe 2 O 3 , Na 2 O, etc. accounting for the balance to make up 100% by weight. The alumina fiber is made up of monofilaments ranging in diameter from 0.1 to 10ฮผ, preponderantly from 2 to 4ฮผ. The words "precursor of alumina fiber" as used similarly herein mean a fibrous intermediate which is converted by means of a rotary disk from a thick aqueous solution for alumina fiber which is converted into alumina fiber when it is fired. Now, the process of this invention will be described. The thick aqueous solution employed contains from 20 to 35% by weight, calculated as Al 2 O 3 , of basic aluminum chloride, wherein the ratio of aluminum to chlorine is between 1.5 to 1 and 2.2 to 1, preferably between 1.7 to 1 and 2.0 to 1. The solution can contain up to 10% by weight of colloidal silica, whose particle size is small enough to form a colloid when dispersed in water. The colloidal silica improves the flexibility of fiber. The solution contains from 0.2 to 5% by weight of polyvinyl alcohol which improves the fiber-forming ability of the solution. The viscosity of the solution is from 500 to 2,000 centipoises. Lower or higher viscosity may result in poor fiber when the solution is fiberized by the method of this invention. The aforementioned solution is introduced into the feed pipe 3 by the pump 19. On emerging from the leading end 4 of the feed pipe 3, the thick solution is uniformly spread in the form of a film on the entire inclined surface of the funnel-shaped disk 1 being rotated at a high speed, and then sequentially shaken off the peripheral edge of the disk 1 in the form of droplets. When the droplets of thick solution thus shaken about radially collide against a high-pressure fluid such as, for example, hot compressed air, which is spurted out of a multiplicity of apertures 9 spaced throughout the entire circumference of a doughnut-shaped blow pipe 8 disposed in a position encircling the disk 1, they are stretched and dried and, as a result, converted into filaments 22. Filaments dried are collected on a mesh belt 23 and form the mat 27 of the precursor fiber. According to the process described above, since the mat of the precursory fiber comprises the filaments produced in consequence of the flight of the droplets in all the directions around 360ยฐ, the mat is built up with filaments in an extremely random arrangement. Thus, the mat of this fiber is free from the problem of layer separation. Now, the conditions under which the funnel-shaped disk and the blow pipe are operated will be described. Unlike the manufacture of wools such as glass wool, rock wool and ceramic fiber from their respective molten stocks, the production of alumina fiber generally does not suffer from the trouble of clogging in the feed apertures and permits prolonged supply of the thick solution. Nevertheless the individual filaments of the freshly formed precursory fiber retain moisture and tend to stick to one another. For this reason, the produced filaments must be thoroughly dried during flight. The apparatus used for the conversion of the thick solution into the filaments is particularly effective when the thick solution has a viscosity in the range of from 500 to 2,000 centipoises. In the case of the funnel-shaped disk of the construction illustrated in the preferred embodiment, the disk's effect of fibrizing the thick solution is maximized when the inclination (FIG. 1-A, FIG. 2-B) of the surface of the disk relative to the plane perpendicular to the rotary shaft falls in the range of from 20 to 40 degrees, preferably from 25 to 35 degrees. In the case of a apparatus operated with the feed rate of the thick solution in the range of from 10 to 40 kg/hr, the disk proves to be advantageous for the operation when the diameter at the periphery of the disk falls in the range of from 50 to 500 mm, preferably from 100 to 300 mm. The number of rotations of the disk is to be fixed so that the circumferential velocity of the disk falls in the range of from 30 to 50 m/sec. In the meantime, the blow pipe necessitates projection of a fluid with force enough to change, by an angle of 90ยฐ, the direction in which the droplets have been centrifugally dispersed and sent flying. The blow pipe is a doughnut-shaped pipe encircling the disk and has a multiplicity of apertures 2 mm in diameter spaced at a fixed interval throughout the entire periphery thereof. In the case of the disk satisfying the specification described above, the size of this doughnut-shaped pipe is produced such that the diameter thereof as measured relative to the circumference passing the centers of the apertures is 50 to 150 mm larger than that of the disk. Compressed air serves advantageously as the fluid for this projection. The pressure used for the projection is in the range of from 5 to 10 kg/cm 2 G. The air for the projection is supplied in a state heated in the range of from 100ยฐ to 300ยฐ C. The ambient air in which the filaments are sent flying, dried and maintained at a temperature of from 30ยฐ to 60ยฐ C. and a relative humidity of from 50 to 80%. When the fiber mat is given a thermal treatment (FIG. 4), it can be put to use as a mat of polycrystalline alumina fiber. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the steps of operations for fiberizing and drying of the filaments. The thick solution of alumina-forming composition is derived from a tank 18 and sent to the disk 1 through the feed pipe 3 by the pump 19. This solution is centrifugally dispersed by the disk 1 and blown away by hot compressed air which is forced by compressor unit 16 through heating means 17 and pipe 10. The dispersed and blown solution is thoroughly dried in the drying zone 20 and converted into filaments 22. Filaments 22 are collected on the mesh belt 23 which is driven by the rollers 24 and 25, in the collecting zone 21 by drawing the used gas through exhaust pipes 26. The collected filaments, i.e. the precursor of alumina fiber, form the mat 27, which is conveyed from drying and collecting unit 28 and transported on the guide plate 29 to the firing unit 30 of FIG. 4. The firing unit 30 of FIG. 4 has its interior divided into three zones and has the group of heater elements 34, the first zone 31 maintained at temperatures in the range of from 500ยฐ to 800ยฐ C., the second zone 32 at temperatures in the range of from 800ยฐ to 1100ยฐ C. and the third zone 33 at temperatures in the range of from 1100ยฐ to 1400ยฐ C. respectively. On entering the firing unit 30, the mat 27 which has been received from the drying and collecting unit 28 is conveyed along under the firing unit 30 by virtue of the rotation of the group of ceramic rollers 35. The rollers 36 and 37 disposed on the mat 27 are intended for the adjustment of the thickness of this mat. The fired mat 38 consequently obtained from this firing treatment, which is now in the form of a polycrystalline alumina fiber, can be handled as a bulk fiber as it is. It may otherwise be given additional treatment and used in the form of blankets and boards. Now, the apparatus used in the process of this invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is an elevational view, partly in section, of one preferred embodiment of the apparatus to be used in executing this invention. The funnel-shaped disk 1a has a hollow rotary shaft 2a connected to the center of its reverse side. This rotary shaft is held by suitable bearing devices 7 and is capable of high-speed rotation by the belt pulley 6 which is driven by a suitable electric motor (not shown). The feed pipe 3, leading to the feed pump 19 (FIG. 3), is fixed by the suitable holder 5 and disposed in the hollow interior of the hollow rotary shaft 2a. The leading end portion 4a of the feed pipe 3a protrudes into the opening at the center of the disk and has a T-shaped cross section. By giving a T-shaped cross section to the leading end portion of the feed pipe, the thick solution is allowed to collide uniformly into and evenly disperse on the inclined surface of the disk. The doughnut-shaped pipe 8a, leading to the heating means 17 (FIG. 3) and the compressor 16 (FIG. 3) by the pipe 10a, has a multiplicity of apertures 9a spaced at fixed intervals throughout the entire periphery thereof and is set up at the circumference of the disk 1a. From these apertures 9a, the hot compressed air blows out and the droplets are blown away with it. FIG. 2 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus used to convert the thick solution into the fibers. The apparatus illustrates here is different from the apparatus of FIG. 1 only in respect that the leading end portion 4b of the feed pipe 3b is formed in the shape of a hook and that the apparatus is additionally provided with an air-cooling device in the form of a doughnut-shaped blow pipe 13 which has a multiplicity of apertures 14 and connected to an compressor (not shown) by the pipe 15. From this aperture 14, the compressed air blows out and serves as a mechanism for cooling the disk. The reason for air-cooling the disk is that this cooling effectively precludes the possibility that the surface of the disk, when exposed to the hot compressed air, will cause part of the film dispersed thereon to be evaporated and solidified to the extent of rendering difficult smooth continuation of the centrifugal dispersion of the thick solution. For this purpose, it is similarly effective to fabricate the disk in a hollow construction and connect the hollow interior of the disk to a cooling water pipe. The precursor of alumina fiber produced by this invention as described above has the gloss of silk. Through a polarizing microscope, it looks like glass wool. The individual fibers have minute diameters of from 2 to 4 microns and they are independent of one another. Moreover, they are very smooth and contain substantially no detectable shots. EXAMPLE 1: A thick aqueous solution having an Al 2 O 3 concentration of 28% by weight and a viscosity of 1500 cp was prepared by mixing 10 kg of a basic aluminum chloride solution having an Al:Cl molar ratio of 1.83 and an Al 2 O 3 concentration of 20% by weight with 1 kg of an aqueous solution containing 10% by weight of a polyvinyl alcohol (a product of Denki Kagaku, marketed under the trade name "Denka Poval B-17") and subjecting the mixture to concentration under vacuum. In the apparatus of FIG. 2, this thick solution was fed to the surface of the rotary disk 100 mm in diameter at a feed rate of 10 kg/hr. The apparatus was operated with the disk rotated at 5800 rpm, the air projected from the blow pipe at a pressure of 6 kg/cm 2 G and the projected air kept at a temperature of 150ยฐ C. The droplets of thick solution blown with air were passed through an ambient zone kept under the conditions of 40ยฐ C. of temperature and 70% of relative humidity and the precursor fibers were collected on a mesh belt. The hot air used for the conversion of the thick solution into the filaments was released through the mesh belt into the atmosphere. The fibers thus obtained had a diameter of 3 microns and were randomly curled and were assembled in the form of a mat. By a thermal treatment, this mat was converted into a polycrystalline alumina fiber mat. EXAMPLE 2: In the apparatus of FIG. 1, the thick aqueous solution of Example 1 was fed to the disk 100 mm in diameter at a feed rate of 20 kg/hr. The precursor fibers were obtained by operating the apparatus with the disk rotated at 7600 rpm, the air projected under a pressure of 7 kg/cm 2 G and the projected air kept at a temperature of 200ยฐ C. The ambient zone through which the droplets of the thick solution were sent flying was maintained under the conditions of 50ยฐ C. of temperature and 60% of relative humidity. The precursor fibers were 2.5 microns in diameter and formed a mat free from the phenomenon of layer separation. EXAMPLE 3: To 25 kg of a basic aluminum chloride solution having an Al:Cl molar ratio of 1.90 and an Al 2 O 3 concentration of 25% by weight were added 1.5 kg of colloidal silica (a product of Nissan Chemical having an SiO 2 concentration of 20% by weight, marketed under the tradename "Snowtex-O") and 3 kg of an aqueous solution containing 10% by weight of a partially saponified polyvinyl alcohol having an average polymerization degree of 1700 (a product of Denki Kagaku, marketed under the tradename "Denka Poval B-17"). The resultant mixture was stirred and, at the same time, concentrated under vacuum to obtain a thick solution having a total Al 2 O 3 +SiO 2 concentration of 31% by weight and a viscosity of 1800 cp. Under the same operating conditions as those of Example 1, this thick solution was converted into the precursor fibers which were collected on a mesh belt. The fiber had the gloss of silk. By a thermal treatment, the precursor fiber was converted into a crystalline alumina-silica fiber. EXAMPLE 4: To 20 kg of a basic aluminum chloride solution having an Al:Cl molar ratio of 1.79 and an Al 2 O 3 concentration of 22% by weight were added 5 kg of Colloidal Silica (a product of Nissan Chemical having an SiO 2 concentration of 20% by weight, marketed under the trade name "Snowtex-O") and 2 kg of an aqueous solution containing 10% by weight of a partially saponified polyvinyl alcohol having an average polymerization degree of 1700 (a product of Denki Kagaku, marketed under the trade name "Denka Poval B-17"). The resultant mixture was stirred and, at the same time, concentrated under vacuum to afford a thick solution having a total Al 2 O 3 +SiO 2 concentration of 27% by weight and a viscosity of 800 cp. Under the same operating conditions as those of Example 2, this thick solution was converted into the fiber, giving rise to a precursor fiber mat resembling floss silk. By a thermal treatment, this mat was converted into a polycrystalline alumina-silica fiber mat. The polycrystalline alumina fiber which is produced by firing the precursor of alumina fiber of this invention has unusually high resistance to heat of up to 1600ยฐ C. and exhibits outstanding resistance to passage of wind, heat conduction and spalling and, therefore, is highly recommendable as a refractory material for lining industrial furnaces which are operated at high temperatures. The polycrystalline alumina fiber produced by this invention comprises minute fibers which possess a gloss resembling the gloss of silk and, when observed through a polarizing microscope, look just like glass wool. These fibers have a minute diameter of from 2 to 4 microns and are independent of one another. Moreover, they are very smooth and show substantially no detectable shots. In the phase of mechanical strength, the fibers excel in flexibility and exhibit high elasticity under a compressive load. The reason for such outstanding heat resistance and mechanical properties is that the fiber of this invention, as is clearly demonstrated by the X-ray diffraction, is formed of a polycrystalline mass resulting from the aggregation of minute crystalline particles, i.e. that the minute crystals are mutually bound with strength and intimacy enough to form a closely interwoven fiber.
Disclosed herein is a process for the production of the precursor of alumina fiber. The process comprises causing a thick solution for alumina fiber having a viscosity in the range of from 500 to 2000 cps to be continuously fed through the feed pipe protruding into the opening at the center of a funnel-shaped disk and to be sent flying with hot compressed air and thereby converting the thick solution into fibers.
3
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the priority of German Patent Application, Serial No. 10 2012 004 650.2, filed on Mar. 7, 2012, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d), the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to a method for testing the operability of a of a driver assistance system installed in a test vehicle, and in particular a driver assistance system intervening in the longitudinal or transverse guidance of the vehicle. [0003] The following discussion of related art is provided to assist the reader in understanding the advantages of the invention, and is not to be construed as an admission that this related art is prior art to this invention. [0004] A set of defined, required test scenarios to be satisfied by the systems exist as part of the development and certification of driver assistance systems, especially those system that intervene in the longitudinal and/or transverse guidance. Driver assistance systems that are subject to these rigorous testing processes include systems used to warn of a longitudinal traffic collision, so-called FCW systems (FCW=Forward Collision Warning), as well as systems that automatically initiate a braking process, frequently also referred to as emergency brake assistant, so-called AEB systems (AEB=Automatic Emergency Brake). However, follow-on systems, i.e. systems that automatically follow a vehicle ahead and automatically adjust the distance through interventions, for example ACC (ACC=Adaptive Cruise Control), also fall into this category. [0005] The test requirements are relatively complex, and it is expected that the number and complexity of these test scenarios will continue to rise in the future. Very strict demands are placed on the test procedure and the evaluation of the results, in particular with respect to the reproducibility and accuracy of the test scenarios to be performed, because the operability of the driver assistance systems can only be tested by actually driving the test vehicles, meaning that realistic test situations are set up. This means that the vehicle to be tested and the preceding vehicle representing a likely, critical obstacle must travel along exact, predetermined travel trajectories which are exactly defined by the test requirements. This in turn requires a long training period for the drivers of the vehicles wherein several trials must be performed until the required number of reproducible tests is successfully completed. Alternatively, the vehicles may be equipped with very complex, suitably programmed, controllable driving robotics capable of travelling along the desired driving profiles with the assistance of additional measures, such as corresponding external controls. [0006] In other words, the implementation of the required, necessary tests is extremely difficult, time-consuming, cumbersome and associated with high costs. In particular, however, the reproducibility does not always satisfy all requirements. A change or extension of the required tests with new test scenarios or test variations is associated with significant effort. [0007] It would therefore be desirable and advantageous to obviate prior art shortcomings and to provide an method for testing the functional capability of such driver assistance systems, which improves over previously known methods. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for testing operability of a driver assistance system installed in a moving test vehicle and responsive to information supplied by sensors capturing a target vehicle moving in the environment of the test vehicle, includes outputting control signals from the test vehicle via a wireless communication link, and at least partially controlling operation of the target vehicle from the test vehicle with the control signals to cause the target vehicle to intentionally perform at least one defined driving maneuver. [0009] According to the inventive method, the test vehicle, in which the driver assistance system whose functionality is to be tested is installed, is used to control the target vehicle, which is to perform a defined maneuver defined by the test requirements. This means that the test vehicle can be viewed as a so-called master vehicle, whereas the target vehicle, which is controlled by the master vehicle, is quasi the slave vehicle. The data transmission, i.e. the transmission of the control signals from the test vehicle to the target vehicle, is wireless. Transmitted are all control signals necessary to control the target vehicle and its power units, respectively (e.g., engine, steering, brakes, etc.) so that the target vehicle travels along the desired driving trajectory, to which the test vehicle and its driver assistance system, respectively, must then react. [0010] With this control and data communication, respectively, the driving scenarios and driving trajectories of the target vehicle required by the test specification can then be accurately represented. The test vehicle which drives, for example, behind the target vehicle can control the target vehicle so as to travel at a certain speed, with the test vehicle following at a certain speed. The test vehicle may control the target vehicle for carrying out corresponding, predetermined accelerations or decelerations or, when possible, control a steering intervention to change the lane, etc. Consequently, a number of different test scenarios can be represented by the test vehicle via the master control, without requiring either a highly trained staff or a driving robot. Of course, test drivers operating the two vehicles are needed for safety reasons; however, the test driver are no longer needed for the implementation of operations prescribed by the test requirements, for example adjusting the speed profiles, deceleration profiles, etc. Rather, all this is done simply by controlling the target vehicle from the test vehicle, which in turn adjusts target parameters commensurate with the test specifications and relating to its own speed, acceleration, deceleration, and the like. [0011] Depending on the control signals provided by the master test vehicle, the slave target vehicle consequently performs a certain driving maneuver, to which the driver assistance system of the test vehicle reacts accordingly. This reaction by the test vehicle is recorded and can be evaluated accurately. Furthermore, an extremely high degree of reproducibility is provided, since the test scenarios are quasi performed as an automatic test process by the test and target vehicles โ€œthemselvesโ€, meaning that the desired, required speed profiles, decelerations, etc., can be automatically set and repeated as many times as desired. Any changes in a test process can be readily implemented, requiring only a change in the programming of the outputted control signals which are transmitted, on one hand, from the test vehicle to the target vehicle and are available, on the other hand, to the test vehicle for its own operation. [0012] The control signals transmitted to the target vehicle are advantageously determined as a function of detection signals from sensors disposed in the test vehicle that detect the target vehicle, or from external sensors detecting and processing the position data supplied by the motor vehicles. The test vehicle is therefore superimposed on the vehicle's own sensors and sensor components, respectively (e.g. front sensors such as radar sensors, laser sensors, video camera, or the rear sensors with their corresponding radar sensors and the like), which means that the control signals are generated in the master vehicle for the slave vehicle based on the sensor data from the master vehicle's own environment sensors. For example, the master vehicle โ€œdrivesโ€ the slave vehicle in front, the distance between the two vehicles is continuously determined with its front sensors, as well as the corresponding relative speed, as well as the actual speed of the target vehicle and the own speed. This makes it possible to create defined initial conditions which represent conditions and output parameters, respectively, for a test, and to also continuously determine the subsequent deceleration of the slave vehicle commensurate with the test scenario, etc. [0013] Any sensors, such as a video camera, front sensors, etc., as described above can be used as onboard sensors. Alternatively or additionally, however, reference sensors installed locally outside the vehicle, for example on respective measurement masts, for example as part of a DGPS control (DGPS=Digital Global Positioning System), including a local, stationary base station, may be used in addition to corresponding sensor systems in the two vehicles, wherein the base station determines from the sensor signals of the vehicles the appropriate speed and distance data, etc, which are then passed to the test vehicle which converts them into control signals. [0014] According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, both motor vehicles may communicate with each other via bidirectional communication, that is, both vehicles and/or the respective control devices, respectively, which are provided as a central component for implementing the test in the respective vehicles, constantly exchange data over a defined protocol, so that both sides always know the current internal states, so that the entire process can be continuously monitored and diagnosed. [0015] The test vehicle advantageously controls the target vehicle, as described above, in relation to acceleration or deceleration performance as well as the steering performance. For example, the operability of a tracking system, such as the aforedescribed ACC system, can be tested by controlling the acceleration and braking performance, to what extent this tracking system controls, for example, the vehicle tracking during an acceleration of the preceding vehicle, or in the case of a deceleration controls the own braking intervention. Even under strong deceleration, the brake assistant, i.e. the AEB system, can be tested, or the collision warning system, i.e. the above-described FCW system, etc. The functionality of the FCW and the AEB system can also be tested by, for example, controlling the steering behavior, for example, by simulating a merging operation of the target vehicle in front of the test vehicle, etc. However, scenarios with a target vehicle approaching from behind, for example for testing a lane change assistance system which attempts to avoid the dead angle, can be tested by detecting an approaching vehicle and outputting a warning signal in the event of an intended own lane change, and the target vehicle is controlled so that it approaches the test vehicle on a laterally offset lane, etc. [0016] According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, the test vehicle may control the target vehicle by initially outputting control signals attaining a relatively a defined driving state of the target vehicle in relation to the test vehicle, relating to the respective actual speed of the relative speed, the distance, and/or the relative position, as detected by sensors, whereafter the control signals for executing the driving maneuver are provided. Prior to performing the own test scenario, i.e. when the defined maneuver is performed, the test vehicle controls the target vehicle initially such that the target vehicle assumes certain driving parameters, i.e. drives at a certain actual speed, or assumes a certain predetermined distance from the test vehicle, while the own test vehicle is obviously also driven so as to maintain certain parameters such as the actual speed and the like. Thus, the boundary conditions defined by the test specification are adjusted. Only then does the true test begin by providing the test control signals. [0017] Advantageously, a plausibility check of the received control signals may be performed by the target vehicle for safety reasons, which are thereafter implemented depending on the test result. In addition, the target vehicle will make sure that no โ€œunreasonableโ€ control data are processed in order to avoid any accidents or other hazardous situations. [0018] The information from the result, i.e. the detection of the behavior of the driver assistance system or of the sensor systems and the integrated actuators etc., respectively, relating to the test may be determined by sensors arranged in the test vehicle or external sensors which measure and process position data supplied by the motor vehicles. In other words, the test vehicle can itself make a self-diagnosis; however, is also conceivable to measure corresponding results with the aforedescribed DGPS device, i.e. for determining the deceleration behavior, etc. In this case, a reference sensor is included, which may improve the evaluation accuracy. [0019] According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, control by the test vehicle for performing the driving maneuver may be possible only after an enable signal is outputted by the driver of the target vehicle, wherein preferably a status display indicates to the driver of the target vehicle whether a sufficiently stable driving state potentially required for the implementation of the driving maneuver has been attained. Accordingly, the real test may take place only when the driver of the target vehicle issues an enable signal, i.e., when it is thus ensured that the driver who under any condition and at any time always has the right to take over responsibility releases the test. It is conceivable to provide the driver with a status display, for example in the form of a color signal and the like, which indicates whether the output parameters forming the basis for the test (e.g., actual speed, relative distance, etc.) are maintained for a sufficiently long time, for example, for 5-10 seconds, so that the driver knows that the test boundary conditions are met and the test can be properly performed. [0020] As described above, the driver of the target vehicle has at all times the right to take over responsibility over his own vehicle. Each actuation of the accelerator pedal, the brake pedal or the steering wheel while the target vehicle is controlled by the test vehicle causes immediate termination of the external control. The same may also apply to the driver of the test vehicle, i.e., that he also has always the right to take over responsibility. [0021] According to another aspect of the invention, a test apparatus for testing the functionality of a driver assistance system, includes a test vehicle with the installed driver assistance system to be tested, said driver assistance system responsive to information supplied by sensors capturing a target vehicle moving in the environment of the test vehicle, a target vehicle, and a wireless communication link for transmitting control signals from the test vehicle to the target vehicle. The operation of the target vehicle is controlled from the test vehicle with the control signals to cause the target vehicle to intentionally perform at least one defined driving maneuver. [0022] According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, both vehicles communicate bidirectionally, i.e., they each have a transmitting and a receiving device for bidirectional signal transfer. [0023] Different bus systems, to which different control devices with associated actuators and sensors are connected, are usually installed in a vehicle. The signals are communicated on each bus with a specific message and signal protocol. To be able to process the control signals bus-specific, the target vehicle may advantageously include a signal converter, which converts the specific control signals provided by the test vehicle for controlling certain actuators into the required bus-specific signal structure of the target vehicle. This is necessary so that the bus-specific control devices can actually detect and process the actual signals associated with them. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING [0024] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent upon reading the following description of currently preferred exemplified embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: [0025] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a test apparatus according to the present invention, and [0026] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a test apparatus according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0027] Throughout all the figures, same or corresponding elements may generally be indicated by same reference numerals. These depicted embodiments are to be understood as illustrative of the invention and not as limiting in any way. It should also be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale and that the embodiments are sometimes illustrated by graphic symbols, phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. [0028] Turning now to the drawing, and in particular to FIG. 1 , there is shown a test apparatus 1 according to the invention, which is suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention. Provided is a test vehicle 2 and a target vehicle 3 . A driver assistance system to be tested, for example an FCW-System, i.e. a collision detection system, is installed In the test vehicle 2 . The functionality of this system is, on one hand, represented in a suitable system control device 4 by using software; on the other hand, it includes the sensor signals from various sensors 5 , here forward-looking sensors such as ultrasound sensors or radar sensors. The control device 4 is connected to a vehicle bus 6 , to which in the illustrated example other controllers 7 , 8 , 9 and their (unillustrated) associated actuators or sensor systems, etc., are also connected. in the illustrated example, additional rear sensors 10 are provided, which are associated with other driver assistance systems, for example a lane change assistance system. [0029] The test apparatus 1 further includes a control computer 11 installed in the test vehicle 2 , which communicates with the bus 6 and accesses via the bus 6 the relevant data in the form of sensor signals, etc., necessary for its control tasks. A transmitting and receiving device 12 , including an associated transmission antenna 13 which is provided for wireless, bidirectional data transfer to the target vehicle 3 , is associated with the control computer 11 . [0030] The target vehicle 3 in turn also includes a combined transmitting and receiving device 14 , which is connected to a downstream converter 15 , which is configured to convert the control signals transmitted from test vehicle 2 and pertaining to the operation and/or control of the actuators installed in the target vehicle 3 , commensurate with the message protocol and signaling protocol of a bus 16 (only one bus is shown in the illustrated example), so that the several actuator-specific control devices 17 , 18 , 19 attached to the bus 16 receive the corresponding control signals in the correct form. It will be understood that more than three control devices may be integrated. [0031] The control signals are used to control these actuators accordingly. They are configured such that they can perform with the target vehicle 3 a very specific, defined driving operation and hence a defined driving maneuvers. For example, the control device 17 may be a motor controller which controls the engine of the target vehicle 3 for adjusting the actual speed. The control device 18 controls, for example, the brake system to perform a specific deceleration, up to an emergency stop, whereas the control device 19 controls, for example, the steering actuators for performing an intentional evasive or cornering maneuver, without requiring intervention by the driver who inherently sits in the target vehicle. It will be understood that a driver also sits in the test vehicle; however, this driver does not need to be active during the steering intervention. [0032] The control signals sent by the test vehicle 2 to the target vehicle 3 are generated using the sensor systems of the test vehicle 2 . These sensor systems, for example the sensors 5 , continuously measure for example the distance to the target vehicle 3 , wherefrom the relative speed and the actual speed of the target vehicle can be deduced, etc. The test vehicle 2 can in this way quasi โ€œguideโ€ the target vehicle โ€œin frontโ€ and set defined speed and separation conditions, which may form the basis for, for example, subsequently transmitting control signals for carrying out a specific driving maneuver, for example a strong braking operation or the like. Of course, the control computer 11 also ultimately controls at least partially the operation of the test vehicle, since the test vehicle must also attain certain basic driving parameters, such as a defined actual speed, for implementation by the assistance system tests. [0033] A test scenario and its implementation according to the invention will now be described with reference to an example. [0034] It will be assumed that a collision assistance system to be tested, i.e. an FCW-system, is installed in the test vehicle 2 . The test specification for such a system requires that both vehicles 2 , 3 each travel for at least 5 seconds at 72 km/h (toleranceยฑ1.6 km/h) with a separation of 30 m (toleranceยฑ2 m). When this condition is stable, the preceding vehicle must decelerate to โˆ’3 m/s 2 with a defined deceleration ramp from โˆ’2 m/s 3 , whereafter it brakes with this constant deceleration. The test vehicle 2 , which functions as the master vehicle in relation to the slave vehicle, i.e. the target vehicle 3 , must then react to the increasingly critical situation within a defined time window with a warning intervention, because the test vehicle 2 which does not decelerate gets even closer to the target vehicle 3 . [0035] The method according to the present invention works in this situation as follows: a) The test vehicle 2 travels behind the target vehicle 3 and activates the โ€œremote controlโ€ for the target vehicle 3 , i.e., the control computer 11 begins the remote-control operation and establishes a communication link to the target vehicle 3 . The โ€œremote controlโ€ is based on the collected data, in the illustrated example from the front sensors 5 of the test vehicle 2 . The position of the target vehicle 3 is cyclically detected and processed, i.e., the sensors 5 continuously detect the rear of the target vehicle 3 . Using these data and based on the own driving condition which is continuously received from the control computer 11 via the bus 6 , the control commands for the target vehicle 3 are generated in the control computer 11 by closed loop control. b) The closed loop control of the test vehicle 2 , i.e. of the control computer 11 , is now in a position to allow the target vehicle to 3 to drive in front in an online-adjustable or fixed preset separation window, relative speed window or time-interval window, meaning that the test vehicle 2 โ€œpushesโ€ the target vehicle 3 in front. In the example, the closed loop control operates so as to remotely control the target vehicle 3 from the test vehicle 2 based on time-gap control, wherein the time-gap control is applied such that a distance value of precisely 30 m is maintained at a reference speed of 72 km/h (corresponding to 20 m/s). This means that the desired time-gap for the control strategy is 1.5 s. The control computer 11 in the test vehicle 2 provides as control signals for the โ€œremote controlโ€ of the target vehicle 3 the following exemplary quantities: braking torque or deceleration target value for the brake system of the target vehicle 3 , drive torque or acceleration target value for the engine system of the target vehicle 3 , a steering torque or a steering angle for the steering system of the target vehicle 3 , optionally control signals for the optional parking brake of the target vehicle 3 , control signals for operating the transmission of the target vehicle 3 or the instrument cluster, etc. c) The necessary control signals which allow the target vehicle 3 to travel according to the intentions of the master test vehicle 2 , are transmitted via the wireless interface, here the transmitting and receiving device 12 together with the antenna 13 , to the transmitting and receiving device 14 of the target vehicle 3 , as shown by the double arrow in FIG. 1 . In addition, status signals are transmitted, which are used for monitoring and testing the communication. d) When plausible control signals are received in the target vehicle 3 (meaning that a plausibility check is performed by the transmitting and receiving device 14 or the converter 15 ), these control signals will be forwarded to the corresponding vehicle control devices 17 , 18 , 19 , depending on which systems are subsequently included, and from there functionally processed by the associated actuator components, thereby causing the desired system reaction. The control devices are associated with, for example, the control device of the ESP (ESP=electronic stability program), of the engine, of the braking system, etc. The connection to the bus 16 occurs via the converter 15 (bypass connection), which maps the necessary control signals within the correct message and signal structure onto the bus system 16 , so they can be processed and implemented accordingly by the receiver control devices. e) In the afore-described situation, the state is regulated, so that, when the test vehicle travels at 72 km/h, the target vehicle drives in front at the same speed and at a constant distance of 30 m. Starting from this reproducibly representable state, arbitrary, preset deceleration profiles can now be transmitted by the master test vehicle 2 to the target vehicle 3 , thereby allowing the desired test scenario to proceed. In this situation, the test vehicle 2 then transmits control signals that define a deceleration ramp of โˆ’2 m/s 3 for a deceleration value of โˆ’3 m/s 2 , which is then received by the control device 18 and implemented by the respective associated actuators. This means that the target vehicle 3 definitely brakes commensurate with the tests requirements. f) The test vehicle 2 and the target vehicle 3 constantly exchange internal states via a defined protocol, so that a respective current status is always known on both sides, and the process can be monitored and diagnosed. g) The driver in the target vehicle 3 therefore does no longer need to drive the test maneuver himself; however, the necessary safety separation remains. In other words, he needs to release the remote control of his vehicle, for example at the beginning of the โ€œtakeoverโ€ by the test vehicle 2 , in order to regulate the initial state (72 km/h with a constant separation of 30 m), as well as in particular to transmit the actual test control signals (in this case the deceleration ramp). This signal transmission can, for example, occur only when the driver has given a release signal, which is transmitted via the wireless interface of the target vehicle 3 , after having being informed of that this stationary, stable state for a certain time. The driver may revoke the release at any time and thus begin to take over full control of the vehicle himself. This happens anyway with each active intervention by the driver at the brake pedal, the accelerator and the steering. [0047] The data may be transmitted via the bidirectional data communication link, for example, based on WLAN. However, other modes of communication may also be contemplated. [0048] Instead of determining the control signals only in the control computer 11 , reference sensors may be incorporated in the test apparatus 1 . For this purpose, an (unillustrated) pole with a corresponding measurement sensor is provided, which communicates with the two vehicles, which continuously transmit their respective position data. In other words, a DGPS system is provided. The data determined by the external base station can be supplied to the control computer 11 , which then converts these signals to control signals or derives therefrom the control signals. This means that an external reference sensor is used. However, this is not mandatory. [0049] In summary, the tests can be performed reliably and highly accurately in the manner described above, i.e., the driving maneuver proceeds extremely accurately, is executed only under very specific, defined boundary conditions, and is always performed only with specific, predefined maneuver parameters, without the need for any serious actions by a driver. [0050] FIG. 2 shows a similar test apparatus 1 , wherein identical reference numerals are used for identical components. [0051] Unlike the test apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 , a target simulator 20 that can be exposed to a crash is provided, which is arranged on a carrier 21 of the target vehicle 3 . The target vehicle 3 hereby acts as a carrier vehicle for the target simulator 20 . This embodiment is provided in functional tests, where the test vehicle 2 must collide with the target simulator. [0052] The operation of this test apparatus 1 is however identical to that of the test apparatus described with reference to FIG. 1 . [0053] While the invention has been illustrated and described in connection with currently preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and practical application to thereby enable a person skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
A method for testing the operability of a driver assistance system installed in a test vehicle and operating based on information supplied by sensors which detect a target vehicle traveling in the environment of the test vehicle, in particular a driver assistance system intervening in the longitudinal or transverse guidance of the motor vehicle, includes outputting control signals via a wireless communication link to at least partially control from the test vehicle the operation of the target vehicle for intentionally performing at least one defined driving maneuver.
6
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Itching or pruritis is a common dermatologic symptom. The causes of pruritis are complex and poorly understood. The best understood mechanism of itching is the release of histamine in the skin leading to urticarial wheals and intense itching. Such itching has traditionally been relieved by antihistamines. While antihistamine therapy is often effective, the sedation and drowsiness produced by antihistaminic agents limits their effectiveness. Many kinds of itching are not however easily relieved by antihistamines. For example, conditions such as Hodgkin's Disease, mycosis fungoides and severe jaundice produce intense itching unrelieved by antihistamines. Therefore, there is a need for improved treatment to relieve severe itching which can be not only an alternative to antihistaminic treatment of itching which responds to such treatment, but which further provides relief in intractable cases of pruritis which heretofore have been virtually impossible to treat. The present invention provides such a method. Naloxone is a narcotic antagonist which is not known to cause physical or psychological dependence and which exhibits essentially no pharmacological activity in non-addicts. Naloxone is normally given by injection to addicts to assist them in narcotic withdrawal and sometimes is administered to post operative patients for partial reversal of narcotic depression following the use of narcotics during surgery. It has been found surprisingly that naloxone is useful in alleviating severe itching in various conditions. SUMMARY The present invention provides an improved method of treating severe itching comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of naloxone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a mammalian patient in need of such treatment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Naloxone hydrochloride is commercially available from Endo Laboratories, Inc., a subsidiary of the DuPont Company, 1000 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, New York 11530. The preparation of naloxone is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,254,088. In the practice of this invention, naloxone is administered to patients suffering from severe itching in dosages of from 0.4 to 1000 milligrams, 2-8 times a day. It has been found that subcutaneous administration to patients having intractable pruritis have an onset of action of 5 to 10 minutes with a duration of action of from 2 to 3 hours. Oral administration of naloxone to patients with severe itching provides a delayed onset of action of about 20 minutes, but a more prolonged duration of action of roughly 5 hours. The following examples further illustrate the present invention. EXAMPLE 1 0.4 milligrams of naloxone hydrocholoride, obtained from the Endo Pharmaceutical Company, was administered to a 120 pound, 49 year old black patient suffering from intractable pruritis secondary to biliary cirrhosis. This patient received 2 injections of 0.4 mg. of naloxone, 3 hours apart. The injections relieved the itching with an onset of action of 5 minutes and a duration of action of 120-180 minutes. EXAMPLE 2 0.4 milligrams of naloxone hydrochloride, obtained from the Endo Pharmaceutical Company, was administered to a 150 pound, 55 year old white patient suffering from intractable pruritis secondary to uremia. The patient received 2 injections of 0.8 mg of naxolone, 3 hours apart. The injections relieved the itching with an onset of action of 5 minutes and a duration of action of 180 minutes. EXAMPLE 3 400 milligrams of naloxone hydrochloride, obtained from the Endo Pharmaceutical Company, was administered subcutaneously to a 25 year old black patient weighing 180 pounds and suffering from a giant urticartia. The injection relieved itching 8 minutes and relief was obtained for 150 minutes. EXAMPLE 4 1 gram of naloxone, obtained from the Endo Pharmaceutical Co., was administered orally to a 70 year old white patient weighing 125 pounds suffering from severe itching. Relief from itching was obtained after 20 minutes and relief from a single oral dose of 1 gram was provided for 300 minutes. While naloxone is generally administered parenterally when used as a narcotic antagonist and is generally available commercially in parenteral dosage forms, it may be more desirable to treat the symptoms of pruritis by oral routes of administration, and the present invention also provides oral compositions suitable for treating the symptoms of pruritis. This the present invention includes within the scope thereof, pharmaceutical compositions suitable for oral administration comprising, as the active ingredient thereof, naloxone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. Solid dosage forms for oral administration include capsules, tablets, pills, powders, and granules. In such solid dosage forms, the active compound is admixed with at least one inert diluent such as sucrose, lactose or starch. Such dosage forms can also comprise, as is normal practice, additional substances other than inert diluents, e.g. lubricating agents such as magnesium stearate. In the case of capsules, granules tablets and pills, the dosage forms may also comprise buffering agents. Tablets and pills can additionally be prepared with enteric coatings, if desired. Liquid dosage forms for oral administration include pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups and elixirs containing inert diluents commonly used in the art, such as water. Besides such inert diluents, compositions can also include adjuvants such as wetting agents, emulsifying agents and suspending agents and sweetening, flavoring and performing agents. The following example further illustrates the present invention to exemplifying a pharmaceutical composition suitable for oral administration. EXAMPLE 5 Tablets weighing one gram and having the following composition are formulated: ______________________________________Ingredient Mg.______________________________________Naloxone Hydrochloride 500Starch 450Colloidal Silica 47Magnesium Stearate 3______________________________________ The term pharmaceutically acceptable salts, as used herein, refers to the physiologically acceptable acid addition salts of naloxone such as the hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, acetate, valerate, oleate, etc. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that only the preferred embodiments have been described by way of exemplification and that there are various modifications which fall within the scope of this invention.
An improved method of relieving severe itching associated with conditions such as Hodgkin's Disease, mycosis fungoides, intractable pruritis and the like comprising administering an effective dosage of naloxone to a patient suffering from such itching.
0
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/395,302, filed May 11, 2010 incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND [0002] Among causes for fatal home accidents, fires and burns are the third leading cause according to a recent study. The United State's mortality rate from fires ranks eighth among the developed countries for which statistics are available. On average in the United States in 2009, someone died in a fire every 175 minutes, and someone was injured every 31 minutes. About 85% of all U.S. fire deaths in 2009 occurred in homes. In 2009, fire departments responded to 377,000 home fires in the United States, which claimed the lives of 2,565 people (not including firefighters) and injured another 13,050, not including firefighters. Although the number of fatalities and injuries caused by residential fires has declined gradually over the past several decades, many residential fire-related deaths remain preventable and continue to pose a significant public health problem. Most victims of fires die from smoke or toxic gases and not from burns. [0003] Recognition of the risks and dangers associated with domestic fires has led to investigation of fire warning systems or fire suppression systems that can be incorporated into the architecture of a typical home. One method of residential fire suppression is to install fixed piping and dispersal nozzles throughout a structure. However, material and labor costs to install such a system in a new structure are prohibitive, and installation of such a system in an existing structure often includes additional labor and added cost making such a method financially impractical to most home owners. A second method of residential fire suppression is to install a suitable number of self-contained modular fire suppression units throughout a structure. However, prior examples of this method fail to include considerations for a practical method of servicing and or replacing essential components including tank, valve, dispersal nozzle, and perhaps most importantly the stored fire retardant. Additionally prior examples of self-contained remotely actuated modular fire suppression units often require connections to external devices and also fail to include considerations for a practical method of servicing and or replacing essential components including the tank, valve, dispersal nozzle, and the stored fire retardant. [0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,657 to LeLande, Jr. (1991), U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,113 to Pierce (1995), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,478 to Weber (2005) show residential fire suppression systems. Each include a source unit connected via plumbing or piping to dispersal nozzles located throughout a structure. Installation of such a system in either a new or existing structure is labor intensive and financially impractical due to the material and labor costs incurred installing the required plumbing or piping throughout a structure in addition to the installation of any pumps, tanks, and/or sensors. Retrofitting or installing such a system in an existing structure often requires additional material and labor resulting in higher costs. [0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,808,541 to Golden (1998) shows an embodiment of self-contained fire suppression device. This design does not adequately address the issues of installing and performing the required service for such a device, stating only that the pressure vessel may be permanently mounted to or hung above the mounting surface. This device may not be easily accessible as described and could be an impractical embodiment of a safety device. [0006] Both U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,544 to Love and Webber (1999) and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0131035 to French (2006) show self-contained remotely operated fire suppression systems. Both methods utilize a pressure vessel releasing fire retardant to suppress a localized fire. However, both methods require connections to external sensors or triggering device. These devices serve as containment and dispersal units within a fire suppression system. They are not autonomous self-actuated units. [0007] It appears that the prior art lacks a compact, self-contained, easily mountable and releasable fire detection and suppression unit that is cost effective and suitable for easy home installation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] An improved method of residential fire suppression would be an embodiment of a self-contained self-actuated modular unit that would autonomously detect and act to suppress a localized fire. The embodiment would be economical to purchase, install, and service, providing homeowners with a flexible and economically attractive alternative to currently available methods of residential fire suppression. [0009] Accordingly advantages are to provide an improved design and installation method for residential individual autonomous modular fire suppression units, to provide more simple, more economical means of installation, to provide a more simple, more economical means of service, to provide homeowners a choice in the number of units they wish to purchase, and to provide a functional and aesthetic embodiment that would be preferable to a common smoke detector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0011] FIG. 2 is an assembled side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0012] FIG. 3 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0013] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, side view of a pawl and linear ratchet assembly from FIG. 3 ; [0014] FIG. 5 a is an elevated perspective view of a mounting sleeve; [0015] FIG. 5 b is another perspective view of the mounting sleeve of FIG. 5 a; [0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view, partly in cross-section, of a tank of the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0017] FIG. 7 is a planar view of the cover of the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0018] FIG. 8 is a schematic of the cover as assembled; [0019] FIG. 9 a is an inverted, side view, partly in cross-section, of a dispersal nozzle and motorized valve assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 1 . [0020] FIG. 9 b is an inverted, front view, partly in cross-section, of a second dispersal nozzle and motorized valve assembly; [0021] FIG. 10 a is an enlarged, top view of a frangible bulb housing assembly; [0022] FIG. 10 b is an enlarged, top view of the frangible bulb housing assembly of FIG. 10 a with frangible bulb; [0023] FIG. 10 c is an enlarged side view of crank arm; [0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a removal tool; [0025] FIG. 12 is a side view of a trim ring; and [0026] FIG. 13 is a front view of a partially installed embodiment of FIG. 1 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0027] The present invention may take many forms and various embodiments will fall within the framework of the invention's scope. The following description, aided by the accompanying drawings, are provided to illustrate the present invention. While exemplary, the descriptions herein should not be construed as limiting in any way, other than to establish that the plain and ordinary meaning of the words of the appended claims are confirmed by the description and drawings. [0028] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of an exploded front view of a self-contained self-actuated modular fire suppression unit 100 . The fire suppression unit 100 includes a mounting bracket 1 including a cylindrical sleeve mated to a platform for securing the unit 100 to a ceiling structure. The unit 100 includes a pressurized tank 2 having a motorized nozzle 3 , a battery unit 4 , a circuit board 5 , a fire detection unit 6 , a tank cover 7 , and a decorative flange 8 . The bracket 1 is shown with telescoping bar hangers 14 a,b , a pawl 9 a , and the tank 2 is shown with a linear ratchet 10 a , and cover latch indent 11 a. [0029] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the unit 100 installed at a ceiling 110 , being attached to the ceiling joists 105 with nails or screws (not shown) at the telescoping bar hangers 14 a , 14 b . The hangers are extended to the desired length such that the bracket spans the distance between the two adjacent joists, whereupon the fasteners are used to secure the bracket 1 as shown. Once the bracket 1 is securely in place, the pressure cylinder 2 is inserted and properly secured into the mating cylindrical sleeve. The decorative flange 8 is installed for the purpose of providing an aesthetic finish around the face of the cover 7 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the bracket 1 includes a pawl 9 used to attach the tank 2 to the bracket 1 via a ratchet 10 a . FIG. 4 illustrates the relationship and function of the linear ratchet 10 and the pawl 9 . As the tank 2 is slid into the sleeve of the bracket 1 , the pawl 9 engages the ratchet 10 to positionally lock the tank in the bracket. The pawl 9 is attached to the mounting sleeve 1 by means of a thru pine 12 inserted thru two pillow blocks 13 , one on either side of the pawl 9 . The diameter of the thru pin 12 is such to allow the pawl 9 to pivot thereabout. A torsion spring 15 is secured at one end to the bracket's platform and at the other end to the pawl 9 to apply a torsional biasing force. This biasing force serves to push the pawl 9 forward against the ratchet 10 . As the pressure cylinder 2 is inserted into the mounting sleeve of the bracket 1 , the pawl 9 sequentially engages the indents of the linear ratchet 10 by the force of the torsion spring 15 . The linear ratchet 10 and the pawl 9 each having a complimentary profile allow for uni-directional selective engagement wherein the pawl 9 is allowed to ride over individual indents of the linear ratchet 10 in one direction, but lock into an indent in the opposite direction for the purpose of allowing the mounting sleeve 1 to receive, secure and release the tank 2 of the self-actuated modular fire suppression unit 100 . [0030] FIGS. 5 a and 5 b illustrate the mounting bracket 1 and cylindrical sleeve perpendicular to the platform or base. As set forth above, the bracket 1 includes telescoping bar hangers 14 a, b for the purpose of connecting the mounting bracket 1 to ceiling joists 105 by use of nails, screws, or other fasteners. The pawls 9 a, b receive and engage the indents of the linear ratchets 10 a, b on the tank 2 . With the bracket securely mounted in the ceiling, the tank can be reliably slid into the bracket until the pawl 9 locks against the ratchet 10 . [0031] FIG. 6 illustrates the pressure tank 2 and linear ratchets 10 a, b . The tank 2 may include an externally threaded neck 16 that receives the internally threaded passway of a dispersal nozzle and motorized valve assembly 3 (see, e.g., FIG. 9 b ). The linear ratchets 10 a, b receive the pawls 9 a, b on the mounting bracket 1 . Lid latch indents 11 a - c are preferably spaced evenly within the inner radial wall surface at the open end of the tank 2 for receiving complimentary lid locks 29 a - c ( FIG. 8 ), allowing the lid 7 to be releasably secured to the tank 2 . [0032] FIG. 7 illustrates the front or face of the tank's lid 7 . The lid 7 supports a indicator 19 , a reset button 20 , a smoke sensor 21 , a piezo aperture 22 , a frangible glass bulb 23 , a frangible glass bulb housing 24 , and nozzle port 18 . The indicator 19 , being part of a circuit board 25 , may be a light emitting diode that provides a visual indication of the smoke detector's status. The reset button 20 , mounted on the circuit board 25 , may be manually depressed to either test the smoke sensor 21 or silence an audible alarm if the smoke sensor 21 is triggered. The smoke sensor 21 includes an aperture (not shown) located on the face of the lid 7 with a plurality of slots to allow smoke to enter into the smoke sensor 21 . The piezo aperture 22 is a plurality of slots in the front or face of the lid 7 for the purpose of allowing the audible alarm generated by the piezo element to emit from the lid 7 . The nozzle port 18 may be a single round aperture in the center of the lid 7 that couples to the dispersal nozzle. The frangible glass bulb housing 24 , show partially in phantom, secures the frangible glass bulb 23 to the lid 7 wherein the frangible glass bulb 23 is exposed to the ambient temperatures present at the front or face of lid 7 for the purpose of detecting the heat of a fire. [0033] FIG. 8 illustrates the back of the lid, along with lid locks 29 a - c , circuit board 25 , circuit board enclosure 5 , battery pack 4 , nozzle port 18 , frangible glass bulb housing 24 , connecting wires 26 , 28 , microswitch 30 , spring stop boss 31 , torsion spring 32 , crank arm retaining hardware 33 , and crank arm 34 . The lid locks 29 a - c are legs spaced evenly around the radial surface of the lid 7 for the purpose of engaging the lid latch indents 11 a - c and allowing the lid 7 to be releasably secured to the tank 2 . The circuit board enclosure 5 is molded from or other wise securely attached to the interior surface of the lid 7 for the purpose of receiving and securing the circuit board 25 . The battery pack 4 is molded from or other wise securely attached to the interior surface of the lid 7 for the purpose of receiving and securing batteries necessary to power the circuit board 25 . The connecting wires 26 connect the battery pack 4 to the circuit board 25 via connectors C 4 a, b . The frangible glass bulb assembly 6 is secured to the interior surface of the lid 7 for the purpose of holding the frangible glass bulb 23 , which is exposed to the ambient temperature present at the front or face of the lid 7 . The connecting wires 28 connect the frangible glass bulb assembly 6 to circuit board 25 via connector C 2 a - b . The frangible bulb acts like an electrical switch, such that when the heat from a fire causes the frangible bulb to break, the electrical circuit is open. This open circuit is recognized by the circuit board, causing a signal to be sent to the audible alarm to sound. [0034] FIG. 9 a illustrates one variation of a dispersal nozzle and motorized valve assembly 3 . Gear assembly enclosure 42 includes the compound spur gear with position lobes 52 , compound spur gear 51 a , compound spur gear 51 b , motor 49 , spur gear 48 , motor shaft 46 , connecting wires 44 , connecting wires 45 , pivot bosses 50 a - c , and microswitch 43 . The connecting wires connect the motor 49 to the circuit board 25 via connectors C 1 a - b . When the circuit board 25 detects both a smoke and a fire condition within a localized area, it generates an output to motor 49 that actuates the gear assembly causing the valve ball 38 to rotate within the ball valve body 40 until the ball bore 39 is aligned to the nozzle bore 37 and the valve is โ€œopen.โ€ The connecting wires 44 connect the microswitch 43 to the circuit board 25 via connectors C 3 a - b . The microswitch 43 is actuated by the position lobes of the compound spur gear with position lobes 52 to communicate the position the valve ball 38 within the ball valve body 40 to the circuit board 25 . [0035] FIG. 9 b illustrates a second variation of a dispersal nozzle and motorized valve assembly 3 . The valve assembly 3 includes a compound spur gear with position lobes 52 , compound spur gear 51 a , compound spur gear 51 b , motor 49 , spur gear 48 , motor shaft 46 , connecting wires 44 , connecting wires 45 , microswitch 43 , spur gear retaining hardware 17 a - c , gear assembly enclosure lid 47 , nozzle body 35 , diffuser 36 , nozzle bore 37 , valve ball 38 , ball bore 39 , ball valve body 40 , and internally threaded passageway 41 . The connecting wires 45 connect the motor 49 to the circuit board 25 via connectors C 1 a - b . When the circuit board 25 detects both a smoke and a fire condition within a localized area it generates an output to motor 49 for the purpose of actuating the gear assembly to cause the valve ball 38 to rotate within the ball valve body 40 until the ball bore 39 is aligned to the nozzle bore 37 and the valve is โ€œopen.โ€ The connecting wires 44 connect the microswitch 43 is actuated by the position lobes of the compound spur gear with position lobes 52 for the purpose of reporting the position of the valve ball 38 within the ball body 40 to the circuit board 25 . The internally threaded passageway 41 receives the externally threaded neck 16 on the tank 2 . The diffuser 36 acts to disperse fire retardant material passing thru the ball valve assembly into an even radius. [0036] FIG. 10 a shows a frangible glass bulb assembly 6 with the frangible glass bulb 23 omitted. In the absence of a frangible glass bulb 23 within the frangible glass bulb housing 24 , the torsion spring 32 being secured at one end by the spring stop boss 31 and at the other end by the crank arm 34 acts to apply a torsional force pushing the crank arm 34 forward to depress the microswitch 30 , initiating a change of state. FIG. 10 b shows the frangible glass bulb assembly 6 with a frangible glass bulb 23 installed. FIG. 10 c shows the crank arm 34 mechanism, the spring stop boss 31 molded from or other wise securely attached to the frangible glass bulb assembly 6 . The pivot boss 50 is molded from or other wise securely attached to the frangible glass bulb assembly 6 . The torsion spring 32 is secured at one end by spring stop boss 31 and at the other end by the crank arm 34 , so as to apply a torsional force that acts to push the crank arm 34 forward. [0037] FIG. 11 illustrates a removal tool 27 that may be used to release the tank 2 from the bracket 1 . When pushed along the tank's outer surface, the removal tool 27 lifts the pawls 9 out of the ratchets 10 , allowing the tank to be removed from the bracket assembly. That is, the cylindrical body of the removal tool rides up the tank's exterior until it encounters the pawl 9 , whereupon the cylindrical body rotates the pawl out of engagement with the ratchet 10 . Once the pawl is disengaged, the tank 2 will slide out of the bracket so that it may be replaced or serviced. [0038] FIG. 12 shows decorative flange 8 for a typical ceiling installation as it would be affixed to the ceiling support structure. The decorative flange 8 includes an annular face that covers the opening where the bracket 1 is inserted. FIG. 13 is a perspective front view of a partially assembly self-contained self-actuated modular fire suppression unit 100 for the purpose of illustrating the direction and orientation of the tank 2 as it is installed into the mounting bracket 1 with the decorative flange 8 thereon. [0039] In operation the self-contained self-actuated modular fire suppression unit 100 is mounted in the ceiling of a residential space. The unit 100 in the preferred embodiment mounts vertically (although other orientations are possible), locked within the mounting bracket 2 such that it extends through the ceiling surface and into the attic space above. If the unit 100 detects the presence of smoke within the space below via its smoke detector, it sounds an audible alarm to warn inhabitants of the presence of smoke. If the unit 100 detects the presence of smoke and thermal temperatures sufficient to rupture a frangible bulb, the unit actuates the nozzle to expel flame retardant in a predetermined spray pattern down into the space below. [0040] The mounting bracket 1 and decorative flange 8 are properly installed as follows. The location is first determined for the self-contained self-actuated modular fire suppression unit within the ceiling space. The placement should afford optimum spray dispersal within the space and should also consider placement of existing ceiling joists. At the desired location, a hole sized to receive the unit is cut through the ceiling material creating an opening into the attic space above. The decorative flange 8 is inserted up into the opening, and bendable tabs around the insertion surface are bent over the ceiling edge to secure the decorative flange 8 to the ceiling. The mounting bracket 1 is then centered over the opening and secured in place by attaching the telescoping bar hangers 14 to the adjacent joists with nails, screws, or other fasteners. [0041] The self-actuated fire suppression unit 100 can then be installed into the mounting bracket 1 . While aligning the linear ratchet 10 on the tank 2 with the ratchet pawls 9 on the mounting sleeve 1 , the unit 100 is raised through the decorative flange 8 and into the mounting bracket 1 until the lid 7 is flush with the decorative flange 8 and the pawls 9 and ratchets 10 are completely engaged and locked, securing the unit into the mounting bracket 1 . [0042] The self-actuated fire suppression unit is removed using the removal tool 27 , which is used to push the unit 100 up into the mounting bracket until the pawls 9 are completely disengaged from the linear ratchets 10 . The unit can then be rotated within the mounting bracket 1 until the linear ratchets 10 on the tank 2 and the pawls 9 on the mounting bracket 1 are no longer aligned. The unit is then lowered down out of the mounting sleeve 1 .
A residential fire suppression system for providing an automated safeguard against a localized fire within a residential space. Comprised primarily of a mounting bracket, pressurized tank of fire retardant, a dispersal nozzle and motorized valve assembly, a smoke detector, and a fire detector, the self-contained self-actuated modular fire suppression unit mounts in the ceiling of a residential space and will detect smoke within the space below it and sound an audible alarm. Additionally, the unit detects fire within the space below and actuates a motorized valve assembly allowing the pressurized fire retardant stored in the tank to be expelled.
0
This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 594,106, filed Oct. 9, 1990, now abandoned. The present invention relates generally to multidimensional chromatography, and in particular to an on-line multidimensional chromatographic system which incorporates supercritical fluid extraction to provide a method and system capable of rapid and efficient sample clean-up and analysis. In order to analyze target compounds, such as trace pesticides residing on organic matter, substantial preparation is necessary to "clean-up" the sample. By clean-up, it is meant that the trace amount of pesticide or other target compound (e.g., chlorpyrifos) has to first be removed or extracted from the sample before the analysis can be performed. In this regard, a liquid is typically utilized as a solvent to extract the target compound from the sample matter (e.g., a blade of grass). In other words, the target compound is dissolved into the liquid solvent as the initial separation step. However, this procedure has several drawbacks, including the fact that it will be necessary to subsequently separate the extracted target compound from an excessive amount of the liquid solvent. In contrast, supercritical fluid extraction offers several potential advantages over conventional liquid extraction methods as the initial sample preparation step. In this regard, a supercritical fluid may be defined using a phase diagram such as that shown in FIG. 1 for carbon dioxide. The regions corresponding to the solid, liquid, and gaseous states are well defined. However, at temperatures exceeding the critical temperature (T c ), the densities of the liquid and vapor are identical and the fluid cannot be liquefied by increasing the pressure. The shaded area in the phase diagram illustrates the supercritical region. In this region, no phase change occurs, as the fluid is neither a liquid nor a gas. Rather, there is a transition from liquid to supercritical fluid as the temperature is increased at constant pressure, and there is also a transition from gas to supercritical fluid as the pressure is increased at constant temperature. In general, extractions with supercritical fluids are faster and more efficient than conventional liquid or soxhelet extraction methods. Supercritical extraction is based upon the solubility of the target compound in the supercritical fluid, and this solubility property can be changed by varying the density of the particular supercritical fluid. In other words, a low density supercritical fluid approaching the qualities of a gas will typically not be as good an extraction fluid as one that approaches the densities of a liquid. Thus, the extraction strength of the supercritical fluid may be controlled by adjusting its density, which is in turn controlled by the temperature and pressure of the fluid. For example, because the compressibility of a supercritical fluid is large above the critical temperature, small changes in the pressure applied to the fluid will result in large changes in the density of the fluid. Supercritical fluid densities can be two to three orders of magnitude larger than those of the gas. As a result of this larger density, molecular interactions in supercritical fluids increase due to shorter intermolecular distances. On the other hand, the viscosity and mass transport properties of supercritical fluids remain similar to those of a gas. The gas-like/liquid-like quality of supercritical fluids allow similar solvent strengths as liquids along with improved mass transport. Since supercritical fluids offer these two properties simultaneously, they provide the potential for rapid extraction rates and more efficient extractions. A further discussion of supercritical fluid extraction may be found in "Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Chlorpyrifos Methyl from Wheat at Part per Billion Levels", by Robert M. Campbell, David M. Meunier and Hernan J. Cortes, in the Journal of Microcolumn Separations, Volume I, No. 6, 1989, pages 302-308. While supercritical fluid extraction ("SFE") offers several potential benefits as a tool to recover target compounds from complex sample matter, its utility would be substantially enhanced if an on-line, SFE based, multidimensional chromatographic system could be created with an accuracy level in the parts per billion ("ppb") range. The achievement of such a system could provide a continuous method of extracting, separating and analyzing selective constituents of interest from target compounds containing a variety of interferences. In this regard, certain interferences may not be apparent when an analysis is conducted in the parts per million ("ppm") range, and the capability of separation and resolution in the ppb range would be particularly advantageous. Accordingly, it is a principal objective of the present invention to provide an on-line supercritical fluid extraction multidimensional chromatographic system and method of sample preparation and analysis which will enable a rapid, reliable and precise analysis to be made of selected constituents of interest in the ppb range. It is a more specific objective of the present invention to provide an on-line supercritical fluid extraction multidimensional chromatographic system and method which extracts the target compound, separates one or more constituents of interests from the target compound by liquid chromatography and then analyzes these constituents of interest by gas chromatography in a continuous process which is capable of automation. It is also an objective of the present invention to provide an interface for the system which is capable of trapping an extracted target compound with a minimum of spreading while decompressing and venting the supercritical fluid. To achieve the foregoing objectives, the present invention provides an on-line supercritical fluid extraction multidimensional chromatographic system which includes a cell for extracting a target compound in a supercritical fluid, a restrictor interface for trapping the extracted target compound while decompressing and venting the supercritical fluid, a valve arrangement for enabling a carrier fluid to convey the trapped target compound through a liquid chromatographic ("LC") column, and a gas chromatograph for analyzing selected constituents of interest eluting from the LC column in a continuous process. In one embodiment according to the present invention, the restrictor interface includes an impactor in the form of a capillary-based porous ceramic frit for trapping the extracted target compound during the decompression of the supercritical fluid. A valve is also provided to prevent flow through the LC column when the extracted target compound is being trapped in the restrictor interface. These provisions serve to control the precipitation of the extracted target compound and subsequent introduction into the LC column, so that relatively sharp chromatographic peaks will be produced by the LC and GC detectors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Additional advantages and feature of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the detailed description of the preferred embodiment which makes reference to the following set of drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a phase diagram of carbon dioxide for illustrating the supercritical fluid range of one exemplary fluid capable of being utilized in the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an on-line supercritical fluid extraction multidimensional chromatographic system according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of the restrictor interface shown in FIG. 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, the phase diagram for carbon dioxide is shown to illustrate its usefulness as a supercritical fluid. In this regard, carbon dioxide is relatively inexpensive, readily available, and has critical temperature and pressure properties which make it easy and practical to use in the supercritical region. However, one of the disadvantages of carbon dioxide is its lack of polarity at a molecular level. Accordingly, other fluids may be added to carbon dioxide, such as methanol, in other to provide a supercritical fluid mixture for extracting more polar materials or compounds in the appropriate application. Additionally, it should be appreciated that other fluids (e.g., ammonia, acetonitrile, tetrahydrafuran) may be used alone or in combination with other fluids to provide a supercritical fluid which is suitable for extracting the target compound under investigation. Referring to FIG. 2, an on-line supercritical fluid extraction multidimensional chromatographic system 10 according to the present invention is shown. The system 10 includes a syringe pump 12 which receives fluid from a suitable source, such as a liquid carbon dioxide cylinder 14 (having supercritical fluid chromatography grade carbon dioxide with 2% methanol). The syringe pump 12 is used to pump fluid (previously loaded as a batch process) from source 14 at a pressure in the supercritical range, (so that the fluid from source 14 will be delivered as a supercritical fluid). In one form of the present invention, the syringe pump 12 is a Varian 8500 syringe pump from Varian Instruments, Sunnyvale, Calif. While this syringe pump permits manual control of the pressure (and hence the density) of the supercritical fluid, this pump may be commercially modified to permit pressure control via a computer. Alternatively, computer controlled packages are available, such as the Model 501 supercritifcal fluid chromatograph from Dionex/Lee Scientific, Inc. While the flow rate of the pump 12 will vary with pressure/density, the flow rate may be measured by determining the volume of fluid flowing through the system over time. When carbon dioxide is used as the supercritical fluid, the preferred pressure range of operation is generally between 500 and 6000 psi (3-40 MPa). Preferably, the pressure is increased from an initial value (e.g., 100 atm. (10 MPa)) to a final constant value (e.g., 400 atm. (40 MPa)) over a suitable period (e.g., 6 min.) to increase the density in order to promote solvation and extraction of desired components. Similarly, the preferred flow rate produced by the syringe pump 12 is generally between 20 and 100 microliter/min. The system 10 also includes an extraction cell 16 which is connected to the output of the syringe pump 12 via transfer conduit 18. The extraction cell 16 is used to hold a sample which has a target compound or component that is soluble in or otherwise capable of being removed from the sample by the supercritical fluid being delivered to the extraction cell. Accordingly, the extraction cell 16 enables the target compound to be extracted or removed from the sample by the washing action of the supercritical fluid. In order to prevent any possible plugging of the downstream transfer conduits as a result of this washing action, a filter media 20 may be coupled to the outlet of the extraction cell 16. In one form of the present invention, each of the transfer conduits/lines, such as transfer conduit 21, are preferably made of fused silica (e.g., 375 ฮผm o.d.ร—50 ฮผm i.d.). Additionally, the extraction cell 16 may be a stainless steel "T-series" tube (1.0 cmร—4.6 mm i.d.) from Keystone Scientific, Bellefonte, Pa. This extraction vessel is preferably equipped with polyether-etherketone (PEEK)-collared, 0.5 ฮผm pore size, stainless steel frits to seal the tube. The filter media 20 is preferably a porous ceramic plug which is contained in the transfer conduit 21 connected to the outlet of the extraction cell 16. In this regard, the porous ceramic plug may be cast in situ in accordance with the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,920. The extraction cell 16 is contained in an oven 22 to control the temperature at which the extraction process will take place. The oven 22 includes model TC-50 HPLC column heaters and a model CH-30 temperature controller from FIAtron Systems, Oconomowoc, Wis. When carbon dioxide is used as the supercritical fluid, the preferred temperature range of operation is generally between 40 and 150 degrees celsius, with 100ยฐ C. being the most preferred. A multi-port switching valve 24 is coupled to the outlet of the extraction cell 16 to control the direction of fluid flow from the extraction cell. In one embodiment according to the present invention, the valve 24 is a Valco ten port valve, model NI10WT, from Valco Instruments, Houston, Tex. In the extraction mode, the valve 24 couples the output of the extraction cell 16 to a restrictor interface 26 via transfer conduit 28 (e.g., a fused silica restrictor, 25 ฮผm i.d.ร—150 ฮผm o.d.). In this mode, the extracted target compound or analyte will be conveyed with the supercritical fluid from the extraction cell 16, through the valve 24 and into the restrictor interface 26. The restrictor interface 26 is used to trap the extracted target compound while enabling the supercritical fluid to decompress and be vented back through the valve 24 via transfer conduit 30. The internal diameter of the transfer conduit 30 should not be too small, as the pressure increase may cause the decompression to occur in the conduit, rather than in the interface. In one form of the present invention, the transfer conduit 30 has an internal diameter of 250 ฮผm and the vent tube leading from the valve 24 has an internal diameter of 320 ฮผm. The restrictor interface 26 separates the extracted target compound from the supercritical fluid by decompressing the supercritical fluid into an escaping gas and precipitating or depositing the target compound in a confined location. In this regard, the difficult goal to be achieved is the provision of a construction and method of operation which will control the decompression of the supercritical fluid, efficiently trap the target compound and ultimately produce narrow bandwidth chromatographic peaks in a continuous and repeatable procedure. A discussion of the restrictor interface construction will be presented in connection with FIG. 3. Once the extracted target compound has been trapped by the restrictor interface, the valve 24 is switched to the analysis mode. In the analysis mode, the valve 24 places transfer conduit 30 in fluid communication with a transfer conduit 32 which is connected to a micro liquid chromatograph pump 34, and the valve 24 blocks or cuts off flow through transfer conduit 28. The micro LC pump 34 is used to deliver a carrier fluid or solvent (e.g., 85:15 acetonitrile/water) to the restrictor interface 26 through transfer conduits 30 and 32. In one form of the present invention, the pump 34 is an Isco u - LC 500 solvent delivery system from Isco, Lincoln, Neb., operated at a constant flow rate and pressure (e.g., 6 ฮผl/min at 1750 psi (12 MPa)). Solvent flow from the pump 34 will wash the deposited target compound from the restrictor interface 26 and cause this analyte to pass through a micro LC column 36 which is connected directly to the restrictor interface. The micro LC column 36 will separate one or more constituents of interest (e.g. Chlorpyrifos) from the various interferences (e.g. grass extractables) to effect a clean-up procedure and permit detection of these constituents of interest by LC detector 38. In other words, the micro LC column 36 enables the constituents of interest to be separated from various interferences which would otherwise cause an overly complex gas chromatogram. Additionally, this separation also makes it possible to substantially increase the resolution of the gas chromatogram so that the constituents of interest may be detected and analyzed in the parts per billion ("ppb") range. In one form of the present invention, the micro LC column 36 is a 30 cm long 250 ฮผm i.d.ร—400 ฮผm o.d. coated fused silica column packed with spherisorb ODS of 5 ฮผm particle diameter, and the LC detector is a model UV1DEC V detector from Jasco Inc., Japan. However, it should be appreciated that this micro LC column and LC detector combination is intended to be exemplary, and that these and other exemplary components described herein may be modified or replaced with other suitable components in the appropriate application. The effuent eluting from the micro LC column 36 is conveyed to a gas chromatograph 40 via transfer conduit 42. However, a pair of valves 44 and 46 are used to control the fluid flow from the micro LC column 36, so that the constituents of interest may be directed into the gas chromatograph 40 at the appropriate time for further separation and quantitation. Specifically, switching valve 44 is interposed between transfer conduit 42 and the gas chromatograph to control the introduction of the effluent into the gas chromatograph, while on/off valve 46 is coupled to the valve 44 to permit or prevent flow through the micro LC column 36 at all. In other words, valve 44 either directs fluid flow into the gas chromatograph 40 or directs fluid flow onto valve 46. When valve 46 is closed and valve 44 is directing fluid flow to valve 46, fluid flow through the micro LC column 36 is blocked. This condition is employed during the extraction mode when it is desirerable to prevent or minimize fluid flow through the micro LC column 36. Then, during the analysis mode, valve 46 is opened to allow fluid flow from the micro LC column 36 to waste collection vessel 48. After the region containing the constituents of interest has been detected by LC detector 38, the valve 44 is switched to introduce this region of fluid flow into the gas chromatograph 40. In one form of the present invention, the gas chromatograph 40 is a model 5890 GC from Hewlett-Packard, Bellafonte, Pa., USA. This particular gas chromatograph is equipped with an electron capture detector which will generate a chromatogram for analyzing the constituents of interest separated by the micro LC column 36. With respect to the conditions of operation, the temperature of the GC oven is preferably set initially to 120ยฐ C., and then when the process begins, the oven temperature should be set to rise 8ยฐ C./min. until 280ยฐ C. is reached. Additionally, Helium is preferably used as the carrier fluid at 10-40 psi (70-280 kPa). Other preferred GC operating conditions are an initial oven temperature which allows some degree of solvent evaporation to occur (e.g. 40 degrees celsius to 150 degrees celsius dependent on effuent used) and temperature program rates of 2ยฐ C./min to 32ยฐ C./min. Referring to FIG. 3, the restrictor interface 26 is shown to include a restrictor conduit 50 which is coaxially disposed in a transfer conduit 52. Both the restrictor conduit 50 and the transfer conduit 52 are preferably fused silica capillaries from Polymicro Technologies, Phoenix, Ariz., USA. In the case of the restrictor conduit 50, the inner diameter is preferably in the range between 10 ฮผm and 25 ฮผm in order to cause the supercritical fluid to decompress slowly while the outer diameter is closely related to the inner diameter of the transfer conduit 52. For example, with an outer diameter of 195 ฮผm for the restrictor conduit 50, the inner diameter of the transfer conduit should be approximately 200 ฮผm. Similarly, for a restrictor conduit having an inner diameter of 15 ฮผm and an outer diameter of 150 ฮผm, the inner diameter of the transfer conduit should be 200 ฮผm with an outer diameter of 350 ฮผm. In other words, the inner diameter of the transfer conduit 52 should be the smallest size commercially available that is still large enough to permit the restrictor conduit to slide into and be held by the transfer conduit 52 without otherwise providing support between the restrictor conduit and the transfer conduit. This very small inner diameter for the restrictor conduit 50 provides sufficient back pressure in the system so that the pressure of the supercritical fluid flow through the extraction cell may be controlled by the syringe pump 12. Additionally, it should be noted that the close fit between the restrictor conduit and the transfer conduit may assist in reducing possible band broadening. As for the length of the restrictor and transfer conduit sections, the transfer conduit 52 need only be long enough to permit the connections at each end to be made (e.g., 3 cm). In contrast, the length of the restrictor conduit 50 should be long enough to assist in controlling the decompression of the supercritical fluid (e.g., 15-20 cm). As shown in FIG. 3, the restrictor interface 26 also includes an impactor 54 for trapping the target compound as the supercritical fluid decompresses into a gas and escapes back through the transfer conduit 52. In this regard, the impactor 54 is used to dissipate any kinetic energy that may be present during the decompression of the supercritical fluid, and provide a surface upon which the target compound may be deposited or precipitated. Specifically, the impactor 54 should be constructed to minimize excessive travel or spreading of the target compound, so that narrow/sharp chromatographic bands may be introduced into the liquid chromatograph. In one form of the present invention, the impactor 54 is a porous ceramic frit formed in situ at the end of the transfer conduit 52 according to U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,920. As discussed more fully in this patent, the end of the transfer conduit 52 is dipped into liquid potassium silicate with a catalyst, and capillary action is allowed to bring the liquid into the tube (e.g., 0.1-1.0 mm). The tube is then heated to polymerize the material to create the frit with a porosity on the order of 5,000 angstroms (500 nm) and cut to a desired length. Since the impactor can be subjected to large pressure changes when the valves 24 and 48 are switched, the frit length must be long enough (e.g., 1.0 mm) to provide mechanical stability in the transfer conduit 52. While the impactor 54 could be comprised of a solid block of material (e.g., quartz) disposed at or press fitted into the end of the transfer conduit 52 (leaving gaps for fluid flow), such a construction is not considered to be as effective as a cast in situ porous ceramic frit in terms of concentrating the precipitation of the target compound in a limited area. It should also be noted that in this preferred embodiment, the decompressed supercritical fluid reverses the direction of its linear flow as it travels from the restrictor conduit 50 to the annular region formed by the transfer conduit 52. This flow reversal further aids in the removal of kinetic energy. The end of the restrictor conduit 50 is preferably disposed very close to the impactor 54 so that there is a minimum distance between the restrictor conduit 50 and the impactor 54. In this way, the target compound will be deposited generally on the forward surface 56 of the impactor 54. As shown in FIG. 3, the end of the transfer conduit 52 is joined to the end of the micro LC column 36 in a butt connection via glass lined stainless steel union 58. Thus, the union 58 is disposed at the junction between the restrictor conduit 50, the transfer conduit 52 and the micro LC column 36, with the impactor 54 being interposed between each of these conduits at this junction. It should also be appreciated that this construction advantageously minimizes the distance between the point of decompression and the micro LC column 36. In one form of the present invention, the union 58 is a glass lined model VSU004 union from Scientific Glass Engineering ("SGE"), Austin, Tex., USA. FIG. 3 also shows that the opposite end of the transfer conduit 52 is contained in a 3-way glass lined stainless steel tee 60. The transfer conduit 30 is connected to the lateral or vertically extending leg 62 of the tee 60 to permit the decompressed supercritical fluid (e.g., gaseous carbon dioxide ) to escape from the restrictor interface and be vented from the system or, alternatively, to be conveyed to a separate chromatographic system in order to detect any components which may not have been trapped by the interface 26. The tee 60 also supports the restrictor conduit 50 at leg 64 in coaxial alignment with the transfer conduit 52. In one form of the present invention, the tee 60 is a glass lined model VSUT004 tee from SGE. This particular tee is equipped with graphite-vespel ferrules and connectors for providing a seal between the tee 60 and the tubes. A deactivated fused silica sleeve 66 (e.g. 3.5 cmร—200 ฮผm when the transfer conduit outer diameter is 150 ฮผm) may also be coaxially disposed in the tee 60 to minimize any dead space in the tee. In the event that any unwanted material accumulates on the impactor 54 or the micro LC column 36 which is not soluable in the fluid delivered to the restrictor interface 26 by the micro LC pump 34, it may be desirable to flush the restrictor interface and the micro LC column with a solvent capable of removing this unwanted material (e.g., methylene chloride). Additionally, it may be desirerable in the appropriate application to provide a method of cooling the restrictor interface to assist the trapping of the target compound and minimize any broadening of the chromatogram peaks by passing liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide. In this regard, it should be noted that the transition from supercritical fluid to gas will create a cooling effect (Juoule-Thompson), which should aid in keeping the analytes in a narrow band. In any event, the need for additional cooling is substantially minimized by the use of a porous ceramic frit for the impactor due to its large surface area. It will be appreciated that the above disclosed embodiment is well calculated to achieve the aforementioned objectives of the present invention. In addition, it is evident that those skilled in the art, once given the benefit of the foregoing disclosure, may now make modifications of the specific embodiment described herein without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Such modifications are to be considered within the scope of the present invention which is limited solely by the scope of the spirit of the appended claims.
An on-line supercritical fluid extraction multidimensional chromatographic system and method is described which provides a cell for extracting a target compound in a supercritical fluid, and a restrictor interface for trapping the extracted target compound while decompressing and venting the supercritical fluid. A pump and valve arrangement is provided to convey the trapped target compound through a micro LC column for separating (and detecting) constituents of interest from interfering species, and ultimately introducing constituent of interest into a gas chromatograph for analysis. The system is characterized as being "on-line" in that fluid communication is provided between all of the system components and the process is continuous. Similarly, the system is characterized as being "multidimensional" in that both liquid and gas chromatographic techniques can be employed in tandem to provide analysis, selectivity and sensitivity in the parts per billion range.
1
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is the U.S. national phase of PCT Application No. PCT/EP2011/006421 filed on Dec. 20, 2011, which claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2011 009 176.9 filed on Jan. 21, 2011, the disclosures of which are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to a contrivance for increasing the inner surface of a compact coke batch in a receiving container which increases the inner surface of a coke cake and coke leaving the coke-oven chamber by means of mechanical breaking up or roughening, by which the coke structure loosens up and gap-like cavities form in the compacted coke batch so that into these gap-like cavities an increased amount of water can flow towards the inside of the coke batch during the subsequent cooling process with water, resulting in a higher economic efficiency of the method by the reduced quenching time and the lower water consumption for coke quenching. The invention also relates to a method for increasing the inner surface of a compact coke batch in a receiving container which serves for breaking up a fresh and hot coke cake or roughening the coke in order to reduce the water consumption during quenching. 2. Description of the Related Art The coal-to-coke carbonisation of is frequently carried out in so-called heat-recovery or non-recovery-type coke-oven chambers. Modern coke-oven chambers are provided with so-called coke transfer machines on the coke side of the coke-oven batteries, such machines being used for operations to be implemented for coke-sided pushing of the carbonised coke. Normally the coke quenching device is a quenching car which can beโ€”at least partlyโ€”moved separately underneath the coke transfer machine. The quenching car typically includes a receiving container which takes up the coke from the coke-oven chamber and takes it to the quenching tower. Between the receiving container and the coke-oven chamber there is a coke transfer machine which, in a simple case, may consist of a wharf or a sloped plate. The quenching car typically travels on rails and can be moved directly below the quenching tower by means of a transport device. The quenching tower is a wet-quenching tower according to an embodiment frequently used but it can also be a dry-quenching tower. The coke is normally pushed into this quenching car at average temperatures of 900 to 1100ยฐ C. The conventional receiving container of a quenching car is frequently lined with heat-resistant structural members. In the case of the โ€œheat-recoveryโ€ or โ€œ-on-recoveryโ€ carbonisation process these structural members normally consist of evenly arranged planar plate elements on which the coke can slide from the coke-oven chamber across the wharf to the inside of the receiving container. Once the quenching car has been completely filled with the hot coke batch, the receiving container and the quenching car are moved to the quenching tower. There, in a common embodiment, the coke is quenched with water. For this purpose, the water is sprayed vertically downwards onto the hot coke cake from an available storage tank. The water leaves the water storage tank via nozzles and is uniformly distributed over the upper surface of the coke, resulting in a homogeneous water content in the coke. A typical contrivance including a quenching car for wet quenching is described in DE 1253669 B. The invention relates to a contrivance for quenching coke that has been discharged from horizontal coking chambers, the contrivance consisting of a stationary quenching compartment with a stack-like part and travelling along the oven battery on the coke side or being supplied from a receiving car for glowing coke, and a coke receiving compartment which is followed by a circulating conveying grid with spraying system on top, in which tube bundles containing heatable process fluid are installed above the conveying grid between the device for controlling the height of the coke layer and the spraying system, these tube bundles possibly communicating with the known tube bundles of the coke receiving compartment. Embodiments of a quenching car and its control system are disclosed by WO 2006/089612 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,340 A and EP 964049 A2. There are also embodiments where the coke is quenched from below by supplied water. Such embodiment is also called โ€œbottom quenchingโ€. It is also common practice to combine both quenching methods. Typical embodiments of a dry quenching method are disclosed by WO 91/09094 A1 and EP 0084786 B1. Coke quenching systems are normally designed assuming that bulk coal batches are mostly of low coal densities between 700 and 850 kg*m โˆ’3 . The length of the coal batch is typically up to 20 m. Conventional state-of-the-art coking processes yield coke batches of densities between 400 and 600 kg*m โˆ’3 at the end of the coking process. For increasing productivity compaction rates of the feed coal mixture of initial densities between 850 kg*m โˆ’3 and 1200 kg*m โˆ’3 have been introduced in the recent past in plant engineering. DE 102009012453 A1 teaches an exemplary process for the compression of the feed coal to the densities mentioned including subsequent shaping of the compressed coal cake. On account of the higher initial density of the coal, the density of the coke cake after the coking process will also be higher, and will cause sealing of the coke cake surface. The result is that the quenching water cannot penetrate vertically into the coke batch or only with delay. An additional impedance to the effective cooling of the fresh coke batch is the so-called โ€œLeidenfrost effectโ€. As the temperature of the coke batch is high, the water impinging on the surface of the hot coke will evaporate instantaneously. As a result a coat of water vapour forms around the coke pieces preventing the entry of further water. The water impinging on the surface of the coke forms a protective vaporous coat for a limited period of time and protects the coke from direct heat transfer. In this way the water cannot penetrate efficiently into the inside of the coke and therefore flows off laterally not reaching the inner coke layers. In this way the quenching water is distributed non-uniformly across the entire volume of the coke batch. As this will also cause non-uniform cooling by the quenching water, the temperature distribution across the coke batch will likewise be non-uniform. Hence, there will still be parts of the coke cake after quenching that show a coke temperature of more than 100ยฐ C. This is a significant problem when processing and using the coke downstream, as coke batch portions of temperatures above 100ยฐ C. can damage transport and conveying belts which are frequently made of hard rubber or plastics. The quenched coke will thus also consist of batch parts the water content of which is above 3 weight percent (wt.-%). An elevated coke water content of more than 3 wt.-% is also a problem, as the water will diminish the product quality of the raw iron in the downstream blast-furnace process. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore the aim to provide a method which allows quenching and cooling of the glowing coke while preventing non-uniform temperature distribution or water content of the coke batch. The invention achieves this aim by a contrivance arranged in a receiving container which in a preferred embodiment is placed in a quenching car for fresh and hot coke and at least one structural member producing unevenness of a min. height of 20 mm is arranged on the bottom of the receiving container. The coke cake pushed from the coke-oven chamber slips out of the coke-oven chamber during the pushing operation and slides across the structural member such that on account of its unevenness the structural member breaks up the coke batch by the weight and the kinetic energy of the coke batch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a receiving container of the invention. FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a receiving container of the invention and its relation to the coke wharf and pusher ram. FIG. 3 illustrates a further embodiment of a receiving container of the invention and its relation to the coke wharf and pusher ram. FIG. 4 illustrates further embodiment of a receiving container of the invention. FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a receiving container of the invention. FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a receiving container of the invention. FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a receiving container of the invention. FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a receiving container of the invention. FIG. 9 illustrates a ring shaped structural member. FIG. 10 illustrates a half-ring structural member. FIG. 11 illustrates a hump shaped structural member. FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a receiving container of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The structural member is of random type but is preferably of a shape which promotes the breaking up of the hot coke batch. The structural member is preferably temperature-resistant such that it cannot be deformed by the hot coke batch. However, the structural member can also be combustible provided the mechanical stability of the structural member is rated such that it is sufficient for single break-up of the coke batch. In this case, the structural member burns when the coke slides across said structural member and is replaced after each pushing operation. Claim is particularly laid to a contrivance for increasing the inner surface of a compact coke batch in a receiving container, consisting of a horizontal coke-oven chamber as part of a heat-recovery or non-recovery-type coke-oven bank with coke-oven chamber doors at the front end, a receiving container provided on or in a coke quenching car for fresh and hot coke, the quenching car allowing to be moved in parallel to and along the coke-oven chamber front, and which is characterised in that at least one structural member producing unevenness of a min. height of 20 mm is arranged on the bottom of the receiving container. The structural member is designed and shaped in such a way that the structural member allows breaking up of the coke batch by the weight and the kinetic energy of the coke batch. In a typical embodiment, the structural member is wedge-shaped. In a further embodiment the structural member is cuboid or ring-shaped. In the case of a wedge-shaped or cuboid embodiment the structural member is preferably aligned in such a way that the wedge or cuboid is arranged in parallel to the pushing direction of the coke. The structural member can also be of the half-ring-type, the ring-forming half on the bottom of the receiving container being aligned in any direction. In a further embodiment the structural member is hump-shaped or conical. It is also possible to combine differently shaped structural members. In a typical embodiment the structural members are arranged in rows. In such case, the rows preferably consist of equally shaped structural members. However, such rows can also consist of structural members that are differently shaped or arranged. The arrangement in rows can also be carried out such that coke-impermeable air gaps are located between the rows of the structural members, these air gaps being arranged in the bottom of the receiving container and aerating the bottom of the receiving container downwards. The structural member can be made of any material. In an embodiment of the invention this structural member is made of a heat-resistant metal. In a preferred embodiment this structural member is made of heat-resistant steel. In a further embodiment this structural member is made of a ceramic material. However, the structural member can also be made of a silicon-containing or aluminium-containing oxidic material. These materials are normally used for constructing coke-oven chambers and are temperature-resistant such that they remain stable during a multitude of pushing operations. In a further embodiment the structural members can be made of a combustible material. The combustible material is, for example, wood or compressed coke breeze. This material is sufficiently stable to allow single break-up of the coke batch. It will be replaced after each pushing operation if additional break-up of the coke batch is desired during pushing. The receiving container is typically an integral part of a quenching car. The quenching car is loaded by the pusher machine. In a preferred embodiment there is a vertical offset between the bottom of the coking chamber and the receiving container. In a further embodiment there is a sloped plate or wharf between the bottom of the coking chamber and the receiving container for transferring the coke to the receiving container. The former can be designed as commonly used in the state of the art. DE 582264 C discloses an embodiment of a wharf which is suitable for transferring the coke to the receiving container. In an embodiment of the present invention the wharf can also be provided with at least one heat-resistant inventive structural member producing unevenness of a height of min. 20 mm. For this purpose, the wharf can be equipped with lateral walls. In an embodiment of the invention the surface of the receiving container is 20 to 400 mm below the level of the coke-bearing bottom of the coke-oven chamber. Hence, a difference in height (ฮ”h) or an offset forms between the bottom of the coke-oven chamber and the receiving container. On account of this, the coke batch develops enough kinetic energy when being pushed so that it breaks up when dropping or sliding into the receiving container. Claim is also laid to a method for increasing the inner surface of a coke batch when being pushed into a receiving container and a quenching car. The inner surface is increased as the hot coke batch breaks up when being transferred to the receiving container, shaping of the structural members also being a means to increase the surface of the coke pieces. Claim is particularly laid to a method for increasing the inner surface of a compact coke batch, in which the coke-oven chamber of a heat-recovery or non-recovery type coke-oven bank is charged with coal for carbonisation, this coal being carbonised in operating cycles, and after the carbonisation process, the coke is pushed by a pusher machine in form of a compact and solid coke cake from the coke-oven chamber into the receiving container of a quenching car, and which is characterised in that during the pushing operation the compact and solid coke cake is pushed into the receiving container across the structural members producing unevenness on the bottom of the receiving container such that the fresh and glowing coke breaks up towards the top and is divided into several parts. Frequently the coke cake is pushed across an offset or a wharf such that a difference in height must be overcome. Overcoming the difference in height allows the coke cake to gain kinetic drop energy which helps to break up the coke cake. In a typical embodiment the compact and solid, hot coke cake is pushed into the receiving container housing the structural member(s) during pushing in order to increase the inner surface of the coke cake and thus also the permeability of the coke for the quenching water. It is conceivable to use the structural members for generally any coke type, provided it is fresh and hot and suitable for increasing the inner surface. In this way, the structural members can also be used to push fresh but already quenched coke across a plate or a container equipped with the inventive structural members and to increase the inner surface of the coke by doing so. The coke is typically pushed from the coke-oven chamber into the receiving container across a wharf or a sloped plate which overcomes a difference in height between 20 and 400 mm. In a further embodiment the hot coke on being pushed from the coke-oven chamber to the level of the receiving container is pushed across an offset which overcomes a difference in height between 20 and 400 mm as compared to the bottom of the coke-oven chamber. An offset causing a larger difference in height would result in an increased formation of emissions and a corresponding impact on the environment as known from the conventional horizontal coke-oven chamber carbonisation technology, this being the reason for the use of exhaust hoods for the evacuation of emissions. In an embodiment of the method the structural members can be made of a high-temperature-resistant material, which will allow using the structural members for a multitude of pushing operations. However, the structural member(s) can also be made of combustible material. The structural member will then be replaced after each pushing operation if multiple operations are desired. The structural member(s) can also be made up of individual components, the structural member being made up of individual components prior to each insertion into the receiving container. In this way, the structural members can be prepared more efficiently for the respective application. The inventive method can be used for any kind of coke-oven chambers and coke-oven banks of the type mentioned at the beginning. The method can be used for both a coke wet-quenching method with or without โ€œbottom quenchingโ€ and for a coke dry-quenching method. The invention has the advantage to allow the quenching and cooling of the glowing coke while preventing non-uniform distribution of the temperature or the water content of the coke batch. On account of this, a coke is obtained which due to a reduced residual water content renders an improved quality of the raw iron. The inventive method also results in an exclusion of residual embers in the finished coke such that the downstream facilities for transport and use for the coke are spared. Thus, an improved economic efficiency of the entire coking process is achieved in all. The invention is illustrated in more detail by means of eight drawings, the inventive method not being limited to these embodiments. FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 show embodiments of a receiving container in a quenching car equipped with a wedge-shaped structural member. FIG. 4 to FIG. 5 show embodiments of a receiving container in a quenching car equipped with a multitude of wedge-shaped structural members. FIG. 6 to FIG. 8 show embodiments of a receiving container in a quenching car equipped with a multitude of wedge-shaped structural members of different shape. FIG. 1 shows a receiving container ( 1 ) in a quenching car ( 2 ) with wheels ( 2 a ) arranged in front of a coke-oven chamber door ( 3 ). The coke batch ( 4 a , 4 b ) is pushed into the receiving container ( 1 ), the coke batch ( 4 ) being broken up into two partial batches ( 4 a , 4 b ) by means of the wedge-shaped structural member ( 5 a ) arranged on the bottom of the receiving container ( 1 ). This results in an increase of the inner surface of the coke batch ( 4 ) as a result of which the quenching water ( 6 ), which flows down onto the top of the coke batch ( 4 a , 4 b ) during the quenching operation, can also enter the inside of the coke batch ( 4 a , 4 b ). The figure also shows the pusher ram ( 7 ) of the pusher machine. FIG. 2 shows a lateral view of the same receiving container ( 1 ), with the pusher ram ( 7 ) of the pusher machine being included. The figure also shows the axles ( 2 b ) and the wheels ( 2 a ) of the quenching car ( 2 ) arranged on a rail ( 8 ). The hot coke ( 4 ) is pushed in direction of the arrow from the coke-oven chamber via a wharf ( 9 ) into the receiving container ( 1 ), the coke ( 4 ) overcoming a difference in height ฮ”h ( 10 ) between 20 and 400 mm. The wedge-shaped structural member ( 5 a ) arranged in the centre ensures breaking up of the coke batch ( 4 ) when the coke batch ( 4 ) slides across said structural member. The difference in height ( 10 ) intensifies the breaking up of the coke batch ( 4 ) in longitudinal direction. FIG. 3 shows the receiving container ( 1 ) of the same quenching car ( 2 ) in a vertical view from above. The figure shows the top edge of the wedge-shaped structural member ( 5 a ), the said top edge extending across almost the entire length of the receiving container ( 1 ). FIG. 4 shows the receiving container ( 1 ) with a multitude of wedge-shaped structural members ( 5 ). These are distributed over two rows of two structural members each ( 5 ) across the length of the receiving container ( 1 ). The coke cake ( 4 ) breaks up into two halves each ( 4 a - d ) when sliding across the wedge-shaped structural members ( 5 a ). This results in a break-up up of the coke batch ( 4 a , 4 b ) and an increase of the inner surface. In the centre there are two extended cuboid structural members ( 5 b ). This leads to a further break-up with a smaller surface. The lateral view corresponds to that of FIG. 2 . FIG. 5 shows the same receiving container ( 1 ) from above housing two rows of two wedge-shaped structural members each ( 5 a ) and a central row of two extended cuboid structural members ( 5 b ). FIG. 6 shows a receiving container ( 1 ) of a quenching car ( 2 ) with two wedge-shaped ( 5 a ) and one cuboid ( 5 b ) structural member aligned transversely to the pushing direction. Two conical structural members ( 5 a ) are arranged in the front part of the receiving container ( 1 ) longitudinally to the pushing direction, two other structural members ( 5 ) are conical ( 5 c ) and arranged (not shown here) in the back part of the receiving container ( 1 ). During the pushing operation the coke cake ( 4 ) slides across the structural members ( 5 a , 5 b ) and breaks up into several batches ( 4 a - 4 f ). FIG. 7 shows the same receiving container ( 1 ) in a lateral view, with two conical structural members ( 5 c ) already covered by the incoming coke cake ( 4 ) being shown in the front part of the receiving container ( 1 ). In the centre of the receiving container ( 1 ) there is an uncovered, cross-arranged cuboid structural member ( 5 b ) and in the back part of the receiving container ( 1 ) there are nine wedge-shaped structural members ( 5 a ) arranged in two rows in parallel to the pushing direction of the coke cake ( 1 ). The lateral view corresponds to that of FIG. 2 . As already shown in FIG. 2 the coke cake ( 4 ) must overcome a difference in height ( 10 ) when entering the receiving container ( 1 ) from the coke-oven chamber. Here, the receiving container is equipped with a cover. Here, the receiving container ( 1 ) is equipped with a cover ( 1 a ). FIG. 8 shows the same receiving container ( 1 ) from above housing two rows of two wedge-shaped structural members each ( 5 a ) in the front part of the receiving container ( 1 ), one cross-arranged cuboid structural member ( 5 b ) in the centre and six conical structural members ( 5 c ) in the back part of the receiving container ( 1 ). FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 show, respectively, one embodiment each of a ring shaped structural member, and a half ring structural member, and a hump-shaped structural member. FIG. 12 shows a lateral view of the same receiving container ( 1 ) as depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 2 with a sloped plate ( 9 ) or wharf between the bottom of the coke-oven chamber ( 11 ) and the receiving container ( 1 ) for transferring the coke ( 4 ), the wharf ( 9 ) being provided with at least one heat-resistant structural member ( 5 ) producing unevenness of a height of min. 20 mm. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS AND DESIGNATIONS 1 Receiving container 1 a Cover of the receiving container 2 Quenching car 2 a Axles of the quenching car 2 b Wheels of the quenching car 3 Door of the coke-oven chamber 4 Coke cake 4 a - f Coke batches 5 Structural member 5 a Wedge-shaped structural member 5 b Cuboid structural member 5 c Conical structural member 6 Quenching water 7 Pusher ram of the pusher machine 8 Rails 8 Wharf, sloped plate 10 Difference in height, ฮ”h 11 Coke-oven chamber
A device for increasing the interior surface of a compact coke charge in a receiving trough, which device increases the interior surface of a coke cake or coke leaving the coking chamber by mechanically breaking apart or roughening it, resulting in a break-up of the coke structure and the formation of crevice-type cavities in the compacted coke charge so that an increased amount of water can flow into the interior of the coke charge during the subsequent quenching step through these crevices, resulting in a high profitability of the method due to reduced quenching times and lower water consumption. A method for increasing the interior surface of a compact coke charge in a receiving trough, which serves to break up a fresh coke cake or to roughen the coke in order to reduce water consumption during quenching is disclosed.
2
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a fluid level sensor and controller, and more particularly relates to an improved apparatus for measuring, detecting, and controlling liquid levels within a washing machine. Liquid level sensors for washing machines currently in use comprises two tubes. Each tube having one end connected to the bottom of the washing machine tub and the other end connected to a pressure sensitive switch. The first switch actuates a valve that controls the flow of water going into the washing machine. The second switch when depressed actuates a pump to drain water from the washing machine. As the water level within the washing machine increases, the water within each tube increases, causing the net air pressure over atmospheric pressure to push against the pressure sensitive switch. When the water level in the first tube rises so that the air pressure reaches a set value, the sensing switch toggles and the water flow into the machine is shut off. To drain water from the machine, a pump is turned on. As the water drains, the air pressure in the second tube drops, depressing the second sensing switch, causing a signal to be sent to turn off the pump. By turning the water going into the washing machine and the drain pump off and on, the level within the washing machine can be set. One problem with this liquid level sensor is that the switch is mechanical and may wear out with use. A mechanical sensor may leak air pressure over time if allowed to remain pressurized. This can cause flooding and subsequent water damage. Another drawback is that the pressure sensitive switch may not have the sensitivity to set the water level with accuracy. Furthermore, the second pressure sensation may not be able to detect when pressure in the second tube is below atmospheric level. Accordingly, the second switch depresses when water is still present in the tub. Consequently, the pump must continue to drain water from the tub for a time period thereafter. Further, this liquid level sensor requires mechanical parts which may be expensive to use and assemble. This liquid level sensor also does not continuously signal the liquid level to a controller but instead indicates only a preset level. Other methods to sense the liquid level in a tub include a capacitance liquid level sensor. A typical capacitance liquid level sensor comprises a metal rod coated with an insulating material such as Teflon, forming one electrode of a capacitor and a tub wall forming a second electrode of the capacitor. A signal with appropriate RF oscillation is applied across the two electrodes so as to be able to detect and amplify changes in capacitance. These changes provide an output that indicates the liquid level or provides an alarm if the liquid level exceeds a predetermined threshold. This arrangement suffers from various drawbacks. For example, this arrangement can only be used in tubs which are made of conductive material. Otherwise, additional capacitive elements would have to be provided. This arrangement has further drawbacks in that when used with liquids that contain sticky materials, a build-up on the wires or rods occurs, which results in an inaccurate output indication. Another liquid level sensor is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,122,718. A pair of wires are encased in Teflon or an equivalent material. The wires are placed parallel to each other and are spaced equidistantly therein with the Teflon material closed at the terminating end of the liquid level sensor. One drawback of this arrangement is that when the wires are used in a turbulent tub to maintain a constant spacing between the wires, they must be installed within a tube made from a rigid material. A further drawback of this invention is that soap or film may form on the wires and this can possibly affect the capacitance and oscillation frequency of the sensor. A further drawback is that wires do not provide enough surface area to get an accurate capacitance without the addition of more complicated circuitry. This drawback may prevent the indicator from sensing liquid levels down to such small amounts as 1/4 of an inch. Another drawback of capacitance sensors is that they can be effected by noise and stray capacitance. The capacitor sensor is typically located in the washing machine tub and wired to the capacitance sensing circuitry located a few feet away. The capacitance of the wires changes during washing machine operation as the tub vibrates, resulting in the wires moving around. Accordingly, the sensing circuitry is susceptible to the stray capacitance of the wires between the capacitor sensor and the sensing circuitry. Further, due to the noise generated by the washing machine motor, the output signal of the capacitance circuitry can give erroneous data. Accordingly, due to the noise of the washer motor and turbulence caused by the washer agitator, the accuracy and stability of the sensing apparatus can be affected. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved fluid level sensor and controller. It is another object of the invention to provide a fluid level sensor and controller having simple construction and thus offering easy installation, maintenance, high-reliability, and high-speed response. It is further an object of the invention to provide a liquid level sensor with improved performance in a washing machine container where the liquid has high turbulence. It is also an object of this invention to provide a liquid level sensor that has minimal susceptibility to film or other materials that are used in a washing machine. It is an additional object of this liquid level sensor to provide an apparatus that can detect level changes of less than 1/4 of an inch. It is another object of the present invention to provide a liquid level sensing apparatus and controller that changes the amount of liquid in the container where the sensor is located in response to the changes of capacitance between the probes of the sensor. It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a liquid level sensor that is small enough to be used in a washing machine. These and other objects of the invention are obtained generally by providing an apparatus for sensing the level of liquid in a container comprising first and second parallel metal plates having opposingly facing flat surfaces, means for supporting the plates inside the container, spacing means, attached to the first and second plates for maintaining a constant spacing between the first and second plates, and a capacitance sensing means coupled to the plates for generating a signal indicating the level of liquid in the container. It may be preferable that the sensing apparatus further comprise a coating means for encasing the metal plates and having a thickness of less than 1/8 of an inch to prevent soap film from adhering to the sensor. It may also be preferable that the capacitance sensing means be attached to the top of the first and second plates to reduce sensitivity to stray noise and capacitance. It is further preferable that the capacitance sensing means comprises a means for generating a frequency proportional to the level of the liquid in the container to track the amount of liquid in the container without complicated circuitry. It is further preferable that the plates be spaced close enough to each other so as to provide a predetermined sensitivity and spaced far enough away from each other so that any film from the liquid is prevented from being clogged between the plates. The invention may further be practiced by a capacitive probe for sensing the level of liquid within a washing machine tub comprising a first and second parallel metal plate having opposingly facing flat surfaces having constant spacing of less than 1/2 inch, means for supporting the plates within the washing machine tub, a corrosive resistive material encasing the first and second parallel metal plate having a thickness of less than 1/8 of an inch. The capacitive probe also comprises an insulating spacing means attached between the first and second plate for maintaining a constant spacing between the first and second plates and a capacitive sensing means attached to the first and second plates for generating a frequency proportional to the level of liquid in the container. It may be preferable that the plate is coated with a Teflon material having a thickness less than 1/100th inches so that the Teflon materials dielectric strength has little effect of the total capacitance of the capacitive probe. The invention may also be practiced by the method of sensing liquid flowing into a washing machine comprising the steps of positioning a first and second parallel metal plate having opposingly facing flat surfaces in substantially vertical position within the liquid within the machine, encasing the plates in a non-corrosive material, maintaining a constant spacing between the first and second plates of less than 1/2 inch, sensing the capacitance between the first and second plate and generating a frequency signal proportional to the level of liquid in the container in response to the capacitance sensed. It may be preferable that the method further comprise the step of changing the flow of liquid into the washing machine in response to the frequency signal. It may also be preferable that the method further comprise the steps of positioning a circuit board on the metal plate the contains circuitry that senses the capacitance between the first and second plate, and generates the frequency signal. It is further preferable that the method further comprise the step of maintaining a constant spacing between the first and second plate to prevent a film within the liquid from becoming clogged within the plates. It is also preferable that the method further comprise the steps of determining the time period of the frequency signal, comparing the time period to a prestored value, and changing the flow of liquid into the washing machine in response to the comparison. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic view of a washing machine showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the sensing apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 shows a sectioned perspective view of the probe for the sensing apparatus shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 shows a circuit diagram of the frequency generating circuitry built into the fluid level sensing apparatus shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 5 shows a line graph of the frequency period versus fluid height for the frequency generating circuitry; FIG. 6 shows frequency signals from the frequency generation circuitry for a washing machine having a high liquid level and low liquid level; and FIG. 7 shows a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the liquid level sensor shown in FIG. 1. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, an automatic washing machine 10 is shown having a water containing tub 12 electrically connected to ground, a clothes containing basket 14 mounted for rotation about a vertical axis, and an agitator 16 mounted centrally within the basket 14 for oscillation about the vertical axis. An electric motor 18 is arranged to drive selectively the basket 14 or the agitator 16 through a transmission 20. Water or liquid 22 is delivered to the tub 12 from hot and cold water supply pipes 24 and 26 through a mixing and shut-off valve 28. Soap suds or film 23 is generated during operation from detergent added at the beginning of the wash cycle. Valve 28 is actuated electrically through a solenoid means 32 and 34. A drain 36 is arranged at the bottom of tub 12. Drain 36 is connected to pump 38 that removes water from tub 12 through pipe 40. An associated block diagram indicates that the electronic level control is provided which includes a frequency generation circuitry 42, a flow and timer control circuit 44, and a level selector 46 which can be adjusted to set the point at which the control circuit 44 enables solenoids 32 and 34 and pump 38 to turn on. The frequency generation circuitry 42 is connected to a liquid level sensor or probe 48 in the form of two cold rolled steel plates 50 and 52 (see FIG. 2) being coated with a corrosion resistive material 54 and being separated by a non-conductive material or spacers 56 and 58. The liquid level sensor 48 is disposed vertically between the substantially vertical wall of the tub 12 and the substantially vertical wall of the basket 14. The liquid level sensor 48 is used in conjunction with the liquid 22 in tub 12 to provide a capacitance to the frequency generation circuitry 42. The capacitance between the plates 50 and 52 of the liquid level sensor 48 will be equal to: C=KA/D where; K equals the dielectric constant of the materials between the plates; A equals the area of the plates; and D equals the distance between the plates. Thus, the capacitance between the plates 50 and 52 is a direct function of the dielectric constant K of the material between the two plates 50 and 52. As the depth or the level of liquid 22 in the tub 12 changes, a greater or lesser portion of the liquid level sensor 48 will have the higher dielectric constant of the liquid 22 between the plates 50 and 52 than will the portion above the liquid which is surrounded by air 53 (water has a dielectric constant of 81 as compared to air, which has a dielectric constant of 1, thus resulting in a significant difference in capacitance). As will be explained later, the effect of the coating 54 on the total capacitance is insignificant. As a result, the capacitance of the liquid level sensor 48 changes with a change in the liquid level, resulting in the frequency signal generated by the frequency generation circuitry 42 varying essentially linearly depending on the depth of the water or other liquid 22 in the tub 12 (see FIG. 5). FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the liquid level sensor 48 that is shown in FIG. 1. The liquid level sensor 48 is vertically mounted to tub 12 with bracket 49. The sensor 48 contains first and second plates 50 and 52 separated by spacers 56 and 58. The spacers 56 and 58 can be constructed from any non-conducting material, but preferably has a high dielectric strength and is made from a rigid ceramic material. Connecting first plate 50 to ceramic spacers 56 and 58 and second plate 52 are screws 60, 62 and nuts 64, 66. Screws 60, 62 and nuts 64, 66 are preferably made from an insulating material such as plastic. Screw 60 is positioned near the top of liquid level sensor 48 and screw 62 is located near the bottom of liquid level sensor 48. Plates 50 and 52 each contain three holes 68, 70, 72; holes 70 and 72 for insertion of plastic screws 60 and 62 while hole 68 is for insertion a rivet 74. Mounted on top of first and second plates 50 and 52 is circuit board 76. Mounted on circuit board 76 is frequency generation circuitry 42 including LM555 timer 78 and associated circuitry 96, 100 and 106 (shown in FIG. 4). Rivets 74 are driven through the circuit board 76 into the rivet hole 68 on the top of first and second plates 50 and 52. The rivets 74 provide an electrical contact for connecting the first and second plates 50 and 52 directly to circuit board 76. By riveting the circuit board 76 to first and second plates 50 and 52, the distance between the level sensor 48 and the frequency generation circuitry 42 is small. Further, there are no wires connecting the level sensor 48 to the frequency generation circuitry 42, which can move during washing machine 10 operation. Accordingly, the stray capacitance between the first and second plates 50 and 52 and circuit board 76 is minimized. Further, the noise within the washing machine tub 12 caused by both the agitator 16 and the electric motor 18, coupling into the frequency generation circuitry 42 and flow and timer control circuitry 44 is insignificant with respect to the frequency signal. Wire or line 84 connects circuit board 76 to the flow and timer control circuitry 44 located within the washing machine chassis (not shown). Vcc wire 86 and ground wire 88 connect to a power supply (not shown) within the washing machine chassis. The first and second plates 50 and 52 are coated with a non-corrosive material 54. One such material is a fluoroplastic such as polytetrafluoroethylene (sold under the trademark "Teflon" by Dupont) or a modified ETFE (such as "TEFZEL" also sold by Dupont). The preferable thickness of this coating 54 is 0.0005 inches. The dielectric constant of the coating is approximately 2. Accordingly, the dielectric constant and total thickness are small enough so as not to affect the capacitance between the first and second plates 50 and 52. The coating 54 thickness is large enough to prevent corrosion of the metal plates 50 and 52 and to prevent soap film 23 from adhering to the metal plates 50 and 52. When assembling the liquid level sensor 48, it is preferable that the ceramic spacers 56 and 58 maintain a distance between plates 50 and 52 of less than 1/2 inch. The ideal plate separation is between 1/16 and 1/8 of an inch. It is recognized that having the distance between the plates 50 and 52 greater than 1/16 of an inch, soap film 23 from the liquid 22 in the washing machine tub 12 is prevented from collecting on the plates 50 and 52. If soap film 23 were to collect between the plates 50 and 52, the capacitance between the plates 50 and 52 could change. It is also recognized that by keeping the distance between the plates 50 and 52 less than 1/2 inch, the frequency generation circuitry 42 provides a signal to the flow and timer control circuitry 44 that varies linearly with the liquid 22 in the tub 12 without being affected by the soap film 23. It is further recognized that keeping the distance (D) between the plates 50 and 52, small, liquid level sensor 48 maintains a sufficiently large sensor capacitance such that the dielectric caused by the soap film 23 is insignificant with respect to air and water. The plates 50 and 52 are preferably 1/2 inch wide, having a thickness of 1/50 to 1/10 of an inch. These plates dimensions enable the liquid level sensor 48 to fit within a standard washing machine tub 12. The preferred length of the plates 50 and 52 is 15 inches with a 1/2 inch lip at the top. It is recognized that by having the plates 50 and 52 made from steel and being substantially rigid, the turbulence due to the water flowing in the washing machine tub 12 has little affect of the constant spacing between the plates 50 and 52. This further increases the sensitivity of the liquid level sensor 48. It is further recognized that by maintaining the constant distance between the first and second plates 50 and 52 and coating the plates with a thin flouroplastic material such as Teflon 90, the liquid level sensor 48 capacitance remains substantially linear during washing machine operation. Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a schematic of the frequency generation circuitry 42 which generates a frequency signal having a period proportional to the capacitance between the first and second plates 50 and 52, and the flow and timer control circuitry 44. Frequency generation circuitry 42 contains a LM555 Timer 78, manufactured by National Semiconductor Corporation of Santa Clara, California. Further information on the LM555 timer 78 chip is located in the National Semiconductor Corporation Linear Data Book, ยฉ1982 which is hereby incorporated by reference. Flow and timer control circuitry 44 contains a microprocessor 122 such as a 68HCll, manufactured by Motorola Semiconductor of Austin, Texas. Both frequency generation circuitry 42 and flow and timer control circuitry 44 are powered by a five volt power supply (not shown). Connected between the five volt power line (Vcc) 86 and the DIS (Discharge) pin 94 of the LM555 Timer 78 is resistor 96, here having 500K ohms resistance. Connected across the DIS pin 94 and the THR (Threshold) pin 98 of the LM555 Timer 78 is resistor 100, here having 62K ohms resistance. The THR pin 98 is connected to the TR* (Trigger) pin 102. Connected to THR pin 98 is plate 52 of the liquid level sensor 48. Plate 50 of the liquid level sensor 48 is connected to GND. The CV (Control Voltage) pin 104 of the LM555 Timer 78 is tied through or 0.01 F capacitor 106 to ground. The Reset pin 108 is tied to the Vcc line 86. During operation, the LM555 timer 78 operates with well known principles and sets the frequency at its output in accordance with the capacitance between THR 98 and GND. Accordingly, LM555 timer 78 generates a frequency signal onto line 84 which varies proportionately to changes in the liquid level sensor 48 capacitance. Furthermore, the frequency signal will change with the fluid height in tub 12. Frequency generation circuitry 42 transmits the frequency signal through line 84 to flow and timer control circuitry 44. It is recognized that the frequency signal varies between GND and Vcc (typically 5 V) and the noise coupled to the frequency signal is typically around 100 mV. Hence, the frequency signal is substantially immune from noise from the washing machine motor 18. In FIG. 5, there is shown a graph of the frequency period of the frequency signal as a function of the fluid height in the tub 12. Point 138 indicates the relationship between the fluid height and the frequency signal period when the tub 12 is full and point 140 indicates the relationship when the tub 12 is empty. In FIG. 6, there is shown a frequency signal 110 corresponding to an empty tub and a frequency signal 112 corresponding to a full tub. As the fluid 22 level increases in tub 12, the period of the frequency signal decreases. It is recognized that the frequency signal varies linearly with the level of the fluid 22 in the tub 12. The period of the frequency signal may be adjusted by changing the resistance on resistor 96. The Flow and Timer control circuitry 44 is connected to the Frequency Generation circuitry 42 through line 84, the level selector 46 through line 114, the hot and cold solenoids 32 and 34 through respective lines 116 and 118, and the drain pump 38 through line 120. Within the Flow and Timer control circuitry 44 is a microprocessor 122 and its associated circuit (not shown). The microprocessor 122 is connected to level selector 46 through line 114. Level selector 46 generates a signal onto line 114 having a value corresponding to a selected liquid level. During washing machine operation, the microprocessor 122 enables solenoid means 32 and 34 to allow water to fill tub 12. The microprocessor 122 then determines when the liquid level has reached a preset height in tub 12 by sampling frequency signal on line 84, such as frequency signal 110. Rising edge 126 of frequency signal 110 indicates to the microprocessor 122 to start an internal timer (not shown). When the microprocessor 122 detects second rising edge 128, the microprocessor then reads the timer and compares the edge time (corresponding to the time between rising edges) to a value from the level selector 46. When the edge time is greater than or equal to the value from the level selector 46 (see point 138, FIG. 5), microprocessor 122 sends a signal to solenoids through line 116 and 118 to actuate solenoid means 32 and 34 to stop the liquid from entering the tub 12. Microprocessor 122 can also continuously send the sensed level data to a display or display controller (not shown) via data lines 146 to indicate to the operator the water level in the tub. This display may be an LED or LCD type that is well known. It is recognized by continuously monitoring the capacitance of sensor 48 as the liquid in the tub 12 is added or drained, an accurate level of liquid is the tub can be displayed at all times. To drain liquid from the tub 12, the microprocessor 122 sends a signal through line 120 to turn on pump 38. Pump 38 then drains liquid from tub 12 through drain 36. The microprocessor 122 then samples the frequency signal such as frequency signal 112 and determines the time between rising edges 132 and 134. When the time between rising edges 132 and 134 is less than a pre-stored value (see point 140, FIG. 5), corresponding to time between frequency signal rising edges when no fluid is present in tub 12, the microprocessor 122 sends a signal through line 120 to turn off pump 38. This operation may be repeated throughout the wash cycle. Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown an alternate embodiment of the liquid level sensor 48a vertically mounted between tank 12 and basket 14 with mounting bracket 49a. Liquid level sensor 48a includes a printed circuit board 144 having a plate or metal strip 50a on the surface of one side and a plate or metal strip 52a on the surface of the other side of circuit board 144. Metal strips 50a and 52a and printed circuit board 144 are coated with a non-corrosive material 54a such as Teflon to prevent any soap film 23 from liquid 22 from attaching to liquid level sensor 48a. The liquid level sensor preferably has dimensions of 15" highร—1.5" wideร—1/2" thick. Mounted near the top of liquid level sensor and connected to metal strips 50a and 52a is frequency generation circuitry 42. Metal strip 50a is connected through control circuitry 44 on circuit board 144 to GND. Power (5V) is provided to control circuitry 44 on circuit board 144 from a power supply (not shown) located in the washing machine chassis. The output of frequency generation circuitry 42 is connected through line 84 to flow and timer control circuitry 44. During operation, the average dielectric constant around metal strips 50a and 52a changes as the liquid 22 level in the tub 12 rises and falls. This change in dielectric constant results in the frequency signal from frequency generation circuitry 42 to change its period. Flow and timer control circuitry 44 responds to the changes in the frequency signal as previously described. It is recognized that the capacitance of the metal strips 50a and 52a can vary by changing the average dielectric constant due to the level of the liquid around the metal strips and not changing the dielectric constant of the material between the metal strips. It is further recognized by coating the strips with a non-stick, a non-porous and a non-corrosive material 54a such as Teflon or fluoroplastic, the sensor 48a capacitance is impervious to soap film 23. This concludes the Description of the Preferred Embodiments. A reading of those skilled in the art will bring to mind many modifications and alternatives without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention only be limited by the following claims.
A fluid level sensor for determining the amount of liquid in a container. Thin metal plates are placed parallely adjacent each other to form a capacitor cell coated with a non-hygroscopic film. The plates are mounted on the walls of the container containing fluid. As the fluid covers more surface area of the capacitor plates, the dielectric properties of the fluid increase the capacitance of the cell proportionally. The plates are connected to an oscillator whose output frequency varies with the change in container fluid levels. By monitoring these frequency changes, the container fluid levels of the fluid in the container can be controlled.
3
FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to offshore structures for drilling and producing operations. In particular the invention is concerned with a compliant structure suitable for use in water depths in excess of 1,000 feet. PRIOR ART The use of offshore structures for drilling and producing operations has become relatively commonplace in recent years. However, as more petroleum fields are being developed in deeper waters, the search continues for structures capable of withstanding the hostile wind and wave forces encountered without being prohibitive in cost. Two structures proposed in the prior art for operation in water depths greater than 1,000 feet are the guyed tower and the buoyant articulated tower. The guyed tower is a trussed structure that is supported on the ocean floor with a spud can or with pilings. Guy lines run from the deck to fairleads below the water surface to clump weights on the ocean floor. Since the tower will sway a few degrees during the passage of large waves, the well conductors must flex at the tower base. Preferably the fairleads are positioned at about the same elevation as the center of pressure of the applied design wave and wind loads. The environmental forces are therefore, more or less, colinear with the mooring system and the moment transmitted to the tower base is minimized. Beyond the clump weights, the guy lines are attached to suitable fixed anchors. Thus, the clump weights may be lifted from the bottom by heavy storm waves permitting further displacement of the tower. An articulated buoyant tower differs from the foregoing fixed structure in several important respects. An articulated joint, such as a universal or ball joint, attaches the tower to a pile base thereby permitting the tower to tilt in response to environmental forces. A set of buoyant chambers provides the necessary righting moment and the upward force is effectively negated by a ballast chamber located near the bottom of the tower. The primary objection to such articulated systems arises as a result of the tower's lack of rendundancy and the difficulty of inspection and/or replacement of the articulated joint. The present invention combines the better features of the above systems in a new and ingenious manner to produce a superior structure for offshore drilling and producing operations. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a compliant offshore drilling and producing structure. In accordance with the invention a plurality of axial load piles installed in the sea floor extend upwardly therefrom to a point beyond the upper surface of the water. A rigid platform is provided having a plurality of open ended sleeves affixed thereto and extending downwardly therefrom in a substantially vertical orientation over each of the axial load piles. Buoyant means affixed to the sleeves below the water line are used to support most of the platform weight and provide righting stability to the platform. Further means are provided for supporting the remaining platform weight from the plurality of axial load piles. Preferably these means comprise one or more pistons attached to the ends of each axial pile which extend into hydraulic cylinders secured to the platform. Means are provided for injecting hydraulic fluid into each of the cylinders and preferably all of the cylinders are connected to a single hydraulic circuit. Bearings are provided between the axial piles and the sleeves to facilitate vertical movement of the sleeves and platform relative to the fixed axial piles. Preferably, at least 75%, and more preferably at least 95% of the sleeve and platform weight is supported by the buoyant chambers affixed to the sleeves. These chambers should further be compartmented to prevent excessive weight from being applied to the axial piles in the event of a rupture in the chambers. If the platform is to be subjected to large lateral loads, skirt piles may also be installed at the base of the structure to absorb part of the horizontal loading. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The drawing is a schematic diagram of apparatus suitable for use in the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawing there is shown a structure in accordance with the present invention, generally referred to by reference numeral 10. A plurality of axial load piles 12, preferably at least 3 in number, are installed in the sea floor 14 to a suitable depth to provide an adequate resistance against the environmental forces, primarily wind and wave, which may occur. As illustrated, the piles extend upwardly from the sea floor beyond the water's surface 16. A platform 18 which provides the necessary working space for the drilling and producing operations and which may also provide housing and office space for the crew is situated above the water line beyond the height of the maximum anticipated storm sea. A plurality of sleeves 20 are rigidly attached in any conventional manner to the platform 18 and extend vertically downward over each of the axial piles. Preferably, the sleeves will extend below the water line at least 75% and preferably 98% of the distance to the sea floor. The sleeves are also preferably cross braced with stiffening trusses 22 substantially along their underwater lengths. Bearings 24 are provided between the sleeves 20 and the piles 12 to facilitate relative axial movement therebetween. The bearings may be of any suitable and conventional design to lower the frictional forces which would otherwise develop and provide lateral support to the axial piles. Under the conditions of use, the bearings should preferably be designed as a permanent system which will not require replacement during the life of the structure. Where this is not possible, sufficient access should be provided to the components to the bearing system so that it is possible to replace critical elements with minimum dismantling of adjacent components. Preferably at least 75%, and more preferably 95% of the weight of the entire structure, including the platform and its associated equipment, and excluding the shear piles, will be supported by buoyancy chambers 26 conventionally affixed to the sleeves beneath the water line. Buoyancy chambers 26 provide a righting moment to the tower whenever it sways from a true vertical orientation due to environmental forces. These chambers should be compartmented so that unexpected sealing failures will not unduly burden the foundation pilings. Normally two sets of buoyant chambers will be used for the structure's tow and installation at the drilling site. The chambers provided for supporting the lower portion of the sleeves during transportation may be flooded to submerge the structure, removed, or shifted towards the upper end of the unit. The upper end of each foundation pile extends through its associated sleeve as shown in the drawing and is connected to a piston 28. Each piston is housed in a hydraulic cylinder 30 affixed to the platform in a load bearing relationship. Preferably each cylinder is serviced with hydraulic fluid via lines 34 from a single fluid reservoir 32 housed in the platform. If desired, a plurality of pistons and cylinders may be associated with each axial pile. In such a case, at least one piston and cylinder from each pile should be operated from a common fluid reservoir. The remaining platform and sleeve weight, not supported by the buoyant chambers, is supported by the foundation piling through the hydraulic cylinders, fluid and pistons. This system gives the overall structure the desired degree of compliancy of rotation about the sea floor but resists platform heave or vertical motion. Skirt piles 36 may also be advantageously used to provide additional lateral support. Unlike the axial load piles, the skirt piles do not extend beyond the water's surface since they are not necessary for carrying vertical loads. Lateral forces are transmitted from the piles via vetically movable sleeves 38 which are rigidly connected to sleeves 20 via trusses 40. Bearings 42 may be used between sleeves 38 and piles 36, if desired to reduce frictional forces. While use of hydraulic means as set forth above is preferred for coupling the structure sleeves and platform to the axial load piles, it is within the spirit and skill of this invention to use conventional mechanical systems to accomplish the same end.
A compliant offshore drilling and producing structure is disclosed. Axial piles extend from the sea floor above the water's surface and are enveloped by sleeves extending downwardly from a rigid platform. Buoyant chambers attached to the sleeves support most of the platform weight and provide righting stability. The platform weight is supported by the axial piles through hydraulic means.
4
This application is a C-I-P of Ser. No. 08/388,379, filed Feb. 14, 1995, which is abandoned. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention My present invention relates to string, and more particularly to string made from recyclable material, and methods and apparatus for making the same. 2. Description of the Prior Art Stretching processes and apparatus for producing polyester cables, yarns, textile fibers, polyfilamentous plastic strand, and the like, are known in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 3,894,135, issued to Karlheinz Riggert, et al., on Jul. 8, 1975, and entitled PROCESS FOR STRETCHING A CABLE OF POLYESTER THREADS, discloses a process for stretching a cable of polyester threads, especially a cable of polyethylene terephthalate, between an inlet roller mechanism, and a first stretching roller mechanism, in which the cable is conducted, within the lateral roller mechanism, through an immersion bath maintained at a temperature between 40ยฐ and 65ยฐ Celsius. U.S. Pat. No. 3,943,138, issued to Geoffrey Marshall and Eric Ivan Riseley on Mar. 9, 1976, and entitled PROCESS FOR UNIFORMLY DRAWING POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE FILAMENTS TO FORM HIGH SHRINKAGE FIBERS, discloses a process for uniformly drawing tows of polyethylene terephthalate to produce high shrinkage fibers wherein the drawing is effected with the tow in a hot water saturated condition at a controlled birefringence, temperature and draw ratio. These prior art stretching processes, however, involve the careful maintenance of certain parameters of the stretched strands and their environments, such as temperature, birefringence, and draw ratio. Further, the processes of these patents involve the handling of multiplicities of fibers in the form of cables or tows of filaments. It is believed that the United States patents listed immediately hereinbelow contain information which is or might be considered to be material to the examination of this patent application. U.S. Pat. No. 3,553,305 U.S. Pat. No. 3,574,811 U.S. Pat. No. 3,752,457 U.S. Pat. No. 3,839,524 U.S. Pat. No. 4,350,006 U.S. Pat. No. 4,668,577 U.S. Pat. No. 4,164,530 U.S. Pat. No. 3,457,894 U.S. Pat. No. 3,332,228 U.S. Pat. No. 3,327,468 U.S. Pat. No. 2,602,283 U.S. Pat. No. 2,545,869 U.S. Pat. No. 2,453,984 U.S. Pat. No. 2,403,317 U.S. Pat. No. 974,132 The term "prior art" as used herein or in any statement made by or on behalf of applicant means only that any document or thing referred to as prior art bears, directly or inferentially, a date which is earlier than the effective filing date hereof. No representation is made that any of the above-listed United States patents is part of the prior art, or that no more pertinent information exists. A copy of each of the United States patents referred to hereinabove is being supplied to the United States Patent and Trademark Office herewith, except those copied with the parent application. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of my present invention to provide string which is fabricated from recyclable material, e.g., polyethylene film. Another object of my present invention is to provide string which is fabricated substantially entirely from recyclable material. Yet another object of my present invention is to provide strings which are fabricated from recyclable material, each of which strings is fabricated from a single, continuous strip of said recyclable material. A further object of my present invention is to provide processes for fabricating strings from recyclable material, each of which strings is fabricated from a single, continuous strip of said recyclable material. A yet further object of my present invention is to provide processes which achieve the preceding object and which do not involve the careful maintenance of critical process parameters, such as temperature, birefringence, draw ratio and the like. A yet further object of my present invention is to provide processes which achieve at least some of the preceding objects and which do not involve the careful maintenance of critical process parameters, such as temperature, birefringence, draw ratio and the like, and in some embodiments do not involve the twisting of said continuous strip. Another object of my present invention is to provide apparatus for fabricating strings from recyclable material, each of which strings is fabricated from a single, continuous strip of said recyclable material. Yet another object of my present invention is to provide apparatus which achieves at least one of the preceding objects and which is devoid of means for determining and controlling particular parameters of said strip of recyclable material, such as temperature, birefringence, tow ratio, and the like. A further object of my present invention is to provide apparatus which achieves the two preceding objects, which apparatus is devoid of means for determining and controlling parameters of the media surrounding parts of said strip of recyclable material, such as temperature, humidity, and the like. Other objects of my present invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter. My present invention, accordingly comprises the several steps and the relations of one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others, the apparatus embodying features of construction, combinations of elements and arrangements of parts, and the articles having certain characteristics and properties, all as exemplified in the detailed disclosure hereinafter set forth, including the drawings, and the scope of my present invention will be indicated in the claims appended hereto. In accordance with a principal feature of my present invention strings are fabricated from continuous strips of recyclable material. In accordance with another principal feature of my present invention each such string is fabricated from a single, continuous strip of recyclable material, e.g., polyethylene stretch film. In accordance with an additional principal feature of my present invention certain strings thereof are each comprised of a plurality of said continuous strips of recyclable material. In accordance with yet another principal feature of my present invention each such string is fabricated by continuously twisting the strip of recyclable material from which it is fabricated about its longitudinal axis until its maximum transverse dimension is no more than three times as great as its minimum transverse dimension. In accordance with a principal feature of a second preferred embodiment of my present invention each string is fabricated substantially without continuously twisting the strip of recyclable material from which it is fabricated about its longitudinal axis. In accordance with a yet further principal feature of my present invention apparatus for fabricating said strings is comprised of a payout reel for paying out a strip of recyclable material and rotating means for rotating said payout reel about an axis perpendicular to its axis of rotation, said payout reel being mounted in said rotating means on a roller bearing supported shaft, so that said payout reel can be freely manually rotated in said rotating means. The paying out of said film strip, however, being braked by the electrostatic cling property of said film. In accordance with a yet further principal feature of said second preferred embodiment of my present invention apparatus for fabricating said strings is comprised of a payout reel for paying out a strip of recyclable material and no rotating means for rotating said payout reel about an axis perpendicular to its axis of rotation, said payout reel being mounted in said rotating means on a roller bearing supported shaft, so that said payout reel can be freely manually rotated in said rotating means. The paying out of said film strip, however, being braked by the electrostatic cling property of said film. In accordance with another principal feature of my present invention said apparatus for fabricating said string is further comprised of a motor-driven takeup reel for taking up said string after its fabrication is completed. In accordance with yet another principal feature of my present invention said apparatus for fabricating said string is further comprised of drag braking means for frictionally opposing the taking up of said twisted strip onto said takeup reel, thus stretching said twisted strip beyond its elastic limit but below its breaking limit. In accordance with yet another principal feature of said second preferred embodiment of my present invention said apparatus for fabricating said string is further comprised of drag braking means for frictionally opposing the taking up of the stretched but substantially untwisted strip onto said takeup reel, thus stretching said stretched but substantially untwisted strip beyond its elastic limit but below its breaking limit so that mutually confronting portions thereof bond together. For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a string fabricating device of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the payout reel section of the string fabricating device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the payout reel of the string fabricating device of the present invention shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the drag brake assembly of the string fabricating device of the present invention shown FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the takeup reel section of the string fabricating device of the present invention shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is a sectional, elevational view of one of the pulleys of the drag brake assembly shown in FIG. 4, taken on plane 6--6 of FIG. 4; FIG. 7 is a sectional, elevational view of one of the pulleys of the drag brake assembly shown in FIG. 4, taken on plane 7--7 of FIG. 4; FIG. 8 is a plan view of a strip or ribbon of recyclable material, such as would be used in fabricating string in accordance with the invention, lying on a horizontal surface; and FIG. 9 an elevational view, partly in section, of the eye of the drag brake assembly shown in FIG. 4. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a recyclable string fabricating device 10 of the first preferred embodiment of my present invention. String fabricating device 10 comprises a table 12 having a flat top 14. As further seen in FIG. 1, string fabricating device 10 is comprised of a payout reel section 16, a drag brake section 18, and a takeup reel section 20, all of which are disposed upon table top 14 and secured to table 12. As may best be seen by comparison of FIGS. 1 and 2, payout reel section 16 is comprised of a pedestal 22 which is affixed to table 12 and disposed upon top 14 thereof. A gear reducer 24 is affixed to the top of pedestal 22 by means of bolts 26 (FIG. 2). The housing of an electric motor 28 is affixed to the housing of gear reducer 24, and the output shaft of motor 28 is affixed to the input coupling of gear reducer 24. As also seen in FIG. 2, a boss 30 is mounted upon and irrotatably affixed to the output shaft 32 of gear reducer 24. As may best be seen by comparison of FIGS. 2 and 3, a unitary saddle 36 comprised of a base plate 40 and two side plates 42, 44 is affixed to boss 30 in such manner that saddle 36 rotates about output shaft axis 48 whenever gear reducer output shaft 32 rotates, and in synchronism therewith. Thus, as will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, informed by the present disclosure, saddle 36 rotates about output shaft axis 48 whenever the output shaft of electric motor 28 is rotating, the ratio between the speed of rotation of the output shaft of electric motor 28 and the speed of rotation of saddle 36 about output shaft axis 48 being determined by the internal construction of gear reducer 24 in the manner well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Referring again to FIG. 1, it will be seen that a knob 52 and its cooperating facia plate 52' are mounted on the skirt flange 12' of table 12 adjacent payout reel section 16. Speed selection knob 52 is the speed selection knob of an electric motor controller of well known type which is not shown in the present drawings because such electric motor speed controllers are well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. In the manner known to those having ordinary skill in the art the electric motor controller of which speed selection knob 52 is a part is connected between the input terminals of electric motor 28 and the output terminals of a manually operable electric switch 56 (FIG. 1), which is itself mounted on skirt flange 12'. It is to be understood that the input terminals of switch 56 are themselves connected to a suitable source of electrical power. Thus, it will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, informed by the present disclosure, that electric motor 28 may be energized or deenergized by manually manipulating switch 56, and that when electric motor 28 is energized the speed of electric motor 28 may be varied by manually turning knob 52. It follows, then, that when the manual actuator of switch 56 is in its ON position the speed of rotation of saddle 36 about axis 48 may be determined by suitable manipulation of speed selection knob 52 (FIG. 1). Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, and comparing the same, it will be seen that a roll 60 of recyclable film strip 62, e.g., a strip of 5 inch wide by one mil (0.001 inch) thick polyethylene stretch film, is contained within saddle 36 and is rotatably mounted on a shaft 64 the respective ends of which are located in bores 68-1', 68-2', which pass through side plate 42 and side plate 44, respectively. Strip film 62 is sometimes called "banding film" or "linear film". Shaft 64 is maintained in bores 68-1' and 68-2' by means of demountable retainers 70-1, 70-2 (FIG. 3). Comparing FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 it will be seen that, in the first prefered embodiment, as recyclable film strip 62 is drawn from roll 60 and toward brake section 18 it first passes through constriction zone 72 wherein it is twisted into an unbonded twist 74. Unbonded twist 74 then passes into drag brake section 18, wherein it is stretched and its diameter is considerably reduced (compare FIGS. 6 and 7). (The part of twist 74 within brake 18 is designated by the reference numeral 74'.) It is further to be understood that in the second preferred embodiment motor 28 is not energized, or saddle 36 is not rotatable about axis 48, and thus strip 62 is not twisted. As best seen in FIG. 1, the reduced twist 78' which emerges from drag brake 18 proceeds directly to reel 80 of takeup reel section 20 and is then wound on takeup reel 80, thus stretching the span of reduced twist 78' between brake section 18 and takeup reel 80 beyond its elastic limit but well below its breaking limit, whereby untwisting of the resulting string 78 wound on takeup reel 80 is prevented. As will now be clear to those having ordinary skill in the art, informed by the present disclosure, in the first preferred embodiment, film strip 62 is continuous, passing from roll 60 in saddle 36 to takeup reel section 20, where it is reeled onto takeup reel 80 (FIGS. 1 and 5) as finished string 78, whereas in the second preferred embodiment, the same strip film processing steps take place but strip 62 is not twisted. It will also be seen that film strip 62 changes form at various stages of its passage through strip fabricating device 10, whether twisted or not. For example, when film strip 62 is twisted about its longitudinal axis during its passage through constriction zone 72, and thus becomes unbonded twist 74. Unbonded twist 74 then passes through brake section 18, wherein it is designated by the reference numeral 74' (FIG. 4), and then is reeled onto takeup reel 80 as string 78, which is the output product of string fabricating device 10. Referring now to FIG. 4, it will be seen that brake section 18 is comprised of a mounting plate 84 upon which are mounted a plurality of processing elements, such as eyes and pulleys, which will be described in detail hereinafter. Brake section 18 is substantially unchanged in the second preferred embodiment. As also seen in FIG. 4, mounting plate 84 is fixedly mounted on the flat top 14 of table 12 by means of bolts 86 which pass through suitable cooperating bores in a baseplate 88 which is itself affixed to the lower edge of mounting plate 84, as by welding. Comparing FIGS. 4 and 9, it will be seen that an eye 90 is fixedly mounted on mounting plate 84, and that eye 90 defines an aperture 92 through which unbonded twist 74 passes. As shown by dashed lines in FIG. 4, aperture 92 has a smooth toroidal wall the upper part of which is contacted by unbonded twist 74 in passing through aperture 92. Thus, it will be understood that eye 90 is not intended to catch or frictionally engage twist 74, but rather to guide twist 74 around a fairly sharp corner, and thus to flex twist 74. Referring again to FIG. 4, it will be seen that a plurality of pulleys 96, 98, 100, 102, 104 are mounted on mounting plate 84. Each of these pulleys is freely, rotatably mounted on mounting plate 84. More particularly, each pulley 96, 98, 100, 102, 104 is respectively mounted on a roller bearing 96-1, 98-1, 100-1, 102-1, 104-1, and the inner race of each such roller bearing is respectively mounted on a selectively positionable plug 96-2, 98-2, 100-2, 102-2, 104-2 which projects outwardly from mounting plate 84 (as seen in FIG. 4), as by press fitting. Thus, it will be understood that each pulley 96, 98, 100, 102, 104 is located closely adjacent, but not contacting, the front face (shown in FIG. 4) of mounting plate 84, and is freely rotatable with respect to mounting plate 84, about an axis perpendicular to said front face. Each of said plugs 96-2, 98-2, 100-2, 102-2, 104-2 is selectively positionable along an associated slot 85-1, 85-2, 85-3, 85-4, 85-5, and is lockable in any desired position along the associated slot, by means the provision of which is within the scope of one having ordinary skill in the art, and thus each pulley 96, 98, 100, 102, 104 is selectively positionable at any desired location on its associated slot. The collocation of pulleys 96, 98, 100, 102, 104 shown in FIG. 4 is the collocation of the first preferred embodiment of my invention. At higher takeup reel speeds the drag exerted upon twist 74, 74' should be less than at lower takeup reel speeds, i.e., pulleys 96, 98, 100, 102, 104 should be closer to the horizontal center line of back plate 84, to avoid the breaking of twist 74, 74'. The segment of film strip 62 which at any particular time is being processed by passing through brake section 18 is herein sometimes designated by the reference numeral 74', and the part of film strip 62 which emerges from brake section 18 over pulley 104 is sometimes designated by the reference numeral 78' herein. As seen in FIG. 4, segment 74' passes through aperture 92 of eye 90 and is also engaged with the grooves of the respective pulleys 96, 98, 100, 102 and 104, passing over pulley 96, under pulley 98, over pulley 100, under pulley 102, and over pulley 104. As may be seen from FIGS. 6 and 7, segment 74' is seated in the groove of pulley 96, and is also seated in the groove of pulley 104, as it is seated in the grooves of the other pulleys 98, 100, 102. As seen in FIG. 6, segment 74' is seated in the groove 96' of pulley 96. As seen in FIG. 7, segment 74' is seated in the groove 104' of pulley 104. As may be seen by comparison of FIGS. 6 and 7, segment 74' is reduced in diameter as it passes through braking section 18. It is to be understood that not all of string 78, or any string produced in accordance with my present invention, is of circular cross-section throughout its length. Generally, however, the maximum dimension of any cross-section of string 78 is no greater than three times the minimum dimension of that cross-section. Referring now to FIG. 5, it will be seen that takeup reel section 20 is comprised of a pedestal 82 upon which is mounted a gear reducer 84. The housing of an electric motor 86 is mounted on the housing of gear reducer 84, and the output shaft of electric motor 86 is affixed to the input coupling of gear reducer 84. Takeup reel 80 is affixed to the output shaft 88 of gear reducer 84. As also seen in FIG. 5, the finished string portion 78 of film strip 62 is so affixed to takeup reel 80 as to be wound onto takeup reel 80 when takeup reel 80 is rotated in the clockwise direction as seen in FIG. 5. It is to be understood that in certain embodiments of my invention takeup reel 80 will be a paper, plastic or metal reel upon which string 78 will subsequently be vended, or retained for later use. Comparing FIGS. 1 and 5, it will be seen that pedestal 82 is affixed to the top 14 of table 12 in the same manner in which pedestal 22 is affixed to the top 14 of table 12. As seen in FIG. 1, a knob 90 and its cooperating facia plate 90' are mounted on the skirt flange 12' of table 12 adjacent pedestal 82. Knob 90 is the speed selection knob of an electric motor controller of well known type, which is not shown in the present drawings because such electric motor speed controllers are well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. In the manner known to those having ordinary skill in the art, the electric motor controller of which speed selection knob 90 is a part is connected between the input terminals of electric motor 86 and the output terminals of switch 56. Thus, it will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, informed by the present disclosure, that electric motor 86 may be energized or deenergized by manually manipulating switch 56, and that when electric motor 86 is energized the speed of electric motor 86 may be varied by manually turning speed control knob 90. It follows, then, that when the manual actuator of switch 90 is in its ON position the speed of rotation of takeup reel 80 about the axis of shaft 88 may be determined by suitable manipulation of speed selection knob 90. In the preferred embodiment of my present invention the speed of rotation of saddle 36 about axis 48 will typically be about 100 revolutions per minute, and the speed of rotation of takeup reel 80 may correspondingly be about 50 to 60 revolutions per minute. Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a segment of stretch film strip 62 and its longitudinal axis 62'. It is to be understood that whenever the term "longitudinal axis" is used herein in connection with stretch film strip 62, or any part thereof, that term is intended to denote a rectilinear axis passing along that stretch film strip and located substantially equidistant from the edges thereof. It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, and since certain changes may be made in the above constructions, the method carried out thereby, and the articles made thereby, without departing from the scope of my present invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only, and not in a limiting sense. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of my invention hereindescribed, and all statements of the scope of my invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
Recyclable string and methods and apparatus for making the same are disclosed. The recyclable string is made by the disclosed apparatus from a strip of recyclable stretch film by twisting the stretch film about its longitudinal axis and stretching the twisted stretch film along its longitudinal axis, preventing the untwisting of the twisted stretch film. In a second version the srip is not twisted.
3
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/540,772, filed Mar. 31, 2000, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to client-server systems and methods for transferring data via a network between a server and one or more clients that are spatially distributed (i.e., situated at different locations), and where at least one local client computer provides a user interface to interact with at least one remote server computer which implements data processing in response to the local client computer. BACKGROUND [0003] The Internet World Wide Web (WWW) architecture provides a very flexible, powerful, and potentially extensible programming model. As shown in FIG. 1, denominated โ€œPrior Artโ€, applications and content are presented in standard data formats, and are browsed by applications known as web browsers. The web browser, 11 , is a thin client, networked application, i.e., it sends requests, 21 , for named data objects to a web or network server, 13 , and the web or network server, 13 , responds with the data encoded, 31 , using the standard formats. [0004] The WWW standards specify many of the mechanisms necessary to build a general-purpose application environment, including: [0005] 1. Standard naming modelโ€”All servers and content on the WWW are named with an Internet-standard Uniform Resource Locator (URL). [0006] 2. Content typingโ€”All content on the WWW is given a specific type thereby allowing web browsers to correctly process the content based on its type. [0007] 3. Standard content formatsโ€”Heretofore; all web browsers have supported a set of standard content formats. These include the HyperText Markup Language (HTML), the JavaScript scripting language, and a large number of other formats. [0008] 4. Standard Protocolsโ€”Standard networking protocols allow any web browser to communicate with any web server. The most commonly used protocol on the WWW is the HyperText Transport Protocol (HTTP). [0009] This infrastructure allows users to easily reach a large number of third-party applications and content services. It also allows application developers to easily create applications and content services for a large community of clients. However, the success of the WWW and the underlying ATM and TCP/IP protocols has spurred new applications and rapid growth, limited only by the constraints of the underlying programming tools and page delivery languages. This has required optimizations, extensions, and โ€œwork arounds.โ€ This is especially so in the wireless or handheld environment. [0010] The wireless or handheld environment presents challenges. The devices are physically small; they have low processor power, low memory capacity, small displays, narrow bandwidths, frequently with embedded communications software, and frequently with touch pads in addition to or instead of keypads. The Wireless Application Protocol (โ€œWAPโ€) has been developed for these portable devices. [0011] The Wireless Application Protocol (โ€œWAPโ€) programming model is similar to the WWW programming model. Optimizations and extensions have been made in order to match the characteristics of the wireless environment. WAP content and applications are specified in a set of well-known content formats based on the familiar WWW content formats. Content is transported using a set of standard communication protocols based on the WWW communication protocols. A micro browser in the wireless terminal co-ordinates the user interface and is analogous to a standard web browser. [0012] The WAP protocol defines a set of standard components that enable communication between mobile terminals and network servers, including: [0013] 1. Standard naming modelโ€”WWW-standard URLs is used to identify WAP content on origin servers. WWW-standard URLs are used to identify local resources in a device, e.g. call control functions. [0014] 2. Content typingโ€”All WAP content is given a specific type consistent with WWW typing. This allows WAP user agents to correctly process the content based on its type. [0015] 3. Standard content formatsโ€”WAP content formats are based on WWW technology and include display markup, calendar information, electronic business card objects, images and scripting language. [0016] 4. Standard communication protocolsโ€”WAP communication protocols enable the communication of browser requests from the mobile terminal to the network web server. [0017] An example WAP-compliant network is shown in FIG. 2, denominated โ€œPrior Art.โ€ In the example, the WAP client, 12 , communicates with a web server, 14 , through a WAP gateway, 15 . The WAP gateway, 15 , translates WAP requests, 22 , to WWW requests, 23 , thereby allowing the WAP client, 12 , to submit requests, 22 , to the web server, 14 . The gateway, 15 , also encodes the responses, 33 , from the web server, 14 , into the compact binary format, 32 , understood by the client, 12 . [0018] If the web server, 14 , provides WAP content (e.g., WML), the WAP gateway, 15 , retrieves it directly from the web server, 14 . However, if the web server, 14 , provides WWW content (such as HTML), a filter is used to translate the WWW content, 33 , into WAP content, 32 . For example, the HTML filter would translate HTML into WML. [0019] The Wireless Telephony Application (WTA) server is an example origin or gateway server that responds to requests from the WAP client directly. The WTA server is used to provide WAP access to features of the wireless network provider's telecommunications infrastructure. [0020] The WAP architecture provides a scaleable and extensible environment for application development for mobile communication devices. This is achieved through a layered design of the entire protocol stack where each of the layers of the architecture is accessible by the layers above, as well as by other services and applications. The WAP layered architecture enables other services and applications to utilize the features of the WAP stack through a set of well-defined interfaces. External applications may access the session, transaction, security and transport layers directly. [0021] WAP browsers understand the wireless mark-up language or WML as specified by the Wireless Application Protocol. WML is used to create the user interface that is rendered on the browser. WML is an extension of the extensible mark-up language or XML (the successor to HTML) and was developed specifically for wireless devices. [0022] The views generated by the web engine travel through a web server and a WAP gateway server to reach the wireless network and the browser enabled wireless device. The WAP gateway server translates the data from the Internet protocol (HTTP) to the WAP protocol and binary encrypts (through the Wireless Secure Transaction Layer specification) and compresses the data. The screens are generated on demand when a user requests the information from their wireless device. [0023] An end user accesses the server over the wireless network by entering a URL into the WAP browser. In addition, the wireless handset must be configured to dial into a modem bank and a remote access server (RAS) inside the enterprise's firewall. From the RAS, the user connects over a LAN to the WAP Gateway Server and then to the web server. The protocol is again HTTP inside the firewall and security is not a perceived issue since the transfer from the WAP protocol to the Internet protocol occurs inside the firewall. [0024] Alternatively, the end user may access the WAP server at a mobile carrier, and the mobile server/WAP server communicate in HTTP over an internet, an intranet, or a LAN, with a Web Server. [0025] The WAP standard specifies two essential elements of wireless communication: an end-to-end application protocol and an application environment based on a browser. The application protocol is a layered communication protocol that is embedded in each WAP-enabled user agent. The network side includes a server component implementing the other end of the protocol that is capable of communicating with any WAP device. Often the server component takes the role of a gateway routing the requests from the user agent to an application server. The gateway can be physically located in a telecom network or a computer network, building a bridge between the wireless network and the computer network. [0026] The WAP application consists of a server application and a client application that the gateway downloads from the application server to the device (user agent) for execution. WAP provides a standard application environment consisting of a browser and a script interpreter. The browser is similar to a web browser and handles content described in WML (or HDMLโ€”Handheld Device Markup Language) and a JavaScript-like scripting language called WMLScript. WML and WMLScript are designed for use in wireless, narrowband networks, and they are both binary encoded for optimum transmission efficiency. [0027] In WAP, the content and the applications are addresses with a URL. The WAP operates as follows under the WAP Protocol: [0028] 1. The user enters a URL, as by pressing a phone key that has a URL request assigned to it. [0029] 2. A user agent in the device sends a URL request to a WAP gateway using the WAP protocol. [0030] 3. The WAP gateway creates a conventional HTTP request for the specified URL and sends it to the web server. [0031] 4. The web server processes the HTTP request. To process the request he web server runs a backend application or fetches some WML files and adds HTTP headers to them. [0032] 5. The web server returns the WML file or the WML output from the application server with the added HTTP header. A WML file is also called a WML deck. A WML deck consists of one or more โ€œscreensโ€ called cards. [0033] 6. The WAP gateway verifies the HTTP header and the WML content and encodes them to binary form. The gateway then creates a WAP response containing the WML and sends it to the user agent. [0034] 7. The user agent receives the WAP response. It processes the WML response and displays the first card of the WML deck to the user. [0035] Steps 4 and 5, above, are specified functionally and generally, without providing on how the โ€œserverโ€ is to go from WML to HTTP, process in HTTP, recover WML โ€œdecksโ€ and content, and send the decks and content to the WAP gateway without loss of information. [0036] Moreover, the Wireless Application Protocol and the Wireless Markup Language is merely exemplary of a class of new browsers, browser protocols, and page delivery and markup languages that are not fully compatible with HTML and XML but that co-exist with HTML/XML servers. The set of these browsers, browser protocols, and page delivery and markup languages will only grow over time, and a clear need exists for providing compatibility and interoperability between them and existing web servers and application servers. SUMMARY [0037] The invention relates to client-server methods and systems where various clients that use different markup languages may use the same server, which can serve pages in various languages. The client may be a thin client or browser, as that term is generally understood. The server is configured to parse the request from the client to determine both the language of the request and the information requested. In the current implementation, through various configuration methods, the HTTP server associates a markup language with each virtual directory. Clients that want to request a particular markup language route their requests to the appropriate directory. The system directs requests in those virtual directories to components that serve the correct markup language. This may be done dynamically. The server, who may include a web server, additional web server software, a web engine, and associated metadata repositories and tools, recovers information including browser-compatible views, applets, and templates from the metadata repository associated with the server. The server uses the browser compatible views, applets, and templates to render a page to the client including data, information and views in the language of the request. The rendered views are displayed in a language supported by the client or browser. [0038] In the method and system of the invention browser or client request for pages includes tokens, which may be of the form โ€œstart.sweโ€ followed by one or more commands of the type โ€œSWEappletโ€ or โ€œSWEviewโ€ to specify the actions, and objects requested. The server obtains objects referred to by the tokens, by taking templates from the repository, inserting code, and sending the tokens the server and gateway to the browser or client. The tokens specifying the language of the request are embedded in the request from the client or browser, as in [0039] HTTP://www.mysite.com/myapp/start.swe?SWEview=โ€œ..โ€&SWEappletโ€œ..โ€&SWEc md=โ€œ..โ€&SWEmethodName=โ€œ..โ€ [0040] where the tokens include start.swe, SWEview, SWEapplet, SWEcmd, and SWEmethodName. No technical importance should be attached to the specific names, which are arbitrary, and that look like โ€œSWExxxโ€, or that they are specifically โ€œViewโ€, โ€œMethod Nameโ€, etc., or that โ€œstart.sweโ€ matters. The expression illustrates that the URL is a script of business or application terms, including business objects, UI objects, name commands to be processed by them, and an implicit command to reply with an HTTP response that renders their resulting states. These items are modeled in a metadata repository that is not dependent on markup language. The Web Engine renders these markup language-independent metadata objects in the markup language of choice. That's the essence of the invention. Some requests include additional information in the request body, which is not visible in the URL. [0041] In a preferred embodiment of our invention the client is a wireless client configured to send requests incorporating tokened requests for pages to the server and receive pages from the server, where tokened requests specify the language of the request and of the requested response, as WML, and where the server is configured to parse the tokened request from the client to determine the language of the request and the information requested; that is, WML, and recover information including views from a repository associated with the server; and to thereafter render a page to the client including information and views in the language of the request, as WML, and the view is a display with applets in the language requested by the client, as WML decks. [0042] While the method and system of the invention have been described, illustrated, and summarized with respect to a class of wireless devices utilizing the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) and the Wireless Markup Language (WML), it is, of course intended that the method and system of the invention may be employed in other browser or client configurations, formats, and form factors utilizing the WAP with WML, as well as in other clients and browsers with bandwidths, processor speeds and capacities, memory capacity, and/or input/out capacity markedly different from those characteristics of PC based browsers and clients. A particular aspect of the method and system of the invention is that it is intended to work with browsers or clients that use other markup languages., and is not to be limited to WAP or WML. [0043] According to our invention a client-server method and system is provided where the server is configured to receive requests from the client. send responses to the client. The server is further configured to interpret the request to determine at least one of the language, protocol, or syntax in which the client sends requests and receives responses, and to also interpret the request to determine data submitted by the client, that should be used to create, modify, delete, or append to business objects or user data in the server system. The system then recovers metadata or descriptive information from a metadata repository associated with the server; and creates a response in the preferred language, protocol, or syntax of the client. This response represents the states of some objects in the server system following the processing of the request, properly represented in the language, protocol or syntax preferred by the client. [0044] The system and method further includes the capability for interpreting the request to determine the classes and instances of business objects and user data to associate with the request, and interpreting the request to determine commands to be executed by the business objects. This is followed by interpreting the request to determine data submitted by the client to do one or more of creating, modifying, deleting, or appending to business objects or data in the server. [0045] This interpreted data is used to recover user data or business data from database servers or application servers associated with the server. In a preferred embodiment the server is further configured to optimize the handling of subsequent requests from the same client, by embedding information in early responses to the client, where that embedded response information will be included in subsequent requests from the same client, and where that embedded request information will be used by the server during the processing of subsequent requests. [0046] The server response is in the form of an object intended for display in a client with a user interface. The object may be a page. Alternatively, the server response may be in the form of machine-readable data. [0047] Typically, the client request includes tokens specifying the language requested, and at least one tokens in the request identifies metadata objects that are available to the server system. These metadata objects are selected from the group consisting of views, pages, applets, controls, and objects having user interface semantics. Alternatively, the objects may be business objects, business components, and objects having non-interface semantics, or they may be metadata objects having non-interface semantics, such as linkages to other objects, containment, and association. Associations, are well known from object oriented programming, and in the context of the method and system described herein, an association has a user interface representation. Alternatively, hypertext may be provided to allow or facilitate access to detailed information through drilldown in the user interface. [0048] The client request further includes tokens that specify instances of object types specified in the metadata repository to be created, modified, or deleted. [0049] Part of the metadata associated with an object is in the form of one or more template objects, which template objects contain rules for representing the object in various languages, protocols, or syntaxes. The template object is typically stored as a file in the server file system, or as a binary object in a database or other on-line storage system. Each template object is associated with a particular language, protocol, or syntax. The server system is configured to identify a client's preferred language, protocol, or syntax, and to use a template object associated with that preferred language, protocol, or syntax, to represent an instance of the parent metadata object to the client, and, if necessary, to iterate and enumerate child or subordinate objects. [0050] Some of the rules for representing the object in various languages, protocols, or syntaxes pertain to containment. Other rules are placeholders for specific properties of the metadata object. Moreover, some of the rules include specifiers of a language, protocol for representation of an instance of the metadata object. Still other rules are constants or literals, to enable the representation of portions of the metadata object without processing by the server system beyond inserting the constants or literals into the body of a response to client requests. The rules have multiple variants, each specifying a different language, protocol, or syntax. [0051] A default value to language, protocol, or syntax. Thus, the server may represent the instance of the metadata object by: (1) searching for a rule that specifies the preferred language, protocol, or syntax of the client, and (2) use that rule, or (3) in the absence of a rule, search for a rule that does not specify a language, protocol, or syntax, and use that rule as if it specified the client's current preference. [0052] In an embodiment of the method and system the server recognizes that the client's preferred language is a markup language. The markup language is selected from the group consisting of SGML, HTML, WML, HDML, and XML. Moreover, as noted above, the server is configured to create responses in multiple markup languages. The server may use similarities among various markup languages, to optimize the creation of responses in the different markup languages, and also in the case where one markup language is derived from another markup language, the server can use common components or procedures that represent metadata objects in the parent language. This is true whether or not there is an actual parent language. For example, the system and method described herein treats two or more markup languages as being derived from an artificially constructed markup language. The server may optimize representations in these languages using a hypothetical or actual parent language, where the parent language is the artificial or previously unknown language. A preferred example of this type of optimization is the rendering of objects in WML and HTML, which may be considered to share an artificial or previously unknown language as their parents. [0053] In finding a parent language, the derivation structure of the languages includes more than one layer of derivation. This is also true in the case where an artificial language occupies a position in the derivation structure between one or more known languages. For example, WML and HTML, though both are derived from, or are variants of, SGML, in order to achieve the optimizations, both may be considered variants of another, artificial language, which is considered to be derived from SGML. [0054] Another aspect of the method and system described herein is that the properties of a metadata object that are identified by placeholders in the templates will frequently have different representations in different languages, protocols, or syntaxes, and the server is configured to represent this object in the language of the client. This requires that the server be configured to identify the client's language, protocol, or syntax, and associate it with the current client request. The server does this by querying the current context for the preferred language, protocol, or syntax, and uses this preference to create a response including representations of objects in the preferred language, protocol, or syntax. More particularly, the server is configured to query the context for the preferred language of representation when representing every object in the system. [0055] Another aspect of the method and system described herein is that object-oriented programming techniques, such as those that are available using C++ or Java, may be effectively used to implement the notion that objects represent themselves, where a metadata class has an associated C++ or Java or other programming class, and where the server represents an instance of a metadata object class by creating an instance of the associated programming class, and calling a function or method for that instance that will represent the instance in the correct language, protocol, or syntax. Thus, where the class structure of objectsโ€”both metadata objects and programming objectsโ€”is elaborate, in particular, where a class of metadata object, for example โ€œAppletโ€, may have a set of specialized programming classes associated with its instances., it is desirable the various specialized programming classes should be related, either through inheritance or through interface implementations, to a single class or interface that is considered the base programming class or base programming interface for the metadata class. [0056] Where the server represents an object of one of these derived classes, this is accomplished by obtaining the name of the derived programming class from the instantiated metadata object, instantiating an instance of that class, and then calling a function or method of that programming instance that will represent it in the preferred language, protocol, or syntax. Additional object-oriented programming techniques may used to implement the notion that objects that contain other objects, either logically or in some user-interface sense, may represent themselves and their contained objects, including by calling functions or methods on child or contained objects, where those functions or methods correctly represent the child or contained objects. The containment structure may have more than 2 layers. The request context may queried for the preferred language, protocol, or syntax, as when some parent objects are prepared for representation, and those parent objects are responsible for causing their contained objects to be represented in the correct language. [0057] The context may be queried only when some objects are represented, and where those objects are responsible for causing their contained or child objects to be rendered in the correct language, protocol, or syntax., or where parent or containing objects directly represent their own child or contained objects in the correct syntax. When the parent or containing objects call functions or methods on their child objects, these calls contain arguments or other context or have function or method names, and where these various means identify the preferred language, protocol, or syntax for the representation, and the child or contained objects use this context to render in the preferred language, protocol, or syntax. [0058] The preferred representation context may be included in an argument to the function or method, or implied by the specific function or method that is called. If the function or method names are well-known to programmers of the system, for example if the server or parent object desires another object to be rendered in WML, it may call a function for that object called ShowWML, where it is well-known that this function represents the object correctly in WML. [0059] Where the well-known function is virtual, either explicitly as in C++and similar languages, or implicitly as in Java and similar languages, and where the desired effect is for specialized representation methodsโ€”specialized either for metadata classes or for metadata instances as described in claim specialized classes may be used to handle the representation correctly. [0060] To optimize the processing of languages that are related, the task of representing an object is first dispatched to the logic that handles the most derived appropriate language, in an instance of the most-derived appropriate programming class. If an implementation is not available, the task is dispatched to the logic that handles the most-derived appropriate language, in the next-most derived programming class. This process continues until either an implementation is found and executed, or the least-derived programming class is found not to have an implementation for the most-derived representation language. In this case, the task of representing the object is dispatched to the handler for the next-most derived language, in the most-derived programming class. This method will cause the object to be represented in the most-derived available language for that object, by the most-derived programming object that has a representation available in that language. [0061] Where the dispatching method is the use of well-known virtual functions, with one virtual function per representation language, with the base implementation of each representation language simply calling the virtual function for the next-most-derived language, and with implementations in derived classes and derived languages necessary only where the derived representation differs from the parent implementation. However, where programmers and configurators who can not extend or specialize the system using C++, Java, or other similar system programming languages, they may write scripts or other event-driven programs in JavaScript, ECMAScript, Visual Basic, or other scripting languages, to specialize the representation of objects in the system, and where they should expect that these scripts will represent the objects in the preferred language. Where these scripts are associated with particular metadata objects in the metadata repository, and where during the servers creation of the representation of an instance of any of these objects, the script is called, and its arguments, context, and methods may be used in the script to get information about the instance, including the preferred representation language, protocol, or syntax for the object. Where these scripts are stored in the metadata repository, whether that be in database form or some compiled or other binary form. Where these scripts are stored in the template objects, which may be files in some part of the server infrastructure's file system. [0062] The system is configured to identify the preferred language, protocol, or syntax of the client, receiving data from the client, and using the data to add, modify, or delete records in the server database. For example, the preferred language may be associated with encoding of the data, and where the server removes this language-dependent encoding, and stores the data in a language independent format. Thus, the format may be persistently associated with the data. [0063] Tags specifying the language of the request are embedded in the request. [0064] The client may be an HTML browser, and the preferred language for representing objects for this client is HTML. Alternatively, the client may be an HTTP browser or wireless device for which the preferred language for responses from the server system is WML. [0065] In still other situations, the preferred language for the client, to be used to create responses from the server system, is XML. In still other applications, the preferred language for the client, to be used to create responses from the server system, is a language which does not include user interface elements. [0066] In one exemplification, the client is also a gateway server for lower level clients. For example, the client may be an HTTP client and also a gateway server to wireless browser clients. In this exemplification, wireless clients request pages from the client via the WAP protocol, and the gateway server transforms the WAP/WML requests from the wireless or other browsers into HTTP/WML requests which it submits as a client to the server. The gateway server receives HTTP/WML responses created by the server, and transforms them into WAP/WML responses which it returns as a gateway server to the wireless browser clients which initiated the request process. [0067] In this embodiment, the client is an HTTP client and also a server to wireless browser clients, and the wireless clients request pages from the client via the WAP protocol. The wireless clients prefer WML as the language for representation of object states in the server system, and the gateway server acts as a client to the higher level server. The gateway server transforms the WAP/WML requests from the wireless or other browsers into HTTP/WML requests which it submits as a client to the higher level server, and takes the HTTP/WML responses created by this server, and transforms them into WAP/WML responses which it returns as a server to the wireless browsers which initiated the request process. [0068] The server is configured to accept requests from multiple clients, in multiple markup languages and to respond to a client in the markup language used by the client. [0069] In one embodiment the client is a wireless client configured to send requests incorporating tagged requests for pages to the server and receive pages from the server. The tagged requests specify the language of the request and of the requested response, and the server parses the tagged request from the client to determine the language of the request and the information requested; recovers information including views from a repository associated with the server; and renders a page to the client including information and views in the language of the request, wherein said view comprises a display and applets in the language requested by the client. [0070] Typically, the view received by the client will contain data from the server. [0071] The client request specifies a directory on the server system, where the directory is associated with the preferred language, protocol, or syntax for the client. [0072] The server is configured to read data embedded in header responses, for example, where the server is configured to embed information included in one or more of URIs, URLs, or URNs in the server responses, and where the client is configured to use the one or more of URIs, URLs, or URNs to submit further requests to the server. [0073] In one embodiment, the server interprets an early request from a client as a persistent preference for language, protocol, or syntax, and stores this preference, using the stored preference to retrieve the language, protocol, or syntax preference of the client from the dictionary or other cache. [0074] For example, the server may create a state description or session for the client during an early request from the client, and thereafter associate a particular language, protocol, or syntax with the session, and maintain the session in expectation of receiving later requests from the client. The embedded information identifies the session, thereby identifying the client's preferred language, protocol, or syntax. [0075] As described above the server may be a multi-tiered server system, comprising multiple programs and where the various are distributed among the different tiers of the system. FIGURES [0076] The attached FIGURES illustrate the Prior Art and two embodiments of the method and system of the present invention. [0077] [0077]FIG. 1, denominated โ€œPrior Artโ€, illustrates the high level architecture of the Web Browserโ€”Web Server environment. [0078] [0078]FIG. 2, also denominated โ€œPrior Artโ€, illustrates the high level architecture of the Wireless Application Protocol environment. [0079] [0079]FIG. 3 illustrates the architecture of the Wireless Application Protocol-compatible, Wireless Markup Language-compatible method and system of our invention. [0080] [0080]FIG. 4 illustrates the augmented architecture of the Wireless Application Protocol-compatible, Wireless Markup Language-compatible method and system of our invention to utilize push technology. [0081] [0081]FIG. 5 illustrates a parsing of a URL request received from a handheld device using the method and system of our invention. OVERVIEW [0082] The invention relates to client-server systems, especially thin client systems, where the client and the server use multiple markup languages and protocols from the same server. This is illustrated in a client-server system where the thin client is a WAP-compatible, WML-compatible thin client, and the server is an HTML or XML compatible server. The server is not an HTML server per se, but rather an HTTP server that will serve HTML or WML or other markup language. [0083] Communication is effectuated by the thin client including tokens in its URL requests to the server, and the server recognizing these tokens and using them to draw upon a repository of templates, applets, views, and business objects configured for the specific language or protocol utilized by the client. [0084] All uses of the word โ€œtagโ€ up to this point I would replace with the word โ€œtokenโ€. Tag has a specific meaning in HTML, XML, WML, and other markup languages. We'll be using that meaning later in this document. That meaning differs from the use of the word โ€œtagโ€ to this point in the document. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0085] This invention relates to Web-based client-server systems as shown in FIG. 3 (without separate push capabilities) and FIG. 4 (with separate push capabilities), and especially to thin client-server systems where the server, 61 , must interact with a plurality of thin clients, 41 , using different page delivery or mark-up languages, providing a degree of interoperability between the disparate clients, 41 , and the server, 61 . One such implementation is servicing a WAP-compliant thin client, 41 , using WML from an HTTP server, 61 , connected to one or more application servers. Similar to the HTML thin client, the WAP/WML thin client, 41 , does not store data on the client. All application logic resides on the Web Server, 61 , or Application Server, 73 , and is displayed on the wireless client, 41 , on demand. [0086] The Wireless Thin Client, 41 , uses the Wireless Application Protocol or WAP to send and receive data to and from a wireless device, 41 . The wireless device, 41 , has a WAP browser to display the information. Handheld devices as well as mobile phones may have a WAP browser. [0087] The system and method of our invention imparts interoperability, scalability, and extensibility by creating and using applets, views, and templates in page delivery and markup languages used by browsers, 41 , as well as a web engine, 71 , that matches views, applets, and templates to browsers, 41 . For example, the exemplification described herein with respect to Wireless leverages the extensibility of the web-based architecture by using WAP-compatible โ€œone appletโ€ views, a series of WML templates, 75 , in a repository 77 , and a web engine, 71 , that dynamically generates and renders data on a WAP browser. [0088] More particularly, the web engine, 71 , described herein has a plurality of one applet, one-column views for delivering pages to WAP-compliant browsers and other Wireless, WAP-compliant applications. [0089] The WAP-compliant embodiment used to illustrate one embodiment of our invention enables users to access enterprise and portal applications through wireless communication, mobile telephony and Internet. It provides read and write transactions from and to web servers, 61 , and application servers, 73 , similar to other thin client applications. The WAP- and WML-compliant application will also provide alert capability through a push mechanism. [0090] The WAP-compliant embodiment uses standard WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) and WML (Wireless Markup Language) protocols and relies on mobile phone clients equipped with WML-compliant micro-browsers to display data. Such mobile phones are widely deployed and are available from a number of cellular manufacturers. [0091] The WML micro-browser, 41 , sends an encoded WAP request to a WAP gateway, 51 , with a URL of the following form: HTTP://www.mysite.com/myapp/start.swe?SWEview=โ€œ myLoginControlV iewโ€&SWEapplet=โ€œmyLoginControlAppletโ€&SWEcmd=InvokeMethod& SWEm ethodName=โ€œautologinโ€&Myargs0=โ€œabcโ€&Myargs1=โ€œdefโ€ [0092] [0092]FIG. 5 illustrates the fields used in parsing, retrieving objects, and execution of objects identified in the message request URL. The WAP gateway, 51 , decodes the encoded WAP request and sends it to the web server ( 61 ) using HTTP. The HTTP request body contains the decoded WAP data and the HTTP request headers contain information about the user agent (phone ID, subscriber ID, browser version) from which the request was originated. [0093] The web server interprets the URL (including the tagged or suffixed entries โ€œstart.sweโ€, and the tagged or prefixed entries, โ€œSWEview=โ€, โ€œSWEapplet=โ€, โ€œSWEcmd=โ€ and โ€œSWEmethodName=โ€) and submits it to an application running in the web engine or web server, such as the Siebel Web Server Extension (SWSE), 63 . The Siebel Web Server Extension (SWSE), 63 , is an application, utility, .exe, or .dll running inside the web server. In the exemplification described herein the SWSE, 63 , is a .dll running inside the web server, 61 , to handle requests with the โ€œsweโ€ suffix, although it may handle requests with other suffixes or tags or prefixes. The SWSE, 63 , then processes the request and sends the request to the web engine, 67 , as the Siebel Web Engine (SWE), 67 , running within the Siebel Object Manager (SOM), 73 , server. [0094] When the web engine, 71 , as the SWE, gets the request, it will get the repository objects , 77 , referenced in the URL (SWEview, SWEapplet), shown in FIG. 5, from an associated repository, as the Siebel Object Manager (โ€œSOMโ€), 73 , and then instantiate the objects (if they are not already cached) and execute the specified command (SWEcommand and SWEmethodName), again shown in FIG. 5, on the objects. In a preferred embodiment, multiple templates can be applied to a view, where each view in the repository has a template in each page delivery language. [0095] Referring again to FIG. 5, after the command completion, the web engine, 71 , as the SWE, interprets the โ€œ*.sweโ€ WML template that contains the special embedded tags, for example, SWE tags (Siebel tags.) These tags instruct the web engine, as the SWE, on what data to get from the associated database, 79 , through the Siebel Object Manager (โ€œSOMโ€), 79 . The web engine, 71 , for example, the SWE, then generates new WML code segments with the requested data and replaces the tags in the original WML template with the new code. The combined complete WML file (also called โ€œWML deckโ€) is then send back from web engine, through the web server and the WAP gateway, to the WML browser. [0096] Users of an application developed using WML interact with the application through their WML micro-browser. The interface they see is a set of WML decks dynamically generated by, for example, the web engine, from the WML templates created by the application developer. [0097] To develop applications, the application developer needs to first create an application definition that includes the object definitions that the application needs. That is, the application developer creates a repository that contains the objects used by the tags in the application's template. Next, the developer creates a set of WML templates with appropriate SWE tags. [0098] The templates the application developer may create can include: [0099] 1. โ€œView Templateโ€: used for displaying a View; specifies what Applets should appear in the card. [0100] 2. โ€œApplet Templateโ€: specifies what Fields to include in the Applet and which methods (such as Login, GotoFirst, and GotoPrevious) to make available to the user. [0101] 3. โ€œNavigation Templateโ€: contains methodsโ€”such as Login, Navigate, EnterQuery, and EnterSortโ€”that link to other decks or Views; does not display Views or Applets. [0102] 4. โ€œEntry Templateโ€: contains a WML form for entering data, and thus is used as the target template for methods such as EnterQuery, EnterSort, NewRecord, and EditRecord. [0103] 5. Read-only form template: contains a read-only (non-editable) form applet. [0104] 6. Login/Logout templates. [0105] For Field Services, a dispatcher can issue an alert consisting of a short message and a URL to call back using the push component. The push program will send the alert in a WML to the mobile phone, 41 , via the WAP gateway, 51 , as shown generally in FIG. 4. Upon receipt of the alert, the mobile user can select the URL in the alert and send a response or status update back to the SWE using the WML communication mechanism described above. [0106] One particularly important advantage of wireless devices, 41 , is the capability to receive short messages, exemplified by โ€œpushโ€ messages. Short messages like alerts can be sent from a WML service to a WAP gateway, 51 , that supports push. Not all WAP gateways implement direct push support. The WML SDK (UP.SDK) provided by Phone.com includes a COM notification library that allows a WML service to send alerts through the Phone.com's UP.Link WAP gateway. To send a notification, the push component implements the following steps: [0107] 1. Get the subscriber IDs to whom the notification will be sent. Each user authorized to access a particular WML service must have a subscriber ID. The subscriber ID can be provided by the WAP gateway, 51 , as part of the user agent information contained in the HTTP header. The WAP gateway, 51 , attaches the HTTP header to the WML request before sending the request to the web server. The web server then uses CGI parsing (or some servlet capability) to make the user agent information available to the web application service. To implement push, the WML service must have users' subscriber IDs stored in the database. [0108] 2. Instantiate COM library objects to send the notification. To send non-secure notification, the phone.com Ntfn2Client class is used. Otherwise, the phone.com Ntfn3Sclient class is used. For secure notifications, the certificate has to loaded using phone.com NtfnLoadCertAndKey, and a secure connection has to be open using phone.com NtfnRequireSecureConnection. The phone.com NtfnSetHost sets the notification host by using the host name extracted from the subscriber ID. Alerts can then be sent by invoking methods such as phone.com NtfnPostAlert, phone.com NtfnPostPrefetch. [0109] 3. Use the COM objects to check the status of notifications (methods phone.com NtfnGetLastResult, phone.com NtfnGetStatus) or to remove pending notifications (methods phone.com NtfnClearPending, phone.com NtfiDeleteAlert, phone.com NtfnRemoveAlertFromlnbox.) [0110] For secure notifications, a certificate from a Certificate Authority has to be obtained and installed first. The phone.com UP.SDK provides a utility program that requests a certificate and allows a certificate file to be created. [0111] Since the subscriber ID is required for using the above notification library, a column is necessary in the database schema in order to store the user subscriber ID. [0112] A more generalized push technology is illustrated in FIG. 4 which shows a push technology augmentation of the system shown in FIG. 3. This system includes a push component having a push program 101 including a message queue, 103 , that receives the โ€œalertโ€ from a call center, 105 , as a Computer Telephony Integration application. [0113] Push technology enables real time updating of field personnel, including newest contacts, leads, pricing, competitive pricing, order status, delivery status, content delivery, including time-critical and mission critical real time content delivery (as weather, road conditions, travel conditions, stock prices, and the like), banking transactions, arrival of WAP/WML based e-mail, and real time updates to networked personal organizers. Notifications can be delivered by push technology, with subsequent delivery of content, or content can be delivered by push technology. [0114] While the invention has been described with respect to WAP-compatible, WML mobile applications, it is to be understood that the method, system, paradigm, and ideas may readily be extended to providing compatibility between clients and servers in other contexts where scalability, extensibility, and interoperability may be an issue.
Client-server systems and methods for transferring data via a network, including a wireless network, between a server and one or more clients or browsers that are spatially distributed (i.e., situated at different locations). At least one local client computer provides a user interface to interact with at least one remote server computer which implements data processing in response to the local client computer. The user interface may be a browser or a thin client
6
This application is based on Application No. 2000-95053 filed in Japan, contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of The Invention The present invention relates to a sheet shape metal material used for a fixing belt or the like in an image forming apparatus using toner and a fixing belt and a fixing apparatus using the same. More particularly, it concerns a metal sheet presenting a high fatigue resistance against repeated deformation and a fixing belt, a fixing apparatus, and further an evaluation of fatigue resistance of metal material for this purpose. 2. Description of Related Art As an example of application where the metal sheet is subjected to a repeated deformation, a fixing belt in an image forming apparatus of belt fixing type can be cited. Namely, the fixing belt has an endless loop form, but curls in the opposite direction at the point of fixing nip, being pinched by two rollers. As the result, the respective portions of the fixing belt are repeatedly deformed by rotation. In general, conventionally, as the fixing belt material, electrocast nickel foil is often used as base material, coated with a releasing layer of silicone rubber or the like on one side. However, in the typical fixing belt of the related art, the fatigue resistance against a repetitive deformation was not necessarily sufficient. Consequently, in a long use, it broke due to the metal fatigue, and could not meet the target life. Particularly, this tendency is evident for a higher paper advancing speed or for a wide size paper. To solve this, it has been devised to increase the base material hardness, or to adopt a two-layered structure with metals of different hardness. However, the former did not prove to be an effective measure, because the nip pressure had to be increased accordingly. The latter has increased the cost because of complicated manufacturing process, and presented the problem of the presence of many factors affecting quality variation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been achieved in view of the aforementioned problems of the related art. In short, it is an object of the present invention to provide a metal sheet having a high fatigue resistance against repeated deformation and a fixing belt and a fixing apparatus using the same. Also, it is another object of the invention to provide an evaluation apparatus of fatigue resistance of metal material and a method thereof. A flexible metal sheet with high fatigue resistance of the present invention devised in order to solve this problem is a flexible sheet member satisfying at least one of the following three expressions: 0.7 <I H /I L โ‰ฆ1โ€ƒโ€ƒ(1) 0.25 <Z L /Z H โ‰ฆ1โ€ƒโ€ƒ(2) 0.7 <Q H /Q L โ‰ฆ1โ€ƒโ€ƒ(3) for effective value of current density, impedance and calorific power, respectively when two alternating voltages of the same effective voltage value and different in frequency, namely a low frequency first alternating voltage and a high frequency second alternating voltage are applied. It is needless to say that it is better that all three expressions are satisfied. Here, I, Z, and Q represent effective value of current density, impedance and calorific power, respectively. Suffixes H and L represent high frequency (second alternating voltage) application and low frequency (first alternating voltage) application, respectively. The inventor has studied diligently to find an evident correlation between the voltage-current characteristics against high frequency and the fatigue resistance of metal material. That is, a metal material showing voltage-current characteristics against a high frequency comparable to that against a low frequency tends to show a higher fatigue resistance. On the contrary, a metal material showing voltage-current characteristics against a high frequency inferior to that against a low frequency tends to show a lower fatigue resistance. Therefore, the fatigue resistance level of metal material can be judged by comparing voltage-current characteristics against high frequency and low frequency. Further, if at least one of the aforementioned three relations is satisfied, it can be said to be excellent as high fatigue resistance metal sheet. Note that in this Application, โ€œmetalโ€ includes alloyed metals. A representative example of high fatigue resistance metal sheet of the present invention is an electrocast nickel of 100 ฮผm or less in thickness, manufactured under predetermined electrocasting conditions. As for the reason of such correlation between the high frequency characteristics and the fatigue resistance, the inventor presumes as follows. Namely, bad frequency characteristics mean that the mobility of conduction electrons in the metal crystal is low under the high frequency. This is supposed to be provoked by the presence of many factors impeding the movement of conduction electrons, such as many lattice defects or impurities, or irregular crystalline granularity. These factors are also factors impeding movement of displacement during the deformation, and they are also supposed to act as starting points of cracking. Therefore, those bad in high frequency characteristics are low in fatigue resistance, and those good in high frequency characteristics are also good in fatigue resistance. Besides, the alternating voltage may be direct current on and off, an alternating current (whatever the waveform may be) is preferable, if it is possible. For the alternating current, as the polarity changes periodically, the crystalline quality is reflected on the high frequency characteristics more appropriately. In addition, the fixing belt of the present invention includes an endless belt shape metal sheet and a releasing layer formed on the outer surface thereof, wherein the metal sheet satisfies at least one of the aforementioned relations. Moreover, the fixing apparatus of the present invention comprises a first roller, a second roller, a fixing belt including an endless belt shape metal sheet and a releasing layer formed on the outer surface thereof, and that is wound around the first roller and the second roller, and a third roller disposed in a way to be pressed against the first roller via the fixing belt, wherein the metal sheet satisfies at least one of the aforementioned relations. Also, the evaluation apparatus of metal material fatigue resistance according to the present invention comprises a high frequency power source for applying an alternating voltage to a test piece, a current measuring instrument for measuring current through a test piece, and a controller for calculating the ratio of currents through a test piece when a plurality of alternating voltages of the same effective voltage value and different in frequency are applied to a test piece from the high frequency power source, and evaluating fatigue resistance of the test piece based on the calculation results thereof. Moreover, the evaluation method of metal material fatigue resistance according to the present invention comprises the steps of: applying a plurality of alternating voltages of the same effective voltage value and different in frequency to the test piece and measuring the current through the test piece when each alternating voltage is applied; calculating the ratio of these currents; and evaluating fatigue resistance of the test piece based on the calculation results thereof. In this evaluation apparatus and evaluation method, the fatigue resistance of the test piece as a whole is evaluated by comparing currents through the test piece in case of high frequency and that in case of low frequency. To be more specific, it is evaluated that the closer the current ratio is to 1 in the case of high frequency and in the case of low frequency, the higher is fatigue resistance of the test piece. Obviously, the impedance may be compared considering not only the current value, but also phase components. Otherwise, the evaluation apparatus of metal material fatigue resistance according to another aspect the present invention comprises a high frequency power source for applying an alternating voltage to a test piece, a calorific power measuring instrument for measuring the calorific power at each point of a test piece, and a controller for comparing the calorific power of the same point of a test piece when a plurality of alternating voltages of the same effective voltage value and different in frequency are applied to a test piece from the high frequency power source, and evaluating fatigue resistance of the test piece based on the comparison results thereof. Similarly, the evaluation method of metal material fatigue resistance according to another aspect of the present invention comprises the steps of: applying a plurality of alternating voltages of the same effective voltage value and different in frequency to the test piece and measuring the calorific power of the same point of the test piece when each alternating voltage is applied; comparing the measured calorific power; and evaluating the test piece fatigue resistance based on the comparison results. In these cases, it is evaluated that the closer the calorific powers in the case of high frequency and in the case of low frequency are to each other, the higher is fatigue resistance at that point of the test piece. In these cases, further, not only the evaluation of the test piece as a whole but also the evaluation of a particular point is possible. Moreover, a two-dimensional evaluation of fatigue resistance in the test piece is also possible by performing the evaluation for a plurality of points. Thus, according to the present invention, a metal sheet having a high fatigue resistance against repeated deformation and a fixing belt and a fixing apparatus using the same are provided. In addition, there are provided an evaluation apparatus of metal material fatigue resistance and a method thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a belt type fixing apparatus; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fixing belt; FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross section of a fixing nip of the belt type fixing apparatus; FIG. 4 is a view of an electrocasting master for manufacturing a base material of the fixing belt; FIG. 5 is a view of a measuring apparatus of high frequency characteristics for evaluating fatigue resistance; FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the cutting-out of test piece from the base material; FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the function of the measuring apparatus of FIG. 5; FIG. 8 is a graph showing the voltage-current characteristics of the base material of the present embodiment; FIG. 9 is a graph showing the voltage-current characteristics of the base material of comparative example; FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relation between applied voltage and I H /I L ; FIG. 11 is a graph showing the relation between I H /I L and the endurance time; FIG. 12 is a graph showing the relation between Z L /Z H and an endurance time; FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a measuring apparatus for calorific measurement; FIG. 14 is a graph showing the calorific characteristics of the base material of the present embodiment; FIG. 15 is a graph showing the calorific characteristics of the base material of comparative example; FIG. 16 a graph showing the relation between Q H /Q L and the endurance time; and FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the case for performing the calorific measurement for each point and evaluating the measurement. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Now embodiments realizing the present invention will be described in detail referring to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, a high fatigue resistance metal sheet of the present invention is applied to a fixing belt of a belt type fixing apparatus in an image forming apparatus using toner. A belt type fixing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment comprises, as shown in FIG. 1, a fixing roller 2 , a heater roller 3 , an endless fixing belt 4 wound around them, and an opposed roller 5 . The fixing roller 2 is formed of sponge rubber, and forms a fixing nip N with the opposed roller 5 via the fixing belt 4 . The heater roller 3 has a built-in heater 6 inside as fixing heat source, and pulls the fixing belt 4 taut with the fixing roller 2 . The opposed roller 5 , made of silicone rubber, is applied to the fixing roller 2 and the fixing belt 4 with a predetermined nip pressure. The belt type fixing apparatus 1 is further provided with an oil impregnated roller 7 and an oil application roller 8 at the outer surface side of the fixing belt 4 , for supplying the outer surface of the fixing belt 4 with a constant amount of fixing oil. As shown in the enlarged cross-section of FIG. 2, the fixing belt 4 is made of two layers with a base material 9 of 40 ฮผm thick and a releasing layer 10 of 200 ฮผm thick. The base material 9 is at the inner surface side and the releasing layer 10 at the outer surface side. The base material 9 is made of electrocast nickel foil, while the releasing layer 10 is made of silicone rubber. At the fixing nip N, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 3, there is a section L where the fixing belt 4 is curved to the opposite side, by the contact pressure between the fixing roller 2 and the opposed roller 5 . Consequently, when the fixing belt 4 runs, the respective parts thereof are repeatedly deformed by passing through the section L. However, the life of the fixing belt 4 is sufficiently long, because the belt type fixing apparatus 1 uses a high fatigue resistance base metal 9 as described below. In such a belt type fixing apparatus 1 , a printing paper which has received a toner image in an image forming system is fed into the fixing nip N as shown by the arrow A in FIG. 1 . At the fixing nip N, the printing paper passes between the fixing belt 4 and the opposed roller 5 . Here, the toner image is fixed on the printing paper by heat and pressure. Heat for this purpose is conducted from the heater roller 3 to the fixing nip N by the fixing belt 4 . Thereafter, the printing paper is discharged in a discharge tray. Such belt type fixing apparatus is widely used for the color image forming system. Next, a manufacturing method of base material 9 , essential component of the fixing belt 4 , will be described. The base material 9 is 173 mm in length of circumference, and 220 mm in length of the axial size, and is manufactured by the publicly known electrocasting technology. First, a master for electrocasting (mold) is prepared. The material thereof is austenite base stainless steel (SUS 304 or the like) and has a cylindrical form (may be hollow) as shown in FIG. 4 . Its size is 55 mm in outer diameter (D in the drawing) and 230 mm in length of the axial size (W in the drawing). This master for electrocasting is born by a convenient support, and dipped in an electrocasting electrolytic bath while being rotated around the axis. Further, a separately prepared nickel electrode is also dipped in the electrocasting electrolytic bath. Then, the electrolyte is agitated keeping the bath temperature within a fixed range, and the master for electrocasting is made to be continuously supplied with fresh electrolyte through a filter. In this state, electricity is supplied so that the master for electrocasting becomes the cathode and the electrode the anode, for depositing electrocast nickel foil on the master for electrocasting. The electrocast nickel foil thus obtained will have flexibility and an appropriate strength if it is about 10 to 100 ฮผm in thickness. This electrocast nickel foil constitutes the base material 9 of the fixing belt 4 . When an electrocast nickel foil of necessary thickness is obtained, the electricity is turned off, and it is lifted up from the electrocasting electrolytic bath together with the master for electrocasting. Then, it is cooled down slightly by dipping in water colder than the bath temperature by about 5 to 15ยฐ C. As the electrocast nickel foil sticks weakly to the stainless steel, it comes off the master for electrocasting easily by the difference of heat contraction by the cooling, and it can be extracted. Thus, a flexible and seamless base material 9 can be obtained. The outer surface of this base material 9 is coated with the releasing layer 10 to obtain the fixing belt 4 . TABLE 1 Present Comparative embodiment example Bath composition Nickel sulfamate (g/l) 450-900 220-450 Boracic acid (g/l) 20 40 Relaxant (ppm) โ€‚10-100 โ€‚10-100 Bath temperature (ยฐ C.) 40 ยฑ 1โ€‚ 50 ยฑ 1โ€‚ Current density 100-500 โ€‚100-1500 (A/m 2 , on master) Here, electrocasting conditions for obtaining a high fatigue resistance base material 9 are shown with those for Comparative example in Table 1. Saccharin sodium was used as relaxant. However, in addition to this, naphthalene sodium disulfonate, paratoluene sulfonamide, benzene sodium dislfonate, or the like can be used. In Table 1, both the bath temperature and current density are lower in the present embodiment than Comparative example. Namely, reaction conditions being attenuated, electrocast nickel is made to deposit smoothly. In addition, nickel ion concentration is increased to prevent hydrogen atom or other foreign matters from entering. This intends to deposit nickel metal crystal with less lattice defect and higher uniformity. Next, the fatigue resistance evaluation of the base material 9 by measuring the high frequency characteristics will be described. The high frequency characteristics is measured by an apparatus shown in FIG. 5 . This apparatus comprises a function generator 12 (for example, โ€œFG-273โ€ made by Kenwood) as signal source, a current booster 13 (for example โ€œ4025โ€ made by NF Circuit) for actually applying a signal to the test piece 11 , an ammeter 14 (for example, โ€œAM503Bโ€ made by Techtronics), and an oscilloscope 15 (for example, โ€œDL1540โ€ made by YOKOGAWA). Both ends of the current booster 13 and the test piece 11 are connected by a coaxial cable 16 . The ammeter 14 monitors the current through the test piece 11 by a current probe 17 (for example, โ€œA6302โ€ made by Techtornics). Measurement values of the ammeter 14 and the voltage value between both ends of the test piece 11 are input to the oscilloscope 15 . The test piece 11 in FIG. 5 is obtained by cutting the base material 9 in a round slice of an appropriate width, and cutting it at one point into a strip, as shown in FIG. 6 . The function of this apparatus can be represented by the block composition diagram of FIG. 7 . In FIG. 7, the โ€œalternating power sourceโ€ includes the function generator 12 and the current booster 13 of FIG. 5 . In addition, the โ€œvoltage meter,โ€ โ€œarithmetic unit,โ€ and โ€œdisplay apparatusโ€ in FIG. 7 compose the oscilloscope 15 in FIG. 5 . In the apparatus shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, the voltage and frequency of the alternating power source can be modified. Especially, the frequency can cover a range of 50 Hz to 100 kHz. In addition, it is preferable to have a current limitation function, for the case of abnormally low resistance of the test piece 11 . The measurement by this apparatus is performed with both ends of the test piece 11 soldered to each single wire of the coaxial cable 16 . Besides, the measurement by this apparatus is not limited to a sheet shape object like the test piece 11 , but can be applied to any object of any shape. First, the voltage-current characteristics of the test piece 11 are measured. Namely, as shown in the graph of FIG. 8, three levels of alternating current, 10 mV, 20 mV and 30 mV (effective voltages, respectively) are applied to the test piece 11 at two levels of frequency, 50 Hz and 100 kHz, and the current density (effective value) for each case was measured. The current density is obtained by dividing the measured value of the ammeter 14 by the cross-section area of the test piece 11 . The measurement was performed similarly for the test piece of Comparative example (FIG. 9 ). The current density ratio of respective points in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, represented by I H (100 kHz) and I L (50 Hz) are plotted in FIG. 10 in function of applied voltage. In FIG. 10, the value of I H /I L is substantially constant for the applied voltage in both cases of the present embodiment and Comparative example. However, the present embodiment shows a higher value. It is presumed that, in the present embodiment, conductive electrons move smoothly due to a good crystallinity of electrocast nickel as mentioned above, and they can follow easily even a high frequency. Therefore, taking account of I H /I L value, base materials with different I H /I L values were prepared, and an endurance test of the fixing belt using the same was performed. The I H /I L value of the base metal was set to three levels including 0.65 and 0.70 (for Comparative example), and 0.76 (present embodiment), and three test pieces for each level (in total 9 pieces) were prepared and subjected to the test, and time until the destruction of the fixing belt was measured. The graph of FIG. 11 shows the test results. This test was performed under relatively hard conditions (total pressure to the nip section 390N, belt surface temperature 195ยฐ C., belt running speed 480 mm/sec, no oil application, and no paper feeding) for acceleration. As shown in FIG. 11, the present embodiment (I H /I L =0.76) takes times nearly four times that in Comparative example (I H /I L =0.65, 0.70) before destruction. Namely, it presents an excellent endurance. It is presumed that, in the present embodiment, the base material shows a better fatigue resistance, given a better electrocast nickel crystallinity, as mentioned above. As the result of further accumulation of test results by the inventor, it was found that the I H /I L value range necessary for a good endurance was: 0.7 <I H /I L โ‰ฆ1. More preferably, it was: 0.76 โ‰ฆI H /I L โ‰ฆ1. Next, an impedance of the test piece of the present embodiment and that of the test piece of Comparative example were compared. In short, the impedance Z L , Z H of the respective test pieces used for the measurement in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 were read by the oscilloscope 15 with the electricity supplied. Table 2 shows the results thereof. As shown in Table 2, the present embodiment present a higher Z L /Z H value than Comparative example. It is presumed that, in the present embodiment, conductive electrons move smoothly due to a good crystallinity of electrocast nickel as mentioned above, and that the impedance difference is small for the high frequency and for the low frequency. TABLE 2 Present Comparative embodiment example Impedance for 50 Hz (Z L ) 67.4 ฮฉ 50.4 ฮฉ Impedance for 100 kHz 220.0 ฮฉ 222.4 ฮฉ (Z H ) Z L /Z H 0.306 0.227 Therefore, taking account of Z L /Z H value, base materials of different Z L /Z H value were prepared, and an endurance test of the fixing belt using the same was performed as mentioned above. The Z L /Z H value of the base metal was set to three levels, 0.227 and 0.25 (for Comparative example), and 0.35 (present embodiment), and three test pieces for each level (in total 9 pieces) were prepared and subjected to the test, and time until the destruction of the fixing belt was measured. The graph of FIG. 12 shows the test results. As shown,in FIG. 12, the present embodiment (Z L /Z H =0.35) takes time nearly four times that in Comparative example (Z L /Z H =0.227, 0.25) before destruction. Namely, it presents an excellent endurance. It is presumed that, in the present embodiment, the base material shows a better fatigue resistance, given a better electrocast nickel crystallinity, as mentioned above. As the result of further accumulation of test results by the inventor, it was found that the Z L /Z H value range necessary for a good endurance was: 0.25 <Z L /Z H <1. More preferably, it was: 0.30 โ‰ฆZ L /Z H โ‰ฆ1. Still more preferably, it was: 0.35 โ‰ฆZ L /Z H โ‰ฆ1. Next, the calorific characteristics of the test piece of the present embodiment and the test piece of Comparative example were compared. In short, the calorific power of respective test pieces used for the measurement in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 was measured with the electricity supplied. This measurement was performed with the measurement apparatus in FIG. 5 by attaching a thermistor to the test piece. The function of the measurement apparatus during this measurement is shown by the block diagram in FIG. 13 . Namely, the thermistor (represented by โ€œHeat sensorโ€ in FIG. 13) output is accumulated in a memory and supplied for the processing by the arithmetic unit and the display apparatus. As the result, the graph in FIG. 14 was obtained for the present embodiment, and the graph in FIG. 15 for Comparative example. Comparing them, it was found that the difference between the cases of 100 kHz and 50 Hz is smaller in the present embodiment in FIG. 14 than Comparative example of FIG. 15 . It is presumed that, in the present embodiment, conductive electrons move smoothly due to a good crystallinity of electrocast nickel as mentioned above, and that the current that follows the voltage well flows even with high frequency. Therefore, taking account of Q H /Q L value, when the calorific power values of respective points in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are represented by Q H (100 kHz) and/Q L (50 Hz) base materials of different Q H /Q L value were prepared, and an endurance test of the fixing belt using the same was performed as mentioned above. The Q H /Q L value of the base metal was set to three levels, 0.65 and 0.70 (for Comparative example), and 0.76 (present embodiment), and three test pieces for each level (in total 9 pieces) were prepared and subjected to the test, and time until the destruction of the fixing belt was measured. The graph of FIG. 16 shows the test results. As shown in FIG. 16, the present embodiment (Q H /Q L =0.76) takes time nearly four times that in Comparative example (Q H /Q L =0.65, 0.70) before destruction. Namely, it presents an excellent endurance. It is presumed that, in the present embodiment, the base material shows a better fatigue resistance, given a better electrocast nickel crystallinity, as mentioned above. As the result of further accumulation of test results by the inventor, it was found that the Q H /Q L value range necessary for a good endurance was: 0.7 <Q H /Q L โ‰ฆ1. More preferably, it was: 0.76 โ‰ฆQ H /Q L โ‰ฆ1. In the calorific characteristic evaluation shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 16, only one point of the test piece is measured to represent the entire test piece by the test results thereof. However, in the calorific characteristic evaluation, not only such evaluation, but also evaluation for each point of the test piece is possible. For this purpose, an apparatus with the block composition shown in FIG. 17 is used. In short, the calorific power of each point of the test piece is measured by an optical system and a scan mechanism. Here, the optical path from the heat source to the heat sensor may be different for each point of the test piece. Because, the difference of optical paths is cancelled by the aforementioned evaluation in the form of ratio Q H /Q L . In this way, if there is a partially lower fatigue resistance point in a single test piece, that point can be identified. It is difficult to imagine a remarkable difference according to the point for the base material 9 of the fixing belt 4 or the like, it is significant to know the difference according to the point for a structural member of a vehicle or the like. As described in detail hereinabove, according to the present embodiment, an electrocast nickel foil presenting voltage-current characteristics or the like for the high frequency comparable with those for the low frequency is used as the base material 9 of the fixing belt 4 . Consequently, the material is highly fatigue resistant, and hard to crack even under repeated deformation, because the electrocast nickel crystallinity is good. Therefore, the life of the fixing belt 4 is sufficiently long. As a result, a fixing belt 4 appropriate for an image forming apparatus of high paper feed speed or an image forming apparatus responding to a wide printing paper is realized. Moreover, basically, as it can be manufactured by a nickel electrocasting process substantially similar to the case of conventional products, the production process will not be complicated. Further, in the present embodiment, an apparatus for applying an alternating current voltage to the test piece by the function generator 12 and the current booster 13 , and measuring the current running through the test piece at that time, impedance and calorific power is used. And, alternating current voltage of two different frequencies are applied to the test piece with this apparatus, to compare several characteristics for the low frequency and the high frequency. Thereby, an apparatus and a method for evaluating by electrically measuring the test piece fatigue resistance is achieved. Non destructive evaluation is also possible depending on the shape of the object to be tested. Especially, the evaluation by calorific power allows to evaluate the fatigue resistance of a specific point of the test piece, and therefore, to know the difference of fatigue resistance for each point. Note that the present embodiment is for illustration only, and does not limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Consequently, the present invention can be improved and modified without departing from its subject matter. For example, the metal sheet of the present invention can be applied to applications other than the fixing belt, and its material is not limited to nickel, and other metals may be used. Such materials include aluminum, titanium, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, nickel-cobalt alloy, nickel-cobalt-iron alloy, brass, iron-chromium-nickel ally, and the like. Besides, it may by formed by a process other than the electrocasting, and even for the case of electrocast nickel, the bath composition may be different. In addition, the evaluation apparatus or the evaluation method shown in FIG. 5 and others can be applied to the test piece of other shape than sheet form, provided that it is a conductive material. Moreover, the frequency for the measurement may be other value than the aforementioned one. In general, it is preferable that the frequency difference is large between the low frequency side and the high frequency side. According to the study of the inventor, the threshold where the voltage-current characteristics are remarkably different according to the frequency in the case of a low fatigue resistance metal material is located somewhere within the range of 100 Hz to 50 kHz. However, it can not be located exactly, because it depends also on the measuring conditions including the connection status with measuring instruments. As the result, as mentioned above, the characteristics superior and inferior to the threshold can be measured, by measuring with two frequencies of 50 Hz and 100 kHz. Therefore, a metal material can be regarded to be excellent as a high fatigue resistance metal sheet, if it satisfies at least one of relations mentioned above under these measurement conditions. Here, an excessively high frequency for the high frequency side is not preferable, because the effect of soldering at the junction with the coaxial cable 16 largely influences the measurement results.
A metal sheet showing either voltage characteristics, impedance or calorific characteristics close to the case where low frequency is applied even when a high frequency alternating current voltage is applied. This metal sheet presents a good movement of displacement and less starting points of cracking, because of its good crystallinity (good mobility of conductive electrons). Therefore, it is hardly destroyed under the repeated deformation. In short, it presents a high fatigue resistance against repetitive deformation. Therefore, this metal sheet is suited for a fixing belt and a fixing apparatus. The evaluation of fatigue resistance using this can be realized by comparing voltage characteristics, impedance, or calorific characteristics when high and low frequency alternating current voltages are applied to a test piece.
6
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of electric motors. 2. Prior Art Tecnomatic S.p.A., assignee of the present invention, has in the past made a limited number of motor stators and D.C. motor rotors using flat or square wire for the windings. In that regard, it is to be noted that as used herein, โ€œflatโ€ or โ€œsquareโ€ wire means wire having four substantially flat sides, each joined to adjacent sides, typically by a rounded edge. In the case of square wire, the wire may be formed in the square shape and then coated with typical winding insulation, or in some cases, pre-coated round wire has been rolled into the square shape. Rolling of round wire to a square shape has definite limits if the insulation is not to be damaged, though smaller rounded edges may be achieved if the wire is first formed by drawing or otherwise formed into the square shape and then coated. Even if the wire is first formed in the desired shape and then coated, some degree of rounding on the edges is desired for various reasons, including prevention of surface tension from pulling the coating away from the sharp edges during coating, preventing the sharp edges from cutting through the coating afterward, and preventing electric field concentration on the sharp edges to induce early breakdown. Thus, as used herein, the words โ€œsquareโ€ or โ€œflatโ€ or equivalent words used to describe the cross-section of an insulated copper wire are used in the general sense and are not to be construed as excluding significant or substantial rounded corners joining the substantially flat sides. โ€œFlatโ€ as used herein and in the claims means having two opposite sides having a greater separation than the other two opposite sides, its width being greater than its thickness. โ€œStraightโ€ as used herein and in the claims means substantially free of bends. Accordingly, either a flat or a square conductor may or may not be straight. โ€œRectangularโ€ as used herein is a more general term meaning flat or square, square being a special case of rectangular wherein the dimension between two opposite sides is equal to the dimension between the other two opposite sides. In the prior art stators, the wire has been cut to the desired length and stripped, then bent into a hairpin shape by hand on a one at a time basis, then the two legs of the hairpin separated one hairpin at a time and hand inserted into one end of a stator, with the stripped ends of the wires sticking out of the other end of the stator being all bent all in one row uniformly in one direction and all in the adjacent row uniformly bent in the opposite direction so interconnection of wires in the two rows forming a given phase could be welded, one at a time, to provide the stator windings. However, to bring out the connections to the phases, and to interconnect phases, the corresponding wires needed to be re-bent to isolate them from the connections within each phase, something again previously done by hand. The use of the flat or square wire for the windings produces very efficient and high power to weight ratio motors because of the greater cross-section of copper that can be put into a winding slot. However, the procedure described above is slow and highly labor intensive, and not suitable for a mass produced motor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows three motor stators, one insulated but unpopulated with stator conductors, one populated with stator conductors with stator conductor ends not yet bent, and one populated with stator conductors with stator conductor ends bent using the methods and apparatus of the present invention. FIGS. 2 and 3 are cross sections of an exemplary bending fixture in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4 is a view of part of an exemplary ring assembly used in the method and apparatus of FIGS. 2 and 3 . FIG. 5 is a side view of an exemplary bending station for carrying out the methods of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross section of part of the bending station illustrating part of the drive system therefor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First referring to FIG. 1 , three motor stators 20 , 22 and 24 may be seen. Stator 20 is an insulated motor stator not yet populated with stator conductors. Stator 22 , on the other hand, is populated with rectangular stator conductors 26 . The lower ends of these stator conductors are bent so that an individual stator conductor spans a fixed number of stator slots, specifically, six stator slots in an exemplary embodiment. In atypical motor stator of the type described, certain stator conductors have one side thereof longer than the other conductors to provide terminal connections for the completed stator winding. In a three phase motor, three such longer stator conductors 28 are used, all three being visible in stator 24 of FIG. 1 . The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for twisting the upper ends (referenced to the orientation of FIG. 1 ) of the stator conductors 26 as shown in stator 22 so that the ends of most of these conductors may be welded to the end of another stator conductor a fixed number of slots away, again in the exemplary embodiment spaced six slots away. In so bending, it is to be noted that the leads 28 must be bent through a different angle so as to not interfere with the welded connection of stator conductors with adjacent stator conductors. Similarly, phase connections need to be made separate and apart from the interconnection of individual stator connectors, and accordingly, it is desired to also bend the ends of each stator conductor that is to be used for phase interconnections through a different angle than adjacent stator conductors. In the exemplary embodiment sixty stator slots are used, 6 degrees apart. Since each turn of the stator winding spans six motor slots, the ends of conductors 26 on stator 22 must each be bent to span 3 degrees. In that regard, in the exemplary embodiment there are four layers of flat stator conductors lying on top of each other in each slot with the wide portion of the rectangular conductor being circumferentially oriented. Consequently, to bend the conductors as shown in stator 24 , the conductors must be held against twisting, as otherwise they will tend to twist to bend around the thinner dimension. Further, as may be seen in FIG. 1 , the upper ends of the conductors 26 as well as conductors 28 are stripped of insulation, with the stripped ends of conductors 26 being maintained in a substantially vertical orientation, as viewed in FIG. 1 . The terminal leads 28 as well as one end of each stator conductor that is to be used for phase connections are bent through a lesser angle so as to be positioned between locations at which the ends of most stator conductors are welded together. In accordance with the present invention, the ends of all stator conductors shown in the stator 22 of FIG. 1 are simultaneously bent to the position shown on stator 24 . As shown in that Figure, the outer layer of stator conductor ends is bent in a counterclockwise direction, the next layer (the other end of the stator conductors in the outer layer) in a clockwise direction, followed by a third layer bent in a counterclockwise direction, and the fourth layer (the other end of the stator conductors in the third layer) bent in a clockwise direction. Now referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , a cross-section of a bending fixture in accordance with the present invention may be seen. As may be best seen in FIG. 2 , the fixture includes four concentric ring-like members 30 , 32 , 34 and 36 , each having either pockets or slots 38 therein, each for receiving the end of a stator conductor as shown on stator 22 of FIG. 1 . In general the slots or pockets 38 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are of limited depth, though those for the input leads 28 of FIG. 1 extend along the entire height of the fixture with clearance provided as may be required for proper operation of the fixture. As used herein and in the claims to follow, a pocket may be defined by a depression or hole in a member surrounded by part of that member, and further includes a pocket defined by a slot in one member effectively closed by a surface or wall of an adjacent member. Now referring to FIG. 4 , an exemplary one of the rings 30 , 32 , 34 and 36 of FIG. 2 may be seen. While the rings are of slightly different configuration and obviously of different diameters as may be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the general structure of the rings or most of them is the same. In particular, pockets or slots 38 are equally spaced around most of the periphery of the ring. However in a typical ring, one or more slots or pockets 38 โ€ฒ is mounted not rigidly to the structure of the main part of the ring, but rather is supported on a separate ring integral with, or at least attached to, protrusions 40 within slots of the main ring structure. Coil springs 44 force the protrusions 40 to the position shown after removing one stator with bent stator lead ends, with pocket or slot 38 โ€ฒ being located against the side of the main circular structure. With this general structural organization with the ends of the stator conductors in the pockets 38 and 38 โ€ฒ, rotation of the base 46 of the main ring structure in the counterclockwise direction will initiate the bending of most of the ends of the stator conductors. However, pockets 38 โ€ฒ will at least initially not be positively driven, with the resistance of the ends of the stator conductors in those pockets preventing the rotation of the member holding pockets 38 โ€ฒ with the main ring against the springs 44 . Pins 42 , which are fastened to the same structure as pockets 38 , rotate therewith in slots 48 in the main ring structure until reaching the ends of the slots, after which the structure supporting pockets 38 โ€ฒ begins to rotate with the main structure supporting pockets 38 . Thus there is a lost motion between the rotation of the main ring structure holding pockets 38 and the structure holding pockets 38 โ€ฒ before the two rotate together. The angle of rotation of the lost motion before the two sets of pockets are driven in unison is the difference in angle of the bending of the regular stator conductor ends and the stator conductor ends for the phase connections and the terminal conductors. Of course, for rings rotating in the opposite direction, lost motion structure is changed to reverse the lost motion direction. Also while all rings in the exemplary embodiment include the lost motion structure, this is not a limitation of the invention. Now referring to FIG. 5 , an exemplary bending station may be seen. The bending fixture 50 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is located in the upper region of the bending station. At the top of the bending station is a stripper 52 on which the stator will be positioned. The stripper 52 is mounted for vertical motion, being in its lowermost position during bending and then raised to extract the ends of the stator conductors, except for the entire leads, from the bending fixture 50 . The various rings 30 , 32 , 34 and 36 ( FIG. 2 ) are driven in rotation by pneumatic actuators 54 , 56 , 58 and 60 , respectively. The actuators, as well as bending fixture 50 , are supported by a table 62 structure of conventional design, the details of which are not shown. It will be noted from the Figure that the actuators alternate in direction of actuation, as of course the rings themselves alternate in direction of rotation. Each actuator in the exemplary embodiment is actually a pair of diametrically disposed actuators to provide the desired torque on the respective drive member without significant side force. FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of part of the bending station shown in FIG. 5 , generally illustrating the drive mechanism for the various rings. In particular, a central shaft 64 , configured for vertical motion, supports the stripper 52 . Concentric therewith is a tubular member 68 , driven in rotation by pneumatic actuator 60 ( FIG. 5 ). Concentric therewith is a larger tubular member 70 driven in rotation in the opposition direction by pneumatic actuator 58 . A third concentric tubular member 72 driven by actuator 56 , and finally a fourth tubular member 73 driven by actuator 54 . Thus these concentric drive members are coupled to the pneumatic actuator pairs 54 through 60 , with the innermost ring being driven by the lowermost actuator, etc. Referring again to FIG. 1 , it will be noted that as the stator conductors are bent, they bend in an arc. That arc is greatest for the ends of the stator conductors in the outermost circle and reduces to the innermost circle. Accordingly in the preferred system, as may be seen in FIG. 5 , in order for the four rings of the fixture to follow the arc of the respective circle of stator conductor ends, four cam assemblies 74 , 76 , 78 and 80 are provided. The lowest cam assembly 74 controls the drive member for the innermost ring 36 ( FIG. 2 ), with each additional cam assembly thereabove driving the next outer respective ring 34 , 32 and 30 , respectively. These cams raise the respective drive members and in turn raise the respective ring in a controlled manner so that the pockets in the bending fixture follow the arc of the bend, retaining the tip ends of the stator conductors in the vertical orientation without longitudinal sliding or longitudinal stressing of the stator conductors. Because the arc is somewhat different for each ring, four cam assemblies are used rather than merely one. Of course one could use a single cam assembly, or alternatively, similarly control the elevation of the stripper 52 to approximately follow the arcs, though this is not preferred because of the lack of precision in so doing. One could also simply rotate one of each pair of rings ( 30 or 32 , and 34 or 36 ) in the appropriate direction, raising all rings equally or unequally as the bending proceeds or lowering the stripper supporting the stator (or both), though this would also require the rotation of the rings through twice the angle of the preferred embodiment, and rotation of the stripper supporting the stator through half the ring rotation angle. After the ends of the stator conductors are bent as described, the actuators are depressurized or even slightly driven in the opposition direction to relieve spring-back before the extractor 52 is raised for extraction purposes. While the invention has been described with respect to an exemplary embodiment for bending the ends of rectangular stator conductors, it is to be noted that the invention is also applicable to the bending of rectangular rotor conductors. Thus there has been described herein motor stator conductor bending methods and apparatus which bends all or substantially all, or at least a majority of the free ends of motor stator conductors for interconnection with associated stator conductors, which further may include the bending of stator conductors to a different angle for phase interconnections as well as longer stator conductors for input terminals. Thus while certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed and described herein for purposes of illustration and not for purposes of limitation, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Methods and apparatus for twisting rectangular rotor and stator conductor ends whereby most if not all conductor ends are bent at once, radially adjacent ends being bent in opposite directions. A lost motion member may be used to bend selected conductors through lesser angles for such purposes as phase interconnection and power leads. The rectangular conductors are retained against twisting so that flat conductors will bend about an axis perpendicular to the larger dimension of the conductor cross section. Various features of the methods and apparatus are disclosed.
8
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/379,757 filed Jan. 27, 1995 abandoned. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink tank which is an ink container and, more particularly, to an ink tank serving as an ink container for storing ink used as a recording agent (liquid) in recording apparatuses, such as writing implements, ink jet recording apparatuses, copier machines, or facsimiles. 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has developed a demand for a compact liquid jet recording apparatus employing liquid ink for recording. FIG. 1 shows an example of such an apparatus IJRA having a recording unit IJC, having a recording head serving as recording means for recording on a recording medium P and an ink tank serving as a liquid storage unit, disposed on a printer carriage HC. The carriage HC scans the recording medium P in the directions a and b, and a platen PL driven by a motor transports the recording medium. Regarding the recording unit, constructions in which the recording head and the ink tank are formed as one unit, and in which the recording head is separable from the ink tank so that only the ink tank is replaced when the ink is used up, have been proposed. When such a replaceable ink tank is used, size, and therefore the volume, of the ink tank is necessarily limited. However, the amount of ink available to the recording means for recording information should not be limited by the size of the apparatus. Therefore, it is important to effectively use the volume available, and it is necessary that as much of the ink in the container as possible be used. In the ink tank, a porous member, typified by a sponge, has been widely used in the past as means for holding ink. Such a porous member exerts a capillary force on the ink, and by varying the size of the pores or the compressibility of the porous member, it is possible to vary the capillary force as desired. Thus, it is possible to provide an ink holding force for holding the pressure balance required in the recording head in a wide range. As a result, a stable ink supply is assured, and also the tank construction can be simplified, making it possible to manufacture the apparatus at a relatively low cost. There are a number of porous members which store ink by the above-described capillary force. A minimum requirement for such a member is that the internal spaces be interconnected. Also, the greater the total volume of the internal spaces of the porous member with respect to the internal volume of the structural member (that is, the ink tank) in which the porous member is housed, the greater the amount of ink which can be held and the higher the space-use efficiency of the ink tank. In that regard, a sponge is excellent as an ink-storing porous member, because the effective porosity of a typical sponge can reach 70% or thereabouts. Resin-material sponges, in particular, are applied to wide uses, and various resin materials are commercially available. Thus, such a sponge is excellent in that the price of the material is low. For the recording head to perform precise recording, it is necessary that the ink head pressure in the recording head be lower than the atmospheric pressure. Generally speaking, the ink head pressure is made lower by 0 to 150 mmAq than the atmospheric pressure by virtue of the ink holding force of the porous member. In practice, it is preferable that the ink head pressure be made lower than atmospheric pressure by 30 mmAq or more in order to prevent ink from leaking to the outside from the ink tank. To achieve this pressure balance by the capillary force of the porous member, a fine capillary structure with 40 to 100 cells (pores) per inch is necessary, with the exact number depending on the type of ink stored. However, it is very difficult to make the pore size of a resin sponge that small in a conventional expansion process. A sponge of such a small porous size would have an inordinately high cost. Therefore, the necessary small-size porous member is provided in the ink tank by the method shown in FIG. 2. Initially, a porous member 2 having a typical structure in that the number of pores 3 per inch is 30 to 50/inch, as shown in FIG. 2(a), is compressed from 3 to 5 times (that is, the volume is decreased 1/3 to 1/5) as shown in FIG. 2(b). The compressed porous member is then inserted into an ink tank 1 as shown in FIG. 2(c), thereby providing in the ink tank a porous member with the required 40 to 100 cells/inch. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an ink tank into which a porous member has been compressed and inserted by the above-described method, wherein the compression state is represented in grid form. Reference numeral 1 denotes an ink tank; reference numeral 2 denotes a porous member; reference numeral 4 denotes an ink outlet for guiding the ink I stored inside the ink tank to the recording head or the like; reference numeral 5 denotes an air connection port or vent; reference numeral 6 denotes a rib for vapor-liquid replacement; and reference numeral 8 denotes an ink exit member having a tubular configuration for guiding the stored ink to the outside. At the ink exit member 8, compression of the porous member 2 is increased by pressing and deforming the porous member 2 in the vicinity of the ink outlet 4 so that the ink is concentrated and operational efficiency is improved. If there is no local deviation in the compression gradation of the porous member when the porous member is inserted into the housing which constitutes the ink tank, the initial distribution of the ink stored inside the ink tank 1 is uniform. In this state, when the ink exit member 8 on the recording head side is inserted as shown in FIG. 3, a desirable compression gradation, in which there is no local compression concentration, is formed. Therefore, even as the amount of ink is reduced during recording, the flow of ink is not interrupted, and the ink stored inside the ink tank 1 is consumed uniformly by flowing toward the ink exit member 8 from the rest of the porous member. However, insertion of the porous member while it is compressed takes the longest time of the ink tank manufacturing steps and requires a precisely designed assembly machine. Accordingly, the cost of the ink tank is increased. In addition, since it is difficult to uniformly compress and insert the porous member, the probability is high that a portion with a locally high compression will be formed. In such a case, ink concentrates at a portion of the porous member with a locally high compression, and thus the amount of ink which can actually be used is reduced substantially. An experiment shows that even when sponges of the same design are inserted into the same ink tank case in the same apparatus, there is a high probability that a compression variation will occur due to slight variations in insertion speed, the occurrence of slight dimensional errors in the sponges or the way a particular sponge wrinkles when compressed. In an extreme example, there is a case in which the ink use efficiency with respect to the ink stored inside the ink tank will be less than 50% of the ink use efficiency the porous sponge member is uniformly compressed. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an ink tank having the same construction as that of FIG. 3, but illustrating a case in which the porous member 2 has been loaded in the ink tank 1 with local deviations in compression. Since the porous member 2 has portions, indicated by "A" in the figure, where compression is abnormally high, and the ink is undesirably concentrated, causing the ink supply passage to be interrupted and resulting in ink being unavailable for recording because it remains inside the ink tank. FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which a conventional ink tank is subjected to an excessive impact. In such a case, the sponge inside the ink tank deviates along the direction of the impact, and as a result the compression distribution is altered. This is due to the fact that the deviation of the sponge generally does not return to its original state after the impact. Further, the ink in the sponge may also be moved by the impact or the communication between the sponge and the ink outlet may be cut. An ink jet recording apparatus having an ink tank containing two porous members is known in the art as shown by U.S. Pat. No. 5,182,581. It is both difficult and expensive, however, to insert the two porous members into the ink tank and maintain a uniform or predetermined compression distribution because of the frictional force applied against the two porous members by the inner wall of the ink tank and/or between two porous members. Undesirable regions of high compression will occur within the porous members leading to reduced ink use efficiency. Further, the two porous members will suffer compression and ink distribution problems similar to those of a single porous member upon impact of the ink container. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been are achieved in view of the above-described problems of the prior art. It is an object of present invention to solve the above-described problems and to realize an ink tank which is inexpensive and easy to manufacture, and is capable of supplying ink stably. To achieve the above objects, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an ink container for storing ink comprises an ink tank providing an enclosed space within an inner wall of said tank, and a plurality of porous members having open pores for holding ink and including a plurality of inner porous members and a plurality of outer porous members, the inner porous members being disposed within the enclosed space so as to only contact and press against other inner porous members and/or outer porous members, and the outer porous members being disposed within the enclosed space so as to contact and press against the inner porous members and the inner wall of the ink tank. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an ink jet apparatus comprises a recording head for discharging ink, the above ink container, a carriage on which the recording head and the ink container are mounted, and transport means for transporting a recording medium. In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a recording unit apparatus comprises a recording head for discharging ink and the above ink container further comprising an ink supply tube consisting of a portion projecting out of the ink tank and a portion projecting into the ink tank for supplying ink to the recording head from the ink container, wherein the recording head is integrally formed on the ink container so as to incorporate the portion of the ink supply tube projecting out of said ink tank. The above and further objects, aspects and novel features of the invention will more fully be appreciated from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to limit the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a conceptual view illustrating an example of a conventional ink jet recording apparatus in which an ink tank of the present invention can be mounted; FIG. 2(a), 2(b) and 2(c) are conceptual views illustrating a step of inserting a porous member into a conventional ink tank; FIG. 2(a) shows a porous member in a non-compressed state; FIG. 2(b) shows a porous member during a compression step; and FIG. 2(c) shows a step of inserting the compressed porous member into an ink tank; FIG. 3 is a conceptual view illustrating an ideal compression distribution of the porous member inside the ink tank when a conventional single porous member is inserted into the ink tank; FIG. 4 a conceptual view illustrating the normal compression distribution of the porous member inside the ink tank when a conventional single porous member is inserted into the ink tank; FIG. 5 is a conceptual view of a state in which the porous member is filled inside the ink tank when the ink tank using a conventional single porous member receives an impact; FIG. 6(a) is a conceptual view illustrating a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6(b) is an enlarged view of the region X in FIG. 6(a); FIG. 6(c) is a schematic sectional view taken along the line E-E' of FIG. 6(a); and FIG. 6(d) is a schematic view illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. 7(a) to 7(d) are schematic views in which the internal ink distribution of an ink tank of the present invention and of a conventional are compared; FIGS. 8(a) to 8(d) are schematic views illustrating the internal behavior before and after impact of a porous member arrangement in an ink tank of the present invention and a porous member a conventional ink tank; FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating a second embodiment of an tank of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating another embodiment of an ink tank of the present invention; and FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b) are schematic views illustrating examples of porous members for use inside ink tanks of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First Embodiment! The first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d). In this embodiment, a replaceable type ink tank is used as an ink housing section for housing porous members. Referring to FIG. 6(a), reference numeral 11 denotes an ink tank serving as an ink container, and reference numeral 20 denotes an ink jet recording head which is separable from the ink tank. A press-contact member 19 is provided inside the ink tank 11. The press-contact member 19 forms an ink passage by a capillary force created as a result of closely contacting a filter 21 disposed in the ink outlet in the shape of a tunnel of the ink jet recording head 20. In this example, a member having fine fiber bundles is used. Reference numeral 12 denotes a porous member which is formed to be small in comparison with the internal volume of the ink tank. A plurality of porous members 12 are provided inside the ink tank, and fill the ink container so as to press against each other. Porous members 12 include a plurality of inner porous members 12a and a plurality of outer porous members 12b. Inner porous member 12a disposed in the central portion of the inside of the ink tank only contacts and presses against other porous members, and outer porous member 12 b disposed in the vicinity of the inner wall of the ink tank contacts and presses against both the other porous members and the inner wall of the ink tank. The size and shape of the porous members 12 are preferably such that a plurality of them can press against all the inner walls of the ink tank. Hereinafter, the porous members 12 will be referred to as sponge cells or flake porous members. The ink tank has an air induction port 15 for inducting air into the interior of the container from the outside. The pressure of the interface of the sponge cell 12 with the air is equal to the atmospheric pressure. If the sponge cell 12 is sufficiently small, it is possible to fill the intricate place (the B region in FIG. 6(a)) inside the ink tank 11 with the porous members without leaving a vacancy which will otherwise be formed when a single porous member is inserted into the ink tank. As shown in FIG. 6(a), the sponge cells are sufficiently small when compressed that their minimum width is less than the inner diameter of the ink outlet. Therefore, since the ink can be held by the porous members without forming a vacancy inside an ink tank having a desired internal shape, it is possible to effectively prevent ink leakage which occurs as a result of the ink remaining in said vacancy. Since each sponge cell is independent in structure, it receives a compression force nearly uniformly, and the capillary force of each sponge cell is also uniform. When seen microscopically, the boundary (the C region in the figure) in which the sponge cells 12 are brought into press contact with each other as shown in FIG. 6(b) is where the compression force concentrates, and the capillary force is high. When the above is considered from the viewpoint of ink supply, it can be assumed that small porous members are uniformly impregnated with the ink, and there is no problem from a point of view of performance. When considered from this viewpoint, a more preferable embodiment is to make the size and shape of the porous members the same so as to make the ink distribution more uniform. As a result of the press-contact member 19 being in close contact with the plurality of sponge cells 12, the passage of the ink to the outside is assured. In such a case, if the capillary force of the sponge cell 12 in the vicinity of the press contact member 19 is adjusted by putting pressure on the ink outlet tube on the ink jet recording head 20 side so that the capillary force becomes greater than that of the sponge cell 12 on the other side, the ink use efficiency is improved further. However, the capillary force of the sponge cell 12 must not be greater than that of the pressure contact member 19 and is designed to achieve this relationship. In this embodiment, instead of the press contact member 19, a member or a structure causing a sufficient capillary force as shown in FIG. 6(d) (for example, a filter 22 is pressed against the sponge cell 12) may be used. An air passage which is directly connected to the air induction port 15 is formed to sufficiently induct the outside air to each sponge cell 12 so as to achieve stable ink supply. In this embodiment, an air passage is secured by forming a plurality of rows of ribs 16 integrally on the inner wall of the ink tank. As described above, since the sponge cells 12 are loaded in a state in which the sponge cells 12 are compressed with each other inside the ink container regardless of the shape of the interior of the ink tank 11, if the porous member is extremely small, a porous member may enter between adjacent ribs 16. Even if the minimum width of the sponge cell 12 is small when it is compressed, it is possible to secure an air passage between the ribs 16 and the sponge cell 12 by an arrangement of said sponge cells. However, to form the air passage more reliably, it is preferable that the passage width "d" formed between the ribs 16 be set smaller than the size D, the smallest diameter portion of a compressed sponge cell, as shown in FIG. 6(c). With reference to FIG. 7, the comparison of the ink distribution as a result of using the ink in the ink tank of the first embodiment with that in a conventional tank will be explained. FIGS. 7(a) and 7(c) are schematic views illustrating the ink distribution inside the conventional ink tank. FIGS. 7(b) and 7(d) are schematic views illustrating the ink distribution inside the ink tank of this embodiment. FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) each illustrate the initial state in which ink is sufficiently stored inside the ink tank. As shown in FIG. 7(a), when a single porous member is used, the capillary force of the porous member occurs in the interface (E in the figure) between the ink 7 which is distributed inside the single porous member 2 and the outside air. The ink interface E is formed naturally in such a way that the capillary force of each interface becomes equivalent. At this time, in case that an ink tank using the conventional single porous member 2 is used, since the compression distribution becomes nonuniform inside the porous member 2 as described above, the ink interface becomes intricate. However, a problem, as a result of this intricateness, is not posed when the amount of ink is great as shown in FIG. 7(a). On the other hand, since the capillary forces of each of the sponge cells 12 are nearly equal in the ink tank of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7(b), the ink interface is formed in a desired shape. FIGS. 7(c) and 7(d) illustrate a state in which the ink is partially consumed. FIG. 7(c) shows the ink distribution when a single porous member is used. When the compression of the porous member 2 is unevenly distributed, the ink concentrates in a portion of the porous member having a high compression. Therefore, when the amount of ink is reduced by the consumption of ink, the ink supply passage is likely to be interrupted, and as a result the ink remains in the portion with the high compression. The remaining ink 9 cannot be connected to ink 7 which can be guided out to the outside. Thus, it becomes impossible to supply ink to the recording head, and the ink tank 1 must be replaced. On the other hand, in the ink tank of this embodiment filled with porous members 12 as shown in FIG. 7(b) and FIG. 7(d), there is no local increase in the compression, and the ink distribution inside the ink tank is uniform. Therefore, unlike an above-mentioned case in which some ink remains inside the container as it is consumed, the ink supply passage in this embodiment is not interrupted, and a high ink use efficiency is assured. Next, the behavior of a case in which the ink tank of this embodiment receives an impact will be explained in comparison with the case of a conventional ink container with reference to FIG. 8. FIGS. 8(a) and 8(c) show the state of the single porous member filled inside the conventional ink tank. FIGS. 8(b) and 8(d) show the state of the porous member filled inside the ink tank of this embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), when an external force is applied to each ink tank in the initial state in the downward direction in the figure by an impact caused by a drop, the porous member or members which contain ink receive a force instantaneously along the impact direction (the Y direction indicated by the arrow in the figure) in the conventional ink tank 1 and the ink tank 11 of the present invention, respectively. At this time, the porous member or members are separated from the inner wall positioned in a direction opposite to the outer wall of the ink tank which has received the impact. Next, FIGS. 8(c) and 8(d) show the state of each porous member or members inside the ink tank after the external force has been received. As shown in FIG. 8(c), the position of single porous member 2 does not easily return to its original position because a high frictional force that now occurs between the inner wall of the ink tank and the entire surface of the porous member 2 facing the inner wall as indicated, for example, by the arrow F in the figure. On the other hand, in the ink tank of the present invention, since the porous member inside the ink tank comprises plural porous members, inner porous members inward of outer porous members contacting the inner wall do not experience the high frictional force along the inner wall, and are thus easily movable and able to instantly fill the space formed on impact. Further, there is a high probability that the ink is unevenly distributed due to the impact when a conventional single porous member is used. However, since use of the ink tank of the construction shown in this embodiment causes the small porous members 12 impregnated with ink to move, the ink distribution is returned to the evenly distributed initial state. Second Embodiment! FIG. 9 shows a case in which the above-described sponge cell 12 is used in the recording unit in which the recording head and the ink tank serving as an ink container are formed as one unit. Reference numeral 40 denotes a recording head; reference numeral 41 denotes an ink tank; reference numeral 42 denotes an air induction port; and reference numeral 16 denotes a rib for vapor-liquid replacement. Also in this embodiment, an ink supply tube 43 for supplying ink to the recording head protrudes into the ink tank 41, and a compression gradient is formed to promote the supply of ink to the recording head. Also in this embodiment, since the sponge cells 12 fill the inside of the ink tank in the same way as in the first embodiment, no local deviation of compression occurs in the porous member, and there is no influence upon the ink distribution due to an external impact. Third Embodiment! FIG. 10 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. Although in the above-described embodiment an air passage is secured by using a rib disposed on the inner wall of the ink tank, an air induction port 31 is disposed to supply ink more stably in this embodiment so that air can be easily introduced to a central portion of the ink tank. The air induction port 31 is formed with an external opening 15', a plurality of internal openings 32, and air can be supplied to the sponge cell inside the ink tank more reliably. Thus, it becomes easier to introduce air into the ink tank as the ink is consumed in comparison with the case in which air is introduced only in the vicinity of the inner wall of the ink tank, which prevents the amount of ink supply from varying. In addition, since the probability that the air passage clogs is reduced in comparison with the case of rib-only construction, the replacement between the ink and the air in the sponge cells 12 is performed without resistance over the entire ink tank, and it becomes possible to smoothly supply ink to the ink jet recording apparatus. Thus, the ink use efficiency can be improved even further. Other Embodiments! Although the shape of the sponge cell is nearly spherical in each of the above-described embodiments, the shape need not be limited to this shape. Another example of the porous members which are usable for the present invention is shown in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b). FIG. 11(a) illustrates examples of sponge cells 12 which are formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. In FIG. 11(a), the lengths of the respective sides of the porous member a, b, c and a', b', c' are approximately equal, although this need not be required. However, size standardization that is, making the porous members substantially equal in size achieved by making the lengths nearly equal makes it easier to manufacture the sponge cells as when they have a spherical shape, and performance is more stable. Also, size standardization is effective for making the ink distribution inside the ink tank uniform as described above. Further, as shown in FIG. 11(b), sponge cells 12 of shapes other than spherical or rectangular parallelepiped may also be used. The sponge cells 12 may be randomly shaped. In such a case, the size and the material of each sponge cell is preferably the same. When the sponge cells are manufactured from a large single-piece porous member, it is possible for them to take the shape of the single-piece porous member. However, by allowing the sponge cells to take shapes as shown in FIG. 11(b) different from the shape of the large single-piece porous member, it is also possible to use up the entire single-piece porous member during manufacture. It is also possible to manufacture the sponge cells after a porous member of another shape has been first cut out from the single-piece porous member. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost when the ink tank is manufactured over that of a conventional ink tank with a large single-piece porous member with more stringent size and shape constraints. The present invention is suitably used in an ink tank of an ink jet recording apparatus. In addition to this example, the present invention can also be used as a liquid container for holding liquid, for example, a container for holding textile-printing ink used in what is commonly called textile printing for printing an image or the like on cloths rather than printing paper. As is clear from the above description, the present invention makes it possible to fill the ink tank with porous members regardless of the shape of the interior of the ink tank, and the ink can be held by the porous members without creating a vacancy. Thus, it is possible to effectively prevent the ink from leaking due to the fact that the ink remains in the vacancy. The compression distribution of the porous members inside the ink tank can be made uniform, or can be made to have a desired predetermined compression gradient. Accordingly there is no portion having an undesirable locally high compression, the ink supply passage is not interrupted, and high ink use efficiency can be assured. In addition, even if an external force is caused by an impact to the ink tank, the porous members can easily recover to their initial state even if a vacancy is formed since the degree of freedom of movement of the porous members inside the ink tank is high. Therefore, the ink distribution is also returned to the initial state, and ink use efficiency can be maintained at a high level. Many different embodiments of the present invention may be constructed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described in this specification. To the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention as hereafter claimed. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications, equivalent structures and functions.
An ink container for storing ink and an ink jet apparatus having such an ink container is provided. The ink container has an ink tank providing an enclosed space within an inner wall of the tank. The ink container is filled with inner and outer porous members having open pores for holding ink. The inner porous members are disposed within the enclosed space so as to only contact and press against other inner or outer porous members or both. The outer porous members are disposed within the enclosed space so as to contact and press against the inner porous members and the inner wall of the ink tank. This arrangement of inner and outer porous members within the ink container prevents an uneven compression distribution which occurs when conventional porous members are inserted into ink containers or when ink containers containing such conventional porous members suffer impacts. Further, the porous members can fill the entire ink container regardless of the shape of its interior, thus reducing the amount of non-dischargeable ink and leakage.
1
[0001] This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 12/325,336, filed Dec. 1, 2008, which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 11/147,123, filed Jun. 7, 2005. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present disclosure relates to a joint construction for conduit, a coupling assembly for joining conduit, a connector sleeve for joining conduit, and to a method for joining conduit using a coupling assembly. It finds particular application in conjunction with electrical metallic tubing and will be described herein primarily by way of reference thereto; however, it will be appreciated that the invention finds utility in conjunction with all manner of conduits, including pipes, tubes, ducts, and the like. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Electrical metallic tubing (EMT) is thin-wailed tubing used to contain is and protect electrical wires. EMT is commonly used in warehouses, gymnasiums, factories, and the like. Such conduit is traditionally manufactured in ten (10) foot lengths. The conduit sections can be connected end-to-end for use in applications requiring longer sections. Conduit connectors and conduit coupling assemblies are well known in the art. Many coupling designs require the use of a connection sleeve to hold the lengths of conduit together. These connectors are manufactured and shipped independently of the conduit and may require additional parts to assemble. Maintaining inventory of and installing the individual connector parts takes time and costs money. It would therefore be desirable to have a connector sleeve for use in joining conduit, a coupling assembly for joining conduit, and a method for joining conduit using a coupling assembly. The present invention provides connector sleeves, coupling assemblies, and methods which overcome the above-referenced problems and others. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] In one aspect, a joint construction for conduit includes first and second sections of conduit having coaxially overlapping end areas, wherein the first section end area has an enlarged diameter relative to the second section end area. A coupling member is affixed to the first section end area and includes a first and second end portions. The first end portion is dimensioned to be coaxially received within the first section end area and the second end portion has external threads and axially extends from the first end portion. The coupling member includes an axial bore dimensioned to coaxially receive the second section end area. An annular gland nut includes internal threads rotatably engaging the external threads of the second end portion to selectively axially advance and retract the gland nut when the gland nut is respectively rotated in opposite directions. A compression washer circumscribes the second section and is interposed between the coupling member second end portion and the annular gland nut and is urged into engagement with the second section end portion to resist axial movement of the second section relative to the first section. [0005] In another aspect, a coupling assembly for joining conduit includes a conduit having at least one swaged or enlarged diameter end, a connector sleeve, a compression washer, and an internally threaded annular gland nut. The end of a first conduit is swaged to form a bell portion. The bell portion is sized to receive a connector sleeve. The connector sleeve has an insertion end sized to fit within the bell portion of the first conduit, and an externally threaded second end sized to receive a second conduit. The insertion end of the connector sleeve is coupled within the bell portion of the first conduit. The internally threaded annular gland nut, sized to receive the threaded end of said connector sleeve and encircling a compression washer, is engaged onto the threaded end of the connector sleeve, thus completing the coupling assembly. [0006] In yet another aspect, a connector sleeve for joining conduit includes an annular sleeve having a first end and a second end. The first end, or insertion end, has an outer diameter sized to be received by a first conduit. The second end, or receiving end, is externally threaded and has an inner diameter sized to receive a second conduit. [0007] In still another aspect, a method for joining conduit using a connector assembly is provided. The end of a first conduit is swaged to receive a connector sleeve. The connector sleeve has an insertion end and an externally threaded second end. The connector sleeve is then coupled within the swaged end of the first conduit. A compression washer is encircled by an internally threaded annular gland nut. The compression washer and the gland nut are Wed over a second conduit. The end of the second conduit is then inserted into the connector sleeve. The gland nut, with washer, is then engaged onto the threaded end of the connector sleeve, thereby tightening the compression washer about the end of the second conduit. [0008] One advantage of the conduit coupling assembly described herein resides in its ability to securely connect two lengths of conduit coaxially. [0009] Another advantage of the embodiments of the invention described herein is found in that it offers a conduit joint which may resist twisting and/or separation of the coupled conduit sections. A further advantage of the coupling assembly described herein is found in that it may be provided as an integral part of the conduit. For example, the coupling assembly components may be preattached to the conduit sections prior to shipping the conduit sections to the job site, e.g., during manufacture, at a centralized location, etc. In this manner, manufacturing costs, installation time, and/or inventory concerns associated with maintaining separate inventories of conduit sections and couplers may be reduced. [0010] Yet another advantage of the coupling assembly embodiments herein is the ease of which a connection between conduit sections may be assembled and disassembled. [0011] Still further advantages and benefits of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] The invention may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used for like or analogous components throughout the several views, are only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. [0013] FIG. 1 is an exploded side view illustrating a coupling assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded top plan view of the conduit and connector sleeve shown in FIG. 1 . [0015] FIG. 3 is a side-sectional view of a pipe joint construction according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [0016] FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of the conduit and connector sleeve portions of the coupling assembly depicted FIG. 3 . [0017] FIG. 5 is a side exploded view illustrating a coupling assembly according to a further embodiment. [0018] FIG. 6 is a side view of a coupling assembly according to yet another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0019] With reference to the drawing figures, there appears a conduit joint construction 10 ( FIG. 1 ) according to a first embodiment and a conduit joint construction 11 ( FIG. 3 ) for connecting two conduit sections 12 , 14 in coaxial, end-to-end fashion. The conduit 12 has at least one receiving end 18 . The receiving end 18 is defined by a swaged or bell portion 20 . The bell portion 20 has an enlarged diameter with respect to the conduit 34 is designed to receive a connector sleeve 22 . The conduit is preferably electrical metallic tubing and may be formed of steel, aluminum or aluminum alloy, or other metal or metal alloy. Other conduit materials are also contemplated, such as PCV and other plastics. [0020] The connector sleeve 22 has an externally threaded end 24 and an insertion end 26 . Furthermore, the connector sleeve 22 defines an axial channel or bore having an internal diameter sized to receive an end of the second conduit 14 . The insertion end 26 of the connector sleeve 22 can be coupled within the receiving end 18 of conduit 12 via any of a number of methods. For example, the coupling or fastening between the insertion end 26 of the connector sleeve 22 and the receiving end 18 of the conduit 12 can be achieved by a friction fit between the exterior-facing surface of the insertion end 26 and the interior-facing surface of the bell end 18 , by a mechanical fastener such as one or more rivets, screws or other threaded fasteners, clips, clamps, or the like, a welded joint, an adhesive bond such as epoxy or other adhesive, roll grooving for conduit formed of PVC or other plastic, the connector sleeve may be secured to the bell end via a glue or adhesive bond, or alternatively, may be integrally formed or molded. [0021] In the embodiment appearing in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the coupling member 22 is secured within the bell portion via outwardly dimpling or otherwise deforming the connector sleeve and bell portion 20 whereby one or more 20 protrusions are formed on the exterior-facing surface of the connector sleeve 22 which engage and are complimentary with a corresponding number of depressions formed in the inward-facing surface of the bell portion 20 . However, inwardly dimpling or otherwise deforming the connector sleeve and bell portion 20 is also contemplated whereby one or more protrusions are formed on the interior-facing surface of the connector sleeve 22 which engage and are complimentary with a corresponding number of depressions formed in the outward-facing surface of the bell portion 20 . In still further embodiments, the insertion end of the sleeve within may be rotatably coupled to the receiving end of the first conduit via external threads formed on the exterior facing surface of the insertion end 26 and complimentary mating internal threads formed on the interior facing surface of the bell portion 20 . [0022] With specific reference now to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is illustrated one method for securing the connector sleeve 22 within the receiving end 18 . The bell portion 20 includes one or more (two in the depicted embodiment) dimples or protrusions 40 formed thereon. Each dimple 40 includes an opening 42 extending therethrough. A tubular rivet 44 having a threaded interior is then clinched on the top of each of the dimples 40 and through the holes 42 . For each hole 42 , there is a corresponding aligned hole 48 formed in the connector sleeve 22 . A threaded fastener 46 is rotatably secured to each of the threaded rivets 44 and extends into the holes 48 . Preferably, each of the holes 48 is tapped for form internal threads which likewise rotatably engage the threaded fastener 46 . [0023] It will be recognized that the depicted embodiment employing axially spaced apart fasteners is exemplary only and that other positions and configurations of fasteners may be provided. For example, in certain embodiments, only a single fastener may be provided. In other embodiments, two or more axially aligned fasteners, e.g., circumferentially spaced about the longitudinal axis of the connector sleeve 22 and bell portion 20 , may be provided. [0024] In certain embodiments, each threaded fastener 46 is preferably of a length such that the threaded end thereof will engage the opening 48 without extending into the interior portion of the connector sleeve 22 , so as to avoid interfering with the received end of the conduit 14 . In certain other embodiments, the threaded fasteners 46 are of a length which will extend into the interior of the connector sleeve 22 . In such embodiments, the one or more fasteners may be positioned so as to avoid interfering with the received end of the conduit 14 , e.g., behind an internal stop, or alternatively, the threaded end of one or more of the fasteners 46 may extend radially inwardly so as to define an internal stop, as described hereinbelow. [0025] With specific reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4 , there is shown an alternative means for coupling the connector sleeve 26 to the bell portion 20 wherein the connector sleeve 22 and the bell portion 20 are simultaneously outwardly deformed, e.g., via dimpling. By outwardly pressing the sleeve 22 and bell portion 20 , one or more protrusions 32 are formed on the exterior-facing surface of the connector sleeve 22 which engage and are complimentary with a corresponding number of depressions 34 formed in the inward-facing surface of the bell portion 20 . [0026] It will be recognized that the depicted embodiment employing axially aligned, and radially spaced apart deformations is exemplary only and that other positions and configurations of the deformations may be provided. For example, in certain embodiments, only a single deformed region may be provided. In preferred embodiments, two or more axially aligned deformation, e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more deformations circumferentially spaced about the longitudinal axis of the connector sleeve 22 and bell portion 20 , may be provided. [0027] Advantageously, where a plurality of radially spaced deformations are provided, preferably, e.g., from four to eight although other numbers are contemplated, the dimples or other deformations are formed in such a way so as to provide surface features, preferably protrusions, on the enlarged end area 18 so as to facilitate engagement by a gripping tool such as a wrench, pliers, or the like. In this manner, during installation, the tool may be used to engage the end area 18 to provide additional leverage and/or prevent rotation of the conduit 12 and the connector sleeve 22 relative to the gland nut 30 when the gland nut is rotated during assembly and disassembly of the pipe joint construction. [0028] It will be recognized that by outwardly deforming the connector sleeve 22 and bell portion 20 , interference with the inserted end of the conduit 14 during assembly, as well as interference with wiring or cabling to be drawn through the conduit, may be avoided. In certain other embodiments, however, the deformed regions may be dimpled or otherwise deformed inwardly. In such embodiments, the one or more deformed regions may be positioned so as to avoid interfering with the received end of the conduit 14 , e-g., behind an internal stop, or alternatively, may be positioned so as to define an internal stop, as described hereinbelow. Such inward deformations are also preferably of a radial extent which does not interfere with wiring or cabling to be passed through the conduit. [0029] With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2 and continued reference to FIG. 3 , a compression washer or gland 28 is sized to fit about the conduit 14 and to be coaxially received within an internally threaded annular gland nut 30 . The compression washer may be formed of a metal or metal alloy, and preferably is formed of spring steel, or the like. The gland nut 30 is sized to rotatably receive the threaded end 24 of the connector sleeve 22 . The washer 28 is compressed around the second conduit 14 as the gland nut 30 is rotatably tightened about the threaded end 24 of the connector sleeve 22 . In an alternative embodiment, particularly wherein a PCV or other plastic conduit material is used, the compression washer may be replaced with an annular ring secured to the conduit 14 , e-g., via an adhesive or glue bond, or other fastener. [0030] The connector sleeve may optionally include an external stop for limiting the axial extent to which the connector sleeve 22 may be inserted into the bell portion 20 . The external stop may be any protrusion formed on or attached to the connector sleeve 22 and positioned between the insertion end 26 and the threaded end 24 of the connector sleeve 22 to allow insertion of the connector sleeve 22 into the bell portion 20 to some maximum or predetermined depth. In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-3 , the shoulder 50 of the enlarged diameter threaded end 24 serves as an external stop, although other external stop member configurations such as one or more ridges or other protrusions, such as an annular ridge or a segmented series ridges, and the like, are also contemplated. Optionally, the external stop member can include a peripheral shape and/or one or more peripheral surface features adapted to be engaged by a wrench or other gripping tool. [0031] The connector sleeve 22 may optionally include an internal stop for limiting the axial extent to which the conduit 14 may be inserted into the connector sleeve 22 . The internal stop may be any protrusion extending into the axial bore defined by the connector sleeve 22 positioned therein to allow insertion of the conduit 14 into the bell portion 20 to a predetermined depth and prevent the inserted end of the conduit 14 from passing completely through the sleeve 22 . Preferably, such an internal stop member should extend inwardly a sufficient distance to engage the edge of conduit end 14 , but without interfering with cabling or wiring to be passed through the conduit. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3 , the radially inwardly extending flange or lip 52 of the connector sleeve 22 serves as an internal stop member, although other internal stop member configurations are contemplated, including without limitation one or more fasteners ends additionally securing the connector sleeve 26 within the bell portion 20 as described above, or, one or more radially inwardly formed dimples or deformations for securing the connector sleeve 26 within the bell portion 20 as described above. [0032] In still further embodiments, the connector sleeve 22 can have modified internal and/or external surface features so as to prevent relative rotation between the connector sleeve 22 and the bell portion 20 and/or relative rotation of the second conduit 14 within the sleeve 22 . For example, the internal and/or external surfaces of the washer 28 may be crosshatched to increase the friction. Alternatively, the connector sleeve 22 may be keyed or otherwise provided with a complimentary cross-sectional shape relative to the bell portion and/or the inserted end of the conduit 14 . [0033] In certain embodiments, the compression washer 28 may have a beveled or tapered leading edge such that the washer 28 is wedged between the connector sleeve 22 and the second conduit 14 as the gland nut 30 is tightened via rotation of the nut 30 with respect to the threaded end 24 . The inner and/or outer surfaces of the compression washer 28 may be modified to increase the friction between the compression washer 28 and the second conduit 14 and/or between the compression washer 28 and or the connector sleeve 22 . For example, the internal and/or external surfaces of the washer 28 may be crosshatched to increase the friction. [0034] Referring now to FIG. 5 , there appears a conduit section 12 having an enlarged end 18 for receiving a connector sleeve 22 . The connector sleeve 22 includes a threaded end 24 , an insertion end 26 , and a raised shoulder 50 . It will be recognized that the coupling assembly depicted in FIG. 5 may include any of the fastening or coupling means for securing the sleeve 22 within the bell end 18 of the conduit 12 and described above. [0035] An optional annular gasket or sealing ring 54 is supported on the sleeve insertion end 26 . The material forming the sealing ring or gasket 54 may be, for example, a metal or metal alloy, such as steel, aluminum, zinc alloy, etc., or a synthetic or natural plastic, rubber, or elastomeric material. Optionally, the gasket 54 may be seated in an annular groove or channel (not shown) formed on the connector sleeve insertion end 22 adjacent the shoulder 50 . The sealing ring or gasket 54 fills any gap between the shoulder 50 and the end of the bell portion 18 , thereby preventing or reducing the infiltration of moisture, dirt, debris, smoke, and other environmental factors into or out of the conduit. [0036] Referring now to FIG. 6 , there appears a pipe joint assembly 111 including a conduit section 112 having an end 148 coaxially received within an insertion end 126 of an external sleeve 122 , The sleeve 122 includes a threaded end 124 having an internal diameter sized to receive an end of a conduit section 14 to be joined to the conduit section 112 . An internal stop member (not shown) for the received ends of the conduit sections 112 and 14 , such as a radially inwardly protruding member or flange may be provided within the sleeve 122 intermediate the insertion end 126 and the threaded end 124 of the sleeve 122 . An annular sealing ring or gasket (not shown) may optionally be provided to seal any gap between the outer surface of the insertion end 118 of conduit 114 and an inner surface of the sleeve 122 . [0037] A compression washer or gland 28 is sized to fit about the conduit 14 and to be coaxially received within an internally threaded annular gland nut 30 . The gland nut 30 is sized to rotatably receive the threaded end 124 of the connector sleeve 122 . The washer 28 is compressed around the second conduit 14 as the gland nut 34 ) is rotatably tightened about the threaded end 24 of the connector sleeve 22 . The washer 28 may include a beveled or tapered leading edge to wedge the washer between the threaded end 124 of the sleeve 422 and the conduit section 14 . In alternative embodiments, the compression washer 28 may be replaced with an annular ring secured to the conduit 14 , e.g., via an adhesive or glue bond, or other fastener. [0038] In the depicted exemplary embodiment, the connector sleeve 122 is secured to the conduit section 112 via a plurality of outward dimples or deformations 134 . However, it will be recognized that any of the coupling methods shown and described above by way of reference to FIGS. 1-4 for securing the connector sleeve 22 to conduit section end 18 may likewise be adapted for securing the connector sleeve 122 to the conduit section end 118 . [0039] The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the preceding disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.
A connector sleeve for joining conduit, and a joint construction, and a coupling assembly for joining conduit; and a method for joining conduit using a coupling assembly.
8
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] Embodiments of the invention relate to the field of circuit protection devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fuse assembly employing a post arrangement that is easier to manufacture and provides a built-in insulating configuration with the fuse. [0003] 2. Discussion of Related Art [0004] Fuses are used as circuit protection devices and form an electrical connection between a power source and a component in a circuit to be protected. In particular, a fuse may be configured to protect against damage caused by an overcurrent condition. A fuse is constructed to physically open or interrupt a circuit path and isolate electrical components from damage upon the occurrence of specified overvoltage and/or overcurrent conditions in the circuit. [0005] Electrical systems in vehicles typically include a number of these types of circuit protection devices to protect electrical circuitry, equipment, and components from damage caused by these conditions. For example, power sources (e.g. batteries) in vehicles utilize a fuse fitted over a terminal post to which a ring terminal of an electrical cable is connected. A nut is usually threaded onto the post to keep the ring terminal and fuse in position. When an excess current condition exists, the fuse on the terminal post protects the components connected to the power source from this excess current. Unintended shorting occurs when the ring terminal comes into direct electrical contact with the post rather than through the fuse. To overcome this problem, an insulating nut fitted over the post has been used to isolate the fuse and the ring terminal to prevent current from bypassing the fuse and damaging the protected circuit. [0006] In certain applications, a single source of power may be shared with a plurality of these fuse arrangements to distribute power to multiple circuits. For example, FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a fuse assembly 10 illustrating a housing or block 20 from which a post 25 extends and on which fuse 30 is mounted. A ring terminal 40 is fitted over post 25 . Ring terminal 40 is connected to a power cable 41 to supply power to an electrical circuit to be protected. Ring terminal is configured to make electrical contact with an upper terminal of fuse 30 , but is insulated from post 25 . In this configuration, power is supplied to a bus bar 45 disposed in block 20 which is connected to a lower terminal of fuse 30 . In this manner, fuse 30 connects the bus bar 45 with ring terminal 40 via fuse element 35 . When an overcurrent condition occurs, the fuse element 35 opens or otherwise prevents the flow of current from the bus bar 45 to ring terminal 40 thereby protecting the electrical circuit. Post 25 is molded within block 20 which is typically made from plastic. Unfortunately, by molding one end of post 25 into block 20 , additional manufacturing steps and associated costs are incurred. Accordingly, there is a need to provide a fuse assembly that includes a post or terminal portion that is easier to manufacture and provides an insulating configuration to prevent unnecessary short circuits. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to a protection device disposed between a source of power and a circuit to be protected. In an exemplary embodiment, a circuit protection assembly comprises a mounting block having a bore extending therethrough and a recess cavity on a first surface of the mounting block. A post having a first end is disposed within the recess cavity and a body portion extends through the bore. A fuse having a centrally disposed aperture is configured to receive the body portion of the post. The post has a second end configured to receive a terminal for connection to a circuit to be protected. [0008] In another exemplary embodiment, a circuit protection assembly comprises a mounting block having an upper surface and a lower surface. A plurality of posts is included where each of the posts extends from the upper surface of the block. A plurality of fuses each defined by a first and second terminals and a fuse element connecting the first and second terminals where each of the first terminals of the fuses having a centrally disposed aperture configured to receive a respective one of the plurality of posts. A bus bar extends along a length of the bottom surface of the mounting block where the bus bar defines the second terminal of each of the fuses. A power connection assembly is located at a first end of the mounting block and is configured to supply power to the bus bar. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art fuse assembly employing a post integrally molded with an block. [0010] FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded perspective view of an exemplary fuse assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0011] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective bottom view of the fuse assembly of FIG. 2A in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0012] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a fuse assembly shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B . [0013] FIG. 3A illustrates an exploded perspective view of a fuse utilized in an assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0014] FIG. 3B is a top plan view of a fuse utilized in an assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0015] FIGS. 4A-4D are various perspective views of an assembly in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. [0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. [0017] FIGS. 6A-6B are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. [0018] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure. [0019] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure. [0020] FIG. 8B is a side view of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8A in accordance with the present disclosure. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0021] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention, however, may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. [0022] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a fuse assembly 100 including a housing or block 120 on which one or more fuses 130 are mounted. In this illustration, one fuse 130 is shown with two posts 125 and 155 where post 155 supplies power to a bus plate 131 and post 125 receives fuse 130 . In particular, first post 125 is disposed through a receiving bore in block 120 and a corresponding bore in bus plate 131 . Fuse 130 may be a ceramic โ€œblockโ€ fuse having a generally central aperture (as shown in FIG. 3B ) that receives post 125 . An insulator 126 isolates post 125 from fuse 130 . Ring terminal 140 , connected to cable 141 , is mounted over post 125 and nut 145 threadedly engages the post to retain both the fuse and the ring terminal in position. A second post 155 extends through block 120 and is in electrical contact with bus bar 131 to provide power thereto. Post 155 is also threaded and receives ring terminal 150 and nut 155 . Cable 151 is connected to post 155 via ring terminal 150 to distribute power to the fuse assembly via bus bar 131 . In this manner, a circuit is formed from ring terminal 150 , to bus plate 131 , through fuse 130 , to ring terminal 140 to a component and/or circuit to be protected. Thus, power is supplied to the assembly at one location (e.g. ring terminal 150 and bus plate 131 ) and distributed to circuits through respective fuse assemblies (e.g. fuse 130 ). [0023] FIG. 2B is a bottom view of assembly 100 illustrating the retaining configuration of posts 125 and 155 within block 120 . In particular, the bottom side of block 120 includes recesses sized slightly larger than the heads of each post 125 , 155 within which these heads are disposed such that the respective posts are secured in position through block 120 . Posts 125 and 155 may be force fit into respective recesses of block 120 where the recesses have the same shape as respective heads of each post 125 , 155 with body portions of each of the posts extending through block 120 . In this manner, the posts do not need to be integrally molded with block 120 , thereby reducing manufacturing and labor costs. [0024] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a fuse assembly shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B . As can be seen, the head 125 a of post 125 is recessed within block 120 , but not molded therein. Insulator 126 , which is a separate component and not molded as part of block 120 , extends from the head 125 a along post 125 into a lower end of fuse 130 to insulate the post 125 from bus bar 131 . By not molding post 125 and insulator 126 within block 120 , manufacturing costs are conserved. The fusible element 136 is connected to a lower fuse terminal 135 โ€ฒ which is in electrical contact with bus bar 131 . In normal operating conditions, an electrical connection is formed between bus bar 131 , lower fuse terminal 135 โ€ฒ, fusible element 136 , upper fuse terminal 135 and ring terminal 140 . When an overcurrent event occurs, fusible element 136 is blown or otherwise breaks this electrical connection. [0025] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a block fuse 130 and FIG. 3B is a top plan view thereof. Fuse 130 is defined by a housing 130 โ€ฒ which may be made from, for example, a ceramic material, and has a centrally disposed aperture 127 through which post 125 is received. Fuse 130 includes a fuse element 136 which is in electrical contact with ring terminal 140 via terminal 135 to provide an electrical path to a circuit to be protected for power supplied to bus bar 131 . Fuse element 136 may also include a retaining flange 137 which extends toward housing 130 โ€ฒ to assist in the retention thereof. Fuse 130 also includes a cover 180 which protects fusible element 136 from ambient particles as well as acting to contain arcing when the fuse is blown due to an overcurrent condition. The cover is at least partially disposed in grooves 185 of fuse body 130 โ€ฒ which helps to retain the cover in position. [0026] FIGS. 4A-4D are various perspective views of an assembly 200 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. Instead of separate fuses 130 shown in FIGS. 2-3 , this embodiment incorporates fuses 230 1 . . . 230 N and block 220 into a unitary assembly. In particular, FIG. 4A illustrates a block 220 including a bus bar 231 disposed on the bottom of the block that extends the length of the block (see FIG. 4D ). A first portion 229 of the assembly 200 defines a connection to a power supply when a power supply cable is connected to post 225 1 . The bus bar 231 is connected to post 225 1 via an electrical connection (not shown) around the outside of block 220 . The remaining portions of block 220 define fuses 230 1 . . . 230 N each having separate fuse elements 236 1 . . . 236 N connecting bus bar 231 which acts as a first terminal for each fuse to a second terminal 235 1 . . . 235 N . As shown, fuse element 236 1 is used to electrically connect bus bar 231 to a terminal 235 1 to define fuse 230 1 . Each of the fuses 230 1 . . . 230 N may also include covers 237 N which cover respective fusible elements 236 1 . . . 236 N . [0027] FIG. 4B is used to illustrate just the posts 225 1 . . . 225 N and block 220 without the fusible elements or busbar to show how the posts are positioned within recesses of block 220 for connection to a ring terminal. In particular, block 220 is shown with empty recesses 228 1 . . . 228 N where the fuse elements 231 1 . . . 236 N would be disposed. The head of each post 225 1 . . . 225 N is positioned in block 220 . This allows each post to only extend from block 220 through a respective terminal 235 1 . . . 235 N of each fuse. This eliminates the need to insulate each of the posts 225 1 . . . 225 N since each post only protrudes through a corresponding one of the terminals 235 1 . . . 235 N and does not contact bus bar 231 . In addition, since no insulator is used, the compression forces that exist once a fuse is mounted on a post 225 1 . . . 225 N are limited to the contact point between the post and the respective fuse terminal. In this manner, each post 225 N is in direct contact with a respective terminal 235 N of a corresponding fuse 230 N . This eliminates the need for an insulator to be used which can withstand the compression force of a bolt down joint since all the compression force is directly between the fuse terminal and a respective post. In previous designs, specialty plastics were needed to form the insulators as well as block 220 . These costly specialty plastics were selected to withstand heat during use as well as the compression forces generated when a fuse is bolted to a post. In contrast, since the posts of the present disclosure 225 1 . . . 225 N do not extend through the block 220 , this obviates the need for a costly high temperature plastic or ceramic to be used that can withstand these compression forces. [0028] FIG. 4C is a cut-away cross section of the assembly showing a particular fuse 230 N having a first terminal defined by a corresponding portion of bus bar 231 , second terminal 235 N connected by a fuse element 236 N and a post 225 N that extends upward through an aperture in second terminal 235 N for connection to a ring terminal. Each fuse also includes a cover 280 N as described in FIG. 3B which protects the respective fusible element 236 N . [0029] FIGS. 5-7 are various views of assemblies in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present disclosure including different configurations of the terminals, block, posts and fusible elements. FIG. 5 illustrates assembly 500 comprising a block 520 with a pair wise or side-by-side post 525 1 . . . 525 N configuration adapted to receive block fuses (e.g. 130 shown in FIG. 3A ). Block 520 may be a unitary piece of, for example, plastic, including a bus bar 531 disposed on the bottom of the block 520 that extends the length and width of the block. A first portion 529 of the bus bar 531 of the assembly 500 defines a connection to a power supply when a power supply cable is connected thereto. [0030] Fuses 530 1 . . . 530 N each have separate fuse elements 536 1 . . . 536 N connecting bus bar 531 which acts as a first terminal for each fuse to a corresponding second terminal 535 1 . . . 535 N of the fuse. For example, fuse element 536 1 is used to connect bus bar 531 to terminal 535 1 to define fuse 530 1 . Each of the fusible elements is disposed a distance away from wall 520 A of block 520 since the temperature of each of the fusible elements increases during use and should not come in contact with the plastic material of block 520 . [0031] Each of a plurality of posts 525 1 . . . 525 N is positioned in block 520 via grooved recesses 527 . This allows each post to only extend from block 520 through a respective second terminal 535 1 . . . 535 N and does not contact bus bar 531 . As stated above with respect to the previous embodiments, since the posts do not extend all the way through the block 520 , this obviates the need for a costly high temperature plastic or ceramic to be used for the block capable of withstanding compression forces when terminals are connected to the posts. Spacers or guards 534 N may be disposed between each of terminals 535 N to separate each of the terminals 535 1 . . . 535 N and post combinations. [0032] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate another embodiment of an assembly 600 in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of assembly 600 and FIG. 6B is a perspective exploded view of the same assembly 600 . Assembly 600 includes a block 620 defined by a first sub-block 620 A and a second sub-block 620 B. In this embodiment, the bus bar (e.g. 531 shown in FIG. 5 ) is defined by a first portion 631 A positioned on the bottom of first sub-block 620 A and a second sub-portion 631 B positioned on the bottom of second sub-block 620 B. The bus bar portions 620 A, 620 B define a first terminal of each of the fuses 630 1 . . . 630 N and the second terminal is defined by respective portions 635 1 . . . 635 N . Each of the posts 625 1 . . . 625 N is adapted to receive exemplary ring terminals shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2 . [0033] A connection portion 629 receives a power supply cable for the assembly 600 . The connection portion 629 is defined by a first connection portion 629 A adapted to receive, for example, a ring terminal of the power supply cable and a second connection portion 629 B via aperture 629 Bโ€ฒ. An additional fusible element 636 N+1 (shown more clearly in FIG. 6B ) may be disposed between first and second connection portions 629 A and 629 B and disposed within housing 628 . [0034] FIG. 6B illustrates an exploded view of assembly 600 in which the fuse portions 630 1 . . . 630 N are shown as a unitary section defined by respective bus bar portions 631 A and 631 B, fusible elements 636 1 . . . 636 N and terminals 635 1 . . . 635 N . These unitary pieces are disposed around respective block portions 620 A and 620 B with posts 625 1 . . . 625 N protruding through aperture in each of the upper terminals 635 1 . . . 635 N . A first cover 680 A and a second cover 680 B are used to cover respective fusible elements 636 1 . . . 636 N . A first side of each of sub-blocks 620 A and 620 B has recesses 621 and protrusions 622 that are aligned to fit the two sub-blocks together to form block 620 . [0035] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative assembly 700 in accordance with the present disclosure. In this embodiment, block 720 is a unitary piece and is configured to receive a unitary fuse assembly shown generally as 730 A. The unitary assembly 730 A is defined by bus bar 731 and fuses 730 1 . . . 730 N . The bus bar 731 forms the first terminal of each of the fuses and second terminals 735 1 . . . 735 N are electrically connected to the first terminal via fusible elements 736 1 . . . 736 N disposed therebetween, respectively. [0036] Block 720 includes a first and second recesses 721 A, 721 B which are configured to receive first and second post blocks 722 A, 722 B of first and second post assembly 790 A and 790 B ( 790 A is shown positioned within unitary assembly 730 A and 790 B is shown outside of unitary assembly 730 A for ease of illustration). In this manner, a block 720 slides into the unitary assembly and receives the post assemblies 790 A and 790 B or unitary assembly 730 A slides over block 720 with post assemblies 790 A and 790 B at least partially disposed within recesses 721 A and 721 B. [0037] FIG. 8A is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an assembly 800 in accordance with the present disclosure. In this embodiment, block 820 may be a unitary or multiple piece block with a first portion 820 A configured with posts 825 1 , 825 2 for connection to one or more connection cables and a second portion 820 B receiving female fuse portions 835 Nโˆ’2 . . . 835 N as described below. A unitary assembly, shown generally as 830 A, is defined by bus bar 831 and fuses 830 1 . . . 830 N . The bus bar 831 forms the first terminal of each of the fuses and second terminals are illustrated as 835 1 . . . 835 N with fusible elements 836 1 . . . 836 N disposed therebetween, respectively. Terminals 835 Nโˆ’2 . . . 835 N may be configured as male terminals for insertion into recesses 832 1 . . . 832 N . A plurality of locking portions 823 1 . . . 823 N are disposed on the top of block portion 820 B to retain connection to each of the female fuse portions 835 Nโˆ’2 . . . 835 N . This may be seen more clearly with reference to FIG. 8B which illustrates a side view of assembly 800 . The recesses 832 1 . . . 832 N extend through block portion 820 B to the other side thereof to receive a connection to the female fuse portions 835 Nโˆ’2 . . . 835 N which are retained in place via locking portions 823 1 . . . 823 N . [0038] 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 claim(s). 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.
A circuit protection assembly employs a post arrangement that is easier to manufacture and has a built-in insulating fuse configuration. The circuit protection assembly is disposed between a source of power and a circuit to be protected. The circuit protection assembly includes comprises a mounting block having a bore extending therethrough and a recess cavity on a first surface of the mounting block. A post having a first end is disposed within the recess cavity and a body portion extends through the bore. A fuse having a centrally disposed aperture is configured to receive the body portion of the post. The post has a second end configured to receive a terminal for connection to a circuit to be protected.
7
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to aerospace vehicles and, in particular, to a stage separation system and method. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Multistage aerospace vehicles are widely used to carry payloads into orbit and propel space vehicles into outer space. One or more booster stages accelerate an orbital stage, or vehicle, toward space. Depleted booster stages are generally dropped in order to reduce the weight of the aerospace vehicle. After each booster stage has served its purpose in attaining a certain velocity, it separates from the next stage and falls back to earth. Timely and proper separation of stages in an aerospace vehicle often requires intricate planning and design, and typically involves high-cost, sensitive hardware and instrumentation. Separation is often accomplished by detonating pyrotechnic devices in a predetermined sequence which in turn disengage the mechanical connection between stages. Pyrotechnic devices, however, are hazardous explosives, and inherently expensive to manufacture, deliver and handle. Therefore, the number of pyrotechnic devices employed in a given system has significant cost implications. Furthermore, the shock and debris of pyrotechnic devices may have a deleterious effect on other system components including the booster stage(s) and orbital vehicle because they cause structural damage above and beyond that required for separation. This collateral damage increases with the number of devices utilized and impacts the ability to reuse system components for subsequent launches. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to reduce the cost of placing aerospace vehicles or payloads in earth orbits and space, and in particular, to provide a multistage separation system which employs a limited number of pyrotechnic devices. Another object is to enhance the efficiency of separation of multistage aerospace vehicles. Yet another object is to minimize damage to aerospace vehicles caused by pyrotechnic devices. Still another object is to provide a safe, reliable, cost-effective separation system for multistage aerospace vehicles. The foregoing objects are attained in accordance with the present invention by employing a separation system which requires a limited number of pyrotechnic devices. In a particular embodiment, a first stage and a second stage are provided with a plurality of separation assemblies coupling the first stage to the second stage. At least one container charged with pressurized gas in fluid communication with the separation assemblies may also be provided. The container provides pressurized gas to the separation assemblies to cause separation of the first stage and the second stage. In another embodiment of the present invention, a first stage and a second stage may be coupled to define a cavity between the first stage and the second stage. An orifice operable to provide fluid communication between the cavity and external ambient may also be provided. In yet another embodiment, a separation system for use on a multistage aerospace vehicle includes a manifold and a plurality of containers filled with pressurized gas, in fluid communication with the manifold. A plurality of separation nut assemblies in fluid communication with the manifold are also provided. A plurality of valves are disposed between the manifold and the containers. The valves, upon actuation, release the pressurized gas for delivery to the separation nut assemblies. A technical advantage of the present invention includes the limited number of pyrotechnic devices required to effectuate the safe and efficient separation of the stages. By limiting the number of pyrotechnic devices, collateral damage to the structural components of the aerospace vehicle is minimized, as well as the amount of flying debris generated. This allows the operator to refurbish and reuse the aerospace vehicle during subsequent launches. Another technical advantage includes separation of the stages using trapped air to prevent unwanted side velocities, uneven separation, and structural damage. The trapped air may be controllably released to establish predetermined separation forces. Other technical advantages are readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, description, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and for further features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a launch vehicle that includes an orbital vehicle and launch assist platform embodying the present invention; FIG. 2 is a partial cross-section, with portions broken away, illustrating a portion of the juncture between the orbital vehicle and launch assist platform; FIG. 3 is a generally schematic view of the juncture between the orbital vehicle and launch assist platform taken along lines 3 โ€” 3 of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view from a point on the interior of the launch assist platform; FIG. 5 is an electrical/pneumatic interconnect block diagram; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a โ€œDโ€ seal, in an undeformed state; FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view, with portions broken away, illustrating pressure control orifices; and FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view, with portions broken away, looking from a point to the side and above the launch assist platform, illustrating a separation nut assembly accessible from the outside of the vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIG. 1, a launch vehicle 30 is illustrated which includes an orbital vehicle 32 and a booster stage, or launch assist platform 34 , which propels orbital vehicle 32 toward an orbit around the earth. The juncture of orbital vehicle 32 and launch assist platform 34 is indicated by cross-section 3 โ€” 3 and further illustrated in FIG. 3 . The two-stage combination of orbital vehicle 32 and launch assist platform 34 delivers a payload 33 into earth orbit. Launch assist platform 34 may be used alone or in combination with one or more additional booster stages to assist a space vehicle in reaching earth orbit or outer space. While the illustrated embodiment encompasses a two-stage launch vehicle, the teachings of the present invention apply to separation techniques and structures between stages of an aerospace vehicle. In the present embodiment, launch assist platform 34 includes a body that is essentially a tubular, aerodynamic outer shell 36 of cylindrical shape which is constructed in major part by internal ribbed tubular panels of a composite material. Launch assist platform 34 derives its power from one or more liquid oxygen/kerosene main propulsion engines 38 . A liquid oxygen (LOX) propellant tank 41 and kerosene fuel tank 40 are encased within launch assist platform 34 , and thermally isolated from the ribbed tubular panels of outer shell 36 . Liquid oxygen stored within propellant tank 41 and kerosene stored within fuel tank 40 is supplied to main propulsion engines 38 to provide thrust to launch assist platform 34 during take-off and flight of launch vehicle 30 . The propulsion system 42 associated with orbital vehicle 32 includes engine 44 , liquid oxygen propellant tank 47 and kerosene fuel tank 46 . After separation of launch assist platform 34 from orbital vehicle 32 , liquid oxygen stored within propellant tank 47 and kerosene stored within fuel tank 46 are supplied to engines 44 to provide thrust to orbital vehicle 32 . The orbital vehicle includes a blunt nose 50 , which is generally parabolic shaped, and outer shell 48 formed from ribbed tubular panels of a composite material. Orbital vehicle 32 and launch assist platform 34 define a cavity 110 at their juncture. An orifice 118 provides fluid communication between cavity 110 and external ambient. Air and/or pressurized gas trapped within cavity 110 may be selectively released through orifice 118 . Pressure relief valves 128 may be used in lieu of, or in addition to orifice 118 , to maintain a specified pressure differential between cavity 110 and external ambient. This trapped air pressure release system will be described later, in more detail. In one embodiment, launch vehicle 30 may be used to deliver communications satellites into low earth orbit. The components of launch vehicle 30 may be fully reusable in excess of one hundred launch applications. Launch vehicle 30 of FIG. 1 is approximately one hundred fifteen feet in overall length, twenty-two feet in diameter and may weigh in excess of eight hundred and five thousand pounds at lift off. During operation, main engines 38 provide the thrust necessary to achieve lift off and sustain flight of launch vehicle 30 to a predetermined elevation and trajectory. A separation system to be described in more detail later decouples orbital vehicle 32 from launch assist platform 34 . Main engines 38 provide the necessary thrust to maneuver launch assist platform 34 to a predetermined location where a chute and airbag system is deployed, which allows launch assist platform 34 to safely return to the earth's surface for recovery and reuse. Shortly after separation, engine 44 ignites to propel orbital vehicle 32 into earth orbit. Payload 33 is then deployed to remain in an orbital trajectory. A de-orbit burn provided by an orbital maneuvering engine then allows orbital vehicle 32 to exit earth's orbit and return to earth. At a predetermined elevation, another chute and airbag system deploys to allow orbital vehicle 32 to land safely on the earth's surface. Orbital vehicle 32 and launch assist platform 34 are then collected to be retrofitted and refueled for another launch sequence to deploy an additional payload. FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of the juncture between launch assist platform 34 and orbital vehicle 32 . A flanged portion 60 of launch assist platform 34 couples to a flanged portion 62 of orbital vehicle 32 using separation nut assembly 70 . Separation nut assembly 70 includes an outer housing 72 surrounding a retainer spring 74 . A cartridge port 78 connects to branch piping section 102 . Pressure chamber 80 provides a fluid communication path between branch piping section 102 and separation bolt 76 . A bolt retainer 90 is optionally provided and mounted to orbital vehicle 32 to capture and retain separation bolts 76 upon actuation of separation nut assembly 70 and separation of launch assist platform 34 from orbital vehicle 32 . Actuation of separation nut assembly 70 releases bolt 76 which is retained within bolt retainer 90 . This helps minimize the amount of flying debris generated during the separation stage of the launch which could otherwise damage structural components of launch vehicle 30 and create hazards for other aircraft, as well as structures and populations below. Separation nut assemblies 70 are actuated by introducing pressurized gas through branch piping section 102 to cartridge port 78 of separation nut assembly 70 . FIG. 3 is a cross section and illustrates portions of separation system 101 . Manifold 100 is installed along the perimeter of outer shell 36 of launch assist platform 34 near the interface between launch assist platform 34 and orbital vehicle 32 . Manifold 100 includes a circular tube with a hollow generally tubular cross-section. A plurality of branch piping sections 102 provide fluid communication paths between manifold 100 and separation nut assemblies 70 . Pressurized containers 106 secure to the interior of outer shell 36 of launch assist platform 34 . In one embodiment, pressurized tank 106 is charged with nitrogen gas (N 2 ), but it should be recognized that other gases, including helium gas (H 2 ), can be utilized. Branch piping sections 108 provide fluid communication paths between pressurized containers 106 and manifold 100 . Pyrotechnic valves 104 are disposed within branch piping sections 108 and maintained in a typically โ€œclosedโ€ position until actuation of the separation nut assemblies 70 is desired. A PCR 1/2-20 Power Cartridge as produced by Hi-Shear Technology Corporation, for example, is suitable for use within the teachings of the present invention. Upon actuation of pyrotechnic valves 104 , fluid communication is established between pressurized containers 106 and manifold 100 , allowing trapped gas to travel through pyrotechnic valves 104 which are in the โ€œopenโ€ position, through branch piping sections 108 fully charging manifold 100 almost instantaneously. Pressurized gas then proceeds through branch piping sections 102 into separation nut assembly 70 via cartridge port 78 . In another embodiment, mechanical and/or electromechanical valves may be used interchangeably with, or instead of pyrotechnic valves 104 . In one embodiment, pressurized containers 106 may be charged with Helium gas to a pressure of 7,500 psi. Nitrogen gas may also be introduced into manifold 100 prior to launch, to affect a faster overall charge. As an example, manifold 100 may be pre-charged with nitrogen gas to a pressure of 2,500 psi. When helium gas within pressurized container 106 and nitrogen gas within manifold 100 are used in combination, the chemical reaction caused by the mixing of the gases enhances the performance of the system facilitating more rapid actuation of separation nut assemblies 70 . It will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that many types of compressed gas are available for use interchangeably within manifold 100 and pressurized containers 106 . FIG. 4 illustrates a partial perspective view of a portion of separation system 101 . Although the fluid communication path described includes manifold 100 , and branch piping sections 102 and 108 , it should be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that any reference to a manifold may include any piping, fittings, and branch lines necessary to allow fluid communication between pressurized containers 106 and separation nut assemblies 70 . FIG. 5 illustrates a piping and instrumentation diagram of separation system 101 . A battery pack 82 provides power to a controller or central processing unit (CPU) 84 which controls the actuation of pyrotechnic valves 104 . Upon command, CPU 84 actuates pyrotechnic valves 104 using signal lines 103 , allowing gas contained within pressurized containers 106 to enter branch piping sections 102 , charging manifold 100 . Separation nut assemblies release when a predetermined amount of pressure is transferred from manifold 100 through branch piping sections 102 to separation nut assemblies 70 . CPU also includes redundant sensor lines 105 to monitor the pressure of compressed gas in pressurized containers 106 . Any number of specific configurations of the components of separation system 101 are available in lieu of the system illustrated in FIG. 5 . As an example, valves may be provided within manifold 100 essentially partitioning the system such that each pressurized container 106 services a specific number of separation nut assemblies. In one embodiment, four pressurized containers may be employed to service a total of twenty-four separation nut assemblies which would allow a design wherein each pressurized container services a total of six separation nut assemblies. In another embodiment, the ratio of separation assemblies to containers charged with pressurized gas may exceed 6:1. In order to avoid errors or complications caused by faulty components, redundancy may also be introduced into the separation system components. For example, each pressurized container may service six primary separation nut assemblies 70 and also provide โ€œbackupโ€ to an additional six in case of equipment failure. In one particular embodiment, low shock separation nuts within the SN9400 Series as manufactured by Hi-Shear Technology Corporation of Torrance, Calif. are suitable for as separation assemblies in separation system 101 . Such bolts facilitate a torque of 140 foot-pounds applied to the mechanical connection between orbital vehicle 32 and launch assist platform 34 . In another embodiment, separation assemblies 70 may be programmed to release when pressure in the range of four to five thousand pounds per square inch is introduced at the cartridge port. In a particular embodiment, release of all separation assemblies 70 associated with separation system 101 may then be accomplished in less than eight milliseconds. Many releasable mechanical couplings, or separation assemblies, are available for use as separation assemblies, within the teachings of the present invention. Once the structural bond of separation assemblies 70 is broken, the physical separation of orbital vehicle 32 from launch assist platform 34 of launch vehicle 30 of FIG. 1 is enhanced by a volume of trapped air occupying interior cavity 110 defined by components of launch assist platform 34 and orbital vehicle 32 . This volume of air may be maintained at a predetermined pressure. Throughout the flight of launch vehicle 30 , the pressure within interior cavity 110 remains higher than ambient atmospheric pressure since ambient atmospheric pressure will decrease steadily corresponding to any increase in elevation. The pressure within interior cavity 110 may be controlled passively through orifice 118 or pressure relief valves 128 or actively using sensors. Launch vehicle 30 includes interior cavity 110 (FIG. 1) which occupies the space between and within portions of orbital vehicle 32 and launch assist platform 34 . Interior cavity 110 is defined at its perimeter by outer shells 36 and 48 of launch assist platform 34 and orbital vehicle 32 , respectively. The lower boundary of interior cavity 110 is defined by propellant tank 41 of launch assist platform 34 and the upper extreme is defined by fuel tank 46 of orbital vehicle 32 . Launch assist platform 34 is assembled in a manner in which air cannot pass between propellant tank 41 and outer shell 36 . Similarly, orbital vehicle 32 is assembled such that air is prevented from traveling between fuel tank 46 and outer shell 48 . Although many components of launch vehicle 30 occupy interior cavity 110 , including propulsion system 42 of orbital vehicle 32 and other components, a significant volume remains wherein air and other gases may be contained. When launch vehicle 30 is assembled prior to launch, the juncture between launch assist platform 34 and orbital vehicle 32 forms a generally airtight seal. A circular notched opening 112 (FIG. 2) with a generally rectangular cross section is provided near the outermost perimeter of flanged portion 60 of launch assist platform 34 . A similar circular notched opening 114 (FIG. 2) is provided near the innermost perimeter of flanged portion 60 of launch assist platform 34 . A pair of circular โ€œDโ€ seals 116 , the cross-section of which is illustrated in FIG. 6, are inserted into circular notched openings 112 and 114 during the assembly of launch vehicle 30 . When separation bolt 76 is torqued down, flanged portion 62 of orbital vehicle 32 compresses โ€œDโ€ seals 116 within circular notched openings 112 and 114 , thereby creating a generally airtight seal between flanged portion 62 of orbital vehicle 32 and flanged portion 60 of launch assist platform 34 . Although the illustrated embodiment utilizes two โ€œDโ€ seals 116 to close any opening which may exist between flanged portion 60 and flanged portion 62 , a single โ€œDโ€ seal may be sufficient. Alternatively, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that many other methods of establishing this generally airtight seal are available. For example, flanged portions 60 and 62 may be machined in such a manner that โ€œDโ€ seal 116 would not be required to establish a substantially airtight seal. In one embodiment, circular notched openings 112 and 114 may have cross-sectional dimensions of 0.312โ€ณ wide by 0.3โ€ณ tall. Within the same embodiment, โ€œDโ€ seals 116 may have a cross-sectional overall width of 0.31โ€ณ and overall height of 0.5โ€ณ. Separation system 101 may incorporate any number, shape, size and configuration of circular notched openings 112 and 114 , as well as โ€œDโ€ seals 116 , to provide a substantially airtight seal. โ€œDโ€ seal 116 of the illustrated embodiment is suitable to fill manufacturing, assembly, and frame gapping of approximately 0.121โ€ณ. After the assembly of launch vehicle 30 prior to launch, interior cavity 110 is substantially airtight with respect to ambient atmospheric pressure. Accordingly, the pressure within interior cavity 110 will remain at whatever ambient pressure is prevalent at the elevation where assembly is accomplished. This pressure may fall within the range of 10-15 psi according to the assembly and launch sites currently being contemplated. Once interior cavity 110 is sealed, this pressure may be maintained regardless of changes encountered in ambient atmospheric pressure due to changes in elevation experienced during the launch and flight of launch vehicle 30 . In order to selectively control the dissipation of pressure within cavity 110 , an orifice 118 may be provided within outer shell 36 of launch assist platform 34 . Orifice 118 provides a fluid communication path between interior cavity 110 and the ambient atmosphere. Orifice 118 may be located anywhere along the perimeter of interior cavity 110 along either outer shell 36 of launch assist platform 34 or outer shell 48 of orbital vehicle 32 or both. Any number of the same or differently sized additional orifices may also be employed, although the illustrated embodiment contemplates the use of a single orifice 118 . The appropriate size of orifice 118 will depend upon a number of factors including, but not limited to, its location upon launch vehicle 30 , the elevation of the assembly and launch, the elevation at which the separation will be accomplished, the time from launch to separation, the amount of pressure necessary to accomplish the physical separation of orbital vehicle 32 from launch assist platform 34 , the effectiveness of the generally airtight seal for cavity 110 , and other fluid dynamic characteristics associated with the launch and flight of launch vehicle 30 . The use of orifice 118 is not required to affect the separation of orbital vehicle 32 from launch assist platform 34 , but provides a mechanism by which pressure within interior cavity 110 may be passively controlled to a predetermined level at separation. FIG. 7 illustrates a plate 120 of a composite or metallic material. Since launch vehicle 30 is intended to be fully reusable and the fluid dynamics associated with each flight may vary significantly, the illustrated embodiment facilitates rapid modification and interchangeability of the size of orifice 118 . Plate 120 is suitable for installation upon launch assist platform 34 . In order to allow pressure dissipation from within interior cavity 110 , a fixed orifice 122 is provided within launch assist platform 34 . Composite plate 120 is then installed over fixed orifice 122 such that composite plate 120 completely covers fixed orifice 122 . A variable orifice 124 is provided within composite plate 120 and aligned with fixed orifice 122 to control the dissipation of pressure from within interior cavity 110 . Fixed orifice 122 may be provided at any size suitable to be completely covered by composite plate 120 . Variable orifice 124 controls pressure dissipation from interior cavity 110 and its size is therefore controlling in the design of the required pressure dissipation system. Variable orifice 124 is provided within composite plate 120 to accommodate the rapid interchangeability of various variable orifice sizes. When a different size variable orifice is required due to specific design considerations, composite plate 120 may be removed from launch assist platform 34 quickly and efficiently by removing mechanical fasteners 126 . Another composite plate 220 with a different size variable orifice 224 may then be installed upon launch assist platform 34 . For another launch with different launch conditions, fixed orifice 122 and therefore, composite plate 120 containing variable orifice 124 , may be installed anywhere within the perimeter of interior cavity 110 provided fluid communication with an area of lower pressure is provided. The position of any orifice may be adjusted due to the dynamics of hypersonic flows and vortexing. In the illustrated embodiment, composite plate 120 is provided along the upper perimeter of outer shell 48 of launch assist platform 34 by way of example only. Another method for selectively controlling pressure dissipation from within interior cavity 110 uses one or more pressure relief valves 128 (FIG. 1) installed upon the outer perimeter of interior cavity 110 . Pressure relief valves 128 form a fluid communication path between interior cavity 110 and the ambient atmosphere. Pressure relief valves 128 are preset to allow pressure within interior cavity 110 to escape to the atmosphere until a desired pressure differential across pressure relief valve 128 is accomplished. In this manner, the pressure differential between interior cavity 110 and ambient atmosphere can be maintained at a predetermined level to ensure the optimum performance of the trapped air pressure separation system. As an example, pressure relief valves 128 may be preset to maintain a pressure differential of approximately 3 to 8 psi, ensuring that the pressure within interior cavity 110 will remain 3 to 8 psi higher than ambient atmospheric pressure at all times during flight. In this manner, the volume of trapped air within interior cavity 110 between orbital vehicle 32 and launch assist platform 34 is allowed to retain pressure 6.5 psi greater than ambient and this pressure is used to force the stages apart upon separation. In another embodiment of the present invention, cavity 110 may be pre-charged with air or gas to maintain a higher pressure than ambient launch pressure. The shape and configuration of engines 44 further enhance the separation of stages from a โ€œplungerโ€ type effect which forces gasses out around the nozzle of engine 44 , upon separation. In one embodiment, a distance of 150โ€ฒ to 200โ€ฒ may be achieved between orbital vehicle 32 and launch assist platform 34 prior to ignition of engine 44 . Although the illustrated embodiment includes one pressure relief valve, the number, size, specifications and location of the pressure relief valves may be significantly modified to achieve various design goals for a particular launch and flight. For some applications, no pressure relief valves are required. Furthermore, many other methods are available for controlling the pressure differential between ambient atmospheric pressure and the pressure within interior cavity 110 . For a more active control, a pressure transducer 130 (see FIG. 1) may be installed within interior cavity 110 in order to determine the pressure within cavity 110 . A control valve may also be provided in lieu of pressure relief valve 128 to maintain or decrease the pressure within interior cavity 110 , in response to signals from pressure transducer 130 . As illustrated in FIG. 8, launch vehicle 30 may be modified to allow for convenient and rapid adjustment of separation assemblies 70 by allowing access from the exterior of launch vehicle 30 . As illustrated in FIG. 8, outer shell 36 of launch assist platform 34 may be provided with a rectangularly shaped recess 52 around each separation assembly 70 . Final adjustment and torque of separation assemblies 70 may then be accomplished after assembly of launch vehicle 30 . Furthermore, separation assemblies may be provided which allow for access through the separation assembly to the threaded end of separation bolt 76 for preloading. Accordingly, the time required for assembly and/or disassembly is drastically reduced. Recess 52 may also be utilized to provide access to install, remove and/or replace pyrotechnic valves 104 without disassembling orbital vehicle 32 . Although the present invention has been described in several embodiments, a myriad of changes, variations, alterations, transformations, and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended that the present invention encompass such changes, variations, alterations, transformations, and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
An aerospace vehicle for delivering a payload into space includes a first stage and a second stage with a plurality of separation assemblies coupling the first stage to the second stage. At least one container charged with pressurized gas in fluid communication with the separation assemblies provides pressurized gas to the separation assemblies to cause separation of the first stage and the second stage.
5
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the art of stringed instrument instruction, and more particularly to visual guides for assisting in the positioning of fingers on a stringed instrument neck. 2. Description of the Prior Art Stringed instruments, such as guitars, ukuleles, banjos, and similar instruments usually are comprised of an extended neck having a plurality of strings stretched tightly along the face, but slightly spaced from the neck. Different chords or notes are audibly created by strumming, glancing, or picking the strings with one hand, or a bow or like instrument, while fingers of the other hand depress certain of the strings against the neck. The neck frequently has frets positioned at spaced intervals along the longitudinal length of the neck. The frets comprise longitudinally transverse bars raised from the finger board surface so that when a string is depressed between two frets, the depressed string will contact the frets on either side of the point of depression, to change the harmonic vibration of the string and thus contribute to the audible chord. Each chord will require the depression of a set of strings at various longitudinal positions along the string next to the neck. Anywhere from one to four such string depressions may be required to produce a chord. Learning to play such a stringed instrument requires fundamentally, therefore, a learning of which strings, and at what points along the length of the neck such depressions must be made in order to create the audible chord. In the past, certain guides and assists have been taught to aid in this learning process. For example, in U.S. Letters Pat. No. 4,286,495 to Roof, an electrically powered lighting system having an individual light recessed within the neck under each string in each fret is described. A pre-programed switching circuit energizes a set of such lights to illuminate the string-fret combination to be depressed in order to generate the desired chord. In U.S. Letters Pat. No. 2,225,613 to Alyn, the neck is specially designed so that it is transparent and has a slot or hollow space for receiving a specially encoded strip the code of which is seen through the neck. Similarly, U.S. Letters Pat. No. 3,153,970 to Mulchi describes an encoded flat card visually positioned between the the frets on the neck and the strings. The fingers are first positioned, and the card is then removed prior to play. In U.S. Letters Pat. No. 4,331,059 to Marabotto mechanical enclosures for completely enclosing linear sections of the neck and the strings have been described where a plurality of depressible shapes are connected to a button or buttons on the outside of the enclosure. In order to depress one to four strings necessary to create an audible chord, one need only to depress a button or buttons on the outside of the enclosure to which button or buttons the shapes on the inside of the enclosure are mechanically linked. Alphabetical guides are given adjacent the outside, single buttons, further. Yet again, a plurality of varied and contrasting colored sets of printed numbers within a circle have been taught having adhesive provided on the back. A selection of several of the identically colored numbers in a set can be adhered to the neck of the stringed instrument between the neck and the strings at the longitudinal or linear points along the neck, and underneath the individual string where it must be depressed in order to create its share of the chordal note. See U.S. Letters Pat. No. 1,699,380 to Stewart. Such an arrangement, as may be appreciated, requires some initial knowledge or instruction of precisely which strings, and at what points along the linear length of the neck must be depressed, and then the precise positioning of the adhesively backed numbers must be made. It has long been desired to provide simple, integral and single unit devices which assist in the identification of the strings and the linear points along the neck of the stringed instrument where depressions must be made in order to create audible chord sounds. It is further desired to have such a single, integral device which is easily removed and reinserted during the learning process so as to assist the student of the stringed instrument in remembering the chordal positions, yet is easily positioned on the stringed instrument with accuracy and firmness, while not preventing contact between the fret and the strings. It is desired yet further to provide a stringed instrument chord learning guide which is encoded such as with colors in order to assist those with special and limited learning capability who might respond to coding as opposed to alphanumeric communicative instructions. It has long been sought to provide such a chord learning device that does not require a specially constructed stringed instrument, but rather adapts to existing constructions of stringed instrumentation. SUMMARY In brief, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a finger positioning guide for stringed instruments is described for use on stringed instruments having a neck and a plurality of strings extending along and spaced from an elongated neck and having a nut and a plurality of frets positioned at predetermined intervals along the linear neck. The guide is described as having a flat surface capable of being positioned between the strings and the neck, and accurately positioned by virtue of a slot adapted to fit around one fret, or a plurality of slots adapted to fit around a plurality of frets on the neck. Further location positioning is accomplished by a perpendicular or clamping appendage depending from the flat surface to hold the guide longitudinally in place on the neck. The instrument is capable of being played with full functional interaction of the frets with the strings while the guide remains in place thereon. The flat surface is described as having for each chord a set of identically colored spots which contrast to the color of the flat surface. The spots are carefully positioned on the flat surface so that when the flat surface is accurately positioned in relation to the proper frets on the stringed instrument's neck, the spots are seen underneath a particular string at a linear position along the longitudinal length of the neck at a point on the string which must be depressed in order to create an audible chord sound. A plurality of chords can be represented on a single flat surface where the spots for each chord are identically colored but in contrasting color not only to the flat surface but also to spots representing other chords. Other novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to organization and method of operation together with further objects and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of limits of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a neck of a stringed instrument having the preferred embodiment of the invention placed in relation thereto; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention seen separately from its position on the stringed instrument of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a plan view of the stringed instrument of FIG. 1 showing the preferred embodiment of the invention of FIGS. 1 and 2 in relation to the stringed instrument's neck; FIG. 4 is a perspective view on an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing the guide for a single chord; and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of the present invention showing the guide having a clamping structure. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The upper end of a six-stringed guitar 10, reference being had initially to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings is depicted showing a portion of the neck 12 and the head 14. The head 14 is comprised of tuning keys 16, one tuning key 16 for each string of the instrument. Each tuning keys 16 rotates a corresponding axle 18 through corresponding gearing 20. Each string 22 is attached to its own corresponding axle and tightened by rotating the axle by the tuning key 16 in accordance with usual tuning techniques. Those familiar with guitars and stringed instruments will recognize the nut 23 and the frets 24 positioned at pre-determined spaced intervals along the neck 12 to define fingerboard sections 26 therebetween. As seen more clearly in FIG. 2, the positioning guide 30 comprises a flat surface 32 segregated into sections by slots 34. The slots 34 are shaped to receive the frets 24 when the guide 30 is positioned between the strings 22 and the neck 12. A positioning appendage 36 depends perpendicularly from the flat surface 32 to further act as a positioning element laterally positioning the surface 32 in relation to the strings 22. The slots 34 are closed at one end. The appendage 36 is marked with an alphabetical identification 38 of the chords represented by the spots on surface 32. Further, an identification 39 of the fret numbers is provided on the appendage 36 so that the guide 30 can be positioned correctly between the neck 12 and the strings 22. Positioned on the surface 32 are spots representing finger depressing positions for depressing the strings 22 in order to create audible chord notes. When the surface 32 is positioned between the strings 22 and the neck 12, spots will be precisely positioned underneath strings at linear positions along the longitudinal direction of the neck 12, and within fingerboard sections 26. When the slots 34 are correctly positioned over the identified 39 frets 24, and the surface 32 is accurately positioned laterally by placing the appendage 36 against the side of the neck 12, the spots are correctly positioned in the correct fingerboard section and underneath the correct string in order to create a chordal sound. In the examples shown in FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, each chord can be created by the depression of three strings at appropriate fingerboard sections. All of the spots for each separate chord are colored the same color, and are colored contrastingly to the spots for the other chords and to the surface 32. Furthermore, the G chord identification 38 is identically colored to its corresponding spots 40. The C chord identification 38 is colored to its corresponding spots 42. The D chord identification 38 is colored identically to its corresponding spots 44. The guide 30 is adapted to be placed between the neck 12 and the strings 22 on the neck of the guitar 10 so that the slots 34 are positioned conterminously along their longitudinal sides to the proper frets 24 identified 39 on the appendage 36. The guide is slipped or inserted until the appendage 36 abuts the sidewall of the neck 12. If a person wishes to play a G Major chord, he must depress the strings 22 over the spots 40b, 40c and 40d, all having the same color to each other and to the "G" identification 38 on the appendage 36. Similarly for the chord of C Major, the strings 22 over the identically colored spots 42a, 42b and 42c must be depressed. To play the chord of D Major, press the strings 22 over the identically colored spots 44a, 44b, 44c. The spots 40, 42, 44 are numbered with the integers either "1", "2", "3", or "4", all integer representing a correspondingly identified finger of the person depressing the strings and playing the instrument. Thus, the spots corresponding to the playing of the chord of G Major are numbered "2" 40b, "3" 40c and "4" 40d, to indicate that the spots should be depressed by, correspondingly, the second, third and fourth fingers of the hand holding the neck 12. In FIG. 4, an alternative form of the preferred embodiment is shown. The positioning guide 50 comprises a flat surface 52 divided into sections by a slot 54, and a positioning appendage 56 perpendicularly depending from the surface 52. The slot 54 is designed to fit on the longitudinal sides of frets 24 and is closed at the end near or adjacent the appendage 56. The positioning guide 50 has an identifying chord name 58 and an identifying fret number 59 printed on the appendage 56. Finger positioning spots 60a, 60b and 60c are printed on the surface 52. For proper placement of the guide 50, the sides of the slot 54 should be placed conterminously with the longitudinal sides of the first fret 24 of the guitar 12. In FIG. 5, a second alternative form of the embodiment is shown. The positioning guide 64 comprises a flat surface 66 divided into sections by a slot 68. Depending perpendicularly from the surface 66 is appendage closing slot 68 and 70 having its continuing end 72 bent or shaped to conform to the curved shape of the back of the neck 12. The positioning guide 64 is formed or manufactured from resilient material so that when the flat surface 66 is positioned between the top of the neck 12 and the strings 22, and the slot 68 is correctly positioned on the appropriate fret, the bias of the spring action between the curved portion 72 and the flat surface 66 of the positioning guide 64 holds the positioning guide 64 onto the neck 12 of the instrument. The positioning guide 64 similarly comprises chord name identification 74 and fret number identification 76, as in the positioning guide 50 of FIG. 4 for correctly positioning or placing the guide 64 onto the neck 12. In operation, referring initially to the description of the first embodiment in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the positioning guide 30 is positioned on the neck 12 of the guitar 10 so that the flat surface 32 is positioned between the strings 22 and the upper face of the neck 12 of the guitar 10. The slots 34 have their sides positioned conterminously with the first fret and the second fret on the guitar neck 12. For playing the chord of C Major, for example, the player depresses the string 22 with his first finger of the spot 42a, uses his second finger to depress the string 22 over the spot 42b, and his third finger to depress the string 22 over the spot 42c. The spots 42a, 42b and 42c are all colored identically to each other and to the color of the identification of "C Major" 38, in order to aid those who have reading, but not color identification disabilities. Similarly for playing the chord of D Major, the player depresses the strings 22 above the spots 44a with his first finger, 44b with his second finger and 44c with his third finger, and strums the guitar 10. The operation of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 4 operates similarly, except that the positioning guide 50 is used. The flat surface 52 is placed between the strings 22 and the face of the neck 12 of the guitar 10, so that the edges of the slot 54 are conterminous with the longitudinal edges of the first fret 24, as is identified 59 on the appendage 56. The player depresses the strings 22 over the spots 60a with his first finger, 60b with his second finger and 60c with his third finger, and strums the guitar 10. Again, the spots 60 are colored identically to each other and to the color of the identification 58 for the chord that will be strummed if the fingers and the positioning guide are correctly positioned. In operation, the alternative embodiment of FIG. 5 is designed with a spring bias so as to firmly and more securely hold the positioning guide 64 onto the neck 12. The slot 68 is aligned with the correct fret identified by fret identification 76, and the flat surface 66 is slid beneath the strings 22 and on top of the face of the neck 12. The resilient material of the guide 64 allows the extended and curved shape portions 72 of the appendage 70 to snap over the curved exterior of the bottom of the neck 12 and, by the bias of the spring action of the appendage 70 with the surface 66, to securely hold the guide 64 onto the neck 12. The surface 66 has placed thereon a series of spots 78 of identical color, and having a finger number identification in each spot. In spot 78a, the identifiying finger number "1" indicates that it is to be the positioning guide for the first finger of the player. Similarly, the identifying number "2" of spot 78b identifies the spot as the correct depression point for the second finger of the player. Again, the identifying numeral "3" of spot 78c identifies the spot as the location where the third finger of the player is to depress this string. By properly placing the indicated fingers over the strings opposite the spots 78, the player will strum the chord of E as indicated by the chord identification 74. The foregoing detailed description of my invention in several preferred embodiments, is illustrative of specific embodiments only. It is to be understood, however, that additional embodiments, such as, for example, several combinations of the foregoing described embodiments, may be perceived by those skilled in the art. The embodiments described herein, together with those additional embodiments are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.
A finger positioning guide includes a flat surface positionable between the neck and strings of a stringed instrument to present sets of uniformly colored spots beneath certain of the strings at predetermined distances along the neck. The flat surface is positioned in relation to the neck and the strings by a slot or a plurality of slots adopted for engaging frets and the nut. An edge limiting device, appended to the surface to comprise the guide and further position it in relation to the neck, may include a clamp shape clamping the guide to the neck.
6
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver, more particularly, to a correlator of the GNSS receiver which is capable of processing data signal and pilot signal, and a code generator used in the correlator. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] To raise satellite acquisition and tracking performance, it is a main trend that most of the modernized GNSS will utilize a pilot signal as aid. That is, in addition to a data signal carrying navigation message, each satellite in the GNSS further transmits a pilot signal. Such modernized GNSS include new generation GPS (Global Positioning System) (L1C, L2C, L5 bands), Galileo (L1F (also referred to as E1), E5ab, E6C bands) and Compass Satellite System. [0003] Taking Galileo L1F as an example, each satellite transmits two kinds of signals, data signal and pilot signal. As mentioned, the data signal carries navigation message. In contrast, the pilot signal is โ€œdateless.โ€ Both of the data signal and pilot signal are respectively modulated with different ranging code, that is, different PRN codes. In addition to PRN code, which is also referred to as a primary ranging code, the pilot signal is further modulated with a known secondary code. The data signal is modulated by 250 sps (symbol per second) data symbols. That is, the primary ranging code period is 4 ms. A data symbol is transmitted every 4 ms. The data symbol is usually unknown. The pilot signal also has the same primary ranging code period of 4 ms. The secondary code is of 25 chips. The pilot secondary code sequence is known. Each secondary code chip is referred to a pilot symbol here. The secondary code period is 4ร—25=100 (ms). That is, the secondary code transits once per 100 ms. Since the pilot signal is known, the integration interval can be greatly extended to a very long period, such as several seconds, for example. [0004] A modern GNSS receiver, which has a receiver processor for carrying out navigation by using correlation result from a correlator of the receiver, may need to acquire/track data and/or pilot signal under different circumstances. That is, the receiver processor may require correlation result of the data or pilot signal only, or combination of both, depending on the application condition. For example, the receiver is to acquire only the pilot signal of a satellite with the whole workload of the correlator at a cold start state. After the pilot signal is acquired, the obtained information such as Doppler frequency, code phase and the like can be used to despread and demodulate the data signal of the same satellite. If there is enough aiding information, it is preferable for the correlator to acquire/track the pilot and data signals to increase SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) and thus improve the performance. As described above, the pilot signal is dataless. Therefore, great SNR and long coherent integration time can be obtained by using pilot signal. Tracking the pilot signal can be used to detect troubles such as multipath interference, jamming and so on. To get navigation message, it is necessary to track and decode the data signal. If the signal strength is weak, it is preferred that combination of the data and pilot signal correlation results are used to reduce the effect of noises. In addition to the above conditions, there can be still various conditions in which different selections are required. [0005] As described, there are various conditions for the correlator of the receiver. If the pilot signal and data signal are separately processed by different correlators, either the correlator processing the data signal or the correlator processing the pilot signal may often be idle. It will be a waste of hardware. Accordingly, it is a need that data correlation and pilot correlation share the same hardware resource. To share the correlator between the data and pilot signals, it is an important task to allocate the correlator more flexibly and efficiently. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] The present invention is to provide a correlator for a GNSS receiver. The correlator is adaptable for executing correlation to a data signal, a pilot signal from a satellite and various combinations of the data and pilot signals. [0007] The present invention is further to provide a code generator, which is capable of generating primary ranging codes of the data and pilot signals as well as various combinations thereof. [0008] In accordance with the present invention, the correlator comprises a Doppler frequency removal unit for removing Doppler frequency component of a received signal; a code generator controlled by symbols of the data signal and/or pilot signal to generate ranging codes for the data signal and pilot signal as well as combinations thereof; and an integration and dump unit for integrating and dumping the received signal being removed Doppler frequency and stripped off ranging code by using the ranging code output from the code generator to obtain correlation result thereof. [0009] The code generator in accordance with the present invention comprises a data code generator for generating a ranging code for the data signal; a pilot code generator for generating a ranging code for the pilot signal; a first adder for generating a sum of the ranging codes for the data and pilot signals; and a second adder for generating a difference of the ranging codes for the data and pilot signal. The code generator may further comprise inverters to inverse the sum and difference of the ranging codes for the data and pilot signals. The code generator has a multiplexer for output selected on or more codes from the generated codes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] The present invention will be described in detail in conjunction with the appending drawings, in which: [0011] FIG. 1 . is a block diagram schematically and generally showing a GNSS receiver having a correlator in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; [0012] FIG. 2 . is a block diagram schematically and generally showing a GNSS receiver having a correlator in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; [0013] FIG. 3 . is a block diagram schematically and generally showing a GNSS receiver having a correlator in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; [0014] FIG. 4 . is a block diagram schematically and generally showing a GNSS receiver having a correlator in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention; [0015] FIG. 5 schematically shows a code generator structure in accordance with the present invention; [0016] FIG. 6 schematically shows another code generator structure in accordance with the present invention; [0017] FIG. 7 schematically shows a further code generator structure in accordance with the present invention; [0018] FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically and generally showing a GNSS receiver having a correlator in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention; [0019] FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically and generally showing a GNSS receiver having a correlator in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention; [0020] FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically and generally showing a GNSS receiver having a correlator in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention; and [0021] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a correlation method in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0022] For the same satellite, the data and pilot signals have several identical parameters such as Doppler frequency, carrier phase, code phase, code period, and subcarrier frequency/phase (for BOC (Binary Offset Carrier) modulated signal.) Accordingly, it is possible for the data and pilot signals to share the same hardware components or software routines in a receiver. As known, the different parameter between the pilot and data signals is the range code (PRN code for Galileo). To design a correlator which can be shared by the pilot and data signals, it is required that the correlator is capable of performing code despreading for both pilot and data signals. Furthermore, such a correlator must support coherent combination of the data and pilot signals. That is, after despreading, the data and pilot signals are combined in complex form (i.e. I and Q components) rather than the simple magnitude summation. The latter is referred to as non-coherent combination. The coherent combination of the pilot and data signals is preferred if possible, since such a combination provides better SNR. However, the coherent combination of the pilot and data signals is possible only if the data symbol phase is known. [0023] In the following descriptions, Galileo system E1 (or L1F) signal is taken as an example. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically and generally showing a GNSS receiver 10 , which has a correlator 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. Since the receiver 10 is used for Galileo system, in which BOC modulation is utilized, the correlator 100 is also required to deal with subcarrier of a received signal. The receiver 10 has an RF front end 11 for performing RF relevant operations as widely known in this field. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 12 converts the analog signal from the RF front end 11 into digital form. The receiver 10 includes an IF (intermediate frequency) NCO (numeral control oscillator) 13 for providing an IF carrier. The IF carrier is passed to a phase shifter 14 to be divided into I (in-phase) and Q (quadrature) components. The I and Q components of the IF carrier are mixed with the digital signal to remove the IF to convert the signal into a complex (I and Q) baseband signal. In the drawings, each black arrow indicates a mono signal, while each hollow white arrow indicates a complex signal (I, Q). [0024] The receiver comprises the correlator 100 in accordance with the present invention. In the correlator 100 , a Doppler NCO 101 , a phase shifter 103 and a mixer 105 cooperate to remove the Doppler frequency of the incoming baseband signal. The Doppler NCO 101 , phase shifter 103 and mixer 105 can be deemed as a Doppler frequency removal unit. A code NCO 111 provides a proper oscillation signal to a subcarrier generator 113 so that the subcarrier generator 113 generates a proper subcarrier and passes the same to a mixer 15 to remove subcarrier of the signal. Also, the code NCO 111 , the subcarrier generator 113 and mixer 15 can be deemed as a subcarrier removal unit. It is noted that the subcarrier can be removed in any other suitable manner. For example, the subcarrier may also be removed before the signal enters the correlator 100 . [0025] The code NCO 111 also provides an oscillation signal to a code generator 120 so that the code generator 120 can generate a PRN code. That is, the code NCO 111 is shared by the subcarrier generator 113 and the code generator 120 . It is possible since the code and subcarrier waveforms are in phase. In the present embodiment, data signal and pilot signal from a satellite share the same code generator 120 . The code generator 120 can output the primary ranging code sequence corresponding to a satellite, which is assigned by a receiver processor 16 . The generated PRN code is mixed with the signal by a mixer 125 . Then the signal is integrated and dumped by the integration and dump unit (IAD) 130 . Correlation result of the data or pilot signal from the IAD 130 is passed to the receiver processor 16 for application. It is noted that the Doppler NCO 101 and code NCO 111 are also controlled by the receiver processor 16 . The code generator 120 can also use symbol information provided by a receiver processor 16 to remove the code phase transition on the primary code sequence due to data symbol or pilot symbol. In the present embodiment, the data symbol or pilot symbol is generated by a symbol generator (not shown) in the receiver processor 16 . However, the symbol generator may also be included in the correlator 100 . In an another embodiment, the code phase transition due to data or pilot symbol is corrected in the receiver processor 16 , which can change the phase of output from IAD 130 according to the known data and/or pilot symbol. [0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically and generally showing a GNSS receiver 20 , which has a correlator 200 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. In this drawing, the similar reference numbers indicate the same elements as in FIG. 1 , and therefore the descriptions thereof are omitted herein. As can be seen, the receiver 20 is similar to the receiver 10 in FIG. 1 . The main difference is that a code generator 220 of the correlator 200 comprises two sub-blocks, a data code generator 222 and a pilot code generator 224 . The data code generator 222 is controlled by a data symbol provided by the receiver processor 16 and generates a primary ranging code (e.g. PRN code) with data symbol phase transition corrected to despread the data signal through a mixer 225 . The pilot code generator 224 is controlled by a pilot symbol provided by the receiver processor 26 and generates a primary ranging code (e.g. PRN code) with pilot symbol phase transition corrected to despread the pilot signal through a mixer 227 . The data code generator 222 and pilot code generator 224 operate in parallel. That is, they can operate at the same time. The despreaded data and pilot signals are respectively integrated and dumped by IAD 232 and IAD 234 . The correlation results of the data and pilot signals are passed to a receiver processor 26 to be processed. [0027] FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically and generally showing a GNSS receiver 30 , which has a correlator 300 , in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. In this drawing, the similar reference numbers indicate the same elements as in FIG. 1 , and therefore the descriptions thereof are omitted herein. As can be seen, the correlator 300 is similar to the correlator 200 in FIG. 2 . The only difference is that the correlator 300 comprises two magnitude units 342 and 344 receiving the correlation results from IAD 332 and IAD 334 to calculate the magnitudes of the correlation results of the data signal and pilot signal, respectively. In addition, the correlator 300 further has an adder 345 for summing the magnitudes of the correlation results of the data signal and pilot signal. As previously described, this is so called โ€œnon-coherent combinationโ€ of the data and pilot signals. In is noted that the magnitude calculation and non-coherent combination can be implemented by means of hardware or software. [0028] FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically and generally showing a GNSS receiver 40 , which has a correlator 400 , in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this drawing, the similar reference numbers indicate the same elements as in FIG. 1 , and therefore the descriptions thereof are omitted herein. As can be seen, the correlator 400 is similar to the correlator 300 in FIG. 3 . Rather than combining magnitudes of the correlation results of the data and pilot signal, in the present embodiment, the data and pilot signals are combined in complex form by an adder 430 . This is so called โ€œcoherent combinationโ€. After the data signal and pilot signal are combined into one combined signal, the combined signal is integrated and dumped by an IAD 440 to calculate the correlation result thereof. As mentioned, coherent combination of the data and pilot signals can increase SNR. If satellite transmission time is determined and the pilot signal symbol is known, then coherent combination can be utilized. Alternatively, if the data symbol is supplied by aiding source or autonomously predicted in advance, the coherent combination can also be used. If the data and pilot symbols are unknown, different combinations (e.g. noncoherent combination, coherent combination or the inverse of any) can be tried to find the greatest correlation result. [0029] To satisfy various conditions, the code generator in accordance with the present invention is designed to be able to provide various proper codes. FIG. 5 schematically shows a code generator 520 in accordance with the present invention. As shown in the drawing, the code generator 520 comprises a data code generator 522 and a pilot code generator 524 , which use the signal from a code NCO 511 to respectively generate local replica signals used in code despreading. That is, the code generator 520 generates PRN codes for the data and pilot signals. It is noted that the data code generator 522 can generate the code with reference to a lookup table containing PRN codes used in the satellite system. The code generator 520 has two adders 542 , 544 and two inverters 546 , 548 so as to generate different combinations of the data PRN code and pilot PRN code. In addition to mere data ranging code and pilot ranging code prn_code_data and prn_code_pilot, these two codes can be added or subtracted mutually through the adder 542 or 544 to generate a sum code prn_code_sum (prn code_data+prn_code_pilot) or difference code prn_code_diff (prn_code_dataโˆ’prn_code_pilot). The former is used to the coherent combination of the data and pilot signals when the data symbol and pilot symbol are of the same sign; while the latter is used to the coherent combination of the data and pilot signals when the data symbol and pilot symbol are of opposite signs. Inverses of the sum and difference codes prn_code_sum_inv(โˆ’(prn_code_data+prn_code_pilot)) and prn_code_diff_inv(โˆ’(prn_code_dataโˆ’prn_code_pilot)) are generated by passing the sum and difference codes through the inverters 546 , 548 , respectively. Other subset of the codes can be generated by modifying the code generator design. These different codes are output in parallel in this embodiment. [0030] FIG. 6 schematically shows another code generator 620 in accordance with the present invention. The code generator 620 is similar to the code generator 520 in FIG. 5 but further has a multiplexer 650 additionally. The six different codes as described above are fed to the multiplexer 650 , and the multiplexer 650 outputs one of the codes each time depending on a control signal cg_sel from the receiver processor. The output code is indicated as prn_code in the drawing. That is, the different codes are output in a time division multiplexing (TDM) scheme. [0031] It is also possible that a plurality of selected codes are output at a time. FIG. 7 schematically shows still another code generator 720 in accordance with the present invention. The only difference between the code generator 720 and the code generator 620 of FIG. 6 is that a multiplexer 750 of the code generator 720 selects and outputs two codes (prn_code_ 0 and prn_code_ 1 ) each time under the control of the control signal cg_sel. It is noted that the like numbers in the FIGS. 5 to 7 indicate the same elements. [0032] FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically and generally showing a GNSS receiver 80 in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from this drawing, the structure of the receiver 80 is similar to the receiver 10 in FIG. 1 . Again, the like reference numbers indicate the same elements. However, the receiver 80 comprises a plurality of correlators 800 . Each correlator 800 is communicated with a receiver processor 86 . Each correlator 800 has the same structure as the correlator 100 in FIG. 1 . The correlator 800 has a code generator 820 , which can be implemented by the code generator 620 in FIG. 6 . The code generator 820 receives a control signal cg_sel from a receiver processor 86 and outputs a proper prn_code signal to a mixer 825 each time to execute correlation. The plurality of correlators 800 operate in parallel. [0033] FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically and generally showing a GNSS receiver 90 in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from this drawing, the structure of the receiver 90 is similar to the receiver 10 in FIG. 1 . Again, the like reference numbers indicate the same elements. In the present embodiment, the receiver 90 has a correlator 900 , in which a code generator 920 outputs a plurality of prn_code signals such as prn_code_data, prn_code_pilot, prn_code_sum, and prn_code_diff as described above in parallel. Accordingly, there are four mixers 921 to 924 and four IAD 931 to 934 for respectively correlating the prn_code signals with the received signal. [0034] FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically and generally showing a GNSS receiver 1000 in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from this drawing, the structure of the receiver 1000 is similar to the receiver 80 in FIG. 8 . The like reference numbers indicate the same elements. In the present embodiment, the receiver 1000 has a plurality of correlators 1100 . As can be seen from the drawings, the structure of each correlator 1100 is similar to that of correlator 200 shown in FIG. 2 . The difference is that the correlator 1100 has a single IAD 1130 rather than two IADs. The IAD 1130 is controlled by a control signal cg_sel, which is also used to control a code generator 1120 , so as to operate at a double speed as compared to IAD 232 or 234 in FIG. 2 . That is, the IAD 1130 speeds up by a speed factor of 2 in this example. The code generator 1120 , which can be implemented by the correlator 720 shown in FIG. 7 , outputs two prn_code signals, prn_code_ 0 and prn_code 1 , each time. The prn_code signals are selected from the prn_code_data, prn_code_pilot, prn_code_sum, prn_code_diff and so on as described above. The two prn_code signals are mixed with a received signal by mixers 1122 , 1124 and fed to the IAD 1130 operating at double speed. Therefore, there are four parallel correlations being calculated each round. [0035] The various cases of a correlation method in accordance with the present invention can be generalized as a flow chart as shown in FIG. 11 . In step S 10 , data and pilot signals of the satellite are received. In step S 20 , Doppler frequency components of the signals are removed. If the signal has subcarrier, the subcarrier is removed in step S 25 in this example. As mentioned, the subcarrier can be removed at any proper stage. In step S 30 , ranging codes are generated for the data and pilot signals. In one case, the process goes to step S 40 directly to strip off the ranging codes of the signals. In another case, the ranging codes are combined in advance into various codes as described in the above embodiments (step S 35 ) and proper ones of the codes are selected (step S 37 ). The signal stripped off the ranging code is integrated and dumped in step S 50 . In the case that the ranging codes of the data and pilot signals are directly stripped off without processing the codes, the data and pilot signals stripped off the ranging codes can be combined in step S 45 and then are integrated and dumped to calculate the correlation results (step S 50 ). Then magnitude of the correlation result is calculated in step S 60 . In non-coherent combining case, correlation results of the data and pilot signals are respectively calculated and the magnitudes are combined in step S 65 . [0036] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described in detail, various modifications and alterations can be made by persons skilled in this art. The embodiment of the present invention is therefore described in an illustrative but not restrictive sense. It is intended that the present invention should not be limited to the particular forms as illustrated, and that all modifications and alterations which maintain the spirit and realm of the present invention are within the scope as defined in the appended claims.
A correlator for a GNSS receiver and a code generator used in the correlator as well as a correlation method are disclosed. In the GNSS, each satellite transmits a data signal and a pilot signal. The correlator is adaptable for executing correlation to the data signal, the pilot signal and various combinations thereof, such as non-coherent and coherent combinations. The code generator generates primary ranging codes of the data and pilot signals as well as various combinations thereof, such as sum or difference of the primary ranging codes of the data and pilot signals. By using the various codes, the correlator is adaptable and flexible for different correlation requirements.
6
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuation of copending application Ser. No. 13/936,718 filed on Jul. 8, 2013, which claims priority of Ser. No. 61/669,224 filed on Jul. 9, 2012. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] A continuing problem for motels and hotels principally, but sometimes for other occupied spaces as well, are guests that smoke in non-smoking rooms. Usually but not always, guests smoke tobacco, but other products, often illegal, may be smoked as well. The term โ€œrecreational smokingโ€ is intended to include tobacco smoke, marijuana smoke, and other types of substances legal and illegal, smoked by persons to alter their mood or because of an existing dependency. [0003] The problem also arises in schools where students smoke in rest rooms, etc., in facilities where smoking creates an immediate safety hazard, and possibly in other facilities as well. The problem is compounded by the fact that in motel, hotel, and rest room situations, camera surveillance is simply deemed unacceptable. [0004] Regardless of the type of recreational smoking product involved, the cost to clean and sanitize a room or other space after a guest has illicitly smoked in it can run to hundreds of dollars. The possible allergic reactions suffered by later occupants of a room in which someone has previously smoked may require that cleaning the residues of recreational smoking on drapes, carpeting, walls, and furnishings be very thorough. Further, even if there is no health issue, a motel or hotel that holds out a room as โ€œNo Smokingโ€ must assure its guests that that room has not had a previous guest smoking in it. [0005] Even though terms of conduct for a guest may clearly state that no smoking is permitted in the particular room, a certain fraction of guests unfortunately believe that the requirement does not apply to them, or that they will not be caught if in breach of the requirement. Yet when illicit smoking occurs, it is difficult for the establishment to recover this loss from the responsible guest. The problems of proof and collection from the guest often make it simpler for the establishment to accept the loss. [0006] One can thus see that a system that can reliably detect most incidents of recreational smoking within a space with few or no false positives would pay high dividends in first of all, allowing the establishment to impose immediate sanctions on the guest, and secondly, allow charging the costs of cleaning the room back to the guest on a credit card. Further, knowledge by a guest that a reliable recreational smoking detector is present in the occupied room will serve as a significant deterrent to recreational smoking in the first place. [0007] Accordingly, a means for real time detection of illicit smoking with a high degree of accuracy is desirable. To date, such means are not available as far as is now known to the inventors. [0008] Available smoke detectors for room and structure fires are not suitable for distinguishing the combustion products of tobacco and other recreational smoking from a real fire. Combustion products produced by recreational smoking typically differ only slightly from those produced by the structure and its contents during an actual fire. [0009] Distinguishing recreational smoking combustion products from those of a real structure fire is therefore not easy. Yet, an establishment acting on a false positive will very likely create bad will on the guests' part toward the establishment. False negatives will allow a smoking guest to avoid detection. At the same time, the establishment must be respectful of the guests' privacy. [0010] These problems and the constraints on solutions to them have created problems for the hospitality industry. But detecting in real time in a room, the presence of recreational smoking has proven to be difficult. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0011] The inventors find that presence in a room of air-borne particles with maximum dimensions of 100-300 nm is a reliable indicator of recreational smoking in that room. Further, the inventors have developed an inexpensive and reliable system for detecting the presence of such particles. [0012] Such a system can detect presence of recreational smoke in the air of first through nth individual rooms of a facility, each room having a unique room designator assigned thereto. [0013] The system comprises first through nth room sensors, each to be mounted on one of a wall and a ceiling of each of the first through nth rooms respectively. Each of said sensors provides a smoke level signal indicating the concentration of combustion products such as air-borne particles with maximum dimensions of 100-300 nm unique to recreational smoke in the air of the room in which the sensor is mounted. Each such room sensor further encodes in the smoke level signal, an identifier such as a room number assigned to the room in which the sensor is mounted. [0014] A monitor station receives and analyzes each smoke level signal, and provides a room status signal indicating that recreational smoke is present when that is the case. The monitor also encodes the room identifier in the smoke level signal. In one preferred embodiment, this functionality forms a part of the facility computer. [0015] A display unit forming a part of the facility computer provides the room number and the status of the room as having recreational smoking therein usually as a visual display signal but also potentially as an auditory signal. [0016] At least one of the room sensors may comprise a cylindrical chamber having a plurality of openings along the axial length thereof. A light source such as a laser diode is mounted at one end of the chamber to project a light beam through the chamber along a predetermined path. [0017] A light sensor having a sensing surface is mounted adjacent to the chamber with the sensing surface facing toward and spaced from the light beam path. The light sensor detects light scattered by recreational smoke in the chamber, and provides a sensor signal whose level is proportionate to the concentration of recreational smoke products in the air in the chamber. [0018] A signal analyzer receives the sensor signal and computes from it a numerical value indicating the concentration of recreational smoke combustion products in the air in the chamber. The signal analyzer then produces an analyzer signal encoding that numerical value. [0019] A transmitter receives the analyzer signal and providing the smoke level signal as well as a room sensor ID value associated with the room sensor. [0020] The light source in each room sensor may provide a light beam whose wavelength is in the range of wavelengths including about 650 nm. Although this is not an ideal wavelength since one prefers to closely match the wavelength to the maximum dimension of recreational smoking particles, which is on the order of 100-300 nm., it is adequate to detect most recreational smoking particles. A preferred light source is of the type producing a beam having substantial energy in the 100-300 nm. wavelength range, but the current cost of such a light source is too high for most applications. [0021] Preferably, the chamber has an interior wall having a reflective surface, and the light beam passes between the sensor and at least a part of the interior chamber wall, wherein the interior chamber wall reflects toward the light sensor's sensing surface, light impinging on the chamber wall. [0022] Preferably there is an optical filter within the chamber interposed between the light beam and the sensor. The optical filter preferably is of the type that blocks a greater fraction of light whose wavelength is above and below a range of wavelengths including a 650 nm. wavelength than is blocked within said range. [0023] The transmitter in the room sensors preferably comprises a RF transmitter, and the monitor station includes a RF receiver. [0024] The room sensor may include an enclosure having a plurality of walls and enclosing the chamber. The enclosure may include at least one baffle extending from an enclosure wall to the chamber. The interior surfaces of the enclosure may be light-absorbing. [0025] The room sensor may include an enclosure having a plurality of walls and enclose the chamber. At least one of these walls includes a vent in proximity to the openings in the chamber. Such a vent may comprise a grate having two series of oppositely oriented and linearly staggered fins. [0026] The room sensor may include a driver providing power voltage to the light source. The power voltage periodically varies between two levels. The light source receiving this power voltage provides a beam whose intensity is proportionate to the power voltage. The signal analyzer for such a room sensor includes a multiplier element receiving the power voltage and the sensor signal and providing a signal indicative of the product of a plurality of samples of each of the sensor signal level and the power voltage. An integrator receives the multiplier signal and integrating the values in the multiplier signal. [0027] Preferably the light source is a laser diode. Such a laser diode may provide a light beam having one of a wavelength of 100-300 nm. and a wavelength near 650 nm. [0028] The light source may be mounted to place the beam in closer proximity to the sensor's sensing surface than to an opposite wall of the chamber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the invention. [0030] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a monitor unit for analyzing smoke level signals received from a room sensor. [0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the circuit board in a room sensor including a recreational smoke detector as mounted on the circuit board. [0032] FIG. 4 is an edge elevation view of the circuit board in a room sensor including a recreational smoke detector mounted on the circuit board. [0033] FIG. 5 is an end projective view of the interior of an enclosure for a room sensor, including the circuit board and enclosure features. [0034] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a room sensor showing the major elements thereof. [0035] FIGS. 7 a and 7 b are circuit diagrams of the driver for a light source used in the recreational smoke detector. [0036] FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of the amplifier for the signals generated by the recreational smoke detector. [0037] FIG. 9 shows the connections to a microcontroller that provides many of the room sensor functions. [0038] FIGS. 10-12 define preferred locations of various discrete circuit components relative to other circuit components. [0039] FIG. 13 shows the transceiver used in both the room sensor and in the RF receiver that provides data to the monitor unit. [0040] FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of a Wien oscillator that provides the signal controlling the frequency at which the amplitude of the light source output is modulated. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0041] Turning first to FIG. 1 , the block diagram therein shows the major elements of a recreational smoke detection system 10 for hospitality structures. Each room of a hospitality structure has mounted within it a room sensor 13 a - 13 n . The room sensor 13 a - 13 n in a particular room electronically determines the level of recreational smoke products in the air within that room. Periodically, in one embodiment 0.5 sec., each room sensor 13 a - 13 n provides on its associated path 16 a - 16 n , a smoke level signal as an output that encodes the level of detected recreational smoke products. [0042] Each room sensor 13 a - 13 n has a dedicated data link 16 a - 16 n that carries the smoke level signals a room sensor 13 a - 13 n generates, to a monitor unit 20 . In some embodiments, a single data link may be shared by a number of the room sensors 13 a - 13 n . One preferred embodiment for the data links uses a RF connection having a MiWi connection, but the room sensors 13 a - 13 n can be hard wired as well to the monitor unit 20 . MiWi is a proprietary RF communication system available from Microchip Technology, Chandler, AZ. [0043] In any case, a smoke level signal must be associated in some way with the specific room sensor that generates that smoke level signal. In this embodiment, each room sensor 13 a - 13 n has a pre-assigned sensor ID that is included with the smoke level signal from each room sensor 13 a - 13 n. [0044] An RF receiver 39 receives each transmission from each room sensor 13 a - 13 n and provides the room sensor ID and smoke level signal from that room sensor 13 a - 13 n to monitor unit 20 on the path labeled โ€œ42, 46.โ€ [0045] In one preferred embodiment, monitor unit 20 and display unit 22 form a part of a facility computer 15 that executes suitable software to cause computer 15 to perform the functions of units 20 and 22 . [0046] The monitor unit 20 interprets the smoke level signals that each individual room sensor 13 a - 13 n provides. When a smoke level signal value exceeds a preset value, this indicates that recreational smoke products are currently present in the air of the room in which the room sensor 13 a - 13 n whose ID was encoded in the RF signal being processed. The management of the establishment can then take whatever steps are appropriate to address the situation. [0047] FIG. 2 is a more detailed block diagram of the monitor unit 20 . The RF receiver 39 provides to monitor 20 encoded in a signal carried on a path 42 , the room sensor ID provided by the current RF signal from a room sensor 13 a - 13 n . Similarly, the RF receiver 39 provides to monitor 20 on a path 46 , each smoke level carried by the current RF signal. [0048] Typically, the signals received by receiver 39 are spaced so far apart that they will not conflict, or to use the technical term, collide, and corrupt each other. The MiWi protocol has mechanisms to deal with collisions, but if for example each room sensor 13 a - 13 n transmits for one millisecond every 5 seconds, one can see that even 200 room sensors will only rarely issue colliding signals. Even then, detecting colliding signals is easy to do, so no erroneous determination of presence of recreational smoke in a room occurs. The odds are extremely small that a single room sensor 13 a - 13 n will experience two sequential collisions. [0049] In one embodiment, monitor unit 20 comprises a facility computer 15 that has many other functions, such as billing and reservations for example. The facility computer has software that performs the various functions forming a part of the invention. [0050] Each room sensor 13 a - 13 n uses a microcontroller 200 (see FIG. 9 ) that executes firmware to perform many of the functions in the individual room sensor 13 a - 13 n . When a microcontroller executes the invention's software or firmware, it becomes during that time, special purpose hardware dedicated to perform the computations that the system currently requires. In the example at hand, the software or firmware code that executes to allow a microcontroller to implement the invention may be considered to have been reconfigured as hardware elements whose components perform the computations that implement the invention. [0051] That is, the components (logic gates and memory elements) comprising a microcontroller 200 , while executing the firmware, actually change their physical structure. These altered components comprise nothing more than complex electrical circuitry that send and receive electrical signals exactly as would a non-programmable circuit that executes the invention's functions. In the course of this firmware execution, the components undergo many physical changes as signals pass into and from them. [0052] For example, at the elemental level, a logic gate within microcontroller 200 typically undergoes many physical changes while the microcontroller executes the invention's firmware. Such physical changes typically comprise changes in the level of electrons within the gate. These changes alter the impedance between the various terminals of the gate, in this way allowing the microcontroller 200 to execute individual instructions of the firmware. [0053] Another way to think of this is to consider the effect of executing the firmware code as setting literally tens of thousands of interconnected switches within the microcontroller to their on and off states. These switches then control changes in the state of other switches, so as to effect the computations and decisions typical of firmware to execute the algorithms of the invention. [0054] The mere fact that these microcontroller components are too small to be seen, or exist only for short periods of time while the relevant code executes is irrelevant as far as qualifying as patentable subject matter. Nothing in our patent law denies patent protection for inventions whose elements are too small to be seen or whose elements do not all exist simultaneously or for only short periods of time. [0055] Accordingly, claims defining this invention having elements formed by software or firmware execution in microcontroller 200 must be treated in the same way as an invention embodied in fixed circuit components on a circuit board. There is no reason to do otherwise. [0056] The monitor unit 20 of FIG. 2 comprises a number of functional blocks within facility computer 15 . Each of these functional blocks comprises hardware element that performs the function specified for it by executing appropriate software. The arrows connecting them are data paths, with the arrows indicating the direction of data flow. In real life these arrows correspond to electrical paths within the microcontroller that carry signals encoding the data. As with microcontroller 200 for the room sensor 13 a - 13 n functions, the facility computer 15 actually becomes each of the functional elements of FIG. 2 for short periods of time. [0057] In FIG. 2 , for each RF signal from a room sensor 13 a - 13 n , the signal path 42 carries the room sensor ID encoded in the room sensor signal to a room number lookup element 36 . A memory forming part of facility computer 15 includes a memory element 33 holding a room sensor ID/room number table 33 that associates each room sensor ID with the physical room in which the room sensor is located. [0058] Room number lookup element 36 uses the room sensor ID value to retrieve from element 33 , the room number of the room holding the room sensor 13 a - 13 n supplying the signal currently being processed. The values in memory element 33 will typically be supplied by the user. The lookup element 36 places the room number of the room holding the room sensor whose RF signal is being processed on a data path 58 . [0059] Receiver 39 also decodes the portion of the RF signal carrying the smoke level value and places this value on a smoke level data path 46 . A comparator element 49 determines if the smoke level value on path 46 indicates a level of recreational smoke particles in the room creating a high probability that an occupant is smoking. If so, element 49 places a smoke sensed signal on a path 52 . [0060] A display unit 55 receives the smoke sensed signal and the room number, and responsive to the smoke sensed signal provides the room number and the status of the room encoded in at least one of a visual display signal and an auditory signal. [0061] FIGS. 3-5 show a module 70 forming a part of each room sensor 13 a - 13 n . A circuit board 73 carries electrical components 92 of the module 70 , only a few of these being shown. Conductors forming a part of circuit board 73 but not shown in FIG. 3 , electrically interconnect the components 92 . FIGS. 5-14 are schematics of the actual individual circuits forming module 70 . [0062] The module 70 detects recreational smoking within a room by detecting an excess of particles in the 100-300 nm size range in the air of the room. Tests suggest that presence of particles of this size in room air strongly correlates with tobacco smoke in that air. [0063] A hollow, cylindrical detector tube 105 is mounted on circuit board 73 . Tube 105 has a series of transverse slots 79 extending along the axis. The interior 88 of tube 105 should be highly reflective to increase the amount of light backscattered from recreational smoking particles. For example, the interior wall of tube 105 may be lined with highly reflective foil. [0064] A series of phototransistors 82 extend axially along and within tube 105 in general diametric opposition to slots 79 . Phototransistors 82 are connected to conductors in circuit board 73 . Other circuit components are shown generically at 92 . Phototransistors 82 have sensing surfaces generally facing the center of the detector tube 105 . [0065] A laser diode 95 is mounted on circuit board 73 using a bracket 97 and oriented to direct a light beam 102 through tube 105 . A small percentage of photons from beam 102 will be scattered or reflected toward phototransistors 82 . When a sufficient number of these photons is detected, one can conclude with a high degree of certainty that smoking is occurring in the room where circuit board 73 is mounted. [0066] FIG. 5 shows a room sensor 13 a - 13 n as comprising the module 70 and an enclosure 108 . FIG. 5 presents a view of the interior of enclosure 108 perpendicular to the laser beam, and in which module 70 is mounted. Enclosure 108 may be generally rectangular with six walls. Top 117 and two side walls 120 may be solid. [0067] Enclosure 108 has a bottom wall having a grille or grate 114 with slots 123 that allow air potentially carrying recreational smoke particles to enter enclosure 108 . Two end walls 119 of which only one is shown may have vents or slots 125 . Vent slots 125 may also enhance circulation of air through enclosure 108 . Improved circulation may improve speed and accuracy of recreational smoking detection. However, preliminary experiments suggest that forced convection through enclosure 108 may not be beneficial in improving sensitivity. [0068] A room sensor 13 a - 13 n normally will be mounted on a ceiling of a room, and oriented as shown in FIG. 5 with top 117 against the ceiling and grate 114 facing downwardly. In general, it seems best to mount enclosure 108 approximately in the center of the room. This has not yet been fully resolved however, and it may be that one or more room sensors 13 a - 13 n mounted on one or more walls of the room involved will yield improved detection. [0069] The sensitivity and reliability of smoke detection is enhanced by taking a number of steps in the design of module 70 and enclosure 108 . It is likely but not certain that sensitivity of detection is improved by mounting laser diode 95 to cause beam 102 to pass in closer proximity to sensors 82 than to an opposite wall of the chamber. FIGS. 4 and 5 show beam 102 closer to phototransistors 82 than to the center of tube 105 for example. [0070] Sensitivity also improves if the wavelength of beam 102 closely matches the size of the smoke particles. Unfortunately, at this time a laser diode 95 that produces a beam 102 with a wavelength in the range of 100-300 nm typical of recreational smoke particles is too expensive to be practical. Tests show however, that inexpensive laser diodes that produce a beam in the range of 640-655 (650 nominal) nm still yield adequate detection of particles whose size is in the range of 100-300 nm. [0071] Sensitivity is further improved by limiting the amount of parasitic or exterior light that strikes phototransistors 82 . To this end the interior of enclosure should be painted a matte, light-absorbing black. Grate 114 is shown as having two series or rows of oppositely oriented and linearly staggered fins 123 to limit the influx of light to the interior of enclosure 108 from the room itself. Vent slots 125 may have the form of a similar double row of fins. [0072] An optical filter 90 excludes from reaching phototransistors 82 , most light other than that in a fairly narrow range centered on the wavelength of laser diode 95 . For example, a suitable filter 90 may exclude almost all light having a wavelength outside a range of 600-700 nm from reaching phototransistors 82 . [0073] A pair of interior baffles 111 that extend from sides 120 to detector tube 105 , form another feature that improves sensitivity and reliability of the room sensors 13 a - 13 n . Baffles 111 may well direct particles-bearing air drifting through grate 114 more directly into detector tube 105 . The pair of baffles 111 limit the volume within enclosure 108 that entering air must occupy, thereby concentrating the number of smoke particles within tube 105 . Vents 125 may also improve circulation, and thereby increase speed and accuracy in detecting recreational smoke [0074] The block diagram of FIG. 6 shows the major functional elements of a room sensor 13 a - 13 n as comprising a beam generator element 130 and a detector 150 . Beam generator 130 includes a Wien bridge oscillator 60 that provides a signal to a laser driver circuit 80 , and the laser diode 95 . [0075] Detector 150 comprises the phototransistors 82 , an amplifier 160 receiving the digitized phototransistors 82 output, and a set of firmware functions implemented by microcontroller 200 . As previously explained, microcontroller 200 physically becomes for brief periods, each of the hardware elements that perform these firmware functions. [0076] The attached firmware source code as executed by microcontroller 200 forms the best mode known at this time for this implementation. It is likely that this firmware may not function as well or at all in other than the designated Microchip Technology microcontroller. [0077] As is true for most microcontrollers, microcontroller 200 has an on-board A/D converter that digitizes both the amplifier 160 and the oscillator 60 outputs. These two signals are then multiplied and integrated according to well-known signal processing methods. [0078] These elements comprise: an analog to digital converter 168 a that digitizes the phototransistor transistor 82 output and transmit in a digitized phototransistor output signal an analog to digital converter 168 b that digitizes the Wien bridge output and transmit in a digitized Wien bridge oscillator 60 output signal a multiplier element 163 receiving the Wien bridge oscillator 60 and the amplifier 160 output signals and providing a multiplier signal, and an integrator 166 receiving the multiplier signal from the multiplier element and providing an integration signal. [0083] The multiplier element 163 and the integrator 166 form a signal analyzer. [0084] Wien bridge oscillator 60 provides an offset sine wave of 1 khz to laser driver 80 and to multiplier 163 . A part of the circuitry of microcontroller 200 and the firmware recorded in the microcontroller 200 memory forms multiplier 163 and integrator 166 . [0085] In one embodiment, over an interval of 11.278 ms, each of the Wien bridge oscillator 60 output and the amplifier 160 output are sampled 300 times at nearly identical times. Each value is converted to digital by A/D converters 168 a and 168 b . Each pair of digital values sharing the identical time of sampling are multiplied and recorded. [0086] The multiplier 163 computations so recorded are provided to integrator 166 that integrates the values in the multiplier 163 output signal. In one embodiment, this integration comprises a summation of the multiplier 163 output for a sampling interval of 11.278 ms. The sampling interval length is not critical, but should be roughly an order of magnitude longer than a single cycle time of the Wien bridge oscillator 60 output. [0087] The output signal of integrator 163 is normalized to a value falling between 1 and 24 and encoded in a smoke level signal. In one embodiment, a value of the smoke level signal between 1 and 5 indicates an insignificant concentration of recreational smoke particles in the room air, 6-9 indicates a low level of such particles, and any value above 10 indicates a significant level of such particles. [0088] The smoke level signal from integrator 163 and a signal encoding the room number associated with the room sensor ID are supplied to the facility computer 15 . FIG. 2 shows that the facility computer 15 tests the normalized integrator value to determine whether recreational smoking has occurred in the room with the encoded room number. If recreational smoking is detected, the facility system can provide a human-detectable indication of this situation. Receiver 39 may connect to the facility system with a USB cable. [0089] The circuits that FIGS. 7 a , 7 b , and 8 - 14 show comprise a number of microcircuits of various types as well as discrete components. In general, the discrete components can be inexpensive ยฑ10% devices, available from a variety of sources. Individuals with minimal knowledge of electrical engineering will be easily able to construct the hardware portions of this invention with these circuit diagrams and the following information. [0090] Certain of the microcircuits are single source items, which are here identified by source and part number. [0000] Drawing ID Item Source Part No. Room Sensor U1 microcontroller Microchip Tech. PIC18F26K80- I/SS U2 operational Intersil CA3240EZ amplifier U3 operational Texas Insts. LMV796MF/ amplifier NOPB U4 operational Diodes, Inc. APX321WG-7 amplifier U5 volt. regulator Fairchild Inst. LM317LZ U6 transceiver Microchip Tech. MRF24J40MA U7 3.3 v. regulator Microchip Tech. MCP1700T- 3302E/TT ZD1, Zener, 5.6 v. ON Semiconductor MMSZ5V1T1G ZD2 LD 650 nm laser diode Lasermate Group LD65010A Receiver 39 U1 microcontroller Microchip Tech. PIC18F26K80- I/SS U6 transceiver Microchip Tech. MRF24J40MA [0091] U1 and U6 cooperate in each of a room sensor 13 a - 13 n and in receiver 39 to control transmission and reception of data signals. Microchip Technologies have proprietary protocols that allow a user to for the most part ignore the RF signal generation and reception details, and simply insert into and extract from the RF signal, the desired information to be communicated from the data source (room sensor 13 a - 13 n here) and provided to facility computer 15 by receiver 39 . [0092] Respecting transceiver 39 , the firmware to cause U1 and U6 to operate as described is deemed so simple for someone familiar with these Microchip Technology devices and having minimal technical expertise in these electronic arts to develop, that it has not been included in this description. [0093] FIGS. 7 a and 7 b together show the circuitry for the two stages of the driver for laser diode 95 . Stage 1 receives output from the Wien bridge oscillator 60 terminal B. The output of stage 1 of driver 80 is at terminal A, which is connected as shown to stage 2 . [0094] The intensity of the light beam that diode 95 provides is proportionate to the voltage across the HI and LO terminals of diode 95 . Thus, the light intensity has a sine wave pattern with a 1 khz frequency. [0095] FIG. 8 is the circuitry of the amplifier 160 that amplifies the phototransistors 82 output and supplies this amplified voltage in a PD-OUT signal to pin 2 of U1, microcontroller 200 . Microcontroller 200 performs calculations on the signal that amplifier 160 provides that cause microprocessor 200 to function as multiplier 163 and integrator 166 . [0096] FIG. 9 shows the microcontroller 200 and the connections to it. Microcontroller 200 receives the input at PD-OUT (pin 2 ) from amplifier 160 and digitizes it. Microcontroller 200 then functionally becomes the multiplier 163 and integrator 166 as it processes the signal that the amplifier 160 and the Wien bridge oscillator 60 provide. [0097] Microcontroller 200 then provides room sensor ID and smoke level outputs to the transmitter portion of transceiver 39 , see FIG. 13 . These outputs eventually become the room sensor ID signal on path 42 and the smoke level signal on path 46 , as FIG. 2 shows. [0098] FIG. 10-12 show preferred placements of various capacitors. These placements will likely reduce noise and improve operation of the circuits. [0099] FIG. 13 shows the details of transceiver 39 . Microcontroller 200 provides all of the signal inputs to transceiver 39 , but note that some of the transceiver 39 pins are connected to power and ground. [0100] FIG. 14 shows the details of the Wien bridge oscillator 60 . The output at terminal B is a sine wave that oscillates between about 0 and 3 v at 1 khz. The output of oscillator 60 forms the inputs to laser driver 80 ( FIG. 7 a ) and to microcontroller 200 , pin 3 , for the multiplication function. The 1 khz frequency is chosen to be far from most light noise source frequencies, such 60 hz power. [0101] The source code attached hereto as Appendix A when compiled using a standard C compiler, produces object code that causes microcontroller 200 to operate in a way that implements certain of the functions of the room sensors 13 a - 13 n.
A system detects presence of particles in the air of guest rooms of facilities such as motels and hotels for example that indicate that guests are engaged in recreational smoking. The system provides an indication to the facility manager of such behavior.
6
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to leather products and more specifically to leather beading line for use in such applications as stringing beads or necklaces. 2. Prior Art The art of leather shaping has been relatively dormant for the past half century, as is evident from a search of the patent art related to that subject. In that earlier era the end use of the leather products was related to harnesses and other horse gear. The thickness of the material being treated and the thickness or diameter of the resultant product was great relative to the diameter of the end product contemplated here. As a result, ridges and other imperfections in the surface could be tolerated in the products of the prior era while still permitting the intended end use of the product. The primary techniques utilized to obtain desired cross-sectional shapes were cutting, rolling and drawing. Examples of such techniques are set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 115,949 (Foster) and 899,860 (Coleman). Other U.S. Pats. such as No. 162,762 (Osborne) and No. 950,096 (Driscoll) show the use of split, leather-forming dies. Beginning with flat lace of substantially rectangular cross-section, there is no way of obtaining the desired product by cutting. Cutting is appropriate only if the starting material is of substantially square cross-section. Such material might be obtained by cutting the lace from thicker and older hides. However, older hides are more porous, grainy and weaker than the younger, thinner calf hides, and are therefore not suitable for obtaining the product according to the present invention. Moreover, cutting produces a waste material which is not created with my invention since my invention, like the process of rolling, involves not the taking away of material but rather the reshaping of it. Indeed, if the aforementioned calf lace were to be cut, say to conform in width to the diameter of the beading line of this invention the resulting line would still be unlike the beading line of this invention in that the cut line would remain consistently flat and, moreover, would be weakened by the loss of material. Finally, any analogous product obtained from older cow hides by a process of cutting would have the additional disadvantages of exhibiting a relatively rough external surface texture and would be either extremely weak in tensile strength or else would be of much greater diameter than the product of my invention, or both. A larger diameter severely restricts the use of such materials in bead stringing, whereas our product can be used with a great variety of bead sizes, and bead stringing is the primary intended use of my claimed end product. Further, the various methods of rolling leather round are unacceptable because either they limit the length of the leather strips that are obtainable, or they require as starting material leather strips of substantially square cross section, or both. They may also be incapable of producing leather string with a diameter as small as is contemplated here. For even with the method in which the starting material is rolled through an orifice created between the appropriately shaped surfaces of two rollers, and even if one of these rollers is fitted with suitable flanges extending into the indentation of the second roller so as to keep the material being rolled from spreading laterally between the flat and contiguous surfaces of the rollers, there exists a problem, namely, the formation of a longitudinal ridge or "flashing" along the length of the finished product. While such flashing is not objectionable where the product itself is large in diameter, as in harnesses, it is objectionable in smaller-diameter products, such as the beading line contemplated here, which line may have a final diameter of only about 3/64 inch. Furthermore, the layered material may catch in the joint between the two rollers whereupon there is great risk of the material's being cut by the flanges of one roller pressing against the walls of the other roller, and therefore, there is a great danger of leather rupture and breakage. Also, there is a lack of uniform pressure around the material, a problem not faced with a closed-die drawing process. Similar difficulties arise in drawing the lace through split dues, a method that, historically, was rejected in favor of the method involving rollers. Here, too, there is the aformentioned flashing, lack of uniform pressure and danger of breakage when the material catches in the joints of the split die. Breakage raises the cost of the end product because production time is lost and shortened lengths of saleable final product are obtained. Therefore, it is a primary object of this invention to provide a process, apparatus for performing that process and the product of that process and apparatus, all of which are free from significant surface discontinuities. It is a still further object of this invention to provide a process which produces from leather lacing which is rectangular in cross-section a thin, strong, pliable beading line which is small and consistent in diameter over its length. It is an additional object of this invention to provide a leather beading line material which is smooth, circular in cross-section, strong and easily utilized in the stringing of beads for necklaces or the like. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Stated briefly, my invention include: the apparatus for and process of soaking a leather lace, preferably of calf's leather, in water, drawing the moistened lace with controlled tension through one or more closed dies each having a predetermined landing length and diameter, forced-air drying the formed lace, passing it through an emollient, removing the excess emollient from the beading line and spooling the resulting product for later use; and the beading line so formed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A better understanding of the present invention may be had from a consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a flow-diagram showing the steps in one process according to my invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of apparatus according to my invention; and, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In FIG. 1, leather lacing, preferably derived from leather having a thickness of from 1/64 to 1/32 inch and having a width of approximately 3/32 to 1/8 inch is soaked, on its reel, if desired, in water or other compatible liquid at room temperature for about two hours. The purpose of the soaking is to remove brittleness in the lacing, thus increasing its pliability and capacity for its fibers to adopt new forms when coerced. The calf's leather lacing best used as the raw material in the process according to this invention is derived from the hides of English calves. Calf's leather from this region has proved to give the highest yield of usable beading line. The reel is removed from its soaking bath and may, if desired, be put directly on the feed reel spindle of the forming apparatus of FIG. 2. The excess moisture on the outer surface of the reel of lacing may be permitted to dissipate by evaporation or run-off for about one-half hour before the forming machine is operated. The lace can be drawn up to 24 hours after soaking. The moistened lace is then drawn through one or more forming dies. Certain of the dimensions of the forming die or dies are critical, as will be discussed in connection with FIG. 3. The tensioning of the lace during the drawing and other phases of the processing according to this invention must also be controlled so as not to exceed the tensile strength and the lace. Therefore, automatic tensioning control is also provided in the apparatus according to the present invention, as is set forth in connection with the description of FIG. 2. After the drawing or forming process the formed beading line is dried. Accelerated drying may be achieved by means of, for example, a heater-blower. If such a drying device is used and is electrical in nature interlock means may be provided to interrupt current flow to the drying means when motion of the lacing through the apparatus stops for any reason, such interlock means preventing burning of the leather lace or beading line. The purpose of drying the beading line before the succeeding emollient application step is to assure thorough impregnation of the beading line by the emollient. The emollient and any water retained by the beading line are, of course, immiscible. The emollient may be, for example, linseed oil or some other natural oil. Animal oils such as neats foot oil, however, tend to render the final product too soft for beading and the leather string may tend to return to a more or less rectangular cross-section in use. A superficial excess of the emollient may exist on the beading as it emerges from the emollient application step and such excess is removed by a resilient wiper made of such a material as oil-resistant rubber, through a small aperture in which the beading line passes on its way to being spooled. The finished beading line is spooled onto a reel to a desired length, say 100 yards. The spool of beading line is permitted to stand for about one day to permit stabilization of the emollient-impregnated beading line and the result is a cosmetically attractive, pliable, circular cross-sectioned, smooth-surfaced, easily beaded leather beading line capable of passing easily through more varieties of beads than any other leather thong in existence. In FIG. 2, spindle 10 carries feed reel 12 on which is wound leather lacing 14 cut, preferably, from English calfhide. Lacing 14 is rectangular in cross-section having a width dimension of about 3/32 to 1/8 inch with a thickness of about 1/64 inch. The lacing has been soaked in water at room temperature for a period of time (approximately two hours) to increase its pliability and to permit its being utilized in the apparatus of FIG. 2 with minimum breakage of the lacing during processing. Idler roller 16 guides lace 14 into drawing die 18. Opening 22 in die 18 is circular in cross section and has a slowly tapered inlet opening, a sharply tapered outlet opening and a central landing portion, as can be seen more clearly in FIG. 3. While a single shaping die such as die 18 may be used, for the best forming of leather lacing 14 with minimum breakage thereof multiple dies with decreasing diameters are desirable. However, a simple cascading of dies without intermediate driving and tension-controlling means will result in repeated breakage of lacing 14. Therefore, as can be seen from FIG. 2, after lacing 14 leaves die 18 it passes under guide roller 23, over tensioning roller 25 with tensioning spring 27, under and over guide rollers 29 and 31, respectively and under drive pulley 33 which is driven, in the correct direction for forward motion of lacing 14, from main drive motor 40 through pulleys 35 and 37. As lacing 14 (now partially formed into beading line) leaves drive pulley 33 it passes over guide roller 39 to a second drawing die 41 having opening 43, therein of the same general shape as opening 22 in die 18 but of lesser internal diameter. For example, commencing with lacing 14 having width 3/32 to 1/8 inch and with a desired beading line diameter of approximately 1/64 inch, die 18 may have a maximum inside diameter of 0.052 inch and die 41 a minimum inside diameter of 0.047 inch. After emerging from die 41 lacing 14, originally of rectangular cross-section, has been transformed into beading line 26 of circular cross-section. Beading line 26 is guided over tensioning roller 28 by idler rollers 30 and 32. The tensioning roller 28 is biased upwardly by adjustable tensioning spring 34 to a point just below the breaking point of lacing 14 and beading line 26. This tensioning adjustment assures maximum speed of processing in the apparatus of FIG. 2. Tensioning roller 28 is mechanically coupled to control arm or shaft 36 on drive-motor speed-controller 38, one of two series-connected speed controllers 38 and 45. Speed controller 38 controls the electrical power supplied to drive motor 40 in response to the displacement of tensioning roller 28 upwardly or downwardly. If roller 28 moves downwardly against the restoring force of spring 34 an increase in the tensile stress on lacing 14 and beading line 26 is indicated but such downward motion of roller 28 causes downward motion of control arm 36 and a reduction in the electrical power supplied to drive motor 40, with an attendant reduction in its speed and torque output and a reduction in the tension on lacing 14 and beading line 26. On the other hand, if the tension on beading line 26 is reduced, roller 28 will move upward increasing the power supplied to drive motor 40 and causing its output torque and shaft speed to rise, bringing the tensile stress on beading line 26 back to a predetermined level. Similarly, speed controller 45 is automatically adjusted through arm 47 which is mechanically coupled to tensioning roller 25 for movement thereby. When the tensioning of lacing 14 is excessive in the region of roller 25, roller 25 moves downward causing downward motion of arm 47 and reduced electrical power supplied to motor 40. Thus if the tension in lacing 14 or beading line 26 is excessive after passing through die 18 or die 41, respectively, the speed of motor 40 will be reduced, lowering tension and preventing breakage of the leather lacing or beading line being processed. The exact nature of motor controllers 38 and 45 varies with the nature of drive motor 40. In the simplest case, drive motor 40 is a d.c. motor, the electrical power applied to terminals 42 and 44 is direct current and controllers 38 and 45 are rheostats with their sliding contacts mechanically coupled to control arms 36 and 47, respectively, and moved thereby so as to insert greater electrical resistance between power terminal 42 and motor terminal 46 when the tension in lacing 14 and beading line 26 exceeds a predetermined level. If drive motor 40 is an a.c. induction motor, controllers 38 and 45 may be of the S.C.R. type in which the portion of each half cycle of a.c. power which is passed along to motor 40 is determined by a pair of variable resistances driven by control arms 36 and 47, respectively, those resistances determining the firing point on each half-cycle of a.c. power at which point electrical power is allowed to pass to motor 40 from terminals 42 and 44. Motor speed controllers of this type are well known in the art and need not be explained in greater detail here. After beading line 26 leaves guide roller 32 it passes over drier 48 which may combine an electrical heating element and a fan. The hot air temperatures achieved with such a device are quite high and will burn the leather beading line if that line stops moving while drier 48 continues to operate. Such a circumstance could arises if drier 48 continued to operate when drive motor 40 had no power applied to it or if beading line 26 broke beyond drier 48 in the direction of spool 50. To prevent the first recited problem, drier 48 is supplied power only if power is being supplied to the motor controllers 38 and 45, and the associated motor 40. The second problem is prevented by providing interlock switch 52 which is of a normally-closed variety and is in series with the power line to drier 48. If beading line 26 breaks beyond drier 48 the tension on roller 28 is removed, it moves upwardly under the force of spring 34 and hits activiating lever 54 of limit switch 52, thus breaking the electrical circuit to drier 48. A similar limit switch responding to a loss of tension in the lacing-beading line system can shut off motor 40. After being dried, beading line 26 passes into emollient bath 56 where it is immersed in an oil or other emollient 58, such as linseed oil. When beading line 26 moves out of bath 56 it carries excess emollient on its surface. That excess is removed by wiper 60, which is of oil resistant, flexible material such as oil-resistant rubber. Wiper 60 has a slot 62 in it to receive beading line 26 snugly. As beading line 26 passes through wiper 60, excess emollient is removed and falls back into bath 56. After wiping, beading line 26 passes over appropriate guide rollers, such as 64 and 66, to drive-roller or pulley 68 which is driven directly by shaft 70 of motor 40. Idler roller 72 gives the desired angle of wrap of beading line 26 around drive-roller 68. Spooling roller 74 guides beading line 26 to the proper position on pick-up spool 50. Pulley 76 is secured to shaft 70 and may have a diameter equal to that of drive-roller 68. In any event, the relative diameter of pulley 76 and pulley 78, the latter being secured to pick-up spool 50, is such that the linear speed of beading line 26 over spool 50 exceeds, or tends to exceed, the linear speed of beading line 26 over drive-roller 68, as a result of which tension is maintained in beading line 26 as it is wound on spool 50. Spool roller 74 may be caused to oscillate along a line parallel to the axis of spool 50, a technique which is well known and need not be described here. In FIG. 3, forming die 18 has an opening 22 therein which is circular in cross-section throughout its length but has a slowly tapered entrance region 80, a right-circular cylindrical landing region 82 and a sharply tapered exit region 84. The walls of the entrance and landing regions must have polish-smooth surfaces so as to prevent abrasion on the surface of lacing 14 as it is formed into beading line 26. Further, the length of landing region 82 should be less than 1/16 inch and greater than 1/64 inch. In this range the required shape "memory" of the leather beading line is achieved with minimum breakage in the system. A greater landing region length causes unnecessary friction and breakage in the processing and a lesser landing region length is likely to cause cutting instead of forming of the leather lacing 14. Opening 43 in die 41 is shaped similarly to opening 22 in die 18 except that its minimum diameter is less. As has been indicated, forming dies of successively lesser internal diameter may be used sequentially to achieve the final, desired beading line diameter. For example, the landing region of die 18 may have a diameter of 0.052 inches whereas the landing region of die 41 may have a diameter of 0.047 inches to yield a beading line of approximately a 3/64 inches diameter. More dies may be used to achieve the desired diameter in smaller steps and with less tension. While a particular embodiment of my invention has been shown and described, variations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art and it is intended that all such variations shall be included within the scope of the appended claims.
Beginning with leather lacing of substantially rectangular cross-section, moistening that lacing to a proper degree, drawing the moistened lacing through one or more shaping dies under controlled tension, drying the formed lacing and then applying an emollient in a controlled amount, a leather beading line of high strength, pliability and ease of threading and with substantially circular cross-section is obtained.
2
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention pertains to an embroidering machine with a mounting device for individual embroidery hoops, which are to be detachably connected to the mounting device. The hoops consist of a inner hoop with an outer hoop surrounding the inner hoop with the fabric to be embroidered located between the two hoops. The present invention pertains to a device such as the device formed according to the examined and accepted application of Japanese Utility Patent No. Sho-62-3424. A mounting device for individual embroidery hoops, which is to be fastened to the controlled hoop guide of an embroidering machine and consists of a rectangular hoop that can be connected to the hoop guide for the three-point tensioning of the individual embroidery hoops, is known from the examined and accepted application of the Japanese utility patent No. SHO 62-3424. According to this disclosure the front, transverse leg of the rectangular hoop is provided with a projection with a plastic foam pad as one point of the three-point tensioning. A pair of levers acting as a holder for a clamping part covered with plastic foam on the tensioned surface is arranged at each lateral leg of the rectangular hoop. The clamping parts form the other points of the three-point tensioning device. One lever each of the two pairs of levers is inserted with a pivot pin at the end opposite the clamping part into a hole in the side leg. The other lever of each pair of levers is hinged on the first lever between the pin and the clamping part. A setscrew screwed into a nut inside the side leg is passed through a hole in the other end of the first lever and through an elongated slot in the side leg of the rectangular hoop. The device is intended for mounting individual embroidery hoops of various sizes. An individual embroidery hoop is mounted so that the individual hoop is placed against the plastic foam pad of the projection on the front, transverse leg of the rectangular hoop, the setscrew is loosened, and the two pairs of levers are moved while longitudinally displacing the setscrews in the elongated slots of the lateral legs with a defined pressure exerted on the circumference of the individual embroidery hoop, so that the individual embroidery hoop will be fixed at three points. The mounted position of the individual embroidery hoop is secured by tightening the setscrews. The loosening, tightening, and displacement of the setscrews and the swiveling of the pairs of levers caused by the displacement each time the embroidery hoop is changed requires particular attention and is relatively complicated and time-consuming, because if the longitudinal displacement of the setscrews and consequently the swiveling of the pairs of levers are not completely uniform in this arrangement. The individual embroidery hoop will assume a different position relative to the central axis between two pairs of levers each time, so that the position of the initial stitch and consequently also the position of the embroidery pattern on the product being embroidered will also change each time, which is not acceptable for most applications. That is, the displacement each time the embroidery hoop is changed either impairs the quality of the products or requires correction of the mounting of the material to be embroidered or of the embroidery hoop, which is associated with loss of time. Moreover, because the holding force with which each embroidery hoop is mounted depends on how strongly the clamping parts are pressed by hand against the embroidery hoop by swiveling the pairs of levers with the clamping pieces during the displacement of the setscrews and it may therefore show great variations from one embroidery hoop to the next, the reliability and the accuracy of the mounting strongly depend on how carefully the operator performs his work. SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to design an embroidery hoop with a mounting device for individual embroidery hoops, which are to be detachably connected to the mounting device wherein the hoops consist of an inner hoop and an outer hoop surrounding the inner hoop with the fabric to be embroidered located between the hoops so that each individual embroidery hoop is always mounted with the same holding force and is always brought into the correct position for the start of the embroidery process. According to the invention, a three-point mounting means is provided comprising two opposite holders, one of which has two contact surfaces, the surfaces enclosing an angle for providing fitted support surfaces of the outer hoop. The opposite other holder has a bow spring with a depression for a projection, the projection being arranged on the outer hoop on the bisector of the angle enclosed between the two contact surfaces. The position of the embroidery hoop is exactly defined by the contact surfaces arranged at an angle relative to one another in the shape of a prism at a holder that can be connected to the hoop guide in the Y direction, and the position of the embroidery hoop in the X direction is exactly defined by the projection snapping into the depression at the bow spring, so that the embroidery process always begins at the same point. The use of a bow spring ensures that the holding force is not subject to variations, because it does not depend on how carefully the operator performs the mounting operation. In an embroidering machine with a mounting device as specified above, which has a transversely slotted outer hoop, which has at least two opposite support surfaces for fitted contact surfaces of holders arranged opposite to each other, and whose separate ends are connected by a turnbuckle, the turnbuckle is usually arranged (e.g., West German Utility Patent No. 1,980,503) in a location rotated through a certain angle relative to the axis of symmetry of the opposite contact surfaces. When mounting fabrics to be embroidered of different thickness, the transversely slotted outer hoop is expanded to different extents. The support surfaces intended to come into contact with the contact surfaces of the holders are thus rotated through a certain angle relative to the contact surfaces of the holders. As a consequence of this, the two-part individual embroidery hoop will assume different angular positions relative to the axis of symmetry of the contact surfaces, depending on the thickness of the fabric to be embroidered, when inserted into the holders, as a result of which the position of the motif or embroidery pattern in the embroidered product deviates from the desired position, but this problem has been remedied so far only by remounting the fabric to be embroidered in the correct position or by mounting it in another embroidery hoop, which was associated with considerable losses of time and had to be repeated several times in most cases, because the amount of correction cannot be easily estimated during the mounting. It is therefore of particular importance to arrange the turnbuckle so that it is arranged in the axis of symmetry of the contact surface opposite the two contact surfaces and therefore also arranged in the axis of symmetry of the two contact surfaces of the other holder in order to always achieve an angularly symmetrical expansion of the transversely slotted outer hoop relative to the axis of symmetry of the contact surfaces regardless of the thickness of the fabric to be embroidered during mounting and thus to reliably put the individual embroidery hoop into the holders in the correct position for the position of the embroidery pattern to be produced. An advantageous embodiment of the mounting device with the turnbuckle arranged as described immediately above includes a holder opposite the contact surfaces 4 at the bow spring with two contact surfaces enclosing an angle for support surfaces on the outer hoop and the bow spring provided with a depression for a projection located on the outer hoop on the bisector of the angle enclosed between the contact surfaces. Due to the design of the bow spring with an oblique stopping surface with a locking shoulder adjoining it for the projection of the outer hoop, an individual embroidery hoop can be placed into the mounting device practically "blindly". Another possibility of facilitating the insertion and reliable fixation of an embroidery hoop is given by providing a depression formed by a hollow cone-shaped blind hole and the projection formed by a cup-shaped pin. The height position of the individual embroidery hoops in the mounting device is exactly defined by the contact surfaces of one holder being provided on elevated ribs with the free ends of the support projections on the outer hoop fitted to the ribs in conjunction with the design discussed immediately above. A design of one of the holders of the mounting device, which is advantageous from the viewpoint of production technology provides that the bow spring is made in one piece when formed with one of the holders. Overextension of the bow spring is avoided by the provision of a limiting stop on the holder for the excursion of the bow spring. The provision of the holders arranged on the side parts of an intermediate frame that can be connected to the drive of the embroidering machine and providing one holder such that it is adjustable in the wide direction and can be locked with the intermediate frame make it possible to connect the intermediate hoop to the hoop guide to insert an individual embroidery hoop of a different shape or size and to adjust only one of the holders on the intermediate hoop. A design of the locking device which is advantageous from the viewpoint of production technology provides that two opposite leaf springs, which are made in one piece with the holder and have a stop bolt for holes of the intermediate frame, are used as the locking device. By providing a spring pressure means in the slot of the outer loop, by which the hoop is pre-tensioned so that it is forced to part, the axis of symmetry of the contact surfaces of the outer hoop remains unchanged regardless of the thickness of the fabric to be embroidered, so that changes in the position of the fabric to be embroidered are avoided. The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects obtained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a top view of the mounting device fastened to the work carrier of an embroidering machine, with two individual embroidery hoops, which have fixing means of different designs; FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1 on an enlarged scale; FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 1, also on an enlarged scale; FIG. 4 is a plan view of an individual embroidery hoop with a turnbuckle arranged in the axis of symmetry of the outer hoop and part of a holder with a locking device of another design; FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 4 on an enlarged scale; FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 4 on an enlarged scale; and FIG. 7 is a turnbuckle for the outer hoop with spring pressure means in its transverse slot; FIG. 8 is a simplified perspective view of a known multi-head embroidering machine with a work carrier, to which a holding frame, according to the invention, with an individual embroidery hoop is fastened. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The long beams of the work carrier 80 of an embroidering machine, 81 (see FIG. 8) which can be moved relative to the embroidery heads 82 by, e.g., stepper motors 83, 84 in two directions that are at right angles to one another (X and Y directions) corresponding to the embroidery pattern to be produced, are designated by reference numeral 1. As is known generally, for example from U.S. Pat. No. 4,444,133, the stepper motor 83 for the movement of the work carrier 80 in the "X" direction includes a gear 85, stepper motor 84 for the movement of the work carrier 81 in the "Y" direction includes a gear 86, these drive a gear belt 87 and 88 respectively which carry clutch mechanisms generally designated 89. The clutch mechanisms 89 are engageable with the work carrier 80 for shifting it along the X and Y coordinates as indicated in FIGS. 1 and 8. Each clutch mechanism 89 includes a roller 90 as engagement means which engages a guide rail 91, 92 of the work carrier 80 respectively upon actuation of the clutch mechanism. The rotary movements of the stepper motor 83 in two directions are transmitted by the gear 85 to the endless gear belt 87 which is trained on the other end around a return gear 93 mounted on an auxiliary frame 94 fixed to the housing of the embroidering machine 81. The rotary movements of the stepper motor 84 in the two directions are transmitted by the gear 86 to the endless gear belt 88 which is trained on the other end around the return gear 95 mounted on an auxiliary frame 96 fixed to the housing of the embroidering machine 81. A plurality of holding frames, e.g., 2 and 3, which serve to receive individual embroidery hoops of different shape and size, can be screwed onto the long beams 1. The holding frames 2 and 3 consist of two side parts 4 and 5 which are connected on the upper side, relative to FIG. 1, to a fastening bracket 7 by a cross strut 6 each. On the lower side, the side parts 4 and 5 of the holding frame 2 are connected by a holder 8 having a fastening bracket 7 and the side parts 4 and 5 of the holding frame 3 are connected by a holder 9, which also has a fastening bracket 7. The holding frames 2 and 3 with the brackets 7 are screwed onto the long beams 1. To safely hold an individual embroidery hoop 10, which consists of a closed inner hoop 11 and a transversely slotted outer hoop 13 connected by a turnbuckle 12, a holder 14 that is arranged adjustably on the side parts 4 and 5 of the holding frame 2 and a bow spring 15 integrated within the said holder 8 are provided. A hollow cone-shaped blind hole 17 for a cup-shaped pin 18 on the outer hoop 13 is located in a thickened part 16 of the bow spring 15. The pin 18 and the blind hole 17, into which it is inserted, form one of the points of the three-point tensioning device of said individual embroidery hoop 10. The two other points are located on two ribs 19 and 20 of trapezoidal cross section with contact surfaces 21 and 22 on the holder 14. In this embodiment, the support and contact surfaces 19 through 22 enclose a right angle. The blind hole 17 forms a contact surface for the pin 18 and is located on the bisector of this angle. Two support projections 23 and 24, whose free ends are fitted to the ribs 19 and 20 and contact surfaces 21 and 22, are provided on the outer hoop 13. To limit the excursion of the bow spring 15 during the insertion and removal of the individual embroidery hoop 10, a stop 26 is provided on the holder 8. The holder 14 can be tensioned in a plurality of positions by stop bolts 29 and 30 that are under the effect of compression springs 27 and 28 with the side parts 4 and 5 of the holding frame 2 in order to make it possible to mount individual embroidery hoops of different shape and sizes. The holding frame 3 serves to receive another embroidery hoop, 31, which consists of a closed inner hoop 32 and a transversely slotted outer hoop 33 with a turnbuckle 34. A bow spring 35, which has a web 37 (FIG. 2) on a thickened part 36 with an oblique stopping face 38 and a locking shoulder 39 joining it, is integrated within the holder 9. A projection 40 on the outer hoop 33 cooperates with the web 37 of the bow spring 35 having the stopping surface 38 and the locking shoulder 39. A V-shaped groove 41 with a rounded sliding surface 42 for the oblique stopping surface 38 of the web and with a surface 43 fitted to the oblique surface of the stopping surface 38 are provided in the free end of the projection 40. The web 37 and the groove 41 form one of the points of the three-point mounting mechanism of the individual embroidery hoop 31. The two other points are located on two ribs 44, 45 of semicircular cross section and contact surfaces 46 and 47 of a holder 48. The ribs 44 and 45 and the contact surfaces 46 and 47 enclose a right angle. Said projection 40 for said web of said bow spring 35 is located on the bisector of this angle. Two support projections 49 and 50, whose free ends are adjusted to the shape of the ribs 44 and 45 and the contact surfaces 46 and 47, are provided on the outer hoop 33. To limit the excursion of the bow spring 35 during the insertion and removal of the individual embroidery hoop 31, a stop 51 is provided on the holder 9. The holder 48 can also be tensioned in a plurality of positions by means of said stop bolts 29 and 30, which are under the effect of said compression springs 27 and 28, with the side parts 4 and 5 in order to make it possible to mount individual embroidery hoops of different shapes and sizes. FIGS. 4 through 7 show an individual embroidery hoop 55 consisting of a closed inner hoop 52 and an outer hoop 54 separated by a transverse slot 53 with a holder 56 and a bow spring 57, which is integrated in the holder 8 or 9, as the bow spring 15 or 35, as well as a turnbuckle 58 and an embodiment of a locking device 59 for the holder 56, which is advantageous from the viewpoint of production technology. Three support projections 60, 61, 62 are provided on the outer hoop 54. The free ends of the support projections 60 and 61 are rounded and form support surfaces 63 and 64 for contact surfaces 65 and 66 of a corresponding concave shape (FIG. 6) on the holder 56, which is otherwise designed similarly to the holder 14 or 48. The contact surfaces 65 and 66 enclose an angle (with its center along an axis of symmetry corresponding to line V--V). The support projection 62 is located on the bisector of this angle. The free end of the support projection 62 is wedge-shaped (FIG. 5). The wedge surfaces 67 and 68 form support surfaces for contact surfaces 69 and 70 of an appropriate shape on a thickened part 71 of the bow spring 57. The stops 26 and 51 on the holder 8 and 9, respectively, which are shown in FIG. 1, serve to limit the excursion of the bow spring 57. The turnbuckle 58, which is arranged in the axis of symmetry of the support surfaces 63 and 64 and contact surfaces 65, 66, 69, and 70, consists of a cylindrical nut 72 provided with a transversely extending threaded hole. The nut 72 is inserted freely rotatably into a hole provided in the outer hoop 54 near the transverse slot 53. A cylindrical step bearing is provided with a transversely extending stepped hole and is inserted freely rotatably into a hole on the other side of said transverse slot 53 in said outer hoop 54. A tightening screw 74 designed as a collar screw, is passed through a hole passing through the slotted ends of the outer hoop 54 and the stepped hole in the step bearing 73 and is screwed into the nut 72. Two cup springs 75 arranged on the tightening screw 74 are provided in the transverse slot 53. The transversely slotted outer hoop 54 is pre-tensioned by said cup springs 75, which seek to force the hoop apart. Instead of the two support projections 60 and 61, it is also possible to provide only one support projection opposite the support projection 62 with a support surface for a contact surface to be provided on the holder 56. Each of the locking devices 59 (FIG. 7) arranged on two opposite sides of the holder 56 consists of a leaf spring 76 made in one piece with the holder 56 with a stop bolt 78 passed through a longitudinal slot 77 in the holder 56, which the stop bolt 78 engages with one of a plurality of holes 79 provided in the side parts 4 and 5 of the holding frame 2 and 3, respectively in order to lock the holder 56 in a plurality of positions with said holding frame 2 and 3, respectively. This makes it possible to insert individual embroidery hoops of different shapes and sizes into said holding frame 2 and 3. Mode of operation During the embroidering operation, the fabric to be embroidered is placed on the outer hoop 13 or 33 outside the embroidering machine with the turnbuckle 12 or 34 opened, pressed into the outer hoop 13 or 33 with the inner hoop 11 or 32, and tensioned with the turnbuckle 12 or 34 between the inner hoop and the outer hoop. To remove the individual embroidery hoops 10 and 31 at the end of an embroidery process, the hoops are pulled against the bow spring 15 or 35, so that the bow spring 15 or 35 will bend and come into contact with the stop 26 or 51. The support projections 23 and 24 now separate from the ribs 19 and 20 and the contact surfaces 21 and 22 and the support surfaces 49 and 50 separate from the ribs 44 and 45 and the contact surfaces 46 and 47. The individual embroidery hoops 10 and 31 can subsequently be easily tilted upward with the rear part and removed from the holding frame 2 and 3. The embroidery hoop 10 with the fabric to be embroidered mounted in it in advance is inserted so that the support projections 23 and 24 are brought into contact with the ribs 19 and 20 and the contact surfaces 21 and 22 of the holder 14. The pin 18 now lies on the released bow spring 15, so that the individual embroidery hoop 10 can be aligned. By gently pressing the embroidery hoop 10 in the area of the pin 18, the bow spring 15 is bent via pin 18 to the stop 26, and the pin 18 snaps into the blind hole 17. The free ends of said support projections 49 and 50 of the embroidery frame 31 with the fabric to be embroidered mounted in it in advance are brought into contact with the ribs 44 and 45 and the contact surfaces 46 and 47 of the holder 48 in the same way. The projection 40 of the outer hoop 33 now lies on the released bow spring 35, so that the individual embroidery hoop 31 can be aligned. By gently pressing the area of the projection 40, the bow spring 35 is bent to the stop 51 via the sliding surface 42 cooperating with the oblique stopping surface 38 and the web 37 snaps into the groove 41. Both the height position of the embroidery hoop 10 or 31 and the position relative to the frame guide of the embroidering machine are determined accurately and reproducibly by the ribs 19 and 20 as well as 44 and 45 and the contact surfaces 21 and 22 as well as 46 and 47 in conjunction with the free ends of the support projections 23 and 24 as well as 49 and 50, which free ends are adjusted thereto, and the pin 18 in conjunction with the blind hole 17 and the web 37 in conjunction with the groove 41. The peculiarity or uniqueness of the mode of operation of the individual embroidery hoop 55 is the fact that during the opening of said turnbuckle 58, said outer hoop 54 is opened symmetrically by said cup springs 75 because of the arrangement of said transverse slot 53 in the axis of symmetry of said support surfaces 63/64, 67/68 and said contact surfaces 65/66 and 69/70 for adjustment to the thickness of the fabric to be embroidered, so that the angular position of said support projections 60 and 61 remains unchanged regardless of the thickness of the fabric to be embroidered. As a consequence of this, the individual embroidery hoop 55 is always inserted in the same angular position into the holders 56 and 8 or 9. Consequently, corrections to be performed by remounting the fabric to be embroidered are avoided altogether. As in the case of the individual embroidery hoops 10 and 31, in the individual embroidery hoop 55 the fabric to be embroidered is also placed on the outer hoop 54 outside the embroidering machine with the turnbuckle 58 opened corresponding to the position of the pattern to be embroidered, during the embroidery process, pressed into the outer hoop 54 with the inner hoop 52, and tensioned with the turnbuckle 58 between the inner hoop and the outer hoop. Insertion into the holders 56 and 8 or 9 and removal of the individual embroidery hoop 55 are performed in the same way as described above based on the example of the individual embroidery hoops 10 and 31. 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.
An embroidering machine with a mounting device for individual embroidery hoops is provided with a design in which each individual embroidery hoop is always mounted with the same holding force and is always brought into the correct position for the start of the embroidery process. To ensure the three-point mounting of the individual embroidery hoop, which consists of an inner hoop and an outer hoop surrounding it, with the fabric to be embroidered located between them, the mounting device comprises two opposite holders, one of which has two contact surfaces enclosing an angle for fitted support surfaces of the outer hoop, and the other holder having a bow spring with a depression for a projection arranged on the outer hoop on the bisector of the angle enclosed between the contact surfaces. If the outer hoop is transversely slotted and its ends are connected by a turnbuckle, symmetrical expansion of the outer hoop independently of the thickness of the fabric to be embroidered will be achieved due to the fact that the turnbuckle is arranged in the axis of symmetry of the contact surface at the bow spring of one holder and the contact surface or contact surfaces of the opposite holder.
3
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to window supporting brackets which are arranged to support a window for pivotal movement about either a vertical or a horizontal axis. More particularly, the present invention relates to a supporting bracket assembly providing an optimized adjustment tolerance. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Windows are a significant source of heat loss from buildings. Given the necessity to save costs and conserve energy, increasing attention is directed to improving the efficiency of windows. Much energy can be saved by such strategies as providing sealed double-paned windows and using low-E glass, much of the conservation realized thereby can be vitiated by inadequately sealed windows. While this is not a usually an issue with fixed windows, those that are intended to be opened lend themselves to the provision of more effective seals. [0003] A common type of window consists typically of a rectangular frame set into a building wall and a corresponding pivotally movable vent. Such windows typically have supporting brackets to permit pivotal movement of the vent about a vertical axis or a horizontal axis, and are also adapted to be connected between a conventional window frame and window sash, whether these structures be formed of metal, wood, PVC, or other structural material. The brackets are typically arranged to cause the pivotal axis of the window to move to and from the window frame so that when the window is open, both surfaces are accessible from the inner side of the window. [0004] As in other windows, weather-stripping must be interposed between the vent and the frame in order to provide an effective seal when the window is closed. The quality of the seal depends on a number of factors such as the clearance between the vent and the frame in terms of its actual value and the tolerance or โ€œplayโ€ allowed, and the physical properties of the seal material. It is assumed that the weather-stripping is compliant enough to yield to pressure exerted by the vent. There must be sufficient play to allow for variability of the weather-stripping. For an optimum seal, the elements of the window must be in the closest possible contact with the weather-stripping while simultaneously not exerting excessive pressure thereon, which could lead to sticking. [0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,898,977. to Muir, discloses a supporting bracket or stay which can be used on a window. Although the supporting bracket disclosed therein substantially precludes sash play to an extent found in other prior art, the tolerance is nevertheless not optimized. [0006] Accordingly, there is a need to provide a mechanism for optimizing the clearance between the vent and the frame, and the allowable play therebetween, so that the clearance is small enough to minimize leakage of air or water through the window, while there is enough play to avoid excessive pressure on the weather-stripping, which could cause sticking problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] A preferred embodiment supporting bracket assembly of the present invention includes a four bar hinge substantially as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,898,977, and a fastener configured to provide optimum positioning of the hinge relative to the window sash. The hinge includes a track for mounting to a frame; a vent bar for attaching to a window sash, the vent bar being hinged for movement on both sides of the centerline of the track, and having a centerline parallel and substantially in line with the centerline of the track when the supporting bracket is in a closed position; and structure, during an opening operation, for preventing the vent bar from crossing the centerline of the track in a direction opposite a direction of opening. The supporting bracket of the preferred embodiment is โ€œnon-handedโ€, that is, may be utilized on opposite sides of a window. [0008] In any contemplated embodiment, a pair of apertures is provided in the vent bar, for accepting the fastener. The clearance the aperture provides between the vent bar and the fastener determines the amount of tolerance in the positioning of the vent bar relative to the sash and, therefore, how well the window seals against weather-stripping which is typically present. [0009] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be more readily understood and fully appreciated from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] [0010]FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of a fully assembled supporting bracket in a closed position. [0011] [0011]FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of the supporting bracket of the present invention in an open position. [0012] [0012]FIGS. 3A and 3B show a perspective view of a portion of a vent bar in the process of engagement with a window sash using a fastener. [0013] [0013]FIG. 4A shows a top plan view of a portion of a portion of the vent bar. [0014] [0014]FIG. 4B shows a top plan view of the fastener. [0015] [0015]FIG. 5 shows a top plan view of the mounting set-up of the window supporting bracket. [0016] [0016]FIG. 6A and 6B represent schematically the play of a window sash relative to the vent bar. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a supporting bracket 10 of the present invention may be positioned in a closed position or one of many open positions. A window sash 122 is frictionally restrained in any angular position to which the supporting bracket 10 is moved. This frictional restraint is provided by the friction between the various elements of the supporting bracket 10 [0018] The supporting bracket 10 may be positioned on any side of a window, and is generally provided in pairs. Each bracket 10 in the pair of brackets utilized to support a window includes a track member 12 having folded side flanges 14 . The track member 12 is secured by screws (not shown) to a window frame 120 , preferably with one end 26 of the track member 12 adjacent a corner of the window frame 120 . [0019] Mounted on the track member 12 is a slide 16 having side flanges 18 which fit under and are retained by the side flanges 14 . The slide 16 is preferably a solid brass shoe for smooth, long-lasting performance. The slide 16 is provided with a shallow raised portion forming a cavity confronting the track 12 . [0020] The slide 16 is slidable between the end 26 of the track member 12 , adjacent the comer of the window frame 120 and a position near the opposite or extended end 24 . The end 24 of the track remote from the comer of the window frame 120 may be provided with a raised boss (not shown) extending to a level flush with the upper surfaces of the side flanges 14 . The boss is provided with a pivot pin or rivet 30 . [0021] As best seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a substantially flat vent bar 34 is secured to the confronting side of the window sash 122 by fasteners such as screws 202 passing through mounting apertures 200 which are preferably elongate in the direction of the vent bar 34 . [0022] When the window sash 122 is in its closed position within the window frame 120 , the bar 34 overlies or confronts the track 12 with one end 36 adjacent the end 26 of the track 12 disposed in the comer of the window frame 120 . Near this end 36 of the bar 34 , there is provided a downward offset 38 and pivot pin or rivet 40 . A short link 42 is pivotally connected between the pivot pin 40 and a pivot pin 44 provided on top of the slide 16 . [0023] The bar 34 is provided with a second pivot pin 46 . A strut 48 extends between the pivot pin 46 and the pivot pin 30 at the remote end 24 of the track 12 . The pivot pin 46 is so located that when the bar 34 is in superposed relation with the track 12 , the strut 48 is interposed between the track 12 and bar 34 and is in alignment with the bar 34 . This is likewise true of the link 42 . [0024] A portion of the strut 48 is offset upwardly as indicated by 50 . Within the length of the upwardly offset portion is a pivot pin 52 . A brace 54 extends between the pivot pin 52 and the pivot pin 44 of the slide 16 . The length of the link 42 , between the pivot pins 40 and 44 and the length of the brace 54 between the pivot pins 44 and 52 combined are equal to the portion of the strut 48 between the pivot pins 52 and 46 , plus the portion of the bar 34 between the pivot pins 46 and 40 . The pivot pins 40 , 44 , 52 , and 46 define a four-sided figure. The bar 34 , link 42 , strut 48 , and brace 54 are preferably all made from stainless steel and are preferably provided with rounded edges. Together, the four elements 34 , 42 , 48 , and 54 define what is known in the industry as a โ€œfour bar hingeโ€. Although only four bars, 34 , 42 , 48 , and 54 are disclosed, it should be understood that additional bars may be included for heavier windows, such as a cross-link connecting the brace 54 to the bar 34 . [0025] It is desirable that the window sash 122 fit tightly against the window frame 120 when the window sash 122 is closed, but not so tightly as to excessively compress the weather-stripping. To this end, once the widow sash 122 and vent bar 34 are secured together by the screws 202 as indicated earlier, the alignment of the vent bar 34 and the window sash 122 is defined by the relationship between screws 202 and the mounting apertures 200 , which have a length and a width, the latter being as indicated as W in FIG. 4A. As can be appreciated, the bar 34 can be translated along the sash 122 as permitted by the length. However, any sideways displacement is limited by the magnitude of the difference (Wโˆ’T), where T is the screw diameter as indicated in FIG. 4B. It is most typical to use in such applications a no. 10 screw, for which T is nominally 0.185โ€ณ (4.70 mm). [0026] In the present invention, W is selected to be no greater than 0.195โ€ณ (4.95 mm); in other words, the sideways clearance of the screw 202 in the mounting aperture 200 , is no greater than 0.01โ€ณ (0.25 mm), which determines the play between the sash 122 and the frame 120 . In percentage terms, the clearance represents no more than 5.1% of W. The 0.01โ€ณ clearance is less than the clearance of 0.03โ€ณ (0.75 mm) tolerated in prior art devices. In such devices, the mounting aperture rarely has a minimum diameter less than 0.219โ€ณ (5.56 mm) and never less than 0.215โ€ณ (5.46 mm), and the prior art clearance of a no. 10 screw is, therefore, 0.03โ€ณ (0.69 mm) or 14% of W. [0027] A comparable tolerance could be achieved by using a no. 11 screw with the typical aperture width of prior art. In this case, W is in the range 0.215-0.219โ€ณ (5.46-5.56 mm) and T is 0.200โ€ณ (5.08 mm), leading to a clearance in the range 0.015-0.019โ€ณ (0.38-0.48 mm) which still a distinct improvement over prior art. [0028] It is in fact quite unexpected that a low tolerance as disclosed herein should be an advantage, since it would be expected to place more exacting demands on the assembly of the window and to lead to sticking problems in the assembled window. Additionally, the larger tolerance familiar in prior art would be expected to be more consistent with the variety of available weatherproofing seals. On the contrary, it is now shown that the tolerance achieved in the present invention enables one to maximize the degree of weatherproofing while avoiding excessive compression of the weather-stripping between the sash 122 and the frame 120 . Prior art devices with greater tolerance in fact risk on one extreme too much leakage and on the other extreme excessive compression of the weather-stripping which might cause sticking. The present invention avoids either extreme. [0029] [0029]FIG. 5 illustrates a typical relationship between the sash 122 , the support bracket 10 and the frame 120 in the closed position. The sash has a slotted opening for engaging a weather-strip 124 in an interlocking relationship, so that the weather-strip abuts the frame 120 . The spacing between the frame 120 and the sash 122 is denoted as D in FIG. 5. [0030] To assemble a window including the present invention, the track is attached to a predetermined position in the frame 120 . Holes are drilled in reproducible positions in the vent, for example with the aid of computer-assisted positioning means such as are currently available for machining devices. No. 10 screws are selected as fasteners, providing that they are accepted by the apertures 200 with sideways clearance of no more than 0.025โ€ณ (0.64 mm) and preferably no more than 0.01โ€ณ (0.25 mm). The maximum diameter of the aperture allowing an installer to perform a lengthways adjustment, the screws are tightened when the installer is satisfied with the position of the sash 122 in the frame 120 . [0031] To assemble a window according to the present invention, the track 12 is attached to the frame 120 , with the aid of suitable positioning means. With fasteners 202 selected to be sized appropriately to the mounting apertures 200 , the vent bar 34 is attached to the sash 122 , again with the use of suitable positioning means. Appropriate sizing of the screws 202 requires that they be accepted by the apertures 200 with a minimum (sideways) clearance of no more than 0.02โ€ณ (0.51 mm) and preferably no more than 0.01โ€ณ (0.25 mm). Note that the minimum clearance is defined as the clearance between the screw 202 and the vent bar 34 across the width of the aperture 200 . The length of the aperture 200 , being aligned with the direction of the vent bar 34 , is of no consequence for the purposes of this invention. The length of the aperture 200 allows an installer to perform a lengthways adjustment, the screws 202 being tightened when the installer is satisfied with the position of the sash 122 relative to the vent bars 34 . [0032] As indicated earlier, each window will have two support brackets 10 , one on each side. Note that each vent bar 34 has two mounting apertures 200 , one near each end. The preferred clearance of 0.01โ€ณ (0.25 mm) applies at each aperture, at which therefore provides a play of ยฑ0.05โ€ณ (ยฑ0.13 mm). The play between the sash 122 and the frame 120 , while determined by the clearance at the apertures 200 , will usually be greater than ยฑ0.05โ€ณ (ยฑ0.13 mm). This is illustrated in exaggerated fashion in FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIG. 6A shows the fasteners 202 centered relative to the aperture widths, while FIG. 6B shows the fasteners 202 off-center in opposite directions. Since the vent bar 34 and, specifically, the spacing between the apertures 200 is typically significantly shorter than the corresponding side of the sash 122 , the play at the far end of the sash 122 will be magnified owing to a leverage effect, as is evident from the divergence of the dashed lines of FIG. 6B which represent the alignment of the vent bar 34 and the sash 122 . If, as is typical, the side of the sash 122 is about twice the spacing between the apertures 200 , the play between the far end of the sash 122 and the frame 120 will be ยฑ0.1โ€ณ (ยฑ0.25 mm) rather than the ยฑ0.05โ€ณ (ยฑ0.13 mm) at the apertures 200 . This is about one-third of the play in a window supported by a prior art assembly. [0033] In its preferred embodiment, the reduced tolerance window support bracket assembly includes a four bar hinge. However, it may include other types of hinge. [0034] While 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 in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
A reduced tolerance window support bracket assembly is disclosed. The bracket includes a hinge with a vent bar having apertures to accept fasteners for engaging the hinge to a window sash. The apertures and the fasteners are configured to provide that the play between the window sash and a frame is optimized, thus avoiding the extremes of possible leakage and excessive pressure on a weather-strip.
8
TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a radio transmission apparatus, a radio reception apparatus, and a preamble sequence generation method. BACKGROUND ART As a technique of large volume data communication, a technique in which a radio transmission apparatus spatially multiplexes and transmits a plurality of transmission data (streams) (e.g. Nmux streams, where Nmuxโ‰ฆNtx) using a plurality of transmission antenna ports (e.g. Ntx antenna ports) has been studied. A radio reception apparatus spatially separates and receives received data in which the plurality of streams are mixed with each other on a propagation channel. Hereinafter, the number of streams spatially multiplexed by the radio transmission apparatus is referred to as โ€œthe number of multiplexed streams.โ€ When the plurality of streams are spatially multiplexed using the plurality of antenna ports, it is assumed that preamble sequences for estimating channel quality between the antenna ports of the radio transmission apparatus and the antenna ports of the radio reception apparatus are multiplexed into data signals. In this case, the radio transmission apparatus assigns different preamble sequences for each stream. The radio reception apparatus detects the preamble sequences from the antenna ports of the radio transmission apparatus, and performs channel estimation between the antenna ports of the radio transmission apparatus and the antenna ports of the radio reception apparatus. In addition, the radio reception apparatus needs to specify the number of multiplexed streams to separate the plurality of spatially multiplexed streams. The radio reception apparatus blindly detects the preamble sequences representing the number of multiplexed streams to specify the number of multiplexed streams, which has been studied (e.g. see Patent Literature 1). Specifically, first, the radio transmission apparatus and the radio reception apparatus share candidate data of used preamble sequences. The radio transmission apparatus fixedly assigns preamble sequences to the antenna ports of the radio transmission apparatus. In the radio transmission apparatus, an antenna port to which the preamble sequence corresponding to the number of multiplexed streams can be assigned is considered as a main antenna, and the antenna ports other than the main antenna are considered as sub-antennas. For example, the radio transmission apparatus assigns the preamble sequence of a sequence number L (i.e. the largest sequence number of used preamble sequences) corresponding to the number of multiplexed streams L to the main antenna. Hereinafter, the preamble sequence corresponding to the number of multiplexed streams is referred to as โ€œmain antenna preamble sequence.โ€ The radio reception apparatus takes correlation between the candidate data of the preamble sequences shared with the radio transmission apparatus and the received preamble sequence, to blindly detect the preamble sequences. The radio reception apparatus specifies the preamble sequence of the largest sequence number from the blindly detected preamble sequences, as the main antenna preamble sequence, and the specified preamble sequence number L is referred to as the number of multiplexed streams. The radio reception apparatus estimates channel quality using the detected preamble sequence, and performs spatiotemporal decoding on the basis of the number of multiplexed streams L. CITATION LIST Patent Literature PTL 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-244912 SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem The channel quality between the radio transmission apparatus and the radio reception apparatus is different according to channels (i.e. for each antenna port). However, in the related art, the main antenna preamble sequence representing the number of multiplexed streams is only from one antenna (main antenna) of the radio transmission apparatus. Accordingly, when the channel quality of the channel between the main antenna of the radio transmission apparatus and the antenna of the radio reception apparatus is poor, the radio reception apparatus fails to detect the main antenna preamble sequence. In this case, the radio reception apparatus cannot correctly specify the number of multiplexed streams, and cannot decode the data signals normally. An object of the invention is to provide a radio transmission apparatus, a radio reception apparatus, and a preamble sequence generation method, capable of reliably specifying the number of multiplexed streams and decoding the data signals normally, even when a preamble sequence transmitted from any antenna of the radio transmission apparatus is detected. The radio transmission apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention includes: a determination section that determines the number of streams used by the radio transmission apparatus from candidates as the number of spatially multiplexed streams; a grouping section that groups a plurality of preamble sequences into the same number of groups as the number of candidates; a selection section that selects the group corresponding to the determined number of streams from the plurality of groups; and a generation section that selects the same number of preamble sequences as the number of streams in the selected group, and generates the preamble sequence used by the radio transmission apparatus. The radio reception apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention includes: a detection section that detects a preamble sequence transmitted from a radio transmission apparatus; and a specification section that specifies the number of streams corresponding to a group including the detected preamble sequence from the same number of groups as the number of candidates as the number of spatially multiplexed streams obtained by grouping the plurality of preamble sequence into groups that are a plurality of groups corresponding to candidates of the number of streams, as the number of streams used by the radio transmission apparatus. The preamble sequence generation method according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention includes: determining the number of streams used by a subject apparatus, from candidates of the number of spatially multiplexed streams; grouping a plurality of preamble sequences into the same number of groups as the number of candidates; selecting the group corresponding to the determined number of streams from the plurality of groups; and selecting the same number of preamble sequences as the number of streams in the selected group and generating the preamble sequence used by the subject apparatus. SOLUTION TO PROBLEM Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the invention, it is possible to reliably specify the number of multiplexed streams and decode the data signals normally, even when the preamble sequence transmitted from any antenna of the radio transmission apparatus is detected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a radio transmission apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a radio reception apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the invention; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a sequence group according to Embodiment 1 of the invention; FIG. 4 is a diagram (Configuration Example 1) illustrating a sequence set according to Embodiment 1 of the invention; FIG. 5 is a diagram (Configuration Example 2) illustrating a sequence set according to Embodiment 1 of the invention; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a demodulation result in the radio reception apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the invention; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a sequence group according to Embodiment 2 of the invention; FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating distribution of radio transmission apparatuses capable of using each number of multiplexed streams in a cell according to Embodiment 3 of the invention; FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a sequence group according to Embodiment 3 of the invention; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a sequence group according to Embodiment 4 of the invention; FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the other sequence group of the invention; and FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an update process of a sequence group of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the appended drawings. A configuration of radio transmission apparatus 100 according to an embodiment is shown in FIG. 1 . In addition, radio transmission apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 performs spatial multiplexing using P antenna ports (antenna ports 112 - 1 to 112 -P). Herein, the number of antenna ports P is the same as the number of candidates of the number of multiplexed streams. Candidate data of usable preamble sequences are shared in advance between radio transmission apparatus 100 and radio reception apparatus 200 to be described later. In radio transmission apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 , the number of antenna ports P used in the spatial multiplexing is input to number-of-multiplex determining section 101 and number-of-group determining section 102 . Channel quality information representing channel quality of the antenna ports, data type information representing a type of transmission data, and data size information representing a data size of transmission data are input to number-of-multiplex determining section 101 . Multiplex determination section 101 determines the number of multiplexed streams L used by radio transmission apparatus 100 from the candidates of the number of multiplexed streams on the basis of the input number of antenna ports P, channel quality information, data type information, and data size information. In addition, the number of multiplexed streams L is equal to or less than the number of antennas P (i.e. the number of multiplexed streams L the number of antenna ports P). Number-of-multiplex determining section 101 outputs the determined number of multiplexed streams L to sequence group selection section 105 , stream division processing section 107 , and modulation sections 109 of transmission processing sections 108 - 1 to 108 -P. Number-of-group determining section 102 determines the number of sequence groups obtained by grouping the plurality of preamble sequences into groups on the basis of the input number of antenna ports P. Specifically, number-of-group determining section 102 determines the same number (herein, P) of candidates of the number of multiplexed streams, as the number of groups of the sequence groups. Number-of-group determining section 102 outputs the determined number of groups to sequence grouping section 104 . In addition, herein, it is described that the number of antenna ports P and the number of candidates of the number of multiplexed streams are the same, but the number of candidates of the number of multiplexed streams may not be the same number as the number of antenna ports. For example, even when the number of antenna ports is four and when the number of multiplexed streams is limited to three candidates of 1, 2, and 4, number-of-group determining section 102 determines the number of groups as three. Sequence storage section 103 stores candidate data of a plurality (e.g. N) of usable preamble sequences. Sequence grouping section 104 groups the plurality of preamble sequences (candidate data) stored in sequence storage section 103 into the plurality of groups to generate a plurality of sequence groups, the number of groups (i.e. the same number as the number of candidates of the number of multiplexed streams) being input from number-of-group determining section 102 . Herein, the sequence groups generated by sequence grouping section 104 correspond to the number of candidates of the number of multiplexed streams, respectively. Sequence grouping section 104 forms a preamble sequence set (hereinafter โ€œsequence setโ€) formed of the same number of preamble sequences as the number of multiplexed streams in which the preamble sequences in the generated sequence groups correspond to the sequence groups. Specifically, sequence grouping section 104 forms a sequence set including two preamble sequences in the sequence group corresponding to the number of multiplexed streams of 2, forms a sequence set of three preamble sequences in the sequence group corresponding to the number of multiplexed streams of 3, and forms a sequence set formed of four preamble sequences in the sequence group corresponding to the number of multiplexed streams of 4. Sequence grouping section 104 outputs the plurality of generated sequence groups to sequence group selection section 105 . Sequence group selection section 105 selects a sequence group corresponding to the number of multiplexed streams L input from number-of-multiplex determining section 101 , from the plurality of sequence groups input from sequence grouping section 104 . Sequence group selection section 105 outputs the selected sequence group to preamble generation section 106 . Preamble generation section 106 generates preamble sequences used by radio transmission apparatus 100 by selecting the same number of preamble sequences as the number of multiplexed streams L in the sequence group input from sequence group selection section 105 . For example, preamble generation section 106 selects any one of the plurality of sequence sets in the sequence group, and generates the same number of preamble sequences as the number of multiplexed streams L. Preamble generation section 106 outputs the generated preamble sequences to preamble addition sections 110 of transmission processing sections 108 - 1 to 108 -P. In addition, when the number of generated preamble sequences L is less than P (L<P), preamble generation section 106 outputs L preamble sequences to the transmission processing sections corresponding to the antenna ports used in the spatial multiplexing of transmission processing sections 108 - 1 to 108 -P. Stream division processing section 107 divides the input transmission data into a plurality of stream data of the number of multiplexed streams L input from number-of-multiplex determining section 101 . Stream division processing section 107 outputs the plurality (L) of stream data to modulation sections 109 of transmission processing sections 108 - 1 to 108 -P. In addition, when the number of stream data L is less than P (L<P), stream division processing section 107 outputs the L stream data to the transmission processing sections corresponding to the antenna ports used in the spatial multiplexing of transmission processing sections 108 - 1 to 108 -P. Transmission processing sections 108 - 1 to 108 -P correspond to antenna ports 112 - 1 to 112 -P. Each of transmission processing sections 108 - 1 to 108 -P is provided with modulation section 109 , preamble addition section 110 , and RF transmitting section 111 . Hereinafter, an internal configuration of transmission processing sections 108 - 1 to 108 -P will be described in detail. Modulation section 109 modulates the stream data input from stream division processing section 107 , and outputs the modulated stream data to preamble addition section 110 . Preamble addition section 110 adds the preamble sequence input from preamble generation section 106 to the header of the stream input from modulation section 109 . Preamble addition section 110 outputs the stream data to which the preamble sequence is added to RF transmitting section 111 . RF transmitting section 111 performs a transmission process such as D/A conversion, amplification, and up-conversion on the stream data input from preamble addition section 110 , and transmits the transmission-processed signals from antenna ports 112 - 1 to 112 -P to radio reception apparatus 200 . Accordingly, the plurality (L) of stream data is transmitted to radio reception apparatus 200 . Next, a configuration of radio reception apparatus 200 according to the embodiment is shown in FIG. 2 . In radio reception apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 2 , reception processing sections 202 - 1 to 202 -P correspond to antenna ports 201 - 1 to 201 -P, respectively. Each of reception processing section 202 - 1 to 202 -P is provided with RF receiving section 203 , channel estimation section 204 , preamble removing section 205 , and demodulation section 206 . Hereinafter, an internal configuration of reception processing section 202 - 1 to 202 -P will be described in detail. RF receiving section 203 performs a reception process such as down-conversion and A/D conversion on the reception signals input through antenna ports 201 - 1 to 201 -P. RF receiving section 203 outputs the data signals included in the reception signals to preamble removing section 205 , and outputs the preamble sequence (hereinafter referred to as โ€œreception preamble sequenceโ€) to channel estimation section 204 and a correlation detection section 209 . Channel estimation section 204 performs channel estimation of each multi-path using the reception preamble sequence input from RF receiving section 203 and the preamble sequence (hereinafter referred to as โ€œgeneration preamble sequenceโ€) input from preamble generation section 212 . Channel estimation section 204 outputs the estimated channel estimation value to preamble removing section 205 and demodulation section 206 . Preamble removing section 205 removes the preamble sequence from the data signal input from RF receiving section 203 on the basis of the channel estimation value input from channel estimation section 204 . Preamble removing section 205 outputs the data signal after the preamble sequence removal to demodulation section 206 . Demodulation section 206 demodulates the data signal input from preamble removing section 205 on the basis of the channel estimation value input from channel estimation section 204 , and outputs the demodulated data signal to stream coupling processing section 207 . Stream coupling processing section 207 couples L (maximum P) data signals (stream data) input from each demodulation section 206 of reception processing sections 202 - 1 to 202 -P, using the number of multiplexed streams L input from specification section 211 , and outputs the coupled data as received data. Meanwhile, sequence storage section 208 stores the same candidate data (e.g. N) of the preamble sequences as the candidate data of the preamble sequence stored in sequence storage section 103 of radio transmission apparatus 100 . Correlation detection section 209 takes correlation between the reception preambles sequence input from RF receiving sections 203 of reception processing sections 202 - 1 to 202 -P and all the candidate data (N) of the preamble sequences stored in sequence storage section 208 . Correlation detection section 209 detects the candidate data of the preamble sequence with the highest correlation value as the preamble sequence being transmitted from radio transmission apparatus 100 . Correlation detection section 209 outputs the detected preamble sequence to specification section 211 . Sequence group table 210 stores a table representing the same sequence group as the sequence group generated by sequence grouping section 104 of radio transmission apparatus 100 . That is, sequence group table 210 stores the plurality of sequence groups corresponding to the candidates of the number of multiplexed streams, which is the same number of sequence groups as the number of candidates of the number of multiplexed streams, and which is obtained by grouping the plurality of preamble sequences into the groups. Sequence group table 210 stores information representing the sequence sets which are set for the sequence groups. Specification section 211 specifies the number of multiplexed streams L and the preamble sequences other than the preamble sequences detected by correlation detection section 209 , with reference to the sequence groups stored in sequence group table 210 , on the basis of the preamble sequences input from correlation detection section 209 . Specifically, specification section 211 specifies the number of multiplexed streams corresponding to the sequence group including preamble sequence input from correlation detection section 209 from the plurality of sequence groups stored in sequence group table 210 , as the number of multiplexed streams L used by radio transmission apparatus 100 . Specification section 211 specifies the preamble sequence in the relation between the preamble sequence input from correlation detection section 209 and the sequence set. Specification section 211 outputs the specified number of multiplexed streams L to stream coupling processing section 207 . Specification section 211 outputs the specified preamble sequences and the preamble sequences input from correlation detection section 209 , that is, L preamble sequence numbers to preamble generation section 212 . Preamble generation section 212 generates the plurality of the same number (L) of preamble sequences as the number of multiplexed streams L according to the sequence number input from specification section 211 . Preamble generation section 212 outputs the L generated preamble sequences to channel estimation sections 204 of reception processing sections 202 - 1 to 202 -P. Next, a generation process of preamble sequences in radio transmission apparatus 100 ( FIG. 1 ) and a detection process of preamble sequences in radio reception apparatus 200 ( FIG. 2 ) will be described in detail. In the following description, the number of antenna ports P of radio transmission apparatus 100 is four. That is, a plurality of streams is transmitted from antenna ports 112 - 1 to 112 - 4 of radio transmission apparatus 100 . The candidates of the number of multiplexed streams are four candidates of 1, 2, 3, and 4. That is, the number of candidates of the number of multiplexed streams is the same number as the number of antenna ports P. The candidate data of the preamble sequences used by radio transmission apparatus 100 and radio reception apparatus 200 are forty preamble sequences of preamble sequence numbers of 0 to 39. That is, sequence storage section 103 of radio transmission apparatus 100 and sequence storage section 208 of radio reception apparatus 200 shares forty preamble sequences (sequence numbers of 0 to 39). Accordingly, when the number of antenna ports P of 4 is input, number-of-group determining section 102 determines the number of sequence groups obtained by grouping forty preamble sequences into groups, as four. That is, in number-of-group determining section 102 , the same number of groups of 4 as the number of candidates of the number of multiplexed streams is determined. Then, sequence grouping section 104 first groups the preamble sequences (sequence numbers of 0 to 39) stored in sequence storage section 103 into four sequence groups #1 to #4 on the basis of the number of groups of 4 input from number-of-group determining section 102 . For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , sequence grouping section 104 uniformly groups the preamble sequences of sequence numbers of 0 to 39 into groups of ten each. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 , sequence grouping section 104 groups the preamble sequences of the sequence numbers of 0 to 9 into sequence group #1, groups the preamble sequences of sequence numbers 10 to 19 into sequence group #2, groups the preamble sequences of the sequence numbers of 20 to 29 into sequence group #3, and groups the preamble sequences of the sequence numbers of 30 to 39 into sequence group #4. Sequence grouping section 104 associates sequence groups #1 to #4 with the candidates of 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the number of multiplexed streams, respectively. That is, as shown in FIG. 3 , sequence grouping section 104 associates sequence group #1 with the number of multiplexed streams of 1, associates sequence group #2 with the number of multiplexed streams of 2, associates sequence group #3 with the number of multiplexed streams of 3, and associates sequence group #4 with the number of multiplexed streams of 4. Sequence grouping section 104 forms a sequence set formed of the same number of preamble sequences as the number of multiplexed streams (1, 2, 3, and 4) corresponding to the sequence groups, with respect to the generated sequence groups #1 to #4. Specifically, sequence grouping section 104 forms ten sequence sets formed of one preamble sequence in sequence group #1 corresponding to the number of multiplexed streams of 1. Similarly, sequence grouping section 104 forms five sequence sets formed of two preamble sequences in sequence group #2 corresponding to the number of multiplexed streams of 2. The same is applied to sequence groups #3 and #4. In addition, in each sequence group, the preamble sequence constituting any sequence set is not included in the other sequence sets. Herein, as an example, Configuration Examples 1 and 2 of the sequence sets of sequence group #2 (the preamble sequences of the sequence numbers #10 to #19 shown in FIG. 3 ) in sequence grouping section 104 will be described. Configuration Example 1 In the configuration example, sequence grouping section 104 forms the sequence sets in order from a preamble sequence with a small sequence number in the sequence groups. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 , sequence grouping section 104 sequentially selects two sequences from the preamble sequence with the small sequence number, from ten preamble sequences of sequence numbers 10 to 19 included in sequence group #2, and forms one sequence set. That is, as shown in FIG. 4 , sequence grouping section 104 selects two preamble sequences of sequence numbers 10 and 11 to form sequence set 1, selects two preamble sequences of the sequence numbers of 12 and 13 to form the sequence set 2, and selects two preamble sequences of the sequence numbers of 14 and 15 to form the sequence set 3. The same is applied to the sequence sets 4 and 5. As described above, in the configuration example, sequence grouping section 104 forms the sequence set in order of the preamble sequence numbers. Accordingly, in radio transmission apparatus 100 and radio reception apparatus 200 , the preamble sequence numbers of the leading of the sequence sets are shared to specify different preamble sequences of the sequence sets, and thus it is possible to share all the information of the sequence sets. Configuration Example 2 In the configuration example, sequence grouping section 104 forms a plurality of sequence sets such that the preamble sequences with low correlation constitute the same sequence set in the sequence groups. Herein, a case where the preamble sequences with the sequence numbers close to each other have high correlation (i.e. the distance between the preamble sequences is short), and the preamble sequences with the sequence numbers far from each other have low correlation (i.e. the inter-code distance is long) will be described. For example, in the Walsh code, correlation between spread codes with the same root of spread codes is high. In the configuration example, sequence grouping section 104 forms the sequence set formed of the preamble sequences, the sequence numbers of which are separated from each other (i.e. the preamble sequences with the low correlation). That is, sequence grouping section 104 according to Configuration Example 1 forms the sequence sets in order of the sequence numbers, but sequence grouping section 104 according to the configuration example interleaves the preamble sequence numbers to form the sequence sets. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5 , sequence grouping section 104 combines the preamble sequences, the sequence numbers of which are separated by 5 in ten preamble sequences of sequence numbers 10 to 19 included in sequence group #2, to form one sequence set. That is, as shown in FIG. 5 , sequence grouping section 104 selects two preamble sequences of sequence numbers 10 and 15 to form sequence set 1, selects two preamble sequences of the sequence numbers of 11 and 16 to form the sequence set 2, and selects two preamble sequences of the sequence numbers of 12 and 17 to form the sequence set 3. The same is applied to the sequence sets 4 and 5. As shown in FIG. 5 , two preamble sequence numbers forming each of sequence sets 1 to 5 are separated from each other by 5. Accordingly, the correlation between the preamble sequences in the sequence set becomes low. Accordingly, radio transmission apparatus 100 assigns the preamble sequences in the sequence set to the other streams, respectively, and thus it is possible to improve detection precision of the preamble sequences in radio reception apparatus 200 . Configuration Examples 1 and 2 of the sequence sets have been described above. In addition, a method of forming the sequence set formed of the same number of preamble sequences as the number of multiplexed streams in each sequence group is not limited to Configuration Examples 1 and 2 described above. Herein, the ease where the number of multiplexed streams is 2 has been described, but the sequence set is formed in the same manner with respect to the number of multiplexed streams of 1, 3, and 4 (the number of multiplexed streams corresponding to each of sequence groups #1, #3, and #4 shown in FIG. 3 ). The sequence groups (e.g. FIG. 3 ) generated by sequence grouping section 104 and the sequence sets (e.g. FIGS. 4 and 5 ) are shared by sequence grouping section 104 and sequence group table 210 of radio reception apparatus 200 . Sequence group selection section 105 selects a used preamble sequence according to the number of multiplexed streams L determined by number-of-multiplex determining section 101 . Hereinafter, for example, a case where the number of multiplexed streams L determined by number-of-multiplex determining section 101 is 2 will be described. In this case, sequence group selection section 105 selects sequence group #2 corresponding to the number of multiplexed streams L of 2 from the sequence groups shown in FIG. 3 and generated by the sequence group selection section 104 . Then, preamble generation section 106 selects any one of the sequence sets (sequence sets 1 to 5 shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 ) in sequence group #2 selected by sequence group selection section 105 , and generates the same number (2) of preamble sequences as the number of multiplexed streams L. For example, preamble generation section 106 selects sequence set 1 from sequence sets 1 to 5 in sequence group #2 shown in FIG. 5 , and generates two preamble sequences of sequence numbers 10 and 15 constituting sequence set 1. Radio transmission apparatus 100 transmits two stream data to which two preamble sequences of sequence numbers 10 and 15 are added, to radio reception apparatus 200 . Meanwhile, when the preamble sequences received from radio transmission apparatus 100 are input, correlation detection section 209 of radio reception apparatus 200 takes correlation between the received preamble sequences and the N=40 preamble sequences (preamble sequences of the sequence numbers of 0 to 39 shown in FIG. 3 ) stored in sequence storage section 208 , and detects a preamble sequence with the maximum correlation value. Herein, for example, correlation detection section 209 takes the correlation between the received preamble sequences and forty preamble sequences (sequence numbers 0 to 39), and detect the preamble sequence of sequence number 15 with the maximum sequence number taking the maximum correlation value. Then, specification section 211 specifies the number of multiplexed streams L corresponding to the sequence group including the preamble sequence (sequence number 15) detected by correlation detection section 209 with reference to the sequence group shown in FIG. 3 and stored in sequence group table 210 . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 , since the sequence group including the preamble sequence of sequence number 15 is sequence group #2, specification section 211 specifies the number of multiplexed streams L of the transmission data transmitted from radio transmission apparatus 100 into 2. In addition, specification section 211 specifies the preamble sequences other than the preamble sequences (herein, the preamble sequence of sequence number 15) detected by correlation detection section 209 with reference to the sequence sets (e.g. FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 ) stored in sequence group table 210 . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5 , since the preamble sequence of sequence number 15 is included in sequence set 1, specification section 211 specifies the preamble sequence of sequence number 10 as the preamble sequence constituting the same sequence set 1 as the preamble sequence of sequence number 15. Accordingly, radio reception apparatus 200 obtains L (herein, 2) preamble sequences (the preamble sequence of sequence number 15 detected by correlation detection section 209 and the preamble sequence of sequence number 10 specified by specification section 211 ) transmitted from radio transmission apparatus 100 . As described above, radio transmission apparatus 100 and radio reception apparatus 200 form the plurality of preamble sequences into the plurality of sequence groups such that the sequence groups correspond to the number of multiplexed streams. Accordingly, when radio reception apparatus 200 can detect at least one of the preamble sequences transmitted from radio transmission apparatus 100 , radio reception apparatus 200 can specify the number of multiplexed streams on the basis of the sequence group including the preamble sequence group. Radio transmission apparatus 100 and radio reception apparatus 200 share the sequence sets formed of the same number of preamble sequences as the number of multiplexed streams corresponding to each sequence group, in each sequence group. Herein, each preamble sequence is set for any one of the plurality of sequence sets, but is not duplicately set for the other sequence sets. Accordingly, when radio reception apparatus 200 can normally detect the preamble sequence transmitted from any one transmission antenna port, radio reception apparatus 200 can reliably specify the preamble sequences transmitted from the transmission antenna ports other than the transmission antenna port in which the preamble sequence is normally detected. For example, when the number of multiplexed streams L is 3, three preamble sequences are transmitted from antenna ports 1 to 3 (e.g. antenna ports 112 - 1 to 112 - 3 ) of radio transmission apparatus 100 . In this case, as shown in FIG. 6 , even when radio reception apparatus 200 cannot detect the preamble sequence transmitted from any antenna port (even in the case of โ€œxโ€ shown in FIG. 6 ), radio reception apparatus 200 can specify the preamble sequence which cannot be detected, with reference to the sequence set on the basis of the normally (โ€œ0โ€ shown in FIG. 6 ) detected preamble sequence. That is, as shown in FIG. 6 , when radio reception apparatus 200 can normally (the case of โ€œ0โ€ shown in FIG. G) detect at least one of the preamble sequences transmitted from antenna ports 1 to 3 (e.g. antenna ports 112 - 1 to 112 - 3 ) of radio transmission apparatus 100 , radio reception apparatus 200 can normally demodulate the data signal (success in demodulation). That is, as shown in FIG. 6 , only when radio reception apparatus 200 cannot normally detect the preamble sequences transmitted from all antenna ports 1 to 3 (in the case of all โ€œxโ€ shown at the lowest end of FIG. 6 ), radio reception apparatus 200 fails to demodulate the data signal. Herein, in FIG. 6 , when it is assumed that probability of failing to detect the preamble sequences transmitted from the antenna ports is P, probability of failing to demodulate the data signal in radio reception apparatus 200 , that is, probability of failing to detect all the preamble sequences (probability in which all shown at the lowest end of FIG. 6 are โ€œxโ€) becomes P3. That is, the probability of succeeding in demodulation of the data signal in radio reception apparatus 200 becomes 1-P3. In addition, paying attention to propagation characteristics in a radio communication system, the signals transmitted from the plurality of transmission antenna ports (antenna ports 112 - 1 to 112 -P in FIG. 1 ) of radio transmission apparatus 100 are received by the reception antenna ports of radio reception apparatus 200 through propagation paths different from each other. For this reason, as described above, the channel quality between radio transmission apparatus 100 and radio reception apparatus 200 is different for each channel (i.e. for each antenna port). Accordingly, the probability in which the channel quality of all the channels is satisfactory is low, and the probability in which only channel quality of several channels is satisfactory is high. That is, a difference occurs in channel quality of channels (between antenna ports). However, according to the embodiment, in radio reception apparatus 200 , when the preamble sequence can be normally detected through at least one channel without depending on the channel quality of the channels (antenna ports), it is possible to reliably specify the number of multiplexed streams L and all the preamble sequences transmitted from radio transmission apparatus 100 . As described above, according to the embodiment, even when the preamble sequence transmitted from any antenna of the radio transmission apparatus is detected, the number of multiplexed streams and the preamble sequences used by the radio transmission apparatus are reliably specified and thus it is possible to normally decode the data signal. Embodiment 2 In the embodiment, specific digits of sequence number of a plurality of preamble sequences correspond to a plurality of sequence groups, respectively, and a plurality of preamble sequences are grouped into a plurality of sequence groups. In the following description, as described in Embodiment 1, the number P of antenna ports of radio transmission apparatus 100 ( FIG. 1 ) according to the embodiment is 4, and the candidates of the number of multiplexed streams are four candidates of 1, 2, 3, and 4. As shown in FIG. 7 , candidate data of preamble sequences used by radio transmission apparatus 100 and radio reception apparatus 200 ( FIG. 2 ) according to the embodiment are forty preamble sequences of preamble sequence numbers of 00 to 39. That is, as shown in FIG. 7 , the preamble sequence numbers are represented by decimal numbers in the double digits. Sequence grouping section 104 of radio transmission apparatus 100 associates a high-order digit (i.e. on the order of 10's) in the double digits representing the sequence number (00 to 39) of the preamble sequences with the sequence group numbers, and groups the preamble sequences (sequence numbers of 00 to 39) stored in sequence storage section 103 into four sequence groups #1 to #4. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 , sequence grouping section 104 groups ten preamble sequences of the sequence numbers of 00 to 09 in which the high-order digit of the sequence number is โ€œ0โ€ into sequence group #1. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7 , sequence grouping section 104 groups ten preamble sequences of sequence numbers 10 to 19 in which the high-order digit of the sequence number is โ€œ1โ€ into sequence group #2. The same is applied to sequence groups #3 and #4. That is, as shown in FIG. 7 , the high-order digits (0, 1, 2, and 3) of the sequence numbers correspond to the group numbers (1, 2, 3, and 4) of the sequence groups, respectively. Sequence grouping section 104 associates sequence groups #1 to #4 with candidates 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the number of multiplexed streams, in the same manner as Embodiment 1. Sequence grouping section 104 may form sequence sets formed of the same number of preamble sequences as the number of multiplexed streams (1, 2, 3, and 4) corresponding to the sequence groups in the generated sequence groups #1 to #4 in the same manner as Embodiment 1. Meanwhile, specification section 211 of radio reception apparatus 200 specifies the number of multiplexed streams L corresponding to the sequence group corresponding to the high-order digit from the preamble sequence numbers detected by correlation detection section 209 with reference to the sequence groups shown in FIG. 7 and stored in sequence group table 210 . For example, when correlation detection section 209 detects the preamble sequence of sequence number 15 shown in FIG. 7 , specification section 211 specifies the number of multiplexed streams L as 2 corresponding to sequence group #2 corresponding to the high-order digit of 1 of sequence number 15, as the number of multiplexed streams used by radio transmission apparatus 100 . Accordingly, radio reception apparatus 200 identifies only a specific digit (herein, the high-order digit of decimal numbers in the double digits) of the received preamble sequence number, and thus can specify the sequence group including the preamble sequence, that is, the number of multiplexed streams. As described above, according to the embodiment, even when the preamble sequence transmitted from any antenna of the radio transmission apparatus is detected in the same manner as Embodiment 1, it is possible to reliably specify the number of multiplexed streams and to normally decode the data signal. In addition, according to the embodiment, the radio reception apparatus can specify the number of multiplexed streams only by identifying only the specific digit of the detected preamble sequence number, and thus a circuit for searching the number of multiplexed streams can be made with a simpler configuration. In addition, according to the embodiment, the radio reception apparatus identifies only a specific digit of the detected preamble sequence number to specify the number of multiplexed streams, and thus it is possible to specify the number of multiplexed streams at an earlier time and to shorten the process time. In addition, in the embodiment, it has been described that the preamble sequence number is represented by decimal numbers in the double digits ( FIG. 7 ). However, in the invention, the preamble sequence number is not limited to the decimal numbers in the double digits, and may be, for example, decimal numbers in the triple digits or higher. In addition, in the invention, the preamble sequence number is not limited to the decimal number, and for example, a specific bit of the sequence number represented by binary numbers may correspond to the sequence group. When the specific bit represented by the binary numbers corresponds to the sequence group, a unit of formation of the sequence group becomes a unit of an exponent of 2 and thus design in a digital communication device is easy. Embodiment 3 In a cellular system, as a terminal (radio transmission apparatus) is positioned closer to the cell center, a propagation loss with respect to a base station (radio reception apparatus) gets lower, and reception quality (e.g. reception SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio), an SINR (Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio), or an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator), etc.) in the base station gets higher. Herein, the number of multiplexed streams is determined by the number of eigenvalues larger than noise among eigenvalues of a matrix (channel matrix) representing the propagation path (channel) between the radio transmission apparatus (terminal) and the radio reception apparatus (base station). In a reception signal from the radio transmission apparatus (terminal), as the radio transmission apparatus gets closer to the cell center (base station), the noise in the reception signal gets lower, a reception signal level gets higher, and interference from the other cell or interference caused by multi-path gets smaller. Accordingly, as the radio transmission apparatus (terminal) is positioned closer to the cell center, the number of eigenvalues larger than the noise in the channel matrix gets larger, and thus the number of usable multiplexed streams gets larger. The number of multiplexed streams L used by the radio transmission apparatus (terminal) is determined according to the distance R from the cell center (base station) from the characteristics. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 , when the radio reception apparatus (base station) is the center, the radio transmission apparatus (terminal) positioned within the area of a radius r can use the number of multiplexed streams of 4. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 8 , the radio transmission apparatus positioned within an area of radius 2r can use the number of multiplexed streams of 3, the radio transmission apparatus positioned within the area of radius 3r can use the number of multiplexed streams of 2, and the radio transmission apparatus positioned within the area of a radius 4r can use the number of multiplexed streams of 1. That is, as the distance R from the cell center gets longer, the number of usable multiplexed streams gets smaller. Herein, it is assumed that a plurality of radio transmission apparatuses (terminals) are uniformly distributed in all the areas shown in FIG. 8 . In this case, the ratio of the number of radio transmission apparatuses distributed in each area shown in FIG. 8 is represented by the ratio of the dimensions of each area. In this case, paying attention to the distribution of the radio transmission apparatuses (terminals), for example, the radio transmission apparatuses capable of using the number of multiplexed streams of 4 are positioned only within the area (within the radius r) of the number of multiplexed streams of 4 shown in FIG. 8 . For this reason, the number of radio transmission apparatuses capable of using the number of multiplexed streams of 4 is small (the area dimensions of the number of multiplexed streams of 4 is small). Meanwhile, since the radio transmission apparatus capable of using the number of multiplexed streams of 1 is positioned in all the areas (within the radius 4r) shown in FIG. 8 , the number of radio transmission apparatuses capable of using the number of multiplexed streams of 1 is large. That is, as the number of multiplexed streams gets smaller, the number of radio transmission apparatuses capable of using the number of multiplexed streams gets larger. That is, as the number of multiplexed streams gets smaller, the number of preamble sequences used corresponding to the number of multiplexed streams gets larger. In the embodiment, when the plurality of preamble sequences are grouped into the plurality of sequence groups, the number of preamble sequences in the sequence group is increased according to the sequence groups corresponding to a smaller number of multiplexed streams. In other words, the number of preamble sequences in the sequence group is further decreased according to the sequence groups corresponding to the number of multiplexed streams in which the number of usable radio transmission apparatuses is small. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described in detail. In the following description, the number of antenna ports P of radio transmission apparatus 100 ( FIG. 1 ) according to the embodiment is 4 as described in Embodiment 1, and candidates of the number of multiplexed streams are four candidates of 1, 2, 3, and 4. Sequence groups #1 to #4 shown in FIG. 9 correspond to the candidates of 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the number of multiplexed streams, respectively. As shown in FIG. 9 , the number of candidate data of the preamble sequences used by radio transmission apparatus 100 ( FIG. 1 ) and radio reception apparatus 200 ( FIG. 2 ) according to the embodiment is N. Herein, as shown in FIG. 8 , a dimension of an area (within radius r) of the number of multiplexed streams of 4 is ฯ€r2, a dimension of an area (within radius 2r) of the number of multiplexed streams of 3 is ฯ€(2r)2, a dimension of an area (within radius 3r) of the number of multiplexed streams of 2 is ฯ€(3r)2, and a dimension of an area (within radius 4r) of the number of multiplexed streams of 1 is ฯ€(4r)2. Accordingly, in radio transmission apparatus 100 (terminal) positioned in the cell shown in FIG. 8 , a ratio of the number of radio transmission apparatuses 100 capable of using the number of multiplexed streams of 1, 2, 3, and 4 is 16:9:4:1. As described above, the number of radio transmission apparatuses 100 (terminals) positioned in any cell (e.g. FIG. 8 ) depends on the number of multiplexed streams. Specifically, a small number of radio transmission apparatuses 100 (e.g. radio transmission apparatuses 100 of the number of multiplexed streams of 4 shown in FIG. 8 ) capable of using a larger number of multiplexed streams are distributed only in the vicinity (e.g. the area within the radius r shown in FIG. 8 ) of the cell center. Meanwhile, a large number of radio transmission apparatuses 100 (e.g. radio transmission apparatuses 100 of the number of multiplexed streams of 1 shown in FIG. 8 ) capable of using a smaller number of multiplexed streams are distributed across the cell as a whole (e.g. the area within the radius 4r shown FIG. 8 ). Sequence grouping section 104 of radio transmission apparatus 100 groups N preamble sequences stored in sequence storage section 103 into sequence groups #1 to #4, according to the ratio (16:9:4:1) of the number of radio transmission apparatuses 100 (terminals) capable of using the candidates (1, 2, 3, and 4) of each number of multiplexed streams. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9 , sequence grouping section 104 groups (Nร—16/30) preamble sequences into sequence group #1 corresponding to the number of multiplexed streams of 1, groups (Nร—9/30) preamble sequences into sequence group #2 corresponding to the number of multiplexed streams of 2, groups (Nร—4/30) preamble sequences into sequence group #3 corresponding to the number of multiplexed streams of 3, and groups (Nร—1/30) preamble sequences into sequence group #4 corresponding to the number of multiplexed streams of 4. That is, sequence grouping section 104 increases the number of preamble sequences in the sequence group, according to the sequence groups corresponding to the candidates of a smaller number of multiplexed streams, in the sequence groups corresponding to the candidates of the number of multiplexed streams. In other words, sequence grouping section 104 decreases the number of preamble sequences in the sequence group, according to the sequence groups corresponding to the candidates of a smaller number of usable radio transmission apparatuses 100 , in the sequence groups corresponding to the candidates of the number of multiplexed streams. As described above, the plurality of preamble sequences are grouped into the plurality of sequence groups according to the number of radio transmission apparatuses 100 capable of using each number of multiplexed streams, and thus N preamble sequences shown in FIG. 9 can be assigned to the plurality of radio transmission apparatuses 100 without waste. According to the embodiment described above, even when the preamble sequence transmitted from any antenna of the radio transmission apparatus is detected in the same manner as Embodiment 1, the number of multiplexed streams is reliably specified, and thus it is possible to normally decode the data signal. In addition, according to the embodiment, it is possible to assign the preamble sequences without waste to the radio transmission apparatuses (terminals). Embodiment 4 In Embodiment 3, the number of preamble sequences in the sequence group corresponding to each number of multiplexed streams is determined according to the number of radio transmission apparatuses (terminals) capable of using each number of multiplexed streams. Accordingly, in the embodiment, the number of preamble sequences in the sequence group corresponding to each number of multiplexed streams is determined according to the number of radio transmission apparatuses (terminals) capable of using each number of multiplexed streams and the number of multiplexed streams. As described above, a larger number of radio transmission apparatuses are distributed as the number of multiplexed streams which can be used by the radio transmission apparatuses gets smaller. However, a large number of radio transmission apparatuses capable of using a smaller number of multiplexed streams are distributed in the cell, but the number of multiplexed streams used by the radio transmission apparatuses gets smaller. That is, a large number of radio transmission apparatuses capable of using a smaller number of multiplexed streams are distributed in the cell, but the number of preamble sequences used by the radio transmission apparatuses is smaller. In other words, a small number of radio transmission apparatuses capable of using a larger number of multiplexed streams are distributed in the cell, but the number of preamble sequences used by the radio transmission apparatuses gets larger. In the embodiment, the number of preamble sequences in the sequence group corresponding to the candidates of each number of multiplexed streams is determined according to the number of radio transmission apparatuses (terminals) capable of using the candidates of each number of multiplexed streams and each number of multiplexed streams. In the following description, as described in Embodiment 1, the number of antenna ports P of radio transmission apparatus 100 ( FIG. 1 ) according to the embodiment is 4, and the candidates of the number of multiplexed streams are four candidates of 1, 2, 3, and 4. Sequence groups #1 to #4 shown in FIG. 10 correspond to the candidates of 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the number of multiplexed streams, respectively. As shown in FIG. 10 , the number of candidate data of the preamble sequences used by radio transmission apparatus 100 ( FIG. 1 ) and radio reception apparatus 200 ( FIG. 2 ) according to the embodiment is N in the same manner as Embodiment 3. In addition, the plurality of radio transmission apparatuses 100 (terminals) are uniformly distributed in the cell shown in FIG. 8 in the same manner as Embodiment 3. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 8 , a ratio of the number of radio transmission apparatuses 100 capable of using the number of multiplexed streams of 1, 2, 3, and 4 becomes 16:9:4:1 in the same manner as Embodiment 3. sequence grouping section 104 of radio transmission apparatus 100 groups N preamble sequences stored in sequence storage section 103 into a plurality of sequence groups according to a ratio obtained by multiplying each number of multiplexed streams by the ratio of the number of radio transmission apparatuses 100 capable of using each number of multiplexed streams. For example, sequence grouping section 104 calculates a ratio (16:18:12:4) obtained by multiplying each number of multiplexed streams (1, 2, 3, and 4) by the ratio (16:9:4:1) of the number of radio transmission apparatuses 100 (terminals) capable of using the number of multiplexed streams. That is, sequence grouping section 104 calculates a ratio (8:9:6:2) of the number of preamble sequences necessary in the sequence groups (sequence groups #1 to #4 shown in FIG. 10 ) corresponding to the number of multiplexed streams of 1, 2, 3, and 4. Sequence grouping section 104 determines the number of preamble sequences in the sequence group corresponding to each number of multiplexed streams according to the calculated ratio (8:9:6:2), and groups N preamble sequences into sequence groups #1 to #4. That is, as shown in FIG. 10 , sequence grouping section 104 groups (Nร—8/25) preamble sequence into sequence group #1 corresponding to the number of multiplexed streams of 1, groups (Nร—9/25) preamble sequence into sequence group #2 corresponding to the number of multiplexed streams of 2, groups (Nร—6/25) preamble sequence into sequence group #3 corresponding to the number of multiplexed streams of 3, and groups (Nร—2/25) preamble sequence into sequence group #4 corresponding to the number of multiplexed streams of 4. As described above, the plurality of preamble sequences are grouped into the plurality of sequence groups according to the number of preamble sequences necessary in the sequence group corresponding to each number of multiplexed streams, and thus N preamble sequences shown in FIG. 10 can be assigned to the plurality of radio transmission apparatuses 100 further without waste. Therefore, according to the embodiment, the preamble sequence can be assigned to each radio transmission apparatus (terminal) further without waste as compared with Embodiment 3. Meanwhile, even when the preamble sequence transmitted from any antenna of the radio transmission apparatus is detected in the same manner as Embodiment 1, it is possible to reliably specify the number of multiplexed streams and to normally decode the data signal. The embodiments have been described above. In addition, in the embodiments, as a method of sharing the sequence groups and the sequence sets between radio transmission apparatus 100 and radio reception apparatus 200 , information representing the sequence groups and the sequence sets may be signaled between radio transmission apparatus 100 and radio reception apparatus 200 . The sequence groups and the sequence sets are shared between radio transmission apparatus 100 and radio reception apparatus 200 before the start of communication by signaling, thus it is possible to assign the preamble sequences according to situations of the propagation path, and the detection precision of the preamble sequences in radio reception apparatus 200 is improved. As a method of sharing the sequence groups and the sequence sets between radio transmission apparatus 100 and radio reception apparatus 200 , the sequence groups and the sequence sets may be determined in the written standard. Accordingly, the signaling is not necessary for each communication between radio transmission apparatus 100 and radio reception apparatus 200 , radio transmission apparatus 100 can transmit the stream-multiplexed data signal to radio reception apparatus 200 without reporting the information representing the sequence groups and the sequence sets in advance. In the embodiment, it has been described that the sequence groups corresponding to the candidates of all the numbers of multiplexed streams are generated. However, in the invention, the sequence groups corresponding to the candidates of all the numbers of multiplexed streams may not be generated. For example, kinds of terminals of the 3GPP cellular system are separated by classification called category. Specifically, the kinds of terminals are separated by category of terminals handling video streams, pictures, and audio, or category or the like of terminals handling only audio. In the 3GPP cellular system, the invention may be applied to a high-performance terminal (radio transmission apparatus) performing data stream multiplexing such as the terminal handling video streams, and the invention may not be applied to a terminal (radio transmission apparatus) in which the number of multiplexed data streams is small such as the terminal handling only audio. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 11 , when the number of multiplexed streams is small (the case of the number of multiplexed streams of 1 and 2 in FIG. 11 ), that is, when the number of used preamble sequences is small, the radio transmission apparatus may use au arbitrary preamble sequence (a preamble sequence of a sequence number k or preamble sequences of sequence numbers 1 and m in FIG. 11 ). Meanwhile, when the number of multiplexed streams is large (the number of multiplexed streams of 3 and 4 in FIG. 11 ), that is, when the number of used preamble sequences is large, the radio transmission apparatus may group the preamble sequences into groups in the same manner as the embodiments described above. Accordingly, when the number of multiplexed streams is small, the terminal (radio transmission apparatus) does not need to store the information representing the sequence groups and the sequence sets described above in a memory or the like, and thus it is possible to produce the terminal with a low cost. In the embodiment, it has been described that the preamble sequences are used. That is, in the embodiment, it has been described that the existing signal between the radio transmission apparatus and the radio reception apparatus is added (preamble) to the header of the data part. However, in the invention, the part to which the existing signal is added is not limited to the header of the data signal. For example, even when midamble in which the existing signal is added partway through the data part is used, or even when postamble in which the existing signal is added to the trailing part of the data part is used, the invention may be applied. Herein, when the existing signal is added as preamble in the same manner as the embodiment, the radio reception apparatus can ascertain the situation of the propagation path at the time earlier than the data demodulation time, and thus it is possible to complete the data demodulation at the earlier time. When the existing signal is added as midamble, the radio reception apparatus can ascertain the situation of the propagation path in the vicinity of the center of the data part, and thus it is possible to improve channel estimation precision. When the existing signal is added as postamble, the radio reception apparatus can previously ascertain the situation of the propagation path with respect to the slot transmitted at the next time. In this case, the radio transmission apparatus may select the postamble according to the number of multiplexed streams of a slot transmitted at the next time (or a slot transmitted at the next time and the later). In the embodiment, it has been described that the number of preamble sequences N used by the radio transmission apparatus and the radio reception apparatus is 40, as an example. However, in the invention, the number of preamble sequences N is not limited to 40, and the invention may be applied to, for example, a case where the number of preamble sequences N is several tens or several thousands. In the cellular system, the terminals using each number of Multiplexed streams may be changed (e.g. the number of terminals U1 to Um) in the number of multiplexed streams (e.g. the number of multiplexed streams 1 to M) which can be served by the base station of the cell. In the embodiment, the base station (radio reception apparatus) may obtain the relation between the number of multiplexed streams which can be served by the station itself and the number of terminals (radio transmission apparatuses) using the number of multiplexed streams from the plurality of terminals, and may update the information (group table) representing the number of preamble sequences in the vicinity of the sequence group. Specifically, the update process of the information (group table) representing the number of preamble sequences is shown in FIG. 12 . In FIG. 12 , in Step (hereinafter referred to as โ€œSTโ€) 101 , the base station (radio reception apparatus) transmits the group table to the terminals positioned in the cell of the station itself. In the group table shown in FIG. 12 , an arbitrary preamble sequence is set for the number of multiplexed streams of 1 to 3, and the sequence group (group 4) grouped into the group and formed of the plurality of preamble sequences is set for the number of multiplexed streams of 4 as described in the embodiments. In ST 102 - 1 , the terminal using the number of multiplexed streams of 4 selects (group selection) four preamble sequences from the preamble sequences in the group 4 in the same manner as the embodiments described above. Meanwhile, in ST 102 - 2 to ST 102 - 4 , the terminals using the number of multiplexed streams of 3, 2, and 1 randomly select (random selection) the same number of arbitrary preamble sequences as each number of multiplexed streams. In ST 103 , the base station analyzes the number of terminals using each number of multiplexed streams on the basis of the received preamble sequences. Herein, the base station determines that the number of terminals using the number of multiplexed streams of 3 is increasing. In ST 104 , the base station updates the group table on the basis of the analysis result. Herein, since the number of terminals using the number of multiplexed streams of 3 is increasing, the base station generates the sequence group (group 3) corresponding to the number of multiplexed streams of 3. In ST 105 , the base station transmits the updated group table to the terminals using the number of multiplexed streams of 4 and 3. In ST 106 - 1 and ST 106 - 2 , each of the terminals using the number of multiplexed streams of 4 or 3 selects (group selection) four or three preamble sequences from the preamble sequences in the sequence group 3 or 4 in the same manner as the embodiments. Meanwhile, in ST 106 - 3 and ST 106 - 4 , each of the terminals using the number of multiplexed streams of 2 or 1 randomly selects (random selection) the same number of arbitrary preamble sequences as each number of multiplexed streams in the same manner as ST 102 - 3 and ST 102 - 4 . Similarly, the base station updates the number of preamble sequences constituting the sequence group according to the change of the number of terminals using each number of multiplexed streams, thereby smoothly performing the assignment of the preamble sequences. In the embodiments, the antenna port indicates a theoretical antenna formed of one or a plurality of physical antennas. That is, the antenna port does not necessarily indicate one physical antenna, and may indicate an array antenna or the like formed of a plurality of antennas. For example, in the 3GPP-LTE, the number of physical antennas constituting the antenna port is not regulated, and is regulated as a minimum unit in which the base station can transmit the other reference signal. In addition, the antenna port may be regulated as a minimum unit of multiplying the weight of precoding vector. Also, although cases have been described with the above embodiment as examples where the present invention is configured by hardware, the present invention can also be realized by software. Each function block employed in the description of the aforementioned embodiments may typically be implemented as an LSI constituted by an integrated circuit. These may be individual chips or partially or totally contained on a single chip. โ€œLSIโ€ is adopted here but this may also be referred to as โ€œIC,โ€ โ€œsystem LSI,โ€ โ€œsuper LSI,โ€ or โ€œultra LSIโ€ depending on differing extents of integration. Further, the method of circuit integration is not limited to LSI's, and implementation using dedicated circuitry or general purpose processors is also possible. After LSI manufacture, utilization of a programmable FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a reconfigurable processor where connections and settings of circuit cells within an LSI can be reconfigured is also possible. Further, if integrated circuit technology comes out to replace LSI's as a result of the advancement of semiconductor technology or a derivative other technology, it is naturally also possible to carry out function block integration using this technology. Application of biotechnology is also possible. The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-076751, filed on Mar. 26, 2009, including the specification, drawings, and abstract, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The invention may be applied to a mobile communication system or the like. REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Radio transmission apparatus 200 Radio reception apparatus 101 Number-of-multiplex determining section 102 Number-of-group determining section 103 , 208 Sequence storage section 104 Sequence grouping section 105 Sequence group selection section 106 , 212 Preamble generation section 107 Stream division processing section 108 Transmission processing section 109 Modulation section 110 Preamble Addition Section 111 RF transmitting section 112 , 201 Antenna port 202 Reception processing section 203 RF receiving section 204 Channel estimation section 205 Preamble removing section 206 Demodulating section 207 Stream coupling processing section 209 Correlation detection section 210 Sequence group table 211 Specification section
Provided is a wireless transmitter capable of accurately specifying the number of multiplexed streams and correctly decoding the data signals when a preamble sequence transmitted from any antenna of a wireless transmitter is detected. In this device, a multiplex count determination unit ( 101 ) determines the number of streams used by the device itself from the same number of candidates as the number of spatially multiplexed streams. A sequence group generator ( 104 ) forms a plurality of preamble sequences into the same number of groups as the number of candidates, which is the number of streams. A sequence group selector ( 105 ) selects the group matching the number of streams determined by the multiplex count determination unit ( 101 ) from a plurality of groups. A preamble generator ( 106 ) selects the same number of preamble sequences as the number of streams in the group selected by the sequence group selector ( 105 ) and generates the preamble sequence used by the device itself.
7
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a process for producing indole derivatives and, particularly, 5-hydroxyindole derivatives. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Indole derivatives having a hydroxyl group in the 5-position are important compounds as starting materials for a series of antibiotics known as mitomycin type compounds. A number of processes for synthesizing indole derivative are known, such as Fischer's process, Bischler's process, Nenitzescu's process, Reissert's process, Hinsberg's process, Madelung's process, Stolle's process or Brunner's process. In Fischer's process, the general method comprises using hydrazine as a starting material, forming hydrazone and reacting with acid with heating. However,it is impossible to simply obtain indoles having a hydroxyl group in the 5-position (see Ishii: Yuki goseikagaku kyokaishi, 38 694 (1980) using such a process. In Bischler's process, ฮฑ-anilinoketone is used as a starting material and allowed to react with acid at a high temperature to carry out a dehydration reaction. However, since the reaction condition is severe, it is difficult to obtain 5-hydroxyindoles. Nenitzescu's process comprises reacting a benzoquinone derivatives with enamine. According to this process, although indoles having a hydroxyl group the in the 5-position are formed, the yield thereof is poor. In addition, there is a disadvantage in that the process is restricted to production of, chiefly, compounds wherein an electron attractive group such as an acyl group or an alkoxycarbonyl group, etc. is introduced into the 3-position of the indole ring, because reagents wherein an electron attractive group attaches to the double bond of enamine are generally used in order to stabilize enamine (see Allen; J. Am. Chem. Soc., 88,2536 (1966)). General Processes for forming an indole ring have been disclosed in detail in Sumpter: "Heterocyclic Compounds with Indole and Carbazole Systems" 1954, Interscience, New York, but 5-hydroxy derivatives are not described. Further, as another process, it has been attempted to synthesize, for example, 5-hydroxy-3-methylindole by oxidizing an indole ring precursor such as dihydroskatole with potassium nitrosodisulfonate. However, this process has disadvantage in that the operation is troublesome and the yield is poor. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing indole derivatives, wherein the indole derivatives are obtained in a good yield under a mild condition by a simple operation. The object of the present invention has been met by a process for producing 5-hydroxy-indole derivatives comprising reacting a phenol derivative having an unsaturated double bond in the m-position with a diazonium salt. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The process of the present invention is represented by the following reaction scheme. ##STR1## wherein R 1 , R 2 are each selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an aralkyl group having 7 to 10 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 8 carbon atoms and an alkoxy group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and R 3 and R 5 are each selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, an alkenyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 8 carbon atoms, an aralkyl group having 7 to 10 carbon atoms, and an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms and the p-position to the hydroxyl group of the phenol derivative having an unsaturated double bond may have a hydrogen atom or a group which is released by a diazo-coupling reaction such as a halogen atom, etc. R 4 represents a residue of a diazonium salt. N 2 + R 4 represents a diazonium ion produced from a diazonium salt and X - is an anion, i.e., an ion pair of the diazonium ion and represents an organic or inorganic monovalent anion, such as Cl - , ZnCl 3 - , BF 4 - , HSO 3 - , PF 6 - , NO 3 - , CH 3 C 6 H 4 SO 3 - , etc. ##STR2## The previously described reaction substantially proceeds in the above described manner. A hydrogen atom and an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms are most preferable for R 1 and R 2 , a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom such as a chlorine atom and a bromine atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms and an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms are most preferable for R 3 and R 5 . As be understood from the reaction formula, the reaction of the present invention has an advantage that a high yield is attained under a mild condition, because it does not include a step of forming water, alcohol or amine, etc., which is different from the prior processes. In the present invention, the exact kind of intermediate that is formed during formaton of the indole ring is not completely known, but it is believed that, after diazo-coupling is carried out once on the p-position to the hydroxyl group, the keto form of quinonimine is formed and proton transfer being about formation of an indole ring. In the process of the present invention, as the phenol derivatives having an unsaturated double bond in the m-position, there are phenol derivatives having a carbon-carbon unsaturated double bond in the m-postion wherein the ฮฒ-position of the unsaturated bond has at least one hydrogen atom, such as 3-vinylphenol, 3-isopropenylphenol, 3-isopropenyl-6-chlorophenol, 3-isopropenyl-6-bromophenol, 3allylphenol, 3-ฮฑ-phenylvinylphenol, 3-ฮฑ,ฮฒ-dimethylvinylphenol, 2-methoxy-5-vinylphenol, 3-isopropenyl-6-methylphenol, 3-ฮฑ,ฮฒ-dimethylvinyl-6-methylphenol, 3-isopropenyl-6-ethylphenol, 3-cyclohexenyl-phenol, 3-isopropenyl-5-methylphenol, 3-isopropenyl-5,6-dimethylphenol 2-methoxy-5-isopropenylphenol and 3,5-diisopropenylphenol, etc. On the other hand, as components for carrying out a diazo-coupling reaction, compounds which form a conventional diazonium salt are advantageously used, and aromatic amines are preferably utilized. The aromatic ring may be any of a benzene ring and naphthalene ring which are composed of carbon atoms, or may be a ring having one or more hetero atoms such as a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, etc., such as a pyridine ring, a thiazole ring or a furan ring. Further, it may be a condensed ring such as a benzothiazole ring or benzofuran ring. Further, these aromatic rings may have one or more of alkoxy groups, alkyl groups, carboxyl group, sulfo group, dialkylamino groups, nitro group, alkoxycarbonyl groups, halogen atoms, thioalkoxy groups and hydroxyl group, etc. Aromatic amines having at least one amino group capable of forming a diazonium salt, for example, aniline, anisidine, chloroanisidine, chloroaniline, phenetidine, dichloroaniline, toluidine, chlorotoluidine, nitroaniline, aminobenzoic acid, aminobenzene-sulfonic acid, aminonaphtholsulfonic acid, aminonaphthol-disulfonic acid, ฮฑ-aminonaphthalene, diaminobenzene, aminobenzothiazole, aminocoumarin, aminocarbazole, amino-methylnaphthylidin-2-ol, N-4-amino-2-methylphenyl-4-chlorophthalimide, Variamine Blue B, aminobenzene, amino-methoxybenzothiazole, aminomethoxypyridine and aminomethyl-benzothiazole, aminosalycilic acid, etc. are advantageously used. The diazo reaction is carried out under a conventional condition, for example, as described in Zollinger; "Azo and diazo chemistry", 1961, Interscience, New York. The diazo reaction is preferably carried out at a temperature of about 30ยฐ C. to about -15ยฐ C. using a solvent such as a water; an organic solvent, e.g., an alcohol, a nitrile, a ketone, an ether, an amide, a sufone, a halide, an aryl solvent, etc.; and a mixture thereof. As a solvent, more specifically, a methanol, an ethanol, an isopropanol, an acetone, an acetonitrile, a dimethylformamide, a dimethylsulfoxide, a dichloroethane, a chloroform, a toluene, a xylene, water-toluene mixture, water-dichloroethane mixture, etc. are used. A used amount of the solvent is preferably about 100 ml or less per 0.002 mole of diazotized compound in view of an easiness of post-treatment of the reaction. The substituent on the 1-position of indole obtained as described above is subjected quantitatively to a releasing reaction by a catalytic reduction. The process of the present invention is illustrated in detail with reference of the following nonlimiting examples. EXAMPLE 1 600 ml of methanol and 0.2 mols of m-isopropenylphenol were placed in a 3-necked flask equipped with a stirrer and a thermometer, and 0.28 mols of potassium hydroxide and 30 ml of water were added with passing a nitrogen gas. The mixture was then stirred while reducing the temperature to 10ยฐ C. or less. To the mixture, a diazonium salt formed from 0.22 mols of aniline and 0.23 mols of sodium nitrite was added over 15 minutes, and the mixture was stirred at 5ยฐ C. for 1 hour. It was then neutralized with 5 wt% of ice-cooled hydrochloric acid to form a precipitate. The precipitate was washed with water and recystallized from benzene to obtain reddish orange crystals having a melting point of 144ยฐ-5ยฐ C. and a molecular weight of 238. Yield 80%. NMR analysis comfirmed that the produced was 1-anilino-3-methyl-5-oxyindole. When the resulting product was subjected to a catalytic reduction with Raney nickel using methanol as a solvent at 70ยฐ C. under a hydrogen pressure of 70 kg/cm 2 , aniline and 3-methyl-5-oxyindole (which was recrystallized from benzene, melting point 110ยฐ-110.5ยฐ C.) were quantitatively obtained. Thus, it was confirmed that the skeleton of the above described product was an anilino form. Further, the above described product was reacted with an equivalent amount of acetic anhydride in tetrahydrofuran, subsequently added into water to form a precipitation and filtered followed by drying. The acetylated product thus obtained has 1 mol of acetyl group. Melting point: 163ยฐ-4ยฐ C. Molecular weight: 280. When the above described product was processed with potassium hydroxide-dimethyl sulfate according to the conventional process, a monomethyl derivative having a melting point: 84ยฐ-5ยฐ C. and molecular weight: 252 was obtained. EXAMPLE 2 The same procedure as in Example 1 was carried out, but anthranilic acid was used as the aromatic amine and 0.56 mols of alkali were used. After carring out a diazo-coupling reaction, an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide was added to completely dissolve the product. Then, it was neutralized with 10 wt% of hydrochloric acid to precipitate crystals. The crystals were washed with water to obtain red crystals. Yield: 85% According to mass spectral analysis, the molecular weight was 282, and a strong peak of the molecular weight: 146 caused by release of the 2-carboxyanilino group was observed. By comparing this spectrum with that of the spectrum of the compound in Example 1, this compound was confirmed as 1-(2-carboxy-anilino)-3-methyl-5-oxyindole. While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specfic 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 the scope thereof.
A 5-hydroxy-N-substituted indole derivative and the process for producing the indole derivative are described the indole derivative is produced by a process comprising reacting a phenol derivative having an unsaturated double bond in the m-position with a diazonium salt.
2
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a Division of copending Application Ser. No. 11/743,904 filed May 3, 2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to the contacting of fluids and solid materials. Specifically, this invention relates to the internals of reactors used in the contact of fluids and solid particles with respect to conduit design for the radial flow of fluids in fluid solid contacting. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] A wide variety of processes use radial flow reactors to provide for contact between a fluid and a solid. The solid usually comprises a catalytic material on which the fluid reacts to form a product. The processes cover a range of processes, including hydrocarbon conversion, gas treatment, and adsorption for separation. [0004] Radial flow reactors are constructed such that the reactor has an annular structure and that there are annular distribution and collection devices. The devices for distribution and collection incorporate some type of screened surface. The screened surface is for holding catalyst beds in place and for aiding in the distribution of pressure over the surface of the reactor to facilitate radial flow through the reactor bed. The screen can be a mesh, either wire or other material, or a punched plate. For a moving bed, the screen or mesh provides a barrier to prevent the loss of solid catalyst particles while allowing fluid to flow through the bed. Solid catalyst particles are added at the top, and flow through the apparatus and removed at the bottom, while passing through a screened-in enclosure that permits the flow of fluid over the catalyst. The screen is preferably constructed of a non-reactive material, but in reality the screen often undergoes some reaction through corrosion, and over time problems arise from the corroded screen or mesh. [0005] One type of inlet distribution device is a reactor internal having a scallop shape and is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,838 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,704. The scallop shape and design provides for good distribution of gas for the inlet of a radial flow reactor, but uses screens or meshes to prevent the passage of solids. The scallop shape is convenient because it allows for easy placement in a reactor without concern regarding the curvature of the vessel wall. The screens or meshes used to hold the catalyst particles within a bed are sized to have apertures sufficiently small that the particles cannot pass through. A current inlet duct design, OptiMiserโ„ข by United States Filter Corp., WO 01/66239 A2, has an improved shape, but still uses a screen comprised of wires having a sufficiently narrow spacing to prevent the passage of catalyst. A significant problem is the corrosion of meshes or screens used to hold catalyst beds in place, or for the distribution of reactants through a reactor bed. Corrosion can plug apertures to a screen or mesh, creating dead volumes where fluid does not flow. Corrosion can also create larger apertures where the catalyst particles can then flow out of the catalyst bed with the fluid and be lost to the process increasing costs. This produces unacceptable losses of catalyst, and increases costs because of the need to add additional makeup catalyst. [0006] The design of reactors to overcome these limitations can save significantly on downtime for repairs and on the loss of catalyst, which is a significant portion of the cost of processing hydrocarbons. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] The present invention provides for a new screenless inlet duct for the flow of fluid into a radial reactor. The invention comprises an inlet flow duct that is vertically oriented when disposed within a radial reactor. The duct comprises a front face oriented toward the catalyst bed, two side faces, and a rear face oriented toward the exterior wall of a radial reactor. The front face comprises a plate having apertures defined therein, and louvers that are affixed to the front face. The louvers have a leading edge and a trailing edge, where the leading edge is affixed to the front face at a position above the apertures, and the trailing edge extends away from the front face and in a downward direction. [0008] In one embodiment, the invention comprises a new radial reactor that uses the screenless inlet ducts, where the screenless inlet ducts are arrayed in a circumferential manner around the inside of the reactor housing exterior wall. [0009] Other objects, advantages and applications of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following drawings and detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a louvered inlet duct; [0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the louvered inlet ducts arrayed around the inside of a reactor housing; and [0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a recessed embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0013] A problem exists with radial flow reactors where a catalyst flows down an annular region, and the annular region is defined by an inner screened partition and an outer screened partition, which defines the catalyst bed, or a particle retention volume for holding a granular solid. In a typical radial reactor, a fluid, usually a gas, flows into an annular region surrounding the reactor, flows across the partitions and catalyst bed, and exits into a centerpipe where the resulting effluent is withdrawn. The fluid reacting with the catalyst to produce a product fluid, also usually a gas. The reactor holds the catalyst in with screens where the gas flows through. The partitions need holes sufficiently small to prevent catalyst particles from passing, but the holes are subject to plugging and creating dead spaces where the gas doesn't flow, as well as the partitions are subject to erosion and corrosion, creating holes that allow for catalyst to spill out. [0014] The inlet annular region comprises a series of channels for directing the fluid into the reactor. The channels comprise vertically elongated ducts where each duct has a front face, two side faces, and a rear face. The duct, as shown in FIG. 1 , has a substantially trapezoidal cross-section, such that when the ducts are arrayed in a cylindrical reactor housing, as shown in FIG. 2 , the ducts form a toroidal structure with the rear faces of the ducts facing the reactor housing 40 , and the front faces of the ducts facing a reaction zone that holds the catalyst bed. The front face 12 of the duct 10 comprises a plate with apertures 14 defined therein. The apertures 14 are spaced over the front face 12 to provide for a uniform distribution of inlet fluids to the catalyst in the reaction zone. The apertures 14 are covered with louvers 16 to prevent the flow of catalyst through the apertures 14 . The louvers 16 have a leading edge 18 affixed to the front face 12 and a trailing edge 20 extending away from the front face 12 and into the zone for containing catalyst. For purposes of this invention, the terms leading edge 18 and trailing edge 20 are with respect to the flow of solid particles through the reactor. The leading edge 18 is the upstream edge with respect to the direction of flow of the solid particles, and the trailing edge 20 is the downstream edge. The particles flow through the reactor, and particles flowing along the front face 12 will contact the leading edge 18 first, flow along the louver 16 and contact the trailing edge 20 . [0015] This design reduces fouling tendencies and problems associated with corrosion, such as plugging, or destruction of the mesh that lets catalyst through the face of the inlet duct. The apertures 14 are sized sufficiently large to provide a free flow of fluid through the apertures 14 , and preferably are substantially larger than the size of the catalyst particles in the reactor. The front face 12 with apertures 14 can be fabricated according to any method known to those skilled in the art, include drilling holes or punching holes. The invention also reduces the pressure drop across the front face of the inlet duct. [0016] The louvers 16 are disposed at an angle between 1ยฐ and 89ยฐ from vertical, where an angle of 0ยฐ means the louvers 16 would lay flat along the surface of the front face 12 , and an angle of 90ยฐ means the louvers 16 would be oriented perpendicularly to the front face 12 . However, the greater the angle, the greater the chance of creating a hold up of the catalyst, and an angle greater than 60ยฐ would present potential problems with catalyst hold up. It is preferred that the louvers 16 are oriented at an angle between 10ยฐ and 30ยฐ from vertical. The angle, as used herein is the angle formed by the louver 16 with the front face 12 of the duct. [0017] In one embodiment, the louvers 16 have a length defined as the distance between the leading edge 18 and the trailing edge 20 of the louver 16 . The apertures 14 in the front face 12 have an upper edge and a lower edge, where the upper edge is the point on the aperture that is highest on the front face 12 , and the lower edge is the point on the aperture that is lowest on the front face 12 , where the duct 10 is oriented in a vertical direction. A louver 16 in the present embodiment extends to a distance of at least the lower edge of the apertures that it covers. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the louvers 16 is sufficient to have the louver trailing edge 20 extend a distance below the aperture lower edge equal to the distance of the gap between the louver 16 and the front face 12 . [0018] In another embodiment, the louvers 16 have side edges, and the louvers 16 further comprises extensions 26 , where each extension 26 is affixed to one edge of the louver 16 and to the front face, forming an awning like structure over the apertures 14 . [0019] The structure of the ducts 10 have a substantially trapezoidal cross-section. When the ducts 10 are arrayed around the inside of the reactor housing 40 , the side faces 22 would lie on radial lines that go from the center of the reactor housing 40 to the reactor housing walls. In one embodiment, the front face 12 and the rear face 24 are substantially flat surfaces, with the front face 12 comprising a surface with apertures 14 . This provides for convenient construction of the ducts 10 , where the louvers 16 are affixed to the front face 12 after the apertures 14 are made. In fabricating the ducts 10 , the louvers 16 can be affixed to the front face 12 before attachment to the side faces 22 , or the louvers 16 can be affixed to the front face 12 after the front face 12 is attached to the side faces 22 . The side faces 22 and the rear face 24 can be fabricated from a single sheet of metal formed into an open box before the attachment of the front face 12 . [0020] In one embodiment, the ducts 10 have a substantially trapezoidal cross-section as described above, but with the front face 12 and the rear face 24 having a curvature to equal the radius of curvature of a circle with the circle's center at the center of the reactor housing 40 and the radius equal to the distance of each face from the center. A variation on these two embodiments is that one of either the front face 12 or rear face 24 is curved. [0021] In another embodiment, the ducts 10 have a substantially rectangular cross-section. The creates a small gap between adjacent ducts 10 , with the front faces 12 touching the edges of neighboring front faces 12 . By fabricating the ducts 10 with substantially rectangular cross-sections, the ducts are more easily fabricated and provide for room fitting the ducts into the reactor housing 40 . In addition, the ducts 10 can be placed within the reactor housing 40 with a small gap between the ducts 10 , and a covering plate (not shown) can be placed over the gap to prevent the catalyst from entering the space between the ducts 10 . In a variation of the covering plates, the ducts 10 can be fabricated with overlaying flange portions (not shown). The flange portions would be attached to only one side of the duct 10 , such that when the ducts 10 are positioned inside the reactor housing 40 a flange portion will cover an edge of the front face 12 of a neighboring duct 10 . The use of overlaying flange portions allows for room to fit the ducts 10 within the reactor housing 40 without requiring an exact fit with no room for thermal expansion and contraction of the ducts 10 during any heating and cooling cycles of the reactor. [0022] In another embodiment, the ducts 10 have a substantially trapezoidal cross-section, and the ducts 10 are as described above. However, the trapezoidal cross-section is such that the width of the front face 12 is greater than the width of the rear face 24 . This embodiment creates void spaces between neighboring ducts 10 , and requires the use of a covering plate to cover any gap between neighboring front faces 12 , or the use of an overlaying flange portion with each duct 10 to cover any gap. The covering plate or flange portion prevent the movement of catalyst particles into the void spaces between the neighboring ducts 10 . [0023] A further feature that can be included in the ducts 10 include support bars, disposed within the duct 10 , or on the exterior of the ducts 10 that provide structural rigidity to the ducts. [0024] In one embodiment, the invention comprises an improved radial flow apparatus. The apparatus can be an adsorber, a reactor, or any operations unit requiring radial flow. The apparatus comprises a vertically oriented and substantially cylindrical vessel having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. Inside the apparatus, a vertically oriented centerpipe is disposed within the vessel and is located substantially in the center of the cylindrical vessel. The center pipe can be either a fluid inlet or a fluid outlet, where the wall of the centerpipe include openings, or apertures, for the fluid to pass through the wall of the centerpipe. The apparatus further includes a plurality of vertical ducts arranged circumferentially around the cylindrical vessel, and along the inside of the cylindrical vessel wall. The ducts have a transverse cross-section having a substantially trapezoidal or rectangular shape. The ducts have a front face facing toward the centerpipe, a rear face facing the inside surface of the cylindrical vessel wall, and in contact with the vessel wall, and two side faces connecting the front face to the rear face. The front face further includes apertures defined therein to allow for the flow of fluid across the front face. The apertures are covered by a louver that prevents catalyst particles flowing through the reactor from passing through the apertures in the front face of the ducts. The ducts with the louvers are as described above. [0025] The ducts are separated from the centerpipe to define a space for holding solid particles, and in a particular embodiment, the solid particles are catalyst particles. [0026] The apparatus provides for a fluid that is flowing into the apparatus to be directed into the vertically arrayed ducts. The fluid flows down the ducts and through the apertures in the front face, then across the solid particle, or catalyst, bed to the centerpipe. The fluid flows through the openings in the centerpipe, and is carried out of the apparatus. [0027] In one embodiment, the improved inlet flow devices comprise a recessed front face as shown in FIG. 3 . The apparatus comprises a vertically elongated inlet duct 10 having a front face 12 , two side faces 22 , and a rear face 24 . The front face 12 is disposed between the two side faces 22 and recessed from the edges 28 of the side faces 22 . The front face 12 has apertures 14 defined in the front face 12 , where fluid entering the duct 10 can exit through the apertures 14 and flow across a reactor volume. Affixed to the front face 12 are a plurality of louvers 16 extending outwardly from the front face 12 . The louvers 16 have a leading edge 18 affixed to the front face 12 at a position above at least one aperture 14 , and the trailing edge 20 extending away from the front face 12 and in a downward direction. The louvers 16 extend across the front face 12 from one side face 22 to the other side face 22 , and are affixed to the side faces 22 along the edge of the louvers 16 . The louvers 16 extend away from the front face 12 at an angle between 1ยฐ and 89ยฐ from vertical, and preferably at an angle between 10ยฐ and 30ยฐ from vertical. The recessed front face design allows for convenient insertion of the apparatus in existing cross-flow reactors, where the reactors might have screens, but the screens have corrosion or erosion problems and would normally need to be replaced. The use of this invention obviates the need for replacing corroded screens and allows for bringing a reactor on line faster. [0028] While the invention has been described with what are presently considered the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but it is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
An apparatus is for directing a fluid into a radial reactor is and which maintains a bed of solid particulate material within a reactor. The apparatus comprises a duct for directing fluid into a reactor and has a screenless face for the egress of the fluid, while providing for the retention of solid particles.
8
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/960,858, filed on Aug. 7, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,031,624, issued May 12, 2015, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of smartphones and their use in vehicles. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The use of cellular telephones within automobiles is well known for providing a convenient means of communication. However, certain uses of this type of device while driving carries with it safety risks. Accordingly, many jurisdictions now deem it a violation of the law to dial, to text, to email or to talk on a cellular telephone while holding the phone. In order to permit drivers to use their phones while driving, but without violating the law, proposals have been made for mounting mobile telephones in a number of places within an automobile. For example, mountings for cellular telephones have been placed in the center console between the driver and the passenger seat and on the dashboard of a car. Additionally, proposals have been made to store cellular telephones within rearview mirror housings. Although rearview mirror housings have been designed to hold cellular telephones, the uses of cellular telephones while contained within these housings have, to date, been limited to predictable applications. Thus, there is a need to develop new and non-obvious technologies, devices and uses for unleashing the potential applications for using a cellular telephone while in a vehicle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a device for displaying images on the windshield of a car or other vehicle. The device for displaying images may be configured to receive a computer device such as a cellular telephone that is a smartphone or other portable computer device, to permit a user to use his or her computer device and to display images that appear on the device on a windshield of a vehicle. A โ€œsmartphoneโ€ is a cellular telephone that permits a user to do more than simply place telephone calls. For example, it is a device that is configured to permit a user to run one or more applications and/or to store data locally and/or to communicate with remote sources and to download data from those sources, as well as to transmit data to those sources. An example of a smartphone is Apple's iPhone. In various embodiments, the device for displaying images is an intelligent mirror that can be used to achieve one or more if not all of the following benefits: charging of the computer device, hands free use of the computer device and generating a heads up display, which refers to a transparent display that presents data without requiring users to look away from their usual viewpoints. According to a first embodiment, the present invention is directed to a rearview mirror comprising: (a) a housing, wherein the housing comprises a docking element that is configured to receive a smartphone; and (b) a reflective surface. The rearview mirror further comprises one or both of: (c) a touchscreen, wherein the touchscreen overlays part or all of the reflective surface and the touchscreen is configured to operate in at least two modes, wherein in a first mode the touchscreen is a graphic user interface that is configured to receive input from a user and wherein in a second mode, the touchscreen is transparent, thereby allowing reflection of light; and (d) a projector, wherein the projector is located on a rear side of the housing and is configured to project an image onto a windshield, wherein the rearview mirror is mounted within a vehicle. According to a second embodiment, the present invention is directed to an automobile comprising: (a) an interior cabin; (b) a windshield; and (c) a rearview mirror that comprises (i) a housing, wherein the housing comprises a docking element that is configured to receive a smartphone (or other computer device), (ii) a reflective surface; and one or both of: (iii) a touchscreen, wherein the touchscreen overlays part or all of the reflective surface and the touchscreen is configured to operate in at least two modes, wherein in a first mode the touchscreen is a graphic user interface that is configured to receive input from a user and wherein in a second mode, the touchscreen is transparent thereby allowing reflection of light; and (iv) a projector, wherein the projector is located on a rear side of the housing and is configured to project an image onto a windshield. Through the various embodiments of the present invention, one can efficiently and effectively use a computer device such as a smartphone within a vehicle. The various embodiments may be configured to allow for hands-free and/or touch controlled operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Various embodiments of the present invention are described in the accompanying figures. These figures are provided for illustrative purposes and unless specified are not intended to be limiting. In order to provide the reader with an understanding of the various embodiments of the present invention, within these figures, different elements are not necessarily drawn to scale. Also to assist the reader, in a number of the figures there are notations of L and R, which refer to the left and right side of the rearview mirror when viewed by an occupant of a vehicle. FIG. 1 is a representation of a front view of an intelligent mirror of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a representation of a front view of an intelligent mirror of the present invention with a portion of the mirror in a vertical orientation. FIG. 3 is a representation of a side view of a mirror of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a representation of a front view of an intelligent mirror of the present invention, wherein a smartphone is partially inserted into the mirror. FIG. 5 is a representation of a rear view of an intelligent mirror of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a representation of a side view of an intelligent mirror of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a representation of a front view of an intelligent mirror of the present invention, as well as certain internal circuitry. FIG. 8 is a representation of a part of an automobile that contains a mirror of the present invention and a person. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, unless otherwise indicated or implicit from context, the details are intended to be examples and should not be deemed to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Any of the features of the various embodiments described herein can be used in conjunction with features described in connection with any other embodiments disclosed unless otherwise specified. Thus, features described in connection with the various or specific embodiments are not to be construed as not suitable in connection with other embodiments disclosed herein unless such exclusivity is explicitly stated or implicit from context. According to one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a rearview mirror, which may also be referred to as an intelligent mirror. The rearview mirror comprises a housing, a reflective surface, a touchscreen and a projector. The housing comprises a docking element that is configured to receive a computer device such as a smartphone (e.g., an iPhone, a Blackberry, or an Android) or other computer device (e.g., an iTouch). The housing may contain or be operably coupled to a spring locking and release mechanism that allows for insertion of the computer device into a receptacle that forms a cavity in which it will be retained. Additionally, there may be a stabilization feature that is capable of stabilizing a smartphone. The stabilization feature may, for example, be compressible cushioning or rubber material along one or more if not all of the sides of the receptacle. The housing may, for example, comprise, consist essentially of or consist of a plastic material, a metal alloy or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the housing may be divided into three parts: L1, which contains most if not all of the electronics of the intelligent mirror; L2, which contains an ejection spring that is capable of causing ejection of the computer device and mechanics for permitting the computer device to be rotated up to ninety degrees; and L3, which contains a receptacle for receiving the computer device. In some embodiments, the receptacle is deep enough to house the entire computer device. In other embodiments, the computer device is less than 30%, less than 20%, less than 10% or less that 5% longer than the receptacle. The reflective surface is capable of reflecting images. Thus, the mirror can exist in a first state as a traditional mirror and in a second state in which all or part of the mirror functions as a graphic user interface (โ€œGUIโ€). When acting as a graphic user interface, in some embodiments there is a liquid crystal display screen and optionally a backlight. By way of example, in a first mode, a surface of the mirror may be darkened to allow the mirror function as a reflective mirror. In a second mode, there is backlighting that permits the images of the smartphone to be viewed. Because smartphones can be operated through touchscreen technologies, the outer surface of the mirror that overlays the smartphone may either be sufficiently thin to permit touching of the overlay to effect changes in the smartphone, or the overlay is itself a touchscreen that both projects the screen information from the smartphone onto the overlay and is configured to receive information from the smartphone and to transmit information received from a user touching the overlay to the smartphone. In this latter case, the intelligent mirror contains the requisite circuitry to allow communication from the GUI to the smartphone. Accordingly, by use of the touchscreen of the intelligent mirror, one may touch the mirror as opposed to the smartphone but still access the application of the touchscreen. In some embodiments, a home button is present on the mirror. Activation of the home button controls movement of the touchscreen between the first mode and the second mode. For example, the home button may be located on the top of the rearview mirror. The button may be based on open/closed circuit technologies and thus, the length of time that a button is held will not affect the result of the action of pressing it. A projector is located on a rear side of the housing and is configured to project an image onto a windshield. In some embodiments, the rearview mirror is mounted within a vehicle, and the projector is configured to generate a heads up display. The projector may, for example, be a pico projector that is capable of causing a heads up display onto the windshield. Thus, the projector can project an image to the windshield. A second button may be present and used to activate the projection mode of the intelligent mirror. In some embodiments, the intelligent mirror may be designed such that the project mode may only be activated when the computer device is in an active use mode, i.e., the applications of the computer device are accessible through the mirror and at least part of the mirror is not in a state in which it can reflect light. In some embodiments, the rearview mirror further comprises a microphone. Optionally, it may also comprise a speaker. One benefit of the microphone is that it can be used to facilitate hands free use of the smartphone. The information received from the microphone may be transmitted to a central processing unit of either or both of the computer device and the intelligent mirror to cause activation of an application or carrying out of a task, e.g., switching between a mode in which the smartphone is displayed on the mirror and a mode in which it is not displayed, or switching between a mode in which the projector project images on the windshield and does not project images on the windshield. In some embodiments, the rearview mirror comprises circuitry and a connector, wherein the connector comprises pins that are operably coupled to the circuit and the pins are configured to engage contacts of the smartphone. The electronic circuitry allows for communication between the mirror and smartphone when the smartphone is within the housing. The connector may be configured to connect to a plurality of different types of smartphones and is complementary to the elements of smartphones that permit wired communications. Additionally or alternatively, the circuit may be part of a central processing unit (โ€œCPUโ€) that is configured to connect to a computer of the vehicle through Wi-Fi. Depending on the year of the car, Wi-Fi connection may be through on board diagnostics (OBD) I or OBD II. The vehicle may be designed such that its computer is capable of being activated and controlled by one or both of physical controls and voice activated controls. The physical controls may be located on the rearview mirror or at other locations within the vehicle, for example, on the steering wheel or on the center console between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat. Further, in some embodiments, there are duplicative controls. Thus, there may be a control on the rearview mirror and the same control on the steering wheel, thereby allowing the user a choice of how to operate the intelligent mirror. The rearview mirror may further comprise a rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism may be configured to be capable of rotating all or part of the touchscreen. For example, the rotation mechanism is capable of rotating the touchscreen up to 90 degrees. In some embodiment, there are only two stable position: (i) horizontal, which refers to the normal orientation of the mirror; and (ii) vertical, which refers to an orientation that is 90 degrees from the horizontal. The mirror may be designed such that rotation from horizontal to vertical is clockwise and that rotation from to vertical to horizontal is counterclockwise. Alternatively, the mirror may be designed such that rotation from vertical to horizontal is counterclockwise and that rotation from to vertical to horizontal is clockwise. In some embodiments, the computer device is rotated along with the touchscreen, whereas in other applications, the computer device is not rotated. An additional feature that may be present is an opening in a location that corresponds to a location of a camera feature on the smartphone. In some embodiments, the housing has a first opening in a first location that corresponds to a location of a first camera feature of the smartphone and a second opening in a second location that corresponds to a location of a second camera feature of the smartphone. As persons of ordinary skill in the art are aware, many smartphones are capable of taking still pictures and/or video in a forward direction and a rearward direction by the presence of two lenses. In some embodiments, the intelligent mirror is equipped to permit continued use of these features of the smartphone when the smartphone is within the receptacle. Thus, there may be an aperture on the rear of the intelligent mirror that is located in a position that permits the smartphone to function as a camera, and optionally on the front face of the mirror, there is an opening for a lens or the covering is sufficiently transparent to allow for images to be recorded through it. According to another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an automobile that comprises an interior cabin, a windshield, and a rearview mirror. The interior cabin may be a cabin of any type of car, including but not limited to a sedan, a race car, a convertible, or a minivan. Furthermore, when the vehicle is a convertible, the interior cabin is defined as the location that would be defined by the interior space when the convertible top is in a position that defines a closed volume. The windshield is preferably made of laminated glass, which may for example be referred to as safety glass. Thus, it preferably comprises two pieces of glass with a thin layer of vinyl between them. The present invention may be used with windshields that are in automobiles that are currently being manufactured and used in automobiles purchased by the public. Preferably, the rearview mirror comprises: a housing, wherein the housing comprises a docking element that is configured to receive a computer device; a reflective surface; a touchscreen, wherein the touchscreen overlays part or all of the reflective surface and the touchscreen is configured to operate in at least two modes, wherein in a first mode the touchscreen is a graphic user interface that is configured to receive input from a user and wherein in a second mode, the touchscreen is transparent; and a projector, wherein the projector is located on a rear side of the housing and is configured to project an image onto a windshield. The touchscreen is operably coupled to the computer device when the computer device is engaged by the rearview mirror, and thus able to communicate with the computer device through circuitry within the rearview mirror. Within the automobile there may be a power supply and a cable that connects the rearview mirror to the power supply. In some embodiments, power may be supplied to the intelligent mirror through two power feeds. By way of a non-limiting example, power may be supplied to the intelligent mirror from a battery along wires. Accordingly, the intelligent mirror may comprise a power adapter, which as persons of ordinary skill in the art are aware, are common for use with docking stations. The power adapter may for example comprise a 30 pin Apple connector or a 6 pin lightening connector. The power adapter may serve one or two functions: providing energy to the smartphone, optionally to charge the smartphone's battery, and enabling communication with certain features of the car, e.g., a stereo. Alternatively or additionally, the smartphone will communicate with the car through Wi-Fi protocols. Furthermore, various embodiments of the present invention may be used with Bluetooth technologies, which refer to wireless technologies that are standard for exchanging data of short distances. These technologies may use short-wavelength radio transmission in the ISM band of from 2400-2480 MHz from fixed and mobile devices, thereby creating personal area networks that have high levels of security. In one embodiment, leaving the battery, there may be a first wire that is the positive wire and travels to contacts in a port that correspond to pin 1 or pin 16 within the intelligent mirror, and there may be a second wire that is a negative wire that travels to contacts in a port that correspond to pin 2 or pin 12. The potential difference may, for example, be 12 volts. The two wires may be fused in a 10 amp in line that contains one or more resistors and has a potential difference of about 5.5 volts to match the USB power and be connected to the USB port. The wires may for example be hidden within an A-pillar. As persons of ordinary skill in the art are aware, the A-pillar of a vehicle is the first pillar of the passenger compartment. It usually borders one side of the windshield. The power adapter described above may also be referred to as a cable-connector. Preferably, the cable connector has a positive and negative wire. As persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, the set of pins that emerge from an iPhone 4 contain positive and negative elements; whereas the set of pins that emerge from an iPhone 5 do not contain these elements. Thus, when an iPhone 5 is used, an additional adapter may be utilized to enable communication with that device. As the discussion above highlights, different smartphones need different cable-connectors. Optionally, a user of a car with an intelligent mirror could order the mirror that is equipped with the appropriate cable-connector for his or her smartphone. Alternatively, the intelligent mirror could contain a plurality of cable-connectors and a slider or other mechanical tool that permits selection of the correct adapter. In some embodiments, an additional cable emerges from the intelligent mirror to a region of the automobile that allows for grounding. Additionally or alternatively, there may also be a sound system and one or more audio leads, wherein the audio leads connect the rearview mirror to the sound system. These leads may permit communication with a stereo of a vehicle and the projection of sound through the speakers within the vehicle. Thus, by way of further example, pin 8 of the smartphone may contact the corresponding contact within the receptacle to facilitate right audio within the automobile. This may be referred to as the tip. Pin 9 of the smartphone may contact the corresponding contact within the receptacle to facilitate left audio within the automobile. This may be referred to as the ring. In this embodiment, pin 10 would correspond to the sleeve. There may also be a sensor that automatically determines whether the intelligent mirror should be in a standard lighting mode, i.e., no lamp on to facilitate use as a mirror, or whether it should be in a lamp-on mode, in which case a dim lighting is provided to view the smartphone. In one embodiment, the lamp-on mode is automatically activated when the smartphone use of the mirror is activated. Optionally, this may also cause the head lights of the automobile to be turned on if they have not otherwise been turned on. Preferably, in the rearview mirror, the automobile further comprises a circuit and a connector, wherein the connector comprises pins that are operably coupled to the circuit and the pins are configured to engage contacts of the smartphone. Additionally, in some embodiments, the receptacle is configured to receive smartphones that are of a plurality of different sizes. The receptacle may, for example, contain elements that are compressible when subject to pressure and thus will hold in place smartphones of different sizes. The housing may have an opening in a location on its rear side that corresponds to a location of a camera feature of the smartphone. Thus, there may be a visual pass through that allows the camera to takes still or video pictures when engaged with the intelligent mirror. In some embodiments, the mirror functions as a telematics mirror. The term โ€œtelematicsโ€ refers to the mirror and cellular telephone circuitry being in direct communication with an inboard vehicle communication system software, computer chip, sensor, transmitter, receiver, microprocessor or other electronic devices. In various embodiments, the computer device is in communication with the central processing unit of the motor vehicle and is capable of running and/or displaying diagnostics. The above-mentioned embodiments are described in connection with automobiles. However, they may be used in connection with other motor vehicles, including but not limited to boats and buses. As persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, the present invention is intended to be used only in circumstances that will not impede safe operation of the motor vehicle or cause distraction of a driver. Thus, by way of example it may be used when an automobile is parked. Additionally, the above-mentioned embodiments are described as for use in connection with rearview mirrors. However, one can use the present invention by placing the phone in a receptacle that is located in another place such as in a steering wheel, on a dashboard or in a seat divider and through wired and/or wireless technology have the phone in communication with a mirror that has a pico projector. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the mirror or vehicle that contains the mirror also contains a laser jammer, which also may be referred to as a laser defuser, laser shifter or laser scrambler. As persons of ordinary skill in the art know, a laser jammer detects an incoming laser beam and sends a signals (e.g., a light noise) that confuse the transmitter of the beam (e.g., a laser gun) so that it does not detect a speed. When this feature is present, preferably it is not used for the purpose of jamming laser guns of law enforcement in jurisdictions in which such a use is prohibited by law. The laser jammer functionally may be within the housing of the mirror or be found as part of an application on the smartphone. The laser jamming functionality may, for example, be used to thwart attempts by third parties who use lasers in order to determine the speed of the vehicle that contains the laser jammer. A smartphone that is used in connection with the present invention preferably has all of the necessary equipment for transmitting and receiving telephone calls, e.g., a SIM card if necessary, and hardware and software for wireless communication through various cellular networks. Additionally, as with many currently known technologies, preferably the smartphone contains technologies that permit voice activation and operation, e.g., Apples' Siri technology, and the intelligent mirror has a microphone that is operably coupled to the computer device. In some embodiments, the intelligent mirror has voice activated technologies. These technologies may enable a user to direct the intelligent mirror to move among different states, e.g., (1) as a pure mirror; (2) as a mirror on its left portion and a smartphone display on its right portion, which is in a horizontal orientation; (3) as a mirror on its left portion and a smartphone display on its right portion, which is in a vertical orientation; (4) with projection functionally activating in combination with any of (1)-(3); and (5) with camera functionality in combination with any of (1)-(4). In some embodiments, the intelligent mirror comprises global positioning satellite (GPS) functionality independent of any GPS functionality in the computer device. In other embodiments, the vehicle in which the intelligent mirror is situated comprises global positioning satellite (GPS) functionality independent of any GPS functionality in the computer device. Various embodiments of the present invention may be further understood by reference to the accompanying figures. The figures are intended for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way. FIG. 1 shows a front view of a mirror. There is a standard windshield mount 102 , which enables mounting to the windshield of a motor vehicle. Also shown is the mirror glass 107 , which may comprise a thin plastic overlay. A pivot point 104 is illustrated by broken lines to represent that this element is not seen by a user. On the top of the mirror are three buttons 101 , which protrude through the housing 105 , and which can enable control of various features of the intelligent mirror. Examples of these features include but are not limited to projection of sound, ejection of a computing device and activation/deactivation of display of the screen of the computing device. The broken vertical line on the right portion of the mirror provides a right most outline of where a smartphone would sit when engaged within a housing of the mirror. For reference, also shown is a location of a microphone 103 , and an angle adjuster 106 . FIG. 2 shows a mirror similar to that of FIG. 1 ; however, the right portion of the mirror has been rotated approximately ninety degrees. Rotation may be along a pivot point 204 . In this figure the pivot point is shown in broken lines; however, it would not be visible to user of the device. As this figure illustrates, the portion of the intelligent mirror that rotates is only a front portion (e.g., approximately 5%-40% or 10%-30% of the depth of the intelligent mirror) of the right portion (e.g., approximately 30%-50% or 40%-45% of the length of the intelligent mirror). Thus, part of the housing 205 , the part behind where the computer device is housed, would remain in its original orientation. For reference related to FIG. 1 , also shown are the mirrored glass, optionally with the thin plastic covering 207 , the angle adjuster 206 , the microphone 203 , the control buttons 201 , and the windshield mount 202 . In FIGS. 1 and 2 , the location within the rearview mirror housing for the smartphone is shown as being on the right side. There is no technological impediment to putting the location on the left side. However, in many cases in which drivers sit on the left side of the vehicle, the drivers may prefer to have the location on the right side because in this configuration, when the phone is in the vertical orientation, it will be less distracting to the driver and more readily accessible to a passenger or co-pilot. As persons of ordinary skill in the art are aware, in jurisdictions in which drivers sit on the right side of the vehicle, the opposite configuration would typically be more desirable. FIG. 3 shows a side view of a mirror of the present invention. The mirror may be mounted to a windshield by devices that are now known or that will come to be known for mounting rearview mirrors to automobiles, including but not limiting to male 302 A and female 302 members, or screws and threads (not shown). The mirror may have a mirror adjust pivot point 308 that permits a driver to adjust the housing 305 of the mirror. Also present is an angle adjuster 306 , which permits angling of the mirror glass 307 , which comprises the reflective surface of the device. The mirror also contains an opening that is equipped with a spring loaded mount to permit release from opening 309 , and a button 101 that controls release from the mount. Shown in broken lines is pivot point 304 . FIG. 4 shows a method for inserting a smartphone into an intelligent mirror. The smartphone 410 enters from the right side of the mirror, which corresponds to the passenger side of the vehicle and is inserted into the molded plastic body 405 . For reference, also shown are the windshield mount 402 , the control buttons 401 , the microphone 403 and the angle adjuster 406 and the reflective surface 407 . FIG. 5 shows a reverse view of a mirror of the present invention. For reference, the figure shows the mounting apparatus 502 and 502 A, as well as the molded plastic body 505 , the mirror adjust pivot 508 , the control buttons 501 and the angle adjuster 506 . The figure also shows a speaker 514 . The speaker is located on the side opposite to where the smartphone is loaded. Further, the figure shows a projector lens 515 and lamp 516 . FIG. 5 also shows an option for connecting the intelligent mirror to the computer of an automobile. Though a grommet 513 emerges a wire harness 512 that at the end opposite to that of the grommet connector to a connector 511 . FIG. 6 shows a side view of an intelligent mirror. For reference, right-most in the figure is the mirror glass or thin plastic 607 . Also shown is the housing 605 , which contains a pico projector lens 615 , and a pico projector lamp and housing for electronics 616 above the projector. The figure also shows the location of the angle adjuster 606 and the mirror adjust pivot 608 . In the figure, the lamp is shown as oriented 180 degrees from the mirror (or thin plastic). The mirror adjust pivot is shown as connected to a standard windshield mount 602 that is secured by a securing element such as a screw 602 A that may be associated with a threading, not shown, but internal to the mount. FIG. 7 is a representation of a front view of a mirror of the present invention with part of the internal elements shown. Accordingly, the mirror is shown within the plastic housing 705 . Although not visible to the user, the figure also shows a pivot point 704 in broken lines behind the location in which the smartphone will sit. At the bottom of the figure the angle adjuster 706 is shown, and at the top of the housing part of the microphone 703 is shown. To further assist the reader, for reference the location of the windshield mount 702 is provided in broken lines. Similarly, the buttons 701 for control of the device are shown. In the left portion of the figure is shown a speaker cone 720 , within a speaker 714 that is attached via wiring to an endpoint wiring harness 719 that is located within a printed circuit board (โ€œPCBโ€) 718 . The PCB also contains the wiring circuit 717 that allows for communication with the smartphone when engaged as well as communication with the control buttons 701 . The endpoint wiring harness is also connected to a wire harness 712 through a grommet 713 , which is connected to a connector 711 that is connected to wiring to the computer of the vehicle (not shown in FIG. 7 ). FIG. 8 is representation of a side view of the intelligent mirror within the cabin of a vehicle. A person 824 sits leaning against the back of a seat 825 . From his or her vantage point, he or she can view the mirror 823 and see the projection of the mirror 822 on the windshield 821 . Persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate the various applications of the present invention. For example, a person who is lost can, while parked, display a large map on the windshield. Additionally, in poor visibility conditions, a user can determine what is ahead by causing the cellular phone to obtain data transmitted to it wirelessly that corresponds to real time information of upcoming traffic or hazards. In some embodiments, the intelligent mirror or cellular phone comprises an infrared and/or sonar functionality that permits detections of items or physical activities that may or may not be visible or difficult to see and projects them onto the windshield. In one embodiment, the driver may insert his or her smartphone into the rearview mirror prior to or after turning on the engine of the battery of the car. As persons of ordinary skill in the art are aware, during the operation of many car radios and CD players, a user can send electricity from the battery without turning on the engine. Similarly, the vehicles of the present invention can be designed such that electricity flows to the rear view mirror whenever it would flow to a radio or CD player, regardless of whether the car engine has been turned on. While the car is parked, and electricity is flowing to the mirror, the driver may turn the right portion of the mirror ninety degrees and use the smartphone as he or she would outside of the mirror. He or she may use a map application and through voice activation or by pressing a button on the top of the rearview phone, cause a projection the map onto the windshield. The user may, after studying the map, return the portion of the mirror that houses the smartphone to a horizontal position and either through voice activation or by pressing a button on the top of the rearview phone cause the mirror to return to a state in which it serves solely a reflective purpose. In another application, the intelligent mirror can be configured to transmit information such as through RFID technologies. This information may correspond to payment information that would enable a driver of a vehicle to make a transaction through a mobile wallet application of the smartphone or a mobile wallet application within the car. These types of payments could be read by appropriately configured technologies and used at drive through channels of commerce, e.g., drive through restaurants, or along highways where tolls are collected.
A rearview mirror housing of an automobile includes an apparatus that allows for efficient projection of images on a windshield of a vehicle, and/or includes an apparatus that allows for interaction between a human and a computing or communication system using a touchscreen.
6
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/215,604, filed May 6, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates generally to computer-based applications and more particularly to map-based applications. REFERENCE TO A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX [0003] A single compact disc containing computer code for executing various classes in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is being filed concurrently herewith in accordance with 37 CFRยง1.52(e)(5) and is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. BACKGROUND [0004] The creation of maps, particularly computer-based maps, has been a tedious and drawn-out task usually reserved for the most expert programmer. This has been the historical trend due to the inherent complexity of maps and the amount of data represented by a map. However, with the proliferation of the Internet, more and more users are developing a need to view customized maps. Some service providers such as MapQuest, Google, Microsoft, and the like have developed web-based maps that can be viewed by online users. The map tiles provided by these service providers contain a vast amount of data and are, therefore, very difficult to leverage beyond viewing particular locations. Some of these service providers, however, allow a user to get directions from one location to another location or view street level images from a particular location (i.e., tie a series of street-level images to a predetermined geolocation). Beyond these basic uses the map data provided by the map service providers cannot be leveraged by the typical Internet consumer. SUMMARY [0005] These and other needs have been addressed by embodiments of the present invention. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a mechanism which allows novice Internet users to create, manage, and control their own maps and applications that leverage map data. More specifically, a web-based map-authoring application is provided that can use any map tile from any map provider (e.g., Microsoft Virtual Earth maps, Google Maps, Yahoo Maps, OpenStreet Maps, CloudMade maps, DigitalGlobe, ESRI, custom maps, etc.) and switch from one type of map tile (or between service providers) to another type of map tile instantaneously and effortlessly. [0006] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a mapping platform that allows any user to create map-based games (geogames) and online geography-based simulations. A geogame is any type of game or simulation based on a real, interactive (i.e., allows the player to zoom-in, zoom-out, find locations, etc. as if they were simply viewing the map without the game or application on top of it), online and offline map (i.e., based on satellite imagery as opposed to being based on an artist's drawing). [0007] It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a map player, similar to an audio player or video player, that is used to play custom animated maps and geogames. A map player is a particular application or module that enables the spatial visualization of a time-based series of events on a map (e.g., the spread of a particular strain of flu across a map or the number of votes being tallied at certain locations during an election). With a map player, a user can visualize the evolution of such events on a map with actual map data. [0008] It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide an application programming interface (API) which allows a novice user to create a customized application with actual map data underneath. More specifically, an editing application may serve as the user interface which allows the user to select geometric shapes, text, photos, video, graphics, etc. to be displayed on a map or within the boundaries of a location on a map, rules of how and when such content should be displayed, rules governing a user's interaction with the map data when using the customized map, and so on. The API is capable of defining web-based services, route algorithms, street layers, GPS feeds, live traffic feeds, weather feeds, KML, ad overlays, and the like. Some of the data in the API may or may not be accessible by the user via the editing application. Both the API and the editing application may be provided on top of one or more map tiles or different types of map tiles from different map providers. [0009] In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided that generally comprises: [0010] receiving user instructions to create a new map using map data; [0011] receiving user instructions to mark a first location on the new map; [0012] associating the first location marked by the user and a corresponding location in the map data; [0013] receiving user instructions for assigning properties to the first location; and [0014] assigning the properties to the first location marked by the user and the corresponding location in the map data. [0015] The term โ€œcomputer-readable mediumโ€ as used herein refers to any tangible storage and/or transmission medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, NVRAM, or magnetic or optical disks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, magneto-optical medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, RAM, PROM, EPROM, FLASH-EPROM, solid state medium like a memory card, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read: A digital file attachment to e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. When the computer-readable media is configured as a database, it is to be understood that the database may be any type of database, such as relational, hierarchical, object-oriented, and/or the like. Accordingly, the invention is considered to include a tangible storage medium or distribution medium and prior art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations of the present invention are stored. [0016] The terms โ€œdetermine,โ€ โ€œcalculateโ€ and โ€œcompute,โ€ and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique. [0017] The term โ€œmoduleโ€ as used herein refers to any known or later developed hardware, software, firmware, artificial intelligence, fuzzy logic, or combination of hardware and software that is capable of performing the functionality associated with that element. Also, while the invention is described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it should be appreciated that individual aspects of the invention can be separately claimed. [0018] The preceding is a simplified summary of the invention to provide an understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the invention and its various embodiments. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the invention nor to delineate the scope of the invention but to present selected concepts of the invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee. [0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0021] FIG. 2 is a first depiction of an exemplary user interface when playing a geogames in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0022] FIG. 3 is a second depiction of an exemplary user interface when playing a geogames in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0023] FIG. 4 is a third depiction of an exemplary user interface when playing a geogames in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0024] FIG. 5 is a fourth depiction of an exemplary user interface when playing a geogames in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0025] FIG. 6 is a fifth depiction of an exemplary user interface when playing a geogames in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0026] FIG. 7 is a sixth depiction of an exemplary user interface when playing a geogames in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0027] FIG. 8 is a screen-capture of a web-based user interface for creating a customized geogames in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0028] FIG. 9 is a first depiction of an exemplary user interface for creating a customized geogame in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0029] FIG. 10 is a second depiction of an exemplary user interface for creating a customized geogame in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0030] FIG. 11 is a third depiction of an exemplary user interface for creating a customized geogame in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0031] FIG. 12 is a fourth depiction of an exemplary user interface for creating a customized geogame in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0032] FIG. 13 is a fifth depiction of an exemplary user interface for creating a customized geogame in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0033] FIG. 14 is a sixth depiction of an exemplary user interface for creating a customized geogame in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0034] FIG. 15 is a seventh depiction of an exemplary user interface for creating a customized geogame in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0035] FIG. 16 is a flow chart depicting a method of creating a geogame or customized map in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention; [0036] FIG. 17 is a screen shot depicting a secured map in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention; [0037] FIG. 18 is a logical block diagram depicting the interaction of an editing user interface, an API, and map tiles in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention; and [0038] FIG. 19 is a logical block diagram depicting the flow of information and data to/from a customized map or geogame in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0039] The invention will be illustrated below in conjunction with an exemplary communication system. Although well suited for use with, e.g., a system using a server(s) and/or database(s), the invention is not limited to use with any particular type of communication system or configuration of system elements. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed techniques may be used in any communication application in which it is desirable to create customized maps and/or map-based games and simulations. [0040] The exemplary systems and methods of this invention will also be described in relation to communications software, modules, and associated communication hardware. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention, the following description omits well-known structures, network components and devices that may be shown in block diagram form, are well known, or are otherwise summarized. [0041] For purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated, however, that the present invention may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific details set forth herein. [0042] Furthermore, while the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein show the various components of the system collocated, it is to be appreciated that the various components of the system can be located at distant portions of a distributed network, such as a communication network and/or the Internet, or within a dedicated secure, unsecured and/or encrypted system. Thus, it should be appreciated that the components of the system can be combined into one or more devices, such as an enterprise server or collocated on a particular node of a distributed network, such as an analog and/or digital communication network. As will be appreciated from the following description, and for reasons of computational efficiency, the components of the system can be arranged at any location within a distributed network without affecting the operation of the system. For example, the various components can be located in a local server, at one or more users' premises, or some combination thereof [0043] Referring now to FIG. 1 , an exemplary communication system 100 will be described in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention. The communication system 100 may comprise a communication network 104 that facilitates communications between one or more communication devices, such as a user device 108 , a web server 124 , an index server 132 , and/or a document server 136 . [0044] The communication network 104 may be any type of known communication medium or collection of communication mediums and may use any type of protocols to transport messages between endpoints. The communication network 104 may include wired and/or wireless communication technologies. The Internet is an example of the communication network 104 that constitutes and IP network consisting of many computers and other communication devices located all over the world, which are connected through many telephone systems and other means. Other examples of the communication network 104 include, without limitation, a standard Plain Old Telephone System (POTS), an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), an enterprise network, and any other type of packet-switched or circuit-switched network known in the art. In addition, it can be appreciated that the communication network 104 need not be limited to any one network type, and instead may be comprised of a number of different networks and/or network types. [0045] The user device 108 may be any type of known communication or processing device such as a personal computer, laptop, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), cellular phone, smart phone, telephone, contact center resource, DCP phone, analog phone, or combinations thereof The user devices 108 may be controlled by or associated with a single user or may be adapted for use by many users (e.g., an enterprise communication device that allows any enterprise user to utilize the communication device upon presentation of a valid user name and password). In general, each user device 108 may be adapted to support video, audio, text, and/or data communications with other user devices 108 . The type of medium used by the user device 108 to communicate with other communication devices may depend upon the communication applications available on the user device 108 . [0046] The user device 108 may comprise a browser 112 that allows a user to browse and communicate with other devices connected to the communication network 104 . As an example, the browser 112 may correspond to a web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Mozilla by Firefox, Google Chrome, or any other type of known web browser application). The browser 112 enables the user of the user device 108 to remotely access a web server 116 that contains a map programming module 116 . As can be appreciated, however, a local map programming module may be provided on the user device 108 and may be accessible without the need for a browser 112 . [0047] The map programming module 120 allows the user to create customized maps, geogames, and map-based simulations with their own set of user rules. The user rules for the customized map, geogame, and/or simulation are applied to map data retrieved from one or more map information providers 124 a -N. Each map information provider may provide actual map data (including geolocation information, satellite images, artist depictions of map data (e.g., streets, blocks, national borders, and other artificial boundaries), ground or street-level images associated with geolocations, and provider settings). The provider settings for a particular map provider 124 define the rules and restrictions with which a particular user can view and manipulate the rest of the map data. The web server 116 is adapted to retrieve such map data from the map provider 124 by referring to a particular URL or similar resource identifier. The web server 116 may provide a request for information associated with a particular URL and the map information server 124 may retrieve the map data pursuant to the request. All of this information may be retrieved from a map database 128 a -N. Each map provider 124 a -N may have a respective map database 128 a -N associated therewith for storing map data and the like. [0048] Once the map data has been transferred to the web server 116 , the user is able to create and edit a customized map using the map programming module 120 . Furthermore, the user can employ they map programming module 120 to create geogames based on the map data. Advantageously, a user can create customized maps and geogames based on map data from any one of the map providers 124 using the same map programming module 120 . Furthermore, the user can create a customized map and/or geogame in connection with a particular set of map data (from a particular map provider) and can replace such data with map data from another map provider without altering any of the other rules used to create the customized map and/or geogame. [0049] With reference now to FIGS. 2-7 , an exemplary method of playing a customized geogame will be described in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention. A geogame may use actual map data that is based on actual geographic locations. In one example, an enhanced map image can be used as the base for a geogame. In another example, satellite images may be used as the base map image. The map image and the underlying map data can be provided from a map provider 124 . A user is allowed to zoom-in, zoom-out, and control various views of the map image as if directly accessing the map data from the map provider. However, the geogame allows the user to apply a set of game rules (which have been defined by a user) on top of the map data. A geography quiz game is depicted in FIGS. 2-7 where a user is asked to click on the location of a particular capital. As part of the game rule set if the user does not click in a predetermined amount of time, then they are provided zero points. If, however, the user clicks within a predetermined radius of the location of a capital, then the user is assigned points based on the distance from the point where the player clicked and the point where the actual capital is located. Again, these rules are user-defined and can vary depending upon the game creator's preference. [0050] Additional controls may be included in the geogame such as the ability to pause, resume, and end a game. Moreover, once a player has finished playing a game, the user may be provided with the option to play again, download the map programming module 120 , email the customized game to a friend, provide the customized game to a friend as a link (e.g., provide a URL to the customized game), or build their own customized game. [0051] With reference now to FIGS. 8-16 , an exemplary method of creating a customized map and/or geogame will be described in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention. The method begins when a user decides to create a new map (step 1604 ). As can be seen in FIG. 8 , one type of geogame that may be created by a user is a geodart game whereby a user is invited to answer geography related questions by identifying locations on a map. Alternatively, or in addition, a user may be asked to select areas on a map with a square, rectangle, or polygonal selection tool. As one example, a user may be asked to identify the location of the Nile River. In this example, a user may be required to click and drag across as much of the Nile River as possible. The comparison of actual data relating to the location of the Nile River may be compared with a polygon created by the user's selected area to determine the number of points to award the user. [0052] Once the user decides to create a new map, the user assigns the map a title and description (step 1608 ). The user may also assign other properties to the customized map such as the ability to convert text or URLs to points on a map. As one example, a user can enter a location name using the map programming module 120 and that text can be converted to a point (or area) on the map. The user may also be allowed to identify other tags for the customized map or geogame, determine if a particular map template is to be used when creating the game, determine sharing preferences/restrictions, determine editing preference/restrictions, and determine which map provider 124 should be used to retrieve map data. [0053] After these initial steps have been taken, the method continues with the user editing the customized map and/or creating a set of game rule sets with a map editor interface provided by the map programming module 120 (step 1612 ). As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the map editor interface may comprise a number of different editing tools, editing objects, routing options, and data import options. As one example, a user can enter a particular location to search for that location within the map data. Once the general location has been identified in the map data, the user is allowed to add a map marker to the same location (step 1616 ). The map marker is used to identify the selected location in the map data but is also used as the base data for the customized map and/or geogame. More specifically, when a user begins playing the geogame and selects a location, the selected location will be compared to the map marker location rather than the actual location in the map data. As note above, a user can add a point map marker or an area map marker. As can also be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a single map marker may be both a point marker and an area marker. More specifically, every city in the world may be viewed as a single point, particularly when viewing the world from an extremely great distance. If, however, one were to zoom in on a particular city, then that city would begin to appear as an area rather than a point location. In this sense a user may be allowed to identify a location as an area but that area may act as a point location if the user is not sufficiently zoomed in on the area. [0054] In addition to positively identifying locations with the map editor interface, a user may also be allowed to post queries that can be answered by referencing the map data. For example, a user may ask what city is the capital of France. By referencing the map data provided from the map provider 124 , the query can be answered in the map editing tool and the user can be directed toward the location satisfying the query. [0055] After the map marker has been added to the customized map or geogame, the user is further allowed to add properties to the newly created marker (step 1620 ). The types of properties that may be added to a particular marker include, without limitation, names of the marker, whether the marker is to act as a point or area marker at certain zoom settings, what rules are to be applied to the marker, and so on. The method continues by determining if the user wants to add any more markers (step 1624 ). If this query is answered affirmatively, then the method returns to step 1616 . If the query is answered negatively, then the method continues to step 1628 where the user is allowed to save the customized map or geogame and possibly test the geogame or view the map with a map viewer (also provided by the map programming module 120 ). [0056] As can be seen in FIG. 17 , a customized map and/or geogame may be protected by the creating user. More specifically, the creating user may define access permissions/restrictions and may further identify particular users that are allowed/disallowed access to their map. Thus, without proper authentication (e.g., username, password, etc.) a user may not be allowed to view or utilize a protected map or geogame. [0057] As can be seen with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19 , the editing tool supports user interaction, the creation of geometric shapes (map markers), the creation of text, photos, videos, and other customized content. The editing tool interacts with the map data (i.e., map tiles in the form of Geographic Information System (GIS) data) received from a map provider through an API. The API performs web services, executed queries on the map data on behalf of the user, employs route algorithms, identifies street layers, analyzes and conditions GPS feeds, analyzes and conditions live traffic feeds, analyzes and conditions weather feeds, translates Keyhole Markup Language (KML) for the user and communicates with the map provider using KML (which is an XML-based language schema for expressing geographic annotation and visualization on existing or future Web-based, two-dimensional maps and three-dimensional Earth browsers), and inserts ad overlays. [0058] With respect to the advertisement overlays, the API is adapted to receive ad information, such as particular images or videos for display as an advertisement. The ad overlay may be inserted in a customized map and/or geogame either at the discretion of a user or at the discretion of the map data provider 124 or administrator of the web server 116 . Accordingly, advertising revenue may be generated by the administrator of the web server 116 in connection with allowing users to access and utilize the map programming module 120 . [0059] As can be seen in FIG. 19 , the customized maps and/or geogames can be transferred to other individuals, companies, and or creative agencies. The widespread availability of a customized map and/or customized geogame can allow its creator to access a number of different markets with creative and personalized content. In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, the map programming module 120 may be integrated with other types of software platforms such as social networking platforms, news circulation platforms, and other platforms available over the Internet. Furthermore, the map programming module 120 may be used in connection with location aware devices (e.g., mobile navigation systems, GPS systems, etc.) and other map utilization tools. [0060] Additional details related to the packages, classes, and methods within those classes which make it possible to create a customized map, geogame, and/or map-based simulation are provided at http://www.afcomponents.com/content/documentation/umap as3/, the entire contents and sub-contents (e.g., the packages and classes listed in Appendix A of U.S. 61/215,604) of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, the contents of each class and the methods contained within each class are further described in the computer program listing appendix, which is being filed concurrently herewith on a CD ROM and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention contemplate using one or more packages (having a plurality of classes therein) such as, for example, a control package, a projection package, a core package, a display package, a display geocoder manager package, a marker manager package, a route manager package, an error package, an event package, a gui package, a gui button package, an interface package, a math package, an overlay package, a generic provider package, a plurality of specific provider packages, a style package, and a type package. [0061] While the above-described flowchart and interfaces have been discussed in relation to a particular sequence of events, it should be appreciated that changes to this sequence can occur without materially effecting the operation of the invention. Specifically, a device can address a third party without leaving an existing communication session as long as signaling and addressing occurs outside the audio channel. Additionally, the exact sequence of events need not occur as set forth in the exemplary embodiments. The exemplary techniques illustrated herein are not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments but can also be utilized with the other exemplary embodiments and each described feature is individually and separately claimable. [0062] Furthermore, the disclosed methods may be readily implemented in software using object or object-oriented software development environments that provide portable source code that can be used on a variety of computer or workstation platforms. Alternatively, the disclosed system may be implemented partially or fully in hardware using standard logic circuits or VLSI design. Whether software or hardware is used to implement the systems in accordance with this invention is dependent on the speed and/or efficiency requirements of the system, the particular function, and the particular software or hardware systems or microprocessor or microcomputer systems being utilized. The communication systems, methods and protocols illustrated herein can be readily implemented in hardware and/or software using any known or later developed systems or structures, devices and/or software by those of ordinary skill in the applicable art from the functional description provided herein and with a general basic knowledge of the computer and communication arts. [0063] Moreover, the disclosed methods may be readily implemented in software that can be stored on a storage medium, executed on a programmed general-purpose computer with the cooperation of a controller and memory, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, or the like. In these instances, the systems and methods of this invention can be implemented as program embedded on personal computer such as an applet, JAVAยฎ CGI script, as a resource residing on a server or computer workstation, as a routine embedded in a dedicated communication system or system component, or the like. The system can also be implemented by physically incorporating the system and/or method into a software and/or hardware system, such as the hardware and software systems of a communications device or system. [0064] It is therefore apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, systems, apparatuses and methods for easily creating customized maps and map-based games/simulations. While this invention has been described in conjunction with a number of embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations would be or are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations that are within the spirit and scope of this invention.
The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for allowing a novice user to create, manage, and distribute maps, map-based games, and simulations in any environment, with map tiles from any map provider. Users are allowed to make and manage such maps with a universal map-authoring application, thereby increasing its desirability among other novice users.
6
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY The present invention relates to an engine wall structure and to a method of producing an engine wall structure that comprises an inner wall, to which hot gas is admitted during engine operation, an outer wall, which is colder than the inner wall during engine operation, and at least two webs that connect the inner wall with the outer wall and delimit a cooling duct between said walls. During engine operation, any cooling medium may flow through the ducts. However, in particular, the invention relates to engine wall structures and a process for manufacturing engine wall structures in which there is a plurality of such webs dividing the space between the walls into a plurality of ducts, in particular for cooling the firing chamber walls and the thrust nozzle walls of rocket engines driven with hydrogen as a fuel or a hydrocarbon, i.e. kerosene, wherein the fuel is introduced in the cold state into the wall structure, is delivered through the cooling ducts while absorbing heat via the inner wall, and is subsequently used to generate the thrust. Heat is transferred from the hot gases to the inner wall, further on to the fuel, from the fuel to the outer wall, and, finally, from the outer wall to any medium surrounding it. Heat is also transported away by the coolant media as the coolant temperature increases by the cooling. The hot gases may comprise a flame generated by combustion of gases and/or fuel. Accordingly, the engine wall structure is preferably a thrust nozzle wall, preferably of a rocket engine. According to prior art, the engine wall structures of regeneratively cooled combustion chambers for liquid propellant rocket engines, cooling channels or ducts are machined, for example by milling, in a sheet or core that will form the inner wall, or at least part of an inner wall. In the case of regenerative cooling, this inner wall sheet may mainly comprise copper or a copper alloy. However, other materials such as steel may also be used as the core. The resulting ducts are delimited by remaining webs, and may subsequently be filled with a filler material such as a conductive resin. Subsequently, an outer cover, defining the outer wall, is applied to and attached to the projecting webs, for example by means of electro-deposition. The outer wall may comprise plural layers of a material such as nickel or a nickel-alloy. The outer cover may, possibly, also be attached to the inside of the inner wall sheet, thereby fully sur-rounding the core. The filler material, transformed by means of heating into a liquid state, is then drained off through an end of the respective duct. However, prior art results in an insufficient control of the exact thickness of the remaining inner wall, due to the inherent problem of obtaining an exact milling depth in the inner wall sheet. As a result, the control of the heat transfer becomes less predictable than it would have been if the exact inner wall thickness had been known. Also the area of the cross section of the ducts depends of the milling depth. Since alterations of that area will result in correspondingly altered flow conditions in the duct, this will also affect the effective heat transfer and the possibility of predicting the latter. Moreover, the requirements on the thermal conductivity of the inner wall and the webs may differ substantially. By regenerative cooling of an engine wall structure, by which the cooling medium has a high heat absorption capacity by the large coolant mass flow and largely comprises fuel to be used in a subsequent combustion process, the conductivity of the inner wall is much more decisive for the outcome of the cooling than is the conductivity of the webs. By so called dump cooling, by which the cooling medium has a low heat absorption capacity by a low coolant mass flow, the heat conductivity of the webs may be more decisive for the outcome of the cooling than will the conductivity of the inner wall. This insight has not been mentioned at all by prior art. It is desirable to provide an engine wall structure and a method of producing an engine wall structure as initially defined, by which heat is effectively and predictably transferred from the inner wall to the outer wall through a cooling medium, preferably a fuel, in one or more ducts and through the material of the webs that delimit said duct or ducts and that connect the inner and outer walls. The invention shall also present an engine wall structure the construction of which is such that it promotes the obtaining of a very precisely controlled inner wall thickness upon generation of the webs as well as a facilitated subsequent attachment of the outer wall to the webs, especially when the inner wall material is different from the outer wall material and not easily connected by any metal fusion process. The design of the engine wall structure should also be such that it takes into consideration the different heat conductivity requirements of the inner wall and the webs. According to an aspect of the present invention, the webs are formed by application of a first material onto the inner wall, said inner wall being comprised by a second material of other composition and other heat conductivity than said first material. Any suitable technique for applying the webs to the inner wall may be used, such as welding of solid pieces of the first material onto the inner wall. However, deposition of the first material, preferably electro-deposition, is preferred. By building the webs by means of application thereof onto the inner wall, preferably by deposition and most preferably by means of electro-deposition, the thickness of that wall will not be affected like when the webs are produced through machining of the inner wall, while, at the same time, the height of the web can be very finely adjusted, for example by means of a final milling of the web top. By using materials of different composition and heat conductivity, the webs may be tailored for their individual, specific functions, especially regarding the conductivity. Subsequent to the formation of the webs, the outer wall is attached to the webs. Preferably, a removable mask is placed onto said inner wall before the deposition of the webs is begun, said mask defining spaces in which the webs are deposited onto the inner wall. Thereby, a precise deposition of the web material is promoted. According to a preferred embodiment the outer wall is connected to the webs by means of a metal fusion operation, preferably welding, and most preferably laser welding. Accordingly, the outer wall comprises a sheet or the like that is connected to the webs. Preferably, the composition of the material of the webs is substantially equal to the composition of the material of the outer wall. Thereby, any metal fusion process for attaching the second wall to the webs is facilitated. Preferably, the material of the inner wall has higher heat conductivity than the material used for the webs. This is typically an advantage in those cases when there is a regenerative cooling with a high coolant flow rate or when the cooling medium has a high density, such as when in liquid state, resulting in a high heat absorption, but still a relatively low temperature of the cooling medium and, accordingly, in a relatively low temperature of the webs and the outer wall. The heat conductivity of the material of the inner wall will be decisive for the amount of heat that will be transferred to the cooling medium. The webs and the outer wall may then, preferably, be made of a material of higher mechanical strength than the material of the inner wall, while their conductivity is of less importance. Preferably, regenerative cooling is applied to stage combustion cycle rocket engine nozzles or expander cycle rocket engine nozzles. In a preferred embodiment, with rapidly flowing cooling medium or a cooling medium of high density, preferably liquid fuel, the inner wall comprises a copper or a copper-based alloy, and the webs comprise steel. Typically, this is preferred for a so-called regenerative cooling when hydrogen or kerosene to be used as fuel is also used as the cooling medium. The flow of the cooling medium should be such that a temperature well below the melting point of copper or copper alloy is obtained in the inner wall, preferably below 800 K. The use of a material with a remarkably lower heat conductivity, such as steel, for the inner wall, would result in a build up of a too high temperature in the inner wall and, as a result, a deterioration of the inner wall material. Several materials, such as steel, used for inner walls and webs have relatively low heat conductivity at low temperatures. A low temperature of the cooling medium, for instance at the cooling duct inlet, will result in a low temperature of the engine wall webs, and a low heat conductivity thereof. Also, if the heat transferability of the cooling medium is poor, for example due to a low flow rate or due to a low cooling medium density, it would be desired to compensate this by the use of a highly heat conductive material, such as aluminum, for the webs, and possibly also for the outer wall. Therefore, according to one aspect of the invention, the material of the webs has higher heat conductivity than the material of the inner wall. This feature is preferred for so called dump cooling. Preferably, dump cooling is applied to gas generator cycle rocket engine nozzles. If the cooling ability of the engine wall structure, including the cooling medium, is poor due to a low cooling medium flow rate or a low cooling medium density, the temperature of the inner wall might be to high for permitting the use of a highly heat-conducting material such as aluminum for the inner wall. In such cases it is preferred that the temperature resistance of the material of the inner wall is better than that of the web material. Thus, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner wall comprises steel or copper and the webs comprise aluminum or an aluminum-based alloy. According to another aspect of the present invention, an engine wall structure comprises an inner wall, to which hot gas is admitted during engine operation, an outer wall, which is colder than the inner wall during engine operation, and at least two webs that connect the inner wall with the outer wall and delimit a cooling duct between said walls, characterised in that the webs are mainly comprised by a first material and that the inner wall is mainly comprised by a second material of other composition and other heat conductivity than said first material. Preferred embodiments of the engine wall structure of the invention include those embodiments that have been described above with regard to the inventive method, especially with regard to the specific compositions of the first and second materials. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the annexed drawings, on which: FIG. 1 shows a cross section of a nozzle provided with an engine wall structure according to the invention. FIG. 2 is an enlargement of a segment of the engine wall structure according to FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a cross section of an engine wall structure according to a first embodiment of the invention, FIG. 4 is a cross section of an engine wall structure according to a second embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 5 is a cross section of a part of the engine wall structure during the manufacture thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic representations of the thrust nozzle 1 of a rocket engine. The nozzle 1 comprises and is defined by a cone-shaped or bell-shaped engine wall structure 2 . The engine wall structure 2 is provided with an inner wall 3 and an outer wall 4 , interconnected by a plurality of webs 5 , as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 . In the space between the inner wall 3 and the outer wall 4 there are ducts 6 that are used for cooling purposes. During operation of the engine a cooling medium, preferably the fuel or part of the fuel of the engine, is permitted to flow through the ducts 6 for the purpose of cooling the engine wall structure 2 . This technique applies to satellite launchers and space planes, and also in satellite thrusters, nuclear reactors and high efficiency boilers, and it can also be applied to heat shields or to the nose cones of vehicles travelling at very high speed. When a fuel, preferably in a liquid state, is used as the cooling medium, the technique is called regenerative cooling. Then, the heat absorption of the cooling medium is relatively high, since a large mass of fuel is permitted to flow through the engine wall ducts 6 . When the cooling medium comprises a gas or gas mixture that is not further used for any particular purpose, but only used for cooling purposes and then exited into the atmosphere, the technique is called dump cooling. Then, the heat absorption of the cooling medium is relatively low. Typically, dump cooling is applied when the flame of the engine generates a relatively low heat load. The inner wall 3 and the outer wall 4 are mainly constituted by metals, preferably different metals of different heat conductivity and different mechanical strength, since the requirements on such properties will differ for the inner and outer walls 3 , 4 . The webs 5 are also made of metal. The cooling ducts 6 are divided by the webs 5 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle 1 , i.e. in the hot gas flow direction, as seen in particular in FIG. 2 . The nozzle is cone-shaped, whereby the width of the ducts 6 increase towards the wider end of the nozzle 1 , and the thickness of the webs 5 is generally constant throughout the length of the nozzle 1 . FIG. 3 shows a first embodiment of the invention in which the inner wall 3 is mainly constituted by a material of different composition and different heat conductivity than the material of the webs 5 directly connected thereto. The webs 5 have been attached to the inner wall 3 by means of a metal deposition method, preferably electro-deposition. The deposition or build up of the webs is schematically represented in FIG. 5 , in which there is shown a mask 7 that is placed on top of the inner wall 3 before the application of the webs. The mask 7 has a height or thickness in a direction normal to the surface of the inner wall 3 that corresponds to or even exceeds that desired height of the webs 5 . The mask 7 leaves open channels 8 into which the web material is brought for the purpose of being deposited on the inner wall 3 . Once the deposition of the web material has been ended, the mask 7 is removed from the surface of the inner wall 3 . The mask 7 may be tailored in accordance with different pre-conditions, thereby greatly facilitating the application of different web geometries. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment in which the mask 7 has been given such a shape that the resulting webs 5 get wider towards the outer wall 4 . This specific geometry might be used in order to diminish the cross section area of the ducts 6 in order to enforce a more rapid flow rate of the cooling medium and, thereby, a more effective cooling. This effect is also achieved thanks to the interface area between the webs and the outer wall 4 becoming larger than would otherwise be the case. Once the deposition of the web material has been completed, the height of the webs 5 is finely adjusted, for example by means of milling, in order to establish a very precise web height, and, possibly, also the web width. Preferably, but not necessarily, this operation is performed after removal of the mask 7 . Thereafter, the outer wall 4 , constituted by a sheet of material, is positioned on top of the webs 5 and attached thereto, preferably by means of any metal fusion operation, such as laser welding. As already told, the web material differs from the inner wall material, in particular regarding its heat conductivity, and possibly also with regard to its mechanical strength and temperature resistance. The outer wall material and the web material should be easily interconnected by means of any metal fusion process. This is most easily achieved if their compositions are substantially equal. Accordingly, the outer wall material and the web material may have corresponding heat conductivity properties as well as mechanical properties. For applications with a high cooling effect of the cooling medium, for example when the flow rate of the latter is high and/or when the density thereof is high, as for a liquid cooling medium, the heat conductivity of the inner wall 3 will be crucial to the total heat transfer. Then, a high conductivity material such as copper is preferred as the inner wall material. The web material as well as the outer wall material should, of course, also have a certain conductivity, but since a large part of the heat is absorbed and carried away by the cooling medium, it might be substantially lower than that of the inner wall 3 . Therefore, a material of higher mechanical strength could be used as web material and outer wall material. In a preferred embodiment steel is preferred as web and outer wall material. For applications with a low cooling effect of the cooling medium, for example when the flow rate of the latter is low or when the density thereof is low, as for a gaseous cooling medium, the heat conductivity of the webs becomes increasingly important in order to let a larger part of the heat be transferred from the inner wall 3 to the outer wall 4 through the webs. It is then preferred that the heat conductivity of the web material is higher than that of the inner wall material. According to a preferred embodiment, the inner wall material mainly comprises steel, while the web material mainly comprises aluminum or an aluminum alloy. This is a preferred embodiment in cases when the cooling medium in the ducts 6 has a relatively low temperature, thereby permitting steel to be used as the inner wall material, and when the cooling medium is in gaseous state with inherently poor heat absorption capacity. It should be realised that the above description of the invention only has been made by way of example and that, of course, a person skilled in the art will recognise a plurality of alternative embodiments, all however within the scope of the invention as defined in the annexed patent claims, supported by the description and the drawings.
An engine wall structure includes an inner wall to which hot gas is admitted during engine operation, an outer wall, which is colder than the inner wall during engine operation, and at least two webs that connect the inner wall with the outer wall and delimit a cooling duct between the walls. The webs are mainly formed by a first material and the inner wall is mainly formed by a second material of other composition and other heat conductivity than the first material.
8
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/799,454 filed May 10, 2006, which is incorporated by reference. FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to a method and database for collecting, organizing, searching, displaying and managing information about planned residential communities. The present invention relates more specifically to a web-based computer method and database that centralizes data related to the marketing and sale of a residential property in planned communities. BACKGROUND [0003] There are at least two thousand planned residential community developments in the United States and thousands more worldwide. These planned communities are also referred to in the industry as master planned communities, and are generally combinations of diverse land uses such as housing, recreation and commercial units in a self-contained development on a continuous portion of land. The planned communities may provide certain benefits to the residents, such as a communal swimming pool for community members only or a members-only recreation center, which are not found in conventional neighborhoods developed under only zoning laws and neighborhood covenants. Luxury planned communities may provide owners unusual additional benefits, such as golf course memberships, private lake privileges, private clubs, or private airstrips, each perhaps with a variety of membership levels. These luxury benefits are not common, but they are a defining purchase factor to many wealthy purchasers. The luxury benefits are ever more popular to the millions of American โ€œbaby boomersโ€ who are reaching retirement age and want to relocate to planned communities that offer their desired mix of amenities and other characteristics. [0004] Historically, most buyers decide where they want to live and then look for homes in that geographical area. The geographical area is defined herein as a region having common living characteristics. If it is a metropolitan area, the geographical area searched by the buyer may include portions of several cities and counties. If it is a beach area, the geographical area may be limited to the desired beach. For that reason, real estate databases are invariably set up such that only homes in a certain geographic area can be searched, such as the well-known Multiple Listing Service (โ€œMLSโ€) which is a collection of data on individual homes in a specific geographical locale. That is, for homes in Long Beach, Calif., the buyer searches databases containing homes in the Long Beach area and surrounds. Similarly, for homes in Miami, Fla., the buyer searches databases containing homes in the Miami area and surrounds. [0005] However, the characteristics of the planned community are so important to some purchasers that they may take precedence over the location of the home being purchased. Unfortunately, there is no real-time, central source for information about planned communities from different geographical areas. This is problematic for buyers who want to find the right planned community first and then focus on finding the right home in that planned community, regardless of where the planned community is located. It would be desirable to be able to search a single database of planned communities from around the world to find ones with desired characteristics, without having to conduct multiple separate searches in multiple location-specific databases. [0006] The search options available today largely force buyers to attack the problem in reverse, searching multiple location-specific databases for homes, researching the planned communities the found homes are in, and then comparing multiple planned communities results from the multiple different searches. This is highly inefficient. Another approach is to buy magazines aimed at a given demographics, such as golfers, boaters, skiers or some other group of people who favor some other particular recreational activity. These publications typically offer advertisements or lists of communities appealing to the demographic, but even these are organized according to what state they are in. Another approach is to turn to the internet to conduct these searches. One problem with this approach is that internet searches using existing search tools do not have good sorting or filtering capability, and often return hundreds of results that must be culled through to find the desired information. These searches tend to drive buyers to individual properties without regard to whether they are in a planned community that fits the buyer's desires, or to real estate agents or the brokerage firms they work for. As a result, the buyer has the same problem he has if he goes the magazine route: a very broad a list of properties, not sorted by planned community having certain characteristics. It would be desirable to be able to search a single database of planned communities to find ones with desired characteristics, without having to conduct multiple searches in multiple location-specific databases. [0007] MLS search criteria do not incorporate fields for characteristics of the planned communities that are of interest to luxury buyers. And, while comments can be entered into the MLS that may set forth special characteristics of the community, such entry results in non-standardized entries that are effectively unsearchable. It would be desirable to be able to search planned communities by characteristics that are desired by the buyer. It would also be desirable to enable easy comparison shopping for the best communities by allowing a user to search, filter and sort that information by many community and property characteristics other than geographical location and recreational activity. It would also be desirable to enable a user to search by characteristics that are individually chosen by a user to fit his own criteria. It would also be desirable to be able to search that information by property characteristics, regardless of location. [0008] To entice buyers to a planned community, the developer of a planned community goes to great expense to create marketing information, usually including photographs and factual details about the planned community. Distributing that information to potential buyers can be a challenge and, until the Internet came along, developers resorted to advertisements in magazines and newspapers and direct mail. It would be desirable to distribute marketing material more easily. Another problem facing developers is the need for an organized way to manage the marketing and sale activities of the homes and homesites in the planned community. Collections of relevant information are often deployed in slightly different, parallel systems, both internal (sales and accounting departments, for example) and external (MLS and the county tax records, for example), which do not communicate easily with one another. This requires duplicate work to keep them updated and makes it much more difficult for the different databases to be synchronized. Further, the internal operation of the planned community's sales stems from a similar set of data to the outbound flow of marketing and sales information. Consequently, it would be desirable to coordinate planned communities' internal sales and marketing operations with outbound sales and marketing information flows. That is, it would be desirable to have a single system for coordinating all the information related to marketing and selling a home or homesite in a planned community. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] The present invention is a web-based method for collecting and searching data about a plurality of planned communities that enables users to search the data by one or more desired planned community characteristics, particularly those amenities that are peculiar to luxury homes and homesites. In the preferred embodiment, the planned community data from multiple communities is aggregated into a single database and updated automatically, and updates are displayed in real-time on the internet. The method pairs front-end and back-end data in a single database, so that planned communities' internal sales and marketing operations can be coordinated with the planned community data seen by buyers. The data are displayed on a website, and certain data are available to the public, while other data are accessible to authorized users only. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the relationships of the database and users of the present invention. [0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of planned community website information being automatically transmitted over the network to the planned community data table. [0012] FIG. 3 is one embodiment of a website enabling a search for planned communities that have a desired amenity. [0013] FIG. 4 is one embodiment of a website enabling a search for homes or homesites in planned communities that have golf memberships. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0014] The present invention is business process software that provides an overarching, connected system of information tables and websites to an entire industry with all the business development, business management, information management and communication tools and standard practices the industry needs in one streamlined system. While the preferred embodiment is described in terms of planned communities, it can be similarly adapted for other industries. FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the system in general. The invention comprises a database 11 with at least planned community data 12 , property data 13 , and people data 14 . The people data 14 may further comprise owner data 141 , buyer data 142 , lender data 143 , builder data 144 or that of other people commonly connected to planned communities. As used herein, database 11 means one or more data tables that are under common control. The database 11 preferably resides on a single computer, but may be distributed over a number of computers. More specifically, the database is not solely comprised of links to data tables or websites that are not under the common control. While these data on FIG. 1 are shown with like data grouped together in a single data table, this is for clarity in illustration only; the data my be combined in a single data table, or distributed over many data tables or databases, and the planned community, property, and people data may be commingled. [0015] A โ€œplanned communityโ€ is a contiguous portion of land that, before being built, is planned with combinations of diverse land uses such as housing, recreation and commercial units in one self-contained development. Usually a planned community is planned and initially owned by a single land development company, referred to herein as a developer. The planned community data is preferably a comprehensive profile of the planned community that includes physical, location, financial and legal characteristics about the planned community and the surrounding area that could be of interest to a potential purchaser. [0016] In the preferred embodiment, templates are used to standardize the data by collecting complete and uniform data about each planned community. The planned community data 12 includes at least one luxury feature, referred to herein as a planned community amenity, such as golf, tennis, swimming, fitness, equestrian facility (with or without private boarding), concierge, spa, fishing (fresh or salt water), fresh water boating (sailing, power boating, or deep water yachting) salt water boating (sailing, power boating, or deep water yachting), hunting, shooting (trap, skeet, sporting clays, shooting range), basketball, volleyball, squash, racquetball, water skiing, snow skiing, surfing, scuba, snorkeling, hiking, biking, fine dining, casual dining, or other social activities for the young and old. The planned community data 12 may also include a copy of the developer's website of its planned community. [0017] In addition to the amenity, the planned community data 12 preferably includes a brief narrative description; geographic location; age of development; whether there is a homeowner association; membership costs and regulations; physical characteristics of the development such as size and elevation; floor plans available; architectural style; surrounding area demographics; surrounding area attractions including dining and shopping, major league and college sports teams, cultural institutions such as symphony, opera, museums, libraries, theatres; major annual events and festivals; nearby hospitals; available public and private transportation; climate and weather; public and private schools; tax information; and houses of worship. Planned community data 12 may also include planned community membership, which is the owner's level of activity privileges including, access to golf, access to an airstrip, access to ski runs, access and management to horses, access to dining, access to boat mooring, or other private clubs. The database 11 may also include place data 15 , which comprise locations that are inside or outside the planned community, but that are not the planned community or a home or homesite therein. Provisions may be made to allow a developer's club management department to keep all its records in this database, as well. [0018] Appendix A lists many aspects that could be incorporated in the planned community data. [0019] Planned community data 12 is provided by a plurality of developers 1-n the developer's agent(s), in which each developer provides data about its specific planned community. The planned community data 12 is provided in electronic format to the database 11 , and more preferably via a public network such as the internet, although private networks may suffice. While the planned community data 12 is relatively static, preferably it is automatically updated whenever the developer updates its data, without extra effort on the part of the developer. The updates can be done dynamically as the data are changed, or periodically in batches. FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of planned community website information being automatically transmitted over the network to the planned community data when the planned community source data changes. [0020] Because the database 11 aggregates planned community data 12 from a plurality of developers, the data can be accessed and mined to provide reports with any permutation of the aggregated data therein, resulting in industry reports heretofore unavailable. In practice, the reports of aggregated data will likely be made anonymous so that competitors cannot view specific information about each other. [0021] As used herein, a property is the subject of the sale, and includes raw land (referred to herein as a โ€œhomesiteโ€) and a home (which includes the land it sits on). The property data 13 includes individual, historic records on each property within a development. It includes the basic, common information found in MLS databases such as the size of a home, the county assessor's number, number of bedrooms, how many cars can be parked in the home's garage, whether it has a pool and a spa, etc., as well as uncommon information that is useful for higher-level analysis and marketing that is not found in MLS. This uncommon information is preferably relevant to luxury homes buyers. It may include, for example, the view for each home or homesite, where view means any appealing visual appearance seen when looking out from the homesite, which may be of any attraction, including a golf course; a mountain; ski runs; water, such as a lake, bay, river, or ocean; city lights; forest; desert; city skyline. The property data 13 also preferably includes location relative to the amenity; homesite envelope size; home size; direction homesite faces; architectural style; architect; community membership availability; address or other unique identifier; sale status; listing agent; buyer agent; owner; or price, both offer price and purchase price. Further, the property data may include the entire design, construction and transaction history and related documents, such as design review board reports, standard Realtorยฎ contracts, title and escrow forms, and recordation forms. Provisions may be made to allow a homeowners' association to keep all its records in this database, as well. [0022] In the preferred embodiment, templates are used to standardize the data by collecting complete and uniform data about each property. The property data changes relatively frequently, and preferably it is automatically updated whenever the developer updates its data, without extra effort on the part of the developer. The updates can be done dynamically as the data are changed, or periodically in batches. Appendix B provides a more detailed list about the uncommon information provided about each property in the development. [0023] Because the database 11 aggregates property data 13 from a plurality of developers, the data can be accessed and mined to provide reports with any permutation of the aggregated data therein, resulting in industry reports heretofore unavailable. For example, a using transaction history data, reports can be generated showing industry-wide trends in sales of golf communities across multiple planned communities. In practice, the reports of aggregated data will likely be made anonymous so that competitors cannot view specific information about each other. [0024] The people data 14 includes information about people associated with the planned community and sale of the properties, such as listing agent data 140 , owner data 141 , buyer data 142 , buyer agent data 143 , lender data 144 , builder data 145 , and developer data 146 , which includes developer employees such as sales managers. The people data 14 characteristics include name, contact, calendar and scheduling information. The people data 14 may be provided by or integrated with a third-party customer relations management software application. Provisions may be made to allow a developer's human resources department to keep all its records in this database, as well. [0025] Listing agents includes any person or entity holding a listing for the available property, including the owner and real estate agents and brokers who may or may not be Realtors(&. The listing agent characteristics include the listing agent's name and contact information and listed properties for the listed agent, and preferably include a more detailed profile, with the sales executive's photograph, experience, and licenses. The listed properties data may further include available, pending and sold listed properties, as well as expired listings. Preferably the listing agent characteristics include the listing agent's schedule for showing listed property. This enables the developer's sales manager to conveniently monitor sales progress. [0026] The owner characteristics include any person on entity that has legal title to the property, including the developer, resident, investor, trust, or financial institution, such as a bank. The database 11 may also include characteristics about lending agents, such as those currently holding the mortgage, or those interested in financing new purchases. As used herein buyer includes prospective buyers, buyers in process, and buyers who have completed a purchase. Buyer characteristics may include name and contact information, and amenity desired. The buyer agent includes any person or entity acting on behalf of a Buyer, including the buyer itself. Buyer agent characteristics include name and contact information; and the amenity desired by the represented buyer. The buyer data for prospective buyers may be transmitted to a developer and used as a lead generation. Conversely, the buyer data for those buyers who have completed a purchase may be made available to other such buyers for social networking or forming a buyers club. Finally, people data 14 preferably includes one or more builder characteristics, such as name and contact information or addresses of homes built by builder. [0027] The database 11 may also include an integrated calendar so that the schedules, contacts, and other events may be recorded and seen by the people involved in the real estate transaction. Further, the system may include standard practices, policies and procedures for those involved in the real estate transaction. A forms library may be integrated with the templates so that data needs to be entered only once to be populate all the requisite forms and schedules. [0028] The database 11 is accessed from the network 17 . If the internet is the network, any person can access the database 11 though a conventional website, although access may be limited for certain types of users. [0029] The invention has two primary groups of users: public and private users. The public users have access to only limited portions of the data that are generally not proprietary or sensitive, namely the general data about the planned communities and the properties available therein. Public users can search for planned communities on a relatively detailed comparative shopping basis using certain criteria established by the person interested in acquiring property in a planned community. The criteria are self-selected by the user from a substantial list provided at the website. FIG. 3 is one embodiment of a website enabling a search for planned communities that have a desired amenity. [0030] FIG. 4 is one embodiment of a website enabling a search for properties in planned communities that have golf memberships. Other public users include the developers, buyers agents, property owners, builders and retail and institutional lenders. [0031] Private users have access to more portions of the data than the public users, some of which are generally proprietary or sensitive, such as the specific price history of a property or the personal schedule of a listing agent. For example, portions of the database, such as certain people data or past property sales histories, may be accessible by permission only. Typically the private users will be the developers and their employees and listing agents. [0032] The search results are available in easy-to-read reports, which can be displayed, printed or stored. Preferably the searches and results are web accessible from stationary and mobile computers. [0033] While there has been illustrated and described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that this invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
The present invention is a web-based method for collecting and searching data about a plurality of planned communities that enables buyers to search the data by one or more desired planned community characteristics, particularly those amenities that are peculiar to luxury homes and homesites. In the preferred embodiment, the planned community data is aggregated into a single database and updated automatically. The method pairs front-end and back-end data in a database, so that planned communities' internal sales and marketing operations can be coordinated with the planned community data seen y buyers. The data are displayed on a website, and certain data are available to the public, while other data are accessible to authorized users only.
6
This is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 063,423 filed on June 17, 1987 now U.S. Pat. No. 4,840,597. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a doll having elements for producing soap bubbles, and more particularly to a doll which can be used by young children safely and with minimal risk of spilling the bubble-making liquid while keeping user interest high. 2. Description of the Related Art Many types of bubble blowing toys and devices have been developed for children. Children have a fascination with the creation of bubbles out of liquid. Examples of bubble blowing toys directed to children are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,733,478 (bubble blowing elephant); 2,842,894 (bubble blowing toy figure); 3,228,136 (electrical bubble blowing toy); 3,388,498 (bubble making toy figure); and 4,556,392 (bubbling self-propelled toy). For the most part, these devices are one dimensional, in that the only function they serve is that of a bubble blowing apparatus. Further, many of the devices are too complicated for younger children, thereby requiring adult supervision or assistance. Due to these restrictions, it is often difficult for bubble blowing devices to hold the interest of younger users. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an objective of this invention is to provide a doll capable of blowing bubbles. Another object of this invention is to provide a bubble blowing device which has an independent use as a doll. A further object of this invention is to provide a doll having elements for producing bubbles which is easily manufactured at a low cost. Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part of the description that follows and in part, will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. To achieve the foregoing objects and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, the doll includes: a toy body of human configuration having a trunk portion bearing a receptacle for containing a mixture of water and soap necessary for the production of the bubbles, as well as a head portion within which there is housed an electronically actuated air impeller device which is functionally connected to a mouth opening present in said head portion; upper extremities or arms, at least one of which is pivotally mounted on said trunk portion and, operatively connected to a switch element for controlling the electric circuit for the actuation of said air impeller device; a tool for forming the bubbles, having a handle portion for attachment to the movable arm or arms and a ring-shaped portion for forming the actual bubbles. Furthermore, the mouth opening of the aforesaid head portion and the trunk portion on which the receptacle for the soapy solution is arranged are disposed along a circumferential arc which has its center at the point of articulation between the arm and trunk and a radius corresponding to the effective length of the arm and tool for the production of bubbles. In this way, by manually moving said pivoted arm it is possible to introduce the bubble-producing tool into the corresponding receptacle and then position the tool, in front of the mouth opening of said head portion. Air is then impelled from the mouth toward the tool, whereby a bubble is made. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating the doll of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a side view showing the pivotal motion of the arms of the doll; FIG. 3 is a side view, partially in section, of the doll of the present invention, in which the arrow A shows the movement effected by the pivoted arm thereof; FIGS. 4A and 4B are views illustrating the tool for producing the bubbles; FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating the receptacle which contains the soapy solution; FIG. 6 is a side, cross-sectional view of the air impeller device; FIG. 7 is a top, partial cross-sectional view of the air impeller device, and FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an alternative embodiment in which the arm movement is motor driven. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The structure of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. A doll 1 is formed of a body having a head portion 2, a trunk portion 3, a lower limbs portion 22 (legs and feet), and a pair of arms 4, at least one of which is articulated, e.g., swinging on the aforementioned trunk portion 3, as is illustrated in FIG. 2. Attached to the trunk portion 3 is a receptacle 15 for holding bubble making liquid. Attached to the pivoting arm 4 is a hand 21 which holds a tool 16 which can be dipped in the bubble making liquid contained in the receptacle 15 and then moved directly opposite an opening 5, which imitates a mouth, in the head portion 2 so that bubbles can be formed utilizing air forced through the opening 5, as discussed in detail below. At least the arm 4 holding the tool 16 is pivotally mounted. The second arm may also be pivotally mounted on a single axis through the trunk portion 3 so that the arms 4 ascend and descend together. The bubble making elements can be seen more easily in FIGS. 3, 6 and 7. An air impeller device 6, which will be described in greater detail below, has an outlet nozzle 7 which is coupled to said mouth opening 5 in such a manner that the stream of air generated thereby will emerge through the mouth opening 5 via the nozzle 7. The air impeller device 6 consists of an electric motor 8 which is powered by a battery 23, the live terminal of which is connected to motor 8. The motor is operatively connected to a rotor 9 having a plurality of transverse vanes 10 which is fitted in the interior of a cylindrical body 11 in which said outlet nozzle 7 is tangentially conformed. In addition, in said cylindrical body 11 there are formed a plurality of holes 12 which serve as suction intakes of the device 6. Referring still to FIG. 3, the arm 4 which is articulated on the trunk portion 3 has, in a region within said trunk portion 3 a stem or lug 13 which is operatively connected to a switch 14, for instance a blade switch 14, arranged in a feed circuit of the motor 8 of the air impeller device 6. The arrangement of the stem or lug 13 is such that in a position of rest of the doll 1, the switch 14 is in its open position, while in an active position of the doll, that is to say with the arm raised upward by the manual action of the user or mechanical action, the stem or lug 13 effects the closing of the switch 14 with the consequent production of a stream of air by the impeller device 6 through the opening 5. Referring now to FIG. 5, the receptacle 15 is formed of inner upper and outer portions, 15' and 15", respectively. The inner upper portion 15' has a downward directed concavity of a volumetric capacity approximately equal to that of the portion 15" so that even in the event that the receptacle 15 is tipped sideways or turned upside down, no loss of the liquid contained therein would take place since it would remain contained within the said concavity of the upper portion 15' As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B the tool 16 for the forming of the bubbles is formed of a handle portion 16' for attachment to the hand 21 of the arm 4 and a ring-shaped portion 16" for picking up and holding a film of bubble making liquid for the forming of the bubbles. The ring-shaped portion 16" is provided on its inner periphery with a plurality of projections 17, whereas the outer periphery includes a plurality of indentations 18, both of which contribute to facilitating the formation of the film of bubble making liquid which is necessary for the forming of the bubbles. The fastening of the receptacle 15 to the corresponding region of the trunk portion 3 can be effected in a variety of different ways. For instance, as shown in FIG. 3, a protruding portion 19 may extend from the trunk portion 3 on which the handle 20 of the said receptacle 15 can be engaged. The handle 20 may be removable from the protruding portion 19 or may be permanently attached to protruding portion 19 during manufacture. As will be easily understood by those skilled in this art, for the proper operation of the doll, it is necessary said receptacle 15 and said mouth opening 5 be arranged in a circumferential arc. More particularly, the bubble-forming tool 16, in order to ascend and descend as indicated by the arrow A in FIGS. 2 and 3 must be alternately brought opposite the mouth opening 5 and then introduced at the ring-shaped portion 16" into the inside of the receptacle 15 which contains the bubble making liquid, by the movable arm 4. The center of the circumferential arc is at the point of rotation of the arm 4 on the body and the radius of the arc is equal to the distance between said point and the ring-shaped portion 16 of the bubble-forming tool 16. In this way, by the manual or mechanical actuation of the descent and ascent of the arm 4, the tool 16 becomes wetted with the bubble making liquid contained in the receptacle 15, with the consequent formation of a soapy film in the ring-shaped portion 16". The ring-shaped portion 16" is then brought opposite the opening 5 of the head 2. A stream of air is then generated by the impeller device 6, and the desired bubble or bubbles are produced. As previously mentioned, the position of the stem or lug 13 of the arm 4 only acts on the switch 14 so as to cause the closing thereof to activate the impeller device 6, when said tool 16 has reached the vicinity of the opening 5. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the arm 4 holding the bubble-forming tool 16 is manually moved from the receptacle 15 to the opening 5. This allows for the manufacture of a simple and low cost embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment according to the present invention, whereby an electrically-driven mechanical device is introduced into the doll, for automatically moving the arm 4 to move the tool 16 from the receptacle 15 to the opening 5 and back again. This mechanical motion can be carried out by pushing a button 25 situated on the doll 1 above a battery compartment door 29 which closes a circuit thereby energizing a motor 26 which in turn activates a gear train 27 operatively connected between the motor 26 and the arm 4 portion, which causes the arm 4 and connected tool 16 to ascend and descend. The gear train 27 and motor 26 required for causing the ascending and descending motion of the arm 4 are well known to those in the art, and therefore, will not be further described herein. The rest of the structure of the doll is the same as is contained in the first embodiment. That is, when the arm 4 has ascended to a position such that the tool 16 is close to the opening 5, a circuit is closed by the contact of the stem or lug 13 and the blade switch 14, causing the air impeller device 6 to generate a stream of air through the opening 5 and the ring-shaped portion 16" of the tool 16, thereby producing bubbles. A wide variety of embodiments are foreseeable from the basic embodiments that have been described above. The device can be noise actuated, such that a particular voice or noise command such as the clapping of hands can cause the ascending motion of the arm 3 and accompanying tool 16 to the opening 5 which would cause the air impeller 6 to generate air through the ring-shaped portion 16" of the tool 16, thereby producing bubbles. As described above, the present invention has an added dimension in that it serves a dual purpose. Not only can the device be used for making bubbles, upon the removal of the receptacle 15 and tool 16, the device also serves as an ordinary doll for the user. The idolation of baby dolls by young children is of course well known. This also distinguishes the present invention from the above described single dimensional bubble blowing apparatuses. The foregoing is considered 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. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to that fall within the scope of the invention and the appended claims.
A doll is provided capable of blowing bubbles. The doll has a receptacle for holding bubble making liquid attached to the doll's trunk. A bubble making tool having a ring-shaped end is attached to a moveable arm of the doll. The arm is able to pivot about the trunk so that the tool may be dipped in the liquid and raised up to a mouth opening formed in the doll. An air impeller is located in the doll's head and forces air out of the doll's mouth when a circuit is closed by the motion of the arm in bringing the tool close to the mouth opening. Bubbles are produced when the air flows through the ring-shaped end of the tool coated with a liquid film.
0
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation-in-part of application, Ser. No. 273,084, filed June 12, 1981, in the name of William O. Young, Jr. and entitled "Improved Web Edge Decurling Device" now U.S. Pat. No. 4,447,937, issued May 15, 1984. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Textile webs in general are subject to curling along an edge or selvage thereof while being handled in open width and often develop curls, pressed folds or creases therealong due to improper handling, web tension, or the like. Knit or other flimsy textile webs in particular, when processed or handled at low tension or generally tensionless conditions tend to curl or roll up along the selvage. In order to produce a good quality roll of a textile web, or to achieve proper web handling along a process line for printing, inspection, drying, extraction of moisture, washing, doubling, tacking or other web treatment, it is most desirable, if not necessary, to ensure that the web is maintained in a flat condition where little or no fabric deformation is present at either selvage during winding or processing as set forth above. Proper package preparation or web handling may thus be achieved in conjunction with apparatus of the present invention that engages the web selvage and due to a particular action, removes curl, folds and creases from the selvage of the web. While the device of the present invention is suitable for curl, fold and crease removal, hereinafter, decurling is intended to refer to all. Several different classes of decurling devices have heretofore been developed that include static as well as power driven approaches. Among the power approaches to decurling, exemplary of same are a driven type where oppositely opposed discs, rotating fingers, screws, belts or the like are located along a selvage of the web. The elements are driven to produce a motion which, in turn, imparts a spreading effect to the web to remove the curl. Likewise, fluid jets have been directed against the web curl to apply a decurling or uncurling force thereon. The power driven approach to decurling of necessity, requires a motive force for driving the particular decurling elements. Such obviously adds to cost of operation and likewise, leads to the necessity for continuing maintenance and replacement of parts, not to mention a significant initial capital cost. The improved decurling device of the present invention is a static type structure. Known static systems include principally the decurler described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,217,682 to Young et al over which the present invention represents improvement. The Young et al web edge decurler has been commercially successful and performs the decurling operation in a very suitable fashion. Likewise a similar static structure utilizes fins that are secured to opposed plates, with the fins defining helices along the length of same, or starting at a flat flange and turning to a generally vertical fin for the effective length of the structure, and a web passageway is defined between the fins for removing curl, etc. from a moving web. Other known static systems include a pair of spring loaded elements that are disposed above and below the web, with each of the elements being U-shaped where a short leg of the U is presented on the web side and engages the web to strip curl therefrom. Still further, another known static structure includes a planar surface having ridges disposed thereon over which the web passes, with frictional forces produced between the web and the ridges to remove curl from the selvage of the web. Other decurling devices are disclosed in British Pat. No. 105,895 to Canby et al, British Pat. No. 117,427 to Greenwood, and German Pat. No. 276,759 to Spuhr. Decurling devices according to teachings of the present invention represent a definite technological advance in the art which is not believed to be taught or suggesed by any of the prior art set forth above, or by any other known prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for removing curl, folds and the like from the edge of a moving web. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved static device for flattening the selvage of a traveling web to provide a uniform web surface thereat. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved device for decurling an edge of a moving web that may be positioned immediately adjacent further processing equipment. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved edge decurling device that is uniquely adjustable and is capable of removing all types of curl from the selvage of a wide range of fabrics. Another object of the present invention is to provide an edge decurling device that includes a unique fin arrangement. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved edge decurling device that may be quickly and easily disassembled to facilitate cleaning and/or inspection of same when necessary. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved web decurler that is suitable for use in conjunction with a tenter frame and which will accept seams in the fabric being handled without disturbing the tentering operation. Generally speaking, the device of the present invention for removing curl, folds, and the like from an edge of a moving web comprises a first bank of parallel, elongated fins, said fin bank being of unitary structure that exhibits low friction characteristics, said fins being diposed at an angle to an edge of a web traveling thereby, and having generally flat outer free edge surfaces for contact with a web; a second bank of parallel elongated fins, said second fin bank being of unitary structure that exhibits low friction characteristics and being diposed with respect to said first fin bank to define a web passageway therebetween, fins of said second fin bank being disposed at an angle to an edge of a web traveling thereby, and having generally flat outer free edge surfaces for contact with a web; and means for mounting said banks of fins in said disposition, whereby said generally flat edge surfaces of said fins of said first and second banks cooperate to remove curl, folds, and the like from a web passing therebetween. More specifically, the banks of fins are preferably removably securable to respective plates, which plates are adjustably associated to present the fin edges at predetermined locations to define a particular web passageway. Preferably, the association of the plates is by means of quick release coupling such that the top and bottom plates may be easily and quickly disassembled for cleaning, inspection or other desirable reasons followed by easy recoupling, with a minimum of disruption of process equipment with which the unit is being utilized. One embodiment of the instant decurler device includes fins arranged to accommodate a wide range of fabric weights and constructions. Particularly, such embodiment includes providing a plurality of banks of fins with different spacing between fins in at least certain of the banks. A first or entrance pair of opposing banks of fins is provided having fin spacings adequate to accept heavy type webs and initiate decurling of same while also being close enough together to have some initial decurling effect on lighter types of fabric webs. At the exit from the decurler, a pair of opposing banks of fins is provided with lesser space between the fins to complete the decurling action for both types of webs. Preferably for tenter frame applications, the pair of opposing banks of fins are separated by an opening in the respective plates, and through which a sensing mechanism may detect the presence or absence of an edge of the web being decurled. Proper positional location of the web with respect to the pins or clips of the tenter may thus be detected. The adjustment feature of the present invention preferably includes a plurality of elements or studs associated with one of the bottom or top fin bank receiving plates which make contact with the other of said fin receiving plates. The elements are adapted for movement to and from the plate with which they are associated to vary the spacing between the plates, and thus define the web passageway between the fins according to the dictates of the material being processed. The adjustment studs are preferably received in a housing secured to one of the plates with an opposite end of at least certain of the studs being receivable in appropriate receiving means at the other of said plates whereby relative lateral movement between the two plates is precluded. In a most preferred arrangement, the adjustment studs are received in a housing secured to the inside surface of the top plate, with each of the studs being received in an appropriate opening within the housing, a portion of which is threaded, and wherein a portion of the length of the stud is threaded for mating engagement with the threaded portion of the housing. The studs may all be interengaged by virtue of a drive means making contact therewith, with one of the studs passing through the top plate and being adapted for manual adjustment thereat. Once manual adjustment is made to the one stud, all of the interrelated studs in the housing are simultaneously adjusted by a like amount. Three such studs may be provided in a triangular pattern with two of the studs located on a line parallel to an outer edge of the decurler and the third, manually adjustable stud being located on a line with one of the first two studs, generally parallel to an entrance to the decurling unit. In one embodiment of the quick release coupling means for the decurler of the present invention, an elongated element is received through one of the two plates, preferably the top plate, and has a spring means located between the outer surface of the plate and an outer end of the element. An element receiving means is presented at an opposite location on the inside of the other plate. When the plates are brought into proper alignment, the elongated element may be depressed against the bias of the spring means, received in the element receiving means in releasable locking engagement, to interlock the top and bottom plates. Disassembly of the top and bottom plates would follow the reverse, i.e., depression of the elongated element in a direction of the plate and manipulation to release same from the receiving means, whereby the two plates may be easily and quickly separated for cleaning, inspection, changing of fin arrangement, or the like. Preferably in such arrangement, the connector means are located adjacent the adjustment means, at an outer end of the decurler, with the other or opposite end of the decurler being devoid of internal support. With the coupling means thus located, the top plate of the device, along the operative length of the decurler, in effect, floats above the bottom plate and is biasable apart from the bottom plate by seams or other imperfections in the web that pass through the device, without interfering with the operation of the device or of processing equipment in connection with which the device is being employed. The unitary fin banks of the present invention are preferably produced of a material that exhibits low friction characteristics. Exemplary, without limitation, of such polymeric materials are ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene. Such polymeric materials should of course exhibit a low coefficient of friction while not being susceptible to abrasion due to web contact, or affected by process temperature, chemical finishes on the web, chemical baths for the web, or the like. Preferably a block of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene is machined to produce the fin bank. Machining may be closely controlled to produce the desired angular fin arrangement, canting of the fins, fin spacing, parallelity of the fins, and the like. Additionaly, by machining, outer free edges of the individual fins, the fins in the bank may be generally flattened, producing a sharp leading tip or apex for each fin for improved removal of curl and the like from a web without cutting the web or any significant amount of fibers from the web. While a machined fin bank is generally preferred, other production techniques for manufacture of the unitary fin bank may likewise be employed, such as molding and the like. Mounting of the fin banks to the plates or other support structure is preferably accomplished by provision of interrelating elements and snap fit connections that rely upon flexibility of the material from which the bank is manufactured. Such mounting techniques for the fins allows quick assembly and disassembly such that different fin arrangements to be employed for the same plate arrangements, if desirable or necessary, due to particular fabric construction. Particularly, mating groove-protrusion guide arrangements are preferably employed with the fin bank, overriding a protruding stud which snap fits into a mating slot for same. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a decurling device according to teachings of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the decurling device as shown in FIG. 1, viewed from the web entrance side of same, and further illustrating a suitable means for mounting the decurling device and a web sensor. FIG. 3 is a vertical cross sectional view of the decurler as illustrated in FIG. 2, taken along a line III--III. FIG 4 is a plan view of the inside of the bottom plate of a preferred embodiment of the present invention with fin banks secured thereto. FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross sectional view of the device as illustrated in FIG. 2, taken along a line V--V. FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a fin bank according to the teachings of the present invention as viewed from the exit side of the device shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6A is an end view of the fin bank as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a further fin bank according to teachings of the present invention as viewed from the entrance side of the device as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 7A is an end elevational view of the fin bank as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is a vertical cross sectional view of the device in FIG. 1, taken along a line VIII--VIII. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Making reference to the Figures, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail. Operationally speaking, two decurler units D may be located along opposite sides of a passageway for a web W of textile material illustrated for one side only in FIG. 1. Decurler units D may be mounted by means illustrated in FIG. 2 as described hereinafter, or by any other suitable means. Web edge detector means P may be located along at least one of the outer edges of said passageway (see FIG. 2), such that when utilized in conjunction with means to move the web in a lateral direction upon receipt of a signal from the detector means P, the web may be generally maintained properly with respect to the operative decurling zone of units D for removal of curl C from web W. In FIGS. 1-8, one preferred embodiment of the decurler unit of the present invention is set forth. The decurling device D of the present invention generally includes a top plate 10 having one or more banks of fins associated with an inside surface of same and a bottom plate 20 having one or more banks of fins associated with an inside surface of same. Plates 10 and 20 are thus associated to position the respective fin banks in opposed relationship such that a web passageway is defined therebetween. Preferably plates 10 and 20 are joined by quick release coupling means generally 90. Adjustment means generally 70 are also provided to vary the spacing between the opposing fin banks. Fins making up the fin banks are presented at an angle to a passageway for web W through device D, extending towards an outer edge of device D. When plates 10 and 20 are associated such that the banks of fins are opposed, a web passageway is defined therebetween, as set forth above, through which web W may pass for removal of curl, folds, creases and the like C therefrom. As particularly illustrated in FIG. 4, which is a plan view of bottom plate 20, two fin banks generally 30 and 40 are shown associated therewith on opposite sides of opening 22, each having a plurality of fins 32 and 42, respectively, all of which extend in an angular direction towards an outer edge of the web passageway, with each fin being spaced apart from an adjacent fin by a predetermined distance. Two fin banks 50 and 60 are also associated with the inside of upper plate 10 (See FIG. 5), likewise including a plurality of fins 52 and 62, respectively, which, when superimposed above fin groups 30 and 40 extend angularly outwardly towards an outer edge of the web passageway. In a most preferred embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, fins 32 and 42 when superimposed above fins 52 and 62 are vertically offset therefrom. A tortuous passageway may be provided through the decurler unit where the vertical spacing between fins of the respective plates is such that the fins intermesh. With a fin bank arrangement of the type illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, webs of varying weights and constructions may be processed therethrough. Fins 32 and 52 at the entrance to the device are spaced apart from adjacent fins 32 and 52 at a distance that will initiate a decurling action for both light and heavy webs, while fins 42 and 62 located at the exit end of the device have a lesser spacing to finalize the decurling action. Further making reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 6A, 7 and 7A, the specifically illustrated and preferred fin arrangement of the present invention will be described. Fin bank 30 includes a base of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene material 31 having forward and side bevel sections 33. A plurality of parallel grooves 34 are provided in base 31, with fins 32 being defined therebetween. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 6, fins 32 are preferably canted, and when mounted to plate 20 cant in the web edge direction. The outer free edges 35 of fins 32 (See FIGS. 3, 6, and 7) are generally flat and an apex 36 is provided at the leading edge of same. An underside of base 31 of fin bank 30 is provided with means for removable securement to plate 20, such as beveled edge 33 which resides under flange 23 of plate 20 and a guide slot 37 which mates with a further inturned flange 25 which is secured to plate 20 adjacent opening 22. Additionally, plate 20 is provided with an upstanding stud 27 which is secured to the inside surface of same. Stud 27, during installation of fin bank 30 first engages incline 38, biasing bank 30 upwardly until stud 27 passes into stud receiving opening 39. With stud 27 in stud opening 39, and the guide neans in mating relation, bank 30 is secured to plate 20. For removal, it is necessary to bias bank 30 upwardly until stud 27 clears opening 39 and moves bank 30 away from stud 27. Fin bank 50 is constructed in similar fashion to fin bank 30, though a mirror image, and is, where appropriate, identified with like numbered digits in the series. Fin banks 40 and 60 are provided with guide slots 47 and 67 which are vertically received along further flanges 45 and 65. Studs 17 and 27 are provided on plates 40 and 60, respectively, to be received within openings 49 and 69 of banks 40 and 60 to secure banks 40 and 60 in place. Specifically as to the device illustated in FIGS. 1-8, for tenter frame use, top plate 10 defines an elongated opening 12 which is located directly above a like opening 22 defined by bottom plate 20 and through which a web being handled may be visually observed or detected by suitable detection means P. In a most preferred arrangement (See FIGS. 4 and 5), the fin banks 30 and 40 associated with bottom plate 20 are separated by opening 22 defined by plate 20. Fins 32 of bank 30 adjacent an entrance to the device, are spaced apart from adjacent fins 32 by an amount adequate to accept and begin to remove curl, folds, creases and the like from a generally heavy type web, whereas fins 42 of bank 40 are spaced apart from adjacent fins 42 by a lesser amount, adequate to further remove curl, folds, creases and the like from either a light of flimsy web or from a heavy web from which most of the curl has already been removed by the wide spaced entry fins. As mentioned hereinbefore, a common spacing between fins throughout a decurler is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,217,682. Commercially, a certain spacing between all of the fins of a decurler has been provided when the decurler is intended primarily for use on heavy type webs, with a lesser spacing between all the fins of a decurler intended for use on light or flimsy type webs. While the same approach may be taken for the decurler of the present invention, utilizing a plurality of banks of fins as described, supra, the device of the present invention is generally suitable for handling all types of webs as mentioned above. A like arrangement is provided on the underside of top plate 10 where a first bank of fins 50 is provided adjacent the entrance to the device having a wide spacing between adjacent fins 52 with a second bank of fins 60 being provided adjacent the exit from the decurler having a lesser spacing between fins 62. Such is illustrated in FIG. 5. Located between top and bottom plates 10 and 20 is an adjustment means generally 70. Adjustment means 70 includes a housing 71 (See FIGS. 5 and 8) that is secured to an underside of top plate 10 and has a plurality of stud receiving openings 72 therethrough, coincident with the number of adjustment studs 76 utilized in the particular device. A portion of the length of openings 72 through housing 71 is threaded at 73 while a further portion of the opening 72 serves as a bearing surface for studs 76 as at 74. One of openings 72 in housing 71 is aligned with an opening 13 defined by top plate 10 for a purpose to be described hereinafter. A plurality of adjustment studs 76 are received within openings 72 of housing 71, with one adjustment stud 76' extending upwardly through opening 13 of plate 10 and having an adjustment means H illustrated as a handle secured thereto. Studs 76 are threaded along a portion of the length of same at 77 to be received in threaded connection with the threaded portion 73 of openings 72. Beneath the threaded portion 77, a sprocket or other similar means 78 is provided on studs 76 and resides within a recess 79 therefor in housing 71 and in operative association with a drive means 80 as defined thereinafter. Below sprocket 78, studs 76 are received for rotation in bearing surface 74 of housing 71. A lower portion of studs 76 engages a portion of bottom plate 20 with at least certain of studs 76 being received in stud receiving openings 23 located on the inner surface of plate 20. Manually adjustable stud 76' may only make contact with a portion of plate 20. With at least two studs 76 received in respective stud receiving openings 23, lateral movement of plate 10 with respect to plate 20 is precluded. As illustrated particularly in FIG. 5, in a preferred arrangement, housing 71 is generally triangular shaped, and is located immediately adjacent an edge of plate 10, outside of the path of travel of a web through the device, with each of the studs 76 and 76' being located at a corner of same. Particularly, two studs 76 are located in a line L parallel to an outer end of the device and consequently an outer end of plate 10 while the third, manually adjustable stud 76' is located inwardly with respect to said parallel line and in a line with one of said two studs 76, parallel to the entrance to the decurling device. Line L defines a hinge location for top plate 10 with respect to bottom plate 20, the purpose of which will be described hereinafter. A drive means 80, such as a chain, timing belt or the like passes around sprockets 78 of studs 76 and 76' to interrelate same. When handle H of the manually adjustable stud 76' is rotated to provide adjustment for adjustment stud 76', studs 76 move up or down a like amount such that the positional relationship between the outer web contact surface of the fins associated with plates 10 and 20 may be set at a predetermined position. In a preferred arrangement for operation of a decurler according to the present invention, there is a slightly greater vertical spacing between the respective fins 32 and 52 at the entrance end of the decurler than at the exit end to facilitate ease of entry of the web W thereinto. Such differential spacing may be preset into the device by particular original placement of the adjustment studs 76 and 76', after which, during adjustment, the preset differential spacing will be retained. While the innermost stud 76' is disclosed as the adjustment stud for the simultaneous adjustment means 70 of the present decurler, obviously any of the other studs could likewise serve as such. Furthermore, with a chain drive means 80 being received around sprockets 78, in a most preferred embodiment, chain 80 is an inextensible, link chain. Should, however, a drive connector 80 be utilized that is not inextensible, a drive means tension control element 82 shown schematically in phantom in FIG. 5, could be employed. In similar fashion, while sprockets are illustrated as a preferred arrangement for interconnection between the drive means and the invididual studs, sheaves, pulleys or the like could likewise be suitably employed, so long as same could be utilized in conjunction with drive means 80 without slippage. As illustrated in the Figures, particularly FIG. 8, the quick release coupling means generally indicated as 90 is located within the area of the adjustment means, and is illustrated in Figure 8 as an elongated element 91 that extends through an opening 14 in top plate 10, and an opening 83 in housing 71, and has a latch means 92 located adjacent a terminal end of same. Latch means 92 is preferably a member that extends outwardly from both sides of element 91, transverse to the length of same. A latch receiving means 25 is associated with bottom plate 20 to receive latch means 92 and defines a vertical slot 26 therethrough. Along the length of vertical slot 26 is a cutaway terminating at a shoulder on each side against which latch means 92 may be received against inadvertent removal, whereby top plate 10 may be secured to bottom plate 20 with the adjustment studs 76 being received in the stud receiving means 23. A spring means 93 is located along element 91, between a pair of retainers 94 and 95 to provide a spring bias on latch means 92, holding same against shoulders 27'. As illustrated, an appropriaate handle means 96 is located above the spring neans 93 to facilitate depression and rotational movement of quick release coupling 90. Latch means 92 is larger than opening 14 in top plate 10 whereby element 91 remains in place with respect to plate 10. When it is desirable to associate decurler plates 10 and 20, the plates are brought into proper alignment such that studs 76 are received in stud receiving means 23 and latch means 92 resides in vertical slot 26 of receiving means 25. Depression of handle 96 of coupling means 90 compresses spring means 93 and moves latch means 92 inwardly of slot 26 of latch receiving means 25. Rotation of element 91 then moves latch means 92 under shoulders 27', and once pressure is removed from handle 96, spring 93 expands applying tension on latch means 92, holding same therein. Once it is desirable to detach top plate 10 from bottom plate 20, it is simply necessary to again depress handle 96 and rotate same adequate to permit latch means 92 to be returned from shoulders 27' into entrance slot 26. Handle 96 is then released and plate 10 can be moved away from plate 20. With vertical slot 26 aligned as illustrated in the Figures, parallel to an outer edge of the decurler, top plate 10 may be moved laterally away from bottom plate 20 with little or no vertical displacement. Such is advantageous where, for example, in conjunction with a tenter frame, a sensor P is located above the decurler. In this particular arrangement, quick release coupling means 90 is preferably located adjacent the outer edge of the decurling device, beyond the path of travel of the web with no further internal support other than adjustment means 70, such that top plate 10 "floats" above bottom plate 20 to permit separational movement therebetween in the presence of a seam or other imperfection in the web without disrupting the downstream operation of the processing equipment. Specifically, as illustrated in the Figures, coupling means 90 is preferably located along line L (See FIGS. 4 and 5), the general hinge line between plates 10 and 20, whereby top plate 10 floats above bottom plate 20. With coupling means 90 so positioned, no further internal support is generally necessary or desired. Coupling means 90 may, however, be moved off line L, and if the movement of same is of adequate magnitude, or if the weight of top plate 10 dictates, an internal counter spring means such as described in copending application, Ser. No. 273,084, filed June 12, 1981, may be employed. In further description of the decurler according to teachings of the present invention, certain additional features should be alluded to with respect to top plate 10 and bottom plate 20. With particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, a horizontal web support bar 28 is provided adjacent an exit from the decurling device to afford support to a web exiting therefrom without the danger of same being marked or otherwise affected. Bar 28 as can be seen in the Figures extends beyond the end of plate 20, and forms a semi-circle thereat. Two types of mounting means are illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 8 for the decurler device according to the present invention. In FIG. 8, for example, a pair of inturned flanges 29 are secured to the outer surface of bottom plate 20, i.e., the surface opposite the surface with which the fins are associated, defining a particular spacing therebetween, such that a support element (not shown) may be received in the space between flanges 29 to securely hold the decurler at a proper location while permitting lateral adjustment along the support to facilitate manual compensation for handling different web widths. In FIG. 2, a mounting means generally indicated at 100 is illustrated having a base 101, a vertical element 102 and a horizontally extending element 103. Base 101 and horizontally extending element 103 are parallel to receive the decurler unit therebetween while a further portion of base 101 extends outwardly from the decurling unit beyond the vertical support 102 and may be utilized to secure the overall structure to the process equipment. Upper horizontal element 103 is so positioned that a detector element such as a photodetector P may be secured thereto being located over plate openings 12 and 22 for detection of a web passing through the decurling device. Should lateral adjustment of the decurling unit be necessary, same may be accomplished by varying the length of the base 101, or by utilizing clamps in conjunction with base 101 to secure the overall structure to the process equipment whereby clamps may be released and the base reclamped at a different location. Having described the present invention in detail, it is obvious that one skilled in the art will be able to make variations and modifications thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be determined only by the claims appended hereto.
A device for removing curl, folds and the like from a moving web in which opposing banks of elongate fins cooperate to define a web passageway therebetween. The banks of fins are preferably associated with top and bottom plates, respectively, that may be biasable apart by seams, etc., passing therebetween, and may include quick release coupling to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the device without affecting the process with which the device is employed. Relative positions of the top and bottom banks of fins may be adjustably controlled. Preferred different fin spacing permits the handling of webs of varying weights and construction. Fin banks are of unitary construction from material exhibiting a low coefficient of friction as exemplified by ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.
3
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention pertains to the field of smoking materials. More particularly, the present invention concerns a method for preparing a smoking material with reconstituted tobacco having incorporated therein fine tobacco dust. 2. Description of the Prior Art As a result of treating, handling and shipping tobacco in its various forms, i.e., cigar wrappers or fillers, cigarets, smoking tobacco, etc., tobacco dust is generally formed. This dust, generally less than about 60 mesh in size, is recovered from air filters, tobacco screens and other like separating systems. Generally, it has been desirable to employ this tobacco dust in conjunction with other tobacco by-products, such as stems, stalks and leaf scraps resulting from the stripping of leaf tobacco, in the preparation of reconstituted tobacco material. One process for making reconstituted tobacco sheets involves casting or forming a paste or slurry of refined tobacco by-products, including dust, onto a moving belt. In such a technique, the employment of very fine tobacco particles is feasible inasmuch as these tobacco dust particles are simply retained on the moving belt, present no manufacturing difficulties are not lost during the sheet formation. This is not, however, true in a paper-making type process for the preparation of reconstituted tobacco. More particularly, when employing a paper-making process for preparing reconstituted tobacco, the tobacco dust must generally be discarded or employed elsewhere. This is due to the fact that in the paper-making process, the slurry of refined tobacco by-products is cast from a head box onto a wire screen for forming the desired sheet. If the screen mesh size is too large, the dust particles simply pass through the wire screen and do not, as a result, become incorporated in the resulting sheet. Conversely, when the screen mesh size is reduced so as to prevent the tobacco dust particles from passing therethrough, the dust considerably slows the drainage of the water through the screen and correspondingly slows the rate of sheet formation by actually plugging and/or clogging the wire screen openings. Accordingly, although the paper-making type process for making reconstituted tobacco material has many advantages over the alternative casting/moving belt method, particularly, in that a binder is not required to hold the fibers together and a significant amount of solubles can be removed from the tobacco material to be treated separately and later reincorporated in the resulting sheet, and is consequently the preferred method, it nevertheless does suffer from the disadvantage of not being able to efficiently and conveniently employ tobacco dust by-product. A means for employing tobacco dust in such a process is described in copending application Ser. No. 223,035 assigned to the assignee of the present application, but that means is somewhat complex and consequently more costly than that about to be disclosed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Applicant has discovered a process which avoids substantially all of the above-noted disadvantages associated with a paper-making type process in the preparation of reconstituted tobacco containing tobacco dust which is employed as a smoking material alone or in combination with other smoking materials such as natural leaf tobacco. In particular, applicant has discovered a method for producing a smoking material which economically utilizes tobacco dust by-products in a paper-making type process for making reconstituted tobacco. This method not only reduces the loss of the dust through the wire screen when the screen openings are too large and furthermore reduces clogging and/or plugging of the screen openings when these openings are too small, but additionally, the method of the present invention actually increases the rate of drainage through the wire screen correspondingly increasing the rate of production of the reconstituted tobacco sheet and improving its quality by allowing better refining of the remaining tobacco stem feedstock. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a method for employing tobacco dust in the preparation of reconstituted tobacco which comprises admixing tobacco dust with the extract liquor which has been concentrated in steam evaporators after recovery from extraction presses. The mixture is then passed through a homogenizer to refine and uniformly disperse the particles in the concentrated extract. The viscous product is applied to the reconstituted tobacco web which has been removed from the Fourdrinier wire, and the coated web is then dried in the usual fashion. Final cutting, shredding, and blending into cigarette filler or the like is conventional. The method is diagrammed in FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The method for utilizing tobacco fines in the preparation of reconstituted tobacco employing a paper-making process calls for certain modifications in the usual process. Tobacco fines by-product material is first collected. It may be used totally apart from the Fourdrinier feedstock, or a portion (up to 20% of the feedstock) may be sent with the stems while the remainder is kept for the coating preparation. This separated fines fraction is blended with concentrated extract as will be described below. Meanwhile, the said feedstock, according to the usual process, is diluted with 500 to 700 parts of water per 100 parts of solids and is passed into refiners which beat the stems to form a smooth, well-blended fiber slurry. This is concentrated in an extraction press by removal of about five-sixths of the liquid extract which is sent to the concentrators. Here steam heating vaporizes a portion of the water. The stock from the press is diluted with white-water from the Fourdrinier to a consistency which is suitable for application to the wire at the headbox of the Fourdrinier. That part of the process is conventional in the extract-recombine papermaking reconstitution process. The concentrated extract, according to the present invention, is blended with the separated fines fraction in preparation of a coating for reapplication, by any of the following alternatives: 1. The blend of concentrate and fines is homogenized, as for example in a Gaulin homogenizer or the like; or the dry fines are milled prior to mixing with the extract; 2. The fines, before blending, are treated with aqueous diammonium phosphate to release the tobacco pectins and the resulting dispersion is blended with the extract (in a more concentrated form to allow for the dilution which results); or 3. The fines are moistened with water and treated with steam to soften and loosen the particles, resulting in a thick paste which is then blended with concentrated extract, and optionally homogenized as under (1) for preparation of a coating composition. The coating is applied to the moving web ahead of the dryers, at or near the point where the sizing press is located in the basic process. The application may be by a roll coater, blade coater, high-pressure spray, or any similar means for applying viscous liquid to a running web. When dry, the reconstituted tobacco sheet is not sticky and does not shed dust before, during, or after cutting, to any greater degree than the conventional reconstituted product. With any of the methods, the maximum particle size is about 50 microns. It is desirable, but not essential to have an average particle size of the fines not greater than 10 microns and a maximum particle size of 20 microns; a preferred average particle size is not greater than 4 microns. When the paper-making process does not involve a separate reapplication of the tobacco solubles as discussed above, for example, the process of U.S. Pat. No. 3,415,253, the fines may be dispersed in water in place of extract and applied after one of the three alternative treatments described. The addition of a gum to the water is optional. The term "cylinder volume" is a measure of the relative filling power of tobacco or reconstituted tobacco for making smoking products. The term "oven volatiles" describes a measure of the approximate moisture content (or percentage of moisture) in tobacco. As used throughout this application, the values employed to characterize reconstituted tobacco, in connection with these terms, are determined as follows: Oven-Volatiles Content (OV) The sample of tobacco or reconstituted tobacco is weighed before and after exposure for 3 hours in a circulating air oven controlled at 100ยฐ C. (212ยฐ F.). The weight loss as percentage of initial weight is oven-volatiles content. Equilibrium OV and Equilibration The OV after equilibrium has significance in comparing properties of smoking materials at the same conditions. Materials are, generally, equilibrated (reordered) at conditions which are well known in the trade. Equilibrating is preferably done at standard conditions, which generally involve maintaining the tobacco at a temperature of 75ยฐ F. and 60% RH (relative humidity) for at least 18 hours. Hot-Water Solubles (HWS) This is a straightforward measurement of the weight loss from a sample boiled in water for an hour and filtered. The process of the invention is illustrated by the following examples: EXAMPLE I Reconstituted tobacco was made by an extract-recombine papermaking process from a stem and fines feedstock containing approximately 37% by weight of fines. This will be considered the control. In a similar operation approximately 54% of the fines was withdrawn from the feedstock and the web was prepared while the extract liquor was diverted from the sizing press. The fines which had been withdrawn were combined with the extract liquor which had first been concentrated to approximately 45% solubles, and the combination was passed through a Gaulin homogenizer. The product was applied by a blade coater at various loadings to one side of the reconstituted sheet which was then passed through the drying system and shredded as filler. It was observed that the coating did not appreciably impregnate the web, but remained essentially on the surface where applied. Test results and OV and solubles analysis are given in Table I. Some web was also coated on both sides. EXAMPLE II With a papermaking process all fines were withdrawn from feestock. They were blended into concentrated extract liquor together with diammonium phosphate to release the pectins from the tobacco material. After thorough blending, the product was coated with the combined material by blade coater on one side of the web and the product dried in the usual way. The reconstituted filler from this process did not show a loss in filling power in spite of the build-up of solids on the sheet. TABLE I______________________________________CHARACTERISTICS OF SIZED ANDCOATED RECONSTITUTED SHEETBY PAPERMAKING PROCESS EXAMPLE I Two- EXAMPLE IICon- One-Sided Sided One-Sidedtrol Coating Coating Coating______________________________________Weight 9.3 9.5 12.1 18.4 14.1 9.9(g/sq ft)Thickness 9.7 12.3 9.1 15.7 11.7 9.4(mils)Longs (%) 2.5 1.9 2.0 4.2 2.6 1.8Tensile 1.85 3.04 2.94 2.05 3.04 2.96(kg/in)Equil. 13.1 12.1 13.0 13.3 -- 12.4OV (%)CV 36.9 41.7 34.8 31.7 -- 40.1(cc/10 g)Hot water 43.0 36.0 46.0 56.0 -- 49.0solubles______________________________________
A process for employing tobacco fines in a system for preparing reconstituted tobacco is disclosed. The tobacco fines are incorporated into concentrated extract before the extract is recombined with the reconstituted sheet or into an aqueous carrier. The slurry of fines in extract or other carrier is passed through a homogenizer and then is applied as a coating to the sheet. The further drying and shredding are done in the conventional way.
0
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a fully automatic composting plant in a closed hall closed in by walls and a roof with several composting lines disposed side by side, ventilation channels disposed thereunder and associated with the lines and means for adding, mixing, turning over, transferring and discharging the raw material to be treated and the compost. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ACT A composting plant of this type is described in Swiss patent No.680 134. As the environmental consciousness of the population increases, there is a growing trend to separate out and compost organic waste products from refuse. This leads to a need for more and, above all, larger composting plants. On the other hand large composting plants are in many cases no longer permitted. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide a composting plant which, on the one hand has a capacity to deal with the entire composting requirements of a community or a region and, on the other hand, operates without emissions and without risk to the operating personnel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This object is achieved according to the invention in that the means for adding, mixing, turning over, transferring and discharging the compost material consist of at least one fixed discharging worm gear which extends under the discharging openings of several composting lines, at least one fixed charging worm gear which extends above several composting lines, at least one inclined connecting worm gear and at least one distributing worm gear movable above the composting lines. The worm gears preferably consist of shaftless spirals which are partially enclosed within a housing. According to another preferred embodiment the distributing worm gear has discharge openings with a device for their simultaneous opening and closing. The worm gears preferably consist of two coaxial shaftless spirals lying one inside the other and welded to one another. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention are described hereinbelow with reference to the appended drawings. These show in FIG. 1 a section through a composting plant along a plane that is indicated as A--A in FIG. 2, FIG. 2 a plan view of the same composting plant with the roof removed, FIG. 3 an enlarged cross section through a single composting line, FIG. 4 a cross section through part of a scraper floor, FIG. 5 a longitudinal section through part of a scraper floor. FIG. 6 the ground plan of an installation with two separate systems or areas and hygienic barriers lying therebetween. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A hall composed of longitudinal walls 1, transverse walls 2 and a roof 3 is sealed all round in such a way that escape of air into the environment is substantially only possible through biofilters close to the upper edge of one longitudinal wall provided for this purpose. As an alternative, a biological exhaust air washer in which microorganisms are used to degrade odour-active substances may be installed in place of the biofilter. About three quarters of the hall area is taken up by six composting lines or composting chambers 6, disposed next to each other and separated from one another by dividing walls 5, in which the raw material to be treated, sometimes herein referred to as compost material C is located, which may be different in each line. These lines are clearly shown in the plan view of FIG. 2. They are elongated and limited by the dividing walls 5 and by a front limiting wall 7. The lower limit of these lines are so-called scraper floors 8 which are driven by hydraulic cylinders 9. The front limiting wall 7 has discharging openings in their lower regions allocated to the lines. Conventional, shaftless worm gears provided with housings are provided for transporting the compost material and the ready-to-use compost. The conveyors may be provided with separating pins to break down the compost. A discharging worm gear 11 extends in front of the discharging openings of the composting lines 6 over the entire length of neighbouring lines and may extend on both sides through the transverse walls to the outside. A fixed charging worm gear 12 extends above the composting lines also over the entire length of the hall and optionally on one or both sides through the transverse walls to the outside. Outside the hall an inclined connecting worm gear 13 is disposed on a side wall and connects the discharging worm gear to the charging worm gear. The connecting worm gear 13 disposed in this embodiment outside the hall may as an alternative also be arranged inside the hall, which is particularly advantageous if the horizontal worm gears are of open construction. Herein the term open construction stands for a construction which may be covered, but which in contradistinction to tubular worm gear, has an air space above the worm gear, the cross section of which is of the same order of size as the worm gear. This has the advantage over the closed conveyor in that it does not become blocked and is also able to convey coarser material. It also achieves better mixing of the material per se and with liquids. The prerequisite for the use of an open worm gear is an inclination of not more than about 30ยฐ to the horizontal. Horizontal runway rails 14 are disposed over the composting lines 6. Disposed on these runway rails 14 of the composting lines is a distributing worm gear 15 which can be moved over all composting lines 6, by means of a travelling gear 16. The housing of the worm gear 15 has six discharge shafts 17 on its underside which are disposed above the chambers at approximately even distances. The discharge shafts are provided with closure flaps and a device for their simultaneous opening and closing. The opening of the flaps depends on the amount of material located in the distributing worm gear, i.e. at the moment at which the conveyed compost material reaches the end of the distributing worm gear. After a brief period sufficient for emptying, the flaps are automatically closed again. This ensures a substantially more even distribution of material than with constantly open discharge shafts. The drive of the distributing worm gear is disposed in such a way that it can assume several fixed positions per line. This ensures substantially even distribution of the material added also at right angles to the composting lines. As an alternative it is also possible, instead of the several fixed positions, for the distributing worm gear 15 to be driven backwards and forwards over the composting line continuously or stepwise during discharge. This achieves more even distribution of the compost material across the composting line. To receive the compost material from the charging worm gear 12, the distributing worm gear 15 is in this case provided with two auxiliary worm gears which are disposed under the charging worm gear 12 and extend in a T-shape to the distributing worm gear 15. These work in opposite directions and convey the compost material from the opened discharge port of the charging worm gear 12 to the distributing worm gear 15 when this is driven sideways. Although the construction and operation of the worm gear results in a very good distribution and mixing of the material being heated, due to changes in its consistency during the composting procedure, it is advantageous to control the amount of material coming from the lines by volumetric measuring means. This may for example be achieved by way of holding periods in the stroke of the cylinder 9. These holding periods are controlled by a program and by measurement of the volume of material in a worm gear preferably in the connecting worm gear 13. The parameter measured may be for example given by a floating flap above the flowing material whose movement is detected electrically and converted into a control signal. Located below the scraper floor is the ventilation device shown in more detail in FIGS. 3-5, by means of which air is conducted into the compost material on the composting lines. Under each line are four channels 18 having a substantially U-shaped cross-section, which extend over the entire length of the line. Above the channels are slits 19 in the floors. The air reaches the compost material via the channels and the slits. To prevent the slits 19 becoming blocked by compost material, cams 22 are associated with the slides 21 of the scraper floor which slide in the slits and move backwards and forwards with the movement of the slides. Worm gears 23 disposed in the channels run permanently, but relatively slowly, and convey compost material falling into the channels to the discharging worm gear 11. This prevents blocking of the channels 18. A simpler solution is also possible, as an alternative to the ventilation channels provided with moving cams and worm gears, in which air ventilation pipes covered upwards with split ballast and strong nonwoven fabric are disposed in the ventilation channels. Ventilation of the composting lines is advantageously carried out according to the Rotte filter process. In this process, the ventilations of two or several composting lines are combined in series so that the air is withdrawn through one or a part of the composting lines and this air is conducted to one or several other ones. The direction of air flow is changed from time to time. For this purpose, pumps and valves are provided in the connecting piping between the ventilation channels of the individual composting lines. The valves and the pump and controlled by a central computer. A measuring sensor on the wall of the hall allocated to each line records parameters important for the composting process, such as temperature, humidity, etc. It may be advantageous also to measure these parameters at other points, above all also, for example, in the compost material itself or in the exhaust air. An operating room 24 is disposed along the outer side of the longitudinal wall on the side of the composting lines which extends over the entire length of the hall and accommodates the hydraulic drives 9 of the scraper floors. In operation, the plant is filled with compostable waste material as compost C at a suitable point of the worm gears effecting the transport of the material. If the compost material reaches, for example, the discharge 11, it conveys the compost material to the connecting worm gear 13 from which it is supplied to the charging worm gear 12. It thus reaches, in turn, the distributing worm gear 15 which is first driven into the correct position to fill a selected composting line. In the situation shown in FIG. 2 the distributing worm gear 15 is located over the fourth line. The raw compost material is converted into compost in the closed chamber. For this purpose the temperature and humidity are optionally adjusted to the optimum conditions. It has been found advantageous for purposes of moisture control to use a device 40 (FIG. 1) add water to the compost material at the lower end of the connecting worm gear 13 and to measure the humidity at the upper end. The amount of water added is controlled according to the humidity measured. The percolating water collected under the composting lines may conveniently be used for moistening the compost material. In this way no waste water, which should be carefully cleaned, is produced. Any heating or cooling plants and watering devices installed for this purpose may be of conventional design and will therefore not be described in detail herein. To turn over or mix the compost material or to discharge the ready-to-use compost the lowest layer of material stored in a chamber is in each case pushed to the discharge opening 10 of the chamber by means of the scraper floor installation and passes therethrough into the discharging worm gear 11. The compost material passes therethrough and through the worm gears associated therewith either into the same chamber or into another chamber for mixing purposes. It is also possible to keep several discharging openings open simultaneously so that compost material reaches the discharge worm gear from various composting lines and is conveyed upwards therefrom. The compost material is already well mixed during the conveying process due to the relatively long conveying distance. It is thus entirely possible to mix extremely wet fermenting sludge from one composting line with sawdust from a different composting line by means of simultaneous discharge and to transport this into a third composting line. In order to recover the ready-to-use compost, the discharge worm gear 11 is caused to run in the opposite direction so that the compost material conveyed therethrough reaches a storage site or a transport vehicle. Instead of the moveable distributing worm gear 15 it is also possible to secure one or several worm gears 15 firmly above the composting lines. The composting plant may also be disposed in round silos or containers which are closed all around. The ground plan shown in FIG. 6 of an installation with two separate systems or areas shows the general arrangement thereof. A first area 26 has two adjacent composting lines 27,28 and serves to compost contaminated composting material which is fed into the system via the charging shaft 29. Adding, mixing, turning over and transferring the compost material is effected as already described by means of the discharge worm gear 30, connecting worm gear 31, charging worm gear 32 and distributing worm gear 33. The second area 34 has three adjacent lines 35,36,37 and serves for the further processing of the compost material that has been rendered hygienic. The line 35 closest to the first area 26 exclusively serves to receive the material that has been rendered hygienic and to pass this to the following lines. For this purpose, the charging worm gear 32 of the first area extends above this line 35 and the distributing worm gear 33 can also be driven to this line 35. Conversely, no compost material can pass back to area 26 from area 34. The area 34 for the compost material that has been rendered hygienic similarly has a discharge worm gear 38, a connecting worm gear 39, a charging worm gear 40 and a distributing worm gear 41. It is also appropriate to provide equipment for regulating the temperature, humidity, etc., which will not be described in detail herein, in the area 34 for the compost material that has been rendered hygienic. An important aspect is that, in contradistinction to the first area 26, the area 34 is not moistened with percolating water, but with clean water.
A fully automatic composting plant in a closed hall closed in by walls and a roof with a plurality of composting lines disposed side by side. Disposed underneath the composting lines are ventilation channels with worm gears which are associated with the lines. Independently driven transport devices, consisting of a fixed discharging worm gear, a fixed charging worm gear above the composting lines, an inclined connecting worm gear and a distributing worm gear moveable above the composting lines, serve to add, transfer and mix the compost material and to carry out the ready-to-use humus. The connecting openings between the ventilation channels and the composting lines consist of elongated slits with cleaning cams gliding therein.
8
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation, under 35 U.S.C. ยง120, of copending international application No. PCT/EP2013/058597, filed Apr. 25, 2013, which designated the United States; this application also claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. ยง119, of German patent application No. 10 2012 207 044.3, filed Apr. 27, 2012; the prior applications are herewith incorporated by reference in their entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The invention relates to a fabric tape or fabric web, in particular a forming wire, for a machine for manufacturing and/or processing a fibrous web, in particular a paper web, cardboard web or tissue web. Modern fabric tapes which are employed as a forming wire in a forming section of a paper-, cardboard- or tissue-making machine typically have a first fabric layer which provides a paper side which can be brought into contact with the paper web, and a second fabric layer which provides a machine side which can be brought into contact with elements of the machine. Different requirements are set here for the first and the second fabric layers, specifically in terms of the first fabric layer providing as good a fiber support as possible when forming and dewatering the fibrous web and of the second fabric layer essentially providing the wear volume and the dimensional stability of the fabric tape. Fabric tapes which are configured as forming wires in which the ratio of the number of longitudinal threads of the first fabric layer to the number of longitudinal threads of the second fabric layer is 1:1 are known from the prior art. Such forming wires have the disadvantage that the use of comparatively thick longitudinal threads of the second fabric layer, for providing an adequately high dimensional stability of the wire, leads to a rather open upper fabric layer having only slight fiber support. In order to overcome the disadvantages of such wires, in the past wires having a ratio of the number of longitudinal threads of the first fabric layer to the number of longitudinal threads of the second fabric layer of more than one have been proposed, such as 2:1, 3:2 or 5:2 for example. On account thereof, it became possible to achieve both satisfactory fiber support by way of the first fabric layer and also satisfactory dimensional stability by way of the second fabric layer. It has proven disadvantageous in the aforementioned wires that often an increased tendency toward visible hydraulic markings of the fibrous web produced thereon exists, as does insufficient planarity of the first fabric layer, since the longitudinal threads of the first fabric layer (first longitudinal threads) are only insufficiently supported by the longitudinal threads of the second fabric layer (second longitudinal threads). Insufficient planarity may lead to an undesirable accumulation of fibers and filler material in the โ€œdepressionsโ€ of the first fabric layer. In the case of the forming wires known from the prior art, these disadvantages are observed as the ratio of the number of upper longitudinal threads to the number of lower longitudinal threads increases. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a forming wire which overcomes the disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices of this general type and which provides for a fabric tape for use as a forming wire in a machine for manufacturing and/or processing a fibrous web, such as in particular a paper web, cardboard web or tissue web, which, on the one hand, provides high fiber support for a fibrous web to be formed and dewatered thereon, in conjunction with good dimensional stability, and which, on the other hand, has only few hydraulic markings and also improved planarity of the first fabric layer, in contrast to the wires known from the prior art. With the above and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a fabric tape for a machine for manufacturing and/or processing a fibrous web, the fabric tape comprising: a first fabric layer having first longitudinal threads and first cross threads interwoven with said first longitudinal threads; a second fabric layer having second longitudinal threads and second cross threads interwoven with said second longitudinal threads; said first and second fabric layers being disposed on top of one another and having a weaving pattern repeated in repeats; said first longitudinal threads and said second longitudinal threads in each repeat being disposed in a plurality of groups, having one first group and one second group and at least one further of said first and/or second group; each said first group being formed by one first longitudinal thread and one second longitudinal thread disposed below said one first longitudinal thread; each second group being formed by two first longitudinal threads and one second longitudinal thread disposed below said two first longitudinal threads; said first and second longitudinal threads in each group, viewed in a projection perpendicularly onto said fabric layers, being disposed so as not to be offset or only slightly offset in relation to one another, so as to form at maximum a free space of half a diameter of a first longitudinal thread therebetween. In other words, the objects of the invention are achieved by a fabric tape, in particular a forming wire, for a machine for manufacturing and/or processing a fibrous web, that comprises a first fabric layer having first longitudinal threads and, interwoven therewith, first cross threads, and a second fabric layer having second longitudinal threads and, interwoven therewith, second cross threads, in which the two fabric layers are disposed on top of one another and the weaving pattern of the fabric tape is repeated in repeats and the first longitudinal threads and the second longitudinal threads in each repeat are disposed in a plurality of groups. The fabric tape according to the invention here comprises in each repeat one first group and one second group and at least one further group selected from the first and/or second group, wherein each first group is formed by one first longitudinal thread and, disposed therebelow, one second longitudinal thread, and each second group is formed in each case by two first longitudinal threads and, disposed therebelow, one second longitudinal thread, and wherein the first and second longitudinal threads belong to a respective group, when viewed in a projection which is perpendicular onto the fabric layers, are disposed so as not to be offset or only slightly offset in relation to one another, such that at maximum a free space of half a diameter of a first longitudinal thread is formed between them. For exemplification, FIGS. 4 and 5 , in a sectional plane which runs along the cross-thread direction CD and perpendicularly to the fabric layers and/or to the planes PS, MS defined thereby, show a second group 6 and a first group 5 of longitudinal threads 3 , 4 . It can be seen that the first and second longitudinal threads 3 , 4 are disposed on top of one another in such a manner that said threads, when viewed in a projection which is perpendicular onto the fabric layers and/or onto the planes PS, MS defined therebyโ€”identified by the lines A-Aโ€”are disposed just that slightly offset in relation to one another that at maximum a free space of half a diameter d/2 of a first longitudinal thread 3 is formed between them. On account of the use of at least one first group and at least two second groups or of at least one second group and at least two first groups per repeat, according to the solution according to the invention, it is ensured that each first longitudinal thread is adequately supported by one second longitudinal thread. On account thereof, planarity of the first fabric layer is significantly increased in comparison with the fabric tapes known from the prior art. Since, furthermore, distinctly different dewatering behaviors are caused by way of the first and second groups and at least one first group and a plurality of second groups or at least one second group and a plurality of first groups are disposed in each repeat, a regular and thus easily visible hydraulic marking pattern of the fibrous web manufactured on such a fabric tape is effectively inhibited. Here, a first and a second longitudinal thread are not to be considered as being offset in relation to one another if the straight line connecting the center point of the cross-sectional area of the first longitudinal thread and the center point of the cross-sectional area of the second longitudinal thread runs vertically to a plane defined by the first fabric layer. Advantageous embodiments and refinements of the invention are stated in the dependent claims. Advantageously, different numbers of first and second groups are provided in each repeat. Since the first and second groups have different dewatering behaviors and thus marking behaviors, it has been demonstrated that on account of this measure of different numbers of first and second groups in the repeat, an irregularity in the marking pattern can be generated, on account of which the markings are significantly less visible. This embodiment furthermore offers the possibility of influencing the dewatering behavior of the wire. In the event, for example, that more first groups than second groups are employed, a wire having a higher dewatering performance can be achieved than when more second groups than first groups are employed. It is particularly conceivable in this context that the following applies: A=Nร—B; where A=number of the first groups in the repeat B=number of the second groups in the repeat N=integer greater than 1 or C=Mร—D; where C=number of the second groups in the repeat D=number of the first groups in the repeat M is an integer greater than 1. Specifically, the number of the first groups in the repeat may be 6 and the number of the second groups in the repeat may be 3, for example. Alternatively, the number of the second groups in the repeat may be 6 and the number of the first groups in the repeat may be 3, for example. If an unequal number of first and second groups in the repeat is provided, it is particularly advantageous for the first and second groups in the repeat to be disposed in a plurality of superordinate groups of longitudinal threads, wherein each superordinate group of longitudinal threads comprises a first group and a second group and at least one further group selected from the first or second group, and wherein the repeat is formed by an integral number of superordinate groups of longitudinal threads which are disposed next to one another in the cross-thread direction. This means that only an integral number of superordinate groups of longitudinal threads are disposed in the repeat and no further other first and/or second group which is not a component part of one of the superordinate groups of longitudinal threads is present. On account of the provision of a plurality of superordinate groups of longitudinal threads disposed next to one another in the repeat, a certain degree of regularity in the arrangement of the first and second groups is again achieved, on account of which a concentration of a plurality of identical groups being disposed immediately next to one another can be avoided. In this context, a superordinate group of longitudinal threads may be formed by one first group and two second groups, for example. It is also conceivable for a superordinate group of longitudinal threads to be formed by two first groups and one second group. Preferably, more second groups than first groups are provided in the repeat. Furthermore preferably, more second groups than first groups are provided in each superordinate group. In order to achieve good fiber support of the dewatered fibrous web formed on the fabric tape according to the invention, it is preferably provided that the first fabric layer has an outer side which faces away from the second fabric layer and which, in the intended use of the fabric tape, provides a paper side which can be brought into contact with the fibrous material. It is furthermore preferably provided that the second fabric layer has an outer side which faces away from the first fabric layer and which, in the intended use of the fabric tape, provides a machine side which can be brought into contact with the machine. In order to further avoid visible hydraulic markings as a result of a regular marking pattern it is furthermore advantageous for at maximum four of the same groups of the first or second group to be disposed directly next to one another. Possibly, but not ultimately, the following configurations of the invention are conceivable with respect to the arrangement of first and second groups within each superordinate group (note: in the following, a first group is identified here using the symbol 1:1 and a second group using the symbol 2:1). 1) Each superordinate group comprises the following three first and second groups 2:1-2:1-1:1 and here has a ratio of the number of first longitudinal threads to the number of second longitudinal threads of 1.67. 2) Each superordinate group comprises the following five first and second groups 2:1-1:1-2:1-1:1-2:1 and here has a ratio of the number of first longitudinal threads to the number of second longitudinal threads of 1.6. 3) Each superordinate group comprises the following four first and second groups 2:1-2:1-2:1-1:1 and here has a ratio of the number of first longitudinal threads to the number of second longitudinal threads of 1.75. 4) Each superordinate group comprises the following five first and second groups 1:1-1:1-1:1-1:1-2:1 and here has a ratio of the number of first longitudinal threads to the number of second longitudinal threads of 1.2. 5) Each superordinate group comprises the following four first and second groups 1:1-1:1-1:1-2:1 and here has a ratio of the number of first longitudinal threads to the number of second longitudinal threads of 1.25. 6) Each superordinate group comprises the following three first and second groups 1:1-1:1-2:1 and here has a ratio of the number of first longitudinal threads to the number of second longitudinal threads of 1.33. 7) Each superordinate group comprises the following eight first and second groups 1:1-1:1-2:1-1:1-1:1-2:1-1:1-2:1 and here has a ratio of the number of first longitudinal threads to the number of second longitudinal threads of 1.375. 8) Each superordinate group comprises the following five first and second groups 1:1-2:1-1:1-2:1-1:1 and here has a ratio of the number of first longitudinal threads to the number of second longitudinal threads of 1.4. In the case of all abovementioned examples 1-3, more second groups than first groups are present in each superordinate group. In the case of all aforementioned examples 4-8, fewer second groups than first groups are present in each superordinate group. If more second than first groups are present, the focus of the wire construction is on a first fabric layer with a high number of fiber support points, wherein the fiber support points in the case of a plain weave are ascertained by multiplying the number of upper longitudinal threads by the effective number of upper cross threads, each pair of binder threads being classified in each case as an upper cross thread. On account of a high density of upper longitudinal threads, very thin upper cross threads may be used. The higher the ratio, the thinner the upper cross threads which may be used and the higher the number of fiber support points in a predefined number of upper cross threads. The number of pores is equal to the number of fiber support points. If more first than second groups are present, the construction focus of the wire is on a high fiber support index (FSI), since here more upper cross threads can be incorporated in the comparatively more open arrangement of upper longitudinal threads on the paper side of the first fabric layer. The fiber support index according to PCA awards double value to the number of upper cross threads as compared to the upper longitudinal threads. The shape of the openings (pores) formed on the paper side here is oriented in a cross-wise manner. The number of pores is equal to the number of fiber support points. These constructions are aimed at a very regular sheet formation, since the cross-wise oriented pores permit the paper fibers to penetrate the wire to a lesser extent and, on account thereof, very smooth fibrous-web surfaces can be achieved. The longitudinal threads of the fabric tape preferably provide only first and second groups. On account thereof, it is achieved that each upper longitudinal thread is supported by a lower longitudinal thread. In order to achieve further homogenization of the dewatering rates it is preferably provided that, when viewed in the direction along the cross threads, the first longitudinal threads are disposed offset in relation to the second longitudinal threads. The first and the second fabric layer of the fabric tape according to the invention are preferably connected to one another by binder threads which are disposed in pairs. In the case of the fabric tape according to the invention, the binder threads furthermore preferably extend in the direction of the cross threads. It should be noted at this stage that the longitudinal threads, in the intended use of the fabric tape in a paper-, cardboard- or tissue-making machine, extend in the conveying or machine direction of the fabric tape, and the cross threads extend in the machine cross direction. The two binder threads of the respective pair of binder threads are preferably interwoven in a mutually interchanging manner with first and second longitudinal threads, wherein the binder threads of each pair, when changing from being interwoven with first longitudinal threads to being interwoven with second longitudinal threads and vice-versa, intersect while configuring intersection points. The weaving path generated by interweaving the binder threads of one pair in a mutually interchanging manner with the first longitudinal threads preferably corresponds to a weaving path formed by interweaving a first cross thread with the first longitudinal threads. In this case, reference is made to โ€œintegralโ€ binder threads, since the latter continue the weaving pattern formed by interweaving the first cross threads with the first longitudinal threads. Each pair of binder threads in the repeat preferably provides merely two intersection points. The small number of intersection points per repeat contributes toward a very smooth and planar paper side of the first fabric layer. It is furthermore provided that the binder threads of each pair, between immediately successive intersection points, form in each case first binder segments by interweaving with the first longitudinal threads, wherein at least one of the first binder segments of each pair of binder threads is formed in the repeat in that the respective binder thread, running on the outer side of the first fabric layer, intersects at least two, preferably at least threeโ€”such as, for example, fourโ€”not immediately successive first longitudinal threads. The long length of the first binder segments likewise contributes, as does the only small number of intersection points per repeat, toward a very smooth and planar paper side of the first fabric layer. According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the binder threads, when changing from being interwoven with the first longitudinal threads to being interwoven with the second longitudinal threads and vice-versa, running between the two fabric layers, intersect at maximum four immediately adjoining, preferably at maximum three immediately adjoining second longitudinal threads. On account of the comparatively short inner float length of the binder threads between the two fabric layers a good balance is achieved between small thickness of the fabric tape according to the invention, on the one hand, and decoupling of the supporting binder points and covering binder points of the binder threads when interconnecting the two fabric layers by way of the binder threads. The binder threads of each pair of binder threads in the repeat together preferably form two first binder segments, wherein the one first binder segment is formed in that the one binder thread of the pair, when being interwoven with the first longitudinal threads, runs in an alternating manner on the outer side of the first fabric layer and between the first and second fabric layers and, running on the outer side of the first fabric layer, intersects at least two first longitudinal threads, and wherein the other first binder segment is formed in that the other binder thread of the pair, when being interwoven with the first longitudinal threads, runs in an alternating manner on the outer side of the first fabric layer and between the first and second fabric layers and, running on the outer side of the first fabric layer, intersects the same number of first longitudinal threads as the one binder thread, or up to four, in particular up to two fewer or more first longitudinal threads than the one binder thread. Also on account of the comparatively great length of the two first binder segments which, moreover, are of the same or almost the same length, the planarity of the first fabric layer is significantly increased, since, on account thereof, few intersection points of the mutually interchanging binder threads are created. The first fabric layer is preferably formed by interweaving the first longitudinal threads with the first cross threads and the binder threads, wherein the second fabric layer is formed by interweaving the second longitudinal threads with the second cross threads. This means that the binder threads are an integral component part of the first fabric layer and do not at all contribute toward forming the second fabric layer but merely connect the latter to the first fabric layer. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the weaving pattern of the first fabric layer forms a plain weave. It is also conceivable for the weaving pattern of the second fabric layer to be repeated in second repeats, wherein each second repeat is formed by N second longitudinal threads and 2ร—N second cross threads, wherein N is an integer greater than zero. It is particularly conceivable for the weaving pattern of the first fabric layer to form a plain weave and for the weaving pattern of the second fabric layer to be a regular or irregular satin weave, in particular a satin weave having N=5, or 6, or 8 second longitudinal threads and, according to the formula, 2ร—N=10, or 12, or 16 second cross threads. Alternatively thereto, it is conceivable for the weaving pattern of the first fabric layer to form a plain weave and for the weaving pattern of the second fabric layer to be a twill weave or a broken twill weave. The ratio of first warp threads to second warp threads is preferably greater than 1.5 and in particular smaller than 2. On account thereof, it is possible, for example, to provide both high fiber support with FSI values in the range from 260 to 300, in conjunction with high resistance to abrasion and/or dimensional stability of the fabric tape according to the invention. In this context, it is particularly conceivable for the ratio of first warp threads to second warp threads to be 5:3. The diameter of the second longitudinal threads preferably lies in the range from 0.15 mm to 0.45 mm, wherein in particular the first longitudinal threads have a diameter of 30% to 60%, preferably 38% to 53%, of the diameter of the second longitudinal threads. On account thereof, a fabric tape having a particularly fine first fabric layer, the second fabric layer of which, however, is sufficiently stable in order to provide a high wear volume and/or high dimensional stability, can be created. In order to achieve a particularly fine paper side which offers high fiber support, it is in particular conceivable for the first longitudinal threads to have a diameter of 0.1 mm or smaller. In order to provide high fiber support, it is in particular furthermore provided that the ratio of the number of first cross threads and pairs of binder threads to the number of second cross threads is greater than or equal to 2, in particular is 2:1, or 3:2, or 5:3. According to a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is in particular conceivable for the first cross threads, the binder threads which are disposed in pairs, and the second cross threads to be disposed in first, second, third, and fourth cross-thread groups, wherein a first cross-thread group is formed by one first and one second cross thread and one pair of binder threads, a second cross-thread group is formed by two first cross threads and two second cross threads and one pair of binder threads, a third cross-thread group is formed by one first cross thread and two second cross threads and one pair of binder threads, and a fourth cross-thread group is formed by two first cross threads and one second cross thread and one pair of binder threads. The aforementioned refinement may also represent an invention which is independent of the present invention and may be the subject matter of a separate patent application. In this context, it is particularly conceivable for the cross threads and binder threads in the repeat to be disposed in a plurality of superordinate groups of cross threads, wherein one superordinate group of cross threads is formed by at least two cross-thread groups selected from the first, second, third or fourth cross-thread group, and wherein the repeat is formed by an integral number of superordinate groups of cross threads which are disposed next to one another in the longitudinal-thread direction. This means that only an integral number of the superordinate group of cross threads are disposed in the repeat and no further other first and/or second cross-thread group which is not a component part of one of the superordinate groups of cross threads is present. Here, under each first cross thread, one second cross thread is preferably disposed in such a manner that each first cross thread is supported by a second cross thread. On account thereof, cross-wise stability of the fabric tape according to the invention is significantly increased. When viewed in the direction along the longitudinal threads, at least some of the first and the second cross threads are preferably disposed so as to be offset in relation to one another. Here, a first and a second cross thread are not to be considered as being offset in relation to one another if the straight line connecting the center point of the cross-sectional area of the first cross thread and the center point of the cross-sectional area of the second cross thread runs vertically to a plane defined by the first fabric layer. In order to obtain as regular a first fabric layer as possible, it is particularly meaningful for the first cross threads and/or the binder threads to have a diameter of 80% to 120% of the diameter of the first longitudinal threads. In the case of the fabric tape according to the invention being a so-called โ€œweft runnerโ€, that is to say a fabric tape in which the machine side is substantially provided by the abrasion volume of the second cross threads, it is particularly meaningful for the second cross threads to have a diameter of 100% to 200% of the diameter of the second longitudinal threads. In the event that the threads do not have a circular cross-sectional area, the term diameter is intended to mean the diameter of a circular cross-sectional area which has the same surface area as the cross-sectional area which does not have a circular cross section. The first fabric layer of the fabric tape according to the invention, according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, preferably has a fiber support index (FSI) of 260 to 300, calculated according to the publication โ€œApproved Standard Measuring Methodโ€ of the Papermachine Clothing Association (PCA), 19 Rue de la Rรฉpublique, 45000 Orlรฉans, France, dated June 2004. On account thereof, it is possible to ensure very good fiber support and retention. In order to achieve, on the other hand, a high dewatering performance, it is furthermore meaningful for high permeability to be provided despite the abovementioned high FSI value. According to a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is thus provided that the fabric tape has a permeability in the range of 250 cfm to 450 cfm, preferably 300 cfm to 400 cfm, measured at a differential pressure of 100 to 127 Pa, as laid down in the publication โ€œApproved Standard Measuring Methodโ€ of the Papermachine Clothing Association (PCA), 19 Rue de la Rรฉpublique, 45000 Orlรฉans, France, dated June 2004. Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a forming wire, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E are highly diagrammatic view of various designs of the construction and the arrangement of the two layers of longitudinal threads, according to the invention; FIG. 2 shows a repeat of a further embodiment of a fabric tape according to the invention, in the direction of the cross threads; FIG. 3 shows the arrangement of the two layers of longitudinal threads of the fabric tape shown in FIG. 2 ; FIG. 4 shows the arrangement of a second group of longitudinal threads; and FIG. 5 shows the arrangement of a first group of longitudinal threads. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail and first, particularly, to FIGS. 1A to 1E thereof, there are shown a plurality of designs of the construction and the arrangement of longitudinal threads 3 , 4 in a first and second fabric layer 1 , 2 of a fabric tape according to the invention. The illustration of FIGS. 1A-1E shows the relative arrangement of the longitudinal threads 3 , 4 of a first and second fabric layer 1 , 2 , in a sectional plane which is perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal threads 3 , 4 . For the sake of clarity, an illustration of the cross threads and (any potential) binder threads of the fabric tape according to the invention has been dispensed with in FIGS. 1A-1E . It should furthermore be noted that the arrangements of first and second groups, shown in FIGS. 1A-1E , may be repeated several times in the repeat of a fabric tape according to the invention, that is to say that the arrangement shown in the respective figure in each case represents one superordinate group of longitudinal threads which is repeated several times in the repeat, wherein the repeat is formed only by an integral number of the shown superordinate groups of longitudinal threads which are disposed next to one another in the cross-thread direction. As can be identified in FIG. 1A , the two fabric layers 1 , 2 are disposed on top of one another, and the first longitudinal threads 3 and the second longitudinal threads 4 are disposed in a plurality of groups 5 , 6 . In the present case, four first groups 5 and one second group 6 are formed here, that is to say that one superordinate group of longitudinal threads is formed by four first groups 5 and one second group 6 . The first groups 5 are all disposed in an immediately adjoining manner to one another, followed by the one second group 6 . Each of the first groups 5 , in the present case, is constructed from one first longitudinal thread 3 and, disposed therebelow, one second longitudinal thread 4 , wherein, in the present case, the first and second longitudinal threads 3 , 4 , when viewed in a projection which is perpendicular onto the fabric layers, are disposed so as not to be offset in relation to one another. The second group 6 is furthermore constructed from two first longitudinal threads 3 and, disposed therebelow, one second longitudinal thread 4 , wherein, in the present case, the two first longitudinal threads, when viewed in a projection which is perpendicular onto the fabric layers 1 , 2 , are disposed so as to be only slightly offset in relation to one another, such that said two first longitudinal threads mutually overlap. In the present case, the ratio of first longitudinal threads to second longitudinal threads is 6:5=1.2. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A merely in that the fabric tape comprises only three first groups instead of four first groups, that is to say that one superordinate group of longitudinal threads is formed by three first groups 5 and one second group 6 . Therefore, the ratio of first longitudinal threads to second longitudinal threads is 5:4=1.25. Except for this, all other implementations realized in FIG. 1A also apply to the embodiment of FIG. 1B . The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1C differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A only in that the fabric tape comprises only two first groups instead of four first groups, that is to say one superordinate group of longitudinal threads is formed by two first groups 5 and one second group 6 . Therefore, the ratio of first longitudinal threads to second longitudinal threads is 4:3=1.333. Except for this, all other implementations realized in FIG. 1A also apply to the embodiment of FIG. 1C . As can be identified in FIG. 1D , the two fabric layers 1 , 2 are disposed on top of one another, and the first longitudinal threads 3 and the second longitudinal threads 4 are disposed in a plurality of groups 5 , 6 . In the present case, seven first groups 5 and three second groups 6 are formed here, that is to say that one superordinate group of longitudinal threads is formed by seven first groups 5 and three second groups 6 . The arrangement of the first and second groups 5 , 6 in relation to one another here is such that an arrangement which is formed from three immediately adjoining first groups 5 is provided, followed by one united second group 6 , and in turn followed by an arrangement from three immediately adjoining first groups 5 , and on which, following therefrom, in turn one second group 6 , one first group 5 and again one second group 6 are disposed in an alternating manner. In the present case, each of the first groups 5 is constructed from one first longitudinal thread 3 and, disposed therebelow, one second longitudinal thread 4 , wherein, in the present case, the first and second longitudinal threads 3 , 4 , when viewed in a projection which is perpendicular onto the fabric layers, are disposed so as not to be offset in relation to one another. The second group 6 is furthermore constructed from two first longitudinal threads 3 and, disposed therebelow, one second longitudinal thread 4 , wherein, in the present case, the two first longitudinal threads, when viewed in a projection which is perpendicular onto the fabric layers 1 , 2 , are disposed so as to be only slightly offset in relation to one another, such that said two first longitudinal threads mutually overlap. In the present case, the ratio of first longitudinal threads to second longitudinal threads is 13:10=1.3. As can be identified in FIG. 1E , the two fabric layers 1 , 2 are disposed on top of one another, and the first longitudinal threads 3 and the second longitudinal threads 4 are disposed in a plurality of groups 5 , 6 . In the present case, three first groups 5 and two second groups 6 are formed here, that is to say that one superordinate group of longitudinal threads is formed by three first groups 5 and two second groups 6 . Immediately successive first groups 5 are in each case separated from one another by one second group 6 . In the present case, each of the first groups 5 is constructed from one first longitudinal thread 3 and, disposed therebelow, one second longitudinal thread 4 , wherein, in the present case, the first and second longitudinal threads 3 , 4 , when viewed in a projection which is perpendicular onto the fabric layers, are disposed so as not to be offset in relation to one another. The second group 6 is furthermore constructed from two first longitudinal threads 3 and, disposed therebelow, one second longitudinal thread 4 , wherein, in the present case, the two first longitudinal threads, when viewed in a projection which is perpendicular onto the fabric layers 1 , 2 , are disposed so as to be only slightly offset in relation to one another, such that said two first longitudinal threads mutually overlap. In the present case, the ratio of first longitudinal threads to second longitudinal threads is 7:5=1.4. FIG. 2 shows a repeat of a further embodiment of a fabric tape 100 according to the invention, in the direction of the cross threads. It should be pointed out that the illustration of FIG. 2 is a merely schematic one and in particular depicts the arrangement of the first and second longitudinal threads in relation to one another, according to the invention, only in an incomplete manner. The correct arrangement of the first and second longitudinal threads is depicted in FIG. 3 , however, without the cross threads and binder threads being shown there. The fabric tape 100 has a first fabric layer 101 and a second fabric layer 102 . The outer side of the first fabric layer 101 , which faces away from the second fabric layer 102 , here provides a paper side, and the outer side of the second fabric layer 102 , which faces away from the first fabric layer 101 , provides a machine side. The first fabric layer 101 is formed by interweaving first longitudinal threads 1 , 3 , 4 , 6 , 8 , 11 , 12 , 14 , 16 , 17 , 19 , 20 , 22 , 24 , 25 , 27 , 28 , 30 , and 32 with the first cross threads T 1 -T 12 and with the binder threads Bi 1 -Bi 12 , which are disposed in pairs, wherein the weaving pattern of the first fabric layer is a plain weave. The second fabric layer 102 is formed by interweaving second longitudinal threads 2 , 5 , 7 , 10 , 13 , 15 , 18 , 21 , 23 , 26 , 29 , and 31 with second cross threads B 1 -B 12 , wherein the weaving pattern of the second fabric layer is a satin weave which is repeated in second repeats which are formed from six second longitudinal threads and six second cross threads. The ratio of the first longitudinal threads to the second longitudinal threads in the present case is 5:3. Furthermore, the ratio of first cross threads and pairs of binder threadsโ€”here, each pair of binder threads counts as one first cross threadโ€”to the second cross threads is 3:2. As can be obtained from the illustration of FIG. 2 , two first cross threads T 1 -T 12 and two second cross threads B 1 -B 12 are in each case disposed between two immediately successive pairs of binder threads Bi 1 /Bi 2 ; Bi 3 /Bi 4 ; Bi 5 /Bi 6 ; Bi 7 /Bi 8 ; Bi 9 /Bi 10 ; Bi 11 /B 12 . The binder threads which are disposed in pairs of each pair are interwoven in a mutually interchanging manner with the first and the second longitudinal threads and here intersect when changing from being interwoven with first longitudinal threads to being interwoven with second longitudinal threads and vice-versa, while configuring intersection points K 1 , K 2 . In the present case, each pair of binder threads Bi 1 /Bi 2 ; Bi 3 /Bi 4 ; Bi 5 /Bi 6 ; Bi 7 /Bi 8 ; Bi 9 /Bi 10 ; Bi 11 /Bi 12 in the repeat provides two intersection points K 1 , K 2 , wherein the binder threads, when changing from being interwoven with the first longitudinal threads to being interwoven with the second longitudinal threads and vice-versa, running between the two fabric layers 101 , 102 intersect at maximum three immediately adjoining second longitudinal threads. Furthermore, in the present case the binder threads of each pair of binder threads in the repeat together form in each case two first binder segments BS 1 , BS 2 , wherein the one first binder segment BS 1 is formed in that the one binder thread of the pair, when being interwoven with the first longitudinal threads, runs in an alternating manner on the outer side of the first fabric layer 101 and between the first and second fabric layers 101 , 102 and, running on the outer side of the first fabric layer 101 , intersects at least five first longitudinal threads, and wherein the other first binder segment BS 2 is formed in that the other binder thread of the pair, when being interwoven with the first longitudinal threads, runs in an alternating manner on the outer side of the first fabric layer and between the first and second fabric layers and, running on the outer side of the first fabric layer, intersects the same number of first longitudinal threads as the one binder thread. FIG. 3 shows the relative arrangement of the first and second longitudinal threads of the fabric tape to one another, illustrated in FIG. 2 , using the example of the first longitudinal threads 1 , 3 , 4 , 6 and 8 and the second longitudinal threads 2 , 5 , and 7 . The arrangement shown here of first groups I and second groups II represents a superordinate group OG of longitudinal threads which is repeated four times in the repeat, such that the repeat of the fabric tape has the following arrangement of first and second groups: second group-first group-second group-second group-first group-second group-second group-first group-second group-second group-first group-second group. In other words, the repeat is formed by four superordinate groups OG of longitudinal threads which are disposed next to one another in the cross-thread direction. This means that in the present exemplary embodiment the longitudinal threads of the fabric tape 100 form only first and second groups, wherein, in the present case, eight second groups II and four first groups I are present in the repeat. One identifies that the first longitudinal threads 1 , 3 form a second group II with the second longitudinal thread 2 . One furthermore identifies that the first longitudinal threads 6 , 8 form a further second group II with the second longitudinal thread 7 . One first group, which is formed by the first longitudinal thread 4 and the second longitudinal thread 5 , is disposed between the two aforementioned second groups. What has been stated above correspondingly applies to first and second groups I, II, which are formed by the further first and second longitudinal threads.
A woven-fabric web, such as a forming fabric or forming wire, for a machine for producing and/or processing a fibrous web, has a first woven-fabric layer with first longitudinal threads and first transverse threads interwoven with the first longitudinal threads and a second woven-fabric layer with second longitudinal threads and second transverse threads interwoven with the second longitudinal threads. The weaving pattern of the fabric is repeated in pattern repeats. The first and second longitudinal threads are arranged in a plurality of groups in each pattern repeat, with a first group and a second group and at least one further of the first and/or second group. Each first group is formed from a first longitudinal thread and a second longitudinal thread arranged below the first longitudinal thread and the first and second longitudinal threads in each group are arranged at no offset or only a slight offset in plan view.
3
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ARTS [0001] Infectious diseases are often caused by pathogenic microbes or harmful byproducts produced therefrom, with such pathogenic microbes including bacteria, viruses, fungi and Rickettsia, wherein bacterial infectious diseases are the most common. Most infectious diseases caused by bacterial pathogens are not fatal, yet some of them still pose serious threat, such as pneumonia, meningitis and dysentery. Traditional diagnosis regarding bacterial pathogens involves collecting a patient's clinical sample, culturing bacteria therein, bio-chemically analyze bacteria cultured, and ascertaining the species of bacteria pathogen, thus antibiotics specifically for eliminating such species of bacteria can be administered to such patient. However, the aforementioned diagnosis takes several days to acquire the outcome, thus often causing delay in diagnosis and missing the best timing for curing diseases. For example, meningitis, a legally notifiable infectious disease, is caused by bacterial pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi that invade arachnoid, meninges and cerebrospinal fluid. Thus any kind of bacteria may be possible to cause bacterial meningitis. Yet even though numerous bacteria may cause meningitis, 70% to 80% of meningitis cases are caused by Neisseria meningitides, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Meningitis often are rampant in crowded environment such as schools or military barracks, with spring (March to June) being the major spreading season. Lumbar puncture is one of the most important examinations for diagnosing meningitis. As the central nerve system is infected with diseases causing apparent pathological variations, either the computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) scan can be utilized for non-invasive scanning so as to diagnose the exact disease infected. However, provided a central nerve system is infected with certain infectious diseases causing no apparent pathological variations, such as meningitis, the lumbar puncture is then necessary to acquire cerebrospinal fluid for examination, thus accurate diagnosis can be obtained. [0002] Infected pathogens cultured directly from cerebrospinal fluid is one crucial item necessary for accurate diagnosis, yet direct culturing of bacteria takes at least three days to over a week to complete, whereas antibody recognition, mostly being conducted in one-on-one pattern for bacteria recognition, requires higher cost thus causes waste of medical resources. [0003] In view of the foregoing drawbacks existed in diagnosing meningitis pathogens, it can be concluded that higher cost and prolonged period for examination cause speedy and accurate diagnosis of meningitis pathogens to be unattainable. Therefore, a highly effective method and a kit for diagnosing meningitis pathogens is desperately needed for overcoming the foregoing drawbacks and raising the medical standard and efficiency. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] One of the objects in the present invention is to provide a nucleic acid kit for bacterial pathogen diagnosis, comprising one or more nucleic acid sequences that are designed for one or more bacterial pathogens, the foregoing pathogens are chosen from the next 20 pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus saprophyticus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pyogens, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Legionella pneumophilia, Listeria monocytogene, Escherichia. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Proteus mirabilis, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitides, and then the consensus sequence among the sub-species of pathogens (or variants and serotypes thereof) can be found out, which contains low or no homology to other meningitis pathogen genomic sequences apart from the pathogen itself. Therefore, the nucleic acid kit of the present invention designed by basing upon those consensus sequences can be widely applied to examinations on diseases caused by various bacterial pathogens. The nucleic acid kit can further be utilized to conjugate on a substrate as probes for detecting various kinds of bacterial pathogens, for example, when detecting the meningitis pathogen, the nucleic acid from a meningitis patient's clinical sample is to be hybridized, and then the foregoing nucleic acid kit conjugated on a substrate can be utilized here to detect the kind of pathogens causing meningitis with sensitivity and specificity. The foregoing substrate can be a biochip. [0005] The other object of the present invention is to provide a chip utilized for diagnosing bacterial pathogens, comprising a substrate and one or more probes, which are chosen from nucleic acid sequences in the nucleic acid kit of the foregoing 20 pathogens, with the probes conjugated on the substrate. The chip can be utilized for detecting meningitis. [0006] The substrate can be glass, nitrocellulose membrane, nylon membrane, silicon chip or polymers. [0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for detecting the nucleic acid of bacterial pathogens, comprising procedures of extracting the nucleic acid of specific bacterial pathogen, amplifying and labeling the extracted nucleic acid, hybridizing the amplified and labeled nucleic acid with the nucleic acid kit of the present invention, and eventually detecting signals generated after hybridization. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings that are provided only for further elaboration without limiting or restricting the present invention, where: [0009] [0009]FIG. 1 shows a result of implemented diagnosis by utilizing the chip in the embodiment of the present invention for diagnosing meningitis pathogens; and [0010] [0010]FIG. 2 shows another result of implemented diagnosis by utilizing the chip in the embodiment of the present invention for diagnosing meningitis pathogens. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0011] The following is a detailed description of the best presently known modes of carrying out the inventions. 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 inventions. [0012] Regarding traditional medical detections, the culturing of bacteria is often time-consuming with recognition efficiency being less than satisfactory. In view of the superior qualities of biochips that provide users with speedy detection, simple operation and lower cost, thus improving the efficiency tremendously and corresponding to the market needs, the present invention, regarding the diagnosing procedure for bacterial pathogens, hereby provides with a nucleic acid kit and applied chip thereof (such as chips for diagnosing meningitis) for diagnosing and identifying pathogens, so as to improve upon the quality of medical detection regarding bacterial pathogens. [0013] In the fabricating procedure of the nucleic acid kit of the present invention for diagnosing bacterial pathogens, twenty common bacteria causing meningitis are chosen to be the subject matters of the detection, with the species of sen listed as follows: Number of the consensus sequences provided by present No. Bacteria species invention 1 Staphylococcus aureus 1-1, 1-2 and 1-3 2 Staphylococcus epidermidis 2-1, 2-2 and 2-3 3 Staphylococcus saprophyticus 3-1, 3-2 and 3-3 4 Streptococcus agalactiae 4-1, 4-2 and 4-3 5 Streptococcus. pyogens 5-1, 5-2 and 5-3 6 Streptococcus pneumoniae 6-1, 6-2 and 6-3 7 Enterococcus faecium 7-1, 7-2 and 7-3 8 Enterococcus faecalis 8-1, 8-2 and 8-3 9 Mycobacterium tuberculosis 9-1, 9-2 and 9-3 10 Legionella pneumophilia 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3 11 Listeria monocytogenes 11-1, 11-2 and 11-3 12 Escherichia. coli 12-1, 12-2 and 12-3 13 Klebsiella pneumoniae 13-1, 13-2 and 13-3 14 Serratia marcescens 14-1, 14-2 and 14-3 15 Enterobactercloacae 15-1, 15-2 and 15-3 16 Pseudomonas aeruginosa 16-1, 16-2 and 16-3 17 Stenotrophomonas maltophilia 17-1, 17-2 and 17-3 18 Proteus mirabilis 18-1, 18-2 and 18-3 19 Haemophilus influenzae 19-1, 19-2 and 19-3 20 Neisseria meningitidis 20-1, 20-2 and 20-3 [0014] The consensus primers for the 20 bacterial pathogens are listed as follows: Primer Name\: Sequence 5โ€ฒto 3โ€ฒ Bases F 5โ€ฒ-GAAGAGTTTGATC M TGGCTC-3โ€ฒ 20 (M =โ€ƒA +โ€ƒC) R 5โ€ฒ-ACTGCTGCCTCCCGTAGGAG-3โ€ฒ 20 [0015] Furthermore, for each of the 20 pathogen nucleic acid sequences, three hybridized nucleic acid fragments that are complementary and can be utilized for diagnosis basis are determined respectively as a diagnostic group for the nucleic acid kit. โ€ƒ1-1 CGGACGAGAAGCTTGCTTCTCTGATGTTAGCG โ€ƒ1-2 TTTGAACCGCATGGTTCAAAAGTGAAAGACGG โ€ƒ1-3 TTGCTGTCACTTATAGATGGATCCGCGCTGC โ€ƒ2-1 AACAGACGAGGAGCTTGCTCCTCTGACGTTAGC โ€ƒ2-2 GGATAATATATTGAACCGCATGGTTCAATAGTGAAAGACGC โ€ƒ2-3 GTGAAAGACGGTTTTGCTGTCACTTATAGATGGATCCG โ€ƒ3-1 TAAGGAGCTTGCTCCTTTGACGTTAGCGGC โ€ƒ3-2 CATTTGGACCCGCATGGTTCTAAAGTGAAAGATG โ€ƒ3-3 ATGGTTTTGCTATCACTTATAGATGGACCCGCGC โ€ƒ4-1 CTGAGGTTTGGTGTTTACACTAGACTGATGAGTTGCGA โ€ƒ4-2 GTAATTAACACATGTTGGTTATTTAAAAGGAGCAATTGCTTCACTG โ€ƒ4-3 GGTTATTTAAAAGGAGCAATTGCTTCACTGTGAGATGGAC โ€ƒ5-1 CTGAGAACTGGTGCTTGCACCGGTTCAAGG โ€ƒ5-2 AAGAGAGACTAACGCATGTTAGTAATTTAAAAGGGGCAA โ€ƒ5-3 GCATGTTAGTAATTTAAAAGGGGCAATTGCTCCACTATG โ€ƒ6-1 AGAACGCTGAAGGAGGAGCTTGCTTCTCTGGAT โ€ƒ6-2 AAGAGTGGATGTTGCATGACATTTGCTTAAAAGGTGC โ€ƒ6-3 GACATTTGCTTAAAAGGTGCACTTGCATCACTACCAG โ€ƒ7-1 CTTTTTCCACCGGAGCTTGCTCCACCGGAAA โ€ƒ7-2 TATAACAATCGAAACCGCATGGTTTTGATTTGAAAGG โ€ƒ7-3 TTGATTTGAAAGGCGCTTTCGGGTGTCG โ€ƒ8-1 TCTTTCCTCCCGAGTGCTTGCACTCAATTGG โ€ƒ8-2 CAGTTTATGCCGCATGGCATAAGAGTGAAAGGC โ€ƒ8-3 TTCGGGTGTCGCTGATGGATGGACCCG โ€ƒ9-1 GAAAGGTCTCTTCGGAGATACTCGAGTGGCGAAC โ€ƒ9-2 GGACCACGGGATGCATGTCTTGTGGTG โ€ƒ9-3 TCTTGTGGTGGAAAGCGCTTTAGCGGTGTG 10-1 GCAGCATTGTCTAGCTTGCTAGACAGATGGCGA 10-2 ATGTCTGAGGACGAAAGCTGGGGACCTTCG 10-3 CTGGGGACCTTCGGGCCTGGCGCTTTAAGATTA 11-1 AACGGAGGAAGAGCTTGCTCTTCCAAAGTTAGTGG 11-2 AATGATAAAGTGTGGCGCATGCCACGCTTT 11-3 CCACGCTTTTGAAAGATGGTTTCGGCTATCG 12-1 CAGGAAGCAGCTTGCTGCTTTGCTGACG 12-2 ACGTCGCAAGACCAAAGAGGGGGACCTTC 12-3 GGGCCTCTTGCCATCGGATGTGCC 13-1 GCGGTAGCACAGAGAGCTTGCTCTCGGG 13-2 TGTCGCAAGACCAAAGTGGGGGACCTTC 13-3 CAAAGTGGGGGACCTTCGGGCCTCAT 14-1 AGGACAGGGGAGCTTGCTCCCTGGGT 14-2 AACGTCGCAAGACCAAAGAGGGGGACCTTC 14-3 GAAAGAGGGGGACCTTCGGGCCTCTTG 15-1 GTAACAGGAAGCAGCTTGCTGCTTCGCTGAC 15-2 CGTCGCAAGACCAAAGAGGGGGACCTTC 15-3 CTTGCCATCGGATGTGCCCAGATGGG 16-1 GAAGGGAGCTTGCTCCTGGATTCAGCGG 16-2 GTCCTGAGGGAGAAAGTGGGGGATCTTCGG 16-3 TTCGGACCTCACGCTATCAGATGAGCCTAGGTC 17-1 GCAGCACAGGAGAGCTTGCTCTCTGGGTG 17-2 ACTTTTTCGTGGGGGATAACGTAGGGAAACTTACG 17-3 CGACCTACGGGTGAAAGCAGGGGATCTTC 18-1 GCGGTAACAGGAGAAAGCTTGCTTTCTTGCTGA 18-2 CCGATAGAGGGGGATAACTACTGGAAACGGTGG 18-3 GCTCTTCGGACCTTGCACTATCGGATGAACC 19-1 GTAGCAGGAGGAAGCTTGCTTTCTTGCTGACG 19-2 CGAGAGACGAAAGTGCGGGACTGTAAGGCC 19-3 CGCATGCCATAGGATGAGCCCAAGTGG 20-1 GCAGCACAGAGAAGCTTGCTTCTCGGGTG 20-2 CGTCTTGAGAGAGAAAGCAGGGGACCTTCGG 20-3 CTTGCGCTATTCGAGCGGCCGATATCTG [0016] Each foregoing group of nucleic acid sequences for diagnosing pathogens includes at least one, two or three kinds of specific hybridized nucleic acid sequences. The nucleic acid sequences in the nucleic acid kit of the present invention can be individually utilized or utilized in accordance with other nucleic acid kits without being limited. [0017] The nucleic acid kit of the present invention can further be conjugated on a substrate as probes, for example, at least one probe of the bacterial pathogen is to be planted on a proper substrate, with each probe containing different sequences complementary to a portion of the sequences in the nucleic acid of the pathogen targeted for detection. Probes can be conjugated on a substrate through in situ or ex situ synthesis, wherein the common in situ synthesis provides with spotting, ink-jetting or piezoelectric means for directly conjugating the synthesized probes on a substrate, whereas the ex situ synthesis provides with synthesizing probe sequences directly on a solid substrate. The substrate in the foregoing synthesizing methods can be made of nylon membrane, glass or polymer. [0018] In addition, the present invention provides with the design of planting different kinds of probes respectively on different areas of a substrate, so as to identify the kinds of pathogens, whereby numerous non target probes are planted in areas outside a small area planted with target probes, or the area of the substrate can be divided into numerous specific target areas for planting various detecting probes, so as to detect different targets simultaneously. The other object of the present invention is to provide chips for diagnosing bacterial pathogens, wherein the preferred embodiment thereof is chips for diagnosing meningitis, with the procedure being that specific probes from 20 species of meningitis pathogen are to be planted in one chip, so as to identify the of meningitis pathogen for accurate diagnosis and administering of medicine. [0019] The substrate can be made of glass, nitrocellulose membrane, nylon membrane, silicon chip or polymer. The conventional means of planting probes on substrates can be employed, with the targets or probes being adhered to solid substrates, so as to proceed to fragment hybridization with the supplementary nucleic acid of bacterial pathogens in the solution. The exemplary solid pattern includes Southern hybridization, blotting and similar means. The detection of hybridization can be preceded on solid substrates such as microplates, filtering membranes (i.e., nitrocellulose membranes), microspheres (tiny beads) chips or any feasible hybridization buffering fluid system. [0020] Regarding the processing of bacterial pathogens, the nucleic acid in meningitis pathogens is to be extracted, then amplified with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and marked, so as to enhance the binding force during hybridization with probes. [0021] The characteristics and merits of the present invention can be apparently shown in the preferred embodiments and claims elaborated as follows. [0022] Preferred Embodiments [0023] The following is a description of the exemplary case of carrying out the diagnostic chip provided by the invention for diagnosing meningitis bacterial pathogens. This exemplary case is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of further illustrating the materials and methods for practicing the present invention. The chip for diagnosing meningitis bacterial pathogens of the present invention is carried out through the following steps: [0024] A. Purification of Bacterial DNA: [0025] (1) Take some bacteria from a colony and suspend in 500 ฮผl solution I, which contains: [0026] 50 mM Glucose [0027] 10 mM EDTA [0028] 25 mM Tris-HCL, pH 8.0 [0029] (2) For Gram-positive bacteria, add 1 mg/ml lysozyme and incubate at 37ยฐ C. for 30-60 min. For Gram-negative bacteria, directly jump to step (3). [0030] (3) Add 50 ฮผl of 10% SDS and incubate at 65ยฐ C. for 30-60 min. [0031] (4) Add 4 ฮผl of RNase incubate at 37ยฐ C. for 30-60 min. [0032] (5) Add 100 ฮผl of 5M KAc and 300 ฮผl of CHCl 3 . [0033] (6) Stir to mix for 15 sec and then centrifuge at 12000 rpm for 5 min. [0034] (7) Transfer the supernatant to a new tube and add 2ร— volume of 95% ethanol. [0035] (8) Mix well and centrifuge again. [0036] (9) Decant the supernatant and wash the pellet with 70% ethanol. [0037] (10) Decant the supernatant and air-dry the pellet. [0038] (11) Dissolve the pellet with 500 ฮผl of ddH 2 O or TE buffer (TE buffer: mixture of 10 mM Tris-HCl and 1 mM EDTA, pH 8.0). [0039] (12) Read OD260 of DNA solution in a spectrophotometer to determine the concentration of DNA. [0040] (13) Dilute the DNA solution to concentration of 2 ng/ul for the following Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). [0041] B. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) [0042] Prepare the Following Materials: (1) DNA template 2ฮป (2) 10X Reaction buffer (25 mM) 5ฮป (3) Forward Primer 1ฮป (4) Reverse Primer 1ฮป (5) Taq polymerase 1U (6) Digoxigenin(DIG)-dNTp 2ฮป [0043] The reaction is carried out at 95ยฐ C. for 10 min to denature DNA, and continues with 30 cycles of reaction (95ยฐ C., 1 min; 58ยฐ C., 1 min; 72ยฐ C., 2 min), and at 72ยฐ C., 10 min at end to allow complete elongation of all product DNAs. Then, 3 ฮผl of the PCR products are taken for the following chip hybridization. [0044] C. Chip Hybridization [0045] The procedures of testing meningitis diagnostic chip are as follows: [0046] (1) Use 3 ฮผl of the PCR product to react with the meningitis diagnostic chip. [0047] (2) Carry out pre-hybridization (blocking), 30 min, and then add labeled probes for hybridization, 6 hrs. [0048] (3) Wash away the unbound labeled probes, 3 hr. [0049] (4) Scan the chip for signal detection, 20 min. [0050] Afterwards, the signals read on meningitis diagnostic chip corresponded with the specific probe location are used for determining the species of the infectious pathogens. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, three species of probes are adhered to the chip in this exemplary case: probes specifically to pathogens, probes for PCR positive control, probes for signal detection positive control. The main functions of these probes are describe as follows: [0051] (1) Probes Specifically to Pathogens: [0052] Probes for diagnosis of the 20 pathogenic bacteria are conjugated to the chip in turn according to the order of numbers from 1 to 20, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. From up to down, left to right on the chip, there are 3 probes for each bacteria, each probe in duplicate (6 spots total for each pathogen). Depending on the signal location, the species of infectious bacterial pathogens can thus be determined. [0053] (2) Probes for PCR Positive Control: [0054] Signals present in region A and region B, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 indicate a trusty PCR process. [0055] (3) Probes for Signal Detection Positive Control: [0056] Signals present in region C, D, E and F, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 indicate a trusty signal detection process. [0057] In the present invention, the signal is visible to the naked eye and therefore the results can be directly observed without any assistant device. As shown in FIG. 1, the bacterial pathogen infected is Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and as for FIG. 2 is Neisseria meningitides. [0058] Furthermore, other methods for signal detection and the relevant labeling technologies, such as fluorescence labeling, radioisotope labeling, chemical labeling, or spectrophotometers, can also be applied to the nucleic acid kit of the present invention. [0059] The probes of the present invention for diagnosing meningitis pathogens may detect up to twenty species of bacteria that cover 80% to 90% of s of bacteria, whereby meningitis patients might be infected, including Neisseria meningitides that causes the currently prevalent epidemic meningitis. In addition, the present invention also integrates numerous biological technologies that specific probes can be found by utilizing biological information for fabricating meningitis diagnosis chips, so that what the user needs to do is to extract the DNA of the bacteria acquired from the clinical sample, amplify the extracted DNA through PCR, and hybridize such DNA with chips; thus, after the reaction, the species of infecting bacterium can be identified through the naked eye without utilizing any other identification systems. Comparing to the conventional means of one-on-one detection, the means of one-on-many detection provided by the chips of the present invention can detect and identify the species of infecting bacteria within twenty-four hours, along with at least half of the cost being saved. It is no doubt for patients that the chip technology applied contributes to the breakthrough in the field of medical detection. [0060] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art can easily understand that all kinds of alterations and changes can be made within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiments contained herein.
The present invention relates to a nucleic acid kit for bacterial pathogen diagnosis and method for using the same, which provides with a quick diagnosis for 20 species of bacterial pathogens. The present invention is to align the nucleic acid sequences of each bacterial pathogen, single out the specific region thereof, find out the corresponsive consensus primers, and amplify the specific nucleic acid sequences of each bacterial pathogen, whereafter the nucleic acid kit is acquired. Further, such nucleic acid kit can be utilized as probes to be conjugated on polymers as diagnostic chips for bacterial pathogens (for example, the meningitis chip), and then the detection reaction proceeds as the nucleic acid sequences of pathogen purified from clinical sample and amplified by using the foregoing primers are to react with the bacterial pathogen diagnostic chip of the present invention, with the species of the infecting bacteria thus being determined.
2
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a process to improve milk coagulation comprising pre-treatment of the milk with appropriate strains of lactic bacteria, new strains of lactic bacteria and their use in the process. [0002] In particular, the invention relates to a process for pre-ripening milk through the use of lactic bacteria that provides the milk treated in this way with an increased aptitude to coagulation in view of its use in transformation into dairy products. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND [0003] Milk coagulation forms the basis of the cheese-making process that leads to the making of cheese, yoghurt and other dairy products. [0004] The phenomenon of coagulation consists in a structural modification of the casein micelles that combine to form aggregates through the effect of the action of heat, of acidification and as a consequence of an enzymatic action. [0005] Milk coagulation through the effect of thermal heating is caused mainly by denaturation of the whey proteins that aggregate and subsequently are complexed with the casein to form coprecipitates at temperatures above 70ยฐ C. [0006] Acid coagulation is instead caused by aggregation of the casein micelles through the effect of the loss of calcium phosphate by these micelles; decrease in the pH caused by the increase in the concentration of acids in the milk has the effect of ionizing the acid functions of the casein, causing a decrease in potential that in turn increases the dissolution of calcium salts. This phenomenon induces a progressive passage of the calcium from the calcium phospho-caseinate of the casein micelle to the aqueous matrix of the milk; at pH values of 5.7-5.8, 50% of the colloidal calcium has passed into the solution, while at a pH of 4.6 (isoelectric point of the casein) there is total demineralization of the casein and therefore maximum destabilization of the casein micelles that aggregate to form the coagulum. [0007] Cheeses representative of the โ€œlacticโ€ category are for example โ€œcaprinoโ€ cheese, or even yoghurt and more generally those cheeses with a paste that is soft, loosely bound and white. [0008] Enzymatic coagulation of the milk takes place by adding substances, generally defined โ€œmilk coagulantsโ€, capable of determining, by means of hydrolytic action on the k casein, destabilization of the casein micelles that promotes their aggregation to form a gel defined as โ€œcurdโ€. [0009] Ripening of the curd by these coagulating enzymes and by those produced by the lactic bacteria used in processing determines the structural and organoleptic properties of the various cheeses ready for consumption. [0010] Enzymatic coagulation can also be defined as โ€œrennetโ€ coagulation, as since time immemorial โ€œrennetโ€ has been used in the cheese-making process; this is an enzymatic preparation of animal origin constituted by the natural extract from the abomasums of calves, sheep and goats, prepared according to a traditional method. The main coagulating enzymes found in rennet are rennin and pepsin. [0011] Rennet coagulation undoubtedly forms the type used most widely in cheese-making throughout the world, especially for those of top quality such as those classed as โ€œDesignation of Originโ€ and typical. According to the type of coagulation used, the cheese-making technique essentially provides two categories of cheeses: cheeses made primarily with rennet coagulation and cheeses made primarily with lactic coagulation. [0012] An example of some cheeses representing the โ€œrennetโ€ category are Italico, Emmenthal, and in general those cheeses with a hard, rubbery, yellow paste. The coagulating effect of the enzymes may be schematically divided into three successive phases: the first phase consists in the enzyme attaching to the micellar casein with hydrolysis of the phenylalanine-methionine bond (position 105-106 in the k casein chain) leading to the release of a highly hydrophilic glycopeptide-casein; the second phase consists in hydrophobic bonds and calcium-phosphate saline bridges being formed between the casein micelles destabilized due to the modifications induced on the k casein, which until that moment acted as protective colloid; no longer protected by the glycopeptide, the casein molecules knock against one another and, thanks to the calcium found in ionic form in the milk, start to bond to one another to determine the phenomenon of flocculation; the third phase follows flocculation and consists in strengthening of the casein network through the formation of an increasing number of bonds of different chemical nature. The whey part remains trapped inside the casein matrix that forms the supporting structure of the casein gel. [0013] During the third phase the consistency of the gel increases following an increase in the intermicellar bonds: the micelles move towards one another and the coagulum contracts to expel the whey. This phenomenon, also known as exudation or syneresis, is accelerated by cutting the curd, increasing the temperature and increasing the acidity produced by the lactic bacteria which develop to quickly transform lactose into lactic acid. [0014] Only the first two phases described above determine actual coagulation, that is the passage of the casein from the condition of colloidal suspension to the condition of gel, while the third phase essentially consists in gelation of the entire mass of the milk and the start of non specific proteolytic phenomena in other sites of the k casein and on the ฮฑs and ฮฒ caseins. [0015] The speed and pattern of flocculation and of subsequent gelation strongly affect the Theological properties of the curd to a specific extent with reference to elasticity, texture, permeability and contractility of the coagulum and, consequently, the syneresis capacity of the whey. [0016] Numerous factors influence the phases described above, particularly the first two phases. [0017] The duration of the first phase (also called โ€œflocculation timeโ€) is influenced by the temperature, which must be similar to the optimal temperature for enzyme activity, the concentration of the enzyme, the total calcium and phosphorous; the free acidity values (pH); the tertiary and quaternary structure of the casein (which may promote or obstruct access of the enzyme to the sites of attachment). [0018] The characteristics of the second phase (gelation) are mainly influenced by the protein concentration, the casein, the concentration of calcium ions and free phosphates; the free acidity (pH) and the temperatures that increases the reaction speed. [0019] Implementation of these two phases may be followed and assessed using a thromboelastogram, with which the flocculation time (or โ€œfirming timeโ€) corresponding to the first phase and the extent of gelation corresponding to the second phase can be measured. [0020] For these measurements an appropriate instrument called lactodynamograph is normally used, with which it is possible to establish in advance whether the properties of the milk being examined make it suitable for making cheese. Said lactodynamograph thus allows the coagulation time and consistency of the milk coagulum to be established. Greater details on this technique are provided for example in โ€œTrattato di Tecnologia Caseariaโ€ by Ottavio Salvadori del Prato, Ed agricole, 1998, pages 203-205. [0021] Therefore, the aptitude of milk to rennet coagulation, that is its reactivity towards rennet, together with its aptitude to fermentation, that is its susceptibility to the growth of lactic bacteria, form a fundamental parameter for correct and optimum transformation into dairy products. [0022] The two parameters โ€œaptitude to rennet coagulationโ€ and โ€œaptitude to fermentationโ€ are therefore technologically determining factors for the quality of the cheese and it is important to stress that milk suitable to be made into cheese must have these properties in a balanced proportion, that is high propensity towards coagulation must correspond to the same high propensity towards fermentation; the worst situation is represented by milk that against a high aptitude to fermentation has poor reactivity to coagulation and vice versa. [0023] In recent years there has been a statistical increase in milk characterized by a reduced aptitude to rennet coagulation in contrast to an apparent increased aptitude to fermentation; this jeopardizes the global cheese-making aptitude which translates into lower transformation yield and/or the production of cheeses of poorer quality. In actual fact, the increase in the development speed of lactic ferments is a consequence of the first phenomenon, as a less consistent curd, with a softer texture, resulting from anomalous coagulation, cannot exude the whey adequately and therefore, at least initially, contains more lactose than it should, thus promoting the multiplication of lactic ferments that produce excessive lactic acid. Acidification that takes place too fast causes excessive demineralization of the curd, making it crumbly and loose to an extent that it is unable retain an adequate quantity of whey. At this point due to lack of nourishment the bacterial flora stops or reduces its development resulting in a curd with a weak casein network characterized by an excessive loss of whey due to acidification taking place too fast in a premature phase and which cannot ripen correctly during the maturing phase. [0024] Therefore, it is understood that milk coagulation for all transformations into dairy products is typical and specific for each cheese and that both enzymatic action and the effect of acidification contribute towards determining the optimum coagulum. Both these phenomena must succeed each other in the correct times and occur with the typical modality and intensity for the specific processing. [0025] The aptitude to rennet coagulation of the milk is influenced by the casein content and by the micellar structure in its complex, intended as number of micelles, sub-micelles and degree of distribution in amplitude classes. [0026] It is in fact evident that the greater the number of micelles present per unit of volume the smaller the distance between them, promoting aggregation. With regard to the dimensions of the micelles it is known that this depends on the concentration of colloidal phosphate and on the ratios between the various types of casein (ฮฑ s1 , ฮฑ s2 , ฮฒ, k). Milk in which classes with small (micelle sizes between 12 and 68 nm) and medium (micelle sizes between 68 and 162 nm) dimensions are predominant usually coagulate better than those with larger micellar dispersion. [0027] The other factors of milk that have a direct or indirect role in the phenomenon of coagulation are, as already shown, acidity that influences the hydrolysis speed, aggregation of the paracasein micelles and the quantities of calcium and phosphorous. As colloidal phosphate, phosphorous performs a cementing function between the sub-micelles during forming the micelles, while both greatly influence the pattern in the secondary coagulation phase. [0028] The variability of all the parameters mentioned above is linked to factors endogenous and exogenous to dairy cows. The former include genetic factors (race and individual), physiological factors (state of lactation) and pathological factors (health of the animal). Among the latter, zootechnical factors such as feed, environment and milking technique are particularly important. [0029] For correct cheese-making it would therefore be essential to use milk produced by healthy animals, rich in protein and balanced as regards salinity, capable of producing a compact, sufficiently elastic and firm coagulum. [0030] As in recent years preference has been given to selective and zootechnical factors which together have targeted quantity rather than quality, this has caused an increasing statistical incidence of hypoacid milk with a low saline content or with normal acidity but highly unbalanced in the saline concentration, usually with a low calcium and colloidal phosphorous content and an increase in the respective free ions. However, while the calcium ion, at least up to a certain concentration, plays a positive role in contributing towards micelle formation, the phosphoric ion causes an increase in soluble casein to the detriment of colloidal casein. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0031] In has now surprisingly been found that it is possible to improve the aptitude to coagulation of milk without modifying the parameters influencing the phases of the flocculation and gelation time discussed above, thus obtaining milk with an improved tendency to coagulate. [0032] In particular, it has been found that by adding certain lactic bacteria to the milk before cheese-making treatments, and before pasteurization, if performed, it is possible to optimize coagulation without however modifying the normal coagulation parameters. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0033] Therefore, according to one of its aspects, the invention relates to a process to improve/promote coagulation consisting in adding to the milk, before coagulation treatment, at least one strain of lactic bacteria chosen from L. plantarum LMG-P-21385 deposited on 31 Jan. 2002, L. lactis subsp. lactis LMG-P-21387 deposited on 15 Mar. 2002, L. lactis subsp. lactis LMG-P-21388 deposited on 31 Jan. 2002 and L. plantarum LMG-P-21389 deposited on 15 Mar. 2002, at the BCCM/LMG Bacteria Collection in Gent, Belgium. [0034] The codes correlated to the strains above refer to the access numbers of the relative deposits made in accordance with the Budapest Treaty on international recognition of the deposit of microorganisms of 28 Apr. 1977. [0035] Said strains and their use in the process of the invention are new and form a further object of the invention. [0036] These strains may alternatively be used individually or in combination with one another. [0037] The expression โ€œimprove/promote coagulationโ€ is intended, according to the present invention, as inducing in milk a greater aptitude to coagulation, promoting subsequent transformations into dairy products. [0038] The use of the strains of the invention, on their own or in combination with one another to prepare cheeses and/or yoghurt is a further aspect of the invention, just as the cheeses deriving from milk to which said strains have been added. [0039] The strains may be added to the milk in the form of liquid strains, preferably grown in milk, or in anhydrous form, for example lyophilized, if necessary redissolved immediately prior to use. [0040] To obtain the desired result, only a very small quantity of the strain requires to be added to the milk; normally, adequate quantities range from 0.1 to 1% of liquid culture in respect of the milk (volume/volume), preferably from 0.3 to 0.5%. [0041] As is know, from around 10 8 to around 10 9 CFU/ml (colony forming units/ml) are present in liquid cultures of lactic bacteria. [0042] In the case in which the use of anhydrous cultures, such as lyophilized cultures, is desired or more convenient, from 10 11 to 10 12 CFU/100 litres of milk may be used. According to an advantageous embodiment, the strains are added to the milk during storage, preferably before pasteurization, if performed. [0043] The milk with the strains added, which is then subjected to normal coagulation and cheese-making treatments, has a decidedly improved aptitude to coagulate and therefore allows better yields to be obtained, facilitating the production of dairy products and simultaneously requiring lower quantities of coagulating agents and/or additives that aid coagulation where permitted (for example calcium, powdered milk, etc.). [0044] Therefore, the process and the strains of the invention allow a decided improvement in the results of coagulation of the milk to be obtained in terms of costs and yields, as indicated above, and also provide a milk coagulation procedure that is more precise and standardized, with repeatable and reliable results. [0045] In practice and according to an advantageous embodiment, the strains may be added to the milk delivered to the cheese factory at the time of storage; the stored milk is normally processed during the subsequent 24 hours, for example to be pasteurized. The simple addition of the quantities indicated above (or of larger quantities, if desired) of the strain of the invention provides a milk with an improved aptitude to coagulation. [0046] As already mentioned above, it has been experimentally ascertained that none of the factors that influence the phases of flocculation and gelation time are modified by adding the strains of the invention. This is particularly important to ensure that the qualitative and organoleptic properties of the milk treated according to the process of the invention are in no way modified and that the only appreciable variation to be found after adding the strains is exclusively an increased tendency to coagulation. The milk with the addition, treated according to the process described above and with an improved aptitude to coagulation and the milk with at least one of the strains added form a further object of the present invention. [0047] The experimental part below provides a detailed description of the representative aspects of the invention without limiting it in any way. EXPERIMENTAL PART EXAMPLE 1 [0048] Evaluation of the aptitude to coagulation of the milk. [0049] To ascertain the aptitude to coagulation of the milk treated with the strains of the invention, tests were performed with a FOSS Italia lactodynamograph at 6, 9 and 12ยฐ C., adding variable quantities (from 0.3 to 0.5%) of strains of lactic bacteria and detecting the results by means of a thromboelastogram. [0050] In detail, the procedure below was followed: [0051] To a known volume of milk, heated to a predefined temperature, an efficacious quantity of rennet was added (in addition to the strains to be tested, with the exclusion of the control sample) to induce coagulation. The wells containing the milk were placed on top of a moving base, which performs an extremely slow rotating movement. The blade immersed in the milk does not initially encounter great friction and remains stationary, then as coagulation proceeds, it draws the blade with it. which thus follows the movement of the moving base. [0052] The results were compared with those obtained in the same conditions and at the same temperature with the same milk without the strains added (control). [0053] Results [0054] The results are shown in the accompanying Figures (I)-(III). [0055] In all the figures the wells represent respectively: [0056] (1) L. plantarum LMG-P-21385, [0057] (2) L. lactis subsp. lactis LMG-P-21388, [0058] (3) L. lactis subsp. lactis LMG-P-21387, [0059] (4) L. plantarum LMG-P-21389, [0060] (5) control (milk without strains added). [0061] Figure (I) shows the thromboelastograms of milk treated with the strains of the invention at the rate of 0.3%, at the temperature of 6ยฐ C. for 18 hours. [0062] Figure (II) shows the thromboelastograms of milk treated with the strains of the invention at the rate of 0.3%, at a temperature of 9ยฐ C. for 18 hours. [0063] Figure (III) shows the thromboelastograms of milk treated with the strains of the invention at the rate of 0.3%, at a temperature of 12ยฐ C. for 18 hours. [0064] As can be clearly seen in the Figures indicated above, the strains added all allow, at the different temperatures, an improvement to be obtained in the aptitude of the milk to coagulate in respect of the control sample, improving all the parameters represented by the thromboelastograms in the Figures, such as initial flocculation time, firming time and amplitude of the coagulum, without modification of the pH.
The present invention relates to a process to improve milk coagulation principally for dairy purposes, comprising pre-treatment of the milk with appropriate strains of 5 lactic bacteria, new strains of lactic bacteria and their use in the process.
0
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to JP 2005-146173, filed May 19, 2005 and PCT/JP2006/309960, filed May 18, 2006. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a seat belt device, and more particularly to a seat belt device which includes an electric actuator utilizing a motor and a pyrotechnic pre-tensioner actuator (a pre-tensioner). BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventionally, in a seat belt device of this type, when there is a possibility of collision, a seat belt (webbing) is retracted by the electric actuator before collision, and then the possibility of collision disappears, the seat belt is put back to the state before the possible collision was sensed, and when the collision occurs, the seat belt is retracted by the pre-tensioner (for example, refer to Patent Document No. JP-A-2003-191819). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In this way, in the seat belt device which includes the electric actuator which produces power to rotate a spindle and the pre-tensioner which produces another form of power to rotate the spindle, when the pre-tensioner is activated, the spindle for retracting the seat belt is desirably disconnected from the electric actuator. Consequently, a main object of the invention is to provide a seat belt device including a seat belt retracting member such as a spindle for retracting the seat belt, a primary rotation source such as an electric actuator for rotating the seat belt retracting member when it is brought into connection with the seat belt retracting member, and a secondary rotation source such as a pre-tensioner for rotating the seat belt retracting member at faster speeds than the primary rotational source, wherein when the secondary rotation source such as the pre-tensioner is activated, the connection of the seat belt retracting member such as the spindle with the first rotation source such as a motor can be interrupted. According to the invention, there is provided a seat belt device including: a spindle for retracting a seat belt; an electric actuator for generating power for rotating the spindle; a pre-tensioner for generating another form of power for rotating the spindle; and a power transmission mechanism for transmitting the power from the electric actuator to the spindle, wherein the power transmission mechanism can reversibly switch the connection and disconnection between the electric actuator and the spindle before the pre-tensioner is activated, while when the pre-tensioner is activated, the power transmission mechanism non-reversibly interrupts the connection between the electric actuator and the spindle. In addition, according to the invention, there is provided a seat belt device including: a spindle for retracting a seat belt; an electric actuator for generating power for rotating the spindle; a pre-tensioner for generating another form of power for rotating the spindle; and a power transmission mechanism for transmitting the power from the electric actuator to the spindle, wherein when the pre-tensioner is activated, the power transmission mechanism interrupts the connection between the electric actuator and the pre-tensioner by making use of the rotation of the spindle by the pre-tensioner. In addition, according to the invention, there is provided a seat belt device including: a seat belt retracting member for retracting a seat belt; a primary rotation source for rotating the seat belt retracting member when it is brought into connection with the seat belt retracting member; a secondary rotation source for rotating the seat belt retracting member at faster speeds than the primary rotation source; and a power transmission mechanism, wherein the power transmission mechanism can reversibly switch the connection and disconnection between the primary rotation source and the seat belt retracting member before the secondary rotation source is activated, while when the secondary rotation source is activated, the power transmission mechanism non-reversibly interrupts the connection between the first rotation source and the seat belt retracting member. Furthermore, according to the invention, there is provided a seat belt device including: a spindle for retracting a seat belt; an electric actuator for generating power for rotating the spindle; and a power transmission mechanism for transmitting the power from the electric actuator to the spindle, wherein the power transmission mechanism has an actuator-side gear to which the power from the electric actuator is transmitted, a spindle-side gear which is provided on the spindle's side and an elastic piece which is mounted either of the actuator-side gear and the spindle-side gear and which can be brought into engagement with the other gear and includes a torque limiter in which when a torque difference which is larger than a predetermined value is generated between the actuator-side gear and the spindle-side gear, the elastic piece cancels the engagement with the other gear so as to move relative to the other gear so that the torque difference becomes equal to or less than the predetermined value. Advantage Of The Invention According to the invention, there is provided the seat belt device including the seat belt retracting member such as the spindle for retracting the seat belt, the primary rotation source such as the electric motor which is brought into connection with the seat belt retracting member to rotate the seat belt retracting member and the secondary rotation source such as the pre-tensioner for rotating the seat belt retracting member at faster speeds than the primary rotation source, wherein when the secondary rotation source such as the pre-tensioner is activated, the connection between the seat belt retracting member such as the spindle and the primary rotation source such as the motor can be interrupted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional view which explains a seat belt device of a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a cutaway view taken along the line A-A and viewed in a direction indicated by arrows attached to the line in FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 1 , which explains the operation of a clutch for transmitting power from a motor. FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 1 , which explains the operation of the clutch for transmitting power from the motor. FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 1 , which explains the operation of the clutch for transmitting power from the motor. FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 1 , which explains the operation of the clutch for transmitting power from the motor. FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 1 , which explains the operation of the clutch for transmitting power from the motor. FIG. 8 is an exploded schematic perspective view of the clutch for transmitting the power from the motor of the seat belt device of the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to the vertical sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 1 which explains a clutch in an inoperative state of a seat belt device of a second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 10 a is a view corresponding to the vertical sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 1 which explains the clutch of the seat belt device of the second embodiment of the invention while a retraction by a motor is in operation. FIG. 10 b is a view corresponding to the vertical sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 1 which explains the clutch of the seat belt device of the second embodiment of the invention while the retraction by the motor is in operation. FIG. 10 c is a view corresponding to the vertical sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 1 which explains the clutch of the seat belt device of the second embodiment of the invention while the retraction by the motor is in operation. FIG. 11 a is a view corresponding to the vertical sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 1 which explains the clutch of the seat belt device of the second embodiment of the invention when the retraction by the motor is cancelled. FIG. 11 b is a view corresponding to the vertical sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 1 which explains the clutch of the seat belt device of the second embodiment of the invention when the retraction by the motor is cancelled. FIG. 11 c is a view corresponding to the vertical sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 1 which explains the clutch of the seat belt device of the second embodiment of the invention when the retraction by the motor is cancelled. FIG. 12 a is a view corresponding to the vertical sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 1 which explains the clutch of the seat belt device of the second embodiment of the invention while a pre-tensioner is in operation. FIG. 12 b is a view corresponding to the vertical sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 1 which explains the clutch of the seat belt device of the second embodiment of the invention while the pre-tensioner is in operation. FIG. 12 c is a view corresponding to the vertical sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 1 which explains the clutch of the seat belt device of the second embodiment of the invention while the pre-tensioner is in operation. FIG. 13 are views which explain a gear assembly of a seat belt device of a third embodiment of the invention. FIG. 14 is a view which explains a gear having a torque limiter in FIG. 13 . FIG. 15 are views which explain a torque limiting operation of the gear having the torque limiter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Next, seat belt devices of respective embodiments of the invention will be described by reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional view which describes a seat belt device of a first embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 is a cutaway view taken along the line A-A and viewed in a direction indicated by arrows attached to the line in FIG. 1 , FIGS. 3 to 7 are vertical sectional views taken along the line B-B in FIG. 1 which describe the operations of a clutch for transmitting power from a motor, and FIG. 8 is an exploded schematic perspective view of the clutch for transmitting the power from the motor of the seat belt device of the first embodiment of the invention. A seat belt device 1 of this embodiment includes a spindle 11 for retracting a seat belt (webbing) 13 , a pyrotechnic actuator (pre-tensioner) 14 connected to the spindle 11 , a motor 55 as an electric actuator and a clutch 20 as a power transmission mechanism for power from the motor 55 to the spindle 11 . A torsion bar 12 functioning as an energy absorbing mechanism is provided within the spindle 11 so as to be connected to the spindle 11 . The pretensioner 14 includes a pinion 15 connected to the spindle 11 , a tube 17 which accommodates balls 16 and a gas generator 18 provided at one end of the tube 17 . When explosives are set alighted, the gas generator 18 generates gas, whereby the balls 16 accommodated within the tube 17 are strongly pushed out. The balls 16 which are so pushed out then move along a groove in the pinion 15 so as to rotate the spindle 11 . The motor 55 is connected to a gear assembly 50 , whereby the rotation of the motor 55 is decelerated by the gear assembly 50 . The gear assembly 50 and the clutch 20 are accommodated within a container defined by a lower cover 21 and an upper cover 29 . The clutch 20 includes a joint 24 connected to the spindle 11 , a latch plate (a ratchet wheel) 27 integrated with the joint 24 to rotate together with the spindle 11 , a final gear 51 of the gear assembly 50 which is gear connected to a rotational shaft of the motor 55 , a pawl 32 mounted on the final gear 51 so as to rotate round a shaft 38 and adapted to be brought into engagement with a tooth of the latch plate (ratchet wheel) 27 , a return spring 39 which is a biasing member for biasing the pawl 32 in a direction in which the pawl 32 is disconnected from the latch plate 27 , a guide ring 30 provided inside the final gear 51 so as to be integral with the final gear 51 , a clutch wheel 28 including three leg portions 42 which fit into three holes 41 in the guide ring 30 so as to rotate relatively at a required angle, a rotor cam 34 mounted on the clutch wheel 28 so as to rotate round a shaft 36 while mounted fixedly on the clutch wheel 28 by means of a fixing pin 37 , whereby its rotation is prohibited in such a state that it is fixed to the clutch wheel 28 by the fixing pin 37 , while its rotation is allowed due to the fixing pin 37 being broken, a friction spring 25 mounted on the lower cover 21 by an end portion 26 being caused to fit in a recessed portion 22 in the lower cover 21 and connected with the clutch wheel 28 by virtue of friction sliding, and bushes 23 , 31 . One end of the pawl 32 moves along a cam surface 35 of the rotor cam 34 . In addition, a rib 28 a is formed on the clutch wheel 28 in a predetermined position which extends in a circumferential direction, and one end portion of this rib 28 a is situated in the vicinity of the pawl 32 when in an inoperative state where retraction by the motor 55 is not performed. Then, when the pawl 32 rotates due to a violently vehicle vibrating with the motor 55 in the inoperative state, the rib 28 a is brought into abutment with the pawl 32 so as to prevent an abrupt rotation of the pawl 32 in a direction in which the pawl 32 is brought into engagement with the latch plate 27 . Next, the operation of the seat belt device of the embodiment will be described. When there is a possibility of collision, the seat belt 13 is retracted by the motor 55 before the possible collision, while when the possibility of collision disappears, the seat belt 13 is brought back to the state before the possible collision was sensed. When a collision occurs, the seat belt 13 is retracted by the pyrotechnic actuator (pre-tensioner) 14 at faster speeds than the retracting speed by the motor before collision, during which when a predetermined or more tension is applied to the seat belt 13 , the tension is limited by the torsion bar 12 . Next, the operation of the clutch 20 will be described. Firstly, as shown in FIG. 3 , when no retraction is performed by the motor 55 , the latch plate 27 and the pawl 32 are out of engagement. Only the latch plate 27 integrated with the spindle 11 rotates, and normal retracting/stretching of the seat belt 13 can be performed. As shown in FIG. 4 , when the motor 55 rotates in a retracting direction, the final gear 51 , which is gear connected to the rotational shaft of the motor 55 , rotates in a counterclockwise direction (C direction). The pawl 32 , which is mounted rotatably on the final gear 51 , rotates to the latch plate 27 side along the cam surface 35 of the rotor cam 34 so as to start engagement with the latch plate 27 . As shown in FIG. 5 , when the pawl 32 is brought into engagement with the latch plate 27 , the rotation of the final gear 51 is transmitted to the spindle 11 via the latch plate 27 , whereby the seat belt 13 is started to be retracted. As this occurs, the rotor cam 34 rotates together with the clutch wheel 28 while friction sliding relative to the friction spring 25 . As shown in FIG. 6 , when the motor 55 rotates in releasing direction, in response to the rotation, the final gear 51 rotates in the releasing direction (clockwise direction: D direction). While the pawl 32 rotates together with the final gear 51 , the clutch wheel 28 and the rotor cam 34 mounted on the clutch wheel 28 , are maintained by the friction spring 25 . The pawl 32 departs from the latch plate along the cam surface 35 of the rotor cam 34 by virtue of the biasing force of the return spring 39 , whereby the pawl 32 is disengaged from the latch plate. As shown in FIG. 7 , when the pre-tensioner 14 is activated, the pawl 32 is flicked out outwardly by a tooth surface of the latch plate 27 by virtue of the fast retracting rotation of the spindle 11 and the latch plate 27 integrated therewith. At the same time, the rotor cam 34 is pushed by the pawl 32 and rotates outwardly about the shaft 36 of the clutch wheel 28 . As a result, the pawl 32 and the rotor cam 34 are held on an outer circumferential portion by virtue of the biasing force of the return spring. Thereafter the power of the motor 55 is transmitted in no case to the spindle by the clutch 20 . Next, a seat belt device according to a second embodiment of the invention will be described in detail by reference to FIGS. 9 to 12( c ). Note that like reference numerals will be imparted to like portions to those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted or briefly made. In this embodiment, in place of the fixing pin 37 of the first embodiment, a hold spring 60 as an elastic member is provided so as to hold a rotor cam 34 a . Namely, the rotor cam 34 a has an end portion 61 which extends to an opposite side of a shaft 36 to a side where a cam surface 35 is provided. In addition, the hold spring 60 is built on a clutch wheel 28 so as to be brought into abutment with the end portion 61 on the opposite side of the rotor cam 34 a. By this configuration, the rotor cam 34 a of this embodiment is mounted on the clutch wheel 28 so as to rotate round the shaft 36 , and is fixed to the clutch wheel 28 so as not to rotate in such a state that the rotor cam 34 a is biased by the hold spring 60 . Furthermore, the rotor cam 34 a is allowed to rotate when the biasing by the hold spring 60 is cancelled. Next, the operation of a clutch 20 a of this embodiment will be described. Firstly, when no retraction by a motor 55 is performed, as shown in FIG. 9 , a pawl 32 is disengaged from a latch plate 27 by virtue of the biasing force of a return spring 39 . Due to this, only the latch plate 27 integrated with a spindle 11 rotates, whereby the normal retracting/stretching of the seat belt 13 is enabled. Next, when the motor 55 rotates in a retracting direction, as shown in FIG. 10( a ), a final gear 51 gear connected to a rotational shaft of the motor 55 rotates in a counterclockwise direction (C direction). When the final gear 51 rotates, a friction spring 25 idly rotates until a circumferential edge portion of a hole 22 a in a lower cover 21 . When the motor 55 rotates in the retracting direction further, as shown in FIG. 10( b ), the clutch wheel 28 is fixed by virtue of the frictional force of the friction spring 25 , whereby only the final gear 51 rotates. In addition, the pawl 32 rotatably supported on a guide ring 30 rotates to the latch plate 27 side along the cam surface 35 of the rotor cam 34 a against the biasing force of the return spring 39 , so as to start engagement with the latch plate 27 . Furthermore, when the final gear 51 rotates, leg portions 42 a of the clutch wheel 28 are brought into abutment with circumferential edge portions of holes 41 a of the guide ring 30 , whereby the final gear 51 and the clutch wheel 28 rotate together. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10( c ), when the pawl 32 is brought into engagement with the latch plate 27 , the rotation of the final gear 51 is transmitted to the spindle 11 via the latch plate 27 , whereby the retracting of the seat belt 13 is started. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11( a ), when the motor 55 rotates in releasing direction, in response to the rotation, the final gear 51 rotates in the releasing direction (clockwise direction: D direction). Along with this, the webbing is stretched out by virtue of a reaction force from an occupant which is acting on the webbing, and the clutch wheel 28 and the latch plate 27 rotate together by such an extent that the friction spring rotates idly. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 11( b ), the clutch wheel 28 is fixed by virtue of the biasing force of the friction spring 25 , whereby only the final gear 51 and the latch plate 27 rotate in the releasing direction. The latch plate 27 maintains a meshing state with the pawl 32 while it is rotating in association with the rotation of the final gear 51 . Then, as shown in FIG. 11( c ), when there is no reaction force coming from the occupant and the rotation of the latch plate 27 together with the spindle 11 in the stretching direction ends, the final gear 51 rotates further. Accordingly, the engagement between the pawl 32 and the latch plate 27 is interrupted and an initial state is thereby restored. In addition, as shown in FIG. 12( a ), when the pre-tensioner 14 is activated in such a state that the motor rotates in the retracting direction, the pawl 32 is flicked out outwardly by a tooth surface of the latch plate 27 by virtue of the fast retracting rotation of the spindle 11 and the latch plate 27 integrated therewith. Then, as shown in FIG. 12( b ), when the pawl 32 is brought into abutment with the rotor cam 34 to thereby push the rotor cam 34 outwards, the rotor cam 34 rotates about the shaft 36 , whereby the pressure from the hold spring 60 built on the clutch wheel 28 is released (refer to FIG. 12( c )). Thereafter, the pawl 32 and the rotor cam 34 are held on an outer circumferential portion of the guide ring 30 by virtue of the biasing force of the return spring 39 . Therefore, the rotation of the motor 55 is transmitted in no case to the spindle 11 by the clutch 20 . Consequently, also in the seat belt device of this embodiment, the power transmission from the motor 55 is cut off by the clutch 20 at the time when the pre-tensioner 14 is activated, and the webbing is retracted by the pre-tensioner 14 without being subjected to power resistance by the motor 55 and the clutch 20 . Therefore, it becomes possible to increase the retracting performance of the pre-tensioner 14 . Furthermore, while an energy absorbing operation is performed by the torsion bar 12 , the power resistance of the motor 55 and the clutch 20 is added in no case to the belt stretching load, thereby making it possible to increase the restraining performance. Next, a seat belt device according to a third embodiment of the invention will be described in detail by reference to FIGS. 13 to 15 . This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of a gear assembly, and like reference numerals will be imparted to the other like constituent portions to those of the first embodiment, whereby the description thereof will be omitted or made briefly. As shown in FIG. 13 , a gear assembly 50 a of this embodiment includes first to fourth gears 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , and a tooth surface of the fourth gear 74 is in mesh engagement with a final gear 51 . The first gear 71 is coupled to a motor shaft of a motor 55 , and the second gear 72 has tooth surfaces 72 a , 72 b which are brought into mesh engagement with the first gear 71 and the third gear 73 , respectively. As shown in FIG. 14 , the third gear 73 is a gear assembly with a torque limiter mechanism including a large diameter side gear (an actuator-side gear) 80 , a plurality of limit springs (elastic pieces) 81 and a tubular small diameter side gear (spindle-side gear) 82 . The small diameter side gear 82 has a shape in which a gear portion 82 a meshing with the fourth gear 74 , and a spring support portion 82 c including slits 82 b to which a plurality of limit springs 81 are assembled are coupled together in an axial direction. The large diameter side gear 80 has a tooth portion 80 a meshing with the second gear 72 on an outer circumferential surface thereof. Further, the large diameter side gear 80 accommodates the spring support portion 82 c and the limit springs 81 of the small diameter side gear 82 in an interior wall 80 b and a bottom portion 80 c thereof to which grease is applied. A plurality of concave locking surfaces 80 d are formed at predetermined intervals on the interior wall 80 b of the large diameter side gear 80 . Projecting portions 81 a formed on the limit springs 81 are brought into engagement with the locking surfaces 80 d . In addition, the locking surfaces 80 d are formed an integer number of times the number of the projecting portions 81 a. Next, the operation of the torque limiter mechanism will be described. In the normal state, as shown in FIG. 13( a ), the phases of the large diameter side gear 80 and the small diameter side gear 82 of the third gear 73 are held relative to each other. The large diameter side gear 80 and the small diameter side gear 82 rotate in the same direction in the retracting direction shown by a solid line or the releasing direction shown by a broken line. Here, when retracting is performed by driving the motor 55 , in the event that a torque difference larger than a predetermined value is generated between the large diameter side gear 80 and the small diameter side gear 82 due to a light collision or braking which does not activate the pre-tensioner 14 , as shown in FIG. 15 , the projecting portions 81 a of the limit springs 81 are released from the engagement with the locking surfaces 80 d and then start to slide along the interior wall 80 b while being deformed. Then, due to the projecting portions 81 a being brought into engagement with the adjacent locking surfaces 80 d , a rotating deviation is generated between the large diameter side gear 80 and the small diameter side gear 82 , and as shown in FIG. 13( b ), the fourth gear 74 and the final gear 51 rotate in a belt stretching direction. As a result, the transmission of excessive torque by the motor 55 is suppressed, whereby the failure of gear teeth can be prevented and the effect on the restraining performance during energy absorption operation can be decreased. In addition, the torque limiter mechanism is built in the third gear 73 of the gear assembly 50 a , whereby although it is configured small, the torque limiter mechanism can increase the limiter torque of the spindle 11 . In addition, while the gear assembly 50 a is preferably applied to the seat belt device which includes the power transmission mechanism of the first or second embodiment, the application thereof is not limited thereto. The gear assembly 50 a may be applied to known seat belt devices. Additionally, while the limit spring 81 of the embodiment is mounted on the small diameter side gear 82 , the limit spring 81 may be mounted on the large diameter side 80 , so as to be brought into engagement with or disengagement from the locking surfaces provided on the small side gear 82 . Note that the invention is not limited to the embodiments that have been described above but can be modified or improved as required. In addition, this patent application is based on the Japanese Patent Application (No. 2005-146173) filed on May 19, 2005, and all the contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference. While the above description constitutes the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope and fair meaning of the accompanying claims.
A seat belt device includes a spindle 11 for retracting a seat belt 13 , an electric actuator 55 , a pre-tensioner 14 and a power transmission mechanism 20 , wherein the power transmission mechanism 20 can reversibly switch the connection and disconnection between the electric actuator 55 and the spindle 11 before the pre-tensioner 14 is activated, while when the pre-tensioner 14 is activated, the power transmission mechanism 20 non-reversibly interrupts the connection between the electric actuator 55 and the spindle 11.
1
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention described herein relates to a clutch mechanism of the type comprising an input shaft and an output shaft, a primary gear wheel driven by the input shaft, a secondary gear wheel turning with the output shaft, a clutch assembly whose engaging-component may shift axially against the agency of sprung means so as to engage said primary and secondary gear wheels, and a control collar turning with said secondary gear wheel, shifting axially with respect thereto, and assuming both a non-working and a working position, the latter being that in which its action on said clutch engaging-component is brought to bear. The object of the invention as set forth herein is that of providing a clutch mechanism of the type aforesaid, capable of engaging and disengaging under torque whilst requiring but limited effort for its control. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object aforesaid is realized by the invention described herein, which relates to a clutch mechanism of the type aforementioned, characterized in that it comprises: an intermediate wheel fitted to the secondary gear and capable of turning through a limited angle with respect thereto against the agency of sprung means so as to reach a limit beyond which said secondary gear will be caused to turn by said intermediate wheel; a ring set so as to free-wheel in fixed axial position on said secondary gear and having a frontal cam profile; means for causing said ring to rotate as one with said secondary gear when the control collar is in working position; a number of thrust elements located in axial holes at said intermediate wheel, and sliding therein whilst having one end in contact with the cam profile of said ring and the remaining end directed toward the clutch's engaging component; said clutch mechanism being designed to engage said primary gear and intermediate wheel following movement of the control collar into working position, thus causing said intermediate wheel to turn through a limited angle with respect to said secondary gear as aforesaid, against the agency of the sprung means; said frontal cam profile offered by said ring being of shape such that in bringing about this limited angle of turn, the thrust elements aforementioned will each travel an incline disposed in such a way as to urge the element itself in an axial direction, toward said engaging-component. The clutch mechanism to which the invention relates is thus able--by virtue of the features aforedescribed--to shift to and from engaged and disengaged state whilst subjected to torque, and do so in response to a limited effort imparted at its control medium. Clutch-mechanisms of the type as set forth herein can be utilized to advantage in drive-transmissions wherein a requirement may exist for varying transmission ratios between driving and driven member. An application of particular interest to which the invention lends itself would be reversing gear designed to incorporate two such clutch mechanisms enabling transmission from driving to driven member in either forward or reverse direction (i.e. of rotation). An advantage of the invention described herein is that it will permit transmission of drive both from the input to the output shaft, and from the output to the input shaft (i.e. inverted). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further features and advantages will emerge more clearly from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which follows, this illustrated as a strictly unlimitative example with the aid of accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a section through forward-&-reverse drive gear making use of a pair of clutch mechanisms as described herein; FIG. 2 is a section through II--II in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a detail of FIG. 1 on larger scale; FIG. 4 shows the cam profile's developable surface rolled out into a plane, with adjacent parts. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to FIG. 1, 1 denotes the forward-&-reverse drive gear above mentioned, which comprises an input shaft 2 and an output shaft 3. While it is envisaged that drive gear 1 transmit from input shaft 2 to output shaft 3 in either direction of rotation, the description will reveal that the same drive gear 1 is equally able to transmit from shaft 3 to shaft 2--likewise in either direction of rotation. In the drawings, input shaft 2 has two gears 4 and 5 fitted, which drive respective primary gears 6 and 7 in opposing directions. Primary gears 6 and 7 are mounted free-wheel to output shaft 3 via rolling bearings 8, and whereas gear 4 meshes direct with primary gear 6, gear 5 and primary gear 7 mesh via a further gear not illustrated in the drawing. The drive gear further comprises a secondary gear 9 turning as one with output shaft 3 and incorporating a hub 10, and external teeth 11. 12 and 13 denote two clutch mechanisms designed to engage secondary gear 9 with either one of respective primary gears 6 and 7, transmitting drive from input shaft 2 to output shaft 3, or viceversa, in whichever direction of rotation. The two assemblies denoted by 12 and 13 are identical, and therefore carry the same set of reference numbers--thus, for the purposes of description, clutch mechanism 12 will be referred to only, for simplicity's sake. The embodiment illustrated incorporates a multiple-disk type clutch, the single assemblies having a first set of disks 14 mounted via a prismatic sliding pair so as to move back/forth axially along and with respect to the hub of primary gear 6, and a second set of disks 15 likewise mounted via a prismatic sliding pair to the inner cylindrical wall of an intermediate wheel embodied in the form of a bell-housing 16 mounted free-wheel to the hub 10 of secondary gear 9. As may be seen from FIG. 2, said intermediate wheel 16 has an internal surface offering recesses 17 in which sprags 18 issuing from hub 10 may turn through a limited angle of rotation with respect to secondary gear 9. Three coil springs 49 urge the intermediate wheel 16 into the position assumed with respect to hub 2 as shown in FIG. 2. The two sets of disks 14 and 15 incorporated into clutch mechanism 12 are housed between elements 19 and 20 which are also associated with the cylindrical wall of intermediate wheel 16 via a prismatic sliding pair, whilst two springs 22 located between element 19 and a plate 21 fixed to wheel 16 oppose movement leftward of element 19 as illustrated in FIG. 1 (clutch-mechanism 12). It will be observed from FIG. 1 that springs 22 are loaded against respective shoulders 50. The drive further comprises a control collar 23 rotating as one with said secondary gear 9 and able to slide axially with respect thereto; the association of these two being via internal teeth 24 on collar 23 which engage external teeth 11 aforesaid. FIG. 1 illustrates the control collar in its central, neutral position, from where it may be moved into two working positions in which, moving toward either end of the drive gear, it will come up against the respective clutch mechanism's engaging-component 20. 25 denotes the only one illustrated of a number of radial locating-elements housed within secondary gear 9 and capable of sliding thus, urged constantly against the inner surface of control collar 23 by a relative coil spring 26. Whenever the collar is brought into its central, neutral position as illustrated, each of said locating-elements 25 will snap into a corresponding seat 27 offered by the inner surface of said collar. Said locating-elements 25 also exhibit two canted surfaces 28 and 29 designed to interact with respective corresponding surfaces 30 and 31, likewise canted and issuing from said inner surface of collar 23. Thus, when the control collar is moved away from central position so as to cause mating of surface 29 with surface 30, or of 28 with 31, coil springs 26 will tend to assist such movement away from central position by urging across the line through which said canted surfaces mate and pushing the collar toward the respective clutch-mechanism. In moving away from center, the control collar will interlock its internal teeth 24 with external teeth 32 offered by a ring 33 mounted free-wheel on hub 10 aforementioned--one such ring being provided for either of clutch-mechanisms 12 and 13. The two rings 33 are similar in all respects, and lie in fixed axial position inasmuch as each one offers a flat mating surface at either side to correspondingly-placed frontally-disposed surfaces incorporated into respective intermediate wheels 16 and into the walls of secondary gear 9. The mate between flat surfaces of ring 33 and gear 9 is denoted 34, whilst at the opposite side of ring 33 to where it breasts via 34 with the secondary gear, one has the frontal cam profile aforementioned--this denoted 35 and to be described in due course, though the developable profile of the cam itself will be seen rolled out in FIG. 4. Each intermediate wheel 16 is provided with a set of circumferentially-disposed axial holes 36--one only of which being visible in FIG. 1--accommodating a ball-type thrust element 37 each whose one end makes contact with said frontal cam 35 offered by ring 33, and whose remaining end is designed to act on said engaging-component 20 via a thrust bearing 45. Another possible way of embodying the mate at 34 (not illustrated) would be through matching conical surfaces, likewise breasted. The forward-&-reverse drive thus composed functions as follows--assuming transmission from input shaft 2 to output shaft 3, in which case there will be a prime mover attached to input shaft 2, and a service to output shaft 3: (an ideal example of which would be the screw driven by a marine engine, although the drive gear as described may serve equally well for any application of related type, including those where drive is transmitted from shaft 3 to shaft 2)--with the control collar 23 in its central, neutral position illustrated in FIG. 1, both clutch-mechanisms 12 & 13 are disengaged, and input shaft 2 will simply turn the two primary gears 6 and 7 in opposite directions whilst secondary gear 9 fixed to output shaft 3 remains isolated from both the latter. For secondary gear 9 to engage with primary gear gear 6, control collar 23 needs to shift to the left (as viewed in FIG. 1), this being achieved by applying slight pressure thereto sufficient to displace locating-elements 25 from their seats 27 by urging them against their single springs 26 whereupon canted surfaces 28 offered by said locating-elements 25 will be caused to mate with canted surface 31, offered by collar 23. This condition being produced, the agency of the same springs 26 will be instrumental in urging said collar further left toward its full-travel position, in which it will come up against thrust-bearing 45, and thus exert axial pressure on the clutch-mechanism's engaging component 20. Pressure thus exerted on engaging-component 20 by control collar 23 will in turn cause disks 14 and 15 to draw together against the agency of springs 22, and in the same moment, the collar's own internal teeth 24 will be caused to interlock with the external teeth 32 on free-wheel ring 33 by sliding in--which now causes ring 33 to turn as one with secondary gear 9. The shift produced as thus described causes an initial imparting of movement to intermediate wheel 16 by primary gear 6, whereupon intermediate wheel 16 will depart from the nondriving position illustrated in FIG. 2 and turn--against the agency of the three springs 49 aforementioned--toward the farther limit imposed by sprags 18, beyond which it will begin driving secondary gear 9. As intermediate wheel 16 is turned from its non-driving position into its driving position through the limited angle already described, each one of the thrust-elements 37 will travel a respective incline 38 offered by the frontal cam 35 incorporated into ring 33, said incline 38 being angled such as to urge said thrust-element 37 in an axial direction, toward the clutch-mechanism's engaging component 20. The pressure imparted in this fashion brings about an increase in torque as applied by primary gear 6 to intermediate wheel 16, and the effect is that of causing intermediate wheel 16 to turn still further with respect to secondary gear 9, thus increasing pressure exerted by said thrust-elements 37 on engaging-component 20. Torque applied by primary gear 6 to intermediate wheel 16 is now increased still further, and axial pressure on component 20 from thrust elements 37 likewise, and so forth. In this way, one is provided with a mechanical servo-assistance whilst the effort required for initial shift is minimal. The cam surface 35 offered by each ring 33 is embodied such that following the thrust-and-torque build-up as described above, and arrival of intermediate wheel 16 up at its limit, or driving position with respect to secondary gear 9, the single thrust elements 37 will be brought to rest in a given position, or--as is the case in the preferred embodiment--will be carried onto a second incline 39 of like angle to incline 38 but facing in the opposite direction (see FIG. 4). This causes intermediate wheel 16 to lock fast in the driving position, and holds the clutch-mechanism 12 locked fast at the same time (FIG. 2 shows wheel 16 in the non-driving position with respect to hub 10 of the secondary gear). With the clutch-mechanism in this state, drive can be transmitted inversely from shaft 3 to shaft 2, and this being the case, incline 39 will urge thrust-element 37 in an axial direction against said engaging component 20 thus locking fast the entire mechanism 12. Clearly, maximum transmissible torque on inverse drive will be that produced at the moment the thrust element is carried over onto incline 38, whereupon clutch-mechanism 12 will be released and allowed to re-engage primary gear 6 and intermediate wheel 16 as before. Generally speaking, the degree of maximum torque transmissible with inverse drive is less than that which will be produced direct, though an increase may be had in some measure by steepening the angle of incline 39. Once back in the state where thrust element 37 rides on incline 38, secondary gear 9 and output shaft 3 will be driven direct by intermediate wheel 16--this turning as one with primary gear 6 via clutch-mechanism 12. Clearly, shifting control collar 23 in the opposite direction (as viewed in FIG. 1, right instead of left), clutch-mechanism 13 will duly be engaged, and rotation of output shaft 3 produced, in the opposite direction. Assuming the drive gear with clutch-mechanism 12 still engaged, disengagement is brought about by control collar 23 being shifted back to center. This causes the collar's own internal teeth 24 to disassociate from teeth 32 of the relative free-wheel ring 33, which then returns to idling around hub 10. At the same time, springs 22 urge elements 19 and 20, with disks 14 and 15, back toward the position as illustrated in FIG. 1; springs 49 return intermediate wheel 16 to the non-driving position as illustrated in FIG. 2; and ring 33 resumes its position with respect to thrust-elements 37 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The effort required to disengage the clutch--in other words, to recenter control collar 23, is simply that necessary to overcome pressure exerted on locating-elements 25 by their respective springs 26, and friction between teeth 24 and teeth 32. Such friction will not in effect amount to any considerable value, being equivalent to torque generated through thrust via elements 37 on ring 33, minus torque generated through friction at the breasted surfaces 34 of ring 33 and secondary gear 9. This being the case, it follows naturally enough that, the greater the torque generated through friction at 34, the less the clutch-disengement effort needed; and to this end, these same breasted surfaces may be embodied as conical frusta. Again, a further design factor influencing operation of the invention when carried into effect, is the angle at which inclines 38 and 39 are ultimately set, in embodying the cam profiles 35 of each ring 33. Although the preferred embodiment illustrates drive gear utilizing a pair of clutch-mechanisms as described herein, it will be clear that such a clutch-mechanism is well-suited to drive-system applications generally, and can be incorporated to advantage in any such system where a requirement exists for engage-&-disengage under torque, made possible by applying but limited effort to the control medium. As the description shows, a further advantage of the clutch mechanism to which the invention relates is that it transmits maximum transmissible torque from driving to driven member (driving torque) and transmits a given proportion of such torque when driven member becomes driving member (braking torque). Numerous modifications of a practical nature may be made to constructive details of the invention when ultimately carried into effect, without by any means straying from within bounds of protection afforded to the concept by claims appended--for instance, the friction components of the clutch-mechanism itself might be conical frusta instead of the disks described.
The clutch mechanism is servo-assisted, comprising means for engaging and disengaging drive with full engine torque in play, yet requiring a minimum of effort at the control. Applications include the type of forward-&-reverse drive gear as used in the transmissions of marine engine-and-screw propeller units.
5
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a sweeping process for a mass spectrometer that provides a mass analysis by collision induced dissociation or a so-called metastable ion spectrum method. According to the collision induced dissociation method, sample ions are caused to collide with neutral molecules in a collision chamber that is disposed in the path in which the ions travel, in order to dissociate the ions. Then, spectra are obtained from the resulting daughter ions. According to the metastable ion spectrum method, the metastable ions from sample ions resolve themselves into smaller fragment particles in the Field Tree Drift Region without collision gas, resulting in daughter ions, from which spectra are derived. Both methods have evolved as useful tools for structural analysis of organic compounds or for the study of fragmentation of organic compounds. To utilize either the collision induced dissociation or the metastable ion spectrum method, a MS/MS instrument is often employed. In this instrument, mass spectrometers are disposed before and after a collision chamber. The present inventor has already proposed a mass spectrometer taking the form of such an MS/MS instrument and in which a superimposed-field mass spectrometric unit constitutes the latter stage of the spectrometer (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,521,687). The structure of this proposed instrument is shown in FIG. 1(a). FIG. 1(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A--A'. In these figures, an ion source 1, an electric field 2, and a magnetic field 3 are arranged in a conventional manner to constitute a double-focusing mass spectrometric unit. This first unit forms a point at which ions are converged, and a collision chamber 5 is located at this point. Disposed between the chamber 5 and a collector 4 is a second mass spectrometric unit having superimposed fields. Specifically, the second unit comprises magnetic pole pieces 6a and 6b for producing a magnetic field in the direction perpendicular to the page, a magnetic field power supply 7 for energizing the pole pieces, a pair of electrodes 8a and 8b for producing a toroidal electric field in the direction perpendicular to the magnetic field, an electric field power supply 9 for generating a voltage applied between the electrodes, auxiliary electrodes 10a and 10b, known as Matsuda plates, mounted between the magnetic pole pieces 6a and 6b on both sides of the toroidal field, and an auxiliary power supply 11 for applying a correcting voltage across the auxiliary electrodes. In this mass spectrometer employing the superimposed fields, the intensity of the magnetic field of the superimposed fields is switched between two levels, and at each of these levels the electric field is swept. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved sweeping process for the collision induced dissociation or the metastable ion spectrum method in a mass spectrometer having superimposed fields. It is another object of the invention to provide a sweeping process capable of detecting all the daughter ions produced from specific parent ions. It is a further object of the invention to provide a sweeping process capable of obtaining information about all the parent ions that produce specific daughter ions, the process being customarily called parent ion scan. It is a yet other object of the invention to provide a sweeping process capable of obtaining information about all the parent ions that produce neutral molecules or particles having specific masses when they undergo cleavage, the process being customarily known as neutral loss scan. The present invention using a superimposed-field mass spectrometer is characterized in that when daughter ions having a mass m x which are produced from parent ions having a mass m 0 are detected, a voltage Vd x for producing the electric field or the intensity B x of the magnetic field is swept singly or both are swept in an interrelated manner so as to satisfy the relation ##EQU2## where V 00 is the voltage for producing the electric field when ions having infinitely large masses are detected, B 0 is the intensity of the magnetic field when the parent ions are detected, and M 00 is the mass of the parent ions detected when the intensity of the electric field is zero. When the mass m y of all the parent ions producing daughter ions having a mass m 1 is measured, a voltage Vd y for producing the electric field or the intensity B y of the magnetic field is swept singly or both are swept in an interrelated manner so as to satisfy the relation ##EQU3## When the mass m 0 of all the parent ions producing neutral particles having a mass m n by cleavage is determined, a voltage Vd n for producing the electric field or the intensity B n of the magnetic field is swept singly or both are swept in an interrelated manner so as to satisfy the relation ##EQU4## The present invention is hereinafter described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an MS/MS instrument whose latter stage is formed by a superimposed-field mass spectrometric unit; FIG. 2 is a graph for illustrating the relations given by equations (24) and (5); FIG. 3 is a graph for illustrating the relations given by equations (29), (24), and (5); FIG. 4 is a diagram for illustrating a parent ion scan; and FIG. 5 is a waveform diagram for illustrating a sweeping process according to the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS It is now assumed that the first mass spectrometric unit of the MS/MS instrument shown in FIG. 1 selects parent ions m 0 + , that the parent ions cleave as given by m.sub.0.sup.+ โ†’m.sub.x.sup.+ +(m.sub.0 -m.sub.x) (1) in the collision chamber 5, and that daughter ions m x + and neutral particles (m 0 -m x ) are produced. If the velocity V 0 of the ions does not change before and after cleavage, then the energy of the parent ions m 0 + and the energy of the daughter ions m x + are given by E.sub.0 =m.sub.0 ยทV.sub.0.sup.2 /2 (2) E.sub.x =m.sub.x ยทV.sub.0.sup.2 /2 (3) Therefore, the following relation holds between E 0 and E x : E.sub.x =(m.sub.x /m.sub.0)E.sub.0 (4) The generated daughter ions m x + are introduced into the second mass spectrometric unit having the superimposed fields, together with the parent ions m 0 + which have not been fragmented. We now define symbols to specify the conditions under which the parent ions m 0 + are detected by the second mass spectrometric unit having the superimposed fields, almost all of the symbols being given a subscript "0". The voltage for producing the electric field of the superimposed fields: Vd 0 The intensity of the magnetic field of the superimposed fields: B 0 The radius of curvature at which ions are deflected in the superimposed fields: a The radius of curvature at which ions are deflected when only the electric field acts on them: ae 0 The radius of curvature at which ions are deflected when only the magnetic field acts on them: am 0 The mass of the ions detected when the intensity of the electric field is null: M 00 The voltage for producing the electric field when ions having infinitely large masses are detected: V 00 Similarly, we define some other symbols to specify the conditions under which the daughter ions m x + are detected by the mass spectrometric unit having the superimposed fields, almost all the symbols being given a subscript "x". The voltage for producing the electric field of the superimposed field: Vd x The intensity of the magnetic field of the superimposed fields: B x The radius of curvature at which ions are deflected in the superimposed fields: a The radius of curvature at which ions are deflected when only the electric field acts on them: ae x The radius of curvature at which ions are deflected when only the magnetic field acts on them: am x In general, in a superimposed-field mass spectrometric unit or mass spectrometer, the mass m 0 of parent ions are given in terms of M 00 and V 00 as follows: ##EQU5## Since the radius of curvature at which ions are deflected is the sum of the radius of curvature when only the electric field acts on them and the radius of curvature when only the magnetic field acts on them, the following relations hold regarding the parent and daughter ions: 1/a=1/ae.sub.0 +1/am.sub.0 (6) 1/a=1/ae.sub.x +1/am.sub.x (7) We now discuss the case where the magnetic field intensity B 0 of the superimposed fields is constant. Since the force that ions receive is balanced against the centrifugal force of the circular motion, the following relationships hold: m.sub.0 V.sub.0.sup.2 /am.sub.0 =ev.sub.0 B.sub.0 (8) m.sub.x V.sub.0.sup.2 /am.sub.x =ev.sub.0 B.sub.0 (9) Thus, from equations (8) and (9) we obtain am.sub.0 /am.sub.x =m.sub.0 /m.sub.x (10) It is then assumed that the velocity of ions having the mass M 00 which are detected when the intensity of the electric field is zero equals v 00 . Similarly to equations (8) and (9), the following equation results: M.sub.00 V.sub.00.sup.2 /a=ev.sub.00 B.sub.0 (11) Because the accelerating voltage is maintained constant, and because the same energy is given to the parent ions m 0 + and to the ions having the mass M 00 , the following equation is obtained: M.sub.00 V.sub.00.sup.2 /2=m.sub.0 v.sub.0.sup.2 /2 (12) By eliminating V 00 , B 0 , and e from equations (8), (11), and (12), the following equation is provided: ##EQU6## From this equation (13) and from equation (10), we can have the relations ##EQU7## With respect to the electric field, the force that ions receive in the field is balanced against the centrifugal force of the circular motion. Therefore, the following equations hold regarding parent and daughter ions: m.sub.0 v.sub.0.sup.2 /ae.sub.0 =-eE.sub.0 =-eVd.sub.0 /d (15) m.sub.x v.sub.0.sup.2 /ae.sub.x =-eE.sub.x =-eVd.sub.x /d (16) where d is the space between the electrodes 8a and 8b. Thus, from equations (15) and (16) we have ae.sub.0 /ae.sub.x =(Vd.sub.x /Vd.sub.0) (m.sub.0 /m.sub.x) (17) With respect to the voltage V 00 for producing the electric field that is used to detect parent ions having infinitely large masses, we find m.sub.z v.sub.z0.sup.2 /a=-eV.sub.00 /d (18) where m z and V z0 are the mass and the velocity, respectively, of the parent ions. Since they are accelerated by the same accelerating voltage, the energy that the parent ions having infinitely large masses possess is equal to the energy that the parent ions having the mass m 0 possess. Therefore, equation (18) can be written in the form m.sub.0 v.sub.0.sup.2 /a=-eV.sub.00 /d (19) From equations (19) and (15), we have a/ae.sub.0 -Vd.sub.0 /V.sub.00 (20) The following equations can be derived from equations (20) and (17): ##EQU8## By substituting equations (21) and (14) into equation (7), we have ##EQU9## Equation (22) can also be changed into the form ##EQU10## Either equation (22) or (23) is considered to indicate the relation of the daughter ions m x + to the voltage vd x for producing the dielectric field used to be detected when V 00 , M 00 , and m 0 are given. Especially when the condition in which the parent ions m 0 + are detected is set as an initial condition, the requirement given by equation (5) is satisfied simultaneously. By substracting both sides of equation (5) from both sides of equation (23), we have m.sub.x /m.sub.0 =1-(Vd.sub.0 -Vd.sub.x)V.sub.00 (24) Since m 0 , Vd 0 , and V 00 are known, it can be seen from equation (24) that m x is a linear function of Vd x . FIG. 2 is a graph showing the relations expressed by equations (24) and (5). This graph is formed by giving the mass number M of the detected ions against the voltage Vd for producing the electric field. In FIG. 2, I indicates a sweep curve for parent ions based on equation (5). It can be seen from this graph that the mass is M 00 when the voltage Vd is zero and that the mass is infinity when the voltage is V 00 . Indicated by II is a sweep straight line for daughter ions based on equation (24). This line passes through a point P (Vd 0 , m 0 ), and has a gradient of -m 0 /V 00 . It will be understood from this graph that a daughter ion scan can be made by drawing a line from the point P along the stright line II in the direction indicated by the arrow, i.e., the voltage Vd is swept according to this line. As pointed out already, starting point P indicates the condition in which the parent ions m 0 + is detected. Thus, all the daughter ions stemming from the parent ions are successively detected, and the spectra of the daughter ions can be obtained. We have thus far set forth the case where the intensity of the magnetic field is constant and the voltage for producing the electric field is swept. We now discuss the situation where both the voltage for producing the electric field and the intensity of the magnetic field are swept to detect identical parent ions m 0 + and daughter ions m x + . When the intensity of the magnetic field changes from B 0 to B x , the voltage V 00 remains constant, but the mass M 00 changes to a value M 00 ', for example, and the voltage for producing the electric field used to detect the same ions is also changed to another value Vd x ', for instance. Then, the following relation holds between Vd x ' and M 00 ', corresponding to equation (23): ##EQU11## Where only the magnetic field exists, the requirement imposed by equation (11) is met, as mentioned previously. At this time, the energy that the ions having the mass M 00 possess is given by M.sub.00 v.sub.00.sup.2 /2=eVa (26) where Va is the voltage for accelerating ions. From equations (26) and (11), we obtain ##EQU12## Exactly the same concept applies to the case where the intensity of the magnetic field is B x . Hence, ##EQU13## Elimination of M 00 from equation (25) using equations (28) and (27) results in ##EQU14## By substituting Vd x ' for Vd x , we have ##EQU15## This equation (29') indicates the most general relation that holds for the superimposed fields when the parent ions break up into the daughter ions. FIG. 3 is a graph showing the relations expressed by equations (29'), (24), and (5). This graph is given three-dimensionally, with the magnetic field B of the superimposed fields given on the third axis, the first and second axes being similar to those shown in FIG. 2. It is to be noted that the graph of FIG. 2 represents those relations which hold only on the plane B=B 0 in FIG. 3. The point P (Vd 0 , m 0 ) is given as P (Vd 0 , m 0 , B 0 ) in FIG. 3. When the point P is set, i.e., when the parent ions m 0 + are determined, all the daughter ions m x (Vd x , B x ) which are produced from the parent ions m 0 + are expressed as a linear function of the voltage Vd for producing the electric field and of the magnetic field intensity B, and they lie on a plane, or a parallelogram PQOR, one of the corners of which lies at the point P in FIG. 3. Thus, by making a sweep along this plane, a daughter ion scan can be made to detect all the ions originating from the parent ions m 0 + . The daughter ion scan to which the present invention closely pertains is next described in detail by referring to FIG. 3. First, parent ions m 0 + of interest are selected using the first mass spectrometric unit, which is then made stationary in such a way that the parent ions m 0 + always enter the collision chamber 5. Under this condition, each parent ion m 0 + may cleave to thereby produce one or more daughter ions inside the collision chamber 5. The daughter ions are introduced into the superimposed fields, together with the parent ions which have not been fragmented. The second mass spectrometric unit having the superimposed fields is so set that these parent ions m 0 + are detected. This causes the operating point to be set at the point P (Vd 0 , m 0 , B 0 ). The voltage Vd or the magnetic field intensity is swept singly or both are swept in an interrelated manner from the point P toward the bottom QO of the quadrangle PQOR along an arbitrary curve or straight line on the plane. The aforementioned sweep made along the line II is an example of this sweep. Since the electric field is swept while the magnetic field is maintained constant, the sweep itself is easy to perform. However, the converging conditions for the superimposed fields are required to be corrected corresponding to the sweep, because the conditions vary during the sweep. As another example, a sweep is made along a straight line III (PO) which connects the point P and the origin O. Now let an arbitrary point (Vd x , m x , B x ) lie on this line. Then, we have m.sub.x /m.sub.0 =Vd.sub.x /Vd.sub.0 =B.sub.x /B.sub.0 (30) Thus, the voltage for producing the electric field should be swept from Vd 0 to zero at a certain gradient, and the intensity of the magnetic field should be swept from B 0 to zero at a certain gradient in step with the sweep of the voltage. This sweep along the straight line always maintains the value of a/ae x =(Vd x /V 00 )(m 0 /m x ) given by equation (21) constant, thus retaining the converging conditions for the superimposed fields constant. This offers the advantage that the converging conditions are not required to be corrected during the sweep. As a further example, a sweep is made along a bent line PTO. This sweep may be considered to be the combination of the aforementioned two examples. An arbitrary point on the line PT is given by equation (22) or (23). Assuming that the coordinates of the point T are (Vd x ', m x ', B x '), an arbitrary point (Vd x , m x , B x ) on the line TO is given by the following relations corresponding to equation (30): m.sub.x /m.sub.x '=Vd.sub.x /Vd.sub.x '=B.sub.x /B.sub.x ' (31) Referring next to FIG. 4, there are shown five quadrangles P1Q1OR1, P2Q2OR2, P3Q3OR3, P4Q4OR4, and P5Q5OR5 on which daughter ions produced from parent ions m 0 1 + , m 0 2 + , m 0 3 + , m 0 4 + , m 0 5 + are plotted in accordance with the above concept. A plane C is assumed in which m=m 1 . The intersections of the plane C with these quadrangles are straight lines l1, l2, l3, l4, l5, respectively. The daughter ions existing on the lines all have the same mass of m 1 , but the masses of their parent ions are different from each other. Therefore, by making a sweep along the plane C across the lines l1-l5, as for example, along a curve IV, all the parent ions producing daughter ions m 1 + can be obtained. That is, a parent ion scan can be made. It is to be noted, however, that those which are detected after passing through the superimposed fields are, of course, the daughter ions having the mass m 1 at all times. Notice also that the curve IV connects the points on the planes and on the straight line III already described in connection with FIG. 3. To make the parent ion scan in this way is given by ##EQU16## This has been derived by replacing the daughter and parent ions m x and m 0 of equation (29') with constant values m 1 and m y , respectively. The voltage Vd y and the magnetic field intensity B y have been taken to be variable. This equation (32) is the fundamental formula for attaining a parent ion scan. Various sweeping processes may be contemplated which conform to this equation (32). We present an example of such processes below. Assuming that the starting point of the sweep lies at (Vd 0 , B 0 , m 00 ) and from equation (32), we obtain ##STR1## If K is made constant, and if Vd y is swept such that Vd.sub.y /V.sub.00 =K(m.sub.1 /m.sub.y) (34) holds for all the values of m y , then it follows from equation (32) that B y must be swept according to ##EQU17## Also regarding equation (33), the following equations are derived according to equations (34) and (35): Vd.sub.0 /V.sub.00 =K(m.sub.1 /m.sub.00) (36) ##EQU18## Elimination of K, M.sub.00, and V.sub.00 from equations (34)-(37) yields Vd.sub.y /Vd.sub.0 =m.sub.00 /m.sub.y (38) ##EQU19## All the parent ions m.sub.y.sup.+ producing the daughter ions m.sub.1 can be obtained by sweeping Vd.sub.y and B.sub.y in accordance with equations (38) and (39). More specifically, from equations (38) and (39) we derive the relation Vd.sub.y /B.sub.y.sup.2 =Vd.sub.0 /B.sub.0.sup.2 (40) The right side of equation (40) is a constant determined by the starting point of the sweep. Thus, Vd y and B y should be swept while keeping the value of Vd y /B y 2 constant. In particular, the magnetic field intensity of the superimposed fields is changed linearly with time, as shown in FIG. 5(a), by the magnetic field power supply 7. At the same time, the voltage applied by the electric field power supply to produce the electric field of the superimposed fields is changed as a quadratic function with time as shown in FIG. 5(b). Those which are selected by the superimposed-field mass spectrometric unit and detected are invariably daughter ions m 1 + . The parent ions m y + from which the daughter ions m 1 + are derived vary with the advance of the sweep. Hence, if the mass spectrometric unit at the front stage is fixed as during a daughter ion scan, only specific parent ions are allowed to enter the collision chamber 5. Consequently, when a sweep is done according to equations (38) and (39), it is necessary that a sweep is made in double-focusing mass spectrometric unit consisting of the electric field 2 and the magnetic field 3 at the front stage in step with the sweep made in the superimposed fields, in order that the parent ions producing the daughter ions just selected by the superimposed-field mass spectrometric unit enter the collision chamber 5. Where the mass spectrometric unit at the front stage is not mounted and all the parent ions produced by the ion source 1 go into the collision chamber 5 at the same time, i.e., when a mass spectrometer having a single set of superimposed fields is used rather than an MS/MS instrument, the above requirement, of course, is not required to be met. The sweep based on equations (38) and (39) is made along the aforementioned curve IV, and during the period of this sweep the value (Vd y /V 00 ) (m y /m 1 ) given by equation (21) is maintained constant at all times. This keeps the convering conditions for the superimposed fields constant, thus eliminating the need to correct for the converging conditions during the sweep. We have set forth only one example of the sweeping process conforming to equation (32), and various other sweeping processes may be contemplated. In short, a parent ion scan in which all the parent ions producing daughter ions m 1 + can be obtained is made possible by sweeping the voltage for producing the electric field or the magnetic field intensity singly or by sweeping both in an interrelated manner on the plane C across the lines l1-l5 along an appropriate curve or straight line. The daughter ion scan and the parent ion scan which are closely related to the present invention have been described thus far. Substituting m 0 =m x of equation (1) for m n results in m.sub.0.sup.+ โ†’m.sub.x.sup.+ +m.sub.n (41) The above-mentioned daughter ion scan is made under the condition that m 0 is constant. Also, the parent ion scan is made under the condition that m x is constant. Similarly, m n is rendered constant to make a neutral loss scan for obtaining all the parent ions which produce neutral particles m n of the specific mass m n by cleavage. From equation (41) we have m.sub.x =m.sub.0 -m.sub.n By inserting this into equation (29), making Vd n and B n variables, and expressing the parent ion m 0 as a function of Vd n and B n in the form of m 0 n (Vd n , B n ), we have ##EQU20## Assuming that the starting point of the sweep is given by m 00 =m 0 n (Vd 0 , B 0 ), equation (42) expresses a curved surface in the same manner as the foregoing daughter ion scan and parent ion scan. Thus, by sweeping both the voltage for producing the electric field and the magnetic field intensity along this curved surface, a scan is made to obtain all the parent ions that give rise to certain neutral particles m n . As a simple example, a scan can be provided which satisfies the condition ##EQU21## The constant K of this formula is so selected that ##EQU22## In this case, Vd n is given by ##EQU23## Eventually, Vd n is expressed by (Vd.sub.n -Vd.sub.0)/V.sub.00 =(m.sub.n /m.sub.00)(1-m.sub.00 /m.sub.0 n) (44) The intensity B n is given by ##EQU24## Thus, it is possible to make a scan to obtain all the parent ions m 0 n arising from the certain neutral particles m n by sweeping Vd n and B n in accordance with equations (44) and (45). As a further example, we can provide a scan which fulfills the requirement defined by the following equation: a/ae.sub.x =(Vd.sub.n /V.sub.00)(m.sub.0 n/(m.sub.0 n-m.sub.n))=K (46) If this requirement is met, the converging conditions are maintained constant and so it is adapted for actual instruments. Under the above condition for the scan, the following equation holds especially at an initial condition m 0 n=m 00 : (Vd.sub.0 /V.sub.00)(m.sub.00 /(m.sub.00 -m.sub.n))=K (47) Also, from equations (42) and (46) we have ##EQU25## If B n =B 0 for equation (48), then we can get ##EQU26## Combining equation (46) with equation (47) results in Vd.sub.n -Vd.sub.0 (1-m.sub.n /m.sub.0 n)/(1-m.sub.n /m.sub.00) (49) Similarly, combining equation (48) with equation (48') yields ##EQU27## The scan which permits all the parent ions producing the certain neutral particles m n to be obtained can be made by sweeping Vd n and B n in accordance with equations (49) and (50).
A process of obtaining spectra of daughter ions which are produced by collision of sample ions with neutral molecules for dissociating the sample ions in a collision chamber disposed in an ion path to thereby provide a structural analysis of organic compounds. To carry out this process, a mass spectrometer is used which has mass spectrometric units located before and after the collision chamber. The spectrometric unit located behind the chamber has superimposed magnetic field B and electric field E perpendicular to the magnetic field. Daughter ions having a mass m x produced from parent ions having a mass m 0 inside the chamber are detected and measured by sweeping the voltage Vd x for producing the electric field or the intensity B x of the magnetic field singly or sweeping both in an interrelated manner so as to satisfy the relation ##EQU1## where V 00 is the voltage for producing the electric field used to detect the parent ions having infinitely large masses, B 0 is the intensity of the magnetic field when the parent ions are detected, and M 00 is the mass of the parent ions detected when the intensity of the electric field is zero.
7
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 61/529,689, filed Aug. 31, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates in general the field of solid waste material collection and handling. In particular, this technology relates to a mobile solid waste material collection and handling assembly. [0004] 2. Brief Description of Related Art [0005] Many worksites, such as, for example, oil rig sites, generate waste. For example, many oil rig sites have plastic drums, barricades, and other products that are periodically scrapped and replaced. In addition, many oil rig sites have fluid retention pits having plastic liners that line the insides of the pit, and prevent fluids within the pit from contacting the soils around the pit. These plastic liners are periodically removed and scrapped, such as to replace aging liners, or when a pit is drained of fluid. [0006] Typically, waste produced at an oil rig site is trucked away from the site to a remote waste disposal or recycling facility. At some rig sites, because of the volume of waste generated, it may be necessary for many trucks to travel to the site to remove the waste. If the number of required trucks is great enough, the truck traffic to and from the site may be problematic. For example, many oil rig sites are accessible only by small roads, which are susceptible to degradation, and may be ruined by heavy truck traffic. [0007] In addition, in instances where a rig owner would like to recycle waste plastic, some oil rig site waste should be compacted/baled before it will be accepted by a recycling facility. For example, many recyclers require baling or compaction of fluid retention pit liners because otherwise they are large and difficult to handle and process. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] Disclosed herein is a mobile unit for compacting and baling waste. The mobile unit is configured for transport on a vehicle, such as, for example, a truck. In addition, the mobile unit is capable of collecting and handling waste. For example, the mobile unit may include a loader and a compactor with a hopper. The loader is configured to pick up and carry the waste to the hopper. The hopper is attached to the top of the compactor and directs the waste into the compactor. Inside the compactor, the waste is compacted into bales that can be tied and expelled from the compactor. The compact bales of solid waste may then be stored at a worksite until enough bales are accumulated to justify entry of a waste disposal truck to remove the bales. [0009] The mobile unit may also be equipped with additional components. For example, the mobile unit may include a fluid storage tank positioned to capture any liquids that may be contained in the solid waste and that are removed from the solid waste during the compaction process. In addition, the mobile device may include a generator, and/or a power take-off from the vehicle engine, to provide power to the components of the mobile unit, such as the loader and the compactor. Furthermore, the mobile device may include safety features, such as guardrails and wire mesh. [0010] Also disclosed herein is a method of compacting and baling waste using a portable waste compactor. The method includes transporting a waste compactor to a worksite on a vehicle, picking up the waste with a loader, and delivering the waste to the waste compactor using the loader. Thereafter, the waste compactor compacts and bales the waste and expels the bales of waste from the compactor. Because the compactor is attached to a vehicle, it can be easily moved from one worksite to another. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0011] So that the manner in which the features and benefits of the invention, as well as others which will become apparent, may be understood in more detail, a more particular description of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings, which form a part of this specification. It is also to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only various embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of the invention's scope as it may include other effective embodiments as well. [0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a mobile solid waste material collection and handling device in accordance with this invention; [0013] FIG. 2A is a partial right side view of the mobile solid waste material collection and handling device of FIG. 1 ; [0014] FIG. 2B is a partial right side view of the mobile solid waste material collection and handling device of FIG. 1 ; [0015] FIG. 3A is a partial left side view of the mobile solid waste material collection and handling device of FIG. 1 ; [0016] FIG. 3B is a partial left side view of the mobile solid waste material collection and handling device of FIG. 1 ; [0017] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the mobile solid waste material collection and handling device of FIG. 1 ; [0018] FIG. 5A is a rear perspective view of the mobile solid waste material collection and handling device of FIG. 1 , showing a claw in the closed position attached to the loader; [0019] FIG. 5B is a is a rear perspective view of the mobile solid waste material collection and handling device of FIG. 1 showing, a claw in the open position attached to the loader; and [0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bale produced by a mobile solid waste material collection and handling device of the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS [0021] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, this embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. [0022] Referring to FIG. 1 , in an embodiment, the mobile solid waste material handling and collection device 9 has a transport vehicle 11 with a waste collection and handling assembly 13 mounted thereon. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 11 may be a truck that may have three or more axles. The truck may be powered by a diesel engine. Alternatively, the truck may be powered by a gasoline, or other type of engine. An A-frame style knuckleboom loader 15 is mounted to the truck frame 17 , and may be mounted just behind a cab portion 19 of the vehicle 11 . In the embodiment shown, a support frame 21 is mounted to the truck frame 17 , behind the cab 19 and optionally behind the knuckleboom loader 15 . A compactor/baler 23 may also be mounted to the support frame 21 . [0023] Referring to FIG. 2B , the compactor/baler 23 may have a hopper 25 positioned atop its upper surface that allows solid waste material to be deposited into the hopper 25 for compaction and baling by the compactor/baler 23 . Referring to FIGS. 2B , 3 B, and 4 , a hydraulic bale door 27 is preferably positioned on the end of the compactor/bailer 23 , opposite the truck cab 19 , and opens to allow the solid waste material to be removed from the compactor/baler 23 once it has been compacted and baled. [0024] A generator 29 may be mounted to the support frame 21 , and, in the embodiment shown, may be positioned between the knuckleboom loader 15 and the compactor/baler 23 . In the embodiment shown, the generator 29 is connected to and powers the compactor/baler 23 , although it may power other devices as well, such as the loader 15 . Also in the embodiment shown, the knuckleboom loader 15 is hydraulically powered via a power take-off (PTO) connected to the engine of the transport vehicle 11 . As shown in FIGS. 3A and 4 , an auxiliary hydraulic cooler/heat exchanger 31 may be used to control the temperature of the hydraulics of the knuckleboom loader 15 . In the embodiment shown in the figures, the auxiliary hydraulic cooler/heat exchanger 31 may be mounted below the support frame 21 , and behind the driver side of the truck cab 19 . [0025] Referring to FIGS. 2B and 3B , guard rails 33 extend upward from, and extend along the length of, the driver and passenger sides of the support frame 21 . On the passenger side of the vehicle 11 , the guard rail 33 may extend from the generator to the rear of the support frame 21 . On the driver side of the vehicle 11 , access steps 35 may be connected to the support frame 21 , just in front of the second axle of the vehicle 11 . The steps 35 allow for access to the upper surface of the support frame 21 . The guard rail 33 on the driver side may extend from the opening for the steps 35 to the rear of the support frame 21 . [0026] Referring to FIG. 2A , a headache bar/rack 37 may extend upwards from and along the width of the support frame 21 , just in front of the generator 29 . The height of the headache bar/rack 37 may be substantially equal to the height of the truck cab 19 . In this embodiment, wire mesh (not visible) may be connected to and extend across the upper surface of the support frame 21 to allow the user to move about the perimeter of the compactor/baler 23 . [0027] Referring now to FIGS. 2B , 3 B, and 4 , a guard rail 39 may be connected to, and extend upwards from, the baler/compactor 23 , just above the hydraulic bale door 27 . Wire mesh 41 optionally extends between the guard rails 39 . The guard rail 39 and wire mesh 41 allows a user to stand atop the compactor/bailer 23 , and control and monitor a drive ram (not shown) within the compactor/bailer 23 , by viewing its activity through the hopper 25 . One purpose of the drive ram is to compact the waste within the compactor/baler 23 . A knuckleboom support bracket 43 may be connected to the support frame 21 . The support bracket 43 consists of two vertical members 45 that extend from opposite sides of the support frame 21 . A horizontal member 47 may be connected to and extend between the two vertical members 45 , just above the compactor/baler 23 . A U-shaped member 49 may be connected to a medial portion of the horizontal member 47 , and may be configured to allow the arm of the knuckleboom loader 15 to rest thereon during transport of the vehicle 11 . [0028] In certain embodiments, a fluid waste tank 51 may be mounted to the support frame 21 , below the compactor/baler 23 , and just behind the rear-most axle of the vehicle 11 . The fluid waste tank 51 preferably allows any fluid waste produced from compaction of the solid waste materials in the compactor/baler 23 to be collected. The fluid waste tank 51 is advantageous, for example, in oil field applications, where the solid waste may have some fluids containing chemicals or other elements that could potentially be harmful to the environment. Preferably, the fluid waste tank 51 is positioned so that any fluids are collected in the waste tank 51 without coming into contact with the environment. For example, the fluid waste tank 51 may be located directly below the compactor/baler 23 so that fluids drain from the compactor/baler 23 into the fluid waste tank 51 by gravity. In one example embodiment, the fluid waste tank may have a length of about eight feet, a width of about six feet, and a height of about three feet, although other dimensions are possible depending on the configuration of other components of the device 9 . Referring to FIGS. 3B and 4 , there is shown a valve 53 that may be connected to and extend from the fluid waste tank 51 at the rear of the vehicle 11 . The valve 53 allows fluid to be removed from fluid waste tank 51 . For example, the valve may allow connection of the fluid waste tank 51 to a vacuum tanker truck that can remove the fluid from the fluid waste tank 51 through a fluid line, or hose (not shown). [0029] In operation, the mobile solid waste material collection and handling device 9 is transported, i.e., the transport vehicle 11 is driven to a worksite where solid waste material is to be collected. Once the vehicle 11 is transported to a worksite, a user operates the knuckleboom loader 15 to collect solid waste material and to deliver it to the hopper 25 of the compactor/baler 23 . To accomplish this, the knuckleboom loader 15 may be equipped with a claw 55 , as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B . The claw is configured to alternate between a closed position (shown in FIG. 5A ) and an open position (shown in FIG. 5B ). In addition, the claw may be capable of twisting or rotating relative to the knuckleboom loader 15 . To collect the solid waste material, the claw 55 opens to the position shown in FIG. 5B . The knuckleboom operator then positions the claw around the waste material to be compacted/baled. Once in position, the claw doses around and grips the waste material. It is then able to pick up the waste material and deliver it to the hopper 25 . If the waste material is too large to fit into the hopper 25 , the claw 55 may rotate as it pushes the waste into the hopper 25 to help force the waste into the hopper 25 . In practice, it may be necessary to prepare the waste material for loading. For example, fluid retention pit liners may be cut into smaller sections prior to loading. In one example embodiment, the liners are cut into about 50 square foot sections. [0030] A user, positioned atop the compactor/baler 23 and within the guard rails 39 and wire mesh 41 , may monitor the drive ram of the compactor/baler 23 to ensure that it is in retracted position while the hopper 25 is loaded with solid waste materials. Once the hopper 25 is filled with solid waste materials, the user actuates the drive ram within the compactor/baler 23 , which expands and compacts the solid waste materials. This process is repeated until the compactor/baler 23 has created a full bale 57 of solid waste materials. A full bale is shown in FIG. 6 . As discussed above, fluid waste that may have been present in the solid waste materials compacted in the compactor/baler 23 is collected in the fluid waste tank 51 , which may be positioned below the compactor/baler 23 . [0031] Once a bale 57 has been created, it may then be tied with wire 59 , as shown in FIG. 6 . The tying of the bale 57 with wire 59 may be accomplished through an automated process, or may be accomplished by a user. Once the bale 57 is tied, the hydraulic door 27 of the compactor/baler 23 may be opened and the bale of solid waste materials may be unloaded from the compactor/baler 23 . In some embodiments, the drive ram (not shown) can be extended to push the bale out from the compactor/baler 23 . The bale may be pushed onto another loading/unloading device. For example, a skid-steer loader may be used to unload the bail from the compactor/baler 23 . Thereafter the bale 57 may be stored on site, and/or it may be loaded onto another vehicle for transport to a waste disposal/recycling facility. This process is repeated until all solid waste materials have been collected, compacted, and baled. [0032] When desired, such as, for example, when the fluid waste tank 51 is filled, or the vehicle 11 is to be transported to another location, a fluid line (not shown) can be connected to the valve 53 on the fluid waste tank 51 and the fluid waste can be drained from the fluid waste tank 51 . For example, a vacuum truck may be connected to the fluid waste tank 51 through the valve 53 , and the contents of the fluid waste tank 51 may be transferred from the fluid waste tank 51 to the vacuum truck. Once collection, compacting, and baling of solid waste materials is complete, the knuckleboom loader 15 may be positioned resting upon the support bar 43 , with the loader claw 55 positioned within the hopper 25 of the compactor/baler 23 . The mobile solid waste material collection and handling device 9 can then be transported to the next work site. [0033] One advantage of the mobile solid waste material handling and collection device 9 disclosed herein, it that it allows for a reduction in truck traffic to and from an oil rig site. This is because a constant stream of waste removal trucks is not required to retrieve uncompacted waste. Rather, as the solid waste is compacted and baled, it becomes fit for storage at the site until enough bales are generated to justify entry of a waste removal truck to remove the bales. Thus, the number of waste removal trucks, and the frequency of their visits, is reduced. This decreased truck traffic helps to preserve roads leading to and from an oil rig site. [0034] In addition, the mobile solid waste material handling and collection device 9 is advantageous because otherwise bulky and voluminous waste, such as fluid retention pit liners, is compacted into a more manageable size. Thus, it is easier for recycling facilities to accept the waste. [0035] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed a typical preferred embodiment of the invention, and although specific terms are employed, the terms are used in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The invention has been described in considerable detail with specific reference to these illustrated embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that various modifications and changes can be made within the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the foregoing specification.
A mobile unit for compacting and baling waste, including a transport vehicle, and a waste collection and handling assembly attached to the transport vehicle. The waste collection and handling assembly has a loader, a hopper, and a compactor. The loader is configured to pick up and carry the waste, the hopper receives the waste from the loader, and the compactor is attached to the hopper, is configured to receive waste from the hopper, and to compact the waste into bales.
1
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present invention claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/229,928 filed Jul. 30, 2009 which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to optical devices for routing and directing optical signals, and in particular to optical devices for rearranging wavelength-multiplexed optical signals in an optical communications network. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The Internet services are currently provided using interconnected long-haul and metro optical networks. In modern long-haul and metro optical networks, optical signals are modulated with digital information and transmitted from one location to another, typically through a length of an optical fiber. To increase the information carrying capacity of the networks, modulated optical signals at different wavelengths, called โ€œwavelength channelsโ€, are grouped together (multiplexed) at one location of the network, transmitted through a common fiber to the other location of the network, and ungrouped (demultiplexed) at the other location. As the Internet, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and streamed Internet Protocol (IP) television gain popularity, more and more subscribers desire to access these services from their premises. At present, these services are delivered to individual premises using either a twisted-pair Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or a coaxial television cable. Due to the increased demand, the DSL and coaxial cable technologies are reaching their information carrying capacity limits, and optical technologies (so-called โ€œFiber To The Premisesโ€, or FTTP) are increasingly used for delivering Internet services to individual premises. Most FTTP technologies presently use a passive optical network (PON) architecture to provide fiberoptic access to the premises, because a PON architecture does not require expensive amplification and wavelength selective switching equipment commonly used in long-haul and metro optical networks. To deliver communication services from a central office to multiple individual subscribers, most PON systems use a passive star-type optical splitter and a form of time-division multiplexing (TDM) for delivering downstream and upstream information. Disadvantageously, TDM-PON systems are quite complex and do not always provide a required degree of security of communications. A wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) architecture can be attractive for a PON application, because in a WDM-PON, different wavelengths can be assigned to different subscribers or groups of subscribers, thus providing a higher degree of security of communications than a TDM-PON can provide. Furthermore, a WDM-PON architecture can potentially provide a broader bandwidth than a TDM-PON architecture. Nonetheless, WDM-PON systems so far have been relatively costly. For this reason, WDM-PON systems have not yet found a widespread utilization in cost-sensitive FTTH applications. WDM-PON systems utilize wavelength-selective combiners and splitters of optical signals called โ€œWDM multiplexorsโ€ and โ€œWDM demultiplexorsโ€, respectively. To save costs, a WDM multiplexor and a WDM demultiplexor of a WDM-PON system can be combined into a single unit, which is referred to as a โ€œde/multiplexorโ€. Referring to FIG. 1A , a prior-art arrayed waveguide (AWG) WDM de/multiplexor 100 is shown having a single input port 102 and four output ports 111 to 114 . Four wavelength channels ฮป 1 C , ฮป 2 C , ฮป 3 C , ฮป 4 C of central (โ€œCโ€) band of optical communications and four wavelength channels ฮป 1 S , ฮป 2 S , ฮป 3 S , ฮป 4 S of short (โ€œSโ€) band optical communications are present at the input port 102 . The WDM de/multiplexor 100 directs wavelengths ฮป 1 C , ฮป 1 S to the output port 111 ; wavelengths ฮป 2 C , ฮป 2 S to the output port 112 ; wavelengths ฮป 3 C , ฮป 3 S to the output port 113 ; and wavelengths ฮป 4 C , ฮป 4 S to the output port 114 . To direct different wavelengths to a same output port, the WDM de/multiplexor 100 uses a diffractive optical device having multiple orders of diffraction. The WDM de/multiplexor 100 is bidirectional, that is, the wavelength channels arriving at the output ports 111 - 114 can be combined into a single multi-channel signal at the input port 102 . Referring now to FIG. 1B , a WDM-PON 120 has two nodes 121 and 122 coupled through a length of an optical fiber 123 . Each node 121 and 122 has one WDM de/multiplexor 100 . The input ports 102 of the WDM de/multiplexors 100 of the nodes 121 and 122 are connected together by the optical fiber 123 . The output ports 111 to 114 of the WDM de/multiplexors 100 are coupled to duplex optical filters 124 coupled to corresponding transmitters 126 and receivers 128 . The node 121 uses the wavelength channels ฮป 1 C , ฮป 2 C , ฮป 3 C , ฮป 4 C for transmission and the wavelength channels ฮป 1 S , ฮป 2 S , ฮป 3 S , ฮป 4 S for reception. The node 122 uses the wavelength channels ฮป 1 S , ฮป 2 S , ฮป 3 S , ฮป 4 S for transmission and the wavelength channels ฮป 1 C , ฮป 2 C , ฮป 3 C , ฮป 4 C for reception. The direction of flow of the signals is shown with arrows 127 . Thus, each WDM de/multiplexor 100 is used for both multiplexing and demultiplexing wavelength channels, whereby significant cost savings can be achieved. Disadvantageously, in the AWG WDM de/multiplexor 100 , and in any diffraction grating based demultiplexor for that matter, the wavelengths of the channels ฮป i S and ฮป i C directed to a same i th output port in different orders of diffraction m and m+1 are tied together by the grating equation: ฮป i S โ‰ˆฮป i C m/(m+1) and therefore cannot be selected independently from each other. As a result, the WDM-PON 120 does not allow a system designer to select the wavelength channels ฮป 1 C , ฮป 2 C , ฮป 3 C , ฮป 4 C independently from the wavelength channels ฮป 1 S , ฮป 2 S , ฮป 3 S , ฮป 4 S . This represents a considerable limitation, especially for a FTTP application where the available bandwidth needs to be utilized to a full extent to provide as broad coverage as possible at a given cost. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an optical device for directing and regrouping wavelength channels, wherein the wavelengths of the channels directed to the same output port are independently selectable. The independent wavelength selection improves bandwidth utilization and network efficiency. As a result, a deployment cost to provide a FTTH-based broadband Internet service to individual subscribers is reduced. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An optical device of the invention achieves independent routing of two or more wavelength channels to a same output port of an optical grating multiplexor by providing two or more separate input ports for the optical grating demultiplexor. The input ports are offset from each other so as to provide a required wavelength separation between the two or more wavelength channels intended for coupling to a same output port. The wavelength channels are initially separated into two or more groups of channels, one group per one input port of the optical grating multiplexor. The groups of wavelength channels are then separately coupled to the input ports of the optical grating multiplexor. In accordance with the invention there is provided an optical device for rearranging wavelength channels, comprising: a wavelength selective coupler having an input port and first and second output ports, for separating wavelength channels received at the input port into first and second groups of wavelength channels for output at the first and the second output ports, respectively; an optical grating demultiplexor having first and second input ports optically coupled to the first and the second output ports of the wavelength selective coupler, respectively, and a plurality of output ports, for demultiplexing the first and the second groups of wavelength channels; wherein the first and the second input ports of the optical grating demultiplexor are offset from each other so as to couple a wavelength channel of the first group from the first input port, together with a wavelength channel of the second group from the second input port, into a same output port of the optical grating demultiplexor. In one embodiment, the wavelength selective coupler includes an optical interleaver having one input and two outputs coupled to the first and the second input ports of the optical grating demultiplexor. Advantageously, this allows one to use the optical grating demultiplexor having channel spacing twice as big as the channel spacing of the wavelength channels. By way of example, this embodiment of the invention allows a 100 GHz demultiplexor to be used in an optical network having 50 GHz spaced channels. In one embodiment, the optical device of the invention further includes a plurality of wavelength selective splitters. Each wavelength selective splitter is optically coupled to one of the plurality of the output ports of the optical grating demultiplexor, functioning as a separator of wavelength channels of the first group from wavelength channels of the second group. The wavelength selective splitters are preferably duplex filters for bidirectional communication, wherein the first group of channels carries information in one direction, and the second group of channel carries information in the other, opposite direction. In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is further provided an optical network node comprising: the optical device for rearranging the wavelength channels; a plurality of receivers each coupled to a particular one of the duplex filters for receiving a transmission channel; and a plurality of transmitters each coupled to a particular one of the duplex filters for transmitting a transmission channel. In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention there is further provided an optical network comprising two optical network nodes and an optical transmission line that couples together the input ports of the wavelength selective couplers of the two optical network nodes, wherein the transmission channels of the first optical network node are the reception channels of the second optical network node, and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Exemplary embodiments will now be described in conjunction with the drawings in which: FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a prior-art arrayed waveguide demultiplexor; FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a WDM passive optical network having two demultiplexors of FIG. 1A ; FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an optical device of the invention having a wavelength division multiplexor coupled to an optical grating demultiplexor; FIG. 2B is a block diagram of an optical device of the invention having an optical interleaver coupled to an optical grating demultiplexor; FIG. 2C is a block diagram of a variant of the optical device of FIG. 2B having a different offset between the input ports of the optical grating demultiplexor; FIG. 3 is a spectrum of wavelength channels coupled to the input ports of the optical devices of FIGS. 2B and 2C ; FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an optical device of the invention having 1:N wavelength selective coupler and N:M optical grating demultiplexor; FIG. 5 is a plan view of an optical device of FIGS. 2A to 2C , having an arrayed waveguide grating; and FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an optical network of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION While the present teachings are described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. Referring to FIG. 2A , an optical device 200 A of the invention includes a wavelength division multiplexor 202 A coupled to an optical grating demultiplexor 210 . The wavelength division multiplexor 202 A has an input port 204 and first and second output ports 206 and 208 , respectively. The function of the wavelength division multiplexor 202 A is to separate wavelength channels ฮป 1 to ฮป 8 received at the input port 204 into first and second groups of wavelength channels ฮป 1 to ฮป 4 and ฮป 5 to ฮป 8 , respectively, and direct them to the first and the second output ports 206 and 208 , respectively. The first and the second output ports 206 and 208 are coupled to first and second input ports 212 and 214 , respectively, of the optical grating demultiplexor 210 . The function of the optical grating demultiplexor 210 is to demultiplex the first and the second groups of wavelength channels ฮป 1 to ฮป 8 and to direct the demultiplexed channels towards a plurality of output ports 216 to 219 of the optical grating demultiplexor 210 . The first and the second input ports 212 and 214 of the optical grating demultiplexor 210 are offset from each other so as to couple a wavelength channel of the first group ฮป 1 to ฮป 4 from the first input port 212 , together with a wavelength channel of the second group ฮป 5 to ฮป 8 from the second input port 214 , into a same output port 216 , 217 , 218 , or 219 , of the optical grating demultiplexor 210 . Thus, the output port 216 has the wavelength channels ฮป 1 and ฮป 5 ; the output port 217 has the wavelength channels ฮป 2 and ฮป 6 ; the output port 218 has the wavelength channels ฮป 3 and ฮป 7 ; and the output port 219 has the wavelength channels ฮป 4 and ฮป 8 . Advantageously, the presence of two offset input ports 212 and 214 allows the wavelengths ฮป 1 and ฮป 5 to be individually selectable by adjusting the magnitude of the offset between the input ports 212 and 214 . The wavelength adjustability will be illustrated further below. Turning now to FIG. 2B , an optical device 200 B is an alternative embodiment of the optical device 200 A. One difference between the optical devices 200 A and 200 B is that the optical device 200 B includes an optical interleaver 202 B instead of the WDM filter 202 A. The function of the optical interleaver 202 B is to separate wavelength channels ฮป 1 to ฮป 8 received at the input port 204 into first and second groups of wavelength channels ฮป 1 , ฮป 3 , ฮป 5 , ฮป 7 and ฮป 2 , ฮป 4 , ฮป 6 , ฮป 8 , respectively, and direct them to the first and the second output ports 206 and 208 , respectively. The optical interleaver preferably has an input channel spacing twice as small as a channel spacing of the optical grating demultiplexor 310 . Advantageously, the optical grating demultiplexor 210 can have a larger channel spacing than the channel spacing of an optical network wherein the optical device 200 B is used. For example, the optical grating demultiplexor 210 can have a 100 GHz channel spacing, while the optical network it is used in can have a 50 GHz channel spacing. As noted above, one important advantage of the invention is the adjustability of wavelengths of the channels that are coupled together in the same output port 216 , 217 , 218 , or 219 of the optical grating demultiplexor. Turning to FIG. 2C , an optical device 200 C is shown. The optical device 200 C is a variant of the optical device 200 B. One difference between the optical devices 200 B and 200 C is that an optical grating demultiplexor 211 of the optical device 200 C has an input 220 that is offset by an additional amount of as compared to a position of the corresponding input 214 of the optical grating demultiplexor 210 of the optical device 200 B of FIG. 2B . The additional offset is illustrated at 225 in FIG. 2C . The additional offset determines which ones of the wavelength channels ฮป 2 , ฮป 4 , ฮป 6 , ฮป 8 are coupled to which ones of the output ports 216 to 219 of the optical grating demultiplexor 211 . Referring now to FIG. 3 , a spectrum 311 shows the wavelength channels ฮป 1 to ฮป 8 at the input port 204 of the optical devices 200 B and 200 C of FIGS. 2B and 2C . In FIG. 3 , a spectrum 312 shows the wavelength channels ฮป 1 , ฮป 3 , ฮป 5 , ฮป 7 at the upper input port 212 of the optical grating demultiplexors 210 and 211 . A spectrum 313 shows even wavelength channels ฮป 2 , ฮป 4 , ฮป 6 , ฮป 8 at the lower input port 214 of the optical grating demultiplexor 210 of FIG. 2B . In FIG. 3 , the spectrum 313 is shifted so that the even wavelength channels ฮป 2 , ฮป 4 , ฮป 6 , ฮป 8 line up with the odd wavelength channels ฮป 1 , ฮป 3 , ฮป 5 , ฮป 7 , due to the offset between the input ports 212 and 214 of the optical grating demultiplexor 210 of FIG. 2B . As a result of the offset, the pairs of wavelength channels ฮป 1 and ฮป 2 ; ฮป 3 and ฮป 4 ; ฮป 5 and ฮป 6 ; ฮป 7 and ฮป 8 are coupled into the output ports 216 to 219 , respectively. The output ports 216 to 219 are shown in FIG. 3 lined up with the corresponding wavelength channel pairs ฮป 1 and ฮป 2 ; ฮป 3 and ฮป 4 ; ฮป 5 and ฮป 6 ; ฮป 7 and ฮป 8 . A spectrum 314 shows the even wavelength channels ฮป 2 , ฮป 4 , ฮป 6 , ฮป 8 at the lower input port 220 of the optical grating demultiplexor 211 of FIG. 2C . In FIG. 3 , the spectrum 314 is shifted as shown at 325 so that the wavelength channels ฮป 4 , ฮป 6 , ฮป 8 line up with the wavelength channels ฮป 1 , ฮป 3 , ฮป 5 due to the additional offset shown at 225 . As a result of the additional offset , the pairs of wavelength channels ฮป 1 and ฮป 4 ; ฮป 3 and ฮป 6 ; ฮป 5 and ฮป 8 are coupled into the output ports 216 to 218 , respectively. The output ports 216 to 218 are shown in FIG. 3 lined up with the corresponding wavelength channel pairs ฮป 1 and ฮป 4 ; ฮป 3 and ฮป 6 ; ฮป 5 and ฮป 8 . The remaining wavelength channels ฮป 2 and ฮป 7 are coupled into an additional output port 315 and the output port 219 , respectively. The additional output port 315 is not shown in FIG. 2C . By properly selecting the additional offset , one can increase the wavelength separation of the wavelength channels coupled together into a same output port of the optical grating demultiplexor 211 . In FIG. 3 , for example, wavelength channel pairs ฮป 1 and ฮป 4 at the output port 216 are separated three times more than the input channels ฮป 1 and ฮป 2 . Advantageously, selecting wavelength channels that are separated by at least three times more than the input channel spacing to be directed to a same output port, simplifies subsequent demultiplexing of these channels, because of the increased wavelength separation of these wavelength channels. At the same time, the advantage brought in by the interleaver 202 B, specifically a wider channel spacing of the optical grating demultiplexor 211 , is kept. In other words, the optical grating demultiplexor 211 can have a channel spacing that is twice bigger than the channel spacing at the input of the optical device 200 C. Referring now to FIG. 4 , a more general form of an optical device of the invention is presented. An optical device 400 of the invention has a 1:M wavelength selective coupler 402 having one input port 404 and M output ports 406 - 1 . . . 406 -M, wherein Mโ‰ง3. The 1:M wavelength selective coupler 402 is coupled to an M:N optical grating demultiplexor 410 having M input ports 412 - 1 . . . 412 -M and N output ports 416 - 1 . . . 416 -N, wherein Nโ‰ง3. The M output ports 406 - 1 . . . 406 -M of the 1:M wavelength selective coupler 402 are coupled to the M input ports 412 - 1 . . . 412 -M of the M:N optical grating demultiplexor 410 , respectively. The function of the 1:M wavelength selective coupler 402 is to separate wavelength channels ฮป 1 1 . . . ฮป N 1 , ฮป 1 2 . . . ฮป N 2 , . . . , and ฮป 1 M . . . ฮป N M into M groups of wavelength channels ฮป 1 1 . . . ฮป N 1 ; ฮป 1 2 . . . ฮป N 2 ; . . . ; and ฮป 1 M . . . ฮป N M , each group being directed to a corresponding output port 406 - 1 ; 406 - 2 ; . . . ; 406 -M. The function of the optical grating demultiplexor 410 is to demultiplex wavelength channels of each of the M groups received at M input ports 412 - 1 . . . 412 -M and to direct the demultiplexed channels ฮป 1 1 . . . ฮป 1 M ; ฮป 2 1 . . . ฮป 2 M ; . . . ; and ฮป N 1 . . . ฮป N M towards the output ports 416 - 1 . . . 416 -N, respectively. By properly selecting the positions of the input ports 412 - 1 . . . 412 -M of the M:N optical grating demultiplexor 410 , one can select which wavelength channels are directed to which one of the output ports 416 - 1 . . . 416 -N. The positions of the input ports are selected based on a grating equation of an optical grating used in the M:N optical grating demultiplexor 410 . The grating equations of some commonly used optical gratings are given further below. The WDM coupler 202 A or 402 can use any type of a wavelength selective filter such a dichroic (thin film) optical filter, for example. The WDM couplers 202 A and 402 and the interleaver 202 B can be replaced with any other type of a wavelength selective coupler for separating wavelength channels received at the input port 204 into at least two groups of (not necessarily adjacent) wavelength channels. The optical interleaver 202 B preferably includes at least one Mach-Zehnder (MZ) interferometer. Two serially coupled MZ interferometers forming a lattice filter are further preferable. The optical grating demultiplexors 210 , 211 , and 410 can include an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG), a bulk Echelle grating, a slab Echelle grating, or a bulk diffraction grating. Referring to FIG. 5 , an optical device 500 of the invention includes serially coupled a 1ร—2 wavelength selective coupler 502 and an AWG demultiplexor 510 having an input slab section 521 , a waveguide section 522 coupled to the input slab section 521 , an output slab section 523 coupled to the waveguide section 522 , two input waveguides 512 and 514 coupled to the input slab section 521 , and a plurality of output waveguides 516 to 519 coupled to the output slab sections 523 . The AWG demultiplexor 510 is preferably based on an athermal AWG using any athermal AWG types known to a person skilled in the art. The wavelength selective coupler 502 is preferably waveguide based, so it can be integrated on the same waveguide substrate as the AWG demultiplexor 510 . The principle of adjustability of which wavelength channel is directed to which output port (depending on the input port position) will now be explained. The relative position of the input ports 212 and 214 of the optical grating demultiplexor 210 ; the relative position of the input ports 212 and 220 of the optical grating demultiplexor 211 ; the relative position of the input ports 412 - 1 . . . 412 -M of the M:N optical grating demultiplexor 410 ; and the relative position of the input ports 512 and 514 of the arrayed waveguide grating demultiplexor 510 is defined by a grating equation of a particular optical grating used in these devices. The grating equations of various optical gratings are known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The grating equation of an arrayed waveguide grating, for example, is n s (ฮป) p sin(ฮธ in )+ n s (ฮป) p sin(ฮธout)+ n w (ฮป)ฮ” L=mฮป โ€ƒโ€ƒ(1), wherein n s (ฮป) is a refractive index of the slab sections 521 and 523 , n w (ฮป) is a refractive index of the waveguide section 522 , ฮธ in is an input beam angle of an optical beam emitted by the input waveguide 512 or the input waveguide 514 , ฮธ out is an output beam angle of an optical beam coupled into the output waveguides 516 to 519 , ฮ”L is an optical path difference between neighboring waveguides of the waveguide section 522 , p is a waveguide spacing of the waveguide section 522 , and m is an order of diffraction. According to the grating equation (1), by selecting proper angles ฮธ in , which depends on a position of an input waveguide, different wavelength channels can be coupled into a same output waveguide in a different orders of diffraction m or even in a same order of diffraction m. The grating equation of a free-space diffraction grating is similar to Equation (1) above: nd (sin ฮธ in +sin ฮธ out )= mฮป โ€ƒโ€ƒ(2), wherein n is refractive index of a medium the diffraction grating is in, and d is a groove spacing of the diffraction grating. By properly selecting the input beam angles ฮธ in , one can couple different wavelength channels into a same output port. The input beam angles ฮธ in and the output beam angles ฮธ out depend on position of the input and output ports of the free-space diffraction grating and on a focal length of a lens or lenses used to collimate the input and the output beams. These free space lenses correspond to the input and the output slabs 521 and 523 of the arrayed waveguide grating demultiplexor 510 of FIG. 5 . In the optical grating demultiplexors 210 , 211 , and 410 , the input ports 212 , 214 , 220 , and 412 - 1 to 412 -M can be disposed so that different wavelength channels can be directed to a same output port by diffracting into different orders of diffraction. This provides for a freedom to space the input ports apart by enough of a distance to prevent crosstalk, for example. Furthermore, according to the present invention and the Equations (1) and (2) above, the input ports 212 , 214 , 220 , and 412 - 1 to 412 -M can also be disposed so that different wavelength channels are directed to a same output port by diffracting into a same order of diffraction m. This provides an important design benefit because the optical grating demultiplexors 210 , 211 , and 410 do not need to be optimized for operation in different orders of diffraction, which allows one to achieve a better optical performance in a single order of diffraction m. Turning now to FIG. 6 , an optical network 600 of the invention includes nodes 602 and 604 coupled by a length of an optical fiber 606 . Each of the nodes includes the optical device 200 A of the invention, a plurality of duplex filters 612 coupled to the output ports 216 to 219 of the optical grating demultiplexors 210 , for separating wavelength channels present at the output ports 216 to 219 , a plurality of receivers 620 each coupled to a particular one of the duplex filters 612 , and a plurality of transmitters 630 each coupled to a particular one of the duplex filters 612 . As seen in FIG. 6 , the wavelength channels ฮป 5 to ฮป 8 are transmission wavelength channels for the node 602 and are accordingly reception wavelength channels for the node 604 . The wavelength channels ฮป 1 to ฮป 4 are reception wavelength channels for the node 602 and are transmission wavelength channels for the node 604 . Of course, the wavelength selective coupler 502 , the interleaver 202 B, or the 1ร—M wavelength selective splitter 402 can be used in place of the wavelength division multiplexor 202 A, and the AWG demultiplexor 510 , the optical grating demultiplexor 211 , or the Mร—N optical grating demultiplexor 410 can be used in place of the optical grating demultiplexor 210 . The transmitters 630 are preferably laser diodes, although light emitting diodes (LEDs) can also be used. The receivers 620 are preferably PIN or avalanche photodiodes.
An optical device for rearranging wavelength channels in an optical network is disclosed. The optical device has a wavelength selective coupler having one input port and a plurality of output ports coupled to a plurality of input ports of an optical grating demultiplexor such as an arrayed waveguide grating. The wavelength channels in each of the input ports are dispersed by the demultiplexor and are directed to a plurality of output ports of the optical grating demultiplexor. As a result, at least one wavelength channel at each of the input ports of the optical grating demultiplexor is coupled into a common output port. The optical device is useful in passive optical networks wherein a same demultiplexor is used for simultaneous multiplexing and demultiplexing of wavelength channels.
7
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/396,107, filed on Mar. 2, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application. No. 61/032,725, filed on 29 Feb. 2008, which is incorporated in its entirety by this reference. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention relates generally to the implantable electrodes field, and more specifically to an improved implantable electrode with an anchoring element and the method of making this improved system. BACKGROUND [0003] The adhesion of metals to polymers in conventional microfabrication techniques can be quite poor. Excellent adhesion, however, is critical for biomedical electrodes, which are implanted in tissue and are exposed to harsh environments. In such environments, poorly connected elements can lead to irreversible chemical reactions and possible device failure. The irreversible chemical reactions can include: 1) electrolysis of water, with consequent pH changes and gas formation, 2) electrode dissolution due to oxide formation of soluble metal complexes, and 3) corrosion or breakdown of passivity. In conventional electrodes, uneven charging across the electrode site is often seen. As an example, a much higher current density is typically seen in the perimeter of the electrode site than seen in the center, thus when the electrode is placed onto the tissue of the patient, the uneven charging may lead to unpredictable stimulation of the tissue of the patient. Uneven charging across the electrode site also leads to additional irreversible chemical reactions. In the case of higher current density along the perimeter than seen in the center, a relatively high potential difference between the perimeter of the electrode and the center of the electrode develops, leading to a higher chance of irreversible chemical reactions at the edge of the electrode site. This invention provides an improved and useful system and method for connecting layers within an electrode, increasing the reliability of an electrode, and decreasing the chance of irreversible chemical reactions within an electrode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0004] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the implantable electrode of the preferred embodiment including a first variation of the anchoring element. [0005] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the implantable electrode of the preferred embodiment including a second variation of the anchoring element. [0006] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the implantable electrode of the preferred embodiment including a third variation of the anchoring element. [0007] FIG. 4 is a top view and cross-sectional view of an implantable electrode. [0008] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view along line 4 A- 4 A of FIG. 4 . [0009] FIG. 5A is a graphical representation of the effect on current density across the electrode site of the preferred embodiment with the third variation of the anchoring element. [0010] FIG. 5B is a graphical representation of the double layer final voltage across the electrode site of the preferred embodiment with the third variation of the anchoring element. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0011] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments, but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use this invention. [0012] As shown in FIG. 1 , the implantable electrode 10 of the preferred embodiments includes an electrode site 12 , an interconnect 14 coupled to the electrode site 12 , an insulating element 16 that functions to insulate the interconnect 14 , and an anchoring element 18 that functions to anchor the electrode site 12 to the implantable electrode 10 . The implantable electrode 10 of the preferred embodiment is preferably designed for an implantable electrode lead system to interface with brain tissue, the implantable electrode 10 of the preferred embodiments, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment (such as the spinal cord, peripheral nerve, muscle, or any other suitable anatomical location) and for any suitable reason. 1. The Implantable Electrode [0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 , 4 and 4 A, the electrode site 12 of the preferred embodiment functions to record, stimulate, perform any other suitable function, or any combination thereof. The implantable electrode preferably includes a plurality of electrode sites 12 , which may be independently tuned to record, stimulate, perform any other suitable function, or any combination thereof. Two or more electrode sites 12 may be grouped to form a larger composite site that enables tuning the neural interface region for recording and/or stimulation. The electrode site 12 is preferably a thin film metal, preferably made from gold, iridium, or platinum, but may alternatively be made from any suitable material. [0014] The implantable electrode 10 of the preferred embodiments may further include a bond pad, which is electrically coupled to the electrode site 12 and functions to provide a point of contact to an external connector and/or device to provide a site from which recorded signals are accessed and/or to which stimuli are applied. The implantable electrode preferably includes a plurality of bond pads. The ratio of electrode sites 12 to bond pads is preferably 1:1, but may be any other suitable ratio. The bond pads are preferably gold, but may alternatively be any suitable material. [0015] The implantable electrode 10 of the preferred embodiments may further include a plug 20 (also known as โ€œlegโ€), which couples the electrode site 12 to the interconnect 14 and functions to transfer signals between the electrode site 12 and the interconnect 14 . The implantable electrode preferably includes a plurality of plugs 20 . The ratio of electrode sites 12 to plugs 20 is preferably 1:1, but may be any other suitable ratio. The plug 20 is preferably gold or platinum, but may alternatively be any suitable material. [0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 , 4 and 4 A, the interconnect 14 of the preferred embodiment is coupled to the electrode site and functions to electrically couple the electrode site 12 to a bond pad or directly to an external connector and/or device and to transfer signals between the electrode site 12 and the bond pads, connector, and/or device. The implantable electrode preferably includes a plurality of interconnects 14 . The ratio of electrode sites 12 to interconnects 14 is preferably 1:1, but may be any other suitable ratio. The interconnect 14 is preferably metal (such as platinum or gold) or polysilicon, but may alternatively be made out of any suitable material. [0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 , 4 and 4 A, the insulating element 16 of the preferred embodiment functions to insulate the interconnect 14 , preferably on the top and bottom side of the interconnect 14 . The insulating element 16 is preferably one of several variations, and in some variations the insulating element 16 preferably includes multiple layers: a first layer 16 and a second layer 16 โ€ฒ. In a first variation, where the interconnect 14 is preferably a metal such as platinum or gold, the insulating element 16 is preferably a polymer such as polyimide, parylene, or polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). In a second variation, where the interconnect 14 is preferably polysilicon, the insulating element preferably includes a first layer 16 of inorganic dielectrics such as silicon dioxide or silicon nitride and a second layer 16 โ€ฒ of a polymer. In a third variation, where the interconnect 14 is preferably polysilicon, the insulating element preferably includes a first layer 16 of inorganic dielectrics such as silicon dioxide or silicon nitride that are supported by a silicon substrate. The first layer 16 of inorganic dielectrics are preferably a tri-layer stack of silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, and silicon dioxide. Alternatives to the first layer 16 include silicon carbide and other polymers such as polyimide or parylene. The second layer 16 โ€ฒ may be the same as the first layer, or may alternatively be a vapor deposited polymer such as parylene, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), other fluoropolymers, silicone, or any other suitable material. The second layer 16 โ€ฒ preferably provides additional electrical insulation to leads. [0018] As shown in FIGS. 1-3 , the anchoring element 18 of the preferred embodiment functions to anchor the electrode site 12 to the implantable electrode 10 . The anchoring element is preferably one of several variations. In a first variation, as shown in FIG. 1 , the anchoring element 18 is a layer of metal. This metal layer is preferably located above the interconnect 14 such that it will not short or interfere with the interconnect 14 . The metal layer is preferably located on the top surface of the second layer 16 of the insulation element 16 . The metal electrode site 12 will adhere to the metal anchoring element 18 . The strong metal-to-metal adhesion of the electrode site 12 to the anchoring element 18 preferably complements the adhesion of the electrode site 12 to the implantable electrode 10 (i.e. the top polymer surface). The anchoring element 18 in this variation is preferably buried in and/or under an additional layer 16 โ€ณ (preferably a polymer) of the insulation element 16 with a portion of the anchoring element 18 exposed to contact the electrode site 12 . The exposed portion of the anchoring element 18 of this variation is preferably patterned to have a ring geometry that coincides with a perimeter portion of the electrode site 12 . Alternatively, the exposed portion of the anchoring element 18 may form a semi-ring, may have multiple points, or may have any other suitable geometry. The geometry of the exposed portion of the anchoring element 18 may be defined by the anchoring element 18 and/or the additional layer 16 โ€ณ of the insulation element 16 and the pattern in which the anchoring element 18 is exposed. [0019] In a second variation, as shown in FIG. 2 , the anchoring element 18 is also a layer of metal, but this layer of metal is preferably located at the level of the interconnects 14 and is preferably insulated by the insulation element layers 16 and 16 โ€ฒ. The metal electrode site 12 will adhere to the metal anchoring element 18 . The strong metal-to-metal adhesion of the electrode site 12 to the anchoring element 18 preferably complements the adhesion of the electrode site 12 to the implantable electrode 10 (i.e. the top polymer surface). The anchoring element 18 of this variation preferably does not require the additional layer 16 โ€ณ of the insulation element 16 , but rather, is preferably buried in the second layer 16 with a portion of the anchoring element 18 exposed to contact the electrode site 12 . The anchoring element 18 of this variation is preferably patterned to have multiple points or โ€œspotsโ€ that coincide with the perimeter portion of the electrode site 12 , and are preferably positioned such that the multiple points will not cross over or connect adjacent interconnects 14 . Alternatively, the exposed portion of the anchoring element 18 may form a semi-ring or may have any other suitable geometry. The anchoring element 18 of this variation may further include a plug 22 , which couples the electrode site 12 to the anchoring element 18 . The plug 22 is preferably gold or platinum, but may alternatively be any suitable material. [0020] In a third variation, as shown in FIG. 3 , the anchoring element 18 is a layer of an insulating material, such as a polymer, that functions to mechanically couple the electrode site 12 to the implantable electrode 10 . The mechanical coupling of the electrode site 12 to the anchoring element 18 preferably complements the adhesion of the electrode site 12 to the implantable electrode 10 (i.e. the top polymer surface). The anchoring element 18 is preferably an additional layer of the insulation element 16 . The anchoring element 18 is preferably located on the top surface of the second layer 16 โ€ฒ of the insulation element 16 . The electrode site 12 in this variation is preferably buried in and/or under the anchoring element 18 with a portion of the electrode site exposed. The exposed portion will record, stimulate, perform any other suitable function, or any combination thereof. The anchoring element 18 is preferably patterned to form a lip or a rim around the perimeter portion of the electrode site 12 . Alternatively, the anchoring element 18 may have any other suitable geometry. [0021] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 55 , the third variation of the anchoring element 18 also functions to normalize (or โ€œmake more uniformโ€) the initial current distribution along the electrode site 12 . In conventional implantable electrodes, as a stimulation pulse is sent to the electrode site 12 , the initial, current density along the electrode site 12 is not uniform. The current density along the perimeter of the electrode site 12 is higher than that at the center of the electrode site 12 , leading to uneven changing across the electrode site 12 and creating a potential difference between the perimeter and the center of the electrode site 12 . The difference in potential may lead to unpredictable stimulation of the tissue of the patient, such as charge spikes along the electrode site 12 , and an increased chance of irreversible chemical reactions at the perimeter of the electrode site 12 , thereby potentially releasing toxic products into the tissue of the patient and decreasing the effectiveness of the electrode 10 . The third variation of the anchoring element 18 provides a raised lip along the perimeter of the electrode site 12 . This raised lip has been shown to decrease the difference in initial current densities along the electrode site 12 , as shown in FIG. 5A , leading to a more normalized final voltage potential distribution along the electrode site 12 , as shown in FIG. 53 , increasing the reliability of the electrode and decreasing the chance of irreversible chemical reactions. [0022] The anchoring element 18 of the third variation may alternatively be shaped to accommodate to the type of charge distribution desired across the electrode site 12 . For example, a higher charge distribution may be desired in a first region than in a second region of the electrode site 12 . To achieve this, the raised lip may be thicker in the second region than in the first region. Alternatively, the raised lip of the anchoring element 18 may be of a uniform thickness around the perimeter of the electrode site 12 to achieve higher mitigation of the current density at the perimeter. However, any other arrangement of the anchoring element 18 suitable to regulate the charge distribution across the electrode site 12 may be used. [0023] The anchoring element 18 of the third variation may also be shaped to accommodate to the type of mechanical interlock desired across the electrode site 12 . For example, the raised lip of the anchoring element 18 may be shaped as an โ€œXโ€ across the electrode site 12 , but may alternatively also be shaped as parallel ridges across the electrode site 12 . However, any other arrangement of the anchoring element 18 suitable to provide an adequate mechanical interlock across the electrode site 12 may be used. 2. Method of Making the Implantable Electrode [0024] The implantable electrode 10 of the preferred embodiment is preferably micro-machined using standard microfabrication techniques, but may alternatively be fabricated in any other suitable fashion. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A , the method of building an implantable electrode of the preferred embodiments includes building a first layer of the insulating element 16 S 102 , building an interconnect 14 S 104 , building a second layer of the insulating element S 106 , removing a portion of the second layer 16 โ€ฒ to expose a portion of the interconnect 14 S 108 , building a layer of conductive material to fill the second layer 16 โ€ฒ S 110 , and building the electrode site 12 S 112 . [0025] The method of building an implantable electrode with an anchoring element 18 of the preferred embodiments preferably includes additional and/or alternative steps to build the anchoring element 18 in one of several variations. In a first variation, as shown in FIG. 1 , after Step S 106 the method of the first variation includes building an anchoring element 18 S 114 , building a third layer 16 โ€ณ of the insulating element 16 S 116 , removing a portion of the third layer 16 โ€ณ to expose a portion of the anchoring element 18 and to expose a portion of the second layer 16 โ€ฒ above the interconnect 14 S 118 , removing a portion of the second layer 16 โ€ฒ to expose a portion of the interconnect 14 S 108 , building a layer of conductive material to fill the second layer 16 โ€ฒ and the portion of the third layer 16 โ€ณ above the interconnect 14 S 110 , and building the electrode site 12 S 112 . [0026] In a second variation, as shown in FIG. 2 , the method of the second variation includes an alternative Step S 104 โ€ฒ: building an interconnect 14 and an anchoring element 18 , and an alternative Step S 108 โ€ฒ: removing a portion of the second layer 16 โ€ฒ to expose a portion of the interconnect 14 and the anchoring element 18 . In a third variation, as shown in FIG. 3 , the method of the third variation includes two additional steps after Step S 112 . Those steps include building an anchoring element 18 S 120 , and removing a portion of the anchoring element 18 to expose a portion of the electrode site 12 S 122 . The method is preferably designed for the manufacture of implantable electrodes, and more specifically for the manufacture of implantable electrodes with anchoring elements. The method and any variation thereof, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and for any suitable reason. [0027] Step S 102 , which recites building a first layer of the insulating element 16 , functions to provide the base layer of the implantable electrode 10 . The adding of material is preferably performed through any suitable deposition process that grows, coats, or transfers a material in any other suitable method. These deposition processes may include spinning and curing, physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), electrochemical deposition (ECD), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and more recently, atomic layer deposition (ALD), or any other suitable process. [0028] Step S 104 and S 104 , which recite building an interconnect 14 and building an interconnect 14 and an anchoring element 18 respectively, function to create the interconnects and/or the metal anchoring elements 18 . This step is preferably performed by building a layer of material and then patterning the layer of material to form the interconnects 14 and/or the anchoring elements 18 . The adding of material is preferably performed through any suitable deposition process that grows, coats, or transfers a material in any other suitable method. These deposition processes may include sputtering, evaporating, physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), electrochemical deposition (ECD), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and more recently, atomic layer deposition (ALD), or any other suitable process. The removal or patterning of material is preferably performed through reactive ion etching (PIE), but may alternatively be performed through any other suitable removal process, such as other dry etching methods, wet etching, chemical-mechanical planarization, or any combination thereof. The interconnects 14 and/or the anchoring elements 18 may alternatively be created by any suitable combination of deposition, removal, and or patterning. [0029] Step S 106 , which recites building a second layer 16 of the insulating element is preferably performed in a similar fashion to Step S 102 above. [0030] Step S 108 , S 108 โ€ฒ, and S 118 , which recite removing a portion of the insulating element to expose a portion of the interconnect 14 , the anchoring element 18 , and/or a lower layer of the insulating element function to expose a contact through the insulating element to the layer below. The removal or patterning of material is preferably performed through reactive ion etching (RIE), but may alternatively be performed through any other suitable removal process, such as other dry etching methods, wet etching, chemical-mechanical planarization, or any combination thereof. The interconnects 14 and/or the anchoring elements 18 may alternatively be created by any suitable combination of deposition, removal, and or patterning. [0031] Step S 110 and S 110 โ€ฒ, which recite building a layer of conductive material to fill a layer of the insulating element, function to build a โ€œplugโ€ (also known as โ€œlegโ€) to fill the contact hole with conductive material and to form the plugs 20 and/or 22 . The step is preferably performed through electroplating, but may alternatively be performed through any suitable deposition process that grows, coats, or transfers a material in any other suitable method. [0032] Step S 112 , which recites building the electrode site 12 , functions to create electrode site 12 . This step is preferably performed by building a layer of material and then patterning the layer of material to form the electrode site 12 . This step preferably uses a method to add material and then remove material as described in Step S 104 . [0033] Step S 114 , which recites building an anchoring element 18 , functions to create the metal layer anchoring element 18 of the first variation. This step is preferably performed by building a layer of material and then patterning the layer of material to form the anchoring element 18 . This step preferably uses a method to add material and then remove material as described in Step S 104 . [0034] Step S 116 and Step S 120 , which recite building an anchoring element 18 and building a third layer 16 โ€ณ of the insulating element 16 , function to create the anchoring element 18 of the third variation (which is preferably an insulating material) and to build the third layer of the insulating element, respectively. This is preferably performed in a similar fashion as described in Step S 102 . [0035] Step S 122 , which recites removing a portion of the anchoring element 18 to expose a portion of the electrode site 12 , functions to expose a contact through the anchoring element 18 to the electrode site 12 . The removal or patterning of material is preferably performed through a deep reactive ion etching (DRIE), but may alternatively be performed through any other suitable removal process, such as other dry etching methods, wet etching, chemical-mechanical planarization, or any combination thereof. The interconnects 14 and/or the anchoring elements 18 may alternatively be created by any suitable combination of deposition, removal, and or patterning. [0036] Although omitted for conciseness, the preferred embodiments include every combination and permutation of the various implantable electrodes, the various interconnects, the various insulation elements, the various anchoring elements, and the various methods of making the various implantable electrodes. [0037] As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detailed description and from the figures and claim, modifications and changes can be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of this invention defined in the following claim.
The implantable electrode system of the preferred embodiments includes a conductor, an interconnect coupled to the conductor, an insulator that insulates the interconnect, and an anchor that is connected to both the conductor and the insulating element. The anchor is mechanically interlocked with at least one of the conductor and the insulator.
8
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS A division of applicant's Enhanced Polysaccharide solution, Ser. No. 932,237, filed 11/19/1986, now abandoned, in turn, a division of applicant's Enhanced Polysaccharide solution, Ser. No. 852,602, filed 4/16/86, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,657,820. The present application is directed to enhancing the aqueous solution of a polysaccharide, such as hyaluronic acid and its salts, chondroitin sulfate, agarose and the like. The enhanced solution provides uniform wetting over the surface of an anchor film applied to plastics. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (1) Field of the Invention: Hydrophilic coating of plastics, particularly a polysaccharide solution which is enhanced by the addition of albumin to provide improved wetting characteristics. (2) Description of the Prior Art: Being separately submitted. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, aqueous solutions of polysaccharides from the group comprising hyaluronic acid and its salts, chondroitin sulfate, agarose and the like, are enhanced by the addition of albumin to thoroughly wet the hydrophobic surface of a plastic, as well as an anchor film which may be applied to the plastic. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Aqueous solutions of polysaccharides such as hyaluronic acid and its salts, chondroitin sulfate, agarose, and the like, are well-known for their viscous, slippery, lubricious nature which is responsible for their utility in the body of man and other animals. Various inventors have incorporated polysaccharides into compositions intended for use as body implants or prostheses, for the purpose of improving comfort of the wearer. Such compositions are heterogeneous, polyphasic and opaque, because the polysaccharides are basically insoluble and incomplatible with the load-bearing components of a part such as an implant or prosthesis. Such discontinuous dispersions may nevertheless be of value for a limited period of time, as the polysaccharide is leached to the surface of the part by aqueous body fluids and there acts to lubricate the surface until it is carried away by body fluids. Eventually, of course, the reservoir of polysaccharide is depleted, and its beneficial effect on comfortable operation of the part is no longer exerted. In some cases, inventors of such compositions have provided crosslinking of the polysaccharide, so that it is not leached away and lost. In those cases, however, it is obvious that the insolubilized polysaccharide in reserve deposits below the surface of the part can no longer be leached to the surface and might better not be present at all. Thus, the crosslinking polysaccharide that happens to be at the surface of the part is not providing a continuous, lubricating film, but on the contrary acts relatively inefficiently, as small slippery spots here and there on the surface of the part. As described in the aforementioned copending application, applicants have grafted continuous insolubilized films of polysaccharides onto the surface of rigid materials, such as plastics and metals, so that formed parts are endowed with excellent lubrication when wet. Furthermore, since the continuous surface coating is grafted and crosslinked, the lubricating effect is permanent and cannot be washed away. Still further, when the underlying plastic body is transparent, the continuous surface coating is also transparent and of excellent optical quality, so that lubricious contact lenses and intraocular lenses can be fabricated in this manner without harmful effects on the optical quality of the device. According to application Ser. No. 643,598, the most useful procedure for preparing such coated objects is first to apply an anchor coat on the formed object of interest. This anchor coat will be of such composition as to adhere strongly to the underlying body, with the appropriate degree of flexiblity to tolerate bending and twisting without failure, and to provide reactive groups which will allow for chemical grafting to the polysaccharide coat later applied. Such anchor coats may, for example, be acrylic copolymers containing a multitude of hydroxyl, carboxyl, epoxy, amino, or other functional groups for later reaction with appropriate grafting agents. However, when one attempts to prepare such articles, he encounters in many cases certain natural obstacles that operate against and prevent realization of the desired uniform coating. The first barrier is the peculiar solubility of hyaluronic acid, of its salts, and or most other polysaccharides of interest; i.e., the choice of solvents is limited almost exclusively to water. With aqueous solutions of sodium or potassium hyaluronate, viscosities are appropriate for conventional coating processes when the solute concentration is in the range of 0.5 to 1.5%. The corresponding viscosity is obtained with chondroitin sulfate at a concentration of 5 to 20% in water. When such solutions are applied to the surface of the anchor coat, the second barrier is encountered: the aqueous solution does not wet the hydrophobic surface, and the solution crawls into strings and isolated droplets and pools. A useful, fully continuous, transparent film does not form. Applicants add small amounts of purified albumin, from about 0.1% to several percent by weight of the polysaccharide, and so cause the aqueous solution to flow uniformly over the surface of the anchor film, when applied by conventional coating techniques, to produce useful, continuous, transparent coatings or films. With appropriate grafting reagents, these coatings or films can be anchored to the underlying anchor coat and become permanent hydrophilic surfaces of great utility. The albumin may be derived from any of a wide variety of plant and animal tissues and fluids, but perhaps most often from the blood serum of animals. The isolation and purification procedures used in isolating the albumin from other proteins and lipids will determine the degree of purity of the albumin produced, even to the extent that pure, crystalline product can be obtained. According to the present invention, most conventional grades of albumin are effective in achieving the flow and film uniformity desired in this invention. However, other considerations may determine the degree of purity to be preferred. For example, in the case of implanting a coated medical device in the human body, it may be prudent to use a grade of albumin that will not cause undesired immunological reactions. Methods of isolating and purifying albumins have been detailed in the chemical literature (e.g., E. J. Cohn, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., Vol. 68, pp. 459-475, 1968; ibid., Vol. 69, pp. 1753-1761, 1969; R. F. Chen, J. Biol. Chem., Vol. 242, pp. 173-180, 1967). The following examples are intended to illustrate, but not to limit the invention. EXAMPLE 1 A solution acrylic polyer comprising 7.5 mole-percent hydroxyethyl methacrylate was applied at a wet thickness of approximately 3 mils to the clean surface of a panel of polymethyl methacrylate. It was dried at a temperature of 65 degrees Centigrade and at 20 inches of vacuum, for 25 minutes. When the panel had cooled to room temperature, an 0.5% aqueous solution of "ultra-pure" sodium hyaluronate (MedChem Products, Inc.) was applied as a second coat intended to have 3 mils wet thickness also. However, immediately after application, the wet film crawled and gathered into strings and droplets scattered over the anchor coat. When the film applicator was drawn over this surface a second time, the dispersed solution was pulled together again to some degree, but it quickly crawled again and was unable to form a continous coating. When placed in the oven at 65 degrees and 20 inches of vacuum for two hours, the final panel showed a webbed pattern corresponding to the conformation of the wet surface. The surface was not optically uniform, and the ability of the surface to shed water appeared to be the same as that of a panel coated only with the anchor coat. EXAMPLE 2 Nine Plexiglas panels were coated with the same acrylic anchor coat as in Example 1 and cured in the same manner. Onto one was then applied 3 mils of the same hyaluronate solution as that described in Example 1, and onto the other eight was applied the same hyaluronate solution containing one of the following levels of bovine albumin (crystallized and lyophilized, essentially free of fatty acids): 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1.5%, 5%, 10%, and 25%. The top coats containing 0% and 0.05% albumin crawled and gathered into strings and droplets; all other panels had continous coatings with optical clarity and uniformity. EXAMPLE 3 Example 2 was repeated in every respect, except that the polysaccharide was chondroitin sulfate (7.5% solution in water). Again, the top coats containing 0% and 0.05% (w/w on chondroitin sulfate) of albumin crawled and gathered, but those containing higher levels of albumin were smooth and uniform both before and after curing. EXAMPLE 4 Two Plexiglas panels coated with the anchor coat and dried as in Example 1, were coated with 1% aqueous solutions of potassium hyaluronate isolated from submerged culture in "pure" form. The nominal 6-mil top-coat or film on the first panel (contaning 0.% albumin) crawled and gathered and produced a non-uniform coating of no value. In the second panel, the aqueous solution applied as a top-coat contained 0.5% (w/w on hyaluronate) of the bovine albumin described in Example 1; the applied top-coat did not crawl, but formed a smooth, uniform, clear and transparent film with good lubricity and non-beading behavior when wetted. EXAMPLE 5 Portions of 1% aqueous solution of potassium hyaluronate from human umbilical cord (Sigma Chemical Company Grade III-P) were treated with 0.5%, 1.0% and 5% (w/w on hyaluronate) of chicken egg albumin (crystallized and lyophilized; essentially salt-free: Sigma Chemical Company Grade VI). All mixtures produced smooth, uniform top-coats when knifed over the anchor coat described in Example 1. EXAMPLE 6 An aqueous solution was prepared containing 0.5% of "pure" sodium hyaluronate (MedChem Products, Inc.) and 0.5% (w/w on hyaluronate) of human albumin (crystallized and lyophilized; essentially globulin-free. When this solution was knifed onto the anchor coat described in Example 1 at a setting of 10 mils, a smooth, uniform, colorless, clear film was obtained both before and after curing.
Hydrophilic coating of plastics, particularly an enhanced aqueous solution of a polysaccharide which flows uniformly over the surface of an anchor film applied to the plastic. The aqueous solution of a polysaccharide from the group consisting of hyaluronic acid and its salts, chondroitin sulfate and agarose is enhanced by the addition of albumin to provide uniform wetting over the anchor film on the plastic.
8
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to attachment brackets, and more particularly to a folding bracket for securing a light bar to a wheeled vehicle on which the light bar is to be mounted. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Light bars are custom or semi-custom accessories which may be mounted on wheeled vehicles to provide supplementary lighting. The lighting may be for illumination, signaling, or both. One example of a popular application of light bars is for police cars. [0003] A light bar is an assembly of lighting fixtures mounted on a common base, typically having a common translucent or transparent covering lens. The light bar typically spans the width of the vehicle to which it is mounted. A light bar may be bolted to its associated wheeled vehicle. [0004] However, a light bar which is directly bolted to its vehicle suffers from vulnerability to theft or other unauthorized removal or tampering. A need exists to increase security of connection, and especially bolted connection, of a light bar to its associated wheeled vehicle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] The present invention addresses the above stated need by providing a bracket which may receive a security device such as a padlock such that bolted type connections are secured against access to those who would steal or tamper with the light bar. The bracket may comprise two complementary sections which pivot about a hinge and when closed, provide aligned eyes for receiving the shackle of a padlock or similar security device. When pivoted to spread apart in clamshell fashion, access to bolt heads, nuts, and like fasteners is enabled. [0006] The novel bracket may comprise a plurality of holes in each of the mutually pivotal sections to provide choice as to fastener location. [0007] The bracket may comprise complementing projections or pads formed on each one of the mutually pivotal sections, arranged to meet and abut when the bracket is in the closed position. The complementing pads support and accommodate weight or force loads which in the absence of abutting pads could distort the bracket and permit the bracket to collapse due to weight or force loads. [0008] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a bracket for mounting a light bar to a wheeled vehicle which covers fasteners used to mount the light bar on the vehicle. [0009] Another object of the invention is to provide a bracket for mounting a light bar to a wheeled vehicle which comprises two mutually pivotal sections. [0010] A further object of the invention is to provide a bracket for mounting a light bar to a wheeled vehicle which accepts a security device such as a padlock to provide security against unauthorized removal and tampering. [0011] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a bracket for mounting a light bar to a wheeled vehicle which resists collapse and distortion. [0012] It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof by apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable, and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. [0013] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] Various objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: [0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective environmental view of two of the novel brackets, shown connecting a light bar to an environmental surface. [0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a novel bracket shown fully spread open. [0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a novel bracket shown in approximately the same degree of opening as in FIG. 1 . [0018] FIG. 4 is an environmental view of a novel bracket in the fully closed position, about to receive a padlock. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0019] FIG. 1 of the drawings shows a light bar 2 mounted to an environmental surface such as the roof 4 of a tow truck (not shown in its entirety), using two brackets 10 . The brackets 10 , which may be identical to one another, are for mounting one object to an environmental surface, and not necessarily limited to mounting light bars such as the light bar 2 to a tow truck. Each one of the brackets 10 may comprise a first platform 12 and a second platform 14 . The term platform as employed herein represents a member which serves as a generally rigid structural platform for supporting and connecting the various functional structures of the novel apparatus. Each platform 12 or 14 has length, represented as the arrow 16 , width, represented as the arrow 18 , and thickness, represented as the arrow 20 . The length 16 will be understood to be the maximum length, and is that distance spanning the projection lines 22 and 24 . Similarly, the width 18 , which spans the projection lines 26 and 28 , is the maximum width of the bracket 10 , and the thickness 20 , which spans the projection lines 30 and 32 , is the maximum thickness. The thickness 20 is less in magnitude than the magnitude of either the length 16 or the width 18 . [0020] FIG. 1 shows a fastener 6 which fixes the platform 12 to the roof 4 of the tow truck, and a fastener 8 which fixes the platform 14 to the light bar 2 . The fasteners 6 , 8 are typically of the threaded and headed type, which may take the form for example of bolts, studs, nuts, screws, threaded eyes, and the like, which may be installed with supplementary devices such as lock washers, flat washers and others (none shown). [0021] The platform 12 may be substantially a mirror image of the platform 14 , although the platforms in the various embodiments which are possible may be different from one another if desired. Therefore, only platform 12 will be described in detail. [0022] In FIG. 2 , the platform 12 is seen to comprise an exposed face 34 and an opposed concealable face 36 , each of which is bounded at their common perimeter by the length and width dimensions 16 and 18 . The exposed face 34 is that surface of the subject platform 12 which is exposed to view when the associated bracket 10 is folded into a closed condition, seen in FIG. 4 . The concealable face 36 is exposed in the view of FIG. 2 , but is concealed from both view and access in the closed condition of FIG. 4 . The exposed face 34 and the concealed face 36 are formed on opposed sides of the platform 12 . [0023] The platform 12 may have a generally flat area 38 bearing a plurality of holes 40 , 42 , 44 , 46 , 48 , 50 , 52 , 54 , 56 , which may as illustrated be arrayed as a matrix of nine holes laid out in rows of three holes and columns of three holes. It will be noted that the holes 46 , 48 , 50 are of diameter different from those of the holes 40 , 42 , 44 , 52 , 54 , 56 . [0024] Each one of the holes 40 , 42 , 44 , 46 , 48 , 50 , 52 , 54 , 56 , passes through the width of the constituent material of the platform 12 , and communicates from the exposed face 34 to the concealed face 36 . This is for the purpose of accepting a fastener such as the fasteners 6 or 8 for example in each one of the holes 40 , 42 , 44 , 46 , 48 , 50 , 52 , 54 , 56 . At least one of the holes 40 , 42 , 44 , 46 , 48 , 50 , 52 , 54 , 56 , and more if desired, may be used to accept a fastener. [0025] An eye 58 is located at one end of the platform 12 . The eye 58 will be understood to include both the opening and the surrounding structural material of the platform 12 which defines the opening. A corresponding eye is located at the same end (when the associated bracket such as the bracket 10 is in the folded condition shown in FIG. 4 ) of the other platform 14 . In the folded condition shown in FIG. 4 , the two eyes align so as to be able to accept the shackle 3 of a padlock 5 . Installation of a padlock such as the padlock S immobilizes the bracket 10 in the folded condition of FIG. 4 . It will be noted that in this folded condition, the conceable faces 36 of both the platforms 12 and 14 are neither visible nor accessible. Thus, in the folded condition, the fasteners such as the fasteners 6 and 8 are immune to casual removal that would for example release the light bar 2 for unauthorized removal, such as for theft. [0026] It would be possible to provide the two eyes, such as the eye 58 and the corresponding eye, such that they are out of alignment. The platforms of the two eyes could nonetheless be united by for example by passing a flexible tether or a specially shaped rigid member (neither shown) through the two eyes. [0027] The platform 14 will be understood to have length, width, thickness which is less in magnitude than the length and than the width, an exposed face bounded by the length and the width of the platform 14 , an opposed concealable face bounded by the length and the width of the platform 14 , at least one hole passing through the width of the platform 14 and communicating from the exposed face to the concealed face of the platform 14 , for accepting a fastener, and an eye located at one end of the platform 14 . These structural features of the platform 14 are functional counterparts of the similarly named components of the platform 12 regardless of whether the platform 14 is substantially a mirror image of the platform 12 . [0028] Again referring to FIG. 2 , the platforms 12 , 14 are mutually pivotable about an axis 60 . A pin 62 may be rotatably supported within a trunnion bearing 64 of the platform 12 . When both platforms 12 and 14 are assembled together about the pin 62 , either or both of the platforms may pivot on the pin 62 . The pin 62 may be of the type having a transverse throughbore (not visible in FIG. 2 ) through which a clip such as a cotter pin 66 may be placed to constrain the cotter pin 66 against loss for example by working its way along the axis 60 until it escapes entrapment within the trunnion bearing 64 . [0029] The pin 62 and the trunnion bearings of the platforms 12 , 14 (such as the trunnion bearing 64 ) collectively form a hinge disposed to pivotally connect the platform 12 to the platform 14 such that the platform 14 may overlie the platform 12 (as seen in FIG. 4 ) in close abutment therewith. Close abutment establishes closed condition of the bracket 10 shown in FIG. 4 . The platform 12 may swing away from the platform 14 (indicated as an arrow 68 in FIG. 3 ) to separate the concealable face 36 of the platform 12 from the corresponding concealable face of the platform 14 , thereby establishing an open condition of the bracket 10 . Open conditions of the bracket 10 are illustrated in FIGS. 1 , 2 , and 3 . [0030] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the eye 58 of the platform 12 and the corresponding eye of the platform 14 may have a common eye axis 70 when the bracket 10 is in the closed condition of FIG. 4 . As clearly seen in FIG. 3 , the hinge (which may be represented here as the axis 60 ) is located on ends of the platforms 12 , 14 which are opposite the ends bearing the common eye axis 70 . It may further be noted from FIG. 3 that the common eye axis 70 may be parallel to the axis 60 of pivot of the hinge. [0031] Continuing to refer to FIG. 3 , the platform 12 and the platform 14 may have complementing weight support pads, such as the pads 72 and 74 , 76 and 78 , and 80 and 82 . Each one of the pads 72 , 74 , 76 , 78 , 80 , 82 may have a surface which abuts an opposed yet corresponding surface of a complementing pad when the bracket 10 is in the closed condition. As an example, the pad 76 may have a surface 84 which corresponds to and may come to abut a surface 86 of the pad 78 . When the pads 72 , 74 , 76 , 78 , 80 , 82 abut, compressive forces imposed on the exposed faces such as the exposed face 34 of the platform 12 , which forces might distort and damage the bracket 10 , are resisted by constituent material of the bracket 10 extending along the thickness of the platforms 12 , 14 . [0032] The present invention is susceptible to modifications and variations which may be introduced thereto without departing from the inventive concepts. While the present invention has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to the disclosed arrangements, but is intended to cover various arrangements which are included within the spirit and scope of the broadest possible interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all modifications and equivalent arrangements which are possible.
A two part bracket for mounting a light bar to an environmental surface. The bracket may comprise two mirror image platforms or members hinged to one another to move from an open condition to a closed or folded condition. Each platform may have a plurality of holes for passing fasteners to fix the platform to the light bar or to the environmental surface. In the closed conditioner, the bracket obstructs casual access to these fasteners. Each platform has an eye which aligns with the eye of the other platform when the bracket is in the closed condition, to receive the shackle of a padlock for example. Each platform includes pads which abut pads of the other to oppose collapse of the bracket due to weight loads.
5
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/307,482 filed Dec. 2, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/116,946 filed Apr. 8, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/766,557 filed Jan. 19, 2001, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/417,277, filed Oct. 13, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,967, which claims benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60/104,703, filed Oct. 19, 1998. Application Ser. No. 10/307,482, noted above, also is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 10/118,549 filed Apr. 8, 2002, which claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 60/284,967 and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/766,557 filed Jan. 19, 2001, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/417,277, filed Oct. 13, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,967, which claims benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60/104,703, filed Oct. 19, 1998. All of the above noted applications and patents are incorporated herein by reference. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH [0002] Not Applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The present invention relates generally to collapsible shades designed to for fitment in a window, such as of an automobile, so as to protect the interior by preventing the entrance of damaging sun rays and the generation of damaging heat, and in particular, to a support structures biasing collapsible or folding windows shades in an automobile window and against adjacent fixtures. [0004] Numerous styles of window screens and shades adapted for use in automobiles have long been available in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,460 for an automobile window protector, and which is incorporated herein by reference, shows the fabrication of such a screen, made of flexible material, and which could be applied to either the interior and exterior of the window of an automobile. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. B1 5,024,262, and which is incorporated herein by reference, shows a compactly foldable automobile sunshade, which provides for inherent resiliency, at least around its perimeter loop, to hold the shade in an opened configuration, and to provide sunlight protection at the vicinity of the automobile window, but which is capable of significant reduction in size through the folding of the frame into a more compact arrangement for suitable for storage. [0005] During use, an automobile windows shade is typically installed adjacent an automobile window, blocking incoming sunlight or providing interior privacy. However, if the automobile window and the shade do not have exactly the same dimensions, the shade may not function as desired. For example, if the window shade is smaller than the window in which it is installed, it may not stay in place without the aid of fasteners or ties to hold it to the window. Alternatively, if the shade is larger than the window in which it is installed, the shade may bow or wrinkle when fitted into the perimeter of the window, leaving gaps or causing damage to the shade. [0006] Accordingly, there is a need for an automobile window shade support assembly which permits a collapsible or folding automobile window shade to securely fit within a wide variety of automobile windows of varying shapes and sizes which are larger than the shade without bowing, wrinkling, or experiencing damage, and without the need for fasteners or ties. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] Briefly stated, the present invention comprises a support assembly for a collapsible automobile shade material such as a pleated or folding screen which can be selectively moved between an collapsed position for storage and an open position for placement in a vehicle window. The support assembly consists of one or more flexible members which extends beyond the perimeter of the shade material. Each of the flexible members is resiliently compressible, for the purpose of conforming to an edge or perimeter of an automobile window in which the shade is installed, while maintaining the screen in an open position, supplying an expansive force to hold the shade material in place in the open position. [0008] In a second embodiment, each of the flexible members comprising the support assembly is adjustable to alter the extension of each of the flexible members beyond the perimeter of the shade material. A slide clasp is configured to permit each flexible member to slide along the perimeter of the shade, between a fully extended position having maximum displacement from the perimeter of the shade material, and a retracted position adjacent the perimeter of the shade material. Each flexible member is configured to adjust as required to facilitate the installation of the shade in automobile windows of varying shapes and sizes. [0009] In a third embodiment, the support assembly includes one or more rigid mounting elements spaced about the perimeter of the collapsible automobile shade. Each rigid mounting element is configured to grip or seat on an edge or perimeter of an automobile window in which the shade is installed, supplying a holding force to secure the shade in place in the open position. [0010] In a fourth embodiment, the support assembly for a rectangular collapsible automobile shade includes one or more flexible members which extend beyond the perimeter of the shade material in combination with one or more rigid mounting elements. The rigid mounting elements are disposed at the corners of the collapsible shade, and are interconnected by the flexible members, which provide an expansive force to seat the rigid mounting elements against the edge or perimeter of an automobile window in which the shade is installed in an open position. [0011] The compressible members can be formed from either one section or two sections of metal bands. If formed from two sections, then the two metal bands can be joined together by appropriate means, such as a clamp. [0012] The material from which the screens of the shades are made can be stretchable. Preferable, the screen material is stretchable in two opposed directions. [0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention as well as presently preferred embodiments thereof will become more apparent from the reading of the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification: [0015] [0015]FIG. 1 is front view of one embodiment of the collapsible automobile shade of the present invention, illustrating a circular support assembly integrated with a generally rectangular screen; [0016] [0016]FIG. 1A is an enlarged view of the mounting of the screen to the frame of the shade. [0017] [0017]FIG. 2 is front view of one embodiment of the collapsible automobile shade of the present invention, illustrating a circular support assembly integrated with a generally square screen; [0018] [0018]FIG. 3 is a front view of one embodiment of the collapsible automobile shade if the present invention, illustrating a flexible member support assembly disposed adjacent one edge of a rectangular screen; [0019] [0019]FIG. 4 illustrates the flexible support member of FIG. 3 secured to the edge of the rectangular screen, defining a pair of compressible bulges; [0020] [0020]FIG. 5 is front view of one embodiment of the collapsible automobile shade of the present invention, illustrating a circular support assembly secured to a generally rectangular screen; [0021] [0021]FIG. 6 is a front view of one embodiment of the collapsible automobile shade of the present invention, illustrating a support assembly consisting of a plurality of flexible members secured adjacent to the corners of a generally rectangular screen; [0022] [0022]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the collapsible automobile shade of the present invention, illustrating a support assembly consisting of a plurality of opposing flexible members secured to the perimeter of a circular screen; [0023] [0023]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a three-piece folding automobile shade, with each piece including the flexible support member of FIG. 3; [0024] [0024]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a multi-piece folding automobile shade, with a pair of pieces including the flexible support member of FIG. 3; [0025] [0025]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an automobile with various embodiments of the collapsible automobile shades installed in the front and side windows; [0026] [0026]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an automobile with the embodiment of the collapsible automobile shade of FIG. 6 installed in the rear window; [0027] [0027]FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a sliding clamp assembly utilized to secure a flexible support member of the present invention to an automobile shade perimeter; [0028] [0028]FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the sliding clamp assembly of FIG. 12; [0029] [0029]FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment sliding clamp assembly; [0030] [0030]FIG. 15 is a perspective of the alternate embodiment sliding clamp assembly of FIG. 14; [0031] [0031]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment sliding clamp assembly; [0032] [0032]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a rigid mounting element utilizes to secure an automobile shade to a vehicle window perimeter; [0033] [0033]FIG. 18 is a front view of one embodiment of a collapsible automobile shade of the present invention with a plurality of rigid mounting elements of FIG. 17; [0034] [0034]FIG. 19 is a front view of one embodiment of a collapsible automobile shade of the present invention with a pair of rigid mounting elements of FIG. 17 disposed on a flexible support member of FIG. 3; [0035] [0035]FIG. 20 is a front view of one embodiment of a collapsible automobile shade of the present invention with a pair of rigid mounting elements of FIG. 17 disposed on a flexible support member of FIG. 4; [0036] [0036]FIG. 21 is a front view of one embodiment of a folding automobile shade of the present invention with a pair of rigid mounting elements of FIG. 17 disposed on either end of an expanding support shaft; [0037] [0037]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an alternative shade, similar to the shade of FIG. 1, but provided with a pocket; [0038] [0038]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternative shade, similar to the shade of FIG. 3, but provided with a pocket and showing that a sign can be placed in the pocket; [0039] [0039]FIGS. 24 and 25 are plan views showing alternative manners of applying the compressible member to the shade [0040] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0041] The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. [0042] In referring to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the support structure 10 associated with a collapsible automobile shade 12 is disclosed. The collapsible automobile shade 12 includes a shaped screen 14 of fabric-like material which may be cloth, mesh, polymer, or even Mylar. Preferably, the material easily deforms into any shape without a memory. When the automobile shade 12 is expanded, as shown in FIG. 1, the shaped screen 14 is held in an open configuration, in this particular instance being generally rectangular, and which can be used as a sun shade or privacy screen, internally of an automobile windshield or window. The outer edge 16 of the shaped screen 14 defines a perimeter boundary or border, which in this illustrative embodiment is made from simply rolling the outer edge back on itself and securing the edge by sewing. [0043] It will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that the particular shape for the shaped screen 14 may undertake various configurations, and such shapes may include the rectangular form as shown in FIG. 1, a square form as shown in FIG. 2, an oval, circular, or truncated configuration, depending upon the particular automobile make and model for which the screen is intended for use. [0044] As seen in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the support structure 10 comprises a spring-like compressible member 18 extending beyond a portion of the outer edge 16 of the shaped screen 14 . The compressible member 18 is a single continuous length of spring-like or resiliently compressible material, such as a thin metal band having an inherent shape memory, forming a circular framework 19 for supporting the shaped screen 14 in an open configuration. The spring-like or resilient nature of the compressible member 18 permits the collapsible automobile shade 12 to be reversibly twisted in upon itself in a conventional manner, into a compact and overlapping collapsed configuration suitable for storage. Preferably, the compressible member 18 and the shaped screen 14 are coupled by incorporating the compressible member 18 into the outer edge 16 or border of the shaped screen 14 . [0045] In an third embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, a single compressible member 18 forms a arcuate framework 22 for supporting the shaped screen 14 in an open configuration. The arcuate framework 22 is secured to the perimeter boundary of the shaped screen 14 in a conventional manner at two fixed attachment points 24 A, 24 B, such as by crimping or clamping. Alternatively, as shown by a variation of the third embodiment in FIG. 4, the arcuate framework 22 may include a centrally disposed third fixed attachment point 24 C, forming a pair of arcuate elements 22 A, 22 B adjacent one edge of the shaped screen 14 from the single compressible member 18 . [0046] In a fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a single compressible member 18 is disposed in a circular configuration 26 about the outer edge 16 of the shaped screen 14 , in an open configuration. Unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the shaped screen 14 in this embodiment is secured to the compressible member 18 by a plurality of fixed attachment points 24 A, 24 B, 24 C, and 24 D in spaced relationship about the perimeter boundary of the shaped screen 14 . [0047] In a fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a single compressible member 18 is disposed about the outer edge 16 of the shaped screen 14 in an open configuration. The compressible member 18 is secured to the outer edge 16 of the shaped screen 14 by a plurality of fixed attachment points 24 A- 24 H, such that portions 30 of the compressible member 18 adjacent corner regions 29 of the shaped screen 14 are spaced apart there from and, as shown, for segments of circles, while portions 32 of the compressible member 18 adjacent the elongated sides of the shaped screen 14 are substantially parallel there to. [0048] In a sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a pair of compressible members 18 are disposed in spaced relationship about the outer edge 16 of the shaped screen 14 in an open circular configuration. Each compressible member 18 forms an arcuate framework 34 spaced apart from the outer edge 16 for supporting the shaped screen 14 in an open configuration. Each arcuate framework 34 is secured to the perimeter boundary of the shaped screen 14 at two fixed attachment points 24 A, 24 B and 24 C, 24 D, respectively. [0049] In a seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the support structure 10 is adapted for use with a conventional folding automobile shade 40 comprising a number of rigid shade panels 50 A, 50 B, and 50 C. The shade 40 is configured to fold in a conventional manner along seams 52 disposed between each shade panel 50 A, 50 B, and 50 C, from an open configuration to a closed configuration. The adapted support structure 10 includes a compressible member 18 associated with each rigid shade panel 50 A, 50 B, and 50 C. Each compressible member 18 forms an arcuate framework 54 for supporting the associated rigid shade panel 50 A, 50 B, and 50 C in an open configuration, and is secured to an outer edge of the associated rigid shade panel at two or more fixed attachment points 56 . [0050] In a variation on the seventh embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, only a limited number of the individual rigid shade panels 60 A- 60 E comprising a conventional folding automobile shade 60 are provided with associated compressible members 18 of the support structure 10 . [0051] [0051]FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the use and operation of the support structure 10 of the present invention to secure a collapsible automobile shade 12 in an automobile window 100 . A collapsible automobile shade 12 is initially unfolded or expanded to a fully open configuration such as shown in FIGS. 1 - 9 . Preferably, the shade 12 is selected to include a shaped screen 14 having overall dimensions equal to or smaller than those of the frame 102 of the automobile window 100 in which it is to be installed, and to include a compressible member 18 such that the combined maximum dimensions of the support structure 10 and the shaped screen 14 are greater than at least one corresponding dimension of the automobile window 100 . For example, it is preferable that for an automobile window having an 20.0 inch height dimension, a collapsible automobile shade 12 be selected to have a height of the shaped screen 14 , combined with that of the compressible member 18 , which exceed 20.0 inches. [0052] When installed against the automobile window 100 , the components of the support structure 10 are reversibly deformed and compressed to fit within the frame 102 , providing tensioned support for the shaped screen 14 by transferring the compressive loads to the outer edge 16 of the shaped screen 14 . For example, turning to FIG. 10, an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is shown installed in the automobile window 100 of a rear door 104 . A pair of similar automobile shades 12 are seen installed in the windshield 100 A. The compressible member 18 , initially defining a circular framework 19 within which the shaped screen 14 is held, is deformed and compressed by the frame 102 into a substantially rectangular configuration, reducing the spacing between the shaped screen 14 and the compressible member 18 above and below the shaped screen 14 . The inherent shape memory of the spring-like compressible member 18 resists compression by the window frame 102 , exerting an outwardly directed holding force against the window frame 102 , maintaining the automobile shade 12 in position against the window 100 . [0053] Each embodiment of the support structure 10 shown in FIGS. 1 - 9 is utilized in a similar manner to that described above. As shown in FIG. 11, the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 6 is illustrated in use to secure an automobile shade 12 in an open configuration against a rear window 100 B of an automobile. Specifically, each of the portions 30 of the compressible member 18 adjacent corner regions 29 of the shaped screen 14 is compressed against the corresponding corners of the rear window frame 102 B, providing a tensioning support to maintain the automobile shade 12 in place against the rear window 100 B. [0054] For some applications of the support structure 10 , it is desirable to alter the spacing between the compressible members 18 and the shade material 14 , so as to permit an automobile shade 12 including the support structure 10 to be utilized in automobile windows 100 having a wide range of dimensions. Turning to FIGS. 12 and 13, an alternate embodiment of the support structure 10 is shown to include a slide coupler 200 utilized in place of a fixed attachment point to secure the compressible member 18 to the outer edge 16 of the shade material 14 . The slide coupler 200 consists of a coupler body 202 which is secured to one end of the compressible member 18 , preferably by a locking dowel 204 or other conventional attachment means passing through the compressible member 18 seated in a recess 206 , and engaging the coupler body 202 . The coupler body 202 further includes a channel 208 into which the outer edge 16 of the automobile shade 12 is seated. A release button 210 , biased by a spring 212 is seated in a bore 214 intersecting the channel 208 . The release button 210 includes a second channel 211 aligned parallel with the channel 208 , and is biased by spring 212 to exert a locking pressure against the outer edge 16 , securing the slide coupler 200 against sliding movement relative to the outer edge 16 . When in the biased (locking) position, a portion of the release button 210 protrudes from the bore 214 , beyond the face of coupler body 202 . [0055] When depressed inward towards the coupler body 202 , the release button 210 compresses the spring 212 , and shifts the second channel 211 into longitudinal alignment with the channel 208 . When channel 208 and the second channel 211 are in longitudinal alignment, the slide coupler 200 is capable of sliding movement along the outer edge 16 . When released, the release button 210 is biased outward from the coupler body 202 by the spring 212 , moving the second channel 211 into parallel alignment with the channel 208 , and trapping a portion of the outer edge 16 there between. The trapped portion of the outer edge 16 resists sliding movement by the slide coupler 200 , securing the compressible member 18 in a fixed location relative thereto. [0056] Using the slide coupler 200 it is possible to alter the spacing between the compressible members 18 and the shade material 14 , so as to permit an automobile shade 12 including the support structure 10 to be utilized in automobile windows 100 having a wide range of dimensions. Specifically, by sliding the slide coupler 200 , and accordingly, the compressible member 18 along the outer edge 16 of the automobile shade 12 , the displacement of portions of the compressible member 18 from the outer edge 16 will either increase or decrease, permitting use of the automobile shade and support structure 10 in either larger or smaller windows. [0057] Turning to FIGS. 14 and 15, a first alternate embodiment of the slide coupler suitable for use on an automobile shade 12 having a rigid outer edge 16 is shown. The slide coupler 300 includes an upper clamp plate 302 , a lower clamp plate 304 , and a face plate 306 . One end of a compressible member 18 is secured between the upper clamp plate 302 and the lower clamp plate 304 by a pair of locking dowels 308 passing through aligned bores in the clamp plates and the compressible member 18 . The face plate 306 is bonded to an edge of the upper clamp plate 302 , and provides a pivot 310 for a cam lever 312 . The cam lever 312 includes a cam surface 314 in alignment with an opening 316 in the face plate 306 . [0058] As best seen in FIG. 15, when installed as part of a support structure 10 , the slide coupler 300 is secured to a rigid outer edge 16 of an automobile shade by the lower retaining lip 318 on the upper clamp plate 302 and the face plate 306 . The rigid outer edge 16 is further aligned with the opening 316 in the face plate 306 , such that the cam surface 314 is engaged thereto. Depressing the cam lever 312 rotates the cam surface 314 about the pivot 310 , away from the outer edge 16 , permitting the slide coupler 300 and attached compressible member 18 to slide along the outer edge 16 . When a desired position is reached, the cam lever 312 is released, and the cam surface 314 again engages the outer edge 16 through the opening 316 , securing the slide coupler 300 in a fixed position relative to the outer edge 16 . [0059] Turning to FIG. 16, a variation of the slide coupler 300 is shown to include a second cam lever 320 in place of the locking dowels 308 . The second cam lever 320 operates identically to the cam lever 312 , but instead engages an edge of the compressible member 18 through a correspondingly positioned opening. Absent the engagement of the second cam lever 312 , the compressible member 18 is free to slide through the slide coupler 300 . When engaged by the second cam lever 312 , the compressible member 18 is fixed in place relative to the slide coupler 300 . By providing a pair of cam levers 312 , 320 , the slide coupler location may be moved about the outer edge 16 of the automobile shade 12 , and the length of the compressible member 18 may be adjusted by controlled movement through the slide coupler 300 . [0060] To facilitate holding an automobile shade 12 in a vehicle window, one or more rigid mounting elements 400 , such as shown in FIG. 17 through FIG. 21 may be utilized. Preferably, a plurality of rigid mounting elements 400 are disposed in a spaced relationship about the perimeter of the automobile shade 12 , at each corner of the shade material 14 or support structure 10 . Each rigid mounting element 400 is secured to either a framework 402 incorporated into the outer edge 16 of the shade material 14 , or to elements of the support structure 10 , such as a compressible member 18 . Preferably, each rigid mounting element 400 includes an L-shaped body 404 defining a pair of extensions 405 A, 405 B, and having a friction surface 406 disposed at the apex. Each extension 405 A and 405 B is configured to receive either a portion of the framework 402 as shown in FIGS. 17, 18, and 21 , or elements of the support structure 10 as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, in a fixed relationship. [0061] During use, when the automobile shade 12 is in an open configuration such as shown in FIG. 21, and placed in a window 100 of an automobile, the friction surface 406 on each rigid mounting element 400 seats against the framework 102 surrounding the window 100 , to provide a positive contact against which the automobile shade 12 and/or support structure 10 can exert a holding force to maintain the automobile shade 12 in place adjacent the window 100 . [0062] An alternative shade 500 is shown in FIG. 22. The shade 500 is similar to the shade 10 of FIG. 3, but which is provided with a pocket 502 . The shade 500 , like the shade 10 , includes a screen 504 . To form the pocket 502 , the shade is provided with a second layer 506 of material which overlies the first layer 504 of screening material. The second layer 506 of material is preferably as wide as the first layer of screening material 504 , so that the two layers of material can be joined at their periphery. Additionally, the lower edge of the second layer 506 is joined to the lower edge of the first layer 504 , to form a bottom of the pocket 502 . Although the layer 506 is shown to have a height equal to the height of the layer 504 , the second layer can have a height less than the height of the first layer, in which case, the pocket 502 will have a depth less than the height of the screen 504 . Additionally, the second layer 506 can be mounted to the first layer 504 , such that the bottom of the second layer (and hence the bottom of the pocket 502 ) are above the bottom of the first layer 504 . [0063] A second pocketed shade 510 is shown in FIG. 23. The shade 510 is constructed similarly to the shade of FIG. 3 and is provided with a pocket in the same manner as discussed above in conjunction with the shade 500 . The shade 510 is shown to be able to receive a plaque or sign 512 . This sign 512 can simply be decorative. Alternatively, the sign 512 can contain a message, such as โ€œSend Helpโ€. To facilitate insertion of the sign 512 into the pocket 514 of shade 510 , the first and second layers 516 and 518 are preferably made from stretchable material. Further, the material from which the layers are made can stretch along two axes so that the material can be stretched in two opposing directions (i.e., widthwise and heightwise). Additionally, to enable the plaque 512 to be seen, the second layer 518 of material is preferable transparent or made from an open mesh. [0064] In FIGS. 24 and 25, a shade 600 is shown which is similar to the shade 10 of FIG. 3. However, in the shade 600 , the perimeter of the screen forms pockets or openings 602 , there being two opposed openings 602 along the top edge of the screen and two opposed openings 602 along the bottom edge of the screen. The compressible member 18 is then received in opposed openings 602 , as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. As seen in FIG. 24, the compressible member 18 can be formed from a single piece, in which case, the member 18 has a length greater than the length of the edge of the shade 600 , such that the compressible member will bow or bend outwardly from the screen of the shade. As seen in FIG. 25, the compressible member can be comprised of a pair of shorter members 18 a,b , which have a combined length greater than that of the edge of the shade. The ends of the two members 18 a,b are then joined together by an appropriate connector. [0065] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results are obtained. As various changes could be made in the above constructions 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.
A support assembly for a collapsible automobile shade such as a pleated or folding screen which can be selectively moved between an collapsed position for storage and an open position for placement in a vehicle window. The support assembly consists of one or more arcuate compressible members which extends beyond the perimeter of the pleated or folding screen. Each of the arcuate compressible members is resiliently compressible, for the purpose of conforming to an edge or perimeter of a automobile window in which the shade is installed, while maintaining the screen in an open position, thereby supplying an expansive force to hold the shade in place in the open position. The shade can also be provided with a pocket.
1
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to phased array antenna technology. Phased array antenna techniques show promise of providing high system reliability, high beam agility, flexible power control, beam shaping and stabilization, multiple-target capability and many other features. The application of these highly desirable antenna qualities is dependent upon low cost array components or multiple use of components. The adaptation of these antennas for fleet use has been awaiting development of technology that would provide complex, reliable and efficient circuits of relatively small size. This technology is developing rapidly, but still is not cost-effective. Traditionally, the phased array antenna consists of many individual radiating elements which are excited through a corporate feed system to form a beam which is then steered in many planes by means of a phase shifter at each element. If N a is the number of elements in the azimuth plane, and N e is the number of elements in the elevation plane, then the total number, N, of phase shifters required is N = N.sub.e N.sub.a ( 1), and if a pencil beam is required then N a = N e and N = N.sub.e.sup.2 ( 2). Since the phase shifter and its associated driver account for about one-half of the total array cost, it is evident that a reduction in the number of phase shifters is necessary for any significant cost reduction. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a method and apparatus for reducing the number of phase shifters required where multiple frequency operation is necessary or desirable and, more importantly, to a method and apparatus for permitting simultaneous dual or multiple beam capability in a single antenna array. This is accomplished by multiple frequency use of a single phase shifter and radiating element. In accordance with the present invention, use of a single phase shifter per element minimizes the number of phase shifters required by allowing at least two frequency bands to be used in a single antenna array to reduce the number of antennas required to perform several different functions and, thus also reducing the number of phase shifters required. STATEMENT OF THE OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is a primary object of the primary invention to disclose a novel method and apparatus for using a single phased array for several different functions. Another object of the present invention is to disclose a novel method and apparatus for imparting simultaneous multiple beam capability in a single phased antenna array. It is a further object of the present invention to disclose an apparatus and technique for making common use of antenna components where available space cannot support a distinct array for each distinct function as on a ship. Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The sole FIGURE is a circuit schematic diagram of the multiple frequency array in accordance with the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawing there is illustrated the multi-frequency array 10 of the present invention. For purposes of simplicity only, the present invention is illustrated and described in terms of a dual-beam, four element array, although it is to be understood that the present invention is equally applicable to any array of any number of elements and that provision for more than dual-beam operation could also be incorporated. For the dual-beam implementation illustrated and described herein, first and second frequency generators 12 and 14 are provided for generating the frequencies f 1 and f 2 , respectively. The frequency signals generated by frequency generators 12 and 14 are distributed by a feed structure as is well known and are passed through the selector switches 16, 18, 20 and 22 to be described below. The outputs of the selector switches are furnished as inputs to the phase shifters 24, 26, 28 and 30. The phase shifters 24, 26, 28 and 30 may comprise, for example, switched line diode phase shifters. The outputs of the phase shifters feed the radiating elements 32, 34, 36 and 38. For the dual-frequency band approach, frequency filters 40 and 42 may also be provided intermediate phase shifter 24 and radiating element 32 and intermediate phase shifter 28 and radiating element 36. The frequency filters 40 and 42 are designed to block out the lower frequency signal, e.g., f 1 , from alternate ones of the radiating elements in the antenna array. There are several restrictions which must be placed on the array to insure that the basic array equations are satisfied for the frequency bands of interest. One requirement is that the operating frequencies selected are approximate multiples of each other, for example, f 1 = 1.0GHz and f 2 = 3.0GHz. Another requirement is that the array element spacings selected satisfy the equation for scanning at the highest operating frequency, i.e. for a single band linear array, ฯˆ = (2ฯ€/ฮป) d.sub.n sin ฮธ ยฑ ฮด (3) where ฯˆ is the total phase across the array and 2ฯ€/ฮป is the propagation constant. The phase increment, ฮด, between elements is required to position the beam at an angle ฯƒ known as the beam pointing angle and equal to the number of degrees off the broadside angle. The element spacing, d n , is the physical spacing of the radiating elements at the highest operating frequency, f 2 in the present example. From equation (3) then it follows that for a dual frequency array, with the frequencies a multiple of each other, the following equations must be satisfied; ##EQU1## In order to suppress grating lobes, the maximum allowable element spacing is 0.59ฮป 2 to scan the beam to ยฑ 45ยฐ where ฮป 2 is the wavelength of the highest operating frequency. Thus, ##EQU2## Now if for example, f 2 = 3 f 1 , (5) becomes ##EQU3## and if d 1 = 2d 2 , then ##EQU4## Therefore: ##EQU5## The limitation that d 1 = 2d 2 imposed for the derivation of equation (7) above is derived by the inclusion of the frequency filters 40 and 42 as illustrated. These frequency filters are designed to block out the lower frequency signal f 1 , according to the present example, from frequency generator 12 from alternate antenna elements so that the antenna spacings satisfy the operating requirements at all operating frequencies. Thus, by inclusion of the frequency filters 40 and 42, the lower frequency signal f 1 appears only at the radiating elements 34 and 38, whereas the higher frequency signal f 2 appears at each of the radiating elements 32, 34, 36 and 38. It is to be understood that, although discrete frequency filters 40 and 42 are illustrated, this feature could be incorporated in the radiating elements themselves as, for example, where the radiating elements are waveguide antenna elements which would inherently filter one frequency band and pass another. Since the phase shifters 24, 26, 28 and 30 operate with linear function of frequency, they can each be used by two or more frequency bands which are multiples of each other. For each frequency band, however, it should be readily apparent that the same phase shifter will introduce a different phase shift, i.e., the phase shift introduced to the frequency signal f 1 will differ from the phase shift introduced to the frequency signal f 2 due to the fact that the frequency signals f 1 and f 2 are at different wavelengths and to the fact that the line lengths introduced by the phase shifters will accordingly appear to be different lengths to the different frequency signals. Where switched line diode phase shifters are used, for example, combinations of the various bits of phase shifters result in a phase increment, ฮดwhich is applied to the radiating element. This phase increment ฮด, is, of course, frequency dependent and, therefore, a fixed combination of bits in the phase shifter results in a distinct phase increment, ฮด, for each frequency input. Thus, the frequency signal f 1 from frequency generator 12 results in a phase increment, ฮต 1 for a predetermined combination setting of the phase shifter bits and, likewise, the frequency signal f 2 from frequency generator 14 results in a different phase increment ฮด 2 for the same combination setting of the phase shifter bits. Thus, it can be seen that the same bits of the phase shifter are present for both frequency signals, but the phase shift introduced by these bits differs for each different frequency signal by a common factor which is dependent upon the ratio of the frequency signals. If desired, this factor can be changed by the addition of the selector switches 16, 18, 20 and 22 which, as seen in the drawing, are designed to selectively introduce an increased line length. The multiple frequency band capability of the present invention will now be described for the two frequency case illustrated. The frequency generator 12 may generate a frequency signal f 1 in L band, for example, for IFF operation. The frequency generator 14 may generate a frequency signal f 2 in S band, for example, for search and tracking radar. It is to be understood, of course, that other frequency bands could be used. These frequency signals f 1 and f 2 are generated simultaneously and are propagated through the distribution network and through selector switches to the phase shifters 24, 26, 28 and 30. Each of the phase shifters will have a predetermined and different combination setting of phase shifter bits in order to establish the beam pointing angle ฮธ. The beam pointing angle ฮธ, is, as described above, frequency dependent and, therefore, will be different for each frequency signal f 1 and f 2 . Each predetermined setting of the phase shifter bits will thus establish a distinct beam pointing angle for each frequency signal f 1 and f 2 . By variation of the phase shifter bit combinations as is well known, beam steering will be achieved simultaneously for both of the beams generated. It is thus apparent that by using several frequency bands in the same device, the number of antennas required prior to this invention to perform several different functions is reduced to a single antenna system. Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
A single antenna array having a phase shifter at the input of each antennalement and fed by a multifrequency input for simultaneously generating at least two beams. When the different excitation frequencies are simultaneously inputted into the phase shifters, a separate phase increment is introduced into each radiator for each frequency. The result is a separate beam output from each frequency input, the beams being generated simultaneously but at different beam pointing angles.
7
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is related to a co-pending patent application titled "DMOS Structure with Less Susceptibility to Latch-Up", by M. A. Shibib, Ser. No. 08/061,136, filed simultaneously with, and assigned to the same assignee, as this application. 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to metal-oxide-semiconductor devices in general and, more particularly, to a method of making doubly-diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor devices. 2. Description of the Prior Art Conventional doubly-diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor (DMOS) devices may suffer from a parasitic bipolar transistor that can break down and destroy the DMOS device. Typically, the parasitic bipolar transistor has a lower breakdown voltage, when made conductive, than the DMOS device can withstand with the parasitic bipolar transistor turned off. For example in FIG. 1, a simplified cross-section of a portion of N-channel DMOS transistor is shown. The DMOS transistor is shown having a source, a drain and a gate, the channel for the transistor being formed between the N+ type region and the N type drain when the surface of the P type layer is inverted by a suitable voltage on the gate. The parasitic NPN bipolar transistor is shown schematically having an emitter and collector in common with the source and drain of the DMOS transistor, respectively. The base of the bipolar transistor is formed by the P layer. When excess carriers in the bulk (N type drain region) of the device are swept into the junction of the N+ and P type layers (the emitter-base region of the parasitic bipolar transistor), the parasitic bipolar transistor can be forward biased. This typically happens when the drain voltage of the DMOS device is too rapidly changed. For example, when switching highly inductive loads, the drain voltage can change at several hundred volts per microsecond, causing the parasitic bipolar transistor to conduct and, if precautions are not taken, may destroy the DMOS transistor. This may also happen if carriers are generated by an avalanche breakdown of the N-type drain/P-type layer junction. The above may also apply generally to other MOS controlled transistors, such as insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). Thus, it is desirable to provide a DMOS (or IGBT) device that has less susceptibility to damage from fast drain (collector) voltage transients and avalanche breakdown. Further, it is desirable to provide a DMOS (or IGBT) device with a higher avalanche energy tolerance for a given drain (collector) breakdown voltage or transient current. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other aspects of the invention may be obtained by a method of making an MOS controlled transistor. The transistor has a substrate of a first conductivity type with a major surface, a plurality of laterally displaced first regions of a second conductivity type extending from the major surface of the substrate to a first depth, and a second region of the first conductivity type within each of the first regions and extending from the major surface of the substrate to a depth less than the first depth. The method of making the transistor is characterized by the step of forming third regions of the second conductivity type in the substrate and in contact with the first regions. The third regions interconnect the first regions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The foregoing features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, may be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a simplified cross-sectional diagram of an exemplary DMOS transistor showing a parasitic bipolar transistor; FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional diagram of one exemplary embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 3 is simplified cross-sectional diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention may be understood generally from FIG. 2, in which an MOS controlled transistor 10 has a substrate 11 of a first conductivity type with a major (top) surface, a plurality of laterally displaced, spaced apart, first regions 12 of a second conductivity type extending from the major surface of the substrate 11 to a first depth, a second region 13 of the first conductivity type within each of the first regions 12 and extending from the major surface of the substrate 11 to a depth less than the first depth, and a conductive gate layer 14 overlaying the major surface of the substrate between the first regions. The transistor 10 has formed therein third regions 15, of the second conductivity type disposed in the substrate 11, interconnecting the first regions 12. In more detail, the transistor 10 is shown here embodied in a substrate 11 using a oxide layer 16 to dielectrically isolate a pocket of silicon material 17 from the bulk substrate 11. It is not necessary that the transistor 10 utilize dielectric isolation; dielectric isolation may be useful for integrated circuit fabrication using the transistor 10 therein. The pocket of material 17 may have a wide resistivity range with a low resistivity buried layer 18 to assist in forming a low resistance contact to the remainder of the material 17. The portion of layer 17 above the buried layer 18 is referred to herein as a common drain layer 19, the purpose of which will be discussed below. Into a major surface (top) of the layer 19 there is formed a plurality of regions 12, herein referred to as the body region 12, having an opposite conductivity type than that of the layer 19. Into the body regions 12 smaller regions 13 are formed. Regions 13 are the same conductivity type as that of layer 19. In the approximate center of the body regions 12 is a deeper portions 24 having the same conductivity type as the body regions 12. The resistivity of the deep regions 24 is less than the resistivity of the body regions 12 and the resistivity of regions 13 is less than both. The depth of the body regions 12 below the surface of layer 19 is greater than the depth of the regions 13 and, preferably, the depth of the body region 12 at the approximate center thereof is greater than at the periphery. The combination of regions 12 and 13 form the "source" or "emitter" for the transistor 10, as will be discussed below. Interconnecting the body regions 12 are regions 15 having the same conductivity type as the body regions 12, the purpose of which is discussed in more detail below. The result is an interconnected grid of body regions 12 with "open" areas of layer 19 at the surface thereof between the body regions 12. Preferably, the regions 15 are made simultaneously with the formation of body regions 12. Also at the center of the body regions 12, and extending along the surface of regions 12 and 15, are low resistivity layer 25. Layer 25 assists in making a low resistance contact between metal layer 21 (discussed below) and the body region 12 reduces the resistance along regions 15 between body regions 12. The resistivity of the layer 25 is preferably less than the bulk resistance of regions 12 and 15 and have the same conductivity type as the body regions 12 and 15. It is understood that layer 25 is not absolutely necessary and may be removed from regions 12 and/or regions 15. Overlaying the surface of the layer 19 is a grid of interconnected polysilicon runners 14 forming the gate of the transistor 10. Each of the runners 14 is encased in an insulator, a gate oxide layer 20 and a second later formed insulative layer 20'. The insulators 20, 20' serve to insulate the runners 14 from surrounding conductive material. The runners 14 and oxide layers 20, 20' are disposed over the surface of layer 19 in a manner that leaves the regions 12 and 13 "exposed" for later contact, as discussed below. Preferably, the runners 14 are one layer of low resistivity (highly doped) polysilicon with openings therein to expose the regions 12 and 13. It is noted that for the polysilicon runners 14 to be interconnected, there should be places where the polysilicon runners 14 couple to each other. This typically takes place at the corners so that the underlying region 15 may not be formed, as illustrated in FIG. 2 by the regions 15 not being at every corner of regions 12. The reasons therefore will become more apparent in connection with the discussion about exemplary fabrication process steps discussed below. A metal layer 21 overlays the polysilicon runners 14 to make contact to the regions 12 and 13 across the transistor 10. The metal layer 21 serves as the "source" or "emitter" contact to the transistor 10. Note that both the regions 12 and 13 are connected (shorted) together by the metal layer 21. Metal runner 23 makes contact with buried layer 18 via contact layer 22 to form the "drain" or "collector" contact for the transistor 10. If the conductivity type of the buried layer 18 is the same as the layer 19, the transistor 10 is a DMOS transistor. If, however, the conductivity of the buried layer 18 is opposite the conductivity type of the layer 19, the transistor 10 is a insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). In either case, the transistor 10 is an MOS controlled transistor. To reduce parasitic bipolar effects discussed above, the regions 15 interconnect the body regions 12 to reduce the gain of the parasitic bipolar transistor by shorting together the body regions 12 and facilitating the collection of excess carriers from the layer 19 that would otherwise lead to the forward biasing of the parasitic transistor(s) in the transistor 10. An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 3. The transistor 30 is similar to the transistor 10 shown in FIG. 2, except for the structure of base regions 12, regions 13, low resistivity layers 25 and the deep regions 24. More particularly, the deep regions 24 substantially make up the connecting regions 15 and couple together the body regions 12. Layers 25, now more like regions than layers, are limited to the approximate center of the surface of body regions 12 and do not need to extend along the surface of regions 12 and 15. Opposite conductivity regions 13 surround the corresponding regions (layers) 25 and is set wholy within the body regions 12. Thus, the channels for the transistor 30, discussed above, are formed between the regions 13 and the common layer 19 across the surface of body regions 12. It is noted that the depth of the deep region 24 is greater or equal to the depth of the body region 12 and, as discussed above, the resistivity of the deep regions 24 is less than that of the body regions 12 and the resistivity of the regions 13 are lower than both. Exemplary Fabrication Steps In more detail, the transistor 10 of FIG. 2 is fabricated by the following exemplary process. Starting with a substrate 11 having a layer 17 of first conductivity type silicon (e.g., N type) with a buried layer 18, the surface of layer 17 has deposited thereon a photoresist (not shown) which is patterned and a contact region 22 connected to the buried layer 18 is first formed, for example, by implanting a dopant having the same conductivity type as that in the buried layer 18. The buried layer 22 and contact layer 22 may be, for example, N type for a DMOS transistor 10 or P type for an IGBT. The photoresist is removed and another photoresist is deposited and patterned to make opening in which the deep regions 24 are formed by implanting a P type dopant. The photoresist is removed and a thin oxide layer 20 is grown on layer 17, the thickness of which is the desired gate oxide thickness of the transistor 10. Next, a layer of polysilicon is deposited onto the oxide layer 20 and is doped to have a low resistance. The polysilicon is patterned to make the grid-like gate structure 14 with openings therein to expose the surface layer 19. As noted above, the grid of the gate layer 14 will not be a "complete" or "continuous" grid; interconnections within the grid are removed at various places so that region 15 may be formed, as discussed below. Using the polysilicon as a mask, the body regions 12 are formed by implanting a P dopant into the layer 19. With sufficient drive-in (for example, 200 minutes at 1200ยฐ C.), the typical depth of the body regions 12 extends to about an exemplary four microns from the surface of the layer 19. For the deep region 24, the typical depth extends up to about an exemplary six microns. Next, photoresist is deposited and patterned to expose the surface of the substrate 11 where the shallow, low resistivity, layers 25 are to be formed by a heavy implant of a P type dopant. The photoresist is then removed and another photoresist deposited and patterned to expose the surface of layer 19 within the body regions 12 to form the regions 13 by heavily implanting an N-type dopant. The openings in the photoresist are such that the formed regions 13 do not significantly encroach the channel portion of the body regions 12, as discussed above. The photoresist is then removed. Next, a passivation layer 20' of silicon dioxide, P-glass or borophosphosilicate glass (BPG) is deposited and patterned to leave the layer over the polysilicon 14. Then the oxide layer 20 over the body regions 12 is removed and the metal layer 21 is deposited. For the transistor 30 in FIG. 3, the above-described process is substantially similar. Differences in the process involves the implants which forms the body regions 12, deep regions 24 and the shallow, low resistivity, regions 25. For transistor 30, the body region implant is limited to forming the regions 12 and the deep region implant continues beyond regions 12 and forms the regions 15. The implant that forms regions 25 is now limited to the approximate center of the regions 12 for a low resistance contact between the metal 21 and the body regions 12. As is evident from FIG. 3, the regions 13 surround the regions 25 although this is not a requirement. Exemplary Results A DMOS transistor 10 has been formed in an substrate 11 using the following doping densities and sizes: body region 12 P-type, 480 ohm/square region 13 N-type, 20 ohm/square layer 19 N-type, 4-50 ohm-cm. deep region 24 P-type, 80 ohm/square shallow region 25 P-type, 80 ohm/square Using substantially identical DMOS transistors 10 but one with regions 15 and one without, each driving inductive loads, the device with regions 15 is much more rugged than an equivalent device without the regions 15. The test was made using an industry-standard measurement for the amount of energy (avalanche energy) dissipated in a test transistor when switching an inductive load. Avalanche energy is often referred to as the product of the breakdown voltage of the device and the total charge applied to it. For purposes here, total charge is defined as the product of the current into the device at breakdown (avalanche) and the time the current is applied for a nearly "square" pulse of current. As measured, the DMOS transistor with regions 15 required approximately ten times the avalanche energy before destruction the transistor than the transistor without the regions 15. It has also been found that the latching current for an IGBT is similarly increased when regions 15 are added to a conventional IGBT structure. Having described the preferred embodiment of this invention, it will now be apparent to one of skill in the art that other embodiments incorporating its concept may be used. Therefore, this invention should not be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but rather should be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
A method of making a doubly-diffused MOS (DMOS) device that can tolerate higher drain dV/dt before latch-up occurs. At least some of the immediately adjacent multiple body regions in the DMOS device are interconnected at the corners thereof by the formation of P-conductivity regions. These regions reduce parasitic bipolar effects and facilitate collection of excess carriers in the device that causes latch-up under high dV/dt conditions and reduced avalanche energy tolerance.
7
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a non-provisional application claiming priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/477,989, filed Apr. 21, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention concerns an improved fluid cooling arrangement for an electric motor, generator, or motor/generator assembly. Such assemblies have numerous applications in a variety of fields, and are particularly useful in hybrid vehicle market applications. Use of the invention could occur, for example, in trucks, military vehicles, off-road vehicles, or other automotive vehicles. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] Use of liquid cooling to remove heat from electric motors has been known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,238 to Johnsen discloses an electric motor with a stator having three axial cooling channels between an outer circumference of the stator and an inner diameter of the electric motor housing. In the Johnsen electric motor, the rotor is made up from a series of stacked rotor plates, and the three cooling channels are defined by projections on the outer periphery of the stator plates which locate the stator within the housing. Johnsen further discloses that by offsetting the locating projections from one another along the length of the stator, the support for the stator within the motor housing may be distributed to avoid undesired heat-related distortion of the motor housing, while also providing a twist to the axial cooling flow channels. [0006] The prior art approaches to electric motor cooling have a number of disadvantages, including lack of adequate heat transfer to the cooling medium (typically an oil coolant) due to relatively short exposure of the cooling oil to the stator along relatively short one-pass axial flow paths, and uneven cooling of the stator where a significant portion of the circumference of the stator may not be exposed to any significant amount of cooling oil (for example, in the Johnsen arrangements, in the regions where the rows of projections extend between the stator and the motor housing). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] In its most general sense, the present invention concerns a fluid-cooled electric machine including a rotor disposed on a motor shaft, a stator surrounding the rotor, and a motor housing surrounding the stator, with the stator formed of a laminated stack of stator plates that is plated at its outer surface. With this arrangement, a coolant flow passage is defined between the plated outer surface of the laminated stack of stator plates and the motor housing. [0008] In certain embodiments, the present invention provides an improved electric motor coolant flow channel arrangement which improves cooling performance by greatly increasing the flow path length over which the coolant traverses the stator. In such an arrangement, a stator may be built up by a lamination of plates, which provide for a labyrinthine flowpath at the outer diameter of the stator, requiring the coolant to make a plurality of flow reversals and traverse of essentially the entire width and/or length of the stator between the inlet and outlet of the coolant from the stator. [0009] A stator having a generally cylindrical shape that does not require circumferential projections about its periphery to locate the stator within the motor housing, yet still provides coolant flow channels, may be provided. Such a stator may have stator plates having a generally circular shape and a coolant-traversing notch at one side of the plate, and intermediate circular plates with a reduced diameter. A series of such plates may be alternately laminated together, with a smaller diameter plates between each pair of notched stator plates. Each pair of notched stator plates is assembled with their respective notches being arranged 180ยฐ out of phase with one another. [0010] The assembled laminated stator in this embodiment provides a stator with a circular profile and self-contained coolant flow channels. Being circular, this stator may be self-locating within a motor housing having a corresponding inner housing diameter. Further, by incorporating the coolant flow channels within the outer circumferential surface of the stator (the smaller diameter plates creating coolant flow channels between the adjacent notched plates and the inner wall of the motor housing), the present invention avoids any need to enlarge the motor housing to accommodate a cooling channel within the housing itself, desirably minimizing overall electric motor size. [0011] The notches in adjacent pairs of notched stator plates, in this arrangement, are oriented on opposite sides of the stator from one another. This provides a long coolant flow path between the stator inlet notch in the first notched stator plate and the stator outlet notch in the last notched stator plate. Upon entry to the stator at a first stator plate notch, the coolant must flow in the coolant flow channel circumferentially around both sides of the stator to reach the notch in the next of the notched stator plates. Upon passing axially through the second stator plate's notch, the coolant enters the second cooling channel and begin to flow around the stator's circumference to the next notched stator plate's notch. This continuous multiple-pass coolant flow about the full circumference of the stator may continue as many times as there are notched stator plate pairs to form coolant channels, until the coolant reaches the outlet notch in the last notched stator plate and exits the stator's coolant flow path. [0012] This embodiment of the present invention provides stator cooling in a manner which results in uniform cooling across the entire circumference and axial extent of a stator and enhances heat transfer from the stator to the coolant, yet only requires a minimum of different-shaped stator plates (in this embodiment, only two plate shapes, the notched stator plate and a reduced diameter intermediate plate which provides the bottom of the flow channels). This embodiment also provides for simple stator assembly, as only two alternating plate positions must be maintained as the stator laminations are assembled. This is unlike prior art arrangements such as the offset projections of Johnsen, which must be carefully located at each lamination level to ensure the coolant channel integrity is maintained along its stepped axial channels. [0013] In another embodiment, a labyrinthine flow path may be provided by providing a series of stator plates with only one shape, with ribbed end bell sections providing alternating rib closure and bypass sections to form coolant โ€œturn-aroundโ€ regions in conjunction with the ribs formed by the laminated plates. The combination of these components results in coolant flow channels which require the coolant to traverse the axial length of the stator multiple times while the coolant travels across substantially the entire circumference of the stator. [0014] For example, a first stator plate may be provided with a plurality of small-width tabs extending radially outward from the outer periphery of the plate. End bell sections may be provided with ribs corresponding to the tabs of the first stator plate shape, with every other tab omitted from the periphery of the end bell. A stator in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention may be build-up by assembling a number of plates of the first stator plate shape into a stack having the small-width tabs aligned with one another to form axial walls or rails about the periphery of the partially-assembled stator. At the two axial end faces of the stator, the end bell sections may be added, such that each of the axial walls or rails are closed at one end and open at its other end, thereby forming a serpentine flow channel around the circumference of the stator. [0015] The assembled stator in this embodiment thus may have a coolant flow channel which requires the coolant flowing around the circumference of the stator to repeatedly reverse direction and traverse the axial length of the stator, enhancing the coolant exposure to the stator for enhanced heat transfer along the serpentine coolant flow path. This complex flow path would result from a simple, readily manufactured and cost effective arrangement of a single shape of stator plates. [0016] Regardless of the coolant channel arrangements round the circumference of the stator, the stator coolant inlet and outlet points may be arranged as desired to suit the electric motor design. For example, coolant may be introduced directly into the coolant flow channels from the radial direction via ports in the electric motor housing, or axially into the stator within the motor housing, as long as the inlet and outlet locations are isolated from one another. In some embodiments, the coolant may enter and exit the electric motor via coolant ports provided in the motor housing's end cover regions, such that the coolant circulates within the housing end cover region until it reaches an axial inlet port to the stator, and after leaving the stator may pass through an annular region of the axially-opposite motor end cover to pass out of the motor housing's coolant outlet port. [0017] In order to enhance thermal conductivity between the stator plates and the coolant, as well as to enhance sealing to permit use of water as a coolant, the outside diameter of the laminated stack of stator plates may be plated. This permits the use of water as a coolant, with minimal concerns for electrical grounding issues in the stator. [0018] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] FIG. 1 is a cross-section view of an electric motor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0020] FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the stator illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 1 . [0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a side view of a stator in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention showing a serpentine stator coolant flow path arrangement. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0022] FIG. 1 is across-section view of an electric motor cooled by a coolant medium in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The electric motor 10 has a motor housing 20 and housing end covers 30 , 40 . A motor shaft 50 is rotatably mounted in bearings 60 , 61 . A motor rotor 70 is located in a non-rotating manner on motor shaft 50 , and rotates with the motor shaft 50 concentrically within a stator 80 . The stator 80 includes axial slots in which stator windings 85 are located. The stator windings and the windings of the rotor are electrically connected to external power wires in a conventional manner, not discussed further herein. The motor housing includes a coolant inlet port 90 and a coolant outlet port 95 , discussed further, below. The electric motor 10 includes several o-rings 25 for sealing the coolant passages in the assembled electric motor against coolant leakage between the motor components. [0023] FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the stator 80 illustrated in FIG. 1 , shown without the stator windings 85 for clarity of description. The stator is built up from a series of alternating laminated plates 81 , 82 . The first stator plate in the laminated stator is a notched stator plate having a notch 83 at one side of the stator 80 . The next plate 82 is a plate with a smaller diameter than the stator plate 81 . The smaller-diameter plate 82 is located between the first stator plate 81 and a second stator plate 81 having its coolant transfer notch 84 located on the opposite side of the stator 80 from the notch 83 of the first stator plate 81 , thereby defining a coolant flow channel 88 in the space between adjacent stator plates 81 and the smaller-diameter plate 82 . The smaller diameter of plates 82 is preferably not so small that openings are formed between the coolant channels 88 and the winding-holding slots 89 of the stator. [0024] The alternating stator plate arrangements continue through the axial length of the stator 80 , with the coolant crossing serially from one coolant flow channel to the next through opposing stator plate notches, for example, after having flowed from the first coolant channel through stator plate notch 83 , the coolant flows through the second coolant flow path 88 to stator plate notch 84 at the opposite side of the stator to flow into the third coolant flow passage 88 . This pattern continues until the coolant passes through the final coolant channel 88 and leaves the stator through stator plate notch 86 (not shown in FIG. 2 ; see FIG. 1 ). Further, the stator plates are plated to provide an improved surface finish to improve sealing between the stator plates. The improved sealing facilitates the use of water as a coolant, in lieu of commonly-used oil coolants. [0025] The coolant which is to pass through the stator cooling channels may reach the stator through any suitable flow path. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the coolant enters the electric motor through coolant inlet port 90 into the annular space between the motor housing 20 and the end cover 60 to reach the stator coolant inlet notch 83 . Similarly, the coolant leaving the stator outlet notch 86 enters an annular region, isolated from the inlet annular region, and leaves the electric motor housing 20 through coolant outlet port 95 . [0026] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2 , the labyrinthine coolant flow path is generally oriented circumferentially, with coolant channel cross-over points (notches 83 , 84 ) being provided on opposite sides of the stator so that the coolant flows over the entire circumferential coolant channel before passing axially to the next coolant channel. Alternatively, the stator plates may be arranged with axially-aligned flow channel-defining features which, when combined in a laminated stator, define a series of parallel axially-aligned coolant channel walls having flow cross-over and reversing openings at every other wall end, as shown in FIG. 3 . [0027] FIG. 3 shows a partial side view of the stator 80 , in which this embodiment's alternative coolant channel wall arrangement causes the coolant to flow around the circumference of the stator 80 following a serpentine flow path having axially-oriented coolant flow channels 88 defined by axial walls 87 . The axial walls are built up from the stacking of stator plates 89 having small-width tabs extending radially outward from the plates (shown in FIG. 3 as a single stack of plates for clarity of illustration). At the axial ends of the stator 80 , the bell end sections 91 are arranged with every other small-width rib 92 omitted, and are installed in a staggered manner so that one end of each axial wall 87 is closed to coolant flow and the other end is open to permit coolant to pass from one coolant channel 88 to the next channel in a serpentine manner. In addition to reversing the flow between adjacent coolant flow channels, the bell end sections are arranged to also provide cooling capacity which may assist in cooling the stator winding ends which are immediately concentrically-adjacent to the bell ends. As with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2 , alternative coolant inlet and outlet paths may be provided to introduce and extract coolant to/from the first and last coolant channels 88 , respectively. For example, coolant may be introduced radially into the first coolant channel directly from a motor housing inlet port aligned with the first coolant channel 88 , in lieu of the FIG. 1 embodiment's axial coolant inlet notch 83 . [0028] The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
An improved fluid cooling arrangement for an electric machine, such as an electric motor, a generator, or a motor/generator assembly, is provided. In its most general sense, the fluid-cooled electric machine includes a rotor disposed on a motor shaft, a stator surrounding the rotor, and a motor housing surrounding the stator, with the stator formed of a laminated stack of stator plates that is plated at its outer surface.
7
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION The invention is a Continuation-in-Part, claims priority to and incorporates by reference in its entirety U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/051,385 filed Oct. 10, 2013, released as Publication 2014/0041938 and assigned Navy Case 102763, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/385,470 filed Jan. 26, 2012, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,562,361 and assigned Navy Case 101421, which claims the benefit of priority, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ยง119, the benefit of priority from provisional application 61/628,298, with a filing date of Oct. 11, 2011. STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST The invention described was made in the performance of official duties by one or more employees of the Department of the Navy, and thus, the invention herein may be manufactured, used or licensed by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor. BACKGROUND The invention relates generally to fittings for electrical cable ground adapters, especially those used aboard marine vessels and platforms. In particular, the invention relates to embodiments for a flange connector to a junction box. The United States Navy currently provides electromagnetic (EM) shielding from coupling to topside (i.e., above-deck) cables. Such cables can be inserted into a junction box for environmental protection and interconnection with electrical components. SUMMARY Conventional electrical ground adapters yield disadvantages addressed by various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In particular, various exemplary embodiments provide an electrical grounding adapter within a conduit sealing assembly for electrically and environmentally shielding an electric cable. Various exemplary embodiments provide an electrical conduit ground assembly for electrically and environmentally shielding an electric cable that inserts into a junction box via a through-hole. The exemplary assembly includes an adapter flange, first and second annular gaskets, first and second annular washers, a slip-ring, a ground adapter, first and second lock-nuts and a gland nut. The adapter flange has an internally threaded proximate end, an externally threaded mezzanine, a hexagonal seat, and an externally threaded distal end insertable into the through-hole. In various exemplary embodiments, the first annular gasket inserts into the proximate end and includes frustum and cylinder portions. The first annular washer inserts into the proximate end and disposal on the first gasket. The slip-ring inserts into the proximate end and disposal on the first washer. The second annular washer inserts into the proximate end and disposal on the slip-ring. The annular ground adapter electrically connects the cable and the annular conduit and inserts between the first and second washers and securable by the slip-ring with the cable installed in the junction box. The second annular gasket has an annular shaft and a circular brim that radially extends from a brim end that faces the second annular washer. The gland nut screws into the proximate end of the adapter flange, the gland nut having a hexagonal proximate end and an externally threaded distal end. The annular shaft of the second annular gasket inserts into the gland nut from the threaded distal end. The first lock-nut screws onto the mezzanine and abut the landing, whereas the second lock-nut screws onto the distal end of the adapter flange. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and various other features and aspects of various exemplary embodiments will be readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like or similar numbers are used throughout, and in which: FIGS. 1A and 1B are respectively exploded and assembly perspective views of a swage tube ground adapter assembly; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of junction box ground adapter components; FIG. 3 is a cutaway elevation view of an exemplary junction box adapter assembly; FIG. 4 is a perspective assembly view of a junction box adapter; and FIG. 5 is a perspective cutaway view of the junction box adapter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized, and logical, mechanical, and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims. Conduits for these cables can employ an exemplary cable shield ground adapter (CSGA) conduit to achieve grounding effectiveness exceeding 80 decibels (dB) while facilitating expedient replacement, in contrast to conventional shielding configurations. The background section of parent U.S. Pat. No. 8,562,361 includes further details about the conventional configurations. The exemplary CSGA can be used in a swage stuffing tube, or within an exemplary fitting that connects to a junction box. Swage tubes, as military part M24235/17, have several standard sizes as listed at http://www.shipboardelectrical.com/swagetubes.html including a tube body, gland nut and gland ring. The tube body can be stainless steel or aluminum. For purposes of disclosure, sizes B, C, D and K are described herein, although the principles described herein can be extended to additional cable sizes. Respective cable bore diameters for sizes B, C, D and K are ร˜0.515 inch (โ€ณ), ร˜0.640โ€ณ, ร˜0.750โ€ณ and ร˜1.171 inches (โ€ณ). MIL-S-24235/2C provides the military standard dimensions for electrical cable packaging, available at http://dornequipment.com/milspecs/pdf/24235-2C.pdf. FIGS. 1A and 1B respectively show perspective exploded and cutaway assembly views 100 and 105 of exemplary swage tube components. A gland boss or nut 110 presents an annular access and includes outer threads 115 for installation. The gland nut 110 is typically composed of brass or aluminum and includes a hexagonal proximate end and an externally threaded distal end. A stuffing upper gasket or seal 120 and an optional insert upper gasket 125 provide an environmental seal for the stuffing tube interior for the access at the gland nut 110 . A gland ring 130 constitutes a shim or spacer between the upper gasket 120 and other components in the swage tube 180 . The views 100 and 105 show orientation from upstream at the left to downstream at the right in the direction for inserting a cable to be shielded and grounded. An upper pair of slip rings 140 and 145 provides axial restraint between a CSGA diaphragm 150 , and the gland ring 130 . A lower pair of slip rings 160 and 165 provides axial restraint between the CSGA diaphragm 150 and a lower gasket or seal 170 . Another optional insert upper gasket 125 , together with the lower gasket 170 , provide an environmental seal for the stuffing tube interior of a swage tube 180 , into which the components can be inserted. The insert upper gaskets 125 enable a large size swage tube 180 to accept a thinner cable and maintain environmental integrity, thereby expanding installation flexibility. The upper gaskets 120 and 125 have a geometric configuration reminiscent of a top-hat or stove-hat. The lower gasket 170 has a geometric configuration approximating a frustum (e.g., truncated cone). The gaskets 120 , 125 and 170 provide environmental seals for the CSGA in the swage tube and are composed of rubber, with various sizes disclosed in Publication 2014/0041938. For purposes of grounding, a โ€œstetsonโ€ or โ€œporkpieโ€ design for the CSGA diaphragm 150 is incorporated herein, which can be produced as a metal ribbon or strip with a repeating pattern, cut to length, the tabs bent inward or outward, and the ends joined together to wrap around an electrical cable to be grounded. Publication 2014/0041938 illustrates deployable and flat strip views respectively in FIGS. 13 and 14 of the stetson configuration. The tube adapter assembly includes for the swage tube 180 the CSGA diaphragm 150 to protect a cable, but also the fittings, e.g., the gland nut 110 , spacer rings 140 and 160 , and gaskets 120 and 170 to provide environmental protection, especially salt-water spray contamination. An analogous adapter assembly for a junction box application similar to that provided for the swage tube is described herein. FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view 200 of a junction box adapter flange 210 . An upstream or proximate end 220 includes interior helical threads 225 at a mouth to receive the lower gasket 170 . A threaded mezzanine segment 230 enables an upstream nut to secure the flange 210 . A hexagonal landing 240 provides a mounting surface for the flange 210 . The mezzanine 230 and landing 240 constitute a midsection of the flange 210 . A downstream or distal end 250 includes external helical threads for a downstream nut. The flange 210 is typically composed of brass or aluminum. FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view 300 of a through adapter for a junction box 310 having an outer surface 320 and an inner surface 330 that defines an interior region. The adapter flange 210 connects to the junction box 310 from the outer surface 320 via a circular through-hole or opening 340 into which the downstream end 250 inserts. The lower gasket 170 inserts into the upstream end 220 . The lower slip ring 160 provides axial restraint between the CSGA diaphragm 150 and the lower gasket 170 . The upper slip rings 140 and 145 provide axial restraint between the CSGA diaphragm 150 , with the gland ring 130 separating these components from between the upper gasket 120 . The gland nut 110 includes external threads 115 to engage the interior threads 225 of the flange 210 . An upper lock nut 350 screws onto the mezzanine 230 to engage the landing 240 . A lower lock nut 360 screws onto the downstream end 250 to secure the landing 240 to the inner surface 330 . FIG. 4 shows an installation assembly perspective view 400 of the junction box through adapter assembly 410 . The installation mounted to the junction box 310 features the landing 240 engaging the outer surface 320 . The upper nut 350 abuts the landing 240 at its upstream side. The gland nut 110 with the upper gasket 120 that protrudes therefrom inserts into the upstream end 220 of the flange 210 . FIG. 5 shows a cutaway perspective view 500 of the junction box through adapter assembly 410 . The interior of the flange 210 at the landing 240 includes a tapering surface into which the lower gasket 170 inserts. The landing 240 includes an annular groove 510 facing the downstream end 250 for receiving an O-ring. The groove 510 is disposed on the surface of the flange 240 facing the outer surface 320 of the junction box 310 . The groove 510 extends radially outward from the opening 340 through which the downstream end 250 extends. The CSGA diaphragm 150 and accompanying rings 140 and 150 are disposed within the mezzanine 230 of the flange 210 longitudinally sandwiched between the upper and lower gaskets 120 and 170 . The junction box through adapter assembly 410 described herein represents a modification of an analogous through adapter described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,562,361, particularly FIGS. 34-38. The modifications to the prior adapter enhance the utility of the adapter with respect to grounding cables and conduit installed in junction boxes composed of non-conductive composite or dielectric materials. The modified adapter retains the utility of the original design with respect to junction boxes made of metal, conductive materials or materials having a conductive coating. The U.S. Navy is increasing the use of composite fixtures on combat vessels due to considerations of corrosion, weight and cost. While the composite materials have significant advantages in these three areas, the means of grounding the penetrations to these boxes is made more difficult. Metal fixtures can be grounded directly to a bulkhead or connected to the bulkhead via a conductive ground strap. Composite fixtures can conventionally ground a through connector in one of two ways: (1) via a ground strap attached to a grounding lug or bolt threaded into the body of the through adapter or (2) via an additional adapter component secured to the fixture into which the through adapter is inserted. The additional component, i.e., the flange 210 , provides a threaded sleeve through which the CSGA 150 may be inserted and the ground strap is secured between the two adapter components. This corresponds to stacking two of the through adapters as previously described with the exception that only a single gland nut 110 would be required. Although the configuration would be effective, its excessive weight and unnecessary cost present disadvantages. The modification to the exemplary through adapter assembly 410 from the parent invention includes the addition of machine threading to a portion of the flange 210 of the through adapter as well as a lock-nut 350 with matching interior threads. The unthreaded surface could be of a smooth finish or knurled to enhance frictional grip. The external portion of the flange 210 , which includes the upstream end 220 , mezzanine 230 and the landing 240 , is also referred to as the โ€œupper portionโ€ of the adapter assembly 410 . The downstream end 250 of the adapter that typically resides inside the junction box 310 is referred to as the โ€œlower portionโ€ of the adapter assembly 410 . The upstream end 220 of the flange 210 is unthreaded to enhance component handling and installation by ship personnel. Threading of the full length can lead to unexpected hand injury during twisting. A threaded surface would also be problematic to grasping tools such as band wrenches, pipe wrenches and large pliers by likely damaging the threads and thereby compromising ability to either install or remove the lock-nut 350 . The upstream end 220 of the flange 210 is also of smaller outside diameter than the threaded mezzanine 230 enabling easier application of the upper lock-nut 350 . Preferably, this incorporates a National Pipe Straight (NPS) or National Pipe Taper (NPT) thread for the exterior threading on the external adapter portion as well as the exterior threading on the lower portion. The associated upper and lower lock-nuts 350 and 360 employ the same NPS or NPT threading. The adoption of NPS or NPT thread facilitates broader use of the less expensive commercially available lock-nuts. The interior would retain a Unified Screw (UN) or Unified Screw Fine (UNF) threading in order to maintain compatibility with standard stuffing tube gland nuts. Designation of this preferred threading does not preclude the use of other types of threading. The purpose of the modification is to simplify the means of attaching a grounding strap or plate to the adapter while minimizing the need for additional components. The lower portion of the adapter assembly 410 is inserted into the junction box 310 or fixture with the adapter seat landing 240 flush against the fixture. After insertion into the through-hole 340 , the lock-nut 350 is threaded onto the downstream end 250 to secure the through connector to the fixture wall. A flexible O-ring seal within the annular groove 510 can be provided between the landing 240 and the outer wall 320 . A grounding strap or plate with a grounding lug of sufficient radius is disposed over the upper portion of the adapter flange 210 and fits over the threading until being flush with the exposed portion of the landing 240 . The lock-nut 350 is threaded onto the upper portion of the adapter to secure the grounding strap or plate to the adapter assembly 410 . The other end of the grounding strap or plate is secured to a ship's bulkhead. The commercial potential for the ground shield adapter described within broad and global in nature. The designs can be used for commercial as well as naval ship construction. Due to the inherent design tolerance for either SAE or metric dimensions for swage tubes 180 , the exemplary design can be employed for both domestic and foreign ship construction. Although designed with maritime applications in consideration, the exemplary configurations described herein can also be extended for general construction practices where junction boxes, swage tubes or other breach type fittings might be required for facility cable penetrations that require EM grounding, stabilization, or weather sealing. The U.S. Navy utilizes hundreds of topside components that require electrical power or signal connections to systems internal to the surface ship via cable. Because of the complex and system hostile electromagnetic (EM) environment the connecting cables must be protected from unwanted EM coupling to the signal or power cable. Thus, the cables can be protected from the EM environment by a conductive cable shield grounded via the CSGA assembly 410 to the ship's bulkhead. Current CSGA technologies utilized by the Navy are difficult to manufacture due to machining, difficult to install, repair and replace due to design characteristics, have relatively short service life due to poor environmental design, and are very expensive (approximately $300 per unit in quantity). The Navy also currently purchases CSGAs assemblies in multiple sizes due to inability of conventional CSGA to adapt to multiple swage tube sizes or cable diameters, thereby significantly increasing acquisition, logistics and design costs. The strategic goal of the proposed design is to provide the Navy a cost efficient technology that can significantly reduce total ownership costs via acquisition maintenance and logistics across the fleet. The exemplary embodiments incorporate relatively few parts. Common components include environmental seals that also perform as stabilizing structural components for cable centering and conductive spacers that perform diaphragm deformation control functions. The CSGA diaphragm 150 can employ a cut-stamped component of conductive sheeting to wrap around a cable. The exemplary adapter designs for the junction box 310 also utilize all components of the stuffing tube assembly, including the brass gland nut 110 conventionally unutilized for shielded cable applications. While certain features of the embodiments of the invention have been illustrated as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the embodiments.
An electrical conduit ground assembly is provided for electrically and environmentally shielding an electric cable that inserts into a junction box via a through-hole. The assembly includes an adapter flange, first and second annular gaskets, first and second annular washers, a slip-ring, a ground adapter, first and second lock-nuts and a gland nut. The adapter flange has an internally threaded proximate end, an externally threaded mezzanine, a hexagonal seat, and an externally threaded distal end insertable into the through-hole. The first annular gasket inserts into the proximate end. The first and second washers insert into the proximate end. The annular ground adapter electrically connects the cable and the annular conduit between the first and second washers. The second annular gasket has an annular shaft and a circular brim. The gland nut screws into the proximate end of the adapter flange.
7
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method and a device for producing an error signal in a motor vehicle. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Published German Patent Application No. 196 38 280 discusses producing an error signal in a motor vehicle having at least two right and left wheels situated in the rear and front region of the vehicle. Signals representing the rotational speeds of the wheels of the vehicle may be recorded. Depending on the signals recorded, the presence of cornering may be furthermore recorded. The signals recorded during cornering may then be compared according to the invention with a specified behavior existing during cornering, whereupon the error signal may be produced, depending on the comparison. Through the comparison, it may be possible to detect incorrect rotational speed sensor signals as a result of incorrectly connecting the wires, for example. Published German Patent Application No. 196 36 443 discusses a device and a method of monitoring sensors in a vehicle. This device monitors sensors in a vehicle, which produce signals that each represent different physical variables. The device contains means with which comparative variables equally defined for the sensors are determined for at least two sensors, based on at least the signals they produced. Furthermore, the device contains other means with which a reference variable is determined, based on at least the comparative variables determined. Monitoring is carried out in the monitoring means at least for one sensor based on at least the reference variable determined. Aside from the monitoring means, the device contains additional means, with which at least for one sensor a correction of the signal it produces is carried out at least based on the reference variable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method and a device for treating a suspected error. It is based on a method of producing an error signal and carrying out measures based thereon in a motor vehicle equipped with a wheel-slip control system and/or a wheel deceleration control system, which monitors for an error at least one function variable representing the function of the wheel-slip control system and/or wheel-deceleration control system, and increments the value of at least one error counter if at least one error is detected, and outputs at least one error signal when the value of at least one error counter exceeds a predeterminable limiting value. Some aspects of the present invention are that for at least one error counter, at least two different, predeterminable limiting values coexist simultaneously, and when each of these is exceeded by the counter reading of the at least one error counter, different error signals are output, and in response to the different error signals, different measures are carried out in the wheel-slip control system and/or wheel deceleration control system. As a result, graduated measures may be allowed in the event of a suspected error. In the following, the term โ€œwheel-slip control systemโ€ may be used for a clearer description. This may refer to a wheel-slip control system and/or wheel deceleration control system. For example, a monitoring device in a wheel-slip control system of a motor vehicle may detect a possible error. At the same time, however, the probability of there actually being an error is may not be so great as to justify drastic countermeasures, such as the automatic shutdown of the wheel-slip control system. In this situation, the present invention allows graduated countermeasures to be carried out. For example, when an error is detected once, pressure build-up or pressure reduction procedures affected by the wheel-slip control system may be slowed down. More drastic countermeasures may be taken if the error is detected again or repeatedly. Instead of pressure build-up and pressure reduction procedures, general braking force buildup and braking force reduction procedures may also be slowed down. The braking force buildup and breaking force reduction are not hydraulically controlled in electromechanical brakes (EMB). Therefore, the present invention may be applicable to vehicles equipped with an electromechanical brake system. An operative range of the present invention may then be provided when the wheel-slip control system is a vehicle dynamics control system, which regulates at least one variable representing the vehicle dynamics toward a desired behavior. It may be an advantage when the monitoring of at least one function variable representing the function of the wheel-slip control system occurs so that a verification of the fulfillment of at least one given condition takes place. As discussed above, a slowing down in the wheel brakes of the pressure build-up dynamics may be performed as the first measure when the lowest limiting value is exceeded by one error counter. It may in effect be generalized (for example, for the electromagnetic brake) that a slowing down of the braking force buildup procedure and braking force reduction procedure is performed in the wheel brakes as the first measure when the lowest limiting value is exceeded by one error counter. As the second measure, for example, when the second lowest limiting value is exceeded by one error counter, the intervention threshold for at least one brake intervention of the vehicle dynamics control systems is increased and/or at least one intervention of the vehicle dynamics control systems is completely prohibited. This may mean that, for example as a second measure, when the second lowest limiting value is exceeded by one error counter, a greater deviation of at least one variable representing the vehicle dynamics from its desired behavior is permitted before a control intervention of the vehicle dynamics control system takes place and/or as a second measure at least one control intervention of the vehicle dynamics control system is completely prohibited. Prohibiting a control intervention by a vehicle dynamics control system may mean that at least one type of intervention is completely prohibited, for example an intervention against oversteering, an intervention against understeering, or an intervention on a selected wheel. A further monitoring measure may be as follows: the monitoring of at least one function variable takes place such that a variable represented by the output signal of a vehicle sensor is compared with a variable calculated through a mathematical model. A variable represented by the output signal of a vehicle sensor may be compared only during certain driving states to a variable calculated through a mathematical model. This may be related to the validity range of the mathematical model. If the vehicle is in a driving state in which the mathematical model is not valid, then the variable calculated through the mathematical model may also no longer have any substantial significance. A function variable may be understood as the voltage at one point of the electronic circuit of the wheel-slip control system and/or wheel deceleration control system. However, this may also be understood as the output signal of a sensor or a variable calculated from a mathematical model. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows the principle sequence of the exemplary method for treating a suspected error. FIG. 2 shows a simple safety concept for a wheel-slip control system, in which the wheel-slip control system is switched off in the event of a known error. FIG. 3 shows a first safety concept for a wheel-slip control system, in which a suspected error is already detected before the error detection, and in response thereto, the pressure build-up dynamics in the wheel brakes is slowed down in the course of brake applications induced by the wheel-slip control system. FIG. 4 shows a second safety concept for a wheel-slip control system, in which a suspected error is already recognized before the error detection, and in response thereto, the intervention thresholds of the vehicle dynamics control system are extended. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Possible monitoring measures on a wheel-slip control system include: 1. Hardware monitoring: The monitoring of the voltage level at one point of the electronic circuit may be possible here, for example. 2. Sensor monitoring: Since a wheel-slip control system may also include sensors (for example, wheel speed sensors, a transverse acceleration sensor, a steering angle sensor, a yaw rate sensor, pressure sensors, etc.), monitoring of the sensors may be possible. For instance, the output signal sent by a sensor may be monitored to find out whether the value of this signal or of the variable represented by this signal lies in a physically reasonable or possible range. Monitoring of the change over time of a variable represented by a sensor signal may also be possible. 3. Model-supported monitoring: Some variables are two-fold. They may be recorded by a sensor, and they may be determined from a mathematical model. A comparison of the variable obtained from the sensor signal with the variable determined from a mathematical model may be provided here. In the process, the scope of validity of the mathematical model may of course be observed, meaning that a comparison during a driving state in which the mathematical model is not valid may only have limited significance. Separate error counters may be allocated to different, fundamentally possible errors. The fundamental procedure with respect to error counter k, which carries out a monitoring k, is illustrated in FIG. 1 . Aside from error counter k, there may be other error counters 1, 2, 3, . . . , kโˆ’1, k+1, . . . , N, which carry out monitorings 1, 2, . . . , kโˆ’1, k+1, . . . , N. There may be N error counters provided altogether. Block 100 represents a signal source k, which sends one or more output signals to block 102 for monitoring. This signal source may be a sensor, for example, or the voltage at a particular point in the electronic circuit of the wheel-slip control system, or the output signal of a mathematical model. The output variable(s) sent by this signal source k may be monitored in block 102 . There may be a monitoring inquiry k for this purpose. Through this monitoring inquiry, it may be verified, for example, whether the output variable sent by signal source k is greater than a predeterminable limiting value. However, more complicated inquiries are also possible. For instance, it may be verified whether the output variable sent by signal source k is greater than a first predeterminable limiting value (=minimum value) and at the same time smaller than a second predeterminable limiting value (=maximum value). It is also possible for signal source k to send multiple output signals, for example the output voltage to a connecting terminal of the wheel-slip control system as well as the temperature at a particular point of the wheel-slip control system. Combined monitoring inquiries are also consequently possible. Such a monitoring inquiry could involve verifying whether the temperature falls below a particular, predeterminable value and at the same time whether a voltage simultaneously exceeds another predeterminable value, for example. Another combined monitoring inquiry may involve a comparison between the variable obtained from a sensor signal and the variable determined from a mathematical model. According to a flow chart, block 100 may also be interpreted as reading in data. The type of this data was illustrated in the previous paragraph. If monitoring inquiry 102 shows that the signal sent by signal source 100 fulfills all the conditions, i.e., it is plausible, error counter ik in block 101 may be reset to zero. Error counter ik may contain the number of times that monitoring inquiry k was not fulfilled as determined within an uninterrupted sequence. Afterwards, the output signals of signal source 100 may be monitored anew, i.e., at least one variable is read in. However, if monitoring inquiry 102 shows that the output signal (or output signals) from block 100 does not fulfill all the required conditions, there may be an error. For this reason, value ik of the error counter may be increased by one in block 103 . An inquiry as to whether ik>N1 takes place in block 104 . Here, N1 may be a predeterminable limiting value. If this condition is not fulfilled, then there may be a branching back to block 100 . If this condition is fulfilled, the next verification of ik may follow in block 105 : ik>N2. Here, N2 may be greater than N1. If the condition in block 105 is not fulfilled, it means that ik is greater than N1 but less than N2. First measures are now therefore initiated in block 106 . These first measures may involve a slowing down of the pressure build-up dynamics or pressure reduction dynamics of the wheel-slip control system, for example. Instead of pressure build-up and pressure reduction, these may be power buildup and power reduction, as is the case in the electromechanical brake. This fact is explained briefly again: Through ik>N1, it may be detected that there was probably an error in the wheel-slip control system. But because ik may be even less than N2, it may not yet be certain that there is really an error. The first measures described may therefore be initiated, for example. The point of the first measures lies in the example that the wheel-slip control system may continue to perform all the necessary interventions, albeit somewhat slower. As a result, time may be gained for a further verification of the suspected error. However, if ik>N2 in block 105 , a further inquiry ik>N3 may subsequently follow in block 107 . Here, N3>N2. If ik is not greater than N3, second measures may be initiated in block 108 that may possibly have greater effects on the wheel-slip control system. In the example of a vehicle dynamics control system (ESP, FDR), this may mean that the intervention thresholds of some control interventions are increased or that some interventions are even completely prohibited. If it is determined in block 107 that ik>N3, third measures may be initiated in block 109 . These third measures may involve relevant functions of the wheel-slip control system being switched off or even the entire wheel-slip control system being switched off, for example. If ik>N3, there may be a strong likelihood of an error in the wheel-slip control system or in a component. Block 109 may be connected to block 100 through a broken line. This may have to do with the fact that a new monitoring cycle may begin again in block 100 . However, it may also be possible to dispense with further monitorings in a completely switched off wheel-slip control system. As discussed above, there may be separate error counters for separate errors. The method illustrated in FIG. 1 may also be logically transferable to the other error counters. In a particular embodiment, it may be possible for each of the first measures carried out to be identical when different counter errors have reached the appropriate limiting values. The same may also apply to the second and third measures. However, it is may also be possible to carry out different measures, depending on the type of error detected (i.e., by the error counter). Furthermore, it may be possible to individually select limiting values N1, N2 and N3 for all error counters. As a result, for non-serious errors it may be possible to select higher intervention limiting values N1, N2 and N3 than for serious errors, for example. However, it is may be possible for N1, N2 and N3 to assume the same values for all error counters. In FIG. 1 , the first, second, and third measures were taken as an example, depending on the status of the error counter. It may be possible to make the measures even more precisely graduated, i.e., there may be still fourth measures, fifth measures, etc. However, it may also be possible to make do with only two graduated measures. Concrete exemplary embodiments of the safety concept discussed in general in FIG. 1 are illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4 . Since these figures are all quite similarly designed, the general design should first be explained. This assumes a wheel-slip control system designed as a vehicle dynamics control system. Each of these figures is made up of two diagrams. In the upper diagram, different variables a(t) (ordinate) are respectively plotted as a function of time t (abscissa). This will now be explained in order. The topmost signal 200 describes the state of the pump motor of the wheel-slip control system as a binary signal course. This is the motor of the return pump, which may provide the active pressure build-up (i.e., without assistance from the driver). If this signal assumes its โ€˜lowโ€™ value, the pump motor may be switched off. If the signal assumes the โ€˜highโ€™ value, the pump motor may be switched on. As the next signal, the yaw rate vGi measured with a yaw rate sensor is plotted. This may be assumed to be constant over time in all cases, i.e., there may be a horizontal straight line. The curly bracket 210 may indicate the hatched range specifying the allowed controller tolerance range of the yaw rate. This concept will be discussed later in greater detail. As a third signal from above, yaw rate vGiLw calculated via a mathematical model is drawn with broken lines. The single-track model, also known as the Ackermann Function, may be suitable as a mathematical model, for example. The yaw rate may be computed therein from the steering angle, the vehicle longitudinal velocity, as well as other parameters. As a fourth and final signal from above, variable p is drawn in as a function of time. p may be a measure of the built-up pressure in a selected wheel brake cylinder. In the lower of the two diagrams, the measured yaw rate vGi, the computed yaw rate vGiLw, as well as the controller tolerance range of the yaw rate in hatched pattern are again drawn in. The controller tolerance range in the ordinate direction may be somewhat narrower than illustrated in the upper diagram. This is for reasons of clarity. However, the state of error counter F(t) was included as additional curve 220 . In this situation, the state of the error counter may be shown as a continuously rising straight line for reasons of clarity. The state of the error counter may possibly be a discrete, whole number, i.e., this may also be a step function. This distinction may not be relevant for the following considerations, however. FIG. 2 is discussed first. To this end, measured yaw rate vGi may first be compared in the upper diagram with computed yaw rate vGiLw. The validity of the mathematical model may be required over entire time axis t for computing yaw rate vGiLw. At time t 1 , a sensor error 230 (see lightning symbol in the lower diagram) of the steering angle sensor, for example, may occur. It may be assumed that the steering angle enters into the computation of yaw rate vGiLw. A sudden deviation between vGi and vGiLw therefore may occur at time t 1 . This deviation may be so great that vGiLw even drops out of the controller tolerance range of yaw rate vGi. This may have two consequences: 1. The vehicle dynamics control system may erroneously detect a deviation between the setpoint and the actual yaw rate. A control intervention may thus be started, recognizable by the switching on of the pump as well as by the accretion of pressure p in the upper diagram. 2. Value F(t) of the error counter allocated to this error in the lower diagram may begin to rise. This may have to do with the fact that with every repeated monitoring (see FIG. 1 , block 102 ), a difference between the two yaw rates (vGi and vGiLw), and, consequently, another suspected error, may be determined. At time t=t 2 , the value of the error counter may have reached the value F 1 , i.e., the error is deemed detected with enough certainty. This is indicated by lightning symbol 240 . The control intervention of the vehicle dynamics control system may therefore be terminated again at time t 2 . For that, pump 200 is switched off and pressure p may again taper off. Lightning symbol 230 also appears in FIGS. 3 and 4 with the same meaning. In FIG. 3 , lightning symbol 250 is drawn in in addition to time t 3 (with t 3 <t 2 ). At time t 3 , the error counter may have already reached a first limiting value F 2 . The dynamic restriction of the pressure may therefore be activated at time t 3 (first measure). This may be seen in the increase in pressure in the upper diagram, which may be more gradual than in FIG. 2 . This may mean that the control intervention of the vehicle dynamics control system is taking place at a slower pace. At time t 2 , the error counter may have even reached the second (and higher) limiting value F 1 . A positive error may have now been detected and pressure p may again be reduced. As a result of the previous first measure, only a little pressure may need to be reduced. The effects of the erroneous brake application of the vehicle dynamics control system may have remained weaker than in FIG. 2 . A further exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 4 . At time t 1 , the control intervention of the vehicle dynamics control system may begin again erroneously. This may be seen in the upper diagram in pressure p, which has started to increase. The counter error reaches value F 3 at time t 4 . A suspected error may be detected, characterized by lightning symbol 260 . As a result of the suspected error, an extension of the intervention threshold of the vehicle dynamics control system may take place. This may be drawn with a hatched pattern in the upper diagram and marked with the curly bracket 211 . Since the control tolerance range of the vehicle dynamics control system may have now become wider, the computed value vGiLw for t>t 4 may once again fall within the control tolerance range of vGi. The intervention of the vehicle dynamics control system may therefore be cancelled. This may be seen in the pressure reduction in the upper diagram. At the same time, the pump may be again switched off. At time t 5 , the value of the error counter may exceed a second limiting value. This may be marked by lightning symbol 270 . The error may now be deemed detected with certainty and second measures may be initiated. As already mentioned, varied error counters for varied monitoring measures may be possible. Not only may a detected error be used to limit the functions of the wheel-slip control system, but the cause of the error may possibly be directly determined and logged, stored, or output as driver information in some form. This may facilitate a subsequent diagnosis, for example during a service inspection, and results in shortened service visits. This may bring about considerable cost savings. In the present invention, it may be helpful to distinguish between two types of errors: 1. Component errors are the errors that may clearly be allocated to one component. 2. System errors are errors whose cause cannot be clearly determined. The information on whether it is a component or a system error may therefore be allocated to each error counter. This information may be available for subsequent diagnosis. Should an error that has been detected at least once suddenly no longer appear in the next monitoring (see block 102 in FIG. 1 ), the error counter may be reset to zero in FIG. 1 in block 101 . Alternatively, there may also be the following possibility for resetting the error counter: counting with the error counter may alway take place within an ignition cycle. when a monitoring-specific suspected error occurs, the error counter may be incremented by a predeterminable value, e.g., 1024. Since this may often be implemented as a filter, the use of a number associated with the filter may be recommended. if the suspected error is not reset, the error counter may be decremented each time by one bit in a 5.12-second pattern, for example. This may mean that after a time of 1024*5.12 seconds (approximately 1.5 hours), a suspected error that has been set once may be forgotten. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may have a useful operative range in motor vehicles equipped with an electrohydraulic brake. This may have shorter response times than a conventional hydraulic brake. A control intervention of a vehicle dynamics control system may then be noticeable to the driver when a brake pressure of approximately 20 bar has built up. A conventional hydraulic brake system may need about 200 milliseconds for this, while an electrohydraulic brake system may only need 20 milliseconds. Shortened error detection times may therefore be particularly advantageous here. The proposed, exemplary multistage error detection method may facilitate robust error detection almost regardless of the speed of the actuators. Finally, some significant aspects of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be summarized: The exemplary method is based on the concept of responding to a two-stage or multistage suspected error at the start of the error detection time. In the first stage of suspecting an error, the pressure build-up dynamics may be limited. The effects of possible erroneous interventions (until the second stage of the suspected error is set) may consequently be reduced. In the second stage of suspecting an error, the vehicle controller intervention thresholds may be extended. With this measure, vehicle control interventions may be suppressed and time may be gained for robust and certain detection of the error. Since there may be more time for error detection (longer error detection time), it may be easier to clearly allocate system errors to component errors. Counting the occurrence of a suspected error may also allow the recording of errors caused by a loose connection.
A method and a device are provided for producing an error signal and carrying out measures based thereon in a motor vehicle equipped with a wheel-slip control system and/or a wheel deceleration control system. At least one function variable representing the functionality of the wheel-slip control system and/or wheel-deceleration control system may be monitored for an error and if at least one error is detected, the value of at least one error counter may be incremented. When there is at least one detected error, at least one error signal may be output when the value of at least one error counter exceeds a predeterminable limiting value. For at least one error counter, at least two different, predeterminable limiting values coexist simultaneously, and when each of these is exceeded by the counter reading of the at least one error counter, different error signals may be output.
1
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a novel automatic water feed method in lavatory using an artificial retina sensor and a novel automatic water feed mechanism in lavatory using the artificial retina sensor, being configured to feed water automatically in a lavatory such as flush urinal and hand washer by means of an artificial retina sensor. 2. Description of the Prior Art FIG. 29 shows a conventional hand washer 602 for feeding water automatically by using a light reflection system. In FIG. 29, a sensor unit 603 comprises light emitting means (not shown) for emitting light L 1 such as infrared ray or near infrared ray toward the user U, and light receiving means (not shown) for receiving reflected light L 2 coming from the user U. When the reflected light L 2 is received, water is supplied from a discharge pipe 602 a installed on a mounting plane 601 of a basin 600 of the hand washer 602 . However, since the light emitting means is set so that the light L 1 may be directed toward a bowl 604 , if the bowl 604 is made of stainless steel or other metal of high reflectivity and the bottom is shallow, similar light other than the reflected light L 2 may enter the light receiving means, which may cause a wrong detection. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is devised in the light of the above problem, and it is hence an object thereof to detect the user of the lavatory securely. To achieve the object, the automatic water feed method in lavatory using artificial retina sensor of the invention (a first aspect of the invention) is configured to control the water feed operation of a lavatory such as flush urinal and hand washer by visually recognizing the user of the lavatory by means of an artificial retina sensor. That is, in the first aspect of the invention, the user of the lavatory can be detected securely by the artificial retina sensor. A second aspect of the invention presents an automatic water feed method in lavatory using artificial retina sensor, being configured to control the water feed operation of a lavatory such as flush urinal and hand washer by visually recognizing the user of the lavatory by means of an artificial retina sensor, and further to limit the viewing field region of the artificial retina sensor only in the region of water discharge from the lavatory. That is, in the second aspect of the invention, by setting the viewing field region of the artificial retina sensor so that the input image captured by the artificial retina sensor may not include the region out of reach of water discharged from the lavatory, useless information can be omitted, and therefore the recognition object image (acquired image) obtained by the artificial retina sensor is sharper, the motion of the hands positioned on the water discharge line from the lavatory can be judged accurately, so that malfunction can be prevented securely. A third aspect of the invention presents an automatic water feed mechanism in lavatory using the artificial retina sensor comprising a lavatory such as flush urinal or hand washer, an artificial retina sensor for visually recognizing the user of the lavatory, and a control unit for controlling water feed operation of the lavatory on the basis of the output from the artificial retina sensor. A fourth aspect of the invention presents an automatic water feed mechanism in lavatory using the artificial retina sensor comprising a lavatory such as flush urinal or hand washer, an artificial retina sensor for visually recognizing the user of the lavatory, and a control unit for controlling water feed operation of the lavatory on the basis of the output from the artificial retina sensor, in which the viewing field region of the artificial retina sensor is limited to include only the region of water discharge from the lavatory. In the fourth aspect of the invention, too, by omitting useless information, the recognition object image (acquired image) is sharper, and the motion of the hands positioned on the water discharge line can be judged accurately. As a result, malfunction can be prevented. A fifth aspect of the invention presents an automatic water feed method in lavatory using the artificial retina sensor comprising a lavatory such as flush urinal or hand washer, an artificial retina sensor for visually recognizing the user of the lavatory, and a control unit for controlling water feed operation of the lavatory on the basis of the output from the artificial retina sensor, in which a plurality of artificial retina sensors are provided in order to recognize the user visually together with a perspective sense. A sixth aspect of the invention presents an automatic water feed mechanism in lavatory using the artificial retina sensor comprising a lavatory such as flush urinal or hand washer, an artificial retina sensor for visually recognizing the user of the lavatory, and a control unit for controlling water feed operation of the lavatory on the basis of the output from the artificial retina sensor, in which a plurality of artificial retina sensors are provided in order to recognize the user visually together with a perspective sense. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a general structural explanatory diagram showing embodiment 1 of the invention. FIG. 2 is a structural explanatory diagram of artificial retina sensor in the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a structural explanatory diagram showing a range of viewing field region of artificial retina sensor in the height direction in the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a structural explanatory diagram showing the width of viewing field region of artificial retina sensor in the lateral direction in the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing automatic water feed process in the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an input image of surface of a bowl in the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an input image when the user of the lavatory is washing hands in the embodiment. FIG. 8 is also a diagram showing an input image when the user of the lavatory is washing hands in the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an input image of the bowl surface depicting a foreign matter other than the hands of the user in the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a structural explanatory diagram showing a processing step of input image in the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an acquired image in the embodiment. FIG. 12 is also a diagram showing an acquired image in the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a change image extracting the number of dot changes in two continuous acquired images when transferring from non-use state to use state. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a change image extracting the number of dot changes in two continuous acquired images during use. FIG. 15 is a structural explanatory diagram of artificial retina sensor in embodiment 2 of the invention. FIG. 16 is a structural explanatory diagram showing a range of viewing field region of artificial retina sensor in the height direction in embodiment 2. FIG. 17 is a structural explanatory diagram showing the width of viewing field region of artificial retina sensor in the lateral direction in embodiment 2. FIG. 18 is a structural explanatory diagram showing a processing step of input image in embodiment 2. FIG. 19 is a general structural explanatory diagram showing embodiment 3 of the invention. FIG. 20 is a diagram explaining an example of automatic water feed operation in embodiment 3. FIG. 21 is a structural explanatory diagram of artificial retina sensor in embodiment 3 of the invention. FIG. 22 is a structural explanatory diagram showing the viewing field region of artificial retina sensor in embodiment 3. FIG. 23 is a structural explanatory diagram showing an example of processing step of input image in embodiment 3. FIG. 24 is an operation explanatory diagram showing an example of automatic water feed operation in embodiment 3. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of automatic water feed process in embodiment 3 of the invention. FIG. 26 is a structural explanatory diagram showing the viewing field region of artificial retina sensor in embodiment 4 of the invention. FIG. 27 is an operation explanatory diagram showing an example of automatic water feed operation in embodiment 4. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of automatic water feed process in embodiment 4 of the invention. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a water feed operation in a prior art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below while referring to the accompanying drawings. It must be noted, however, that the invention is not limited by the illustrated embodiments alone. FIG. 1 to FIG. 14 show embodiment 1 of the invention. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, an automatic water feed mechanism mainly consists of a hand washer 1 , an artificial retina sensor 2 , and a control unit 3 for controlling the water feed operation of the hand washer 1 on the basis of the output of the artificial retina sensor 2 . Further, the hand washer 1 is composed of a basin 1 a composed of a bowl 4 and a horizontal mounting plane 5 , and a faucet main body having a discharge pipe 6 installed on the horizontal mounting plane 5 . The bowl 4 is white in color. The discharge pipe 6 is inclined by a specified angle ฮธ (ฮธ being an acute angle) from a vertical plane N perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the horizontal mounting plane 5 to the bowl 4 side so as to be directed to the bowl 4 . Reference numeral 6 b is a discharge port. On the other hand, the artificial retina sensor 2 has a camera function, and is disposed on the front side 6 a of the discharge pipe 6 so that the input image captured by the artificial retina sensor 2 through a sensing window 9 (described later) may be within a conical viewing field region (light receiving region) (m) as shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4 . FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4 show the viewing field region (m) of the artificial retina sensor 2 , and more specifically FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show the range along the height direction (T direction) from the bottom (g) of the bowl 4 of the basin 1 a, while FIG. 4 shows the width in the lateral direction (W direction) of the basin 1 a. The range along the T direction of the viewing field region (m) is from the bottom (g) of the bowl 4 to the position of height (h). Further, in FIG. 4, M 1 is water discharge region, and when the user projects hands into this region M 1 and brings closer to the discharge port 6 b, water is discharged from the discharge port 6 b. Meanwhile, M 2 and M 3 are non-discharge regions. In this embodiment, the artificial retina sensor 2 has 1024 (32ร—32) pixels (dots). The artificial retina sensor 2 is mainly composed of, as shown in FIG. 2, a wide-angle lens 7 of a circular front view forming a nearly conical viewing field region (m), a photo detector element array 8 positioned immediately beneath the wide-angle lens 7 , and a sensing window 9 of a circular front view positioned immediately above the wide-angle lens 7 . The photo detector element array 8 has a square front view, and is formed on a circuit board 11 mounted on a base 10 , thereby forming an LSI. In this embodiment, for example, 1024 photo detector elements corresponding to a 32ร—32 image plate are disposed on the circuit board 11 . That is, in the embodiment, the 32ร—32 image plate is composed of the photo detector element array 8 , circuit board 11 , and base 10 . Reference numeral 12 is a cover for surrounding the sensing window 9 , and 13 is a ring-shaped waterproof packing. That is, in order to extend the viewing field region of the artificial retina sensor 2 as much as possible, in this embodiment, the wide-angle lens 7 is provided above the photo detector element array 8 . By this wide-angle lens 7 , the viewing field region (m) is set so as to include not only the water discharge region M 1 but also non-discharge regions M 2 , M 3 . FIG. 6 to FIG. 9 show input images captured by the artificial retina sensor 2 . FIG. 6 is an input image of the surface 4 a of the bowl 4 made of, for example, white porcelain, and a drain hole 4 c of the bowl 4 is depicted. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are input images of the user U of the hand washer 1 as object of detection in the process of washing hands. FIG. 9 is an input image of the surface 4 a of the bowl 4 showing foreign matter Z other than the hands of the user U. The control unit 3 is composed of, as shown in FIG. 1, a microcomputer 15 , a memory 16 including two memory units 16 a, 16 b, a solenoid valve 17 responsible for water discharge and stopping action of the discharge pipe 6 , a solenoid valve drive circuit 18 for driving and controlling the solenoid valve 17 , a drive power source 21 of the control unit 3 , an alarm display circuit 19 for displaying drop of supply voltage of the drive power source 21 , and a low voltage circuit and voltage monitoring circuit 20 . The processing steps of input image captured by the artificial retina sensor 2 are shown. As the input image, an example of input image A in FIG. 7 is explained. In FIG. 10, (1) an input image A is issued from the artificial retina sensor 2 as an output image Aโ€ฒ, and is input to the microcomputer 15 . (2) In the microcomputer 15 , the output image Aโ€ฒ is optimized, and a recognition object image is acquired. As optimizing process, for example, when binary processing (black and white processing) is done, a recognition object image Aโ€ณ as shown in FIG. 10 is obtained (see also FIG. 12 ). As described below, the black display shows the presence of an object, and the white display indicates the absence of an object. (3) This recognition object image (hereinafter called acquired image) Aโ€ณ is stored into the memory 16 from the microcomputer 15 . Similarly, by the microcomputer 15 , the input image B in FIG. 6 is processed as acquired image Bโ€ณ (see FIG. 11 ). The input image C in FIG. 8 is processed as acquired image Cโ€ณ. The input image D in FIG. 9 is processed as acquired image Dโ€ณ. Consequently, these acquired images Aโ€ณ, Bโ€ณ, Cโ€ณ, Dโ€ณ, and so forth are processed by the recognition algorithm in the memory 16 . Meanwhile, the input images A, B, C, D, etc. are those obtained in the 32ร—32 image plates. Relating to the acquired image Bโ€ณ, acquired image Aโ€ณ, and acquired image Cโ€ณ the processing procedure by the recognition algorithm is explained. As mentioned above, FIG. 11 and FIG. 10 (FIG. 12) show acquired images Bโ€ณ and Aโ€ณ of the input image B and input image A, respectively. In FIG. 5, the user U goes to the hand washer 1 to wash hands (see step 100 ). First, at step 101 , the acquired image Bโ€ณ while the user U is not washing hands is stored in the memory unit 16 a. Next, when the user U extends hands to the bowl 4 for washing, the acquired image Aโ€ณ is taken, and the acquired image Aโ€ณ is stored in the memory unit 16 b (see step 102 ). At step 103 , referring to the memory units 16 a, 16 b, the number of changes (a) of dots for composing the image is extracted. That is, in the memory 16 , the acquired image Bโ€ณ stored first in time and the acquired image Aโ€ณ stored later in time are compared, and only the position changed in the number of dots (difference) is extracted, so that a change image S 1 showing a dot change as shown in FIG. 13 is obtained. For example, in FIG. 11, dot d 1 in black display shown in the first acquired image Bโ€ณ is also shown in the later acquired image Aโ€ณ (see FIG. 12 ), and hence in the change image S 1 , position p of location of dot d 1 (see FIG. 13) is displayed in white, which tells no change is made. By contrast, dot d 2 in black display shown in the acquired image Aโ€ณ (see FIG. 12) is not found at the corresponding position in the acquired image Bโ€ณ (see FIG. 11 ), and therefore in the change image S 1 , dot d 2 remains in black display. This invention is designed to judge if the number of dot changes (a) recognized in the change image S 1 is within a specified range or not (see step 104 ). For example, the upper limit of number of dot changes (a) is 960 , and the lower limit is 128 . That is, at step 104 , when the number of dot changes (a) is judged to be within this range, a valve opening signal for opening the solenoid valve 17 is sent from the microcomputer 15 to the solenoid valve drive circuit 18 , so that water is discharged from the discharge pipe 6 (see step 105 ). (1) In this case, the acquired image Bโ€ณ stored earlier than the acquired image Aโ€ณ is deleted, and the acquired image Aโ€ณ is moved from the memory unit 16 b into the vacated memory unit 16 a (see step 106 ). In succession, the acquired image Cโ€ณ acquired later in time than the acquired image Aโ€ณ is stored into the vacated memory unit 16 b (see step 107 ). Further, same as at step 103 , referring to the memory units 16 a, 16 b, the number of dot changes (a) for composing the image is extracted (see step 108 ). That is, in the memory 16 , the acquired image Aโ€ณ stored first in time and the acquired image Cโ€ณ stored later in time are compared, and only the position changed in the number of dots is extracted, so that a change image S 2 showing a dot change as shown in FIG. 14 is obtained. That is, in FIG. 14, comparing two acquired images Aโ€ณ and Cโ€ณ as the object of detection during use of the hand washer, the change image S 2 extracting only dot changes in the acquired images Aโ€ณ, Cโ€ณ is shown. In this embodiment, when the number of dot changes (a) in the extracted change image S 2 is 64 or more, it is judged that the hand washer is being used (see step 109 ), and the acquired images Cโ€ณ and subsequent images are acquired continuously. When the number of dot changes (a) is less than 64, a valve close signal for closing the solenoid valve 17 is sent from the microcomputer 15 to the solenoid valve drive circuit 18 (see step 110 ). Then the process returns to step 105 . (2) At step 104 , if the number of dot changes (a) is judged to be out of the specified range, the acquired image Bโ€ณ stored earlier than the acquired image Aโ€ณ is deleted, and the acquired image Aโ€ณ is moved from the memory unit 16 b into the vacated memory unit 16 a (see step 111 ). Then the process returns to step 102 . Thus, changes in the number of dots are operated in two consecutive acquired images Bโ€ณ, Aโ€ณ, and Aโ€ณ, Cโ€ณ, and the motion of the object of sensing is detected by the difference, so that the sensing method not affected by the color of the basin 1 can be presented. At step 104 , it is judged if water can be discharged or not in non-use state (closed state of solenoid valve 17 ). That is, when the solenoid valve 17 is closed, if the number of dot changes (a) is aโ‰ง128, a valve open signal is sent to the solenoid valve 17 , but the upper limit of the number of dot changes (a) is set at 960 because sensing control is effected visually. That is, in the environments of use, the surrounding brightness has a large influence, and in the case of a room, for example, considering a case of extinguishing of lighting, an upper limit is required in recognition value by the number of dot changes (a). As a result, malfunction due to lighting or extinguishing can be avoided. The number of photo detector elements used in the invention is not limited to 1024. FIG. 15 to FIG. 18 show embodiment 2 of the invention in which the viewing field region (mโ€ฒ) is set so as to include only the water discharge region M 1 by using a condenser lens 30 . In FIG. 15 to FIG. 18, same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 to FIG. 14 refer to same objects. In FIG. 15 to FIG. 18, an artificial retina sensor 2 โ€ฒ has a condenser lens 30 disposed between a narrow-angle lens 7 โ€ฒ and a photo detector element array 8 . The condenser lens 30 has a function of narrowing the width in the W direction of the viewing field region (m) in embodiment 1 so as to include only the water discharge region M 1 , and further setting the height in the T direction in viewing field region (mโ€ฒ) higher than in the viewing field region (m) in embodiment 1. The range along the T direction of the viewing field region (mโ€ฒ) is from the bottom (g) of the bowl 4 to the position of height H (>h). The width in the lateral direction (W direction) of the viewing field region (mโ€ฒ) includes only the water discharge region M 1 . As a result, the image I of the viewing field region (mโ€ฒ) seen from the sensing window 9 is as shown in FIG. 18 . That is, by disposing the condenser lens 30 between the narrow-angle lens 7 โ€ฒ and photo detector element array 8 , the viewing field region (mโ€ฒ) can be heightened in the height direction (T direction), and the viewing field region (mโ€ฒ) is set vertically long so as to include only the water discharge region M 1 . On the other hand, the narrow-angle lens 7 โ€ฒ is set to narrow the viewing field region (mโ€ฒ) of the artificial retina sensor 2 โ€ฒ as much as possible. As a result of combination of the narrow-angle lens 7 โ€ฒ and condenser lens 30 , the input image A 1 captured by the artificial retina sensor 2 โ€ฒ through the sensing window 9 is as shown in FIG. 18 . In FIG. 18, (1) the input image A 1 becomes an output image A 1 โ€ฒ from the artificial retina sensor 2 โ€ฒ, and is input to the microcomputer 15 . (2) In the microcomputer 15 , the output image A 1 โ€ฒ is optimized, and a recognition object image A 1 โ€ณ is obtained. In this embodiment, since the non-discharge regions M 2 , M 3 are not included in the viewing field region mโ€ฒ of the artificial retina sensor 2 โ€ฒ, useless information from the non-discharge regions M 2 , M 3 can be omitted. Accordingly, the recognition object image (acquired image) A 1 โ€ณ obtained in the artificial retina sensor 2 โ€ฒ is sharper, and the motion of hands of the user U in the water discharge region M 1 can be judged more accurately, so that malfunction can be prevented securely. The invention is not limited to the hand washer, but may be applied to flush urinal and other lavatories. The first to fourth aspects of the invention using one artificial retina sensor have been explained so far. In fifth and sixth aspects of the invention, a plurality of artificial retina sensors are used as explained below. FIG. 19 to FIG. 25 refer to embodiment 3 of the invention configured so as to monitor the user U of a flush urinal 31 from a position immediately above the flush urinal 31 , by disposing a pair of artificial retina sensors 2 Right , 2 Left at right and left positions of a water feed piping 32 of the flush urinal 31 so that the central axes X 1 , X 2 of the viewing field regions (light receiving regions) m, m may be parallel to each other. In FIG. 19 to FIG. 25, same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 to FIG. 18 refer to same objects. In FIG. 19 and FIG. 21, the automatic water feed mechanism comprises the flush urinal 31 , two artificial retina sensors 2 Right , 2 Left having a camera function, and a control unit 3 โ€ฒ for controlling the water feed operation of the flush urinal 31 on the basis of outputs from the artificial retina sensors 2 Right , 2 Left . The artificial retina sensor 2 Right is positioned at the right side of the front of the flush urinal 31 , and the artificial retina sensor 2 Left is positioned at the left side of the front of the flush urinal 31 . The two artificial retina sensors 2 Right , 2 Left are provided because the user U of the flush urinal 31 as the object of sensing can be recognized securely with a perspective sense as compared with the case of one artificial retina sensor. The flush urinal 31 is installed in a vertical state on a front side 34 a of a wall 34 . Reference numeral 32 is a water feed piping, which projects upward from the top of the flush urinal 31 , and is bent to the wall side, and is connected to a piping 36 disposed at the rear side 34 b of the wall 34 . That is, the downstream end of the water feed piping 32 is connected to the flush urinal side, and the upstream end is connected to the piping 36 . The structure of the artificial retina sensors 2 Right , 2 Left is as shown in FIG. 21, which is same as the structure of the artificial retina sensor 2 shown in FIG. 2 . In FIG. 23, A is an image seen from the sensing window 9 of, for example, the artificial retina sensor 2 Right . That is, A is an input image captured by the artificial retina sensor 2 Right . The processing steps of the image seen from the sensing window 9 of the artificial retina sensor 2 Right are explained below while referring to FIG. 19 and FIG. 23 . In FIG. 19 and FIG. 23, (1) the input image A becomes an output image Aโ€ฒ from the artificial retina sensor 2 Right , and is input to the microcomputer 15 . (2) In the microcomputer 15 , the output image Aโ€ฒ is optimized, and a recognition object image is acquired. As optimizing process, for example, when binary processing (black and white processing) is done, a recognition object image Aโ€ณ as shown in FIG. 23 is obtained. As described below, the black display shows the presence of an object (the user U), and the white display indicates the presence of the flush urinal 31 . (3) This recognition object image (hereinafter called acquired image) Aโ€ณ is stored into the memory 16 from the microcomputer 15 . On the other hand, FIG. 24 is a diagram explaining the water feed operation of the flush urinal 31 when the user U approaches the flush urinal 31 . FIG. 24 (A) shows an acquired image P R1 โ€ณ corresponding to the input image P (not shown) captured by the artificial retina sensor 2 Right and an acquired image Q L1 โ€ณ corresponding to the input image Q (not shown) captured by the artificial retina sensor 2 Left , when the user U of the flush urinal 31 is at a remote position. Naturally, these acquired images P R1 โ€ณ and Q L1 โ€ณ correspond to the images seen at the same time from the sensing windows 9 , 9 . In FIG. 24 (A), for example, the flush urinal 31 and the user U of the flush urinal 31 are apart by a distance corresponding to length L 1 . As mentioned above, for example, the acquired image P R1 โ€ณ is an acquired image obtained as a result of optimizing process (for example, binary processing) of the output image Pโ€ฒ as the input image P is input to the microcomputer 15 through the output image Pโ€ฒ (not shown) from the artificial retina sensor 2 Right . Since the user U is away, the input image P and input image Q are nearly same and there is few mutual change. FIG. 24 (B) shows an acquired image P R2 โ€ณ corresponding to the input image Pโ€ณ (not shown) captured by the artificial retina sensor 2 Right and an acquired image Q L2 โ€ณ corresponding to the input image Qโ€ณ (not shown) captured by the artificial retina sensor 2 Left , when the user U approaches the flush urinal 31 . Naturally, these acquired images P R2 โ€ณ, P R1 โ€ณ and acquired images Q L2โ€ณ, Q L1 โ€ณ are mutually consecutive images. That is, FIG. 24 (B) shows the acquired images P R2 โ€ณ, Q L2 โ€ณ, for example, when the distance between the flush urinal 31 and the user U of the flush urinal 31 is shortened to a distance corresponding to length L 2 (<L 1 ). As mentioned above, for example, the acquired image P R2 โ€ณ is an acquired image obtained as a result of optimizing process (for example, binary processing) of the output image Pโ€ฒโ€ณ as the input image Pโ€ณ is input to the microcomputer 15 through the output image Pโ€ฒโ€ณ (not shown) from the artificial retina sensor 2 Right , but as compared with the case of FIG. 24 (A), since the user U is closer to the flush urinal 31 , the acquired image P R2 โ€ณ and acquired image Q L2 โ€ณ are mutually different. FIG. 24 (C) shows an acquired image PR 3 โ€ณ and an acquired image QL 3 โ€ณ when the user U approaches more closely to the flush urinal 31 as compared with the case in FIG. 24 (B). Naturally, these acquired images P R3 โ€ณ, P R2 โ€ณ and acquired images Q L3 โ€ณ, Q L2 โ€ณ are mutually consecutive images. That is, FIG. 24 (C) shows the acquired image P R3 โ€ณ corresponding to the input image captured by the artificial retina sensor 2 Right and acquired image Q L3 โ€ฒ corresponding to the input image captured by the artificial retina sensor 2 Left , when the distance between the flush urinal 31 and the user U of the flush urinal 31 is shortened further to a distance corresponding to, for example, length L 3 (<L 2 <L 1 ). As mentioned above, for example, the acquired image P R3 โ€ณ is an acquired image obtained as a result of optimizing process (for example, binary processing) of the output image as the input image seen from the sensing window 9 is input to the microcomputer 15 through the output image from the artificial retina sensor 2 Right . However, as compared with the case of FIG. 24 (B), since the user U is further closer to the flush urinal 31 , the image of the user U appears on the entire surface of the input image seen from the sensing window 9 , and, as mentioned below, since artificial retina sensors 2 Right , 2 Left are disposed at right and left symmetrical positions so that the central axes X 1 , X 2 of the viewing field regions (light receiving regions) m, m may be parallel to each other, in the acquired image P R3 โ€ฒ and the acquired image Q L3 โ€ณ, the image portions 200 , 201 corresponding to the image of the user U are nearly covering the entire area, the image portions 200 , 201 are mutually positioned asymmetrically. Further, the two artificial retina sensors 2 Right , 2 Left are disposed at right and left symmetrical positions on both sides of the water feed piping 32 (see FIG. 22 ). For example, a fixing plate (not shown) for fixing the artificial retina sensors 2 Right , 2 Left is installed at the front side 34 a of the wall 34 , and the two artificial retina sensors 2 Right , 2 Left are fitted to the fixing plate with the sensing windows 9 , 9 facing the direction vertical to the front side 34 a of the wall 34 . In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the artificial retina sensors 2 Right , 2 Left are disposed at right and left symmetrical positions on both sides of the water feed piping 32 so that the central axes X 1 , X 2 of the viewing field regions (light receiving regions) m, m may be parallel to each other. Then a box-shaped cover 35 c having openings 9 a, 9 a [see FIG. 20 (C)] where the two sensing windows 9 , 9 are positioned is fitted to the fixing plate, and the two artificial retina sensors 2 Right , 2 Left are covered. In this embodiment, the artificial retina sensors 2 Right , 2 Left having 1024 (32ร—32) pixels (dots) are used, but other two artificial retina sensors having a different number of pixels (dots) may be also used in the present invention. The control unit 31 of the embodiment is same in configuration as the control unit 3 shown in FIG. 1 . Referring now to examples of the acquired image P R1 โ€ณ (hereinafter called LSI{circle around (1)} image), acquired image QL 1 โ€ณ (LSI{circle around (2)} image), the acquired image P R2 โ€ณ (LSI{circle around (3)} image), acquired image Q L2 โ€ณ (LSI{circle around (4)} image), acquired image P R3 โ€ณ (LSI{circle around (5)} image), and acquired image Q L3 โ€ฒ (LSI{circle around (6)} image), procedure of processing by recognition algorithm is explained. In FIG. 24 (A) and FIG. 25, the user U goes to the flush urinal 31 (see step 120 ). First, as shown at step 121 , while the user U is away from the flush urinal 31 by a distance corresponding to length L 1 , of the two LSI images, for example, LSI{circle around (1)} image is stored in the memory unit 16 a and LSI{circle around (2)} image is stored in the memory unit 16 b. In FIG. 24 (A), the image portion 300 (black portion) corresponding to the image of the user U in the LSI{circle around (1)} image is supposed to be composed of M dots. Similarly, the image portion 301 (black portion) corresponding to the image of the user U in the LSI{circle around (2)} image is supposed to be composed of N dots. At step 122 , the memory units 16 a, 16 b are referred to, the change in the number of dots is calculated, and the number of dot changes (a) (=absolute value |Mโˆ’N|) is extracted. Herein, to calculate the number of dot changes, (1) Overlapping the LSI{circle around (1)} image and LSI{circle around (2)} image, if there is an overlapping portion of image portions 300 , 301 , it means to calculate so as to delete the overlapping portion and maintain the non-overlapping portions of image portions 300 , 301 . That is, it means to calculate the absolute value |Mโˆ’N|, and (2) As shown, for example, in FIG. 27 (A) below, if there is no overlapping portion of image portions 300 a, 301 a by overlapping the LSI{circle around (1)} image and LSI{circle around (2)} image, it means to calculate to maintain the both portions 300 a, 301 a. That is, it means to calculate the number of dot changes (a) (=number of dots G for composing image portion 300 a +number of dots H for composing image portion 301 a ). As a result of the calculation, the change image S 1 shown in FIG. 24 (A) is obtained. As recognized in this change image S 1 , the number of dot changes (a) presumed to be displayed in black is hardly observed. This is because the user U is away from the flush urinal 31 , the central axes X 1 , X 2 of the viewing field regions (light receiving regions) m, m are parallel to each other, and the artificial retina sensors 2 Right , 2 Left are disposed at right and left symmetrical positions, and therefore the image portions 300 , 301 are composed of a nearly same number of dots (M being nearly equal to N), and are present at the same position. The present invention is configured to judge if the number of dot changes (a) recognized in the change image S 1 is within a specified range or not (see step 123 ). For example, the upper limit of the number of dot changes (a) (=absolute value |Mโˆ’N|) is 960, and the lower limit is set at 64. That is, at step 123 , when the absolute value |Mโˆ’N| is judged to be in a range of 960โ‰งnumber of dot changes (a) โ‰ง64, a valve open signal for opening the solenoid valve 17 is sent from the microcomputer 15 to the solenoid valve drive circuit 18 , and water is discharged from the water feed piping 32 , but since the number of dot changes (a) (=Mโˆ’Nโ‰ˆ0) recognized in the change image S 1 is smaller than or equal to the lower limit, and the process returns to step 121 , and newly acquired images shown in FIG. 24 (B), that is, LSI{circle around (3)} image and LSI{circle around (4)} image are stored, for example, in the memory unit 16 a and memory unit 16 b, respectively. In this case, the already stored images LSI{circle around (1)} image and LSI{circle around (2)} image are deleted. Successively, at step 122 , the memory units 16 a, 16 b are referred to, and the number of changes of the number of dots Mโ€ฒ for composing the image portion 400 (black portion) corresponding to the image of the user U in the LSI{circle around (3)} image and the number of dots Nโ€ฒ for composing the image portion 401 (black portion) corresponding to the image of the user U in the LSI{circle around (4)} image are calculated, and the number of dot changes (a) (=absolute value |Mโ€ฒโˆ’Nโ€ฒ|) is extracted. In this case, too, overlapping the LSI{circle around (3)} image and LSI{circle around (4)} image, the overlapping portion is deleted, and a change image S 2 as shown in FIG. 24 (B) is obtained. In this case, too, the number of dot changes (a) of the change image S 2 judged at step 123 is smaller than or equal to the lower limit, and the process returns to step 121 again. The LSI{circle around (3)} image and LSI{circle around (4)} image stored in the memory unit 16 a and memory unit 16 b are deleted, and newly acquired images shown in FIG. 24 (C), that is, LSI{circle around (5)} image and LSI{circle around (6)} image are stored, for example, in the memory unit 16 a and memory unit 16 b, respectively. Successively, at step 122 , the memory units 16 a, 16 b are referred to, and the number of changes of the number of dots Mโ€ณ for composing the image portion 200 (black portion) corresponding to the image of the user U in the LSI{circle around (5)} image and the number of dots Nโ€ณ for composing the image portion 201 (black portion) corresponding to the image of the user U in the LSI{circle around (6)} image are calculated, and the number of dot changes (a) (=absolute value |Nโ€ณโˆ’Nโ€ณ|) is extracted. In this case, too, overlapping the LSI{circle around (5)} image and LSI{circle around (6)} image, the overlapping portion is deleted, and a change image S 3 as shown in FIG. 24 (C) is obtained. In this case, at step 123 , the absolute value |Mโ€ณโˆ’Nโ€ณ| is judged to be within a range of 960โ‰งnumber of dot changes (a) โ‰ง64. Accordingly, at step 124 , a valve open signal for opening the solenoid valve 17 is sent from the microcomputer 15 to the solenoid valve drive circuit 18 , and water is discharged from the water feed piping 32 . During discharge of water, newly acquired novel images (consecutive image) not shown are stored in the memory unit 16 a and memory unit 16 b from which the LSI{circle around (5)} image and LSI{circle around (6)} image are deleted (see step 125 ). The novel images are respectively LSI{circle around (7)} image and LSI{circle around (8)} image, and the number of dot changes (a) is judged similarly. That is, in the water discharge state, at step 126 , the memory units 16 a, 16 b are referred to, and the number of changes of the number of dots Mโ€ฒโ€ณ for composing the image portion corresponding to the image of the user U in the LSI {circle around (7)} image (not shown) and the number of dots Nโ€ฒโ€ณ for composing the image portion corresponding to the image of the user U in the LSI{circle around (8)} image (not shown) are calculated, and the number of dot changes (a) (=absolute value |Mโ€ฒโ€ณโˆ’Nโ€ฒโ€ณ|) is extracted. In this case, if the absolute value |Mโ€ฒโ€ณโˆ’Nโ€ฒโ€ณ| exceeds, for example, 64, it is judged that the user U leaves the flush urinal 31 (see step 127 ), and the microcomputer 15 sends a valve close signal to the solenoid valve 17 (see step 128 ). On the other hand, if the absolute value |Mโ€ฒโ€ณโˆ’Nโ€ฒโ€ณ| is, for example, less than 64, it is judged that the user U still remains at the flush urinal 31 (see step 127 ), and the valve open signal continues to be transmitted, and the process returns to step 125 . FIG. 20 shows an example of water feed operation. When the user U approaches the flush urinal 31 within 55 cm, a green lamp lights for 1 second [see FIG. 20 (A)], and in about another 1 second, the flush urinal 31 is pre-washed for 2 seconds [see FIG. 20 (B)]. After use, when the user U leaves the flush urinal 31 , the flush urinal 31 is washed for 6 seconds [see FIG. 20 (C)]. Moreover, to prevent drying of discharge pipe of the flush urinal 31 if the flush urinal 31 is not used for a long period, it is automatically flushed in every 24 hours. FIG. 26 to FIG. 28 refer to embodiment 4 of the present invention configured so as to monitor the user U of a flush urinal 31 from a position immediately above the flush urinal 31 , by disposing a pair of artificial retina sensors 2 Right , 2 Left at right and left positions of a water feed piping 32 of the flush urinal 31 so that the central axes X 1 , X 2 of the viewing field regions (light receiving regions) m, m may intersect each other. In FIG. 26 to FIG. 28, same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 to FIG. 25 refer to same or equivalent objects. The procedure of process by recognition algorithm is explained below. In FIG. 27 (A) and FIG. 28, the user U goes to the flush urinal 31 (see step 500 ). First, as shown at step 501 , while the user U is away from the flush urinal 31 by a distance corresponding to length L 1 , of the two LSI images, for example, LSI{circle around (1)} image is stored in the memory unit 16 a and LSI{circle around (2)} image is stored in the memory unit 16 b. In FIG. 27 (A), the image portion 300 a (black portion) corresponding to the image of the user U in the LSI{circle around (1)} image is supposed to be composed of G dots. Similarly, the image portion 301 a (black portion) corresponding to the image of the user U in the LSI{circle around (2)} image is supposed to be composed of H dots. At step 502 , the memory units 16 a, 16 b are referred to, and the change in the number of dots (a) is extracted. In this case, different from above-mentioned embodiment 3, in embodiment 4, since the artificial retina sensors 2 Right , 2 Left are disposed at right and left positions of the water feed piping 32 of the flush urinal 31 so that the central axes X 1 , X 2 of the viewing field regions (light receiving regions) m, m may intersect each other, the image portion 300 a and image portion 301 b are mutually composed of nearly same number pixels (Gโ‰ˆH), but are not located at the same position as in above-mentioned embodiment 3 as shown in FIG. 24 (A), but are present at mutually exact opposite positions as shown in FIG. 27 (A). That is, the change image F 1 obtained as a result of calculation of the number of dot changes is exactly same as the remaining of the image portion 300 a and image portion 301 a. Next, at step 503 , when the number of dot changes (a) recognized in the change image F 1 is judged to be less than 64, a valve open signal for opening the solenoid valve 17 is transmitted to the solenoid valve drive circuit 18 from the microcomputer 15 , and water is discharged from the water feed pipe 32 , but since the number of dot changes (a) recognized in the change image F 1 is more than or equal to 64, going back to step 501 , newly acquired novel images shown in FIG. 27 (B), that is, LSI{circle around (3)} image and LSI{circle around (4)} image are stored, for example, in the memory unit 16 a and memory unit 16 b respectively. In this case, the previously stored LSI{circle around (1)} image and LSI{circle around (2)} image are deleted. Successively, at step 502 , the memory units 16 a, 16 b are referred to, and the number of changes (a) of the number of dots Gโ€ฒ for composing the image portion 400 (black portion) corresponding to the image of the user U in the LSI{circle around (3)} image and the number of dots Hโ€ฒ for composing the image portion 401 (black portion) corresponding to the image of the user U in the LSI{circle around (4)} image are extracted. In this case, in FIG. 27 (B) same as in FIG. 27 (A), although the image portion 400 a and image portion 401 a are composed of a nearly same number of dots (Gโ€ฒโ‰ˆHโ€ฒ), as shown in FIG. 24 (B), the image portion 400 and image portion 401 are not partly overlapped, but the image portion 400 a and image portion 401 a are separate from each other, and the change image F 2 obtained as a result of calculation of the number of dot changes (a) is same as the remaining of the image portion 400 a and image portion 401 a. In this case, too, the number of dot changes (a) of the change image F 2 is more than or equal to 64, and the process returns to step 501 again. After the LSI{circle around (3)} image and LSI{circle around (4)} image stored in the memory unit 16 a and memory unit 16 b, respectively, are deleted, newly acquired novel images shown in FIG. 27 (C), that is, LSI{circle around (5)} image and LSI{circle around (6)} image are stored, for example, in the memory unit 16 a and memory unit 16 b, respectively. Again, at step 502 , the memory units 16 a, 16 b are referred to, and the number of changes (a) is extracted from the number of dots Gโ€ณ for composing the image portion 200 a (black portion) corresponding to the image of the user U in the LSI{circle around (5)} image and the number of dots Hโ€ณ for composing the image portion 201 a (black portion) corresponding to the image of the user U in the LSI{circle around (6)} image. In this case, since the user U is further approaching the flush urinal 31 , the image of the user U is shown in the entire area of the image seen from the sensing window 9 , and the image portions 200 a, 201 a cover almost the entire area, and the image portions 200 a, 201 a are located nearly at same position. Hence, by overlapping LSI{circle around (5)} image and LSI{circle around (6)} image, the image portions 200 a, 201 a are overlapped almost completely. Hence, as recognized in the change image F 3 obtained as a result of calculation, the number of dot changes (a) presumed to be shown in black is hardly recognized. Herein, the number of dot changes (a) recognized in the change image F 1 at step 503 is judged to be less than 64, and a valve open signal for opening the solenoid valve 17 (see step 504 ) is sent from the microcomputer 15 to the solenoid valve drive circuit 18 , so that water is discharged from the water feed pipe 32 . During discharge of water, newly acquired novel images (consecutive images) not shown are stored in the memory unit 16 a and memory 16 b, respectively, from which the LSI{circle around (5)} image and LSI{circle around (6)} image have been deleted (see step 505 ). The novel images are LSI{circle around (7)} image and LSI{circle around (8)} image, and the number of dot changes (a) is similarly judged. That is, in the water discharge state, at step 506 , the memory units 16 a, 16 b are referred to, and the number of changes (a) is extracted. In this case, if the number of dot changes (a) is less than 64, it is judged that the user U is away from the flush urinal (see step 507 ), and the microcomputer 15 sends a valve close signal to the solenoid valve 17 (see step 508 ). If the number of dot changes (a) is over 64, on the other hand, it is judged that the user U is not away from the flush urinal 31 (see step 507 ), and the transmission of valve open signal continues, and the process returns to step 505 . In the present invention, the number of photo detector elements is, natually, not limited to 1024. Also, the present invention is not limited to the flush urinal, but may be applied in the hand washer and other lavatories.
An automatic water feed system and method for providing control of water to lavatory appliances upon sensing a user. The system having a control valve for controlling the flow of water, an artificial retina sensor for acquiring two dimensional images of a user adjacent the lavatory appliance, a memory for storing a predetermined characteristic of the acquired two dimensional images, and a comparison unit for comparing a subsequently acquired two dimensional image characteristic with the previously stored two dimensional image characteristic, whereby the control valve is activated when the differences between the previously and subsequently acquired two dimensional image characteristics satisfy a predetermined condition.
4
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a supported catalyst, method for its preparation and use thereof, and a method for preparation of isobutylene from halomethane by using this supported catalyst. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Isobutylene is an important basic organic chemical raw material. It has numerous derivatives. Its upstream and downstream industrial chains are complex. Its consumption structure is in diversified trends. From isobutylene, many products with high added value may be prepared, such as: butyl rubber, polyisobutylene, methyl tertiary-butyl ether, isoprene, polymethyl methacrylate and many other organic chemical raw materials and fine chemical products. As the market size of isobutylene downstream products keeps expanding, the imbalance between supply and demand will get more prominent. Particularly, under the background of increasing depletion of petroleum resources, the output of isobutylene has become a critical bottleneck holding back the development of downstream industry. Therefore, it is urgent to develop an isobutylene preparation route rather than a petroleum route. [0003] Methane is a main component of natural gas, so methane conversion and utilization becomes an important research content of natural gas chemical technology. Particularly, in the recent years, under the general background of shale gas development and utilization, if isobutylene can be made from methane, it will be a new way to obtain isobutylene. However, methane has stable properties and is not easily activated, so it turns to be a bottleneck of chemical utilization of methane. Many domestic and foreign researchers have carried out the research of methane activation and conversion. The technology of halogen functionalization and then conversion of methane hopefully will become an important breakthrough to the technical problem of methane conversion. [0004] From halomethane, many chemical products may be prepared. CN101041609A and CN101284232A disclose a method of converting methane into bromomethane under the action of oxygen and HBr/H 2 O and then taking further reaction of bromomethane to generate C 3 -C 13 mixed high-carbon hydrocarbons. The selectivity of hydrocarbons of C 5 or higher is 70%. HBr is used to bromize methane in the first reactor and released in the second reactor. After recovery, it is used in the first reaction again to realize cyclic use of HBr. Wang Ye et al (Jieli He, Ting Xu, Zhihui Wang, et.al. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2012, 51, 2438-2442) discloses a modified molecular sieve catalyst of propylene from halomethane and preparation method thereof. By using a molecular sieve modified and treated with fluorinated compound to obtain an acidic catalyst containing an appropriate micropore structure, this catalyst may effectively catalyze halomethane and convert it into propylene. In the preparation and conversion of propylene from bromomethane, the single-pass bromomethane conversion rate of the prepared catalyst is 35-99% and the selectivity of propylene is 27-70%; in the preparation and conversion of propylene from chloromethane, the single-pass chloromethane conversion rate is 30-99% and the selectivity of propylene is 15-70%. Ivan M. Lorkovic et al (Ivan M. Lorkovic, Aysen Yilmaz, Gurkan A. Yilmaz, et al. Catalysis Today, 2004, 98, 317-322) also put forth a bromine circulation of using bromine to react with hydrocarbons in natural gas to generate bromo-hydrocarbons, then converting bromo-hydrocarbons into dimethyl ether, methanol and metal bromide on a metal oxide catalyst, and regenerating metal bromide by oxygen to obtain metal oxide and release simple substance bromine. At present, the target products of halomethane conversion in the existing literature are methanol, dimethyl ether, acetic acid, high-carbon hydrocarbon, ethylene and propylene. In the technologies in which low-carbon olefins with high added value are target products, the selectivity of a single product is not high. So far there is no report on highly selective synthesis of isobutylene from bromomethane. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] To address the shortcomings of prior art, the present invention provides a supported catalyst for highly selective generation of isobutylene from halomethane and its preparation method and use. According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a supported catalyst, wherein the catalyst contains a support and a metallic active component supported on the support; the metallic active component contains zinc oxide and zinc halide, and the content of zinc oxide is 0.5 wt. %-20 wt. %, the content of zinc halide is 10 wt. %-50 wt. %, and the content of the support is 40 wt. %-88 wt. % based on the total weight of the catalyst. [0006] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a method for preparing a supported catalyst, wherein the method includes the following steps: introducing zinc oxide to a support and then halogenating the resulted support after introducing zinc oxide. [0007] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a use of the supported catalyst of the present invention in preparation of isobutylene. [0008] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a method for preparation of isobutylene from halomethane, wherein the method includes carrying out hydrogen reduction activation of the supported catalyst of the present invention to make the content of halogen in the activated catalyst be 20 wt. %-90 wt. % of the total content of halogen in the supported catalyst without reduction, then contacting halomethane with the activated catalyst to prepare isobutylene. Compared with prior art, the catalyst of the present invention may convert halomethane into isobutylene with high selectivity. The reaction for conversion and preparation of isobutylene from bromomethane is conducted by the method of the present invention. The bromomethane conversion rate is 90% or more and the selectivity of isobutylene is 80% or more. The preparation method of this catalyst is simple and can be easily industrialized. The method for preparation and conversion of isobutylene from bromomethane in the present invention has such advantages as moderate reaction conditions and high product selectivity, can be easily industrialized and has a broad application prospect. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS [0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a supported catalyst, wherein the catalyst contains a support and a metallic active component supported on the support, the metallic active component contains zinc oxide and zinc halide, and the content of zinc oxide is 0.5 wt. %-20 wt. %, the content of zinc halide is 10 wt. %-50 wt. %, and the content of the support is 40 wt. %-88 wt. % based on the total weight of the catalyst. [0010] Preferably, based on the total weight of the catalyst, the content of zinc oxide is 1 wt. %-15 wt. %, the content of zinc halide is 15 wt. %-45 wt. %, and the content of the support is 50 wt. %-84 wt. %, more preferably, the content of zinc oxide is 1 wt. %-9 wt. %, the content of zinc halide is 18 wt. %-39 wt. %, and the content of the support is 55 wt. %-80 wt. % based on the total weight of the catalyst. [0011] According to the present invention, the zinc halide may be selected from one or more of zinc fluoride, zinc chloride, zinc bromide and zinc iodide. The support may be one or more of aluminum oxide, silicon oxide and ZSM-5 molecular sieve. [0012] Preferably, the zinc halide is zinc bromide, and the support is aluminum oxide. The aluminum oxide may be ฮณ-aluminum oxide and/or ฮธ-aluminum oxide. [0013] According to the supported catalyst of the present invention, preferably, this catalyst further contains an appropriate amount of promoter, which is selected from one or more of Ti, Zr, Ce and La. More preferably, the promoter is Zr. [0014] The weight content of the promoter calculated on element is 0.1 wt. %-10 wt. %, more preferably 0.5 wt. %-5 wt. %, still more preferably 0.5 wt. %-3 wt. % based on the total weight of the catalyst. [0015] According to the supported catalyst of the present invention, it is determined by NH3-TPD method that the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the catalyst is 0.5 mmol/g-1.3 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 20%-90% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less; preferably, the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the catalyst is 0.6 mmol/g-1.2 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 30%-80% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less; more preferably, the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the catalyst is 0.7 mmol-1.1 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 40%-80% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less. In the present invention, the acids determined by NH 3 -TPD method in correspondence to 150ยฐ C.-250ยฐ C. are weak acids, the acids in correspondence to 250ยฐ C.-400ยฐ C. are moderate strong acids, and the acids in correspondence to 400ยฐ C.-500ยฐ C. are strong acids; the sum of the acid content of weak acids, moderately strong acids and strong acids are total acid content. [0016] According to the method for preparing a supported catalyst in the present invention, wherein the method includes the following steps: introducing zinc oxide to the support and then halogenating the resulted support after introducing zinc oxide. [0017] The amount of introduced zinc oxide and the conditions of halogenation make the content of zinc oxide be 0.5 wt. %-20 wt. %, the content of zinc halide be 10 wt. %-50 wt. %, and the content of the support be 40 wt. %-88 wt. % based on the total weight of the obtained supported catalyst. Preferably, the content of zinc oxide is 1 wt. %-15 wt. %, the content of zinc halide is 15 wt. %-40 wt. %, and the content of the support is 50 wt. %-84 wt. %, more preferably, the content of zinc oxide is 1 wt. %-9 wt. %, the content of zinc halide is 18 wt. %-39 wt. %, and the content of the support is 55 wt. %-80 wt. %. [0018] According to the present invention, various means may be adopted to halogenate the support containing the introduced zinc oxide as long as an appropriate amount of zinc oxide in it is converted into zinc halide. Preferably, the mean of the halogenation includes contacting gaseous-phase halogen-containing compound with the support containing the introduced zinc oxide under the contact conditions that make the zinc oxide on the support partially converted into zinc halide. [0019] Gaseous-phase halogen-containing compound may directly contact the support containing the introduced zinc oxide. Alternatively, gaseous-phase halogen-containing compound may contact the support containing the introduced zinc oxide in a form of a mixed gas of gaseous-phase halogen-containing compound and inert gas. In the mixed gas, the concentration of the gaseous-phase halogen-containing compound is not less than 20 v/v %., preferably not less than 30 v/v %, more preferably 30-90 v/v %, still more preferably 50-80 v/v %. [0020] The gaseous-phase halogen-containing compound may be various kinds of halogen-containing compounds that are gaseous under the contact conditions, preferably halomethane, more preferably one or more of monohalomethane, bihalomethane and trihalomethane, still more preferably monohalomethane. [0021] The halogen may be one or more of F, Cl, Br and I, preferably Cl and/or Br. [0022] More preferably, the gaseous-phase halogen-containing compound is monobromomethane. [0023] According to the present invention, the preferred mean of the contact includes putting the support containing the introduced zinc oxide in a continuous flow fixed bed reactor, raising temperature to 150ยฐ C.-400ยฐ C. in an inert atmosphere, and inputting gaseous-phase halogen-containing compound or a mixed gas containing gaseous-phase halogen-containing compound. The space velocity is 50 h โˆ’1 -1000 h โˆ’1 , the contact pressure is 0.1 MPa-0.5 MPa and the time is 0.5 h-8 h. Preferably, temperature is raised to 180ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. in an inert atmosphere, more preferably, the temperature is raised to 200ยฐ C.-300ยฐ C., the space velocity is 100 h โˆ’1 -500 h โˆ’1 , the contact pressure is 0.1 MPa-0.3 MPa and the time is 1 h-4 h. The pressure is absolute pressure. The space velocity is space velocity by volume. [0024] According to the present invention, zinc oxide may be introduced to the support in various existing means. For example, it may be introduced by impregnation, or by kneading during forming, or by gelling and co-precipitation during preparation of the support. Impregnation is preferred, i.e.: making a dissolvable compound of zinc into an impregnation liquid, then impregnating the support in the impregnation liquid and then drying and calcinating them. The dissolvable compound of zinc may be dissolvable inorganic salt and/or organic salt of zinc, such as: one or more of chloride, nitrate, sulfate, hydrochloride, acetate and citrate. As to element zinc, the concentration of the impregnation liquid is 5 g/L-300 g/L, preferably 20 g/L-200 g/L, more preferably 40 g/L-160 g/L. Impregnation in an equal volume or oversaturated impregnation may be adopted. [0025] When the catalyst of the present invention further contains a promoter, the promoter may be introduced before, after or simultaneously with zinc oxide. It may be introduced by impregnation, or by kneading during forming, or by gelling and co-precipitation during preparation of the support. Impregnation is preferred, specifically: adopting a zinc salt and promoter metal salt solution to impregnate the formed support, drying and calcinating and then carrying out halogenation, or adopting a zinc salt solution to impregnate the formed support at first, drying and calcinating and then carrying out halogenation, lastly impregnating in a promoter metal salt solution and then drying and calcinating to obtain halomethane, which is used to make isobutylene catalyst. [0026] The drying temperature may be 50ยฐ C.-200ยฐ C., preferably 60ยฐ C.-150ยฐ C., more preferably 80ยฐ C.-120ยฐ C.; the drying time is 1 h-24 h, preferably 4 h-8 h; the drying may be vacuum drying, or drying under protection of inert gas, or drying in an air atmosphere; the calcination temperature is 200ยฐ C.-800ยฐ C., preferably 400ยฐ C.-600ยฐ C.; the calcination time is 1 h-24 h, preferably 4 h-8 h; the calcination may be under protection of inert gas, or in an air atmosphere. [0027] The support may be an existing commercial product, or prepared by a method well known to those skilled in the art. The support may be prepared according to need or made into an appropriate granular shape, such as: bar, slice, cylinder or sphere. The forming may be based on general knowledge of the art. [0028] The present invention also provides application of the supported catalyst of the present invention in the preparation of isobutylene. [0029] The present invention further provides a method for preparation of isobutylene from halomethane, including carrying out hydrogen reduction activation of the supported catalyst of the present invention to make the content of halogen in the activated catalyst be 20 wt. %-90 wt. % of the total content of halogen in the supported catalyst without reduction, then contacting halomethane with the activated catalyst to prepare isobutylene. [0030] According to the present invention, the conditions of the hydrogen reduction activation make the content of halogen in the activated catalyst be preferably 30 wt. %-80 wt. % of the total content of halogen in the supported catalyst without reduction, more preferably 40 wt. %-80 wt. %. [0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the way of hydrogen reduction activation includes raising temperature of the catalyst to 300ยฐ C.-600ยฐ C. in an inert atmosphere; then inputting hydrogen or a mixed gas of hydrogen and inert gas at a space velocity of 200 h โˆ’1 -2000 h โˆ’1 and holding pressure at 0.1 MPa-0.5 MPa for 2 h-16 h. The volume percentage of hydrogen in the mixed gas is 10%-95%. Preferably, raising temperature to 350ยฐ C.-550ยฐ C.; then inputting hydrogen or a mixed gas of hydrogen and inert gas at a space velocity of 500 h โˆ’1 -1000 h โˆ’1 and holding pressure at 0.1 MPa-0.3 MPa for 4 h-8 h. The volume percentage of hydrogen in the mixed gas is 30%-90%. [0032] According to the present invention, the halomethane may be one or more of monohalomethane, bihalomethane and trihalomethane, preferably, one or more of monobromomethane, bibromomethane and tribromomethane. [0033] Preferably, the contact conditions include reaction temperature 150ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C., reaction pressure 0.1 MPa-5 MPa and space velocity 50 h โˆ’1 -1000 h โˆ’1 ; more preferably, reaction temperature 180ยฐ C.-300ยฐ C., still more preferably 200-270ยฐ C.; reaction pressure 0.1 MPa-3 MPa; space velocity 200 h โˆ’1 -500 h โˆ’1 . [0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method for preparing isobutylene from halomethane includes raising temperature of the catalyst to 300ยฐ C.-600ยฐ C. in an inert atmosphere, preferably 350ยฐ C.-550ยฐ C.; then inputting hydrogen or a mixed gas of hydrogen and inert gas at a space velocity of 200 h โˆ’1 -2000 h โˆ’1 , preferably 500 h โˆ’1 -1000 h โˆ’1 ; and after treating at 0.1 MPa-0.5 MPa (absolute pressure), preferably 0.1 MPa-0.3 MPa (absolute pressure) for 2 h-16 h, preferably 4 h-8 h, lowering temperature to reaction temperature and inputting halomethane to take reaction. The volume percentage of hydrogen in the mixed gas is 10%-95%, preferably 30%-90%, more preferably 50%-90%. [0035] In the use of the present invention, the raw material may alternatively be a mixed gas of halomethane and inert gas, of which the volume concentration of halomethane is 10%-90%, preferably 30%-80%. The inert gas involved in the use of the present invention is nitrogen, argon, helium and other gases that don't take reaction under the conditions involved in the present invention, preferably nitrogen. According to the use of the present invention, the reaction for preparing isobutylene from halomethane may be conducted in any form of existing reactors, such as: reactors in form of fixed bed, fluidized bed, fixed fluidized bed, moving bed, slurry bed or bubbling bed, preferably fixed bed and fluidized bed reactors. [0036] Thereafter, the present invention is further described by referring to examples, but they are not intended to limit the present invention. [0037] In the following examples and comparative examples, acid content is determined by NH 3 -TPD method. The adopted instrument is AutoChem 2920 chemical adsorption instrument of American MICROMERITICS. The concrete determination process is as follows: purging the sample with helium at 450ยฐ C. for 1 h, reducing temperature to 150ยฐ C., introducing a mixed gas of ammonia and helium, with ammonia volume content of 10%, and carrying out pulse adsorption for five times to achieve a balance; purging with helium for 2 h, and then raising temperature according to a temperature increase speed program of 10ยฐ C./min and conducting desorption of ammonia till 450ยฐ C.; detecting ammonia by TCD detector after desorption and quantitatively calculating the acidity on catalyst surface. [0038] In the following examples and comparative examples, the content of element Br and that of element Zn are determined by XRF (X-ray fluorescent spectroscopy) method. The adopted instrument is ZSX X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometer of Japanese Rigaku. The content of ZnBr2 is calculated based on the content of element Br. The content of ZnO is calculated based on total Zn content minus the content of Zn in ZnBr 2 . EXAMPLE 1 [0039] Weigh an appropriate amount of zinc nitrate, dissolve it in deionized water, support it to aluminum oxide (pore volume 0.71 ml/g, specific surface area 236 m 2 /g, bar type, equivalent diameter 1.5 mm) support by the method of incipient wetness impregnation, dry at 80ยฐ C. for 8 h and calcinate at 600ยฐ C. for 4 h to obtain catalyst precursor ZnO/Al 2 O 3 . Put 5 g of the catalyst precursor in a continuous flow fixed bed reactor and treat the catalyst precursor with monobromomethane under the conditions of 250ยฐ C., 0.2 MPa (absolute pressure), 100 h โˆ’1 and 2 h to obtain a catalyst for preparation of isobutylene from halomethane, marked as C-1. The weight composition of the catalyst is that the weight content of ZnBr 2 is 27%, the weight content of ZnO is 6%, the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the catalyst is 0.92 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 55.1% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less. [0040] The reaction for preparation of isobutylene from bromomethane takes place in a continuous fluidized fixed bed micro-reactor. The loading amount of catalyst is 5 g. The feed gas is a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 50%. The reaction temperature is 230ยฐ C., reaction pressure is 1 MPa (absolute pressure) and space velocity is 500 h โˆ’1 . Before input of feed gas, the catalyst is activated in a hydrogen atmosphere. The conditions of reduction are 400ยฐ C., 0.2 MPa (absolute pressure) and 1000 h โˆ’1 . The time of reduction is 4 h. The content of halogen in the catalyst after reduction is 67.51% of the total content of halogen in the catalyst before reduction. After the reaction has become stable for one hour, samples are taken and analyzed. The reaction result is shown in Table 1. EXAMPLE 2 [0041] Weigh an appropriate amount of zinc nitrate, dissolve it in deionized water, support it to aluminum oxide (pore volume 0.71 ml/g, specific surface area 236 m 2 /g, bar type, equivalent diameter 1.5 mm) support by the method of incipient wetness impregnation, dry at 120ยฐ C. for 4 h and calcinate at 500ยฐ C. for 8 h to obtain catalyst precursor ZnO/Al 2 O 3 . Put 5 g of the catalyst precursor in a continuous flow fixed bed reactor and treat the catalyst precursor with a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 80% under the conditions of 250ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure), 300 h โˆ’1 and 2 h to obtain a catalyst for preparation of isobutylene from halomethane, marked as C-2. The weight composition of the obtained catalyst is that the weight content of ZnBr 2 as to bromide is 30%, the weight content of ZnO is 4%, the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the catalyst is 0.93 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 63.2% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less. [0042] The reaction for preparation of isobutylene from bromomethane takes place in a continuous fluidized fixed bed micro-reactor. The loading amount of catalyst is 5 g. The feed gas is a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 70%. The reaction temperature is 230ยฐ C., reaction pressure is 2 MPa (absolute pressure) and space velocity is 200 h โˆ’1 . Before input of feed gas, the catalyst is activated in a mixed atmosphere containing hydrogen. The volume content of hydrogen in the mixed gas is 80%. The conditions of reduction are 450ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure) and 800 h โˆ’1 . The time of reduction is 4 h. The content of halogen in the catalyst after reduction is 53.47% of the total content of halogen in the catalyst before reduction. After the reaction has become stable for one hour, samples are taken and analyzed. The reaction result is shown in Table 1. EXAMPLE 3 [0043] Weigh an appropriate amount of zinc nitrate, dissolve it in deionized water, support it to aluminum oxide (pore volume 0.71 ml/g, specific surface area 236 m 2 /g, bar type, equivalent diameter 1.5 mm) support by the method of incipient wetness impregnation, dry under vacuum at 100ยฐ C. for 8 h and calcinate at 400ยฐ C. for 8 h to obtain catalyst precursor ZnO/Al 2 O 3 . Put 5 g of the catalyst precursor in a continuous flow fixed bed reactor and treat the catalyst precursor with a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 30% under the conditions of 300ยฐ C., 0.1 MPa (absolute pressure), 500 h โˆ’1 and 4 h to obtain a catalyst for preparation of isobutylene from halomethane, marked as C-3. The weight composition of the obtained catalyst is that the weight content of ZnBr 2 as to bromide is 33%, the weight content of ZnO as to oxide is 2%, the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the catalyst is 0.95 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 75.5% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less. [0044] The reaction for preparation of isobutylene from bromomethane takes place in a continuous fluidized fixed bed micro-reactor. The loading amount of catalyst is 5 g. The feed gas is a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 80%. The reaction temperature is 200ยฐ C., reaction pressure is 3 MPa (absolute pressure) and space velocity is 350 h โˆ’1 . Before input of feed gas, the catalyst is activated in a mixed atmosphere containing hydrogen. The volume content of hydrogen in the mixed gas is 50%. The conditions of reduction are 500ยฐ C., 0.1 MPa (absolute pressure) and 500 h โˆ’1 . The time of reduction is 4 h. The content of halogen in the catalyst after reduction is 47.22% of the total content of halogen in the catalyst before reduction. After the reaction has become stable for one hour, samples are taken and analyzed. The reaction result is shown in Table 1. EXAMPLE 4 [0045] Weigh an appropriate amount of zinc nitrate, dissolve it in deionized water, support it to aluminum oxide (pore volume 0.71 ml/g, specific surface area 236 m 2 /g, bar type, equivalent diameter 1.5 mm) support by the method of incipient wetness impregnation, dry at 120ยฐ C. for 4 h and calcinate at 500ยฐ C. for 8 h to obtain catalyst precursor ZnO/Al 2 O 3 . Put 5 g of the catalyst precursor in a continuous flow fixed bed reactor and treat the catalyst precursor with monobromomethane under the conditions of 200ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure), 300 h โˆ’1 and 1 h to obtain a catalyst for preparation of isobutylene from halomethane, marked as C-4. The weight composition of the obtained catalyst is that the weight content of ZnBr 2 as to bromide is 18%, the weight content of ZnO as to oxide is 2%, the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the catalyst is 0.72 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 66.8% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less. [0046] The reaction for preparation of isobutylene from bromomethane takes place in a continuous fluidized fixed bed micro-reactor. The loading amount of catalyst is 5 g. The feed gas is a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 30%. The reaction temperature is 270ยฐ C., reaction pressure is 2 MPa (absolute pressure) and space velocity is 350 h โˆ’1 . Before input of feed gas, the catalyst is activated in a mixed atmosphere containing hydrogen. The volume content of hydrogen in the mixed gas is 70%. The conditions of reduction are 350ยฐ C., 0.3MPa (absolute pressure) and 800 h โˆ’1 . The time of reduction is 6 h. The content of halogen in the catalyst after reduction is 57.81% of the total content of halogen in the catalyst before reduction. After the reaction has become stable for one hour, samples are taken and analyzed. The reaction result is shown in Table 1. EXAMPLE 5 [0047] Weigh an appropriate amount of zinc nitrate, dissolve it in deionized water, support it to aluminum oxide (pore volume 0.71 ml/g, specific surface area 236 m 2 /g, bar type, equivalent diameter 1.5 mm) support by the method of incipient wetness impregnation, dry at 100ยฐ C. for 6 h and calcinate at 500ยฐ C. for 6 h under protection of nitrogen to obtain catalyst precursor ZnO/Al 2 O 3 . Put 5 g of the catalyst precursor in a continuous flow fixed bed reactor and treat the catalyst precursor with a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 70% under the conditions of 200ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure), 300 h โˆ’1 and 2 h to obtain a catalyst for preparation of isobutylene from halomethane, marked as C-5. The weight composition of the obtained catalyst is that the weight content of ZnBr 2 as to bromide is 39%, the weight content of ZnO as to oxide is 6%, the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the catalyst is 0.98 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 64.1% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less. [0048] The reaction for preparation of isobutylene from bromomethane takes place in a continuous fluidized fixed bed micro-reactor. The loading amount of catalyst is 5 g. The feed gas is monobromomethane. The reaction temperature is 270ยฐ C., reaction pressure is 2 MPa (absolute pressure) and space velocity is 350 h โˆ’1 . Before input of feed gas, the catalyst is activated in a mixed atmosphere containing hydrogen. The volume content of hydrogen in the mixed gas is 60%. The conditions of reduction are 550ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure) and 800 h โˆ’1 . The time of reduction is 8 h. The content of halogen in the catalyst after reduction is 41.37% of the total content of halogen in the catalyst before reduction. After the reaction has become stable for one hour, samples are taken and analyzed. The reaction result is shown in Table 1. EXAMPLE 6 [0049] Weigh an appropriate amount of zinc nitrate, dissolve it in deionized water, support it to aluminum oxide (pore volume 0.71 ml/g, specific surface area 236 m 2 /g, bar type, equivalent diameter 1.5 mm) support by the method of incipient wetness impregnation, dry at 120ยฐ C. in a nitrogen atmosphere for 4 h and calcinate at 500ยฐ C. in a nitrogen atmosphere for 4 h to obtain catalyst precursor ZnO/Al 2 O 3 . Put 5 g of the catalyst precursor in a continuous flow fixed bed reactor and treat the catalyst precursor with monobromomethane under the conditions of 250ยฐ C., 0.2 MPa (absolute pressure), 100 h โˆ’1 and 1 h to obtain a catalyst for preparation of isobutylene from halomethane, marked as C-6. The weight composition of the obtained catalyst is that the weight content of ZnBr 2 as to bromide is 35%, the weight content of ZnO as to oxide is 9%, the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the catalyst is 0.94 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 57.3% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less. [0050] The reaction for preparation of isobutylene from bromomethane takes place in a continuous fluidized fixed bed micro-reactor. The loading amount of catalyst is 5 g. The feed gas is a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 50%. The reaction temperature is 230ยฐ C., reaction pressure is 0.1 MPa (absolute pressure) and space velocity is 500 h โˆ’1 . Before input of feed gas, the catalyst is activated in a mixed atmosphere containing hydrogen. The volume content of hydrogen in the mixed gas is 80%. The conditions of reduction are 450ยฐ C., 0.2 MPa (absolute pressure) and 1000 h โˆ’1 . The time of reduction is 4 h. The content of halogen in the catalyst after reduction is 58.39% of the total content of halogen in the catalyst before reduction. After the reaction has become stable for one hour, samples are taken and analyzed. The reaction result is shown in Table 1. EXAMPLE 7 [0051] Weigh an appropriate amount of zinc nitrate, dissolve it in deionized water, support it to aluminum oxide (pore volume 0.71 ml/g, specific surface area 236 m 2 /g, bar type, equivalent diameter 1.5 mm) support by the method of incipient wetness impregnation, dry at 120ยฐ C. for 4 h and calcinate at 500ยฐ C. for 4 h to obtain catalyst precursor ZnO/Al 2 O 3 . Put 5 g of the catalyst precursor in a continuous flow fixed bed reactor and treat the catalyst precursor with mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 90% under the conditions of 300ยฐ C., 0.1 MPa (absolute pressure), 500 h โˆ’1 and 4 h to obtain a catalyst for preparation of isobutylene from halomethane, marked as C-7. The weight composition of the obtained catalyst is that the weight content of ZnBr 2 as to bromide is 20%, the weight content of ZnO as to oxide is 1%, the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the catalyst is 0.79 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 74.9% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less. [0052] The reaction for preparation of isobutylene from bromomethane takes place in a continuous fluidized fixed bed micro-reactor. The loading amount of catalyst is 5 g. The feed gas is a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 80%. The reaction temperature is 200ยฐ C., reaction pressure is 3 MPa (absolute pressure) and space velocity is 350 h โˆ’1 . Before input of feed gas, the catalyst is activated in a mixed atmosphere containing hydrogen. The volume content of hydrogen in the mixed gas is 90%. The conditions of reduction are 500ยฐ C., 0.1 MPa (absolute pressure) and 500 h โˆ’1 . The time of reduction is 6 h. The content of halogen in the catalyst after reduction is 51.94% of the total content of halogen in the catalyst before reduction. After the reaction has become stable for one hour, samples are taken and analyzed. The reaction result is shown in Table 1. EXAMPLE 8 [0053] Weigh an appropriate amount of zinc nitrate and zirconium nitrate, dissolve it in deionized water, support it to aluminum oxide (pore volume 0.71 ml/g, specific surface area 236 m 2 /g, bar type, equivalent diameter 1.5 mm) support by the method of incipient wetness impregnation, dry at 120ยฐ C. for 4 h and calcinate at 500ยฐ C. for 4 h to obtain catalyst precursor ZnOโ€”Zr/Al 2 O 3 . Put 5 g of the catalyst precursor in a continuous flow fixed bed reactor and treat the catalyst precursor with a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 80% under the conditions of 250ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure), 300 h โˆ’1 and 2 h to obtain a catalyst for preparation of isobutylene from halomethane, marked as C-8. The weight composition of the obtained catalyst is that the weight content of ZnBr 2 as to bromide is 30%, the weight content of ZnO as to oxide is 4%, the weight content of Zr as to element is 2%, the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the catalyst is 0.97 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 69.7% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less. [0054] The reaction for preparation of isobutylene from bromomethane takes place in a continuous fluidized fixed bed micro-reactor. The loading amount of catalyst is 5 g. The feed gas is a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 70%. The reaction temperature is 230ยฐ C., reaction pressure is 2 MPa (absolute pressure) and space velocity is 200 h โˆ’1 . Before input of feed gas, the catalyst is activated in a mixed atmosphere containing hydrogen. The volume content of hydrogen in the mixed gas is 80%. The conditions of reduction are 450ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure) and 800 h โˆ’1 . The time of reduction is 4 h. The content of halogen in the catalyst after reduction is 39.14% of the total content of halogen in the catalyst before reduction. After the reaction has become stable for one hour, samples are taken and analyzed. The reaction result is shown in Table 1. EXAMPLE 9 [0055] Weigh an appropriate amount of zinc nitrate and cerium nitrate, dissolve it in deionized water, support it to aluminum oxide (pore volume 0.71 ml/g, specific surface area 236 m 2 /g, bar type, equivalent diameter 1.5 mm) support by the method of incipient wetness impregnation, dry at 120ยฐ C. for 4 h and calcinate at 500ยฐ C. for 4 h to obtain catalyst precursor ZnOโ€”Ce/Al 2 O 3 . Put 5 g of the catalyst precursor in a continuous flow fixed bed reactor and treat the catalyst precursor with a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 80% under the conditions of 250ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure), 300 h โˆ’1 and 2 h to obtain a catalyst for preparation of isobutylene from halomethane, marked as C-9. The weight composition of the obtained catalyst is that the weight content of ZnBr 2 as to bromide is 30%, the weight content of ZnO as to oxide is 4%, the weight content of Ce as to element is 1%, the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the catalyst is 0.91 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 68.9% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less. [0056] The reaction for preparation of isobutylene from bromomethane takes place in a continuous fluidized fixed bed micro-reactor. The loading amount of catalyst is 5 g. The feed gas is a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 70%. The reaction temperature is 230ยฐ C., reaction pressure is 2 MPa (absolute pressure) and space velocity is 200 h โˆ’1 . Before input of feed gas, the catalyst is activated in a mixed atmosphere containing hydrogen. The volume content of hydrogen in the mixed gas is 80%. The conditions of reduction are 450ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure) and 800 h โˆ’1 . The time of reduction is 4 h. The content of halogen in the catalyst after reduction is 63.73% of the total content of halogen in the catalyst before reduction. After the reaction has become stable for one hour, samples are taken and analyzed. The reaction result is shown in Table 1. EXAMPLE 10 [0057] Weigh an appropriate amount of zinc nitrate and lanthanum nitrate, dissolve it in deionized water, support it to aluminum oxide (pore volume 0.71 ml/g, specific surface area 236 m 2 /g, bar type, equivalent diameter 1.5 mm) support by the method of incipient wetness impregnation, dry at 120ยฐ C. for 4 h and calcinate at 500ยฐ C. for 4 h to obtain catalyst precursor ZnOโ€”La/Al 2 O 3 . Put 5 g of the catalyst precursor in a continuous flow fixed bed reactor and treat the catalyst precursor with a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 80% under the conditions of 250ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure), 300 h โˆ’1 and 2 h to obtain a catalyst for preparation of isobutylene from halomethane, marked as C-10. The weight composition of the obtained catalyst is that the weight content of ZnBr 2 as to bromide is 30%, the weight content of ZnO as to oxide is 4%, the weight content of La as to element is 0.5%, the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the catalyst is 0.87 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 65.3% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less. [0058] The reaction for preparation of isobutylene from bromomethane takes place in a continuous fluidized fixed bed micro-reactor. The loading amount of catalyst is 5 g. The feed gas is a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 70%. The reaction temperature is 230ยฐ C., reaction pressure is 2 MPa (absolute pressure) and space velocity is 200 h โˆ’1 . Before input of feed gas, the catalyst is activated in a mixed atmosphere containing hydrogen. The volume content of hydrogen in the mixed gas is 80%. The conditions of reduction are 450ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure) and 800 h โˆ’1 . The time of reduction is 4 h. The content of halogen in the catalyst after reduction is 62.72% of the total content of halogen in the catalyst before reduction. After the reaction has become stable for one hour, samples are taken and analyzed. The reaction result is shown in Table 1. EXAMPLE 11 [0059] Weigh an appropriate amount of zinc nitrate and titanium nitrate, dissolve it in deionized water, support it to aluminum oxide (pore volume 0.71 ml/g, specific surface area 236 m 2 /g, bar type, equivalent diameter 1.5 mm) support by the method of incipient wetness impregnation, dry at 120ยฐ C. for 4 h and calcinate at 500ยฐ C. for 4 h to obtain catalyst precursor ZnOโ€”Ti/Al 2 O 3 . Put 5 g of the catalyst precursor in a continuous flow fixed bed reactor and treat the catalyst precursor with a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 80% under the conditions of 250ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure), 300 h โˆ’1 and 2 h to obtain a catalyst for preparation of isobutylene from halomethane, marked as C-11. The weight composition of the obtained catalyst is that the weight content of ZnBr 2 as to bromide is 30%, the weight content of ZnO as to oxide is 4%, the weight content of Ti as to element is 3%, the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the catalyst is 0.96 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 63.4% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less. [0060] The reaction for preparation of isobutylene from bromomethane takes place in a continuous fluidized fixed bed micro-reactor. The loading amount of catalyst is 5 g. The feed gas is a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 70%. The reaction temperature is 230ยฐ C., reaction pressure is 2 MPa (absolute pressure) and space velocity is 200 h โˆ’1 . Before input of feed gas, the catalyst is activated in a mixed atmosphere containing hydrogen. The volume content of hydrogen in the mixed gas is 80%. The conditions of reduction are 450ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure) and 800 h โˆ’1 . The time of reduction is 4 h. The content of halogen in the catalyst after reduction is 53.62% of the total content of halogen in the catalyst before reduction. After the reaction has become stable for one hour, samples are taken and analyzed. The reaction result is shown in Table 1. EXAMPLE 12 [0061] Weigh an appropriate amount of zinc chloride, dissolve it in deionized water, support it to aluminum oxide (pore volume 0.71 ml/g, specific surface area 236 m 2 /g, bar type, equivalent diameter 1.5 mm) support by the method of incipient wetness impregnation, dry at 120ยฐ C. for 4 h and calcinate at 500ยฐ C. for 4 h to obtain catalyst precursor ZnO/Al 2 O 3 . Put 5 g of the catalyst precursor in a continuous flow fixed bed reactor and treat the catalyst precursor with a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 80% under the conditions of 250ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure), 300 h โˆ’1 and 2 h to obtain a catalyst for preparation of isobutylene from halomethane, marked as C-12. The weight composition of the obtained catalyst is that the weight content of ZnBr 2 as to bromide is 30%, the weight content of ZnO as to oxide is 4%, the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the catalyst is 0.87 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 65.7% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less. [0062] The reaction for preparation of isobutylene from bromomethane takes place in a continuous fluidized fixed bed micro-reactor. The loading amount of catalyst is 5 g. The feed gas is a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 70%. The reaction temperature is 230ยฐ C., reaction pressure is 2 MPa (absolute pressure) and space velocity is 200 h โˆ’1 . Before input of feed gas, the catalyst is activated in a mixed atmosphere containing hydrogen. The volume content of hydrogen in the mixed gas is 80%. The conditions of reduction are 450ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure) and 800 h โˆ’1 . The time of reduction is 4 h. The content of halogen in the catalyst after reduction is 47.89% of the total content of halogen in the catalyst before reduction. After the reaction has become stable for one hour, samples are taken and analyzed. The reaction result is shown in Table 1. EXAMPLE 13 [0063] Weigh an appropriate amount of zinc nitrate, dissolve it in deionized water, support it to silicon dioxide (pore volume 1.06 ml/g, specific surface area 387 m 2 /g, spherical shape, equivalent diameter 0.5 mm) support by the method of incipient wetness impregnation, dry at 120ยฐ C. for 4 h and calcinate at 500ยฐ C. for 4 h to obtain catalyst precursor ZnO/SiO 2 . Put 5 g of the catalyst precursor in a continuous flow fixed bed reactor and treat the catalyst precursor with a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 80% under the conditions of 250ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure), 300 h โˆ’1 and 2 h to obtain a catalyst for preparation of isobutylene from halomethane, marked as C-13. The weight composition of the obtained catalyst is that the weight content of ZnBr 2 as to bromide is 30%, the weight content of ZnO as to oxide is 4%, the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the catalyst is 1.08 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 49.7% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less. [0064] The reaction for preparation of isobutylene from bromomethane takes place in a continuous fluidized fixed bed micro-reactor. The loading amount of catalyst is 5 g. The feed gas is a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 70%. The reaction temperature is 230ยฐ C., reaction pressure is 2 MPa (absolute pressure) and space velocity is 200 h โˆ’1 . Before input of feed gas, the catalyst is activated in a mixed atmosphere containing hydrogen. The volume content of hydrogen in the mixed gas is 80%. The conditions of reduction are 400ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure) and 800 h โˆ’1 . The time of reduction is 4 h. The content of halogen in the catalyst after reduction is 31.28% of the total content of halogen in the catalyst before reduction. After the reaction has become stable for one hour, samples are taken and analyzed. The reaction result is shown in Table 1. EXAMPLE 14 [0065] Weigh an appropriate amount of zinc nitrate, dissolve it in deionized water, support it to hydrogen-type ZSM-5 (silica-alumina mole ratio 50, pore volume 0.23 ml/g, specific surface area 426 m 2 /g, bar type, equivalent diameter 1.5 mm) support by the method of incipient wetness impregnation, dry at 120ยฐ C. for 4 h and calcinate at 500ยฐ C. for 4 h to obtain catalyst precursor ZnO/H-ZSM-5. Put 5 g of the catalyst precursor in a continuous flow fixed bed reactor and treat the catalyst precursor with mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 80% under the conditions of 250ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure), 300 h โˆ’1 and 2 h to obtain a catalyst for preparation of isobutylene from halomethane, marked as C-14. The weight composition of the obtained catalyst is that the weight content of ZnBr 2 as to bromide is 30%, the weight content of ZnO as to oxide is 4%, the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the catalyst is 0.74 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 48.7% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less. [0066] The reaction for preparation of isobutylene from bromomethane takes place in a continuous fluidized fixed bed micro-reactor. The loading amount of catalyst is 5 g. The feed gas is a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 70%. The reaction temperature is 230ยฐ C., reaction pressure is 2 MPa (absolute pressure) and space velocity is 200 h โˆ’1 . Before input of feed gas, the catalyst is activated in a mixed atmosphere containing hydrogen. The volume content of hydrogen in the mixed gas is 80%. The conditions of reduction are 400ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure) and 800 h โˆ’1 . The time of reduction is 4 h. The content of halogen in the catalyst after reduction is 79.73% of the total content of halogen in the catalyst before reduction. After the reaction has become stable for one hour, samples are taken and analyzed. The reaction result is shown in Table 1. EXAMPLE 15 [0067] Weigh an appropriate amount of zinc nitrate, dissolve it in deionized water, support it to aluminum oxide (pore volume 0.71 ml/g, specific surface area 236 m 2 /g, bar type, equivalent diameter 1.5 mm) support by the method of incipient wetness impregnation, dry at 120ยฐ C. for 4 h and calcinate at 500ยฐ C. for 4 h to obtain catalyst precursor ZnO/Al 2 O 3 . Put 5 g of the catalyst precursor in a continuous flow fixed bed reactor and treat the catalyst precursor with a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 80% under the conditions of 250ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure), 300 h โˆ’1 and 2 h. Weigh an appropriate amount of zirconium nitrate, dissolve it in deionized water, impregnate bromized sample by the method of incipient wetness impregnation, dry at 120ยฐ C. in a nitrogen atmosphere for 4 h and calcinate at 500ยฐ C. in a nitrogen atmosphere for 4 h to obtain a catalyst for preparation of isobutylene from halomethane, marked as C-15. The weight composition of the obtained catalyst is that the weight content of ZnBr 2 as to bromide is 30%, the weight content of ZnO as to oxide is 4%, the weight content of Zr as to element is 1%, the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the catalyst is 0.72 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 71.4% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less. [0068] The reaction for preparation of isobutylene from bromomethane takes place in a continuous fluidized fixed bed micro-reactor. The loading amount of catalyst is 5 g. The feed gas is a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 70%. The reaction temperature is 230ยฐ C., reaction pressure is 2 MPa (absolute pressure) and space velocity is 200 h โˆ’ . Before input of feed gas, the catalyst is activated in a mixed atmosphere containing hydrogen. The volume content of hydrogen in the mixed gas is 80%. The conditions of reduction are 450ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure) and 800 h โˆ’1 . The time of reduction is 4 h. The content of halogen in the catalyst after reduction is 42.57% of the total content of halogen in the catalyst before reduction. After the reaction has become stable for one hour, samples are taken and analyzed. The reaction result is shown in Table 1. EXAMPLE 16 [0069] Weigh an appropriate amount of zinc nitrate, dissolve it in deionized water, support it to aluminum oxide (pore volume 0.71 ml/g, specific surface area 236 m 2 /g, bar type, equivalent diameter 1.5 mm) support by the method of incipient wetness impregnation, dry at 120ยฐ C. for 4 h and calcinate at 500ยฐ C. for 4 h to obtain catalyst precursor ZnO/Al 2 O 3 . Put 5 g of the catalyst precursor in a continuous flow fixed bed reactor and treat the catalyst precursor with a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 80% under the conditions of 250ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure), 300 h โˆ’1 and 2 h. Weigh an appropriate amount of cerium nitrate, dissolve it in deionized water, impregnate bromized sample by the method of incipient wetness impregnation, dry at 80ยฐ C. in a nitrogen atmosphere for 8 h and calcainate at 500ยฐ C. in a nitrogen atmosphere for 4 h to obtain a catalyst for preparation of isobutylene from halomethane, marked as C-16. The weight composition of the obtained catalyst is that the weight content of ZnBr 2 as to bromide is 30%, the weight content of ZnO as to oxide is 4%, the weight content of Ce as to element is 0.5%, the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the catalyst is 0.81 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 69.3% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less. [0070] The reaction for preparation of isobutylene from bromomethane takes place in a continuous fluidized fixed bed micro-reactor. The loading amount of catalyst is 5 g. The feed gas is a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 70%. The reaction temperature is 230ยฐ C., reaction pressure is 2 MPa (absolute pressure) and space velocity is 200 h โˆ’1 . Before input of feed gas, the catalyst is activated in a mixed atmosphere containing hydrogen. The volume content of hydrogen in the mixed gas is 80%. The conditions of reduction are 450ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure) and 500 h โˆ’1 . The time of reduction is 6 h. The content of halogen in the catalyst after reduction is 65.49% of the total content of halogen in the catalyst before reduction. After the reaction has become stable for one hour, samples are taken and analyzed. The reaction result is shown in Table 1. EXAMPLE 17 [0071] A supported catalyst is prepared and the reaction for preparing isobutylene from bromomethane takes place according to the methods described in Example 16 except that aluminum oxide with pore volume of 0.51 ml/g, specific surface area of 162.4 m 2 /g, bar type and equivalent diameter of 1 mm is used as a support to obtain a catalyst for preparation of isobutylene from halomethane, marked as C-17. The total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the obtained catalyst is 0.72 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 70.5% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less. The content of halogen in the catalyst after reduction activation is 72.57% of the total content of halogen in the catalyst before reduction. The catalyst properties and reaction result are shown in Table 1. EXAMPLE 18 [0072] A supported catalyst is prepared and the reaction for preparing isobutylene from bromomethane takes place according to the methods described in Example 16 excepte that bromomethane is substituted with dichloromethane in equal molar weight. The result indicates the conversion rate of dichloromethane is 97.4%, and the selectivity of isobutylene is 67.9%. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1 [0073] Weigh an appropriate amount of zinc nitrate, dissolve it in deionized water, support it to aluminum oxide (pore volume 0.71 ml/g, specific surface area 236 m 2 /g, bar type, equivalent diameter 1.5 mm) support by the method of incipient wetness impregnation, dry at 120ยฐ C. for 4 h and calcinate at 500ยฐ C. for 8 h to obtain catalyst ZnO/Al 2 O 3 , marked as D-1. The weight composition of the obtained catalyst is that the weight content of ZnO as to oxide is 20%, the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the catalyst is 0.49 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 44.5% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less. [0074] The reaction for preparation of isobutylene from bromomethane takes place in a continuous fluidized fixed bed micro-reactor. The loading amount of catalyst is 5 g. The feed gas is a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 30%. The reaction temperature is 270ยฐ C., reaction pressure is 2 MPa (absolute pressure) and space velocity is 350 h โˆ’1 . Before input of feed gas, the catalyst is activated in a hydrogen atmosphere. The volume content of hydrogen in the mixed gas is 70%. The conditions of reduction are 350ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure) and 800 h โˆ’1 . The time of reduction is 6 h. After the reaction has become stable for one hour, samples are taken and analyzed. The reaction result is shown in Table 1. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 2 [0075] Weigh an appropriate amount of zinc nitrate, dissolve it in deionized water, support it to aluminum oxide (pore volume 0.71 ml/g, specific surface area 236 m 2 /g, bar type, equivalent diameter 1.5 mm) support by the method of incipient wetness impregnation, dry at 120ยฐ C. for 4 h and calcinate at 500ยฐ C. for 8 h to obtain catalyst precursor ZnO/Al 2 O 3 . Put 5 g of the catalyst precursor in a continuous flow fixed bed reactor and treat the catalyst precursor with a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 80% under the conditions of 250ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure), 300 h โˆ’1 and 2 h to obtain a catalyst for preparation of isobutylene from halomethane, marked as D-2. The weight composition of the obtained catalyst is that the weight content of ZnBr 2 as to bromide is 30%, the weight content of ZnO as to oxide is 4%, the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the catalyst is 0.93 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 63.2% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less. [0076] The reaction for preparation of isobutylene from bromomethane takes place in a continuous fluidized fixed bed micro-reactor. The loading amount of catalyst is 5 g. The feed gas is a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 70%. The reaction temperature is 230ยฐ C., reaction pressure is 2 MPa (absolute pressure) and space velocity is 200 h โˆ’1 . After the reaction has become stable for one hour, samples are taken and analyzed. The reaction result is shown in Table 1. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 3 [0077] Weigh an appropriate amount of zinc bromide, dissolve it in deionized water, support it to aluminum oxide (pore volume 0.71 ml/g, specific surface area 236 m 2 /g, bar type, equivalent diameter 1.5 mm) support by the method of incipient wetness impregnation, dry at 80ยฐ C. in a nitrogen atmosphere for 4 h and calcinate at 500ยฐ C. in a nitrogen atmosphere for 4 h to obtain catalyst ZnBr 2 /Al 2 O 3 , marked as D-3. The weight composition of the obtained catalyst is that the weight content of ZnBr 2 as to bromide is 30%, the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less in the catalyst is 1.01 mmol/g, and the acidity of 250ยฐ C.-350ยฐ C. is 74.3% of the total acidity of 450ยฐ C. or less. [0078] The reaction for preparation of isobutylene from bromomethane takes place in a continuous fluidized fixed bed micro-reactor. The loading amount of catalyst is 5 g. The feed gas is a mixed gas of monobromomethane and nitrogen of which volume concentration of monobromomethane is 70%. The reaction temperature is 230ยฐ C., reaction pressure is 2 MPa (absolute pressure) and space velocity is 200 h โˆ’1 . Before input of feed gas, the catalyst is activated in a mixed atmosphere containing hydrogen. The volume content of hydrogen in the mixed gas is 80%. The conditions of reduction are 450ยฐ C., 0.3 MPa (absolute pressure) and 800 h โˆ’1 . The time of reduction is 4 h. The content of halogen in the catalyst after reduction is 91.27% of the total content of halogen in the catalyst before reduction. After the reaction has become stable for one hour, samples are taken and analyzed. The reaction result is shown in Table 1. [0000] TABLE 1 Catalyst reactivity Total zinc oxide zinc halide promoter acidity Acid Bromomethane Isobutylene Catalyst wt. % wt. % wt. % Support mmol/g ratio % conversion rate, % selectivity, % C-1 6 27 (ZnBr 2 ) 0 Al 2 O 3 0.92 55.1 94.5 73.4 C-2 4 30 (ZnBr 2 ) 0 Al 2 O 3 0.93 63.2 99.4 82.5 C-3 2 33 (ZnBr 2 ) 0 Al 2 O 3 0.95 75.5 92.1 81.6 C-4 2 18 (ZnBr 2 ) 0 Al 2 O 3 0.72 66.8 96.2 86.3 C-5 6 39 (ZnBr 2 ) 0 Al 2 O 3 0.98 64.1 97.8 91.2 C-6 9 35 (ZnBr 2 ) 0 Al 2 O 3 0.94 57.3 91.5 78.7 C-7 1 20 (ZnBr 2 ) 0 Al 2 O 3 0.79 74.9 91.4 82.7 C-8 4 30 (ZnBr 2 ) 2(Zr) Al 2 O 3 0.97 69.7 99.3 84.2 C-9 4 30 (ZnBr 2 ) 1(Ce) Al 2 O 3 0.91 68.9 98.5 88.2 C-10 4 30 (ZnBr 2 ) 0.5(La) Al 2 O 3 0.87 65.3 97.8 86.6 C-11 4 30 (ZnBr 2 ) 3(Ti) Al 2 O 3 0.96 63.4 95.9 88.5 C-12 4 30 (ZnBr 2 ) 0 Al 2 O 3 0.87 65.7 95.4 84.3 C-13 4 30 (ZnBr 2 ) 0 SiO 2 1.08 49.7 57.8 71.1 C-14 4 30 (ZnBr 2 ) 0 ZSM-5 0.74 48.7 92.6 52.2 C-15 4 30 (ZnBr 2 ) 1(Zr) Al 2 O 3 0.72 71.4 94.2 91.3 C-16 4 30 (ZnBr 2 ) 0.5(Ce) Al 2 O 3 0.81 69.3 92.5 86.7 C-17 4 30 (ZnBr 2 ) 0.5(Ce) Al 2 O 3 0.72 70.5 93.6 76.4 D-1 20 0 0 Al 2 O 3 0.49 44.5 99.7 0 D-2 4 30 (ZnBr 2 ) 0 Al 2 O 3 0.93 63.2 0 0 D-3 0 30 (ZnBr 2 ) 0 Al 2 O 3 1.01 74.3 8.31 0 The result is in Table 1 indicate the catalyst of the present invention has obviously higher bromomethane conversion rate and isobutene selectivity.
Provided are a supported catalyst, a preparation method therefor and use thereof, and a method for the preparation of isobutylene from halomethane. The catalyst is characterized in that it comprises a carrier and a metallic active component supported on the carrier, wherein the metallic active component comprises zinc oxide and zinc halide. On the basis of the total amount of the catalyst, by weight content, the content of zinc oxide is 0.5%-20%, the content of zinc halide is 10%-50%, and the content of the support is 40%-88%. Compared with the prior art, the catalyst of the present invention can convert halomethane into isobutylene with a high selectivity. With the reaction for preparing of isobutylene by converting bromomethane according to the method of the present invention, the conversion of bromomethane is not less than 90% and the selectivity of isobutylene is not less than 80%.
1
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a storage and transportation system suitable for agricultural products including grains such as rice and wheat, or toasted materials such as black tea, for which a high degree of freshness and preservation of flavor are required. The present invention also relates to a packaging material, packaging container, and package used in the storage and transportation of agricultural products such as rice. In the long period storage of grains, including white rice, wheat, barley, oats, and rye, corn or varieties of beans, and toasted materials such as treated tea leaves and roasted coffee beans, there are many problems such as deterioration of freshness by oxidation, the loss of their taste and flavor, and decline of their quality by the generation of fungi. Normally, grains are packed in sacks such as hemp sacks, paper sacks, and plastic film bags. However, with these forms of packaging, the above-mentioned quality problems cannot be adequately prevented. There are commonly known a method for large volume warehouse storage, the so-called Controlled Atmosphere Storage (CAS), in which freshness is preserved by storage under gases for which the composition, temperature, and humidity are controlled therein, and vacuum storage methods in which a high degree of vacuum is provided therein. However, with these methods, the warehouse becomes large-scale, and the costs go up proportionally, and after the products are taken out of the warehouse and enter the distribution or consumers consumption, the decrease in freshness and quality cannot be prevented. In addition, it has been proposed that for long distance transportation, the storage room be divided into small scale compartments, and the condition of preservation in each compartment be individually controlled. However, in this case, the preservation and transportation equipment becomes large-scale and after the products are taken out of the storage room, the decrease in its quality cannot be prevented. On the other hand, in usual packaging, large-sized metal containers and drums has been used. These are very costly, and additionally a non-returnable system cannot be adopted. Because these containers and drums are not transparent, their contents cannot be seen, and the effect from the standpoint of design and appearance cannot be obtained. In the case of rice which is a representative grain, in the final distribution process and in the stores, this grain is packed in bags of polyethylene film or paper and is sold. In particular, in the case of the bags of polyethylene film, small apertures are made for preventing bursting of the bags, and to provide airing of the bags during storage. Accordingly, in any case, the problem arises that when rice is stored for a long period, its taste and flavor are lost, and it attains an odd smell. In order to provide good storage characteristics, consideration has been given to the use of aluminum deposited film, but this causes an increase in costs and because the film has a fairly thick aluminum layer, there is the inconvenience that the contents in the bag are invisible. Also, such bags are mostly soft, so their decorativeness in the store is destroyed. There is known a close contact dormancy packaging method in which the rice, which has the property of adsorbing large quantities of carbon dioxide under a high concentrations of the gas, is placed in a bag made of a film which has very poor permeability for carbon dioxide (for example, a lamination of simultaneous biaxially-oriented nylon film and polyethylene film), rice is packaged after the atmosphere is displaced with high purity carbon dioxide gas, and then the bag is sealed. With the close contact dormancy packaging method, in a short period after sealing the package, the rice is flowable, and after a period, the bag is drawn to the inside, and rugged surface configurations on the packaging bag appear. Specifically, close contact dormancy packaging presents the same type of appearance as with the conventional vacuum packaging, and the flowing of the rice is prevented and it becomes hard clumps of hermetically sealed bags. In this way, when the outer surface of the bag takes on a creased surface appearance, it is not possible to arrive at an effective design to take advantage of the transparency of the package. In addition, if there is some printing on the bag surface, a highly effective display is not possible, and an effective display in the stores is not obtainable. Also, when handling during transportation, storage, and display, some small cracks are formed in the rugged portion and there is some concern that the hermetical seal might be broken. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a superior systematized storage and transportation method for preventing deterioration of freshness and quality of agricultural products such as grains. Another object of the present invention is to provide a superior, inexpensive packaging material, container, and package for agricultural products, suitable for the use in a non-returnable package delivery method, and, all of which prevent deterioration of the freshness and quality of agricultural products such as grains, and also provide an effective display. The first object of the present invention is achieved by the discovery of a hermetically sealed package wherein the inside of a shape retaining container is formed from a gas barrier plastic material, into which the agricultural product is filled and hermetically sealed together with an inert gas. Once the agricultural product such as rice is hermetically sealed in this package, it is handled in an integral manner from the packaging area to storage through the distribution channels to the final consumption site. The need for large-scale storage facilities and expensive containers is eliminated, while the loss of freshness and quality of the agricultural product is effectively prevented. Handling is easily carried out, and there is possibility of adoption of a non-returnable container to provide an efficient storage and transportation system. The inventors of the present invention have discovered that the storage and display effect can be improved through the use of high nitrile resin as the packaging material, or by filling the agricultural product into containers formed from a sheet of that resin. Also, as a result of searches on the shape of the packaging container and filling method, it has been found that the dual effect of good storage characteristics and display effect can be obtained by filling an excess of an inert gas into a container made of a plastic material having gas barrier properties for storing agricultural products, with the quantity of the inert gas which could be adsorbed by the agricultural products estimated, in such a manner that the original shape of the container is not impaired. Further, it has been discovered that both effective storage and display characteristics can be obtained by forming one part of the wall of the shape retaining container formed from a gas barrier plastic material with a film thinner than the rest of the container wall (the major portion), and filling the agricultural product into this hermetically sealed container together with the inert gas. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawing, FIG. 1 is a partly sectional view of an example of a container according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partly sectional view of an example of a package according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an external view of another example of a package according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partly sectional view taken on line A--A in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are partly sectional views of parts of further examples of a container according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the storage and transportation method of the present invention, the preparation of the hermetically sealed package is performed at the harvest site of agricultural products such as rice, at the rice cleaning facilities in the case of rice, or at the loading location of the transportation terminal. Thereafter, the hermetically sealed packages are transported right up to the final consumption site or processing site, without being opened in the tight-sealed form, so that the agricultural products such as the rice can be transported or stored with its freshness fully maintained, without any necessity for particular transportation and preservation facilities such as refrigerating facilities. Also, because a plastic material is used, it is low priced, and suitable for use with non-returnable containers. As such plastic material, it is preferable to provide a plastic material which is superior in gas barrier properties, rigidity, workability, and air tightness when sealed, and transparency. Examples of such plastic materials are a high nitrile resin having a high content of a nitrile component, and a multi-layered sheet comprising a gas barrier film made of (i) a gas barrier resin such as nylon, polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene - vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyvinylidene chloride and high nitrile resin, and (ii) a sheet of another resin such as polyethylene and polypropylene. The container for use in the present invention has good characteristics of shape retention. The container can have an external shape which is a cylindrical tube, a square tube, or box-shaped. The agricultural products filled into the container should be materials which can easily lose the taste and flavor. Agriculture products which can be included in this category are, for example, grains, including rices such as white rice, wheat, barley, oats, and rye, beans such as soybeans or red beans, and corn, and toasted materials such as roasted coffee beans, black tea leaves, green tea leaves and flavory tea leaves. Any of these agricultural products are filled into the container along with an inert gas. Inert gases which are suitable for this application are carbon dioxide gas, nitrogen gas or mixtures of these gases. Filling an inert gas together with the product prevents flavor loss through oxidation and generation of bacteria, mold and insects. It is preferable that a deoxidant such as fine iron powder, sodium sulfate powder be additionally employed for removing oxygen remaining in the container. The same effect can also be obtained when air and such deoxidants are employed at the same time instead of using nitrogen gas. Carbon dioxide is especially desirable because it exhibits dormancy-forming and bacteriostatic characteristics. The size of the package used in this storage/transportation system depends on the objective of the application. Any suitable size can be used, but taking all things into consideration with respect to the efficiency of the transportation system, including the strength of the container, cost of transportation, and convenience in handling, the 10 to 50 Kg is preferable, and the 20 to 40 Kg is more preferable. Also, the sales unit at the final consumption site and the unit used in the household should be considered, so that a smaller unit, for example, less than 10 Kg could also be more suitable. Any of the above-mentioned plastic materials can be used for the package. Of these plastic materials, the high nitrile resin is most preferable for packaging agricultural products such as rice since it possesses gas barrier characteristics, transparency, and suitable strength, making it suitable as a packaging material for rice. High nitrile resins preferably used in the present invention for the packaging material and the container material are copolymers comprising mainly unsaturated nitrile components such as acrylonitrile and methacrylonitrile, and other monomers such as styrene, butadiene, isoprene, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate and ethyl methacrylate, with the content of the unsaturated nitrile being 50 wt.% or more. One or more of these monomers can be polymerized with an unsaturated nitrile such as acrylonitrile. In addition, the high nitrile resins may be used in combination with a rubber-type polymer such as butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer, isoprene-acrylonitrile copolymer, butadiene-styrene copolymer, polybutadiene, and polyisoprene. The high nitrile resin may be obtained by graft polymerization of the unsaturated components and the above-mentioned monomers in the presence of these rubber-type polymers. As such high nitrile resins, Barex (made by Sohio Chemicals Co., Ltd.) and Panex (made by Kanegafuchi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) are commercially available. A sheet-shaped Barex is commercially available under the trade mark of Zexlon from Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc. Barex is an acrylonitrile thermoplastic resin which is excellent in gas barrier property, rigidity, transparency, and processability (for example, in deep-draw processing), so that there are no difficulties in forming the container. In addition, this material exhibits superior adhesion property, so that, after the filling, the hermetic sealing of the container is easily performed by heat sealing. When the high nitrile resin is employed for the packaging material of the present invention, the packing material can be obtained in sheet form by normal extrusion, calendering, and inflation molding processes. The thickness of the sheet is not restricted, but 100 ฮผm to 5000 ฮผm is preferable. Also, the packaging container is prepared by forming the high nitrile resin into a sheet by the vacuum molding or by the pressure molding, or by the direct injection molding. Further, it is possible to use this material for bag packaging in the same way as conventional packaging by normal heat sealing of a multi-layered film laminated from the above-mentioned single films or laminated from the above-mentioned single films and films of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, nylon and the like. Also, it is possible to print on the surface. It is possible for the container cross-section to take various forms such as a circle, triangle, square forms, etc. The wall thickness of the container varies according to the amount of the contents, the required strength, etc., but usually about 100 to 800 ฮผm is desirable. The strength of a container with a wall thickness of less than 100 ฮผm may be inadequate. On the contrary, a thickness exceeding 800 ฮผm may be acceptable, but the workability is unsatisfactory and the cost is increased. A lid or a top film of the container can be made of a film with high gas barrier properties such as a single layer of the above-mentioned high nitrile resin or vinylidene chloride resin, or a multi-layer film comprising a film made of a resin such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and nylon, which is overlaid on the above-mentioned single layer. Aluminum and steel can also be used for such lid or the top film. FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an example of a container of this type according to the present invention. A quantity of agricultural products such as grains 19 is stored in a container body 11 made from a high nitrile resin sheet. On the top of the container body 11, a top film 17 is sealed to a flange section 13 formed on the container body 11. Further, a rib 15 is provided on the container body 11 with the effect of increasing the strength, or to improve the design. Dried grains such as rice and wheat have the property of adsorbing inert gases, especially carbon dioxide gas, and after filling to the conventionally used containers, the inside pressure is lowered and the walls of the hermetically sealed container are pulled towards inside, so that the external shape of the container is distorted. When the container is distorted, the outside appearance is impaired and cracks appear in the container walls, which cause a break in the seal. In addition, when the container becomes indented, the surrounding area is weakened, and cracks appear because of the use of handling and loading equipment during the storage and transportation. In the worst case, the hermetic seal is broken. Even if the hermetic seal structure does not break, when the container becomes rugged, the display effect is reduced. To prevent this type of problem from occurring, the container may essentially maintain its original condition even after the packed agricultural product has absorbed the filled gas. That is, it is necessary that the container have shape retention characteristics. This may be attained by increasing the strength of the container, in other words, by using a thick plastic sheet or applying a firm heat seal, or by strictly controlling the amount of the inert gas filled. However, this results in an increase in production costs. For example, shape retention characteristics can be provided comparatively simply by the following systems: (1) The inert gas is filled into the container, taking into consideration the amount of gas which may be adsorbed in the packed grains, such as rice. After the gas is adsorbed, the inside of the container is maintained at a suitable pressure so that the container is not distorted. (2) Only on one side of the container, for example, is placed a gas barrier plastic film, which seals the opening after the filling of grain, the film being thinner than the other side of the container. When the inside pressure decreases because of the adsorption of gas, this thin film is drawn into the inside and the shape of the container itself essentially does not become distorted. (3) Grains such as rice are introduced to completely fill the container. The inert gas which exists in the space between the grains is adsorbed and the internal pressure drops. However, the container retains its shape and does become distorted or rugged. If necessary, a comparatively thick-walled container is selected. FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of the form of a container which has adopted the system (1) above. A package 21 in which the rice is stored is formed from a plastic sheet with high gas barrier properties. The package 21 is formed from a container body 23 which is cylindrical or has a square cross section, a top cover 25 which seals an opening in the bottom of the container. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the container body 23 and the bottom plate 27 may also be integrally formed. The previously mentioned high nitrile resin may easily be processed into this kind of form because it has superior deep-drawing processing characteristics. Thus it is preferable to adopt such molding method. The top cover 25 may be produced in advance to provide a pull top sealing means. In the package 21 after a predetermined amount of rice 29 has been stored, and after the air has been removed by means of a gas replacement method, high purity carbon dioxide gas, nitrogen gas used for food, or a mixture of carbon dioxide gas and nitrogen gas is filled under a predetermined pressure and sealed by means of the top cover 25. The volume of rice 29 stored in the container 21 and the filled volume of charging gas comprising carbon dioxide gas are determined so that the freshness and quality of the rice 29 can be properly maintained. However, even after filling with the charging gas, it is desirable that the gas be pressure-filled under the required pressure, which should be maintained to the degree that the package itself is able to maintain the original external shape when the rice 29 was filled. In addition, to maintain the shape in this way, a certain vacant space 31 remains with respect to the amount of the rice 29 stored in the package 21, and it is desirable to utilize this space as the filling station of the charging gas. FIGS. 3 and 4 show another example of a package according to the present invention. A package 41 is fabricated in a bag form which can be filled through a lower section 43 which has a predetermined area formed at the time the rice 29 is stored. The opening is closed by a seal section 45 by heat sealing. FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of further examples of a package according to the present invention. A container wall 53 of a container body 51 in the shape of a square envelope is formed from a comparatively thick plastic sheet which has the gas barrier property and shape retention characteristics. A quantity of rice 29 is stored within this package, it is charged with carbon dioxide gas, a thin film 55 is heat sealed, and the package becomes a hermetically sealed structure. At the time the hermetic sealing occurs from heat sealing, as shown by the chain line in FIG. 5, the thin film 55' is applied, in either perfectly straight or slightly loose form. The plastic container 51 is formed with a thicker plastic sheet than the cover film 55. A heat sealed section 57 is shown. As time passes the carbon dioxide gas is adsorbed by the rice 29, when the pressure inside the container drops, the thin film 55 is drawn to the inside and the package takes the form as shown in the FIG. 5. At this time, the container body 53, which is formed from a relatively thick plastic sheet, maintains its original shape because the drop in the inner pressure is compensated for by the collapse of the film 55 which has weakened an opposing strength, so that depending also on the size of the container, even if the container body 53 is made of relatively thick plastic sheet, the original shape of the container can essentially be maintained. Also, in the same way, even in the case where there is some degree of variation in the amount of carbon dioxide gas introduced and the amount adsorbed by the rice, this influence is deducted. Further, because the empty space within the container is small, damage to this portion is prevented and damage to the hermetically seal is avoided. The carbon dioxide gas prevents the reduction of freshness caused by oxidation and the propagation of aerobic bacteria, and also provides a dormancy-forming and bacteriostatic effect on rices such as white rice, so that the white rice can be stored under favorable conditions. The charging of the carbon dioxide gas can be accomplished by commonly known methods, but the use of dry ice is also an excellent method. The required quantity of dry ice can be inserted into the container body 51 to charge the gas. A cooling effect is also obtained. In the example in FIG. 5, a body is in the shape of a square envelope, but the present invention is not restricted to this shape. For example, shapes such as cylinders, cubes, boxes and the like are also satisfactory. In the case of a cylinder, the bottom surface and/or the top surface is formed from a thin film. In the case of a cube or a box, one or two suitable surfaces, according to the conditions, are formed from a thin film. FIG. 6 shows the package used with the above-mentioned system (3). A container 61 is completely filled with an inert gas and a quantity of rice 29. Reference numeral 63 indicated a lid sheet, and 65 indicates a heat seal portion. For the container as shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, as already explained, plastic with gas barrier properties, preferably high nitrile resin such as Barex is used. With reference to the following examples, the present invention will now be explained in detail. These examples are given for illustration of the present invention and are not intended to be limiting thereof. In the following embodiments, the evaluation of "the taste of white rice" and "flavor" was based on the judgement by the five (5) monitors. EXAMPLE 1 By using a high nitrile resin containing about 70 wt.% acrylonitrile by analysis of nitrogen value, obtained by emulsion polymerization of 75 parts by weight of acrylonitrile and 25 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate in the presence of 10 parts by weight of butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber-type copolymer (containing 70 wt.% butadiene), a sheet having a thickness of 500 ฮผm was obtained by extrusion. The thus obtained sheet was subjected to a vacuum forming process to provide a container having a depth of 5 cm with an inside volume of 500 ml. The container was filled with 400 g of white rice and charged with carbon dioxide gas. By using a separately fabricated film made of the above-mentioned high nitrile resin having a thickness of 40 ฮผm, the container was subjected to heat sealing. After six (6) months the same taste of white rice was still the same and there was no odd smell present at all. EXAMPLE 2 Example 1 was repeated except that the high nitrile resin employed in Example 1 was replaced by the high nitrile resin prepared as follows, whereby a container according to the present invention was prepared. A high nitrile resin containing about 65 wt.% of acrylonitrile (by the analysis of the contained nitrogen) was prepared by polymerization of 70 parts by weight of acrylonitrile, 15 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate, and 5 parts by weight of styrene, in the presence of 10 parts by weight of butadiene acrylonitrile rubber-like copolymer. A check was made for the taste of the white rice and the presence of flavor in the same manner as in Example 1. After six (6) months, the taste of the white rice was still the same and there was no odd smell present. EXAMPLE 3 Through the blow molding process and by using the same resin as with Example 1, a container having an average wall thickness of 500 ฮผm with the inside volume of 500 ml was prepared, and the same processings as given in Example 1 were repeated. Even after six (6) months, the taste of the white rice was still retained and there was no odd smell. EXAMPLE 4 The same resin as with Example 1 was used, and by the injection molding a container of an internal volume 500 ml and with an average wall thickness of 500 ฮผm was prepared, with the repetitions of the processes given in Example 1 except for the replacement of the carbon dioxide with a mixture gas of carbon dioxide gas/nitrogen gas (1 : 1). Even after six (6) months, the taste of the white rice was still retained and there was no odd smell. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1 Example 1 was repeated except that polyethylene was used as the resin, whereby a container was prepared. The container was subjected to the same tests as in Example 1. The result was that the container form was broken down from lack of strength, and in addition, after six (6) months the taste of the white rice was deleteriously affected and an odd smell was present. EXAMPLE 5 250 g of black tea leaves was filled instead of rice into the container as prepared in Example 1, filled with a nitrogen gas, and was heat sealed by a 100 ฮผm thick high nitrile resin sheet as separately prepared, which was then preserved for six (6) months under a temperature of 35ยฐ C. with 90% RH. Thereafter the container was opened and no change in flavor and taste, nor odd smell, was observed. On the other hand, for comparison, the conventionally marketed package of black tea leaves (made of polyethylene film) was preserved for six (6) months under 35ยฐ C. and with 90% RH and it was found that the flavor and taste deteriorated. EXAMPLE 6 300 g of soybeans was filled instead of the rice into the container as prepared in Example 1, filled with a nitrogen gas, and was heat sealed by a 100 ฮผm thick high nitrile resin sheet as prepared separately, which was preserved for six (6) months under 35ยฐ C. with 90% RH. The soya beans had no change at all. On the other hand, for comparison, soya beans were packaged into a nitrogen-gas substituted polyethylene film bag having a thickness of 50 ฮผm, and was preserved for six (6) months under 35ยฐ C. and with 90% RH. In part of the soybeans, blackened portions were found.
A hermetically sealed package wherein the inside of a container having shape-retentive capability is formed from a gas barrier plastic material into which an agricultural product such as rice is filled and sealed together with an inert gas provides an efficient storage and transportation system. Once the product is sealed in this package, it is handled in an integral manner from the packaging area to storage through the distribution channels to the final consumption site. A container formed from a high nitrile resin is suitable for applying the system. Shape-retention characteristics is achieved by using a container formed from a gas barrier plastic material packed with an excess of an inert gas, with the amount of the inert gas adsorbed by the agricultural product taken into consideration, or by using a container made of a gas-barrier plastic material, with a smaller part of the wall being made of a film portion which is thinner than the remaining larger portion of the wall.
1
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device able to detect acceleration through a switching operation of a switch caused by movement of a mass body due to an action of acceleration. More particularly, the invention relates to an acceleration detector for detecting a collision of a mobile unit such as a vehicle and for actuating its airbag. 2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an acceleration detector of this kind includes a mass body that is housed movably back and forth in a case; a coil spring backwardly urging the mass body; a stationary contact provided in the case; and a moving contact provided in the mass body. The acceleration detector is arranged such that when the vehicle collides against something, the mass body forwardly moves against urging force of the coil spring, and the moving contact contacts the stationary contact to energize a circuit, thereby detecting acceleration larger than a given value. The set sensitivity (threshold of the detected acceleration) of the acceleration detector is determined by a mass of the mass body, a spring constant and an initial load of the coil spring, and the distance between the moving contact and the stationary contact under unloaded condition. JP 9-211023 A discloses an acceleration detector in which a mass body is slidably pierced via a through hole by a sliding shaft provided in the longitudinal direction in a case, and is backwardly urged by a coil spring wound around the sliding shaft. The patent publication further says that this conventional mass body is composed of a main-mass member and a sub-mass member each having a through hole formed therein. The sub-mass member is provided with a truncated cone-shaped spring-holding cylinder that projects forwardly from the fringe of a central hole of a thick disk, and with a plurality of collision buffers on the front of the thick disk. The small cylinder of a front end of the main-mass member is fitted into an inner surface of the spring-holding cylinder, and the diameter of the front end of the small cylinder, projecting from the forward end of the spring-holding cylinder, is outwardly expanded to caulk the sub-mass member to the main-mass member. Meanwhile, a plurality of contact segments of the moving contact are extended from the periphery of a thin disk, a central hole of the thin disk is engaged with the small cylinder of the main-mass member, and the thick disk is pressed against the main-mass member by the sub-mass member, which holds and fixes the thin disk between the main-mass member and the sub-mass member. The main-mass member is usually manufactured by a zinc-die casting method or cold-forging processing of copper or brass. One example of the manufacturing processes of the zinc-die casting method is as follows. Die castingโ†’annealingโ†’barrel polishingโ†’deburringโ†’shot blastingโ†’copper underplatingโ†’nickel platingโ†’inner-surface burnishing for a through hole. In this way, the zinc-die casting method is usually complicated and entails a lot of processes. JP 2001-050975 A, which says a relevant art, discloses an optical fiber acceleration sensor including a diaphragm equipped with an optical fiber coil in such a manner that the coil-expands and contracts in opposite directions each other; an acceleration detecting portion composed of a supporting base supporting the diaphragm and a weight secured on the diaphragm; and an optical component composed of an optical coupler and FRM that are connected with the optical fiber coil and output interference light by forcing light to be interfered with one another, which is input to the optical fiber coil and propagated through the same, wherein a potting resin is filled in a space of the sensor to secure the optical component. Further, JP 11-174077 A discloses an acceleration detector including a diaphragm at the center of which a weight is provided; a base supporting the periphery of the diaphragm; and an acceleration sensor that is secured on a surface opposing the surface on which the weight of the diaphragm is provided and outputs an acceleration signal according to what extent the diaphragm is deformed, which is resulted from acceleration impressed on the weight, wherein the diaphragm is formed of plastic resin material. Moreover, JP 11-295334 A discloses an acceleration sensor including a lead switch having an output terminal that turns on by a change of a magnetic field, and outputs a rapid deceleration detecting signal of minute electric current; a cylindrical inner housing that houses therein the lead switch; a magnet mass that is provided movably in an axial direction around the periphery of the inner housing, and inertially moves at the time of rapid deceleration to cause a magnetic field to be changed; a spring that is installed around the periphery of the inner housing and urges the magnetic mass in the direction opposite to inertial movement to control the inertial movement; an outer housing that houses therein the inner housing and the magnetic mass; and an amplifier circuit amplifying the rapid deceleration detecting signal. In an airbag system in recent years, although at the first stage of collision, a vehicle receives small impact acceleration, it has been necessary to judge whether a collision is occurred or not at the early stage and deploy an airbag, even in a collision typified by an offset collision where high impact acceleration is generated after a fixed time has elapsed. For that purpose, the mass body, on which acceleration is impressed, should sensitively and stably slide forward along a sliding shaft against urging force of the coil spring. However, because the main-mass member which constitutes the conventional mass body is dominated by a zinc-die casting product or a cold-forging processed product of copper or brass, slidableness of the member is deteriorated due to formation of rust-under high temperature and humidity conditions. Accordingly, there is a possibility that the required response characteristic could not be secured to collision acceleration from diagonal directions generated at the time of an offset collision. For this reason, it calls for surface treatment thereof for the purpose of improving corrosion resistance and sliding characteristic thereof. However, this treatment brings about a drawback in productivity and a cost. Particularly, surface treatment to the zinc-die casting product is extremely complicated and difficult. Further, the number of components of an airbag system tends to increase for its expanding functionality. Therefore, a space in the substrate on which the acceleration detector is mounted is becoming relatively smaller, and there remains need for further size reduction of the mass body. In addition, actuation timing of an airbag varies from vehicle to vehicle depending on when to be deployed it, which requires to make the sensitivity of the mass body adjustable according to a type of a vehicle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an acceleration detector that has a downsized mass body, steadied sensitivity, improved producibility, and a reduced cost. The acceleration detector according to the present invention includes a mass body movably housed in a case; an elastic member urging the mass body in one direction; and a switch that opens and closes when the mass body moves in another direction against urging force due to acceleration received by the mass body, wherein the mass body is formed of synthetic resins, whose specific gravity is adjustable, molded by an injection molding process. According to the present invention, since the mass body is formed of synthetic resins, whose specific gravity is adjustable, molded by an injection molding process, the mass body obtains increased freedom of molding the mass body into an arbitrary shape. Therefore, the mass body is at liberty to mold into an arbitrary shape such as make a portion of the mass body smaller than the other portion thereof to adopt the mass body for connecting with another component, as well as to deform a portion of the mass body by grace of plasticity of the synthetic resins in the subsequent process. Accordingly, no member for connecting the mass body with another component is separately provided and hence the mass body can be downsized by simplifying its structure. Moreover, the mass body is formed of synthetic resins and thus the mass body is superior in corrosion resistance to metals. Accordingly, the mass body has steadied sensitivity, and does without surface treatment to improve its corrosion resistance, thereby increasing its productivity and reducing a cost BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front view showing a mass body seen from the front that constitutes an acceleration detector according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line Aโ€”A of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the acceleration detector according to the present invention, showing a state in which the mass body is housed in a case;. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the detector where a cap is detached as seen from the back in FIG. 3 ; FIG. 5 is a diagram explaining an operation of the acceleration detector according to the present invention; FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the mass body and a moving contact with a part of the case partially cut out; and FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the mass body with which a moving contact is fitted up. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a front view showing a mass body 1 seen from the front that constitutes an acceleration detector according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line Aโ€”A of FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the mass body 1 is housed in a case 10 . FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the detector where a cap is detached as seen from the back in FIG. 3 . FIG. 5 is a diagram explaining an operation thereof. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the mass body 1 and a moving contact 5 with a part of the case 10 partially cut out. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the mass body 1 with which the moving contact is fitted up. Particular limitations are not put as to what shape of the mass body 1 should be taken. However, in FIGS. 1โ€“7 , the body is formed substantially in a rectangular shape. At the center in the front of the mass body 1 , a boss 2 for attaching the moving contact (described later) is provided. On the upper and lower or the right and left sides of the mass body 1 , concaves 3 opened in front are formed, and additionally, in the center of the sides thereof, located in a more rearward position than that of the concave 3 , a contact-receiving protrusive streak 4 is provided in a longitudinal direction. Moreover, at each of four corners in the front of the mass body 1 , a protrusion 4 a is provided. Three elastic leaves 8 a, 8 b, and 8 b of the moving contact 5 are backwardly projected in parallel in an upward-direction of a concave 3 from each of the two sides, opposing each other, of a mounting plate 7 fitted on the boss 2 through its mounting hole 6 . Of the elastic leaves 8 a, 8 b, and 8 b, the elastic leaf 8 a located at the center is placed above the contact-receiving protrusive streak 4 , and is the longest among those. The rear end of the leaf is bent in a direction away from the contact-receiving protrusive streak 4 . In contrast, the rear ends of a pair of the elastic leaves 8 b, located on both sides, are bent such that the leaves approach the mass body 1 . The mass body 1 is formed of synthetic resins molded by an injection molding process. The specific gravity of the mass body 1 leaves room for adjustment to an arbitral value by adding a specific-gravity adjusting material to the synthetic resins. Accordingly, the sensitivity thereof can be adjusted by changing specific gravity of the mass body 1 while the volume of the body is kept constant. To give the mass body 1 corrosion resistance in order to prevent slidableness from being deteriorated, it has only to add a raw material having corrosion resistance to the body. As a candidate for the material, it would be desirable to advantageously choose metal powder having excellent corrosion resistance such as rust-free tungsten even under high temperature and humidity conditions. More excellent corrosion resistance can be expected by upgrading purity of the metal powder. Since the addition of metal powder having corrosion resistance thereto gives the mass body 1 corrosion resistance, it eliminates the need for surface treatment of the mass body 1 by nickel-plating or the like for the purpose of giving corrosion resistance thereto, which pares down controlled process. In order to more positively improve the sliding characteristic of the mass body 1 , it has only to add materials that impart sliding characteristic to the body such as fluororesin, carbon, and potassium titanate thereto. With this, it eliminates the need for surface treatment with nickel-plating or the like for the purpose of enhancing the sliding characteristic thereof, thus whittling down controlled process. The mass body 1 formed of synthetic resins facilitates the provision of the boss 2 thereon, as well as makes possible to deform the boss 2 projecting from the mounting hole 6 by means of thermal cauking or ultrasonic welding process and integrate the boss into the mass body 1 after the moving contact 5 is fitted around the boss 2 through the mounting hole 6 . This abolishes the conventional sub-mass members for connecting the moving contact 5 to the mass body 1 , which reduces the number of components. In the inner surfaces 11 of the upper and lower or right and left sidewalls within the case 10 in which the mass body 1 is housed, a guiding surface 12 a along which a side of the mass body 1 is slidably engagable and a guiding rail 12 b on which the bottom of the mass body 1 slidably abuts is provided longitudinally. Moreover, in the inner surfaces 11 of the right and left or upper and lower sidewalls within the case 10 , a stationary contact 14 is secured longitudinally, and further around the fringe of the front of the case 10 , a seat 15 is provided, against which the protrusion 4 a of the front of the mass body 1 is to be collided. Between the front of the case 10 and that of the mass body 1 , an elastic member 16 consisting of a coil spring is provided in compression, and the mass body 1 is backwardly (in the right direction in FIG. 3 ) urged by the elastic member 16 . The rear of the case 10 is closed by a detachable cap 17 . Moreover, on the case 10 , lead terminals 18 each connected with the stationary contact 14 are projectingly provided from the case. The operation of the detector will next be described. Upon the vehicle collided against something and impact acceleration is impressed on the mass body 1 , the mass body 1 slides forwardly (in the left direction in FIG. 3 ) against urging force of the elastic member 16 . Then, the elastic leaves 8 b located on both sides engage the stationary contact 14 , and subsequently the elastic leaf 8 a located at the center engages the contact. Thus, the moving contact 5 comes in contact with the stationary contact 14 to energize a circuit, thereby detecting that acceleration larger than a predetermined value is impressed thereon. At that time, the mass body 1 is permitted to slide to a maximum to a position where the protrusion 4 a collides against the seat 15 . By virtue of the moving contact 5 provided with the sub elastic leaf 8 a located at the center, the elastic leaf 8 a can contribute to a contact for compensating an unstable contact even if the unstable contact occurs between the stationary contact 14 and the moving contact 5 by an impact generated when the mass body 1 collided against the case 10 . Additionally, the elastic leaf 8 a not only gives damping force to the mass body 1 near the end of the moving range of the mass body 1 , but also absorbs an impact generated at the time of collision of the mass body 1 against the case 10 . Further, when the elastic leaf 8 a contacted the stationary contact 14 , the elastic leaf contacts the contact-receiving protrusive streak 4 , and restrictions are imposed on bending of the leaf with contact force of the leaf increasing to the stationary contact 14 . The acceleration detecting characteristic of the detector, i.e., the sensitivity thereof is determined by specific gravity of the mass body 1 , a spring constant of the elastic member 16 , frictional resistance between the moving contact 5 and the stationary contact 14 at the time they are engaged each other, and between the mass body 1 and the case 10 . Moreover, regulating a clearance C between the mass body 1 and the guiding rail 12 conduces to ensure stable sliding of the mass body 1 . As mentioned above, through the arrangement according to the first embodiment in which the mass body is formed of synthetic resins, whose specific gravity is adjustable, molded by an injection molding process, the claimed invention gets the freedom of molding the mass body into an arbitrary shape. Therefore, the mass body is molded into an arbitrary shape such as make a portion of the mass body smaller than the other portion thereof, and the portion thereof can be bestowed upon connection with another component. Further, through the arrangement according to the first embodiment in which specific gravity of the synthetic resins is changeable while keeping the volume of the mass body constant, the claimed invention allows easy adjustment of detection sensitivity of the detector. Moreover, through the arrangement according to the first embodiment in which a specific gravity adjusting material contained in the mass body is composed of metal powder having corrosion resistance, the claimed invention enhances corrosion resistance of the mass body, and obtains steady sensitivity thereof. Yet, through the arrangement according to the first embodiment in which the mass body is composed of a raw material to which a material liable for giving sliding characteristic are added, the claimed invention obviates the necessity for application of surface treatment for the purpose of improving the sliding characteristics thereof, thereby increasing its productivity and reducing a cost Still, through the arrangement according to the first embodiment in which a part of the mass body formed of thermoplastic synthetic resins is plasticized to thereby integrally securing the moving contact directly to the mass body, the claimed invention eliminates the necessity for dedicated members for securing the contact thereto, and reduces the number of components. This downsizes the mass body by simplifying its structure.
An acceleration detector includes a mass body movably housed in a case, an elastic member backwardly urging the mass body, and a switch that opens and closes by forward movement of the mass body against urging force, when acceleration is received by the mass body, wherein the mass body is formed of synthetic resins, whose specific gravity is high, molded by an injection molding process, and wherein metal powder having corrosion resistance and a material having sliding characteristic are added to the synthetic resins.
8
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This patent application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. ยง119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/318,954 filed Sep. 14, 2001 entitled Valve Saver Kit. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION The present invention relates to automatic transmissions and, more particularly, to a hydraulic valve repair kit and method of use, which functions to extend the useful service life of a hydraulic spool valve within the valve body of a transmission. Automatic transmission systems of the prior art have a hydraulic circuit sub-system which includes at least a hydraulic pump, a valve body having fluid conducting passages or circuits, input and exhaust ports formed within the fluid circuits, and a plurality of spool valves so-called because of their resemblance to sewing thread type spools. Such valves are comprised of cylindrical pistons having control diameters or lands formed thereon, which alternately open and close the ports to the fluid circuits to regulate the flow and pressure of automatic transmission fluid (hereinafter โ€œATFโ€) within the fluid circuits to actuate different components of the transmission. It will be understood that in describing hydraulic circuits, ATF usually changes names when it passes through an orifice or control valve in a specific fluid circuit. Typically such a spool valve undergoes continuous reciprocating movement due to fluctuation in hydraulic line pressure, which can result in premature wear and improper shifting problems in the transmission. More particularly, the end faces of such a spool valve can be damaged by continuous striking against the interior of the valve body and other internal components such a spring retainer plate during operation resulting in jamming and failure of the hydraulic circuit requiring complete transmission overhaul. Thus, the present invention has been developed to resolve this problem and other shortcomings of the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention is a spool valve repair kit comprising a valve cap and a replacement spring retainer plate, which are utilized in combination to repair the original equipment manufacture (hereinafter โ€œOEMโ€) spool valve to increase the service longevity of such a spool valve in the valve body of an automatic transmission. The valve cap is a cylindrical construction, which is radially disposed about a terminal end of the valve piston to provide a durable contact surface for the valve piston. The spring retainer plate is also redesigned to prevent damage to the aformentioned contact surface and to provide a stable spring seat for a compression spring, which improves the accuracy of the valve's operation. Other features and technical advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a study of the following description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The novel features of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as other features and advantages thereof will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the valve body of a Ford AXODE transmission illustrating an exploded view of a spool valve assembly wherein the present valve saver kit is to be utilized and being labeled Prior Art; FIG. 2 is an exploded elevational view of the spool valve assembly of FIG. 1; FIG. 3A is an exploded elevational view of the spool valve assembly of FIG. 2 showing the valve cap and spring retainer plate of the present valve saver kit; FIG. 3B is an elevational view of the spool valve assembly of FIG. 3A showing the components of the present valve saver kit installed in their functional positions; FIG. 4A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve cap of the present valve saver kit; FIG. 4B is a right end view of the valve cap shown in FIG. 4A; FIG. 5A is a front elevational view of the spring retainer plate of the present valve saver kit showing the relative position of the installed valve cap in phantom outline; and FIG. 5B is a side elevational view of the spring retainer plate shown in FIG. 5 A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With further reference to the drawings there is shown therein an OEM spool valve assembly of the prior art, indicated generally at 100 , and illustrated in FIG. 1 . It will be noted that in the embodiment illustrated, two separate OEM spool valve assemblies 100 , 200 are arranged in coaxial relation for control of separate hydraulic circuits. The prior art spool valve assemblies 100 , 200 are shown in exploded view and removed from their functional position within a mating bore 125 , which is machined into the valve body, indicated generally at 110 , of a Ford AXODE transmission. For purposes of this application the term โ€œspool valveโ€ is used generically to apply to all hydraulic valves of this general type as described hereinafter in further detail. As more clearly shown in FIG. 2, the spool valve assembly 100 includes a generally cylindrical piston 115 having a plurality of control lands or spools 101 , 102 , 103 formed thereon, which function to regulate the flow of automatic transmission fluid (hereinafter โ€œATFโ€) within the valve chamber defined by the stem portions 108 and the surrounding bore 125 (FIG. 1 ). The valve piston 115 also includes a coaxial spring guide diameter 112 of a sufficient size to support a compression spring 104 having a spring rate and operating characteristics suited to this application. The OEM valve piston 115 is fabricated from an aluminum material. The OEM spring retainer plate 107 as seen in FIG. 2 is inserted into the valve body 110 to separate the valve assemblies 100 , 200 and functions as a seating surface for the spring 104 and often as an unintended stop surface for the terminal end face 112 a of the spring guide diameter 112 , which is known to strike the steel spring retainer plate 107 in operation causing physical damage to the terminal end face of the spring guide diameter. The OEM retainer plate 107 is constructed of spring steel and is slightly bent along its length as shown, which provides a gripping effect when it is installed in a mating slot in the valve body 110 in a known manner. However, this design produces dissimilar surfaces as at 116 , 118 , whereon the respective springs 104 , 105 of valve assemblies 100 , 200 are seated in operation (FIG. 1 ), which are not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis โ€”Aโ€”of the valve assemblies 100 , 200 . This produces slight differences in the compression and expansion of the springs 104 , 105 which can affect performance of the valve assemblies 100 , 200 . An OEM end plug 106 and retaining clip 109 (FIG. 1) serve to retain the valve assemblies 100 and 200 in their functional positions within the bore 125 of the valve body 110 . In operation ATF is delivered via hydraulic circuits formed in the valve body 110 into the valve chamber defined by the stem portions 108 of the valve piston 115 and the surrounding bore 125 and then passes into the hydraulic circuits controlled by the valve assemblies 100 , 200 . If the fluid pressure within such hydraulic circuits exceeds the maximum limits for the Ford AXODE transmission, the ATF pressure acts against the force of the spring 104 to deflect or stroke the valve piston 115 such that the spools 101 , 102 , 103 close the valve. This reciprocating motion of the valve piston 115 is repeated as often as required to maintain ATF line pressure in the controlled circuits within predetermined limits for the transmission. In the Ford AXODE transmission the reciprocating motion of the valve piston 115 causes repeated impacts of the end face 112 a of the spring diameter 112 against the OEM spring retainer plate 107 . This results in premature wear and eventually causes mechanical damage and/or jamming of the spring guide diameter 112 within the slot 107 a (FIG. 1) of the retainer plate 107 resulting in malfunction of the so-called Pull-In Control circuit and corresponding 3rd/2 nd gear shift timing problems, which are well known deficiencies of this transmission. Thus, the present invention has been developed to resolve this problem and will now be described. With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B the present valve saver kit is comprised of a generally cylindrical valve cap, indicated generally at 10 , and a modified spring retainer plate, indicated generally at 20 . In one embodiment, among others, the valve cap 10 is fabricated of low carbon steel or other suitable material and dimensioned to a sliding fit condition with the spring guide diameter 112 of the OEM valve piston 115 . In the completed assembly valve cap 10 is disposed within the OEM spring 104 as shown in FIG. 3 B. The present spring retainer plate 20 is designed as a direct replacement for the OEM retainer plate 107 . The present invention provides structures comprising wear-reducing means including, but not limited to, the following structures. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B the valve cap 10 is a generally cylindrical component designed to reduce frictional wear on spring guide diameter 112 . The present valve cap 10 includes a spring locating diameter 12 formed about a longitudinal bore 14 , which is dimensioned to a close-tolerance, slip fit condition with the OEM spring guide diameter 112 . The valve cap 10 also includes a flange 17 formed in perpendicular relation to spring guide diameter 12 , which functions as a seat for the OEM spring 104 . Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B there is shown therein the modified spring retainer plate 20 in accordance with the present invention. Retainer plate 20 is comprised of a body member 22 including a central slot 24 formed along the longitudinal centerline thereo, which defines a pair of opposed leg members 30 . Slot 24 imparts resiliency to leg members 30 permitting inward compression thereof during installation and providing an outward spring bias to the leg members to retain the spring retainer plate 20 within the valve body 110 . The terminal ends of leg members 30 are relieved along the lateral aspects thereof as at 26 to provide adequate clearance with the sidewalls and corners of the hydraulic passage as at 113 (FIG. 1) within the valve body 110 wherein the retainer plate 20 is installed. It will be noted that the opposed front and back surfaces 16 , 18 of the body member 22 are parallel as shown in FIG. 5B (in contrast to the curved surfaces 116 , 118 of the OEM spring retainer plate 107 ) such that the compression springs 104 , 105 are seated squarely in perpendicular relation thereto for optimal accuracy of the valve assemblies 100 , 200 in operation. Semicircular notches 28 formed in the body member 22 provide grasping points for a retainer plate removal tool (not shown). In practical use the present valve saver kit including the valve cap 10 and the spring retainer plate 20 are installed as shown in FIG. 3 B. The valve cap 10 is dimensioned to a slip fit condition with the OEM spring guide diameter 112 and abuts the first adjacent spool diameter 101 . Once installed as shown, it will be noted that the axial length of spring locating diameter 12 is at least equal to or slightly exceeds the axial length of the OEM spring guide diameter 112 . Thus, the end face 12 a of the valve cap 12 makes direct contact with surface 18 of the spring retainer plate 20 . Because both valve cap 12 and spring retainer plate 20 are constructed of steel material there is less mechanical wear at the interface of contact surfaces 12 a and 18 than in the OEM design wherein dissimilar materials (i.e. aluminum valve piston 115 and steel retainer plate 107 ) are in direct mechanical contact. Further, the valve cap 10 prevents spring guide diameter 112 from becoming jammed within the central notch 24 of the present retainer plate 20 , which is a common service problem in the Ford AXODE transmission. That is, the spring locating diameter 12 of the valve cap 10 provides more cross-sectional contact area during operation than the spring guide diameter 112 and, thus, has less tendency for becoming jammed as illustrated in comparison view by phantom outlines 12 โ€ฒ, 112 โ€ฒ in FIG. 5 A. Thus, it can be seen that the present valve saver kit provides a simple and cost effective repair kit to increase the service longevity of a hydraulic spool valve by preventing premature wear and mechanical damage resulting from the repeated impact of an aluminum spool valve and a steel spring retainer plate being fabricated from dissimilar materials. Further, the increased diameter and cross-sectional surface area of the present valve cap provides a valve piston which is less likely to become jammed within the central slot of the mating spring retainer plate causing improper 3/2 shifting and Pull-In Control circuit failure, which are deficiencies commonly associated with the Ford AXODE transmission. Although the present invention has been developed to resolve a common deficiency associated with the Ford AXODE transmission, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present valve saver kit has broad application to spool valves in other automotive transmissions and the embodiments described herein are intended as merely illustrative and not restrictive in any sense. Moreover, although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, a latitude of modification, change, and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in certain instances some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of invention.
A hydraulic spool valve repair kit comprising a cylindrical valve cap and a replacement spring retainer plate and a method of use of these components for increasing the service longevity of such a hydraulic spool valve within the valve body of an automatic transmission is disclosed. The present valve cap is a cylindrical steel construction having a longitudinal bore, which is radially disposed about a terminal end of the aluminum valve piston to provide a more durable contact surface and to substantially reduce mechanical wear between the dissimilar materials of the original components. The replacement spring retainer plate, which inadvertently contacts the valve piston under some operating conditions, is reconfigured to include resilient leg members for retention of the spring retainer plate within the valve body and also provides a stable spring seat for the compression spring that actuates the spool valve.
8
FIELD OF INVENTION U.S. Pat. No.4,706,751 teaches that heavy oil can be recovered from deep reservoirs by a process using various exothermic catalytic reactions to generate downhole high quality steam and hot gases for continuous or cyclic injection into a horizontal well. The present invention pertains to a Downhole Reactor and Steam Generator in which the exothermic catalytic reaction is that of Methanation. The reactor is supplied with Syngas, a mixture of H2, CO or CO2, and with boiler feed water, prepared using known processes. Its effluent is composed of steam, Methane, Hydrogen, Carbon Monoxide and/or Carbon Dioxide. The reactor is hung from the casing of a vertical well containing appropriate oil well tubings to bring from the surface the various reactor feed streams and to carry to the surface the fluids produced from the heavy oil reservoir. The reactor discharges its effluent into one or several horizontal wells or drainholes drilled into the oil reservoir and capable of being operated in the cyclic or "huff and puff" mode of steam injection. Downhole steam generators present the advantage of eliminating the degradation of steam quality resulting from heat losses through surface lines and through the tubings leading from the surface to the oil zone. Such heat losses become excessive in deep wells and prevent the economic application of steam injection techniques to the recovery of heavy oil from deep reservoirs and from those under a great depth of water or below a thick Permafrost layer. Combustion-type downhole steam generators which have been tested result in very low heat rates, less than 7 MMBTU/h, and deliver highly corrosive products which quickly destroy the well tubular goods and the metal parts, at very high temperature, in the combustor assembly. On the contrary, the downhole steam generator using the catalytic Methanation reaction is capable of delivering to the oil reservoir a heat rate exceeding 170 MMBTU/h; its effluent is non-corrosive and the hottest point in the reactor is at 800 F., a temperature acceptable for many available steel alloys. Commercially available Methanation catalysts, capable of high conversion efficiency and long life at that temperature are used in the present downhole reactor. The reactor effluent may be discharged successively into each of several horizontal drainholes connected to the same vertical cased well, of larger diameter. This provides for "huff and puff" operation of each drainhole, in succession, while maintaining a steady oil production from those drainholes not currently receiving the effluent from the downhole reactor. The hot production stream flowing from these drainholes to the surface exchanges some of its heat with the Syngas and boiler feed water streams flowing downhole. This increases the reactor heat rate while preventing this heat from being transferred to the formations surrounding the vertical well. This is a very desirable feature when the surrounding formations include a thick Permafrost zone. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Recovery of heavy oil by steam injection from the surface is a well known process. Its application is, however, limited to relatively shallow wells, of less than 2,500 ft in most cases. This is because unavoidable heat losses along the flow path of steam from the boiler to the oil zone are too large and too costly. Various insulated tubings have been developed to reduce this heat loss, but their low effectiveness at the threaded joints and their high cost have limited the benefits obtainable from this approach. Generating steam downhole is a more promising avenue, but downhole combustors, which burn a liquid or gaseous fuel in an oxygen-rich gas stream have proven disappointing. Such systems constitute a single burner furnace of small dimensions, which limits the heat rate obtainable. This is because the limited well diameter and the need for some refractory insulation to protect the metal parts of the combustor and well casing from the very hot oxidizing flame preclude the high throughput required for the production of very high heat rates. Conventional surface facilities for the sustained production of high heat rates over long periods usually require a multiplicity of large-size burners, within a large refractory-insulated radiating chamber. Such an approach is not applicable to a downhole combustor. Another major handicap has been the excessive rate of metal corrosion by the hot combustion products in the presence of wet steam at high pressure. The present downhole catalytic reactor eliminates both problems, thus providing the means to economically produce heavy oil from deep reservoirs, using the basic process of U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,751. The catalytic reactor and steam generator includes a commercially available, high temperature resistant, Methanation catalyst arranged in a fixed bed of large volume. The length occupied by such a reactor within a cased well may reach several hundred feet. The reactor is made up of several sections assembled together. The length of each section is limited by the height of the derrick in the heavy drilling rig used to handle the reactor elements after drilling and completing the drainholes and the cased well in which the reactor is hung. Syngas flow through the bed may be vertical, upward or downward, or radial (inward or outward). Syngas crossing the fixed bed in each section reacts within the internal pores of the catalyst particles, which constitute the hottest point in the system. The catalyst particles transfer their heat to water through metallic tubular walls of sufficient surface area. The transferred heat raises the temperature of the boiler feed water to its boiling point, at the reactor pressure and vaporizes a portion of the circulating water. The low-quality steam/water mixture produced is separated in steam separators. The wet steam exiting from the separators is then flashed into the Methane-rich hot gaseous effluent from the catalytic bed, to form the mixture of high-quality steam and hot gases which is injected into the oil zone by means of horizontal drainholes. The hot water from the steam separators is mixed with the cooler water stream fed to the reactor and is recycled for another pass against the metal tube walls heated by the catalytic bed. With water-compatible Methanation catalysts, cooling of the catalyst particles combined with steam generation may also be accomplished by direct mixing of the flowing gas phase within the bed with water vaporized from porous ceramic or glass plates (or tubes) immersed within the bed and supplied with boiler feed water. Capillary pressure within the porous ceramic provides a driving force for water flow out of the ceramic into the flowing gas phase. This is similar to the supply of liquid fuel from a wick to a flame. A suitable ceramic for this purpose is the Membralox (R) ceramic microfiltration elements manufactured by Alcoa (Separations Technology Division) for filtration applications. The present invention is, however, not limited to the use of this specific commercial product. In a first embodiment, analogous to a water tubes boiler, the water is heated in bundles of small-diameter tubes, made of high temperature steel alloys, while the catalyst is located in the space surrounding each of the tubes. This is the preferred embodiment. In another embodiment, analogous to a pool-boiling reactor, the catalyst is placed within a plurality of vertical steel tubes surrounded by the boiling water. In all cases where the reactor is contained within a large-diameter cased well, the catalyst particles, metal tubes and water are contained within a cylindrical reactor shell, also made of high temperature allow steel and of diameter smaller than that of the cased well. The reactor shell is hung into the vertical casing by means of a gas-tight connection. In another embodiment, the large-diameter vertical casing does not extend all the way to the surface. It is replaced by a thin-gauge metal lining cemented into a cylindrical cavity under-reamed below a vertical cased well of smaller diameter, providing access from the surface to the reactor in the lined cavity. In that case, no reactor shell is required. When this embodiment is combined with the water tubes boiler-type concept, the complete bundle of water tubes is divided into a plurality of smaller elements of dimensions small enough for their insertion into the lined cavity through the access well. Conversely, when the embodiment including a lined cavity is combined with the pool-boiling reactor concept, the bundle of catalyst-filled tubes is also divided into smaller elements to allow their insertion into the lined cavity through the smaller-diameter access well. In the previous two last cases, the feeder tubings supplying all the individual bundle elements conveying either water, in the first instance, or Syngas, in the second instance, extend to the bottom of the central part of the lined cavity, below the access well. They are connected to each of the bundle elements by means of radial tubular arms, articulated or deformable. In the case of steel water tubes, the outlet of each bundle element is similarly connected by a radial tubular arm conveying the mixture of steam and water from the tubes to the axially located steam separators. The horizontal drainholes may be connected either to the top of the reactor, or to its bottom. In the first alternative, the connection of each drainhole tubular liner with the vertical casing is by means of a window or penetration into said casing. In the second alternative, the connection of each drainhole tubular liner with the vertical casing or with the cavity liner is by means of a conventional multiple tubing packer. In all cases, a valve section, located in close proximity of the drainholes entrances, provides the means for successively switching each drainhole from the production mode to the injection mode, by interrupting its flow path to the production tubing and by connecting it to the reactor outlet. The valves are controlled from the surface by hydraulic pressure or electrical means which are familiar to those skilled in the art. Start-up of the Methanator, in all cases where temperature of the Syngas feed is below 450 F. is accomplished by the following sequence of operations: 1) The gas phase in the catalytic bed is displaced by a mixture of Hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide, with a H2/CO2 ratio greater than 4/1. This mixture, at the outlet of the compressor is at a temperature of about 300 F. Consequently, the flow of this hot gas mixture through the bed progressively raises the temperature of the catalyst particles. When that temperature reaches 200 F., CO2 in the presence of a very large excess of H2 begins to react, forming CH4 and H2O. This exothermic reaction further increases the bed temperature. Control of the rate of temperature increase is achieved by adjusting the composition of the reactor feed, without any water circulation in the tubes. 2) When the bed temperature reaches 450 F., Carbon Monoxide (CO) is gradually substituted to CO2 in the reactor feed, starting with a H2/CO ratio of about 5/1. As the temperature rises, the feed composition is slowly adjusted to reach the desired H2/CO ratio of about 3.5/1. 3) When the bed temperature reaches 600 F., water flow is started, while the Syngas feed rate is gradually increased. Both flow rates are adjusted to maintain the bed temperature below the design value for the depth of the heavy oil reservoir under consideration. A typical design temperature is about 800 F. for a depth of 3,500 ft. In another embodiment, the Syngas feed is produced in a Downhole Partial Oxidation reactor, located above the Downhole Methanator, within a large-diameter vertical cased well. The hot effluent from the Partial Oxidation reactor is quenched by heat exchange with water-filled tubes, or by direct mixing with water. This provides for transfer of the heat of the partial oxidation of Natural Gas to the water stream while cooling the Syngas product stream to the desired temperature level for the Methanation reaction, prior to its entry into the Downhole Methanator catalytic bed. A catalyst suitable for "Direct Methanation" compatible with a Syngas feed containing both CO2 and CO as well as H2 may be used in the Methanator part of the assembly. Such catalysts have been developed by the Institute of Gas Technology (GRI-C-600 and GRI-300 series). The present invention is, however, not limited to using these specific Methanation catalysts. The Partial Oxidation reactions followed by the product gas Quenching processes for producing Syngas from the high temperature, incomplete combustion of Natural Gas in an Oxygen and steam mixture are commonly used in known types of reactors within conventional surface process facilities but their application downhole and in combination with a novel Downhole Methanator is also novel. The main advantages of this new combination are: 1) the use of the heat of partial oxidation of Methane and of other gaseous hydrocarbon to generate additional steam downhole, 2) the elimination of any hazards related with the transportation by pipelines at the surface of toxic, high pressure, Carbon Monoxide contained in the Syngas. In this embodiment, the only fluids transported at the surface to the well-head are Oxygen and Natural Gas in separated pipeline systems, located at a safe distance from each other. 3) the elimination of environmentally undesirable heat losses and of atmospheric pollutants from conventional surface facilities when they are used to produce the Syngas feed for the Downhole Methanator. Heat losses from steam reformer furnaces, autocatalytic steam reforming reactors and partial oxidation reactors at the surface to the ground over which they are built are very detrimental when the soil is part of the Permafrost layer, as in the Arctic regions. Atmospheric pollutants in the flue gas of conventional steam reformer furnaces may also be excessive at some surface locations. 4) a large reduction in thickness of the refractory liner in said Downhole Partial Oxidation reactor. By integrating said reactor, Quench section and Downhole Methanator into a single shell, a hot high pressure gas stream flows past the outer surface of the refractory heat shield of the Downhole Partial Oxidation reactor and maintains it at a temperature above 600 F. Consequently, for the same heat loss from the reactor to its surroundings, the thickness of the refractory liner required is much less than that of the liner in a conventional surface Partial Oxidation reactor. This makes it possible to reduce the outside diameter of the Downhole Partial Oxidation reactor to that of the catalytic Downhole Methanator, in order to fit the whole assembly within the casing of a large-diameter well. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is the vertical cross section of a Downhole Methanator with its catalyst in a fixed bed, within a large-diameter cased well, showing schematically its connection to the tubings supplying respectively the Syngas feed and the boiler feed water streams from the surface and its connection, through a valve section, to one of a plurality of horizontal drainholes below, while another drainhole conveys produced oil, gas and water into a central production tubing leading to the surface. FIG. 2 is the vertical cross section of a Downhole Methanator, with its catalyst in a fixed bed, within a large-diameter cased well, showing its connection to concentric tubings supplying respectively the Syngas feed and the boiler feed water streams from the surface and its connection, through a valve section, to one of a plurality of horizontal drainholes above, while another drainhole conveys produced oil, gas and water into a central production tubing leading to the surface. FIG. 3 is a vertical cross section of a Downhole Methanator of the type shown on FIG. 1, showing the respective flow paths of the Syngas feed and products of the Methanation reaction through four catalytic bed sections connected in parallel and the respective flow paths of boiler feed water and steam through water tubes and steam separators in eight unit bundles connected in parallel. Gas flow through the catalytic beds is vertical. FIG. 4 is the vertical cross section of a Downhole Methanator, of the same type as that shown on FIG. 3, but showing the respective fluids flow paths for the reactor configuration of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is the vertical cross section of a Downhole Methanator, with the configuration of FIG. 1, but where the gas flow through the beds is radial. FIG. 6 is the vertical cross section of a Downhole Methanator, with the configuration of FIG. 2, but where the gas flow through the beds is radial. FIG. 7 is the vertical cross section of a Downhole Methanator contained within the cemented, metal-lined, cavity under-reamed below an access well of smaller diameter. The catalyst within the cavity is in a fixed bed surrounding boiler-type water tubes, as in FIG. 1. The Downhole Methanator in this case ,as in FIG. 1, is also connected to one of a plurality of horizontal drainholes located below said cavity Reservoir fluids produced from another drainhole are conveyed through a valve section to a central production tubing leading to the surface. Concentric tubings, also located within the casing of the access well, transport respectively the Syngas feed and the boiler feed water from the surface to the Downhole Methanator. FIG. 8 is the vertical cross section of a Downhole Methanator of the type of FIG. 7, in which the Methanator connection to the horizontal drainholes is located at the base of the access well, above the Methanator, as in FIG. 2. The fixed catalytic beds in this case are enclosed within vertical tubes immersed in the boiling water filling the lined cavity. FIG. 9 is the vertical cross section of a Downhole Methanator, also contained within a lined cavity below an access well where the catalyst within the cavity is in a fixed bed cooled by direct mixing with water distributed by ceramic porous tubes immersed within the bed. In this case, the drainholes connected to the Methanator are located below the Methanator, but the valve section is located within the access well, at the bottom. FIG. 10 is the left part of the vertical cross section of a Downhole Methanator of the type shown in FIG. 4 integrated with a Downhole Partial Oxidation reactor and a Quench section and a valve section, all contained within the same shell hung in the casing of a large-diameter well. This figure also shows the configuration of the various concentric tubings connecting the assembly to the surface. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art that other combinations of the main features of the cases illustrated by these figures may also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a vertical cross section of the valve section, showing the various fluids flow paths from the producing drainhole to the surface and from the Downhole Methanator to the injection drainhole. Flow control in this example is by means of a pair of two-way full opening ball valves. FIGS. 11a to 11c show horizontal cross sections of the tubings at various level. FIGS. 12A and 12B show longitudinal cross sections of a novel ball-type retrievable downhole two-way valve suitable for use in the valve section shown on FIG. 11. The two positions of the ball are shown in FIG. 12a and 12b. FIGS. 12c and 12d show the corresponding positions of a novel flapper-type retrievable downhole two-way valve equally suitable for use in another valve section based on the same concept. FIG. 13A and 13B show longitudinal cross section of the valve section for this type of flapper-type retrievable downhole two-way valves. The two positions of the flapper and corresponding flow paths are shown on FIG. 13a and 13b. FIGS. 13C and 13D show cross-sections AA and BB of FIGS. 13A and 13B. The present invention is not limited to the use of these two types of valves nor to the use of two-way valves only. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other known types of valves, such as sliding valves, not shown, can also be adapted to this type of multi-way flow control service in a novel concept. DESCRIPTION OF THE DOWNHOLE CHEMICAL PROCESSES Under continuous operation, the Downhole Methanators shown on FIG. 1 to 9 receive from the surface a Syngas feed containing an excess of Hydrogen. A typical composition is 3.5 H2, 1 CO. In the presence of commercially available Methanation catalyst, in which the active agent may be Nickel, Ruthenium, Cobalt, Iron, alone or in combination on a support presenting a large surface area, the main reaction is: 3 H2+CO=CH4+H2O (ฮ”Hx=-49.2 Kcal/g.mole) . . . (1) In the presence of an excess of Hydrogen, the reaction is nearly complete at temperatures above 550 F. Consequently, the effluent of the Downhole Methanator consists of a mixture of steam, CH4, H2 and CO, in decreasing order of concentrations in the mixture. During start-up, when the temperature of the catalytic bed is below 55ยฐ F., the Syngas feed supplied from the surface to the Downhole Methanator is a mixture of H2 and CO2, in the proportion of more than 4 volumes of H2 per volume of CO2. In the presence of the same catalysts, the reaction, with a large excess of H2, may be initiated at temperatures as low as 200 F., readily obtained during compression of the feed gas mixture. That reaction is: 4 H2+CO2=CH4+2 H2O (ฮ”Hx=-39.4 Kcal/g.mole CO2) . . . (2) With little or no cooling by water, the catalyst temperature rapidly increases to the level where reaction (1) may be initiated, by changing the Syngas feed composition accordingly. For the Downhole reactor of FIG. 10, the reactions taking place in the Downhole Partial Oxidation reactor part of the assembly are: 2 CH4+O2=2 CO+4 H2 (ฮ”Hx=-7.6 Kcal/g.mole CO) . . . (3) CH4+O2=CO+H2O+H2 . . . . (3') CH4+2O2=CO2+2 H2O (complete combustion) . . . . (3") CH4=C+2H2 (endothermic) . . . (4) C+H2O=H2+CO (endothermic) . . . (5) Combined, these reactions may also give: 2CH4+2O2=3 H2+CO+CO2+H2O . . . (6) or: 3CH4+2 O2=6 H2+2 CO+CO2 . . . (6') or: 4CH4+2O2=8H2+2CO+CO2+C . . . (6") In reality, the relative proportions of the various products, including Carbon, in the form of coke, depend upon the relative concentrations of CH4, O2 and H2O in the reactor feed and on the reactor pressure and temperature conditions. In the case of FIG. 10, the Methanation catalyst in the Downhole Methanator part of the assembly may be a so-called "direct Methanation" catalyst, capable of catalysing not only reactions (1) and (2) but also the water gas shift reaction: CO+H2O=CO2+H2 and its reverse . . . (7) These may lead to the "direct Methanation" reaction: 2CO+2H2=CH4+CO2(ฮ”Hx=-30.5 Kcal/g.mole CO) . . . (8) In reality, with these types of known catalysts, the over-all Methanation reaction is a combination of reactions (1), (2), (7) and (8). Depending upon the operating conditions of both the Downhole Partial Oxidation reactor and the Downhole Methanator, the effluent of the Methanator may contain different proportions of H2, CO2, CO in addition to CH4 and steam. The net exothermic heat obtained varies accordingly, depending upon the ratio of O2/CH4 in the feed and on the amount of coke production tolerated in the Partial Oxidation reactor. It is apparent from equations (3) and (8) that if the operating conditions are such that these are the principal reactions, most of the total heat rate is generated by reaction (8) in the catalytic bed of the Methanator, at a temperature level below 800 F. The heat rate generated in the Partial Oxidation reactor at very high temperature is less than 20% of the total heat rate generated in the downhole assembly. Furthermore, this heat rate is divided among a plurality of burners, as will be shown on FIG. 10. These are very significant improvements over the known combustor-type downhole steam generators, which allow to generate much higher steam rates downhole. Conversely, the total volume of the assembly shown on FIG. 10 is much larger than that of those known generators. DETAILED DESCRIPTION In all cases, the fixed catalytic beds have the shape of an annular cylinder of small cross section, typically 2.5 sq. ft., and great length (the length is limited only by the height of the derrick of the oilwell drilling rig used for assembling the various elements of the Downhole Methanator and for installing it within the well casing). Typically, the height of each bed section may be about 50 ft. The corresponding total catalyst volume in the four-section Downhole Methanators of FIG. 3 to 6 is about 370 cubic feet. In FIG. 1 to 9, three concentric tubings connect the Downhole Methanator to the surface. They are used respectively to transport the following streams: in the central tubing (1), the produced reservoir fluids in upward flow; in the intermediate annular space between the Syngas tubing (2) and the central production tubing (1), the Syngas feed in downward flow; in the outer annular tubing space between the water tubing (3) and the Syngas tubing (2), the boiler feed water in downward flow. The annular space between the casing (4) and the water tubing (3) is filled with stagnant thixotropic mud. In FIG. 1, a conventional dual tubing packer (5) is used to connect the liners of two horizontal drainholes (6) and (7) to the well casing. A connector (8), fastened to the top of each drainhole liner and to the valve section (9) above it, provides leak-proof connections. Only two horizontal drainholes are shown on FIG. 1 to 10, because this is the minimum number required for "huff and puff" operation of each of the drainholes in succession. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that more than two drainholes can be used for this purpose In that case the dual-tubing packer is replaced by a conventional multiple-tubing packer and several of the drainholes may be connected in parallel flow, either in the injection mode or in the production mode. Some of the drainholes may also be shut-in for a steam-soak period after injection. The downhole valve section is, of course, adapted to the number of drainholes to be controlled and to the desired sequence of operations. In FIG. 1, the flow of gases through the catalytic bed (10) is vertical downward. In FIG. 2, it is vertical upward. It will again be apparent to those skilled in the art that either option may be used in conjunction with any of the vertical flow catalytic beds, such as shown on FIG. 3 and 4, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the connection between the well casing and each of the drainhole liners is through windows cut into the casing, by conventional techniques, or by means of telescopic penetrations which are run-in together with the casing (4) in the retracted position and hydraulically extended into a reamed cavity, prior to displacement of the cement slurry behind the casing. These penetrations can then be unplugged or drilled-through to start the drilling of each horizontal drainhole, using known oil field practices. In FIG. 3, the Syngas feed is directed to the annular space between the casing (4) and the reactor shell (11). Most of this stream re-enters the reactor through the bottom. Small portions of this stream penetrates through the connector pieces (12) terminating each water tubes bundle unit. These streams, marked by dotted arrows are used to reduce the temperature of the effluent from the preceding half of the bed section (13), before it enters the second half of the section (14). The Syngas feed, pre-heated by heat exchange with the hot reactor shell penetrates in part into the base (15) of the bottom bed section and, primarily, into the Syngas collector space (16). This is an annular space connected to the base of each of the other bed sections through the basal connecting pieces (17) used to assemble together the various sections. The products from the Methanation reaction leaving from the top of each bed section enter the injectant collector space (18). This is an annular space, concentric with the Syngas collector space (16) and separated from it by the water/steam separators (19) associated with each tube bundle unit (20). The central tubing extends into the central part of the Methanator and connects to the valve section (9). This space is occupied by reservoir fluids flowing from those of the drainholes which are currently on production. The annular space (22) adjacent to this central tubing extension (21) is used to convey the boiler feed water to the base of each tube bundle unit. This water stream is mixed with that from each of the water/steam separators (19) and enters the tube bundles. All tubes (23) in each bundle are of small diameter, typically 5/8 inch OD, and wound in a helix of vertical axis, within each bed section. Their length is typically of 30 to 50 ft. They are all in parallel flow and are welded into the unit connecting pieces (12). The mixture of steam and water flowing out of the top of each tube is directed through tangential passages in the unit connecting pieces (12) and through the top connecting pieces (17) of each of the bed sections to be led into the upper part of each water/steam separator. The centrifugal force of the water/steam jet and the difference in specific gravities of steam and water contribute to the separation of steam from water. Make-up boiler feed water may also be introduced into the separator at the top, instead of the bottom as shown on FIG. 3, prior to entering the base of the tubes in the corresponding unit bundle. This may improve separation and homogenized the temperature of water entering at the bottom of each tube. The configuration of each unit bundle and associated bed sub-section is preferably the same for all units. The number of tubes required in each of eight units is typically less than 100. The volume occupied by the water tubes within the catalytic beds typically represents less than 15% of the corresponding bed volume. The steam collected in the upper part of each water/steam separator flows into the injectant collector space (18)and mixes with the effluent from the beds. This mixture of steam and gases is then conveyed through the downhole valve section (9) into the liner of one or several of the horizontal drainholes (6) currently under injection. In FIG. 4, the flow of injectant in the injectant collector space (18) is upward instead of downward like in FIG. 3. Otherwise, the operation of the Downhole Methanator is the same in both of these cases, which differ primarily by the type of connection to the horizontal drainholes and by the location of the valve section (9) in the assembly. FIG. 5 presents the same configuration as in FIG. 3, regarding the water and steam circulation system, the connection with the drainholes and the location of the valve section. The annular beds in FIG. 5 are, however, separated respectively from the reactor shell (11) and from the injectant tubing (24) by the outer and inner screens (25) and (26). The annular spaces adjacent to the screens are respectively used, for the outer gas space (27), to collect the effluents from the various sections and, for the inner gas space (28), to serve as Syngas collector. FIG. 6 presents the same configuration as FIG. 4 regarding the water and steam circulation system, the connection with the drainholes and the location of the valve section. The configuration of the catalytic beds, inner and outer screens is the same as in FIG. 5, with the only difference that the injectant mixture flows upward in the outer gas space, instead of downward like in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 shows a Downhole Methanator located within the lined cavity under-reamed below a smaller-diameter access well. The casing (4) of the access well and the cavity liner (29) are both cemented into the geologic formations above the oil zone. As in FIG. 1, 3 and 5, the effluent of a single catalytic bed (13) and steam generated in the water tubes (20) are injected together into one of a plurality of horizontal drainholes (6) drilled below the Methanator. The water tubes, however, are now vertical instead of being in a helix of vertical axis. They are connected through articulations (32) at top and bottom respectively to the steam separator (19) and to the boiler feed water extension tubing (3). The Syngas feed is distributed over the entire cross section of the bed by means of articulated tube ramps (31). The purpose of all these articulations is to allow their introduction into the lined cavity in their folded position, where their over-all diameter is smaller than that of the access well casing. Once into the lined cavity, the articulations are placed in their open (and extended) position so as to place the water tubes approximately at the mid-distance between the diameter of the cavity and that of the wall of the water/steam separator. During this extension outward of the tubes into the cavity, the top articulations (33) slide down vertically on a sleeve or other mechanical means familiar to those skilled in the art. The water circulation system is similar in concept to that of a single bundle unit in FIG. 3 or 5. The steam from the separator is gathered into an annular collector space (18), prior to its injection, mixed with the bed effluent gases, into drainhole (6). In this example, the flow of gas through the catalytic bed is downward, from the injection ramps (31) located at the top of the cavity. As in FIG. 3 and 5, the reservoir fluids produced from drainhole (7) are conveyed to the surface through a tubing extending down to the valve section (9). The valve section is again connected through a leak-proof connector (8) to the entrance of the drainholes, at the top of a multiple tubing completion packer (5), of known design. The thin-gauge metal liner is also introduced into the under-reamed cavity in its folded position, prior to the cementing of the cavity and well casing bottom. Once into the mud-filled cavity, the liner is hydraulically expanded by closing the casing fill-up valve and increasing the fluid pressure within the folded and deformable liner. The liner is kept in its inflated position by fluid pressure during the cementing of the liner and casing. This requires the temporary use of a central extension tube from the top of the liner to its bottom, to convey the cement slurry through the casing (4) and through the central extension tube to the bottom part of the casing and out into the annulus to displace the drilling mud by cement. Small metal anchors are welded to the outer skin of the liner, which, when the liner is inflated and completely unfolded, become imbedded into the displaced cement slurry. After the cement has set and when its strength is sufficient to hold the overburden pressure, the fluid pressure within the liner is reduced and the lined and cemented cavity is filled with pure water, in preparation to the installation of the internals of the Downhole Methanator, as previously described. Those familiar with oil well completion operations will recognize the various steps required to achieve this purpose. After installation and leak-testing of all internals into the water-filled, lined and cemented cavity, water is displaced by dry inert gas under pressure which is circulated back to the surface through one of the tubings in the access well. The catalyst particles introduced into this flowing gas stream are entrained downhole and settle into the lined cavity until it is nearly filled. The Methanator is then complete and ready for start-up, using the procedure previously described. FIG. 8 shows a Downhole Methanator located within a lined and cemented cavity under-reamed below a smaller-diameter access well, like in FIG. 7. In this case, however, the connection to the horizontal drainhole is at the top of the Methanator, like in FIG. 2, 4 and 6. A significant difference is the bed water cooling system. In the present case, the catalytic bed is contained within a bundle of vertical tubes (34) of diameter small enough to go through the access well casing, one at a time. The catalyst-filled tubes are connected at their base to a set of radially extended articulated distributor tubes (35), connected to an extension of the Syngas tubing (2). The distributor tubes are inserted into the lined cavity in their folded position, where their over-all diameter is less than that of the casing (4). Once inside the cavity, they are unfolded radially like the spokes of an umbrella and connected to the center base plate (36) of the liner. The tubing used to insert them into the well and cavity is disconnected and pulled out of the well. Each catalyst-filled tube is equipped with a reversed check-valve at the base and with a check-valve at the top. Both check-valves are closed and pre-set to open at a pressure higher than the hydrostatic pressure of water in the well and cavity. Each tube is lowered into the well at the end of a surface-operated arm, which is raised to the horizontal once inside the lined cavity (29). The tubing is then oriented and lowered so as to position the base of the tube over a connecting piece (37) at the end of each of the extended distributor arms. When the connecting piece is mated with the base or the tube, a pressure-tight connection is achieved, by means of suitable metal/metal seals. After all catalyst-filled tubes have been installed, at the periphery of the lined cavity, an extension of the water tubing (3), consisting of a set of articulated, radially extending spray ramps (38) is lowered into the well, in the folded position, and opened when inside the upper part of the lined cavity. The extension of the Syngas tubing (2) is then installed, to connect with the center base plate (36) and radial distributor tubes (35). After installation of the valve section (9) and connection with the horizontal drainholes, water is displaced from the Syngas tubing and from the upper part of the lined cavity. The Downhole Methanator is then ready for start-up, by injection of high pressure Syngas, which opens the check valves protecting the catalyst from water entry. The start-up sequence is the same as previously described. Under normal operations, the lined cavity, partly filled with boiling water serves as water/steam separator. The effluent from the catalyst tubes is mixed with steam in the upper part of the cavity and the resulting injectant mixture is conveyed through the valve section to the drainhole (6) currently under injection. FIG. 9 shows a Downhole Methanator located within a lined cavity, partly filled with a bed of catalyst particles, as in FIG. 7. Water-cooling of the bed, by steam generation, is achieved by direct mixing of water exsuding from the fine pores of a set of porous ceramic tubes (39) into the gas phase flowing through the bed. In the present example, the flow of gas through the bed is upward, from a set of gas distributor tubes (40) radiating from the center base plate of the liner, and connected to an extension of the Syngas tubing, similar to that of FIG. 8. The porous ceramic tubes used to distribute water throughout the bed are connected through articulated joints to a set of radially extending water distributor arms supplied by the water tubing (3). These arms and the ceramic tubes are lowered into the lined cavity in the retracted, or folded, position in the same way as the water ramps and Syngas distributor tubes of FIG. 8. To illustrate another configuration of the valve section with respect to the drainholes with which it is connected, the valve section (9) is located above the Methanator and is directly connected to the entrance of the drainholes, which extend from the multiple tubing completion packer (5) below the Methanator to the valve section (9) above the Methanator, passing through the central part of the catalytic bed. FIG. 10 shows a Downhole Methanator integrated with a Downhole Partial Oxidation reactor and Quench section within the same shell, hung into the casing of a large-diameter well. In this case again, the central tubing (1) carries the reservoir fluids to the surface, the next concentric tubing (41) brings the Natural Gas stream to feed the Downhole Partial Oxidation reactor. The next concentric tubing is the boiler feed water tubing (3). A fourth concentric tubing (42) brings the Oxygen stream from the surface to the Downhole Partial Oxidation reactor (43). The annulus between this fourth tubing and the casing is filled with stagnant mud, as in all previous cases. The Partial Oxidation reactor part (43) of the whole assembly consists of a ceramic heat shield (44),protecting the water tubing (3) and the water-cooled top part of the shell (11) from the high heat generated by a plurality of down-firing vertical burners located radially around the Oxygen tubing (42). The Oxygen flow into each burner is controlled by a separate valve operated from the surface, located on the top of the assembly, adjacent to the threaded hanger in the large-diameter casing. Within the ceramic heat shield (44), a series of metal canisters (45) similar in concept with those of a gas turbine, surrounds each of the burners. The Natural Gas feed circulates in the annulus between the reactor shell (11) and the casing (4), flowing upward past the catalytic bed (13) of the Downhole Methanator, past the Quench section (46) and penetrates through check valves into the shell (11) at the base of the heat shield, passing first outside of it and then inside, between the heat shield and the canisters. In the course of its long flow path against hot surfaces, the Natural Gas is pre-heated before reaching the top burners and the secondary supply holes in the lower part of the canisters. In a variant of this basic design, the walls of the combustion chamber or canisters are not made of high temperature alloy steels, but of high thermal conductivity ceramics, such as alpha Silicon Carbide. The combustion is initiated in the burners by electrical means, like those used in a gas turbine, and the flame jet mixes with the secondary methane in the canisters which serve as combustion chambers for the Partial Oxidation reactions. The hot Syngas resulting from these reactions exits into the Quench section (46). The Quench section consists of a fixed bed of coarse ceramic particle (47) in which water tubes (48) are immersed. These may be of the metal type (20) or of the porous ceramic type (39). In the first alternative, cooling of the quenching fixed bed is by heat exchange with the water-filled metal tubes. In the second alternative, quenching is due to the vaporization of water in the hot Syngas stream. The coarse ceramic particles in the Quench section also serve as a coke filter. Steam may be added to the Natural Gas feed of the Partial Oxidation reactor to facilitate mixing the secondary gas feed streams with the flames of the burners, while reducing the formation of coke according to reaction (5). Carbon dioxide, which may be present initially in the Natural Gas feed also modifies the composition of the reactor effluent, especially the H2/CO ratio. By adjusting the operating parameters, a small excess of Hydrogen in the Methanator feed may be obtained, which tends to drive the Methanation reactions to near completion, using commercially available catalysts. All Methanation catalysts are compatible with steam, which is one of the reaction products in equations (1), (2) and (7), but the catalysts described by Quang et al. in U.S. Pat. No.4,497,910 are also compatible with liquid water. For this reason, this type of catalyst may be used preferentially when the Methanator water cooling system is by direct mixing with water supplied from porous ceramic or glass tubes, as in FIG. 9 . The effluent from the fixed bed (46) of coarse particles in the Quench section, cooled to a temperature below 800 F., enters the fixed bed of Methanation catalyst particles (13) located below where the reactions of Methanation proceed, generating steam in the water cooling system, as in FIG. 3 , 4 and 10. The water tubes may again be made of metal (as in FIG. 3 and 4) or of porous ceramic (as in FIG. 9). The catalytic bed (13) may again be divided into several sections connected in parallel flow and the metallic water tube system may also be divided into several unit bundles discharging into several water/steam separators, as in FIG. 3 and 4. The bed configuration of FIG. 5 may also be combined with the use of ceramic tubes arranged as in FIG. 9 . It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that all such combinations may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Finally, the steam and gases produced as a result of the processes occurring within the Partial Oxidation section, the Quench section and the Methanator sections enter as a mixture into the valve section (9), to be conveyed to one of several of the horizontal drainholes (6), while reservoir fluids produced into the other drainholes (7) are conveyed to the surface. FIG. 11 shows schematically the flow paths of the respective fluids, into or out of two drainholes (6) and (7), when using a pair of two-way downhole valves (49a) and (49b). These provide a full opening for the introduction of logging or cleaning tools into each of the drainholes, when the corresponding two-way valve is open to the production tubing (1) and closed to the tubular connection (50) bringing the injectant stream of steam and gases to the valve section. The same functions can also be obtained in another valve section from a single valve successively presenting a single movable part opposite the required number of ways or openings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that FIG. 11 describes only one of the simplest of many possible manifolding configurations, to illustrate the general concept of the valve section in the present invention. FIGS. 12A and 12B shows how a conventional downhole safety valve of the ball type originally designed to provide on/off service only can be modified to operate as each of the two-way valves 49a and 49b shown on FIG. 11. With the axis of the opening (51) in the ball in the vertical position and the ball rolled down, the valve provides full opening passage from the drainhole (7) to the production tubing, as shown in FIG. 12a, while the sliding flow tube (52), covering the two horizontal sealing tubes (53) and (54) fully recessed within the wall of the valve body (57), is closing the flow path in the horizontal direction. With the ball rolled-up and said opening axis in the horizontal position, as shown in FIG. 12b the flow tube (52) is in its upper position, leaving the horizontal sealing tubes (53) and (54) uncovered and extending out of their recess into the vertical cavity of the valve body. The spring-loaded horizontal sealing tubes are then pressed against the ball surface around its opening to provide a seal for flow of steam and gases in the horizontal direction, while the production tubing is shut off from its previous communication with the drainhole, by the blind ball surface pressing against the base of the flow tube. Because of the high temperature environment, metal to metal seals are preferred. This brief description illustrates the basic concept under which the same ball opening successively provides communication between the same drainhole and the steam and gases outlet, while closing the reservoir fluids flow path to the production tubing and vice versa. If two such identical ball-type valves are operated simultaneously from the surface, by known electrical or hydraulic actuators, in such a way that one of the ball openings always has its axis in the opposite position, vertical or horizontal, of the axis of the opening in the other ball, the two drainholes shown on FIG. 11 can effectively be switched from one mode of operation "huff" to the other mode of operation "puff" and vice versa. FIG. 12c and FIG. 12d illustrate the same concept using flapper-type downhole valves, with the flapper (55) respectively in the vertical and horizontal positions and performing the dual functions of closing the horizontal flow path while the vertical flow path is open, and vice versa. This requires that the hinged flapper be designed to seal on both faces, contrary to that of a conventional downhole flapper valve, which seals only on one face. The movable flow tube (56) may be used to provide a secondary seal (57) to shut off the flow of steam and gases from the horizontal path. The means for running-in, sealing and locking in place this new type of wireline retrievable valves and tubing retrievable valves are familiar to those skilled in the art, who will also perceive that the same flow switching operations may equally be achieved with sliding mandrel valves presenting the required number of ports and openings. FIGS. 13A and 13B show that, with the novel flapper-type two-way valves shown on FIG. 12c and 12d,it is possible to reduce to three the maximum number of tubular passages within the valve section. FIGS. 13a and 13b show the various flow paths for the respective two positions of the flapper in both valves.
A Downhole catalytic Methanator reactor assembly is hung within the cemented casing of a vertical well for the purpose of producing large volumes of high quality steam and oil soluble gases for injection into horizontal drainholes drilled into a deep Heavy Oil reservoir, in order to make the Heavy Oil more mobile. Steam is generated in part by the heat of chemical reactions taking place within the reactor assembly. The exothermic Methanation reaction takes place within a fixed bed of catalyst particles, at a temperature below 800ยฐ F., when a Syngas feed (H2,CO and/or CO2) comes in contact with a catalyst. Boiler feed water supplied to the reactor assembly from the surface is vaporized in boiler-type water tubes immersed in the catalytic bed, or by direct contact with the catalyst and with the hot gas phase flowing through the bed. The Syngas feed may be supplied to the reactor from the surface, or made directly by Partial Oxidation of Natural Gas in Oxygen within the downhole assembly. The reactor assembly may also be located within a cemented metal-lined cavity under-reamed below a cased access well. For operating each of the horizontal drainholes successively in the cyclic ("huff and puff") mode, a downhole valve section is included in the assembly. Multi-way downhole retrievable valves are used for this purpose. This apparatus presents the advantage of largely reducing the steam heat losses in surface lines and in well tubings.
4
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to an improved apparatus for testing integrated circuits by applying test voltage across pairs of input and output terminals thereof and, in particular, to such an apparatus having a means by which the terminal pairs are automatically changed over. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As the complexity of integrated circuits has increased, the difficulty of determining whether a particular circuit is functional has increased considerably. In a well-known test method for integrated circuits, a charging circuit having a capacitor, after it has been charged, is discharged through pairs of input and output terminals of an integrated circuit to be tested, one pair at a time, to apply a test voltage so as to check for an abnormality or any change in the diode characteristic of each pair. In this type of check, both before and after each capacitor discharge the same magnitude of current is passed through the terminal pair and the potential across the terminals is read to see whether the readings differ before and after the test voltage is discharged by the capacitor. This test method requires consecutive changeover of terminal pairs so that the checks on individual pairs can be proceeded with in a continuous manner. Manual changeover is not only inefficient but also demands considerable time. One way of automatic changeover is the use of a changeover device with a relay circuit. However, this type of device is disadvantageous in that it requires a number of long wires equal to the number of input and output terminals in an integrated circuit to be tested. In addition, undesirable barrier capacitance occurring between a lead wire and ground increases in proportion to the length of the lead wire. Consequently, the presence of this barrier capacitance can result in an error in measuring the potential discharged from the test capacitor. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A primary object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for testing integrated circuits by applying test voltage between the pairs of integrated circuit input and output terminals which has a means by which the terminal pairs are changed over consecutively in an automatic manner. Another object is to provide such an apparatus which has a means capable of accurately measuring the test potential discharged from a test capacitor. The foregoing and other objects of this invention are achieved by an improved testing apparatus having a changeover means comprising a socket board provided with sockets for receiving therein the input and output terminals of a plug-in type integrated circuit to be tested. Enclosing the sockets are circular rows of concentrically arranged fixed contacts, which are so arranged that each of the sockets is connected individually to a different fixed contact from each row. Below the socket board are rotatably disposed a pair of movable contact pins which are rotated in positions and brought into selective contact with the fixed contacts in the rows connected to the corresponding pair of input and output terminals of the circuit through the associated sockets. The test voltage is passed through the movable contact pins across the integrated circuit terminal pairs thus connected to them. BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is the circuit of the testing system of the present invention comprising a first charging circuit for charging and discharging a capacitor through the selected pairs of input and output terminals of an integrated circuit to be tested and a second circuit for measuring changes in diode characteristic; FIG. 2 is the changeover system according to this invention for selecting the integrated circuit terminal pairs, one at a time, in a consecutive manner under the control of an electronic programmer controller; FIG. 3 is a plan view of one embodiment of the socket board according to this invention; FIG. 4(a) is a vertical cross-section view of the testing apparatus of this invention; FIG. 4(b) is a cross-section view taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 4(a); FIG. 5(a) is a vertical cross-section view of another embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 5(b) is a cross-section view of the contact pin and part of the wiring of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5(a). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before describing the changeover system of the present invention, the method by which the integrated circuit is tested will be briefly described so that the advantages of the invention will be more readily understood. FIG. 1 shows: a a first circuit for charging and discharging capacitor C through the pairs of input and output terminals of an integrated circuit 1 to be tested, one terminal pair at a time, and a second circuit for measuring the diode characteristic of each of the terminal pairs. The capacitor C is first charged by closing a switch 21 with a fixed contact S 1 that is connected to a d.c. source of variable potential 41 which can charge the capacitor C to a variable voltage, as will be described later. While the capacitor C is charged, a switch 22 is closed to allow current from an a.c. source of variable current 43 to flow to the integrated circuit 1 through its currently selected terminal pair. At this point, a voltmeter 3, provided between the switch 22 and the power source 43, is read and the measured potential across the integrated circuit terminals is noted as a value indicative of the diode characteristic before discharging the capacitor C. Then the switch 22 is opened and the switch 21 is swung away from the contact s 1 and is closed with the contact s 2 that is connected to the integrated circuit 1. This discharges the capacitor C through the terminal pair of the integrated circuit 1. At this point, the potential discharged from the capacitor is read on the voltmeter 3 and recorded. Again, the switch 22 is closed to supply the same terminal pair with the same magnitude of current from the source 43 and the voltmeter 3 is read to see whether the read voltage differs before and after the discharge of the capacitor C. When there is no significant voltage change detected, the capacitor C is charged to a greater magnitude of potential and then discharged through the same terminal pair. Of cource, before and after this second discharge, the switch 22 is closed to apply source current to the terminal pair. Readings are compared to check for a change in diode characteristic. In this way, the capacitor C is discharged to apply an increasing potential to the same terminal pair until it causes damage. After the test of the first terminal pair is completed, a second pair is selected and the same test procedure is repeated. After the second terminal pair, a third pair is tested and so on, until all the input and output pairs are tested. FIG. 2 contains a measuring circuit similar to the one shown in FIG. 1 and an automatic changeover system in which the terminal pairs of an integrated circuit 1 are consecutively changed over in an automatic manner. In this embodiment, measurement of the diode characteristic and selection of terminal pairs are both controlled by a programmer controller 42, which are connected to the changeover system and both sources 41 and 43 of test direct current and alternating current. Referring to FIG. 2, the changeover system comprises a first selector 51 and a second selector 52 which are driven into positions and contacted with the selected input and output terminals of an integrated circuit to be tested in a consecutive manner under the direction of the programmer controller 42. The controller 42 also controls both sources 41 and 43 in such a manner that the magnitude of current applied across the selected terminal pair before and after discharging the capacitor C, is rated at a predetermined level proportional to the potential discharged from the capacitor C through the terminal pair. FIG. 3 shows the arrangement of the socket board 6 constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the socket board 6 has a plurality of sockets bored therein which receive individually the input and output terminals of an integrated circuit to be tested. The number of these sockets a 1 , a 2 , . . . , a n may preferably related to the terminals. Thus, the sockets are divided into a first group a 1 through a i for the input terminals and a second group a j through a n for the output terminals. Enclosing the sockets a 1 through a n are arranged in the socket board 6 a pair of concentric circles of fixed contacts b 1 , b 2 , . . . , b n and c 1 , c 2 , . . . , c n . Also, it is so arranged that (i) socket a 1 is connected through a conductor to fixed contacts b 1 and c 1 , (ii) socket a 2 is connected through a conductor to contacts b 2 and c 2 , and (iii) so on until each socket a i is connected to corresponding fixed contacts b i and c i . Consequently, when an integrated circuit 1 is placed on the socket board 6 with its input and output terminals properly inserted into the sockets a 1 through a n , the fixed contacts b 1 through b i and c 1 through c i are individually connected to the input terminals while the contacts b j to b n and c j to c n are respectively connected to the output terminals of the integrated circuit. FIG. 4(a) shows the construction of the changeover apparatus 5 according to one embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 5 has a central post 50 composed of an inner shaft 521 and an outer shaft 522 concentrically mounted outside the inner shaft 521. The shafts 521 and 522 are rotatably disposed and each shaft is provided at its top with a pair of moving contact pins 511 and 512 through horizontal arms 516 and 526. It is so arranged that, when the inner and outer shafts 521 and 522 are rotated about the axis, the contact pins 511 and 512 are turned just below the socket board 6 following the inner and outer circles connecting the fixed contacts b 1 to b n and c 1 to c n , respectively. In operation, the contact pin 511 is stituated below any of the fixed contacts b 1 through b i , the other contact pin 512 is below one of the contacts c j through c n , and vice versa. In other words, the moving contacts pins 511 and 512 are always disposed for connection to a single selected pair of integrated circuit input and output terminals to be tested. The post 50 is mounted on a stand 13 and the shafts 521 and 522 are respectively rotated by motors 513 and 523 through drive belts 514 and 524. The post 50 is movably disposed for vertical movement between a lower and upper positions. A lever 14 is affixed at one end to the stand 13 and at the other end to a magnet 9 that is inserted into a solenoid 7. The lever 14 is supported on a fulcrum 15 to tilt in a seesaw-like manner. When the solenoid 7, which is connected to a current source (not shown), is energized, the magnet 9 moves downward, tilting the lever 14 and thereby raising the post 50 from the original lower position to the upper position. A first conductive line 81 is provided which has one end connected to a d.c. source 4. The other end of the line 81 is formed into a spring and situated above the top of the post 50 at such a point that, when the post 50 is raised into the higher position, the line 81 brings its spring end to come to come into contact with the post 50. Also, a second conductive line 82 is provided which is connected at one end to the d.c. source 4. The opposite end is formed into a spring that is located adjacent the lever 14 at such a point that, when the lever 14 is moved by the magnet 9 moving downward, the line 82 causes its spring end to contact the lever 14. The lever 14 has a conductor (not shown) connected between it and the moving contact pin 512 through the outer shaft 522. The outer shaft 522 is electrically insulated with respect to the inner shaft 512. Also, the top 17 of the post 50 has a conductor (not shown) connected between it and the moving contact pin 511. The numeral 11 designates ball bearings provided for smooth rotation of both shafts 521 and 522. Provision may preferably be made to detect the rotational angle of both shafts 521 and 522 so that it is possible to check the determine if the contact pins 511 and 512 are properly in contact with the selected fixed contacts b and c. In the embodiment of FIG. 4(a), this is done by a pair of potentiometers 515 and 525 that are operatively connected to the shafts 521 and 522. With this arrangement, when the shafts 521 and 522 are rotated to bring their respective movable contact pins 511 and 512 into positions below the selected pair of fixed contacts, for example, b i and c j that are respectively connected to the input and output terminals inserted in the sockets a i and a j , the solenoid 7 is energized causing the post 50 to move into its upper position. Current from the d.c. source 4 flows through the first line 81, the top 17 of the post, the contact pin 511 and the fixed contact b i to the contact c j , then to the second line 82 through the moving contact pint 512 and the lever 14. In this way, the current is applied across the selected terminal pair of the integrated circuit 1 to determine the diode characteristic thereof. Preferably, the springs at the lines 81 and 82 are sufficiently elastic so that, when the post 50 is in its upper position holding the contact pins 511 and 512 against the selected fixed contacts, the spring action serves to support the shafts 521 and 522 in stable position. Then, after the voltmeter 3 is read, the solenoid 7 is de-energized. The post 50 moves down on its own weight, breaking the circuit between the fixed contacts b i and c j , since the post 50 is moved out of contact with the spring of the line 81. In one preferred embodiment, the spring of the line 82 may preferably be designed to engage with the lever 14 in such a manner that the spring urges the lever 14 downward, when the post 50 is in its upper position, so that it can adjust the pressure with which the contact pins 511 and 512 are pressed against the contacts by urging the post 50 downward. FIG. 4(b) is a cross-section view taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 4(a) showing that the outer shaft 522 is radially spaced from the inner shaft 521. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4(a), an insulator 10 is interposed between the arms 516 and 526 to prevent any short circuit between the contact pins 511 and 512, when the post 50 is in the upper position. For the test along with the measurements of diode characteristic on this terminal pair of the integrated circuit 1, the shafts 521 and 522 are rotated by the motors 513 and 523 to bring their respective contact pins 511 and 512 into positions below a second selected pair of fixed contacts, for example, b i and c j . Thereafter, the foregoing steps are repeated. FIG. 5(a) shows another preferred embodiment of the changeover system according to the present invention which is similar to the embodiment of 4(a) except for a few points that now will be described. As shown in FIG. 5(b), which is a cross-section view of the contact pin 511 of the embodiment of FIG. 5(a), the moving contact pin is urged in the upward direction by a spring 83 fitted about the lower part of the pin 511. When the shaft 521 is rotated, the contact pin 511 moves in constant contact with the circle along which the fixed contacts b i to b n are disposed. The other contact pin 512 also has a spring 84 and is designed to operate in the same manner as the contact pin 511, except that it is in constant contact with the circle of the fixed contacts c 1 through c n . A first line 81 is connected at one end to the contact pin 511 and at its other end to a source of current 4. Also, a second line 82 has one end connected to the contact pin 512. The other end of the line 82 is connected to the source 4. A switch 12 is provided in the line 82 to open or close the circuit to the contact pins 512 and 511. The mechanism to drive the concentric shafts 521 and 522 is substantially similar to the embodiment of FIG. 4(a). Current through the selected pair of input and output terminals of an integrated circuit 1 placed on the socket board 6, is switched on and off by closing and opening the switch 12. In the present invention, the lead wires connected between the contact pins and a potential source for measurement of diode characteristic can be made shorter than those of the conventional measuring systems with relay circuits, so that the effect of barrier capacitance that can occur between lead wires and ground is reduced. Consequently, errors in the measurement of diode characteristic can be greatly reduced. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise construction shown or the description given above, but that changes contemplated as readily falling within the spirit of the invention shall also be covered by the scope of this invention as determined by the appended claims.
An apparatus for testing plug-in type integrated circuits by applying a potential across their input and output terminals, utilizing a socket board with a plurality of sockets bored therein to receive respective input and output terminals of an integrated circuit. A pair of first and second groups of fixed contacts are located in the socket board, arranged in two concentric circles enclosing the sockets. Each fixed contact in each group is individually connected to one of the sockets through a conductor. A pair of coaxial first and second moving contact pins is rotatably disposed below the socket board. The first contact pin rotates to follow the first circle while sequentially contacting the contacts of the first group. The second contact pin follows the second circle, making sequential contact with the fixed contacts of the second group. It is so arranged that, when both contact pins are brought into contact with a selected pair of contacts from the two groups, one contact pin connects an input terminal while the other contact pin connects an output terminal, or vice versa, of the integrated circuit mounted on the socket board. In doing so, the contact pins pass current across the output and input terminals for a test.
6
TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to cord reinforced rubber articles. BACKGROUND ART Elastomeric materials reinforced with arrays of parallel layers juxtaposed to achieve increased tensile strength are well known in the art. Power transmission belts as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,244,436 to Kurokawa being an example. This patent discloses a v-belt comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending load-carrying cords embedded in an adhesive rubber layer; a compressing section having a plurality of laterally extending cords embedded in a second rubber layer; and a reinforcing rubber layer interposed between said layers to maintain a space between and thereby prevent inadvertent contact between laterally extending cords and load-carrying cords. Other products such as conveyor belts, tires and hoses are similarly cord reinforced. U.S. Pat. No. 3,607,592 discloses a portable rubber platform having a ply of rubberized steel cord 3 and 6 spaced by a layer of transverse textile members to achieve a one-way longitudinal rigidity. That invention related to portable platforms suitable for use as, for example, temporary bridges, catwalks and other walkways, and temporary roads on unfirm ground or swamps. According to that invention a portable platform comprised a flexible composition having embedded therein a composite reinforcement comprising a textile reinforcement together with at least two layers of individually flexible transverse substantially inextensible metal cords, the metal cords in each layer lying substantially parallel with each other and substantially at right angles to the length of the platform, the separation of the transverse metal-cord layers being sufficient to confer a substantial degree of transverse rigidity upon the platform as a whole, and an interposed textile constituent of the composite reinforcement being disposed between each transverse metal-cord layer and the adjoining transverse metal-cord layer. According to one aspect of that invention, a portable platform as described above had a composite reinforcement including a layer of longitudinal substantially inextensible metal cords lying substantially parallel with each other and with the length of the platform, said layer of longitudinal metal cords being disposed between an interposed textile constituent of the composite reinforcement and the layer of transverse metal cords which lies closest to the load-bearing surface of the platform. The longitudinal metal cords were either continuous or discontinuous. When they are discontinuous they may be in parallel, overlapping relationship with each other. The discontinuous metal cords may be of any convenient lengths. Usually the metal cords are steel cords. The steel cords preferably had a percentage extensibility of less than 5 percent. Suitable cords are composed of intertwisted strands of steel wire; for example, the cords may be composed of from six to 24 strands of steel wire of about 0.001 to 0.010 inch diameter. The cords were normally arranged in close side-by-side relationship and may suitably be arranged at a density of from eight to 24 cords per inch. Preferably the composite reinforcement consisted of two layers of transverse steel cords with a single layer of textile reinforcement between them and a layer of longitudinal steel cords disposed between the textile layer and the layer of transverse steel cords which lies closer to the load-bearing surface of the platform. This prior art invention provided a portable platform which can be erected simply by applying moderate tension e.g. about 50-80 pounds per inch from supports at the ends. The platform has remarkable transverse rigidity, so that sagging of the edges does not occur to any undesirable extent when a person or vehicle stands on or moves along the platform with weight acting at the edges of the platform, and so that twisting of the platform is limited. The platform could be rolled up and transported in convenient rolls. In addition, the layer of longitudinal metal cords above the textile reinforcement gives longitudinal rigidity with respect to loads acting down upon the load-bearing surface of the platform. Continuous longitudinal metal cords also added to the tensile strength of the platform whereas when discontinuous longitudinal metal cords were used, though they give longitudinal rigidity to the platform, the tensile strength is then provided solely by the textile reinforcement. Because of the substantially inextensible nature of the metal cords longitudinal sagging cannot occur even when the metal cords are discontinuous unless the textile reinforcement below the discontinuous longitudinal metal cords stretches appreciably which requires considerable force. Nevertheless the platform may be easily rolled up with the load-bearing surface outermost in the roll because bending of the platform in this direction merely requires circumferential compression of the textile reinforcement below the inextensible metal cords. The present invention described herein has discovered a novel and useful way of creating a composite structure having a difference in bending stiffness created by a change in modulus between two spaced distinct arrays of parallel cords or by a change in the percent elongation of the cords. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A composite elastomeric cord reinforced structure 45 has a first outer surface 42 and a second outer surface 44. The first and second surfaces 42,44 are spaced. Within the elastomeric structure 45 are two distinct arrays of parallel cords 41,43. The first array of parallel cords 41 has a first modulus E of X. The second array of parallel cords 43 have a second modulus E greater than X preferably about 10 Gfa. The cords 41,43 of the first and second array are encapsulated in the elastomeric material. The cords 41,43 of both arrays are substantially parallel and similarly oriented or aligned relative to the cords of the other array, the first array of cords 41 being spaced from the second array of cords 43. The first array of cords 41 are located near the first surface 42, while the second array of cord 43 are located near the second surface 44. The composite structure 45 has a bending stiffness transverse to the array of cords 41,43 and generally normal to the first and second surfaces 42,44 greater in one direction than in the other. The number of cords 41 of the first array can be greater than, the same as or less than the number of cords 43 of the second array. The cords 43 of the second array are preferably substantially inextensible and have a percent elongation under load less than the cords 41 of the first array. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1A and 1B shows the composite structure being transversely loaded on each first and second surface respectively. FIGS. 2A, 2B shows cross-sectional views of a tire 10 employing the inventive composite structure. FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C show the composite sidewalls structures in a schematic view of the tires of FIG. 2A, 2B and a prior art tire. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION For a better appreciation of the inventive concept a composite test sample structure 45 was constructed as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. For simplification the rubber layers were all of the same type with the same properties. The reinforcement parallel cords 41 were located at a depth D1 of 3.1 mm and were rayon cords having a modulus 13 GPa and had an end per inch (epi) count of 30. The reinforcement parallel cords 43 were steel cord of a 1+5ร—0.18 mm construction at 18 epi and were oriented parallel to the rayon cords 41 and were embedded in the rubber spaced at a distance D2 of 6.34 mm from the rayon cords 41, the steel cords 43 also being a distance of D3 of 8.32 mm from the bottom of the sample 45. The test sample 45 had a test span or length L at load points of 152.4 mm and a width W of 38 mm. The thickness was the sum D1,D2,D3. The rectangular test sample 45 was first loaded as shown in FIG. 1A and at a deflection of 10 mm a load of 64N (newtons) was recorded. The sample 45 was then loaded as in FIG. 1B the reversal of the top and bottom loads at the resultant deflection at 10 mm required a load of 136N (newtons). A second test sample identical to the first sample but with only 2 layers of rayon cords 41 was loaded as in FIG. 1A, the resultant load being only 20N (newtons). The all rayon ply sample 45 is similar to the prior art structures. This test evidenced that a composite have two layers of cords of greatly different modulus can result in a large difference in bending stiffness depending on the direction of load. The load in FIGS. 1A and 1B created a tensioning or compression of the cords 41,43 dependent on the direction the load was applied. The application of this principal to a test tire of a size P235/55R17 was next tried. The tire 200 of FIG. 3A being the prior art tire similar to the tire 20 of FIG. 2A but having only rayon cords 410,410 in plies 380,400 was used as a control tire. The same construction and size tire was tested in the construction of FIG. 3B wherein the cords 43 of the ply 40 were the 1+5ร—0.18 mm steel cords having an epi of 18 and being positioned was radially outward of the rayon cords 41 of ply 38 which was the same as the ply 380 of the prior art tire. All other construction materials were the same for the control tire 200 and the first test tire 20. The rayon plied control tire 200 had an effective spring rate at 26 psi of 1516 pounds/inch, at 35 psi a spring rate of 1787 pounds/inch. The first test tire had a 26 psi inflated spring rate of 1541 lbs./in. and at 35 psi a rate of 1816 lbs./in. At 0 psi inflation the spring rate of the first test tire was 773 lbs./in. A second test tire 20a was constructed wherein the rayon cords 41 were placed in ply 40 and were radially outward of the steel cords 43 of the ply 38 as shown in FIG. 3C. This second test tire had spring rates at 26 psi and 35 psi of 1557 and 1847 respectively. At 0 inflation the spring rate of the second test tire was 789 lbs./in. As can be seen from the application of the concept the array of cords 41 need not be uniformly spaced from the array of cords 43 in order to achieve the bending stiffness differential however the location of maximum spacing will achieve or be the location of maximum stiffness. As further can be appreciated from the application in a tire the composite structure can be curved or non-linear. This general inventive principle when applied to an elastomer article means that composite springs or similar shock dampening articles could be made having directional spring rates as a function of cord modulus or elongation. As further can be appreciated the bending axis A of the structures is located nearest the cords of highest modulus. While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for the purpose of illustrating the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in this art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
An elastomeric composite structure 45 having two arrays of parallel cords 41, 43, each array of cords 41,43 being of different modulus or percent elongation. The array of cords 41,43 are spaced and provide different bending stiffness dependent on the direction of the applied load.
8
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for making V-groove insulation. More particularly, the present invention relates to an endless track fabrication and cutting system whereby prefabricated, sectional lengths of an insulation material are formed into continuous, grooved insulation sheets of variable dimensions. 2. Description of the Prior Art In recent years, considerable advancements have been made in reducing radiative energy loss through the expansive use of a variety of insulation materials. In many commercial and industrial applications, such insulation materials are applied to the exterior of heat carrying members such as piping or ductwork. Further, this insulation may be applied in a variety of fashions depending on the insulating effect required in a given application. In contemprary applications, two common insulation techniques include spray-on insulation and preformed insulation specially adapted to be fitted and secured around a particular sized thermal member. Several disadvantages are associated with both of these insulation techniques. Once hardened on the pipe or duct work, spray-on insulation material generally does not allow for ready access to the heat carrying member, thus hindering its inspection and/or repair. Further, spray-on insulation often does not evenly adhere or bond to the heat bearing member, thus creating "hot" or "cold" spots. Spray-on type insulation can also trap salt bearing or corrosive fluids which result in eventual deterioration of the thermal member. Spray-on type insulation is also very sensitive to local environmental conditions, and is therefore successfully applied only within rigid wind, temperature and humidity parameters. Finally, spray-on insulation is messy in application and often aesthetically unappealing. Disadvantages associated with preformed insulation techniques include the overall cost to individually form or mold a given insulation section to its intended application around the thermal member. For a given length and diameter pipe or duct, a specific dimension insulating section must be formed, this process often time and energy intensive. Preformed insulation sections are also expensive from the standpoint of both storage and shipment. Further, preformed sections are not easily adapted to other applications and often poorly fit their original, intended application due to manufacturing tolerances. As a result of these and other disadvantages, other contemporary insulation systems have evolved which utilize a flat section of insulation which has been notched or grooved to accommodate a gven diameter circular pipe or duct. In utilizing such a grooved insulation system, a flat section of insulation may be wrapped around a pipe or circular duct such as to maintain an insulation coating of uniform thickness. The insulation is held in place by an appropriately sized band or jacket. When repair or inspection of the thermal member is required, the band or jacket is released and the insulation section may be readily removed. The notched or grooved systems, however, while less expensive than the molded systems and more manageable than the spray-on systems, have still not been readily and inexpensively adaptable to the variety of pipe diameters and lengths found in actual commercial application. This deficiency has arisen as a result of the failure of the art to develop a high speed precision system capable of consistently forming a series of clean, V-grooves or notches in the insulation material while the material moves in an assembly-line like fashion. This failure has resulted in uneven notch or groove dimensions and, consequentially, uneven and often unacceptable performance in wrapped applications. Further, such systems have been unable to accurately and uniformly establish a desired thickness in the insulation sheet, thus further hindering its application around tubular piping and the like. Thus, while V-groove insulation has been less expensive to fabricate than preformed insulation, its performance and flexibility in actual application has been often less than satisfactory. Prior art notching or grooving systems have also been hindered by the undesired and physically harmful formation of insulation dust caused by the notching or grooving process. In such processes, therefore, elaborate dust removal systems have been employed, thus increasing the overall size and cost of these systems. Finally, most prior art systems have been unable to economically produce small scale custom or tailored applications due to the cost of modifying a given tool or mold. Thus, economical insulation sections or products were often limited to relatively large projects. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention addresses the above noted and other disadvantages by providing a rapid, efficient, yet inexpensive method and apparatus for forming variable dimension sections of V-groove insulation adapted to form a compression fit around a given thermal member. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, prefabricated, sectional lengths of insulation material, preferably mineral wool insulation material, are placed end to end on an endless track conveyer system. The thickness of these lengths is then modified or "planed" commensurate with the particular insulation requirements for a given commission. This is preferably achieved by a band saw assembly disposed laterally across the conveyor track. After the sections of insulation are thus prepared to a desired thickness, a quick drying contact adhesive is evenly applied to the upper side of the insulation section. This adhesive secures a continuous length of a backing material to the sections. This backing material securely, yet flexibly holds the insulation sections in their abutted end-to-end relationship so as to form a continuous integral sheet. This integral sheet is then passed over a cutting and grooving assembly situated below the conveyer system, where a series of grooves or notches are formed in its lower surface. At the completion of the grooving process, the integral sheet may be cut into prescribed lengths. The above described process is preferably controlled via a microprocessor assembly. Thus the various and individual steps of planing, gluing, cutting, etc., are preferably coordinated so as to produce a constant flow of prescription length V-groove insulation material at the terminal, output end of the system. In a preferred aspect, the present invention includes the design of the V-groove cutting assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the cutting assembly includes hydraulic circular saw assemblies positioned along a relatively movable accurate track in an offset relationship. In such a fashion, the grooving saws may be accurately positioned and adjusted to provide the angle or depth of the groove desired in the finished insulation product. The present invention offers a number of advantages over the prior art. One such advantage is the ability of the present invention to economically produce selected quantities of a prescription-sized V-grooved insulation, where the final insulation product is characterized by a series of consistently clean cut grooves or notches. The present invention also offers the ability to quickly and precisely adjust the angle and depth at which a V-groove is cut in an insulation sheet, such that the final insulation product will maintain a precision compression fit over the pipe or duct to be insulated. In a preferred aspect, the present invention provides a continuous fabrication and cutting process without a heavy generation of insulation dust. Yet another advantage of the present invention is the ability to closely control, regulate and modify the angulation and depth of V-grooves cut in the insulation sections, in addition to precisely controlling the spacing of these grooves. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the finished end product of the present invention as it may be wrapped around a thermal member. FIG. 3 is a side view of an aggregate insulation piece illustrating a V-cut groove or notch. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the planing means. FIG. 5 is a side view of the planing means. FIG. 6A is a perspective cut-away view of the spraying or gluing system. FIG. 6B is a detailed perspective view of the spraying system illustrating a spray nozzle. FIG. 7A is a side view of the backing means as it may be situated relative to the conveyor track. FIG. 7B is a detailed view of the automatic alignment assembly of the backing means. FIG. 8 is a side cut-away view of the cutting and grooving means. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As illustrated in FIG. 1, the present invention is preferably comprised of a number of specialized assemblies or "stations", each disposed along, above or proximate to an endless track conveyor system. The conveyorsystem itself is generally comprised of an upright tubular frame 20 along the top of which are secured a plurality of rollers 22 or the like to form a bed 27. Flexibly disposed over these rollers 22 is a conventional looped belt arrangement (not shown) driven by a motor through guide rollers 23 such that the material placed atop the system may be moved longitudinally down the frame 20 for further processing as shown by direction arrow A. The travel rate of the conveyor system is governed by a microprocessor system, which, as will be later described, also governs the placement and frequency with which V-grooves are cut in a given insulation section 10. The components and operation of the present system may be described as follows. Beginning from the upstream end of the conveyor assembly, insulation sections 10 of a given, manufactured dimension, generally 1"-4" thick, are first placed on a loading area 80 where they are joined together with an adhesive in an end-to-end abutting relationship to form a continuous sheet. This continuous sheet is then automatically moved toward a planing means 100 along frame 20. Specifically referring to FIGS. 4-5, the planing means 100 is preferably comprised of a housing 114 situated above and connected to the frame 20. A band saw assembly 102 is laterally disposed in the housing 114 at a variable height above the frame bed 27 such that the saw blade 104 contacts the leading edge of a given insulation section 10 as it moves downstream. This blade 104 is preferably disposed at a uniform height along its length above the bed 27 such as to establish a uniform and prescribed thickness in the section 10. The planing or cutting operation of assembly 100 is carried out while insulation sections 10 move downstream toward the next station. In a preferred embodiment, the planing means 100 utilizes a conventional band saw having 20" diameter drive wheels 117 around which is secured a 6 pitch 3/4" precision blade 114. Drive wheels 117 are driven by a 2 horsepower 220 single phase electric motor (not shown) such that the blade 114 achieves an average operation speed of 1720 RPM. Tension in blade 114 may be modified via handwheel 106. The vertical position of the saw blade 104 relative the bed 27 may be varied by manual movement of adjustment wheel 135. Wheel 135 is connected to height adjustment chain 108, such that movement of wheel 135 causes chain 108 to move in a longitudinal fashion about sprockets 109, which in turn are connected to adjustment supports 112 secured to frame 20. Supports 112 in turn, threadedly engage housing supports 115 via a pinion or linear gear arrangement such that rotation of sprockets 109 results in a vertical movement of supports 115 relative to the frame 20. Hence, by movement of hand wheel 135 the housing 114 may be uniformly raised or lowered relative to the bed 27 so as to establish a desired thickness 130 in an insulation section 10 having a manufactured thickness 131. In a preferred embodiment, the planing assembly 110 is provided with an exhaust or vacuum system to remove dust and small insulation particulates generated as a result of the planing process. This system generally includes a conventional exhaust and ventilation system situated inside the housing 114 and operative via vacuum line 122. Due to the construction of housing 114, and the minimal agitation action of saw assembly 102, dust and particle generation are both minimized and contained with any generation being removed to an external collection bin or reservoir (not shown). A material removal system 150 may also be attached to the housing 114 downstream from the saw assembly 102 itself such that the upper, undesired portion of insulation material planed from the main insulation section 10 may be removed for disposal via a conveyor or other means. This removal system is powered by electric motor 104. When insulation sections have been planed to a desired thickness 130, the sections 10 are automatically conveyed downstream to a spraying assembly 200. Referring specifically to FIGS. 6A-B, the spraying assembly 200 is generally comprised of one or more upright supports 260 attached to the frame 20, said supports 260 slidably coupled to a support arm 240 via guide sleeves 261. As seen in FIG. 6A, in some embodiments one of these supports 260 may be replaced with a vertical adjustment assembly comprised of an upper member 243 disposed in a movable telescoping arrangement with lower member 225. In the system 200, a series of spray nozzle assemblies 220, such as a Bink's series 2001 spray gun assembly, are fixedly secured to the support arm 240 such that adhesive material discharged through the nozzles may be evenly applied over an insulation section 10. In FIG. 6A, one or more connectors 242 connect the nozzle array 220 with a pressurized adhesive reservoir 210. (See. FIG. 1) A hydraulic connector line 223 is disposed through the support arm 240 in a looped arrangement to act as a heat source to prevent adhesive introduced into arm 240 from becoming too viscous during cold operation. Also attached to nozzles 220 are a series of air connectors 221 and 222. Connector 221 is linked directly to nozzle 220 to provide an air flow onto the work surface through apertures 227 arranged at the periphery of nozzle tip 226. Liquid adhesive is pumped through the inner part of this nozzle tip 226, such that the combination air and adhesive flow results in a fan shaped propagation of adhesive over insulation section 10. Connector 222 is used to provide a source of air gun to activate nozzle 220 during forward movement of the insulation section 10 upon an electric signal from the microprocessor. This electric signal is used to open a solenoid valve which then allows air pressure to trigger the spraying action of the nozzle 220. Solenoids and their related controls are contained in housing 250. The exact distribution and concentration of the adhesive may be varied by altering the height of the support arm 240 and hence the nozzles 220 relative to the surface of the insulation section 10. This variable height may be adjusted by movement of handle 230 which operates as a screw jack to move upper member 243 vertically relative lower member 225. Once an even distribution of a quick drying adhesive is applied to the upper surface of the planed insulation section 10, the section 10 may be further moved downstream to a backing means 300. The backing means 300 preferably includes a support frame 386 rigidly secured to and suspended above the frame 20. Slidably secured to the frame 386 about tracks 384 is a spool support structure 390 adapted to rotatably accommodate a spool 310 of a backing material 11. Rotatably attached at the rear, downstream extent of the support frame 386 is a first guide roller 312 which is of a size sufficient to accommodate backing 11 of variable widths. Hinged at the frontal extent of the support frame 386 is an application roller arm 380 which accommodates an application roller 314. A pneumatic inducer 307 is disposed between support frame 386 and spool support structure 390. Inducer 307 is connected to an air supply via connector 309, and also to an electric eye guide means 360. Upon activation of inducer 307, spool support structure 390 may be urged in a lateral direction along rails 384. The application roller arm 380 contacts the moving insulation material 10 through roller 314 at a pressure determined by pneumatic cylinder 370. This pressure may be modified by increasing or decreasing the air supply to said cylinder 370 by a valve (not shown). In operation, the backing material 11 is paid off of the spool 310 where it is tensioned between rollers 312 and 314 and it then engages the prepared surface of the insulation section 10. In this fashion, a continuous length of backing material 11 is applied over the abutting sections 10 so as to form a continuous, integral sheet 12. To avoid expensive and time consuming trimming operations, it is desired that the backing material 11 be exactly juxtaposed over the insulation material 10 before contact between the two surfaces is made. Due to inherent irregularities associated with different factory winding processes, however, not all backing materials will perform similarly in tensioned application, thus creating a series of wrinkles which may result in less than satisfactory adhesion of material 11 to insulation 10. Similarly, some backing materials may arrive from the factory "staggered" or unevenly wound on the roll. Due to these and other problems, therefore, an alignment apparatus is thus needed to ensure even distribution and alignment of the backing 11 on the insulation sheets 10. In the present invention, this alignment is preferably accomplished electronically via an electric eye guide means 360 such as a model No. 57044H/H1116 electric eye and control component as available from Hydralign, Inc. Referring to FIGS. 7A-7B, the electric eye assembly 360 is situated on the upper portion of the application roller arm 380 such as to contact the edge of backing material 11 tensioned between rollers 312 and 314. The electric eye and receptor 361 itself is disposed within the inner extent of a U-shaped housing 362 such that backing 11 tensioned between rollers 312 and 314 passes through the housing 362. As described, the eye and receptor unit 361 is electrically coupled to inducer 307 thus resulting in a transverse adjustment of the spool frame 390 about tracks 384 so that precise alignment and fixation of the backing 11 to sections 10 may be automatically accomplished. The backing material 11 itself is preferably comprised of a flexible Mylarโ„ข or Kevlarโ„ข composition such as a Hypolonยฎ TGH-100 laminate made by Alpha Associates, Inc. of Woodridge, N.J. or a foil scrim (FSK) or all service jacket (ASJ) as manufactured by LAMTEC Corp. of Flanders, N.J. Once backing 11 has been affixed to abutting insulation section 10, the integral insulation sheet 12 is moved further downstream where it finally engages the cutting and grooving assembly 400. This assembly 400 is preferably comprised of two independent saw carriages slidably disposed beneath the bed 27 such that a variety of differently configured V-grooves may be quickly and precisely produced in the underside of the integral sheet 12. In a preferred embodiment, two hydraulic circular saws 450 are fixedly positioned on arcuate tracks 430 in an offset relationship as shown. The combination circular saw 450 and track 430 forms a carriage which is transversely movable relative to the integral insulation sheet 12 by drive wheels 460 engaging drive chains (not shown). These drive wheels 460 are mounted on a drive shaft 461 which in turn translates the movement of a drive motor (not shown) to accomplish transverse movement of the carriage about the bed 27. Each saw carriage is transversely movable to an extent beyond the lateral perimeter of the frame 20 such as to allow the insulation sheet 12 to progress after a given groove 13 is cut. The actuation of drive shaft 461 and hence the transverse movement of the saw carriages is governed by a microprocessor assembly (not shown). Since the saws 450 are offset as earlier described, both sides of a V-groove or notch 13 may be cut as the carriage moves transverse to the long axis of the frame 20. V-grooves of the insulation material cut from the underside of the sheet 12 fall downwardly into a collection area of assembly 400 where they are removed to a continuous belt conveyor which transports them to a vacuum removal system (not shown). Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 8 the design of the grooving apparatus 400 allows a variety of different depth and angulation V-grooves to be created in a given integral insulation section 12. This versatility is essential since for each diameter thermal member 15, a different aspect insulation piece must be generated. A number of adjustments are possible. The frequency at which the grooves are formed in the underside of the integral sheet 12 is precisely controlled via a programmable microprocessor assembly (not shown). This assembly, is in turn, linked to the main drive motor of the conveyor system such as to regulate the rate at which the sheet of integral material 12 contacts cutting elements 452 of assembly 400. The angulation of the V-groove 13 may be quickly modified by adjustment of the relative posture of arcuate tracks 430 on which are affixed saw assemblies 450. To adjust the angle of the V-groove, the operator manually rotates handle 410 which results in a relative and equal movement between each frame 430, such that each saw assembly 450 is inclined to an equal and measurable degree so as to result in the formation of an isosceles V-grooved being formed in the underside of the integral sheet 12. For applications where a higher insulation coefficient is required, the insulation sheet 10 will normally be of a greater thickness. Ordinarily in such applications, a commensurate increase in V-groove depth will also be needed. This increased depth may be achieved by vertical adjustment of the subassembly 405 relative frame 20 and hence bed 27. This is accomplished by rotation of height adjustment handle which engages chain 402 and sprocket 403. As noted, subframe 405 threadedly engages gearbox 409 secured to frame 20, by a pinion or linear gear 404. Thus coupled, rotation of adjustment handle 480 results in a vertical movement of the subframe 430 relative the frame 2, thus varying the penetration of the saw blades 452 into the bottomside of the sheet 12. The cutting and grooving operation 400 is also adapted to sever the integral sheet 12 into desired lengths commensurate with the given application. These lengths may be programmed into the microprocessor for automatic operation. The cut is physically accomplished by saw assembly 450. Referring to FIG. 7A, saw assembly 450 is itself comprised of three component parts. The motor 461 is secured to a subframe 463 which itself is hingedly secured to a main frame 463, which as noted, is secured to track 430. Disposed inside of main frame 463 is a hydraulic cylinder 456 which is electrically connected to the microprocessor. This cylinder 466 is oriented for operation in a plane almost normal to the bed 27. When actuated, cylinder 466 moves upward against subframe 463 which pivots about hinge 469 moving saw motor 451 and accompanying blade 452 upward as to result in a complete severance of the sheet 12. Upon completion, cylinder 466 returns to its original position.
An improved method and apparatus for making V-groove insulation is disclosed. More particularly, the device of the present invention relates to an endless track fabrication and cutting system whereby prefabricated, sectioned lengths of insulation material are formed into continuously grooved insulation sheets of readily variable dimensions.
1