description stringlengths 2.98k 3.35M | abstract stringlengths 94 10.6k | cpc int64 0 8 |
|---|---|---|
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/399,987, filed 31 Jul. 2001 and entitled ACTUATOR AND METHOD, which is incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to actuation of valves and isolation of sections of a borehole and more specifically to an apparatus and method for actuating a downhole valve more than once without physical intervention.
BACKGROUND
In drilling operations it is common practice to include one or more valves connected within a pipe string to separate and control the flow of fluid between various sections of the wellbore. These valves are commonly referred to as formation isolation valves (FIV). The formation isolation valve can be constructed in numerous manners including, but not limited to, ball valves, discs, flappers and sleeves. These valves are primarily operated between an open and closed position through physical intervention, i.e. running a tool through the valve to open. To close the valve the tool string and a shifting tool are withdrawn through the formation isolation valve. The shifting tool engages a valve operator that is coupled to the valve moving the valve between the open and closed position.
It is often desired to open the FIV without physical intervention after the valve has been closed by physical intervention, such as by running a shifting tool through the FIV via a wireline, slickline, coil tubing or other tool string. Therefore, it has been shown to provide an interventionless apparatus and method for opening the FIV a single time remotely from the surface. Interventionless is defined to include apparatus and methods of actuating a downhole valve without the running of physical equipment through and/or to the operational valve. Apparatus and methods of interventionlessly operating a downhole valve a single time are described and claimed by the commonly owned United States Patents to Dinesh Patel. These patents include, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,550,541; 6,516,886; 6,352,119; 6,041,864; 6,085,845, 6,230,807, 5,950,733; and 5,810,087, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Some well operations require multiple interventionless openings of the FIV. For example, opening the FIV after setting a packer, pressure testing of the tubing, perforating, flowing of a well for cleaning, and shutting in a well for a period of time.
Heretofore, there has only been the ability to actuate a FIV remotely and interventionlessly once. Therefore, the interventionless actuator can only be utilized after one operation. Further, if the single interventionless actuator fails it is required to go into the wellbore with a physical intervention to open the FIV. This inflexibility to remotely and interventionlessly open the FIV more than once or upon a failure can be catastrophic. In particular in high pressure, high temperature wells, deep water sites, remote sites and rigless completions wherein intervention with a wireline, slickline, or coiled tubing is cost prohibitive.
It is therefore a desire to provide a multiple, interventionless actuated downhole valve. It is a further desire to provide a multiple, interventionless actuated downhole valve wherein each actuating mechanism operates independently from other included interventionless actuating mechanisms.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing and other considerations, the present invention relates to remote interventionless actuating of a downhole valve.
It is a benefit of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus that provides multiple mechanisms for opening a downhole valve without the need for a trip downhole to operate the valve.
It is a further benefit of the present invention to provide redundant mechanisms for interventionlessly opening a downhole valve if initial attempts to interventionlessly open the valve fail.
Accordingly, a interventionless actuated downhole valve and method is provided that permits multiple openings of a downhole valve without the need for a trip downhole to open the valve. The multiple interventionless actuated downhole valve includes a valve movable between an open and a closed position to control communication between an annular region surrounding the valve and an internal bore and more specifically controlling communication between above and below the valve, and at least two remotely operated interventionless actuators in operational connection with the valve, wherein each of the interventionless actuators may be operated independently by absolute tubing pressure, absolute annulus pressure, differential pressure from the tubing to the annulus, differential pressure between the annulus and the tubing, tubing or annulus multiple pressure cycles, pressure pulses, acoustic telemetry, electromagnetic telemetry or other types of wireless telemetry to change the position of the valve and allowing the valve to be continually operated by mechanical apparatus.
The present invention includes at least two interventionless actuators but may include more. Each of the interventionless actuators may be actuated in the same manner or in differing manners. It is desired to ensure that only one interventionless actuator is operated at a time.
In a preferred embodiment increasing pressure within the internal bore above a threshold pressure operates at least one of the interventionless actuators. In another preferred embodiment an interventionless actuator is operated by a differential pressure between the internal bore and the annular region.
It should be recognized that varying types of interventionless actuators may be utilized. Some of the possible interventionless actuators are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,550,541; 6,516,886; 6,352,119; 6,041,864; 6,085,845, 6,230,807, 5,950,733; and 5,810,087, all to Patel, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The downhole valve has been described as a ball valve, however, other types of valves may be used, such as but not limited to flappers, sleeves, and discs, holding pressure in one direction or both directions. An example of a flapper valve is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,109 to Patel, and is incorporated herein by reference.
The foregoing has outlined the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other features and aspects of the present invention will be best understood with reference to the following detailed description of a specific embodiment of the invention, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a wellbore including a downhole valve having multiple, interventionless actuators of the present invention;
FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , 2 c , and 2 d show a preferred embodiment of the multiple interventionless actuator downhole valve of the present invention; and
FIG. 3 is an illustration of a rupture disc assembly of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Refer now to the drawings wherein depicted elements are not necessarily shown to scale and wherein like or similar elements are designated by the same reference numeral through the several views.
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a wellbore including a downhole valve having multiple interventionless actuators. In FIG. 1 a wellbore 10 having a vertical section and a deviated section is shown. Casing 12 is cemented within at least a portion of wellbore 10 . A production string 14 carrying a downhole valve 16 , shown as a formation isolation valve (FIV), is positioned within wellbore 10 . In one embodiment, FIV 16 includes a ball valve 16 a . Production string 14 and FIV 16 include an internal bore 18 . An annulus 20 is formed outside of FIV 16 that is subject to a pressure outside of the bore 18 .
A tool 22 , such as a perforating gun, may be run on a tool string 24 , such as coiled tubing, through bore 18 of string 14 and FIV 16 . As and example a shifting tool 26 is connected to a bottom end of tool string 24 . Shifting tool 26 may be utilized singular or in combination with other tools 22 , such as in a sand control application the FIV may be run in the lower completion below or above a screen hanger packer. Shifting tool 26 may be used repeatedly to open and close valve 16 a by running shifting tool 26 through FIV 16 . This is a physical, or intervention actuation of valve 16 a.
FIV 16 may be actuated from the closed position to an open position by more than one interventionless actuator 28 . Interventionless actuators 28 allow an operator to open valve 16 a without running into wellbore 10 with a shifting tool 26 , thus saving a trip downhole and great expense. As shown in FIG. 1 , FIV includes two interventionless actuators 28 a and 28 b . Each interventionless actuator 28 is independent of the other interventionless actuator 28 . Therefore, it is possible to open FIV 16 more than once without physical intervention. Additionally, multiple interventionless actuators 28 provide redundancy in case an interventionless actuator 28 fails.
Referring to FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , 2 c , and 2 d , a preferred embodiment of the multiple interventionless actuator downhole valve of the present invention is shown. FIGS. 2 a and 2 b illustrate a first interventionless actuator 28 a . FIGS. 2 b and 2 c illustrate a second interventionless actuator 28 b . FIGS. 2 c and 2 d illustrate a downhole valve 16 .
With reference to FIGS. 2 c and 2 d downhole formation isolation valve 16 is shown. In a preferred embodiment valve 16 includes a ball valve 16 a that is movable between an open and closed position. Valve 16 includes an operating mandrel 30 functionally connected to ball valve 16 a for moving ball valve 16 a between the open and closed positions. Operating mandrel 30 includes a shoulder 32 .
Referring to FIGS. 2 a and 2 b a first interventionless actuator 28 a is shown. Interventionless actuator 28 a is an absolute pressure actuator having a housing 34 and first actuator power mandrel 36 . Actuator 28 a includes a first atmospheric pressure chamber 38 and a second atmospheric pressure chamber 40 separated by a seal 42 . A rupture disc assembly 44 is in communication with bore 18 and first atmospheric pressure chamber 38 via a conduit 46 .
Rupture disc assembly 44 is described with reference to FIG. 3 . Rupture disc assembly 44 includes a tangential port 48 in communication with inside bore 18 and conduit 46 . A rupture disc 50 is positioned between bore 18 and conduit 46 . Therefore, when the inside pressure in bore 18 exceeds a predetermined threshold, rupture disc 50 ruptures, permitting fluid communication between bore 18 and conduit 46 .
Referring again to FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , 2 c , 2 d , and 3 operation of first interventionless actuator 28 a is described. When it is desired to utilize interventionless actuator 28 a to open valve 16 a of FIV 16 the pressure is increased in bore 18 overcoming the threshold of rupture disc 50 . Rupture disc 50 ruptures increasing the pressure within atmospheric pressure chamber 38 above that of second atmospheric pressure chamber 40 moving first power mandrel 36 downward. First power mandrel 36 contacts shoulder 32 of operating mandrel 30 , moving operating mandrel 30 down opening valve 16 a . The pressure in first and second pressure chambers 38 and 40 equalize and the chambers remain in constant fluid communication allowing valve 16 a to be opened through mechanical intervention. A method and apparatus of achieving constant fluid communication between first atmospheric chamber 38 and second atmospheric chamber 40 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,886 to Patel, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Referring to FIGS. 2 b , 2 c and 2 d a second interventionless actuator 28 b is shown. Interventionless actuator 28 b is also a pressure operated actuator. Interventionless actuator 28 b operates based on differential pressure between the inside pressure in bore 18 and an outside pressure in annular region 20 , that may be formation pressure. Interventionless actuator 28 b includes a housing 52 , a second actuator power mandrel 54 , a port 56 formed through housing 50 in communication with the annulus 20 , a spring 58 urges power mandrel 54 downward, and a tension bar 60 holding power mandrel 54 in a set position. Tension bar 60 may be a shear ring or shear screws and our included in the broad definition of a tension bar for the purposes of this description for application as is known in the art.
Interventionless actuator 28 a is activated by creating a pressure differential between the inside pressure in bore 18 and the outside pressure in annular region 20 . One method of operation is to pressure up in bore 18 thus pushing second actuator power mandrel 54 upward until a predetermined pressure is achieved breaking tension bar 60 . The inside pressure may then be reduced and spring 58 urges power mandrel 54 downward into functional contact with shoulder 32 of operator mandrel 30 opening valve 16 a . The differential pressure between the outside and the inside of bore 18 created by bleeding off the inside pressure in bore 18 assists spring 58 to urge second power mandrel 54 down. Once valve 16 a is cracked open the outside pressure and inside pressure will equalize. Spring 58 continues to urge power mandrel 54 downward. Valve 16 a may be reclosed utilizing a physical intervention.
Another method of operation includes bleeding inside pressure down in bore 18 creating a lower inside pressure than the outside pressure. Fluid passes through port 56 overcoming the inside pressure and forcing power mandrel 54 downward. When the downward force on power mandrel 54 overcomes the threshold of tension bar 60 , tension bar 60 parts allowing power mandrel 54 to move downward, contacting and urging power mandrel 30 downward opening valve 16 a.
Embodiments of the invention may have one or more of the following advantages. By using multiple interventionless actuators pressure can be utilized to open the valve more than once while avoiding the need for a trip downhole to operate the valve. Multiple interventionless actuators further provide a redundancy whereby, if one interventionless actuator fails another independent interventionless actuator may be utilized. Even after successfully operating an interventionless actuator the valve can be subsequently opened and closed mechanically by a shifting tool.
From the foregoing detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention, it should be apparent that a multiple interventionless actuated downhole valve that is novel has been disclosed. Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed herein in some detail, this has been done solely for the purposes of describing various features and aspects of the invention, and is not intended to be limiting with respect to the scope of the invention. It is contemplated that various substitutions, alterations, and/or modifications, including but not limited to those implementation variations which may have been suggested herein, may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims which follow. For example, various materials of construction may be used, variations in the manner of activating each interventionless actuator, the number of interventionless actuators employed, and the type of interventionless actuators utilized. For example, it may desired to utilize an absolute pressure actuator for each of the interventionless actuators or utilized differing types of interventionless actuators. | The multiple interventionless actuated downhole valve includes a valve movable between an open and a closed position to control communication between an annular region surrounding the valve and an internal bore and more specifically controlling communication between above and below the valve, and at least two remotely operated interventionless actuators in operational connection with the valve, wherein each of the interventionless actuators may be operated independently by absolute tubing pressure, absolute annulus pressure, differential pressure from the tubing to the annulus, differential pressure between the annulus and the tubing, tubing or annulus multiple pressure cycles, pressure pulses, acoustic telemetry, electromagnetic telemetry or other types of wireless telemetry to change the position of the valve and allowing the valve to be continually operated by mechanical apparatus. | 4 |
PRIORITY INFORMATION
This application is a divisional application which claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/436,129, filed on May 17, 2006.
GOVERNMENT RIGHTS
This invention was made with United States Government support under Grant No. NIH/NIBIB P01 EB 02105, awarded by the National Institutes of Health and National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. The United States Government has certain rights in the invention.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention is directed toward new methods for estimating and imaging the spatial and temporal mechanical behavior of materials in response to a mechanical stimulus. These methods are designed to work in inherently noisy applications, such as the imaging of the time-dependent mechanical behavior of biological tissues in vivo and using a preferred hand-held configuration of scanning.
Embodiments of the invention overcome the limitation of current elastographic methods for imaging local strains and displacements in inherently noisy environments, which are primarily due to echo decorrelation problems generated by uncontrollable motion. Embodiments of the invention minimize the decorrelation noise between the ultrasonic frames used for the generation of the elastograms since the reference pre-compression frame is continuously moved in time and the inter-frame time interval is maintained sufficiently short during the entire acquisition. This allows the generation of good quality elastograms for short (sub-second) as well as long (multi-second) acquisition times. In addition, from the time-dependent behavior of the local strains or displacements occurring in the material, images of local strain time constants and local displacement time constants can be generated using curve-fitting techniques.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Prior art techniques for making time-dependent elastographic measurements require the use of a fixed pre-compression RF frame that is acquired immediately before compression and post-compression frames that are acquired sequentially at increasing time-intervals with respect to the fixed pre-compression frame. Elastograms are then generated by applying elastographic techniques between the same pre-compression frame and the successive post-compression frames. This methodology has been proven to be not adequate for imaging the temporal behavior of materials in inherently noisy environments because of the echo decorrelation problems that are encountered due to uncontrolled motion, which may be significant shortly after compression. Embodiments of the present invention overcomes the limitations of the aforementioned techniques because the elastograms are generated using frames that are sufficiently close in time to avoid decorrelation due to uncontrollable motion.
Prior art elastographic methods used to generate axial elastograms in vivo are focused on the determination of tissue's axial displacements and strains after the application of a compression. These displacements or strains are computed by using a frame that is acquired immediately before the application of the compression and a frame that is acquired immediately after the application of the compression. To minimize noise, usually the compression is divided in a multiplicity of small compression steps and at the end of each step an echo sequence is acquired. Axial displacements or strain are generated using the various echo-sequences acquired during the compression. In general, the axial displacement or strains are then averaged to reduce noise.
These prior art methods may allow obtaining axial displacement and strain of adequate quality, in vivo, but they may not allow estimating the time-dependent mechanical changes occurring in such displacements and strains in materials that exhibit mechanical properties that vary with time. Indeed the usual assumption of these prior art methods is that the target body can be modeled as a purely linearly elastic material, so that no significant time-dependent mechanical changes occur during the acquisition of the echo-sequences.
The present invention differs from the aforementioned prior art techniques because the mechanical stimulus is first applied to the target body and thereafter the echo-sequences used for determining the displacements or strains are acquired. In the present invention the time-dependent mechanical behavior of a material after the application of a mechanical stimulus is imaged by means of post-stimulus echo-sequences only. As such, the method of this invention is directed toward materials that exhibit a time dependent mechanical behavior in response to the applied mechanical stimulus. In addition, the present invention differs from the aforementioned prior art methods since embodiments of the invention are applicable not only to axial displacements and strains but also displacements and strains in all directions, displacement ratios, strain ratios and the time-dependent behavior of the aforementioned parameters can be determined and imaged.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of this invention overcome the limitations of the current elastographic compression/acquisition methods in inherently noisy applications as for example those of clinical interest. Embodiments of this invention minimize the decorrelation noise between the frames used for the generation of the elastograms since the reference frame is continuously moved in time and the inter-frame time interval is maintained sufficiently short during the entire acquisition. This allows the generation of good quality elastograms in noisy environments for short (sub-second) as well as long (multi-second) acquisition times.
Embodiments of the invention may be practiced using the preferred hand-held configuration of scanning.
Embodiments of the invention utilize the application of a mechanical stimulus to a material that exhibits a time-dependent mechanical behavior and acquisition of ultrasonic data from the target body after the application of the mechanical stimulus. Time-dependent axial strain, lateral strain and strain ratio elastograms can be generated by using a continuously moving reference frame and post-compression frames spaced at sub-second intervals with respect to the pre-compression frame. The invention is also applicable for evaluating the time dependent changes occurring in lateral and axial displacements as well as in the slopes of these displacements and in transverse strains.
Embodiments of the invention also generate images of local strain time constants and displacement time constants that are representative of the time-dependent mechanical behavior of the material under the application of a mechanical stimulus. This is accomplished by using curve-fitting techniques to the time-dependent evolution of the local strains or local displacements and displaying the coefficients of the fitting curve as images. These images may also be of value for differentiation of materials based on the time required for the interstitial fluid to flow out of the area of interest. This may also allow the generation of new contrast mechanism, which can be helpful for detecting the presence of regions that have the same elastic properties of the surrounding background (and therefore they are not visible in the corresponding drained and undrained elastograms), but have different permeability properties.
Embodiments of the invention may allow application of the elastographic techniques for diagnosis of some pathological conditions, such as lymphedema, decubitus ulcers, and the detection of cancers and their differentiation from normal tissues via fluid transport characterization.
Several terms are used herein to describe various embodiments of the invention. The term “displacement”, as used herein, refers to local time-delays estimated between two echo signals. The term “strain”, as used herein, refers to the gradient of local displacements. The strain in each direction may be computed as the derivative of the displacement along that given direction.
The term “strain ratio”, as used herein, refers to the ratio between the strains computed along two directions. The term “slope of the displacement”, as used herein, refers to the derivative of the displacements along all possible directions.
By considering as a transverse plane any plane that is perpendicular to the transducer's beam axis and transverse displacement the displacement between any two points lying in any transverse plane, the term “transverse strain”, as used herein, is the derivative of the transverse displacement.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 provides an example of the estimation of the strain ratio from a sequence of strain ratios computed between different post compression frames.
FIG. 2 provides a comparison between a poroelastogram generated using the traditional method and two elastograms obtained using the proposed method in vitro.
FIGS. 3A-3C provide a simulation comparison of the performances of the traditional method (solid curve) and the present invention (dashed curve) in inherently noisy applications.
FIG. 4 is an example of the application of the new proposed method in vivo in a patient with stage 2 lymphedema in the arm. For comparison, the normal arm is shown as well.
FIG. 5 is an example of the application of the new proposed method in vivo in a patient with stage 1 lymphedema in both legs.
FIG. 6 shows three examples of Strain ratio time constant elastograms (right) as estimated from the corresponding poroelastograms (left) by applying curve fitting techniques.
FIG. 7 is a side view of a first apparatus suitable for practicing various embodiments of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
An apparatus that can be used to practice the various method embodiments of the invention is depicted in FIG. 7 . FIG. 7 shows multiple transducers 10 sonically coupled to a target body 15 . An ultrasonic pulse 18 is shown propagating within beam 20 toward an echo source 25 on beam axis 12 . As the pulse 18 propagates through the target 15 , corresponding echoes are generated and arrival items noted at the transducer aperture 11 .
The transducers 10 are operatively coupled to a pulse generation and signal receiving unit 13 . Unit 13 further comprises a display 17 capable of visually displaying strains, strain ratios, displacements, and slopes that are determined and/or estimated using various embodiments of the present invention, described herein. Unit 13 comprises the circuitry known to those of ordinary skill in the elastography arts to generate ultrasound pulses, receive echo signals, process echo signals, store echo signals, and display data based upon the received and processed signals.
FIGS. 3A-3C show the superior performance of the proposed method, due to the ability of this method to maintain high cross-correlation values in time. FIG. 1 provides an example of the estimation of the strain ratio from a sequence of strain ratios computed between different post compression frames. FIG. 2 provides a comparison between a poroelastogram generated using the traditional method and two elastograms obtained using the proposed method in vitro. FIG. 4 is an example of the application of the new proposed method in vivo in a patient with stage 2 lymphedema in the arm. For comparison, the normal arm is shown as well. FIG. 5 is an example of the application of the new proposed method in vivo in a patient with stage 1 lymphedema in both legs. FIG. 6 shows three examples of strain ratio time constant elastograms (right) as estimated from the corresponding poroelastograms (left) by applying curve fitting techniques.
Several embodiments of the invention are directed toward methods for determining the strain of a target body. One such embodiment comprises the step of coupling a transducer array comprising at least three transducers to the target body. In one preferred embodiment, the three transducers are positioned along a common line segment. In another preferred embodiment, one transducer is equidistantly spaced with respect to the other two transducers. In another preferred embodiment, the three transducers are positioned such that the pulses of ultrasound energy they emit travel along non-parallel paths in the target body.
The next step of this embodiment is applying a mechanical stimulus to a target body. In a preferred embodiment, the applied mechanical stimulus is selected from the group consisting of stress-relaxation, creep, constant load, constant strain, constant strain rate, constant displacement, sinusoidal load, sinusoidal strain, sinusoidal strain, increasing load, increasing strain, increasing displacement, decreasing load, decreasing strain, and decreasing displacement.
In one preferred embodiment, the applied mechanical stimulus is strain. In another preferred embodiment, the strain is applied at a constant level. In another preferred embodiment, the strain is applied at a non-constant level.
In one preferred embodiment, the mechanical stimulus is applied in the target body. In another preferred embodiment, the mechanical stimulus is applied by the target body.
In one preferred embodiment, the mechanical stimulus is generated by a change of temperature in the target body. In another preferred embodiment, the mechanical stimulus is generated by a change of temperature in the vicinity of the target body. In another preferred embodiment, the mechanical stimulus is generated by fluid flow in the target body. In another preferred embodiment, the mechanical stimulus is generated by fluid flow in the vicinity of the target body.
In one preferred embodiment, the applied mechanical stimulus is a load. In another preferred embodiment, the load is applied at a constant level. In another preferred embodiment, the load is applied at a non-constant level.
In one preferred embodiment, the applied mechanical stimulus is a displacement. In another preferred embodiment, the displacement is applied at a constant level. In another preferred embodiment, the displacement is applied at a non-constant level.
The next step of this embodiment is emitting a first pulse of ultrasound energy from each of the transducers into the target body. The next step of this embodiment is receiving with each of the transducers at least one ultrasound echo sequence from each first pulse. The next step of this embodiment is emitting a second pulse of ultrasound energy from each of the transducers into the target body. The next step of this embodiment is receiving with each of the transducers at least one ultrasound echo sequence from each second pulse. The next step of this embodiment is emitting a third pulse of ultrasound energy from each of the transducers into the target body. The next step of this embodiment is receiving with each of the transducers at least one ultrasound echo sequence from each third pulse. In a preferred embodiment, the second pulse is emitted at a first predetermined time after the first pulse and the third pulse is emitted at a second predetermined time after the second pulse.
The next step of this embodiment is estimating the strain along two directions in the target body between members of a first pair of ultrasound sequences comprising the first ultrasound echo sequence and another of the ultrasound echo sequences.
The next step of this embodiment is estimating the strain along two different directions in the target body between members of a second pair of ultrasound echo sequences comprising two ultrasound echo sequences that are not identical to the two ultrasound sequences that are comprised by the first pair. In one preferred embodiment, the two directions are orthogonal to each other. In another preferred embodiment, the two directions are orthogonal to the paths of the pulses emitted from the three transducers. In another preferred embodiment, the strain is estimated using a technique selected from the group consisting of a cross correlation technique, a Doppler technique, a phase estimator technique, a frequency estimator technique, a pattern matching technique, a sum-absolute difference technique, a least squares technique, and a zero crossing estimator technique.
In one preferred embodiment, the target body is viscoelastic. In another preferred embodiment, the target body is poroelastic. In another preferred embodiment, the target body possesses time dependent mechanical properties.
A preferred embodiment of the invention further comprises displaying the estimated strain. In another preferred embodiment, the invention comprises computing the strain ratios between the echo sequences in the first pair and between the echo sequences in the second pair. In a preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises storing the computed strain ratios in a retrievable medium.
Another embodiment of the invention for determining the strain in a target body comprises the step of applying a mechanical stimulus to a target body. The next step of this embodiment comprises coupling a transducer to the target body. The next step of this embodiment comprises emitting a first pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. The next step of this embodiment comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the first pulse. The next step of this embodiment comprises emitting a second pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. The next step of this embodiment comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the second pulse. The next step of this embodiment comprises emitting a third pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. The next step of this embodiment comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the third pulse.
The next step of this embodiment comprises estimating the strain in the target body between the first ultrasound echo sequence and a subsequent ultrasound echo sequence. The next step of this embodiment comprises estimating the strain in the target body between two ultrasound echo sequences other than the two ultrasound echo sequences for which the strain was estimated in the preceding step.
In another preferred embodiment, this method further comprises displaying the estimated strain.
Another embodiment of the present invention for determining the strain of a target body comprises the step of applying a mechanical stimulus to a target body during time interval T. In one preferred embodiment, the mechanical stimulus is increasing. In another preferred embodiment, the increasing mechanical stimulus is linearly increasing. In another preferred embodiment, the mechanical stimulus is decreasing. In another preferred embodiment, the decreasing mechanical stimulus is linearly decreasing.
The next step of this embodiment comprises coupling a transducer to the target body during time interval T. The next step of this embodiment comprises emitting a first pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body during time interval T. The next step of this embodiment comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the first pulse during time interval T. The next step of this embodiment comprises emitting a second pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body during time interval T. The next step of this embodiment comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the second pulse during time interval T. The next step of this embodiment comprises emitting a third pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body during time interval T. The next step of this embodiment comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the third pulse during time interval T.
The next step of this embodiment comprises estimating the strain in the target body between the first ultrasound echo sequence and a subsequent ultrasound echo sequence. The next step of this embodiment comprises estimating the strain in the target body between two ultrasound echo sequences other than the two ultrasound echo sequences for which the strain was estimated in the preceding step.
Other embodiments of the present invention are directed toward determining the displacement of the target body. One such embodiment comprises the step of applying a mechanical stimulus to a target body. This embodiment further comprises coupling a transducer array comprising at least three transducers to the target body. This embodiment further comprises emitting a first pulse of ultrasound energy from each of the transducers into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with each of the transducers at least one ultrasound echo sequence from each first pulse. This embodiment further comprises emitting a second pulse of ultrasound energy from each of the transducers into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with each of the transducers at least one ultrasound echo sequence from each second pulse. This embodiment further comprises emitting a third pulse of ultrasound energy from each of the transducers into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with each of the transducers at least one ultrasound echo sequence from each third pulse.
This embodiment further comprises estimating a first pair of displacements in two directions in the target body between a first pair of ultrasound sequences comprising the first ultrasound echo sequence and another of said ultrasound echo sequence. This embodiment further comprises estimating a second pair of displacements in two directions in the target body between a second pair of ultrasound echo sequences comprising two ultrasound echo sequences that are not identical to the two ultrasound sequences that are comprised by said first pair. In a preferred embodiment, this method further comprises displaying the estimated displacements.
In another preferred embodiment, this method further comprises estimating the slopes of the first pair of displacements in any direction to estimate the first pair of strains in the target body in two directions. This preferred embodiment further comprises estimating the slopes of the second pair of displacements in any direction to estimate the second pair of strains in the target body in two directions. In another preferred embodiment, this method further comprises computing the first strain ratio between the first pair of strains and computing the second strain ratio between the second pair of strains. In another preferred embodiment, this method further comprises adding the first and second strain ratios. In another preferred embodiment, this method further comprises determining the difference between the first strain ratio and the second strain ratio. This method may be practiced by subtracting the first strain ratio from the second strain ratio, or by subtracting the second strain ratio from the first strain ratio.
In another preferred embodiment, this method further comprises estimating the slopes of the first pair of displacements in any direction to estimate the transverse strains in the target body, and estimating the slope of the second pair of displacements in any direction to estimate the transverse strains in the target body.
Another embodiment to of the present invention directed to determining the displacement of a target body comprises the step of applying a mechanical stimulus to a target body. The next step in this embodiment comprises coupling a transducer to the target body. The next step in this embodiment comprises emitting a first pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. The next step in this embodiment comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the first pulse. The next step in this embodiment comprises emitting a second pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. The next step in this embodiment comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the second pulse. The next step in this embodiment comprises emitting a third pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. The next step in this embodiment comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the third pulse.
The next step in this embodiment comprises estimating the first displacement in the target body between the first ultrasound echo sequence and a subsequent ultrasound echo sequence. The next step in this embodiment comprises estimating the second displacement in the target body between two ultrasound echo sequences other than the two ultrasound echo sequences for which the displacement was estimated in the preceding step. In another preferred embodiment, this method further comprises displaying the estimated first and second displacements.
In a preferred embodiment, this method further comprises estimating the slope of the first displacement in any direction to estimate the first strain in the target body and estimating the slope of the second displacement in any direction to estimate the second strain in the target body. In another preferred embodiment, this method further comprises estimating the slope of the first displacement in any direction to estimate the first transverse strain in the target body and estimating the slope of second displacement in any direction to estimate the second transverse strain in the target body. In another preferred embodiment, this method further comprises computing the strains from the estimated first and second displacements. In another preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises displaying the computed strains. In another preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises computing the sum of the first and second displacements and estimating the strain from some of the displacements previously computed. In a preferred embodiment, the sum of the first and second displacements can be computed by adding the magnitudes of the first and second displacements. In another preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises displaying the sum of the first and second displacements. In a preferred embodiment, this invention further comprises displaying the estimated strain.
In a preferred embodiment, this method further comprises determining the difference between the first and second displacements and estimating the strain from the computed difference between the first and second displacements. In a preferred embodiment, the difference between the first and second displacements may be determined by subtracting the first displacement from the second displacement or by subtracting the second displacement from the first displacement. In another preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises displaying the difference between the first and second displacements. In another preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises displaying the difference between the first and second displacements. In another preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises displaying the estimated strain. In another preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises determining the sum of the first and second displacements and estimating the slope of the sum of the first and second displacements in any direction to estimate transverse strains. In a preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises determining the difference between the first and second displacements and estimating the slope of the difference between the first and second displacements in any direction to estimate transverse strain.
Another embodiment to the present invention directed toward determining the displacement of a target body comprises applying a mechanical stimulus to a target body during time interval T. This embodiment further comprises coupling a transducer to the target body during time interval T. This embodiment further comprises emitting a first pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body during time interval T. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the first pulse during time interval T. This embodiment further comprises emitting a second pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body during time interval T. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the second pulse during time interval T. This embodiment further comprises emitting a third pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body during time interval T. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the third pulse during time interval T.
This embodiment further comprises estimating the first displacement in the target body in between the first ultrasound echo sequence and a subsequent ultrasound echo sequence. This embodiment further comprises estimating the second displacement in the target body between two ultrasound echo sequences other than the two ultrasound echo sequences for which the displacement was estimated in the preceding step. In a preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises displaying the estimated displacement. In another preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises computing the strain from the first displacement and computing the strain from the second displacement. In another preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises computing the transverse strain from the first displacement and computing the transverse strain from the second displacement.
Another embodiment to the present invention directed toward determining the displacement of a target body comprises applying a mechanical stimulus to a target body. This embodiment further comprises coupling a transducer array comprising at least three transducers to the target body. This embodiment further comprises emitting a first pulse of ultrasound energy from each of the transducers into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with each of the transducers at least one ultrasound echo sequence from each first pulse. This embodiment further comprises emitting a second pulse of ultrasound energy from each of the transducers into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with each of the transducers at least one ultrasound echo sequence from each second pulse. This embodiment further comprises emitting a third pulse of ultrasound energy from each of the transducers into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with each of the transducers at least one ultrasound echo sequence from each third pulse. This embodiment further comprises estimating the strain in two directions in the target body between a first pair of ultrasound sequences comprising the first ultrasound echo sequence and another of said ultrasound echo sequences. This embodiment further comprises estimating the strain in two directions in the target body between a second pair of ultrasound echo sequences comprising two ultrasound echo sequences that are not identical to the two ultrasound sequences that are comprised by said first pair.
Another embodiment to the present invention directed toward determining the displacement of a target body comprises coupling a transducer to the target body. This embodiment further comprises applying a mechanical stimulus to a target body. This embodiment further comprises emitting a first pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducers at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the first pulse. This embodiment further comprises emitting a second pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the second pulse. This embodiment further comprises emitting a third pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the third pulse. This embodiment further comprises estimating the strain in the target body between the first ultrasound echo sequence and a subsequent ultrasound echo sequence. This embodiment further comprises estimating the strain in the target body between two ultrasound echo sequences other than the two ultrasound echo sequences for which the strain was estimated in the preceding step.
Another embodiment to the present invention directed toward determining the displacement of a target body comprises coupling a transducer to the target. This embodiment further comprises applying a mechanical stimulus to a target body during time interval T. This embodiment further comprises emitting a first pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body during time interval T. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the first pulse during time interval T. This embodiment further comprises emitting a second pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body during time interval T. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the second pulse during time interval T. This embodiment further comprises emitting a third pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body during time interval T. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the third pulse during time interval T. This embodiment further comprises estimating the strain in the target body in between the first ultrasound echo sequence and a subsequent ultrasound echo sequence. This embodiment further comprises estimating the strain in the target body between two ultrasound echo sequences other than the two ultrasound echo sequences for which the strain was estimated in the preceding step.
Another embodiment to the present invention directed toward determining the displacement of a target body comprises coupling a transducer array comprising at least three transducers to the target body. This embodiment further comprises applying a mechanical stimulus to a target body. This embodiment further comprises emitting a first pulse of ultrasound energy from each of the transducers into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from each first pulse. This embodiment further comprises emitting a second pulse of ultrasound energy from each of the transducers into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from each second pulse. This embodiment further comprises emitting a third pulse of ultrasound energy from each of the transducers into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from each third pulse. This embodiment further comprises estimating the first pair of displacement in two directions in the target body between a first pair of ultrasound sequences comprising the first ultrasound echo sequence and another of said ultrasound echo sequences. This embodiment further comprises estimating the second pair of displacement in two directions in the target body between a second pair of ultrasound echo sequences comprising two ultrasound echo sequences that are not identical to the two ultrasound sequences that are comprised by said first pair.
Another embodiment to the present invention directed toward determining the displacement of a target body comprises coupling a transducer to the target body. This embodiment further comprises applying a mechanical stimulus to a target body. This embodiment further comprises emitting a first pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the first pulse. This embodiment further comprises emitting a second pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the second pulse. This embodiment further comprises emitting a third pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the third pulse. This embodiment further comprises estimating the displacement in the target body between the first ultrasound echo sequence and a subsequent ultrasound echo sequence. This embodiment further comprises estimating the displacement in the target body between two ultrasound echo sequences other than the two ultrasound echo sequences for which the strain was estimated in the preceding step.
Another embodiment to the present invention directed toward determining the displacement of a target body comprises coupling a transducer to the target body. This embodiment further comprises applying a mechanical stimulus to a target body during time interval T. This embodiment further comprises emitting a first pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body during time interval T. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the first pulse during time interval T. This embodiment further comprises emitting a second pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body during time interval T. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the second pulse during time interval T. This embodiment further comprises emitting a third pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body during time interval T. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the third pulse during time interval T. This embodiment further comprises estimating the displacement in the target body in between the first ultrasound echo sequence and a subsequent ultrasound echo sequence. This embodiment further comprises estimating the displacement in the target body between two ultrasound echo sequences other than the two ultrasound echo sequences for which the strain was estimated in the preceding step.
An embodiment of the invention for imaging the strain in a target body comprises applying a mechanical stimulus to a target body, wherein said application commences at a time T 0 . This embodiment further comprises coupling a transducer to the target body. This embodiment further comprises emitting a first pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the first pulse at time interval T 1 after T 0 . This embodiment further comprises emitting a second pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the second pulse at time interval T 2 after T 0 . This embodiment further comprises emitting a third pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the third pulse at time interval T 3 after T 0 . This embodiment further comprises emitting a fourth pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the fourth pulse at time interval T 4 after T 0 . This embodiment further comprises estimating the strain ratio, SR 1 , between the first ultrasound echo sequence and the second ultrasound sequence. This embodiment further comprises estimating the strain ratio, SR 2 , between the second ultrasound echo sequence and the third ultrasound sequence. This embodiment further comprises estimating the strain ratio, SR 3 , between the third ultrasound echo sequence and the fourth ultrasound sequence. This embodiment further comprises deriving a polynomial comprising at least one coefficient defining a functional relationship between time and SR 1 , SR 2 , and SR 3 . This embodiment further comprises imaging the coefficients of the polynomial derived in the preceding step.
An embodiment of the invention for imaging the strain in a target body comprises coupling a transducer to the target body. This embodiment further comprises applying a mechanical stimulus to a target body, wherein said application commences at a time T 0 . This embodiment further comprises emitting a first pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the first pulse at time interval T 1 after T 0 . This embodiment further comprises emitting a second pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the second pulse at time interval T 2 after T 0 . This embodiment further comprises emitting a third pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the third pulse at time interval T 3 after T 0 . This embodiment further comprises emitting a fourth pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the fourth pulse at time interval T 4 after T 0 . This embodiment further comprises estimating the strain, S 1 , between the first ultrasound echo sequence and the second ultrasound sequence. This embodiment further comprises estimating the strain, S 2 , between the second ultrasound echo sequence and the third ultrasound sequence. This embodiment further comprises estimating the strain, S 3 , between the third ultrasound echo sequence and the fourth ultrasound sequence. This embodiment further comprises deriving a polynomial comprising at least one coefficient defining a functional relationship between time and S 1 , S 2 , and S 3 . This embodiment further comprises imaging the coefficients of the polynomial derived in the preceding step.
An embodiment of the invention for imaging the displacement in a target body comprises coupling a transducer to the target body. This embodiment further comprises applying a mechanical stimulus to a target body, wherein said application commences at a time T 0 . This embodiment further comprises emitting a first pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the first pulse at time interval T 1 after T 0 . This embodiment further comprises emitting a second pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the second pulse at time interval T 2 after T 0 . This embodiment further comprises emitting a third pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the third pulse at time interval T 3 after T 0 . This embodiment further comprises emitting a fourth pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the fourth pulse at time interval T 4 after T 0 . This embodiment further comprises estimating the displacement, D 1 , between the first ultrasound echo sequence and the second ultrasound sequence. This embodiment further comprises estimating the displacement, D 2 , between the second ultrasound echo sequence and the third ultrasound sequence. This embodiment further comprises estimating the displacement, D 3 , between the third ultrasound echo sequence and the fourth ultrasound sequence. This embodiment further comprises deriving a polynomial comprising at least 1 coefficient defining a functional relationship between time and D 1 , D 2 , and D 3 . This embodiment further comprises imaging the coefficients of the polynomial derived in the preceding step.
An embodiment to the present invention directed toward measuring the mechanical stimulus applied to a target body during hand-held scanning, comprises coupling a transducer to the target body. This embodiment further comprises emitting a first pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the first pulse. This embodiment further comprises estimating the first distance between the transducer and a non-moving reference point in the vicinity of the target body from the first received echo sequence. This embodiment further comprises emitting a second pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body.
This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the second pulse. This embodiment further comprises estimating the second distance between the transducer and the same non-moving reference point used in step (d) from the second received echo sequence. In a preferred embodiment, this method further comprises computing the displacement between the first distance and the second distance.
Another embodiment to the present invention directed toward measuring the mechanical stimulus applied to a target body during hand-held scanning comprises coupling a transducer to the target body. This embodiment further comprises emitting a first pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the first pulse. This embodiment further comprises estimating the distance between a reference point in the vicinity of the transducer and a non-moving reference point in the vicinity of the target body from the first received echo sequence. This embodiment further comprises emitting a second pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer into the target body. This embodiment further comprises receiving with the transducer at least one ultrasound echo sequence from the second pulse. This embodiment further comprises estimating the distance between the reference point in the vicinity of the transducer used in step (d) and the same non-moving reference point used in step (d) from the second received echo sequence.
It will be understood that various changes in detail, parameters, and arrangements of the steps which have been described and illustrated above in order to explain the nature of this invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principle and scope of the invention. | The invention is directed toward a new method for estimating and imaging the spatial and temporal mechanical behavior of materials in responses to a mechanical stimulus. This method is designed to work in inherently noisy applications, such as the imaging of the time-dependent mechanical behavior of biological tissues in vivo and using a preferred hand-held configuration of scanning. | 0 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application contains subject matter in common with prior copending application Ser. No. 970,107, filed Dec. 18, 1978, for SLOW COOKING APPARATUS.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Slow cooking and smoking of many food items including wood resin cooking is rapidly becoming a revived art, leading to the necessity for more versatile and efficient cooking apparatuses of this type. The art in general has been stagnant in recent times, and only relatively crude traditional systems are available.
Thus, it is the main object of the invention to provide an improved apparatus for slow wood resin cooking which greatly enhances the utility and versatility of the system and renders it possible to achieve comparative highly refined control over the cooking and smoking of a variety of foods which require different degrees and different times of cooking and smoking for the most beneficial results. In short, the present invention seeks to eliminate "guesswork" and to greatly refine the control in a slow cooking apparatus for various meats, such as ham, bacon, fish and many other food items. The invention involves both accuracy and consistency in slow cooking and allows the operator to program a given set of conditions into the cooking apparatus, as will appear during the course of the following description.
Some fairly recent developments in the art constitute a background for the present invention including U.S. Pat. No. 3,974,760 on which the present invention is an improvement, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,699,876 and 3,841,211.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view, partly in cross section, showing a wood resin slow cooking apparatus embodying the invention.
FIG. 2 is a wiring schematic showing the heating element controls of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the drawings in detail, the numeral 10 designates an insulated oven housing having a suitable front insulated door, not shown. At its top, the oven 10 has an adjustable vent or stack 11 to regulate the upward escape of smoke in the desired manner.
Within the oven are plural tiers of food supporting racks 12 mounted on support rails 13 slidably, whereby the racks may be withdrawn forwardly through the front door of the oven at proper times. The racks occupy a major portion of the interior space of the oven 10, as shown, and as many as twelve or more racks 12 can be utilized depending upon the size of the apparatus, which can vary.
In a bottom chamber 14 of the oven below the lower-most rack 12 are a pair of laterally spaced wood burning assemblies 15 in accordance with the teachings of above-noted U.S. Pat. No. 3,974,760. Each assembly includes a support structure 16 resting on the bottom wall of the oven 10 and an associated electrical heating element 17 having a receptacle secured in the back wall of the oven. A vertically adjustable seesaw support 18 for smoldering wood fuel units 19 is included in each assembly 15 exactly as described in the last-mentioned patent.
As described in the referenced pending application, Ser. No. 970,107, a pair of deflectors 20' for meat juices and grease drippings is mounted over the assemblies 15 to shield them from such drippings. Removable drippings catch pans 20 and 21 are placed on the bottom wall of the oven 10 between the assemblies 15 and outwardly of the assemblies to receive the drippings running off of the two deflectors 20', for the reasons explained in said pending application. The drippings captured in the pans 20 and 21 are at a comparatively cool zone in the oven which prevents ignition of the drippings and the formation of objectionable fumes.
In the present invention, each separate heating element 17 is equipped with a thermostat switch 22, preferably on the back wall of the oven 10, and is also equipped with a timer switch 23, preferably on the side walls of the oven. As shown in FIG. 2, the two heating elements 17 and their thermostat and timer switches are electrically connected in parallel with a power source 24. The arrangement is such that the timer 23 for each heating element 17 is individually adjustable to cut in or cut out one element at a desired time, and each thermostat 22 can also be set to cut in or cut out an element 17 at a predetermined heat. More than two of the heating assemblies 15 can be incorporated in the apparatus, if desired. It should be evident that the use of two or more heating elements and associated seesaw fuel supports 18 renders the apparatus highly versatile and imparts thereto a fine degree of control. The use of separate heating elements with independent timers and thermostats is not merely to increase the cooking capacity of the apparatus but rather is to achieve a much wider and much more sensitive range of control over the slow cooking and smoking process than has heretofore been possible in the art.
Some definite advantages of the invention include the following:
(1) Safety. If an element 17 should fail when no operator is present, the oven will continue to operate on the other heating element or elements. This is important because much of the slow cooking process takes place at night without supervision.
(2) Variation of smoke application. By setting one element 17 to drop out before the other, heavy initial smoking followed by lighter smoking can be achieved. This is very desirable on some food products.
(3) Staging of heat. Some products require higher initial heat and lower finishing heat. With the invention, this can be accomplished by regulating one timer so that it will cut out the higher heat element 17 at a certain time, allowing the lower heat element to complete the cooking.
(4) Greater utility. The oven will operate (somewhat more slowly) on one burner; thus, in remote locations where spare parts are not quickly available, the apparatus can still be operated satisfactorily for a time.
It is to be understood that the form of the invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit of the invention or scope of the subjoined claims. | Plural heating elements for a corresponding number of self-adjusting smoldering wood supports are independently timed and thermostatically controlled to create a wider range of adjustability and versatility in the cooker to thus widen the variety of products which can be cooked as well as refining and rendering more sensitive the cooking procedures. | 0 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to quantum cryptography, and in particular relates to calibrating the intensity of optical pulses in quantum key distribution (QKD) systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Quantum cryptography involves exchanging messages between a sender (“Alice”) and a receiver (“Bob”) by encoding a plain text message with a key that has been shared between the two using weak (e.g., 0.1 photon on average) optical signals (pulses) transmitted over a “quantum channel.” Such a system is referred to as a quantum key distribution (QKD) system. The security of QKD systems is based on the quantum mechanical principal that any measurement of a quantum system will modify its state. As a consequence, an eavesdropper (“Eve”) that attempts to intercept or otherwise measure the quantum signal will introduce errors into the transmitted signals, thereby revealing her presence. Because only the key is transmitted in a QKD system, any information about the key obtained by an eavesdropper is useless if no message based on the key is sent between Alice and Bob.
[0003] The general principles of quantum cryptography were first set forth by Bennett and Brassard in their article “Quantum Cryptography: Public key distribution and coin tossing,” Proceedings of the International Conference on Computers, Systems and Signal Processing, Bangalore, India, 1984, pp. 175-179 (IEEE, New York, 1984). A “one-way” QKD system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,410 to Bennet (the '410 patent). A two-way (i.e., folded) QKD system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,438,234 to Gisin.
[0004] A crucial aspect of creating a commercially viable QKD system is ensuring that the optical pulses sent over the quantum channel have a known intensity. The average number of photons in a given pulse needs to be set to a known quantity, and needs to be less than one. To achieve such low-intensity pulses, a light source (e.g., a laser) is used to emit relatively. high-intensity pulses, and an optical attenuator is used to attenuate the pulses down to the single-photon level.
[0005] While people generally understand that optical pulses need to be attenuated in QKD, the practical aspects of performing the needed attenuation tend to remain unappreciated and overlooked. In the quantum cryptography literature, when an attenuator is included as part of a QKD system, its operation is not described in any significant detail. This is because it is generally assumed that prior art attenuation methods, such as those used in optical telecommunications, can be directly applied to QKD systems to achieve optical pulse calibration.
[0006] Such assumptions may be true for experimental or prototype. QKD systems, where the precise intensity of the pulses is not a major concern and the instrumentation is in a very well controlled environment. However, for a commercially viable QKD system, it is crucial that the optical pulses have well-controlled intensities in order to create a select number of photons per pulse on average (e.g., 0.1 photons per pulse.) over a long period of time, and under a wider set of environmental factors. If the pulses are too strong, they will no longer be at the single-photon level and the security of the QKD is compromised. On the other hand, if the pulses are too weak, then, many pulses will go undetected, which reduces the key transmission rate.
[0007] A laboratory QKD system can be tuned to each individual test setup. A commercially viable QKD system will have sources of loss that arise from a number of internal and external factors, such as quantum channel inherent loss, environmental effects, fiber splices, fiber type and length, etc., that are different for each installation. This makes the process of providing pulses with a well-defined, small intensity quite daunting—to the point where the prior art methods for attenuating optical signals used in other optical technologies are not applicable to a high-performance, commercially viable QKD system.
[0008] In addition, the self-discovery aspect of setting up a commercial QKD system is simplified by the ability to provide both strong and weak optical pulses. The use of stronger optical pulses for self-calibration and set-up of a QKD system is currently neglected in the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The calibration systems and methods of the present invention take into account the low power levels (i.e., small average number of photons per pulse), and variations in the optical pulse width of the pulses used in QKD systems.
[0010] A first aspect of the invention is a method of generating calibrated optical pulses for a quantum key distribution (QKD) system. The method includes generating first optical pulses having a fixed pulse width and a fixed power using an optical radiation source, and passing the first pulses through a variable optical attenuator (VOA) for different VOA settings. The transmitted powers of the first optical pulses are related to the respective VOA settings and the information is stored in the controller, e.g., as a look-up table. The method also includes setting the VOA to a maximum attenuation by operation of the controller, generating second optical pulses having varying pulse widths using the optical radiation source, and sending the second pulses through the VOA. The method further includes relating, respective transmitted powers of the second optical pulses to the respective varying pulse widths and storing the results in the controller. The method additionally includes determining an amount of average power needed to be incident a receiver of the QKD system, setting the VOA to a calibrated setting that would result in the receiver receiving the needed amount of average power via third radiation pulses, and then sending the third optical pulses from an optical radiation source through the VOA to create a calibrated set of optical pulses.
[0011] A second aspect of the invention is a calibrated QKD system, which can be a one-way system or a two-way (autocompensated) system. The system comprises first and second stations optically coupled via an optical channel, and optical radiation source located in the first station and capable of generating optical pulses that travel in the optical channel between the stations. The system also includes a variable optical attenuator (VOA) arranged in the first station for a one-way system or in the second station for a two-way system. The system also includes a VOA driver operatively couple to the VOA, and an electrical meter operatively coupled to the VOA. A controller is operatively coupled to the VOA, the VOA driver, the optical radiation source and the electrical meter. The VOA is automatically set by the controller using a calibration table stored in the controller, and an average amount of power expected at the receiver. The receiver is located in the second station for a one-way system and is located in the first station for a two-way system. The result is the production of calibrated optical pulses from the optical pulses output by the optical radiation source.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a QKD system that includes a variable optical attenuator system, as configured for calibrating the variable optical attenuator;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of the method of calibrating the attenuator system in the QKD system of FIG. 1 ;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of the method of generating calibrated optical pulses in the QKD system of FIG. 1 using the calibrated attenuator system therein;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of the method of ensuring continued calibration of the optical pulses in the QKD system of FIG. 1 during system operation; and
[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a two-way QKD system to illustrate that the method of calibration is general and applies to both one-way and two-way QKD systems.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention is a system and method for optical pulse calibration in a QKD system. The systems and methods apply to both one-way and two-way systems. For the sake of convenience, the invention is first described in connection with a one-way system.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a QKD system 10 having a first station Alice and a second station Bob. Alice and Bob are optically couple via an optical channel 16 , which may be an optical fiber or free space. Optical channel 16 includes first and second optical channel portions 16 A and 16 B connected by a connector 18 . Channel 16 A has an end 20 and channel 16 B has an end 22 . Connector 18 allows for the optical-channel to be separated downstream of a VOA (discussed below) and accessed in order to perform the calibration procedures of the present invention, as described below. In FIG. 1 , optical channel 16 is shown disconnected at coupler 18 .
[0019] Alice includes an optical radiation source 30 capable of generating optical pulses 32 . Optical radiation source 30 is capable of controlling the pulse widths w and pulse rate r of optical pulses 32 . In an example embodiment, optical radiation source 30 is a gain switched communications laser. In an example embodiment, the pulse widths of optical pulses 32 can range between 10 ps and 10 ns and the pulse rate varies from 100 kHz to 20 MHz.
[0020] A variable attenuator (VOA) 40 is optically coupled to the optical radiation source and is arranged to receive and selectively attenuate optical pulses 32 to form attenuated pulses 32 ′. A driver 44 is operatively connected to VOA 40 . Driver 44 drives or otherwise sets VOA 40 to a select level of attenuation A i within the range of possible attenuations of the VOA. In an example embodiment, VOA 40 includes a no-attenuation or a substantially no-attenuation setting.
[0021] In example embodiments, VOA 40 is any one of a number of known VOAs, such as an electronically controlled LCD shutter or a mechanically controlled coupler, such as an optical fiber coupler that sets the alignment between to optical fibers to correspond to a given level of attenuation.
[0022] In system 10 , it is convenient to identify a VOA calibration system 60 , which includes VOA 40 and driver 44 . VOA calibration system 60 also includes an electrical meter 50 connected to VOA 40 to measure the electrical feed back from the VOA.
[0023] VOA calibration system 60 further includes an optical power meter 70 , temporarily coupled to channel portion end 20 , for measuring optical power (e.g., watts W) or intensity (Watts/cm 2 ) of optical radiation incident thereon. Power meter 70 need not be a single-photon detector. By measuring the power of the pulses with no attenuation, and measuring the attenuation with a strong pulse sent through the attenuator, the single-photon level power can be calculated without the sensitive equipment ordinarily required to make single-photon level measurements. This is particularly important because single-photon detectors only detect the arrival of a photon (as opposed to the actual number of photons) in given time interval.
[0024] In an example embodiment, a single-photon detector 74 , which is internal to Alice and coupled (e.g., spliced) to optical channel portion 16 A, is used rather than a separate power meter 70 . The internal single-photon detector 74 can also be used during system operation to double check, that the calibration has not been adjusted either by accident or maliciously to leak information by creating multiple-photon optical pulses. In the case where single-photon detector 74 is used, optical pulses 32 need to be reflected so that they pass back through VOA 40 . This can be accomplished by replacing power meter 70 with a mirror, or by keeping optical channel 16 intact and reflecting the pulses back from a mirror (not shown) located within Bob.
[0025] VOA calibration system 60 also includes a controller 80 , which also controls the operation of Alice. Controller 80 is operatively connected to optical radiation source 30 , VOA driver 44 , electrical meter 50 , detector 74 , and power meter 70 , and controls the operation of these components. Controller 80 is also coupled to a controller 80 ′ at Bob via a timing/synchronization link 84 so that the operation of the QKD system is synchronized between the two stations. In this sense, controller 80 and controller 80 ′ can be considered as a single controller. Controller 80 ′ is coupled to a detector 82 located in Bob that detects the weak optical pulses 32 after they have been polarization-modulated or phase-modulated by phase modulators PM and PM′ located in Alice and Bob, respectively.
[0026] Thus, to summarize, attenuator 60 includes VOA 40 , driver 44 , electrical meter 50 and controller 80 .
[0027] With continuing reference to FIG. 1 and also to FIG. 2 and flow diagram 200 therein, the general method of the present invention is now described. In 202 , optical channel 16 is disconnected and power meter 70 is optically coupled to channel portion 16 A at end 20 . In 204 , controller 80 sends a control signal to driver 44 , which in turn communicates with VOA 40 to set the VOA to its maximum attenuation A MAX . In 206 , controller 80 sends a control signal to optical radiation source 30 which sets the optical power output to a high, fixed power (E.g., maximum power P MAX ) and sets the pulse width w to obtain repeatable measurements on optical power meter 70 . Thus, the pulses emanating from the optical radiation source have maximum power, P MAX and thus the maximum number of average photons per pulse m MAX .
[0028] In 208 , VOA 40 is adjusted (e.g., swept or stepped) over a range of attenuation, e.g., from its maximum attenuation A MAX to its minimum attenuation A MIN . In 210 , as VOA 40 is adjusted, the output optical power P T of the optical pulses 32 ′ transmitted by VOA 40 is measured by power meter 70 for each VOA setting. Power meter 50 produces electrical signals corresponding to the measured power. The electrical signals are sent to controller 80 . Also in 210 , the electrical feedback from VOA 40 as measured by electrical meter 50 and that corresponds to the VOA settings is sent to controller 80 via electrical signals. Further in 210 , the information, in the electrical signals corresponding to the measured optical power transmitted by the VOA and the VOA settings are stored (recorded) in controller 80 .
[0029] In 212 , controller 80 generates a table or curve that relates the relative power transmitted by the VOA 40 to the VOA position or setting. In 214 , controller 80 sends a control signal to driver 44 that causes driver 44 to set VOA 40 to its maximum attenuation A MAX . In 216 , controller 80 sends a control signal to optical radiation source 30 to cause the optical radiation source to emit optical pulses that vary in pulse width w over a range of pulse widths that vary from a minimum to a maximum usable pulse width.
[0030] In 218 , power meter 70 receives and measures (detects) the optical pulses 32 ′ and sends electrical signals to controller 80 that correspond to the detected power P T for each of the optical pulses. In an example embodiment, the pulse rate r is higher than that used in QKD system 10 since the QKD system rate is limited by the single-photon detectors, not the optical radiation source This raises the average power level so that a better measurement of the power in the optical pulses 32 ′ can be obtained by the power meter. Also in 218 , the information in signals from power meter 70 is recorded (stored) in controller 80 .
[0031] In 220 , controller 80 generates a calibration table or curve that relates the optical pulse width w to the corresponding power level P T measured for the optical pulses. In practice, the optimal (best) pulse width depends on the system operating conditions.
[0032] In 222 , controller 80 calculates the greatest amount of attenuation A G that might be required for a given system configuration or set of operating conditions. In an example embodiment, a fixed attenuator 40 F (dotted line, FIG. 1 ) having a known attenuation, is added in series with VOA 40 to ensure that all system configurations can be met with the appropriate amount of attenuation in view of the possible adjustment range of the optical radiation source.
[0033] Once step 222 is carried out, the calibration of attenuator system 60 needed to perform pulse calibration is complete. In 224 , optional fixed attenuator 40 F is removed, power meter 70 is disconnected from optical channel portion 16 A, and optical channel portions 16 A and 16 B are connected (e.g., using connector 18 ) to form an unbroken optical channel 16 between Alice and Bob.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram 300 of the method of using QKD system 10 to generate optical pulses having a desired average number of photons per pulse m (i.e., “calibrated optical pulses”) by using calibrated attenuator system 60 .
[0035] In 302 , an average power P A desired at the receiving detector 82 is decided upon. This average power may be, for example, the lowest power that can be consistently detected. The average power P A depends on the pulse repetition rate r, wavelength λ of optical radiation emitted by optical radiation source 30 , and the desired average number of photons per pulse m, where m is typically less than 1, and further, is typically about 0.1
[0036] In 304 , the average power P′ A needed in each optical pulse outputted by optical radiation source 30 to achieve the desired average power P A at receiving detector 82 is calculated, taking into account the system attenuation, losses, and the pulse width w of each pulse. In 306 , the amount of attenuation A i needed to be added by VOA 40 to achieve the desired amount of average power P A (or the desired average number of photons m) in each optical pulse 32 ′ at receiver 82 is calculated. In 308 , controller 80 directs driver 44 to set VOA 40 to the needed amount of attenuation A i based on the calibration data (i.e., table or curve) as determined using the method illustrated in flow diagram 200 of FIG. 2 . At this point, system 10 is set up to generate optical pulses 32 ′ have a well-defined (i.e., calibrated) average number of photons per pulse m C .
[0037] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram 400 of a method according to the present invention of ensuring that the optical pulses remain calibrated during the operation of system 10 . In 402 , the average power P A per optical pulse or average number of photons per optical pulse m is measured. This can be done in one of two preferred ways. In a first example embodiment, optical channel 16 is disconnected and power meter 70 is connected to end 20 of optical channel 16 A. This approach is used to measure the average power P A . In a second example embodiment, optical channel 16 is not disconnected and the average power in the optical pulses are measured by the (single-photon) receiving detector 82 at Bob or single-photon detector 74 in Alice. The second example embodiment is preferred in situations where QKD system 10 needs to stay intact or where it is otherwise advantageous not to disconnect optical channel 16 .
[0038] In 404 , if the measured average power P A or average of number of photons m differs from a desired (e.g., previously calibrated) value P D or m D , then one or more of the following adjustments are made: (a) increasing or decreasing the integration time T I of receiving detector 82 , (b) increasing or decreasing the pulse repetition rate r, (c) increasing or decreasing the optical pulse width w, and (d) increasing or decreasing the attenuation provided by VOA 40 by a select amount in accordance with the calibration table or curve stored in controller 80 .
[0039] In 406 , the average number of photons per pulse m or average power P A is measured after the one or more adjustments in 404 . In 408 , the measurements obtained in 406 are compared to a threshold value P TH or m TH for the average number of photons per optical pulse m (e.g., m TH =1 photon per pulse), above which the security of the transmitted keys in the QKD system is deemed to be compromised.
[0040] In 410 , if the threshold value m TH or P TH is exceeded, an error condition is declared and any bits associated with the threshold violation are not used in the key. This error alarm function is correlated against the system measurement activity to ensure false alarms are not given.
[0041] In 412 , if m<m TH has the calibrated value m C (or if PA has the calibrate average power value P C ), then the re-calibration process is terminated. If m≠m C (or P A ≠P C ), then the process returns to 404 and is repeated until m=m C (or P A =P C ).
[0042] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the above-described method applies to both one-way and two-way QKD systems. FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a two-way QKD system 500 , such as described in U.S Pat. No. 6,438,234 to Gisin. In system 500 , Bob's optical radiation source 30 sends Alice two unmodulated optical pulses, which both reflect from a Faraday mirror FM at Alice. One pulse is then randomly phase-modulated by Alice by PM 1 on its way back to Bob, whereupon Bob phase encodes the remaining unmodulated pulse with his phase modulator PM 2 . The pulses are then combined (interfered) at Bob and detected to ascertain the phase differences in the two interfered pulses.
[0043] For the purposes of optical pulse calibration, the only significant difference from a one-way system is that the VOA 40 is located at Alice, while the optical radiation source 30 is located at Bob. Thus, in an example embodiment, in a two-way system, the Faraday mirror at Alice is replaced with power meter 70 , and the calibration carried out using Alice's controller 80 ′ and/or Bob's controller 80 .
[0044] While the present invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not so limited. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. | Methods and systems for generating calibrated optical pulses in a QKD system. The method includes calibrating a variable optical attenuator (VOA) by first passing radiation pulses of a given intensity and pulse width through the VOA for a variety of VOA settings. The method further includes resetting the VOA to maximum attenuation and sending through the VOA optical pulses having varying pulse widths. The method also includes determining the power needed at the receiver in the QKD system, and setting the VOA so that optical pulses generated by the optical radiation source are calibrated to provide the needed average power. Such calibration is critical in a QKD system, where the average number of photons per pulse needs to be very small—i.e., on the order of 0.1 photons per pulse—in order to ensure quantum security of the system. | 7 |
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to digital Finite Impulse Response filters, where it is required to change the filter transfer function without interrupting the passage of a desired signal through the filter.
Finite Impulse Response Filters (referred to herein as FIR filters) are very well known and commonly comprise a tapped delay line, or its digital equivalent, with the signal from each tapping being scaled or multiplied by a respective coefficient, and the tapped signals being combined to produce an output signal. Digital FIR filters can be implemented on programmable hardware (e.g. Digital Signal Processor (DSP) chips), or on dedicated hardware.
There is a common requirement for example in the audio industry for signals to run continuously through a circuit while characteristics or transfer functions of FIR filters therein are changed; audio signals must not be interrupted as this would cause clicks or other artefacts for a listener.
For the purposes of the present specification, it is to be understood that the changing of at least one coefficient in a first FIR and the consequent changing of the filter transfer function effectively produces a second FIR with a different transfer function, and reference herein to first and second FIR filters is to be construed, where appropriate, accordingly.
Where an FIR filter function is to be changed without interruption to the signals flowing through the system, known/obvious methods for doing this are as follows:
1) Suddenly update all the filter coefficients within one clock cycle of the system.
2) Crossfade each filter coefficient to its new value over several system clock cycles, doing this simultaneously for all filter coefficients
3) Implement a second physically separate FIR filter in parallel with the first, then crossfade between the outputs of the two filters, taking several system clock cycles to do so
4) Update the filter coefficients at a slower rate, one by one
An example of one such method in which successive interpolated co-efficients are switched in to change the so-efficients of a filter from an initial set of co-efficients to a final set of co-efficients is described in European Patent 0135 066. However such a method does not bring about a smooth switching between filter functions.
Each of these methods has disadvantages. (1) causes a sudden change in the filter output which is generally undesirable. In the case of audio, this is usually heard as a click. (2) is the equivalent of (1), except that the transition to the new filter is performed more gradually to avoid the sudden transition in filter output. The disadvantage of this method is that a new set of filter coefficients has to be calculated (or stored in a look-up table) for each of the intermediate steps. This requires additional processing power or storage. Processing power is a valuable resource and additional processing power is often not available. (3) is functionally equivalent to (2) but still requires additional processing power to implement the second physically separate filter in parallel with the first. (4) is undesirable as the impulse response and hence frequency response of the filter is altered in a somewhat unpredictable way as each filter coefficient is updated.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of switching between first and second digital FIR filters without creating significant disturbance in a signal passing through the filters, and wherein the requirements of processing power to effect the change are reduced.
The invention relies on the fact that, in most real applications, most of the energy of a FIR filter is concentrated towards the front of the filter (or it can be designed to achieve this). A half-length filter, with only half of the number of coefficients, is therefore a good approximation to the full-length filter and a crossfade from the full-length filter to the half-length filter is quite easy to disguise. Although the half-length filter may not be accurate enough for continuous use, it is usually accurate enough to be used for the short tune it takes to crossfade to a second half-length filter with a different transfer function. Thus the filter switching is broken down into a number of steps, each step requiring a smaller amount of processing power than heretofore required.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of switching between first and second digital FIR filters while permitting uninterrupted passage of a desired signal therethrough, the method including:
a) dividing a first filter into a plurality of sections,
b) rendering all but the fist section of the first filter inoperative by fading out their output,
c) changing the coefficients of an inoperative section of the first filter to the coefficients of a first section of a second filter, which is similarly divided into a like plurality of sections, and
d) conducting the desired signal through the first section of the second filter while rendering the first section of the first filter inoperative by fading out its output signal.
Preferably the method of the present invention includes the following steps.
1) The first filter A is initially being computed. The half-length filter consisting of the first half of filter A (referred to as A 1 ) is computed in parallel. This requires no additional processing power as A 1 is computed as part of filter A in any case. A crossfade between the outputs of filters A and A 1 is performed over a number of system clock cycles. Filter A 1 is now running, using only half the available processing power.
2) A half-length version of the second filter (B 1 ) is computed in parallel with A 1 , using up the remaining processing power. A crossfade between the outputs Of filters A 1 and B 1 is performed over a number of system clock cycles, resulting in only filter B 1 running, taking half the available processing power. This step can be repeated as many times as desired to switch through a number of filters C, D, etc.
3) The full-length filter B is now computed in parallel with B 1 . A crossfade from the output of B 1 to the output of B is performed over a number of clock cycles. Filter B is now running.
The rates at which the crossfades are performed depends on the application. In some applications, a very fast crossfade, or even a sudden switch, may be satisfactory. In other applications, a slower crossfade may give better results. Also, the shape of the crossfade (linear or otherwise) can be varied to optimise results.
In subsequent steps, the changing of the second, and any further, filter sections will take place in a corresponding manner.
According to a further aspect of the there is provided a filter apparatus having an input terminal, an output terminal, a digital FIR filter comprising two or more sections each or which has a control means for setting the filter function of the respective section, an input switch means and an output fader means, said input switch means and said output fader means being constructed and arranged relative to the input terminal, the output terminal and each of the sections so as to be operable either to connect two or more sections in series between the input terminal and output terminal and thereby effectively form a fist FIR filter with a first filter function, or alternatively, to render inoperable one or more. Sections by fading out its output signal whilst leaving one or more sections connected in series between the input terminal and output terminal and thereby effectively form a second FIR filter with a second filter function without disrupting the passage of a signal through the filter apparatus from the input terminal to the output terminal, said control means being operable to change the filter function of the inoperable section or sections.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a digital FIR filter apparatus which is selectively changeable from a first digital FIR filter to a second digital FIR filter with a different filter function, while permitting uninterrupted passage of a signal there through to be filtered, the filter apparatus comprising at least first and second filter sections, each section comprising a series chain of delay elements with intermediate tapping points, and scaler elements with adjustable scaling coefficients being connected to respective tapping points, the outputs of the scalers being connected to a summing means, wherein the output of the first and second section summing means are coupled to respective first and second inputs of an output fader means for providing a filter output, and wherein an input terminal of the digital filter apparatus together with both ends of the series chains of both filter sections are selectively coupled together via an input switch means, whereby to permit the output of one filter section to be faded out white its scaling coefficients are changed, and for the series chains of the filter sections to be selectively connected in series, either chain being upstream of the other.
Preferably the output fader means comprises fader means, wherein the first and second inputs thereof are coupled to respective scalers having adjustable scaling coefficients, the outputs of the scaling means being coupled to a summing means to provide the filter output signal.
Whilst the filters of the present invention may be divided into any number of sections, the more sections that are provided, the longer is the overall switching time. It is therefore preferred to divide the filters into just two sections, preferably of equal length, or at least generally equal length, so that the processing power requirements are reduced by half, which is sufficient for most applications envisaged.
Whilst a simple switching in a single clock cycle is possible between the various filter sections, it is preferred to employ fading (crossfading) between the filter sections over a plurality of clock cycles in order to reduce the risk of disturbance to the signal being fed across the filters.
In this respect it is preferable that the input switch means comprises first and second two way switches each connected between the input terminal and selected ends of the series chains of the filter sections.
In a further aspect of the invention where there are two sections, the input terminal of the filter apparatus together with both ends of the series chains of delay elements of both sections are selectively coupled together via the input switch means whereby to permit one filter section either to be switched out of circuit while its scaling co-efficients are changed, the series chain of delay elements of the other filter section to be connected in series, between the input switch means and the output switch means or for the series chain of delay elements of either section to be connected in series upstream of the series chain of delay elements of the other chain.
One particular application envisaged for the present invention is that of audio sound reproduction with accurate location of the reproduced sound in three dimensions. This is commonly known as binaural reproduction. For “lo-fi” applications such as Arcade games, movement of a manually operable joystick may cause a change in the apparent position of a reproduced sound, e.g. an engine sound. In order to achieve this, a sound source may be recorded monophonically through a single microphone, and the recorder signal may be subjected to a pair of filters with known transfer functions in order to produce a binaural signal with the sound reproduced at a particular location. If the location is to be changed, then the filter transfer function is changed, in real time and in accordance with the present invention, to produce a second filter representing the sound at a further location. In such application, the filter may require significant processing power, and so the present invention avoids any additional processing power to effect the filter change.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital FIR filter shown schematically as two sections of equal length, the sections being interconnected by two way switches; and
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an application of the filter of FIG. 1 in a binaural sound reproduction system.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In FIG. 1, the filter apparatus I comprises a signal input port INPUT is coupled to first and second two-way switches 2 , 4 each having switch positions A, B. The switch 2 is selectively connected between the input 5 of a first section 6 of a ten tap digital FIR filter 8 , and either to INPUT or to one end 10 of a second section 12 of the filter. The switch 4 is selectively connected between an input end 14 of second filter section 12 , and either INPUT or an end 16 of first filter section 6 .
Each filter section 6 , 12 comprises in series five time delay elements 18 of a value equal to one system clock interval, with five respective tapping points 20 leading to five respective scalers 22 for multiplying the tapped signals by respective scaling coefficients A 1 . . . 10 . The outputs of the scalers 22 are connected to respective summers 24 , 26 , with the output of summer 24 representing the output of the first section 6 and the output of summer 26 representing the output of second filter section 12 . The two outputs are coupled to respective inputs of a crossfader 28 having scalers 30 in its input lines for multiplying the filter section output signals by respective variable coefficients g 1 , g 2 . The scaled signals are summed in a summer 32 to provide an output signal at an output terminal OUTPUT.
A processor 40 is coupled to scalers 22 , 30 for providing desired scaling coefficients thereto, and to switches 2 , 4 for effecting switching operations.
The method of the preferred embodiment is as follows:
Initially, both switches are in positions A, and crossfader coefficients g 1 and g 2 arc both set to 1. In this configuration, a first filter A is formed with filter section 6 forming the first filter section, and filter section 12 forming the second half of the filter. Since g 1 , g 2 are both 1, the outputs of the two filter sections are summed via summers 24 , 26 and 32 to provide a signal at OUTPUT. This is the usual configuration of the filter in many applications.
Step 1. Crossfader coefficient g 2 is gradually reduced to 0 over several, say 10 system clock cycles, fading out the second filter section 12 . The output is now the output of the first filter section 6 . Thus first filter section 6 effectively forms a new filter, with a filter function approximating to the original.
Step 2. With the second filter section 12 now inoperative, the coefficients for scalers 22 can be changed without any affect on the throughput signal. The coefficients are changed to those B 1 . . . 5 for the first half section of a second filter B. These coefficients may conveniently be stored in a memory or register store of processor 40 . Switch 4 is moved to position B so that the first half of filter B receives the input signal, although it is still inoperative as g 2 is set to zero. Crossfader coefficients g 1 and g 2 are gradually changed by processor 40 over say ten clock cycles from 1 and 0 respectively to 0 and 1 respectively, maintaining the relationship g 1 +g 2 =1 at all times. This crossfades from filter A to filter B (at least 5 clock cycles must be allowed before crossfading for filter 2 delay line to be filled).
This step may be repeated as many times as desired, alternately crossfading between filter 1 and filter 2 as each new half-length filter is used. This might be required for example where the function of the two filters are very different, and it is desired to go through intermediate filter steps in order to spread the filter function change over a long time period.
Step 3. With filter section 6 now inoperative, the coefficients of the filter may be changed without affecting the throughput signal, and processor 40 operates to substitute coefficients B 6 . . . 10 (the second half of the second filter B) for the existing coefficients of filter section 6 . Switch 2 is moved to position B. After at least 5 clock cycles to allow filter section 6 delay elements 18 to be filled, the crossfader coefficient g 1 is gradually increased from 0 to 1. Thus with both coefficients g set to 1, and filter section 6 receiving the signal from the end of 10 of filter section 10 , the filter now fully represents a second filter B with ten taps.
It will be appreciated that although the, above describes a filter 8 with tent taps, any number of taps may be employed, depending, on the desired filter function it is desired to implement.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown schematically a binaural sound reproduction system incorporated in an arcade game, wherein a recording of a monophonic sound source in ROM 50 is fed through two filters 52 , 54 , each of a configuration as shown in FIG. 1. A manually operable joy stick 56 provides input signals to a processor 58 , such input signals being used to determine a desired position of sound occurring during the course of a game. Processor 58 is operative to translate these input signals into desired filter functions for filters 52 , 54 , which operate on the mono sound signal to produce on lines leading to loudspeakers 60 , a pair of binaural signals which will reproduce the sound at a desired apparent position in three dimensional space in the environment of the game player. For increased accuracy, a cross-talk cancellation circuit (not shown) may be introduced for filtering the binaural signals to produce transaural sound signals with a very realistic impression of sound location. | A filter apparatus ( 1 ) has a digital FIR filter ( 8 ) divided into two or more sections ( 6, 12 ) with means ( 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 40 ) for varying the filter function of each section ( 6, 12 ). The filter ( 1 ) has an input switch ( 2,4 ) and an output switch ( 28, 30,32 ) which includes a fader ( 28, 30, 32 ) to enable one or more section ( 6, 12 ) to be switched out of circuit without disrupting the passage of signals to be filtered through the other section or sections ( 6, 12 ) of the filter ( 8 ). The filter function of each section ( 6, 12 ) is adjustable when the section ( 6,12 ) is switched out of circuit. | 7 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 07/977,436 filed Apr. 13, 1993, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 07/575,990 filed Aug. 31, 1990, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 07/571,459 filed Aug. 21, 1990, now abandoned, all incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is an improved adhesive elastomeric composition for bonding substrates together, having improved properties of flowability.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Uncured adhesive elastomeric compositions suitable for bonding diverse substrates such as other elastomers, metals, plastics, glass, fibers, paper and fabrics, have been disclosed by the inventors hereof in application Ser. Nos. 07/575,990, filed Aug. 31, 1990 and 07/571,459, filed Aug. 21, 1990, both abandoned. It is often desirable to apply such compositions to the substrates in a flowable form. For example, in industrial operations such as automobile manufacturing, shoe manufacturing or rotomolding of rubber parts it is desirable to use such compositions to replace welding in an assembly-line-type process. Compositions having reduced viscosity so as to be pumpable through supply lines are desirably used.
As is taught in the above U.S. patent applications, adhesive rubber compositions can be prepared by the addition of certain polymeric adducts to elastomeric compositions. This invention involves the addition of low molecular weight elastomers to such elastomeric/polymeric compositions to produce flowable compositions.
The flowability of an adhesive elastomeric composition can be increased by using elastomers of low molecular weight and viscosity in the formulation, so as to increase the flowability of the mixture, however, in general, the flowability of such compositions cannot be increased without sacrificing tensile and bond strength.
Bond strength, as measured by lap shear tests, is a direct indication of adhesive strength. Theoretically bond strength cannot be greater than two times tensile strength. The present compositions achieve adhesiveness of up to about 1.4 times tensile strength. However, as the present invention shows, adhesiveness is not directly proportional to tensile strength.
As is known to the art, the degree of crosslinking is also not a direct measure of the tensile strength or bond strength of a composition. Too high a degree of crosslinking can make a composition brittle and promote cracks.
While greater crosslinking may improve tensile strength up to an optimum point which varies from elastomer to elastomer, most elastomers are cured beyond this optimum point, and thus crosslink enhancing coagents would not enhance tensile strength, but rather would lower tensile strength. Such coagents are usually used to improve compression set, improve modulus and decrease elongation, or to enable the use of fillers in the composition. When elastomers having an average molecular weight low enough to flow freely at reasonably low temperatures (e.g., less than about 100°), are used to formulate the adhesive compositions, the cured product is less tough than would be desirable, i.e., elongation is greater than desirable at a given tensile or bond strength.
When nonliquid elastomers are cured in the presence of crosslink-enhancing agents, percent elongation decreases and modulus at 100° increases. For example, Colorado Chemical Specialties, Inc. Bulletin CCS-107, "High Vinyl 1-2 Liquid Polybutadiene Ricon EPDM/EPM Coagents" discloses that when a preferred crosslink enhancing agent of this invention, Ricon 153™ of Advanced Resins, Inc. (formerly Colorado Chemical Specialties, Inc., Grand Junction, Colo.) is added at 10 phr (parts per hundred) to EPDM rubber formulations, percent elongation decreases from 440 to 250 and 100% modulus increases from 210 to 380. However, elongation percent for cured flowable adhesive rubber compositions should be less than about 200%, and preferably less than about 180%.
It was surprising to find that flowable compositions could be made with acceptable tensile strengths and that the adhesiveness of such compositions could be improved by the addition of crosslink-enhancing coagents, while maintaining good tensile strength and improving elongation properties (toughness).
Crosslink-enhancing coagents known to the art include liquid polybutadienes having the properties of high 1,2 vinyl content such as Ricon 153™ and Ricon 154™, polybutadiene products of Advanced Resins, Inc., Grand Junction, Colo., di, tri and tetra functional acrylates and methacrylates, triallylcyanurate (TAC), triallylisocyanurate (TAIC), triallyltrimellitate (TATM), and N,N-metaphenylenedimaleimide (HVA-2). These coagents have been used as crosslink-enhancing coagents primarily with peroxide-cured elastomers. HVA-2 and the Advanced Resin products have also been used with sulfur-cured elastomers. These agents have been used to make the elastomers harder and more resistant to swell. However, such coagents have not been known to increase the adhesiveness of an elastomer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An uncured adhesive elastomeric composition is provided having a Mooney viscosity at most about 20 at a temperature of 125° C., comprising:
(a) An elastomer having a raw Mooney viscosity ML 1+4 at 125° C. between about 20 and about 85, and preferably between about 40 and about 70, and having the ability to be cured by peroxide, sulfur or resin systems. Preferably this elastomer is used in an amount between about 30 and about 70 phr, and more preferably in an amount between about 40 and about 60 phr. The upper limit of concentration used may vary depending on the particular compounds chosen as components of the elastomeric composition of this invention, and should not be so high as to render the final mixture too viscous to be pumpable. A preferred elastomer is EPDM 70A, a fast-curing ethylene propylene diene rubber of DSM Copolymer Inc. of Baton Rouge, La.
(b) A synthetic resin curable by the same cure system as component (a) above, having an average molecular weight between about 5,200 and about 70,000 as determined by viscosity analysis. Molecular weights determined by viscosity analysis, which is a measure of average molecular weight, are termed herein "viscosity average molecular weights." This resin is preferably Trilene, a class of Trilene™ Liquid Polymers which are polymers of ethylene, propylene and a diene termonomer, wherein the diene termonomer is either dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) or 5-ethylidene 2-norbornene (ENB), having an average molecular weight of between about 5,200 and about 8,000, as determined by viscosity analysis. The terpolymer is preferably Trilene 65, a product of Uniroyal Chemical Company, Middlebury, Conn. A sufficient amount of this resin should be used to lower the Mooney viscosity of the mixture to at most about 20 and preferably at most about 5 at a temperature of about 125° C. Too high a proportion of this elastomer will lower tensile and bond strengths to unacceptable levels. Preferably this elastomer is used in an amount between about 30 and about 70 phr, and more preferably in an amount between about 40 and about 60 phr. Preferably this resin has an analogous structure to the elastomer of component (a), e.g., a polymer having identical or similar units but with a shorter chain length.
(c) An unsaturated polymeric adduct of a dicarboxylic acid or dicarboxylic acid derivative wherein the acid or derivative moiety comprises at least about three weight percent of said adduct. Preferably the polymer is a polybutadiene such as a random polybutadiene polymer containing both 1,4 and 1,2 butadiene units. The ratio of 1,2 vinyl and 1,4 cis and trans double bonds in the polymer can be from about 15 to about 90% 1,2 vinyl, and preferably from about 20 to about 70% 1,2 vinyl. Unless specified otherwise, as used herein all percents are weight percents. A polymer in which most of the double bonds in the butadiene units are 1,2 double bonds and which can be used in the present invention can be prepared by polymerizing butadiene alone or with other monomers in the presence of a catalyst comprising a compound of a metal of group VIII of the periodic table and alkyl aluminum. This adduct should be used in an amount sufficient to provide adhesive properties to the mixture, but not so high as to degrade physical properties such as speed of curing, tensile strength, and the like. Preferably the adduct is used in an amount between about 5 and about 40 phr, and more preferably in an amount between about 10 and about 20 phr. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the components of the elastomeric compositions of this invention are expressed in parts per hundred (phr) whereby the total phr of component (a) plus component (b) equals 100. Additional components are expressed in phr based on their proportion to the sum of components (a) plus (b), so that the total phr for all components in the composition will be greater than 100. Preferred adducts are the maleic adduct resins sold by Advanced Resins, Inc. of Grand Junction, Colo. under the trademark RICOBOND, as described in Advanced Resins, Inc. Bulletin dated Jun. 6, 1991 based on a paper presented at the 138th Meeting of the Rubber Division, American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C. Oct. 9-12, 1990.
(d) A curing agent such as peroxide, sulfur and sulfur donors and accelerators, or resin cure systems, such as bromophenol or SP1055 of Schenectady Chemical Company. Preferably peroxide curing agents are used, and more preferably, dicumyl peroxide. The amount of curing agent used, as is known to those skilled in the art, should be sufficient to bring about cure in a reasonable period of time without excessive scorch or detracting from the adhesive properties of the composition.
Compositions according to the foregoing, surprisingly, exhibit tensile strengths in the desired range, i.e., greater than about 8 MPa, preferably greater than about 10 MPa, and more preferably greater than about 12 MPa.
It is often desirable to produce an adhesive rubber elastomer having a lower percent elongation, and a higher 100% modulus than the compositions described above. In a further embodiment of this invention, it has been discovered that the addition of crosslink-enhancing coagents will bring about the desired properties to a much greater degree than predicted from a knowledge of the behavior of these coagents in non-flowable elastomeric systems. Moreover, the adhesiveness of the elastomer is significantly increased by the addition of these coagents. Therefore the compositions of this invention advantageously also include:
(e) a crosslink-enhancing coagent having a viscosity from about 300 to about 5000 poise at a temperature of 45° C., and more preferably about 2,500 poise at 45° C. Preferred resins are those having at least fifty percent 1,2 vinyl content, such as the 1,2 polybutadiene resins, e.g. the Ricon 153™ compound described in Colorado Chemical Specialties, Inc. Bulletin CCS 1-7, supra, and the closely related product Ricon 154™ also described in said CCS Bulletin. Other useful coagents are di, tri and tetra functional acrylates and methacrylates, triallylcyanurate (TAC), triallylisocyanurate (TAIC), triallyltrimellitate (TATM) and N,N-meta-phenylenediamaleimide (HVA-2). The coagent should be used in amounts sufficient to bring about enough crosslink density to provide tensile strength of the cured product within acceptable limits while lowering percent elongation and increasing adhesiveness and modulus. Preferably ultimate elongation percent of the cured composition should be less than about 200 and more preferably less than about 180, and modulus at 100% should be at least about 1.0 MPa and more preferably, at least about 3.0 MPa.
Equivalent compositions can be made using elastomers having a molecular weight equivalent to the resultant average molecular weight of components (a) and (b), e.g., between about 40,000 and about 800,000, having a viscosity low enough to be pumpable in combination with components (c) and (d), and optionally (e).
Monomeric linear and cyclic anhydrides are not useful for the purposes of this invention because these generally low molecular weight materials have high vapor pressures and for this reason are toxic and difficult to work with during compounding and vulcanization processes normally encountered in the use of elastomers. Polymeric linear anhydrides may be produced from dicarboxylic acids by heating the acids in the presence of catalysts such as barium and thorium hydroxides, but these materials are not adequate materials for the enhancement of adhesion as taught by this invention due to low solubility in rubber compounds in general, and more importantly, due to chemical decomposition into water vapor, carbon dioxide and cyclic ketones during compounding and vulcanization steps. The unsaturated polymeric compositions useful in this invention for adducting with dicarboxylic acid or derivatives are viscous liquids having a molecular weight between about 400 molecular weight units and about 1,000,000 molecular weight units. Polymeric compositions having a molecular weight between about 1,600 and about 30,000 molecular weight units are preferred. When the polymer, e.g., polyisoprene, has a cis-1,4 content of about 70% or less, it is preferred that the molecular weight be less than about 8,000.
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the processability of the uncured composition can be adjusted by adjusting the molecular weight of the polymeric composition, and, e.g., in the case of polyisoprenes, the cis-1,4 content. The amount of dicarboxylic acid or derivative affects the viscosity. As the amount of dicarboxylic acid or derivative is increased, the adhesive properties of the composition are increased, along with the viscosity of the uncured composition. The processability of the composition may then be adjusted by altering molecular weight of the polymer.
When the elastomer used is or comprises natural rubber, e.g., up to about 65% natural rubber, and the polymer is polyisoprene or a similar polymer having a cis-1,4 content less than about 70%, the polymer should have a molecular weight less than about 8,000.
Applicants have found that synthetic rubbers may also be used and synthetic elastomers are in many ways preferable to make the adhesive elastomeric compositions of this invention, and amount of adduct used, molecular weight and cis-1,4 content of the polymer used, and other additives may be adjusted in accordance with the teachings of this invention to achieve desired adhesive properties without loss of tensile strength and other physical properties. Principles known in the art such as plasticizers and process aids may also be used to adjust viscosity and processability of the compositions.
A method of making flowable adhesive elastomeric compositions is also taught comprising the following steps: adding to a composition comprising an elastomer as described in paragraph (a) above and a curing agent as described in paragraph (d) above, a lower molecular weight resin as described in paragraph (b) above; and then mixing in an adducted resin as described in paragraph (c) above in an amount sufficient to provide adhesive properties to the mixture. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, additional components such as carbon black and fillers, as well as antioxidants, and tackifiers may be added to the mixture. It is preferred that the adduct (c) be added last, and it may be added simultaneously with the low molecular weight resin (b). In a further embodiment, the method comprises the addition of a crosslink-enhancing coagent as described in paragraph (e) above. The coagent may be added with the resin (b) and adduct (c), or prior to addition of the adduct (c).
It is preferred that fillers, preferably carbon black be used in the mixtures. As is known to the art, such fillers are capable of increasing the tensile strength of the product. These materials should be mixed by shearing to break up the molecular structure and this requires that the mixture be more viscous than the pumpable formulation finally resulting from the process of making the compositions of this invention. Therefore, the fillers should be mixed into the composition prior to adding the resin components (b), (c) and (e).
As is understood in the art, for best results the components should be homogeneously mixed.
The compositions of this invention are used in a method for adhesively bonding together substrates such as other elastomers, metals, plastics, glass, fibers, paper and fabrics, or for bonding the elastomer itself to a substrate. In use, the adhesive elastomers of this invention are flowed onto the substrates to be bonded, and cured in-situ whereby the substrates are bonded together, or the elastomer may be bonded to only one substrate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In a preferred embodiment of this invention, a flowable adhesive elastomeric composition is provided. Epsyn 70A EPDM rubber, an ethylene propylene diene elastomer, is preferred as the basic elastomer (component (a)). This elastomer may be used in amounts between about 30 and about 70 phr, and preferably in the amount of about 60 phr. It is preferred that reinforcing fillers, particularly carbon black, be added to the mixture in an amount between about 30 and about 75 phr. Carbon black helps increase the tensile strength of the cured elastomer. The curing agent is then added, preferably a peroxide such as dicumyl peroxide as DiCup 40 KE, product of Hercules Co. of Wilmington, Del., in an amount sufficient to cure the mixture, e.g., about 15 phr. Other components such as antioxidants, e.g., Agerite Resin D, product of R. T. Vanderbilt Company of Norwalk, Conn.; antiozonates such as methyl niclate, also a product of R. T. Vanderbilt Company; and tackifiers such as Wingtack 95, product of Goodyear Company of Akron, Ohio, may also be added to the mixture as required. As is known in the art, antioxidants and antiozonates are added in small amounts, such as about 1 phr. Tackifiers may be added in amounts between about 5 and about 40 as required for building tack. In addition, cure accelerators known to the art such as TMTD and other materials known to the art may be added.
The lower molecular weight resin is then added. Trilene 65™, a liquid ethylene propylene dicyclopentadiene terpolymer having an average molecular weight of about 7,000 as determined by viscosity analysis (Uniroyal Chemical Company, Middlebury, Conn.), is preferred when EPDM rubber is used as the high molecular weight elastomer because of its structural similarity. This component may be added in amounts between about 30 and about 70 phr, preferably at about 40 phr. Concurrently, or following addition of this component, it is preferred that a crosslink enhancing coagent such as a 1,2 polybutadiene resin, e.g. Ricon 153 or 154, is added in an amount sufficient to lower the percent elongation of the cured product to less than about 180. This amount will generally be around 10 to 15 phr. Finally, or concurrently with the lower molecular weight resin and the coagent, it is preferred that a polymeric adduct of a dicarboxylic acid or anhydride, preferably a maleic acid anhydride of an unsaturated polybutadiene, such as Ricobond 1756, Ricobond 1731 or Ricobond 1031, is added in an amount sufficient to provide adhesive properties to the mixture. This component may be added in amounts between about 5 and about 40 phr, and preferably is added at about 10 phr.
The foregoing components are milled into the mixture containing the high molecular weight elastomer and curing agents. It may be necessary to cool the mixture during mixing to facilitate mixing and removal from the mixing equipment.
The flowable mixture is then applied to a substrate, such as a plastic or metal automobile part, a further substrate whose bonding to the first substrate is desired is then placed in contact with the flowable mixture, and the mixture is cured in situ, resulting in a strong bond between the substrates. Preferably the bond is at least as strong under stress conditions such as tearing and pulling, as the substrates themselves.
The following Examples are provided by way of illustration, not by way of limitation of this invention, which is defined by the scope of the claims hereof.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Preparation of a Pumpable Adhesive EPDM
Pumpable adhesive EPDM elastomer was mixed on a two roll lab mill. First, carbon black was mixed into Epsyn 70A EPDM rubber followed by DiCup 40KE. DiCup 40KE is a product of Hercules Company of Wilmington, Del., consisting of 40% dicumyl peroxide on clay. This was sheeted to ensure a homogenous mixture, then Trilene 65, Ricon 154 (a crosslink-enhancing coagent), and Ricobond 1756 (a maleinized polymeric adduct) were simultaneously milled into the rubber along with other ingredients known in the art. The formulation was allowed to rest for 24 hours at room temperature and then sampled for testing.
Standard tests for rubber were used including: Vulcanization Characteristics Using Oscillating Disk Cure Meter, ASTM D2084-79; Measurement of Rubber Properties in Tension, ASTM D 412-80; Tear Resistance, ASTM D 624-73, Shore A hardness, and Impact Resilience of Rubber by vertical rebound, ASTM D-2632. Samples were also prepared for lap shear testing on aluminum, steel, and stainless steel. Standard metal strips were used. The aluminum and steel strips were gently sanded and washed with methanol. Stainless steel strips underwent no surface preparation. Test samples were cured under pressure at 160° C. for 30 minutes.
The impact Resilience of Rubber by Vertical Rebound, ASTM D-2632, was performed on a Shore Resliometer. A Shore Durometer was used for hardness testing. Specimen thickness was determined with an Ames 202 thickness gauge. The tensile and tear tests were determined using a GCA/Precision CRE 500 Universal Tester at 508 mm/minute or 50.8 mm/minute as indicated by ASTM. Results are set forth in Table 1.
TABLE 1______________________________________EPDM Pumpable System______________________________________EPDM 70A 60.0Trilene 65 40.0HAF N762 Carbon Black 75.0Dicumyl Peroxide (40%) 15.0Ricon 154 10.0Ricobond 1756 10.0 210.0Rheometer Data, ASTM D-2084Model: MP10 Range: 100 Clock: 24 min. Speed: 100 cpsDie: Micro Arc: 1 Temperature: 160° C.Initial Viscosity dNm 13.6Minimum Viscosity dNm 9.0Scorch Time (Ts1) Min. 1.2Cure to 90% (T90) Min. 13.4Maximum Torque Mh dNm 70.0Cure Rate Index 8.2Tensile Strength MPa 14.5Ult. Elongation % 70.0Modulus @ 50% MPa 10.8Rebound Resilience 39.0Shore A Hardness 86.0Die C Tear Strength kN/m 17.0Lap Shear Strength ASTM D-816 MPaOn Aluminum (1) 18.2On Steel (1) 15.4On Stainless Steel (2) 13.6______________________________________ (1) Sanded and wiped with methanol (2) No Preparation
Example 2
Comparison of Tensile Strength of Cured Elastomer Composition with and without Crosslink-enhancing Coagent and Maleinized Polymer
Formulas containing a crosslink-enhancing coagent, Ricon 154, and a maleinized polymeric adduct (Ricobond 1756) were compared to formulas without these additives. The formulas were mixed and tested as described in Example 1. Results are set forth in Table 2. These results show dramatic increase in both adhesiveness (lap shear strength) and tensile strength with the additives.
TABLE 2______________________________________COMPARISON OF TENSILE STRENGTH OF CUREDELASTOMER COMPOSITION WITH AND WITHOUTCROSSLINK-ENHANCING COAGENT ANDMALEINIZED POLYMER WITHOUT WITH______________________________________Copolymer EPDM 70A 60.0 60.0Uniroyal Trilene 65 40.0 40.0HAF N762 Carbon Black 75.0 75.0Agerite Resin D (Antioxidant) 1.0 1.0Methyl Niclate (Antiozonate) 1.0 1.0Ricon 154 -- 15.0Ricobond 1756 -- 10.0DiCUP 40KE 6.0 15.0Wingtack 95 25.0 25.0 208.0 242.0Rheometer Data, ASTM D-2084Model: MP10 Range: 100 Clock: 24 min. Speed: 100 cpsDie: Micro Arc: 1 Temperature: 160° C.Min. Torque DNm 4.5 2.52Scorch Time min 1.97 2.13Cure to 90% min 14.9 11.43Max. Torque DNm 27.2 34.08Cure Rate Index 7.4 10.8Unaged Physicals ASTM D-412,Press Cure @ 160° C., 30 min.Tensile Strength MPa 3.71 14.51Ultimate Elongation % 45 70Modulus @ 50% MPa N/A 11.0Rebound Resilience 36 39Shore A Hardness 85 86Die C Tear KNm 7.71 16.99Lap Shear Strength, ASTM D-816 MPaOn Aluminum 0.02 19.13______________________________________
Example 3
Comparison Effect of Crosslink-enhancing Coagents on Physical Properties of EPDM Pumpable Elastomer Without Maleinized Polymers
Formulas containing crosslink-enhancing coagents (Ricon 154) and trimethylolpropanetrimethacrylate (TMPTM), the latter at concentrations of 5 and 15 phr, were compared with formulas without these coagents. None of the formulas contained maleinized polymers. The formulas were mixed and tested as described in Example 1. Results are set forth in Table 3.
Useful elastomer compounds were obtained when Ricon 154 was added to EPDM/Trilene compounds. It is unusual to attempt using 15 phr TMPTM in such a system because it has poor compatibility at high concentrations in most elastomers. This appeared to be the case with this system, although a freshly mixed compound could be cured to give a product with quite reasonable physical properties. The main difficulty with this system was that it was very plasticized and tacky, and in general, did not handle well. It should be noted that none of the systems described in Table 3 had lap shear values in bonding to aluminum comparable to those obtained when Ricobond resins (maleinized polybutadiene resins) were added to the systems.
TABLE 3______________________________________COMPARISON OF EFFECT OF CROSSLINK-ENHANCING COAGENTS ON PHYSICALPROPERTIES OF EPDM PUMPABLE-ELASTOMERWITHOUT MALEINIZED POLYMERS TMPTM TMPTMFormulation STD 154 (5) (15)______________________________________EPDM 70A 60.0 60.0 60.0 60.0Trilene 65 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0Carbon Black N762 75.0 75.0 75.0 75.0AgeRite Resin D 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0Methyl Niclate 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0DiCup 40KE 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0Wingtack 95 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0Ricon 154 -- 15.0 -- --TMPTM -- -- 5.0 15.0 217.0 232.0 222.0 232.0Rheometer Data, ASTM D-2084Model: MP10 Range: 50 Clock: 24 min. Speed: 100 cpsDie: Micro Arc: 1 Temperature: 160° C.Min. Torque dNm 5.08 4.20 4.07 3.18Scorch Time min. 1.37 1.37 1.40 1.44Cure to 90% min. 14.93 14.93 12.93 16.22Max. Torque dNm 30.71 46.57 32.74 31.20Cure Rate Index 6.04 6.04 8.67 6.77Unaged PhysicalsASTM D-412, Press Cure@ 160° C., min.Ten. Strength MPa 14.7 12.4 15.7 13.4Ultimate % 375 152 293 293ElongationModulus @ 50% MPa 0.8 2.2 1.0 1.0 100% " 1.6 6.4 1.3 2.0 150% " 3.2 12.0 4.1 4.0 200% " 5.0 -- 7.2 7.3 250% " 7.5 -- 12.1 10.8 300% " 10.2 -- -- --Rebound Resilience 35 27 34 32Shore A Hardness 60 74 63 68Die C Tear KN/m 42.4 28.3 39.2 37.3Lap Shear Strength,ASTM D-816 MPaOn Aluminum (1) 1.9 4.3 2.8 5.8______________________________________ (1) Sanded and methanol washed
Example 4
Comparison of Formulas With and Without Maleinized Polymers, and Crosslink-enhancing Coagents
Formulas containing and not containing maleinized polymers (Ricobond) were compared in the presence and absence of crosslink-enhancing coagents (Ricon 154 and TMPTM). A high shear internal mixer (Banbury) was used to mix a masterbatch containing EPDM 70A, Trilene 65, Carbon Black N762, Agerite Resin D, Methyl Niclate, Dicup 40KE, and Wingtack 95. The various compounds described in Table 4 including the standard were then mixed on a two roll mill. Most of the compounds were so plasticized that they had to be cooled during mixing in order to achieve good results and during removal from the mill. Some of the compounds would probably have been easier to mix in a sigma blade mixer or an extruder, or both. However, for laboratory compounding, the cooled roll mill was satisfactory. Results are shown in Table 4. These results show that maleinized polybutadiene alone produced adhesion on aluminum significantly greater than that observed when only Trilene or when Trilene and a coagent were used. However, it is evident from the data that the combination of Trilene, coagent and maleinized polybutadiene gives the best adhesive compound. It is also evident that this particular combination also results in very highly crosslinked rubber as can be seen from the values for elongation which are significantly lower than the values for the compositions lacking the crosslinking enhancing coagents. The adhesive strength in lap shear is related to the strength of the rubber, since the usual failure of the bond to aluminum in this system is tearing of the rubber, not failure at the interface of rubber to aluminum. It should be noted that this is only part of the picture, since compound B resulting from coagent Ricon 154 is highly crosslinked, but does not have high lap shear strength.
TABLE 4__________________________________________________________________________EFFECTS OF RICON AND RICOBONDON TRILENE MODIFIED EPDM FORMULASFormulation STD A B C D E F G H__________________________________________________________________________EPDM 70 A 60.0 60.0 60.0 60.0 60.0 60.0 60.0 60.0 60.0Trilene 65 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0Carbon Black N762 75.0 75.0 75.0 75.0 75.0 75.0 75.0 75.0 75.0AgeRite Resin D 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0Methyl Niclate 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0DiCup 40KE 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0Wingtack 95 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0Ricobond 1031 -- -- -- 10.0 10.0 -- -- -- --Ricobond 1731 -- -- -- -- -- 10.0 10.0 -- --Ricobond 1756 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 10.0 10.0Ricon 154 -- 15.0 -- -- 15.0 -- 15.0 -- 15.0TMPTM -- -- 5.0 -- -- -- -- -- -- 217.0 232.0 222.0 227.0 242.0 227.0 242.0 227.0 242.0Rheometer Data, ASTM D-2084Model: MP10 Range: 50 Clock: 24 min. Speed: 100 cpsDie: Micro Arc: 1 Temperature: 160° C.Min. Torque dNm 5.08 4.20 4.07 4.68 3.39 4.27 3.53 4.88 2.85Scorch Time min. 1.37 1.37 1.40 1.60 1.53 1.93 1.30 1.47 2.13Cure to 90% min. 14.93 14.93 12.93 14.87 10.00 14.03 9.70 14.60 11.43Max. Torque dNm 30.71 46.57 32.74 29.01 37.69 25.76 36.13 28.95 38.51Cure Rate Index 6.04 6.04 8.67 7.54 11.81 8.26 11.91 7.62 10.75Mooney Viscosity 25.40 -- -- -- 16.50 -- 17.03 -- 16.38(250 F.)Unaged Physicals ASTM D-412,Press Cure @ 160° C., min.Ten. Strength MPa 14.7 12.4 15.7 13.6 10.9 12.6 12.6 12.2 12.6Ult. Elongation % 375 152 293 413 165 453 165 363 163Modulus @ 50% MPa 0.8 2.2 1.0 1.1 1.9 1.1 2.8 1.3 3.0 100% " 1.6 6.4 1.3 2.0 4.9 1.7 5.8 1.9 6.2 150% " 3.2 12.0 4.1 3.2 9.7 2.5 11.0 3.2 11.0 200% " 5.0 -- 7.2 4.9 -- 3.6 -- 4.8 -- 250% " 7.5 -- 12.1 6.5 -- 5.3 -- 6.4 -- 300% " 10.2 -- -- 9.2 -- 6.6 -- 9.4 --Rebound Resilience 35 27 34 33 27 30 26 28 26Shore A Hardness 60 74 63 63 75 63 78 70 82Die C Tear KN/m 42.4 28.3 39.2 29.4 30.2 43.5 29.6 40.3 34.4Lap Shear Strength,ASTM D-816 MPaOn Aluminum (1) 1.9 4.3 2.8 8.0 10.9 7.1 13.3 11.5 13.7__________________________________________________________________________ (1) Sanded and methanol washed | A flowable uncured adhesive elastomeric composition suitable for delivery to assembly sites by pumping through supply lines is provided, which has a tensile strength suitable for formation of a strong bond, comprising: (a) an elastomer having a viscosity higher than flowable; (b) a synthetic resin curable by the same cure system as said non-flowable elastomer in an amount sufficient to lower the viscosity of the mixture to a pumpable level; (c) an unsaturated polymeric adduct of a dicarboxylic acid or dicarboxylic acid derivative in an amount sufficient to provide adhesive properties to the mixture; and (d) a curing agent. Preferably the composition also comprises a crosslink-enhancing coagent in an amount sufficient to lower percent elongation and increase adhesive bond strength of the cured elastomer. The compositions are useful for bonding substrates such as other elastomers, metals, plastics, glass, fibers, paper and fabrics. | 2 |
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 07/714,446, filed Jun. 13, 1991, now abandoned.
This invention relates to roller-chain driven, power-operated overhead door operators, and in particular to a roller-chain guide for supporting long runs of chain in such a door operator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
While overhead door openers have taken a variety of forms, one of the more common types for moderate to heavy service in opening and closing horizontally-sectioned folding vehicle doors employs parallel-rail overhead trackage for a trolley connected by a suitable link or linkage to the upper section of the door, and drawn to and fro on the rails by an essentially endless roller chain trained over a drive sprocket at one end of the track and a return sprocket at the other.
As each run of the chain in such arrangements is somewhat longer than the height of the door, it is apparent that as sprocket size is reduced for overall height reduction in those chain drives whose chain loops lie in a vertical plane, the catenary sag of the upper run of the chain can bring it into contact with the trolley as those members move in opposite directions during operation, particularly in drive chains of door-operators for tall doors. Not only is such contact noisy, but the sliding contact of the chain links with the upper surface of the trolley causes unnecessary wear on both the chain and the trolley, needlessly increasing the expense of maintenance.
It is accordingly an object of this invention to provide a chain guide and support for vertically-oriented chain loops of door-operators which will lift the upper run of the chain out of contact with the oppositely moving trolley, and support the chain by its individual rollers and thus out of chain-link contact with the trolley or other relatively moving parts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention contemplates the intermediate support of the otherwise unsupported expanse of chain between the drive sprocket and the return sprocket at opposite ends of the chain run. It further contemplates a lifting guide in the form of a trough having a central longitudinal ridge upstanding from the floor of the trough sufficiently to elevate the chain links above the floor of the trough while the flat top of the ridge supports the chain in rolling contact with its rollers, and with running clearance between the ridge track and the flanking links of the chain. In this arrangement, supporting sliding engagement of the roller chain by its links, and the attendant wear of chain and contacting part alike, are essentially avoided.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is explained in the following specification in reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side elevation of the chain loop of a door opener illustrating in somewhat exaggerated form the catenary sag of the upper run of the chain when unsupported;
FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, showing the upper run of the chain supported by the chain guide of the invention carried atop the trolley of the operator;
FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 but showing the chain guide of the invention in a fixed mounting atop a spacer bar which holds the trolley tracks in parallel spaced relation;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view, partially broken away to foreshorten the trackage and chain run, illustrating the form of chain guide atop the trolley;
FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing the alternate form with chain guide atop a rail spacer;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the form of trackage and chain guide shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary enlargement of the chain-guide portion of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a cross section of the alternate form of chain-guide mounting of FIG. 5; and
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary enlargement of the chain-guide portion of FIG. 8.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 illustrates the problem in vertical-loop roller chains employed in door openers, namely, that the unsupported upper run of the chain 10 may sag sufficiently to contact either the lower run of the chain itself or the trolley 12 which is moved along the rails by the lower run.
FIG. 2 illustrates diagrammatically the form of the chain guide of the invention shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, i.e., wherein the chain guide 14 is mounted atop the door-opener trolley 12, and the upper run of the chain is engaged and lifted by the chain guide of the trolley as the latter is moved to and fro along the trolley track to raise or lower the door. It will be understood, of course, that the chain 12 is motor driven by chain- or other suitable-drive to the shaft 16 of one of the sprockets 18 illustrated in FIG. 4, and that the trolley 12 has pivotally connected to its underside a draft link suitably connected to a bracket on the upper door section to raise the door and to pull the folding sections thereof away from the door opening as the trolley is drawn in one direction along its track, and to lower the door by reversal of the drive motor and direction of movement of the trolley to push the connecting link in the closing direction to lower the door. These auxiliary parts and their relationships, being conventional and well understood, are not illustrated in the drawings.
Referring still to FIGS. 4 and 6, the endless chain 10 is connected to the trolley 12 by means of a threaded rod 20 which passes through a longitudinal groove in the trolley, shaped to accept and to confine the rod. One end 22 of the rod 20 is flattened to fit between the chain links at one end of the chain and drilled to be secured thereto by a suitable pin with fastener to prevent its dislocation. The rod 20 emerges from the opposite end of the trolley, passing through a metal bracket 24 which is secured to the trolley by a nut and locknut on the rod 20, and secured to the opposite end of the roller chain 10 in the same manner as the chain is connected to the flattened end 22 of the rod 20.
The trolley 12 itself, referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, is an extruded aluminum member which fits between a pair of opposed rails 26, illustrated as angle rails, which are held in spaced and facing relation to present horizontal flanges 28 to running grooves 30 formed in opposite sides of the trolley. The dimension of the trolley 12 in the direction of the chain run is adequate to stabilize the trolley on the rails 26 against the turning moment occasioned by the vertical offset between the rail-receiving running grooves 30 and the underslung pivotal connection 32 of the operating link of the door to the depending saddle flanges 34 of the trolley.
The chain guide 14 itself, which may be extruded integrally with the trolley or separately secured thereto in any suitable fashion, is essentially co-extensive with the trolley 12 in the direction of the chain 10, and formed on its top to have a longitudinally extending groove 36, the sidewalls 38 of which are preferably sloped to narrow the groove at the bottom, and the bottom wall of which is provided with a central longitudinal ridge 40 best seen in FIG. 7. The depth of the groove 36 is such as to accept the full height of the chain 10, which is supported by its individual rollers 42 on the flat top of the central longitudinal ridge 40 at the bottom of the groove.
As shown in FIG. 7, the height of the central ridge 40 elevates the chain links 44 clear of the bottom of the groove and out of sliding contact with the floor and sidewalls of the groove.
In terms of dimensions, the height of the central ridge 40 above the floor of the trough is greater than half the difference between the height of the chain links and the diameter of the chain rollers. Its width is also sufficiently less than the length of the chain rollers to provide running clearance between the links and the side surfaces of the ridge, and to accommodate minor misalignment of the guides.
That is to say, the chain 10 is supported on the central ridge 40 of the groove entirely by its rollers 42 and simply rolls through the groove with no frictional sliding contact with the chain guide except for the confining contact between the inner surfaces of the chain links 44 and the side surfaces of the central supporting ridge 40 which serves as a track for the rollers of the chain. Contact pressure between these surfaces, however, is free from the effect of gravity and does not occasion extensive wear. As the individual rollers 42 of the chain 10 meet the oncoming end of the chain guide 14 in the form of FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, each individual chain roller 42 moves onto the central ridge 40, the opposite ends of which may be beveled slightly to smooth the contact of the oncoming chain rollers therewith.
In the alternative form of chain-guide mounting of FIGS. 3, 5, 8, and 9, i.e., with one or more chain guides 14' mounted on rail spacers 46 in lieu of a single chain guide atop the trolley 12, the chain guide 14' is preferably extruded integrally with the rail spacer 46, one or more which are secured by screws 48 to the vertical flanges of the opposed rails 50 and formed for a lapping fit with the rails, illustrated as T-shaped in FIG. 8. The form of the grooved chain guide 14' is identical in cross section to that of the form of chain guide 14 carried atop the trolley earlier described in connection with FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, and bears the identical relationship to, and provides the same support of, the chain 10' by its individual rollers as the chain passes through the chain guide.
In both forms of the invention, the support of the chain guides 14 and 14' is derived from the trolley rails 26 and 50 themselves respectively, in the one case being formed as part of, or as mounted upon, the trolley 12 itself, and in the other case as an integral part of one or more rail spacers 46, thus lifting the upper run of the chain out of contact with the upper surface of the trolley passing underneath.
The support of the chain 10 by its rollers 42 rather than by the connecting links 44 of the chain, protects both the chain and the chain guide from the wear occasioned by sliding contact with the links of the chain, and reduces both the wear and the noise heretofore experienced from the gravitational sag of the otherwise unsupported upper run of the endless drive chain.
The features of the invention believed new and patentable are set forth in the appended claims. | A chain guide is provided for the otherwise unsupported upper run of the endless roller chain of a motor-driven garage door operator. With the chain loop in a vertical plane, the chain guide takes the form of a trough having at its bottom an upstanding central ridge which supports the chain by its rollers and with the links clear of contact with the floor and sides of the trough. The chain guide is supported indirectly by the trackage of the door operator, being mounted upon the fixed rail spacer of one form and carried upon the movable trolley of the other. | 4 |
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a nonprovisional application claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/864,927, filed Nov. 8, 2006 and titled “Information Relating to Orthogonal Dimension Barrage Relay”. This application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 7,092,457, issued Aug. 15, 2006 and titled “Adaptive Iterative Detection.” The contents of the above U.S. provisional patent application and U.S. patent are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to systems and methods for enhancing robustness and efficiency and reducing latency within communication networks and, more specifically, within wireless ad hoc networks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Ad hoc networks are the focus of considerable research and development. A key characteristic of these networks is that they do not rely on fixed infrastructure to the extent that other networks such as satellite, cellular, and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) do. Nodes beyond the communication reach of a transmitting node may be reached through intervening nodes providing a relay function. This feature is clearly attractive for tactical (military and police) and first responder (police and fire) applications. This feature is also seen as a method of increasing the coverage of more traditional infrastructure-based networks. When we refer to ad hoc networks in the description of this invention we also refer to ad hoc components of larger communication networks.
[0004] Significant standardization efforts are in progress in the area of Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) for IP traffic. A MANET is a wireless ad hoc network formed in an arbitrary network topology. Nodes within this network may move arbitrarily causing the network topology to change rapidly. The network does not, in general, depend on any particular node and dynamically adjusts as some nodes join or others leave the network. Although the MANET element of a network is not dependent on fixed infrastructure, elements such as access points (providing access to the Internet) are a key component of many systems that employ MANET protocols.
[0005] MANET networks allow quick deployment and adjust as nodes join and leave the network and thus are an obvious candidate for tactical and first responder networks. MANETs are also employed to extend the coverage of more traditional networks, such as WLANs.
[0006] Nodes within a MANET are often powered by batteries. Battery run time, regulatory considerations, and detectability considerations limit a node's radiated power. The intended communication range between two nodes often exceeds the radio transmission range, and a transmission has to be relayed by other nodes to reach its destination(s). Consequently, the network has a multi-hop topology, and this topology changes as the nodes move.
[0007] The MANET working group of the Internet Engineering Task Force has been actively evaluating and standardizing routing protocols. Because the network topology changes arbitrarily as the nodes move, it is important for a protocol to be adaptive. The Ad Hoc on Demand Distance Vector (AODV) protocol is representative of on-demand routing protocols presented at the MANET working group.
[0008] Performance of protocols developed within the MANET working group is severely impacted by the decision to limit “MANET modifications” to elements at the network layer and above. As a result of the Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) protocols assumed at the Media Access Control (MAC) and Physical (PHY) layers, nodes with a message to relay need to take turns with other nearby nodes attempting to relay the same information. This factor results in dramatic loss of network capacity while increasing transmission latency.
[0009] Capacity, latency, and robustness issues of ad hoc networking protocols are key considerations for all ad hoc networks, regardless of whether nodes are mobile or not, and independently of the type of network traffic (IP, Voice, Video, Streaming, etc.). An additional key consideration for mobile ad hoc networks is how the networking protocol accommodates network topology dynamics.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In view of the forgoing background, it is therefore an object of the present invention to eliminate the need for nodes to take turns (via CSMA or other protocol) sending a message to one node at a time when relaying information. This process of taking turns increases latency for destination nodes on routes that have been impacted by one or more of these scheduling delays.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to increase network capacity. In conventional ad hoc protocols, nodes take turns relaying the same information, using up channel resources (timeline, frequency, etc.) that could be used to transmit other messages. This factor directly reduces network capacity.
[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is rapid adaptation to network topology dynamics.
[0013] A further object of the present invention is to improve performance by coherently combing the energy from multiple intermediate nodes relaying on the same medium allocation as well as over prior independent medium allocations. The network thus becomes more robust and allows message flow to nodes that may be unreachable with traditional approaches.
[0014] Yet a further object of the present invention is to exploit the spatial diversity provided by the varying positions of intermediate nodes transmitting a common message on a common medium allocation to a single receive node or a series of receive nodes.
[0015] A still further object of the present invention is to take advantage of the varying positions of nodes within the ad hoc network for simultaneous route diversity. Since multiple routes exist simultaneously and by default, a blockage on one link or one route does not interrupt the message transfer.
[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide efficient multi-cast and broadcast implementation.
[0017] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in the description and in the drawings which follow as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0018] To achieve the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the purpose of the invention as broadly described herein, embodiments of the present invention utilize a relay approach leveraging advanced PHY processing.
[0019] The present invention thus relates to a system and a method for robust, efficient, low-latency transmission of message data from a source node to a destination node (or nodes in the case of multicast and broadcast messages) within an ad hoc network. The network includes a plurality of intermediate nodes between the source node and the destination node(s), and a plurality of communication links interconnecting the nodes.
[0020] According to various embodiments of the invention, nodes will attempt to receive a message on each of a sequence of independent medium allocations. Once a node has received sufficient information to successfully decode the message (or segment of the message) the node will relay the message (or segment) on the next independent medium allocation. Each node may combine energy from a plurality of intermediate nodes relaying the message (or segment) on the current and/or prior allocations.
[0021] For the purposes of this patent description, the term independent medium allocation is intended to represent both completely independent and nearly (sufficiently) independent medium allocations. A first allocation is viewed as nearly (or sufficiently) independent if there is sufficient isolation between that first allocation and a second allocation such that activity in the second allocation does not significantly affect the reception of signals in the first allocation (and vice versa). Typical methods of providing independent allocations include, but are not limited to, non-overlapping time slots, different frequency channels, different antenna radiation patterns, low cross-correlation spreading sequences, as well as any combination of these and other techniques. The detailed description of the present invention refers to the drawings described below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 presents an example of network topology to explain the relay protocol according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 repeats the example of FIG. 1 but with an obstruction that modifies the network topology.
[0024] FIG. 3 is an illustrative block diagram of PHY layer processing according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of operations performed by an intermediate node in the network according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a timeline showing transmissions within a particular network and the associated allocations those transmissions can occur on. This focuses on the ability to re-use allocations after enough distinct allocations have been utilized.
[0027] FIG. 6-A is the first of a series of four diagrams ( 6 -A,B,C,D) depicting the propagation of messages across a very simple network. It is intended to show how a particular allocation can be re-used after it has traveled a sufficient number of hops. This figure shows the first transmission of the first message.
[0028] FIG. 6-B is the second of a series of four diagrams ( 6 -A,B,C,D) depicting the propagation of messages across a very simple network. It is intended to show how a particular allocation can be re-used after it has traveled a sufficient number of hops. This figure shows the second transmission of the first message.
[0029] FIG. 6-C is the third of a series of four diagrams ( 6 -A,B,C,D) depicting the propagation of messages across a very simple network. It is intended to show how a particular allocation can be re-used after it has traveled a sufficient number of hops. This figure shows the third transmission of the first message.
[0030] FIG. 6-D is the fourth of a series of four diagrams ( 6 -A,B,C,D) depicting the propagation of messages across a very simple network. It is intended to show how a particular allocation can be re-used after it has traveled a sufficient number of hops. This figure shows the fourth transmission of the first message and the first transmission of the second message.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] FIG. 1 depicts a small ad hoc network according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment node 101 is attempting to send a message to one or more other nodes in the network. Note that the diagram has been simplified for clarity. Lines interconnecting nodes in the figure are only shown if the connection resulted in (or contributed substantially to) a successful reception at the end node. Also, for simplicity, connections that contributed to successful reception at a node and were transmitted on an allocation prior to the allocation in which reception was successful are not shown. Here a node is deemed to have received the message successfully if it is able to decode the message without error. In other embodiments of the invention, successful reception may be defined differently, such as decoding the message with an acceptable number of bit errors.
[0032] FIG. 1 does not limit itself to the use of any specific category of independent medium allocations. For clarity we will discuss the example in the context of an embodiment that utilizes a Time-Division Multiple-Access (TDMA) network protocol. On a time slot, referred to as Allocation 1 in FIG. 1 , the transmission is initiated by node 101 and a subset of nodes are able to complete successful reception. In this embodiment, all nodes except the node transmitting are attempting to receive the transmitted message but only nodes 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 , and 116 are successful based on the transmission in Allocation 1 . The transmission was too distorted and/or attenuated (through path loss, interference, jamming, or other means of distortion imposed by the channel) to be correctly decoded at all other nodes ( 121 , 122 , 123 , 124 and 131 ).
[0033] These nodes (nodes 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 , and 116 ) now relay the information onto the next allocation in the sequence, Allocation 2 . In the case of this TDMA example, this refers to a timeslot occurring after the Allocation 1 slot. According to one embodiment of the invention, the signal is relayed onto the next medium allocation by sending an identical version of the signal onto the next medium allocation. Here, nodes relaying onto different allocation mediums may receive and relay the identical information.
[0034] According to another embodiment of the invention, the signal is relayed onto the next medium allocation by sending a modified version of the signal onto the next medium allocation. Here, each node relaying onto a particular allocation medium may modify the received information in a common manner that is predictable at receive nodes based on knowledge of the allocation sequence. For example, the message may comprise a header portion that is modified plus a body portion that remains the same as the message is relayed. The header portion may include an “allocation ID” field indicating the allocation used to transmit the message. A simple allocation sequence may be adopted as follows: Allocation 1 , Allocation 2 , Allocation 3 , and so on. Thus, a node receiving a message containing an “allocation ID” having a value of N may modify the “allocation ID” to the value N+1 before transmitting the message onto the next allocation.
[0035] Nodes 121 , 122 , 123 , and 124 are able to successfully receive the message based on the Allocation 2 transmissions (or Allocation 2 transmissions combined with prior Allocation 1 transmissions). Referring to the reception at node 123 , we see that the Allocation 2 transmissions from nodes 113 , 114 , and 115 all contributed to the successful reception. As, described below, the Adaptive Iterative Detection (AID) receiver of the present embodiment coherently combines energy from these three common received signals. These redundant (common) transmissions improve the likelihood of successful decoding of the message at node 123 .
[0036] All nodes that have a successful reception of the transmission through Allocation 2 ( 121 , 122 , 123 , and 124 ) modify the message in a common way (or not at all) and transmit the message on Allocation 3 (a later time-slot than the Allocation 2 time-slot).
[0037] Node 131 is able to successfully receive the message based on the Allocation 3 transmissions (or Allocation 3 transmissions combined with transmissions on prior allocations). At this point all nodes in the network have successfully received the broadcast message originating at node 101 .
[0038] Note that, in the embodiment described above and illustrated in FIG. 1 , all nodes currently transmitting a message (original transmission or relay) and all nodes that have successfully received the message plus the node that originated the message do not attempt to transmit the same message in future allocations. In accordance with the present embodiment, this is necessary to avoid loops.
[0039] According to an embodiment of the invention, a message ID is embedded within each message in order to facilitate a node's recognition of whether it has received the message before.
[0040] In this example, it took three hops (original transmission and two relay hops) for the message originating at node 101 to be successfully broadcast to all participants in the network shown in FIG. 1 .
[0041] FIG. 2 shows an ad hoc network laid out with exactly the same node positions as the network shown in FIG. 1 . However, this network now has a blockage that prevents node 215 from successful reception based solely on the Allocation 1 transmission. This example illustrates how this embodiment of the invention adapts to changes in network topology. The network adaptation is completed without knowledge of the network configuration and without any additional exchange of connectivity information between nodes. The routing around a blockage occurs in a fashion that is generally transparent to any user at any node.
[0042] This invention allows the re-routing to occur for blockages that may just effect one transmission or blockages that effect multiple transmissions without any new rules or passage of connectivity information between nodes. Note that although the blockage depicted here is represented as a wall, the blockage could be any effect that prevents a signal from being decoded at a particular node. As such, this concept of blockage also covers any link between nodes whereby successful decoding is intermittent. In this case, the blockage would be momentary, interfering with some transmissions and not with others.
[0043] FIG. 2 shows the initial transmission from node 201 with the blockage in place. Notice that the connections occur exactly as they did in FIG. 1 , except that the link between 201 and 215 is blocked (whereas the equivalent link between 101 and 115 in FIG. 1 was successfully completed).
[0044] As per the discussion above, all nodes that successfully receive the message based on the Allocation 1 transmission ( 211 , 212 , 213 , 214 , and 216 in this case) modify the message in a common fashion (or not at all) and transmit it in a common allocation (Allocation 2 in FIG. 2 ). All nodes that did not have successful reception based on the initial transmission listen for the Allocation 2 transmissions and some of them ( 221 , 222 , 223 , and 215 ) are able to successfully receive the message based on Allocation 2 (or Allocation 2 combined with Allocation 1) transmissions. Notice that although node 215 was blocked from the Allocation 1 transmission, it is able to receive the relay of the message from the relays in Allocation 2 (from nodes 214 and 216 ). Also notice that although in FIG. 1 node 124 was able to receive based on transmissions through Allocation 2 , its equivalent node ( 224 ) in FIG. 2 was not, since the blockage prevented the initial Allocation 1 transmission from reaching node 215 so that node was not able to participate in the Allocation 2 relay transmissions.
[0045] The nodes that completed successful reception based on the transmission through Allocation 2 ( 221 , 222 , 223 , and 215 ) then modify the message in a common fashion (or not at all) and transmit it in a common allocation (Allocation 3 in FIG. 2 ).
[0046] Notice that at this point, all nodes in the network have successfully received the message, although the message received at node 231 was received from only one path (from 223 ), whereas its equivalent node in FIG. 1 ( 131 ) was able to combine the energy from two paths (from 123 and 124 ) to assist in decoding the signal.
[0047] Also notice that in FIG. 2 , node 224 received the message in three hops, whereas its equivalent node ( 124 ) in FIG. 1 was able to successfully receive the message one hop sooner.
[0048] Finally, notice that if the path between node 223 and 231 in FIG. 2 had been blocked, or the message signal from 223 could not have been decoded at node 231 without the added energy from node 223 , then there would be a second chance for node 231 to receive that message when node 224 relayed the message in Allocation 4 (not shown). As such, this invention allows diversity in terms of redundant transmissions in separate allocations as well as diversity in terms of redundant transmissions in a common allocation.
[0049] As discussed earlier, a key element in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention is PHY layer processing that allows energy from multiple transmissions on the same allocation to be combined constructively and also be combined constructively with multiple transmissions that may have occurred on a prior allocation(s).
[0050] In FIG. 1 , notice that there are multiple significant unique channels between (a) a subset of the nodes relaying on Allocation 2 ( 113 , 114 , and 115 ) and (b) node 123 . Recall that, in this Figure, transmissions from nodes 113 , 114 , and 115 are identified as significantly contributing to the successful reception of the message at node 123 . Of particular interest here are all the unique channels between these nodes relaying on Allocation 2 and the next receiving node ( 123 ). Since all of the relaying nodes transmit the same signal onto the same allocation, the received signal may be written as follows:
[0000]
r
(
t
)
=
∑
n
=
1
N
s
(
t
)
*
h
n
(
t
)
+
η
(
t
)
=
s
(
t
)
*
(
∑
n
=
1
N
h
n
(
t
)
)
+
η
(
t
)
=
s
(
t
)
*
h
(
t
)
+
η
(
t
)
[0051] Where s(t) is the common signal transmitted by each of the N relaying nodes and h n (t) is the channel for the path from the nth relaying node. Here h(t) is the composite sum of all of these channels and η(t) is additive white Gaussian noise. Note that ‘*’ is used here to explicitly indicate convolution. In the example of the Allocation 2 with relays combining at node 123 , there are 3 significant interconnects (N=3). These equations highlight the fact that the signal at the receiver can be processed in the same manner as if all the individual relay transmissions came from a single source with higher power and additional multi-path components.
[0052] As such, in order to enhance reception performance (instead of having degraded performance due to multipath interference), the receiver at node 123 may combine the energy from each of the three receptions on Allocation 2 constructively. In this case, the overall effect is that of increased diversity and increased received power. The AID receiver of this embodiment coherently combines energy from the three common received signals in the current allocation as well as the energy from multiple significant transmissions in prior allocations.
[0053] An illustrative block diagram of the receive processing utilized in this embodiment of the present invention is provided in FIG. 3 . 301 - 1 to 301 -N represent the N significant (from the viewpoint of the receiving node) transmissions that occur in the current allocation, K. Each of these transmissions propagates through a unique channel ( 303 - 1 to 303 -N) and the transmissions are combined ( 305 -K) to present a composite signal at the receiver. 302 - 1 to 302 -M represent the M significant transmissions that occurred on the prior allocation, K−1. Each of these transmissions propagates through a unique channel ( 304 - 1 to 304 -M), and, the transmissions are combined ( 305 -K−1) to present a composite signal at the receiver. This is an example of receiving multiple instances of the signal from a plurality of multipath channels on different medium allocations.
[0054] Conventional receiver front end processing 306 -K amplifies using a low noise amplifier (LNA) and filters (FILTER) the incoming composite Radio Frequency (RF) signal in Allocation K. The signal is then converted to an Intermediate Frequency (IF) and digitized (DIGITIZATION). Digital signal processing is responsible for conversion of the signal to Base Band (BB) where acquisition (ACQUISITION) is performed for timing alignment by correlation to a known data pattern within the transmission. Similar processing 306 -K−1 has been performed on the composite signal arriving on Allocation K−1.
[0055] Energy from the N sources on allocation K are combined ( 307 -K) and then combined ( 308 ) with energy from the M sources on allocation K−1 ( 307 -K−1). The resulting output is decoded ( 309 ) and error detection is performed to assure reliability of the resulting data ( 310 ). According to the invention, various techniques can be employed for combining energies from different signals. In the present embodiment, significant energy from Allocations K and K−1 are combined in an AID processing architecture. An AID processing architecture is one that employs forward and backward recursion elements, channel estimators and a combiner, passing soft (probabilistic) information between the processing units in order to adaptively track the channel and exploit multiple replicas of the same signal (both through multi-path and redundant relaying nodes) to improve the likelihood of successful decode. Further details on such an AID architecture are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,092,457, which is incorporated by reference as discussed previously.
[0056] An AID receiver architecture may contain Forward Error Correction (FEC) components that perform various FEC operations. According to one embodiment of the invention, the AID receiver architecture combines energy from multiple transmissions on multiple medium allocations prior to performing such an FEC operation. According to another embodiment of the invention, the AID receiver architecture combines energy from multiple transmissions on multiple medium allocations after such an FEC operation is performed for each individual medium allocation.
[0057] Note that in a related embodiment of the invention the receiver may incorporate a lower complexity non-iterative approach. For example, a receiver structure may receive the signal as transmitted on one or more medium allocations, by using a non-iterative decoding process to combine various versions and instances of the received signal prior to performing an FEC operation.
[0058] The combining function 308 combines the soft outputs from allocations K and K−1. This combining function accounts for modifications made to the message when it was transmitted in the different independent medium allocations. This is an example of receiving multiple versions of the signal each transmitted on a different medium allocation.
[0059] It should also be noted that combining function 308 may choose to not utilize data from prior allocations if it is not deemed significant or if it is not available. In this embodiment of the invention, the significance of the energy from an allocation is determined through a combination of metrics from the acquisition processing and error metrics from the AID techniques such as those mentioned previously. The present embodiment is configured as to ignore data from prior allocations (conserve processing power) or combine energy from up to one prior allocation. In other embodiments, the approach is extended to combine energy from all significant prior allocations.
[0060] In a related embodiment, energy from additional prior allocations (allocations K−2 and earlier) are combined with energy from allocations K and K−1.
[0061] FIG. 4 depicts an example of the finite state machine common to each potential relay node in the network. In general, all nodes in the network can be viewed as relaying nodes. The key element that this diagram highlights is that the decision-making process occurring at each node can be independent of any other node and of the overall network configuration and can happen in real time. According to the present embodiment of the invention, there is no requirement for passage of network state information, building of network connectivity tables or any similar processing that is common to many modern network routing approaches.
[0062] In attempting to receive a message, the node first sets the Allocation to 1 ( 401 ) and searches for a signal on this allocation ( 402 ). If the receiver senses a potential signal of interest, decoding is attempted ( 403 ). If either the search or the decode fail then, providing the allocation limit has not been reached ( 407 ), the receiver will attempt to receive on the next allocation ( 408 - 402 ). If the allocation limit has been reached, then the receive process for this message information is terminated ( 406 ). Here, the allocation limit may be defined in different ways, such as the total number of allocations utilized by the system. Once the message is successfully received (in the case of the present embodiment a Cyclic Redundancy Code (CRC) is used to confirm successful reception), the node must make a decision ( 404 ) whether to relay the information or not. If the decision is to relay information then it is relayed ( 405 ) on Allocation N+1.
[0063] In the case of the present embodiment of the invention, the decision whether to relay or not ( 404 ) has several key input parameters. Relay is inhibited if the node is configured for radio silence or the allocation limit has been reached. Relay may also be inhibited based on information regarding unit battery status. Additionally, information regarding local node density may be utilized to inhibit or randomly inhibit relay. Relay may also be inhibited by a node that is the intended recipient of an addressed message.
[0064] According to an embodiment of the invention, independent medium allocations are re-used after sufficient relays have occurred to ensure that the spatial separation of nodes will support use of the same allocation by multiple nodes. FIG. 5 presents a timing diagram showing this concept. In this example, a message is initially transmitted at time t 1 on Allocation 1 ( 501 ). This message is then relayed by all nodes that successfully decode it and are not inhibited from relaying at time t 2 on Allocation 2 ( 502 ). This continues for N transmissions. Beyond N transmissions, the message is sufficiently far away in space that the relaying nodes can again relay on Allocation 1 ( 504 ). Note that this may occur at the same time as a new message is transmitted from the original node on Allocation 1 .
[0065] FIG. 6-A , FIG. 6-B , FIG. 6-C , and FIG. 6-D are provided for further clarification of the re-use of independent medium allocations with sufficient spatial separation, according to an embodiment of the present invention. This simple network consists of 5 users spaced in a line with the node furthest to the left ( 601 ) initiating a transmission intended for the node furthest to the right ( 605 ). 607 shows the area around node 601 that can decode the transmission. Since 602 is in this area, it decodes the message and relays it on.
[0066] FIG. 6-B shows this second relay stage. Here 602 is relaying the message on Allocation 2 . Both 601 and 603 can decode the message, since they are in the region 608 . Since 601 has already received the message (by default as original transmitter) 601 does not re-transmit the message. Since 603 has not received the message, 603 does re-transmit the message (on Allocation 3 ).
[0067] In FIG. 6-C , 603 re-transmits and 602 and 604 decode the message successfully since they are in the region 609 . Since 604 has not received the message before, 604 re-transmits on Allocation 1 .
[0068] This is shown in FIG. 6-D where 604 is transmitting. Notice here that node 601 can transmit on Allocation 1 again without fear of collision; the region impacted by the transmission from node 601 ( 610 ) and the region impacted by the transmission from node 604 ( 611 ) do not both impact the same node It is the spatial separation ensured by the relaying approach discussed herein that allows this to occur.
[0069] While not shown in these figures, node 605 would be able to re-use Allocation 2 in a similar manner, without impacting the transmission from node 602 (and vice versa). This illustrates that transmission of signals at intermediate nodes belonging to two non-adjacent “layers” of intermediate nodes can take place over a common medium allocation. That is, intermediate node 602 belongs to a layer of intermediate nodes receiving the signal after one hop from the initial node 601 . Intermediate node 605 belongs to a different layer of intermediate nodes receiving the signal after four hops from the initial node 601 . Yet, nodes 602 and 605 can relay the signal using a common medium allocation, Allocation 2 . Here, nodes 602 and 605 are separated by two intervening layers of intermediate nodes. One intervening layer includes node 603 , and the other intervening layer includes node 604 .
[0070] In this manner, Allocations 1 , 2 , and 3 can be re-used repeatedly by subsequent nodes. It is important to note that although the example shown in FIGS. 6-A through 6 -D involves a network existing on a line, the approach discussed here extends automatically in any network employing the relaying approach of this invention regardless of topology; the allocation re-use is guaranteed to not collide with any other allocation, so long as the re-use occurs after a sufficient number of hops (with a minimum of three in the example discussed above).
[0071] In one embodiment of this invention, energy is combined from all prior allocations (with significant contribution) to produce an ideal solution.
[0072] In yet another embodiment of this invention, only reception on the current allocation is utilized in the demodulation/decoding process.
[0073] In a further embodiment of the invention, nodes may transmit a single message (either relay or initial transmission) into multiple allocations. In doing so, the transmitter appears as multiple nodes and a receiver can benefit from the additional diversity gains that would arise from having additional nodes in the network. For example, in a TDMA network, the transmitter may transmit the same message on two time slots and the receiver would benefit from the additional time diversity while demodulating and decoding the received signal.
[0074] In one embodiment, relaying is performed in a common allocation, rather than an independent medium allocation. In such an embodiment, nodes employ cancellation techniques (e.g. excision of known transit signal from received waveform) to allow full duplex operation in the common allocation.
[0075] Related embodiments of this invention differ in the method of combining energy from the multiple relays on a common Allocation. The preferred embodiment provides adaptive multipath combining for non-spread signals. Related embodiments could utilize a rake receiver to combine the multipath components of direct sequence spread signals or frequency coding for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal types.
[0076] Related embodiments of this invention differ in approach to providing independent (or nearly independent) allocations. The preferred embodiment uses time as the independent medium allocation (non-overlapping slots). Differing frequencies may also be utilized to provide the independent medium allocations. Code can be utilized to provide sufficiently independent medium allocations in some conditions. In this case code refers to spreading (either direct sequence or low-rate FEC). Finally directional processing may be utilized to provide the independent medium allocations. In this case we are referring to differing antenna patterns (physical or synthetic).
[0077] In the preferred embodiment Time, Frequency, Code, and Directional resources may be reused to enhance capacity, based on spatial separation that is provided naturally by the network. For example, nodes that were able to successfully receive information based on the relay transmissions through Allocation N were not able to successfully receive information based on allocations through Allocation N−1 and in this case we can consider reusing Allocation 1 for the Nth relay transmission (provided N is at least greater than three, since it is likely to be sufficiently independent and not effect units receiving information directly from the first transmission).
[0078] We note that combinations of the above allocations may be utilized to further enhance network efficiency.
[0079] While the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the described specific embodiments. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, be evident that additions, subtractions, substitutions, and other modifications may be made without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. | Systems and methods are presented for conducting a relayed communication involving a source node, a plurality of intermediate nodes, and at least one destination node, involving at the source node transmitting a signal associated with the relayed communication on a first medium allocation, at each one of the plurality of intermediate nodes relaying the signal onto a next medium allocation in response to receiving the signal as transmitted on at least one medium allocation up to a current medium allocation, and at the at least one destination node receiving the signal as transmitted on at least one medium allocation up to a last medium allocation, wherein at least one node among the plurality of intermediate nodes and the at least one destination node receives signals associated with the relayed communication from multiple intermediate nodes as transmitted on at least one medium allocation. | 7 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a high tensile strength transmission cable and a method of making the same. More specifically the invention concerns a transmission cable made from a pre-compacted cable having a plurality of compacted strands surrounding a hard core where the hard core is replaced with a soft uncompacted core which may contain one or more transmission elements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Towed targets, either aerial or underwater, require tow cables which can withstand high tensile loads resulting from the drag of the target being pulled through an air or water medium. Cables as currently used are 1×19 strand compacted armored cables having eighteen strand wires surrounding a center core wire, compacted 1×7 strand cables comprising six strand wires surrounding a center core wire and strand wire double-compacted 3×7 cables comprising three strands surrounding a center core wire where each strand itself comprises six strand wires surrounding a center core strand wire. In order to reduce the diameter or cross-sectional bulk of such cables and thus drag forces imparted as the cables move through air or water, they are compacted by swaging tools. In the case of the 1×19 and 1×7 cables, they are subjected to one compacting operation whereas in the double-compacted 3×7 cable, each 1×7 strand is subjected to one compacting operation and the three 1×7 strands are then subjected to a further or second compacting operation.
While such cables provide sufficient tensile strength, have a high strength- to-diameter ratio, and are torsionally stable, they lack any transmission capabilities by which electrical power, electrical signals or signals may be transmitted between the towed target and the towing vehicle. With the more sophisticated targets being currently used, it is often desirable to connect the target to power sources to actuate infra-red transmitters on the target or to provide the target with hit indicators which may transmit hit signals to the towing vehicle.
Coaxial cables have been proposed to provide both tensile strength and transmitting qualities. Such cables comprise concentric layers of electrical conductors or strength elements separated by layers of insulation with the result that the cables have poor torsionial stability which limits their utility.
It has also been proposed to combine tensile strength elements along with electrical conductors having shielding or to use fiber optic and hollow conductive elements arranged within a protective matrix to provide a cable having both high tensile strength and transmitting characteristics. However transmitting elements, particularly hollow conduits or fiber optics, are not susceptible to compacting operations without risk of damage with the result that such cables have a low maximum strength-to-diameter ratio such that their drag characteristics are objectionable.
It is therefore an object of my invention to provide for a high tensile strength transmission cable which has a transmission element therein and which at the same time has high strength-to-diameter ratio to reduce drag as the cable is pulled through a fluid medium.
It is a further object of my invention to provide for a method by which a high tensile strength transmission cable may be made from a pre-compacted multi-strand cable and where the high strength transmission cable will have transmission elements therein which are not subjected to compaction forces.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a diagrammatical view of a high tensile strength transmission cable in the process of being constructed according to the invention illustrating removing of a hard center core wire from an open pre-compacted multi-strand cable and then inserting a relatively soft core into the open cable;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-strand cable in which the individual strands have been compacted prior to the strands being compacted together about a hard center core wire;
FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 after the strands of the cable have been completely compacted together about a center core wire so that adjacent strands contact each other;
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 after the strands of the cable have been partially compacted together about a hard core wire to leave a space between adjacent strands;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cable constructed according to the invention having a fiber optic or electrical transmission element therein;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a center core constructed according to a further embodiment of the invention comprising an insulation material and having transmission elements therein; and,
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a cable construction according to the invention utilizing the core of FIG. 6.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 1 there is illustrated a high tensile strength transmission cable 1 constructed according to the invention which is formed from a conventional precompacted cable 2. Cable 2, shown in FIG. 2, has three main strands 3, 4 and 5 which surround a hard core wire 6 coated by coating 10 which as shown in the drawing, is removed from a laid open portion of the cable 2.
As shown on the left side of FIG. 1, the hard core wire 6 is replaced by a core 7 of a softer material which is inserted between the open strands 3, 4 and 5 after which the strands are closed to form the cable 1.
Each of the main strands 3, 4 and 5 in turn comprise six secondary strand wires 11 in turn surrounding a hard center core strand wire 12. Main strands 3, 4 and 5 are, as shown in FIG. 2, pre-compacted by, for example, a swaging tool to reduce their diameters and which results in the deformation and compaction of the secondary strands 11.
Referring to FIG. 3 it is seen that main strands 3, 4 and 5 are further compacted around the hard core wire 6 by a second compacting operation such that the cable 2 achieves a cross-sectional configuration having an overall maximum strength-to-diamater ratio. In this particular configuration, the strands are compacted to such an extent that adjacent strands bridge and contact each other.
Referring to FIG. 5, the complete cable 1 is illustrated and after the hard core wire 6 has been removed from cable 2 and replaced by a relatively soft core 15 which, as shown, is of circular configuration of substantially the same diameter as the hard core wire it replaces. The core 15 may comprise either a fiber optic material or a relatively soft wire where both serve as a transmission element, or the core could easily comprise a tubular member having further transmission elements therein. The transmission element or elements are preferably coated with a lubricant 16 so that the strands may slide relatively with respect to the core during flexure of the cable 1.
It is obvious by comparing FIG. 5 with FIG. 3 that the cable 1 has substantially the same diameter as that shown for cable 2 in FIG. 3 so that it has the same high tensile strength-to diameter-ratio characteristics even though the core 15 comprising the transmission element could not be subjected to a compacting force without damage. Thus it is seen in FIG. 5 that the cable 1 has high tensile strength properties which are imparted by the main strands 3, 4 and 5 while also having a transmission element 17 by which signals may be transmitted along the length of the cable, as for example, between a towing target and a towing vehicle.
Referring to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a cross-sectional view of the cable 2 where the main strands 3, 4 and 5 are not compacted to the same extent as that shown in FIG. 3 such that a space remains between adjacent strands. This space is necessary to accommodate a core 20 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 where the core comprises an electrically non-conductive material, for example, a non-conductive plastic material and which is in the form of a ribbon extending along the length of a cable. The core 20 includes therein ribs or arms 21 which, as shown in FIG. 7, extend between adjacent main strands 3, 4 and 5 so as to insulate adjacent strands from one another. The resulting cable construction has a plastic sheath 22 surrounding the main strands 3, 4 and 5 so that the strands are encased within the sheath and so that the main strands are insulated from one another. In this form of the invention, the main strands themselves may comprise electrically conductive elements whereby the strands act as power leads extending between a towed target and a towed vehicle. The core 20 may in addition include one or more transmission elements 24 in the form of electrical conductive elements or fiber optics through which signals are transmitted.
While I have disclosed a cable comprising three main strands surrounding a softer core and wherein each main strand comprises a plurality of secondary strands surrounding a hard core, the invention contemplates other numerical combinations of main strands alone or combined with secondary strands. For example and with reference to FIG. 1, the main strands 3, 4 and 5 as shown could each comprise a single wire wherein the resulting construction would be a 1×4 cable construction with three strands surrounding a core. Other numerical combinations would be applicable and the core element 20 could be changed accordingly namely, to insure that there would be a rib extending between each adjacent main strand.
The method of manufacture of a cable according to the invention is generally as follows. The cable 2 as shown in FIG. 1 having a multiplicity of main strands which have been pre-compacted and which surround a hard core wire are further compacted about the hard core wire 6 to an extent where the main strands contact each other, or if a plastic core of the type shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is to be used, to an extent where a space is left between adjacent main strands. The main strands are opened after which, as shown in FIG. 1, the hard core wire 6 is removed. Immediately after removal of the hard core wire, a softer core 7 is inserted between the open main strands 3, 4 and 5 after which the main strands are closed to form the cable 1.
Where it is contemplated that the main strands themselves will act as transmission elements, the core 7 would be substituted by the plastic ribbon core 20 and the process would include the additional step of thereafter encasing the main strands within the plastic sheath 22. | A high tensile strength transmission cable having a plurality of main compacted strands. The strands surround, and are adjacent to, an uncompacted and moveable core which may form or contain one or more transmission elements. A method for making such a high strength transmission cable includes the steps of compacting the cable formed by a plurality of pre-compacted strands wound around a hard core wire, opening the strands to replace the hard core wire with a soft core containing transmission elements, and then closing the strands. | 3 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a soft magnetic metal strip laminate in which soft magnetic metal strips are attached to each other by using a polyamic acid solution as an adhesive and plural soft magnetic metal strips are laminated, and process for production thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] An amorphous metal strip has a characteristic of low loss compared to a silicon steel plate, and is used for a transmission and distribution transformers or an iron core of a dynamo-electric machine as a material of a soft magnetic. The amorphous metal strip may be obtained by rapidly cooling a metal melted body on a cooling role that is rotated at a high rate, and has a principle limit in which the thickness of the plate is in the range of 10 to 50 μm. In addition, since the amorphous metal strip is largely distorted during the rapid cooling, if the annealing heat treatment is not performed at 300 to 600° C. the soft magnetic characteristic cannot be sufficiently obtained. In addition, the amorphous metal strip is embrittled by the heat treatment. In order to obtain the required strength for a structure, before the amorphous metal strip was subjected to heat treatment, the amorphous metal strip was processed to have a desirable shape, and was impregnated and hardened an epoxy resin and the like after the heat treatment.
[0003] To overcome this problem, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. Sho58 (1983)-175654 discloses that a polyimide resin or a polyamideimide resin having excellent heat resistance is applied on an amorphous metal strip, dried, pressed, and subjected to annealing heat treatment. In detail, the resin having heat resistance is applied on both sides of the amorphous metal strip for laminating, a solvent is dried at a temperature of 200° C. or more for 1 min, the amorphous metal strips are pressed and attached to each other by using a pressing roll, the strips are heated in the oven under nitrogen atmosphere, and finally the laminated strips are wound and recovered.
[0004] In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-164224 discloses that the resin having heat resistance is applied on the surface of the amorphous metal strip, and thermally pressed by a heat press to form a laminate. In other words, the amorphous metal strip laminate having the weatherproofing characteristics may be obtained by laminating the amorphous metal strips on which the resin having high heat resistance is applied and heating and attaching the amorphous metal strips.
[0005] In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-90390 or Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-95823 discloses that a polyamide acid solution is applied on an amorphous metal strip, preliminarily dried at 130° C., the degree of imidization of the polyamide acid solution is increased at a temperature of 250° C. or more, amorphous metal strips are laminated, and the strips are pressed at a temperature of 250° C. or more while pressure is applied in a laminating direction. It discloses that the amorphous metal strip laminate produced by using the above process may be used as desirable products without an inflated surface.
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION
[0006] For a soft magnetic metal strip laminate, it is required a sufficient soft magnetic property and no embrittlement by the heat treatment. The invention of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. Sho58 (1983)-175654 discloses a production method which includes laminating and attaching soft magnetic strips by using a thermal press roll and heat treating the soft magnetic strips. In the invention of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-164224, by using a resin that has heat resistance, loses a weight by 5% from the room temperature to the temperature of 300° C. or more in the atmosphere, the strength of the laminate is ensured at high temperatures.
[0007] In addition, as a soft magnetic metal strip laminate, a structure, on which a polyimide resin having excellent heat resistance is particularly applied, is required to have high performance and reliability.
[0008] However, the inventions of the Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. Sho58 (1983)-175654 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-164224 do not disclose a detailed description regarding the above. In addition, as described in the Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-90390 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-95823, even though a soft magnetic metal strip that is coated with a resin that has a high degree of imidization by the heat treatment, that is, a polyimidized resin, is laminated and pressed, there is a limit in space factor (=(average thickness of the soft magnetic metal strip×the number of laminated laminates)/(thickness of the laminate)), and the soft magnetic metal strip laminate fully satisfying the above requirements has not been obtained. In addition, in the related art, defects on the surface of the laminate are evaluated, but voids on the inside of the laminate are not disclosed.
[0009] The present inventors observed the inside of the soft magnetic metal strip laminate by using an ultrasonic flaw detection, and found that internal delamination is caused by the inside void and countermeasures need to be examined.
[0010] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the problems occurring in the related art, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a process for production of a soft magnetic metal strip laminate that has the high adhesion strength between the metal strips and free from delamination, the excellent magnetic properties, and the high space factor, and a soft magnetic metal strip laminate that is produced by using the method.
MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEM
[0011] Hereinafter, the present inventors have researched in order to achieve the above object, and found that when a polyamide acid solution that is applied on a soft magnetic metal strip has a small degree of imidization before it is pressed, the space factor of the soft magnetic metal strip laminate that is finally obtained is improved.
[0012] That is, the present invention provides a process for production of a soft magnetic metal strip laminate that includes plural soft magnetic metal strips laminated by using a polyamide acid solution, which includes the steps of applying the polyamide acid solution on the soft magnetic metal strip; performing a first heat treatment for drying the soft magnetic metal strip (semidrying heat treatment) to obtain a degree of imidization of the polyamide acid solution, which is in the range of 15 to 70%; laminating plural soft magnetic metal strips through the polyamide acid solution; and performing a second heat treatment for heating the laminated soft magnetic metal strips to obtain a degree of imidization of the polyamide acid solution, which is more than 90%.
[0013] In addition, the “degree of imidization” of the polyamide acid solution while the first heat treatment is performed is a value immediately before a press process is performed after drying. If the degree of imidization by a semidrying heat treatment is less than 15%, when they are pressed, the amount of steam (gas) that is formed by the polycondensation reaction is large, a delamination portion is formed between the layers due to the gas pressure or an unattached portion is easily formed due to a gas discharging route. In addition, if the degree of imidization is more than 70%, when the strips are attached to each other by the heat treatment, the polycondensation reaction of the polyimide resin becomes insufficient to make the attachment strength insufficient. The preferable range of the degree of imidization by the semidrying heat treatment is 20% to 60%. More preferably, the range is 25% to 50%.
[0014] It is preferable that the second heat treatment that is performed after the semicuring heat treatment, that is, the pressing heat treatment, is performed while the soft magnetic metal strips are pressed each other. It is preferable that the second heat treatment is performed under nitrogen atmosphere, the amount of nitrogen is 98 vol % or more, and a dew point is −30° C. or less. In addition, it is preferable that the second heat treatment is performed at a temperature that is more than a glass transition temperature of the polyimide resin.
[0015] In the soft magnetic metal strip laminate of the present invention which is obtained by the above production method, a space factor is 95% or more in a laminating direction. Here, the space factor in a laminating direction is obtained by dividing a value that is obtained by multiplying the average thickness of the soft magnetic metal strip by the number of laminates by the thickness of the laminate in the laminating direction and multiplying the resulting value by 100.
[Soft Magnetic Metal Strip]
[0016] It is preferable that the soft magnetic metal strip that is used in the present invention is an iron-based or a Co-based amorphous metal strip. Generally, the thickness of the amorphous metal strip is in the range of 10 to 50 μm, and the most suitable thickness is selected according to the purpose of the desired cost, the frequency of the used magnetic products or the like. For example, if the thickness is reduced, since the loss of eddy current is reduced, it is preferable that the thickness is 20 μm or less in order to reduce high frequency loss. Meanwhile, in order to reduce the size, it is preferable that the space factor of the iron core is increased and the thickness is increased. In addition, since the number of production processes is in proportion to the number of laminates, it is preferable that the thickness is increased in order to obtain the low cost.
[0017] In the used soft magnetic alloy strip, the alloy composition is represented by T a Si b B c C d (T is an element that includes at least one of Fe, Co, and Ni, and a+b+c+d=100%), and it is preferable that the soft magnetic alloy strip is an amorphous alloy that includes 79≦a≦83%, 0<b≦10%, 10≦c≦18%, 0.01≦d≦3% and an inevitable impurity on the basis of atomic %. The reason for limiting the composition will be described below. The thickness of the used soft magnetic alloy strip is in the range of 10 to 50 μm, and since the soft magnetic alloy strip is very thin and the occurrence of eddy current may be suppressed even if the strips are laminated as a structure of an iron core, the strips may be used as the laminate that has very low eddy current loss.
[0018] The reason for limiting the composition of the soft magnetic alloy strip is as follows. Hereinafter, % means atomic %.
[0019] If the amount “a” of T (Fe, Co and the like) is lower than 79%, the saturated magnetic flux density B s may not be sufficiently obtained as a material of an iron core, and the magnetic core becomes enlarged, which is not preferable. In order to obtain the sufficient saturated magnetic flux density B s , it is more preferable that the amount of T is 81% or more. In addition, if the amount is 83% or more, thermal stability is reduced, and the stable amorphous alloy strip may not be produced. In the purpose of a rotor of a rotation device or a stator, it is preferable to use a Fe-based soft magnetic alloy strip in consideration of cost, but according to the required magnetic property, a 10% or less portion of the amount of Fe may be substituted with at least one of Co and Ni.
[0020] The amount “b” of Si needs to be 10% or less in order to improve B s as an element that contributes to the amorphous forming ability. In addition, it is preferable that the amount is 5% or less in order to improve B s .
[0021] The amount “c” of B most largely contributes to the amorphous forming ability. If the amount is less than 10%, the thermal stability is reduced, and if the amount is more than 18%, the amorphous forming ability is not improved even though B is added more.
[0022] “C” improves the angle formation of the material and B s to minimize the magnetic core and to reduce the noise. If the amount “d” of C is less than 0.01%, the effect is insignificant, and if the amount is more than 3%, the embrittlement and the thermal stability are reduced and it is difficult to produce the magnetic core, which is not preferable.
[0023] If a 10% or less portion of the amount of Fe is substituted with one or two of Ni and Co, the saturated magnetic flux density B s is improved and contributes to the miniaturization of the magnetic core, but since it is costly raw material, it is not included in an amount that is more than 10%.
[0024] In addition, a small amount of Mn slightly improves B s . If Mn is added in an amount of 0.50% or more, B s is reduced, thus it is preferable that the amount is 0.1% to 0.3%.
[0025] In addition, one or more elements of Cr, Mo, Zr, Hf, and Nb may be included in an amount of 0.01 to 5%, and as an inevitable impurity thereof, at least one element of S, P, Sn, Cu, Al, and Ti may be included in an amount of 0.50% or less.
[Polyamide Acid Solution]
[0026] In the present invention, it is preferable that the polyamide acid solution that is applied on the soft magnetic metal strip is a thermosetting solution, and it is preferable that the N methylpyrrolidone (NMP) solution of the commercial polyamide acid is diluted with NMP to use. For example, the content of the polyamide acid of the commercial polyamide acid solution is about 20% by weight, and the polyamide acid of the commercial polyamide acid solution may be diluted by adding NMP to the concentration in the range of 5 to 15% by weight to use. If the thickness is reduced after the solvent is dried, the space factor is improved, but the generation of defects such as pin poll is increased and the insulation between the adjacent metals in the laminate is poor. Accordingly, it is preferable that the thickness is in the range of 0.5 μm to 3 μm after the drying.
[0027] In addition, since the polyamide acid NMP solution has excellent wettability with the metal strip, by coating both sides of the metal strip, sufficient adhesion strength between the resin and the metal may be obtained during the processes after drying. Examples of the coating method includes known methods such as a dipping method, a doctor blade method, a gravure roll method and the like. However, in considering the uniformity of the coating thickness and a forming rate per hour (coating rate), the gravure roll method is excellent. In order to coat both sides thereof by using the gravure roll method, after one side is first coated, other side is coated.
[Coating and Drying]
[0028] Next, the first heat treatment (semidrying heat treatment) for semidrying the soft magnetic metal strip that is coated with the polyamide acid NMP solution is performed. The drying of the polyamide acid NMP solution performs imidization even if the drying temperature is too high and the drying time is too long. It is preferable that the maximum temperature is 200° C. or less and the maintaining time is 1 min or less. It is preferable that the amount of wind is high in a drying furnace. The drying method by using the far infrared ray heater is well known, but since the drying by using the far infrared ray is directly performed in respects to the polyamide acid molecule to promote imidization, such that the imidization should not be excessively increased. By the semidrying heat treatment, the degree of imidization of the polyamide acid solution is in the range of 15% to 70%. The degree of imidization in the present invention is obtained when a value that is obtained by measuring the degree of imidization of the polyimide acid solution that is subjected to the heat treatment at a temperature that is more than the glass transition point of the resin for 1 hour by using the FT-IR (infrared analysis) is considered 100%.
[Working Process]
[0029] The soft magnetic metal strip is coated with the polyamide acid NMP solution is shaped by, for example, a press working. In addition, a shape having a high degree of freedom and high productivity may be obtained by etching process, a laser beam machining or the like. In addition, without an initial process, after the laminating process as described below is performed, plural strips may be machined or processed at one time.
[Laminating Process]
[0030] The soft magnetic metal strips that are machined or processed to have a predetermined shape are put in a mold cavity for laminating and plurally laminated. Since an moving part for applying pressure is contacted with the upper and the lower parts of the laminate, after a hot pressing process of the post-process, a polyimide film, or Teflon (trademark) film such as captone or upirex that is sold on the market may be inserted between the laminate and the moving part so that the moving part is separated from the laminate.
[0000] [Heating and hot pressing Process]
[0031] Next, in respects to the laminated soft magnetic metal strip, the second heat treatment for heating and hot pressing it is performed, and the laminate is formed. The laminated soft magnetic metal strips are provided in the mold under a dried nitrogen atmosphere in a hot press furnace. The temperature thereof is increased to a temperature that is higher than a glass transition point of the polyimide film which is coated on the furnace. While this temperature is maintained, the soft magnetic metal strips are hot pressed each other. The upper limit of the temperature is not important as long as it is lower than a thermal decomposition initialization temperature of the resin. It is preferable that the maintaining time is 1 min to 10 hours. By the heat treatment, the degree of imidization of the polyamide acid NMP solution is 30% or more.
[0032] It is preferable that applied pressure for hot pressing is 1 MPa or more in order to sufficiently provide the polyamide acid NMP solution on the surface of the adjacent resin film or the soft magnetic metal strip. Meanwhile, if the pressure is more than 20 MPa, the polyamide acid NMP solution may be denaturalized and the adjacent soft magnetic metal strips may be contacted each other. However, under the specific condition such as the specific drying atmosphere, the pressure is unnecessary, and when the degree of imidization is increased while they are laminated, the laminate may be formed.
[0033] It is preferable that the atmosphere in the furnace includes dried nitrogen atmosphere. If the atmosphere includes 98 vol % or more of nitrogen purity and has a dew point that is −30° C. or less, the moisture that is generated when the resin is subjected to imidization may be rapidly removed and the oxidation of the surface of the metal strip may be prevented. It is more preferable that the nitrogen gas obtained from the liquid nitrogen has a purity of 99.9998% and a dew point of −50° C. or less.
[0034] By this process, the degree of imidization of the polyamide acid solution is 90% or more and preferably 93% or more.
[Annealing Heat Treatment Process]
[0035] Next, in the third heat treatment, the soft magnetic metal strip laminate is annealed at a temperature that is higher than that of the second heat treatment. The amorphous metal strip may have excellent magnetic properties by the annealing heat treatment. The Fe-based amorphous metal strip is formed at 300 to 400° C., and the Co-based amorphous metal strip is formed at 300 to 600° C. At this time, it is known that the material is embrittled, the hot pressing of the amorphous alloy strip laminate in the annealing heat treatment may cause defects such as voids, cracks or the like in the amorphous alloy strip laminate. Accordingly, it is preferable that the annealing heat treatment is performed under a non-load state. In general, the annealing heat treatment may not be applied to a rotation device core that requires mechanical strength. In addition, since the annealing heat treatment process has a temperature that is higher than that of the hot pressing process of the preceding process, the degree of imidization is increased. At this time, since moisture is generated from the polyamide acid NMP solution, in order to prevent oxidation on the surface of the metal strip, it is preferable that the annealing heat treatment is performed under the same atmosphere as the hot pressing process. It is preferable that the duration of the heat treatment is in the range of 0.1 to 20 h.
[0036] The polyamide acid solution that is used in the adhesive according to the present invention is a thermosetting solution, and may be obtained, for example, by reacting aromatic tetracarboxylic acid anhydrides and aromatic diamine with each other.
[0037] As the acid anhydride, tetracarboxyl acid anhydrides and a derivative thereof may be used. In detail, as the tetracarboxyl acid, pyrromelitic acid, 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxyl acid, 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenone tetracarboxyl acid, 3,3′,4,4′-diphenylsulfonetetracarboxyl acid, 3,3′,4,4′-diphenylethertetracarboxyl acid, 2,3,3′,4′-benzophenone tetracarboxyl acid, 2,3,6,7-naphthalene tetracarboxyl acid, 1,2,5,6-naphthalene tetracarboxyl acid, 3,3′,4,4′-diphenylmethanetetracarboxyl acid, 2,2-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane, 3,4,9,10-tetracarboxyperrylene, 2,2-bis[4-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]propane, 2,2-bis[4-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane, butanetetracarboxyl acid, cyclopentane tetracarboxyl acid and the like may be used. In addition, esterified substances, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides thereof and the like may be used.
[0038] As diamine, diamines such as p-phenylene diamine, m-phenylene diamine, 2′-methoxy-4,4′-diaminobenzanilide, 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether, diaminotoluene, 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane, 3,3′-dimethyl-4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane, 3,3′-dimethyl-4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane, 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]propane, 1,2-bis(anilino)ethane, diaminodiphenylsulfone, diaminobenzanilide, diaminobenzoade, diaminodiphenyl sulfide, 2,2-bis(p-aminophenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(p-aminophenyl)hexafluoropropane, 1,5-diaminonaphthalene, diaminotoluene, diaminobenzo trifuloride, 1,4-bis(p-aminophenoxy)benzene, 4,4′-(p-aminophenoxybiphenyl, diaminoanthraquinone, 4,4′-bis(3-aminophenoxyphenyl)diphenylsulfone, 1,3-bis(anilino)hexafluoropropane, 1,4-bis(anilino)octafluoropropane, 1,5-bis(anilino)decafluoropropane, 1,7-bis(anilino)tetradecafluoropropane, 2,2-bis[4-(p-aminophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane, 2,2-bis[4-(3-aminophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane, 2,2-bis[4-(2-aminophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane, 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)-3,5-dimethylphenyl]hexafluoropropane, 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)-3,5-ditrifluoromethylphenyl]hexafluoropropane, p-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)benzene, 4,4′-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)biphenyl, 4,4′-bis(4-amino-3-trifluoromethylphenoxy)biphenyl, 4,4′-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)diphenylsulfone, 4,4′-bis(4-amino-5-trifluoromethylphenoxy)diphenylsulfone, 2,2-bis[4-(4-amino-3-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane, benzidine, 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine, octafluorobenzidine, 3,3′-methoxybenzidine, o-tolidine, m-tolidine, 2,2′,5,5′,6,6′-hexafluorotolidine, 4,4″-diaminoterphenyl, 4,4′″-diaminoquaterphenyl and the like may be used.
[0039] In addition, as a solvent for dilution, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylacetamide (DMAc), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), sulfuric acid dimethyl, sulfolane, butyrolactone, cresol, phenol, phenol halides, cyclohexanone, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, diglyme and the like may be used. In particular, by using N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), dimethyl formamide (DMF), dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and a mixture thereof, wettability to the amorphous alloy strip becomes excellent, which is preferable. In addition, if a solvent in addition to the above solvents has a molecular structure that is similar to those of the above solvents, it may have the same wettability as the amorphous alloy strip.
EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
[0040] According to the present invention, when plural soft magnetic metal strips that are coated with the polyamide acid solution and dried are laminated and hot pressed, since the degree of imidization of the polyamide acid solution is maintained at the range of 15% to 70% before the hot pressing process starts, in the heat treatment that is sequentially performed after the hot pressing process, by simultaneously performing the hot pressing process and the reaction process using the degree of imidization that is more than 90%, the reaction for imidizing the polyamide acid at high temperatures and pressures, that is, the polyimidization reaction, is uniformly and precisely performed to form a dense polyimide film having small voids.
[0041] In addition, if both sides of the soft magnetic metal strip are coated with the polyimide acid solution, polyimide films are contacted to each other when they are laminated, and the imidization reaction is performed while they come close to each other, thus high bonding may be obtained between the laminates. Therefore, the laminate in which the space factor is 95% or more in a laminating direction and adhesion reliability is high for each laminate may be obtained. In addition, since the imidization and the hot pressing processes are simultaneously performed, the drying process that is performed in the related art is unnecessary and a series treatment process may be performed without the cooling to room temperature to produce them.
[0042] In addition, since the saturated magnetic flux density is in proportion to the space factor, the space factor is 95% or more in a laminating direction and the excellent magnetic property may be obtained. In particular, since an electro motor requires the high saturated magnetic flux density, it is useful to increase the space factor. In addition, if the adhesion reliability is high, the mechanical strength and the durability are improved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] FIG. 1 is a view that illustrates a soft magnetic metal strip laminate and a process for production thereof according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0044] Hereinafter, Examples of the present invention will be described in detail.
Example 1
[0045] With reference to FIG. 1 , a soft magnetic metal strip laminate and a process for production thereof according to Example 1 of the present invention will be described in detail.
[0046] As the Fe-based amorphous metal strip, the 2605SA1 material that had an average thickness of 25 μm, the width of 50 mm, and the length of 1000 m and was manufactured by Metglas, Co., Ltd. was used. This Fe-based amorphous metal strip was wound around the paper roll having an inner diameter of 3 inches to form a roll shape (S 100 ).
[0047] As the polyamide acid solution of the adhesive, 3 liters of U varnish A that was manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd. and diluted in NMP by two times was prepared. The amount of solid after the dilution was about 9% by weight. The glass transition point of the polyimide film that was shaped from the polyamide acid solution was 285° C. The glass transition point was obtained from the DSC measurement chart by separating the polyimide film after the drying and using DSC-200 (Seiko Instruments & Electronics, Ltd.).
[0048] Next, the prepared polyamide acid solution was injected into the discharge tank of the gravure roll coating device. And then the amorphous metal strip having the roll shape was provided on the gravure roll coating device, and the polyamide acid solution was continuously coated while the amorphous metal strip was drawn. The gravure roll that had the mesh of 180 and the depth of 40 μm was used, and the coating rate was 10 m per minute. In addition, the roll is rotated at the same rate as the coating rate in respects to the amorphous metal strip to transfer the polyamide acid solution for coating (S 110 ).
[0049] After the polyamide acid solution was coated, the amorphous metal strip was continuously passed through the drying furnace that was connected to the gravure roll coating device, and the polyamide acid solution was semidried. The length of the drying furnace was 3 m, and the internal temperature of the furnace was 180° C. Air in the furnace was partially discharged to the outside and the remaining air is cycled in the furnace. The amorphous metal strip that was coated with the polyamide acid solution was passed through the drying furnace for about 20 sec. It was confirmed that the amorphous metal strip that passed through the drying furnace was dried in respects to a predetermined amount of the coated polyamide acid solution.
[0050] Thereby, the amorphous metal strip that had the total length of 1000 m was continuously coated with the polyamide acid solution and dried. The thickness of the polyamide acid solution was measured by using the micrometer after drying, the average coating thickness was 1 μm and a difference in coating thickness was 0.2 μm.
[0051] Next, the opposite side of the amorphous metal strip was coated with the polyamide acid solution and dried.
[0052] By the above process, the amorphous metal strip that was coated with the polyamide acid solution and then dried is obtained (S 120 ).
[0053] The degree of imidization of the polyimide film coated on the amorphous metal strip was calculated. The degree of imidization was calculated that the degree of imidization was assumed 100% in respects to the polyimide film upirex S manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd. by using the ratio of the C═N expansion and contraction absorbancy of imide of 1367 cm −1 to the benzene ring expansion and contraction absorbancy of the infrared absorption spectrum 1500 cm −1 . As a result, it could be seen that the degree of imidization was in the range of 28 to 35% on both sides. In addition, as described below, it is preferable that the degree of imidization of the polyamide acid solution is 15% to 70%.
[0054] The amorphous metal strip that was coated with the polyamide acid solution and dried was subjected to the press working. By using the press mold made of the cemented carbide material, the amorphous metal strip was continuously processed to form a ring having an external diameter of 43 mm and an internal diameter of 25 mm. In addition, by using the upirex polyimide film (upirex manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd.) having the thickness of 25 μm, plural strips having the same dimension and shape were obtained (S 130 ).
[0055] Next, 30 formed amorphous metal strips were laminated in the mold for laminating made of stainless steel. Between the upper and the lower sides of the laminated amorphous metal strips and the moving part, the polyimide film having the same dimension and shape was inserted to prevent fixing of the amorphous metal strips to the mold (S 140 ).
[0056] The mold for laminating was set in the hot press furnace, after liquid nitrogen was sufficiently substituted for the nitrogen atmosphere, the temperature of the mold was increased to 300° C., which was higher than the glass transition point of the polyimide film by 15° C., and maintained at that temperature. While the temperature was maintained at 300° C., pressure of 5 MPa was applied in a laminating direction of the amorphous metal strip for 10 min. Next, the internal temperature of the furnace was decreased, and the hot pressed soft magnetic metal strip laminate was taken out from the mold for laminating (S 150 ).
[0057] The soft magnetic metal strip laminate was subjected to annealing heat treatment in the furnace under the nitrogen atmosphere using liquid nitrogen at 360° C. for 1.5 hours (S 160 ).
[0058] The degree of imidization of the polyimide film after the annealing heat treatment was more than 90%. The height of the laminate after the heat treatment was measured, and the space factor was calculated at 97%.
[0059] In addition, the surface of the soft magnetic metal strip laminate was observed by using the stereoscopic microscope at 20× magnitude, but defects such as inflation were not observed. In addition, by using the ultrasonic imaging device that was manufactured by Hitachi Kenki FineTech Co., Ltd., the internal defects were examined with the ultrasonic wave having the frequency of 50 MHz, but defects such as delamination were not observed (S 170 ).
[0060] Next, the soft magnetic metal strip laminate was produced by using the same condition as Example 1, except that the semidrying condition was changed to change the degree of imidization. The relation between the degree of imidization of the semidrying heat treatment and the contact area ratio (after the soft magnetic metal strip laminate was delaminated between the laminates after laminating and unification were performed by using the heat treatment, the percentage ratio of the area of the portion to which the polyimide resin was substantially attached to the whole area) is described in Table 1.
[0000]
TABLE 1
Degree of
Contact area
imidization
ratio
11
63
17
81
22
90
31
98
35
92
46
87
66
74
80
45
[0061] From the results of Table 1, it can be seen that the degree of imidization of the polyamide acid solution by the semidrying heat treatment is preferably 15% to 70%. In consideration of the other test results, the preferable range of the degree of imidization by the semidrying heat treatment is 20% to 60%. More preferably, by controlling the degree of imidization in the range of 25% to 50%, the space factor may be high in the laminating direction.
Example 2
[0062] As the Fe-based amorphous metal strip, the 2605HB1 material that had the average thickness of 25 μm, the width of 50 mm, and the length of 1000 m and was manufactured by Metglas, Co., Ltd. was used. This Fe-based amorphous metal strip was wound around the paper roll having an inner diameter of 3 inches to form a roll shape. As the polyamide acid solution, 3 liters of U varnish A that was manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd. and diluted in NMP by two times was prepared. The amount of solid after the dilution was about 9% by weight.
[0063] Next, by using the same method as Example 1, both sides of the amorphous metal strip were coated with the polyamide acid solution, and subjected to the semidrying and the press working processes.
[0064] Next, 30 formed amorphous metal strips were laminated in the mold for laminating made of stainless steel. Between the upper and the lower sides of the laminated amorphous metal strips and the mole, the polyimide film having the same dimension and shape was inserted to prevent fixing of the amorphous metal strips to the mold.
[0065] The mold for laminating was set in the hot press furnace, after the nitrogen atmosphere was sufficiently substituted from the industrial nitrogen bombe so that the dew point was −55° C., the temperature of the mold was increased to 300° C., which was higher than the glass transition point of the polyimide film by 15° C., and maintained at that temperature. While the temperature was maintained at 300° C., the pressure of 3 MPa was applied in a laminating direction of the amorphous metal strip for 10 min. Next, the internal temperature of the furnace was decreased, and the hot pressed soft magnetic metal strip laminate was pulled from the mold for laminating.
[0066] The soft magnetic metal strip laminate was subjected to the annealing heat treatment in the furnace under the nitrogen atmosphere using the liquid nitrogen at 330° C. for 1.5 hours. The degree of imidization of the polyimide film after the annealing heat treatment was more than 90%. The height of the laminate after the heat treatment was measured, and the space factor was calculated at 97%.
[0067] In addition, the surface of the laminate was observed by using the stereoscopic microscope at 20× magnitude, but defects such as inflation were not observed. In addition, by using the ultrasonic imaging device that was manufactured by Hitachi Kenki FineTech Co., Ltd., the internal defects were examined with the ultrasonic wave having a frequency of 50 MHz, but defects such as delamination were not observed.
Example 3
[0068] As the Fe-based amorphous metal strip, the 2605SA1 material that had the average thickness of 25 μm, the width of 50 mm, and the length of 1000 m and was manufactured by Metglas, Co., Ltd. was used. This Fe-based amorphous metal strip was wound around the paper roll having the inner diameter of 3 inches to form a roll shape. As the polyamide acid solution, 3 liters of U varnish A that was manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd. and diluted in NMP by 1.5 times was prepared. The amount of solid after the dilution was about 12% by weight. The glass transition point of the polyimide film that was shaped from the polyamide acid solution was 355° C. The glass transition point was obtained from the DSC measurement chart by separating the polyimide film after the drying and using DSC-200 (Seiko Instruments & Electronics, Ltd.).
[0069] Next, by using the same method as Example 1, both sides of the amorphous metal strip were coated with the polyamide acid solution, and subjected to semidrying. However, the average coating thickness of the polyamide acid solution after the drying was 1.5 μm. The difference in coating thickness was within 0.2 μm. The degree of imidization of the polyimide film coated on the amorphous metal strip was calculated. The degree of imidization was calculated by using the ratio of the C═N expansion and contraction absorbancy of imide of 1367 cm −1 to the benzene ring expansion and contraction absorbancy of the infrared absorption spectrum 1500 cm −1 . As a result, it could be seen that the degree of imidization was in the range of 20% to 27% on both sides.
[0070] Next, the amorphous metal strip was subjected to the press working.
[0071] Next, 30 formed amorphous metal strips were laminated in the mold for laminating made of stainless steel. Between the upper and the lower sides of the laminated amorphous metal strips and the mold, the polyimide film having the same dimension and shape was inserted to prevent fixing of the amorphous metal strips to the mold.
[0072] The mold for laminating was set in the hot press furnace, after the nitrogen atmosphere was sufficiently substituted from the industrial nitrogen bombe so that the dew point was −55° C., the temperature of the mold was increased to 285° C. and 355° C., which was the same as the glass transition point of the polyimide film, and maintained at that temperature. While the temperature was maintained at 355° C., the pressure of 10 MPa was applied in a laminating direction of the amorphous metal strip for 20 min. Next, the internal temperature of the furnace was decreased, and the hot pressed soft magnetic metal strip laminate was pulled from the mold for laminating.
[0073] The soft magnetic metal strip laminate was subjected to the annealing heat treatment in the furnace under the nitrogen atmosphere using the liquid nitrogen at 360° C. for 1.5 hours. The degree of imidization of the polyimide film after the annealing heat treatment was more than 90%. The height of the laminate after the heat treatment was measured, and the space factor was calculated at 96%.
[0074] In addition, the surface of the laminate was observed by using a stereoscopic microscope at 20× magnitude, but defects such as inflation were not observed. In addition, by using the ultrasonic imaging device that was manufactured by Hitachi Kenki FineTech Co., Ltd., the internal defects were examined with the ultrasonic wave having the frequency of 50 MHz, but the defects such as delamination were not observed.
Example 4
[0075] As the Co-based amorphous metal strip, the 2714A 1 material that had the average thickness of 18 μm, the width of 50 mm, and the length of 1000 m and was manufactured by Metglas, Co., Ltd. was used. This Co-based amorphous metal strip was wound around the paper roll having the inner diameter of 3 inches to form a roll shape. As the polyamide acid solution, 3 liters of Pyer-M. P L. RC 5057 that was manufactured by IST Corporation and diluted in NMP by 2 times was prepared. The amount of solid after the dilution was about 7.5% by weight. The glass transition point of the polyimide film that was shaped from the polyamide acid solution was 420° C. The glass transition point was obtained from the DSC measurement chart by separating the polyimide film after drying and using DSC-200 (Seiko Instruments & Electronics, Ltd.).
[0076] Next, by using the same method as Example 1, both sides of the amorphous metal strip were coated with the polyamide acid solution, and subjected to the semidrying. The average coating thickness of the polyamide acid solution after the drying was 1 μm. The degree of imidization of the polyimide film coated on the amorphous metal strip was calculated. The degree of imidization was calculated by using the ratio of the C═N expansion and contraction absorbancy of imide of 1367 cm −1 to the benzene ring expansion and contraction absorbency of the infrared absorption spectrum 1500 cm −1 . As a result, it could be seen that the degree of imidization was in the range of 15% to 24% on both sides.
[0077] Next, the amorphous metal strip was subjected to the hot press processing.
[0078] Next, 30 formed amorphous metal strips were laminated in the mold for laminating made of stainless steel. Between the upper and the lower sides of the laminated amorphous metal strips and the mold, the polyimide film having the same dimension and shape was inserted to prevent fixing of the amorphous metal strips to the mold.
[0079] The mold for laminating was set in the hot press furnace, after the nitrogen atmosphere was sufficiently substituted from the industrial nitrogen bombe so that the dew point was −55° C., the temperature of the mold was increased to 450° C., which was higher than the glass transition point of the polyimide film by 30° C., and maintained at that temperature. While the temperature was maintained at 450° C., the pressure of 15 MPa was applied in a laminating direction of the amorphous metal strip for 10 min. Next, the internal temperature of the furnace was decreased, and the hot pressed soft magnetic metal strip laminate was pulled from the mold for laminating.
[0080] The soft magnetic metal strip laminate was subjected to annealing heat treatment in the furnace under nitrogen atmosphere using the liquid nitrogen at 500° C. for 1 hour. The degree of imidization of the polyimide film after the annealing heat treatment was more than 90%. The height of the laminate after the heat treatment was measured, and the space factor was calculated 95%.
[0081] In addition, the surface of the laminate was observed by using a stereoscopic microscope at 20× magnitude, but defects such as inflation were not observed. In addition, by using the ultrasonic imaging device that was manufactured by Hitachi Kenki FineTech Co., Ltd., the internal defects were examined with the ultrasonic wave having the frequency of 50 MHz, but defects such as delamination were not observed.
Comparative Example
[0082] By using the same method as Example 1, both sides of the amorphous metal strip were coated with the polyamide acid solution, the amorphous metal strip was dried, and subjected to the press working.
[0083] Next, like the known production method, the imidization treatment was performed in the drying furnace under the liquid nitrogen atmosphere at the maintaining temperature of 300° C. for the heat treatment time of 30 min.
[0084] The degree of imidization of the polyimide film that was subjected to the heat treatment of the imidization was calculated. The degree of imidization was calculated by using the ratio of the C═N expansion and contraction absorbancy of imide of 1367 cm −1 to the benzene ring expansion and contraction absorbancy of the infrared absorption spectrum 1500 cm −1 . As a result, it could be seen that the degree of imidization of the polyamide acid solution before the hot pressing start was about 80% on both sides.
[0085] Next, by using the same method as Example 1, plural amorphous metal strips are laminated and hot pressed in the mold, and then subjected to the annealing heat treatment. The height of the laminate after the heat treatment was measured, and the space factor was calculated 93%, which was lower than that of the production method of the present invention.
[0086] In addition, by using the ultrasonic imaging device that was manufactured by Hitachi Kenki FineTech Co., Ltd., the internal defects were examined with the ultrasonic wave having the frequency of 50 MHz, and a portion that caused internal delamination was observed. An area of the portion that did not cause delamination was 50% or less of the total area. From the Comparative Example, it can be seen that in order to obtain a soft magnetic metal strip laminate in which the adhesion strength between the metal strips was high and a delamination layer was not formed, the degree of imidization of the polyamide acid solution by the semidrying heat treatment was preferably less than 80%. | A soft magnetic metal strip laminate that has high adhesion strength between metal strips, free from delamination, an excellent magnetic property, a high space factor, and a process for production thereof. A process for production of a soft magnetic metal strip laminate that includes plural soft magnetic metal strips laminated by using a polyamide acid solution includes the steps of applying the polyamide acid solution on the soft magnetic metal strip, performing semicuring heat treatment to obtain the degree of imidization of the polyamide acid solution which is in the range of 15 to 70%, laminating plural soft magnetic metal strips to each other through the polyamide acid solution, and performing the heat treatment of the heating and the hot pressing to obtain the degree of imidization of the polyamide acid solution which is more than 90%. | 8 |
This application is a division of application Ser. No. 09/392,481, filed Sep. 9, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,400.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a plug cap for connecting to a spark plug of an internal combustion engine, and more particularly relates to a plug cap configuration which induces less wear of a threaded terminal on the spark plug, and has elements which are resistant to wear.
2. Background Art
Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. Sho. 63-60288 “Plug Cap” and Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. Sho. 63-87277 “Attaching Structure for Plug Cap with Integrated Ignition Coil of an Internal Combustion Engine” show conventional plug cap configurations. In FIG. 5 of publication No. 63-60288, a cylindrical member 15 is fixed to a terminal 4 a by a pin member 17 meshing with the terminal 4 a . A threaded terminal is shown FIG. 4. In FIG. 3 of publication No. 63-87277 a plug cap is shown which has an integrated ignition coil IC built into a plug cap C. The plug cap C is therefore heavy and the load is borne by a shroud 4 via a seal bar S.
FIGS. 15 ( a ) to ( c ) are views describing the operation of a conventional pin member. FIG. 15 ( a ) shows a configuration having a straight section 103 of a spring pin housed in a groove 102 of a cylindrical member 101 . Member 101 meshes with a screw thread 105 on the terminal side. FIG. 15 ( b ) is a view showing the operation when beginning extraction of the cylindrical member 101 . When the cylindrical member 101 is moved upwards, a force in the direction of arrow A acts on the straight section 103 . This force is orthogonal to an inclined surface of the screw thread 105 , and when the force changes direction to that of direction of arrow B, a horizontal component of this force is generated in the direction of arrow C. The straight section 103 then pushes out towards the left due to the horizontal component of the force in the direction of arrow C. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15 ( c ), the straight section 103 moves as far as the top of the screw thread 105 , and the cylindrical member 101 is withdrawn in the direction of the vertically extending arrow.
FIGS. 16 ( a ) to FIG. 16 ( c ) are views showing difficulties arising in the use of conventional plug caps. FIG. 16 ( a ) shows depressions 106 that are generated by the hard straight section 103 wearing upon the relatively soft screw thread 105 during long periods of use. As shown in FIG. 16 ( b ), when it is intended to withdraw the cylindrical member 101 upwards, the straight section 103 cannot be moved horizontally (in the direction X in the drawings) by applying force to the straight section 103 in the direction of arrow A, due to the depth of the wear-induced depressions 106 .
FIG. 16 ( c ) is an enlarged view of FIG. 16 ( b ). In this figure it can be seen that when the center of the straight section 103 reaches, for example, a point P 2 which is further inward than point P 1 , the straight section 103 cannot now be pushed horizontally. Conversely, if the center of the straight section 103 is further left of or outward from point P 1 , lateral movement is still possible. However, after long periods of use, it is possible that the center of the straight section 103 will reach point P 2 inward from point P 1 . Regarding this point, in the case of a plug cap integrally fitted with an ignition coil as in Publication No. Sho. 63-87277, in order to fix the plug cap to the terminal in a reliable manner, it is necessary to make the spring force of the pin member large. When the spring force is large, the wear of the screw threads occurs after a relatively short period of time.
In the above, a description is given of wear on the side of the threaded terminal of the spark plug, but the same also occurs on the side of the cylindrical member of the plug cap.
FIGS. 17 ( a ) and FIG. 17 ( b ) are views showing examples of deficiencies in conventional cylindrical members. FIG. 17 ( a ) shows that the width of the groove 102 is substantially the same as the diameter of the straight section 103 . This straight section 103 moves up and down so as to knock against an upper sidewall 107 and a lower sidewall 108 in during vibration. As a result, as shown in FIG. 17 ( b ), the sides of the relatively soft sidewalls 107 and 108 are deformed and a so-called tadpole shape is formed. The straight section 103 meshes as a result of movement to the right in the drawings and is released as a result of movement to the left. Movement to the left is therefore indispensable if the cylindrical member 101 is to be detached.
In FIG. 17 ( b ), as the straight section 103 is inserted into a concave part 109 , it is necessary to apply quite a large force in order to cause movement in the direction of the arrow 3 . The operability of the configuration of FIG. 17 ( a ) is therefore low and this configuration is not preferred. As shown by these illustrations, conventional configurations are seen to develop a considerable reduction in operability after extended use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to prevent the occurrence of depressions at the screw threads on the terminal side.
It is further an object of the present invention to prevent the occurrence of depressions in a groove on the side of a cylindrical section.
It is an additional object of the present invention to prevent a reduction in operability in detaching the plug cap.
In order to achieve the aforementioned objects, a plug cap attachment method is disclosed utilizing a plug cap having a conductive section covering the threaded terminal, a groove cut to a fixed depth from the outer surface of a cylindrical section towards the center thereof, and an alignment section of an attachment element installed at the groove. The attachment element may be a spring pin having a substantially straight section serving as the alignment section. The straight portion of the spring pin meshes with the threaded terminal, with the threaded terminal located on a spark plug installed in an internal combustion engine. The spark plug is typically installed in a manner substantially parallel to the cylinder axis of an ignition chamber. When the plug cap is connected to the spark plug, the straight section of the spring pin lies in a plane orthogonal to the axis of a crank shaft of the internal combustion engine.
Vibrations of the internal combustion engine mainly occur in a plane orthogonal to the axis of the crankshaft. Therefore, when the straight section of the spring pin is arranged in this plane, the threaded terminal is arranged in parallel with this surface. External force therefore operates in each direction in this plane but external forces do not generally operate in directions orthogonal to this plane. Because the external force does not operate in a direction orthogonal to this plane, there is no knocking of the screw thread and no danger of depressions being created at the screw thread.
The internal combustion engine can be mounted on a vehicle in such a manner that the crankshaft extends across the width of the vehicle and the cylinders are above the axis of the crankshaft. A main direction of vibration of the internal combustion engine is therefore substantially orthogonal with the cylinder axis and the axis of the crankshaft, and the straight section of the spring piston extends in parallel with the main direction of vibration. Because the straight section is parallel to the direction of vibration, external force does not operate in a direction orthogonal to the pin axis, and there is no danger of knocking at the screw thread or at sidewall grooves. There is accordingly no danger of depressions occurring at the screw thread or groove sidewalls.
The main direction of vibration of the internal combustion engine is typically in a direction from the front to the back of the vehicle, the cylinder axis of this internal combustion engine being substantially vertical and the straight section of the spring pin extending substantially in a direction from the front to the back of the vehicle.
In addition to there being no danger of depressions occurring in the screw threads and the sidewalls of the grooves, it is also anticipated that unpleasant vibrations sensed by a motorcycle rider will be substantially reduced. If a seat is located above an inclined engine in a motorcycle in which the principal vibrations from an engine are vertical, this provides an unpleasant feeling during riding. If the direction of vibration is then made from the front to the rear of the vehicle, the unpleasant vibrations are substantially reduced.
The present invention also involves a plug cap having a conductive cylindrical section into which a threaded terminal of a spark plug is screwed and incorporated at the lower part of a cap body. A groove is cut into the cylindrical section to a fixed depth, with a straight section of the spring pin installed at the groove and meshing with the threaded terminal. An identifying part for identifying the direction of the straight section is formed in the cap body. The occurrence of depressions in threaded terminals can be suppressed by lining up the direction of attachment of the straight section of the spring pin with the direction of the vibrations acting on the spark plug and plug. However, the spring pin and the straight section thereof are within the cap body and their orientation cannot be determined from the exterior of the plug cap. The identifying part is therefore provided as a mark, such as an arrow, a character, a color, an indentation, a raised surface or surfaces, a luminescent element, or other identifying indicia on the cap body, to provide an indication of the proper orientation of the cap body from the exterior.
The cap body may comprise a cylindrical section with a conductive cylindrical section built in the body, and a connector for inserting a plug for supplying electricity to the conductive cylindrical section from outside. The connector can include the identification section because the connector extends from the cylindrical section at a right angle to the axis of the cylindrical section.
A method of applying an identifying mark is also disclosed, in which characters or a color are applied to the cap body as an identification part. If the connector itself is used as an identification part indicating direction at the cap body, increases in costs can be kept down while maintaining an attractive appearance. in this case the cap body or an element of the cap body lies in a predetermined alignment with a straight section of a securing spring pin or pins within the plug cap. The element having a predetermined alignment is then used to determine the proper alignment when installing the plug cap in relation to the primary direction of vibration of the engine.
The ignition coil can include a primary coil and a secondary coil which is built into the cap body. The plug cap having an integrated ignition coil is substantially heavier than those having an external transformer function. The spring force of a securing spring pin must therefore be increased to reliably fix the cap to a threaded terminal. This increase in spring force results in a striking increase in the occurrence of depressions in the screw thread and depressions in the groove. However, in the present invention, even a plug cap with an integrated ignition coil can be reliably attached to a screw terminal by lining up the direction of vibration applied from outside and the axial direction of the pin of the straight section of the spring pin. In addition, depressions do not occur and detachment from the spring terminal is straightforward.
Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
FIGS. 1 ( a ) and 1 ( b ) are views showing the relationship between the plug cap and park plug according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the attachment configuration for the plug cap according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 3 ( a ) and 3 ( b ) are views showing the elements involved in attaching the spring pin according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional views of a groove according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 ( a ) is an enlarged sectional view of the operation of a groove according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 ( b ) is a view illustrating the operation of a groove according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 6 ( a ) and 6 ( b ) are a sectional views of a plug cap along with a spark plug according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a detailed view of part 7 of FIG. 6 ( a );
FIG. 8 is a view of the operation of a plug cap of the second embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a view a plug cap according to the second embodiment as installed on a cilinder head;
FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a groove according to a third embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 11 is a side view of a motorcycle to which the plug cap attachment method of the present invention may be applied;
FIG. 12 is a view in the direction of the arrow 12 of FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a view of a first action of the plug cap attachment structure of the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a view of a second action of the plug cap attachment structure of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a view illustrating the operation of a conventional pin member; and
FIGS. 16 and 17 are views showing examples of disadvantageous characteristics of a conventional plug cap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 ( a ) is a view showing the relationship between a plug cap and a spark plug according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 ( b ) is a view in the direction of arrow b of FIG. 1 ( a ). The spark plug 10 is a plug appropriate for use in a standard internal combustion engine. Plug 10 has a threaded terminal, a central electrode 11 , an outer electrode 12 , threaded installation section 13 , nut 14 , insulator 15 and threaded terminal 16 . At a plug cap 20 , numeral 21 indicates a high tension cable, numeral 22 an insulating cap body, and numeral 23 a conductive cylindrical section.
The cap body 22 comprises a cylindrical part 35 incorporated into the cylindrical section 23 , with an identifying part 36 bent at a right angle to the cylindrical part 35 . This identifying part 36 extends in a direction parallel to the straight section 31 of the spring pin 30 , and serves as an indicator of the proper orientation of straight section 31 .
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the installation configuration for the plug cap according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, a spring pin 30 is installed in a groove 25 cut to a fixed depth in a direction towards the center from an outer surface 24 at the end (lower end) of the cylindrical section 23 . The spring pin 30 meshes with the thread of the threaded terminal 16 .
FIG. 3 ( a ) and FIG. 3 ( b ) are views of the elements involved in the installation of the plug cap of the present invention. In FIG. 3 ( a ), a spring pin 30 is lined up with the groove 25 of the cylindrical section 23 . The spring pin has a shape resembling that of a hairpin, with a is straight section 31 and a curved section 32 bent back from an end of the straight section 31 . Spring pin 30 may be formed from a steel or other metal which has a high hardness value when compared with carbon steel or stainless steel.
In FIG. 3 ( b ), the straight section 31 is illustrated as meshed with the groove 25 , and curved section 32 is wrapped around the cylindrical section 23 . Excess material is shown by imaginary lines and may be removed using a cutting tool. Straight section 31 therefore runs along the groove 25 and can translate along the groove. The section remains biased against the base 26 of the groove 25 as shown in FIG. 3 ( b ) if there is no external force.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the groove according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The groove 25 comprises a base 26 , and upper and lower sidewalls 27 and 28 and is characterized in that lower sidewall 28 is inclined so as to broaden out towards the outer surface. The angle of inclination θ can be in the range of 10 to 20 degrees, with 15 degrees being a preferred value. Only sidewall 28 of the two sidewalls 27 and 28 is inclined with respect to the groove 25 , thus forming a V-shape in which one side of the groove may be essentially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical section. The groove 25 is therefore referred to as having a V-shaped cross-section with one side vertical.
FIG. 5 ( a ) and FIG. 5 ( b ) are views illustrating the operation of a groove according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5 ( a ), depressions 18 are generated in the inclined surface of the relatively soft screw thread 17 by the hard straight section 31 due to use over long periods of time. The arrow indicates a force in the direction of withdrawal for the cylindrical section 23 in this state.
In FIG. 5 ( b ), an upward force f 1 operating on the straight section 31 can be divided into a vertical component force f 2 at the sidewall 28 and a component of force f 3 which is parallel to sidewall 28 . The straight section 31 is then urged in a direction towards the outside by the component of force f 3 as shown by the large arrow. As a result, the straight section 31 comes away from the screw thread 17 of FIG. 5 ( a ) and movement upwards from the cylindrical section 23 is possible.
To demonstrate this operation, it is preferable to select θ in a range from 10 to 45 degrees. If θ is less than 10 degrees, then there is little difference from a groove having vertical sidewalls, and the force required to push the straight section 31 to the outside is only slight. If 45 degrees is exceeded, in addition to force being applied in the left direction to the straight section 31 , there is the danger that the straight portion will become unstable. This is due to the clearance with respect to the plug cap insertion direction for the straight section 31 and the groove 25 in the case of extension to the outside (or, to the left in the drawing figure). Because manufacturing is easier for a smaller θ, it is preferable to limit θ to about 20 degrees, and it is even more preferable to select θ within a range of from about 10 to 20 degrees.
FIG. 6 ( a ) is a cross-section of a plug cap according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with FIG. 6 ( b ) being a cross-section taken along line b—b of FIG. 6 ( a ). Here, the spark plug 10 can be a plug with a threaded terminal as illustrated in FIG. 1 . Plug cap 40 is integrally formed with an ignition coil, where a first coil 42 , second coil 43 and cylindrical section 23 are housed in an insulating cap body 41 . A high voltage ignition transformer is formed by the first coil 42 and the second coil 43 . The first coil 42 and the second coil 43 must be wound to a required length and the cap is therefore elongated.
The cap body 41 includes a cylindrical part 45 incorporated in the cylindrical section 23 , with an identifying part 46 formed so as to extend from the cylindrical part 45 in a direction at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical part 45 . A connector 48 for inserting a plug for supplying electricity is formed at the identifying part 46 . In this case, connector 48 doubles as the identifying part 46 because it extends at a right angle from the longitudinal axis of cylindrical part 45 . The identifying part 46 extends in a direction parallel to the straight section of the spring pins 30 A and 30 B (in FIG. 6 ( a ) this extends from the rear in a forward direction), and therefore indicates the orientation of the straight sections of the spring pins 30 A and 30 B.
An arrow pattern may be applied to the identifying part 46 of the plug cap, or characters or a color may be applied to the cap body 41 . If the connector 48 is also used as an identification part indicating orientation at the cap body 41 , as shown in FIGS. 6 ( a ) and 6 ( b ), cost may be minimized while maintaining an attractive appearance. The connector itself can serve as the identification part by constructing the plug cap so that the connector has an orthogonal orientation with respect to the cylindrical conductive section 23 , and a predetermined relationship with respect to the direction of straight portion 31 , as in a parallel relationship.
FIG. 7 is a detailed view of part 7 of FIG. 6 . Here, a first groove 25 A and a second groove 25 B are spaced at a prescribed distance L in parallel with each other on cylindrical section 23 . A first spring pin 30 A and a second spring pin 30 B are installed within the grooves. The first groove 25 A and the second groove 25 B may have the same shape as groove 25 , and the first spring pin 30 A and the second spring pin 30 B may have the same shape as spring pin 30 . The first and second grooves 25 A and 25 B are grooves of a V-shaped cross-section with one side vertical and with the lower sidewalls 28 both being inclined. As a result of these grooves having a V-shaped cross-section with one side vertical, installation requires a slight force and withdrawal is relatively easy. However, the first and second grooves 25 A and 25 B can both be grooves of a V-shaped cross-section with two inclined sidewalls. If a groove having two inclined sidewalls is used, both attachment and withdrawal can both be completed with only a small amount of force. However, this configuration cannot be employed when distance L is small due to the requirement for a remainder portion 29 between the first channel 25 A and the second channel 25 B.
FIG. 8 is a view of the operation of a plug cap according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where a large moment M 1 is applied to the cylindrical section 23 . The cylindrical section 23 advantageously forms a two point support structure with the first spring pin 30 A and the second spring pin 30 B separated by a distance L. In a one point support structure the moment Ml that can be supported is weak, while in a two point support structure a larger moment can be supported.
FIG. 9 is a view of the attachment of plug cap 40 to a spark plug 10 which is threaded into a cylinder head 51 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. First spring 30 A and second spring 30 B engage grooves within a cylindrical section and secure the plug cap 40 to the spark plug 10 . A low tension cable 52 is connected to the plug cap 40 . The plug cap 40 includes a primary coil and a secondary coil. Because a transformer function is built into the plug cap 40 , it is sufficient to supply low voltage current to cable 52 . The wire adopted for the cable 52 can therefore be relatively thin compared with a high tension cable. Because the cap with an integrated coil is substantially heavier than caps having an external transformer function, the spring pin force must be made fairly large to support the plug cap. The occurrence of depressions due to the large spring force can be prevented by aligning the axial direction of the straight portion 31 of a spring pin 30 with the direction of vibration. It is therefore not necessary to support the plug cap 40 with a separate bracket, in spite of the elongated shape of plug cap 40 . In FIG. 9, two spring pins 30 A and 30 B are employed to more securely fix the plug cap 40 having an integral transformer function to the spark plug 10 . Various embodiments employing varying numbers of spring pins and varying spring forces are contemplated as encompassed by the present disclosure.
FIG. 10 is an embodiment of a groove according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The width W of the base 26 of the groove 25 is usually sufficiently larger than the diameter d so as to provide a slight clearance with the diameter d of the straight section 31 . Particularly when the width of the base 26 of this groove 25 is taken as W, the diameter of the straight section 31 is taken to be d, and the amplitude of vibration of the plug cap occurring due to vibrations of the engine taking the spark plug as a reference are taken to be V. W is then calculated as W=d+V. The width is calculated according to this formula to compensate for the delay between the vibration of the plug cap and the spark plug. This delay occurs because the spark plug vibrates in unison with the cylinder head, by way of its rigid attachment with the cylinder head. On the other hand, the spark plug cap is not absolutely rigid in relation to the spark plug, and therefore vibrates in a manner that is slightly delayed with respect to the spark plug. The delay is more striking for plug caps of a larger mass and in particular tends to be particularly large for plug caps with integrated ignition coils, with this delay appearing as an amplitude. The range of this amplitude therefore becomes the extent to which the hard straight section 31 knocks the sidewalls 27 and 28 of the groove 25 , thereby damaging the sidewalls and making it difficult to detach the plug cap.
As shown in FIG. 10, if the channel width is compensated according to an expected amplitude V, calculated by the formula W=d+V, there is no danger of knocking at the sidewalls 27 and 28 . The application of the groove structure using base width values as calculated in the third embodiment is therefore desirable and applicable to the first and second embodiments of the present invention. Giving a specific example, when four 150 cc cylinders are lined up in series to give a 600 cc water-cooled four cylinder internal combustion engine, the amplitude V is 0.1 to 0.3 mm and the pin diameter is 0.9 mm. It is therefore preferable to select a groove width W in a range from 1.0 to 1.2 mm.
Two grooves are shown in the illustration of the third embodiment, but if the distance L is sufficient, three or more grooves may be employed. The groove 25 can also be constructed with a V-shaped cross-section where the upper sidewall 27 is also inclined so as to broaden towards the outer surface. If this V-shaped cross-section is adopted, installation and removal are both fairly easy. The amplitude V changes depending upon the type and shape of the engine, and the shape and weight of the plug cap. Values for amplitude V can be determined through experimentation and then revising these experimental values based on practical data. It is also possible to combine the inclining of the sidewalls of the grooves as described in connection with FIG. 4 and the base width value W in relation to the amplitude V as described in connection with FIG. 10 .
FIG. 11 is a side view of a motorcycle to which the plug cap attachment method of the present invention is applied. Here, a motorcycle 60 has a front wheel 63 attached to a front part of a vehicle frame 61 via a front fork. A rear wheel 66 is attached to the rear part of the vehicle frame 61 via a swing arm 65 . A fuel tank 67 and seat 68 are then lined up from front to rear above the vehicle frame 61 and an internal combustion engine 70 is arranged below the fuel tank 67 and the seat 68 . The engine 70 is arranged in such a manner that the cylinder axis 71 is inclined slightly forwards from the vertical, with the spark plugs arranged on the cylinder axis facing the ignition chamber (not shown in the drawings). A plug cap 40 is attached to each plug and a crankshaft 72 extends across the vehicle (shown from inside to outside in the drawings). At the engine 70 , a first vibration 74 caused by the reciprocal movement of the piston is generated. This vibration exhibits itself in the negation of the crankshaft weight and as a result, a second vibration 75 in a direction orthogonal to the first vibration 74 becomes the principal vibration. The second vibration 75 therefore becomes a vibration going from the front slightly to the rear of the vehicle because the cylinder axis 71 is inclined slightly forward from the vertical.
In the present invention, the plane of FIG. 11 (i.e. the plane of the paper) corresponds to a plane orthogonal to the axis of the crankshaft. Similarly, in the present invention, arrow 75 corresponds to a direction which is substantially orthogonal to the cylinder axis and substantially orthogonal to the axis of the crankshaft. If the main vibrations from the engine 70 are vertical vibrations, then the sensation when riding is unpleasant due to the relationship of the seat 68 on the incline of the engine 70 . It is therefore preferable for the direction of vibrations to be substantially from the front to the rear of the vehicle.
FIG. 12 is a view as viewed from arrow 12 of FIG. 11, including four plug caps 40 arranged on plugs installed in head cover 77 , together with plug cap connectors 48 which all face towards the front of the vehicle. Numeral 73 indicates the crankshaft axis. As a result, a guide rib 78 rises at the front edge of the head cover 77 and four guide grooves 79 are cut into the guide rib 78 . The orientation of the connectors 48 can then be arranged by inserting each of the connectors 48 into the guide grooves 79 .
FIG. 13 ( a ) and FIG. 13 ( b ) are views of a first action of the plug attachment structure of the present invention. FIG. 13 ( a ) is a view showing the relationship of the threaded terminal and the straight section 31 of the spring pin as viewed from the front of the vehicle, illustrating the straight section 31 as meshed with the depressions of the screw threads 17 .
FIG. 13 ( b ) is a view taken in the direction of arrow b—b of FIG. 13 ( a ) with the large bidirectional arrow showing the direction of vibrations due to external forces. This shows that the straight section 31 is parallel or substantially parallel with this direction of vibration. If the direction of the main vibrations of the engine is a direction from the front to the rear of the vehicle, the straight section 31 extends parallel or substantially parallel to this direction. This alignment of the straight section 31 prevents wear due to frictional contact with the screw threads 17 . Specifically, the reciprocal motion of the straight section in a direction which is substantially aligned with the screw threads, which does not result in the formation of depressions.
In a vehicle employing the present invention, an internal combustion engine may be mounted on a vehicle in such a manner that the crankshaft extends across the width of the vehicle and cylinders are above the axis of the crankshaft, a main direction of vibration of the internal combustion engine is expected to be orthogonal with the cylinder axis and the axis of the crankshaft. The straight section 31 of the spring piston 30 therefore extends substantially in parallel with the main direction of vibration.
FIG. 14 ( a ) and FIG. 14 ( b ) are views of a second action of the plug cap attachment structure of the present invention. FIG. 14 ( a ) is a view showing the relationship of the groove 25 and the straight section 31 of the spring pin as viewed from the front of the vehicle. FIG. 14 ( b ) corresponds to FIG. 14 ( a ) when viewed from the direction of the arrows b—b, and shows that the direction of vibrations shown by the large arrow coincides with the axial direction of the straight section 31 . In this case the straight section 31 moves reciprocally in a direction from front to back of the drawing, and there is no danger of the upper and lower sidewalls 27 and 28 of the groove 25 colliding with the straight section 31 .
The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. | A plug cap and a method for attaching the plug cap which prevents the occurrence of depressions on a spark plug screw thread and in a cylindrical section of the plug cap. The plug cap includes a spring pin having a straight section which engages a groove in the conductive cylindrical section of the plug cap. The plug cap also has an identifying part on its exterior which indicates the direction in which the straight section is oriented. The plug cap is installed on the spark plug in a way which orients the straight section of the spring pin in a direction parallel to the principle vibration axis of the engine. The base of the plug cap groove may also be cut to a width which dampens the effect of vibrations causing translation of the straight section within the groove. The groove sidewalls may be angled to aid in removal of the plug cap. | 8 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 11/126,989 filed May 11, 2005, which is incorporated here by reference and which now U.S. Pat. No. 7,420,740.
BACKGROUND AND FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for combining light of different wavelengths. The invention relates in particular to an illumination unit with the capability of combining light from red, green and blue narrowband light sources into white light. However, the invention also relates to an illumination unit with the capability of splitting white light into red, green and blue subbeams.
Projectors currently in use which build on the projection of light for image generation can essentially be divided into 2 categories: those which provide for each of the three color channels red (R), green (G) and blue (B) with one imaging element each (3P Projectors=3 Panel Projectors). To the red color channel is assigned light with wavelengths within the wavelength interval of 600 nm to 780 nm. To the green color channel is assigned light with wavelengths within the wavelength interval of 500 nm to 600 nm. To the blue color channel is assigned light with wavelengths within the wavelength interval of 420 nm to 500 nm.
However, there are also those projectors which work with only one imaging element and operate color sequentially (CS Projectors=Color Sequential Projectors).
A further classification can be based on the manner in which the imaging element modulates light in order to pass on image information. A widely established class of image producing elements subjects the incident light to a locally resolved polarization modulation. This polarization modulation is subsequently transferred into an intensity modulation by means of polarization-selective optical elements. This type of imaging element must be impinged by polarized light. However, the focus of the present description are illumination devices for another class of imaging elements, which can be impinged by nonpolarized light or by light only partially polarized. The illumination devices required for this purpose should have the capability of preparing nonpolarized light for impingement.
If broadband white light sources are utilized in 3 P projectors, the white light must first be split into the three colors red, green and blue. One possibility of carrying this out is the utilization of dielectric edge filters. An edge filter has the task of reflecting nearly 100% of light in a first wavelength range, while it should transmit nearly 100% of the light in a second adjacent wavelength range. The region in which the wavelength ranges adjoin is denoted as a filter edge. If a first edge filter with a filter edge at 500 nm is placed into the beam path of a white light source, the blue light assigned to the blue color channel is first split from the yellow light. Yellow light in this case is additively combined green and red light. If an edge filter with an edge at 600 nm is placed into the beam path of the yellow light, green light is split from red light.
The implementation of the particular edge filter determines which wavelength range is reflected or transmitted. An edge filter which transmits the wavelength range with the shorter wavelengths, while the longer wavelengths are reflected, is generally referred to as shortpass filter. An edge filter which reflects the wavelength range with the shorter wavelengths while transmitting the longer wavelengths, is referred to as longpass filter.
If narrowband light sources, such as for example the light from LEDs, are utilized in CS projectors, the illumination configuration has the task of joining the light paths of a red, green and blue narrowband light source and to direct the light beams onto the one imaging element. Edge filters can again be employed: a first filter which, for example, combines the light path of the red and of the green light and a second one, which combines the light path of the blue light with the two other light paths.
A problematic aspect is the fact that light from white light sources as well as also light of narrowband LEDs, as a rule, does not supply polarized light, but in any event incompletely polarized light.
Edge filters are, however, typically realized by means of dielectric interference layer systems on glass substrates which are otherwise transparent. Interference layer systems with respect to polarization dependency, however, have characteristics which, in the case of the edge filters described here, have been found to be disadvantageous. In order not to reflect a portion of the light back into itself, the edge filters are disposed at an angle which is inclined with respect to the optic axis. It is problematic here that because of this the reflection and transmission behavior of the interference filter becomes polarization dependent. In particular the position of the edge as well as also the reflection and transmission in the wavelength ranges adjacent to the edge depend on the polarization. In light sources operating with non-polarized or only partially polarized light, this leads to erroneous misdirection of light components. For one, this leads to a loss of light and, for another, can have an unfavorable effect on the particular color coordinates.
In the present specification the optical path which must be traversed by the blue component of the light is referred to as the blue channel. The proportion of the blue light emitted by the light source arriving at the imaging element, is referred to as the blue channel transmission. A red channel transmission and a green channel transmission are referred to correspondingly. It is understood that misdirections of light components lead to a decrease of the channel transmission.
A further important effect influencing the channel transmission is the angular emission characteristic of the light source or of the light sources. The optical elements and filters utilized for the illumination must therefore have a certain angular acceptance, which, as a rule, is expressed as the f-number. The f-number is inversely proportional to the numeric aperture (NA) defined by the product of the index of refraction of the medium and one half of the aperture angle of the illumination cone, i.e. the smaller the f-number, the greater the required angular acceptance. The effect exerted by the different angles of incidence onto the transmission characteristic of the edge filters, must also be taken into consideration in calculating the channel transmission. The position of the edge as well as also the reflection and transmission in the ranges adjoining the edge depend on the angle of incidence. In order to take this into consideration, weighted integration is carried out over the different angles of incidence. For the channel transmission this means that the initially steep edges for an angle of incidence through integration over different angles forfeit steepness and consequently, light in the edge region is misdirected.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The aim of the invention is therefore specifying a device which overcomes, or at least reduces, the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular the device according to the invention represents a solution which can be produced cost-effectively compared to prior art for an illumination system with non-polarized light for projectors.
The solution to the addressed problem comprises, in contrast to the prior art, treating the green channel located between the two adjoining wavelength intervals separately, while the red and blue light channel are still (in the case of the white light source) or already (in the case of the narrowband light sources) combined. This means that for the separation of the red light path from the blue light path, or for the combination of the red and of the blue light path, a highly simplified edge filter can be utilized, whose edge within the green wavelength interval can be nearly arbitrarily polarization dependent and/or angle dependent without significantly impairing the separation or the combination of red-blue. It is therefore even questionable whether this filter should be called an edge filter in the sense of the above provided definition. To account for this, within the scope of this specification the filter is generally referred to as an RB splitter, and specifically as an RB splitter shortpass if blue light is transmitted and red light reflected; and correspondingly, as an RB splitter longpass if blue light is reflected and red light is transmitted.
In connection with color management systems for reflective, locally polarization-modulating imaging elements, such separate treatment of the green channel is already known. However, here the color management system must propagate light, which is polarization-modulated and reflected by the imaging element, to one extent in the one polarization and to some extent in the other polarization, before a polarization-sensitive optical element converts the polarization modulation into an intensity modulation.
In contrast, no polarization-selective element is utilized in illumination configurations for imaging elements in which the polarization does not play a role. According to the present invention rather a so-called green bandpass filter is required and utilized. Such a filter can, for example, be realized thereby where on one side of a substrate, a shortpass filter is applied with the position of the edge at approximately 600 nm, while on the other side a longpass filter is applied with the position of the edge at approximately 500 nm. In this way, blue light is reflected on the side with the longpass filter and red light is reflected on the side with the shortpass filter. Only green light is transmitted through both sides of the substrate. This permits the efficient combining and/or splitting of the green light with or from light components which include red as well as also blue light. As already described above, it is advantageous here that the additional filter can be an RB splitter. In the green wavelength range, which forms the transition between the red wavelength range and the blue wavelength range, there are no specifications which have to be satisfied and therefore effects, such as polarization shift or angle shifts, do not play any role or at least they play only a subordinate one.
In an especially preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bandpass filter, however, is not realized as a two-sided one, but rather is only applied on one side of the substrate, i.e. on one side of the substrate, the bandpass filter is realized by means of a layer system. On the other side, if it is considered necessary, only an antireflection coating is provided comprising a few layers. Such single-side bandpass filters are generally considered to be difficult to produce. However, novel and substantially statistical design methods simplify this task considerably. It has unexpectedly been found that such a single-sided design with only 60% of the total thickness of a comparable two-sided design can be produced with substantially lower coating complexity and therefore much more cost-effectively.
The invention specifies a method for dividing essentially non-polarized white light into three substantially non-polarized fractions with at least the following steps:
splitting the substantially non-polarized white light into a first fraction and a second fraction, the first fraction comprising substantially non-polarized light of a first wavelength interval and the second fraction comprising substantially non-polarized light of a second and of a third wavelength interval, and the first wavelength interval is located between the second and the third wavelength interval, splitting the second fraction into a third fraction with substantially non-polarized light of the second wavelength interval and a fourth fraction with substantially non-polarized light of the third wavelength interval.
According to the invention, in addition, a method is specified for the combination of the beam paths of a first, substantially non-polarized light beam of a first wavelength interval of a first light source, a second, substantially non-polarized lightbeam of a second wavelength interval of a second light source, and a third, substantially non-polarized light beam of a third wavelength interval of a third light source, the first wavelength interval being located between the second and the third wavelength interval and the method comprising at least the following steps:
combination of the beam paths of the second light beam and of the third light beam into a first combined beam path, such that the degree of polarization of the particular light beams is substantially not affected; combination of the beam path of the first light beam with the first combined beam path, such that the degree of polarization of the particular light beams is substantially not affected.
The specification discloses an illumination unit according to the invention comprising a first light source for emitting of a first, substantially nonpolarized light beam of a second wavelength interval,
a second light source for emitting a second, substantially nonpolarized light beam of a second wavelength interval,
a third light source for emitting a third, substantially nonpolarized light beam of a third wavelength interval,
the first wavelength interval comprising wavelengths located between the second and the third wavelength interval,
and the second light source and the third light source are disposed such that the beam paths of the emitted light intersect,
and in the region of the intersection a first interference filter for the combination of the beam paths to a first combined beam path is provided;
and the first light source is disposed such that the beam path of the first light source intersects the combined beam path;
and in the region of the intersection of the beam path of the first light source and of the combined beam path, a second interference filter is provided for the combination of the first beam path with the combined beam path.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 a is a schematic view of an illumination unit with white light source according to the prior art with two edge filters;
FIG. 1 b is a schematic view of an illumination unit with 3 LEDs according to the prior art, with two edge filters;
FIG. 2 a is a schematic view of an illumination unit according to the invention with a white light source, a two-sided bandpass filter, and an RB splitter;
FIG. 2 b is a schematic view of an illumination unit according to the invention building on LEDs with a two-sided bandpass filter and an RB splitter;
FIG. 3 a is a graph plotting a transmission spectrum of a green bandpass filter for light incident at 45° for parallel impingement as well for impingement with f-number 1.0,
FIG. 3 b is a graph plotting a transmission spectrum of an RB splitter's longpass for light incident at 45° for parallel impingement as well as for impingement with f-number 1.0;
FIG. 3 c is a graph plotting an assumed weighting of the angles of incidence;
FIG. 4 a is a graph plotting a blue channel transmission as a function of the wavelength (solid line) as well as spectral distribution of a blue LED;
FIG. 4 b is a graph plotting a green channel transmission as a function of the wavelength (solid line) as well as spectral distribution of a green LED; is a graph plotting
FIG. 4 c is a graph plotting a red channel transmission as a function of the wavelength (solid line) as well as spectral distribution of a red LED;
FIG. 5 a is a graph plotting a blue channel transmission under LED illumination;
FIG. 5 b is a graph plotting a green channel transmission under LED illumination;
FIG. 5 c is a graph plotting a red channel transmission under LED illumination;
FIG. 6 is a graph plotting a comparison of the transmissions through bandpass filters, single-sided (dotted line) and two-sided (solid line), bandpass filters; and
FIG. 7 is a schematic structure of a projector with LED illumination unit according to the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The invention will be explained as follows in further detail by example and in conjunction with the figures.
FIG. 1 a illustrates schematically the condition according to the prior art in the case of a white light source. In the illumination configuration 1 of FIG. 1 a , a white light source is shown, which radiates white light W. A longpass filter 5 is placed downstream in the light path at an angle of 45° with the filter edge at approximately 500 nm for the reflection of blue light B and transmission of green light G and red light R. A shortpass filter 7 is placed further downstream into the light path at an orientation of 45° with edge position at approximately 600 nm, which transmits green light G and reflects red light R.
FIG. 1 b depicts schematically an illumination configuration 10 according to the prior art with respect to narrowband light sources to be combined. The blue LED 11 , the red LED 13 and the green LED 15 are shown, whose light is combined by means of the shortpass filter 7 and the longpass filter 5 .
In comparison, FIG. 2 a shows an illumination configuration 20 according to the invention for 3P projectors with white light source 3 . This light source could be, for example, a UHP lamp conventionally used today. A green bandpass filter 21 is placed downstream of the light source at an angle of 45°. A longpass filter 23 with its edge position at 500 nm is applied to one substrate side of the green bandpass filter. A shortpass filter 25 with its edge position at 600 nm is applied to the other side of the green bandpass filter. The bandpass filter is preferably disposed such that the longpass filter 23 faces the light source. In this way the blue light, which, as a rule, is unintentionally most strongly absorbed by thin film material, is minimally transmitted through thin film layers. Absorption effects are thereby minimized. Through this combination of a longpass filter 23 and a shortpass filter 25 , a green bandpass filter 21 is produced, which reflects blue and red light and transmits green light. Downstream, following the path of the red and blue light, an RB splitter longpass is disposed, which essentially reflects blue light and transmits red light. It is understood that here, an RB splitter shortpass would also be feasible. However, for the above addressed reasons with respect to absorption of the blue light, it is in turn, advantageous to reflect the blue light. An antireflection coating can be provided on the backside of the substrate of the RB splitter.
All of the filters comprise thin film alternate layer systems of a high refractive and a low refractive layer material. In the example, Nb 2 O 5 was used for the high refractive layer and H and SiO 2 for the low refractive layer L. Table 1 indicates the layer thickness distribution of the particular filters in nanometers, starting from the substrate. The sum of the total layer thickness of bandpass filter 21 is 4360 nm.
TABLE 1
Shortpass
Longpass
RB-Splitter
92.94H
39.86H
39.63H
136.3L
47.54L
59.04L
76.34H
61.56H
52.48
122.35L
52.13L
90.22L
77.58H
58.31H
52.45H
120.6L
46.27L
88.63L
76.8H
64.05H
46.69H
121.65L
62.63L
86.03L
74.87H
61.33H
54.82H
119.35L
95.74L
83.89L
74.78H
28.75H
51.61H
120.48L
36.17L
100.45L
74.43H
80.61H
57.42H
125.52L
93.1L
77.47L
75.38H
52.76H
28.32H
118.72L
121.34L
70.95H
31.58H
124.13L
24.06L
78.47H
76.97H
17H
128.21L
85.83L
38.17L
82.36H
62.29H
113.98H
97.02L
69.82L
110.64L
121.65H
46.45H
138.23L
52.64L
55.92H
82.46L
47.7H
68.64L
33.85H
170.52L
FIG. 3 a shows the transmission characteristic for nonpolarized light of the green bandpass filter resulting from the two-sided coating. The solid line represents the characteristic at an angle of incidence of 45°. The characteristic ‘steps’ at 495 nm and 560 nm are a consequence of the polarization dependence. The dotted line represents the characteristic which is obtained when the bandpass filter is impinged with an f-number of 1.0. It becomes evident here that by widening the angle spectrum, the edges are softened and thereby, for example, the transmission at the maximum decreases in comparison to the 45° case. Also as a consequence of the softening of the edges, the polarization ‘steps’ are absent.
FIG. 3 b shows the transmission characteristic for nonpolarized light of the RB splitter longpass for angles of incidence of 45° (solid line) and f-number 1.0 (dotted line). It is evident that in spite of the very low f-number, the resulting losses are very low. It should additionally be noted that the RB splitter is selected such that it already has a flat ‘edge’ at only a 45° angle of incidence. In the present case, the slope dT/dλ<2%/nm, where T is the transmission in percent and A is the wavelength of the light in nanometers.
It is understood that providing an f-number and the transmission characteristic connected therewith is only meaningful if the way in which the angle distribution within the illumination cone was weighted is simultaneously evident. For this reason, FIG. 3 c depicts the angle weighting of the different emission directions of the light source, which forms the basis for the transmission characteristic.
If the channel transmissions for blue, green and red, as depicted in FIG. 4 a - c are considered, it can be seen that at an f-number of 1.0, a considerable quantity of light passes through the particular channel, i.e. the light loss is kept within narrow limits. However, additional measures must be taken in order to trim the color channels. Especially in the blue channel FIG. 4 a , it becomes evident that, for example, green light fractions with a maximum at 560 nm must be blocked by means of a trimming filter. However, since the color splitting has already taken place, such a trimming filter can be disposed substantially perpendicularly to the beam path and succeeding the RB splitter. Simple trimming filters can be utilized for the red channel and the blue channel analogously.
According to FIG. 2 b , corresponding bandpass filter 21 and RB longpass 27 are utilized in an illumination configuration for the combination of light of a blue LED 11 , a green LED 13 and a red LED 15 . Neglecting the emission spectrum of the light-emitting diodes, substantially the same channel transmission is obtained as represented in FIG. 4 a - c by the solid line. However, FIG. 4 a - c additionally show with the dotted lines the spectral distribution of the LED associated with the color channel. To determine the magnitude of light which is, in fact, combined with white light, these spectral distributions must be multiplied by the channel transmission curves. The results are shown in FIG. 5 a - c . The dotted line indicates again the particular emission spectrum of the LEDs and the solid line indicates the color channel transmission connected therewith. Based on the figures it is evident that nearly the entire light energy radiated by the LEDs supplied into the channels is transmitted by the particular color channel.
In an especially preferred embodiment of the present invention, the green bandpass filter is realized with a single-sided design. Table 2, below, reproduces the layer structure of the single-sided bandpass filter. On the other side of the substrate an antireflection coating is provided. The sum of the total layer thickness including the layers for the antireflection coating is only 2568 nm and therewith accounts for only 60% of the layer thickness of the two-sided bandpass system which is remarkable in this embodiment. In FIG. 6 , the transmission curves for the single-sided and the two-sided design for the f-number 1.0 are compared. The broken line refers to the single-sided design and the solid line refers to the two-sided design. In the regions in which the considered LEDs have their emission maximum, these filters are equivalent within 2-5%. The single-sided design appears to be even slightly better in the green channel.
TABLE 2
AR
BP
17H
70.52H
26.37L
136.55L
88.17H
102.65H
96.49L
106.3L
48.63H
89.18L
71.9H
196.53L
55.46H
101.21L
57.3H
112.9L
77.83H
26.2L
28.8H
63.46L
69.52H
101.73L
55.67H
110.19L
40.7H
27.2L
37.91H
131.19L
63.15H
102.04L
45.73H
60.55L
36.98H
81.58L
30.02H
FIG. 7 outlines a projector 100 based on 3 LEDs, which includes an illumination unit 103 according to the invention. Structural components of the illumination unit 103 are at least one red LED 105 , at least one blue LED 107 and at least one green LED 109 . In a 45° configuration, as depicted here, the green LED 109 and the blue LED 107 are oriented substantially parallel, while the red LED 105 is oriented perpendicularly thereto. An RB splitter longpass 111 is a further structural component. Differing from the depiction in FIG. 7 , it is feasible to dispose the blue LED 107 , and, correspondingly, the RB splitter longpass 111 , such that it is rotated arbitrarily about the axis XX′. This can be advantageous in some cases, for example for reasons of space. In addition, it is possible for the red and the blue to deviate from the 45° geometry and to change, for example, to 30°. The polarization effect is thereby decreased and the production of the RB splitter is even further simplified. A significant structural component of the illumination unit 103 is the bandpass filter 113 . The bandpass filter 113 depicted here comprises one substrate side facing the green LED, which includes an antireflection coating 115 and one bandpass filter layer system 117 . Due to this configuration, the blue light is reflected directly on the surface without the need for it to be propagated through the substrate. Since predominantly shortwave light is typically absorbed in the substrate, the absorption can be minimized through such a configuration. A further source for absorption losses are the layers required for the structuring of the layer system 117 themselves. In determining the bandpass filter layer system 117 , a static thin film optimization program can advantageously be utilized. If care is taken during the determination that blue light is, as much as possible, already largely reflected on the outermost layers, this approach again counteracts the absorption.
After the illumination unit, the optical paths of the beam of the 3 LEDs are identical. A lens 121 is disposed downstream in the optical paths, which are now a common path. The lens 121 focuses the light into the integrator 123 . Conventionally, means for color sequencing such as for example a color wheel would be provided in front of the input of the integrator. However, if the LEDs can be rapidly switched on and off, a color wheel is not required. At the output end of the integrator 123 , a homogeneous light field is available which is projected by means of lens 125 onto a DMD chip 127 . A prism 129 is disposed on the path between the lens 125 and the imaging element DMD chip 127 . The DMD chip 127 comprises a matrix of individually addressable movable mirrors. Depending on the position of these mirrors, the light reflected on the mirror is directed through the prism 127 to the projection lens 133 or it is reflected away from the projection lens. An image can be produced in this way.
In FIG. 7 , starting from the light sources, several emission angles were drawn for the purpose of elucidation. Downstream, these angles were omitted starting from the integrator, and only the central beam along the optic axis was drawn in.
Within the scope of the present specification, illumination units for a projector were introduced, which essentially operate with nonpolarized light. However, it is evident that the application of the invention is not limited to projectors only. The present invention can advantageously be utilized wherever nonpolarized light, possibly with a broad angle distribution, must be split and/or joined with respect to wavelengths intervals. | A method for dividing substantially nonpolarized white light into three substantially nonpolarized fractions includes splitting the substantially nonpolarized white light into a first fraction and a second fraction, the first fraction being substantially nonpolarized light of a first wavelength interval and the second fraction of substantially nonpolarized light of a second and a third wavelength interval, the first wavelength interval being located between the second and the third wavelength interval and splitting the second fraction into a third fraction with substantially nonpolarized light of the second wavelength interval and into a fourth fraction with substantially nonpolarized light of the third wavelength interval. | 6 |
REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATION
This patent application claims benefit of prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/274,811, filed Aug. 21, 2009 by David S. Geller for OPS™ FRACTURE FIXATION SYSTEM, which patent application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to medical apparatus and procedures in general, and more particularly to medical apparatus and procedures for replacing a femoral component of a hip joint.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint which movably connects the leg to the torso. The hip joint generally comprises a femoral component (i.e., the neck and ball at the top end of the femur) and an acetabular component (i.e., the acetabular cup formed in the pelvis).
In many situations, a femoral component of a hip joint may need to be replaced by a prosthetic device. By way of example but not limitation, a femoral component of a hip joint may need to be replaced by a prosthetic device because of injury (e.g., a fracture of the femoral neck), degenerative disease (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, etc.), developmental pathologies (e.g., Perthes disease, developmental or congenital hip dysplasia, etc.), etc.
Such replacement of a femoral component of a hip joint with a prosthetic device typically includes surgical removal (or “resection”) of the compromised femoral neck and head, followed by reconstruction using a femoral prosthesis, as will hereinafter be dismissed. In many cases, the acetabular cup may also be replaced by a prosthetic device. Where both the femoral component and the acetabular component are replaced by prosthetic devices, the procedure is commonly referred to as a “total hip replacement” (THR), or a “total hip arthroplasty” (THA), or a “bipolar hip reconstruction”; and where only the femoral component is replaced by a prosthetic device, the procedure is commonly referred to as a “hemiarthroplasty”, or a “unipolar hip reconstruction”. In any case, the surgical goals of replacing the injured and/or diseased bone and cartilage surfaces with a prosthetic device is to reduce pain, improve range of motion, improve weight-bearing ability, increase mobility and, in turn, decrease the risk of recumbency-related complications.
The femoral prosthesis generally comprises a femoral stem, a femoral head (or “ball”), and a femoral neck. The femoral stem is received within the intramedullary space of the proximal femur. The femoral head is designed to articulate within the acetabular component of the hip joint (i.e., in either a prosthetic acetabular cup or the native acetabular cup). The femoral head is connected to the femoral stem by the femoral neck, and the femoral head is typically locked to the femoral neck via a Morse taper mechanism. The femoral neck is typically formed integral with the femoral stem, although in some cases they may comprise separate components which are united during surgery.
The femoral stem is generally constructed from a high-strength metal alloy or stainless steel, and its outer surface is often treated and/or configured so as to promote bony ingrowth, bony ongrowth, or bony interdigitation.
The femoral stem can be fixed within the intramedullary space of the proximal femur by either using bone cement (e.g., methylmethacrylate) or in a cementless press-fit manner (hereinafter referred to simply as “press-fit”).
The present invention is directed to press-fit femoral stems.
Press-fit implantation is commonly referred to as a “biologic reconstruction” in the sense that the host bone will eventually grow into, and/or onto, the femoral stem's outer surface over a period of weeks to months. In the immediate post-operative period, and until such time that biologic reconstruction (i.e., bone growth) can provide bony implant security, the stability of the femoral stem is dependent upon radially directed hoop-stresses which are created when the implant is forcefully wedged into the intramedullary space. In this respect it should be appreciated that the stability of the femoral stem is vital in order to ensure long-term prosthetic functionality and for maintaining equal leg length (relative to the contralateral limb). Early loosening of the femoral stem, and/or selecting an under-sized femoral stem, may lead to subsidence (or “sinking”) of the implant further within the intramedullary space of the proximal femur, thereby resulting in leg length inequality, altered hip biomechanics, and gait abnormality. Early loosening of the femoral stem is also associated with pain and, frequently, with the need for subsequent revision hip surgery.
Conversely, an over-aggressive impaction of the femoral stem (i.e., selecting an over-sized femoral stem) may result in exceeding the hoop-stress capacity of the proximal femoral bone, thereby resulting in a fracture of the femoral bone. Such an occurrence will, at a minimum, require additional surgical attention and may also require additional weight-bearing restrictions for the patient. If unrecognized, this fracturing of the bone may also result in post-operative subsidence of the femoral stem (and hence sub-optimal function of the joint and substantial pain for the patient) and may necessitate revision surgery.
In addition to the foregoing, stress shielding is a phenomenon where normal, physiological stress forces travel unequally across an implant and, in so doing, may bypass a region of bone such as the proximal femur. Since substantial bone density and substantial bone strength are enhanced by the presence of stress, the occurrence of stress shielding can result in decreased bone density and decreased bone strength in the area of the bone which is stress shielded. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as Wolff's law, is well known by those skilled in the art. Because of this phenomenon, it is generally desirable to minimize stress shielding when deploying a femoral stem in a bone, so as to maintain bone strength/integrity in the region adjacent to the implant and thereby avoid fractures through the region.
Current press-fit femoral stem designs typically comprise either (i) a “proximally coated” (or a “proximally porous-coated”) stem, or (ii) a “fully coated” (or a “fully porous-coated”) stem.
The “proximally coated” stem design permits biologic fixation via bone ingrowth, or ongrowth, along the more proximal region of the stem. The proximally coated stem design benefits from minimizing bone loss secondary to stress shielding, however, the initial stem stability is completely dependent upon the hoop-stresses created when the implant is forcefully wedged into the intramedullary space of the proximal femur.
Conversely, the “fully coated” stem design promotes bony ingrowth, or ongrowth, along the entire length of the femoral stem. The fully coated stem design is intended to provide diaphyseal (i.e., more distal) bone fixation and does not depend upon the hoop-stresses resulting from wedging the bone into the more proximal region of the femur. This fully coated stem design establishes an initial wedging, or “scratch fit”, along the length of the femoral diaphysis. The fully coated stem design frequently includes a collar, which prevents implant subsidence and serves to mark the desired longitudinal implant height within the intramedullary space of the proximal femur. The fully coated stem design benefits from excellent initial and long term fixation but, conversely, can be associated with stress shielding of the proximal femur. In addition, removal of this type of implant, as may be required in certain situations such as infection, can be more technically challenging than with a proximally coated stem design and can, in some instances, result in a greater degree of iatrogenic bone loss.
Thus, there is a need in the art for a new femoral prosthesis which maximizes the benefits of press-fit technology while minimizing the disadvantages and inadequacies of the prior art previously described.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These and other objects of the present invention are addressed by the provision and use of a novel femoral prosthesis.
More particularly, the present invention comprises the provision and use of a novel femoral prosthesis which comprises a femoral stem which utilizes a novel proximally coated stem design which enables incremental controlled press-fit implantation of the femoral stem. As a result, the femoral implant permits accurate, controlled and adjustable sizing of the implant, whereby to provide secure implant fixation while preventing implant subsidence, stress shielding, and proximal femoral function. Thus, the novel femoral implant essentially permits press-fit primary coated stem implantation via adjustable pressurization of the proximal femur. The invention may sometimes hereinafter be termed or referred to as the “Optimally Pressurized Stem (OPS) System”, and/or the “OPS fracture fixation system”, and/or the “OPS system”, etc.
In one preferred form of the present invention, there is provided a novel femoral prosthesis which comprises a press-fit femoral stem having a longitudinally-extending slit formed therein, wherein the longitudinally-extending slit opens on the proximal surface of the femoral stem and extends distally along the femoral stem, thereby permitting optimal expansion of the femoral stem following implantation, so as to ensure improved fit with the host bone and minimization of stress shielding of the adjacent native bone.
In one preferred form of the present invention, the longitudinally-extending slit crosses the entire anterior-to-posterior dimension of the implant (“a sagittal slit”), thereby allowing for expansion of the implant in a medial-to-lateral direction.
In one preferred form of the present invention, the femoral stem also includes an expansion hole extending distally from the proximal surface of the femoral stem, and longitudinally aligned either symmetrically or asymmetrically with respect to the longitudinally-extending slit, and which extends for either a portion of, or all of, the length of the longitudinally-extending slit. The distal portion of the expansion hole is preferably threaded and maintains an equal diameter throughout the threaded portion of the expansion hole. The proximal portion of the expansion hole is preferably smooth and is tapered in the coronal plane, whereby it is wider proximally and narrows distally.
In one preferred form of the present invention, there is also provided an expansion bolt, which is distally threaded and proximally smooth and sized to be received within the expansion hole. The threaded portion of the expansion bolt maintains a constant diameter over its entire length, while the smooth portion of the expansion bolt is tapered, with the proximal aspect of the smooth portion being wider and the distal aspect of the smooth portion being narrower. The expansion bolt may also have a smaller threaded hole which would allow for engagement of a secondary locking set screw.
The invention provides that the threaded portion of the expansion hole and the threaded portion of the expansion bolt correspond with regard to core diameter, thread size, and thread pitch. The smooth tapered portion of the expansion hole and the smooth tapered portion of the expansion bolt are sized, in diameter and taper, such that advancement of the expansion bolt within the expansion hole results in expansion of the implant in a medial-to-lateral direction. To this end, it may be necessary to modify the degree of the bolt taper, the length of the bolt taper, and/or the shape of the smooth tapered portion of the expansion bolt in a manner consistent with the desired effect so as to provide controlled and reliable expansion of the femoral stem when the expansion bolt is advanced down the expansion hole. The final position of the expansion bolt may sit proud relative to the femoral stem, or it may sit recessed within the expansion hole, and may depend to some extent upon how far the expansion bolt is advanced into the expansion hole of the femoral stem and how much expansion of the femoral stem is required.
The present invention also includes an expansion driver for driving the expansion bolt. The expansion driver can be in the form of a torque driver with a pre-set limit so as to prevent over-expansion of the implant (and hence prevents generation of excessive internal hoop stresses on the host bone). Alternatively, the expansion driver can be linked to a force meter whereby inherent resistance to advancement can be measured and resistance from surrounding bone can be determined. The spirit of the instrument and the system is understood to be a means whereby excessive force generation is prevented while incrementally and reproducibly applying post-implant press-fit stability via lateral implant expansion.
As noted above, the longitudinally-extending sagittal slit preferably extends across the entire anterior-to-posterior dimension of the implant. Alternatively, the longitudinally-extending sagittal slit may extend only part way across the implant, e.g., from the anterior surface of the implant to the expansion hole, or from the posterior surface of the implant to the expansion hole.
And/or the longitudinally-extending sagittal slit may be replaced by a plurality of parallel longitudinally-extending sagittal slits.
In one preferred form of the present invention, the aforementioned longitudinally-extending sagittal slit can be combined with a second longitudinally-extending slit which starts at the expansion hole and extends laterally in a medial-to-lateral direction (“a coronal slit”). The coronal slit allows for expansion in an anterior-to-posterior direction. Thus, the combination of a sagittal slit and a coronal slit allows for expansion of the femoral stem in both a medial-to-lateral direction and in an anterior-to-posterior direction and may aid in achieving optimal press-fit stability.
The longitudinally-extending coronal slit may extend medially of the expansion hole, or laterally of the expansion hole, or both.
And/or the longitudinally-extending coronal slit may be replaced by a plurality of parallel longitudinally-extending coronal slits.
In one preferred construction, the aforementioned longitudinally-extending sagittal slit and the aforementioned coronal slit are replaced by one or more longitudinally-extending slits that extend at a non-perpendicular angle to both the sagittal plane and the coronal plane.
The longitudinally-extending slits may also take on more complex geometric configurations, e.g., they may start in the sagittal plane and migrate laterally as they extend distally so as to end in the coronal plane—this three-dimensional shift relative to proximal/distal location can provide a large surface area for expansion while minimizing the risk of implant or bone failure along the length of the longitudinally-extending slit.
Additional slit configurations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure, may be utilized in order facilitate incrementally controlled expansion of the femoral stem.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the distal aspect of the longitudinally-extending slit may terminate abruptly, or it may terminate in a tapered or graduated manner, or it may terminate in an unequal or asymmetric manner, with the anterior aspect of the slit terminating at a different longitudinal location than the posterior aspect of the slit. The present invention further provides that the terminal or distal extent of the longitudinally-extending slit may terminate in another geometrically configured manner which includes, but is not limited to, a circular hole, an oval or oblong hole, or an otherwise rounded hole, the purpose of which is to minimize stress and implant fracture at this implant location, i.e., a “stress relief hole” or, more simply, a “relief hole”. Similarly, any additional slit configurations including, but not limited to, slits in the sagittal plane or the coronal plane may also terminate in a geometric shape or design (e.g., a circle, an oval, a rectilinear shape, a combination of shapes, etc.) which distributes stress over a larger area and which serves to minimize the forces and risk of fracture at the slit end.
The present invention may also include a locking set screw intended to prevent or protect against backing-out or loosening of the expansion bolt. The locking set screw is intended to pass through a bore in the femoral stem and engage the expansion bolt so as to lock the expansion bolt in place.
In one form of the present invention, the femoral stem may or may not include a collar, which is commonly defined as a prominence or extension along the medial aspect of the femoral stem, at the junction of the femoral neck and the metaphyseal body of the femoral stem. The collar typically rests upon the medial femoral bone known as the calcar, and serves to further protect against subsidence of the femoral stem. Unlike prior designs where the final press-fit stability is dependent upon sinking or advancing the stem further distally within the intramedullary canal of the femur, the present invention permits post-implantation expansion of the femoral stem. The present invention also serves to uncouple two previously-linked goals, namely, the requirement for proper press-fit rotational stability and the requirement of proper and stable implant height. For these reasons, incorporation of a medial collar does not prohibit final expansion and press-fit implantation and further protects against subsidence.
The present invention further provides for the incorporation of a neutralization (or “locking”) device (e.g., a cap or bar or screw, etc.), the purpose of which is to offset or neutralize forces passed across the slit (or slits) and measured at a variable level medial to the slit. The neutralization (or “locking”) device (e.g., cap or bar or screw, etc.) is intended to engage the proximal aspect of the femoral stem in a manner which crosses the longitudinally-extending slit and which serves to bridge the more medial aspect and the more lateral aspect of the proximal femoral stem, with the intent to limit or neutralize bending and stress at the most distal extent of the longitudinally-extending slit.
In one form of the invention, there is provided a prosthesis comprising an elongated stem for disposition within a cavity formed in a bone, the stem comprising a longitudinal axis and being configured for incremental controlled expansion laterally of the longitudinal axis, whereby to secure the prosthesis within the cavity by means of a press-fit with the surrounding bone.
In one form of the invention, there is provided a method for securing a prosthesis within a cavity formed in a bone, the method comprising:
providing a prosthesis comprising an elongated stem, the stem comprising a longitudinal axis and being configured for incremental controlled expansion laterally of the longitudinal axis;
inserting the prosthesis into the cavity; and
expanding the prosthesis laterally of the longitudinal axis, whereby to secure the prosthesis within the cavity by means of a press-fit with the surrounding bone.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects and features of the present invention will be more fully disclosed or rendered obvious by the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which is to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts, and further wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a femoral prosthesis formed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the femoral prosthesis shown in FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the femoral prosthesis shown in FIG. 2 ;
FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the femoral prosthesis of FIG. 3 and an expansion bolt for use with the same;
FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic views showing details of the expansion bolt of FIG. 4 ;
FIGS. 7-11 are schematic views showing the expansion bolt of FIGS. 5 and 6 being used to adjust the configuration of the femoral prosthesis of FIG. 1 ; and
FIGS. 12-17 , 17 A and 18 - 23 are schematic views showing various additional constructions for the present invention.
DEFINITIONS
As used herein, the term “femoral stem” is intended to refer to a stainless steel or metal alloy prosthetic implant, or an implant made of another material, that allows for the transmission of force from the femur through the hip joint. It replaces native bone and cartilage, allowing for restoration of the hip joint. Preferably, but not necessarily, the femoral stem is formed integral with the femoral neck, which receives the femoral head, as discussed above.
As used herein, a “press-fit” femoral stem refers to any femoral stem that utilizes cementless technology and is implanted using a cementless technique. Such technology includes, but is not limited to, proximal porous coating structures, grit blasting, hydroxyapatite coatings (HA coatings), trabecular metal coatings, and/or any similar highly porous surfaces designed to promote proximal bone ingrowth or ongrowth.
As used herein, “press-fit” implantation or the “press-fit” technique refers to a method of inserting the femoral stem such that longitudinally-directed force is used to set the femoral stem in the femur. More particularly, with press-fit implantation, force is imparted (via mallet strikes) to the femoral stem via a stem inserter of the sort well known in the art. The resulting effect is distal migration of the femoral stem relative to the femur and, ultimately, the fitting or wedging of the femoral stem within the metaphyseal bone of the proximal femur.
As used herein, “hoop-stress” refers to the mechanical circumferential stress resulting from internal pressure of the femoral stem against the surrounding bone.
As used herein, femoral stem or implant “stability” refers to the maintenance of position of the femoral stem in all axes, including (i) longitudinal stability which would prevent translation parallel to the femur shaft axis, and (ii) rotational stability which would prevent rotation around the femoral shaft axis.
As used herein, femoral stem or implant “subsidence” refers to the slippage or movement of the implant from its original position along one or more axes (typically the longitudinal axis) over the course of time.
As used herein, a “fracture” refers to a crack in, a break in, or a disruption of, normal cortical bone continuity.
As used herein, implant “expansion” refers to the widening of the final implant once the implant is seated or inserted within the proximal femur. It refers to an increase in the medial-to-lateral distance of the proximal implant, and/or to an increase in the anterior-to-posterior distance of the proximal implant. It does not mean to imply that the implant is symmetrically expanding, e.g., in the manner of a balloon or a tire.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention comprises the provision and use of a novel femoral prosthesis for replacing the femoral component of the hip joint.
More particularly, the present invention provides incremental controlled press-fit implantation of a femoral stem. As a result, the femoral implant permits accurate controlled sizing of the implant, whereby to provide secure implant fixation while preventing implant subsidence, stress shielding and proximal femoral fracture. Thus, the novel femoral implant essentially permits press-fit coated stem implantation via adjustable pressurization of the proximal femur.
Novel Femoral Prosthesis
Looking now at FIG. 1 , there is shown a femoral prosthesis 5 which generally comprises a press-fit femoral stem 10 , a femoral head (or “ball”) 15 , and a femoral neck 20 . The femoral stem is received within the intramedullary space of the proximal femur. The femoral head is designed to articulate within the acetabular component of the hip joint (i.e., either a prosthetic acetabular cup or the native acetabular cup). The femoral head is connected to the femoral stem by the femoral neck, and the femoral head is typically locked to the femoral neck via a Morse taper mechanism. The femoral neck is typically formed integral with the femoral stem, although in some cases they may comprise separate components which are united during surgery.
In accordance with the present invention, the press-fit femoral stem 10 comprises a longitudinally-extending slit 25 formed therein. Longitudinally-extending slit 25 opens on proximal surface 30 of femoral stem 10 and stops intermediate the length of femoral stem 10 , so as to provide a hinge between the bifurcated portions of the femoral stem. Longitudinally-extending slit 25 permits optimal expansion of the prosthesis after implantation, so as to ensure improved fit with the host bone and minimization of stress-shielding of the adjacent native bone. The length of longitudinally-extending slit 25 may be variable and will depend in part upon implant material and inherent material properties as well as implant-specific size and geometry.
In one preferred form of the present invention, longitudinally-extending slit 25 crosses the entire anterior-to-posterior dimension of the implant (“a sagittal slit”), thereby allowing for expansion of the implant in a medial-to-lateral direction.
Looking now at FIGS. 2 and 3 , femoral stem 10 includes an expansion hole 35 within the proximal portion of the femoral stem 10 , which is either symmetrically or asymmetrically centered over the longitudinally-extending slit 25 , and which extends for either part of or all of the length of the longitudinally-extending slit 25 . Expansion hole 35 comprises a distal portion 36 and a proximal portion 37 . The distal portion 36 of expansion hole 35 has a constant diameter and is threaded. The proximal portion 37 of expansion hole 35 (i.e., the portion adjacent to proximal surface 30 ) is smooth and tapered in the coronal plane, whereby it is wider proximally and more narrow distally.
Looking next at FIGS. 4-6 , femoral prosthesis 5 also includes an expansion bolt 40 . Expansion bolt 40 comprises a distal portion 45 and a proximal portion 50 . Distal portion 45 has a constant diameter and is threaded. Proximal portion 50 is tapered and has a smooth outer surface. Proximal portion 50 includes a hex-shaped recess 54 ( FIG. 6 ) at its proximal end for receiving a driver 53 ( FIGS. 9 and 11 ), whereby to turn expansion bolt 40 as will hereinafter be discussed.
In accordance with the present invention, the threaded portion of expansion hole 35 and the threaded portion of expansion bolt 40 correspond with one another with regard to core diameter, thread size, and thread pitch. Also in accordance with the present invention, the smooth tapered portion of expansion hole 35 and the smooth tapered portion of expansion bolt 40 correspond with one another with regard to diameter and taper such that advancement of expansion bolt 40 within expansion hole 35 results in expansion of the femoral stem in a medial-to-lateral direction. See FIGS. 7-10 , wherein FIG. 7 shows the threaded portion of expansion bolt 40 engaging the threaded portion of expansion hole 35 , and wherein there is no engagement of the proximal portion of expansion bolt 40 and therefore no expansion; wherein FIG. 8 . shows the threaded portion of expansion bolt 40 moving distally within expansion hole 35 , and the proximal portion of expansion bolt 40 beginning to engage the femoral stem; wherein FIG. 9 shows expansion of the femoral stem in a medial-to-lateral direction, wherein advancement of the expansion bolt may be controlled in a finely tuned manner using a torque wrench to limit excessive force; and wherein FIGS. 10 and 11 show the final position of the expansion bolt and the expanded femoral stem. In this respect it will be appreciated that it may be necessary to modify the bolt taper, the length of the bolt taper, and/or the shape of the smooth tapered portion of the expansion bolt in a manner consistent with the desired effect of controlled and reliable expansion of the femoral stem as previously stated. The final position of the expansion bolt may sit proud relative to the femoral stem, or it may sit recessed within the expansion hole, and this may depend to some extent upon how far the screw is advanced into the femoral stem and how much expansion is required.
As noted above, the longitudinally-extending sagittal slit 25 preferably extends across the entire anterior-to-posterior dimension of the implant. Alternatively, the longitudinally-extending sagittal slit 25 may extend only part way across the implant, e.g., from the anterior surface of the implant to the expansion hole ( FIG. 12 ), or from the posterior surface of the implant to the expansion hole ( FIG. 13 ).
And/or the longitudinally-extending sagittal slit 25 may be replaced by a plurality of parallel longitudinally-extending sagittal slits 25 ( FIG. 14 ).
In one form of the present invention, the anterior-to-posterior slit 25 within femoral stem 10 ( FIG. 3 ), otherwise understood to be a sagittal slit, can also be combined with a medial-to-lateral (“coronal”) slit 55 ( FIG. 3 ) starting from the expansion hole and extending laterally. See, for example, FIG. 3 , where such a coronal slit 55 is shown in phantom. The provision of both the sagittal slit 25 and the coronal slit 55 allows for expansion in both a medial-to-lateral direction and in an anterior-to-posterior direction and may aid in achieving press-fit stability.
The longitudinally-extending coronal slit 55 may extend medially of the expansion hole, or laterally of the expansion hole, or both.
And/or the longitudinally-extending coronal slit 55 may be replaced by a plurality of parallel longitudinally-extending coronal slits 55 ( FIG. 15 ).
In one preferred construction, the aforementioned longitudinally-extending sagittal slit 25 and the aforementioned coronal slit 55 are replaced by one or more longitudinally-extending slits 56 that extend at a non-perpendicular angle to both the sagittal plane and the coronal plane. See FIGS. 16 , 17 and 17 A.
The longitudinally-extending slits may also take on more complex geometric configurations, e.g., they may start in the sagittal plane and migrate laterally as they extend distally so as to end in the coronal plane—this three-dimensional shift relative to proximal/distal location can provide a large surface area for expansion while minimizing the risk of implant or bone failure along the length of the longitudinally-extending slit. See the longitudinally-extending slit 56 shown in FIG. 18 .
Additional slit configurations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure, may be utilized in order facilitate incrementally controlled expansion of the femoral stem.
The distal aspect of the sagittal slit 25 and/or coronal slit 55 may end abruptly, or may end in a tapered or graduated manner, or may end in an unequal or asymmetric manner, with the anterior aspect of a slit ending at a different longitudinal position than the posterior aspect of a slit, etc. The terminal or distal extent of a slit may end in another geometrically configured manner and includes, but is not limited to, a circular hole, an oval or oblong shaped hole, or an otherwise rounded hole, the purpose of which is to minimize stress and implant fracture at this implant location, i.e., a “stress relief hole” or, more simply, a “relief hole”. See the relief hole 57 shown in FIG. 19 .
If desired, femoral stem 10 may include a collar, which is commonly defined as a prominence or extension along the medial aspect of the femoral stem, at the junction of the femoral stem's neck and the metaphyseal body. A collar typically rests upon the medial femoral bone known as the calcar, and serves to further protect against subsidence. Unlike prior designs where final press-fit stability is dependent upon sinking or advancing the stem further distally within the intramedullary canal, the present invention allows for post-implantation expansion of the femoral stem. Thus, the present invention serves to uncouple two previously linked goals, namely, the need for proper press-fit rotational stability and the need for proper and stable implant height. For this reason, incorporation of a medial collar does not prohibit final expansion and press-fit implantation and further protects against subsidence.
Preferred Manner of Use
In a preferred manner of use, the proximal femur is prepared in a customary manner typical of press-fit femoral stem preparation, often involving reaming, broaching, or a combination of the two surgical procedures. This is implant-specific and is understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention.
Once the femoral preparation is complete and the appropriate size of femoral implant 5 is selected, femoral stem 10 is inserted (using a conventional implant insertion tool, not shown) via mallet strikes in a manner consistent with standard insertion techniques. This technique is understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention.
Once the implant has reached proper position, indicated by the resting of the collar on the calcar, by comparison of the implant position to that of the previously used trial component, or any other method, instrument, or approach typically employed by the those skilled in the art of the invention, the aforementioned insertion tool (not shown) is removed or uncoupled from the femoral implant and expansion bolt 40 is introduced into expansion hole 35 (see FIG. 7 ).
Expansion bolt 40 is threaded into expansion hole 35 in a typical clockwise manner and advanced using expansion driver 53 ( FIGS. 7-11 ) until such time that a desirable amount of expansion is achieved or until such time that sufficient internal hoop stresses are created between the implant and the surrounding bone.
Expansion Driver
Expansion driver 53 ( FIGS. 7-11 ) can be designed as a torque driver with a pre-set limit to prevent over-expansion and to prevent the generation of excessive internal hoop stresses. Alternatively, it can be linked to a force meter whereby inherent resistance to advancement can be measured for and resistance from surrounding bone can be determined. The spirit of the instrument and the system is understood to be a means whereby excessive force generation is prevented while incrementally and reproducibly applying post-implant press-fit stability via implant expansion.
Locking Set Screw
If desired, the present invention may also include a locking set screw 60 ( FIG. 20 ) to prevent or protect against backing-out or loosening of the expansion bolt. Locking set screw 60 is intended to pass through a bore (not shown) in femoral stem 10 and engage expansion bolt 40 so as to lock the expansion bolt in position.
Neutralization Bar
The present invention further provides for the incorporation of a neutralization (or “locking”) device (e.g., a cap or bar or screw, etc.) the purpose of which is to offset or neutralize forces passed across the slit (or slits) and measured at a variable level medial to the slit. The neutralization (or “locking”) device (e.g., cap, bar or screw, etc.) is intended to engage the proximal aspect of the femoral stem in a manner which crosses the longitudinally-extending slit and which serves to bridge the more medial aspect and the more lateral aspect of the proximal femoral stem with the intent to limit or neutralize bending and stress at the most distal extent of the longitudinally-extending slit. See, for example, FIGS. 21-23 , which show a neutralization (or “locking”) device in the form of a cap 63 which engages lips 64 which are formed on the proximal end of the implant so as to hold the implant from expanding further about the longitudinally-extending slit. In this form of the invention, a cap of appropriate size is selected (e.g., from a kit having a range of differently-sized caps) after the implant has been expanded to the desired size, and then the selected cap is fit onto lips 64 so as to hold the implant in its desired configuration.
Advantages of the Present Invention
The present invention overcomes the limitations of previously designed press-fit femoral stems in that it uncouples (i) the implant position or height from (ii) implant stability. Prior femoral press-fit stem designs dictate that if rotational or axial stability is lacking, the implant must be impacted further distally into the intramedullary canal. The present invention permits rotational or axial stability to be improved simply by laterally expanding the implant, without requiring further distal movement of the implant. Furthermore, the only means for currently testing whether final implant position affords stability is to apply further force to the insertion handle via mallet strikes. This approach can, on occasion, result in an inadvertent femoral fracture. The current invention allows for optimal implant height or positioning within the femoral canal via standard implantation techniques, followed by post-implantation femoral stem expansion, resulting in appropriate pressurization of the proximal femur, generation of increased hoop stresses, and in turn increased press-fit stability of the femoral stem, independent of other considerations.
Additional Aspects of the Present Invention
Thus it will be appreciated that the present invention provides a femoral prosthesis for hip replacement surgery, wherein the femoral prosthesis comprises a femoral stem which comprises at least one slit opening on the proximal end of the femoral stem and extending longitudinally down the femoral stem. An expansion element is provided for wedging open the slit and laterally expanding the femoral stem after implantation in the femur. As a result of this construction, the femoral stem can be advanced longitudinally into the femur so that it assumes a desired longitudinal position within the femur, and then the expansion element can be used to wedge open the slit, and hence laterally expand the femoral stem, to an appropriate degree, whereby to apply the optimal amount of hoop-stress to the host bone. Significantly, this hoop-stress is applied about the proximal end of the femoral stem, where it can engage the adjacent metaphyseal bone of the proximal femur and provide secure fixation of the femoral stem to the host bone with minimal stress shielding.
In one preferred form of the invention, the femoral stem comprises a bore opening on the proximal end of the femoral stem and extending longitudinally therealong, with the at least one slit intersecting the bore. In one preferred form of the invention, the expansion element comprises a screw. One or both of the bore and screw are tapered, whereby longitudinal movement of the screw within the bore applies lateral forces to either side of the at least one slit, whereby to laterally expand the femoral stem.
Application to Other Joints
It should be appreciated that the novel OPS™ system of the present invention may be used in prosthetic components for other joints in the body (e.g., the shoulder, the knee, etc.), and/or for fracture fixation devices used throughout the body. By way of example but not limitation, the invention may be used to form a humeral prosthesis for the proximal humerus.
MODIFICATIONS
It should also be understood that many additional changes in the details, materials, steps and arrangements of parts, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the present invention, may be made by those skilled in the art while still remaining within the principles and scope of the invention. | A prosthesis comprising an elongated stem for disposition within a cavity formed in a bone, the stem comprising a longitudinal axis and being configured for incremental controlled expansion laterally of the longitudinal axis, whereby to secure the prosthesis within the cavity by means of a press-fit with the surrounding bone. | 0 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus and method to generate and collect diagnostic data in the event of an application error.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Data storage systems are used to store information provided by one or more host computer systems to a storage server. Such storage servers receive requests to write information to one or more data storage devices, and requests to retrieve information from those one or more data storage devices.
[0003] Applications resident on one or more of the host computers, and/or applications resident on a storage server facilitate the flow of data to and from the storage server, and to and from a plurality of data storage devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The invention comprises an apparatus and method to generate and save diagnostic data in the event of an application error. The method supplies a first computing device comprising a microprocessor and a first computer readable medium and an application encoded in the computer readable medium, wherein the application comprises an error handling module. The method further supplies a second computing device comprising a microprocessor and a second computer readable medium and an error data management module encoded in the second computer readable medium, wherein the error data management module comprises a diagnostic data generating module, wherein the first computing device is in communication with the second computing device.
[0005] In certain embodiments, the first computing device is the same as the second computing device, and the first computer readable medium is the same as the second computer readable medium. In certain embodiments, the first computing device comprises a host computer. In certain embodiments, the second computing device comprises a storage server.
[0006] The method executes the application, detects by the error handling module an application error, and detects by the error data management module the application error. The method then receives by the error handling module a completion signal from the error data management module, and provides an error signal from the error handling module to a support center.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The invention will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference designators are used to designate like elements, and in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of Applicant's data processing system;
[0009] FIG. 2 summarizing certain steps of Applicant's method;
[0010] FIG. 3A summarizing certain steps of Applicant's method; and
[0011] FIG. 3B summarizing certain additional steps of Applicant's method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] This invention is described in preferred embodiments in the following description with reference to the Figures, in which like numbers represent the same or similar elements. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0013] The described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are recited to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
[0014] The invention is described herein in the context of a data storage system. This description should not be interpreted to limit the invention described and claimed herein to data storage systems. Rather, Applicant's invention can be implemented in a single computing device, or in two computing devices that remain in communication with one another.
[0015] Many of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as modules (e.g., modules 112 , 132 , 140 , and 150 ) in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module (e.g., modules 112 , 132 , 140 , and 150 ) may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays, semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module (e.g., 112 , 132 , 140 , and 150 ) may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, or the like.
[0016] Modules (e.g., modules 112 , 132 , 140 , and 150 ) may also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module (e.g., modules 112 , 132 , 140 , and 150 ) need not be physically collocated, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.
[0017] Indeed, a module of executable code (e.g., modules 112 , 132 , 140 , and 150 ) may be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.
[0018] The schematic flow chart diagrams included are generally set forth as logical flow-chart diagrams (e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3 ). As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow-chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method (e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3 ). Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of Applicant's data processing system 100 . In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 , data processing system 100 comprises storage server 120 , host computers 110 and 130 in communication with storage server 120 , and a plurality of data storage devices 160 , 170 , 180 , and 190 , in communication with storage server 120 . In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 , storage server 120 is in communication with service center 102 via communication link 104 .
[0020] Further in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 , storage server 120 comprises a microprocessor 122 , a computer readable medium 124 , an Application 140 encoded in computer readable medium 124 , and an error data management module 150 encoded in computer readable medium 124 .
[0021] Further in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 , Application 140 comprises an error handling module 142 . Further in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 , error handling module 142 comprises a database/lookup table 144 , wherein that database/lookup table 144 associates each of a plurality of different Application error conditions with a specific error data management module response interval.
[0022] Further in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 , error data management module 150 comprises a diagnostic data generating module 152 . Further in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 , diagnostic data generating module 152 comprises a database/lookup table 154 , wherein database/lookup table 154 associates each of plurality of different Application error conditions with a specific data collection script.
[0023] As a general matter, host computers 110 and 130 each comprises a computing device, such as a mainframe, personal computer, workstation, and combinations thereof, including an operating system such as Windows, AIX, Unix, MVS, LINUX, etc. (Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation; AIX is a registered trademark and MVS is a trademark of IBM Corporation; UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries licensed exclusively through The Open Group; and LINUX is a registered trademark of Linus Torvald). In certain embodiments, one or more of host computers 110 and 130 further includes a storage management program 113 / 133 . In certain embodiments, that storage management program may include the functionality of storage management type programs known in the art that manage the transfer of data to and from a data storage and retrieval system, such as for example and without limitation the IBM DFSMS implemented in the IBM MVS operating system.
[0024] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 , host computers 110 and 130 comprise a microprocessor 115 and 135 , respectively, a computer readable medium 111 and 131 , respectively, and an application 112 and 132 , respectively encoded in computer readable medium 111 and 131 , respectively.
[0025] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 , Application 112 / 132 comprise an error handling module 114 / 134 , respectively. Further in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 , error handling module 114 / 134 comprise a diagnostic data generating module 116 / 136 , respectively.
[0026] Host computers 110 and 130 communicate with storage server 120 via communication links 117 and 127 , respectively, using any known I/O interface. In certain embodiments, communication links 117 and 127 utilize one or more of the following I/O interfaces, ESCON, FICON, Fibre Channel, INFINIBAND, Gigabit Ethernet, Ethernet, TCP/IP, iSCSI, SCSI I/O interface, and the like.
[0027] Storage server 120 communicates with data storage devices using communication links 165 , 175 , 185 , and 195 , respectively using any known I/O interface. In certain embodiments, communication links 165 , 175 , 185 , and 195 , utilize one or more of the following I/O interfaces ESCON, FICON, Fibre Channel, INFINIBAND, Gigabit Ethernet, Ethernet, TCP/IP, iSCSI, SCSI I/O interface, and the like.
[0028] In certain embodiments, one or more of data storage devices 160 , 170 , 180 , and/or 190 , comprises a magnetic storage medium in combination with hardware, firmware, and software, needed to write information to, and read information from, that magnetic storage medium. In certain embodiments, storage server 120 comprises a virtual tape server and one or more of data storage devices 160 , 170 , 180 , and/or 190 , comprises a magnetic tape storage medium in combination with hardware, firmware, and software, needed to write information to, and read information from, that magnetic tape storage medium.
[0029] In certain embodiments, one or more of data storage devices 160 , 170 , 180 , and/or 190 , comprises an optical storage medium in combination with hardware, firmware, and software, needed to write information to, and read information from, that optical storage medium. In certain embodiments, one or more of data storage devices 160 , 170 , 180 , and/or 190 , comprises an electronic storage medium in combination with hardware, firmware, and software, needed to write information to, and read information from, that electronic storage medium. In certain embodiments, one or more of data storage devices 160 , 170 , 180 , and/or 190 , comprises a holographic storage medium in combination with hardware, firmware, and software, needed to write information to, and read information from, that holographic storage medium.
[0030] Applicant's method provides a mechanism to generate diagnostic data when an error occurs in an application, such as for example and without limitation application 112 ( FIG. 1 ) and/or application 140 ( FIG. 1 ). Applicant's error data management module 150 ( FIG. 1 ) comprises a diagnostic data generating module 152 ( FIG. 1 ). Diagnostic data generating module 152 comprises a database/lookup table 154 , wherein that database/lookup table associates each of a plurality of application error conditions with a specific data gathering script. Each data gathering script comprises instructions regarding data to be dumped and/or collected if a specific error condition is detected in the application.
[0031] FIGS. 2 and 3 summarize Applicant's method to generate and store diagnostic data in the event of an application error. FIG. 2 summarizes portions of Applicant's method implemented by Applicant's error data management module. FIGS. 3A and 3B summarizes portion of Applicant's method implemented by an error handling module resident in the application itself.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 2 , in step 210 the method provides a data storage system comprising a plurality of host computers, a storage server in communication with each of the host computers, a plurality of data storage devices in communication with the storage server, and Applicant's error data management module, such a error data management module 150 ( FIG. 2 ).
[0033] In step 220 , the method detects an error in an executed application. In certain embodiments, step 220 is performed by Applicant's error data management module. In certain embodiments, step 220 is performed by a diagnostic data generating module portion of Applicant's error data management module. In certain embodiments, Applicant's error data management module is encoded in a computer readable medium disposed in the storage server of step 210 . In certain embodiments, the application is running on the storage server of step 210 . In certain embodiments, the application is running on a host computer in communication with the storage server of step 210 .
[0034] In step 230 , the method determines if a specific data gathering script is associated with the error condition detected in step 220 . In certain embodiments, the diagnostic data generating module portion of Applicant's error data management module comprises a plurality of data gathering scripts, wherein each of those data gathering scripts is associated with a specific error condition. In certain embodiments, step 230 is performed by Applicant's error data management module. In certain embodiments, step 230 is performed by a diagnostic data generating module portion of Applicant's error data management module.
[0035] If the method determines in step 230 that a specific data gathering script is not associated with the error condition detected in step 220 , then the method with respect to Applicant's error data management module transitions from step 230 to step 240 and ends. Alternatively, if the method in step 230 determines that a specific data gathering script is associated with the error condition detected in step 220 , then the method transitions from step 230 to step 250 wherein the method invokes the specific data gathering script associated with the detected error of step 220 . In certain embodiments, step 250 is performed by Applicant's error data management module. In certain embodiments, step 250 is performed by a diagnostic data generating module portion of Applicant's error data management module.
[0036] In step 260 , the method, using the executed data gathering script of step 250 , generates and/or collects data designated in that data gathering script. In certain embodiments, step 260 is performed by Applicant's error data management module. In certain embodiments, step 260 is performed by a diagnostic data generating module portion of Applicant's error data management module.
[0037] In step 270 , the method saves the data generated and/or collected in step 260 to a designated location 128 ( FIG. 1 ) in a computer readable medium. In certain the method saves the data generated and/or collected in step 260 to a storage location designated by the data collection script of step 250 . In certain embodiments, step 270 is performed by Applicant's error data management module. In certain embodiments, step 270 is performed by a diagnostic data generating module portion of Applicant's error data management module.
[0038] In step 280 , the method determines if diagnostic data generation/collection is complete. In certain embodiments, step 280 is performed by Applicant's error data management module. In certain embodiments, step 280 is performed by a diagnostic data generating module portion of Applicant's error data management module.
[0039] If the method determines in step 280 that diagnostic data generation/collection is not complete, the method transitions from step 280 to step 260 and continues as described herein. Alternatively, if the method determines in step 280 that diagnostic data generation/collection is complete, then the method transitions from step 280 to 290 wherein the method send a Completion Signal to the application of step 220 . In certain embodiments, step 290 is performed by Applicant's error data management module. In certain embodiments, step 290 is performed by a diagnostic data generating module portion of Applicant's error data management module.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 3 , in step 310 the method provides a data storage system comprising a plurality of host computes, a storage server, a plurality of data storage devices in communication with the storage server, and an application comprising an error handling module.
[0041] In step 320 , the method establishes a default waiting period, wherein the method delays sending an error signal after detecting an application error for that default waiting period. In certain embodiments, the default waiting period of step 320 is established by the owner and/or operation of the storage server of step 310 . In certain embodiments, the default waiting period of step 320 is established by the owner and/or operator of one or more of the host computers of step 310 .
[0042] In step 325 , the method detects an error in an executed application. In certain embodiments, the application of step 325 is running on the storage server of step 310 . In certain embodiments, the application of step 325 is running on one or more host computers of step 310 . In certain embodiments, step 325 is executed by an error handling module portion of the executed application.
[0043] In step 330 , the method determines if additional diagnostic data from Applicant's error data management module (“EDMD”) is required. In certain embodiments, step 330 is executed by an error handling module portion of the executed application. In certain embodiments, the error handling module portion of the executed application comprises a database/lookup table, wherein that database/lookup table indicates for each of a plurality of application error conditions whether additional diagnostic data generated and/or collected by Applicant's EDMD is required.
[0044] If the method determines in step 330 that additional diagnostic data generated and/or collected by Applicant's EDMD is not required, then the method transitions from step 330 to step 390 ( FIG. 3B ), and provides an error signal alerting service personnel about the application error. In certain embodiments, in step 390 ( FIG. 3B ) the method provides an error message to a service center, such as service center 102 using communication link 104 . Providing such an error message is sometimes referred to as “calling home.” In certain embodiments, the communication link 104 comprises a telephone link. In certain embodiments, communication link 104 utilizes an TCP/IP communication protocol.
[0045] Alternatively, if the method determines in step 330 that additional diagnostic data generated and/or collected by Applicant's EDMD is required, then the method transitions from step 330 to step 340 wherein the method determines if an error-specific EDMD response interval has been established for the application error detected in step 325 . In certain embodiments, step 340 is executed by an error handling module portion of the executed application.
[0046] If the method determines in step 340 that an error-specific EDMD response interval has not been established for the application error detected in step 325 , then the method transitions from step 340 to step 360 ( FIG. 3B ) wherein the method sets a reporting delay interval to the default waiting period of step 320 . In certain embodiments, step 360 ( FIG. 3B ) is executed by an error handling module portion of the executed application. The method transitions from step 360 to step 370 ( FIG. 3B ).
[0047] Alternatively, if the method determines in step 340 that an error-specific EDMD response interval has been established for the application error detected in step 325 , then the method transitions from step 340 to step 350 wherein the method sets a reporting delay interval to the error-specific EDMD response interval established for the application error detected in step 325 . In certain embodiments, step 350 is executed by an error handling module portion of the executed application.
[0048] The method transitions from step 350 to step 370 ( FIG. 3B ) wherein the method determines if a completion signal has been received from Applicant's EDMD. In certain embodiments, step 370 ( FIG. 3B ) is executed by an error handling module portion of the executed application.
[0049] If the method determines in step 370 ( FIG. 3B ) that a completion signal has been received from Applicant's EDMD, then the method transitions from step 370 to step 390 ( FIG. 3B ) and continues as described herein. Alternatively, if the method determines in step 370 that a completion signal has not been received from Applicant's EDMD, then the method transitions from step 370 to step 380 ( FIG. 3B ) wherein the method determines if a time interval starting at the error detection of step 325 to the present exceeds the reporting delay interval of step 350 or step 360 . In certain embodiments, step 380 ( FIG. 3B ) is executed by an error handling module portion of the executed application.
[0050] If the method determines in step 380 that a time interval starting at the error detection of step 325 to the present does not exceed the reporting delay interval of step 350 or step 360 , then the method transitions from step 380 to step 370 and continues as described herein. Alternatively, if the method determines in step 380 that a time interval starting at the error detection of step 325 to the present does exceed the reporting delay interval of step 350 or step 360 , then the method transitions from step 380 to step 390 and continues as described herein.
[0051] In certain embodiments, individual steps recited in FIGS. 2 , 3 A, and 3 B may be combined, eliminated, or reordered.
[0052] In certain embodiments, Applicant's invention includes instructions, such as instructions 126 ( FIG. 1 ) written to computer readable medium 124 ( FIG. 1 ), where those instructions are executed by a microprocessor, such as microprocessor 122 ( FIG. 1 ), to perform one or more of steps 220 , 230 , 240 , 250 , 260 , 270 , 280 , and/or 290 , recited in FIG. 2 , and/or one or more of steps 320 , 325 , 330 , 340 , 350 , 360 , 370 , 380 , and/or 390 , recited in FIGS. 3A and 3B .
[0053] In other embodiments, Applicant's invention includes instructions residing in any other computer program product, where those instructions are executed by a microprocessor external to, or internal to, data storage system 100 , to perform one or more of steps 220 , 230 , 240 , 250 , 260 , 270 , 280 , and/or 290 , recited in FIG. 2 , and/or one or more of steps 320 , 325 , 330 , 340 , 350 , 360 , 370 , 380 , and/or 390 , recited in FIGS. 3A and 3B . In either case, the instructions may be encoded in a computer readable medium comprising, for example, a magnetic information storage medium, an optical information storage medium, an electronic information storage medium, and the like. By “electronic storage media,” Applicant means, for example, a device such as a PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash PROM, compactflash, smartmedia, and the like.
[0054] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims. | A method to generate and save diagnostic data in the event of an application error, wherein the method supplies a first computing device comprising a microprocessor and a first computer readable medium and an application encoded in said computer readable medium, wherein said application comprises an error handling module. The method further supplies a second computing device comprising a microprocessor and a second computer readable medium and an error data management module encoded in said second computer readable medium, wherein said error data management module comprises a diagnostic data generating module, wherein said first computing device is in communication with said second computing device. The method executes the application, detects by the error handling module an application error, and detects by the error data management module the application error. The method then receives by the error handling module a completion signal from the error data management module, and provides an error signal from the error handling module to a support center. | 6 |
This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/385,668 filed Aug. 27, 1999 now abandoned.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to a technology for effective use of wooden source materials, and more particularly to a technology for decomposing into fragments various things, such as excessively slim trees and branches normally left as residues in forests, flitches and wood cuttings produced in factories, construction and demolition wastes as one of industrial wastes, and so forth, by water-vapor explosion, and a technology for binding these fragments by any appropriate adhesive and shaping them into a new wooden material.
Wood has been used widely since old days because of a number of advantages it has, such as giving soft and warm impressions, being easy to obtain and work, and being reproducible. Moreover, along with the global increase of population and improvements of human lives, the amount of use of wood has increased remarkably, and the demand for wooden materials is getting higher and higher, and more and more diversified.
Under these circumstances, there have been developed new wooden materials like OSB (orientated strand boards), WB (wafer boards), PSL (parallel strand laminates) in addition to conventional lumbers, bonded wood, plywood laminates, LVL (veneer laminates), shavings boards, fiberboards, wood wool cement boards and wood piece cement boards.
However, only with developments of these conventional wooden materials, limited forest resources cannot be used effectively.
For example, conventional lumbers and bonded wood use only a half of the entire volume of trees, and a lot of flitches and wood cuttings have been left useless.
In case of plywood laminates, LVL and PSL, 50 to 70% in volume of logs can be used, but the logs are limited to those with large diameters.
As to shavings boards, fiberboards, OSB and WB, logs of relatively small diameters can be used as well, and a high yield is promised. However, those with very small diameters, such as forest residues, and those containing metal pieces, earth, sand or other foreign matters, such as construction wastes, still remain unused. In case of wood wool cement boards and wood piece cement boards, their strength performances are not large enough to be used as structural members.
Toward an effective use of residues and wastes, there have been developed techniques for crushing them into chips, digesting and splitting them into the form of pulp, and manufacturing paper and boards therefrom.
As one of these techniques, there has been proposed a method of making fibrous elements by first blowing high-temperature, high-pressurized steam onto chips in a pressure tube and then momentarily releasing the pressure, in the process of the digestion (explosive crushing method). However, it needs the process of once chipping residues and wastes, and has not yet overcome technical problems difficult to control, such as injection of high-temperature, high-pressurized steam.
As explained above, although various efforts have been made toward effective use of wood resources, to date, the purpose has not been achieved sufficiently.
For example, almost all of very thin trees and branches are left unused in forests.
Further, although flitches, wood cuttings and other fragments produced in the wood industry are being crushed into chips for use as source material of paper and boards, or sent to wood-waste boilers as a fuel, these ways of use are not sufficiently effective from the economical viewpoint. Regarding construction wastes and other industrial wastes, although a part thereof is crushed into chips, major part thereof is still being discarded or incinerated because it is difficult to collect them or re-use them due to the presence of metal pieces, earth, sand or other foreign matters therein.
Taking account of the today's tendency toward a decrease of the forest resources along with developments and aggravation of the environments for the worse thereby, it is an urgent issue from the technical and economical viewpoints to find out how to deal with and use these thin trees, branches, cutting wastage from factories, industrial waste, and so on, heretofore not used effectively by any existing means.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide fragments obtained by water-vapor explosion of wooden raw materials, wooden material containing such fragments as its aggregate, their manufacturing methods and machines, which ensure the effective use of lumber resources.
According to the invention, there is provided a technique for reforming wood, bamboo and other wooden materials into fragments having desired properties and various sizes and shapes so as to enable fabrication of wooden material fragments usable various purposes even from slim trees, branches, wood cuttings from factories, construction wastes, and so on, to thereby overcome the problems involved in conventional techniques, comprising the steps of:
(a) adjusting water content of wooden source materials including wood and bamboo;
(b) compressing the source materials under a high temperature; and
(c) after compressing the source materials for a predetermined duration of time, instantaneously releasing the pressure to invite water vapor explosion in the wooden materials and partly or entirely releasing fiber coupling in the wooden materials along fibers thereof.
In the step (b), a plurality of source materials may be stacked to align their fibers substantially in parallel and may be compressed under a high temperature.
According to the invention, there is further provided a technique comprising the steps of:
(a) adjusting water content of wooden source materials including wood and bamboo;
(b) compressing the source materials under a high temperature; and
(c) after compressing the source materials for a predetermined duration of time, instantaneously releasing the pressure to invite water vapor explosion in the wooden materials and partly or entirely releasing fiber coupling in said wooden materials along fibers thereof, thereby to obtain the explosive-split fragments;
(d) drying the explosive-split fragments;
(e) applying an adhesive onto the dried explosive-split fragments;
(f) stacking the explosive-split fragment obtained in the step (e); and
(g) compressing the stacked explosive-split fragments under a heat to obtain a multi-layered material of explosive-split fragments of a predetermined size and shape, to thereby realize new and useful wooden materials to overcome the problems involved in the conventional techniques.
According to the invention, there is further provided a method for manufacturing a cement board of explosive-split fragments obtained by introducing explosive-split fragments obtained from wooden materials through predetermined steps into a frame, then supplying mortar onto the from wooden materials, next vibrating the frame to remove voids in the mixture of the explosive-split fragments and mortar, compressing and fixing the mixture, releasing the pressure after hardening the mortar, and curing a mass of explosive-split fragments hardened and shaped into a predetermined configuration by mortar, the predetermined steps comprising:
(a) adjusting water content of wooden source materials including wood and bamboo;
(b) compressing the source materials under a high temperature; and
(c) after compressing the source materials for a predetermined duration of time, instantaneously releasing the pressure to invite water vapor explosion in the wooden materials and partly or entirely releasing fiber coupling in the wooden materials along fibers thereof, to thereby realize new and useful wooden materials utilizing wooden materials to overcome the problems involved in the conventional techniques.
According to the invention, there is further provided a technique including predetermined steps to thereby realize new and useful wooden materials to overcome the problems involved in the conventional techniques, the predetermined steps comprising:
(a) adjusting water content of wooden source materials including wood and bamboo;
(b) compressing the source materials under a high temperature;
(c) after compressing the source materials for a predetermined duration of time, instantaneously releasing the pressure to invite water vapor explosion in the wooden materials and partly or entirely releasing fiber coupling in the wooden materials along fibers thereof;
(d) drying the explosive-split fragments;
(e) supplying an expandable resin onto the dried explosive-split fragments;
(f) stacking the explosive-split fragments obtained in the step (e); and
(g) compressing the stacked explosive-split fragments obtained in the step (f) before the resin starts to expand so that the expandable resin be permitted to expand and cure under the pressure.
According to the invention, in order to facilitate industrial fabrication of the new materials, there is provided a manufacturing machine comprising:
storage means for storing wooden source materials including wood and bamboo, which are cut into a predetermined shape;
transport means for drawing out the wooden source materials from the storage means and aligning them in a single layer so that fibers in respective wooden source materials be in parallel;
stacking means for stacking the wooden source materials transported in a single layer from the transport means into a plurality of layers with a predetermined width and thickness; and
compressing the wooden source materials in stacked layers under a high temperature and instantaneously releasing the pressure to cause water vapor explosion in the wooden source materials.
According to the invention, there is further provided a machine for manufacturing a multi-layered board of explosive-split fragments comprising:
storage means for storing wooden source materials including wood and bamboo, which are cut into a predetermined shape;
transport means for drawing out said wooden source materials from said storage means and aligning them in a single layer so that fibers in respective said wooden source materials be in parallel;
first stacking means for stacking said wooden source materials transported in a single layer from said transport means into a plurality of layers with a predetermined width and thickness;
explosively splitting means for compressing said wooden source materials in stacked layers under a high temperature and instantaneously releasing the pressure to cause water vapor explosion in said wooden source materials;
drying means for drying said explosive-split fragments obtained by said explosively splitting means;
second stacking means for applying an adhesive onto the dried explosive-split fragments sent from said drying means and stacking said explosive-split fragments into a predetermined configuration; and
heat/pressing means for compressing the stacked explosive-split fragments sent from said second stacking means under a heat.
According to the invention, there is further provided a machine for manufacturing a cement board of explosive-split fragments, comprising:
storage means for storing wooden source materials including wood and bamboo, which are cut into a predetermined shape;
first transport means for drawing out the wooden source materials from the storage means and aligning them in a single layer so that fibers in respective said wooden source materials be in parallel;
first stacking means for stacking the wooden source materials transported in a single layer from said first transport means into a plurality of layers with a predetermined width and thickness;
explosively splitting means for compressing the wooden source materials in stacked layers under a high temperature and instantaneously releasing the pressure to cause water vapor explosion in the wooden source materials;
second transport means for cutting the explosive-split fragments obtained by the explosively splitting means into a predetermined length and delivering them to the next step;
second stacking means for stacking the explosive-split fragments in the frame in several layers in response to forward and backward movements of the frame;
supplying mortar in response to forward and backward movements of the frame every time when a single layer of explosive-split fragments is formed in the frame by the second stacking means;
vibrating means for vibrating the frame containing stacked explosive-split fragments and mortar supplied thereto to remove voids inside; and
applying pressure onto explosive-split fragments and mortar in said frame.
According to the invention, there is further provided a machine for manufacturing a foamed resin board of explosive-split fragments, comprising:
storage means for storing wooden source materials including wood and bamboo, which are cut into a predetermined shape;
transport means for drawing out the wooden source materials from the storage means and aligning them in a single layer so that fibers in respective the wooden source materials be in parallel;
first stacking means for stacking the wooden source materials transported in a single layer from said transport means into a plurality of layers with a predetermined width and thickness;
explosively splitting means for compressing the wooden source materials in stacked layers under a high temperature and instantaneously releasing the pressure to cause water vapor explosion in the wooden source materials;
drying means for drying explosive-split fragments obtained by the explosively splitting means;
second stacking means for spraying an expandable resin onto the explosive-split fragments sent from the drying means and for stacking the explosive-split fragments into a predetermined configuration; and
compressing means for compressing the stacked explosive-split fragments sent from the second stacking means before the resin starts to expand so that the expandable resin be permitted to expand and cure under the pressure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a process for manufacturing explosively-split fragments;
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a machine for manufacturing explosively-split fragments according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a machine for manufacturing a multi-layered material of explosively-split fragments according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a machine for manufacturing an explosively-split fragment cement board according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a machine for manufacturing a foamed resin board of explosively-split fragments according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 6 is a table showing properties of explosively-split fragments according to an embodiment of the invention; and
FIG. 7 is a table showing properties of explosively-split fragments according to another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Explosively-split fragments and a method for manufacturing them from wooden source materials according to an embodiment are explained below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a process for manufacturing such explosively-split fragments.
In the embodiment shown here, raw materials, such as willow 1 , bamboo 2 and cedar 3 , and remainder pieces 5 from lumber factories, and wastes 5 from destructed houses, among others, are used as original materials. Although this embodiment is shown as making explosively-split fragments from each original material illustrated, any other kind of tree and any other residues or wastes may be used, and these different kinds of original materials may be mixed appropriately. The raw materials used here are slim trees and branches as thin as approximately 2 to 10 cm in diameter. As a primary treatment, metal pieces, earth, sand, and so forth, are removed especially from wastes. Thereafter, these original materials are cut by a rotary saw into sections 6 as long as approximately 60 cm, such as willow sections 1 a , bamboo sections 2 a , cedar sections 3 a , remainder-piece sections 4 a , waste sections 5 a , for example. Also used are source materials shorter than 60 cm.
After the primary treatment, the amount of water content of the sections 6 is controlled to not lower than approximately 20%. For this adjustment, sprinkler means 7 or immersing means 8 is used as illustrated.
After that, the sections 6 adjusted in moisture content are set in an explosive-splitting machine 9 . The explosive-splitting machine 9 includes a housing 9 a open to the top and a hot press 9 b vertically movable inside the housing 9 a . The sections 6 are accumulated in parallel alignment with the lengthwise direction within the housing 9 a , and the housing 9 a containing these sections 6 is set in an explosive splitter 9 . Then, after heat and pressure are applied to the sections 6 by the hot press 9 b , the pressure is released for a moment. As a result, water vapor explosion occurs inside the accumulated sections 6 , and all of the sections 6 are explosively split. Thus, explosively split fragments 10 are obtained in the housing 9 a.
Conditions for applying heat and pressure by the hot press 9 b are determined appropriately. When the temperature is 200 through 300 E C., the pressure is 5 to 15 MPa, and the time for applying heat and pressure is 20 through 200 seconds, explosive-split fragments partly or entirely released in fiber coupling along their fibers into various configurations can be obtained as shown at 10 a through 10 d in FIG. 1 . In FIG. 1, 10 a denotes powdered explosive-split fragments, 10 b denotes cottony ones, 10 c denotes string-shaped ones, and 10 d denotes fine rod-shaped ones.
In this manner, wooden raw materials can be divided and split along their fibers without using any cutter, and the products are usable in various modes of use, in addition to the use as new materials like multi-layered materials, explosive-split cement boards, and explosive-split foamed resin boards. That is, wooden material fragments with desired configurations and properties can be obtained efficiently, and the production cost therefor is low.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing machine of these explosive-split fragments, which embodies the invention.
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 11 denotes a storage means of sections 6 such as willow sections 1 a , bamboo sections 2 a , cider sections 3 a , cutting sections 4 a , waste sections 5 a , and so on, which are shown in FIG. 1 . Numeral 12 denotes a belt conveyor as transport means for drawing out sections 6 from the storage means 11 , aligning them in a single layer with their fiber orientation in parallel, and transporting them to the next step. Numeral 13 denotes a stacking means for stacking several layers of sections 6 consecutively delivered from the transport means 12 while adjusting the width of each layer of sections 6 . The stacking means 13 includes a belt conveyor 13 c , a pair of converging plates 13 a for gradually converging the width of sections 6 spread in a single layer by urging from the opposite sides while the sections move along, and press rollers 13 b interposed between the pair of converging plates 13 a . The converging plates 13 a are slanted such that their height gradually increases from the start end to the final end, and the start end nearer to the transport means 12 , i.e. the inlet end, has the same width as that of the belt conveyor 13 c . The final end, i.e., the outlet end, is decreased in width to a predetermined width. Therefore, sections 6 are accumulated to some layers from the single layer while they run on the belt conveyor 13 c , and when they exit from the stacking means 13 , they exhibit an accumulated configuration adjusted in width and height to the dimension of the outlet end of the pair of converging plates 13 a .
Numeral 14 denotes an explosively splitting apparatus for explosively splitting a mass of sections delivered from the stacking means 13 into fragments. The explosively splitting apparatus 14 includes a pair of upper and lower steel feeding belt 14 a extending in a housing, and a heating means 14 b for heating the steel feeding belts 14 a . The paired upper and lower steel feeding belts 14 a are largely vertically distant from each other at their inlet side, that is, their end connected to the stacking means 13 . This distance is equal to the height of the outlet end of the converging plates 13 a . The distance between the paired upper and lower steel feeding belts 14 a is getting narrower toward their final end, and at the final end, namely, the outlet end, the distance between the upper and lower steel feeding belts is much narrower than that of the inlet end.
Therefore, the mass of sections 6 delivered from the stacking means 13 is gradually compressed while running between the upper and lower steel feeding belts 14 a , and simultaneously heated (200 to 300° C.) by the heating means 14 b via the steel feeding belts 14 a . The pressure to the mass of sections 6 is maximized at the outlet end which is the terminal end of the paired upper and lower steel feeding belts 14 a . In this embodiment, it is set to 10 MPa.
The mass of sections 6 is suddenly released from pressure when passing the terminal end of the upper and lower steel feeding belts 14 a , that is, the outlet end. As a result, due to water vapor explosion, the sections 6 are instantaneously released in fiber coupling along their fibers and broken into fragments. The explosive-split fragments 10 through these steps are sent to a container means 15 . Operations of the manufacturing machine explained above are automatically controlled by a controller using a microcomputer, for example.
Explosive-split fragments of various configurations obtained without using any cutter will be usable in various modes from source materials of pulp to aggregate of construction materials. The Inventor, however, has developed new materials using these explosive-split fragments as a kind of aggregate. These new materials are expected to have not only the performance of existing wooden materials but also other various performances, and they will be useful as materials of furniture, houses and other buildings, boards for civil engineering constructions, stanchion materials, beam materials, and so on. Explanation is made below about these new materials.
FIG. 3 is a diagram of a manufacturing machine of laminates of explosive-split fragments made by stacking explosive-split fragments according to the invention by a bonding agent. The machine, and laminates of explosive-split fragments and their manufacturing methods, are explained below.
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 11 denotes a storage means of sections 6 such as willow sections 1 a , bamboo sections 2 a , cider sections 3 a , cutting sections 4 a , waste sections 5 a , and so on, which are shown in FIG. 1 . Numeral 12 denotes a belt conveyor as transport means for drawing out sections 6 from the storage means 11 , aligning them in a single layer with their fiber orientation in parallel, and transporting them to the next step. Numeral 13 denotes a stacking means for stacking several layers of sections 6 consecutively delivered from the transport means 12 while adjusting the width of each layer of sections 6 . The stacking means 13 includes a belt conveyor 13 c , a pair of converging plates 13 a for gradually converging the width of sections 6 spread in a single layer by urging from the opposite sides while the sections move along, and press rollers 13 b interposed between the pair of converging plates 13 a . The converging plates 13 a are slanted such that their height gradually increases from the start end to the final end, and the start end nearer to the transport means 12 , i.e. the inlet end, has the same width as that of the belt conveyor 13 c . The final end, i.e., the outlet end, is decreased in width to a predetermined width. Therefore, sections 6 are accumulated in some layers from the single layer while they run on the belt conveyor 13 c , and when they exit from the stacking means 13 , they exhibit an accumulated configuration adjusted in width and height to the dimension of the outlet end of the pair of converging plates 13 a .
Numeral 14 denotes an explosively splitting apparatus for explosively splitting a mass of sections delivered from the stacking means 13 into fragments. The explosively splitting apparatus 14 includes a pair of upper and lower steel feeding belt 14 a extending in a housing, and a heating means 14 b for heating the steel feeding belts 14 a . The paired upper and lower steel feeding belts 14 a are largely vertically distant from each other at their inlet side, that is, their end connected to the stacking means 13 . This distance is equal to the height of the outlet end of the converging plates 13 a . The distance between the paired upper and lower steel feeding belts 14 a is getting narrower toward their final end, and at the final end, namely, the outlet end, the distance between the upper and lower steel feeding belts is much narrower than that of the inlet end.
Therefore, the mass of sections 6 delivered from the stacking means 13 is gradually compressed while running between the upper and lower steel feeding belts 14 a , and simultaneously heated (200 to 300° C.) by the heating means 14 b via the steel feeding belts 14 a . The pressure to the mass of sections 6 is maximized at the outlet end which is the terminal end of the paired upper and lower steel feeding belts 14 a . In this embodiment, it is set to 10 MPa.
The mass of sections 6 is suddenly released from pressure when passing the terminal end of the upper and lower steel feeding belts 14 a , that is, the outlet end. As a result, due to water vapor explosion, the sections 6 are instantaneously released in fiber coupling along their fibers and broken into fragments, and explosive-split fragments 10 are obtained.
Numeral 15 denotes a drier means for drying explosive-split fragments 10 sent from the explosively splitting means 14 . In the drier means 15 , explosive-split fragments 10 are supported on nets transported by a roller, and dried by a high-temperature air blow while they move. In the illustrated example, two nets, upper and lower, are used. But only one net is acceptable depending upon the quantity of explosive-split fragments 10 . Numeral 16 denotes a second stacking means for spraying a thermally setting adhesive from nozzles onto explosive-split fragments 10 sent from the drier means 15 and for stacking these explosive-split fragments 10 in a predetermined configuration. The explosive-split fragments 10 sent in upper and lower two layers from the drier means 15 are joined together and sent to a heat-pressing means in the next stage after the thermally setting adhesive is sprayed from the nozzles onto the explosive-split fragments 10 in each layer under movement.
Numeral 17 denotes the heat-pressing means for compressing accumulated explosive-split fragments 10 sent from the second stacking means 16 under a heat. The heat-pressing means 17 includes an upper steel feeding belt 17 a and a lower steel feeding belt 17 b both extending within a housing, and a heating means for heating the upper and lower steel feeding belts. The upper steel feeding belt 17 a includes a slanted portion and a flat portion whereas the lower steel feeding belt 17 b is entirely flat. The slanted portion of the upper steel feeding belt 17 a gradually slopes down from its start end and merges with the flat portion. The flat portion of the upper steel feeding belt 17 a and the lower steel feeding belt 17 b are distant by a predetermined distance. Therefore, accumulated explosive-split fragments 10 sent from the second stacking means 16 are progressively compressed while moving between the upper steel feeding belt 17 a and the lower steel feeding belt 17 b . When they reach between the flat portion of the upper steel feeding belt 17 a and the lower steel feeding belt 17 b , a predetermined pressure is applied thereto under a heat, the adhesive thermally sets, and a multi-layered material 18 made of explosive-split fragments is obtained.
In the embodiment shown here, the pressure is set within the range from 1 to 4 MPa, and the heating temperature within the range from 100 to 150° C. The pressure can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the flat portion of the upper belt 17 a and the lower belt 17 b.
The multi-layered material 18 of explosive-split fragments is then discharged from the heat-pressing means 17 and cut into a predetermined length by a cross cut saw 19 .
The multi-layered material of explosive-split fragments obtained through these steps is made by using as its aggregate a mass of explosive-split fragments obtained by splitting wooden materials along their fiber orientations by explosive splitting, and hardening them with an adhesive. Therefore, it has a strength larger than that of lumbers. Explosive-split fragments made by splitting wooden materials along their fiber orientations are closely bound together by the adhesive, and the fiber structures of the source materials are maintained. Therefore, the multi-layered material of these explosive-split fragments is remarkably strong.
Additionally, since splitting of wooden materials along their fiber orientations, that is, decomposition of fiber coupling along fiber extending directions, is executed by water vapor explosion without using any cutter, the manufacturing efficiency is high, and the manufacturing cost is low.
Operations of the manufacturing machine explained above are automatically controlled by a controller including a microcomputer, for example.
Although the above-explained embodiment is configured to consecutively manufacture multi-layered materials 18 of explosive-split fragments in form of flat plates, the shape of the cement board 27 of explosive-split fragments is not limited to flat plates.
That is, as explained with reference to FIG. 1, explosive-split fragments of various shapes and properties, such as powdered ( 10 a ), cottony ( 10 B), string-shaped ( 10 c ) and rod-shaped ( 10 d ) ones, can be obtained by changing conditions including pressure, heating temperature and compression time, etc., in the explosively splitting means 14 , and responsively, multi-layered materials of explosive-split fragments of various shapes and properties can be obtained as well. For example, by using powdered ( 10 a ), cottony ( 10 b ) and string-shaped ( 10 c ) explosive-split fragments as source materials and using molding boxes of various configurations, multi-layered materials with any shapes, such as curved faces, can be manufactured.
In the embodiment shown here, explosive-split fragments 10 are manufactured continuously, and multi-layered materials 18 of explosive-split fragments are also manufactured continuously. However, it is also possible to obtain explosive-split fragments 10 by using the explosively splitting apparatus 9 shown in FIG. 1 and to supply them consecutively to the drier means 15 shown in FIG. 3 .
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a manufacturing machine for manufacturing cement boards of explosive-split fragments using explosive-split fragments according to the invention as their aggregate. The machine, and cement boards of explosive-split fragments and their manufacturing methods, are explained below.
In FIG. 4, reference numeral 11 denotes a storage means of sections 6 such as willow sections 1 a , bamboo sections 2 a , cider sections 3 a , cutting sections 4 a , waste sections 5 a , and so on, which are shown in FIG. 1 . Numeral 12 denotes a belt conveyor as transport means for drawing out sections 6 from the storage means 11 , aligning them in a single layer with their fiber orientation in parallel, and transporting them to the next step. Numeral 13 denotes a stacking means for stacking several layers of sections 6 consecutively delivered from the transport means 12 while adjusting the width of each layer of sections 6 . The stacking means 13 includes a belt conveyor 13 c , a pair of converging plates 13 a for gradually converging the width of sections 6 spread in a single layer by urging from the opposite sides while the sections move along, and press rollers 13 b interposed between the pair of converging plates 13 a . The converging plates 13 a are slanted such that their height gradually increases from the start end to the final end, and the start end nearer to the transport means 12 , i.e. the inlet end, has the same width as that of the belt conveyor 13 c . The final end, i.e., the outlet end, is decreased in width to a predetermined width. Therefore, sections 6 are accumulated in some layers from the single layer while they run on the belt conveyor 13 c , and when they exit from the stacking means 13 , they exhibit an accumulated configuration adjusted in width and height to the dimension of the outlet end of the pair of converging plates 13 a.
Numeral 14 denotes an explosively splitting means for explosively splitting a mass of sections delivered from the first stacking means 13 into fragments. The explosively splitting means 14 includes a pair of upper and lower steel feeding belt 14 a extending in a housing, and a heating means 14 b for heating the steel feeding belts 14 a . The paired upper and lower steel feeding belts 14 a are largely vertically distant from each other at their inlet side, that is, their end connected to the first stacking means 13 . This distance is equal to the height of the outlet end of the converging plates 13 a . The distance between the paired upper and lower steel feeding belts 14 a is getting narrower toward their final end, and at the final end, namely, the outlet end, the distance between the upper and lower steel feeding belts is much narrower than that of the inlet end.
Therefore, the mass of sections 6 delivered from the first stacking means 13 is gradually compressed while running between the upper and lower steel feeding belts 14 a , and simultaneously heated (200 to 300° C.) by the heating means 14 b via the steel feeding belts 14 a . The pressure to the mass of sections 6 is maximized at the outlet end which is the terminal end of the paired upper and lower steel feeding belts 14 a . In this embodiment, it is set to 10 MPa. Pressure in the explosively splitting means 14 is adjusted by adjusting the distance between the upper and lower paired steel feeding belts 14 a at their terminal end.
The mass of sections 6 is suddenly released from pressure when passing the terminal end of the upper and lower steel feeding belts 14 a , that is, the outlet end. As a result, due to water vapor explosion, the sections 6 are instantaneously released in fiber coupling along their fibers and broken into fragments, and explosive-split fragments 10 are obtained.
Numeral 20 denotes a second transport means for drying explosive-split fragments 10 obtained in the explosively splitting means 14 , cutting them to a predetermined length with a cross cut saw, for example, and sending them to the next step. Numeral 21 denotes a second stacking means for stacking explosive-split fragments 10 sent from the second transport means 20 in several layers within a steel frame 22 . The frame 22 is movable relative to the second stacking means 21 . In response to a movement of the second stacking means 21 , explosive-split fragments 10 are spread in the frame 22 up to a uniform thickness to form a single layer of fragments. Responsively, mortar is sprayed onto the single layer of fragments from a mortar injection means 24 . Repeating these steps, some layers of explosive-split fragments 10 , each applied with mortar, are stacked in the frame 22 . In the frame 22 , a cement separating agent is previously applied inside the frame 22 . Reference numeral 25 denotes a mixer for preparing mortar by mixing cement, sand, water, curing agent, and so forth, by a predetermined ratio, and supplying it to the mortar injection means 24 .
When the steel frame 22 is filled with explosive-split fragments 10 and mortar, an upper lid 26 is put on the steel frame 22 , and the steel frame in this status is sent to a vibrating/compressing means 26 . In the vibrating/compressing means 26 , after removing void in the mixture of explosive-split fragments and mortar by vibrating the entirety of the steel frame 22 , the upper lid 22 a is urged and fixed to maintain a predetermined compressing pressure on and between the explosive-split fragments 10 and mortar.
After the mortar cures, the pressure is released, and the steel frame 22 is moved to a curing chamber.
After one or two days of curing, the steel frame 22 is decomposed to obtain a cement board 27 of explosive-split fragments 27 in which explosive-split fragments 10 are firmly bound by the cured mortar. The cement board 27 of explosive-split fragments completed in this manner may be continuously held under curing where necessary.
The cement board of explosive-split fragments obtained through these steps is made by using as its aggregate a mass of explosive-split fragments obtained by splitting wooden materials along their fiber orientations by explosive splitting, and enclosing them with mortar. Therefore, it is usable as a material having a fire resistivity and a strength close to that of lumbers. larger than that of lumbers. Explosive-split fragments made by splitting wooden materials along their fiber orientations closely bond to mortar, and the fiber structures of the source materials are maintained. Therefore, the cement board of these explosive-split fragments is remarkably strong.
Additionally, since splitting of wooden materials along their fiber orientations is executed by water vapor explosion without using any cutter, the manufacturing efficiency is high, and the manufacturing cost is low.
Operations of the manufacturing machine explained above are automatically controlled by a controller including a microcomputer, for example.
Although the above-explained embodiment is configured to consecutively manufacture cement boards 27 of explosive-split fragments in form of flat plates, the shape of the multi-layered material 18 of explosive-split fragments is not limited to flat plates.
That is, as explained with reference to FIG. 1, explosive-split fragments of various shapes and properties, such as powdered ( 10 a ), cottony ( 10 B), string-shaped ( 10 c ) and rod-shaped ( 10 d ) ones, can be obtained by changing conditions including pressure, heating temperature and compression time, etc., in the explosively splitting means 14 , and responsively, cement boards of explosive-split fragments of various shapes and properties can be obtained as well. For example, by using powdered ( 10 a ), cottony ( 10 b ) and string-shaped ( 10 c ) explosive-split fragments as source materials and using molding boxes of various configurations, multi-layered materials with any shapes, such as curved faces, can be manufactured.
In the embodiment shown here, explosive-split fragments 10 are manufactured continuously, and cement boards 27 of explosive-split fragments are also manufactured continuously. However, it is also possible to obtain explosive-split fragments 10 by using the explosively splitting apparatus 9 shown in FIG. 1 and to continuously supply them to the second transport means 20 shown in FIG. 4 .
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a manufacturing machine for manufacturing a foamed resin board of explosive-split fragments using explosive-split fragments according to the invention as its aggregate. The machine, and foamed resin boards of explosive-split fragments and their manufacturing methods, are explained below.
In FIG. 5, reference numeral 11 denotes a storage means of sections 6 such as willow sections 1 a , bamboo sections 2 a , cider sections 3 a , cutting sections 4 a , waste sections 5 a , and so on, which are shown in FIG. 1 . Numeral 12 denotes a belt conveyor as transport means for drawing out sections 6 from the storage means 11 , aligning them in a single layer with their fiber orientation in parallel, and transporting them to the next step. Numeral 13 denotes a first stacking means for stacking several layers of sections 6 consecutively delivered from the transport means 12 while adjusting the width of each layer of sections 6 . The first stacking means 13 includes a belt conveyor 13 c , a pair of converging plates 13 a for gradually converging the width of sections 6 spread in a single layer by urging from the opposite sides while the sections move along, and press rollers 13 b interposed between the pair of converging plates 13 a . The converging plates 13 a are slanted such that their height gradually increases from the start end to the final end, and the start end nearer to the transport means 12 , i.e. the inlet end, has the same width as that of the belt conveyor 13 c . The final end, i.e., the outlet end, is decreased in width to a predetermined width. Therefore, sections 6 are accumulated in some layers from the single layer while they run on the belt conveyor 13 c , and when they exit from the stacking means 13 , they exhibit an accumulated configuration adjusted in width and height to the dimension of the outlet end of the pair of converging plates 13 a.
Numeral 14 denotes an explosively splitting means for explosively splitting a mass of sections delivered from the first stacking means 13 into fragments. The explosively splitting means 14 includes a pair of upper and lower steel feeding belt 14 a extending in a housing, and a heating means 14 b for heating the steel feeding belts 14 a . The paired upper and lower steel feeding belts 14 a are largely vertically distant from each other at their inlet side, that is, their end connected to the first stacking means 13 . This distance is equal to the height of the outlet end of the converging plates 13 a . The distance between the paired upper and lower steel feeding belts 14 a is getting narrower toward their final end, and at the final end, namely, the outlet end, the distance between the upper and lower steel feeding belts is much narrower than that of the inlet end.
Therefore, the mass of sections 6 delivered from the first stacking means 13 is gradually compressed while running between the upper and lower steel feeding belts 14 a , and simultaneously heated (200 to 300° C.) by the heating means 14 b via the steel feeding belts 14 a . The pressure to the mass of sections 6 is maximized at the outlet end which is the terminal end of the paired upper and lower steel feeding belts 14 a . In this embodiment, it is set to 10 MPa. Pressure in the explosively splitting means 14 is adjusted by adjusting the distance between the upper and lower paired steel feeding belts 14 a at their terminal end.
The mass of sections 6 is suddenly released from pressure when passing the terminal end of the upper and lower steel feeding belts 14 a , that is, the outlet end. As a result, due to water vapor explosion, the sections 6 are instantaneously released in fiber coupling along their fibers and broken into fragments, and explosive-split fragments 10 are obtained.
Numeral 28 denotes a drier means for drying explosive-split fragments 10 sent from the explosively splitting means 14 by using a hot air blow. Numeral 29 denotes a second stacking means for spraying expandable resin onto dried explosive-split fragments 10 through a nozzle 29 a and delivering them of a predetermined thickness to the next stage.
Explosive-split fragments 10 supplied with expandable resin and accumulated to a predetermined thickness are sent to a press means 30 in the next stage before expansion of the resin.
The press means 30 includes an upper steel feeding belt 30 a and a lower steel feeding belt 30 b both extending within a housing. The upper steel feeding belt 30 a includes a slanted portion and a flat portion whereas the lower steel feeding belt 30 b is entirely flat. The slanted portion of the upper steel feeding belt 30 a gradually slopes down from its start end and merges with the flat portion. The flat portion of the upper steel feeding belt 30 a and the lower steel feeding belt 30 b are distant by a predetermined distance. Therefore, accumulated explosive-split fragments 10 sent from the second stacking means 29 are progressively compressed while moving between the upper steel feeding belt 30 a and the lower steel feeding belt 30 b . When they reach between the flat portion of the upper steel feeding belt 30 a and the lower steel feeding belt 30 b , a predetermined pressure is applied thereto, the expandable resin expands and cures, and a foamed board 31 of explosive-split fragments is obtained. The foamed resin board 31 of explosive-split fragments is cut into a predetermined length by a cross cut saw, for example, when it is discharged from the press means 30 . In the embodiment shown here, pressure of the press means 30 is set in the range from 0 to 0.2 MPa, and it is adjusted by adjusting the distance between the flat portion of the upper steel feeding belt 30 a and the lower steel feeding belt 30 b . Heat need not be applied during compression.
The foamed resin board of explosive-split fragments obtained through these steps is useful as a new heat-resistant material with a the greatest strength ever experienced. Additionally, since explosive-split fragments serving as aggregate can be made with any of various shapes and properties, such as powdered ( 10 a ), cottony ( 10 B), string-shaped ( 10 c ) and rod-shaped ( 10 d ) ones as explained with reference to FIG. 1, heat-resistant materials with various properties, heavy or light, hard or soft, strong or weak, for example, can be obtained depending upon their applications.
Operations in the manufacturing machine are automatically controlled by a controller equipped with a microcomputer, for example.
In the embodiment shown here, foamed resin boards 31 of explosive-split fragments in form of flat plates are manufactured continuously. However, configuration of the foamed resin board 31 of explosive-split fragments is not limited to flat plates.
That is, as explained with reference to FIG. 1, explosive-split fragments of various shapes and properties, such as powdered ( 10 a ), cottony ( 10 B), string-shaped ( 10 c ) and rod-shaped ( 10 d ) ones, can be obtained by changing conditions including pressure, heating temperature and compression time, etc., in the explosively splitting means 14 , and so, foamed resin boards of explosive-split fragments of various shapes and properties can be obtained as well. For example, by using powdered ( 10 a ), cottony ( 10 b ) and string-shaped ( 10 c ) explosive-split fragments as source materials and using molding boxes of various configurations, foamed resin boards with any shapes, such as curved faces, can be manufactured.
In the embodiment shown here, explosive-split fragments 10 are manufactured continuously, and foamed resin boards 31 of explosive-split fragments are also manufactured continuously. However, it is also possible to obtain explosive-split fragments 10 by using the explosively splitting apparatus 9 shown in FIG. 1 and to supply them consecutively to the drier means 28 shown in FIG. 5 .
Next explained are explosive-split fragments embodying the invention.
EXAMPLE 1
In this example, sample materials were explosively split by using an existing hot press as the explosively splitting apparatus. Therefore, samples have no constraint in right angles relative to the load direction, and they are permitted to freely expand and contract in right angles under a load. The samples were of cedar which was largest in storage quantity in Japan, and water-saturated (100 to 200%) lumbers, 60 cm long, 10 cm wide and 2 cm thick, were introduced into a hot press. Then, by applying the pressure of 2, 3, 4, 6 MPa under the heating temperature of 200, 250 and 300° C., and by instantaneously releasing the pressure after maintaining constant pressures for predetermined durations of time to invite water vapor explosion, explosive-split fragments of various shapes were obtained. Its result is shown in FIG. 6 .
The table of FIG. 6 shows durations of time required for explosive splitting when heating and compressing water-saturated 20 mm thick lumbers under the temperatures 200, 250 and 300° C. and compressing pressures 2, 4 and 6 MPa, and characters of strands (explosive-split fragments) obtained thereby. As the heating temperature and the compression pressure increase, the required time decreases, string-shaped strands (explosive-split fragments) are getting thinner and shorter, and coupling among strands (explosive-split fragments) changes from a cord-fabric configuration, net-shaped configuration to a semi-separated configuration.
Under the most severe heating and pressing conditions of 300° C. and 6 MPa, strands in form of minute cords, approximately 2 mm thick and 30 mm long, were obtained in a duration of time as short as 50 seconds, and strands were slightly coupled like a thread.
EXAMPLE 2
Samples used in this example were water-saturated (100 to 200%) lumbers, 60 cm long, 10 cm wide and 2 cm thick. In the other respects, Example 2 was the same as Example 1, and explosive-split fragments of various shapes were obtained. Its result is shown in FIG. 7 .
The table of FIG. 7 shows durations of time required for explosive splitting when heating and compressing water-saturated 30 mm thick lumbers under the temperatures 200 and 2500° C. and compressing pressures 3 and 6 MPa, and characters of strands (explosive-split fragments) obtained thereby. As the heating temperature and the compression pressure increase, the required time decreases, string-shaped strands (explosive-split fragments) are getting thinner and shorter from plate-shaped ones, through rod-shaped and cord-shaped ones to the form of chips, and coupling among strands (explosive-split fragments) changes from a cord-fabric configuration, net-shaped configuration to a semi-separated configuration and a fully separated configuration. Under the most severe heating and pressing conditions of 250° C. and 6 MPa, strands in form of minute cords, approximately 3 mm thick and 200 mm long, were obtained in a duration of time as short as 90 seconds, and strands were coupled in form of a net.
Additionally, when lumbers were restricted in their width direction under the same heating and pressing conditions and thereafter released from the restriction simultaneously with release of the pressure, the required time was further decreased to 60 seconds, strands (explosive-split fragments) were thin and as short as 100 mm, and they were slightly couples in form of a thread.
As explained above, it has been confirmed that various strands (explosive-split fragments) can be fabricated by explosively splitting lumbers by the process of heating, compressing and instantaneously releasing in a very short time. Source materials used in the experiment were relatively thin lumbers of a uniform shape. However, materials to be practically used contain those of various shapes and sizes, and an enormous quantity of them must be processed. Therefore, it is difficult to directly use the heating and compressing conditions used in the experiment also for actual fabrication. However, satisfactory explosive-splitting processing is expected by increasing the compressing pressure, elongating the heating and compressing time and adding restriction in right angles relative to the load applying direction.
As described above, since the invention enables the use of all materials including slim trees or low quality trees which have been left unused, cut-off branches which have been discarded, wood cuttings produced in the course of lumbering, and construction wastes without waste, and promises a remarkably high yield relative to the source materials, it greatly improves the rate of effective use of wood materials. Additionally, since explosively split fragments can be reconstructed as various veneer laminates or composite materials by using an adhesive, resin or cement, and new functions not found in existing wooden materials can be added, the use of reconstructed materials can be extended not only as plates, pillars, stanchions, etc. of furniture, houses and other buildings, but also as civil engineering materials and industrial materials. | In order to inexpensive construction materials effectively utilizing timber resources and realizing any desired properties by using so-called low-quality materials including slim timbers, old timbers, wood cuttings produced by lumbering, bamboo, and so forth, wood, bamboo and other wooden source materials are split into fragments along their fibers by water vapor explosion, and such explosive-split fragments are shaped and hardened by adding an adhesive, mortar or expandable resin into a new wooden material such as multi-layered board, cement board or foamed resin board of explosive-split fragments. The explosive-split fragments are also usable in various fields other than fabrication of the new material. | 1 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to forming fiber reinforced plastic preforms and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for controlling fiber deposition in a fiber reinforced preform.
Fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) parts or composite parts are well known and used in a wide variety of applications. An FRP part generally consists of a plastic shape in which carbon, fiberglass, or other reinforcing fibers are dispersed in order to provide strength to the component. One method of making an FRP part is known as resin transfer molding (RTM).
In RTM, fibrous material in a mold is injected with resin which cures to form the part. Examples of these techniques are disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,740,346--Perimeter Resin Feeding of Composite Structures; 4,849,147--Method of Making a Molded Structure Having Integrally Formed Attachment Members; and 4,863,771--Hollow Fiber Reinforced Structure and Method of Making Same, each of which is hereby specifically incorporated by reference. In RTM, fibrous material is often formed into a preliminary shape before being placed into the mold. The shaped sections generally conform to the contour of adjacent mold die surfaces and are known as preforms. Preforms have been constructed using several different manufacturing approaches. One such approach is to direct chopped fibers by means of a flow of air onto a screen. One problem with this technique is that it is difficult to obtain desired fiber orientation. Another method utilizes mats of fibrous material to make the preforms. This method, however, produces undesirable amounts of scrap material and is labor intensive, thus resulting in production cost inefficiencies.
Still another technique, known as a wet slurry process, is disclosed, for example, in Keown et al. ("Wet Slurry Process Brings Precision To Reinforced Plastics"). Keown discloses a slurry containing chopped fibers drawn by vacuum into a chamber covered by a screen. As a result, the fibers are deposited on the screen. This approach, however, is associated with certain disadvantages. For example, it is difficult to consistently obtain the desired fiber orientation and compactness of the fibers using this equipment. In addition, the pumps and other equipment required to create the vacuum and draw the slurry through the screen may be unduly complex and difficult to maintain. Furthermore, the process is relatively slow.
An improved wet slurry process is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,039,465--Method and Apparatus For Forming Fiber Reinforced Plastic Preforms From a Wet Slurry, which is also hereby incorporated by reference. The process disclosed therein teaches creating a preform by raising a screen through a tank containing a slurry of fibers resulting in the fibers being deposited on the screen. While this approach is promising, it also has some drawbacks. For example, structural integrity of the preforms may be compromised as the screen is raised out of the liquid. As long as the screen is moving beneath the surface of the slurry, pressure from the slurry forces the fibers on the screen and holds them in position. However, as soon as the screen breaks the plane of the top of the slurry as the preform is being removed from the tank, the liquid and fiber mixture surrounding the screen tends to rush into the interior cavity of the preform. As the slurry rushes into the preform, the upright side walls of the preform may collapse thereby creating a need for costly repair work or discard of the entire preform. Another challenge in the construction of fiber reinforced preforms is that of maintaining uniform wall thickness throughout the preform. While drawing the screen through the slurry, more liquid is forced through the major surface of the screen that is perpendicular to the direction of draw than the upright side walls that are parallel to the direction of movement of the screen. Because the quantity of fiber deposited on the screen is proportional to the amount of liquid forced through the screen, preforms constructed in this manner may contain sections of non-uniform thickness.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Pursuant to the present invention, an efficient, low cost method and apparatus for controlling fiber deposition in a fiber reinforced preform is provided.
In one embodiment, a main screen is placed in a tank filled with liquid. The main screen has a major surface, upright side walls and a plurality of openings formed therein. Reinforcing fibers are added to the liquid to create a slurry. The main screen is raised through the slurry to a level beneath the top of the slurry, thereby causing the reinforcing fibers to be deposited on the main screen. A retainer screen is inserted into the slurry such that the reinforcing fibers are sandwiched between the main screen and the retainer screen. Both the main screen and retainer screen are raised out of the tank effectively forming a fiber reinforced preform with minimal deformation.
In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a choke screen positioned adjacent the main screen to reduce the flow of liquid through that portion of the main screen as it is being drawn through the slurry. In order to optimize preform wall thickness, the choke screen may have openings formed therein which are offset in location or different in size from the openings in the main screen.
In another embodiment, a work cell is provided that includes a turntable disposed between the slurry tank and a furnace for efficiently mass producing the preforms.
In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a bubbler control device and separate bubbler zones. The control device is capable of sequencing bursts of air at varying pressures and durations for each of the bubbler zones. Uniformity of the slurry may be maximized by utilizing certain bubbler control sequences depending on the geometry of the preform.
In still another embodiment, the apparatus includes a fiber dispenser for controlling the addition of different types of fibers to the slurry. The fiber dispenser regulates the addition of various fibers in sequence timed to correspond with raising the main screen through the tank. By adding different types of fibers to the slurry during the upstroke of the main screen, a composite preform whose cross-section consists of different layers of materials may be constructed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The various advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art after reading the following specification and by reference to the drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a work cell for creating fiber reinforced preforms from a wet slurry constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of the tank station along with the pallet transfer mechanism located directly above the tank and also translated outside the gantry frame shown in phantom;
FIG. 2A is an overhead view of the tank showing the bubbler zone controller;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged top view of the tank station with the pallet and pallet transfer mechanism located over the tank;
FIG. 4 is a side view of a portion of the pallet transfer mechanism with inner carriage pins extended;
FIG. 5 is a side view of a portion of the tank station showing an outer carriage pin and a tank pin engaged with a transfer block;
FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of the work cell partially broken away to illustrate the order of operations;
FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the work cell showing the pallet rotated beneath the pallet transfer mechanism;
FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of the work cell showing the transfer mechanism extending downward to engage the pallet;
FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view of the work cell showing both inner and outer carriage pins in an extended position;
FIG. 10 is a partial sectional view of the work cell showing carriage and pallet assembly lifted from the plane of the turntable;
FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view of the tank station showing the pallet transfer mechanism as translated above the tank station;
FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view of the tank station showing pallet lowered to engage the wash plate;
FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view of the tank station showing outer carriage pin retracted and tank pin expended, thereby connecting pallet with the wash plate;
FIG. 14 is a partial sectional view of the tank station showing the ball screws actuated in a downward motion to position the main screen at the bottom of the tank;
FIG. 15 is a partial sectional view of the tank station showing ball screws actuated in an upward motion drawing the screen through the slurry while the carriage is lowering the retainer screen into the slurry;
FIG. 16 is a partial sectional view showing tank pins retracted and outer carriage pins extended and retainer screen guide rod seated on retaining screen mounting blocks;
FIG. 17 is a partial sectional view showing retraction of the carriage and pallet assembly;
FIG. 18 is a partial sectional view showing the retainer screen, main screen, and auxiliary screen;
FIG. 19 is a side view showing the fiber dispenser system with a first set of fibers entering the slurry; and
FIG. 20 is a side view showing the fiber dispenser system with a second set of fibers entering the slurry.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A. Summary
Referring to FIG. 1, a work cell 10 for creating a fiber reinforced preform 12 from a wet slurry is shown. Work cell 10 consists of four stations including a tank station 14, a turntable 16, a furnace 18 and a cooling station (not shown). Turntable 16 is positioned within work cell 10 such that parallel rails 20 of tank station 14 extend over turntable 16 thereby providing overhead support for a pallet transfer mechanism 22. Furnace 18 is positioned adjacent turntable 16 to afford easy and efficient transfer of a pallet 24 between turntable 16 and furnace 18.
Generally speaking, the process of creating fiber reinforced preforms begins by loading pallet 24 onto turntable 16, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. Mounted to pallet 24 is main screen 26, contoured in the shape of the component ultimately to be formed, having upright side walls 28, major surface 30, and a plurality of openings 32 therein. Retainer screen 34 is shaped to conform to at least the upright side wall portion 28 of main screen 26 and may conform to the entire contour of main screen 26 as shown in FIG. 6.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6-11, pallet transfer mechanism 22 is utilized to lift pallet 24 from turntable 16, translate the pallet from a position above turntable 16 to a position above a tank 36, and lower pallet 24 into tank 36. Referring to FIGS. 11-14, pallet 24 is disconnected from pallet transfer mechanism 22 and subsequently connected to wash plate 38. Wash plate 38 may be raised up and down within tank 36 by rotation of ball screws 40. Reinforcing fibers 42 and liquid 44 are added to tank 36 to create a slurry 45. Slurry 45 is mixed utilizing a mechanical stirring device or by a bubbler as discussed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,039,465, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
As shown in FIG. 2A, one embodiment of the present invention includes a bubbler zone controller 86 for regulating the supply of fluid, preferrably air, sent to plurality of bubbler zones 88. Tank 36 is divided into at least two, but preferably four, bubbler zones 88, denoted A, B, C, and D. Air source 90 is connected to plurality of supply lines 92 located upstream of bubbler valves 94, 96, 98 and 100. In a portion of a typical sequence of operation, bubbler zone controller 86 commands bubbler valve 94 to open allowing air to pass to bubbler zone A. The air supplied to bubbler zone A escapes through plurality of openings 102 thereby mixing slurry 45 in zone A.
In standard operating mode, air pulses are sent to bubbler zones 88 in a certain sequence to assure a random mixing of slurry 45. For example, zone A and zone C are sent air for 3 seconds while zones B and D are turned off. Zones B and D are then activated for 3 seconds while zones A and C are off. This cycle repeats until preform 12 is removed from slurry 45. Without the use of the bubbler zone controller in its standard operating mode, a vortex forms in slurry 45 as main screen 26 is raised through tank 36. Depending on the geometry of preform 12, a vortex may be detrimental to the structural integrity of preform 12 because the swirling motion of slurry 45 washes reinforcing fibers 42 from upright side walls 28. On the other hand, in instances where preform 12 has little or no upright sidewall 28, a vortex is helpful in that it assists in sweeping reinforcing fibers 42 off of wash plate 38 and into main screen 26. In these cases, a vortex may be initiated by pulsing air into bubbler zones A through D in sequence of alphabetical order.
Referring now to FIGS. 15-17, pallet 24 including main screen 26 is initially lowered near the bottom of tank 36. Pallet 24 is then drawn upwards through tank 36 thereby forcing liquid 44 through plurality of openings 32 and depositing reinforcing fibers 42 upon main screen 26. Prior to main screen 26 breaking the plane of the surface of slurry 45, retainer screen 34 is inserted into slurry 45 such that reinforcing fibers 42 are sandwiched between main screen 26 and retainer screen 34. Retainer screen 34 is positioned to protect preform 12 from damage due to slurry 45 rushing over upright side walls 28 as main screen 26 is lifted out of slurry 45. Once retainer screen 34 is in place, both main screen 26 and retainer screen 34 are raised together out of slurry 45 by pallet transfer mechanism 22. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, pallet transfer mechanism 22 translates pallet 24 from above tank 36 to a position above turntable 16. Pallet 24 is lowered back onto turntable 16 in route to furnace 18. Turntable 16 is rotated 180° about an axis 46 to bring pallet 24 within close proximity of furnace 18. Any suitable transfer mechanism may be utilized to unload pallet 24 from turntable 16 and into furnace 18. Pallet 24 including main screen 26, retainer screen 34 and preform 12 is heated in furnace 18 to evaporate as much liquid 44 trapped between reinforcing fibers 42 as possible. Heated pallet 24 is then transferred to the cooling station, not shown, where air is forced through main screen 26, retainer screen 34 and preform 12 to cool pallet 24 and evaporate any remaining liquid 44. Retainer screen 34 is removed to provide access to preform 12 which is subsequently removed as one contiguous component.
As shown in FIG. 18, an alternative embodiment of the invention includes an auxiliary screen 82 positioned beneath at least a portion of main screen 26. Auxiliary screen 82 acts as a choke effectively reducing the amount of liquid 44 forced through the plurality of openings 32 in main screen 26. The choke serves to divert the flow of liquid 44 such that the amount of liquid passing through major surface 30 is approximately equal to that of the amount of liquid 44 passing through upright side walls 28. Because the quantity of reinforcing fibers 42 deposited on main screen 26 is proportional to the amount of liquid 44 allowed to pass through the plurality of openings 32, equal flow rates of liquid 44 through different portions of main screen 26 will produce a preform 12 of substantially uniform wall thickness. Auxiliary screen 82 also has a plurality of openings 84 which may be shaped, sized or positioned differently than the plurality of openings 32 in main screen 26 as long as auxiliary screen 82 restricts the flow of liquid 44 through main screen 26. One example of auxiliary screen 82 constructed per the present invention utilizes the plurality of openings 84 in auxiliary screen 82 positioned in misalignment relative to the plurality of openings 32 within main screen 26. This misalignment is purposeful to provide a tortuous path for liquid 44 to follow, thereby choking the flow of liquid 44 through main screen 26.
Another embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, includes a fiber dispenser controller 104 for introducing more than one type of fiber into slurry 45. Depending on the final component to be created, dispenser controller 104 regulates the quantity of a first set of fibers 106 to be added to slurry 45. Dispenser controller 104 acts in concert with the mechanism utilized to draw main screen 26 through tank 36 such that first set of fibers 106 is added when main screen 26 is near the bottom of tank 36. As main screen 26 is raised through slurry 45, first set of fibers 106 forms the first layer of preform 12. As shown in FIG. 20, main screen 26 continues to rise through slurry 45 while fiber dispenser controller 104 closes off the supply of first set of fibers 106 and introduces a second set of fibers 108 into slurry 45. The addition of fibers with different characteristic physical properties such as fiber length, fiber diameter, chemical composition, tensile strength and conductivity in this manner produces a stratified preform 12 that may be custom tailored to a final application.
For example, components that require only one aesthetically pleasing exterior surface, such as an oil pan or housing cover, may be constructed using a cosmetically appealing material on that surface alone while the remaining layers of the structure comprise a less costly material. Similarly, component impact resistance may be optimized by incorporating layers of fibers with different tensile strengths into preform 12. If high bending strength and low cost are required, a multiple layered composite with at least three layers may be specifically designed to meet those needs in a cost effective manner. The outside layers would be constructed from higher strength fibers while the lower stress center layers would consist of lower strength, lower cost fibers. Another example showcasing the versatility of this invention includes a component with a layer of high electrical conductivity among layers of material with lower electrical conductivity. This objective may be achieved by using a set of fibers with high electrical conductivity or by addition of particles with high electrical conductivity to one of the fiber supply bins 110.
B. Details of Apparatus and Method
To further assist the reader, the preferred apparatus and method are now described in further detail. In reference to FIGS. 1 and 6, pallet 24 includes main screen 26 having upright side walls 28, major surface 30, and a plurality of openings 32 therein, positioned in an aperture 48 of a mask 50. The inner portion of mask 50 defining aperture 48 is provided with an offset surface 52 allowing an extending lip 54 of main screen 26 to fit flush with a planar surface 56 of mask 50. Guide rods 58 are attached to retainer screen 34. Retainer screen mounting blocks 60 are secured to mask 50 and are designed in such a manner as to position retainer screen 34 relative to main screen 26 once guide rods 58 engage retainer screen mounting blocks 60.
To facilitate movement of pallet 24 from turntable 16 to tank 36, transfer blocks 62 are also fixedly mounted to mask 50. As shown in FIG. 5, each transfer block 62 contains upper aperture 64 and lower aperture 66. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, upper apertures 64 are oriented to cooperate with outer carriage pins 68 mounted to a carriage 70. Once outer carriage pins 68 have engaged upper apertures 64, pallet 24 may be lifted using carriage 70 in conjunction with a hydraulic ram 72. Hydraulic ram 72 is capable of raising and lowering carriage 70 relative to turntable 16 and tank 36. Carriage 70 and hydraulic ram 72 may be translated from a position above turntable 16 to a position above tank 36 and back again by utilizing parallel rails 20 of tank station 14.
In reference to FIGS. 1 and 7-9, turntable 16 is rotated about axis 46 such that main screen 26 is positioned beneath carriage 70. Carriage 70 is lowered into position by extension of hydraulic ram 72. Outer carriage pins 68 are extended to engage the upper apertures 64 of transfer blocks 62. FIG. 4 shows inner carriage pins 74 extended beneath guide rods 58 to support the weight of retainer screen 34. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 10-12, carriage 70 and pallet 24 are now sufficiently interconnected to lift pallet 24 from turntable 16. Carriage 70 along with pallet 24 is translated along parallel rails 20 into position over tank 36. Hydraulic ram 72 is actuated once again to lower carriage 70. Wash plate 38 is attached at four locations to individual ball screws 40 which are in turn mounted to a gantry frame 76. The position of wash plate 38 within tank 36 is controlled utilizing ball screws 40. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 12, carriage 70 is lowered until mask 50 engages offset surface 77 of wash plate 38. Once mask 50 is seated, surface 56 is substantially coplanar with upper planar surface 78 of wash plate 38. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, outer carriage pins 68 are retracted, thereby disengaging main screen 26 from carriage 70. Fixedly mounted to wash plate 38, tank pins 80 are extended to engage lower apertures 66 of transfer blocks 62. Main screen 26 is lowered into tank 36 by actuating ball screws 40. While main screen 26 is being lowered into tank 36, hydraulic ram 72 holds carriage 70 stationary. Retainer screen 34 is held partially above slurry 45 by inner carriage pins 74.
As shown in FIGS. 15-17, preform 12 is created by drawing main screen 26 through slurry 45 at a rate that causes the liquid to pass through the openings in main screen 26, thereby depositing reinforcing fibers 42 on the surface of main screen 26. As main screen 26 is being raised, hydraulic ram 72 is actuated in a downward motion to insert retainer screen 34 into slurry 45. Ball screws 40 continue to raise main screen 26 until retaining screen mounting blocks 60 engage guide rods 58. At this time, tank pins 80 are retracted, thereby disconnecting wash plate 38 from carriage 70. Outer carriage pins 68 are extended to once again engage the upper apertures 64 of transfer blocks 62. Hydraulic ram 72 is actuated to lift carriage 70 along with main screen 26 and retainer screen 34. Carriage 70 translates via parallel rails 20 to its original position above turntable 16.
Referring once again to FIG. 1, carriage 70 is lowered via hydraulic ram 72 onto turntable 16. Both inner and outer carriage pins, 74 and 68, respectively, are retracted effectively disconnecting the carriage from screens 26 and 34. Carriage 70 is raised out of the way via hydraulic ram 72. Turntable 16 is rotated 180° about axis 46 to facilitate unloading of pallet 24 from turntable 16 and into furnace 18 or any other suitable drying device. Pallet 24 is transferred to cooling station, not shown, where a fan is used to draw air through preform 12 and screens 26 and 34. Once screens 26 and 34 have cooled, retainer screen 34 is lifted off and preform 12 may be removed. Preform 12 is now suitable for further conventional processing such as RTM in order to form a final component.
The foregoing discussion discloses and describes exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings and claims, that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. | An efficient, low cost method and apparatus for controlling fiber deposition in a fiber reinforced preform is provided. In the method, a main screen is placed in a tank filled with liquid. The main screen has a major surface, upright side walls and a plurality of openings formed therein. Reinforcing fibers are added to the liquid to create a slurry. The main screen is raised through the slurry to a level beneath the top of the slurry, thereby causing the reinforcing fibers to be deposited on the main screen. A retainer screen is inserted into the slurry so that the reinforcing fibers are sandwiched between the main screen and the retainer screen. Both the main screen and retainer screen are raised out of the tank effectively forming a preform with minimal deformation. An alternative embodiment includes a bubbler zone control device for mixing the slurry. The tank is divided into separate areas or zones whereby the supply of fluid to each bubbler zone is controlled. The bubbler zone controller may be used to initiate or diminish a vortex in the slurry as the screen is being raised out of the tank. Another embodiment includes a fiber dispenser controller for sequentially adding different fibers to the slurry. | 3 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to containers, and more particularly relates to a container for cold beverages, having a thermally conductive drinking surface that reduces the temperature gradient between the beverage and the drinking surface that comes into contact with the consumer's lips or mouth providing a cold feel to the lips or mouth similar to coldness of beverage.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Plastic bottles, glass bottles, aluminum cans and cups made from various materials ranging from paper to plastic to metal, are commonly used as beverage containers. These containers come in a variety of shapes, sizes and configurations. For cold beverages, one advantage of metal based containers, such as aluminum cans, is that the aluminum surface of the can provides the drinker with a cool drinking surface that provides the drinker's lips or mouth with the cold feeling or sensation of a cold beverage contained therein. What is therefore desired is an improved drinking surface for non-metallic containers that provides a cold drinking sensation similar to that of an aluminum can. It is also desired to provide a container having a drinking surface that has a temperature similar to that of the beverage inside the container to provide the consumer with a cool refreshing drinking sensation when the drinking surface comes into contact with the consumer's lips or mouth, thereby enhancing the overall beverage drinking experience of the consumer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a thermally conductive polymeric drinking surface for a beverage container. The container may be a bottle, cup or other suitable container. The thermally conductive polymeric drinking surface may be an insert for a bottle or a covering configured to be formed over the mouth of a container.
A beverage container according to the invention is characterized by a surface, particularly, a thermally conductive polymeric surface member, that provides a cold temperature similar to that of the cold beverage in the container to the mouth or lips of the consumer. This may be achieved by a container made of a material that has high thermal conductivity and provides a low temperature gradient to reduce the time and energy of the chilling processes being applied to the material via the beverage or an external cooling mechanism, such as a refrigerator or ice bath.
In addition, the beverage container has an advantage over conventional non-metallic containers by providing a cold drinking surface similar to that of an aluminum can.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a container showing a drinking surface in accordance with the invention detached from the container.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a container showing a drinking surface insert in accordance with the invention detached from the container.
FIG. 3A is an expanded partial cross-sectional view taken through the opening of a the drinking surface insert shown in FIG. 3
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional of FIG. 4 .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Thermally conductive polymer based materials, particularly polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene based materials have been found to be sufficiently thermally conductive and have the appropriate food and beverage contact requirements that allow them to be used in direct contact with food and beverages, including consumable water.
Referring now to the drawings in detail, in which like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views respectively. FIGS. 1-2 are perspective views, of a container having a cooling surface member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the container may be a bottle 100 , which includes a base 120 , a grip portion 130 , a label portion 140 , a neck 150 and a cooling surface member 170 having a surface opening 160 formed therein. In one embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 3 , the cooling surface member 170 is an insert having an attached cooling anchor section 172 for insertion into an opening 112 in the mouth 112 of bottle and an external section of the cooling surface member 170 ′ extending away from cooling anchor section 172 and over the mouth 112 of the bottle for contact with a consumer's lips or mouth.
The cooling surface member 170 may be formed from any suitable thermally conductive thermoplastic material. Preferably, the thermally conductive thermoplastic material reduces the temperature gradient between the beverage and the cooling surface member to 3 degrees or less. A preferred thermally conductive thermoplastic material has high thermal conductive properties. A preferred modified resin for forming the thermoplastic material may comprises a base polymer of polypropylene, polyester or polyamide (Nylon). It should be understood that the cooling surface member 170 may be formed by any suitable means including molding from a phase changing material, a polymeric material controlled by endothermic reactions, or a plastic or polymeric material that is designed to absorb and/or retain cold temperatures. Preferred thermally conductive thermoplastic materials can be molded into various shapes via conventional injection molding techniques. However, any suitable thermoplastic processing technique may be used, including, but not limited to, extrusion.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cooling surface member 170 is a thermally conductive thermoplastic material having a material thermal conductivity about 1 W/mK to about 1500 W/mK (Watts per meter Kelvin), preferably of from about 1 W/mK to about 200 W/mK, and more preferably of from about 2 W/mK to about 20 W/mK. The preferred thermal diffusivity is from about 0.05 cm 2 /sec to about 0.12 cm 2 /sec, and the preferred density is from about 1.24 g/cc-1.56 g/cc. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, a preferred thermally conductive thermoplastic material would be engineered to provide a material thermal conductivity of from about 2 W/mK to about 20 W/mK (Watts per meter Kelvin) a thermal diffusivity of from about 0.05 cm2/sec to about 0.12 cm2/sec and a density of from about 1.24 g/cc-1.56 g/cc. A preferred thermally conductive thermoplastic material has a hardness range from Shore A 40 to Shore D 80.
Now referring again to FIGS. 1-2 , the bottle 100 may be made out of any suitable material. For example, the bottle may be plastic or glass. In one embodiment the bottle is plastic and formed from a polymer based thermoplastic material. Conventional plastic has a material thermal conductivity of about 0.2 W/mK. A preferred thermoplastic material is PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Other suitable thermoplastic materials include PLA (polylactic acid), polypropylene, bio-based polymeric materials or combinations thereof. In another embodiment the bottle 100 may be a made from silica or other glass forming material.
The neck portion 150 also may be of any suitable design. The neck portion 150 may be tapered or have other desired designs or shapes. Preferably, the neck 150 terminates at one end to form the mouth 112 of the bottle 100 . The cooling surface member 170 having a cooling surface opening 160 formed therein is connected to cover the mouth 112 of the bottle 100 and allow fluid communication between the surface opening 160 and the mouth 112 of the bottle.
In an embodiment of the invention, the cooling surface member 170 is annular in shape and preferably has a substantially ringed shape with a void or opening in the center, which forms the cooling surface opening 160 . However, it should be understood that in accordance with the invention, a cooling surface member may be any desirable shape that can provide an opening therein and be configured to conform to cover a mouth of a bottle or container while allowing fluid communication between said opening and the mouth of the bottle. As such, a cooling surface opening in accordance with the invention also may be of any suitable design or shape.
The cooling surface member 170 may be attached to the neck 150 of the bottle 100 by any suitable means. As shown in FIG. 3 . the cooling surface member 170 is preferably an insert that is fabricated to have a first section for providing an external cooling surface 170 ′ covering the mouth 112 of the bottle and providing a drinking surface for contact with a consumer's mouth or lips; and a second section for providing a cooling anchor section 172 for insertion into the mouth and neck 150 of the bottle 112 . FIG. 3A shows an expanded view of an insertable cooling surface member 170 , having an external cooling surface 170 ′ for covering the mouth 112 of the bottle 100 , a cooling anchor section 172 ′ and the cooling surface opening 160 ′ formed therein.
In one embodiment, the cooling anchor section 172 is formed to have an interference fit. In another embodiment, the cooling surface member 170 is attached to a plastic container by crimping the cooling surface member over the top of a flange that can be designed in the container. In yet another embodiment, the cooling surface member 170 may be attached to the neck 150 of a container by integrally forming the cooling surface member 170 to the neck 150 by adhesion or fusion methods. In the case of plastic bottles, the cooling surface member 170 may also include a number of threads (not shown) such that a cap may be positioned thereon so as to close the bottle 100 .
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the cooling surface member 170 may be attached to the neck via a designed interference fit or barbs used to create an interference and anchor the cooling surface member 170 inside the neck 150 of a glass bottle. In yet another embodiment, the cooling surface member 170 can fit on a glass bottle, via a designed interference fit by forming the cooling surface member 170 from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) to create a compression fit and seal.
Preferably, the cooling surface member 170 is fabricated separately from the bottle 100 and is inserted into the neck 150 either before or after filling the bottle 100 with the desired beverage. As described previously, the cooling surface member 170 may fit by a designed interference or a simple crimp over the top of a flange designed on a container. However, it is to be understood that various methods of incorporating the cooling surface member into the neck of a bottle or container may be used and still be within the scope of this invention.
The cooling surface member 170 may also be designed to maximize the surface area that is in contact with the beverage during drinking, thereby enhancing its ability to reduce the temperature gradient between the beverage and the surface thereby transmitting a colder temperature to the cooling surface opening 160 . Preferably, the surface area of the cooling anchor section 172 of a cooling surface member 170 would generally not be visible to the consumer from the exterior of the bottle 100 , but would sit inside the neck 150 of the bottle 100 . However, for design purposes it is to be understood that the cooling anchor section 172 may be designed to be visible. For example, the cooling anchor section 172 can be formed with threads for attaching a closure, in which case the cooling anchor section 172 would be visible. It should be understood that closures and finishes for the neck 150 can be adjusted to compensate for the height of the neck 150 of the bottle 100 to maintain an effective seal.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cooling surface member 170 is molded in a thermally conductive polymer, and after molding, the component is inserted into the neck 150 of a container or bottle 100 .
FIGS. 4 and 4A show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view respectively, of a container that is preferably a cup 200 . The cup may be disposable or non-disposable and accordingly, may be formed of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, polymeric materials, such as polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) based polyesters and polystyrenes; paper based materials; and non-disposable materials, such as silica, ceramic, glass or the like.
Referring now again to FIGS. 4 and 4A , there is shown a container, having the shape of a cup 200 . The cup 200 has a frusto-conical wall 210 , an opening 260 at the top and a base 220 to form the bottom of the cup. A cooling surface member 270 formed of a thermally conductive thermoplastic material has an anchor section 272 configured to adhere to an upper section of the container 200 and extend to cover at least a portion of the external surface of the mouth of the cup 200 . As shown in FIG. 4A the mouth 212 of the cup may be curled or curved. The cooling surface member 270 is fixedly attached to the cup such that an anchor section 272 ′ fits inside the container and a flange portion extending away from the anchor section 272 ′ is formed to extend outside of the container and form a cover surface 270 ′ at least partially around the mouth surface 212 of the cup 200 .
The cooling surface member 170 or 270 of the invention forms a new, enhanced drinking surface capable of providing a drinking surface having a temperature similar to that of the beverage that comes into contact with it or the temperature provided by a cooling device. While not wishing to be held to one theory, in practice, it is believed that the cold temperature of the beverage inside of a container having a cooling surface member 170 or 270 of the invention formed thereon, provides thermal energy to the thermally conductive thermoplastic material of the cooling surface member 170 or 270 and lowers the temperature of the cooling surface member 170 or 270 to a temperature closer to that of the beverage which in comparison is lower than the temperature of the container.
Alternatively, cold temperature provided by equipment, such as a refrigerator, vending machine, or ice, may also lower the temperature of the cooling surface member 170 or 270 . A cold beverage, such as those dispensed from a vending machine or a refrigerator, is able to lower the temperature of the cooling surface member 170 or 270 to below the temperature of the container and thus when the cooling surface member 170 or 270 is in contact with the consumer's lips or mouths, the consumer is provided with a cold and refreshing experience that is not be experienced by contact with the surface of the container.
Each time a consumer drinks from the bottle, the cooling surface member 170 or 270 is recharged or re-cooled via the cold beverage, which enables the consumer to continue receiving the benefit of a cool drinking surface. The design of this cooling surface member 170 or 270 also provides a comfort edge for the consumer to drink from and is an enhancement over current conventional plastic bottles that have sharper edges and threads protruding in this area.
It should be apparent that the foregoing relates only to the preferred embodiments of the present application and that numerous changes and modifications may be made herein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the general sprit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims and equivalents thereof. | A thermally conductive polymeric drinking surface for a beverage container is provided. The thermally conductive polymeric drinking surface may be an insert for a bottle or other covering configured to be formed around the mouth of a drinking container, such as a cup. The high thermal conductivity of the drinking surface contributes to the transfer of the temperature of the contents of the container to the mouth or lips of the consumer by reducing the time and energy consumption of the chilling processes being applied via the beverage or an external cooling mechanism. | 1 |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application claims priority of Taiwan Patent Application No. 97146224, filed on Nov. 28, 2008, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to an illumination system, and in particular relates to an illumination system capable of changing a projection pattern by adjusting the positions of a reflector and a light source
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] For a conventional optical design, a secondary lens and a reflector are used to generate a desired projection pattern. The secondary lens cannot change a projection pattern without affecting the emitting efficiency. Additionally, the reflector cannot concentrate an emitting angle of the light beam to the range of 10 to 45 degrees.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,037,036 discloses an optical design with the function of filtering UV/IR light reflected by a reflector.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,139 discloses a conventional operation lamp comprising a light source, a reflector and mirrors. The light from the light source is reflected by the reflector. The reflected light is reflected by the mirrors to generate a projection pattern. The mirrors are disposed around a circle with respect to the center of the operation lamp.
[0008] US patent publication No. 2006/0072313 discloses an optical design for light emitting diodes comprising a light source and a reflector. The reflector can be a lens or a hollow reflector.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0009] A detailed description is given in the following embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0010] An embodiment of the illumination system of the invention comprises at least one illumination module and a mechanism. The illumination module comprises a light source generating a light beam, a first reflector in which the light source is positioned comprising a first reflective surface to reflect the light beam to form a first beam, and a second reflector comprising a second reflective surface reflecting the light beam and the first beam to form a second beam and a third beam, wherein the second and third beams combine to generate a projection pattern. The mechanism adjusts the position of the second reflector relative to the light source to change the projection pattern.
[0011] An embodiment of an operating lamp of the invention comprises a plurality of illumination modules and a mechanism. Each illumination module comprises a light source generating a light beam, a first reflector in which the light source is positioned comprising a first reflective surface to reflect the light beam to form a first beam, and a second reflector comprising a second reflective surface reflecting the light beam and the first beam to form a second beam and a third beam, wherein the second and third beams combine to generate a projection pattern. The mechanism adjusts the position of the second reflector relative to the light source to change the projection pattern.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] The present invention can be more fully understood by reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the illumination system of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side view of the illumination system of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the illumination system of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of the illumination system of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a side view of another embodiment of the illumination system of the invention; and
[0018] FIG. 6 depicts the application of the illumination system of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0019] An embodiment of the illumination system of the invention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . Referring to FIG. 1 , the illumination system 100 comprises a plurality of illumination modules 60 and a mechanism 30 . Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , each illumination module 60 comprises a first reflector 10 , a second reflector 20 and a light source 90 .
[0020] The light source 90 is disposed in the first reflector 10 , as shown in FIG. 3 . The first reflector 10 comprises a first reflective surface 12 . The second reflector 20 comprises a second reflective surface 22 . There are two types of light beams from the light source 90 . A first beam A is produced by a light beam reaching the first reflector 10 and being reflected by the first reflective surface 12 and a second beam B is produced by the first beam A being reflected by the second reflective surface 22 of the second reflector 20 . The second type of light beam, a third beam C, is produced by the light beam reaching the second reflector 20 and being reflected by the second reflective surface 22 . The second beam B and the third beam C form the desired projection pattern.
[0021] The first reflective surface 12 can be a curved surface, and in particular can be a parabolic surface or an elliptic surface, and the light source 90 can be disposed on the focus portion of the parabolic surface.
[0022] Similarly, the second reflective surface 22 can be a curved surface, and in particular can be a parabolic surface or an elliptic surface, and the light source 90 can be disposed on the focus portion of the parabolic surface.
[0023] The second reflectors 20 can be formed integrally or individually and are not limited to the structure and size in FIG. 1 .
[0024] Referring to FIG. 2 again, the mechanism 30 moves the second reflector 20 to approach or move away from the light source 90 , whereby the projection pattern is changed. The structure of the mechanism 30 is described as follows.
[0025] The mechanism 30 comprises a central shaft L, an extending portion L 2 extending from the central shaft L, an outer tube 32 , an inner tube 34 and a push rod 36 . The light source 90 and the first reflector 10 are disposed on the extending portion L 2 . The outer tube 32 is disposed around the inner tube 34 and capable of moving thereon along the central shaft L. The push rod 36 is connected to the inner tube 34 capable of rotating around the central shaft L. One or some posts 342 are disposed on the periphery of the inner tube 34 , and one or a few elongated grooves 322 are formed on the periphery of the outer tube 32 . Each groove 322 has two ends 322 a and 322 b with different heights. The post 342 engages the groove 322 and moves between the ends 322 a and 322 b . When the push rod 36 is pushed, the inner tube 34 rotates around the central shaft L, and the post 342 also rotates and has relative motion with the groove 322 . The lateral walls 5 constrain the outer tube 32 to move along the central shaft L. Since the second reflector 20 is connected to the outer tube 32 , when the outer tube 32 moves, the second reflector 20 moves, whereby the second reflector 20 approaches or moves away from the first reflector 10 and the light source 90 to change the projection pattern. The grooves 322 can also be spiral, and the push rod 36 can be integrally formed with the inner tube 34 .
[0026] To ensure that the central shaft L rotates without linear movement and limit the rotation range of the push rod 36 , two or more posts 344 are disposed on the periphery of the central shaft L. A groove 324 is formed on the inner tube 34 . The post 344 engages the groove 324 and can move therein. When the push rod 36 rotates to abut the end of the groove 324 , the push rod 36 stops, whereby the inner tube 34 stop rotating.
[0027] Although the distance between the second reflector 20 and the light source 90 is changed by moving the second reflector 20 in the described embodiment, the distance can also be changed by moving the light source 90 .
[0028] FIG. 4 depicts another embodiment of the illumination system of the invention. Referring to FIG. 4 , the second reflector 20 is fixed to a wall 7 . The light source 90 and the first reflector 10 are fixed to a sub-base L 3 which is joined to the outer tube 32 . When the outer tube 32 moves, the light source 90 moves up and down to approach or move away from the second reflector 20 to change the projection pattern.
[0029] FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment of the illumination system of the invention. Referring to FIG. 5 , compared with the embodiment of FIG. 4 , the outer tube 32 is eliminated. A groove 324 ′ vertically extends on the inner tube 34 . A post 344 is disposed on the periphery of the central shaft L′. The inner tube 34 is constrained by the post 344 engaging the groove 324 ′ to move vertically. A sub-base L 3 is connected to the inner tube 34 . In the embodiment, as the push rod 36 is joined to the inner tube 34 , the inner tube 34 is moved by pushing the push rod 36 . Because the sub-base L 3 is joined to the inner tube 34 , the sub-base L 3 is moved by the inner tube 34 , whereby the light source 90 and the first reflector 10 on the sub-base L 3 moves relative to the second reflector 20 to change the projection pattern.
[0030] The invention provides a new design for illumination system used in medicine. The new structure comprises two reflectors and one light source. One of the reflectors can move relative to the light source to change projection pattern so as to prevent shadow and blinding effect. FIG. 6 depicts an illumination system comprising six illumination modules. For dental operations, more than four illumination modules are desired. For general operations, 20 or more illumination modules are used to generate a projection pattern without shadow and blinding effect.
[0031] In addition, to dissipate heat from the light source 90 , a heat dissipation device 346 is disposed on the central shaft (L or L′). The heat dissipation device 346 can be integrally formed with the central shaft (L or L′).
[0032] While the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements. | An illumination system includes at least one illumination module and a mechanism. The illumination module includes a light source generating a light beam, a first reflector, in which the light source is positioned, including a first reflective surface to reflect the light beam to form a first beam, and a second reflector including a second reflective surface reflecting the light beam and the first beam to form a second beam and a third beam, wherein the second and third beams combine to generate a projection pattern. The mechanism adjusts the position of the second reflector relative to the light source to change the projection pattern. | 5 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to floatation separation apparatuses and, more particularly, to an improved flotation separation apparatus which includes a plurality of unique high volume air bubble infusers to create a high multiplicity of strong finely divided bubbles.
2. General Background
Today's coal and mineral producers like all industry is faces with rising costs accompanied by customer resistance to increases in price and competition from imported raw material. In order to maintain the competitive edge an operator must seek means in acquiring processing units which afford lower capital investment cost, lower power and maintenance requirements along with higher recovery of valued products.
An example of an existing separating and classifying flotation system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,212,730, to Brooks et al., entitled “APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING AND CLASSIFYING DIVERSE, LIQUID-SUSPENDED SOLIDS”, incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in full below. The Brooks patent discloses a floatation separation apparatus which includes air bubble infusers each of which are fed by air and water pipes.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The preferred embodiment of the flotation separation apparatus of the present invention solves the aforementioned problems in a straight forward and simple manner. What is provided is an improved flotation separation apparatus which includes a plurality of unique high volume air bubble infusers to create a high multiplicity of strong, finely divided bubbles. Thereby, such multiplicity of strong, finely divided bubbles provides that means required for the transport of recoverable minerals in the flotation process.
Broadly, the unique high volume air bubble infuser of the present invention includes a circular cavity and a plurality of stationary impinging plates projecting from the interior circumferential wall into the circular cavity and equally spaced circumferentially in series therealong. Thereby, an injecting stream impinges upon the impinging plates in series to repeatedly create, divide and subdivide air bubbles as the injection stream transverses the series of impinging plates.
In general, the improved flotation separation apparatus for separating and classifying diverse, liquid-suspended solids comprises a first chamber and a second chamber stacked below said first chamber in fluid communication with said first chamber, the improvement comprising a first set of a plurality of high volume air bubble infusers spaced in said first chamber; and, a second set of a plurality of unique high volume air bubble infusers spaced in said second chamber.
Each unique high volume air bubble infuser comprises a structure having formed centrally in a top surface thereof a circular cavity defining an interior circumferential wall and centrally in a bottom surface parallel to said top surface a bubble-water discharge outlet coaxial with an axis of said circular cavity; a lid member secured to said top surface of said structure; a water inlet port formed in said circular cavity for injecting a water steam into said circular cavity offset from said axis and perpendicular to said axis; an air inlet port formed in said circular cavity for injecting an air stream into said water stream at an acute angle; and, a plurality of stationary impinging plates projecting from said interior circumferential wall into said circular cavity and spaced circumferentially in series therealong.
In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a unique high volume air bubble infuser which maximizes the creation of the transport means (strong air bubbles) required for the transport of recoverable minerals in the flotation process and thus increases the recovery efficiency at the lowest possible power consumption per ton.
Another object of the invention is to provide an injection stream which impinges in series upon the stationary impinging plates to create, divide and subdivide repeatedly in series air bubbles.
A further object of the present invention is to provide the infuser with a circular cavity which is a relatively narrow circular cavity for injecting therein at a relatively high rate an injection stream to create a sufficient impact force through the series of stationary impinging plates to maximize the rate of the creation of said air bubbles and the discharge thereof through the bubble-water discharge outlet.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide ten (10) impinging plates equally spaced incrementally over substantially 270 degrees of said circular cavity.
In view of the above objects, it is a feature of the present invention to provide a unique high volume air bubble infuser which is relatively simple structurally and thus simple to manufacture.
The above objects and other features of the present invention will become apparent from the drawing, the description given herein, and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which like parts are given like reference numerals and, wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a front elevational cross-section of the improved flotation separation apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevational cross-section of the improved flotation separation apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective bottom view of the unique high volume air bubble infuser of the present invention;
FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the structure of the infuser; and,
FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view along the PLANE 4 — 4 of FIG. 4 of the unique high volume air bubble infuser.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawing, and in particular FIGS. 1 and 2, the improved floatation separation apparatus of the present invention is designated generally by the numeral 10 . The improved floatation separation apparatus 10 is generally comprised of a first chamber 12 , a second chamber 18 , an air distribution system 11 , a water distribution system 13 and a plurality of unique high volume air bubble infusers 60 .
The first chamber 12 is defined by a side wall 14 and a bulkhead 16 . The side wall 14 is generally cylindrical in shape. Nevertheless, other shapes may be employed. The second chamber 18 is defined by a side wall 20 and a floor 22 , the side wall 20 likewise being generally cylindrical in shape and axial with the cylindrical side wall 14 of the first chamber 12 . First and second chambers 12 and 18 are disposed in a stacked relationship, communication between the first chamber 12 and the second chamber 18 being effected by a throat 24 extending though the bulkhead 16 .
Referring to the top of the first chamber 12 as shown in FIG. 1, the improved flotation separation apparatus 10 further includes an intake feed well 26 supported by struts 28 extending to the side wall 14 . The intake feed well 26 includes a bottom plate 30 having holes (not shown) through which a slurry to be treated can enter the first chamber 12 . The lower second chamber 18 further includes a feed well 27 under the throat 24 having a similar purpose for allowing feed of the slurry from the first chamber 12 into the lower second chamber 18 .
Referring still to the top of FIG. 1, the air distribution system 11 includes an air compressor 32 driven by a motor 34 and having an associated air filter 36 is provided. The air compressor 32 pumps air through a supply pipe 38 to additional air pipes 40 extending through the respective side walls 14 and 20 and across the respective chambers 12 and 18 . The ends of the air pipes 40 are capped, so as to pressure feed air to each unique high volume air bubble infuser 60 via a respective air tube 48 , as is described in greater detail below.
The water distribution system 13 includes water feed pipes 42 which are likewise disposed through the respective side walls 14 and 20 and across the respective chambers 12 and 18 . Water is fed through the water feed pipes 42 , which are capped at the end so as to effect a pressure feed of water via a respective water tube 50 into a respective one of the unique high volume air bubble infusers 60 .
Referring now to FIG. 2, the plurality of unique high volume air bubble infusers 60 includes a first set of unique high volume air bubble infusers in the first chamber 12 and a second set of unique high volume air bubble infusers in the second chamber 18 . Pairs of infusers of the first set of unique high volume air bubble infusers are rigidly coupled to opposite sides a respective water feed pipe 42 via support brackets 46 . Likewise, pairs of infusers of the first set of unique high volume air bubble infusers are rigidly coupled to opposite sides a respective water feed pipe 42 via support brackets 46 . As shown, each of the chambers 12 and 18 each include two water feed pipes 42 in side-by-side spaced relation.
As shown in FIG. 1 there are four pairs of unique high volume air bubble infusers spaced along each respective of the two water feed pipes 42 in each chamber. Thus there are sixteen (16) infusers in first chamber 12 and chamber 18 .
The unique high volume air bubble infuser 60 is described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 3-5. As described above, each unique high volume air bubble infuser 60 is coupled via the respective air and water tubes 48 and 50 to the air and water pipes 40 and 42 .
As shown at the bottom of FIG. 1, the improved flotation separation apparatus 10 further includes tailings outlet 52 extending through the side wall 20 of the lower second chamber 18 , and a concentrate outlet 53 near the top of the lower second chamber 18 .
Again noting FIG. 1, a “dart” or plug 54 is positioned in the port 24 and is movable to control the amount of slurry flow from the upper first chamber 12 to the lower second chamber 18 . The plug 54 is provided with a shaft 56 which is attached to a rocker arm 59 coupled at one end to a pivot 55 mounted on the side wall 14 of the upper first chamber 12 . The other end of the rocker arm 59 is coupled to a vertical arm 57 which is threaded at the top thereof. The threaded end of the vertical arm 57 extends through a bracket 53 and is threaded through a rotatable hub 58 . Rotation of the hub 58 moves the vertical arm 57 up and down, likewise causing corresponding movement of the rocker arm 59 , thereby moving the plug 54 into and out of the throat 24 in the desired manner.
Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, the unique high volume air bubble infuser 60 of the present invention includes a solid structure 61 , generally square shaped, having formed in the top surface 62 a thereof circular infuser cavity 63 and a lid member 64 . The top surface 62 a has formed therein a plurality of holes 73 near the outer perimeter of the structure 61 . The lid member 64 is secured to top surface 62 a via a plurality of bolts 75 threadably received in holes 73 .
Referring specifically to FIG. 5, the lid member 64 is fitted to the square area of the structure 61 and further includes extension 64 a which projects beyond side wall 62 f of structure 61 . Thereby, the lid member 64 is generally rectangularly shaped. The top surface of extension 64 a has rigidly coupled thereto supporting bracket 46 for coupling the unique high volume air bubble infuser 60 to a side of one of the water feed pipes 42 .
The unique high volume air bubble infuser 60 further includes bubble-water discharge outlet 65 formed in the bottom surface 62 b of structure 61 , a water inlet port 67 a and an air inlet port 67 b . Both the water inlet port 67 a and the air inlet port 67 b are generally cylindrical channels form in side surfaces 62 c and 62 d , respectively, of structure 61 .
Bubble-water discharge outlet 65 formed in the bottom surface 62 b of structure 61 allows the created high volume of finely divide strong air bubbles and water to be expelled therethrough.
The axis of the channel of defining the water inlet port 67 a is essentially perpendicularly to side wall 62 c and is offset from the axis of circular cavity 63 so as to inject a water stream near the interior circumferential wall 66 defining the circular profile of cavity 63 . The axis of the channel of the air inlet port 67 b intersects the water stream at an acute angle in close proximity to the entry of the water stream into the circular cavity 63 . The acute angle of the injected air stream allows such air stream to be carried with the water stream around the interior circumferential wall 66 to create an injection stream. The water steam flows at a rate significantly faster than the air stream. The air stream is injected into said water stream at an angle less than 90 degrees.
Projecting from the interior circumferential wall 66 into circular cavity 63 are a plurality of stationary impinging plates 68 equally spaced incrementally around such interior circumferential wall 66 . Said injection stream forcefully impacts repeatedly in series the stationary impinging plates 68 as the injection stream flows around the interior circumferential wall 66 . The rate of injection of the water stream serves to maintain the water stream and thus the injection stream flowing around the interior circumferential wall 66 in the direction of ARROW 1 .
As the injection stream forcefully impacts the stationary impinging plates 68 , the injection stream is divided into strong air bubbles. Therefore, as the injection stream impinges (impacts) upon each individual station impinging plate 68 air bubbles are created and divided. Hence, as the injection stream impinges on the series of impinging plates 68 , the created air bubbles have been repeated divided and subdivided as the injection stream completes its rotation through the plurality of stationary impinging plates 68 .
In the exemplary embodiment, there are ten impinging plates equally spaced incrementally over substantially 270 degrees of said circular cavity. The discharge outlet 65 has a diameter of 1½ inches. The air inlet port 67 b has a diameter of approximately ⅜ of an inch and said water inlet port 67 a has a diameter of approximately ¾ of an inch. The structure 61 is 8 inches×8 inches×1½ inches and said circular cavity 63 is approximately 1 inch deep.
The method of operation of the improved floatation separation apparatus 10 includes the removing from the ground in bulk phosphate, coal, or other substances and mixing the phosphate, coal or other substances in a slurry with well-known emulsifiers and surfactants. The slurry is then fed through the intake feed well 26 into the first chamber 12 . Air is fed through the feed pipes 28 and into pipes 40 to infusers 60 through tubing 48 . Water is likewise fed through the pipes 42 into the infusers 44 via the tubes 50 .
Air enters in feed pipes 38 flows at approximately 4-5 psi and water enters pipes 42 at a minimum of 30 psi.
The air bubbles (transportation means) passing out the plurality of unique high volume air bubble infusers 60 bubbles upward through the first chamber 12 and carries the desired minerals upward into the top of the first chamber 12 , in accordance with the standard procedure in a flotation separation process. Likewise, the heavier material sink to the bottom of the first chamber 12 and against the bulkhead 16 . However, as noted above, tailings frequently include heavier masses of desired mineral being extracted. In accordance with the present invention, the plug 54 is controlled so as to allow the tailings from the first chamber 12 to pass with the slurry into the lower second chamber 18 through the feed well 27 . After the lower second chamber 18 has been filled with the slurry, bubbling of air from the plurality of infusers 60 in the lower second chamber 18 is continue. Thereby, additional amounts of the desired mineral are likewise removed from the slurry and are passed out of the concentrated output port 53 . The remaining tailings sink to the bottom of the lower second chamber 18 and are passed out of the tailing outlet 52 .
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, prior to operation of the plug 54 , a standard scraping or similar removal process takes place at the top of the first chamber 12 to remove the quantities of floated mineral which have been bubbled to the top of the first chamber 12 may be fed together with the output of the concentrated outlet 53 for storage or further refining.
Because many varying and differing embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept herein taught and because many modifications may be made in the embodiment herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirement of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. | An improved flotation separation apparatus for separating and classifying diverse, liquid-suspended solids having a plurality of high volume air bubble infusers. Each infuser includes a circular cavity defined by an interior circumferential wall. A plurality of stationary impinging plates projecting from the interior circumferential wall into the circular cavity and equally spaced circumferentially in series therealong. An injecting stream of water and air impinges upon the impinging plates in series to repeatedly create, divide and subdivide air bubbles as the injection stream transverses the series of impinging plates. | 1 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention refers to the family of molecules known as the transforming growth factor betas, or "TGF-βs". More specifically, it refers to new complexes of these molecules, sometimes referred to as "large latent" or "LL" complexes. The invention also relates to a newly recognized component of such "LL" complexes, referred to as "LTBP-2".
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Transforming growth factor beta, or "TGF-β" as used hereafter, refers to a family of multifunctional, dimeric polypeptides having a molecular weight of about 25000 daltons. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,548 to Lucas et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference, as well as Lyons et al., Eur. J. Biochem 187: 467-473 (1990); Massague, Ann. Rev. Cell Biol. 6: 597-641 (1990); Roberts et al., in Peptide Growth Factors And Their Receptors, part 1 (Sporn et al., ed), pp. 419-472 (1990); Sporn et al., Science 233: 532-534 (1986); Massague, Trends in Biochem. Sci. 10: 239-240 (1985). The TGF-βs have been found to stimulate certain cell types and to inhibit others with respect to cell growth and differentiation. They also influence adipogenesis, myogenesis, chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, epithelial cell differentiation and immune cell function. See Lucas et al., supra.
At least three related isoforms of TGF-β have been identified, i.e., "TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3". Although related, their properties are not identical, as summarized by, e.g., Graycar et al., Mol. Endrocrinol 3: 1977-1986 (1989), Cheifetz et al., J. Biol. Chem. 265: 20533-10538 (1990). Promoter regions of the three isoforms vary considerably, and their production is differently regulated, as pointed out by Roberts et al., Ciba Found. Symp. 157: 7-28 (1991).
TGF-β molecules have been observed to be produced in an inactive, high molecular weight forms. For example, TGF-β1, isolated from human and rat platelets, have been found as a complex of three components, referred to hereafter as the "large latent complex", the "LL" complex or "LLTGF-β1". This complex consists of a dimer of the active TGF-β1 molecule, i.e., the 25 KDa structure referred to supra. It also includes a molecular moiety referred to as the "latency associated peptide" or "β1-LAP", and a larger molecule, referred to as the latent TGF-β1 binding protein or "LTBP". As to the high molecular weight forms, see Pircher et al., Canc. Res. 44. 5538-5543 (1984); Wakefield et al., J. Cell Biol. 105: 965-975 (1987). As to β1-LAP and LTBP, see Miyazono et al., J. Biol. Chem. 263: 6407-6415 (1988); Wakefield et al., J. Biol. Chem. 263: 7646-7654 (1988); and Okada et al., J. Biochem 106: 304-310 (1989). Latent TGF-β1 can be activated in vitro via various physical and chemical treatments or by exposure to low or high pH (Brown et al., Growth Factors 3: 35-43 (1990)). The activating mechanism in vivo remains unclear, but may involve enzymatic digestion, as suggested by Miyazono et al., Ciba Found. Symp. 57: 81-89 (1991).
The three recognized forms of TGF-β have been produced, in recombinant form, where each form of TGF-β dimer is non covalently associated with the β-LAP. These complexes are inactive, have a molecular mass of about 100 KDa, and are activated to produce the mature and active TGF-β dimer. See Brown, supra; Gentry et al., Mol. Cell Biol. 7: 3418-3427 (1987). The complex of TGF-β and β-LAP is referred to as a "small, latent TGF-β complex".
The role of LTBP in vivo is not completely clear. It has been found to be involved in the manufacture and secretion of TGF-β1 by a human erythroleukemia cell line. (Miyazono et al., EMBO J 10: 1091-1101 (1991)). The cDNA for the molecule has been cloned, and the protein contains several epidermal growth factor like repeats. See Kanzaki et al., Cell 61: 1051-1061 (1990); Tsuji et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87: 8835-8839 (1990). This feature is shared with many other molecules. An additional repeating structure is also found, which has 8 cysteine residues in one motif.
The structure of the LL-TGFβ1 complex has been analyzed in some detail, and is as described supra; however, the LL complexes of TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 have not been studied. Given the fact that the TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 molecules differ from TGF-β1, and that their associated "LAP" proteins differ, it would have been expected that there would be a binding protein specific to each form and differing from that associated with TGF-β1. Surprisingly, it has been found that the binding protein for both TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 is the same as that for TGF-β1. Isolated large latent complexes are thus described which contain (i) either dimerized TGF-β2 or TGF-β3, (ii) the B-LAP for the TGF-β2 or TGF-β3 form, and (iii) the LTBP molecule, which was previously associated only with TGF-β1. The complexes are useful as inactive forms of TGF-β2 and TGF-β3, which can be treated to yield the active TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 molecules.
The investigations described herein led to a surprising discovery in that an additional binding protein immunologically distinct from LTBP and having a molecular mass of about 150 KDa associates with all of TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3. This is referred to as "LTBP-2" hereafter. Thus, new complexes containing TGF-β1 are described, as well as a second form of isolated LL-TGF-β2 and LL-TGF-β3 complexes. All of the complexes described herein are characterized in preferred embodiments by a molecular weight of about 210 KDa as determined by SDS-Page.
These and other aspects of the invention are elaborated upon in the disclosure which follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1A shows the result of immunoblot studies on conditioned medium obtained from various human cell lines (glioblastoma and fibroblasts), using antisera to LTBP.
FIG. 1B parallels the study of FIG. 1A, using antisera to β1-LAP.
FIG. 1C parallels the study of FIG. 1A, but uses antiserum to β2-LAP.
FIG. 2A presents ion exchange chromatography using a Q-Sepharose column and [ 3 H] thymidine incorporation data for TGF-β containing fractions of conditioned medium from glioblastoma cells.
FIG. 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E depict immunoblot analysis ion exchange of chromatography eluents.
FIGS. 2F, 2G and 2H show analysis of flow through fractions of ion exchange chromatography.
FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D present data secured when a fraction of Sepharose eluent was applied to an anti-LTBP Sepharose column followed by immunoblotting using anti-LTBP (FIG. 3A), anti-β1-LAP (FIG. 3B), anti β2-LAP (FIG. 3C), and anti β3-LAP (FIG. 3D).
FIG. 4 shows analysis of a fraction of Q-Sepharose eluent which contains a component that is not LTBP, i.e. LTBP-2.
FIG. 5A schematically shows the purification protocol described herein.
FIG. 5B presents molecular models of the small latent TGF-β complex, the large latent TGF-β complex with LTBP, and large latent TGF-β complexes with the non-LTBP model.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Example 1
Various cell lines are used in the experiments described infra. This example discusses the various conditions under which these were grown and cultured.
The different human glioblastoma cell lines used were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium, supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum ("FBS" hereafter, and antibiotics (100 U of penicillin, 50 μg of streptomycin). The cells were kept in a 5% CO 2 atmosphere at 37° C.
The human foreskin fibroblast cell line AG 1518 is publicly available. This was cultured in Eagle's minimum essential medium supplemented with 10% FBS and the antibiotics listed supra.
Cell line PC-3 is a human prostate carcinoma cell line, and it was cultured in RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10% FBS and antibiotics.
To study the complexes, large amounts of conditioned medium from the cell line U-1240 MG, a human glioblastoma cell line, were required. Cell line U-1240 MG has been deposited at the Institut Pasteur Collection Nationale de Cultures de Microorganismes, 25, Rue du Docteur Roux, 75724--Paris Cedex 15, France, in accordance with the Budapest Treaty, and has been assigned Deposit Number I-1166. To achieve this, the cells were grown to confluence in roller bottles. These were then washed, three times, with phosphate buffered saline, and were then incubated in 50 ml of serum free Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) per bottle. The medium was collected after two days. This procedure was repeated with three days of replenishment of the cells, using DMEM with 10% FBS between each collection. In an alternative protocol, the conditioned medium was harvested every two days over a six day period. The cells were then grown in DMEM with 10% FBS for one week. The collection scheme was repeated three times.
Collected conditioned medium, regardless of how secured, was centrifuged at 2000xg for 10 minutes, and the supernatants were stored at -20° C.
For other cell types, the conditioned media were collected on a much smaller scale. To that end, 175 cm 2 Falcon flasks were used, and DMEM plus 10% FBS was the medium. The atmosphere was 5% CO 2 . For AG 1518 fibroblasts, the medium used was Eagle's minimum essential medium.
Example 2
Experiments were first carried out to determine if the various cell lines cultured were producing latent TGF-β complexes. To do this, conditioned medium was collected from control cell line AG 1518, and four human glioblastoma cell lines (U-1240 MG; U-251MGO; U-251 MGSp; U-343 MGa Cl2:6). Conditioned media (500 ul; 4 ml/lane) was concentrated 50 fold using ultrafiltration in the presence of 0.1% SDS. These media had not been subjected to ammonium sulphate precipitation. The samples were then analyzed via SDS-gel electrophoresis. This analysis involved mixing the samples with SDS-sample buffer (100 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.8, 0.01% bromophenol blue, 36% sucrose and 4% SDS) without reducing agents, and heating to 95% for 3-4 minutes. After this, the samples were applied to 5-18% polyacrylamide gels, in accordance with Blobel et al., J. Cell Biol. 67: 835-851 (1975) under non-reducing conditions. Following this, the sample was immunoblotted. First, it was electrophoretically transferred to a nitrocellulose membrane for 12-16 hours in the presence of 0.02% SDS. Following this, the blotted samples were contacted first with an antiserum against LTBP (Miyazono et al., EMBO J 10: 1091-1101 (1991), and then with antiserum against each of β1-LAP, β2-LAP, and LTBP. The antibodies were visualized using 125 I labeled protein A followed by autoradiography, in accordance with Miyazono et al., Biochemistry 28: 1704-1710 (1989).
The results of the immunoblotting, presented in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, show that when LTBP specific antiserum was used, multiple bands corresponding to sizes between 100-200 KDa, and between 210 and 310 KDa were observed. This was true both for the fibroblast line AG1518, as well as for all glioblastoma lines.
When β1-LAP specific antisera was used, it showed the presence of TGF-β1 in large complexes of about 220 KDa, as well as small complexes (80-100 KDa), in conditioned media from U-1240MG and U-251 MGsp (panel 1B; lanes b and d, respectively). Panel 1C, which depicts experiments using β2-LAP antiserum shows that small or large complexes were seen only in U-1240 MG.
Comparable experiments were carried out using β3-LAP specific antisera. While these results are not shown, faint bands were found in all supernatants from all glioblastoma cell lines tested.
Interpretation of these data indicate that the larger bands in panel 1A most probably represent associations of LTBP with β-LAPs, with the smaller bands representing free LTBP.
Example 3
In order to assess the TGF-β1 activity of the conditioned media from the tested cell lines, inhibition of growth of mink lung epithelial cell line, CCL 664 was tested, using a [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation assay as described by Miyazono et al., EMBO J 10: 1091-1101 (1991). TGF-β is known to inhibit the growth of this cell line.
Samples were concentrated 10 times using ultrafiltration. Total TGF-β activity was determined after heating media to 80° C. for 10 minutes to activate any inactive TGF-β. Contribution of inhibitory activity not from TGF-β1 was estimated by assaying samples in the presence of a TGF-β1/TGF-β2 neutralizing antibody. (It is unknown if this antibody neutralizes TGF-β3). The contribution of activity which could not be neutralized with the antibody was about 10%, in both the active and non-active fractions.
The results, which are shown in Table 1, show that while U-251 MGO, U-251 MGsp and U-343 MGa Cl2:6 give similar activities, U-1240 MG gave much higher values, although there were large variations from batch to batch. The percent of TGF-β activity in U-1240 MG conditioned medium from active forms was found to be 26% while no active forms were found in the other lines.
These data suggested that U-1240 MG should be chosen for further studies of the structural properties of small and large latent TGF-β complexes, and the relationship between LTBP and TGF-β2.
TABLE I______________________________________ TGF-β activitycell line (ng/ml) (% active TGF-β)______________________________________U-1240 MG 8 ± 7.sup.a 26 ± 12.sup.bU-251 MGO 0.5 <1U-251 MGsp 0.6 <1U-343 MGa Cl 2:6 0.6 <1______________________________________ .sup.a Data are expressed as means ± S.D., n = 6. .sup.b Data are expressed as means ± S.D., n = 4.
Example 4
In order to characterize the different TGF-β complexes synthesized and secreted by U-1240 MG, the conditioned medium, collected as described in Example 1, was used. 3350 ml of conditioned medium was obtained, it was thawed, recentrifuged, and passed through siliconized glass wool. Following this, a solution of 95% ammonium sulfate was added, and the mixture was equilibrated at 4° C. overnight. This treatment results in a precipitated protein, which was recovered by centrifuging at 8000xg for 25 minutes. The resulting pellet was dissolved in 220 ml of 50 mM NaCl, 10 mM phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, then dialyzed against the same buffer, followed by filtration through siliconized glass wool and a 0.45 μm filter. The resulting solution (350 ml) was applied on to a Q-Sepharose column for chromatography. A flow-through portion resulted, as did eluents. The column was equilibrated with 50 mM NaCl, 10 mM phosphate, at pH 7.4, at a flow rate of 4 ml/min at 0° C. Elution was carried out using an NaCl gradient of from 50 mM to 1000 mM in 10 mM phosphate, pH 7.4 at a rate of 4 mM NaCl/ml and a flow rate of 2.5 ml/min. Eluents were collected in 5 ml fractions. The fractions were treated as indicated supra (i.e., subjected to SDS PAGE separation, but using as S-18% gradient gel), and were immunoblotted using the ECL Western blotting system. Antisera against each of β1-LAP, β2-LAP, β3-LAP and LTBP were used, leading to the patterns shown in FIG. 2B.
These results show that β1-LAP was found in fractions 14-22 at a size of about 210 KDa. The β2-LAP complex was also found in fractions 14-22, also as a large complex of about 210 KDa. A small complex was found in fractions 8-12, and having a mass of about 75 KDa.
As to β3-LAP, small amounts of 210 KDa large complex were found in fractions 14-20, together with small complexes of 74 KDa in fractions 10-12.
The flow-through portion of the test material was also immunoblotted, and these results are shown in FIG. 2C. 80 and 97 KDa forms were identified with anti-β-LAP. The 80 KDa form probably indicates a β1-LAP dimer. The 97 KDa entity is probably an unprocessed TGF-β1 precursor dimer, and/or a complex of β1-LAP and mature TGF-β1, held together by an anomalous disulphide bond.
With respect to TGF-β2, a small TGF-β2 complex of 75 KDa is found in the flow through fraction. Similarly, small TGF-β3 complexes were found in flow through.
As to LTBP, this was found in fractions 18-22 in 210 KDa complexes, and in a free form at a size of about 150 KDa in fractions 20-22.
Example 5
For further characterization fractions containing TGF-β activity were divided into four pools denoted A (fractions 8-13), B (fractions 14-16) C (fractions 17-22) and flow through.
Pool B interestingly contained large complexes but no LTBP, suggesting that TGF-βs in these fractions are covalently associated with other molecule(s) of similar size(s) as LTBP. Pool C (fractions 17-22) contained large TGF-β complexes with LTBP and LTBP in a free form (see FIG. 2B).
Experiments were carried out to determine the activity of the TGF-β material in each pool. The mink lung epithelial cell assay was used, as described supra, and the results are summarized in Table 2, which follows. To summarize, 30% of activity was found in the flow-through fraction, 12% in pool A, 19% in pool B, and 26% in pool C. The total recovery, compared to the medium prior to Q-Sepharose chromatography is 96%.
TABLE II______________________________________ TGF-B proteinmaterials (μg) (%) (mg)______________________________________starting material 53 100 410Q-Sepharoseflow-through 20 39 52pool A 7 12 37pool B 10 19 74pool C 14 26 112______________________________________
Experiments show that all three forms of β-LAP occur in so-called "small forms" of 75-97 KDa, and large forms of 210 KDa. TGF-β activity in conditioned medium is usually latent, suggesting that different forms probably represent small and large latent TGF-β complexes.
Example 6
The observation that large latent complexes did not necessarily contain LTBP merited further experimentation. Further purification of pools B and C by chromatography on a Mono Q column followed by chromatography on an alkyl Sepharose column showed that it was possible to obtain some further separation of the large latent TGF-B complexes containing LTBP, from those not containing LTBP, but a complete separation could not be obtained.
In order to investigate whether each one of the TGF-β isoforms could form large latent complexes with LTBP as well as with LTBP2 separation using LTBP Sepharose was employed. 500 ml of conditioned medium from U-1240 MG was subjected to Q-Sepharose chromatography as described supra with the exception that the material was not subjected to ammonium sulphate precipitation. Fractions in the salt gradient were assayed by immunoblotting with antisera against LTBP and β1-LAP. Fractions which contained large TGF-β complexes with LTBP (corresponding to pool C) and fractions containing large TGF-β complexes without LTBP (corresponding to pool B) were pooled separately.
The pool C was incubated with Sepharose beads, which had been previously coated with anti-LTBP antiserum. To make this material, immunoglobulin fractions of antiserum to LTBP was purified via chromatography on protein A Sepharose. After this, the immunoglobulin fraction was eluted with 100 mM citric acid, pH 3.0. About 50 mg of immunoglobulin was obtained using 10 ml of serum. The immunoglobulin was then dialyzed against phosphate buffered saline, followed by coupling to CNBr activated Sepharose. Approximately 17 mg of immunoglobulin was added per gram of these beads. Medium from pool C described supra was then incubated with 2.5 ml portions of the treated Sepharose. Beads were washed with 0.5M NaCl, 100 mM Tris.HCl, pH 8.0, and then with 0.15M NaCl, 10 mM Tris.HCI, pH 8.0. After this, bound protein was eluted by heating to 96° C. in the presence of 1% SDS, 20 mM Tris.HCl, pH 8.8. The eluted protein was concentrated via centricon 10, as described, and elution and immunoblotting as described supra was carried out using antisera to LTBP, β1-LAP, β2-LAP and β3-LAP. The results shown in FIG. 3 indicates that all TGF-β isoforms are present in large latent complexes associated with LTBP.
Pool B was then analyzed for the presence of a large latent complex containing a component distinct from LTBP. To this, pool B was incubated with anti-LTBP Sepharose, prepared as described supra. This absorbed any LTBP from the fraction. The unabsorbed fraction was then applied to SDS-gel electrophoresis using 5-15% gradient gel, followed by immunoblotting, also as described, and using the ECL detection system. As a positive control, free LTBP prepared from PC-3 cells conditioned medium was used.
The results are shown in FIG. 4. Lane b shows that anti LTBP serum gave no indication of the molecule being present, while the PC-3 sample clearly shows free LTBP. When anti-β-LAP antisera were used, however, complexes of 205 kd were revealed, showing that each complex does in fact exist as a large latent complex with a molecule which is not LTBP, but which does have a molecular mass of about 150 kd.
A summary of the purification protocols described in these examples is presented in FIG. 5a, together with an indication of the species found in each fraction. FIG. 5b shows the derived structure of the various forms of TGF-β complexes discussed herein.
Several features of the invention are worth noting and are described here. First, it has unexpectedly been found that eukaryotic cells, such as human cell lines exist which produce large latent complexes of all TGF-β isoforms. "Large latent complex" as defined supra refers to a construct containing three parts: (i) the dimerized form of a TGF-β molecule, such as TGF-β1, TGF-β2 or TGF-β3, (ii) the latency associated protein or "B-LAP" molecule, and (iii) the latent TGF-β1 binding protein, or "LTBP". These cells and cell lines can also produce constructs where the third element is replaced by another moiety, discussed infra. When the cellular material is described as producing the stated TGF-β isoforms, such a statement does not preclude its production of complexes where the third moiety is replaced.
Human glioblastoma cell lines are preferred, in particular, cell line U-1240, MG, which has been deposited at the Collection Nationale de Cultures de Microorganismes (CNC M), Institut Pasteur, 25, rue due Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France, under Accession Number I-1166.
The identification of the complexes of β-LAP, TGF-β and LTBP molecules enables the skilled artisan to manufacture isolated complexes containing these. As has been indicated supra, complexes of TGF-β1, β1-LAP and LTBP are known, but it was not known, nor was it suggested, that TGF-β2 and TGF-β3, individually, associate with their corresponding β-LAP moiety and LTBP, previously believed to associate with the TGF-β1 form of the TGF-β molecule only.
The experiments have also identified new large latent complexes, wherein a TGF-β molecule, its associated LAP moiety, and a non-LTBP moiety associate. This latter moiety is characterized by a molecular mass of about 150 kd as determined by SDS-PAGE, and by being immunologically distinct from the recognized LTBP molecule. "Immunologically distinct" means that antibodies which are specific to LTBP do not bind to this non-LTBP molecule. This molecule is referred to as "LTBP-2" hereafter.
One can, of course, produce any of the complexes, as well as the isolated non-LTBP molecule by culturing the cell lines discussed supra, and then purifying the resulting complexes. This can be done via, e.g., contact with antibodies specific for the TGF-β component of the complex.
Other variations and modifications of the invention described herein will be clear to the skilled artisan and need not be elaborated upon herein.
The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. | The invention relates to large latent complexes of TGF-β2 and TGF-β3, and methods for Isolating these. The complex consists of a dimerized form of TGF-β2 or TGF-β3, the appropriate latency associated peptide, and the latent TGF-β1 binding protein, referred to as LTBP. Also described is a protein which binds to all of TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3, but is immunologically distinct from LTBP, referred to as LTBP-2. | 2 |
This is a division of application Ser. No. 06/629,916, filed July 11, 1984, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,644,071.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(a) Field of the Invention
This invention in its broadest aspect relates to inhibitors of metabolic pathways. In particular, the invention relates to novel compounds of Formula I, which are inhibitors of leukotriene D 4 (LTD 4 ) and which therefore are useful to prevent or alleviate the symptoms associated with LTD 4 , such as allergic reactions, particularly asthma, see M. Griffin et al., N. Engl. J. Med., 308, 436 (1983); inflammatory conditions; and coronary vasoconstriction.
LTD 4 is a product of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway and is the major active constituent of slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A), a potent bronchoconstrictor that is released during allergic reactions. See R. A. Lewis and K. F. Austen, Nature, 293, 103-108 (1981). When administered to humans and guinea pigs, LTD 4 causes bronchoconstriction by two mechanisms: (1) directly by stimulating smooth muscle; and (2) indirectly through release of thromboxin A 2 , which causes contraction of respiratory smooth muscle. Because antihistamines are ineffective in the management of asthma, SRS-A is believed to be a mediator of the bronchoconstriction occurring during an allergic attack. LTD 4 may also be involved in other inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, LTD 4 is a potent coronary vasoconstrictor and influences contractile force in the myocardium and coronary flow rate of the isolated heart. See F. Michelassi et al., Science, 217, 841 (1982); J. A. Burke et al., J. Pharmacol. and Exp. Therap., 221, 235 (982).
(b) Prior Art
A number of aryloxyalkoxy benzopyrans and benzopyranones have been disclosed as useful leukotriene inhibitors. See., e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,238,495, 4,213,903, 4,006,245, and 3,953,604; British Pat. No. 1,291,864; and R. A. Appleton et al., J. Med. Chem., 20, 371-379 (1977). The compounds of this invention represent the first class of LTD 4 inhibitors in which a pyranone moiety is not ring-fused to a benzene ring and is instead attached directly to an aryloxyalkoxy or aralkoxy substituent.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to compounds of Formula I: ##STR1## wherein R 1 is: ##STR2## wherein R 2 is: (a) CH 2 OH;
(b) CH═O; or
(c) COOR 6 ;
wherein R 3 is:
(a) hydrogen;
(b) alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, inclusive; or
(c) alkenyl of 2 to 6 carbon atoms, inclusive;
wherein R 4 is:
(a) hydrogen; or
(b) hydroxy;
wherein R 5 is:
(a) hydrogen; or
(b) alkanoyl of 2 to 6 carbon atoms, inclusive;
wherein R 6 is:
(a) hydrogen;
(b) alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, inclusive;
(c) alkali metal ion; or
(d) R 7 R 8 R 9 R 10 N + ;
wherein R 7 , R 8 , R 9 , and R 10 , each being the same or different, are:
(a) hydrogen; or
(b) alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, inclusive;
wherein m is an integer from 1 to 10, inclusive.
Examples of alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, inclusive, are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, and the isomeric forms thereof, generally referred to as alkyl.
Examples of alkenyl of 2 to 6 carbon atoms, inclusive, are ethenyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-pentenyl, 4-pentenyl, 1-hexenyl, 2-hexenyl, 3-hexenyl, 4-hexenyl, 5-hexenyl, and the isomeric forms thereof.
Examples of alkanoyl of 2 to 6 carbon atoms, inclusive, are acetyl, propanoyl, butanoyl, pentanoyl, hexanoyl, and the isomeric forms thereof.
Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable alkali metal ions are lithium, sodium, and potassium.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The compounds of this invention may be prepared by any of several methods known to those skilled in the art. For example, the particular sequence of reactions joining the aromatic rings through the linking alkylene bridge may be selected for synthetic convenience or for maximization of yields. The following Schemes illustrate methods used to prepare the compounds of this invention. Compounds are typically purified by recrystallization from suitable solvents or by chromatography. Unless otherwise specified, the various substituents illustrated in the Schemes are defined as for Formula I, above.
Scheme A illustrates the preferred method used to prepare the compounds of this invention.
Scheme A
Hydroxypyranones of Formula II react readily with compounds of Formula III (where X represents a halogen, preferably bromine) to form the compounds of this invention, Formula I. A preferred method involves stirring compounds II and III in dimethylformamide in the presence of a base, such as potassium carbonate. By way of illustrating that the particular sequence of reactions may be varied, compounds of Formula I where R 1 is an aryloxy function may be prepared by first attaching the alkylene chain to the hydroxypyranone moiety and then by using the method illustrated in Scheme A to attach that adduct to the R 1 moiety. Where necessary, substituents R 2 may be modified as part of the preparation of starting materials of Formula II. For example, using methods known to those skilled in the art, kojic acid (Formula II, R 2 is CH 2 OH) may be protected and oxidized to the corresponding carboxylic acid and then converted to esters (Formula II, R 2 is COOAlkyl). Schemes B and C illustrate several methods for modifying R 2 after compounds of Formula I have been prepared. ##STR3##
Scheme B Illustrates methods for converting hydroxymethyl compounds of Formula IV (that is, Formula I where R 2 is CH 2 OH) to other compounds of this invention.
Scheme B
Mild oxidation of alcohols of Formula IV affords corresponding aldehydes, Formula V. A preferred mild oxidation method employs pyridinium chlorochromate in dichloromethane at room temperature. Harsher oxidation conditions convert alcohols of Formula IV to the corresponding carboxylic acids, Formula VI. A preferred oxidation method employs Jones reagent (an adduct of chromic anhydride and aqueous sulfuric acid used in acetone solution). A similar oxidation of aldehydes, Formula V, will also afford carboxylic acids of Formula VI. Esters of Formula VII may then be prepared from the carboxylic acids, V, by the usual methods known to those skilled in the art. For example, a preferred method for preparing methyl esters employs methyl iodide in dimethylformamide in the presence of potassium carbonate, and typically also in the presence of 4A molecular sieves.
Scheme C illustrates methods used to prepare various other carboxylic acid derivatives of Formula I (that is, where R 2 is COOR 6 ) from esters of Formula VII (prepared directly as in Scheme A or indirectly as in Scheme B). ##STR4##
Scheme C
Saponification of esters, VII, affords metal ion salts of Formula VIII (where M + is an alkali metal ion). A preferred saponification method employs three-fold sodium hydroxide in 50% (by volume) aqueous ethanol stirred at room temperature. Salts VIII may be converted to the free carboxylic acids, VI, either in situ or after isolation by addition of dilute aqueous mineral acid to solutions of the salts. The carboxylic acids, VI, may be converted to various amine salts (Formula VIII, where M + represents R 7 R 8 R 9 R 10 N + ) by addition of appropriate organic amines or reconverted to various metal ion salts (Formula VIII, where M + represents a metal cation) by addition of inorganic bases, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide. Ion exchange affords another method for forming such salts from compounds of Formula VI or VIII.
The compounds of this invention may also be converted to other derivatives. Scheme D illustrates one such conversion.
Scheme D
Catalytic hydrogenation of compounds of Formula IX, where R 6 represents either hydrogen or lower alkyl, affords cyclic ethers of Formula X. A preferred hydrogenation method employs hydrogen gas at 2 psi pressure and 5% palladium on carbon as catalyst, with an alcohol such as ethanol as solvent. Reduced compounds such as those of Formula X generally retain at least some of the LTD 4 inhibitory activity of the parent compounds. ##STR5##
The preferred embodiments of this invention include compounds of the following general structure, Formula XI. ##STR6## More specifically, the preferred embodiments include compounds of Formula XI wherein R 2 is CH 2 OH, CH═O, or COOR 6 ; wherein R 3 is lower alkyl (that is, consisting of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, inclusive); wherein R 4 and R 5 are both hydrogen, or R 4 is hydroxy and R 5 is acetyl; wherein R 6 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; and wherein m is an integer of 1 to 10, inclusive.
The most preferred embodiments of this invention include compounds of the following general structure, Formula XII. ##STR7## More specifically, the most preferred embodiments include compounds of Formula XII wherein R 3 is lower alkyl (that is, consisting of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, inclusive); and wherein m is an integer of 3 to 7, inclusive.
The compounds of this invention exhibited antiallergy activity in guinea pigs, as indicated by antagonism in vitro (isolated ileum segments) of LTD 4 -induced smooth muscle contractions and by antagonism in vivo of LTD 4 -induced bronchoconstriction. The antiallergy activity of the compounds of this invention illustrated in the examples was tested by the following methods.
Antagonism of LTD 4 -induced Smooth Muscle Contractions
Segments of ileum tissue isolated from guinea pigs were mounted in a modified Tyrode solution (8.046 g/l of sodium chloride, 0.200 g/l of potassium chloride, 0.132 g/l of calcium chloride monohydrate, 0.106 g/l of magnesium chloride hexahydrate, 1.00 g/l of sodium bicarbonate, 0.058 g/l of sodium dihydrogen phosphate, and 1.00 g/l of dextrose) containing 0.1 mcg/ml atropine sulfate and 1.0 mcg/ml of pyrilamine maleate and aerated at 37° C. with 95% oxygen and 5% carbon dioxide. The tissue segments were stimulated with two or more concentrations of either LTD 4 or bradykinin triacetate (agonists), producing reproducible muscle contractions. The control solution was replaced by a solution or suspension of test compound (1.0×10 -5 M) and incubated for 30 minutes. Each agonist was again introduced to the appropriate solutions and increased doses were added, if necessary, until contractions were approximately equal to those of the previously determined controls or until excessive quantities of agonist were added. For each combination of test compound and agonist, the following dose ratio was calculated: the ratio of agonist concentration in the presence of test compound to the agonist concentration in the absence of test compound that will produce the same contractile response. A concentration of test compound was considered active if it produced a dose ratio against LTD 4 significantly (P<0.05) greater than a dose ratio obtained in a series of blank treatment tests. (Duplicate tests were conducted for each concentration of test compound, and third tests were conducted if the first two tests were inconsistent.) Compounds that were active against LTD 4 but not against bradykinin triacetate were considered selective LTD 4 antagonists.
A further measure of receptor affinity, pA 2 , was also determined for selective LTD 4 antagonists. A pA 2 value is defined as the negative logarithm of the molar concentration of the antagonist which produces a dose ratio of 2. The pA 2 values were calculated by the method of Arunlakshana and Schild, Br. J. Pharmacol., 2, 189 (1947), using Schild plot slopes constrained to -1. See R. J. Tallarida and R. B. Murray, Manual of Pharmacologic Calculations with Computer Programs (New York: Springer-Verlag, 1981), pp. 33-35.
Antagonism of LTD 4 -induced Bronchoconstriction
Fasted adult male Hartley guinea pigs weighing 300 to 350 grams were used in this assay. All test animals were pretreated with propranolol and pyrilamine to block the bronchoconstrictive effects of endogenous epinephrine and histamine, respectively, and with indomethacin to block the synthesis of thromboxane A 2 . The animals were anesthetized with pentobarbital and attached to a rodent respirator. Continuous measurements of intratracheal insufflation pressure were obtained through an intratracheal pressure transducer. After a baseline record was obtained, LTD 4 (200 ng) was administered intravenously and agonist-induced changes in intratracheal insufflation pressure were measured. Compounds which antagonize the direct component of LTD 4 action on respiratory smooth muscle inhibit intratracheal insufflation pressure increases caused by LTD 4 . To determine the effect of test compounds on LTD 4 -induced bronchoconstriction, the compounds were administered to the animals either intravenously (10 mg per kg body weight) or intragastrically (100 mg per kg of body weight) at an appropriate interval prior to the LTD 4 challenge. Test compounds were rated active if intratracheal insufflation pressure was significantly (p<0.05) reduced relative to vehicle control animals, as assessed by a Student's one-tail t-test.
By virtue of the activity as LTD 4 antagonists, the compounds of Formula I are useful in treating asthma and other allergic conditions, inflammation, and coronary vasoconstriction in mammals. A physician or veterinarian of ordinary skill can readily determine whether a subject exhibits the conditions. The preferred utility relates to treatment of asthma. Regardless of the route of administration selected, the compounds of the present invention are formulated into pharmaceutically acceptable dosage forms by conventional methods known to those skilled in the art. The compounds may be formulated using pharmacologically acceptable base addition salts. Moreover, the compounds or their salts may be used in a suitable hydrated form.
The compounds can be administered in such oral dosage forms as tablets, capsules, pills, powders, or granules. They may also be administered intravascularly, intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, or intramuscularly, using forms known to the pharmaceutical art. In general, the preferred form of administration is oral. An effective but non-toxic quantity of the compound is employed in treatment. The dosage regimen for preventing or treating the particular affiction with the compounds of this invention is selected in accordance with a variety of factors, including the type, age, weight, sex, and medical condition of the patient; the severity of the condition; the route of administration; and the particular compound employed. An ordinarily skilled physician or veterinarian can readily determine and prescribe the effective amount of the drug required to prevent or arrest the progress of the condition. In so proceeding, the physician or veterinarian could employ relatively low doses at first and subsequently increase the dose until a maximum response is obtained. Dosages of the compounds of the invention are ordinarily in the range of 0.1 to 10 mg/kg up to about 100 mg/kg orally.
The following examples further illustrate details for the preparation of the compounds of this invention. The invention, which is set forth in the foregoing disclosure, is not to be construed or limited either in spirit or in scope by these examples. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that known variations of the conditions and processes of the following preparative procedures can be used to prepare these compounds. All temperatures are degrees Celsius unless otherwise noted.
PREPARATION OF STARTING MATERIALS AND INTERMEDIATES
Preparation 1
5-benzyloxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4H-pyran-4-one ##STR8##
To a stirred solution of 17 g (0.12 mole) of kojic acid and 5.1 g (0.13 mole) of sodium hydroxide in 190 ml of 10:1 (by volume) methanol-water was added dropwise 17.5 g (0.14 mole) of benzyl chloride. After 4.5 hours at reflux, the mixture was allowed to cool and was poured into 200 ml of ice-water. The resultant solid was collected, washed with water, and dried, giving 22.4 g of analytically pure title compound, m.p. 128°-130°.
Analysis. Calcd. for C 13 H 12 O 4 : C, 67.23; H, 5.21. Found: C, 67.24; H, 5.05.
Preparation 2
methyl 5-benzyloxy-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-carboxylate ##STR9##
To a solution of 35.5 g (0.15 mole) of 5-benzyloxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4H-pyran-4-one (prepared according to Preparation 1) in 2.6 l of acetone was added 143 ml (ca. 0.383 mole) of 2.68M Jones reagent at 0°. The mixture was heated at room temperature for about one hour, then placed on a steam bath for a further ten hours. The reaction was quenched with 250 ml of isopropyl alcohol, insoluble chromium salts were removed by filtration, and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to dryness. The crude intermediate was dissolved in aqueous sodium bicarbonate and filtered to remove insolubles. The filtrate was saturated with sodium chloride and acidified (ca. pH 2) with dilute hydrochloric acid, giving 31.0 g of the intermediate carboxylic acid. This intermediate was converted to the title ester without further purification by the following method. A mixture of 28.3 g (ca. 0.12 mole) of the intermediate, 31.8 g (0.23 mole) of anhydrous potassium carbonate, and 21.2 g (0.15 mole) of methyl iodide in 150 ml of dimethylformamide was stirred for ca. 16 hours and then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate, and again filtered. The filtrate was concentrated and the resultant solid was chromatographed on silica gel using ethyl acetate-hexane as eluent. The title compound (25.2 g) was isolated as an analytically pure solid, m.p. 134°-135.5°.
Analysis. Calcd. for C 14 H 12 O 5 : C, 64.61; H, 4.65. Found: C, 64.57; H, 4.59.
Preparation 3
methyl 5-hydroxy-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-carboxylate ##STR10##
The title product of Preparation 2 (24.0 g, 0.092 mole) was dissolved in a mixture of 360 ml each of tetrahydrofuran and methanol, and then hydrogenated at room temperature using 2 psi of hydrogen and 5% palladium on barium sulfate as catalyst. Insolubles were removed by filtration and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to a solid that was recrystallized from acetone, giving 16.6 g (in two crops) of analytically pure title compound, m.p. 183.5°-185.5°.
Analysis. Calcd. for C 7 H 6 O 5 : C, 49.42; H, 3.55. Found (first crop): C, 49.31; 3.22. Found (second crop): C, 49.31; 3.31.
Preparation 4
4-(5-bromopentoxy)-2-hydroxy-3-propylacetophenone ##STR11##
A mixture of 120 g (0.61 mole) of 2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylacetophenone, 284 g (1.23 mole) of 1,5-dibromopentane, and 128 g (0.93 mole) of anhydrous potassium carbonate in 2 l of dimethylformamide was stirred vigorously for six hours at room temperature. Insolubles were removed by filtration and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The oily residue was redissolved in 1 l of 10% ethyl acetate-hexane, refiltered, concentrated to dryness, and purified by high performance chromatography on silica gel. The title compound was obtained as 128 g of an analytically pure colorless oil.
Analysis. Calcd. for C 16 H 23 O 3 Br: C, 55.99; H, 6.75; Br, 23.28. Found: C, 55.72; H, 6.85; Br, 23.51.
Preparation 5
1-(5-bromopentoxy)-2-propylbenzene ##STR12##
A mixture of 90 g (0.66 mole) of 2-propylphenol, 300 g (1.30 mole) of 1,5-dibromopentane, 120 g of anhydrous potassium carbonate, and 9 g of sodium iodide in 1.2 l of methyl ethyl ketone was stirred at reflux for two days. After cooling, the mixture was filtered to remove insolubles and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was distilled under vacuum to give 120 g of the title compound as an analytically pure oil, b.p. 123°-125° at 0.1 mm Hg.
Analysis. Calcd. for C 12 H 21 OBr: C, 58.95; H, 7.42; Br, 28.02. Found: C, 58.90; H, 7.43; Br, 27.75.
Preparation 6
2-(3-bromopropoxy)naphthalene ##STR13##
A mixture of 14.5 g (0.1 mole) of 2-naphthol, 30.3 g (0.15 mole) of 1,3-dibromopropane, 15 g of anhydrous potassium carbonate, and 1 g of sodium iodide in 125 ml of methyl ethyl ketone was stirred at reflux for one day. After cooling, the mixture was filtered to remove insolubles and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to dryness. The residue was dissolved in dichloromethane, washed twice with 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide, and redried thoroughly in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in hot pentane and filtered hot, and the filtrate was then concentrated under a stream of nitrogen and cooled in a refrigerator, giving the title compound, m.p. 53°-55°.
Analysis. Calcd. for C 13 H 13 OBr: C, 58.89; H, 4.94; Br, 30.14. Found: C, 59.27; H, 4.91; Br, 29.49.
Preparation 7
2-(2-bromoethyl)naphthalene ##STR14##
To a solution of 25 g (145 mmole) of 2-(2-naphthyl)ethanol and 67.9 g (259 mmole) of triphenylphosphine in 200 ml of benzene was added in portions 46.1 g (259 mmole) of N-bromosuccinimide. A temperature of 45°-50° was maintained by cooling the reaction mixture as needed in an ice bath. After the mixture was poured into 750 ml of hexane and filtered, the filtrate was diluted with an additional 400 ml of hexane and allowed to stand overnight. The solution was concentrated to dryness and the resultant solid was purified by chromatography on silica gel. The title compound (30.5 g), m.p. 55°-57°, was homogeneous by thin-layer chromatography (5%, 10%, and 15% by volume ethyl acetate-hexane on silica gel plates), and was used in subsequent reactions without further purification.
Preparation 8
2-bromomethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-naphthalene ##STR15##
The title compound was prepared by the method of Preparation 7 using 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-naphthalenylmethanol in place of 2-(2-naphthyl)ethanol, except that only slight molar excesses of triphenylphosphine and N-bromosuccinimide were required. After chromatography, the title compound was further purified by distillation at 95° at 0.2 mm Hg pressure, giving 5.5 g of an analytically pure oil.
Analysis. Calcd. for C 11 H 13 Br: C, 58,69; H, 5.82; Br, 35.49. Found: C, 58.53; H, 6.00; Br, 34.83.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Example 1
5-[5-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)pentoxy]-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4H-pyran-4-one ##STR16##
A mixture of 11.4 g (33.2 mmole) of the title product of Preparation 4, 3.78 g (26.6 mmole) of kojic acid, and 8.3 g (60 mmole) of anhydrous potassium carbonate in 150 ml of dimethylformamide was stirred at room temperature for three days. After removing insolubles by filtration, the mixture was concentrated in vacuo and triturated with 300 ml of ethyl acetate. Upon refiltering, the solution was concentrated to dryness, and the residue was dissolved in 50 ml of hot ethyl acetate, filtered, and concentrated. Purification by high performance chromatography on silica gel (using ethyl acetate as eluent) afforded 3.0 g of the title compound, m.p. 94°-95°, as an analytically pure solid.
Analysis. Calcd. for C 22 H 28 O 7 : C, 65.33; H, 6.98. Found: C, 65.19; H, 7.01.
Example 2
methyl 5-[5-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)pentoxy]-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-carboxylate ##STR17##
A mixture of 3.43 g (10 mmole) of the title product of Preparation 4, 1.70 g (10 mmole) of the title product of Preparation 3, and 2.76 g (20 mmole) of anhydrous potassium carbonate in 75 ml of dimethylformamide was stirred at 70° for one day. After removing insolubles by filtration, the mixture was concentrated in vacuo to an oily residue, which was dissolved in ethyl acetate, filtered, and reconcentrated. Purification by high performance chromatography on silica gel (using 25% by volume ethyl acetate-dichloromethane as eluent) afforded 2.0 g of the title compound, m.p. 95°-97°, as an analytically pure solid.
Analysis Calcd. for C 23 H 28 O 8 : C, 63.88; H, 6.53. Found: C, 63.89; H, 6.54.
Example 3
5-[5-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)pentoxy]-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-carboxylic acid ##STR18##
To a solution of 910 mg (2.1mmole) of the title product of Example 2 in 15 ml of ethanol was added 160 mg (4 mmole) of sodium hydroxide dissolved in 15 ml of water. The mixture was stirred overnight and then acidified (ca. pH 2) with dilute hydrochloric acid. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, washed thoroughly with water, and dried under reduced pressure to give 680 mg of analytically pure title compound.
Analysis. Calcd. for C 22 H 26 O 8 : C, 63.00; H, 6.49.
Found: C, 62.86; H, 6.43.
Example 4
5-[5-(2-propylphenoxy)pentoxy]-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4H-pyran-4-one ##STR19##
The title compound (4.2 g) was prepared by the method of Example 1, except that the title product of Preparation 5 (7.8 g, 27 mmole) was used instead of the title product of Preparation 4.
Analysis. Calcd. for C 20 H 26 O 5 : C, 69.34; H, 7.56. Found: C, 69.34; H, 7.59.
Example 5
4-oxo-5-[5-(2-propylphenoxy)pentoxy]-4H-pyran-2-carboxaldehyde ##STR20##
To a stirred solution of 4.44 g (20.6 mmole) of pyridinium chlorochromate in 50 ml of dichloromethane was added 3.46 g (10 mmole) of the title alcohol of Example 4 dissolved in 50 ml of dichloromethane. The resulting slurry was stirred at room temperature for twenty-four hours, then diluted with 100 ml of diethyl ether. The insolubles were removed by decanting and the supernatant was concentrated in vacuo. Purification by column chromatography afforded 1.4 g of the title compound, m.p. 95°-96°.
Analysis. Calcd. for C 20 H 24 O 5 : C, 69.75; H, 7.02. Found: C, 69.52; H, 7.04.
Example 6
4-oxo-5-[5-(2-propylphenoxy)pentoxy]-4H-pyran-2-carboxylic acid monohydrate ##STR21##
To a stirred solution 3.53 g (10.2 mmole) of the title alcohol of Example 4 in 100 ml of acetone was added dropwise 22.7 ml (ca. 20.4 mmole) of 0.9M Jones reagent. The solution was warmed to 50° and an additional 11.4 ml (10.2 mmoles) of Jones reagent was added. After five hours at room temperature the reaction was quenched with 40 ml of isopropyl alcohol. The insolubles were removed by decanting and the supernatant was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was triturated with ethyl acetate and filtered, and the filtrate was reconcentrated. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate-hexane (2:1 by volume) afforded 1.8 g of the title compound as the monohydrate.
Analysis. Calcd. for C 20 H 24 O 6 .H 2 O: C, 63,49; H, 6.92. Found: C, 63.58; H, 6.52.
Example 7
methyl 4-oxo-5-[5-(2-propylphenoxy)pentoxy]-4H-pyran-2-carboxylate ##STR22##
A solution of the title product of Example 7 (1.14 g, 3 mmole) in dimethylformamide was dried overnight by stirring with 4A molecular sieves. Anhydrous potassium carbonate (0.55 g, 4 mmole) and methyl iodide (0.43 g, 3 mmole) were added, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for thirty-six hours. Insolubles were removed by filtration and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to dryness. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (using 25% by volume ethyl acetate-hexane as eluent), affording 815 mg of analytically pure title compound, m.p. 49°-50°.
Analysis. Calcd. for C 21 H 26 O 6 : C, 67.36; H, 7.02. Found: C, 67.20; H, 7.21.
Example 8
methyl 5-[3-(2-naphthalenyloxy)propoxy]-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-carboxylate ##STR23##
A mixture of 1.70 g (10 mmole) of the title product of Preparation 3, 2.65 g (10 mmole) of the title product of Preparation 6, and 2.76 g (20 mmole) of anhydrous potassium carbonate in 50 ml of dimethylformamide was stirred for three days at room temperature. The title compound, m.p. 90°-91°, was purified and isolated (1.34 g) by the method described in Example 2, except that the chromatographic eluent was 50% by volume ethyl acetate-Skellysolve B.
Analysis. Calcd. for C 20 H 18 O 6 : C, 67.79; H, 5.12. Found: C, 67.56; H, 5.06.
Example 9
sodium 5-[3-(2-naphthalenyloxy)propoxy]-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-carboxylate dihydrate ##STR24##
To a solution of 300 mg (0.85) mmole) of the title product of Example 8 in 6 ml of ethanol was added 100 mg (2.5 mmole) of sodium hydroxide dissolved in 6 ml of water. The mixture was stirred overnight and the resultant crystalline solid was collected by filtration. Drying under reduced presure at 80° afforded 116 mg of analytically pure title compound as the dihydrate.
Analysis. Calcd. for C 19 H 15 O 6 Na.2H 2 O: C, 57.29; H. 4.81. Found: C, 57.47; H, 4.25.
Example 10
methyl 5-[2-(2-naphthalenyl)ethoxy]-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-carboxylate ##STR25##
A mixture of 1.70 g (10 mmole) of the title product of Preparation 3, 2.83 g (12 mmole) of the title product of Preparation 7, and 2.76 g (20 mmole) of anhydrous potassium carbonate in 50 ml of dimethylformamide was stirred at 80° for one day. The title compound, m.p. 129°-130°, was purified and isolated (530 mg) by the method described in Example 2, except that (1) the initially isolated crude residue was dissolved by trituration with 50% by volume ethyl acetate-ethanol and (2) the chromatographic eluent was 40% by volume ethyl acetate-hexane.
Analysis. Calcd. for C 19 H 16 O 5 : C, 70.36; H, 4.97. Found: C, 70.74; H, 5.28.
Example 11
sodium 5-[2-(2-naphthalenyl)ethoxy]-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-carboxylate dihydrate ##STR26##
The title compound, isolated as the dihydrate, was prepared by the method of Example 9 using 205 mg (0.63 mmole) of the title product of Example 11 instead of the title product of Example 8.
Analysis. Calcd. for C 18 H 12 O 5 Na.2H 2 O: C, 58.70; H, 4.65. Found: C, 58.99; H, 4.23.
Example 12
methyl 5-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-naphthalenylmethoxy)-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-carboxylate ##STR27##
The title compound is prepared by the method described in Example 2 using the title product of Preparation 8 instead of the title product of Preparation 4.
Example 13
sodium 5-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-naphthalenylmethoxy)-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-carboxylate ##STR28##
The title compound is prepared by the method of Example 9 using the title product of Example 12 instead of the title product of Example 8.
Example 14
methyl 5-[5-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)pentoxy]tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-2H-pyran-2-carboxylate ##STR29##
The title product of Example 2 (840 mg, 1.96 mmole) was dissolved in 110 ml ethanol, and then hydrogenated at room temperature using 2 psi of hydrogen and 5% palladium on carbon as catalyst. Insolubles were removed by filtration and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo, and the incompletely reduced residue (as determined by nmr in (CD 3 ) 2 SO) was again hydrogenated. Purification by high performance chromatography on silica gel (using 30% by volume acetone-hexane) afforded 145 mg of the title compound as an oil. Spectral data indicate complete reduction of the pyranone moiety to the hydroxy-substituted cyclic ether.
13 C nmr (CDCl 3 ): carbonyl carbon: 203.1 (s) and 171.3 (s) ppm; aromatic ring carbon: 163.2 (s), 162.2 (s), 130.3 (d), 118.3 (s), 114.2 (s), and 102.9 (d) ppm; CH 2 --O and CH--O carbon: 75.0 (d), 73.2 (d), 69.1 (t), 68.1 (t), 67.3 (d), and 65.0 (t) ppm; methoxy carbon: 52.1 (q) ppm; remaining aliphatic carbon: 33.0, 29.5, 29.0, 26.1, 24.4, 22.8, 22.0, and 14.2 ppm
proton nmr (CDCl 3 ): δ(ppm) 0.94 (t, 3H, propyl CH 3 ); 1.1-2.6 (m's, 12 H, CH 2 's); 2.55 (s, 3H, acetyl CH 3 ); 3.3-4.4 (m's, ca. 9H plus H 2 O, O--CH 2 's and O--CH's); 3.78 (s, 3H, methoxy CH 3 ); 6.34 and 7.56 (aromatic CH's)
Infrared: two carbonyl absorptions--1625, 1748 cm -1
Analysis. Calcd. for C 23 H 34 O 8 : C, 62.99; H, 7.82. Found: C, 62.15; H, 7.91.
Example 15
5-[5-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)pentoxy]tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-2H-pyran-2-carboxylic acid ##STR30##
To a solution of 144 mg (0.33 mmole) of the title product of Example 14 in 3 ml of methanol was added 3.3 ml (1.0 mmole) of 0.3M sodium hydroxide. After 90 minutes the solution was concentrated to remove excess methanol and ethyl acetate was added. After the mixture was acidified carefully with dilute hydrochloric acid, the ethyl acetate layer was separated and the aqueous layer washed with additional portions of ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to dryness. Mass spectrometry indicated a molecular weight of 424, corresponding to the expected title compound.
13 C nmr (CDCl 3 ): nearly identical to that of ester of Example 14, except for loss of methoxy carbon and shift of carboxyl carbon at 171.3 ppm to 174.4 ppm. | This invention relates to substituted aralkoxy and aryloxyalkoxy kojic acid derivatives, which are useful as leukotriene D 4 (LTD 4 ) inhibitors and therefore useful in the treatment of allergies, inflammatory conditions, and coronary vasoconstriction. | 2 |
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
Reflective yard signs.
PRIORITY
This application does not claim the priority date of any other applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Yard signs are commonly used to convey information. They may advertise that a home is for sale, display an address, identify a preference for a sports team, show support for a political candidate, or convey numerous other written or visual representations. Such signs are often constructed of plastic, metal, or wood and usually include a message printed on a flat display surface. Yard signs may also be constructed of reflective materials.
Reflective yard signs are often small, monochromatic round reflectors mounted on a stake. They have many uses, such as marking the ends of a driveway so the driveway may be easily seen at night. The round reflective yard signs are inexpensive to manufacture, but they do not give the user the ability to select their own message for display or manipulate the sign to display interchangeable messages. Noble (U.S. Pat. No. 6,845,580) discloses a prior art reflective yard sign with multiple layers permanently secured together with an adhesive. Noble's adhesive construction is a drawback because it prevents a user from being able to use one sign to display multiple, interchangeable messages, and it prevents a user from being able to change the sign's appearance by utilizing interchangeable reflectors. Additionally, adhesive construction is disadvantageous because the adhesive is likely to degrade over time, obscuring images on the sign and rendering the sign ineffective. Accordingly, there is a need for a reflective yard sign that allows a user to select their own messages and give a user the option of choosing different interchangeable messages and reflectors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an improved reflective yard sign that solves problems associated with the prior art by allowing users to choose among different interchangeable messages and reflectors. According to one embodiment, the retro-reflective graphic display comprises interchangeable components that are assembled to create a two sided reflective yard sign. In this embodiment, the innermost component is a center backing member. Front and back interchangeable reflectors are placed on either side of the center backing member. The reflectors are formed of a material that incorporates retro-reflective cube corners on one side of the reflectors.
Front and back graphics are placed on the outer side of the interchangeable reflectors. In one embodiment, the graphics comprise images incorporated on the surface of a transparent material. The images may be changed by inserting different graphics, and any letter, numeral, symbol, or other type of image may be used. In other embodiments, the graphics may comprise images that are incorporated directly on the front side of the reflectors.
Front and back clear lenses are placed on the outer sides of the graphics. Front and back covers are placed on the outer sides of the lenses. The covers contain an aperture through which the other components can be viewed. The inner edges of the covers contain a means for fastening the covers together, and the lenses, graphics, reflectors, and backing member are retained within the assembled covers in a non-adhesive manner.
The retro-reflective graphic display may be manufactured in a number of shapes, including, but not limited to a circle, rectangle, triangle, or pentagon. The display could similarly be made in the shape of a football, cross, waving flag, tractor, or virtually any other shape. The retro-reflective graphic display may incorporate a number of means for mounting the display. The mounting means include but are not limited to an aperture for receiving a stake, an aperture for receiving a fastener such as a nail or screw, or an adhesive.
In one embodiment, the retro-reflective graphic display may be one sided. The back cover of a one sided display is molded to form the back portion of a frame and does not contain an aperture. An interchangeable reflector is placed inside the back cover, a graphic is placed in front of the reflector, a lens is placed over the graphic, and then a front cover is fastened to the rear cover to retain the lens, graphic, and reflector. Like the two sided version, the front cover forms an aperture through which the lens, graphic, and reflector may be seen.
Accordingly, the retro-reflective graphic display provides an improved reflective yard sign that allows a user to select their own message and gives a user the option of choosing different interchangeable messages.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disassembled retro-reflective graphic display.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the assembled round retro-reflective graphic display.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rectangular retro-reflective graphic display.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a disassembled rectangular one sided retro-reflective graphic display.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disassembled retro-reflective graphic display 1 . In this embodiment, the display 1 is two sided and is round in shape. The innermost component of the retro-reflective graphic display 1 is a center backing member 2 . The center backing member 2 is composed of high impact polystyrene in this embodiment, but other suitable materials may be used.
Interchangeable reflectors 3 are placed on both sides of the center backing member 2 . The reflectors 3 are made of a reflective material with a multiplicity of retro-reflective cube corners formed on the inner sides of the reflectors 3 . Retro-reflective cube corners are comprised of three approximately mutually perpendicular optical faces that cooperate to retroreflect incident light back towards the viewer. The cube corners are well known in the art and have often been used to construct roadway and automotive reflectors. The interchangeable reflectors 3 may be a number of different colors, and a user may swap out the reflectors 3 for a color of their choosing. The interchangeable reflectors 3 may be composed of acrylic, but other suitable materials may also be used.
Front and back graphics 4 are placed on the outer side of the interchangeable reflectors 3 . In this embodiment, the graphics 4 include images 5 that are incorporated onto the surface of a transparent material. The images 5 are represented by the letter “A” in this example, but any image, character, or numeral may be used. The graphics 4 in this embodiment are interchangeable. In other embodiments, the graphics 4 may be comprised of images 5 incorporated directly onto the surface of the reflectors 3 .
Front and back clear lenses 6 are placed on the outer side of the graphics 4 . The lenses 6 in one embodiment are composed of clear high impact polystyrene, but other optically transmissive materials may be used. In one embodiment, the graphics 4 may be comprised of images 5 incorporated directly onto the inner surface of the lenses 6 .
Front and back covers 7 are placed on the outer side of the clear lenses 6 . The covers 7 are molded to form a frame around the center backing member 2 , the interchangeable reflectors 3 , the graphics 4 , and the clear lenses 5 . The covers 7 form an aperture 8 through which the lenses 6 , the graphics 4 , the reflectors 3 , and the backing member 2 may be seen. The covers 7 may be composed of high impact polystyrene, but other suitable materials may be used.
The inner edges 9 of the covers 7 incorporate a means for fastening the inner edges 9 of the covers 7 together to retain the lenses, graphics 4 , reflectors 3 , and backing member within the covers 7 in a non-adhesive manner. In one embodiment, a plurality of clips 10 incorporated into the covers' 7 inner edges 9 fastens the covers 7 , but other fastening means ma be used.
The retro-reflective graphic display 1 may be mounted on top of a stake for display. An aperture 11 for receiving a stake is incorporated into this embodiment. Other mounting means may include, but are not limited to, apertures for receiving a hook, nail, or other fastener. The display 1 could also be mounted using an adhesive such as two-sided tape.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the assembled round retro-reflective graphic display 1 . When viewed from this angle, the graphics' 4 images 5 are visible through the clear lenses 6 . When light shines through the lenses 6 , the reflectors 3 re-direct the light back towards the viewer, enhancing the view of the graphics' 4 images 5 .
The retro-reflective graphic display 1 may be manufactured in a number of shapes, including but not limited to a circle, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, etc. The display 1 could similarly be made in the shape of a football, a football helmet, a cross, a waving flag, a tractor, or virtually any other shape. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the retro-reflective graphic display 1 manufactured in a rectangle shape.
In another embodiment, the retro-reflective graphic display 1 may be one sided. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a disassembled rectangular one sided retro-reflective graphic display 1 . In this embodiment, the solid back cover 12 is molded to form the back portion of a frame and does not contain an aperture 8 . One interchangeable reflector 3 is placed or the inside of the solid back cover 12 , and one graphic 4 placed in front of the reflector 3 . A clear lens 6 is placed in front of the graphic 4 . The front cover 13 is molded to form a frame around the interchangeable reflector 3 , the graphic 4 , and the clear lens 6 . The front cover 13 forms an aperture 8 through which the lens 6 , graphic 4 , and reflector 3 may be seen. When fastened together, the front cover 13 and back cover 12 secure the interchangeable reflector 3 , graphic 4 , and lens 6 in a non-adhesive manner.
The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for the retro-reflective graphic display invention is presented for the purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical applications, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled. | An improved reflective yard sign that allows a user to select their own message and gives a user the option of choosing different interchangeable messages and different interchangeable reflectors. The sign includes at least one interchangeable reflector, at least one interchangeable graphic, and a least one clear lens. Front and back covers are fastened together to retain the reflector, graphic and lens. At least one of the covers includes an aperture through which the lens, graphic, and reflector may be viewed. | 4 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to household refrigerators and in particular to the crisper drawer structure for a household refrigerator.
Conventional refrigerators commonly include a freezer compartment, a fresh food compartment and an access door for each of these compartments. The fresh food compartment conventionally includes one or more crisper drawers located in the bottom of the fresh food compartment. The drawers are conventionally slideably carried on supports so as to permit the drawers to be drawn forwardly out of the fresh food compartment when the access door of the fresh food compartment is opened, thereby providing user access to vegetables and other foods stored in the crisper drawers. In order to maintain the crispness of stored food, the top of the drawers is closed when the drawers are in their storage position within the fresh food compartment. In view of the desire by consumers to store many types of fresh food in such crisper drawers, it is desirable to provide multiple drawers in a side by side arrangement. Such drawer structures have been provided in the prior art. In such prior art structures, a nonadjustable drawer arrangement has been provided so that the drawers could not be adjusted to suit the desire or needs of particular consumers. However, it is desirable to offer the consumer various side by side drawer arrangements such as for instance a single wide drawer, a narrow drawer and a medium width drawer, or three narrow drawers so that the consumer can choose the drawer arrangement to suit his needs.
It is therefore desired to provide an adjustable drawer arrangement for a refrigerator wherein various arrangements of drawers may be provided by means of a common support structure. It is furthermore desired to provide a flexible drawer arrangement and a support structure which is rugged and will support heavily loaded drawers.
In many prior art refrigerator structures, the access door to the fresh food compartment includes shelves on its inner surface for storage of articles to be refrigerated. In many refrigerator installations, the door of a refrigerator may not be opened more than 90°, thereby causing interference with the drawers if the drawers are to be withdrawn completely from the fresh food compartment. It is therefore desired to provide an adjustable refrigerator drawer structure wherein the drawers may be removed from the fresh food compartment without interference with the door even though the door cannot be opened more than 90°. Furthermore, it is desired to provide an adjustable refrigerator drawer structure wherein the entire drawer structure may be removed for cleaning.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an adjustable crisper drawer structure for a refrigerator including a frame for supporting the drawers. The frame includes front and rear members and two side members. The front and rear members also include slots for receiving respective ends of drawer support members. The front end of the drawer support member is slideably received in the slot in the front frame member. The rear end of the drawer support member is interlocked with the rear frame member. The drawer support members include channels for slideably receiving the drawers. Additionally, two support rails are secured respectively to the front and rear members for supporting the respective front and rear ends of the drawer support members.
If it is desired to completely remove the drawers from the refrigerator, the drawer support members can be loosened by unlocking the rear ends thereof from the rear frame member, so that the entire drawer support members can be removed and the drawers can be completely removed from the refrigerator.
An advantage of the present invention is that an adjustable drawer structure is provided whereby the consumer may be provided with a choice of drawer arrangements. Another advantage of the present invention is that the drawer support structure is very sturdy and can support heavily loaded drawers. An additional advantage of the present invention is that the drawers may be easily removed from the refrigerator, even though the door of the refrigerator cannot be swung open more than 90°.
A still further advantage of the present invention is that the structure is very simple and economical of construction while yet providing an adjustable drawer arrangement as discussed above.
The present invention, in one form thereof, comprises a food storage drawer assembly for a refrigerator including a frame adapted to be horizontally secured within the refrigerator. The frame includes front and rear frame members and two side members. A plurality of drawer support members having horizontal channels therein are secured to the frame. A plurality of support member receiving means are provided in each the respective front and rear members for receiving respective ends of the drawer support members. Front and rear support rails are respectively secured to the front and rear frame members. A plurality of drawers are slideably received in the prospective horizontal channels of the drawer support members.
The present invention, in one form thereof, comprises a food storage drawer assembly for a refrigerator and includes a frame adapted to be horizontally secured within the refrigerator. The frame includes front and rear members and two side support members. A plurality of drawer support members are provided for defining horizontal channels. The drawer support members each include a locking end and a sliding end. A plurality of first apertures are provided in the front frame member and a plurality of second apertures are provided in the rear frame member for respectively receiving the sliding and locking ends of each drawer support member. The front and rear support rails are respectively secured to the front and rear frame members. A plurality of drawers are slideably received in the respective horizontal channels of the drawer support members.
The present invention, in one form thereof, comprises a food storage drawer assembly for a refrigerator. A plastic frame is horizontally secured within the refrigerator. The frame includes front and rear frame members and two side members. A plurality of drawer support members are provided with horizontal channels therein. Each drawer support member includes a locking end and a sliding end. A plurality of first apertures are provided in the front frame member and a plurality of second apertures are provided in the rear frame member for respectively slideably receiving the sliding end and lockingly receiving said locking end of each drawer support member. Front and rear support rails are respectively secured to the front and rear frame members for respectively supporting sliding and locking ends. A plurality of drawers are slideably received in the respective horizontal channels.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable crisper drawer structure for a refrigerator which is very sturdy so that it can provide adequate support for heavily loaded crisper drawers. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an adjustable crisper drawer structure which enables the user to remove the crisper drawers even though the refrigerator door cannot be fully opened. A still further object of the invention is to provide a crisper drawer structure which is adjustable so that various drawer arrangements can be accommodated. Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable crisper drawer structure which is simple in construction and which is economical to manufacture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above mentioned and other features and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator having an adjustable crisper drawer structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the adjustable crisper drawer structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the crisper drawer structure of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a partial cross sectional view of the front frame member taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a partial cross sectional view of the rear frame member line 5--5 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a partial cross sectional view of the assembled drawer support member and the front frame member taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged cross sectional view of the drawer support member and the rear frame member taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the drawer support frame;
FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a drawer support member;
FIG. 10 a cross sectional view of the drawer support member of FIG. 9 taken along line 10--10 thereof;
FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the drawer support member of FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a partial enlarged plan view of a drawer support member aperture in the rear frame member; and
FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of the drawer support frame assembly.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form thereof, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure or the scope of the invention in any manner.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIG. 1 wherein is shown a conventional refrigerator 10 having a freezer compartment 12 and a fresh food compartment 14. An access door 16 is provided for the freezer compartment 12 and an access door 18 is provided for the fresh food compartment 14. Two crisper drawers 20 and 22 are shown mounted side by side in the lower portion of fresh food compartment 14. Door 18 is provided with shelves 24 as is conventional for supporting in the door various items to be refrigerated.
Referring now to FIG. 2 the drawer structure according to the present invention is shown including a drawer support frame 30. Frame 30 includes a front member 32, a rear member 34, and side members 36 and 38. Frame 30 is mounted in fresh food compartment 14 by having side members 36 and 38 supported b suitable means on the inside walls of fresh food compartment 14. Frame 30 is provided with a cover 40 which is conventionally made of glass so that the contents of drawers 20, 22 can be inspected. Side members 36 and 38 are each provided with a track 42 wherein drawer flanges 50 are respectively supported to slideably support the sides of drawers 20 and 22. The entire frame 30 may be molded as a unitary plastic molding. A front rail 44 is shown to provide rigid support for the front of drawers 20 and 22. Similarly, a rear rail 46 is provided to rigidly support the rear of drawers 20 and 22. Rails 44 and 46 are constructed of rigid and strong material such as for instance steel or aluminum. A drawer support member 52 is provided for supporting the adjoining flanges 50 of drawers 20 and 22. As can be seen in FIG. 2, drawer support member 52 includes a track 54 on the right hand side thereof. A similar track is provided, as further disclosed hereinafter, on the left hand side of drawer support member 52. Front frame member 32 and rear frame member 34 include apertures for the mounting of drawer support members 52. In FIG. 2 the apertures 56 can be seen in rear member 34 and it is noted that three such apertures 56 are provided. Thus, in this embodiment as many as three drawer support members 52 may be inserted in frame 30. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 only a single such center mounted drawer support member 52 is shown so that, in this embodiment, two equal sized drawers are supported. However it should be noted that if a single drawer support member 52 were inserted in either the right hand aperture 56a or the left hand aperture 56c, that a narrow drawer and a medium size drawer could be simultaneously supported. If no drawer support member 52 were provided, a single wide drawer could be accommodated by frame 30.
Referring to FIG. 3, it can be seen that two drawer support members 52a and 52b are provided so that in this embodiment three drawers of equal sizes may be accommodated by the frame structure. FIG. 13 shows a front view of the frame assembly of FIG. 3 including tracks 42 on the sidewalls 36 and 38 and tracks 54a and 54b for drawer support members 52a and 52b.
Referring now to FIGS. 5, 7, 9, 11, and 12 the locking structure for locking the rear portion of a drawer support member 52 into rear member 34 is shown. In FIG. 12 an aperture 56 is shown in detail. The aperture includes a through slot 60, and three side by side slots 62, 64, and 66. Slot 62 is deeper than adjacent slots 64 and 66. Slot 62 also defines a wall 63. Through slot 60 defines a wall 73. Recess 68 accommodates wall 78 of drawer support member 52. A chamfered lead-in 70 has been provided for recess 60. At the lower end of lead-in 70 a surface 72 is provided. Drawer support member 52, as best seen in FIGS. 9 and 11, includes three lips at its rear portion, namely lips 80, 82, and 84. Lip 80 is somewhat longer than lips 82 and 84 so that lip 80 may be accommodated in slot 62. Lips 82 and 84 are respectively received in slots 64 and 66 of rear member 34. Lip 80 also includes a protrusion 86 which cooperates with wall 63 for locking the rear portion of the drawer support member in place.
Referring now to FIG. 5, it can be seen that a seal 90 has been secured on a wall portion 94 of rear member 34. The seal includes a lip seal portion 92 which cooperates with a drawer when the drawer is fully inserted into the support assembly. Seal 90 is snapped in place over protrusions 98 on wall 94 so that seal 90 also provides the function of retaining rear rail 46 in place by means of protruding portion 96. Seal 90, upon its insertion onto wall member 94, will be snapped and retained in place to prevent removal of rear rail 46.
Referring now to FIG. 7, the assembly of the drawer support member into aperture 56 of rear member 34 is shown. Lip 80 can be seen to be received in slot 62. Protrusion 86 will have cleared wall 63. Locking finger 88 of drawer support member 52 has been received in slot 60 and is in engagement with wall 73. Because of the angled construction of locking finger 88, the rear portion of drawer support member 52 is locked in place. If it is attempted to pull up on the rear portion of drawer support member 52, protrusion 86 must clear wall 63 to permit locking finger 88 to clear side wall 73. Thus, a snap fit is accomplished for locking the rear portion of drawer support member 52 in place.
An important feature of the invention is that finger 80 of drawer support member 52 rests on rear rail 46 and is supported thereby. Thus, the weight of the drawers supported on drawer support member 52 will in large part be borne by rear rail 46. Thus, the structure provides a very sturdy and rigid supporting assembly for heavily loaded drawers.
FIGS. 4, 6, 9 and 11 show the assembly of the front portion of the drawer support member to the front frame member. Front frame member 32 includes a slot generally indicated at 100 into which stepped flange 104 of drawer support member 52 is inserted. The stepped flange 104 also includes a portion 106. The stepped portion accommodates projection 108 of front frame member 32, thereby preventing the drawer support member from forward movement once inserted into slot 100. Front rail 44 is retained on front frame member 32 by means of a plurality of metal spring clips 102, one of which is shown in FIG. 4 and which is retained on an inside wall 110 of front frame member 32. It can be seen that the front portion of drawer support member 52 is supported on rail 44 by means of flange 104. Thus the front portion of the drawer support structure is firmly supported by rail 44. The entire drawer support structure is rigid and strong so that the crisper drawers will be supported, regardless of loading, by the structure. Furthermore, by the easy assembly and disassembly of the structure, various drawer sizes may be accommodated by the crisper drawer structure, thereby enabling various drawer arrangements to be used.
If it is desired to completely remove the drawers from the fresh food compartment of the refrigerator, while the refrigerator door is opened no more than 90°, the following procedure can be followed. First the glass cover is removed from the frame. The drawer located opposite the hinge of the door is removed. The remaining drawers are then pulled forward as far as possible. The drawer support member which supports the remaining drawers is unlocked at its rear end and the rear portion of the drawer support member is raised by sliding it toward the rear of the fresh food compartment. The entire drawer support member is now removed. The pan can then be slid sideways in the fresh food compartment and may be pulled forward to be removed from the refrigerator.
While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims. | An adjustable refrigerator crisper drawer structure including a frame having three discrete locations for removable drawer support members. Thus the drawer support members may be located at discrete locations to accommodate various drawer sizes. One end of the drawer support member is locked to the support frame. The other end is slideably received in the support frame. Two rigid rails are provided for reinforcing the support frame. The rails are secured to the front and rear members of the frame and respectively support the front and rear portions of the drawer support member. | 5 |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/938,406, filed Sep. 26, 1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,451.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates generally to a device for diagnosing the body with ultrasonic waves and, more particularly, to an invasive ultrasound device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Non-invasive ultrasound techniques have been used for many years to produced detailed images of bodily structures. In a non-invasive procedure, a transducer is placed on the surface of the patient's body. An image is generated by producing an ultrasound signal with the transducer, receiving the reflected portion of the ultrasound signal with the transducer, and then transmitting a corresponding signal to a device which includes imaging circuitry and a display. In echocardiography, for example, a transducer is placed on the patient's chest and an image of the heart is produced.
In recent years, invasive ultrasound techniques have been developed. Here, a miniature ultrasound transducer is mounted on a catheter that is directed into the bodily structure of interest. The image shown on the display is a cross-section (or “slice”) of that structure. One invasive ultrasound technique is intracardiac echocardiography. Here, a transducer is carried by a catheter into the patient's heart and the image shown on the display is a cross-section of the heart.
The inventor herein has determined that one disadvantage of conventional invasive ultrasound techniques is that the angular orientation of the displayed image is not fixed relative to an anatomical direction. Moreover, the image will often rotate as the transducer carrying catheter rotates relative to the patient. This rotation can be caused by operator handling of the catheter and the motion associated with cardiac and respiratory cycles. Despite the fact that physicians are familiar with the large scale anatomy of the heart and other organs, as well as the associated vascular structures, it is often difficult for them to place the displayed cross-sections within the context of the organ of interest. The physician must rely on his or her knowledge of bodily structures to first recognize the portion of the body being imaged. Once that task is completed, the physician must infer the rotational orientation of the image based on the typical orientation of that structure relative to the other portions of the patient's body.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the general object of the present invention is to provide a diagnostic method and apparatus which avoids, for practical purposes, the aforementioned problems. In particular, one object of the present invention is to provide a diagnostic method and apparatus which allows the physician to readily determine the anatomical orientation of the displayed image.
In order to accomplish at least some of these and other objectives, a diagnostic apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a catheter carrying a first ultrasonic transducer adapted to be inserted into a patient, a second ultrasonic transducer adapted to be placed in spaced relation to the catheter at either a known location within the patient's body or a known location associated with the exterior surface of the patient's body, a processing device operably connected to at least the first ultrasonic transducer, and a display device. The first and second transducers each produce ultrasonic waves that will propagate through the adjacent bodily structure. The waves generated by the first transducer ultimately produce an image of the bodily structure of interest, while the waves generated by the second transducer establish a reference point.
The present invention provides a number of advantages over the prior art. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the displayed image may include two portions—the first being representative of the bodily structure of interest and the second being be representative of the location of the second transducer. Because the location of the second transducer is a known location, such as anterior side of the patient, the displayed image will immediately convey the anatomical orientation of the image to the physician. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the displayed image may be automatically oriented in a predetermined anatomical orientation. For example, the image may be displayed such that the anterior side of the image is always at the top of the display. Here again, the displayed image will immediately convey the anatomical orientation of the image. Accordingly, the present invention solves the aforementioned problem in the art.
The present invention is particularly useful in intracardiac, intravascular and endoluminal imaging applications. The present invention may, however, be practiced in conjunction with imaging applications concerning other echogenic tissue, such as liver, parenchyma, bile duct, urinary bladder and intracranial tissue. In other words, the present invention may be practiced in any echogenic portion of the body that will allow passage of a catheter. Also, in addition to imaging, the present invention may also be practiced with a wide variety of therapeutic applications. For example, the imaging features of the present invention may be used to help physicians guide various catheter-based tools, such as ablation, laser, cutting and occluding tools, to their intended locations.
The above described and many other features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the invention becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a diagnostic apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 .
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a diagnostic apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary procedure which may be performed in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a displayed image in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of a displayed image in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flow chart in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a plan view of a displayed image in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a hand held transducerdevice.
FIG. 10 a perspective view of a diagnostic apparatus in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 a perspective view of a diagnostic apparatus in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The following is a detailed description of the best presently known modes of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.
As illustrated for example in FIGS. 1-3, a diagnostic apparatus 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a catheter 12 having an ultrasonic transducer 14 associated therewith and an ultrasonic transducer 16 that may be secured to the exterior surface of the patient's body. The transducer 16 , which acts a reference transducer, may instead be associated with a catheter so that it too may be inserted into the patient's body, or associated with a handle so that the physician can easily move the reference transducer 16 during examination. These aspects of the invention are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 11. The exemplary catheter 12 includes a handle 18 , a steering knob 20 , and a guide tube assembly 22 . Such a catheter is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,664. The present invention may, however, be practiced with any catheter capable of positioning the transducer 14 at the desired location within the patient's body. The transducer 14 is located at the tip 24 of the guide tube assembly 22 . With respect to the transducer itself, suitable ultrasonic transducers include, but are not limited to, phased array transducers, mechanical transducers, dynamic array transducers, offset stereoscopic imaging transducers, and multidimensional imaging transducers.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the ultrasonic transducers 14 and 16 are connected to a control and display device 26 by electrical leads 28 and 30 . The control and display device may be a unitary structure, as shown, or separated into independent control and display devices. The exemplary control and display device 26 includes a display 32 , a control panel 34 , and a printer 36 which may be used to produce a printed version 38 of the image 40 displayed on the display. The control and display device 26 also includes an electronic controller 42 , such as a microprocessor-based controller, control circuits 44 and 46 which cause the transducers 14 and 16 to vibrate and produce ultrasound waves, and transceiver circuits 48 and 50 which receive and transmit signals via the electrical leads 28 and 30 . The display 32 is driven by imaging circuitry 52 .
One example of an imaging procedure in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 4 . Here, the catheter guide tube 22 is inserted into the patient 54 such that the transducer supporting tip 24 enters the patient's heart 56 . The reference transducer 16 is secured to the patient's chest 58 (i.e. on the anterior portion of the patient's body) with adhesive tape or other suitable means. The catheter tip 24 and transducer 14 can, of course, be inserted into other portions of the patient's body and the reference transducer 16 repositioned accordingly.
During one mode of operation, the control and display device 26 causes transducers 14 and 16 to produce suitable ultrasonic waves that will propagate through the adjacent bodily structure. A portion of the waves (or signals) generated by the catheter-based transducer 14 will be reflected back from the bodily structure and impinge on the catheter-based transducer. The waves generated by the reference transducer 16 also impinge the catheter-based transducer 14 . An electrical signal corresponding to the impinging waves is generated by the transducer 14 then and transmitted to the controller 42 via the transceiver circuit 48 . A corresponding image is then generated by the imaging circuitry 52 and displayed on the display 32 .
As shown by way of example in FIG. 5, the image 40 presented on the display 32 has two significant portions. The first image portion 60 is a visual representation of a cross-section of the bodily structure of interest. In accordance with the exemplary procedure shown in FIG. 4, the first image portion 60 is a cross-section of the patient's heart. The second image portion 62 is indicative of the direction of the signals received by the catheter-based transducer 14 from the reference transducer 16 . Because the reference transducer 16 is in a known location (here, the anterior side of the patient), the image 40 generated in accordance with the present invention will immediately convey its anatomical orientation to the reviewing physician.
The second image portion 62 may be continuously displayed, displayed intermittently, or displayed only upon demand. Continuous and intermittent display may be accomplished by simply supplying a continuous and intermittent signals to the reference transducer 16 . On demand display may be provided through the use of a foot switch 63 , a button on the control panel 34 , or other suitable switching devices that allow the physician to selectively actuate the reference transducer 16 .
The present invention may also be operated in various auto-orientation modes in which the image is displayed in a predetermined anatomical orientation. Referring more specifically to FIG. 6, the image 40 may be oriented such that the anterior portion of the patient's body is always at the top of the display 32 . Such auto-orientation may be accomplished in a variety of manners. For example, the location of the reference transducer 16 , i.e. anterior or posterior, and the desired orientation of the image 40 may be input into the controller 42 via the control panel 34 . Once the controller has this information, the image may be analyzed and, if necessary, reoriented prior to display. The analysis is accomplished through conventional image analysis techniques performed by the imaging circuit 52 and controller 42 .
In another embodiment of the invention, the second portion 62 of the image 40 (which corresponds to the reference transducer 16 ) will always be displayed on the same portion of the display, such as at the top portion, regardless of the anatomical location of the transducer.
As shown by way of example in FIG. 7, a suitable program for performing the auto-orientation functions operates as follows. First, in steps 100 - 120 , the signals from the catheter-based transducer 14 are received, an image is created by the imaging circuit 52 and, prior to display, the image is analyzed by controller 42 . The step of analyzing the image consists primarily of isolating the second image portion 62 and determining its angular orientation. In step 130 , the controller determines whether the second image portion 62 is oriented in a predetermined orientation. The predetermined orientation of the second image portion 62 is the orientation which corresponds to an image 40 displayed in the orientation desired by the physician or a preset orientation. For example, if the reference transducer 16 is placed on the anterior side of the patient and the desired image orientation is one where the anterior side is at the top of the display 32 , then the predetermined orientation of the second image portion 62 would be one where the second image portion is aligned with the top portion of cross hair 64 , as shown in FIG. 6 . The image is then displayed on the display 32 . [Step 140 .]
When the second image portion 62 is not in the predetermined orientation, as is the case in FIG. 5, then an offset angle 66 (or correction amount) is calculated and the image 40 is rotated accordingly (steps 150 and 160 ) prior to display of the image. This process can, if desired, continue as long as signals are being received from the catheter-based transducer 14 . [Steps 170 and 180 .] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the second image portion 62 , may be filtered out of the image 40 prior to display when the present invention is operating in an auto-orientation mode. Nevertheless, the automatic orientation of the image will continue as long as desired.
In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and as shown by way of example in FIG. 9, a reference transducer 68 may be incorporated into a device 70 which has a handle 72 . This allows the physician to move the reference transducer from one location to another during an examination when, for example, the patient has to be moved. The above-described auto-orientation features can, of course, be used to either reorient the image or maintain the image in the same orientation when the reference transducer is moved.
Turning to FIG. 10, a diagnostic apparatus 74 in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a catheter 76 having an ultrasonic transducer associated therewith. The catheter-based transducer is electrically coupled to a display and control device 78 which operates in substantially the same manner as the display and control device 26 shown in FIG. 1 . Here, however, a plurality of reference transducers 80 are provided. The reference transducers 80 may be positioned at different portions of the patient's body so as to provide a number of reference images similar to the image portion 62 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Alternatively, a switching device (such as a foot pedal or control knob) may be employed to allow the physician to selectively activate the reference transducers one at a time. Thus, the physician will be able switch between various known anatomical reference points.
As shown by way of example in FIG. 11, a diagnostic apparatus 82 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of catheters 84 and 86 , each of which includes an ultrasound transducer. Both catheters are electrically coupled to a display and control device 88 which operates in substantially the same manner as the display and control device 26 shown in FIG. 1 . The first catheter 86 functions as the imaging catheter. The transducer in the second catheter 86 acts as the reference transducer. Incorporating the reference transducer into a catheter allows the physician to place the anatomical reference point within the patient's body. The apparatus shown in FIG. 11 may, alternatively, include a plurality of reference catheters which will provide a plurality of reference points within the patient' body. Here too, a switching device may be employed so that the physician can selectively activate the reference transducers.
Although the present invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiment above, numerous modifications and/or additions to the above-described preferred embodiments would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the scope of the present invention extends to all such modifications and/or additions and that the scope of the present invention is limited solely by the claims set forth below. | A diagnostic apparatus including a catheter carrying a first ultrasonic transducer adapted to be inserted into a patient, a second ultrasonic transducer adapted to be placed in spaced relation to the catheter at either a known location within the patient's body or a known location associated with the exterior surface of the patient's body, a processing device operably connected to at least the first ultrasonic transducer, and a display device. | 0 |
This a divisional under 37 CFR 1.53(b) of parent application Ser. No. 09/693,412 filed Oct. 20, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,582,447 priority to which is claimed heroin and, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
1. Field of Invention
The following invention relates to a clot filter and more specifically to a convertible vena cava blood clot filter.
2. Description of the Related Art
Vena cava blood clot filters are generally placed in the inferior vena cava, introduced either through the femoral or jugular vein. These filters trap blood clots that have arisen from the peripheral veins and that travel through the vena cava. By trapping the blood clots, the filter prevents the clots from lodging in the pulmonary bed, which can lead to a condition known as pulmonary embolus.
Pulmonary embolus (PE) has long been recognized as a major health care concern. Untreated PE is associated with a high mortality rate, widely held to be approximately 30%, although the exact rate is unknown. Symptomatic PE, however, represents only one manifestation of a more protean disorder, venous thromboembolic disease (VTD), which includes both deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and PE. Understanding of the interrelationship of these disorders has increased in recent years, as has the extent to which VTD contributes to patient mortality.
The current standard of care of VTD is anticoagulation for a minimum period of six months. If patients are properly treated with anticoagulation, the impact of VTD upon patient health is minimized. However, anticoagulant therapy carries the risk of bleeding complications. In patients with VTD or PE that 1) are at high risk of developing a bleeding complication, 2) have a contraindication to anticoagulant therapy, 3) had a failure of response to anticoagulant therapy (i.e. further episodes of PE), or 4) developed a bleeding complication because of anticoagulant therapy, vena cava blood clot filters play an important role in the management of VTD.
Vena cava clot filters can be categorized into two device families: permanently implanted devices and temporary devices. Permanently implanted devices are implanted for patients that require a filter for more than fourteen days. Fourteen days roughly approximates the time before which the points where the filter contact with the caval wall becomes covered by endothelial cells which thicken to eventually attach the filter permanently to the cava wall. If an attempt is made to remove the filter after this time point, severe damage may occur resulting in laceration or rupture of the vena cava, or at the very least, a focal disruption of the endothelial lining which may predispose to caval stenosis, thrombosis (clot formation) or occlusion.
Since the permanent blood clot filters are left in the body for the lifetime of the patient, the patient undergoes several risks that continue throughout the person's lifetime. The reported long-term sequela of some of the permanent devices include thrombotic occlusion of the vena cava, filter migration, filter fragmentation and filter embolization.
These problems can occur because the blood clot filter is directly in the blood stream and continually filtering the blood clots throughout the lifetime of the patient. Thrombotic occlusion and filter embolization can occur when a gradual buildup of blood clots forms in or around the filter due to the continuous filtering. Filter migration and filter fragmentation can occur because of the constant impact between the blood filter and the flowing blood can move the filter or break the structure of the filter.
Temporary blood clot filters do not share those long-term risks because they are removed from the patient's body. However, the situations in which temporary blood clot filters are used are limited. The patient must recover to the point that the risk from PE is reduced to an acceptable level prior to the 14-day limit or to a time point at which the patient may be safely anticoagulated. Otherwise, a permanently implanted blood clot filter must be used to avoid damage to the caval wall that may result if attempt is made in removal after 14-days.
Temporary blood clot filters fall into two categories. One group utilizes a permanently attached tethering catheter for retrieval, whereas the other requires the use of a retrieval device for removal. In addition to the limited amount of time that it can remain in the vena cava, the catheter-based design has the draw back of infectious complications at the entry site. Other temporary designs allow a filter to be placed and later retrieved using a device.
When a patient's need for a blood clot filter is known to be temporary, but longer than the 14-day period, the patient's only recourse is to receive a permanent blood clot filter. An example of a temporary need resulting in placement of a permanent vena cava blood clot filter is a patient who need needs protection from PE in the perioperative period or a woman with DVT during pregnancy. These patients will receive a permanent filter and be unnecessarily subjected to the lifelong risks associated with permanent blood clot filters.
Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to disclose an implanted device that provides effective caval filtration for any length of time. However, if and when it is determined that the risk from the implanted device disrupting laminar blood flow exceeds the risk of further PE, the filter can be removed from the blood stream to eliminate the associated risks of having a permanent filter within the bloodstream. This can be done at any time without regard to the amount of time that the filter has been implanted and without causing damage to the caval wall. Another object of the present invention is to provide such a filter that allows trapping (capturing) of blood clots of sizes that result in a clinically significant PE that poses an unacceptably high risk of patient morbidity and mortality. The trapped clots in the filter are then dissolved by the bodies own intrinsic fibrinolytic system, without causing pulmonary function compromise. Still a further object of the present invention is to provide such a filter that is relatively simple in design and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a blood clot filter and a method for its use. The blood clot filter comprises an expandable filter shaped in the form of a cylinder. The filter is composed of high memory wire and the wire is formed into a band of zigzag bends.
In its pre-deployment form, both ends of the filter are collapsed to form a slender wire construct. After deployment, one end of the cylinder is held together by a suitable restraining means such as a Teflon ring with a diameter of approximately 3 mm. The other end of the cylinder is expanded and has a sufficiently large diameter to contact the walls of the inferior vena cava with sufficient force to hold the filter in place against the inferior vena cava. Additional means are used to attach that end of the filter to the walls of the vena cava.
When it is desirable to stop filtering, the Teflon ring holding the narrower end of the filter is broken thereby releasing the end of the filter. Once released, the narrow end of the filter will expand until the entire filter lines the walls of the vena cava. The filter will no longer filter the blood nor will it be directly in the blood stream.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings are included to provide an understanding of the invention and constitute a part of the specification.
FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a deployment device for the blood clot filter in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the first embodiment of a blood clot filter deployed in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 3 depicts a magnified side view of the narrow end of a blood clot filter of the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 depicts a magnified view of a portion of the blood clot filter showing the barbed anchor in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 5 depicts a front view of the first embodiment of the blood clot filter deployed in accordance with the present.
FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the engagement of a balloon angioplasty catheter with the first embodiment of the blood clot filter.
FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the blood clot filter after the filter has been changed to its non-filtering state in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 8 depicts a front view of the blood clot filter after the filter has been changed to its non-filtering state in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 9A depicts a side view of a second embodiment of a blood clot filter using a tied suture in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 9B depicts a front view of the second embodiment of a blood clot filter using a tied suture in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 10A depicts a side view of the second embodiment of a blood clot filter using a unitary ring in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 10B depicts a front view of the second embodiment of a blood clot filter using a unitary ring in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 11A depicts a side view an endovascular device used to change the filter to its non-filtering state in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 11B depicts a top view of an endovascular device used to change the filter to its non-filtering state in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 11C depicts a magnified side view an endovascular device used to change the filter to its non-filtering state in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 11D depicts a magnified top view of an endovascular device used to change the filter to its non-filtering state in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 12 depicts a side view of a third embodiment of a blood clot filter deployed in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 13 depicts the disengagement of a portion of the blood clot filter in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 14 depicts a side view of a fourth embodiment of a blood clot filter deployed in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 15 depicts the disengagement of a portion of the blood clot filter in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 16 depicts a side view of a fifth embodiment of a blood clot filter in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 17 depicts a front view of a fifth embodiment of a blood clot filter in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 18 depicts a side view of a sixth embodiment of a blood clot filter in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 19 depicts a front view of a sixth embodiment of a blood clot filter in accordance with the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the detailed drawings, wherein like numerals are used to denote like elements, a description of the embodiments will be discussed. FIG. 1 depicts a filter delivery catheter that can be used in implanting the blood clot filter 101 within the vena cava. The filter 101 is collapsed into a small slender profile container within an outer tube 103 . The outer tube 103 of the delivery catheter retains the blood clot filter 101 in this collapsed state and provides a substantial amount of the column strength of the delivery catheter.
An inner tube 105 is used to push the filter 101 out of the outer tube 103 . A retention hook wire 107 is attached to the filter 101 and allows the user to pull the filter back into the delivery system if the position, while deploying the filter 101 , is not satisfactory. Once the filter 101 is completely out of the outer tube 105 , the hook is advanced, turned and retracted. A hub system (not shown) at the proximal end of the delivery catheter will allow the user to easily operate the system.
To implant the filter, the delivery catheter is placed percutaneously into the jugular vein. The delivery catheter is advanced through the Superior Vena Cava, through the right heart, and into the Inferior Vena Cava. The filter 101 can be seen by fluoroscopy. To deploy, the filter will be held in place by maintaining position of the inner tube 103 . The outer tube 103 is retracted, thus uncovering the filter and allowing it to open. If the operator does not like the position of the filter 101 , the retention wire can be used to pull the filter back into the sheath for repositioning.
FIG. 2 shows the blood clot filter 101 properly implanted within the vena cava 207 . The filter 101 is an expandable structure that is normally in the shape of a cylinder. The body of the filter 101 is composed of a high memory wire predisposed to the filly expanded position. The wire of the filter 101 is formed in a zigzag pattern. FIG. 2 depicts the filter 101 in its deployment phase in which it is held to the shape of a cone.
A ring 201 holds one end of the filter together. The ring 201 can be composed of Teflon or other suitable material that is resilient enough to withstand constant abrasion from the blood flow, but still capable of being broken with minimal force when desired. The ring 201 restricts the end of the filter 101 to a 3 mm diameter. In this position, the filter will be able to capture blood clots greater than 3 mm. The diameter of the ring 201 can be any diameter to adjust the size of the blood clots captured. The expandable nature of the filter 101 will accommodate different diameters established by the ring 201 .
The other end of the filter 101 is fully expanded to the diameter of the vena cava 207 . Shaped as such, the wire forms a plurality of legs 203 that contact the vena cava wall at the apices of the legs. Barbed anchors 205 are placed at each apex of each leg 203 to keep the filter in the intended location. The filter 101 is placed so that the conical end of the filter 101 is just below the renal veins. The barbed anchors 205 are angled so that the blood flow will impact the filter 101 and push the barbed anchors into the caval wall.
Using a conical shape allows for the efficient filtering of the blood. The highest velocity of flow is in the center of the blood stream and most blood clots will flow through the center to be caught by the ring. The legs 203 can be adjusted to vary the spacing between and leg to facilitate filtering. In addition, the legs 203 of the filter in this position will streamline the blood clots into the center of the filter 101 .
FIG. 3 depicts a magnified view of the narrower end of the filter 101 . A tie 301 attaches the ring 201 to the filter 101 . The tie 301 will hold on to the ring 201 when the ring is broken and the filter 101 expands to its cylindrical form. Consequently, the tie 301 is wrapped around the filter wire such that the tie 301 cannot be dislodged from the filter without breaking the tie 301 . The tie 301 is also securely connected to the ring by creating a hole in the middle of the ring band and looping the tie 301 through that hole. Tie 301 can be composed of Teflon or any other material that can withstand the abrasion of the blood flow and not break from it. FIG. 4 depicts the barbed anchor that is used to attach the filter 101 to the vena cava wall.
FIG. 5 shows the filter 101 from the front view. Ring 201 has a notch 501 that weakens the ring such that the ring 201 will break at the point of notch 501 when stretched beyond its limits. The location of the notch 501 can be anywhere on the ring 201 . It can be diametrically opposed to the tie 301 to ensure that the ring 201 , when broken, will have equal portions to either side of the tie 301 . The broken ring will then be less obtrusive to the blood flow in the vena cava. The notch 501 should be large enough to ensure that the break will occur at the notch and not at the point at which the tie 301 is connected to the ring 201 .
When it is determined that the disadvantages of filtering blood clots outweighs the benefits, then the ring 201 will be broken to release the filter from its conical shape to its cylindrical shape. FIG. 6 depicts one process by which the filter 101 is released from the ring 201 . A balloon angioplasty catheter 601 that has a large enough diameter is placed into the vena cava and inserted into the ring 201 . The balloon catheter 601 is then inflated until the ring 201 breaks at the position of notch 501 . The balloon catheter will then be extracted from the patient's body.
Upon breaking the ring, the filter 101 expands into its normal cylindrical shape. The expanded filter is shown in FIGS. 7-8 . In this position, the filter will hug the walls of the vena cava and not be directly in the blood stream to filter the blood for blood clots. The filter is essentially converted into a stent device. The thickened endothelial cells around the apices of the legs of the filter will remain around the apices since the device will not be removed.
In keeping the filter within the patient and causing it to line up against the vena cava wall, endothelial cells will also develop around the entire filter and the filter will eventually grow into the caval wall. This will eliminate the risks that are usually present when keeping the filter directly in the blood stream and constantly filtering for blood clots. Any potential risk from potential thrombus formation due to laminar blood flow disruption and risk from device fracture or fragment embolization during the patients' life will not be present.
FIGS. 9A-9B depict a second embodiment of the present invention. Filter 101 is presented in its deployed form. Ring 201 retains the narrow end of the filter 101 in its conical shape and is intertwined with the wire of the filter such that the ring will not be dislodged from the filter body. Ring 201 is shown as a tied suture. Tie 301 , however, is not connected to the filter 101 . Not connecting the ring 201 to the filter 101 via tie 301 allows the ring 201 to be completely removed after the ring 201 has been broken.
FIGS. 10A and 10B depict a modification of the second embodiment that uses a unitary ring 201 , rather than a tied suture, to contain the conical end of the filter 101 . The unitary ring 201 is slid over the barbed end by weaving it over and under alternating leg sets. The ring is slid fully to the opposite end where it remains in position holding the conical end of the filter in the constrained position. The advantage of this simple unitary ring is there is no knot that can be prone to premature failure. The ring is also the lowest profile design providing minimal turbulent formation in the blood stream. The ring in this design also does not have a predetermined break zone that may be prone to premature failure.
The ring removal device depicted in FIGS. 11A-11D will cut the ring 201 to release the filter 101 and remove it from the patient. Ring removal device has a hook 1103 that will act to grab the ring 201 . The size of the opening to the hook 1103 is smaller than the diameter of the wire, but is larger than the ring material. After grabbing the ring 201 , hook 1103 will be retracted into the outer tube of the device. The outer tube has a sharp portion 1105 that will cut the ring 201 when the hook is being retracted. Upon cutting the ring 201 , ring removal device 1101 will extract the ring 201 from the filter to be removed from the patient. In removing the ring 201 , it minimizes the amount of foreign material present within the body to be absorbed and eliminates any potential obstruction of the blood flow.
FIGS. 12 and 13 depict a third embodiment of the present invention. Filter 101 is composed of two pieces, the base section 1201 and the filter section 1203 . The base section 1201 is cylindrical in shape and completely lines the walls of the cava vena. Barbed anchors hold the base section in place against the caval wall.
The filter section 1203 is shaped into a cone and has a hooked portion 1205 at the end of each leg 1203 . This hooked portion 1205 will engage with corresponding bends in the wire of the base section 1201 . The blood flow will push the hooked portions 1205 against the bent wire to hold the filter section 1203 connected to the base section 1201 . At the apex of the cone, a disengaging hook 1207 is placed.
To disengage the filter section 1203 from the base section 1201 , a removal device 1301 is inserted. The removal device 1301 can have a hook 1303 contained within an outer tube 1305 . The removal device is maneuvered over the disengaging hook 1207 of the conical filter section 1203 . When inserted into the removal device, the disengaging hook 1207 will engage with the hook 1303 . Outer tube 1305 will contact the legs of the filter portion and exert an inwardly radial force on the legs 1203 thereby forcing the hooked portions 1205 of the legs 1203 to disengage from the base section 1201 . Once disengaged from the base section, the filter section can be completely drawn into the removal device 1301 and safely removed from the patient's body. The base section 1201 will remain within the patient's body and be incorporated into the vena cava.
FIGS. 14 and 15 depict a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the third embodiment, the filter 101 is composed of two pieces, the base section 1401 and the filter section 1403 . Legs 1405 , however, contain weakened sections that are predisposed to be broken when desired. The weakened sections can be designed to be broken by the application of a low voltage electrical current or be a physically weaker substance. FIG. 15 depicts the removal device to be used for the fourth embodiment in which hook 1503 engages disengaging hook 1407 and filter section 1403 breaks off at predetermined weakened sections 1409 . Once completely broken off, the filter section 1403 can be retracted into the removal device and extracted from the patient.
FIGS. 16 and 17 depict yet another embodiment of the present invention. Filter 101 is composed of a single wire structure and shaped in the form of a cone to filter the blood stream. At the narrow end of the filter, the apex of each return bend is shaped in a loop of approximately 1 mm inside diameter. Stacking all of the loops on top of each other forms the conical end. A hitch pin 1601 is inserted through all the loops and holds the loops and the filter legs in the filtering conical shape. The hitch pin 1601 is retains its position in the loops by an interference fit. The hitch pin 1601 is also designed so that the pin can be grasped or hooked by a tool, pulled from its position, and removed from the body when the physician determines that clot filtering is not needed any longer.
Once the hitch pin 1601 is pulled form the loops, the filter springs open to its cylindrical non-filtering position. The hitch pin 1601 is formed of a high memory wire in an “infinity symbol” shape with the dimension across the shape of 1.1 mm, or greater than the 1 mm inside dimension of the loops at the filter strut apexes. The hitch pin 1601 also incorporates a densely radiopaque marker to aid the physician while attempting to grasp the pin under fluoroscopic guidance. This “infinity” design allows the hitch pin 1601 to be pulled from either direction. The physician can choose the best direction at the time of conversion based on patient factors.
Other pin designs can be produced essentially performing the same function. A modification of this design is the use of biodegradable materials to form the pin. The hitch pin 1601 can be formed from a material that will give a known service life and will open automatically. The hitch pin 1601 can also be formed from a biodegradable material, which requires activation. The hitch pin 1601 can be removed by infusion of an enzyme to dissolve the pin material and open the filter.
FIGS. 18 and 19 depict another embodiment of the present invention. This design does not depend on a second component such as a Teflon ring or removable pin to retain it in its conical deployed position. In this filter design, the apices at the conical end of the filter form an integral latch. At the conical end of the filter, the apexes of five of the six return bends are shaped in loops of approximately 1 mm inside diameter. The sixth apex forms a pin 1801 . The conical shape is formed by stacking the five loops on top of each, with the sixth apex inserted through the five loops. The filter is opened to its non-filtering state by grasping the legs of the sixth apex and pulling the pin back and away from the loops. The loops will slide off of the pin 1801 and the filter will open.
The sixth apex has an added densely radiopaque element that can be easily seen by fluoroscopy and can be grasped by biopsy forceps, or other catheter based means. This design has the advantage of having no polymer components that may weaken prematurely, and no components that need to be removed from the body. A latch may be formed by many other configurations of the wire filter body.
The present invention is not to be considered limited in scope by the preferred embodiments described in the specification. Additional advantages and modifications, which readily occur to those skilled in the art from consideration and specification and practice of this invention are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the following claims. | A vena cava blood clot filter is described that is attached to the walls of the vena cava by barbed anchors. In its filtering state, the filter is cone shaped which causes the blood to be filtered. The cone shape is formed by an appropriate restraining mechanism. When it is desired to stop filtering, the restraining mechanism is released and the filter takes a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shaped filter will then line the vena cava wall and cease filtration of the blood. | 0 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/861,633, filed Nov. 29, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to nucleic acid labelling reagents. These labelling reagents have a detectable moiety or moieties, which allow a nucleic acid to be detected with an appropriate test. More specifically, the invention relates to nucleic acid labelling compounds that can be used to label the 3′ end of an RNA molecule
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Gene expression in diseased and healthy cells and in cells in different stages of development is often different. The ability to monitor gene expression in such cases provides researchers and medical professionals with a powerful diagnostic tool. One can monitor gene expression, for example, by measuring the presence or absence of a nucleic acid (e.g., a mRNA) that is the transcription product of a gene of interest. Monitoring the nucleic acid may be accomplished by chemically or biochemically labelling the mRNA with a detectable moiety followed by hybridization to a nucleic acid probe for the gene. The detection of a labelled nucleic acid at the probe position indicates that the targeted gene has been expressed.
Various methods of RNA detection have been developed. These include the “Northern” blotting procedure and the use of radioactive isotopes such as 32 P. Non-radioactive detection techniques have also been developed. Langer et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 1981, 78, 6633-6637, for example, disclosed certain biotin labelled nucleosides. Lockhart et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,316, disclosed enzymatic methods of end-labelling with non-radioactive nucleotides. Igloi et al, Anal. Biochemistry, 233, 124-9, 1996, disclosed methods for non-radioactive labelling of RNA. Wang et al, RNA (2007), 13, 1-9, disclosed methods for a microRNA profiling assay.
There remains, however, a need for nucleic acid, e.g., RNA, labelling reagents that can be used for efficient and accurate labelling and monitoring of gene expression.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to nucleic acid labelling reagents and methods of their use. These labeling reagents have a detectable moiety or moieties, which allow a nucleic acid to be detected with the appropriate equipment or test. Nucleases, specifically RNA-targeting nucleases (i.e., RNAses), can cause non-specific degradation of RNA and constitute an important problem in isolating and handling of RNA preparations. Provided in this invention is a labelling reagent including LNA nucleotides which may confer increased nuclease resistance to the target RNA so labelled. This may reduce the risk of sample degradation during sample handling and processing.
Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention features a nucleic acid labelling reagent having the formula:
or an ion thereof,
wherein B is a nucleobase, e.g., 5-methylcytosine; R 2 is a functional group that permits attachment to a 3′ OH group of a nucleic acid, e.g., PO 4 2− , or an acid thereof, L is a linker group, e.g., C 1-10 -alkyl amino, wherein the amino group is bound to R 1 ; and R 1 is a detectable moiety, e.g., biotin or a cyanine dye (such as Cy3, Cy5, Oyster-556, or Oyster-656). In one embodiment, L is —(CH 2 ) 6 NH—, wherein the amino group is bound to R 1 , and R 2 is PO 4 2− , or an acid thereof.
The invention also features a method of detecting the presence of a nucleic acid of interest by providing a sample having nucleic acid which may or may not be a nucleic acid of interest; ligating nucleic acid in the sample to a labelling reagent of the invention; providing a collection of detection probes directed to the nucleic acid of interest; contacting the labelled nucleic acids with the collection under hybridizing conditions, e.g., stringent conditions; and determining the extent of hybridization of the labelled nucleic acids to the detection probes to determine the presence of the nucleic acid of interest. It will be understood that, for any given target nucleic acid, a plurality of probes having the same sequence may be present in the collection, and/or a plurality of probes having different sequences but still hybridizing to the target nucleic acid may be present. The nucleic acid is, for example, RNA, such as miRNA. The ligating step may be catalyzed by T4 RNA ligase. The collection is for example a nucleic acid array. In certain embodiments, the collecting is immobilized onto a solid support, e.g., a bead or glass bead, where each detection probe is present at a specified location on the support. It will be understood that when beads are employed, an individual bead may only contain one probe sequence. Beads may also have a characteristic that provides for identification (e.g., fluorophore, size, color, charge, or any other identifiable signal or modification). Furthermore, although the detection probes, as defined herein, include at least one high affinity nucleotide analog, e.g., LNA, the detecting methods may also be used with collections of probes that do not include such an analog, e.g., unmodified nucleic acids.
The information obtained from detection may then be used for any suitable purpose. For example, selecting an organism out of a population based upon detection of the target nucleic acid. When the target nucleic acid is derived from a patient, e.g., a human patient, selecting a treatment, diagnosing a disease, or diagnosing a genetic predisposition to a disease, may be based upon detection of the target nucleic acid.
The methods may also further include the step of quantifying the amount of target nucleic acid in the sample, e.g., for gene express profiling. In other embodiments, the nucleic acids in the sample are contacted with a phosphatase, e.g., calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase, to remove 3′ phosphate groups prior to the ligating step. The phosphatase may be employed after nucleic acids in the sample have been fragmented, as is described herein. In other embodiments, an adjuvant, e.g., DMSO or PEG, is added prior to ligation.
The invention further features a nucleic acid labelled via the 3′ oxygen with a reagent of the invention.
The invention also features a kit including a reagent of the invention, a ligase, and optionally a nucleic acid array, e.g., including LNA.
As used in this application, the singular form “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “an agent” includes a plurality of agents, including mixtures thereof.
Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of this invention can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.
A “nucleic acid array” refers to a multiplicity of different nucleic acids attached (preferably through a single terminal covalent bond) to one or more solid supports where, when there is a multiplicity of supports, each support bears a multiplicity of nucleic acids. The term “array” can refer to the entire collection of nucleic acids on the support(s) or to a subset thereof. The spatial distribution of the nucleic acids may differ between the two arrays, but, in a preferred embodiment, it is substantially the same. It is recognized that, even where two arrays are designed and synthesized to be identical, there are variations in the abundance, composition, and distribution of nucleic acids. These variations are preferably insubstantial and/or compensated for by the use of controls as described herein.
The phrase “immobilized onto a support” means bound directly or indirectly thereto including attachment by covalent binding, hydrogen bonding, ionic interaction, hydrophobic interaction, or otherwise.
The phrase “hybridizing specifically to” refers to the binding, duplexing, or hybridizing of a molecule preferentially to a particular nucleotide sequence under stringent conditions when that sequence is present in a complex mixture (e.g., total cellular DNA or RNA).
The terms “background” and “background signal intensity” refer to signals resulting from non-specific binding, or other interactions, between labelled target nucleic acids and components of a nucleic acid array (e.g., the oligonucleotide or polynucleotide probes, control probes, the array substrate, etc.). Background may also be produced by intrinsic fluorescence of the array components themselves. A single background signal intensity can be determined for the entire array, or a different background signal may intensity be calculated for one or more regions of the array. In a preferred embodiment, background is calculated as the average signal intensity for the lowest 1% to 10% of the probes in the array, or region of the array. In expression monitoring arrays (i.e., where probes are preselected to hybridize to specific nucleic acids (genes)), a different background signal intensity may be calculated for each target nucleic acid. Where a different background signal is calculated for each target gene, the background signal intensity may be calculated for the lowest 1% to 10% of the probes for each gene. One of skill in the art will appreciate that where the probes to a particular gene hybridize well and thus appear to be specifically binding to a target sequence, they should not be used in a background signal intensity calculation. Alternatively, background may be calculated as the average signal intensity produced by hybridization to probes that are not complementary to any sequence found in the sample (e.g., probes directed to nucleic acids of the opposite sense or to genes not found in the sample such as bacterial genes where the sample is of mammalian origin). Background can also be calculated as the average signal intensity produced by regions of the array that lack any probes at all.
The term “quantifying” when used in the context of quantifying nucleic acid abundances or concentrations (e.g., transcription levels of a gene) can refer to absolute or to relative quantification. Absolute quantification may be accomplished by inclusion of known concentration(s) of one or more nucleic acids (e.g., control nucleic acids such as BioB or with known amounts the target nucleic acids themselves) and referencing the hybridization intensity of unknowns with the known nucleic acids (e.g. through generation of a standard curve). Alternatively, relative quantification can be accomplished by comparison of hybridization signals between two or more genes, or between two or more treatments to quantify the changes in hybridization intensity and, by implication, transcription level.
“Sample” refers to a sample of cells, or tissue, or fluid isolated from an organism or organisms, including but not limited to, for example, skin, plasma, serum, spinal fluid, lymph fluid, synovial fluid, urine, tears, blood cells, organs, tumours, and also to samples of in vitro cell culture constituents (including but not limited to conditioned medium resulting from the growth of cells in cell culture medium, recombinant cells and cell components).
An “organism” refers to an entity living at one time, including but not limited to, for example, human, mouse, rat, Drosophila, C. elegans , yeast, Arabidopsis thaliana , maize, rice, zebra fish, a primate, a domestic animal, etc.
The terms “detection probe” and “detection probe sequence” refer to a nucleic acid that includes a recognition sequence complementary to an RNA or DNA target sequence, in which the recognition sequence is substituted with a high-affinity nucleotide analog, e.g. LNA, to increase the sensitivity and specificity of conventional oligonucleotides, such as DNA oligonucleotides, for hybridization to short target sequences, e.g., mature miRNAs, stem-loop precursor miRNAs, pre-miRNAs, siRNAs or other non-coding RNAs as well as miRNA binding sites in their cognate mRNA targets, mRNAs, mRNA splice variants, RNA-edited mRNAs, pi-RNA, and antisense RNAs.
“High affinity nucleotide analog” refers to a non-naturally occurring nucleotide analog that increases the “binding affinity” of an oligonucleotide probe to its complementary recognition sequence when substituted with at least one such high-affinity nucleotide analog. Preferred analogs are LNA and PNA (peptide nucleic acid). As used herein, increased binding affinity refers to a higher association constant (K a ) for the detection probe recognition sequence with its complement compared to that of the complementary strands of a double-stranded molecule that does not contain a high-affinity nucleotide analog in the recognition sequence. In a preferred embodiment, the association constant of the detection probe recognition sequence is higher than the dissociation constant (K d ) of the complementary strand of the recognition sequence in the target sequence in a double stranded molecule.
The terms “miRNA” and “microRNA” refer to 18-25 nt non-coding RNAs. They are processed from longer (ca. 75 nt) hairpin-like precursors termed pre-miRNAs. MicroRNAs assemble in complexes termed miRNPs and recognize their targets by antisense complementarity. If the microRNAs match 100% to their target, i.e., the complementarity is complete, the target mRNA is most probably cleaved, and the miRNA acts like a siRNA. If the match is incomplete, i.e., the complementarity is partial, then the translation of the target mRNA is most probably blocked.
The terms “small interfering RNAs” and “siRNAs” refer to 21-25 nt RNAs derived from processing of linear double-stranded RNA. siRNAs assemble in complexes termed RISC(RNA-induced silencing complex) and target complementary RNA sequences for endonucleolytic cleavage. Synthetic siRNAs also recruit RISCs and are capable of cleaving complementary RNA sequences
The term “piRNA” (Piwi interacting RNAs) refers to small noncoding RNAs of 26-31-nucleotides identified through their interaction with PIWI proteins.
The term “gene” refers to a locatable region of genomic sequence, corresponding to a unit of inheritance, which is associated with regulatory regions, transcribed regions, and/or other functional sequence regions.
The term “recognition sequence” refers to a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to a region within a target nucleotide sequence essential for sequence-specific hybridization between the target nucleotide sequence and the recognition sequence.
The term “detectable moiety” means a chemical species or complex of chemical species and or particles capable of being detected by various equipment and or tests (e.g., physical, chemical, electrical and/or computer based) methods of detecting the moiety when attached for example to a nucleic acid. Exemplary detectable moieties are fluorophores.
The term “nucleic acid” refers to a polynucleotide of any origin, which is a glycoside of a nucleobase, including genomic DNA or RNA, cDNA, semi synthetic DNA or RNA, or synthetic DNA or RNA. Unless otherwise noted, the term encompasses known analogs of natural nucleotides that can function in a similar manner as naturally occurring nucleotides. Nucleic acids having modified backbones are also encompassed by this term. The nucleic acid is not necessarily physically derived from any existing or natural sequence but may be generated in any manner, including chemical synthesis, DNA replication, reverse transcription or a combination thereof. “Oligonucleotide” and “polynucleotide” may be used interchangeably with “nucleic acid.”
The term “nucleobase” covers the naturally occurring nucleobases adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), thymine (T) and uracil (U) as well as non-naturally occurring nucleobases such as xanthine, diaminopurine, 8-oxo-N 6 -methyladenine, 7-deazaxanthine, 7-deazaguanine, N 4 ,N 4 -ethanocytosine, N 6 ,N 6 -ethano-2,6-diaminopurine, 5-methylcytosine (also termed “mC”), 5-(C 3 —C 6 )-alkynyl-cytosine, 5-fluorouracil, 5-bromouracil, pseudoisocytosine, 2-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-triazolopyridine, isocytosine, isoguanine, inosine, and the “non-naturally occurring” nucleobases described in Benner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,432,272 and Susan M. Freier and Karl-Heinz Altmann, Nucleic Acid Research, 25: 4429-4443, 1997. The term “nucleobase” thus includes not only the known purine and pyrimidine heterocycles, but also heterocyclic analogs and tautomers thereof. Further naturally and non naturally occurring nucleobases include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,687,808; in chapter 15 by Sanghvi, in Antisense Research and Application, Ed. S. T. Crooke and B. Lebleu, CRC Press, 1993; in Englisch, et al., Angewandte Chemie, International Edition, 30: 613-722, 1991 (see, especially pages 622 and 623, and in the Concise Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering, J. I. Kroschwitz Ed., John Wiley & Sons, pages 858-859, 1990, Cook, Anti-Cancer Drug Design 6: 585-607, 1991, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety). The term also encompasses universal bases, e.g., a 3-nitropyrrole or a 5-nitroindole. Other preferred nucleobases include pyrene and pyridyloxazole derivatives, pyrenyl, pyrenylmethylglycerol derivatives, and the like. Other preferred universal bases include, pyrrole, diazole, or triazole derivatives, including those universal bases known in the art. Further exemplary modified bases are described in Guckian, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 122: 2213-2222, 2000, EP 1 072 679 and WO 97/12896.
When two different, non-overlapping oligonucleotides anneal to different regions of the same linear complementary nucleic acid sequence, the 3′ end of one oligonucleotide points toward the 5′ end of the other; the former may be called the “upstream” oligonucleotide and the latter the “downstream” oligonucleotide. The complement of a nucleic acid sequence as used herein refers to an oligonucleotide which, when aligned with the nucleic acid sequence such that the 5′ end of one sequence is paired with the 3′ end of the other, is in “antiparallel association.” Complementarity may not be perfect; stable duplexes may contain mismatched base pairs or unmatched bases. Those skilled in the art of nucleic acid technology can estimate duplex stability empirically considering a number of variables including, for example, the length of the oligonucleotide, percent concentration of cytosine and guanine bases in the oligonucleotide, ionic strength, and incidence of mismatched base pairs.
Stability of a nucleic acid duplex is measured by the melting temperature, or “T m ”. The T m of a particular nucleic acid duplex under specified conditions is the temperature at which half of the duplexes have disassociated.
The term nucleic acid further encompasses LNA and PNA. Other modifications of the backbone include internucleotide linkers of 2 to 4, desirably 3, groups/atoms selected from —CH 2 —, —O—, —S—, —NR H —, >C═O, >C═NR H , >C═S, —Si(R″) 2 —, —SO—, —S(O) 2 —, —P(O,O − )—, —P(O,OH)—, —PO(BH 3 )—, —P(O,S − )—, —P(O,SH)—, —P(S,O − )—, —P(S,OH)—, P(S,S − )—, —P(S,SH)—, —PO(R″)—, —PO(OCH 3 )—, and —PO(NH H )—, where R H is selected from hydrogen and C 1-4 -alkyl, and R″ is selected from C 1-6 -alkyl and phenyl. Other linkers include —CH 2 —CH 2 —CH 2 —, —CH 2 —CO—CH 2 —, —CH 2 —CHOH—CH 2 —, —O—CH 2 —O—, —O—CH 2 —CH 2 —, —O—CH 2 —CH═, —CH 2 —CH 2 —O—, —NR H —CH 2 —CH 2 —, —CH 2 —CH 2 —NR H —, —CH 2 —NR H —CH 2 —, —O—CH 2 —CH 2 —NR H —, —NR H —CO—O—, —NR H —CO—NR H —, —NR H —CS—NR H —, —NR H —C(═NR H )—NR H —, —NR H —CO—CH 2 —NR H —, O—CO—O—, —O—CO—CH 2 —O—, —O—CH 2 —CO—O—, —CH 2 —CO—NR H —, —O—CO—NR H —, —NR H —CO—CH 2 —, —O—CH 2 —CO—NR H —, —O—CH 2 —CH 2 —NR H , —CH═N—O—, —CH 2 —NR H —O—, —CH 2 —O—N═, —CH 2 —O—NR H —, —CO—NR H —CH 2 —, —CH 2 —NR H —O—, —CH 2 —NR H —CO—, —O—NR H —CH 2 —, —O—NR H —, —O—CH 2 —S—, —S—CH 2 —O—, —CH 2 —CH 2 —S—, —O—CH 2 —CH 2 —S—, —S—CH 2 —CH═, —S—CH 2 —CH 2 —, —S—CH 2 —CH 2 —O—, —S—CH 2 —CH 2 —S—, —CH 2 —S—CH 2 —, —CH 2 —SO—CH 2 —, —CH 2 —SO 2 —CH 2 —, —O—SO—O—, —O—S(O) 2 —O—, —O—S(O) 2 —CH 2 —, —O—S(O) 2 —NR H —, —NR H —S(O) 2 —CH 2 —, —O—S(O) 2 —CH 2 —, —O—P(O,OH)—O—, —O—P(O,O − )—O—, —O—P(O,SH)—O—, —O—P(O,S − )—O—, O—P(S,OH)—O—, —O—P(S,O − )—O—, —O—P(S,SH)—O—, —O—P(S,S − )—O—, —S—P(O,OH)—O—, —S—P(O,O − )—O—, —S—P(O,SH)—O—, —S—P(O,S − )—O—, —S—P(S,OH)—O—, —S—P(S,O − )—O—, —S—P(S,S − )—O—, —S—P(S,SH)—O—, —O—P(O,O − )—S—, O—P(O,OH)—S—, —O—P(O,SH)—S—, —O—P(O,S − )—S—, —O—P(S,OH)—S—, —O—P(S,O − )—S—, —O—P(S,SH)—S—, —O—P(S,S − )—S—, —S—P(O,O − )—S—, —S—P(O,OH)—S—, —S—P(O,SH)—S—, —S—P(O,S − )—S—, S—P(S,OH)—S—, —S—P(S,O − )—S—, —S—P(S,SH)—S—, —S—P(S,S − )—S—, —O—PO(R″)—O—, —O—PO(OCH 3 )—O—, —O—PO(OCH 2 CH 3 )—O—, —O—PO(OCH 2 CH 2 S—R)—O—, —O—PO(BH 3 )—O—, —O—PO(NHR N )—O—, —O—P(O) 2 —NR H —, —NR H —P(O,OH)—O—, —O—P(O,NR H )—O—, —CH 2 —P(O,OH)—O—, —O—P(O,OH)—CH 2 —, and —O—Si(R″) 2 —O—; among which —CH 2 —CO—NR H —, —CH 2 —NR H —O—, —S—CH 2 —O—, —O—P(O,OH)—O—, —O—P(O,SH)—O—, —O—P(S,SH)—O—, —NR H —P(O,OH)—O—, —O—P(O,NR H )—O—, —O—PO(R″)—O—, —O—PO(CH 3 )—O—, and —O—PO(NHR N )—O—, where R H is selected from hydrogen and C 1-4 -alkyl, and R″ is selected from C 1-6 -alkyl and phenyl. Further illustrative examples are given in Mesmaeker et. al., Current Opinion in Structural Biology 1995, 5, 343-355 and Susan M. Freier and Karl-Heinz Altmann, Nucleic Acids Research, 1997, vol 25, pp 4429-4443. The left-hand side of the internucleoside linkage is bound to the 5-membered ring at the 3′-position, whereas the right-hand side is bound to the 5′-position of a preceding monomer.
Additionally, the nucleic acids may be modified at either the 3′ and/or 5′ end by any type of modification known in the art. For example, either or both ends may be capped with a protecting group, attached to a flexible linking group, attached to a reactive group to aid in attachment to the substrate surface, etc.
Exemplary 5′, 3′, and/or 2′ terminal groups include —H, —OH, halo (e.g., chloro, fluoro, iodo, or bromo), optionally substituted aryl, (e.g., phenyl or benzyl), alkyl (e.g., methyl or ethyl), alkoxy (e.g., methoxy), acyl (e.g., acetyl or benzoyl), aroyl, aralkyl, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy, nitro, cyano, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, aralkoxycarbonyl, acylamino, aroylamino, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, allylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, heteroarylsulfinyl, alkylthio, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aralkylthio, heteroaralkylthio, amidino, amino, carbamoyl, sulfamoyl, alkene, alkyne, protecting groups (e.g., silyl, 4,4′-dimethoxytrityl, monomethoxytrityl, or trityl(triphenylmethyl)), linkers (e.g., a linker containing an amine, ethylene glycol, quinone such as anthraquinone), detectable labels (e.g., radiolabels or fluorescent labels), and biotin.
By “LNA” is meant locked nucleic acid. LNA monomers as disclosed in PCT Publication WO 99/14226 are in general particularly desirable for use in the invention. Desirable LNA monomers and their method of synthesis also are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,043,060, 6,268,490, PCT Publications WO 01/07455, WO 01/00641, WO 98/39352, WO 00/56746, WO 00/56748 and WO 00/66604 as well as in the following papers: Morita et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 12(1):73-76, 2002; Hakansson et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 11(7):935-938, 2001; Koshkin et al., J. Org. Chem. 66(25):8504-8512, 2001; Kvaerno et al., J. Org. Chem. 66(16):5498-5503, 2001; Halkansson et al., J. Org. Chem. 65(17):5161-5166, 2000; Kvaerno et al., J. Org. Chem. 65(17):5167-5176, 2000; Pfundheller et al., Nucleosides Nucleotides 18(9):2017-2030, 1999; and Kumar et al, Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 8(16):2219-2222, 1998.
When at least two LNA nucleotides are included in the oligonucleotide composition, these may be consecutive or separated by one or more non-LNA nucleotides. In one aspect, LNA nucleotides are alpha-L-LNA and/or xylo LNA nucleotides as disclosed in PCT Publications No. WO 2000/66604 and WO 2000/56748. Preferred LNA monomers, also referred to as “oxy-LNA” are LNA monomers which include bicyclic compounds as disclosed in PCT Publication WO 03/020739 wherein the bridge between the 2′ and 4′ positions is —CH 2 —O— or —CH 2 —CH 2 —O—. Preferred LNA monomers, also referred to as “amino-LNA,” are LNA monomers which include bicyclic compounds as claimed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,794,499 or 6,670,461 as well as disclosed in the following papers: Singh et al, J. Org. Chem. 1998, 63, 6078-9, Singh et al, J. Org. Chem. 1998, 63, 10035-9 and Rosenbohm et al, Org. Biomol. Chem., 2003, 1, 655-663.
It is understood that references herein to a nucleic acid unit, nucleic acid residue, LNA monomer, or similar term are inclusive of both individual nucleoside units and nucleotide units and nucleoside units and nucleotide units within an oligonucleotide.
The term “target nucleic acid” refers to any relevant nucleic acid of a single specific sequence, e.g., a biological nucleic acid, e.g., derived from a patient, an animal (a human or non-human animal), a plant, a bacteria, a fungi, an archae, a cell, a tissue, another organism, etc. It is recognized that the target nucleic acids can be derived from essentially any source of nucleic acids (e.g., including, but not limited to chemical syntheses, amplification reactions, forensic samples, etc.). It is either the presence or absence of one or more target nucleic acids that is to be detected, or the amount of one or more target nucleic acids that is to be quantified. The target nucleic acid(s) that are detected preferentially have nucleotide sequences that are complementary to the nucleic acid sequences of the corresponding probe(s) to which they specifically bind (hybridize). The term target nucleic acid may refer to the specific subsequence of a larger nucleic acid to which the probe specifically hybridizes, or to the overall sequence (e.g., gene or mRNA) whose abundance (concentration) and/or expression level it is desired to detect. The difference in usage will be apparent from context. “Target sequence” refers to a specific nucleic acid sequence within any target nucleic acid.
The term “stringent conditions” refers to conditions under which a probe will hybridize preferentially to its target sequence, and to a lesser extent to, or not at all to, other sequences. Stringent conditions are sequence-dependent and will be different in different circumstances. Longer sequences hybridize specifically at higher temperatures. Generally, stringent conditions are selected to be about 5° C. lower than the thermal melting point (T m ) for the specific sequence at a defined ionic strength and pH. The T m is the temperature (under defined ionic strength, pH, and nucleic acid concentration) at which 50% of the probes complementary to the target sequence hybridize to the target sequence at equilibrium. (As the target sequences are generally present in excess, at T m , 50% of the probes are occupied at equilibrium). Typically, stringent conditions will be those in which the salt concentration is at least about 0.01 to 1.0 M Na ion concentration (or other salts) at pH 7.0 to 8.3, and the temperature is at least about 30° C. for short probes (e.g., 10 to 50 nucleotides). Stringent conditions may also be achieved with the addition of destabilizing agents such as formamide. Hybridization techniques are generally described in Nucleic Acid Hybridization, A Practical Approach, Ed. Hames, B. D. and Higgins, S. J., IRL Press, 1985; Gall and Pardue, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA 63: 378-383, 1969; and John, et al. Nature 223: 582-587, 1969.
The present invention also contemplates sample preparation methods in certain preferred embodiments. For example, see the patents in the gene expression, profiling, genotyping and other use patents herein, as well as U.S. Ser. No. 09/854,317, Wu and Wallace, Genomics 4, 560 (1989), Landegren et al., Science 241, 1077 (1988), Burg, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,437,990, 5,215,899, 5,466,586, 4,357,421, Gubler et al., 1985, Biochemica et Biophysica Acta, Displacement Synthesis of Globin Complementary DNA: Evidence for Sequence Amplification, transcription amplification, Kwoh et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86, 1173 (1989), Guatelli et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA, 87, 1874 (1990), WO 88/10315, WO 90/06995, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,361,947.
The present invention also contemplates detection of hybridization between ligands in certain preferred embodiments. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,143,854, 5,578,832; 5,631,734; 5,834,758; 5,936,324; 5,981,956; 6,025,601; 6,141,096; 6,185,030; 6,201,639; 6,218,803; and 6,225,625 and in PCT Application PCT/US99/06097 (published as WO99/47964), each of which also is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
The present invention may also make use of various computer program products and software for a variety of purposes, such as probe design, management of data, analysis, and instrument operation. See, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,593,839, 5,795,716, 5,733,729, 5,974,164, 6,066,454, 6,090,555, 6,185,561, 6,188,783, 6,223,127, 6,229,911 and 6,308,170.
The practice of the present invention may employ, unless otherwise indicated, conventional techniques and descriptions of organic chemistry, polymer technology, molecular biology (including recombinant techniques), cell biology, biochemistry, and immunology, which are within the skill of the art. Such conventional techniques include polymer array synthesis, hybridization, ligation, and detection of hybridization using a label. Specific illustrations of suitable techniques can be had by reference to the examples herein. However, other equivalent conventional procedures can, of course, also be used. Such conventional techniques and descriptions can be found in standard laboratory manuals such as Genome Analysis: A Laboratory Manual Series (Vols. I-IV), Using Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cells: A Laboratory Manual, PCR Primer: A Laboratory Manual, and Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (all from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press), Stryer, Biochemistry, (W H Freeman), Gait, “Oligonucleotide Synthesis: A Practical Approach” 1984, IRL Press, London, all of which are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference for all purposes.
Other features and advantages will be apparent from the following description and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 : Quantified signals of ligation products consisting of RNA oligonucleotide ligated to a LNA-methyl-C-Cy3 label. The ligations were performed to 8 different RNA oligonucleotides with sequences identical to the human miRNAs indicated on the x-axis. These 8 miRNAs have different 3′-end nucleoside residues as indicated on the top of the diagram.
FIG. 2 : M-A plot showing all miRNA signals before averaging.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention features reagents for labelling nucleic acids, nucleic acids so labelled, and methods of using the reagents, e.g., in detection or quantification of target nucleic acids.
In particular, the invention features a reagent having the formula:
or a salt thereof, wherein B is a nucleobase; R 2 is a functional group that permits attachment of the reagent, e.g., via ligation, to a 3′ OH group of a nucleic acid, e.g., RNA; L is a linker group; and R 1 is a detectable moiety.
Exemplary nucleobases include adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), thymine (T) and uracil (U) as well as non-naturally occurring nucleobases such as xanthine, diaminopurine, 8-oxo-N 6 -methyladenine, 7-deazaxanthine, 7-deazaguanine, N 4 ,N 4 -ethanocytosine, N 6 ,N 6 -ethano-2,6-diaminopurine, 5-methylcytosine (also termed “mC”), 5-(C 3 -C 6 )-alkynyl-cytosine, 5-fluorouracil, 5-bromouracil, pseudoisocytosine, 2-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-triazolopyridine, isocytosine, isoguanine, inosine, universal bases, e.g., a 3-nitropyrrole or a 5-nitroindole, pyrene and pyridyloxazole derivatives, pyrenyl, pyrenylmethylglycerol derivatives, and pyrrole, diazole, or triazole derivatives. Other nucleobases are described in Benner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,432,272; Susan M. Freier and Karl-Heinz Altmann, Nucleic Acid Research, 25: 4429-4443, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 3,687,808; chapter 15 by Sanghvi, in Antisense Research and Application , Ed. S. T. Crooke and B. Lebleu, CRC Press, 1993; Englisch, et al., Angewandte Chemie, International Edition, 30: 613-722, 1991 (see, especially pages 622 and 623, the Concise Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering , J. I. Kroschwitz Ed., John Wiley & Sons, pages 858-859, 1990, Cook, Anti - Cancer Drug Design 6: 585-607, 1991; Guckian, et al., Journal of the American Chemical Society, 122: 2213-2222, 2000; EP 1 072 679; and WO 97/12896. A preferred base is 5-methylcytosine. Other preferred bases include the naturally occurring bases A, T, G, C, and U.
Exemplary groups for R 2 include phosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, and corresponding thiophosphate groups. Another R 2 is a nucleoside pyrophosphate, resulting in a NppB structure).
Exemplary linkers include the residue of a C 1-10 alkyl amine after reaction with R 1 , resulting, e.g., in an amide group. Other amine-reactive detectable moieties are well known in the art.
Exemplary detectable moieties include fluorophores and biotin, as described herein.
It is understood that any particular group of the reagent or a nucleic acid may or may not be ionized, e.g., in free acid, free base, or salt form, depending on the chemical environment.
Labelling
The reagents of the application are preferably used to label nucleic acids, e.g., found in a sample. Use of the reagent for labelling renders the labelled nucleic acid detectable by one or more techniques. Labelling may provide signals detectable by fluorescence, radioactivity, colorimetric, X-ray diffraction or absorption, magnetism, enzymatic activity, and the like or may provide recognition sites for labelling reagents such as antibodies or nucleic acids having detectable labels (“indirect detection”).
The reagent may be incorporated by any of a number of means well known to those of skill in the art. However, in a preferred embodiment, the reagent is simultaneously incorporated during the amplification step in the preparation of the sample nucleic acids. For example, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with reagent-labelled primers or reagent-labelled nucleotides will provide a reagent-labelled amplification product. The nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) may also be amplified in the presence of a reagent-labelled deoxynucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs).
Alternatively, a reagent may be added directly to the original nucleic acid sample (e.g., mRNA, polyA mRNA, cDNA, etc.) or to the amplification product after the amplification is completed. Such labelling can result in the increased yield of amplification products and reduce the time required for the amplification reaction. Means of attaching reagents to nucleic acids include, for example nick translation or end-labelling (e.g., with a labelled RNA) by kinasing of the nucleic acid and subsequent attachment (ligation) of a nucleic acid linker joining the sample nucleic acid to a reagent (e.g., that is fluorescent).
In many applications, it is useful to label nucleic acid samples directly without having to go through amplification, transcription, or other nucleic acid conversion steps. This is especially true for monitoring of mRNA levels where one would like to extract total cytoplasmic RNA or poly A+ RNA (mRNA) from cells and hybridize this material without any intermediate steps. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,316, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
End labelling can be performed using terminal transferase (TdT). End labelling can also be accomplished by ligating a reagent or reagent-labelled nucleotide or nucleic acid to the end of a target nucleic acid or probe. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,316. Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention, where the nucleic acid is an RNA, a labelled ribonucleotide can be ligated to the RNA using an RNA ligase. RNA ligase catalyzes the covalent joining of single-stranded RNA (or DNA, but the reaction with RNA is more efficient) with a 5′ phosphate group to the 3′-OH end of another piece of RNA (or DNA). The specific requirements for the use of this enzyme are described in The Enzymes, Volume XV, Part B, T4 RNA Ligase, Uhlenbeck and Greensport, pages 31-58; and 5.66-5.69 in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1982), all of which are incorporated here by reference in full.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an RNA labelling compound can be directly ligated to the ′3-OH group of an RNA molecule without any processing of the molecule. For example, microRNAs (miRNAs) are an extensive class of small noncoding RNAs (approximately 15-25 nucleotides). It is believed that these RNAs play a role in the regulation of gene expression. For example, in C. elegans , lin-4 and let-7 miRNAs control the timing of fate specification of neuronal and hypodermal cells during larval development. (Lagos-Quintana M, Rauhut R, Lendeckel W, Tuschl T. Science 2001, 294:853-858.) The enzymatic machinery involved in the biogenesis of miRNAs in plants and animals has also been extensively studied. For example, RNAse type III-like Dicer, together with Argonaute proteins, cleaves a miRNA hairpin precursor (70 to 75 nucleotides) to yield a stable, about 22 nucleotide miRNA from one arm of the hairpin. (Ke X S, Liu C M, Liu D P, Liang C C. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2003, 7:516-523.)
miRNAs have free 3′ OH groups. Hence, the reagents of the instant invention can be directly ligated onto the end of such RNAs without pre-fragmentation or dephosphorylation as may be required for mRNA or cRNA.
RNA can be randomly fragmented with heat in the presence of Mg 2+ . This generally produces RNA fragments with 5′ OH groups and phosphorylated 3′ ends. Alkaline phosphatase, e.g., calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase (CIAP) as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,523,221, may be used to remove the phosphate group from the 3′ ends of the RNA fragment. A reagent of the invention is then ligated to the 3′ OH group of the RNA fragments using T4 RNA ligase to provide a labelled RNA. RNaseIII may also be employed to fragment RNA.
T4 RNA ligase is one enzyme that may be used to enzymatically incorporate a reagent into an RNA or fragmented RNA population. T4 RNA ligase catalyzes ligation of a 5′ phosphoryl-terminated nucleic acid donor to a 3′ hydroxyl-terminated nucleic acid acceptor through the formation of a 3′ to 5′ phosphodiester bond, with hydrolysis of ATP to AMP and PPi. Although the minimal acceptor must be a trinucleoside diphosphate, dinucleoside pyrophosphates (NppN) and mononucleoside 3′,5′-disphosphates (pNp) are effective donors in the intermolecular reaction. See, for example, Richardson, R. W. and Gumport, R. I. (1983), Nuc. Acid Res: 11, 6167-6185, England, T. E., Bruce, A. G., and Uhlenbeck, O. C. (1980), Meth. Enzymol 65, 65-74, and Hoffmann and McLaughlin, Nuc. Acid. Res. 15, 5289-5303 (1987), which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Reaction conditions may be adjusted to provide optimal conditions for T4 RNA ligase function and may improve efficiency of the ligase reaction. Adjustments may include changing in concentration of buffer constituents or addition of adjuvant compositions such as DMSO, PEG, or other compounds to increase ligase efficiency.
Methods
The invention features methods of detecting nucleic acids labelled with the reagents provided herein. The detection may be quantitative or qualitative and may be potentially used with any nucleic acid. In a preferred embodiment, the methods are used to detect the amount of reagent-labelled nucleic acid that is hybridized to a complementary sequence. For example, the extent of hybridization to an array may be determined.
Detection of nucleic acids may be used for gene expression monitoring, profiling, library screening, genotyping, and diagnostics. Gene expression monitoring, and profiling methods can be shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,800,992, 6,013,449, 6,020,135, 6,033,860, 6,040,138, 6,177,248 and 6,309,822. Genotyping and uses therefor are shown in U.S. Ser. No. 10/013,598, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,856,092, 6,300,063, 5,858,659, 6,284,460 and 6,333,179. Other uses are embodied in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,871,928, 5,902,723, 6,045,996, 5,541,061, and 6,197,506.
The information obtained from detection may then be used for any suitable purpose. For example, selecting an organism out of a population based upon detection of the target nucleic acid. When the target nucleic acid is derived from a patient, e.g., a human patient, selecting a treatment, diagnosing a disease, or diagnosing a genetic predisposition to a disease, may be based upon detection of the target nucleic acid.
Nucleic acid hybridization simply involves providing a denatured probe and target nucleic acid under conditions where the probe and its complementary target can form stable hybrid duplexes through complementary base pairing. The nucleic acids that do not form hybrid duplexes are then washed away leaving the hybridized nucleic acids to be detected, typically through detection of an attached detectable label or moiety. It is generally recognized that nucleic acids are denatured by increasing the temperature or decreasing the salt concentration of the buffer containing the nucleic acids, or in the addition of chemical agents, or the raising of the pH. Under low stringency conditions (e.g., low temperature and/or high salt and/or high target concentration) hybrid duplexes (e.g., DNA:DNA, RNA:RNA, or RNA:DNA) will form even where the annealed sequences are not perfectly complementary. Thus specificity of hybridization is reduced at lower stringency. Conversely, at higher stringency (e.g., higher temperature or lower salt) successful hybridization requires fewer mismatches.
The stability of duplexes formed between RNAs or DNAs are generally in the order of RNA:RNA>RNA:DNA>DNA:DNA, in solution. Long probes have better duplex stability with a target, but poorer mismatch discrimination than shorter probes (mismatch discrimination refers to the measured hybridization signal ratio between a perfect match probe and a single base mismatch probe). Shorter probes (e.g., 8-mers) discriminate mismatches very well, but the overall duplex stability is low.
Altered duplex stability conferred by using oligonucleotide or polynucleotide analog probes can be ascertained by following, e.g., fluorescence signal intensity of oligonucleotide or polynucleotide analog arrays hybridized with a target oligonucleotide or polynucleotide over time. The data allow optimization of specific hybridization conditions at, e.g., room temperature (for simplified diagnostic applications in the future).
Another way of verifying altered duplex stability is by following the signal intensity generated upon hybridization with time. Previous experiments using DNA targets and DNA chips have shown that signal intensity increases with time, and that the more stable duplexes generate higher signal intensities faster than less stable duplexes. The signals reach a plateau or “saturate” after a certain amount of time due to all of the binding sites becoming occupied. These data allow for optimization of hybridization, and determination of the best conditions at a specified temperature. Methods of optimizing hybridization conditions are well known to those of skill in the art (see, e.g., Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 24: Hybridization With Nucleic Acid Probes, P. Tijssen, ed. Elsevier, N.Y., (1993)).
One of skill in the art will appreciate that hybridization conditions may be selected to provide any degree of stringency. In a preferred embodiment, hybridization is performed at low stringency, in this case in 6×SSPE-T at about 40° C. to about 50° C. (0.005% Triton X-100) to ensure hybridization, and then subsequent washes are performed at higher stringency (e.g., 1×SSPE-T at 37° C.) to eliminate mismatched hybrid duplexes. Successive washes may be performed at increasingly higher stringency (e.g., down to as low as 0.25×SSPE-T at 37° C. to 50° C.) until a desired level of hybridization specificity is obtained. Stringency can also be increased by addition of agents such as formamide. Hybridization specificity may be evaluated by comparison of hybridization to the test probes with hybridization to the various controls that can be present (e.g., expression level control, normalization control, mismatch controls, etc.).
In general, there is a tradeoff between hybridization specificity (stringency) and signal intensity. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the wash is performed at the highest stringency that produces consistent results and that provides a signal intensity that is at least 10% greater than the background. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, a hybridized array may be washed at successively higher stringency solutions and read between each wash. Analysis of the data sets thus produced will reveal a wash stringency above which the hybridization pattern is not appreciably altered and which provides adequate signal for the particular probes of interest.
In a preferred embodiment, background signal is reduced by the use of a detergent (e.g., C-TAB) or a blocking reagent (e.g., sperm DNA, cot-1 DNA, etc.) during the hybridization to reduce non-specific binding. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the hybridization is performed in the presence of about 0.1 to about 0.5 mg/ml DNA (e.g., herring sperm DNA). The use of blocking agents in hybridization is well known to those of skill in the art (see, e.g., Chapter 8 in Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 24: Hybridization With Nucleic Acid Probes, P. Tijssen, ed. Elsevier, N.Y., (1993))
Nucleic Acids
The reagents and methods of the invention may be employed with any nucleic acid, e.g., DNA, RNA, hybrids, and analogs. Nucleic acids that are labelled with the reagents of the invention or that hybridize with such nucleic acids may include any of the nucleobases discussed herein. Examples include genomic DNA or RNA, cDNA, semi synthetic DNA or RNA, or synthetic DNA or RNA, nucleic acids including analogs of natural nucleotides that can function in a similar manner as naturally occurring nucleotides, and nucleic acids having modified backbones. Exemplary types of RNA that are labelled or detected include total RNA, miRNA, cRNA, mRNA, and siRNA. Nucleic acids may also be LNA or PNA. In a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid that is labelled or to which a labelled nucleic acid hybridizes includes at least one LNA monomer or another high affinity nucleotide monomer. Nucleic acids that are not labelled with a reagent of the invention may be labelled or otherwise chemically altered as is well known in the art. Detection of hybridization between nucleic acids that have both been labelled with a reagent of the invention, e.g., with the same or different detectable moieties, is also encompassed by the invention.
Arrays
The nucleic acid molecules described herein (e.g., detectably labelled microRNAs that are amplified from a sample or that include a linker, or a nucleic acid molecule as such), or fragments thereof, are useful as hybridizable array elements in a microarray. The array elements are organized in an ordered fashion such that each element is present at a specified location on the substrate. Useful substrate materials include membranes, composed of paper, nylon or other materials, filters, chips, beads, glass slides, and other solid supports. The ordered arrangement of the array elements allows hybridization patterns and intensities to be interpreted as expression levels of particular genes or proteins.
Alternatively, an array element is identified not by its geographical location, but because it is linked to an identifiable substrate. The substrate would necessarily have a characteristic (e.g., size, color, fluorescent label, charge, or any other identifiable signal) that allows the substrate and its linked nucleic acid molecule to be distinguished from other substrates with linked nucleic acid molecules. The association of the array element with an identifiable substrate allows hybridization patterns and intensities to be interpreted as expression levels of particular genes. In one example, a nucleic acid molecule is affixed to a bead that fluoresces at a particular wavelength. Binding of a reagent-labelled microRNA to the oligonucleotide may alter the fluorescence of the bead, and such binding can be detected using standard methods.
Methods and techniques applicable to polymer (including protein) array synthesis have been described in U.S. Ser. No. 09/536,841, WO 00/58516, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,143,854, 5,242,974, 5,252,743, 5,324,633, 5,384,261, 5,424,186, 5,451,683, 5,482,867, 5,491,074, 5,527,681, 5,550,215, 5,571,639, 5,578,832, 5,593,839, 5,599,695, 5,624,711, 5,631,734, 5,795,716, 5,831,070, 5,837,832, 5,856,101, 5,858,659, 5,936,324, 5,968,740, 5,974,164, 5,981,185, 5,981,956, 6,025,601, 6,033,860, 6,040,193, 6,090,555, and 6,136,269, in PCT Applications Nos. PCT/US99/00730 (International Publication Number WO 99/36760) and PCT/US 01/04285, and in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/501,099 and 09/122,216 which are all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Preferred arrays are commercially available from Exiqon, Inc. (Boston).
Patents that describe synthetic techniques in specific embodiments include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,412,087, 6,147,205, 6,262,216, 6,310,189, 5,889,165, and 5,959,098.
Detectable Moieties
A detectable moiety provides a signal either directly or indirectly. A direct signal is produced where the moiety spontaneously emits a signal, or generates a signal upon the introduction of a suitable stimulus. Radiolabels, such as 3 H, 125 I, 35 S, 14 C, or 32 P, and magnetic particles, such as Dynabeads™, are nonlimiting examples of groups that directly and spontaneously provide a signal. Labelling groups that directly provide a signal in the presence of a stimulus include the following nonlimiting examples: colloidal gold (40-80 nm diameter), which scatters green light with high efficiency; fluorescent labels, such as fluorescein, texas red, rhodamine, and green fluorescent protein (Molecular Probes, Eugene, Oreg.), which absorb and subsequently emit light; chemiluminescent or bioluminescent labels, such as luminol, lophine, acridine salts, and luciferins, which are electronically excited as the result of a chemical or biological reaction and subsequently emit light; spin labels, such as vanadium, copper, iron, manganese, and nitroxide free radicals, which are detected by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy; dyes, such as quinoline dyes, triarylmethane dyes, and acridine dyes, which absorb specific wavelengths of light; and colored glass or plastic (e.g., polystyrene, polypropylene, latex, etc.) beads. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,817,837; 3,850,752; 3,939,350; 3,996,345; 4,277,437; 4,275,149, and 4,366,241.
A detectable moiety provides an indirect signal where it interacts with a second compound that spontaneously emits a signal, or generates a signal upon the introduction of a suitable stimulus.
Biotin is particularly preferred detectable moiety. Biotin produces a signal by forming a conjugate with streptavidin (or avidin), which is then detected. See Hybridization With Nucleic Acid Probes. In Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Tijssen, P., Ed.; Elsevier: New York, 1993; Vol. 24. An enzyme, such as horseradish peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase, that is attached to an antibody in a label-antibody-antibody as in an ELISA assay, also produces an indirect signal. Another indirect detectable moiety is digoxigenin.
In preferred embodiments, multiple detectable moieties are incorporated into the reagent. In particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention, multiple biotin groups may act to boost or enhance the ability of the detectable moiety to be detected.
Indirect detectable moieties may also include ligands, i.e., something that binds. Ligands include functional groups such as: aromatic groups (such as benzene, pyridine, naphthalene, anthracene, and phenanthrene), heteroaromatic groups (such as thiophene, furan, tetrahydrofuran, pyridine, dioxane, and pyrimidine), carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid esters, carboxylic acid halides, carboxylic acid azides, carboxylic acid hydrazides, sulfonic acids, sulfonic acid esters, sulfonic acid halides, semicarbazides, thiosemicarbazides, aldehydes, ketones, primary alcohols, secondary alcohols, tertiary alcohols, phenols, alkyl halides, thiols, disulfides, primary amines, secondary amines, tertiary amines, hydrazines, epoxides, maleimides, C 1 -C 20 alkyl groups optionally interrupted or terminated with one or more heteroatoms such as oxygen atoms, nitrogen atoms, and/or sulfur atoms, optionally containing aromatic or mono/polyunsaturated hydrocarbons, polyoxyethylene such as polyethylene glycol, oligo/polyamides such as poly-β-alanine, polyglycine, polylysine, peptides, oligo/polysaccharides, oligo/polyphosphates, toxins, antibiotics, cell poisons, and steroids, and also “affinity ligands”, i.e., functional groups or biomolecules that have a specific affinity for sites on particular proteins, antibodies, poly- and oligosaccharides, and other biomolecules.
A preferred detectable moiety is a fluorescent group. Fluorescent groups typically produce a high signal to noise ratio, thereby providing increased resolution and sensitivity in a detection procedure. Preferably, the fluorescent group absorbs light with a wavelength above about 300 nm, more preferably above about 350 nm, and most preferably above about 400 nm. The wavelength of the light emitted by the fluorescent group is preferably above about 310 nm, more preferably above about 360 nm, and most preferably above about 410 nm.
A fluorescent detectable moiety is selected from a variety of structural classes, including the following nonlimiting examples: 1- and 2-aminonaphthalene, p,p′diaminostilbenes, pyrenes, quaternary phenanthridine salts, 9-aminoacridines, p,p′-diaminobenzophenone imines, anthracenes, oxacarbocyanine, merocyanine, 3-aminoequilenin, perylene, bisbenzoxazole, bis-p-oxazolyl benzene, 1,2-benzophenazine, retinol, bis-3-aminopridinium salts, hellebrigenin, tetracycline, sterophenol, benzimidazolyl phenylamine, 2-oxo-3-chromen, indole, xanthene, 7-hydroxycoumarin, phenoxazine, salicylate, strophanthidin, porphyrins, triarylmethanes, flavin, xanthene dyes (e.g., fluorescein and rhodamine dyes), cyanine dyes, 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene dyes, and fluorescent proteins.
A number of fluorescent compounds are suitable for incorporation into the present invention. Nonlimiting examples of such compounds include the following: dansyl chloride; fluoresceins, such as 3,6-dihydroxy-9-phenylxanthhydrol; rhodamineisothiocyanate; N-phenyl-1-amino-8-sulfonatonaphthalene; N-phenyl-2-amino-6-sulfonatonaphthanlene; 4-acetamido-4-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid; pyrene-3-sulfonic acid; 2-toluidinonaphthalene-6-sulfonate; N-phenyl, N-methyl 2-aminonaphthalene-6-sulfonate; ethidium bromide; stebrine; auromine-0,2-(9′-anthroyl)palmitate; dansyl phosphatidylethanolamine; N,N′-dioctadecyl oxacarbocyanine; N,N′-dihexyl oxacarbocyanine; 4-(3′-pyrenyl)butryate; d-3-aminodesoxy-equilenin; 12-(9′-anthroyl)stearate; 2-methylanthracene; 9-vinylanthracene; 2,2′-(vinylene-p-phenylene)bisbenzoxazole; p-bis[2-(4-methyl-5-phenyl oxazolyl)]benzene; 6-dimethylamino-1,2-benzophenzine; bis(3′-aminopyridinium)-1,10-decandiyl diiodide; sulfonaphthylhydrazone of hellibrigenin; chlorotetracycline; N-(7-dimethylamino-4-methyl-2-oxo-3-chromenyl)maleimide; N-[p-(2-benzimidazolyl)phenyl]maleimide; N-(4-fluoranthyl)maleimide; bis(homovanillic acid); resazurin; 4-chloro-7-nitro-2,1,3-benzooxadizole; merocyanine 540; resorufin; rose Bengal; and 2,4-diphenyl-3(2H)-furanone. Preferably, the fluorescent detectable moiety is a fluorescein or rhodamine dye.
Fluorescent moieties and molecules useful in practicing the present invention include but are not limited to dimethylaminonaphthalene sulfonic acid (dansyl), pyrene, anthracene, nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD), acridine, and dipyrrometheneboron difluoride and derivatives thereof. More specifically, non-limiting examples of fluorescent moieties and molecules useful in practicing the present invention include, but are not limited to: carbocyanine, dicarbocyanine, and other cyanine dyes (e.g., CyDye™ fluorophores, such as Cy3, Cy3.5, Cy5, Cy5.5 and Cy7 from Pharmacia). These dyes have a maximum fluorescence at a variety of wavelengths: green (506 nm and 520 nm), green-yellow (540 nm), orange (570 nm), scarlet (596 nm), far-red (670 nm), and near infrared (694 nm and 767 nm); coumarin and its derivatives (e.g., 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin, aminocoumarin, and hydroxycoumarin); BODIPY dyes (e.g., BODIPY FL, BODIPY 630/650, BODIPY 650/665, and BODIPY TMR); fluorescein and its derivatives (e.g., fluorescein isothiocyanate); rhodamine dyes (e.g., rhodamine, rhodamine green, rhodamine red, tetramethylrhodamine, rhodamine 6G, and lissamine rhodamine B); Alexa dyes (e.g., Alexa Fluor-350, -430, -488, -532, -546, -568, -594, -663, and -660, from Molecular Probes); fluorescent energy transfer dyes (e.g., thiazole orange-ethidium heterodimer, TOTAB, etc.); proteins with luminescent properties, e.g.: phycobiliprotein, green fluorescent protein (GFP) and mutants and variants thereof, including by way of non-limiting example fluorescent proteins having altered wavelengths (e.g., YFP, RFP, etc.). (See Chiesa et al., Biochem. J. 355:1-12 (2001); Sacchetti et al., Biochem. J. 355:1-12 (2000) and Histol. Histopathol. 15:101-107 (1995); and Larrick, J. W. et al., Immunotechnology 1:83-86 (1995)); aequorin and mutants and variants thereof; DsRed protein (Baird et al., Proc Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 97:11984-11989 (2000)), and mutants and variants thereof (see Verkhusha et al., 2001. J. Biol. Chem. 276:29621-29624 (2001); Bevis, B. J. and Glick, B. S., Nat. Biotechnol. 20:83-87 (2002); Terskikh et al., J. Biol. Chem. 277:7633-7636 (2002); Campbell et al., Proc Natl Acad. Sci. USA 99:7877-7882 (2002); and Knop et al., Biotechniques 33:592, 594, 596-598 (2002); and other fluors, e.g., 6-FAM, HEX, TET, F12-dUTP, L5-dCTP, 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonate, ethenoadenosine, ethidium bromide prollavine monosemicarbazide, p-terphenyl, 2,5-diphenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole, 2,5-diphenyloxazole, p-bis[2-(5-phenyloxazolyl)]benzene, lanthanide chelates, Pacific blue, Cascade blue, Cascade Yellow, Oregon Green, Marina Blue, Texas Red, phycoerythrin, eosins, DANSYL (5-dimethylamino)-1-naphthalenesulfonyl), DOXYL (N-oxyl-4,4-dimethyloxazolidine), PROXYL (N-oxyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidine), TEMPO (N-oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine), dinitrophenyl, acridines, erythrosine, coumaric acid, umbelliferone, Rox, Europium, Ruthenium, Samarium, and other rare earth metals, and erythrosines; as well as derivatives of any of the preceding molecules and moieties. Fluorophores, and kits for attaching fluorophores to nucleic acids and peptides, are commercially available from, e.g., Molecular Probes (Eugene, Oreg.) and Sigma/Aldrich (St. Louis, Mo.).
A further preferred detectable moiety is Oyster®-556 and Oyster®-656 from Denovo Biolabels GmbH.
Another preferred detectable moiety is colloidal gold. The colloidal gold particle is typically 40 to 80 nm in diameter. The colloidal gold may be attached to a labelling compound in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the linker moiety of the nucleic acid labelling reagent terminates in a thiol group (—SH), and the thiol group is directly bound to colloidal gold through a dative bond. See Mirkin et al. Nature 1996, 382, 607-609. In another embodiment, it is attached indirectly, for instance through the interaction between colloidal gold conjugates of antibiotin and a biotinylated labelling compound. The detection of the gold labelled compound may be enhanced through the use of a silver enhancement method. See Danscher et al. J Histotech 1993, 16, 201-207.
The nucleic acid samples can all be labelled with a single detectable moiety, for example, a single fluorophore. Alternatively, different nucleic acid samples can be simultaneously hybridized where each nucleic acid sample has a different fluorophore. For instance, one target could have a green fluorophore and a second target could have a red fluorophore. A scanning step will distinguish sites of binding of the red fluorophore from those binding the green fluorophore. Each nucleic acid sample can be analyzed independently from one another.
Another type of fluorescence moiety is a set of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) moieties, where energy absorbed by one moiety is transferred to another moiety that emits fluorescence. When these moieties are employed, one moiety may be part of a reagent of the invention and attached to one nucleic acid, e.g., in a sample, that is hybridized to a second nucleic acid, e.g., in an array. In such embodiments, the second nucleic acid would be labelled with the second FRET moiety, so that a FRET signal is produced upon hybridization.
EXAMPLES
The invention will now be further illustrated with reference to the following examples. It will be appreciated that what follows is by way of example only and that modifications to detail may be made while still falling within the scope of the invention.
Example 1
Synthesis of a Compound of the Invention
N-Trifluoroacetyl-6-aminohexanol (1)
6-aminohexanol (11.7 g; 100 mmol) is dissolved in dry dichloromethane (100 mL) and drop wise added ethyl trifluoroacetate (15 g; 105 mmol) in dry dichloromethane (50 mL) (˜30 min), and the mixture is stirred overnight. Water (10 ml) is added, and the mixture is stirred for 30 min. The solution is washed with water (2×100 mL), dried (Na 2 SO 4 ), and concentrated. The residue is redissolved in acetonitrile (100 μL) and concentrated. The residue is placed on vacuum overnight, and a white crystalline solid is obtained. Yield 19 g.
DMT-O-mC(Bz)-O—PO(OCNEt)-O—C6-NHTFA (2)
LNA-mC(Bz) phosphoramidite (4.4 g; 5 mmol) and N-TFA-6-aminohexanol (2.1 g; 10 mmol) are co-evaporated with anh. MeCN (2×100 mL), and the residue is redissolved in anh. DCM (50 mL). DCI (10 mmol; 2.1 g) is added, and the mixture is stirred for 5 h (follow on HPLC). When complete reaction is obtained, 0.2 M I 2 (25-30 mL until color is maintained) is added (check on HPLC). The reaction mixture is diluted with sat. aq. NaHCO 3 (20 mL), and the phases are separated. The aq. phase is extracted with dichloromethane (20 mL), and the combined organic phases are washed with sat. aq. NaHCO 3 (2×40 mL) and brine (40 ml), dried over Na 2 SO 4 , and concentrated. The residue is purified on a short silica gel column eluted with MeOH/DCM, and product containing fractions are combined an concentrated. Yield 4.1 g.
HO-mC(Bz)-O—PO(OCNEt)-O—C6-NHTFA (3)
2 (3 g, 3 mmol) is stirred in Deblock solution (100 mL; 3% TCA in DCM), and the reaction is followed on TLC and HPLC. When the reaction has reached more than 95% completion, the reaction is quenched with MeOH (25 mL) and K 2 HPO 4 (100 mL) and stirred for 5 min. The phases are separated, and the organic phase washed with sat. aq. NaHCO 3 (2×40 mL) and brine (40 mL) and dried (Na 2 SO 4 ) and concentrated. The residue is purified on a short column with DCM and MeOH/DCM. Product containing fractions are combined and concentrated. Yield 1.9 g.
(CNEtO) 2 P(O)O-mC(Bz)-O—PO(OCNEt)-O—C6-NHTFA (4)
Compound 3 (0.70 g, 1 mmol) is co-evaporated with acetonitrile (2×25 mL) and redissolved in anhydrous acetonitrile (10 mL). DCI (450 mg) and bis-cyanoethyl-N,N-diisopropyl phosphoramidite (1 g) are added. The reaction is followed on HPLC. After 5 hours, the reaction is complete, and DCM (100 mL) and sat. NaHCO 3 (20 mL) are added. The phases are separated, and the organic phase is washed with sat. NaHCO 3 (2×20 mL) and brine (20 mL) and dried (Na 2 SO 4 ) and concentrated. The residue is purified on a short silica gel column with MeOH/DCM. Product containing fractions are combined and concentrated. Yield 0.8 g.
PO(OH) 2 —O-mC(Bz)-O—PO(OH)—O—(CH 2 ) 6 —NH 2 (5)
Compound 4 (0.5 g; 0.56 mmol) is dissolved in a mixture of 20% diethylamine in acetonitrile (25 mL), and the mixture is stirred for 20 min. 25% aq. NH 3 (50 mL) is added, and the mixture is heated to 60° C. for 3 hours. The mixture is concentrated and dissolved in water (25 mL) and extracted with chloroform (2×10 mL) and then concentrated to ˜5 mL. 2% LiClO 4 in acetone (50 mL) is added, and a precipitate is formed, which is isolated by centrifugation and dried. Yield 0.21 g.
PO(OH) 2 —O-mC(Bz)-O—PO(OH)—O—(CH 2 ) 6 —NH-Oyster556 (6a)
Compound 5 (10 mg) is dissolved in 0.1M sodium borate buffer pH=8.25 (2 mL). Oyster556 NHS ester is dissolved in DMF (1 mL) and added to the solution, and the mixture is placed at 40° C. for 16 hours. To the mixture is added 2% LiClO 4 in acetone (20 mL), and the precipitate is isolated by centrifugation. The residue is purified on HPLC (X-Terra RP18 5 μm 10×100 mm; A: 0.05M TEAAc pH=7.4; B: Acetonitrile; 3 mL/min) 5-40% B in 20 minutes. Yield 3.8 mg.
PO(OH) 2 —O-mC(Bz)-O—PO(OH)—O—(CH 2 ) 6 —NH-Oyster656 (6b)
Compound 5 (10 mg) is dissolved in 0.1M sodium borate buffer pH=8.25 (2 mL). Oyster656 NHS ester is dissolved in DMF (1 mL) and added to the solution, and the mixture is placed at 40° C. for 16 hours. To the mixture is added 2% LiClO 4 in acetone (20 mL), and the precipitate is isolated by centrifugation. The residue is purified on HPLC (X-Terra RP18 5 μm 10×100 mm; A: 0.05M TEAAc pH=7.4; B: Acetonitrile; 3 mL/min) 5-40% B in 20 minutes. Yield 3 mg.
PO(OH) 2 —O-mC(Bz)-O—PO(OH)—O—(CH 2 ) 6 —NH-Biotin (6c)
Compound 5 (10 mg) is dissolved in 0.1M sodium borate buffer pH=8.25 (2 mL). Biotin NHS ester is dissolved in DMF (1 mL) and added to the solution, and the mixture is placed at 40° C. for 16 hours. The mixture is added 2% LiClO 4 in acetone (20 mL), and the precipitate is isolated by centrifugation. The residue is purified on HPLC (X-Terra RP18 5 μm 10×100 mm; A: 0.05M TEAAc pH=7.4; B: Acetonitrile; 3 mL/min) 5-70% B in 20 minutes. Yield 2.7 mg
Example 2
Labelling of Different RNA Oligonucleotides to Show Absence of Labelling Bias
Experimental
Eight RNA oligonucleotides (EQ16901, EQ16914, EQ16904, EQ16903, EQ16913, EQ16902, EQ18465, EQ18467—see table 1) with different 3′-end nucleotides were labelled with the reagent LNA-methyl-C-Cy3 in a 10 μL labelling reaction for 1 hour at 0° C. Each RNA oligonucleotide was labelled separately in an individual labelling reaction of 1 μM RNA oligonucleotide, 10 μM LNA-methyl-C-Cy3, 2 units/μL of T4 RNA ligase (New England Biolabs), 1×T4 RNA ligase ligation buffer (New England Biolabs), and 10% PEG. The labelling reactions were stopped by incubation at 65° C. for 15 minutes. The 10 μL labelling reaction was mixed with an equal volume of 2×TBE-urea loading buffer without dye (Novex, Invitrogen) and incubated for 3 minutes at 70° C. A volume of 5 μL (2.5 μL loading buffer 2.5 μL ligated sample) was loaded on a 15% TBE-urea polyacrylamide gel (PAGE) (Novex, Invitrogen). Electrophoresis was performed in 1×TBE running buffer at a constant voltage of 180 V for 50-60 minutes. The PAGE was dismantled and stained in a 1× solution of SYBR Gold (Molecular Probes, Invitrogen) in 1×TBE buffer followed by a brief wash in 1×TBE. The gel was analysed on Typhoon laser scanner (GE Healthcare). The scanning was performed with a beam-split of 560 nm using the following filters 1) SYBR Gold filter (540 nm-Fluorescein) with a PMT voltage of 400V. 2) Cy3 filter (580 nm BP30) with a PMT voltage of 300V.
On the obtained gel image, bands representing reaction products were analysed using ImageQuant software to determine band intensity and quantity of the reaction products.
TABLE 1 (SEQ ID Nos: 1-8) 3′-1 and 3′- nucleoside EQ Oligo Name Sequence residue 16901 hsa-miR-145 guccaguuuucccagg uu aaucccuu 16914 hsa-miR-189 gugccuacugagcuga gu uaucagu 16904 hsa-miR-196a uagguaguuucauguu gg guugg 16903 hsa-miR-10a uacccuguagauccga ug auuugug 16913 hsa-miR-200c aauacugccggguaau ga gaugga 16902 hsa-miR-320 aaaagcuggguugaga aa gggcgaa 18465 hsa-miR-106a aaaagugcuuacagug gc cagguagc 18467 hsa-miR-142-5p cauaaaguagaaagca ac cuac
Results
FIG. 1 shows the quantified signal of the reaction products consisting of RNA oligonucleotide ligated to the LNA-methyl-C-Cy3 reagent. Since the signal is assumed equal to the amount of reaction product, the conclusion is that the reagent LNA-methyl-C-Cy3 ligates equally well and without bias caused by the type of nucleobases present in the two 3′-end terminal positions of the RNA.
Example 3
Molecular Classification of Breast Cancer by MicroRNA Signatures
Breast cancer is the most frequent form of cancer among women worldwide. Currently, treatment and prognosis is based on clinical and histo-pathological graduation, such as TNM classification (tumor size, lymph node, and distant metastases status) and estrogen receptor status. To improve both the selection of therapy and the evaluation of treatment response, more accurate determinants for prognosis and response, such as molecular tumor markers, are needed. This example probes the expression patterns of microRNAs (miRNAs) in tumors and normal breast tissue to identify new molecular markers of breast cancer.
Biopsies from primary tumors and from the proximal tissue (1 cm from the border zone of tumor) were collected from female patients (age 55-69) undergoing surgery for invasive ductal carcinoma. Total-RNA was extracted following the “Fast RNA GREEN” protocol from Bio110. Assessment of miRNA levels was carried out on Mercury™ microarrays according to the manufacturers recommended protocol (Exiqon, Denmark).
The results from the miRNA analysis revealed numerous differentially expressed miRNAs, including those reported earlier to be associated with breast cancer, such as let-7a/d/f, miR-125a/b, miR-21, miR-32, and miR-136 (Iorio et al., Cancer Research 65(16): 7065-7070, 2005). In addition, we have identified several miRNAs that have not previously been connected with breast cancer.
RNA Extraction:
Before use, all samples were kept at −80° C. Two samples—ca. 100 mg of each—were used for RNA extraction:
PT (primary tumor)
1 C (normal adjacent tissue, one cm from the primary tumor)
The samples were thawed on ice, and kept in RNAlater® (Cat#7020, Ambion) during disruption with a sterile scalpel into smaller ca. 1 mm wide slices.
To a FastPrep GREEN (Cat# 6040-600, Bio101) tube containing lysis matrix was added:
500 μL CRSR-GREEN
500 μL PAR
100 μL CIA
200 μL tissue
The tubes were placed in the FastPrep FP120 cell disrupter (Bio101) and run for 40 seconds at speed 6. This procedure was repeated twice, before cooling on ice for 5 min. The tubes were centrifuged at 4° C. and at maximum speed in an Eppendorf microcentrifuge for 10 min to enable separation into organic and water phases. The upper phase from each vial was transferred to new Eppendorf 1.5 mL tubes while avoiding the interphase. 500 μL CIA was added, vortexed for 10 seconds, and spun at max speed for 2 min to separate the phases. Again, the top phase was transferred to new Eppendorf tubes, while the interphase was untouched. 500 μL DIPS was added, vortexed, and incubated at room temperature for 2 min. The tubes were centrifuged for 5 min at max speed to pellet the RNA. The pellet was washed twice with 250 μL SEWS and left at room temperature for 10 min to air dry. 50 μL SAFE was added to dissolve the pellet, which was stored at −80° C. until use. QC of the RNA was performed with the Agilent 2100 BioAnalyser using the Agilent RNA6000 Nano kit. RNA concentrations were measured in a NanoDrop ND-1000 spectrophotometer. The PT was only 71 ng/μL, so it was concentrated in a speedvac for 15 min to 342 ng/μL. The 1 C was 230 ng/μL and was used as is.
RNA Labelling and Hybridization
Essentially, the instructions detailed in the “miRCURY Array labelling kit Instruction Manual” were followed:
All kit reagents were thawed on ice for 15 min, vortexed and spun down for 10 min. In a 0.6 mL Eppendorf tube, the following reagents were added:
2.5× labelling buffer, 8 μL
Fluorescent label, 2 μL
1 μg total-RNA (2.92 μL (PT) and 4.35 μL (1 C))
Labelling enzyme, 2 μL
Nuclease-free water to 20 μL (5.08 μL (PT) and 3.65 μL (1 C))
Each microcentrifuge tube was vortexed and spun for 10 min. Incubation at 0° C. for 1 hour was followed by 15 min at 65° C., then the samples were kept on ice.
For hybridization, the 12-chamber TECAN HS4800Pro hybridization station was used. 25 μL 2× hybridization buffer was added to each sample, vortexed, and spun. Incubation at 95° C. for 3 min was followed by centrifugation for 2 min. The hybridization chambers were primed with 1× Hyb buffer. 50 μL of the target preparation was injected into the Hyb station and incubated at 60° C. for 16 hours (overnight). The slides were washed at 60° C. for 1 min with Buffer A twice, at 23° C. for 1 min with Buffer B twice, at 23° C. for 1 min with Buffer C twice, at 23° C. for 30 sec with Buffer C once. The slides were dried for 5 min. Scanning was performed in a ScanArray 4000XL (Packard Bioscience).
Results
The M-A plot ( FIG. 2 ) shows the Log 2 fold ratio of tumor/normal (M) as a function of the Log 2. In this experiment, a total of 86 out of known 398 miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed between breast cancer and normal adjacent tissue.
Other Embodiments
The present invention has many preferred embodiments and relies on many patents, applications and other references for details known to those of the art. Therefore, when a patent, application, or other reference is cited or repeated herein, it should be understood that it is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes as well as for the proposition that is recited.
Other embodiments are in the claims. | The present invention relates to labeling kits containing novel non-natural nucleotide monomers and to methods of making and using such compounds. The invention further relates to a method of detecting the presence of a nucleic acid, e.g., RNA, of interest in a sample, the method having the following steps: providing the sample; ligating a nucleic acid of interest with a labeling reagent according to the instant invention; providing a nucleic acid array having probes directed to the nucleic acid of interest; hybridizing the labeled nucleic acid fragments to said nucleic acid array; and determining the extent of hybridization to said probes to determine the presence of the nucleic acid of interest. | 2 |
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation in part of my co-pending application Ser. No. 08/002,176, filed Jan. 8, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,204.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of mechanical refrigeration units using halogen containing compounds, especially Freon and its derivatives. Freon and its related compounds are known and widely used as heat transfer media in mechanical refrigeration apparatus, including units intended for unattended operation such as truck and trailer mounted units. Such units usually include a refrigerant receiving tank, a pressure vessel for storage of liquid refrigerant, which also may include means for assisting in the condensation of gaseous refrigerant to a liquid state; an evaporator converting the refrigerant into a cold gas, which provides the cooling effect; a condenser for converting the hot gaseous refrigerant into a cooler liquid form, and a compressor which establishes a refrigerant pressure differential around the system, causing refrigerant flow. Since the units include pressurized storage of an evaporative liquid, safety codes require that each system have pressure relief valves, which release refrigerant if internal system pressure rises above a certain level.
More recently, it has become known that release of chlorinated hydrocarbons into the atmosphere is a significant environmental danger. Since typical trailer borne refrigeration systems contain approximately 13 pounds (liquid) of such refrigerants, pressure relief can result in a significant release of such refrigerant.
No system is known to the applicant for capture or prevention of release of refrigerants when an over-pressure situation occurs or a pressure relief valve opens. U.S. Pat. No. 2,682,752 to Branson shows, in the field of petroleum storage, a system in which pressure reacting switches divert vapor from a system to an overflow tank. U.S. Pat. No. 3,736,763 discloses the use of pressure responsive switches to control the flow of fluids in a refrigeration system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is of a system for diverting refrigeration into an auxiliary receiving vessel to reduce system pressure during an incipient over-pressure condition to prevent activation of safety pressure relief valves and release of refrigerant into the atmosphere.
The system is added to a typical mechanical refrigeration unit, of the type intended for extensive unattended use. A typical example is a trailer or shipping container mounted refrigeration unit of the type used for shipment of food or perishable commodities. Such units operate continuously, without monitoring or surveillance. In ship movement of containers, it will be found after each voyage that one or more containers has vented a significant amount of refrigerant overboard due to overpressure. This poses an environmental threat, as well as risking damage to the refrigeration system and container contents due to continued operation of the machinery without adequate refrigerant.
It is found that such mechanical refrigeration units can be classified into two general types, depending on the location of the pressure relief valves. The first type locates the pressure relief valves in the liquid side of the refrigeration cycle; dumping of liquid refrigerant is the most effective method of reducing system pressure. In this type the valve may be installed as an over-pressure dump in a liquid line, which theoretically only dumps sufficient refrigerant to lower pressure. Alternately, the valve is a "soft plug", usually installed in the primary pressure vessel, which blows out, dumping all system refrigerant.
The second type provides the pressure relief in the hot gas side of the refrigeration system. While this is usually the highest pressure side of the system, gas release does not usually immediately reduce the over-pressure condition, especially as the usual design of a refrigeration system results in increased flow of refrigerant to the hot gas side as the pressure drops. Therefore a larger quantity of refrigerant must be vented to reduce pressure in this type of system.
The invention adds to the existing system a parallel, secondary receiver tank, connected by a receiving line to a pressure activated dump valve in the line in which the system primary safety valve is located, and connected through a supply line to a pressure activated valve in a low pressure side of the system, usually at the inlet side of the compressor.
The pressure activated dump valve is set to open at a pressure less that the set point of the system's original pressure relief valves, but above any normal system working pressure. Depending on the class of the system, this valve may divert either liquid or gaseous refrigerant into the auxiliary receiving tank. The volume of this tank is such that a significant percentage of the system refrigerant charge can be accepted under such over-pressure conditions; this volume reduction in system refrigerant charge is sufficient to lower system pressure and prevent venting by the system safety pressure reliefs in almost all cases, including all localized temporary over-pressure conditions.
The reduction in refrigerant charge will result in a lowering of system pressure. When the condition which produced the over pressure ceases, this loss of refrigerant charge will result in a drop of pressure at the compressor inlet to a below normal pressure. A pressure sensor monitors refrigerant pressure in the auxiliary receiving tank as a measure of whether refrigerant has been diverted to the auxiliary tank. This sensor generates a signal when the auxiliary tank is pressurized. The control means also senses the pressure in the high pressure side of the system. When this high pressure drops below a point at which it is safe to add refrigerant to the system, a signal is generated. In response to this signal, the supply line pressure activated valve opens, returning the diverted refrigerant to the system. The difference in pressure resulting from the fact that the fact that refrigerant is always removed from a high pressure point in the system and always returned to a low pressure point, results in a pressure profile across the auxiliary tank which insures that adequate removal capability is available to relieve over-pressure, but the system will not be starved of refrigerant after the cause of the over-pressure is alleviated or under any normal operating condition, as scavenged refrigerant will always flow to the return line to the system.
It is thus an object of the invention to prevent release of refrigerant to the atmosphere in most over-pressure conditions.
It is a further object of the invention to relieve temporary over-pressure conditions in mechanical refrigeration units without venting refrigerant into the atmosphere.
It is a further object of the invention to conserve refrigerant, restoring refrigerant charge levels to systems after alleviation of temporary over-pressure conditions.
These and other objects of the invention may be seen from the detained description of the preferred embodiments given below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a typical installation of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic showing an alternate form of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention is shown as a recovery system installed on a standard closed cycle refrigeration system 1. A gaseous refrigerant is compressed by a compressor 2 and then cooled in a condenser 4 to a liquid state. The liquid fills the liquid side piping 12 and may be held in a storage reservoir 6; it flows under system pressure created by the compressor 2, as required for cooling, to an evaporator 8. Evaporation of the refrigerant produces the cooling effect, but results in the return of the refrigerant to a gaseous state. Since the refrigerant flows through the system 1 as a result of a pressure differential created by the compressor 2, it is customary to use a modulator valve 3 to control return flow of refrigerant to the compressor. As the modulator valve 3 cuts off refrigerant flow, the cooling rate of the system 1 is reduced; the modulator valve thus is normally controlled by a system thermostat (not shown) located in the cooled spaces to control the amount of system cooling.
Two points of high pressure danger exist within such a system. First, at any time the bulk of the refrigerant is in liquid form within the system 1 or reservoir 6. If, for any reason, the system 1 is exposed to excessive temperatures, then evaporation of this liquid will cause an increase in pressure; the greatest danger of over pressure failure is to the liquid reservoir 6, and thus the reservoir 6 or its liquid side piping 12 will be equipped with pressure relief devices 14, either as a pressure relief valve 14, or as a blow out plug. The principal difference between these devices is that the relief valve should close and cease venting once the over pressure condition is relieved; a "soft plug" or blow plug simply dumps the entire refrigerant supply to the atmosphere. It happens however, since in normal use a pressure relief valve 14 never is cycled, that often the pressure relief valve will not properly seat, due to contamination, age or debris, and thus all the refrigerant will escape once the valve activates.
In the invention an auxiliary receiver tank 20 is provided with a volume approximately one-third of the volume of the main system 1. A recovery supply pipe 22 connects this tank to a means 24 for diverting flow of refrigerant from the system 1 during over pressure conditions.
In one embodiment, this means 24 is a supply pipe 22 end installed over, in sealed fluid communication with the outlet of the pressure relief valve 14. As a result, refrigerant vented by the pressure relief valve 14 flows directly into the recovery supply pipe 22 and into the auxiliary receiver tank 20.
It is possible that safety codes would prohibit covering the relief valve 14 in this manner, or the system 1 may be one in which the outlet of the pressure relief is not suitable for connection of a pipe. Such systems would include those in which a blow out plug is installed in the reservoir body 6. In this case a separate secondary diverter valve 24A is installed in the same piping section or tank as the main relief valve 14 or blow out plug. The outlet of this secondary valve 24A is connected by sealed connection to the recovery supply pipe. This secondary relief valve 24A will be set to open at a pressure below the set point of the main relief valve 14, but well above standard system working pressure. Since typically pressure relief valves are set for a pressure of over twice normal working pressure, such a setting is easily determined for any typical refrigeration system.
The recovery supply pipe 22 connects directly to the auxiliary receiver tank 20, and any fluid or gas vented into the recovery supply pipe 22 will flow into the auxiliary receiver tank 20. Since flow to the auxiliary receiver tank 20 will only occur during over pressure conditions, the refrigerant pressure during filing of the auxiliary tank 20 will be well above normal system working pressure, and the tank 20, although of relatively small volume, will therefore receive and hold a significant fraction of the refrigerant from the system 1 as overflow.
The removal of this overflow refrigerant will lower pressure in the main system 1. As soon as the system pressure drops below the set point of the pressure relief valve 14 or the secondary diverter valve 24A, that valve will close, maintaining refrigerant pressure in the auxiliary tank 20 at a higher pressure than system working pressure.
A recovery return pipe 26 connects the auxiliary tank 20 to a pressure recovery valve 28 located for feed of recovered refrigerant to the suction side 30 of the system compressor 2. This connection to the suction side 30 is preferably through a solenoid valve 28, controlled by an electrical control current controlled by a system recovery pressure switch 32. This switch 32 is connected to detect refrigerant pressure in the auxiliary tank 20, as an indication that refrigerant has been diverted due to over pressure.
A signal, corresponding to the detection of refrigerant pressure in auxiliary tank 20 is communicated by signal line 94 to control means 92. Control means 92 is an electrical control, either using discrete logic, either relay control or electronic logic circuits, or a microprocessor control implementing such control logic. Control means 92 responds to the presence of signal on signal line 94 indicating refrigerant pressure in the auxiliary tank 20, and to signal on signal line 90 indicating an over-pressure condition as sensed by a high pressure side pressure sensor 88 as follows.
The high pressure side sensor 88 is located in the pressure side line 12 near the high pressure relief valve 14 and system overflow relief 24A. This sensor 88 signals an electrical signal corresponding to the high side 12 system pressure to the control means 92. For every refrigeration system there is a pressure on the high side which corresponds to the highest pressure at which it is suitable to add refrigerant to the system without incurring an over-pressure situation. This highest pressure varies with whether refrigerant is added as a gas or a liquid, but is predetermined for all systems. based on system design. The control means logic is set so that this highest pressure is a recovery set point.
The condition causing the over-pressure is almost always temporary. Therefore, the control logic senses first the existence of a n overflow recovery by sensing through recovery tank pressure sensor 32 the presence of refrigerant in the recovery tank 20. The control logic then continuously monitors the signal from the high pressure sensor 88, which will be initially above the set point. With time, the condition causing system over-pressure ameliorates, and the high side 12 pressure drops as the compressor 2 recovers gaseous refrigerant, and as the condenser 4 condenses the remaining refrigerant into a liquid. When the high side 12 pressure drops below the set point, the pressure sensor 88 signal corresponding to a high pressure below the set point is sensed by the control means 92, and the control means generates a signal through control line 84 to recovery line valve 28 which opens the valve, connecting the refrigerant in the recovery tank to the suction side 30 of the compressor 2, scavenging the recovered refrigerant back into the refrigeration system. If the total quantity of recovered refrigerant is too great, the high pressure side pressure will rise above the set point, which is sensed by sensor 88, and by control means 92 through signal line 90. Control means 92 then generates a control signal through control line 84, closing recovery valve 28. The process continues until all recovered refrigerant is returned to the system.
The control means 92 will recover the refrigerant from overflow, thus preventing loss of refrigeration by too severe a drop in high side 12 system pressure; yet, the control means 92 prevents the too early or too fast return of captured refrigerant to the system, which would cause system over-pressure to recur.
The recovery precess continues until a sensed drop in pressure in the recovery tank which corresponds to the point where all recoverable refrigerant has been returned to the system. This is usually where the recovery tank 20 pressure equals the suction side pressure at the compressor suction inlet 30, the lowest system pressure. Upon a signal corresponding to this low pressure, the control means 92 logic will through control signal line 84 close the recovery solenoid 28, the diverted refrigerant having been returned to the system, restoring normal operation.
Under normal conditions, the suction side 30 of the compressor 2 will draw down the pressure in the auxiliary receiver tank 20 to the lowest system pressure, recovering substantially all the dumped refrigerant. In any event, all refrigerant is contained within the system 1 or within the recovery system, and no refrigerant is dumped to the atmosphere.
All refrigerator compressors 2 are designed to compress a gaseous refrigerant; all compressors 2 also depend on a continuous flow of refrigerant for lubrication and cooling. Some compressors 2 are sufficiently strong that they can function in the presence of a small percentage of liquid refrigerant, but most systems have valves or expansion orifices in the return piping 40 to prevent liquid being applied to the suction side. Most systems control cooling by a modulator valve 3, which cuts off refrigerant flow to cut off cooling. Since full cutoff of all refrigerant also cuts off all cooling and lubrication to the compressor 2, most systems have a small diameter secondary refrigeration piping and valve 44, sometimes called a quench valve which bypasses a small quantity of refrigerant, and expands it to a gas, to support the compressor 2 whenever the modulator valve 3 cuts off main refrigerant flow.
Depending on the design of the system 1 to which the recovery system of the invention is connected, the pressure relief valve 24 may be in a liquid side 12 of the system or a gas side 15 of the system. If the system is such that the overflow refrigerant is liquid, then it is preferred that the recovery return pipe 26 be connected so as to provide a gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 2. This can be done by passing the recovered refrigerant through a heat exchanger 50 interconnected with the hot gas side 15 line coming from the compressor 2, so as to vaporize the return recovery refrigerant before return to the compressor. Alternately, the return pipe 26 can be a small diameter pipe, for example one-quarter inch diameter, including an expansion orifice 48 in return pipe 26.
It can be seen that the system as described is adaptable to many variant refrigeration systems, and in each case, prevents temporary or localized over pressure conditions from dumping refrigerant to the atmosphere, but rather removes refrigerant from the system lowering system pressure to a safe level, and then, when the cause of the over pressure is removed, and system pressure drops, returns the recovered refrigerant to assure continued safe system operation. The invention adds little bulk to the existing system, and requires no sophisticated control system which might fail for its continued operation. The invention is thus especially suitable for shipping container and truck trailer refrigeration systems which must run for extended periods of time as unattended systems.
The disclosed invention is also applicable to motor vehicle installed air conditioners, including automobiles and trucks. | A system for diverting refrigerant into an auxiliary receiving vessel to reduce refrigerator system pressure during an incipient over-pressure condition to prevent activation of safety pressure relief valves and release of refrigerant into the atmosphere. | 5 |
[0001] The present invention relates to novel heterocyclic compounds, to methods for their preparation, to compositions containing them, and to methods and use for clinical treatment of medical conditions which may benefit from immunomodulation, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, asthma, transplantation, systemic lupus erythematosis and psoriasis. More particularly the present invention relates to novel heterocyclic compounds, which are CD80 antagonists capable of inhibiting the interactions between CD80 and CD28.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The immune system possesses the ability to control the homeostasis between the activation and inactivation of lymphocytes through various regulatory mechanisms during and after an immune response. Among these are mechanisms that specifically inhibit and/or turn off an immune response. Thus, when an antigen is presented by MHC molecules to the T-cell receptor, the T-cells become properly activated only in the presence of additional co-stimulatory signals. In the absence of accessory signals there is no lymphocyte activation and either a state of functional inactivation termed anergy or tolerance is induced, or the T-cell is specifically deleted by apoptosis. One such co-stimulatory signal involves interaction of CD80 on specialised antigen-presenting cells with CD28 on T-cells, which has been demonstrated to be essential for full T-cell activation. (Lenschow et al. (1996) Annu. Rev. Immunol., 14, 233-258)
[0003] A paper by Erbe et al, in J. Biol. Chem. Vol. 277, No. 9, pp 7363-7368 (2002), describes three small molecule ligands which bind to CD80, and inhibit binding of CD80 to CD28 and CTLA4. Two of the disclosed ligands are fused pyrazolones of structures A and B:
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to the present invention there is provided a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable salt thereof:
wherein
R 1 and R 3 independently represent H; F; Cl; Br; —NO 2 ; —CN; C 1 -C 6 alkyl optionally substituted by F or Cl; or C 1 -C 6 alkoxy optionally substituted by F; R 2 represents H, or optionally substituted C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 3 -C 7 cycloalkyl or optionally substituted phenyl; Y represents —O—, —S—, N-oxide, or —N(R 5 )— wherein R 5 represents H or C 1 -C 6 alkyl; X represents a bond or a divalent C 1 -C 6 alkylene radical; R 4 represents —C(═O)NR 6 R 7 , —NR 7 C(═O)R 6 , —NR 7 C(═O)OR 6 , —NHC(═O)NHR 6 , or —NHC(═S)NHR 6 wherein R 6 represents H, or a radical of formula -(Alk)b-Q wherein b is 0 or 1, and Alk is an optionally substituted divalent straight chain or branched C 1 -C 12 alkylene, C 2 -C 12 alkenylene or C 2 -C 12 alkynylene radical which may be interrupted by one or more non-adjacent —O—, —S— or —N(R 8 )— radicals wherein R 8 represents H or C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 3 -C 4 alkenyl, C 3 -C 4 alkynyl, or C 3 -C 6 cycloalkyl, and Q represents H; —CF 3 ; —OH; —SH; —NR 8 R 8 wherein each R 8 may be the same or different; an ester group; or an optionally substituted phenyl, C 3 -C 7 cycloalkyl, C 5 -C 7 cycloalkenyl or heterocyclic ring having from 5 to 8 ring atoms; and R 7 represents H or C 1 -C 6 alkyl; or when taken together with the atom or atoms to which they are attached R 6 and R 7 form an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring having from 5 to 8 ring atoms.
[0014] Compounds of general formula (I) are CD80 antagonists. They inhibit the interaction between CD80 and CD28 and thus the activation of T cells, thereby modulating the immune response.
[0015] Accordingly the invention also includes:
[0016] (i) a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable salt thereof for use in the treatment of conditions which benefit from immunomodulation.
[0017] (ii) the use of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable salt thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of conditions which benefit from immunomodulation,.
[0018] (iii) a method of immunomodulation in humans and non-human primates, comprising administration to a subject in need of such treatment an immunomodulatory effective dose of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable salt thereof.
[0019] (iv) a pharmaceutical or veterinary composition comprising a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable salt thereof together with a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable excipient or carrier.
[0020] Conditions which benefit from immunomodulation include:
Adrenal insufficiency Allergic angiitis and granulomatosis Amylodosis Ankylosing spondylitis Asthma Autoimmune Addison's disease Autoimmune alopecia Autoimmune chronic active hepatitis Autoimmune hemolytic anemia Autoimmune neutropenia Autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura Autoimmune vasculitides Behcet's disease Cerebellar degeneration Chronic active hepatitis Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy Dermatitis herpetiformis Diabetes Eaton-Lambert myasthenic syndrome Encephalomyelitis Epidermolysis bullosa Erythema nodosa Gluten-sensitive enteropathy Goodpasture's syndrome Graft versus host disease Guillain-Barre syndrome Hashimoto's thyroiditis Hyperthyrodism Idiopathic hemachromatosis Idiopathic membranous glomerulonephritis Minimal change renal disease Mixed connective tissue disease Multifocal motor neuropathy Multiple sclerosis Myasthenia gravis Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome Pemphigoid Pemphigus Pernicious anemia Polyarteritis nodosa Polymyositis/dermatomyositis Post-infective arthritides Primary biliary sclerosis Psoriasis Reactive arthritides Reiter's disease Retinopathy Rheumatoid arthritis Sclerosing cholangitis Sjögren's syndrome Stiff-man syndrome Subacute thyroiditis Systemic lupus erythematosis Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) Temporal arteritis Thromboangiitis obliterans Transplantation rejection Type I and type II autoimmune polyglandular syndrome Ulcerative colitis Uveitis Wegener's granulomatosis
[0082] As used herein the term “alkylene” refers to a straight or branched alkyl chain having two unsatisfied valencies, for example —CH 2 —, —CH 2 CH 2 —, —CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 —, —CH(CH 3 )CH 2 —, —CH(CH 2 CH 3 )CH 2 CH 2 CH 3 , and —C(CH 3 ) 3 .
[0083] As used herein the term “heteroaryl” refers to a 5- or 6-membered aromatic ring containing one or more heteroatoms. Illustrative of such groups are thienyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, benzimidazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, triazolyl, thiadiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl.
[0084] As used herein the unqualified term “heterocyclyl” or “heterocyclic” includes “heteroaryl” as defined above, and in particular means a 5-8 membered aromatic or non-aromatic heterocyclic ring containing one or more heteroatoms selected from S, N and O, including for example, pyrrolyl, furanyl, thienyl, piperidinyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrimidinyl, morpholinyl, piperazinyl, indolyl, morpholinyl, benzofuranyl, pyranyl, isoxazolyl, quinuclidinyl, aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]octanyl, benzimidazolyl, methylenedioxyphenyl, maleimido and succinimido groups.
[0085] Unless otherwise specified in the context in which it occurs, the term “substituted” as applied to any moiety herein means substituted with one or more of the following substituents, namely (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, trifluoromethyl, (C 1 -C 6 )alkoxy (including the special case where a ring is substituted on adjacent ring C atoms by methylenedioxy or ethylenedioxy), trifluoromethoxy, (C 1 -C 6 )alkylthio, phenyl, benzyl, phenoxy, (C 3 -C 8 )cycloalkyl, hydroxy, mercapto, amino, fluoro, chloro, bromo, cyano, nitro, oxo, —COOH, —SO 2 OH, —CONH 2 , —SO 2 NH 2 , —COR A , —COOR A , —SO 2 OR A , —NHCOR A , —NHSO 2 R A , —CONHR A , —SO 2 NHR A , —NHR A , —NR A R B , —CONR A R B or —SO 2 NR A R B wherein R A and R B are independently a (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl group. In the case where “substituted” means substituted by (C 3 -C 8 )cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or phenoxy, the ring thereof may itself be substituted with any of the foregoing, except (C 3 -C 8 )cycloalkyl phenyl, benzyl or phenoxy.
[0086] As used herein the unqualified term “carbocyclyl” or “carbocyclic” refers to a 5-8 membered ring whose ring atoms are all carbon.
[0087] Some compounds of the invention contain one or more chiral centres because of the presence of asymmetric carbon atoms. The presence of asymmetric carbon atoms gives rise to stereoisomers or diastereoisomers with R or S stereochemistry at each chiral centre. The invention includes all such stereoisomers and diastereoisomers and mixtures thereof.
[0088] Salts of salt forming compounds of the invention include physiologically acceptable acid addition salts for example hydrochlorides, hydrobromides, sulphates, methane sulphonates, p-toluenesulphonates, phosphates, acetates, citrates, succinates, lactates, tartrates, fumarates and maleates; and base addition salts, for example sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium salts. Where the compound contains an amino group, quaternary amino salts are also feasable, and are included in the invention.
[0089] In the compounds of the invention the following are examples of the several structural variables:
R 1 may be, for example, H, F, Cl, methyl, methoxy, or methylenedioxy. Currently it is preferred that R 1 is H, Cl or especially F; R 2 may be, for example H, methyl, methoxy, cyclopropyl, phenyl, or fluoro-, chloro-, methyl, or methoxy-substituted phenyl. H or cyclopropyl is presently preferred; R 3 may be, for example, H, F, Cl, methyl, methoxy, or methylenedioxy. Currently it is preferred that R 3 is F or Cl, and it is most preferred that R 3 be H; Y may be, for example, —O—, —S—, or —N(R 5 )— wherein R 5 represents H or methyl. —NH— or —S— is presently preferred. X may be, for example a bond, or a —CH 2 — or —CH 2 CH 2 — radical. A bond is presently preferred. R 4 represents —C(═O)NR 6 R 7 , —NR 7 C(═O)R 6 , —NR 7 C(═O)OR 6 , —NHC(═O)NHR 6 , or —NHC(═S)NHR 6 . Of these —NR 7 C(═O)R 6 , and especially —C(═O)NR 6 R 7 and —NHC(═O)NHR 6 are curently preferred. R 7 is preferably H, but a wide range of R 6 substituents have given rise to highly active compounds of the invention. Many exemplary R 6 substituents appear in the compounds of the Examples below. R 6 may be, for example, H or a radical of formula -Alk b -Q wherein b is 0 or 1 and Alk may be, for example a —(CH 2 ) n —, —CH((CH 2 ) m CH 3 )(CH 2 ) n —, —C((CH 2 ) m CH 3 )((CH 2 ) p CH 3 ) (CH 2 ) n —, —(CH 2 ) n —O—(CH 2 ) m —, —(CH 2 ) n —NH—(CH 2 ) m —, or —(CH 2 ) n —NH—(CH 2 ) m —NH—(CH 2 ) p — radical where n is 1, 2, 3 or 4 and m and p are independently 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, and Q may represent H, —OH, —COOCH 3 , phenyl, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, pyridyl, furyl, thienyl, or oxazolyl; and R 7 may be, for example, H, or when taken together with the atom or atoms to which they are attached R 6 and R 7 may form a heterocyclic ring of 5, 6 or 7 members.
[0100] Specific examples of R 4 groups include those present in the compounds of the Examples herein.
[0101] Compounds of the invention may be prepared by synthetic methods known in the literature, from compounds which are commercially available or are accessible from commercially available compounds. For example, compounds of formula (I) wherein R 4 is a group —NR 7 C(═O)R 6 may be prepared by acylation of an amine of formula (II) with an acid chloride of formula (III):
[0102] Compounds of the invention wherein R 4 is a group —NHC(═O)NHR 6 may be prepared by reaction of an amine of formula (IIA) with an isocyanate of formula (IIIA)
[0103] Compounds of the invention wherein R 4 is a group —C(═O)NHR 6 may be prepared by reaction of an acid chloride of formula (IIB) with an amine NHR 6 R 7 :
[0104] Compounds of the invention wherein R 4 is a group —NR 7 C(═O)OR 6 may be prepared by reaction of an amine of formula (II) with a chloroformate ClC(═O)OR 6 .
[0105] The following Examples illustrate the preparation of compounds of the invention:
Preparation of Intermediate 1
2-(4-Nitrophenyl)-6-fluoro-2,5-dihydropyrazolo[4,3-c]-quinolin-3-one
[0106]
[0107] 4-Nitrophenylhydrazine (2.28 g, 0.014 mol) was added in one portion to a stirred solution of 4-chloro-8-fluoro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (3.58 g, 0.014 mol) in anhydrous n-butyl alcohol (50 ml) at room temperature. The mixture was refluxed for 16 h under nitrogen, cooled to room temperature and then filtered to leave an orange solid. The solid was purified by washing sequentially with ethyl acetate (20 ml) and heptane (20 ml) and then finally dried under suction to give the pyrazolone (3.93 g, 87%) as a dark orange solid, LCMS m/z 325.24 [M+H] + @ R T 1.47 min.
Preparation of Intermediate 2
2-(4-Aminophenyl)-6-fluoro-2,5-dihydropyrazolo[4,3-c]-quinolin-3-one
[0108]
[0109] Tin (II) chloride dihydrate (12.5 g, 0.055 mol) was added in one portion to a stirred solution of 2-(4-nitro-phenyl)-6-fluoro-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-3-one (intermediate 1) (3.59 g, 0.011 mol) in ethyl alcohol (110 ml) at room temperature. The mixture was then heated to 80° C. for 8 h, cooled to room temperature and filtered to leave a yellow solid. The solid was suspended in a bi-phasic solution of ethyl acetate (1L), a saturated solution of Rochelles salt (500 ml) and a saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate (500 ml) and stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The mixture was filtered and the remaining solid was washed with water and dried under vacuum to afford the title compound (3.39 g, 99%) as a bright yellow solid, LCMS m/z 295.30 [M+H] + @ R T 0.84 min.
EXAMPLE 1
N-[4-(6-Fluoro-3-oxo-3,5-dihydropyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl)-phenyl]-2-methyl-butyramide
[0110]
[0111] (±)-2-Methylbutyryl chloride (13.6 μl, 0.11 mmol) was added dropwise over 30 sec to a stirred solution of 2-(4-amino-phenyl)-6-fluoro-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-3-one (Intermediate 2) (30 mg, 0.10 mmol), triethylamine (14 μl, 0.11 mmol) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (2.4 mg, 0.02 mmol) in dichloromethane (1 ml) at room temperature. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h. The yellow solid was then filtered and purified by washing sequentially with a saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate (1 ml), ethyl acetate (1 ml) and ethyl alcohol (0.5 ml) and finally dried under suction to give the title compound (10 mg, 26%) as a bright yellow solid, LCMS m/z 379.36 [M+H] + @ R T 1.18 min. δ H (400 MHz, (CD 3 ) 2 SO) 9.89 (1H, s), 8.52 (1H, s), 8.15 (2H, d J 9.0 Hz), 8.01 (1H, d J 7.0 Hz), 7.69 (2H, d J 9.0 Hz) 7.57-7.46 (2H, m), 2.46-2.39 (1H, m), 1.69-1.36 (2H, m), 1.11 (3H, d J 6.8 Hz), 0.91(3H, t J 7.3 Hz).
[0112] The title compound, and compounds of subsequent Examples, were tested in the assay described below in the Assay Section, to determine their activities as inhibitors of the CD80-CD28 interaction. The present title compound had an activity rating of ***.
EXAMPLES 2-49
[0113] The following compounds were synthesized by the route described in Example 1, substituting the appropriate acid chloride for (±)-2-methylbutyryl chloride:
EXAMPLE 2
2-Methyl-pentanoic acid [4-(6-fluoro-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl)-phenyl]-amide
[0114]
[0115] δ H (400 MHz, (CD 3 ) 2 SO) 9.92 (1H, s), 8.53 (1H, s) 8.12 (2H, d J 9.2 Hz), 8.05 (1H, d J 7.6 Hz), 7.70 (2H, d J 9.2 Hz), 7.63-7.53 2H, m), 1.68-1.58 (1H, m), 1.38-1.28 (3H, m), 1.11 (3H, d J 6.6 Hz), 0.91 (3H, t J 7.1 Hz).
Activity ***
EXAMPLE 3
1-Methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid [4-(6-fluoro-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl)-phenyl]-amide
[0117]
[0118] δ H (400 MHz, (CD 3 ) 2 SO) 9.76 (1H, s), 8.50 (1H, s), 8.26 (2H, d 9.0 Hz), 7.97-7.94 (1H, m), 7.73 (2H, d J 9.0 Hz), 7.39-7.28 (2H, m), 7.07-7.01 (2H, m), 3.91 (3H, s)
Activity *
EXAMPLE 4
N-[4-(6-Fluoro-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl)-phenyl]-3-methyl-butyramide
[0120]
[0121] δ H (400 MHz, (CD 3 ) 2 SO) 9.92 (1H, s), 8.52 (1H, s), 8.14 (2H, d J 9.2 Hz), 8.01 (1H, d J 7.3 Hz), 7.67 (2H, d J 9.2 Hz), 7.57-7.47 (2H, m), 2.21 (2H, d J 6.8 Hz), 2.14-2.07 (1H, m), 0.96 (6H, d J 6.6 Hz).
Activity **
EXAMPLE 5
2-Propyl-pentanoic acid [4-(6-fluoro-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl)-phenyl]-amide
[0123]
[0124] δ H (400 MHz, (CD 3 ) 2 SO) 9.93 (1H, s), 8.53 (1H, s), 8.11 (2H, d J 9.0 Hz), 8.05 (1H, d J 7.8 Hz), 7.70 (2H, d J 9.0 Hz), 7.59-7.46 (2H, m), 2.46-2.35 (1H, m), 1.63-1.27 (4H, m), 0.90(6H, t J 7.1 Hz).
Activity *
EXAMPLE 6
5-[4-(6-Fluoro-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl)phenylcarbamoyl]-pentanoic acid methyl ester
[0126]
[0127] δ H (400 MHz, (CD 3 ) 2 SO) 9.85 (1H, s), 8.47 (1H, s), 8.25 (2H, d J 9.0 Hz), 7.91-7.90 (1H, m), 7.59 (2H, d J 9.0 Hz), 7.29-7.20 (2H, m), 3.61 (3H, s), 2.38-2.28 (4H, m), 1.64-1.50 (4H, m)
Activity ***
EXAMPLE 7
N-[4-(6-Fluoro-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl)-phenyl]-2,2-dimethyl-propionamide
[0129]
[0130] δ H (400 MHz, (CD 3 ) 2 SO) 9.26 (1H, S), 8.52 (1H, s), 8.15 (2H, d J 9.2 Hz), 8.03 (1H, d J 8.8 Hz), 7.71 (2H, d J 9.2 Hz), 7.56-7.47 (2H, m), 1.26 (9H, s)
Activity **
[0132] Examples 8 to 28 were also prepared by the method of Example 1 using the appropriate acid chloride:
M.S. Example X R (MH+) Activity 8 6-F 443.4 ** 9 6-F —CH 2 Cl 371.31 ** 10 6-F 389.34 * 11 6-F 485.45 * 12 6-F CO 2 Me 381.34 ** 13 6-F OEt 367.18 14 6-F 507.43 * 15 6-F 466.41 ** 16 6-F Me 337.36 ** 17 6-F CH(Et)CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 Me 421.46 * 18 6-F CH(Et) 2 393.41 *** 19 6-F 405.41 ** 20 6-F 448.44 ** 21 6-F 481.35 ** 22 6-F 423.42 *** 23 6-F (CH 2 ) 8 CO 2 Me 493.51 ** 24 6-F iPr 365.36 *** 25 6-F CH 2 OCH 2 CH 2 OMe 411.4 ** 26 6-F CH(Me) (nPr) 393.42 *** 27 6-F CH 2 OMe 367.24 ** 28 6-F 390.33 ** 29 6-F CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N + (Me) 3 422.1 (M+) *** 30 6-F CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2 408.3 *** 31 6-F CH 2 NHCH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Me) (Ph) 499.3 * 32 6-F 485.3 * 33 6-F 505.1 *** 34 6-F 517.2 *** 35 6-F 477.1 *** 36 6-F 457.1 ** 37 6-F 463.1 ** 38 6-F 438.3 ** 39 6-F 463.2 *** 40 6-F 460.4 ** 41 6-F CH 2 NHCH 2 CH 2 N(iPr) 2 479.4 ** 42 6-F 420.2 ** 43 H CH(NH 2 )CH 3 348.3 ** 44 H CH(Me)nPr 375.3 * 45 H iPr 347.3 ** 46 6-F CH(NH 2 )CH 3 366.3 *** 47 H CH(Me)Et 361.3 ** 48 6-F 529.1 ** 49 6-F CH 2 N(Me)CH 2 Ph 456.4 **
Preparation of Intermediate 3
3-(6-Fluoro-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl)-benzoic acid
[0133]
[0134] 3-Hydrazinobenzoic acid (1.91 g, 0.013 mol) was added in one portion to a stirred solution of 4-chloro-8-fluoro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (2.93 g, 0.011 mol) in n-butanol (60 ml) at room temperature. The solution was heated to reflux for 16 h, cooled to room temperature and the resulting yellow solid filtered, washed with tert-butyl methyl ether and then dried. The solid was redissolved in a solution of tetrahydrofuran:water (2:1; 21 ml) and lithium hydroxide (1.27 g, 0.031 mol) was then added. After stirring at room temperature for 16 h, concentrated hydrochloric acid (3 ml) was added dropwise to the mixture to precipitate a yellow solid which was filtered and dried under vacuum to give the title compound (intermediate 3) (2.32 g, 63%) as a bright yellow solid.
Preparation of Intermediate 4
3-(6-Fluoro-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl)-benzoyl chloride
[0135]
[0136] Oxalyl chloride (20 ml, 0.2 mol) was added dropwise over 2 min to a stirred solution of 3-(6-fluoro-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl)-benzoic acid (intermediate 3) (2.0 g, 6.1 mmol) in dichloromethane (10 ml) at room temperature. N,N-Dimethylformamide (50 μl) was then added and the resulting mixture heated to 50° C. for 1 h. The solution was then cooled to room temperature and then concentrated in vacuo to leave the title compound (intermediate 4) (2.0 g, 96%) as a beige solid.
EXAMPLE 50
3-(6-Fluoro-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl)-N-(3-methoxy-propyl)-benzamide
[0137]
[0138] 3-Methoxypropylamine (0.026 g, 0.29 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of 3-(6-fluoro-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl)-benzoyl chloride (intermediate 4) (26 mg 0.29 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (2 ml) and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 15 min. Triethylamine (0.2 ml, 1.4 mmol) was then added and the resulting mixture stirred overnight. 1 M Hydrochloric acid (3-4 ml) was added dropwise to precipitate a yellow solid which was filtered and dried under suction to give the amide (79 mg, 0.20 mmol) as a yellow solid, LCMS m/z 395.25 [M+H] + @ R T 1.04 min; δ H (400 MHz, (CD 3 ) 2 SO) 8.59 (1H, m), 8.57 (1H, s), 8.39 (1H, app d J 9.3 Hz), 8.08 (1H, app d J 7.3 Hz), 7.66-7.53 (5H, m), 3.37-3.33 (4H, m), 3.27 (3H, s), 1.83-1.77 (2H, m).
Activity **
EXAMPLE 51
N-Ethyl-3-(6-fluoro-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]-quinolin-2-yl)-benzamide
[0140]
[0141] Prepared by the method of Example 53 substituting ethylamine for 3-methoxypropylamine.
[0142] δ H (400 MHz, (CD 3 ) 2 SO) major rotomer quoted; 8.56 (1H, br s), 8.47 (1H, m), 8.21 (2H, d J 8.5 Hz), 7.94 (2H, d J 8.5 Hz), 3.96 (3H, s), 3.31 (2H, q J 7.3 Hz), 2.58 (3H, s), 1.15 (3H, t J 7.4 Hz).
Activity **
EXAMPLE 52
N-Benzyl-3-(6-fluoro-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]-quinolin-2-yl)-benzamide
[0144]
[0145] Prepared by the method of Example 53 substituting benzylamine for 3-methoxypropylamine.
[0146] LCMS m/z 427.16 [M+H] + @ R T 1.28 min.
Activity *
[0148] Examples 53 to 64 were prepared by the method of example 50, using the appropriate amine.
M.S. Example X R R′ (MH+) Activity 53 6-F CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2 Me 422.5 * 54 6-F CH 2 CH 2l CH 2 N(Me) 2 H 408.4 ** 55 6-F H 420.4 * 56 6-F H 434.4 * 57 6-F H 448.4 ** 58 6-F CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2 H 422.4 ** 59 6-F CH 2 CH 2 OMe H 381.3 ** 60 6-F Et Et 379.3 * 61 6-F CH 2 CO 2 Me H 395.2 * 62 6-F CH 2 CCH H 361.3 ** 63 6-F CH 2 Ph Me 427.2 ** 64 6-F 463.3 *
EXAMPLE 65
N-(3-Dimethylamino propyl)-4-(4-cyclopropyl-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c)quinolin-2-yl]-benzamide
Step 1
2-cyclopropyl-4-oxo-1,4-dihydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester
[0149]
[0150] A solution of 3-cyclopropyl-3-oxo-propionic acid methyl ester (6.2 g, 0.038 mols), 2-amino benzoic acid ethyl ester (4.95 g, 0.03 mols) and p-toluene sulfonic acid (0.04 g, 0.2 mmols) in toluene (25 ml) was heated at 125° C. for 2 h; 15 ml of solvent was then distilled. To the residual orange solution was added sodium ethoxide (2 M, 15 ml) in ethanol (reaction mixture turns red). This red mixture was stirred at 120° C. for 2 h; 15 ml of solvent was again distilled. The reaction mixture was left to cool to room temperature, diluted with ethyl acetate (1 litre), extracted with HCl 0.1 M and water. The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo to leave an orange residue which was washed once with cold ethyl acetate to yield 2-cyclo-propyl-4-oxo-1,4-dihydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (3.87 g, 53%) as an off-white solid. LCMS m/z 244.14 [M+H] + @ R T 0.78 min, 89%, m/z 230.11 [Acid+H] + @ R T 1.27, 11%.
[0151] δ H (400 MHz, (CD 3 ) 2 SO) 11.04 (1 H, s), 8.06 (1 H, dd, J 1 1.1, J 2 8.1), 7.76-7.66 (2 H, m), 7.36 (1 H, td, J 1 1.1, J 2 7.5), 3.89 (3 H, s), 2.16 (1 H, m), 1.18 (4 H, d, J 7.0).
Step 2
4-Chloro-2-cyclopropyl-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester
[0152]
[0153] Phosphorus oxychloride (0.77 ml, 0.082 mols) was added in one portion to a suspension of 2-cyclopropyl-4-oxo-1,4-dihydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (1.0 g, 0.041 mols) in acetonitrile and the mixture was heated at 75° C. for 90 minutes (becomes a clear solution above 65° C.). The resulting light brown solution was poured into saturated sodium bicarbonate (100 ml); the suspension was extracted with ethyl acetate and the combined organic extracts were dried and concentrated in vacuo to leave 4-Chloro-2-cyclopropyl-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (1.15 g, 106%) as an off-white solid. R f (AcOEt)=0.73.
Step 3
4-(4-cyclopropyl-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl)-benzoic acid
[0154]
[0155] 4-Chloro-2-cyclopropyl-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (1.15 g, 0.0041 mols) and 4-hydrazino-benzoic acid (1.0 g, 0.0068 mols) were stirred in ethanol (30 ml) at reflux for 16 h. The bright yellow suspension was diluted with heptane, filtered, washed with cold t-butylmethyl ether and left to dry under suction to yield crude solid containing hydrazine. This solid was suspended in 1 M HCl, filtered, washed with water and then dried in vacuo to yield 4-(4-cyclopropyl-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl)-benzoic acid (1.135 g, 80%) as a yellow solid, LCMS m/z 346.20 [M+H] + @ R T 1.05 min: 96% purity.
[0156] δ H (400 MHz, (CD 3 ) 2 SO) 11.4 (1 H, s), 8.43 (2 H, d, J 8.1), 8.21 (1 H, dd, J 1 1.2, J 2 8.1), 8.07 (2 H, d, J 8.1), 7.92 (1 H, d, J 8.1), 7.67 (1 H, t, J 6.6), 7.52 (1 H, t, J 6.5), 3.43 (1 H, m), 1.59 (2 H, m), 1.43 (2 H, m).
Step 4
4-(4-cyclopropyl-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]-quinolin-2-yl)-benzoyl chloride
[0157]
[0158] To a suspension of finely ground 4-(4-cyclopropyl-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl)-benzoic acid (0.19 g. 0.55 mmol) in dichloromethane (4 ml) was added oxalyl chloride (1.6 ml, 0.01 mol) followed by a drop of dimethyl formamide. The mixture was stirred under nitrogen at 45° C. for 8 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo to yield 4-(4-cyclopropyl-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl)-benzoyl chloride as a pale yellow solid, LCMS m/z [M+MeOH—Cl] + @ R T 1.46 min: 95% purity. Used without further purification.
Step 5
N-(3-Dimethylamino propyl)-4-(4-cyclopropyl-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl]-benzamide
[0159]
[0160] To a partial solution of 4-(4-cyclopropyl-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl)-benzoyl chloride (0.1 g, 0.28 mmol) in tetrahydrofurane (6 ml) under nitrogen was added a solution of 3-dimethylamino-propyl amine (0.03 g, 0.3 mmol) in tetrahydrofurane (3 ml). The mixture was stirred at R T for 3 h. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the yellow solid was washed with a little saturated sodium bicarbonate, water and dried under vacuo to yield N-(3-Dimethylamino propyl)-4-(4-cyclopropyl-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]-quinolin-2-yl]-benzamide (57 mg, 47%) as a yellow solid. LCMS m/z 430.11 [M+H] + @ R T 0.99 min: 100% purity.
Activity ***
Preparation of Intermediate 5
4-(6-Fluoro-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl]-benzoyl chloride
[0162]
[0163] To a suspension of finely ground 4-(6-Fluoro-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl]-benzoic acid (1.1 g. 3.4 mmol) in dichloromethane (6 ml) was added oxalyl chloride (2.4 ml, 29 mmol) followed by a drop of dimethyl formamide. The mixture was stirred under nitrogen at 45° C. for 3 h. The solvent was removed in vacuum to yield 4-(6-Fluoro-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4, 3-c]quinolin-2-yl]-benzoyl chloride (1.15 g, quantitative) as a pale yellow solid that was used without further purification.
EXAMPLE 66
N-(3-Dimethylamino propyl)-4-(6-fluoro-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl]-benzamide hydrochloride
[0164]
[0165] To a partial solution of 4-(6-Fluoro-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl]-benzoyl chloride (0.1 g, 0.3 mmol) in tetrahydrofurane (5 ml) under nitrogen was added a solution of 3-dimethylamino-propyl amine (0.03 g, 0.3 mmol) in tetrahydrofurane. The mixture was stirred at rt for 90 minutes. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the yellow solid was purified via FCC silica gel (gradient elution, MeOH:H 2 O, Fluka C 18 reverse phase) to yield N-(3-Dimethylamino propyl)-4-(6-fluoro-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl]-benzamide hydrochloride (70 mg, 53%) as a yellow solid.
[0166] LCMS m/z 408.39 [M+H] + @ R T 0.89 min: 90% purity.
Activity ***
EXMAPLES 67-141
Were Prepared Analogously From the Appropriate Benzoyl Chloride and the Appropriate Amine
[0168]
M.S.
Example
X
Z
W
R
R′
(MH+)
Activity
67
6-F
H
H
—CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 —
391.3
**
68
6-F
H
H
—CH 2 Phenyl
H
413.2
***
69
6-F
H
H
—CH 2 Phenyl
Me
427.3
**
70
6-F
H
H
—CH 2 CH 2 OMe
H
381.2
***
71
6-F
H
H
—CH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2
H
394.3
***
72
6-F
H
H
—CH 2 CO 2 Me
H
395.3
***
73
6-F
H
H
—CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 OMe
H
395.2
***
74
6-F
H
H
—CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2
H
408.3
***
75
6-F
H
H
H
431.3
**
76
6-F
H
H
H
419.2
**
77
6-F
H
H
Et
H
351.2
***
78
6-F
H
H
Et
Et
379.3
**
79
6-F
H
H
H
420.4
***
80
6-F
H
H
—CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2
Me
422.4
***
81
6-F
H
H
—CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2
H
422.4
***
82
6-F
H
H
H
448.5
***
83
6-F
H
H
H
434.4
***
84
6-F
H
H
H
525.3
***
85
6-F
H
H
—CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2
H
450.3
***
86
H
H
H
—CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2
H
390.2
***
87
H
H
H
—CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2
H
432.1
**
88
H
H
H
—CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Et) 2
H
432.2
**
89
H
H
H
—CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2
Me
404.2
**
90
6-F
H
2—Cl
—CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2
H
442.1
**
91
H
H
H
H
416.1
**
92
H
H
H
H
573.0
**
93
H
H
H
H
445.1
**
94
H
H
H
H
507.1
**
95
6-F
H
H
H
591.0
***
96
H
H
—CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2
H
430.1
***
97
6-F
H
H
H
464.1
***
98
6-F
H
H
H
463.1
***
99
6-F
H
3—Cl
H
482.1
**
100
6-F
H
2—Cl
H
497.1
**
102
6-F
H
2—Cl
—CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Et) 2
H
484.1
**
103
6-F
H
3—Cl
—CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2
H
442.1
**
104
H
H
H
470.4
***
105
6-F
H
H
516.3
*
106
6-F
H
H
H
470.3
***
107
6-F
H
H
—CH 2 CH 2 N(iPr) 2
H
451.4
***
108
6-F
H
2—Cl
H
496.2
**
109
6-F
H
H
H
456.1
***
110
6-F
H
2—Cl
—CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2
H
456.1
**
111
6-F
H
H
406.2
**
112
6-F
H
H
H
462.1
***
113
6-F
H
H
H
436.1
***
114
6-F
H
H
H
434.4
***
115
6-F
H
H
H
476.1
***
116
6-F
H
H
H
496.1
***
117
6-F
H
H
H
436.3
***
118
6-F
H
H
H
462.3
***
119
6-F
H
H
H
428.1
**
120
6-F
H
H
—CH 2 CH 2 SEt
H
411.3
***
121
6-F
H
H
H
448.3
**
122
6-F
H
H
H
431.3
***
123
6-F
H
H
H
434.3
**
124
6-F
H
H
—CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Et) 2
H
450.4
***
125
6-F
H
H
536.1
***
126
6-F
H
H
516.2
***
127
6-F
H
H
H
428.3
*
128
6-F
H
H
—CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 SMe
H
411.3
**
129
H
H
H
498.5
***
130
6-F
H
H
488.4
***
131
6-F
H
H
H
446.3
***
132
6-F
H
—CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2
H
448.2
***
133
6-F
H
H
502.3
***
134
6-F
H
H
486.3
***
135
6-F
H
—CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Et) 2
H
490.3
***
136
6-F
H
H
546.2
**
137
6-F
H
H
631.2
***
138
6-F
H
H
468.2
**
139
6-F
H
H
468.2
*
140
6-F
H
H
476.2
***
141
6-F
H
H
474.3
***
EXAMPLE 142
{3-[4-(6-Fluoro-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-2-yl)-phenyl]-ureido}acetic acid ethyl ester
[0169]
[0170] Ethyl cyanatoacetate (31 mg, 0.24 mmol) was added in one portion to a stirred solution of 2-(4-aminophenyl)-6-fluoro-2,5-dihydropyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-3-one (intermediate 2) (50 mg, 0.17 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (2 ml) and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 16 h. Water (1 ml) was then added to the mixture to precipitate a solid, which was filtered, washed with water (1 ml) and then ethyl acetate (1 ml) and finally dried by suction to leave the urea as a yellow solid, LCMS m/z 424.40 [M+H] + @ R T 1.06 min.
Activity ***
EXAMPLES 143 and 144
[0172]
Example 143
LCMS m/z 438.41 [M + H ]+ @ RT 1.13 min.
Activity **
Example 144
LCMS m/z 514.46 [M + H ]+ @ RT 1.35 min.
Activity *
[0173] The following compounds were synthesised by the method of Example 142, substituting the appropriate isocyanate, isothiocyanate or chloroformate for ethyl cyanatoacetate.
M.S. Example X Z Y R A (MH +) Activity 144 6-F H O iPr NH 380.3 *** 145 6-F H O nPr NH 380.3 *** 146 6-F H O tBu NH 394.4 *** 147 6-F H O Ph NH 414.3 ** 148 6-F H S NH 394.3 ** 149 6-F H S NH 436.4 * 150 6-F H O tBu O 395.3 *** 151 6-F H O Et O 367.2 ** 152 6-F H O CH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2 O 410.2 *** 153 H O Me O 375.3 ** 154 6-F H O CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2 O 424.1 *** 155 6-F H O O 512.3 ** 156 6-F H S nPentyl NH 424.4 ** 157 6-F H S CH(CH 3 )CH(CH 3 )CH 3 NH 424.4 ** 158 6-F H O CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Et) 2 NH 465.4 *** 159 H H O nPr NH 362.3 *** 160 H H S NH 376.1 ** 161 6-F H O CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2 NH 423.3 *** 162 H H O NH 434.5 *** 163 6-F H O CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2 NH 437.2 *** 164 6-F H O NH 463.5 ***
Intermediate 6: Preparation of methyl 4-oxothiochromane-3-carboxylate
[0174]
[0175] Dry tetrahydrofuran (60 ml) was cooled under nitrogen atmosphere to −50 to −60° C. 1M Lithium bis(trimethylsily)amide solution in hexane (56 ml, 56 mmol) was added. The temperature was kept at −50 to −60° C. and thiochroman-4-one was added dropwise over 20 min. Stirring was continued at low temperature for 60 min. Methyl cyanoformate (4.84 ml, 60.9 mmol) was added dropwise over 5 min to the reaction mixture. The obtained suspension was stirred at −50 to −60° C. for 80 min and then allowed to warm up to room temperature. Saturated ammonium chloride solution (100 ml) was added. The phases were separated, the aqueous phase extracted with ethyl acetate (2×100 ml). The combined organic phases were washed with water (50 ml), dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentrated under vacuum. An orange oil was obtained and purified by column chromatography. The title compound was isolated as a yellow solid (4.70 g, 21.1 mmol, 42%). LCMS: m/z 221 [M−H] + .
Intermediate 7: Preparation of 4-(3-Oxo-3a,4-dihydro-3H-thiochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazol-2-yl)-benzoic acid
[0176]
[0177] 4-Oxothiochromane-3-carboxylate (0.50 g, 2.25 mmol) and hydrazinobenzoic acid (0.377 g, 2.48 mmol) were mixed in acetic acid (6 ml). The mixture was heated to reflux for 30 min. Excess acetic acid was distilled off to give a brown oil. Diethylether was added, a precipitate formed which was collected by filtration and dried under vacuum. The crude product was isolated as a red/brown solid (797 mg). LCMS: m/z 325 [M+H] + . No purification was carried out.
Intermediate 8: Preparation of 4-(3-oxothiochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazol-2(3H)-yl)benzoic acid
[0178]
[0179] Crude 4-(3-Oxo-3a,4-dihydro-3H-thiochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazol-2-yl)-benzoic acid (250 mg, 0.77 mmol) was dissolved in dimethyl sulphoxide (6 ml). O-Chloranil (189 mg, 0.77 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Water (20 ml) was added and the solids were collected by filtration and washed with water. The filter cake was triturated with toluene, filtered and dried under vacuum. The title compound was isolated as a dark brown solid (230 mg, 0.71 mmol, 92%). LCMS: m/z 323 [M+H] +
[0180] Alternatively crude 4-(3-Oxo-3a,4-dihydro-3H-thiochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazol-2-yl)-benzoic acid can be stirred in dimethyl sulphoxide under exposure to air. It was found that air oxidation provides clean product, however the reaction is much slower.
EXAMPLE 165
Preparation of N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-4-(3-oxothiochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazol-2(3H)-yl)benzamide
[0181]
[0182] 4-(3-oxothiochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazol-2(3H)-yl)benzoic acid (55 mg, 0.17 mmol) was suspended in anhydrous dimethyl acetamide (1 ml). Diisopropyl-ethyl amine (46.5 mg, 0.36 mmol, 62μl) was added followed by 3-dimethylaminopropylamine (17.5 mg, 0.17 mmol) and [(benzotriazol-1-yloxy)-dimethylamino-methylene]-dimethyl-ammonium hexafluoro phosphate (65 mg, 0.17 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 h and was purified by preparative HPLC. The title compound was isolated as a brown solid. LCMS: m/z 407 [M+H] +
Activity **
EXAMPLE 166
Preparation of N-[(cyclohexylamino)propyl]-4-(3-oxothiochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazol-2(3H)-yl)benzamide
[0184]
[0185] The reaction was carried out as described above. LCMS: m/z 461 [M+H] +
Activity ***
EXAMPLE 167
Preparation of N-(pyrrolidin-1-yl-butyl)-4-(3-oxothiochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazol-2(3H)-yl)benzamide
[0187]
[0188] The reaction was carried out as described above. LCMS: m/z 447 [M+H] +
Activity *
EXAMPLE 168
Preparation of 4-(3-oxothiochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazol-2(3H)-yl)-N-1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidin-4-ylbenzamide
[0190]
[0191] The reaction was carried out as described above. LCMS: m/z 475 [M+H] +
Activity **
Intermediate 9: Preparation of 3-[(2-fluorophenyl)sulfanyl]propanoic acid
[0193]
[0194] 2-Fluorothiophenol (5.0 g, 39 mmol) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (50 ml) under a nitrogen atmosphere. Triethylamine (3.94 g, 5.33 ml, 85.8 mmol) was added. Acrylic acid (2.81 g, 2.67 ml, 39 mmol) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran and added dropwise to the reaction solution over 2 h at room temperature. The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. 1M Hydrochloric acid (50 ml) was added and the phases were separated. The aqueous phase was washed with ethyl acetate (2×50 ml). The combined organic phases were dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentrated under vacuum. A yellow oil was obtained which solidified upon storage at room temperature. The solid was triturated with hexane, filtered and dried under vacuum. The title compound was isolated as an off-white solid (4.19 g, 20.9 mmol, 54%).
Intermediate 10: Preparation of 8-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-4H-thiochromen-4-one
[0195]
[0196] 3-[(2-Fluorophenyl)sulfanyl]propanoic acid (4.0 g, 20 mmol) was mixed with concentrated sulphuric acid (20 ml) at 0-5° C. The reaction solution was stirred at 0 to 5° C. for 3 h then allowed to warm up to room temperature overnight. The mixture was quenched dropwise into ice to give a white suspension. The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (1×200 ml, 1×100 ml). The combined organic phases were washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (1×50 ml), water (1×50 ml), 1M hydrochloric acid (50 ml) and water (2×50 ml). The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentrated under vacuum. The title compound was isolated as a yellow solid (2.10 g, 11.5 mmol, 58%).
Intermediate 11: Preparation of methyl 8-fluoro-4-oxothiochromane-3-carboxylate
[0197]
[0198] 1M Lithium hexamethyldisilazide solution in hexane (13.2 ml) was dissolved in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (20 ml) under nitrogen atmosphere. The solution was cooled to −78° C. 8-Fluoro-2,3-dihydro-4H-thiochromen-4-one (2.00 g, 11 mmol) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (40 ml), the solution was transferred to the dropping funnel and added dropwise over 30 min to the reaction mixture maintaining the temperature below −60° C. An orange clear solution was obtained which was stirred at −78° C. to −65° C. for 2 h. Methyl cyanoformate (0.935 g, 0.87 ml) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (2 ml) and added dropwise to the reaction solution. Stirring was continued at low temperature for 1 h, the mixture was then allowed to warm to room temperature. Saturated ammonium chloride solution (20 ml) and water (10 ml) were added, the phases mixed for 5 min and separated. The aqueous phase was washed with ethyl acetate (2×100 ml) and the combined organic phases were dried over magnesium sulphate. The mixture was filtered and the solvent removed under vacuum to give an orange oil. The crude oil was purified by column chromatography; mobile phase: hexanes, gradient to hexanes/ethyl acetate [90:10]. The title compound was isolated as a yellow solid (1.19 g, 4.95 mmol, 45%).
Intermediate 12: Preparation of 4-(6-fluoro-3-oxothiochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazol-2(3H)-yl)benzoic acid
[0199]
[0200] Methyl 8-fluoro-4-oxothiochromane-3-carboxylate (1.19 g, 4.95 mmol) and 4-hydrazinobenzoic acid (755 mg, 4.95 mmol) were mixed with glacial acetic acid (10 ml). The mixture was heated to reflux for 4 h. Excess acetic acid was removed under vacuum to give an orange oil. Ethyl acetate (10 ml) was added and the mixture sonicated. Precipitation of an orange solid was observed. The solids were collected by filtration and washed with ethyl acetate. The filter cake was taken up in dimethyl suphoxide (10 ml) and air-oxidised at room temperature for one week. Water (20 ml) was added to the reaction mixture, the solids were collected by filtration, slurried in ethyl acetate, filtered and dried under vacuum. The title compound was isolated as an orange powder (175 mg, 0.51 mmol, 10%). LCMS: m/z 341.
EXAMPLE 169
Preparation of N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-4-(6-fluoro-3-oxothiochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazol-2(3H)-yl)benzamide
[0201]
[0202] 4-(6-Fluoro-3-oxothiochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazol-2(3H)-yl)benzoic acid (41 mg, 0.12 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous dimethyl-acetamide(1 ml). Diisopropyl-ethyl amine (46 mg, 0.36 mmol, 62 μl) was added followed by [(benzotriazol-1-yloxy)-dimethylamino-methylene]-dimethyl-ammonium hexafluoro phosphate (65 mg, 0.17 mmol) and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine (12 mg, 0.12 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and purified by preparative HPLC. The title compound was isolated as a brown solid. LCMS: m/z 425 [M+H] +.
Activity **
EXAMPLE 170
Preparation of N-[(cyclohexylamino)propyl]-4-(6-fluoro-3-oxothiochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazol-2(3H)-yl)benzamide
[0204]
[0205] The reaction was carried out as described above. LCMS: m/z 479 [M+H] + .
Activity **
EXAMPLE 171
Preparation of N-(pyrrolidin-1-yl-butyl)-4-(6-fluoro-3-oxothiochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazol-2(3H)-yl)benzamide
[0207]
[0208] The reaction was carried out as described above. LCMS: m/z 465 [M+H] + .
Activity ***
EXAMPLE 173
Preparation of 4-(6-fluoro-3-oxothiochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazol-2(3H)-yl)-N-1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidin-4-ylbenzamide
[0210]
[0211] The reaction was carried out as described above. LCMS: m/z 493 [M+H] +
Activity ***
Assay Section
[0213] The examples described above were tested in a cell free Homogenous Time Resolved Fluorescence (HTRF) assay to determine their activity as inhibitors of the CD80-CD28 interaction.
[0214] In the assay, europium and allophycocyanin (APC) are associated with CD28 and CD80 indirectly (through antibody linkers) to form a complex, which brings the europium and APC into close proximity to generate a signal. The complex comprises the following six proteins: fluorescent label 1, linker antibody 1, CD28 fusion protein, CD80 fusion protein, linker antibody 2, and fluorescent label 2. The table below describes these reagents in greater detail.
Fluorescent Anti-Rabbit IgG labelled with Europium label 1 (1 μg/ml) Linker Rabbit IgG specific for mouse Fc antibody 1 fragment (3 μg/ml) CD28 fusion CD28 - mouse Fc fragment fusion protein protein (0.48 μg/ml) CD80 fusion CD80 mouse Fab fragment (C215) fusion protein protein (1.9 μg/ml) Linker GαMκ-biotin: biotinylated goat IgG antibody 2 specific for mouse kappa chain (2 μg/ml) Fluorescent SA-APC: streptavidin labelled label 2 allophycocyanin (8 μg/ml)
[0215] On formation of the complex, europium and APC are brought into proximity and a signal is generated.
[0216] Non-specific interaction was measured by substituting a mouse Fab fragment (C215) for the CD80 mouse Fab fragment fusion protein (1.9 μg/ml). The assay was carried out in black 384 well plates in a final volume of 30μl. Assay buffer: 50 mM Tris-HCl, 150 mM NaCl pH 7.8, containing 0.1% BSA (w/v) added just prior to use.
[0217] Compounds were added to the above reagents in a concentration series ranging between 100 μM-1.7 nM. The reaction was incubated for 4 hours at room temperature. Dual measurements were made using a Wallac Victor 1420 Multilabel Counter. First measurement: excitation 340 nm, emission 665 nm, delay 50 μs, window time 200 μs. second measurement: excitation 340 nm, emission 615 nm, delay 50 μs, window time 200 μs. Counts were automatically corrected for fluorescence crossover, quenching and background.
[0218] By way of illustration, the EC 50 results for the compounds of Examples 15, 21, 29, 35 and 83 were 8 μM, 1.9 μM, 950 nM, 148 nM and 90 nM respectively. For convenience, the EC50 activities of compounds tested are recorded above in summary form as:
EC50: *=>10 μM, **=1-10 μM, ***=<1 μM. | The present invention relates to novel heterocyclic compounds, to methods for their preparation, to compositions containing them, and to methods and use for clinical treatment of medical conditions which may benefit from immunomodulation, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, asthma, transplantation, systemic lupus erythematosis and psoriasis. More particularly the present invention relates to novel heterocyclic compounds, which are CD80 antagonists capable of inhibiting the interactions between CD80 and CD28. | 2 |
REFERENCE TO EARLIER FILED APPLICATIONS
This application is a 371 national phase of PCT/US2014/068873, filed Dec. 5, 2014, and claims priority to of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/963,505 filed on Dec. 5, 2013, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of biomass processing, and more particularly to the field of methods and compositions for breaking glycosidic bonds in cellulosic materials.
BACKGROUND
Cellulose is an abundant bio renewable polymer derived from biomass and is composed of individual monomer glucose units chemically bound together. Glucose monomers (but not cellulose, itself) are a valuable resource for producing biofuels such as ethanol and other liquid transportation fuels. Glucose monomers also can be used to efficiently produce electricity in an alkaline fuel cell. In order to capitalize on the promise of glucose to produce transportation fuels and to generate electricity for commercial use, it is essential to produce individual glucose units from the complex cellulose biopolymer. There exists in the art, therefore, an abundant need to find alternative, efficient means for breaking natural polymeric materials derived from biomass into monomeric units.
Once monomeric glucose and other monomeric carbohydrates are obtained, they are used to produce ethanol by known industrial processes to meet the needs of the transportation sector and reduce the use of petroleum products for this purpose. Generation of electricity from bio renewable glucose via the above process will make electrical generation from biomass a feasible process.
Glucose is currently used on a large scale to produce ethanol as part of a strategy to reduce dependence on petroleum as a transportation fuel. Furan-based fuels derived from carbohydrates are also being investigated for the same purpose. Recent developments also have shown that carbohydrates can be used to efficiently generate electricity using alkaline fuel cells. The promise of using abundant biomass components to replace petroleum for transportation purposes and for the production of electricity is clearly important. However, current agricultural methods for producing glucose for the above processes will soon face serious availability problems, as glucose use for fuel and electricity will compete with glucose for food production.
The production of ethanol from glucose for use as a transportation fuel will reduce dependence on fossil fuel-derived products for transportation. The major use will be in the transportation sector. In addition, using glucose derived from renewable biomass for large-scale commercial electrical production using glucose fuel cells will minimize greenhouse gas production, which in turn will lower atmospheric pollution.
The long-term solution for energy production from carbohydrates lies in converting cellulose and hemicellulose from biomass into their substituent monomeric units, typically carbohydrates. Both cellulose and hemicellulose are abundant in biomass. The problem is that no economically feasible processes are presently available for cellulose and hemicellulose conversion into their substituent carbohydrates. In order to capitalize on the promise of using biomass components for energy production, new and economically feasible methods must be found for producing carbohydrate monomers from cellulose and hemicellulose derived from biomass.
The U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is involved in a variety of programs to produce glucose from cellulose. For the most part, these programs focus on physical methods (steam explosion, fine grinding, etc.) to produce glucose from the cellulose polymer. In addition, they employ harsh chemical treatments such as high temperature and high acid and base hydrolysis procedures. While these processes currently produce glucose in varying amounts, they are currently not economically competitive, they require harsh conditions and chemicals, and significant decomposition of the product glucose occurs.
Other processes use enzymes derived from fungi, bacteria and yeast to degrade cellulose to glucose but they are slow and expensive processes and are currently not economically viable. Thus, although chemical means to break the glycosidic bond have been investigated, there remains a need in the art to obtain alternative processes that that efficiently produce glucose and other monomeric units from biomass.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, a process for generating monomeric carbohydrates from a biomass feedstock is disclosed, including providing a biomass feedstock stream having one or more of cellulose, hemicellulose, amylose, maltodextrin, and mixtures of the same; and contacting the aqueous feed stock with a pentacyanocobaltate(II) anion catalyst having the formula [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− to produce a product stream comprising at least one monomeric carbohydrate.
In some embodiments, the pentacyanocobaltate(II) anion is provided as metal or ammonium salt, wherein the metal if present excludes cesium. In some embodiments, the metal of the metal salt is selected from alkaline and alkaline earth metals. In some embodiments, the ammonium salt is (NH 4 + ) 3 [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− . In some embodiments, the catalyst is mounted to a solid support.
In some embodiments, the feedstock is provided in water (aqueous). In some embodiments, the feedstock is provided in dimethylformamide. In some embodiments, the feedstock is provided in dimethylsulfoxide.
In some embodiments, the catalyst is prepared in a non-aqueous solvent to form a dimer having the formula {[Co(CN) 5 ] 3− } 2 M 6 6+ where M is cation. In some embodiments, M is selected from one of sodium and potassium. The solid can be isolated and added to an aqueous, biomass feedstock stream. In some embodiments, the non-aqueous solvent is methanol.
In some embodiments, the process also includes providing a ligand to the catalyst. In some embodiments, the ligand is anionic chloride.
In some embodiments, the catalyst breaks glycosidic bonds. In some embodiments, the glycosidic bond is selected from an α-1,4 glycosidic bond and a β-1, 4 glycosidic bond. In some embodiments, the glycosidic bond is an α-1,4 glycosidic bond. In some embodiments, the glycosidic bond is an β-1,4 glycosidic bond.
In some embodiments, the process also includes maintaining a pH greater than about 5. In some embodiments, the process includes maintaining a pH greater than about 7. In some embodiments, the process includes maintaining a pH greater than about 9.
In some embodiments, the process includes generating hydrogen gas. In some embodiments, the process includes maintaining a temperature of the aqueous feedstock at or below about 5° C.
In some embodiments, the process includes activating the biomass feedstock. In some embodiments, the biomass is derived from one or more of: switch grass, xylan, and mixtures of the same.
In some embodiments, the process also includes applying an electrical potential to the product stream. In some embodiments, the process is carried out under an inert atmosphere.
In some embodiments, the monomeric carbohydrate is selected from glucose, galactose, xylose, mannose, arabinose, rhamnose, and mixtures of the same. In some embodiments, the process also includes converting the one or more monomeric carbohydrates into ethanol. In some embodiments, the biomass feedstock is from pulp derived from biomass, waste material, recycled material, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the biomass feedstock is from short rotation forestry, industrial wood waste, forest residue, agricultural residue, energy crops, industrial wastewater, municipal wastewater, paper, cardboard, fabrics and combinations thereof.
In another aspect, a composition is disclosed which includes biomass having one or more of cellulose, hemicellulose, amylose, maltodextrin, and mixtures of the same; pentacyanocobaltate(II) anion catalyst having the formula [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− ; and water.
In some embodiments, the pentacyanocobaltate(II) anion catalyst includes at least one counterion that is a metal or ammonium cation; wherein the metal if present excludes cesium. In some embodiments, the metal is selected from alkaline and alkaline earth metals. In some embodiments, the composition also includes a ligand. In some embodiments, the ligand is anionic chloride.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a plot of the molar concentration of cellobiose and glucose in a 2:1 ratio of [CO(CN) 5 ] 3− with cellobiose per unit of time using one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a plot of the observed molar concentration of maltose and glucose in a 2:1 ratio of [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− with maltose per unit of time using one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Definitions
As used herein the specification, “a” or “an” may mean one or more. As used herein in the claim(s), when used in conjunction with the word “comprising”, the words “a” or “an” may mean one or more than one. The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or composition that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more steps or elements possesses those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, a step of a method or an element of a device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features.
Throughout this application, the term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the standard deviation of error for the device or method being employed to determine the value.
The term “cellulosic biomass” as used herein refers to the fibrous, woody, and generally inedible portions of plants and in particular refers to cellulose-containing material that is from living or recently living organisms. The skilled artisan recognizes that cellulose is an organic compound with the formula HO—[C 6 H 10 O 5 ] n —H, and constituted by polysaccharides comprising linear chains of several hundred to over ten thousand β-(1,4) linked D-glucose units, interconnected by hydrogen bond network.
The term “cellulosic biomass material” as used herein refers to matter that is comprised of cellulosic or any subcomponents of cellulose or starch or monosaccharides or disaccharides or polysaccharides. Cellulosic biomass starting materials that may be utilized include cellulose, starch, lignin, bagasse, grass, glucose, fructose, cellobiose and sucrose. Exemplary sources of cellulosic biomass include agricultural plant wastes, plant wastes from industrial processes (sawdust, paper pulp), or crops grown specifically for fuel production, such as switchgrass and poplar trees, for example.
The processes described herein readily produce glucose from cellobiose, hemicellulose and cellulose. The process described herein demonstrate that glucose and other monomeric units can be obtained from biomass such as cellulose using [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− .
The present invention describes a chemical process that carries out the breaking of the glycosidic bond that connects the individual glucose units in the cellulose polymer, thereby, producing monomeric glucose. The reaction occurs at room temperature and in water solution. The compound causing the cellulose-breakdown reaction is a metal complex formed between earth-abundant Co 2+ and NaCN by the reaction Co 2+ +5 CN′→[Co(CN) 5 ] 3− . The reaction of [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− with cellobiose, which is the simplest structure that contains a single glycosidic bond and is used as a model reaction for cellulose breakdown, produces nearly complete glycosidic bond breakage under the conditions used. The reaction with cellulose also causes glycosidic bond breakage in cellulose, producing glucose as a product and larger breakdown products of cellulose. In addition to glucose formation, the [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− catalyst can concomitantly produces hydrogen gas (H 2 ), which is also a valuable potential fuel.
The process we describe uses inexpensive components, is carried out at room temperature in water solution and produces glucose without degradation. In addition the process that we describe is rapid and occurs within minutes. Under these conditions, the product should be easily separated or, very importantly, can be used without expensive separation and purification.
The invention does not require complex chemical processes, occurs under mild conditions and should easily be scaled to large-scale production.
Catalyst
Pentacyanocobaltate (II) is an O 2 -sensitive, d 7 low-spin, inorganic free radical formed by Reaction 1: Co 2+ +5 CN′→[Co(CN) 5 ] 3− . Because it is an anion, it may form ionic bonds with various cations including alkaline metals including lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and francium (Li + , Na + , K + , Rb + , Fr + ); alkaline earth metals including beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium (Be 2+ , Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , Sr 2+ , Ba 2+ , Ra 2+ ) transition metals and post-transition metals in their various oxidation states; and ammonium ions such as NH 4 + .
Also, because the catalyst is a anion, it may also be partially protonated with between 1 and 3 hydrogen atoms (Fr) depending upon the pH environment. As a result, the participation of any metal counterions may also be affected by the same pH environment and degree of protonation.
Because the catalyst is oxygen sensitive, reactions to degrade glycosidic bonds should be carried out under atmospheric conditions that exclude oxygen such as inert atmospheres (e.g. noble gases like argon or nitrogen) or reductive atmospheres like hydrogen.
Solvent
The disclosed reaction with the catalyst may be carried out in a solvent such as water, dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), and mixtures of the same. In some embodiments, the solvent is water. In some embodiments, the solvent is DMF. In some embodiments, the solvent is DMSO.
Glycosidic Bonds and Biomass Materials
Glycosidic bonds are a type of covalent bond that joins a carbohydrate (sugar) molecule to another group, which may or may not be another carbohydrate. For example, a glycosidic bond is formed between the hemiacetal or hemiketal group of a saccharide (or a molecule derived from a saccharide) and the hydroxyl group of some compound such as an alcohol. A substance containing a glycosidic bond is a glycoside. Thus, a broad array of carbohydrates incorporated in biomass materials may be suitable for degradation into monomeric units by cleavage of the glycosidic bonds.
Cellulose is an organic compound with the formula (C 6 H 10 O 5 ) n , a polysaccharide consisting of a linear chain of several hundred to many thousands of β(1→4) linked D-glucose units. Cellulose is an important structural component of the primary cell wall of green plants, many forms of algae and the oomycetes. Some species of bacteria secrete it to form biofilms. Cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer on Earth. For example, the cellulose content of cotton fiber is 90% and that of wood is 40-50%.
Cellobiose is the simplest complex carbohydrate that contains only one glycosidic bond. Cellobiose, therefore, can be used as a model complex carbohydrate for evaluating glycosidic bond breakage. Cellobiose consists of two glucose units connected by β-1-4 glycosidic bond.
Hemicellulose (also known as polyose) is any of several heteropolymers (matrix polysaccharides), such as arabinoxylans, present along with cellulose in almost all plant cell walls. While cellulose is crystalline, strong, and resistant to hydrolysis, hemicellulose has a random, amorphous structure with little strength. A common polymeric subunit for hemicellulose is (xylose-β(1,4)-mannose-β(1,4)-glucose-α(1,3)-galactose).
The reaction of cellobiose with [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− causes immediate breakage of the glycosidic bond under conditions of room temperature and in water solution. In general, the procedure used to break down cellobiose includes dissolving cellobiose and an appropriate amount of a cyanide source (e.g. NaCN) with cobalt 2+ (i.e. NaCN/Co 2+ =5-6) in an anaerobic water solution followed by adding an anaerobic Co 2+ solution. The mixture is then vigorously stirred. Under these conditions, [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− rapidly forms and initiates the breakage of the glycosidic bond in cellobiose, resulting in a rapid released of glucose.
A similar procedure is followed using hemicellulose and cellulose in place of cellobiose. In these latter cases, both are insoluble in water and it is necessary to conduct the reaction as a rapidly stirred suspension of the two insoluble polymers. As with cellobiose, very rapid release of glucose (from cellulose) and other sugars (from hemicellulose) is observed upon [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− formation. However, in the case of cellulose, hydrogen gas evolution can occur simultaneously with glucose formation. Formation of glucose from cellulose was the desired reaction but the production of hydrogen gas was found to compete with glucose formation and lower its production. However, hydrogen gas is a valuable chemical product that can be used as a fuel for hydrogen-fuel cells to produce electricity and, while its formation detracts from glucose formation, its formation by this process is also a valuable product. Hemicellulose reacts in a similar manner as cellulose, but generally less hydrogen gas is produced. Alteration of conditions can be used to adjust the amount of the two products produced from cellulose and to favor the desired product for a given application.
Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the reaction of the glycosidic bond in cellobiose follows a reactivity trend described in Reaction 2: 2[Co(CN) 5 ] 3− +ROH=[Co(CN) 5 —OR] 3− +[Co(CN) 5 —H] 3− (where R═H or an optionally substituted alkyl group).
Biomass Sources
In one embodiment, biomass feedstock to the process includes cellulose. Cellulose is a large renewable resource having a variety of attractive sources, such as residue from agricultural production or waste from forestry or forest products. Since cellulose cannot be digested by humans, using cellulose as a feedstock does not take from our food supply. Furthermore, cellulose can be a low cost waste type feedstock material which is converted herein to high value products and renewable, convenient, and cost-effective energy sources. In one embodiment, the feedstock to the process includes hemicellulose.
The cellulose containing feedstock may be derived from sources such as biomass, pulp derived from biomass, waste material, recycled material. Examples include short rotation forestry, industrial wood waste, forest residue, agricultural residue, energy crops, industrial wastewater, municipal wastewater, paper, cardboard, fabrics and combinations thereof. Multiple materials may be used as co-feedstocks. With respect to biomass, the feedstock may be whole biomass including lignin and hemicellulose, treated biomass where the cellulose is at least partially depolymerized, or where the ligin, hemicellulose, or both have been at least partially removed from the whole biomass.
The biomass source may from, for example, corn including corn stalk that is a good source of amylose.
Pretreatment of the feedstock may be performed in order to facilitate transporting and processing of the feedstock. Suitable pretreatment operations may include sizing, drying, grinding, hot water treatment, steam treatment, hydrolysis, pyrolysis, thermal treatment, chemical treatment, biological treatment, catalytic treatment, and combinations thereof. Sizing, grinding or drying may result in solid particles of a size that may be flowed or moved through a continuous process using a liquid or gas flow, or mechanical means. An example of a chemical treatment is mild acid hydrolysis, an example of catalytic treatment is catalytic hydrolysis, catalytic hydrogenation, or both, and an example of biological treatment is enzymatic hydrolysis. Hot water treatment, steam treatment, thermal treatment, chemical treatment, biological treatment, or catalytic treatment may result in lower molecular weight saccharides and depolymerized lignins that are more easily transported as compared to the untreated cellulose. Suitable pretreatment techniques are known in the art (see US 2002/0059991, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).
EXAMPLES
Three types of cellulose samples were used: Two separate lots of Watman fibrous CF11 powdered cellulose and cotton cellulose fibers from Sigma. CoCl 2 .6H 2 O and NaCN were from Aldrich. All reactions utilizing [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− were conducted under anaerobic conditions (Ar, N 2 ) in aqueous solution at a CN—/Co ratio of 5.0-6.0. The reactions with the various carbohydrates were initiated at 23 or 50° C. by first dissolving (suspending) the carbohydrate and NaCN in 1.0 mL of degassed water. The solution was vigorously stirred and Co 2+ (1-3 mL of 0.05-0.60 M) was added to form [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− . Samples were removed at various times and the glucose concentration was measured by mass spectrometry (Agilent LC/MSD TOF 6210), liquid chromatography (Agilent 1100 LC-RI) and by a glucose kit from Megazyme. Glucose, cellobiose, cellotriose and cellotetrose standards were run in 0.025 M NaCl to identify the MS and LC position of these and other oligo carbohydrates.
Cellobiose Reactivity
The relative proportions of cellobiose and glucose during the reaction of cellobiose with [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− in aqueous solution at 50° C. is shown in FIG. 1 . The initial ratio of [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− to available glycosidic bonds in cellobiose is 2. The cellobiose concentration goes to zero and the glucose concentration reaches a maximum in 12 hours but only 15% of that expected from complete cellobiose hydrolysis is observed. These results suggest that glucose is initially bound to cobalt and then slowly released.
The anionic cobalt species were bound to an anion exchange resin, washed with water to remove any free glucose and eluted with 5.0 M NaCl. An additional 10-15% of the expected glucose from the initial cellobiose concentration was eluted. Running the reaction in 1.0 M NaCl increased glucose concentration 5-7 times that shown in FIG. 2 and supports the view that glucose is initially bound to cobalt. Infrared (IR) spectra of the evaporated reaction mixture showed strong IR bands due to cobalt-bound cyanide and other bands due to carbohydrate; some of the latter were shifted from the glucose control. Proton NMR showed slightly broadened carbohydrate resonances, some shifted from the glucose control. Mass spectrometry has not yet demonstrated the presence of a cobalt-glucose species, which is inferred from the above results. The results are consistent with nearly complete breakage of the glycosidic β-1-4 bond of cellobiose with formation of a cobalt-glucose species.
At exposure times greater than 12 hours, the cellobiose concentration increases slightly and the glucose concentration decreases, suggesting catalysis of the reverse reaction. This is confirmed by reacting [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− with glucose and measuring (MS and LC) small amounts of cellobiose and trace amounts of larger oligosaccharides.
Cellulose Reactivity
The reaction of cellulose was observed by forming [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− in an anaerobic aqueous suspension of rapidly stirred cellulose. Samples were removed for carbohydrate analysis and after a reaction interval of about 1-5 hours, the solution was centrifuged, the unreacted cellulose washed with water, dried and weighed. The amount of cellulose undergoing solubilization was dependent on the [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− /cellulose ratio, with low ratios (0.015 mMol Co/100 mg cellulose) giving 5-10% cellulose solubilization and higher ratios (1.2 mMol Co/100 mg cellulose) giving up to 35% solubilization. However, LC and MS analysis of the supernatant demonstrated that less than 1% glucose, less than 3% cellobiose, and only small amounts of other oligosaccharides were formed based on the initial cellulose loading, relative to a water control lacking [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− .
The concentration of these species does not account for the observed loss of cellulose, and it appears that glucose or smaller fragments of cellulose may be attached to cobalt as observed above. Some experiments show that the solid cellulose after reaction is a pale blue color and contains Co. This observation is consistent with Co attached to the cellulose polymer.
The low but variable levels of cellulose solubilization with Co/cellulose ratio were found to be partly due to hydrogen gas formation. Hydrogen gas formation in general increased at high Co/cellulose ratios but was lower at low ratios. The low conversion efficiency of cellulose into smaller carbohydrates was initially considered to be a consequence of hydrogen gas production, which inactivates [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− by Reaction 3:
[Co(CN) 5 ] 3− +H 3 O + →[Co(CN) 5 H 2 O] 2− +1/2H 2 (3)
It is known that large cations (Cs + ) and small particles catalyze Reaction (3) with formation of hydrogen gas. The suspended cellulose particles catalyze hydrogen gas formation, which inactivates [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− , and thereby limit the breaking of glycosidic bonds. Accordingly, in some embodiments, cesium counterions are excluded.
The unreactive cellulose from the above experiment was mixed with a second portion of [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− , and this particulate cellulose produced hydrogen gas but only about 1-5% of the cellulose mass was lost. This suggests that the cellulose samples that we have investigated consists of two forms: one at about 35% that reacts with [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− and a second less than 35% that is unreactive.
Reactivity of Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC)
[Co(CN) 5 ] 3− was reacted with single-chain CMC, but no glucose or carboxy methyl glucose was formed. Only trace amounts of hydrogen gas were detected. The negatively charged carboxy methyl groups along the glucose chain may prevent the highly negative [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− from approaching the glycosidic bond for cleavage.
α-1-4-Glycosidic Bond Reactivity
Maltose and lactose are disaccharides consisting of two glucose units and one unit each of glucose and galactose, respectively, connected by α-1-4-glycosidic bonds. Their structures are the opposite configuration to the β-1-4 glycosidic bond in cellobiose. As illustrated in FIG. 2 , [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− reacts with maltose, which disappears in about 30 min after which glucose begins to slowly form with no measurable hydrogen gas formation, but only less than 15% of the expected glucose is measured. A similar reaction occurs with lactose. The rate and amount of glucose formation is slightly greater than that in FIG. 1 for cellobiose.
Maltodextrin Reactivity
Maltodextrin is a smaller, water-soluble polymer formed from partial hydrolysis of amylose and consists of a mixture of small oligosaccharides. The mass spectra of the various components comprising maltodextrin disappeared in 30 minutes after reaction with [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− but only small amounts of glucose and maltose were observed. No hydrogen gas was evolved. The particulate nature of cellulose and amylose, to a lesser extent, therefore, may catalyze hydrogen gas evolution.
Amylose Reactivity
Amylose is an insoluble glucose polymer made up of α-1-4-glycosidic bonds and unlike cellulose which contains compact and unreactive linear chains tightly twisted together, amylose has a branched and open structure. The reaction of insoluble amylose with [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− formed a particle-free, clear solution in about 10 minutes at a [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− /amylose ratio of 1.2 mMol Co/100 mg amylose.
Amylose solubilization was also ratio dependent and was accompanied by some hydrogen gas evolution. Because amylose solubilization was more complete than with cellulose, however, the amount of hydrogen gas evolved was less, and the reaction was more efficient. Only small amounts of free glucose (˜1%) and maltose (˜2%) were formed, again suggesting that the products of solubilized amylose were attached to Co.
Switch Grass Reactivity
Preliminary studies of the reaction of [Co(CN) 5 ] 3 with finely powdered switch grass demonstrated that after about 2 hours, 25-30% of the original switch grass mass disappears (relative to a water control) and a dark brown cobalt-containing supernatant results. The loss of mass is consistent with [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− reacting with the cellulosic and/or hemicellulosic components of switch grass forming cobalt-carbohydrate adducts.
The results demonstrate that both α- and β-1,4 glycosidic bonds in model compounds are broken by [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− to form cobalt-bound monomeric carbohydrates with some or no hydrogen gas formation. The breaking of the glycosidic bond in naturally occurring cellulose also occurs but to a much smaller extent. It appears that the low extent of bond breaking in cellulose is a result of the hydrogen gas evolving reaction catalyzed by particulate cellulose and the inherent recalcitrance of greater than 35% of the cellulose to react with [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− .
The approach of using a metal-based complex for breaking the glycosidic bond in model compounds and in naturally occurring cellulose and amylose polymers is novel and has been shown to be feasible.
Ligand Participation
In some embodiments, the reaction includes addition of a ligand. Suitable ligands include those that are known to associate with cobalt complexes, including cobalt (II) complexes, for example chloride (Cl − , Br − , NH 3 , and CN − ). Thus, in some reactions, chloride is added to the reaction such as sodium or potassium chloride. The ligand may be added as a ratio of from about 8 to 1 (ligand to catalyst), in some embodiments from about 7 to 1, in some embodiments from about 6 to 1, in some embodiments from about 5 to 1, in some embodiments from about 4 to 1, in some embodiments from about 3 to 1, in some embodiments from about 2 to 1, in some embodiments from about 1 to 1, and in some embodiments from about 0.5 to 1.
As described above, some reaction conditions result in concomitant production of hydrogen gas. This may be desirable for the providing an alternative fuel source. Hydrogen gas production may be less desirable if the monomeric carbohydrate is the desired product.
Inactive [Co(CN) 5 H 2 O] 2− is easily regenerated to [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− by electrochemical reduction at potentials near a pH 7.0 using a metallic electrode (for example Pt, Ag, stainless steel). The regenerated [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− can then continue glycosidic bond breaking. This regeneration process detracts from the goal of cellulose breakdown, but the released hydrogen gas from the overall process can be recovered as a valuable byproduct and recycled to partially offset the electrical energy required for regeneration. In this process the [Co(CN) 5 H 2 O] 2− /[Co(CN) 5 ] 3− redox couple functions in water as a hydrogen gas-evolving system catalyzed by particulate cellulose with a low over potential.
One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting. Embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following statements and claims.
Statements
(1) A process for generating monomeric carbohydrates from a biomass feedstock comprising: providing a biomass feedstock stream having one or more of cellulose, hemicellulose, amylose, maltodextrin, and mixtures of the same; and contacting the aqueous feed stock with a pentacyanocobaltate(II) anion catalyst having the formula [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− to produce a product stream comprising at least one monomeric carbohydrate.
(2) The process of 1, wherein the pentacyanocobaltate(II) anion is provided as metal or ammonium salt, wherein the metal if present excludes cesium.
(3) The process of 2, wherein the metal of the metal salt is selected from alkaline and alkaline earth metals.
(4) The process of 2, wherein the ammonium salt is (NH 4 + ) 3 [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− .
(5) The process of any one of 1-4, further comprising providing a ligand to the catalyst.
(6) The process of 5, wherein the ligand is anionic chloride.
(7) The process of any one of 1-6, wherein the catalyst breaks glycosidic bonds.
(8) The process of 7, wherein the glycosidic bond is selected from an α-1,4 glycosidic bond and a β-1, 4 glycosidic bond.
(9) The process of 7, wherein the glycosidic bond is an α-1,4 glycosidic bond.
(10) The process of 7, wherein the glycosidic bond is an β-1,4 glycosidic bond.
(11) The process of any one of 1-10, further comprising maintaining a pH greater than about 5.
(12) The process of any one of 1-10, further comprising maintaining a pH greater than about 7.
(13) The process of any one of 1-10, further comprising maintaining a pH greater than about 9.
(14) The process of any one of 1-12, further comprising generating hydrogen gas.
(15) The process of any one of 1-14, further comprising maintaining a temperature of the aqueous feedstock at or below about 5° C.
(16) The process of any one of 1-15, further comprising activating the biomass feedstock.
(17) The process of any one of 1-16, wherein the biomass feedstock is derived from one or more of: switch grass, xylan, and mixtures of the same.
(18) The process of any one of 1-17, further comprising applying an electrical potential to the product stream.
(19) The process of any one of 1-18, wherein the process is carried out under an inert atmosphere.
(20) The process of any one of 1-19, wherein the monomeric carbohydrate is selected from glucose, galactose, xylose, mannose, arabinose, rhamnose, and mixtures of the same.
(21) The process of 20, further comprising converting the one or more monomeric carbohydrates into ethanol.
(22) The process of any one of 1-21, wherein the biomass feedstock is from pulp derived from biomass, waste material, recycled material, and combinations thereof.
(23) The process of any one of 1-21, wherein the biomass feedstock is from short rotation forestry, industrial wood waste, forest residue, agricultural residue, energy crops, industrial wastewater, municipal wastewater, paper, cardboard, fabrics and combinations thereof.
(24) A composition, comprising: biomass having one or more of cellulose, hemicellulose, amylose, maltodextrin, and mixtures of the same; pentacyanocobaltate(II) anion catalyst having the formula [Co(CN) 5 ] 3− .
(25) The composition of 24, further comprising water.
(26) The composition of any of 24 and 25, wherein the pentacyanocobaltate(II) anion catalyst includes at least one counterion that is a metal or ammonium cation; wherein the metal if present excludes cesium.
(27) The composition of 26, wherein the metal is selected from alkaline and alkaline earth metals.
(28) The composition of any of 24-27, further comprising a ligand.
(29) The composition of claim 28 , wherein the ligand is anionic chloride | Methods and compositions for processing biomass using [Co(CN)5]3″ are disclosed. The resulting products include monomeric carbohydrate units that can also be converted to basic alcohols, including ethanol, for a variety of uses including transportation fuels and the generation of electricity. | 1 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to constructing bows and in particular to a board with pegs positioned to facilitate constructing a decorative bow.
[0002] Known methods for constructing decorative bows comprise manual steps of measuring and forming each loop of the bow. The partially formed bows are held by the bow maker and each new loop is manually measured using a ruler or measuring tape. These methods are fatiguing, time consuming, and generally unpleasant. An inexperienced bow maker often fails to accurately measure ribbon used to add loops as the bow is formed, and an unattractive decorative bow results.
[0003] Additionally, the decorative bows are often constructed from one or more ribbon (often three ribbons), which are purchased on thirty foot (i.e., ten yard) spools. One very popular bow requires 10 feet (i.e., three yards and one foot) of ribbon. Because all of the ribbon is used to construct three bows, the ribbon must be used very efficiently to obtain three complete bows from one spool. Known methods require substantial training and bow makers may still often fail to obtain satisfactory results.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention addresses the above and other needs by providing an apparatus and method for constructing bows which includes a horizontal layout board holding vertical dowels and a method for winding ribbon around the dowels to form a bow. A center dowel, left dowels, and right dowels are positioned at progressively increasing spacing from a base dowel. The spacing of the dowels on the layout board facilitates efficient use of material. The apparatus facilitates construction of bows without extensive training or experience.
[0005] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a layout board including dowels facilitating the construction of decorative bows. The dowels are positioned on the layout board using dowel holes. The dowel holes include a base dowel hole, a center dowel hole, and right and left dowel holes spaced progressively farther from the base dowel hole. Loops of ribbon are then formed by winding the ribbon around the dowels to obtain the desired decorative bow.
[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for using the layout board and dowels to construct a decorative bow. The method includes the steps of: tying one end of a ribbon to a base dowel attached to a layout board using a tie; winding the ribbon on edge in a counter-clockwise direction around a center dowel attached to the layout board directly above the base dowel to form a first loop; pulling the ribbon snugly; continue the counter-clockwise winding on edge back around the base dowel; winding the ribbon clockwise around a first right dowel attached to the layout board to form a second loop; pulling the ribbon snugly; continue the clockwise winding back around the base dowel; winding the ribbon counter-clockwise around a first left dowel attached to the layout board to form a third loop; pulling the ribbon snugly; continue the counter-clockwise winding back around the base dowel; repeating the steps of clockwise winding around additional right dowels attached to the layout board and counter-clockwise winding around additional left dowels attached to the layout board, until all of the remaining loops are formed; releasing the tie from the base dowel; tying the tie around all of the ribbon loops; lifting the flat bow from the layout board and dowels; and spreading the loops to form individual bows.
[0007] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for using the layout board and dowels to construct a decorative bow using ribbon having one decorative side and one plain side. The method includes twisting the ribbon 180 degrees as the ribbon is wound around the base dowel to keep the decorative side on outer faces of the loops.
[0008] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for drawing ribbon from one or more spools as the bow is constructed. A spool holder is positioned next to the layout board and one or more ribbon are drawn from spools. The ribbon is wound around the dowels to form loops of the bows, and the ribbon is twisted 180 degrees each time the ribbon is wound around the base dowel, by rotating the decorative side of the ribbon facing away from the base dowel 90 degrees to face down and continuing to rotate the ribbon an additional 90 degrees so that the preferred pattern is facing the base dowel. An additional benefit of such twisting is a problem of twisting in the ribbon between the spools and layout board is removed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0009] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1A is a top view of a layout board and dowel positions for making bows according to the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 1B is a front view of the layout board and dowels for making the bows according to the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a first bow making step of attaching an end of a length of ribbon to a base dowel according to the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 shows a second bow making step of winding the ribbon in a counter-clockwise direction around a center dowel attached to the layout board directly above the base dowel and continue the counter-clockwise winding back around the base dowel according to the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 shows a third bow making step of winding the ribbon clockwise around a first right dowel attached to the layout board and continuing the clockwise winding back around the base dowel according to the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 shows a fourth bow making step of winding the ribbon counter-clockwise around a first left dowel attached to the layout board and continue the counter-clockwise winding back around the base dowel;
[0016] FIG. 6 shows the results of repeating the clockwise winding around additional right dowels attached to the layout board and counter-clockwise winding around additional left dowels attached to the layout board until all of the remaining loops are formed leaving some length of ribbon trailing off below the base dowel according to the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 shows tying the tie around all of the ribbon loops according to the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 8 shows releasing the tie and bow from the base dowel and lifting the flat bow from the layout board and dowels according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 9 shows spreading the loops to form the bows according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 10 shows a spool holder holding three ribbon spools used to combine three lengths of ribbon for constructing a bow according to the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 11 shows the ribbon being drawn from spools during construction of the bow.
[0022] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The following description is of the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing one or more preferred embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims.
[0024] A top view of a layout board 10 and dowel positions for making bows according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1A and a front view of the layout board 10 and dowel 19 for making the bows is shown in FIG. 1B . A base dowel position 12 resides laterally centered and near a forward edge of the layout board 10 . A center dowel position 14 resides above the base dowel position 12 and also laterally centered on the board. Right dowel positions 16 reside to the right of the center dowel position 16 in an arc reaching from near the center dowel position 14 towards a right front corner of the layout board 10 . Left dowel positions 18 reside to the left of the center dowel position 16 in an arc reaching from near the center dowel position 14 towards a left front corner of the layout board 10 . A nail, screw, or similar attachment point 20 is attached to a front edge of the layout board 10 approximately laterally centered. Non-skid pads 22 may be provided on the bottom of the board 10 to reduce slipping. The dowels are hereafter referred to base, center, right, and left dowels corresponding to their positions in the board 10 .
[0025] A preferred layout board 10 approximate size is 20.25 inches wide, 8.5 inches deep, and 0.75 inches thick. Preferred pads 22 may be four 2.5 inches by 2.5 inches 0.035 inch thick vinyl/nitrite blend having four mills of acrylic adhesive at each corner of the layout board 10 .
[0026] An important feature of the layout board 10 and dowel positions is the separation of the center, right, and left dowel positions from the base dowel. As described below, a length of ribbon 30 is wound around the dowels 19 in a specific order and direction to provide loops of the desired length to form an esthetically pleasing bow and to efficiently use the length of ribbon. A typical bow may be made from ten feet of ribbon, which is a convenient length because ribbon commonly comes in 30 foot rolls. Because the length of ribbon is exactly three times the total length of ribbon on a typical spool, the length of ribbon cannot be cut to excess length, and the method for making the bows must not significantly vary in the amount of ribbon used. In order to obtain the desired loop sizes to construct a preferred bow, the center dowel 14 is positioned 4.25 inches from the base dowel 12 . The right and left dowel positions 16 and 18 are progressively positioned ½ inch farther from the base dowel position 12 (i.e., 4.75, 5.25, 5.75 and so on). The resulting bow is completed using the selected length of ribbon and produces the desired appearance. Other bows require different lengths of ribbon, and the present invention is also advantageous when ever using a precise length of ribbon has value.
[0027] The layout board 10 is described in FIGS. 1A and 1B with a single set of dowel positions for constructing a single size bow. In generally, the layout board 10 will include two or more sets of dowel positions for constructing two or more sizes of bows. For example, five sets of center, right and left dowel positions may be provided for constructing five sizes of bows. Each set of dowel positions continues the relationship of progressive positioning about ½ inch farther from the base dowel 12 , starting from the center dowel, to use the desired length of ribbon and obtain the desired appearance. The center and right and left dowels thus form a pattern resembling the top of a heart, with the base dowel residing inside the heart.
[0028] For the smallest size bow, the dowel positions may be defined by holes about ¼ inches in diameter and about ½ inches deep, and for larger size bows, the dowel positions may be defined by holes about ⅜ inches in diameter and about ½ inches deep. The larger dowels are preferably about ⅜ inches in diameter and about 3½ inches long and the smaller dowels are preferably about ¼ inches in diameter and about 2½ inches long.
[0029] A first bow making step of attaching an end 30 a of a length of ribbon 30 to the base dowel using a wire 26 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 2 . One end of the wire 26 is wound around the base dowel 12 and extra wire 26 is wound around the attachment point 20 for later use. The length of ribbon 30 forming the loops preferably remains on edge during construction of the bow. The ribbon 30 typically has a decorative side 30 ′ and a plain side 30 ″.
[0030] A second bow making step of winding the length of ribbon 30 in a counter-clockwise direction around the center dowel 14 directly above the base dowel 12 (see FIG. 1A ), and continue the counter-clockwise winding back around the base dowel according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 3 . The second step forms the first loop 32 and the remaining loose portion of the length of ribbon 30 is firmly pulled away from the base dowel and the ribbon 30 is twisted 38 180 degrees as the ribbon 30 is wound around the base dowel 12 . Twisting 38 the ribbon 180 degrees reverses the ribbon 30 to place the decorative side 30 ′ of the ribbon 30 on the outside of a second loop 34 (see FIG. 4 ).
[0031] A third bow making step of winding the length of ribbon 30 clockwise around a first right dowel 16 and continuing the clockwise winding back around the base dowel 12 , and twisting 38 the ribbon 180 degrees as the ribbon 30 is wound around the base dowel 12 , is shown in FIG. 4 forming the second loop 34 .
[0032] A fourth bow making step of winding the length of ribbon 30 counter-clockwise around a first left dowel 18 and continuing the counter-clockwise winding back around the base dowel 12 , and twisting 38 the ribbon 180 degrees as the ribbon 30 is wound around the base dowel 12 , to form a third loop 36 is shown in FIG. 5 .
[0033] The clockwise winding around additional right dowels and counter-clockwise winding around additional left dowels, and twisting the ribon 180 degrees as the ribbon is wound around the base dowel, is continued until all of the desired loops are formed is shown in FIG. 6 according to the present invention. Some of the length of ribbon 30 may be left trailing off below the base dowel to form a tail for the bow.
[0034] The extra wire wrapped around the attachment point 20 is now released and tied around all of the ribbon loops as shown in FIG. 7 .
[0035] The flat bow may now be lifted from the layout board 10 and dowels 19 as shown in FIG. 8 .
[0036] The result of spreading the loops to form the bow is shown in FIG. 9 . The bow is generally formed from three laid together ribbons, and each ribbon may be spread apart to form a fully circular bow 42 having loops of all three ribbons clearly visible. The individual loops may be further spread outward to add depth to the bow. Any remaining length of ribbon trails below the bow forming a tail 44 .
[0037] A spool holder 50 holding three ribbon spools 52 a , 52 b , and 52 c is shown in FIG. 10 . The spool holder 50 is used to combine three lengths of ribbon into laid together ribbon 54 which may be cut into a length of laid together ribbon for constructing the bow according to the present invention.
[0038] The ribbon 30 is shown being drawn from spools 52 a , 52 b , and 52 c during construction of the bow 42 , as distinguished from initially cutting a length of ribbon 30 . Winding the ribbon 30 around the dowels 12 , 14 , 16 , and 18 to form each loop 34 of the bow 42 also results in twisting the length of ribbon 30 a between the spools 52 a , 52 b , and 52 c and the layout board 10 . Such twisting may be addressed by proper twisting of the ribbon 30 when the ribbon 30 is would around the base dowel 12 . The ribbon 30 is thus preferably twisted 38 to expose the decorative side of the ribbon for the next loop, and advantageously to also untwist the length of ribbon 30 a between the layout board 10 and the spools 52 a , 52 b , and 52 c , each time the ribbon 30 is wound around the base dowel 12 . The twisting 38 may comprise rotating the side of the ribbon 30 facing away from the base dowel 12 to face down and continuing to rotate the ribbon 30 an additional 90 degrees so that the decorative side 30 ′ of the ribbon 30 is facing the base dowel 12 and is on the outside to the next loop.
[0039] The method of the invention of described above starting with counter-clockwise winding of bow material, but the method may be equivalently performed by reversing the winding of each step.
[0040] While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims. | An apparatus and method for constructing bows includes a horizontal layout board holding vertical dowels and a method for winding ribbon around the dowels to form a bow. A center dowel, left dowels, and right dowels are positioned at progressively increasing spacing from a base dowel. The spacing of the dowels on the layout board facilitates efficient use of material. The apparatus facilitates construction of bows without extensive training or experience. | 3 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART STATEMENT
[0001] This invention relates to a semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof, and particularly to a semiconductor device such as a power module made by bonding semiconductor device chips to one side of a circuit board and bonding a metal base for dissipating heat produced in the semiconductor device chips to the other side, and a manufacturing method thereof.
[0002] In the manufacture of semiconductor devices such as power modules, bonding of multiple heat-sinking, electrically insulating boards to a metal base is carried out by soldering. At this time, in related art, a commercially available solder resist has been printed onto the metal base and dried to prevent solder flow (see, for example, JP-A-6-244224). And, in assembly environments where solder resist cannot be used, solder bonding has been carried out with the boards fixed with a positioning jig or the like.
[0003] There is also the method of forming an oxide film on or in depressions in the metal base with a laser beam to prevent solder flow, but when the amount of solder is large (in terms of thickness, 0.05 mm or greater) this is largely ineffective.
[0004] However, with the solder resist of related art there has been the problem that cost and time are entailed in making up a screen for printing, and in process steps from printing to drying.
[0005] And, with solder resist, because it is generally an organic substance such as epoxy resin, its resistance to solder heat is not exceedingly high. When, for example, fluxless soldering is carried out in a hydrogen gas atmosphere, solderability has been impaired by the production of outgas from the solder resist. There are also problems such as contamination of the device, and thus use has been limited.
[0006] The present invention was made in view of such prior art problems. It is an object of the invention to provide a semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof with which the creation of a dam material for preventing solder flow is easy, and furthermore, with which reliability is high.
[0007] Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention and the associated drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] To solve the problems described above and other problems, the invention provides a semiconductor device having semiconductor chips bonded to one side of a circuit board and a metal base for dissipating heat produced in the semiconductor chips bonded to the other side, wherein a dam material is disposed on the metal base by being painted in a predetermined pattern so as to restrict the flow of a solder used in bonding a plurality of the circuit boards to the metal base.
[0009] With this construction, by means of the dam material disposed on the metal base by being painted in a predetermined pattern, flow of the solder used in bonding the multiple circuit boards to the metal base is restricted.
[0010] And, a second aspect of the invention provides a semiconductor device using an inorganic substance with a high solder heat resistance as the dam material, and by this means the production of outgas during soldering is prevented.
[0011] In the invention, as opposed to the solder resist of the above-described related art, the flow of the solder used in bonding multiple circuit boards to a metal base is restricted by means of a dam material disposed on the metal base by being painted in a predetermined pattern. It is possible, therefore, to easily make a semiconductor device in which solder flow during soldering can be prevented. And, because making up of a printing screen and printing are not carried out, reductions in cost can also be expected.
[0012] And, because an inorganic substance with a high solder heat resistance and no solderability is used as the dam material, the production of outgas during soldering can be prevented. Consequently, at the time of soldering, solderability is not impaired, device contamination can also be avoided, and a highly reliable semiconductor device can be produced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a main part of a semiconductor device according a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0014] FIGS. 2A and 2B are plan views showing a dam part pattern according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIGS. 3A and 3B are plan views showing a dam part pattern according to another embodiment of the invention; and
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a carbon jig fitted to a metal base.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] A preferred embodiment of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a main part of a preferred embodiment of a semiconductor device according to the invention.
[0019] The semiconductor device 10 of this preferred embodiment is made by bonding semiconductor chips 12 to one side of a circuit board 11 and bonding to the other side a metal base 13 for dissipating heat produced in these semiconductor chips 12 . A dam material 15 , for restricting the flow of a solder 14 used in the bonding of a plurality of the circuit boards 11 to the metal base 13 , is disposed on the metal base 13 .
[0020] The circuit board 11 is a heat-dissipating electrically insulating board made by bonding conductor patterns to the front and rear sides of a ceramic board by direct bonding or active metal bonding or the like, and in the following description it will be assumed that a DCB (Direct Copper Bonding) board made by bonding copper to the front and rear sides of a ceramic board is being used.
[0021] The semiconductor chips 12 are, for example, devices for use in a power module such as IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors), and are bonded to the circuit boards 11 with solder (not shown).
[0022] The metal base 13 is a heat sink having the function of dissipating heat produced in the semiconductor chips 12 mounted on it, and, for example, Cu (copper) plated with Ni (nickel) is used.
[0023] The dam material 15 , which is a characteristic feature of this preferred embodiment, is formed on the metal base 13 as a dam part in a predetermined pattern by painting, thermal spraying, or plating.
[0024] FIGS. 2A and 2B and FIGS. 3A and 3B are views showing patterns of the dam part.
[0025] The pattern of the dam part 15 a shown in FIG. 2A is a typical one, and is a pattern in which the dam part 15 a is formed so as to surround the copper plate peripheries 11 a of the rear sides of the circuit boards 11 (shown with dashed lines (and similarly in the other drawings)). FIG. 2B shows a pattern in which a dam part 15 b is formed so as to surround the copper plate peripheries 11 a of six circuit boards 11 . This is used when the quantity of solder is small and the outflow of solder between the circuit boards 11 is small.
[0026] The pattern of a dam part 15 c shown in FIG. 3A is an example in which the dam part is formed to the same dimensions as or slightly smaller than the copper plate peripheries 11 a of the rear sides of the individual circuit boards 11 . And the pattern of the dam part 15 d shown in FIG. 3B is an example in which the dam part is formed only between the copper plate peripheries 11 a of the circuit boards 11 , and is the same as the one shown in FIG. 1 . When the quantity of solder used is large, if the dam part 15 d having a large width of pattern is formed, as shown in this FIG. 3B , the outflow of solder can be prevented effectively. And if no pattern is formed on sides where any outflow of solder is not problematic, solder will flow to those sides during soldering and the outflow of solder on sides where outflow must be prevented can be prevented effectively.
[0027] A method of forming the dam material 15 will now be described.
[0028] As the substance used for the dam material 15 , one having an inorganic substance with a high solder heat resistance and no solderability as a main component is used. Specifically, one having particles of carbon or a ceramic as a main component and made by mixing these particles with a volatile binder is used. As a dam material having a ceramic as its main component, a ceramic adhesive used for bonding ceramic members can be applied. Ceramic adhesives have silicic acid and boric acid as main components, and can withstand temperatures in excess of 1000° C. or higher.
[0029] However, among ceramic adhesives, one in which no organic binder remains after drying is used. In this case it can be used for soldering in a hydrogen reducing atmosphere. In the case of a ceramic material, by choosing one with good electrical insulating properties and by coating it thickly, it is possible to further increase the dam effect and electrical insulation.
[0030] By means of these materials, for example using fine coating technology using a dispenser, a dam material 15 with a predetermined pattern can be formed on the metal base 13 by painting. A screen printing method may alternatively be used. By this means it is possible to manufacture a large volume of mass-produced product efficiently by in-line automation. High quality, high reliability, low cost, and shortening of the production time of the semiconductor device 10 can also be achieved.
[0031] And, as the dam material 15 , a solid carbon such as the core of a pencil may alternatively be used. Although the core of a pencil contains clay besides carbon, this is not a problem in soldering, and the effect of repelling solder is the greater. In painting with a pencil, for example, a template is superimposed and the pattern is painted through the template. In order to deposit more carbon on the metal base 13 , the hardness of the core of the pencil is preferably 2 B to 6 B. After painting, unwanted residue (carbon) (i.e., residue that is loose on the surface of dam material 15 ) is removed with air or the like.
[0032] Although pattern painting may be carried out automatically using a dispenser on the basis of digital data, particularly in the case of pencil painting, painting may be carried out by hand. This is suitable for high-mix low-volume production. In this case also, quality, reliability, low cost, and shortening of production time can be achieved.
[0033] And, a dam material 15 having a metal with a low solder wettability (i.e., such that solder does not spread) or a ceramic as a main component may be thermally sprayed onto the metal base 13 to form a dam part. Thermal spraying is a method of forming a film by melting or softening a coating substance by heating it, accelerating it in fine particle form, and causing it to impact with the surface of the object to be coated, and setting and accumulating particles having collapsed flat. Thermal spraying methods include room-temperature thermal spraying and plasma thermal spraying. Examples of metals of low solder wettability include Al (aluminum), Mo (molybdenum), W (tungsten), and Cr (chromium). Thermal spraying increases cost slightly, but can be applied to a variety of materials, and the thickness can be easily set so that materials suitable to the application of products can be selected.
[0034] And, with dam materials such as chromium, it is possible to form a dam part with a predetermined pattern by plating. Because with plating the thickness can be kept below 0.01 mm, it is used when it is desirable to limit the thickness. And Cr plating in a predetermined pattern can be carried out following a step of Ni-plating the metal base 13 .
[0035] By forming a dam part like this on the metal base 13 , it is possible to restrict solder flow, and there is no production of outgas during soldering as there is when a solder resist made from an organic substance such as an epoxy resin is used. Consequently, at the time of soldering, there is no impairment of solderability, and device contamination can also be avoided.
[0036] When a carbon jig for board positioning and a partition board such as a carbon material are further used for a semiconductor device 10 of the construction described above, it is possible to prevent outflow of solder still more effectively.
[0037] FIG. 4 is a view showing a carbon jig attached to a metal base.
[0038] The carbon jig is made up of an outer frame 16 a and an inner frame 16 b, and fixes the positions of the circuit board 11 , the semiconductor chips 12 , the metal base 13 and the solder 14 (not shown here) . And, a partition plate 17 is disposed above the dam part shown in FIG. 1 , and when the quantity of solder is large, solder flow can be effectively prevented.
[0039] Because the partition plate 17 is disposed in the proximity of the solder bond parts, it is necessary to choose a material having a low solder wettability for the partition plate. Materials having a low solder wettability include ceramics. However, because ceramics have a high rigidity compared to carbon, the circuit boards 11 may break when the partition plate 17 is sandwiched between the circuit boards 11 due to contraction of the metal base 13 after soldering. Therefore, a partition plate 17 made of carbon is preferable. Weights 18 are for pressing down the circuit boards 11 .
[0040] Bonding of the parts (the circuit boards 11 , the semiconductor chips 12 and the metal base 13 ) is carried out by performing thermal soldering in a hydrogen atmosphere with the construction as shown in FIG. 4 . By this means it is possible to prevent outflow of solder effectively, and prevention of mutual mechanical damaging of the circuit boards 11 and electrical insulation are achieved.
[0041] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-027164 filed on Feb. 3, 2005, is incorporated herein. | A semiconductor device includes a solder dam for restricting the flow of solder during manufacturing. The device includes a semiconductor chip bonded to a first side of a circuit board, a metal base for dissipating heat produced by the semiconductor chip, the metal base being bonded to a second side of the circuit board, and a dam material disposed on the metal base in a predetermined pattern for restricting the flow of solder used in bonding a plurality of the circuit boards to the metal base. By employing the solder dam, solderability is not impaired, device contamination can be avoided, and a highly reliable semiconductor device can be produced. | 7 |
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention has its technical field in mechanics, more precisely in those devices or mechanisms known as grills, which use ignited charcoal to roast food portions, mainly meats and different kinds of animal species.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0002] To provide a grill that allows to move away or distance in a controlled fashion the grill surface with relation to the heat source, a second objective is that such grill counts with different temperature zones for different roasting points. Finally, as a third objective, this grill shall exhibit to the diners the foods as they spin over the grill surface.
BACKGROUND
[0003] It is known that people around the world enjoy gathering with friends and family to eat roasted foods, in virtue of the taste these acquire. In the technical state there are diverse spinning food grills, such is the case of the patent U.S. Pat. No. 6,929,001 which describes a spinning barbecue grill, which includes a disc grill surface, a shaft extending from the disc grill surface, so the shaft becomes perpendicular to the grill surface, a bowl that has a canal where the shaft is dismountable, received through the canal, and an adjunct motor to the bowl to generate the rotation of the shaft. The inconvenient with this grill is that it is too rudimentary.
[0004] On the other hand, the patent requests PCT/EP/2007/006544 and US 20070117500 make reference to roasting methods and devices to roast foods such as barbecue, which use motors, shafts and grills that may adopt different configurations. Such grills that are mounted at least on one column or legs to fix them to the floor surface at the same time provide them with sturdiness. The problem is that they cannot regulate the distance between the grill surface and the ignited charcoal, and they do not count with compartments where different roasting temperatures may be kept.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The characteristic details of this innovative spinning food grill are clearly shown in the following description and in the figures herein contained, which are mentioned as an example and should not be considered to be limitative of this invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view in frontal elevation of the spinning food grill applied to the surface of a table.
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view in posterior elevation of the spinning food grill outside the surface.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a frontal view of the integrated spinning food grill.
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a lateral view of the integrated spinning food grill.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a posterior view of the integrated spinning food grill.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a superior view of the integrated spinning food grill.
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the first modality of the cover of the spinning food grill.
[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the second modality of the cover of the spinning food grill.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a detail of the reducing element of the spinning food grill.
[0015] FIG. 10 illustrates a detail of the upper side of the main shaft.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a detail in inferior perspective of the wheel of the spinning food grill.
[0017] With reference to such figures, the spinning food grill is characterized for being integrated by:
[0018] a) a rectangular base ( 1 ), made up of a metal plate which counts with a hole near each of its corners used to introduce in them screws ( 1 b ) that allow to fix the base against the floor surface; upon such surface the following elements are mounted;
[0019] b) an electric motor ( 2 ) of 1 HP, of variable speed, which is provided with electric energy through a cable that connects to the municipal network with 110 V AC, its shaft ( 2 a ) spins parallel to the rectangular base and is connected to;
[0020] c) a reducing device ( 3 ), which allows to control the spin speed of the electric motor shaft, in such a way that it optionally spins at low rpm; also the reducing device counts with a protective covering with a hole in one of its sides for the motor shaft to go through and a hole in the center of its superior surface used for an extension of the shaft; in the interior of the reducing device gears act ( 3 b ), a section of the perpendicular shaft ( 3 c ) and a tread ( 3 d ), located on the base of the protective covering, which supports the weight of the circular grill surface described below; it is important to note that together these three parts allow the motor shaft ( 2 a ) to transmit its spinning movement perpendicularly to the base ( 1 );
[0021] d) the shaft extension ( 4 ) that emerges out of the superior surface of the protective covering of the reducing device ( 3 ); this shaft extension is basically a metal tube containing the perpendicular section of the shaft ( 3 c ), which is located in the lower part since it comes from the reducing device; on the other hand in the interior of the extension, in the upper part, the inferior end of the main shaft described below is introduced. The extension of the shaft has a longitudinal spline ( 4 a ) which has two functions: the first is to allow to introduce in it a first screw ( 4 b ) that is screwed in the upper part of the perpendicular shaft section ( 3 c ) and a second screw ( 4 c ) that is screwed in the lower part of the main shaft in such a way that when the perpendicular section of the shaft spins ( 3 c ), this drags, through the first screw ( 4 b ) the extension of the shaft ( 4 ) and this extension spins the main shaft due to the same effect. In its second function, the second screw ( 4 c ) may move along the spline ( 4 a ), and due to this the lower end of the main shaft can move along the interior of the shaft extension ( 4 ),
[0022] e) a post ( 5 ), perpendicular to the rectangular base ( 1 ), formed by a rectangular PTR piece, which lower end is welded in the central zone of such base ( 1 ). Over the posterior surface of the post there are the following screwed elements:
i) a pair of crossbars ( 6 ), also made rectangular pieces and that are distributed along the post, dividing it into three similar sections; each crossbar has screwed over it; ii) an oarlock ( 7 ) that allows the free spin of;
[0025] f) the main shaft ( 8 ) which spins parallel to the post ( 5 ) since it is connected in its lower end to the reducing device of the motor ( 2 ). Such main shaft is connected in its central zone to a height regulator for the grill surface described below; the superior end of the main shaft ( 8 ) is connected to a circular grill surface. The main shaft may go up by extending itself above the post ( 5 ) or simply can go down as it spins thanks to the oarlocks ( 7 ); while this operation is done, it moves parallel to the post ( 5 ). As previously described, the main shaft ( 8 ) is connected to;
[0026] g) the height regulator ( 9 ), for the circular grill surface, which is located in the front side of the post ( 5 ). Such regulator is composed of:
i) a platform ( 10 ), made from a smaller rectangular plate that is welded next to the superior end of the post ( 5 ), through one of its smaller sides, so that it is located perpendicular to this post; such platform counts has a hole on its other smaller side in which the following elements are introduced: ii) a screw ( 11 ), which is kept in position with a first nut ( 11 a ), which holds it from the lower side and a second nut ( 11 b ), which holds it from the upper side of the platform ( 10 ), that way the screw ( 11 ) may move perpendicularly to the platform, moving up or down. Under the first nut ( 11 a ) there is; iii) a wheel ( 12 ) made up from a metallic disc that is connected perpendicularly to the screw ( 11 ), in such a way that when the wheel spins, in consequence the screw spins ( 11 ); please note that such wheel is held through a third nut ( 11 c ) located in the screw ( 11 ) and under the lower surface of the wheel. On the other hand, the lower end of the screw ( 11 ), is screwed to a coupler ( 13 ) in a “U” shape which receives it in its interior; this coupler is united to; iv) a double-arm balance beam ( 14 ), similar to a “U”, which contains the post ( 5 ). Each arm has in its middle-point, a hole used to introduce a screw ( 14 a ), which is introduced at the same time in each lateral side of the post ( 5 ), in such a way that this screw functions as a pivot, since when the end of the balance beam that is held to the coupler ( 13 ), of the screw ( 11 ), is pushed down and as a consequence the other end moves up and in doing so it moves the main shaft through the middle of; v) a pulley ( 15 ), which is welded to the main shaft ( 8 ) in its central zone. Such pulley is connected through a guide to the end of each double-arm of the balance beam ( 14 ). Each guide has a tread which makes contact in the groove of the pulley ( 15 ), in such a way that when the shaft spins, also the tread spins inside the pulley, which pushes the pulley without stopping it, in a way in which the main shaft moves optionally up or down and in consequence moves the circular grill surface;
[0032] h) a container ( 16 ), used for the ignited charcoal, which is similar to a pot with low walls, without a lid; such container counts with a hole ( 16 a ), in the center so that the upper end of the main shaft moves through it ( 8 ), this container additionally has a raised edge ( 16 b ), perpendicular to the walls, which allows the container to couple and sustain inside the circular cavity formed in a cover, in case that the grill is in its display modality, since it covers all mechanisms and the only thing that is visible is the circular grill surface with the foods roasting. On the other hand this charcoal container counts in its interior with a circular wall ( 16 a ), that allows to separate the ignited charcoal, in such way two compartments are formed, which are used to maintain the ignited charcoal within, at different temperatures. The container ahs a cavity, at the bottom, to remove the charcoal remains, as well as food remains that could fall in the interior of the container; the cavity is covered with a tray ( 16 e ) with a handle ( 16 f ), which, when pulled outwards, opens the bottom of the container cavity, allowing the removal of wastes:
[0033] i) the circular grill surface ( 17 ), conformed by:
i) a wheel, similar in design to an old wagon wheel; spins in the upper end of the main shaft, this wheel is made of a ring ( 17 b ) and eight rods ( 17 c ), which converge at the center of the ring, dividing it in eight equal triangles with a curved base; the wheel also counts in its lower surface with a central disc ( 17 d ), that has a couple in the lower surface, at the center ( 17 e ) used to couple inside of it, the upper end of the main shaft ( 8 ). The couple ( 17 e ) has a niche ( 17 f ), in which the safety screw ( 17 g ) located perpendicular to the upper end of the post ( 5 ), in such a way that when upper end of the post ( 5 ) is introduced within the couple, the safety screw also does it in the niche, so when the main shaft spins, it makes the circular grill ( 17 ) spin, and the following elements are mounted on top of it: ii) triangular grill surfaces ( 18 ) and triangular pans ( 19 ), used to roast the foods over their surface; such grills are mounted over rods ( 17 c );
[0036] j) a control panel ( 20 ) where the buttons described as follows are located: an on button ( 20 a ), an off button ( 20 b ) and the electric motor as well as a knob ( 20 c ), to regulate the rpm of the circular grill.
[0037] This invention provides three modalities of covers pursuant to the protection of the previously described mechanisms, optionally it adopts these accessories in case it is intended to be used outdoors in gardens or beaches.
[0038] In the first modality the grill has:
[0039] 1.—a cover similar to a glass, with half hollow sphere ( 21 ); in the opening lies the charcoal container of the circular grill ( 17 );
[0040] 2.—a tube ( 21 a ) which is connected by its upper end to the center of the concave part of the half sphere to support it, its lower end is welded to;
[0041] 3.—a base, in this modality the wheel that regulates the height is located between the half hollow sphere ( 21 ) and the tube ( 21 a ).
[0042] In the second modality the grill consists of:
[0043] It can be considered that this is a sub-modality of the first modality, since it uses the same half hollow sphere ( 22 ), and the same tube ( 22 a ), with the difference that the base is substituted by four legs ( 22 b ), which are distributed around the concave part of the half sphere, the upper ends are united to the concave part of the half sphere ( 22 ), supporting its weight.
[0044] It is important to point out that under the second modality both the electric motor ( 2 ) and the wheel that regulates the height ( 12 ) are left outside the protective cover.
[0045] Based on the previous descriptions, we may affirm that this spinning food grill provides the following benefits:
[0046] Easy maintenance.
[0047] Controllable speed.
[0048] Controllable roasting temperatures.
[0049] For indoor or outdoor use. | This invention refers to a spinning food grill characterized because it is mainly constituted by a base upon which an electric engine is mounted, which moves a main shaft which is held in a vertical position by a post that is placed parallel to it. This main shaft is held by oarlocks located over crossbars that are perpendicular to a post. The oarlocks allow the main shaft to spin freely; additionally it is provided with a height regulator which allows the modification of the height of a circular grill located in the upper extreme of such main shaft. In such way, the distance of the circular grill is controlled, allowing it to come near or move away from the heat source, in this case ignited charcoal, to roast foods. Also, this grill is accompanied by a pair of frames that allow its use in open spaces such as gardens or patios. | 0 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to hollow stem augers for drilling a hole in the earth, sometimes several hundred feet deep, and keeping the hole open for other operations such as core sampling, ground water sampling, etc. Typically, the total auger length is formed by a plurality of tubular auger sections, each about five feet long, telescopically connected together at their adjacent ends by a drive shank and socket coupling assembly for transmission of rotary torque. Various lock devices have been used to lock the telescoping shank and socket ends of adjacent auger sections against axial separation, the most common type being a dog-point lock screw, such as screw 40a shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,190,377 or Acker Drill Company lockscrew Part No. 130365. A screw of this type threads transversely through a tapped hole in the wall of the tubular socket end and has a dog-point that seats within an aligned drilled hole in the tubular shank end. These lockscrews function well when parts are new and clean. However, after use under corrosive, dirty, and abrasive conditions, the lockscrews frequently are frozen in place and difficult to remove when trying to separate the auger sections as they are withdrawn from the hole. The threads on the screw and in the wall of the auger section often become rusted and coated with dirt, and as the screw is turned in or out the threads in the tapped hole are damaged, and often destroyed, thus reducing the useful life of the auger section.
An alternative type of lock device is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,796,448. While this device addresses the problem of fluid leakage in the area of the coupling joint, it has not been totally successful in keeping water and debris out of the lock pin area and is not sturdy enough to withstand the heavy vibration and tortion loads produced during the drilling operation.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the primary object of this invention is to provide a novel locking device or button for hollow stem augers which overcomes the problems associated with the prior art, thereby reducing maintenance on and extending the useful life of the augers.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel locking device for hollow stem augers which is readily interchangeable with the standard dog-point lockscrew and requires no modification of the auger itself.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a novel locking device as above, the device including an outer body having external threads which thread into the wall of the coupling socket and an internal bore, an inner locking pin assembly axially adjustably mounted within the bore, and seal means mounted within opposite ends of the bore to keep water and dirt out of the bore and to wipe the outer surfaces of the pin clean as it is moved in and out between locking and unlocking positions.
A further object of the invention is to provide the above novel locking device wherein the body and pin assembly have cooperating cam structure which produces a predetermined axial displacement of the pin as it is rotated within the body.
Still another object of the invention is to provide the above novel locking device, wherein the cam structure includes stop means which establishes the predetermined axial displacement and prevents the pin assembly from moving beyond the seal means in either direction of adjustment.
Other objects and advantages will become apparent as the description proceeds in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary elevation view of a coupling joint of a hollow stem auger assembly employing the novel auger lock device or button of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view of the novel auger lock device taken along line 2--2 of FIG. 1, with the device in its lock position;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 2, but illustrating only the fixed outer body of the device;
FIG. 4 is an outer end view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary exploded view of the elements forming the inner adjustable locking pin assembly of the button; and
FIGS. 7 and 8 are fragmentary sectional views of alternate cooperating threaded cam structure formed on the body and adjustable pin assembly, respectively, by which the pin assembly is moved in and out as it is turned.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings, a typical auger assembly 10 for drilling a vertical bore hole, sometimes over a hundred feet deep, comprises a plurality of hollow stem auger sections such as sections 12 and 14 successively coupled together, each section being about five feet in length and identical in construction. Each section includes a pipe 16, a female socket member 18 having a bore 20 large enough to slip over one end of pipe 16, a male shank member having a tubular drive extension 22 fitting within bore 20 and projecting from flange 24 which slips over the other end of pipe 16. Socket member 18 and flange 24 are welded on opposite ends of pipe 16 at 26 and 28, respectively. Bore 20 and the outer surface of extension 22 are preferably formed e.g. by machining, with close-fitting, mating, eight-sided, octagonal drive surfaces for a strong drive connection and positive transmission of high torque loads during the drilling operation. The internal diameter of extension 22 corresponds to that of pipe 16, and its wall thickness commonly is one-quarter inch. Continuous screw segment 30 is formed along the outside diameter of pipe 16 in conventional fashion.
As shown in FIG. 1, the male drive extension 22 of a lower auger section 12 fits within bore 20 of socket 18 of the next to be added upper auger section 14. The bottom face of socket 18 seats against the opposing shoulder of flange 24 for direct transmission of vertical forces. Sections 12 and 14 are locked together against vertical axial separation as the auger sections are pulled out of the hole by one or more, preferably two, of the novel locking device or button 40 of the invention.
Referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, locking device 40 comprises an outer body section 42 and an inner locking pin assembly 43. Body section 42 has a hexagonal head portion 44, an external threaded portion 46 which threads into a conventional sized tapped hole 48 in the wall of socket 18, and a cylindrical bore 50 having an internal cam surface 51 formed therein.
Pin assembly 43 includes a bolt like member 52 having an inner circular head 54 and a reduced diameter shank 56 terminating in a threaded portion 58, the end of which is provided with a slot 60. An intermediate cam sleeve 62 has internal threads 64 and a counterbore 66, with threads 64 turning down on threads 58 so that face 68 seats flush against shoulder 55 of head 54. Sleeve 62 has a cam surface 70 formed on its outside diameter to mate and coact with cam surface 51. A nut 72 has threads 73 which turn down on threads 58 and a face 74 which seats flush against face 76 of sleeve 62. The outer diameters of head 54 and nut 72 are the same, and they closely fit in bore 50 with a few thousandths clearance. The outer diameter of sleeve 62 is a few thousandths less than head 54 and nut 72.
A pair of O-rings 80 and 82 are mounted in grooves 84 and 86, respectively, at the inner and outer ends of bore 50 and seal against the outside surfaces of head 54 and nut 72, respectively. The mating cam surfaces 51 and 70 are provided by machining a very coarse thread, e.g., a 2P-10° thread form, 0.245 wide. The components as shown in FIG. 2 are to proportional scale, but are about four times actual size. The thread cam surface 51 is faced on opposite sides 88 and 90 to about half thread width, or one-eighth inches wide, to furnish relief on one side of the thread. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 for more positive sturdy engagement mating cam surfaces 51a and 70a may be formed by machining a 0.50 inch lead, 7-start multiple, 0.0714 pitch thread form.
To assemble pin assembly 43 within body 42, cam sleeve 62 is threaded down onto shank 56 until face 68 seats against shoulder 55. With O-rings 80 and 82 in place in grooves 84 and 86, threaded portion 58 of bolt 52 is inserted from the inner end of body section 42 past O-ring 80 and cam surface 52 whereupon surface 70 engages and catches against surface 51. Bolt 52 is then turned so that surface 70 threads through surface 51 until shoulder 55 abuts against face 88.
The end of threaded portion 58 will be projecting beyond hex head 44 so that nut 72 may be threaded onto portion 58. A screw driver is placed into slot 60 to hold bolt 53, and the outer end of nut 72 is grasped with pliers and turned until face 74 is fully seated against face 76 and outer face 75 is flush with the outer end face 59 of portion 58. If necessary, the outer end of nut 72 may be filed to remove any burrs which might damage O-ring 82. As just described and assembled, pin assembly 43 would be in a fully retracted or unlocked position with shoulder 55 seated against face 88 and the inner end face 57 of head 54 flush with the inner end face 47 of body section 42. Flush faces 59 and 75 will be projecting beyond end face 45 of head 44.
During a drilling operation, after the next auger section 14 is coupled to the preceding section 12 by placing socket 18 down over drive extension 22, two locking devices or buttons 40 are installed on opposite sides of socket 18 to lock socket 18 and extension 22 against axial separation. Section 46 of body 42 is threaded into the transverse tapped hole 48 in the wall of socket 18 until head 44 tightly seats against the outer surface of socket 18. By placing a screw driver or other tool in slot 60, pin assembly 43 is then turned to advance head 54 inwardly via cam surfaces 51 and 70 into an aligned drilled hole 23 in extension 22 until it reaches its fully locked position established by face 74 seating against face 90. The outer end faces 45, 59, and 75 will be flush. Socket 18 and extension 22 are thus locked together.
As shown in FIG. 2, the various components of button 40 are sized and dimensioned so that shoulder 55 and face 74 in cooperation with faces 88 and 90, respectively, establish stop positions which limit the amount of axial displacement of pin assembly 43 from its locked position of FIG. 2 to its retraced unlocked position described above wherein socket 18 is axially removable from extension 22. The threaded cam surfaces formed as described with respect to surfaces 51 and 70, or 51a and 70a, are such that one-half turn of pin assembly 43 produces a desired one-quarter inch axial displacement of the assembly, and the axial distance between shoulder 55 and face 74 and their respective cooperating faces 88 and 90 are one-quarter inch. During the drilling operation, O-rings 80 and 82 prevent any water, dirt or other debris from entering the central portion of bore 50 and wearing or gumming up the cam surfaces 51 and 70, or 51a and 70a. Limiting the axial displacement of pin assembly 43 by way of the stop surfaces 55, 74, 88 and 90 ensures that head 54 and nut 72 can not ride beyond O-rings 80 and 82, respectively, regardless of how much a field operator tries to turn assembly 43.
In addition, the O-rings provide a cleaning, wiping action on the surfaces of head 54 and nut 72 as pin assembly 43 is moved between its locked and unlocked positions, again protecting and extending the life of the cam surfaces of button 40.
As discussed initially, the locking device or button 40 overcomes the problems associated with the conventional one-piece lockscrew. After body section 42 is initially installed as shown in FIG. 2, there is no need to remove threaded section 46 from tapped hole 48 each time drive extension 22 is uncoupled from socket 18. Consequently, damage to threads 48 is avoided and the useful life of the auger section is increased. The useful life of each locking device is substantially extended because of the sealed, protected environment provided for the operating cam surfaces by the O-rings 80 and 82. During use the outer diameter of nut 72 is protected within hex head 44 since end faces 59 and 75 are flush with end face 45. In addition, the locking pin assembly 43 and its positive thread cam construction are sturdy and rigid enough to withstand the vibrational forces present during a drilling operation. An especially convenient feature for the field operator lies in the fact that only a half turn of pin assembly 43 is required to retract head 54 to its unlocked position and free extension 22 axially from socket 18.
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 locking device or button for hollow stem auger couplings including an outer body section having an internal bore, a locking pin assembly mounted within the bore, and cooperating cam structure for moving the pin assembly a predetermined distance between locked and unlocked positions. Seal means at opposite ends of the bore keeps water and dirt out of the bore and protects the cam structure. | 4 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to the field of computer networks and in particular, to that of caching services for a computer network. More specifically, a caching service for use on the World Wide Web is disclosed which can improve user response times and reduce the amount of data transmitted over the Web.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Caching has been used as a technology to improve user response time and to decrease network bandwidth utilization for distributed applications 10 such as web browsing. In the context of the World Wide Web, it is common to deploy caching services to improve the response time to users and to reduce the amount of data that is transmitted over the Web. The user invokes a browser program to retrieve data from the server in the network. A Uniform Resource Locator or URL identifies the address of the source of the data. Without an intervening cache, the request goes directly to the server, and the server returns the desired information.
When a cache is used in a network, a request for information is first sent to the cache. If the cache contains the desired information it is returned to the client. If the requested information is not found in the cache, the catch retrieves the information from the server and returns the information to the client. The cache will also store a copy of the information locally. Since the local storage of the cache is limited only a small portion of all possible information can maintain locally. Caches may implement various techniques to decide which information is maintained and which is discarded. A very common technique is the least recently used scheme, in which the URL information, which has not been accessed for the longest amount of time, is replaced by the new URL information being accessed. An overview of different caching schemes can be found in the document Aggarwal, C., et al., Caching on the World Wide Web , IEEE Transactions on Knowledge and Data Engineering, Vol. 11, No. 1 January/February 1999, pp. 94-107.
There are two common modes for web caching: client proxy caches and transparent caches. In a client proxy cache, the browser is typically configured to send a request for information directly to the cache rather than the server. A transparent cache works like a proxy cache except that the browser need not be configured to send a request to the transparent cache. A transparent cache detects the packets belonging to the web-application by looking at information in the request such as the port number carried in IP packets (Web applications usually carry a port number of 80). The transparent cache then direct packets to the cache.
In some variants of the caching architecture, multiple caches can be deployed in the network. In one example, the proxy uses a static hashing of the URL to determine which cache should receive the request. Different caches can also be arranged in a hierarchy. The browser sends the request to a first cache. If the first cache does not find the URL information locally, the request is sent to a second cache. The second cache can send to a third cache, when the final cache is reached the request is sent to the server. The topology in which caching occurs is usually configurable. An algorithm for static hashing is CARP, or Cache Array Routing Protocol described in Ross, K., Hash Routing for Collections of Shared Web Caches , IEEE, Network, November/December 1997, pp. 37-44.
Although caching in the web has been researched extensively, the effectiveness of the caches has been found to be relatively poor. Usually, the probability that a web page is found in the local cache is less than half, possibly around 35-40%. Thus, more than half of the requests result in a cache miss, i.e., they are not found in the cache.
The cache miss factor is high due to a variety of reasons. Many of the URLs, associated with pages which browsers attempt to access, identify data that is dynamic (e.g., a program to be executed at a server commonly called cgi-bin scripts). Some URLs identify information that is highly specific to the user (e.g., uses a cookie or creates a special identifier for the user). Some URLs identify special programs like a video or audio clip that need special handling or special protocols between the client and the server, and cannot be handled by an intervening cache.
Each cache miss adds extra latency to the packet request, which degrades the performance perceived by the browser. Since more than half of the requests result in a cache miss, traditional caching is more likely to result in degraded user performance than improved response time.
Figure 1 illustrates the different components that interact together to implement a prior art caching system. Within this caching system, a client 101 wishes to access a URL that identifies some information located at server 111 . The client 101 initially contacts a cache 105 . The cache 105 is connected to the client 101 by a network 113 . Typically, the network 113 is a campus network or fast local area network. The cache 105 serves multiple clients that are present on the network 113 , e.g., another client 103 in the network may access the same cache. The cache 105 connects to the server 111 via a network 107 . Typically, network 113 is faster than network 107 , so that response time is improved every time there is a hit in the cache. The cache 105 may coordinate caching with other caches in the network, i.e., cache 109 in the network.
In order to improve the caching behavior, a system of multiple proxying caches may be deployed. In addition, special caching servers, that can provide caching techniques that work with cookies or provide a specialized protocol for caching video and audio clips can be added to the network. While there are several caching architectures for interconnecting a multiple number of caches, most do not perform well due to a poor cache hit ratio. Plus, the number of proxying mechanisms deployed in the network adds additional latency in the caching architecture, and usually degrades the performance of the network, rather than improving it.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A policy enabled caching system based upon policy rules which define whether a request from a client is directed to a cache or a server. The client is coupled to a plurality of caches and to at least one server. The caches may store a subset of the data stored on the server.
The policy enabled caching system stores policy rules which comprise at least one matching condition, where every request containing a matching condition falls into an associated class. Each class will have an associated routing rule, where a routing rule defines the type of routing for all the requests which fall into that class.
The policy enabled caching system will receive the request from the client and classify the request according to the policy rules. The request is then routed according to the routing rule associated with the class to which the request belongs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a prior art caching system.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a policy enabled caching system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a table showing examples of how policy rules may be implemented in an exemplary embodiment of a policy enable caching system.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing two manners in which the a policy enabled caching system may be implemented in a client workstation.
FIG. 5 is a flow chart which illustrates the steps followed by a browser or a cache to obtain information corresponding to a specific URL.
FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps followed by a policy-enabled cache and a cache user to dynamically adjust the policies.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a policy-enabled Web caching scheme which consists of a policy repository server 201 , and several policy clients 203 , 205 , 207 . The policy clients, policy repository and caches are connected together by the network 213 . The policy repository server 201 is also accessible to the caches that are in network 209 . The server 211 when being accessed is also connected to the caches via the network 209 . A policy client may be a browser 203 which is trying to access URLs over the network (e. g., from the server 211 ), or a cache 205 which is used by the browser. The policy repository server 201 stores the rules that dictate how the browser (or cache) should behave when operating on specific requests. The rules may dictate whether a browser (or cache) should go directly to the web server, or whether the browser should go to a specific cache, or one of a selected number of caches.
FIG. 3 a and FIG. 3 b illustrates an example of how policy rules may be implemented in the exemplary embodiment of the policy-enabled web caching architecture. The FIG. 3 a is a table that shows three classes: 301 , 303 and 305 . Each class is named such as “GoSpecific” and each class has an associated routing rule such as “CacheA”. Each request that belongs to a particular class will be routed according to that classes routing rule. FIG. 3 b is a table that defines the matching conditions and the class associated with that matching condition. A request that contains a matching condition will become part of the associated class, such that a request that contains a “URL suffix .au” will become part of class “GoSpecific”.
Referring to FIG. 3 a the action taken for each request belonging to class 301 (named GoDirect) is to send the request directly to the server. The action taken for each request belonging to class 303 (named GoSpecific) is to send the request to a specific cache; and the action taken for each request belonging to class 305 (named GoVideo) is to send the request to one of a set of selected caches.
Referring to the table in FIG. 3 b there are four classification rules shown: 307 , 309 , 311 and 313 . Each classification rule consists of a matching condition and the name of a class. The matching condition of classification rule 307 is that a request with a URL that contains the substring .cgi-bin will become part of the class “GoDirect ”. Referring to FIG. 3 a the class “GoDirect” has a routing rule that sends request that belong to the “Go Direct” class directly to the server. Therefore, the policy rule for a request with a URL having the substring of .cgi-bin is to send the request directly to the end-server. The matching condition of classification rule 309 provides for requests with a URL that end with the suffix “.au” should be classified as “GoSpecific” and, referring to FIG. 3 a , should be routed to a “CacheA ”. The matching condition for classification rule 311 provides any request with a cookie in the URL is classified as “GoDirect” and, referring to FIG. 3 a , should be routed directly to the server. The fourth classification rule 313 has a matching condition that any request with a URL containing the suffix of “.rpm” should be classified as “GoVideo” and, referring to FIG. 3 a , the request should be directed to one of the caches specified in the list of “GoVideo”.
The classification in a policy rule may be done on the basis of any of the fields in the request sent by the client, not just the URL. The information contained in the field may include things like cookies, the suffix of a URL, the requirement for an authentication header, the type of transport protocol used for communication, the existence of a specific header extension in the request, etc. The specification of the policy classification rules can be done using the syntax of regular expressions, a scheme which is well known in the field. The action to be taken on any of the classes can be specified by listing the caches or server to be contacted, using a reserved symbol (e.g., ‘*’) to denote that the server be contacted directly.
The classification rules as described, operate on the basis of matching a condition with the contents of the request made by the client. A degenerate case of this classification rule would be to specify the port numbers or IP addresses of clients and use them to direct cache requests to specific caches or servers. This is the manner in which transparent caching proxies of the prior art operate. However, routing of URL requests on the basis of only port numbers does not allow the differentiation between different types of requests (ones asking for video or audio data, or containing cookies) and is extremely limited since most of the web traffic would be directed on the same port number (port number 80 ).
As illustrated in FIG. 3 b , the matching condition can use the name and characteristics of the request to make policy decisions. The name is usually the URL of the information being obtained, and the characteristics are specified by other fields in the request header, e.g., the type of information (audio/video/text/graphics), cookies, authentication headers, etc. The classification on the basis of name and characteristics is much more flexible than routing on the basis of port numbers. Routing of requests to different caches or servers on the basis of name and characteristics can be done by a client originating the request, or at any intervening server, but routing on the basis of port numbers cannot be done effectively since all requests will have the same port numbers in them.
FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the policy-enabled web caching architecture. The policy rules are stored in the policy repository server 405 . The client workstation 401 contains a browser program 403 which can obtain the policy rules directly from the policy repository server 405 . The browser program 403 will receives a request and use the policy rules to determine which cache or server to route the request to. The client workstation 407 contains a browser program 409 and a local proxy 411 . The local proxy 411 will obtain the policy rules directly from the policy repository server 405 . The browser program 409 will always send a request to the local proxy 411 . The local proxy 411 uses the policy rules to determine which cache or server to send the request to.
FIG. 5 is a flow chart diagram which illustrates the steps that can be used by the policy enabled browser 401 or the local proxy 411 , of FIG. 4, in order to implement web caching in a policy enabled manner. The processing begins at step 501 when a request is formed. In step 503 , the browser 401 or local proxy 411 first checks if it has the current set of defined policies from the policy repository server 405 . If the check fails, the browser or local proxy would get the current policies from the policy repository server 405 in step 505 , and then proceed to step 507 . Otherwise processing proceeds directly to step 507 . In step 507 , the next cache or server to be contacted is determined based on the policy. In step 509 , the processing terminates and the browser 401 or local proxy 411 sends the request to the selected cache or the server.
The check for ensuring that the set of polices is current can be implemented in a variety of ways which depend on the manner in which polices are obtained from the policy repository. The browser or local proxy may obtain the set of current policies at regular intervals from the policy repository, in which case the check consists of checking if it is time to fetch the new policies from the policy repository. On the other hand, the policy repository may be notifying the browser or local proxy when there is a change in policies. In this case, the check would consist of checking if such a notification has been received. Other ways could also be devised for this purpose.
The steps outlined in FIG. 5 can also be implemented by a cache which implements support for policies. In these cases, the policies determine next cache or server to be contacted in case a copy of the requested URL is not found locally.
FIG. 6 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the policy-enabled web caching architecture where a cache can revise or update policy rules that are being used by the local proxy or browser. This can be done, e.g., when the client is trying to contact the cache for a URL that is determined not to be cachable. FIG. 6 illustrates the manner in which such a modification occurs. A browser 601 contains a set of policies from a policy repository 603 as shown in interaction 1 and subsequently contacts a cache 605 as dictated by the policies as shown in interaction 2. The cache 605 does not find the information locally and contacts the server 607 as shown in interaction 3. The information obtained from the response 4 of server 607 indicates that the data is not cachable. This indication is carried in the standard protocols used to communicate with the server. When the cache 605 receives the response, it informs the client that the policy should be updated and the specific URL should not be cached via interaction 5. The cache 605 can also update the information in the policy repository 603 so that all clients become aware of the new policy via interaction 6.
The above description was intended to convey the methodology in which the invention of policy enabled caching to be implemented. Those skilled in the art can realize several ways in which this invention can be implemented.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention. | A policy enabled caching system based upon policy rules which define whether a request from a client is directed to a cache or a server. The client is coupled to a plurality of caches and to at least one server. The caches may store a subset of the data stored on the server. The policy enabled caching system stores policy rules which comprise at least one matching condition, where every request containing a matching condition falls into an associated class. Each class will have an associated routing rule, where a routing rule defines the type of routing for all the requests which fall into that class. The policy enabled caching system will receive the request from the client and classify the request according to the policy rules. The request is then routed according to the routing rule associated with the class to which the request belongs. | 8 |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This invention is based upon and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/934,747, filed the 15 Jun. 2007 and is also a continuation in part of the U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/214,070, filed the 16 Jun. 2008.
INTRODUCTION
The title of the invention set forth in this document is “Stretched Cable Membrane Attachment System.” The inventor's name is Henry L. Hamlin III, residing in Macon, Georgia and with United States citizenship. The inventor's correspondence address is PO Box 7548, Macon, Ga. 31209.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APENDIX
Not applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and system of installing roofing or waterproofing membrane, particularly installation whereby the membrane is secured with a cable and related fasteners.
2. Background
A typical low slope roof consists of the following components, from bottom to top (not including structural components of the building): deck system, insulation, and a waterproof barrier. The perimeter of the roof may be flat, have a parapet wall, or a combination of both. In the main field of the roof, there can be any number of roof penetrations and other items, including such features as plumbing vent pipes, HVAC units on curbs or supports, expansion joints, conduit, or a wide variety of other items.
Singly ply membranes are rapidly becoming the most popular roofing system for buildings with low slope roofs. Single ply membranes include such materials as thermalplastics (TPO, PVC, CPE, among others) and rubber roof membrane (EPDM). These materials typically are packaged in roll form and are unrolled onto the roof during installation. The sides and ends of the rolls are overlapped and then joined via some form of adhesion (heat or chemical means are the most common) to form a larger, continuous sheet. The rest of installation depends on the means of waterproofing at through roof penetrations and other rooftop structures but also includes an especially important step—securing the roof to the building's structure.
There are 3 primary means of securing a roofing system to a building's structure: mechanical fastening, adhering, or ballasting. Mechanical fastening involves passing fasteners through the membrane and substrate then into the decking material. This method is most common for roofs that are easily screwed into, i.e. wood or metal decks. Adhering involves gluing the roof system to the decking and is most common for roofs where the decking is not easily mechanically fastened to, especially in the case of concrete decks. Ballasting involves placing a fairly large quantity of small rock or pebbles on the membrane's surface. This method of securing the roofing system to the building works great in situations where one might not want or be able to mechanically fasten or fully adhere the roof. Each of these methods secures the roof system to the deck and structure of the building and each one can be used in a wide variety of instances, depending on the particular building's needs.
The most common types of decking for low slope roofs are: metal, wood, and concrete. Metal decking is comprised of sheets of metal that have been bent into a specific pattern in order to better support the weight of the roof. Wood decking is typically either sheets or planks of wood. Concrete decking is typically fairly thick (over one or two inches in thickness) and is either poured in place or set in pre-fabricated pieces. Though all of these types of deck are capable of receiving mechanical fasteners, it is a very simple process in wood and metal decks, while it is more difficult and labor consuming in concrete decks. Fastening into wood or metal simply requires screwing or nailing into it. Fastening into concrete requires pre-drilling the hole and then inserting a separate fastening mechanism into or through the hole. This process which is much more labor intensive and time consuming when one considers the vast majority of fasteners that must be installed on a roof to properly secure it with necessary wind uplift ratings.
Fully adhering or ballasting the roof system both carry with them disadvantages as well. It is not always possible to fully adhere to a roof due to moisture content within an existing roof system (in the case of re-roofing over the existing roof) or even due to the fumes from the adhesives. Ballasting the roof involves a large quantity of the rock in order to provide sufficient downward force to resist wind uplift. This rock must be moved to the roof during installation, requiring many truckloads for larger roofs. Also, if the roof is leaking, the repair process is not nearly as straightforward as the roof is hidden underneath a thick layer of rock. Both of these methods are highly labor intensive and require other special details in order to complete the roofing system.
Oftentimes, regardless of the type of deck, fully adhering or ballasting the roof are both out of the question. If the deck does not easily receive mechanical fasteners, one would ideally like an option to still mechanically fasten but with a lesser number of fasteners. There have been previous inventions that have attempted to solve this problem. One of interest would be U.S. Pat. No. 7,028,438, which is a roofing system that utilizes hold down straps for insulation. In addition, others have used batten bars, which help to further secure the roofing membrane in locations linearly between the main fasteners. U.S. Pat. No. 6,764,260 uses this method. These prior methods fail to sufficiently improve the process of mechanically fastening a roof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The goal of this invention is improve the efficiency of mechanically fastening single ply membrane roofing systems, as well as to improve wind uplift resistance and durability of the roof system in general. The Stretched Cable Membrane Attachment System is designed around the idea of using a cable to secure the roof membrane to the deck of the building. The cable would still require mechanical fastening but the frequency of the fasteners themselves would be drastically reduced due to the cable providing additional holding strength between them. In turn, the job would require less labor and time to be properly installed. In addition, the means of installing the cable would require the cable and its fasteners be secured underneath (and completely encased in some cases) a layer of membrane so as to prevent any possible leakage. Provisions are included for different methods to accomplish this.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is one embodiment of an overhead view of the surface of the roof with only the cable system showing (i.e. no membrane is depicted) in order to more clearly show the general layout. There is a plurality of wall fasteners ( 4 .) fastened into opposite parapet walls ( 5 .) and there are no wall fasteners ( 4 .) in the parapet walls ( 5 .) that are perpendicular to these. There are four perimeter cable sections ( 1 .) that are connected to the wall fasteners ( 4 .) at each of the four corners of the roof. There are three interior cables ( 2 .) in the main roof area ( 6 .) that are connected to wall fasteners ( 4 .) on opposite parapet walls ( 5 .). At each junction between cable section and wall fastener ( 4 .), there is a cable termination ( 3 .) where the endpoint of that particular section of cable is formed into a loop and crimped tightly to itself, forming a loop.
FIG. 2 is a closer version of the corner of the roof as shown in FIG. 1 . There are two perimeter cable sections ( 1 .) shown, joined in the corner via cable terminations ( 3 .) at a wall fastener ( 4 .) which is fastened through the parapet wall ( 5 .). There is an additional wall fastener ( 4 .), to which an interior cable ( 2 .) is connected via a cable termination ( 3 .).
FIG. 3 is one embodiment of the invention showing a cutout view of an interior cable ( 2 .) in its membrane encasement installed on a roof with a decking fastening device ( 15 .) securing it. The cable ( 2 .) is connected to the decking fastening device ( 15 .) via the looped termination point ( 3 .). The decking fastening device ( 15 .) penetrates through the roof substrate ( 7 .) and decking ( 8 .). The field membrane ( 11 .) is depicted beneath the membrane encasement assembly. The membrane encasement assembly consists of the lower strip of membrane ( 12 .), which is beneath the cable ( 2 .), and the upper strip of membrane ( 13 .), which is situated over the cable ( 2 .). The lower strip of membrane ( 12 .) is heat welded or adhered to the field membrane ( 11 .). The excess portion of the field membrane ( 22 .) is then folded over the fastener ( 15 .) and there is a heat weld ( 9 .) between the excess membrane ( 22 .) and the upper strip of the membrane encasement ( 13 .). Then, in standard flashing methods, an addition layer of wall flashing membrane ( 10 .) is adhered or fastened (method not depicted) to the parapet wall ( 5 .) and then lays over the heat weld ( 9 .) between the excess portion of the field membrane ( 22 .) and the upper strip of the membrane encasement ( 13 .). The wall flashing membrane ( 10 .) is then welded to the upper strip of the membrane encasement ( 13 .).
FIG. 4 is a cutout view of one possible embodiment of the membrane cable encasement. The roof substrate ( 7 .) and decking ( 8 .) are both shown with the main field membrane ( 11 .) situated over them. The lower strip of the membrane encasement ( 12 .) is then heat welded ( 9 .) to the main field membrane ( 11 .). The interior cable ( 2 .) sits roughly midway on the lower strip of the membrane encasement ( 12 .) and the upper strip of the membrane encasement ( 13 .) is over the interior cable ( 2 .) and is heat welded ( 9 .) to the top surface of the lower strip of the membrane encasement ( 12 .).
FIG. 5 is a cutout view of one possible embodiment of the membrane cable encasement with a cleat style fastener ( 14 .) being used to secure the interior cable ( 2 .) through the roof substrate ( 7 .) and into the roof deck ( 8 .) via one form of decking fastening devices ( 15 .). The roof substrate ( 7 .) and decking ( 8 .) are both shown with the main field membrane ( 11 .) situated over them. The lower strip of the membrane encasement ( 12 .) is then heat welded ( 9 .) to the main field membrane ( 11 .). The interior cable ( 2 .) sits roughly midway on the lower strip of the membrane encasement ( 12 .) and the upper strip of the membrane encasement ( 13 .) is over the interior cable ( 2 .) and is heat welded ( 9 .) to the top surface of the lower strip of the membrane encasement ( 12 .). There is a hole cut in the lower strip of the membrane encasement ( 12 .) such that the cleat style fastener ( 14 .) can pass through it. However, the upper strip of the membrane encasement ( 13 .) covers and waterproofs the penetrations.
FIG. 6 is a close-up fragmented view of one possible embodiment of a particular section of cable (either 1 . or 2 .). At each end of the assembly, there is one type of fastening device, consisting of an a threaded shank ( 18 .) and an eye ( 19 .). On the distal end of the threaded shank ( 18 .), there is a washer ( 17 .) and then a nut ( 16 .), which is threaded onto the shank ( 18 .) to secure the washer ( 17 .), which is used to secure the eyebolt in the fastening position. To each eye ( 19 .), there is a section of cable ( 20 .), shown fragmented in order to fit, that is connected. There is a turn buckle ( 21 .) situated roughly in the center of the assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With different embodiments serving different purposes and applications, this invention will be presented first in its preferred embodiment then alternate installations will be presented. In addition, installations will not necessarily be limited to installing this system exactly as described. Those skilled in the art will be able to apply the methods to particular roofing situations while still holding to the spirit of the invention.
The Stretched Cable Membrane Attachment System, in its preferred embodiment, consists of the following major components: the sections of cable along with a means for termination 3 , the single ply roofing membrane, a building that is in need of a roof, and fasteners for securing the cable and membrane. On a building on which the decking and substrate were already installed (substrate including all materials between the roofing membrane and the decking), one would begin by laying out the roofing membrane onto the surface of the roof in the necessary pattern. The perimeter cables 1 would be installed at the perimeter of the building or section being roofed. Then, the interior cables 2 would be installed in the main field 6 of the roof. The cable itself can be fabricated from a variety of materials with metal strands of wire being the preferred embodiment.
The first item to present will be the methods of fastening the cable to the roof, the building, or both. If a building has parapet walls 5 of sufficient height raised around the perimeter of the roof, the end of each cable can be fastened to a wall on each end at an elevation close to the level of the roof. This could consist of any variety of fasteners 4 , with one possibility being an eyebolt as shown in FIG. 6 . The eyebolt could be placed such that the eye 19 is on the inside part of the wall 5 and the bolt's threaded shank 18 is on the outside part. The bolt would then be secured with a washer 17 and a nut 16 such that it was held firmly in place. At this point, the cable could be fastened to the eye 19 , which typically consists of looping the end section 20 of the cable with a thimble in the loop and crimping the loop closed. The section of cable 1 or 2 would then be stretched in the direction of the next fastening point, at which point it would be secured the same method.
This is only one of many means of fastening the cable 1 or 2 . Alternate ways would be to fasten the eyebolt or a similar fastener 15 through the substrate 7 and decking 8 or even anchor it into the decking. If a parapet wall 5 is not present or is not suitable to receive a viable fastener 4 , one has the option of securing to the roofing decking 8 . There are a wide variety of fasteners 15 that can be used, all of which achieve the same ultimate goal of securing the cable to the roof, but each of which works best for particular situations.
The perimeter cable system consists of multiple lengths of cable 1 which are comparable in lengths to each side of the building's perimeter. The cables 1 would ideally be fastened such that the each section of cable runs parallel to each side of the perimeter of the building. It would then typically be fastened at any inside and outside corners that are encountered along this perimeter.
At corners, each section of cable 1 could have its own fastener 4 or 15 at which it terminates 3 or the end points of two separate cables 1 could meet at the same fastening point.
The interior cable system consists of a plurality of cables 2 that are run across the interior of the main roof area 6 being roofed. The preferred method of running these cables 2 is to run them all parallel to one another and parallel with the direction of the slope of the roof, such that water drainage will not be impeded by the presence of the cable. This method can be altered depending on the exact roofing situation. In the preferred embodiment, each length of cable 2 will be fastened at or near to a perimeter edge of the building and then run in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the perimeter edge to which it is fastened. The interior cables 2 will be a regular distance apart, though this may vary depending on the quantity and positions of the roof penetrations and other features of the roofs surface. It may also be necessary that all cables 2 do not run from one perimeter edge to another. If there is a large feature in the path of the cable 2 that is run from one perimeter edge, the installer may choose to terminate the cable at the edge of the roof feature and then fasten it to the decking 8 at that location in the necessary manner. The distance apart for each section of cable 2 will be determined by the roof requirements, paying particular attention to wind uplift requirements, the type of membrane being used, and the method of fastening. A building with higher wind uplift requirements and a less rigorous method of fastening may require more interior cables 2 while one with low wind uplift requirements and a more rigorous method of fastening may require less interior cables.
There may also be interior cables 2 used around through roof penetrations to secure the roofing membrane at the penetration's base. In this case, it would depend on the wind uplift requirements on whether the cable was fastened to the decking 8 . With less rigorous needs, one may be able to avoid fastening to the deck around roof penetrations. It is also possible that one may terminate around the roof penetration in standard ways without using any sort of cable, though that is typically going to rely on the wind uplift requirements for the building, as well as the contractor's skills and the type of building and decking. In many cases, adhesive may even be used around the perimeter of the roof penetration in place of the cable.
There are several methods of installing the cables 1 and 2 and incorporating it into the roof system. First, we will discuss the pre-fabricated cable encasement. In this case, each length of interior cable 2 will be pre-fabricated inside of a membrane encasement, preferably in advance and in a more controlled environment, though it can be done on site as well. This encasement consists of, from bottom to top: a lower strip of membrane 12 , a length of cable 2 , and an upper strip of membrane 13 . The lower strip of membrane 12 would be made in lengths suitable for the end application on the roof as an interior field cable 2 . The cable would be situated roughly in the center of the lower membrane strip's width and would be of slightly longer length than the lower strip such that it would have sufficient available length at its ends to properly loop the cable and terminate 3 it at the fastening points. The upper strip of membrane 13 would be of a length somewhat equal to the lower strip with a lesser width than the lower strip of membrane 12 .
If using a membrane (such as thermalplastics) that is capable of being heat welded together, one could fabricate the cable encasement in the following manner, though there are a wide variety of ways to achieve the same goal. First, one would measure the length of interior cables 2 that are needed. The lower strip of membrane 12 would be cut so that it was of a length that would conform to the distance between the two fastening points, most likely equal to the distance between two walls 5 or two opposite perimeter edges of the building. The cable would then be placed on top of the lower strip of membrane 12 and situated such that it was roughly centered along the width and length of the lower strip of membrane. The upper strip of membrane 13 would be cut so that it was a length close to that of the lower strip. This upper strip of membrane 13 would be placed such that it was centered about the width of the lower strip of membrane 12 and cable and its endpoints matched closely to the endpoints of the lower strip of membrane. The width of both strips of membrane would be greater in dimension than the cable's diameter such that the cable could be encased within the two of them. The bottom surfaces of the edges of the upper strip that run along the longer ends would then be adhered via heat welding to the upper surfaces of the lower strip of membrane. The end result would be that the two strips of membrane would form an encasement around the cable, with the exception that the ends of the cable emerged from the open ends of the membrane encasement.
It is also possible to bypass the pre-fabrication step for this cable encasement and fabricate the encasement in the field or on the roof itself One can also make the encasement in a variety of ways, all of which will result in the cable being encased in membrane aside from the ends, which emerge from the distal open ends of the encasement. One alternate method would be to first heat weld a strip of membrane to the main roof membrane where the cable 1 or 2 will be installed. Then, the cable will be installed and a wider strip of membrane will be installed of the cable and the lower strip by heat welding the upper strip of membrane to the main roof membrane. Therefore, either the upper or lower strip of membrane can be larger. Differences also arise in the way that one installs the cable encasement to the main field roof membrane 11 . It is preferable to have an additional layer of membrane between the cable and the main roof membrane 11 . This prevents the cable from rubbing through the main roof membrane 11 and causing problems if there is too much movement. However, with the thickness of the membrane and the tightness of the cable, this extra precautionary layer of membrane is not always necessary. Alternately, one can install the cable directly over the main roof membrane 11 then install a strip of membrane over the cable by heat welding the sides of the strip on each side of the cable to the main roof membrane. This serves to secure the cable to the roof itself in the areas between where the fasteners secure the roof and cable to the decking 8 , thereby providing reinforcing hold down strength throughout the entire length of the cable.
The preferred method of installation of the entire roof system would be to first lay the main roof membrane 11 on the substrate 7 and heat weld all seams (if not capable of being heat welded, seams can also be adhered or glued as needed). Any cutting for penetrations would also be done during this process. This will effectively form a single piece of membrane, loose laid on the roof substrate 7 , and ready to be fastened and flashed. There should also be excess membrane 22 at the perimeters such that the cable can be encased and shielded from the elements. One can then begin installing the perimeter cables 1 , situated such that the perimeter cable sits over but flush with the membrane along all perimeters of the building. This helps to ensure that the membrane will be held secure and close to the roof deck such that it secures the roof to the deck even between fasteners. Again, these fasteners may reside in parapet walls 5 , outer walls, or within or through the decking 8 itself. These cables will then be fastened at the ends and tightened. It is also possible to install turn buckles 21 in the lengths of the cables to provide sufficient tension beyond what one is capable of with merely pulling the cable taut. It is also suggested that, if one is using a fastener like an eyebolt, that one secure these prior to installing the perimeter cable 1 . Where the perimeter cable would intersect the interior cable eyebolt, one could pass the perimeter cable through the eye 19 of the eyebolt. This would permit the perimeter cables 1 to be at nearly the same elevation as the interior cables 2 .
Once the perimeter cables 1 are fastened and securely in place, one can begin installation of the interior cables 2 . Again, it is often more convenient to pre-install the fasteners, especially if one is intending to keep the cables at more exact distances apart. Once the fasteners are installed at the necessary distances apart, one will begin installing cable between each pair of fasteners. Ideally, these interior cables 2 should all be run parallel to one another but special situations may occur whereby cables may need to be crossed or at different angles.
The excess membrane 22 that overlaps the area of the roof should then be used to encase the perimeter cables 1 and protect them from the weather and elements. One would take the excess field membrane 22 where it reaches beyond the extent of the perimeter cable and fold it over the perimeter cable in the direction of the main roof membrane 11 . Then, the excess membrane 22 would be welded or adhered to the main roof membrane, thus surrounding the cable in membrane except where the interior cables 2 are fastened to their fasteners. There will likely be places, such as where the interior cable fasteners are placed, where the membrane may have to be cut to allow for the excess membrane to fold over. Once this process is complete, standard wall or perimeter flashing methods can be done, typically whereby an additional layer of flashing membrane 10 can be taken and welded or adhered to the main roof membrane 11 further interior to the roof than where the excess membrane 22 is welded. The opposite end can then be secured to the wall 5 or outer perimeter of the building and terminated in the usual manner.
It is also possible to secure the cable within the membrane by placing the cable prior to heat welding the roof membrane seams. One could place the cable along one of the longer sides of a roll of membrane then fold that side over in the opposite direction such that it covers the cable, then heat weld it to itself such that the cable is encased in a tubular section of membrane. Then, one would place the next roll of roofing membrane such that it overlapped past the location of the heat weld 9 on the previous roll of membrane. The side of this next roll would then weld to the first roll of membrane such that the cable had even more protection inside of its first membrane encasement.
For larger buildings or higher wind uplift ratings, it is often necessary to fasten the same pieces of cable in locations other than at the perimeters of the buildings, regardless of the cables running through the interior sections of the roof. In these situations, one would prefer to provide additional fasteners to the individual sections of the interior cables 2 or perimeter cables 1 . This fastening would be done in methods appropriate to the substrate 7 and would be done in distances that would lead to sufficient hold down strength. In most buildings with concrete decking systems, the deck consists of a plurality of concrete panels, all of which are of similar sizes. One possible option for fastening in these types of decking systems would be to drill through the material which lies between the concrete panels, typically a filler material. One could then place an eyebolt through this hole with the eye above the roof and membrane and the bolt end protruding into the building itself. On the bolt end, one could place a washer that was larger than the gap between the concrete panels and then place a nut to secure the washer with sufficient tightness. This, again, is merely one method for fastening and many alternate methods, including a cleat style faster 14 as shown in FIG. 5 , may be provided while still adhering to the spirit of the invention. In any of these cases, the fastener that is located within the length of the cable (i.e. not at the endpoints), should not in any case penetrate the upper strip of membrane which encases and waterproofs it. It is especially beneficial to not pre-fabricate the cable encasement in order to avoid this happening. Then, one is able to fasten the cable at some point along its length other than its endpoints and then the upper strip of membrane is welded over the cable and the lower strip, thus sealing the cable and any holes due to fastener penetration from the weather and elements.
Once the entire roof system is installed and secured with the cable system, standard flashing methods can be employed to completely waterproof the building. The end result should, in all cases, be that the cable is not exposed in any location to the elements. It should be encased on all sides by any of the following: roof substrate 7 or decking 8 , parapet walls 5 , roofing membrane, or other parts of the building's structure. The complete encasement of the cable is not only what brings strength to the system's wind uplift capabilities, but also what protects it and permits it to last long term under a high tension. | The system and method of securing a single ply membrane to a roof deck or structure described herein is of a system that utilizes sections of cable that are completely protected or surrounded by the single ply membrane. There may be a set of perimeter cables or interior cables that secure the membrane according to the needs of the building and the necessary specifications on the roof. The cables are secured at their endpoints and, possibly, additional fasteners may be provided along their lengths. Flashing of the cables provides that they be completely protected from the elements, as are most fasteners in flat or low slope roofing systems. | 4 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to the following, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety:
[0002] Korean Application No. 31952/2003, filed on May 20, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) networking, and more particularly, to improved ATM cell switching by adding an end destination identifier in front of an ATM header.
[0005] 2. Background of the Related Art
[0006] Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) is a technology that was developed and is continuously being enhanced to meet the increasing demands for handling multimedia based applications (such as data, voice, video and images) in a high bandwidth and high speed network environment.
[0007] The basic idea behind ATM is to transmit (i.e., transport) all information in small, fixed size packets called ‘cells.’ The advantage of fixed sized cells is that more efficient switching can be performed and this results in very high rates of data transfer. The cells are 53 bytes long, of which 5 bytes are header and 48 bytes are payload. For simplicity, the ‘header’ may refer to the 4-byte portion that excludes the 1-byte HEC (header error control, also known as CRC (cyclic redundancy check)).
[0008] ATM is able to support various types of data by utilizing a particular type of protocol layer called the ATM adaptation layer (AAL). The AAL is used for cell construction and reception, as well as for the setup, operation, and tear down of virtual paths and circuits. User traffic information is routed through the network via such virtual paths or channels. There are four types of AALs (AAL1, AAL2, AAL3/4, AAL5) and each is designed to carry one type of traffic.
[0009] An ATM switch performs the relaying function of each cell through the network by assigning connection identifiers to each link of a connection. In an ATM switch, ATM cells are transported from an incoming logical channel to one or more outgoing logical channels. Here, a logical channel is indicated by a combination of two identities: the number of the physical link, and the identity of the channel, i.e., the Virtual Path Identifier/Virtual Channel Identifier (VPI/VCI) that allows cells belonging to the same connection to be distinguished. Also, ATM switches are used to buffer and relay cells as quickly as possible with minimal cell loss.
[0010] The general architecture of ATM switches is well-known in the art, and only those pertinent features will be discussed hereafter for the sake of clarity in explaining the present invention.
[0011] Referring to FIG. 1, in the related art structure, for processing a cell stream introduced into the network board, a particular path is allocated among a plurality of routing paths via a cell switching unit 1 . Thereafter, when an ATM cell that has been assigned to a particular path requires processing, the cell is stored in Queue 1 ( 10 ) of the corresponding path. Here, the cell switching unit 1 continues to receive cells being introduced and repeats its operation of allocating routing paths.
[0012] The cell processing unit 5 verifies the Queue status to see whether a cell exists or not, processes the cell by using the function defined, and stores the results in Queue 2 ( 20 ). The cell stored in Queue 2 ( 20 ) is selected together with Queue 3 ( 30 ) (which is a memory for cells introduced into the network board) by an arbitration algorithm of the cell switching unit 1 , and then, after going through another cell switching process, is sent to the destination upon receiving re-assignment of a final routing path.
[0013] The cell processing unit 5 performs one operation that is defined. If two or more operations are defined and performed, an equal number of ‘Queue 1 —Cell Processing Unit—Queue 2 ’ sequence functions is required.
[0014] In an ATM network, there are instances when processing of an ATM cell is necessary. For example, such an instance is a change in cell type. To change the type (AAL type) (AAL: ATM Adaptation Layer) of a particular cell being introduced, the need for cell processing is checked by the cell switching unit 1 , routing is done through the corresponding path, and the type of the cell is changed at the cell processing unit 5 . The changed cell has a final routing path allocated thereto through another cell switching procedure.
[0015] Another example where processing is needed is the change in particular information (data) of an ATM cell payload that is defined in the network. This is where a cell having a particular VPI/VCI within the network is defined, and particular information of the payload is changed when a cell having the corresponding VPI/VCI is introduced.
[0016] In the related art structure, all cell streams introduced into the network board are stored in Queue 3 ( 30 ), and the cell of the Queue that will process Queue 3 ( 30 ) and Queue 2 ( 20 ) (with a processed cell stored therein) by an appropriate arbitration algorithm is processed at the cell switching unit 1 . At the cell switching unit 1 , 4 bytes of the cell header (excluding the 1-byte HEC) having the VPI/VCI of the ATM cell stored therein are read in order to perform cell switching of Queue 3 ( 30 ). Here, the cell switching unit 1 , by checking its own VPI/VCI information arrangement, provides information for changing the VPI/VCI that has been read, into a new VPI/VCI and for routing.
[0017] For cell transmission to Queue 1 ( 10 ) for PHY(0˜n), namely the physical layers which are the end destination within the network board, or loop back path and cell processing, the destination is determined by using routing information. The cell switching unit 1 first transmits (transports) 4 bytes of the cell header containing the changed VPI/VCI, and then after the 4 th byte, transmits the remaining 49 bytes (the 5 th through 53 rd bytes) stored in Queue 3 ( 30 ).
[0018] The corresponding cell is allocated routing information of the cell processing unit 5 for cell processing. When a cell is stored in Queue 1 ( 10 ), this is detected by the cell processing unit 5 , and 53 bytes of the cell are read from Queue 1 ( 10 ) for cell processing, cell processing is performed according to the function defined in the cell processing unit 5 , and then stored in Queue 2 ( 20 ). Here, the VPI/VCI of the cell can be changed, or the previous VPI/VCI can be maintained.
[0019] Thereafter, when a cell that should be processed in Queue 2 ( 20 ) according to the arbitration algorithm is generated, the cell switching unit 1 reads a cell from Queue 3 ( 30 ) (and as done in the switching operation), the 4 bytes of the cell header are read from Queue 2 ( 20 ) to perform a change into a new VPI/VCI. After determining the final (end) destination using the routing information, the 4 bytes of cell header having the changed VPI/VCI is transmitted, and then the remaining 49 bytes (the 5 th through 53 rd bytes) stored in Queue 2 ( 20 ) are transmitted.
[0020] Here, the cell switching unit 1 has information regarding VPI/VCI to be changed and routing information for all routing paths, in particular, for cells that are transferred to the cell processing unit 5 , change information of routing to Queue 1 ( 10 ) and routing information for transfer from Queue 2 ( 20 ) to the final destination.
[0021] [0021]FIG. 2 shows a related art method of an ATM cell stream routing procedure depicted as a flow chart.
[0022] First, the cell switching unit 1 selects, from Queue 1 ( 10 ) having stored therein all cell streams introduced into the subscriber (network) board, and from Queue 2 ( 20 ) having stored therein cells that have been processed, a particular cell to be switched by using a certain bus arbitration algorithm (S 101 ).
[0023] Also, the 4-byte cell header having VPI/VCI information of the selected cell included therein is read and converted into a new VPI/VCI by using an internal routing information table, and the corresponding cell is switched upon determining the final destination (S 102 ).
[0024] Then, it is checked whether the processed cell requires processing (S 103 ), and the cell is transferred to the final destination if no processing is required (S 104 ), while, if cell processing is required, the cell is stored into Queue 3 ( 30 ) and processed through the cell processing unit 5 (S 105 ).
[0025] Regarding the transfer of the cell to its final destination and storing into Queue 3 ( 30 ), after initially transferring the 4-byte header of the cell containing the changed VPI/VCI information, the 49 bytes (from the 5 th byte to the 53 rd byte) are then transferred.
[0026] As such, the cell processing unit 5 reads the 53 bytes of the cell from Queue 3 ( 30 ), processes the corresponding cell according to certain operations, and then stores the cell in Queue 2 ( 20 ). Here, the VPI/VCI of the processed cell may be changed (converted) or the previous VPI/VCI may be maintained.
[0027] However, the related art has some problems and disadvantages. In the related art, for a single ATM cell to be processed, two types of routing information, namely, the routing information to Queue 1 ( 10 ) and the routing information from Queue 2 ( 20 ) to the final (end) destination are required. Thus, inefficiencies are created in the ATM network having limited VPI/VCI resources, and the corresponding algorithm in resource management is complicated.
[0028] Also, in the repetitive cell switching for Queue 2 ( 20 ) to the end destination, delays are created in the overall network for the corresponding cell due to the operation is for switching the cell header (4 byte, excluding the 1-byte HEC) having VPI/VCI information stored therein. Thus, the processing load at the cell switching unit 1 and the memory size for storing VPI/VCI routing information need to be made twice as large, as each ATM cell requires separate processing of the two types of routing information.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0029] Accordingly, the present invention addresses at least the above-identified problems of the related art.
[0030] An object of the present invention is to provide efficient ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) cell switching operations for establishing routing paths for ATM cells in an ATM-based network by using a newly created field indicating an end destination that is added to the front of an ATM cell header.
[0031] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a method of switching an ATM cell by adding an information field before the header portion, processing the ATM cell having a total of more than 53 bytes, and forwarding the ATM cell after the information field is removed.
[0032] Namely, the present invention performs cell switching on a received ATM cell, adds routing information in front of a header of the ATM cell that has been switched, and forwards the ATM cell according to the added routing information without any further cell switching.
[0033] A cell switching unit having appropriate hardware and/or software can be used to add the routing information for each ATM cell. The ATM cell format used during cell switching comprises a 48-byte payload; a 5-byte header in front of the payload; and a 1-byte information field in front of the header, the information field containing an end destination for the payload.
[0034] Namely, the cell switching unit only needs to have a one virtual path identifier/virtual channel identifier (VPI/VCI) and one type of routing information for any received ATM cell.
[0035] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
[0036] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings:
[0038] [0038]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an exemplary structure for handling the switching of an ATM cell according to the related art;
[0039] [0039]FIG. 2 shows a method of ATM cell stream routing procedure according to the related art;
[0040] [0040]FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an exemplary structure for handling the switching of an ATM cell according to the present invention;
[0041] [0041]FIG. 4 shows a method of ATM cell stream routing procedure according to the present invention;
[0042] [0042]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a user-node (user-network) interface (UNI) ATM cell format structure with an end destination field added thereto according to the present invention; and
[0043] [0043]FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an exemplary implementation of the present invention for a particular type of a CDMA 2000 1x EV-DO system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the present invention structure is different than the related art structure in that the procedures in re-assigning the final routing path from Queue 2 have been removed.
[0046] To process the cell stream introduced into the network board, a particular path of the plurality of routing paths is allocated by the cell switching unit 2 of FIG. 3, and then, when processing of the ATM cell assigned to that path is necessary, the cell is stored in the corresponding Queue 1 ( 11 ). A cell to be routed to the final destination without the need for processing is transmitted over the routing path allocated by the cell switching unit 2 .
[0047] Here, the cell switching unit 2 receives ATM cells being continuously introduced and repeats the operation of allocating routing paths. For the cells being routed to Queue 1 ( 11 ), they are stored upon removal of the final routing path (e.g., end destination) information according to the related art, but in the present invention, such routing information (e.g., end destination) is added to a front portion of each cell header and then stored in Queue 1 ( 11 ).
[0048] The cell processing unit 6 checks the status of Queue 1 ( 11 ) to see whether or not a cell exists, and reads each cell having routing information added thereto, and processes the remaining ATM cell excluding the routing information by using the defined functions. Then, routing information (e.g., end destination) is added to the front portion of the processed cell header and stored in Queue 2 ( 21 ). The cell processing unit 6 repeats these steps accordingly.
[0049] The cell stored in Queue 2 ( 21 ), together with Queue 3 ( 31 ) (which is a memory for cells introduced into the network board), are selected by the arbitration algorithm of the cell switching unit 2 . Then, without another cell switching procedure for receiving re-assignment of the final routing path as in the related art, the routing information (e.g., end destination) added to each cell is monitored, the final routing information is checked, and the ATM cell (excluding the end destination field) is transmitted to the final (end) destination.
[0050] The cell processing unit 6 performs one operation that is defined. If two or more operations are defined and performed, an equal number of ‘Queue 1 —Cell processing unit—Queue 2 ’ sequence of functions are required.
[0051] In an ATM network, there are instances when processing of an ATM cell is necessary. For example, such an instance is a change in cell type. To change the type (AAL type) of a particular cell being introduced, the need for cell processing is checked by the cell switching unit 2 , routing is done trough the corresponding path, and the type of the cell is changed at the cell processing unit 6 . The changed cell has a final routing path allocated thereto through cell switching again.
[0052] Another example where processing is needed is the change in particular information (data) of an ATM cell payload that is defined in the network. This is where a cell having a particular VPI/VCI within the network is defined, and particular information of the payload is changed when a cell having the corresponding VPI/VCI is introduced.
[0053] In the structure of the present invention, all cell streams introduced into the network board are stored in Queue 3 ( 31 ), and the cell of the Queue that will process Queue 3 ( 31 ) and Queue 2 ( 21 ) (with a processed cell stored therein) by an appropriate arbitration algorithm is processed at the cell switching unit 2 . At the cell switching unit 2 , 4 bytes of the cell header (having the VPI/VCI of the ATM cell stored therein) is read in order to perform cell switching of Queue 3 ( 31 ). Here, the cell switching unit 2 , by checking its own VPI/VCI information arrangement, provides information for changing the VPI/VCI that has been read, into a new VPI/VCI and for routing.
[0054] For cell transmission to PHY(0˜n) (which is the end destination within the network board) or loop back path, the destination is determined by using routing information. The cell switching unit 2 first transmits 4 bytes of the cell header containing the changed VPI/VCI, and then after the 4 th byte, transmits 49 bytes (the 5 th through 53 rd bytes) stored in Queue 3 ( 31 ). In contrast, for cell transmission to Queue 1 ( 11 ) for cell processing, routing information is used to determine a path to Queue 1 ( 11 ), and in order to preserve the routing information of the end destination that may be lost when the cell is stored in Queue 1 ( 11 ), an α byte is added to the front of the first header of the ATM cell and routing information of the end destination is inserted into that field.
[0055] Accordingly, the cell switching unit 2 first transmits the α byte to Queue 1 ( 11 ). Then the 4-byte cell header containing the changed VPI/VCI therein is transmitted, and then after the 4 th byte, 49 bytes (the 5 th through 53 rd bytes) stored in Queue 3 ( 31 ) are transmitted. Namely, in contrast to the related art, which transmits 53 bytes (which is one unit of an ATM cell), the present invention transmits ATM cells of (53+α) bytes for the processing and routing of ATM cells.
[0056] The corresponding cell is allocated routing information of the cell processing unit 6 for cell processing. When a cell is stored in Queue 1 ( 11 ), this is detected at the cell processing unit 6 , and (53+α) bytes of the cell are read from Queue 1 ( 11 ) for cell processing, and for the ATM cell 53 bytes (excluding the routing information field of the α byte), cell processing is performed according to the function defined in the cell processing unit 6 . A α byte is added to a front portion of the re-processed cell, and then stored in Queue 2 ( 21 ). Here, the VPI/VCI of the cell can be changed, or the previous VPI/VCI can be maintained.
[0057] Thereafter, in the related art, when a cell that should be processed in Queue 2 ( 20 ) according to the arbitration algorithm is generated, the cell switching unit 1 reads a cell from Queue 3 ( 30 ) and performed switching for routing to the end destination. However, in the present invention, the routing information of the end destination of the α byte that was initially stored in Queue 2 ( 21 ) when VPI./VCI and Routing information were switched at the cell switching unit 2 , is first read and then the final routing path is determined. Then, the 53 bytes of the ATM cell having the α byte excluded therefrom, are transmitted to the end destination without any re-switching.
[0058] Here, in the related art, the cell switching unit 1 has information regarding VPI/VCI to be changed and routing information for all routing paths. Namely, for cells that are transferred to the cell processing unit 5 , VPI/VCI change information of routing to Queue 1 ( 10 ) and routing information for transfer from Queue 2 ( 20 ) to the final destination are required. However, in the present invention, the cell switching unit 2 only needs to have a single VPI/VCI and routing information for any cell introduced from Queue 3 ( 31 ). The cell switching unit 2 of the present invention can have appropriate hardware and/or software for adding the routing information for each ARM cell.
[0059] In contrast to the related art requiring the processing of two types of routing information for one ATM cell, namely, routing information to Queue 1 and routing information from Queue 2 to the end destination, the present invention adds a routing information field of an α byte for interfacing (I/F) such that an ATM network having limited VPI/VCI resources can be effectively operated, and the corresponding algorithm in resource management can be simplified.
[0060] Also, repetitive cell switching process for Queue 2 to end destination is removed, by storing in a α byte the final routing information generated when initial switching is performed, and thus the creation of delays during cell switching is prevented to reduce overall delay in the network. The processing load and the memory size required for storing VPI/VCI routing information are relatively smaller than those of the related art.
[0061] [0061]FIG. 4 shows a method of ATM cell stream routing procedure according to the present invention.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 4, the cell switching unit 2 selects from Queue 1 ( 11 ) and Queue 2 ( 21 ), a particular cell to be routed using a certain bus arbitration algorithm. (S 401 ).
[0063] Also, if the selected cell is a cell that is stored in Queue 1 ( 11 ), the VPI/VCI of the corresponding cell is changes upon switching and the final destination is determined (S 402 , 403 ).
[0064] After that, it is checked as to whether the corresponding cell requires processing by referring to the VPI/VCI information of the switched cell (S 404 ), and if no processing is required, the cell is transferred to the determined final destination (S 405 ).
[0065] But, if cell processing is required, a routing data field is added to the corresponding cell, the determined final destination is inserted into the routing data field, and the cell having the routing data field added thereto is stored in Queue 3 ( 31 ) (S 406 ).
[0066] Then, the cell processing unit 6 separates the routing data field from the cell stored in Queue 3 ( 31 ) (S 407 ), the cell having the routing data field separated therefrom is processed according to an appropriate function (S 408 ), and the processed cell is stored in Queue 2 ( 21 ) after the routing data field is added again to the processed cell (S 409 ).
[0067] Thereafter, the cell switching unit 2 selects a cell stored in Queue 2 ( 21 ) according to a bus arbitration algorithm (S 401 ), and checks the final destination information that was inserted into the routing data field of the selected cell (S 402 , S 410 ), and transfers the cell to the final destination (S 405 ).
[0068] [0068]FIG. 5 shows an example of a user-node (user-network) interface (UNI) ATM cell format structure with a routing information (e.g., end destination) field added thereto according to the present invention.
[0069] Namely, FIG. 3 shows an ATM cell including a 5-byte (octet) header and a 48-byte payload. A α-byte (octet) routing information field is added in front of the header to thus form an ATM cell having a total of (53+α) bytes. As in the related art, the header comprises a 4-bit GFC (Generic Flow Control), an 8-bit VPI (Virtual Path Identifier), a 16-bit VCI (Virtual Channel Identifier), a 2-bit PT (Payload Type), a 2-bit CLP (Cell Loss Priority), and a 16-bit HEC (Header Error Control), also known as CRC (cyclic redundancy check).
[0070] Additionally, the present invention can be applied to various types of mobile communication systems, but in particular, to an ALPA-I(A)/LICA-I(A) structure that performs ML type change functions of an ATM cell for a CDMA 2000 1x EV-DO system.
[0071] [0071]FIG. 6 is an ALPA-A block diagram showing an overall structure with a cell processing unit for processing cells, a cell switching unit 2 for transmitting cells to a end destination, and three Queues ( 11 , 21 , 31 ). The cell switching unit 2 of ALPA-A performs the function of changing between AAL5 and AAL2.
[0072] In FIG. 6, the module called APCC including the ATT and AFR blocks is equivalent to the cell processing unit 6 of the present invention for processing cells. The FPGA(LINK_UP) and UP_CAM are the cell switching unit 2 of the present invention for performing cell routing. The Queues 1 , 2 , and 3 connected between various elements are cell memory locations.
[0073] In particular, the FPGA(LINK_UP) of the cell switching unit 2 is the portion that performs the arbitration algorithm functions for selecting the cells stored in Queue 2 and Queue 3 , and the read/write functions for the cell of (53+α) bytes. The UP_CAM is the portion that performs cell switching for the new VPI/VCI of a newly inputted cell and allocation of routing information.
[0074] In summary, the present invention provides a method for reducing overall network delays and efficient management of ATM resources, the method comprising: adding an α Byte of routing information to a front portion of an ATM cell header when processing a cell having end destination information, so that the destination information is not lost, allowing interfacing between each network element to perform cell processing and routing operations with a single cell switching operation.
[0075] Also, the present invention provides a method of switching an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) cell having a payload portion and a header portion comprising: adding an information field before the header portion of the ATM cell; processing the ATM cell having a total of more than 53 bytes; and forwarding the ATM cell after the information field is removed.
[0076] Additionally, the present invention provides a method of processing an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) cell comprising: performing cell switching on a received ATM cell; adding routing information in front of a header of the ATM cell that has been switched; and forwarding the ATM cell according to the added routing information without any further cell switching.
[0077] Moreover, the present invention provides an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) cell switching system comprising: a first memory to receive and store an ATM cell to be handled; a cell switching unit to receive the ATM cell stored in the first memory, and to assign an appropriate path for the ATM cell to be forwarded to; and a cell processor to receive and process the ATM cell from the cell switching unit, and to output the ATM cell without going through the cell switching unit.
[0078] Here, the cell processor comprises: a second memory to receive and store the ATM cell having the appropriate path assigned thereto from the cell switching unit; a cell processing unit to receive the ATM cell stored in the second memory, and to process the ATM cell; and a third memory to receive and store the ATM cell processed by the cell processing unit, and to output the ATM cell without going through the cell switching unit.
[0079] Furthermore, the present invention provides an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) cell format used during cell switching comprising: a payload; a header in front of the payload; and an information field in front of the header, the information field containing an end destination for the payload. Here, the information field is 1 byte, the payload is 48 bytes and the header is 5 bytes.
[0080] The foregoing embodiments are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present teachings can be readily applied to other types of methods and apparatuses. The description of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. | Efficient ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) cell switching operations for establishing routing paths for ATM cells in an ATM-based network is achieved by using a newly created field indicating an end destination that is added to the front of an ATM cell header. Network delays and processing loads due to unnecessary ATM cell switching operations are reduced, and waste of VPI (Virtual Path Identifier) and VCI (Virtual Channel Identifier) resources is prevented. Such techniques may be applied to a network board requiring frequent ATM cell switching in an ATM-based mobile communication system. | 7 |
This application claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/086,514 filed Feb. 28, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,763,841 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/272,385 filed Feb. 28 2001, which have the same inventor as the present application.
FIELD
The present invention relates generally to portable living structures and specifically to tents.
BACKGROUND
Tents have been used for centuries as temporary structures for camping trips. During these trips, there may be competing desires for comfort on one hand, while a camper may still desire to get away from the complications of city life. The use of lightweight materials has made the satisfaction of these competing desires more easily accomplished. Tent fabrics, as well as tent poles and frame structures, can now be made to be very strong, while also very lightweight. This use of materials allows more imaginative and varied structures to be designed, which are still light enough to be easily portable, and thus practical for camping trips.
Another pair of competing needs facing campers and users of tents is that of the need for a reasonably small floor space, while providing enough internal volume for comfort. When camping in the woods, the extent of usable flat ground area may be limited, by trees or uneven terrain, thus a tent which has a large “footprint” or floor area will find fewer useable sites than one that has a smaller footprint. At the same time, a user will generally feel a need for “elbow room” and may feel cramped without a reasonable amount of space.
Thus there is a need for a tent which has a compact footprint, but which has an interior volume which is greater than that of a tent having the traditional inwardly tapering, or even strictly vertical walls.
SUMMARY
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a tent which has a compact footprint.
Another object of the invention is to provide a tent which has an enlarged internal enclosed volume.
And another object of the invention is to provide windows which are protected from rain entry.
A further object of the present invention is to provide windows which are extended from the main body of the tent, and thus enlarge the interior volume.
Briefly, one preferred embodiment of the present invention is a tent with extendable windows having a main structure including a plurality of walls which are oriented at a first angle with respect to a vertical reference. The tent also includes at least one window which is extendable to a second angle with respect to a vertical reference, where the second angle is a more negative angle than the first angle thus producing windows which are extendable horizontally further than the tent walls.
An advantage of the present invention is that it provides extendable windows which extend from the main volume of the tent, and thus enlarge it.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the extendable windows can be retracted against the tent sides if necessary.
And another advantage of the present invention is that the extendable windows have a water-proof awning portion, and the screen area of each window slopes negatively back towards the main tent structure, thus preventing rain from entering.
A further advantage of the present invention is that the extendable windows provide an enlarged volume area at or around a typical adults' head, shoulder and torso area, thus providing enlarged volume in the area where more adults are largest, rather than down by their feet.
A yet further advantage is that the enlarged volume provides a psychological feeling of being less cramped to some people, which may be out of proportion to the actual increase in volume achieved.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become clear to those skilled in the art in view of the description of the best presently known mode of carrying out the invention and the industrial applicability of the preferred embodiment as described herein and as illustrated in the several figures of the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The purposes and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:
FIG. 1 shows an isometric front view of a tent with extendable windows having an open screen roof.
FIG. 2 illustrates a front plan view of a tent with extendable windows;
FIG. 3 shows a side plan view of a tent with extendable windows; and
FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of a tent with extendable windows having a soffited roof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a tent with extendable windows. As illustrated in the various drawings herein, and particularly in the view of FIG. 1 , a form of this preferred embodiment of the inventive device is depicted by the general reference character 10 .
FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a tent with extendable windows 10 . The configuration of the actual tent main structure 12 may have many different forms and variations for which the extendable windows 14 of the present invention are suitable. The tent will generally include a front wall 16 , a rear wall 18 , side walls 20 , a floor 22 and a roof or ceiling 24 . In this figure, the roof 24 is open except for a screen 26 , whereas in FIG. 4 , below, the roof is a soffited roof 28 with an overhanging portion 30 .
In FIGS. 1 and 3 , there are shown to be two extendable windows 14 , which are on either side wall 20 of the tent 10 . This is of course one variation among many, as the rear wall 18 may, in other designs, include a extendable window, for a total of three, or there may be only one extendable window 14 , or there may multiple smaller extendable windows along one side wall 20 , in tents which have longer side walls 20 compared to the width of the front wall 16 shown here.
Referring now also to FIGS. 2-4 , the extendable window 14 includes an upper panel or awning 32 , which is preferably water-proof or water resistant, and joined at a rear seam 34 to the main body of the tent 12 . The extendable window 14 also preferably includes a frame 36 , which in turn is preferably made up of several segments 38 which link together to form a bow-shaped member, roughly parabolic in shape, although this shape is not a requirement. The segments 38 may be completely detachable from each other, or they may be joined by an internal elastic cord 40 (not visible), which keeps the segments 38 together in proper order, but still allows the frame 36 to be folded for easy storage.
As seen especially in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the extendable window 14 includes a cloth or fabric sleeve 42 into which the frame 36 fits. There are preferably openings 44 in the sleeve 42 through which the end of the frame 36 may be inserted. These opening 44 may be at various locations in the sleeve 42 and are not limited to the location shown.
The extendable window 14 also includes a screen portion 46 , which is used to keep out insects, etc., and may include window flaps 48 or curtains, which can be zipped together to keep out wind, light and to ensure privacy. These window flaps 48 may be internal or external to the tent main body 12 , but are preferred to be internal.
The extendable window 14 also includes a bat wing panel 50 located at or near the leading edge 52 of the extendable window 14 . This bat wing panel 50 acts as an attachment site for a guy rope or wire 54 . The guy wire 54 is attached to a stake (not shown) or branch or other anchoring object, and serves to keep the extendable window 14 expanded to its full extent. The extendable window 14 has a hinge portion 59 , in a manner of speaking, at its lower attachment seam 58 , as the fabric to which the sleeve 42 ends are fastened, allow the frame 36 to pivot forward when the extendable window 14 is extended, as when tensioned by the guy wire 54 . The extendable window 14 is however retractable to some extent, as for instance, when the camp site space is limited, and the extendable windows 14 would otherwise project into bushes or tree branches. In these cases, the frames 36 may be pivoted back towards the side walls 20 and perhaps fastened in place by VELCRO® loops, etc.
The side walls 20 shown in the figures slope inward in a conventional manner so that the floor area 22 is larger than the ceiling area 24 . Thus a window which is co-planar with the walls 20 (which are generally at some positive angle α 60 with respect to a vertical line), would be expected to receive some run-off during rain storms, or some amount of the rain falling vertically in that area. However, the tent with extendable windows 10 has the advantage that the extendable windows 14 extend out past vertical to present a negatively sloped angle β 62 to the screen 46 , as can be seen in FIG. 2 . The water-proof or water resistant awning 32 protects the window 14 from rain intrusion which falls vertically, and even prevents some component of wind-blown rain traveling at less than the negative angle β 62 . The window may also be at a positive angle β 62 , which is less positive (and thus more negative) than angle α 60 of the walls 20 . Thus, when the angle of the windows is spoken of as more negative than the slope of the walls, it includes cases where the angle β is negative, where angle β is positive but less positive than the angle α, or when the angle β is vertical and angle α is positive. For purposes of this discussion, a positive angle is considered to extend in a counter-clockwise direction from a vertical reference, and a negative angle is assumed to extend in a clockwise direction.
The frame 36 gives a defined shape to the extendable window 14 , but it is also possible to have a variation without a rigid frame, or perhaps no frame at all if additional guy wires or ropes are attached to the leading edge 52 .
An advantage of the present invention 10 is that it provides additional space near the region of the average adult's head and shoulders, a space which is typically constricted by the inward sloping of the walls. Most humans are wider near the shoulder area or torso area, rather than at foot or knee-height. Additionally, most humans form their perception of being “cramped” or “crowded” from visual cues received from head height. By adding volume near the shoulder and head area, without effecting the floor area, the tent may be perceived as being much more comfortable and roomy, while still maintaining a compact “footprint” or floor area. The compact footprint will generally enable the user a larger selection of usable camp sites than one with a larger footprint.
While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
The present tent with extendable windows 10 is well suited for application in the home, backyard, or on camping trips and picnics.
The tent will generally include a front wall 16 , a rear wall 18 , side walls 20 , a floor 22 and a roof or ceiling 24 . One or more extendable windows 14 are included on either side wall 20 of the tent 10 . The extendable windows 14 each include an upper panel or awning 32 , which is preferably water-proof or water resistant, and joined at a rear seam 34 to the main body of the tent 12 . The extendable window 14 also preferably includes a frame 36 , which in turn is preferably made up of several segments 38 which link together to form a bow-shaped member, preferably roughly parabolic in shape. The segments 38 may be completely detachable from each other, or they may be joined by an internal elastic cord 40 , which keeps the segments 38 together in proper order, but still allows the frame 36 to be folded for easy storage.
The side walls 20 generally slope inward in a conventional manner so that the floor area 22 is larger than the ceiling area 24 . The extendable windows 14 preferably extend out past vertical to present a negatively sloped angle β 62 to the screen 46 . The water-proof or water resistant awning 32 protects the window 14 from rain intrusion which falls vertically, and even prevents some component of wind-blown rain traveling at less than the negative angle β 62 . The window may also be at a positive angle β 62 , which is less positive (and thus more negative) than angle α 60 of the walls 20 . The frame 36 gives a defined shape to the extendable window 14 , but it is also possible to have a variation without a rigid frame, or perhaps no frame at all if additional guy wires or ropes are attached to the leading edge 52 .
The present invention 10 provides additional space near the region of the average adult's head and shoulders, a space which is typically constricted by the inward sloping of the walls. Most humans are wider near the shoulder area or torso area, rather than at foot or knee-height. Additionally, most humans form their perception of being “cramped” or “crowded” from visual cues received from head height. By adding volume near the shoulder and head area, without effecting the floor area, the tent may be perceived as being much more comfortable and roomy, while still maintaining a compact “footprint” or floor area. The compact footprint will generally enable the user a larger selection of usable camp sites than one with a larger footprint. Thus, the tent 10 is useful in many camping situations and is expected to be popular with users.
For the above and other reasons, it is expected that the tent with extendable windows 10 of the present invention will have widespread industrial applicability. Therefore, it is expected that the commercial utility of the present invention will be extensive and long lasting. | A tent ( 10 ) with extendable windows ( 14 ) having a main structure ( 12 ) including a plurality of walls ( 16, 18, 20 ) which are oriented at a first angle ( 60 ) with respect to a vertical reference. The tent ( 10 ) also includes at least one window ( 14 ) which is extendable to a second angle ( 62 ) with respect to a vertical reference, where the second angle ( 62 ) is a more negative angle than the first angle ( 60 ) thus producing windows ( 14 ) which are horizontally extendable further than the tent walls ( 16, 18, 20 ). | 4 |
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to speed and turbulence-related improvements in elastic fabrics for making athletic costumes and uniforms and to the athletic costumes and uniforms made from such fabric having improved fluid dynamic properties.
2. Background Prior Art
Efforts to reduce drag and turbulence and thereby increase speed of a body passing through a fluid have been of great interest in recent times. The National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) has investigated the use of fine grooves in the surface of a vehicle to lessen the effect of fluid drag and turbulence wherein the fine lines or "riblets" are generally aligned with the direction of fluid flow past the moving body. These investigations were made on aircraft by NASA (Research and Development, Mar. 1984).
The NASA "riblet" principle was subsequently applied to the U.S. yacht "Stars and Stripes" during the America's Cup race in 1987. The entire bottom of the "Stars and Stripes" was covered with sections of an adhesive-backed plastic tape developed by Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company in cooperation with NASA. The surface of this tape was inscribed with fine grooves only a few thousandths of an inch wide. The tape was applied so that the grooves aligned with the direction of water flowing past the boat. A distinct increase in boat speed of the "Stars and Stripes" was noted over the yachting course (N.Y. Times, Mar. 3, 1987).
Competitive athletes have always attempted to achieve even the slightest of edges during a competitive event. Times even hundredths of a second apart can be the difference between victory and defeat. Since uniforms are necessary for all athletes, any lessening of drag caused by the uniform itself can be very advantageous.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved speed and turbulence-related uniform or garment which, when worn, provides reduced drag and, consequently, increased speed of the athlete.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved speed-related uniform having grooves or "riblets" to reduce drag on the athlete when the uniform is worn.
It is still further object of the present invention to provide a method for making a fabric and for making uniforms from such fabric having improved fluid dynamic characteristics by the use of grooves or "riblets" for reducing drag on the athlete when the uniform is worn.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a laminated elastic fabric for use in making a garment having reduced drag with respect to a surrounding fluid as a wearer of the garment moves through the surrounding fluid comprises a stretch layer and an elastic, plastic layer bonded to said stretch layer. The plastic layer has a plurality of parallel, spaced grooves in an outer surface thereof.
In a particular, preferred embodiment, the plastic layer is a breathable, waterproof thermoplastic film with approximately equally spaced grooves of substantially equal depth.
Also in accordance with the invention, a garment which, when worn, will reduce drag of a surrounding fluid on a wearer of the garment as the wearer moves through a surrounding fluid comprises a portion to be worn on the body so as to be held closely against the body and comparable to a second skin, which portion has a plastic outer surface. The plastic outer surface of the portion has a plurality of parallel, spaced grooves disposed therein. The grooves are substantially aligned with the direction of movement of fluid over said portion.
A method of making an elastic, laminated fabric having a plurality of parallel, spaced grooves in a plastic outer layer and a stretch fabric inner layer in accordance with the invention comprises the steps of arranging first and second driven rollers to operate in the manner of a mangle, the first roller having a plurality of parallel grooves in its surface; heating the first roller to a predetermined temperature; pressing the first roller against the second roller with a predetermined pressure; and feeding an elastic, laminated fabric having a plastic film layer bonded to a stretch fabric layer between the first and second rollers so that the film side of the fabric is exposed to the first roller to enable the groove pattern of the first roller to be embossed into the film.
Another method of making an elastic, laminated fabric having a plurality of parallel, spaced grooves in a plastic outer layer and a stretch fabric inner layer comprises the steps of knitting the stretch fabric with a plurality of parallel, spaced ribs and bonding an elastic, plastic film to the knitted stretch fabric wherein a plurality of parallel, spaced grooves are defined in the film by pressure of the film against the knitted ribs.
A garment in accordance with the invention is made from the fabric made by the above methods with the added step of cutting the garment from the grooved fabric so that the grooves will align with the direction of movement of fluid past portions of the garment when the garment is worn.
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings while the scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 illustrates the top view of a ribbed fabric for making a garment in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates a side sectional view of the ribbed fabric of FIG. 1 the section taken along 2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are front, side and rear views respectively of a swimsuit made in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an arrangement depicted in partially schematic form of a method for making the ribbed fabric used for making a swimsuit in accordance with the present invention; and
FIG. 7 is a top view of a swimsuit outline superimposed on ribbed fabric produced by the arrangement of FIG. 5.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The starting point for the present invention is a new elastic, laminated fabric sold by Darlington Fabrics Corp. under the brand name DARLEXX™ and which is generally described in U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 068,907, entitled "ELASTIC LAMINATED WATER-PROOF MOISTURE-PERMEABLE FABRIC". The laminated DARLEXX™ fabric is also breathable and waterproof.
This laminated fabric employs a thermoplastic film bonded to a woven or knitted stretch fabric typically made of spandex and nylon. The thermoplastic film may be up to 1.0 mil thick but the preferred thickness is 0.8 mil.
The inventor has found that this new fabric has inherent low-drag qualities when made into a swimsuit with the plastic film on the outside of the garment and the stretch fabric on the inside. By applying grooves or "riblets" in the film, a significant further reduction in drag in a finished swimsuit can be achieved. It has generally been found that drag on the swimsuit is reduced when the grooves are aligned with the movement of the fluid past particular portions of the swimsuit. Thus, the grooves are preferably arranged along the length of the swimsuit in the front of the swimsuit, that is, parallel to the direction of the swimmer when swimming (head-to-toe direction). It has also been found, however, that when the grooves are arranged to form an inverted "V" in back, a still further reduction in drag can be achieved.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a grooved fabric in accordance with the invention is illustrated. The preferred fabric 10 is the waterproof, elasticized, breathable laminated fabric referred to above and will be so intended by reference to the term "laminated fabric" as used hereafter. Other laminated fabrics having a plastic film layer may be suitable. The inventive principle could also be applied to a non-laminated plastic, elastic material provided the material was sufficiently sturdy and breathable.
In FIGS. 1 and 2, the film layer 12 is shown on the top of the laminated fabric with the woven or knitted layer 13 beneath. Parallel, spaced grooves 11 are present in the film. When equally spaced grooves are used, they are separated by a distance "A", preferably approximately 1/200 inch. The grooves have a substantially uniform depth B, preferably approximately 0.3-0.6 mil deep. An effective range of groove spacing "A" is from 1/175 inch to 1/225 inch. Also effective are groups of closely-spaced grooves where grooves within each group are 1/175 inch to 1/225 inch apart but the groups themselves are separated by about 1/32 to about 1/8 inch.
FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 illustrate a man's swimsuit 14 or 14' with the grooves disposed in the plastic film of the laminated fabric. In FIG. 3, the grooves 15 are shown in the head-to-toe direction in the front of the suit. The preferred form of the swimsuit 14' shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrates the swimsuit with the grooves 16 disposed vertically in the front and in an inverted "V" 17 in the back. This arrangement of grooves generally corresponds to the direction of water flowing past the swimsuit when the swimmer is swimming through the water.
The concept of providing grooves or "riblets" to reduce drag and turbulence can readily be applied to any number of athletic uniforms where increased speed and reduced turbulence are important. This principle can apply in any type of fluid (air and water being the most likely). The grooves or "riblets" are generally aligned to correspond with movement of the fluid past particular portions of an atheletic uniform in order to reduce drag and increase speed. In addition to swimsuits mentioned above, athletic uniforms or suits in a variety of sports are encompassed such as skiing, skating, sledding, bicycling, running, triathlon, hang-gliding and skydiving. This list is not considered exhaustive and other sports where increased speed and/or reduced turbulence are desired are within the inventive scope.
It should also be understood that it is not necessary for the athlete's speed to increase to generally improve his or her performance in an event. If there is reduced drag or turbulence, there is also be a corresponding reduction in energy necessary to be expended by the athlete. This is particularly important where a number of heats of a particular event is run.
The grooves may be created in the plastic film in any number of ways. One preferred method is shown in FIG. 6. A pair of rollers 18 and 19 are arranged to accept the laminated fabric therebetween. The rollers are squeezed together in the manner of a mangle. One of the rollers 18 has inscribed or engraved thereon a plurality of grooves which may be in the direction of travel of the roller or at some angle to it. Both rollers are driven by appropriate and known driving mechanisms 20 and 21. The engraved or inscribed roller is heated, preferably to about 300° F. so that pressure of this roller against the polyurethane film will create ("emboss") the grooves in the film (resulting in grooved fabric 22). Pressure of approximately 40 tons/in 2 is appropriate in embossing the grooves in the film. The depth of the grooves in the film is controlled by depth of grooves inscribed in the roller, the pressure between the rollers and the temperature of the heated roller.
FIG. 7 illustrates a woman's swimsuit in outline form 23 prior to being cut from the embossed laminated fabric 22 produced by the arrangement of FIG. 5. There, the grooves are aligned with the length (head-to-toe direction) of the fabric. Since the grooves are to be aligned in accordance with the intended use of the fabric, each sport will require groove alignment in accordance with the movement of the fluid flowing past portions of the uniform. It is contemplated, for example, that runners would have grooves in the uniform disposed around the torso to reduce air drag and turbulence.
Grooves may be created in the laminated film without the embossing step referred to above. If the thermoplastic film is bonded to a knitted fabric having ribs which are spaced apart by the dimension A shown in FIG. 2, the very act of bonding will result in peaks and valleys in the bonded film corresponding to the desired grooves. The depth B of these grooves may be somewhat less than the embossed version but will nevertheless be effective in reducing drag upon the athlete.
While the foregoing description and drawings represent the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention. | A garment, such as a swimsuit, made from a laminated elastic fabric having reduced drag with respect to a surrounding fluid as a wearer of the garment moves through the surrounding fluid. The fabric has a stretch fabric layer and an elastic, plastic layer bonded to the stretch layer to form a laminate, and has a plurality of parallel, spaced grooves disposed in an outer surface of the plastic layer. The garment has its grooves substantially aligned with the direction of movement of fluid over a portion of the garment as the wearer of the garment moves through the fluid. | 1 |
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates generally to data processing systems and memory systems and, more specifically, relate to memory control circuits and methods, including circuits and methods related to data encryption and decryption.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In some data processing applications it is desirable to provide that information stored in a memory be secure from unauthorized reading and/or alteration. The information can include data, such as data stored in a database that relates to individuals, such as social security numbers, credit card numbers and other sensitive information. The information stored in the memory can also include executable programs, data structures and other logical constructs.
[0003] One example of a conventional approach to addressing this issue is U.S. Pat. No. 6,910,094, “Secure Memory Management Unit Which Uses Multiple Cryptographic Algorithms”, Eslinger et al. Another example is found in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2005/0021986, “Apparatus and Method for Memory Encryption with Reduced Decryption Latency”, Graunke et al., which describes a CPU that includes memory encryption/decryption logic. In this approach a method includes reading an encrypted data block from memory. During reading of the encrypted data block, a keystream used to encrypt the data block is regenerated according to one or more stored criteria of the encrypted data block. Once the encrypted data block is read, the encrypted data block is decrypted using the regenerated keystream.
[0004] A further approach is described in publication: “Improving Memory Encryption Performance in Secure Processors”, Jun Yang et al., IEEE Transactions on Computers, Vol. 53, No. 5, May 2005, which proposes a “pseudo-one-time-pad” encryption scheme employing a seed derived from an address of a value, and a mutation of the seed with a sequence number associated with an address, where the sequence number is updated each time that it is used. An on-chip sequence number cache is used is used to store sequence numbers for each cache line that goes off-chip
SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0005] The foregoing and other problems are overcome, and other advantages are realized, in accordance with the embodiments of this invention.
[0006] In one aspect thereof this invention provides an electrical circuit that includes a first interface for coupling to a data processor bus; a second interface for coupling to a memory; at least one data encryption engine and storage for storing a first data structure specifying, for individual ones of a plurality of partitions of the memory, whether use of the at least one encryption engine for data read operations and data write operations is enabled for the associated partition and, if it is, information descriptive of at least one input to the encryption engine for that partition, comprising information related to a plurality of counters individual ones of which count write operations to an individual one of a plurality of data units storable in that partition.
[0007] In another aspect thereof this invention provides a memory control unit having a first interface for coupling to a data processor bus; a second interface for coupling to a memory; at least one data encryption engine; a first storage for storing a first data structure specifying, for individual ones of a plurality of partitions of the memory, whether use of the at least one encryption engine for data read operations and data write operations is enabled for the associated partition and, if it is, information descriptive of at least one input to the encryption engine for that partition, comprising information related to a plurality of counters individual ones of which count write operations to an individual one of a plurality of cachelines storable in that partition, a size of the counter and a starting address in the first storage where a first counter value for the partition is stored; and further comprising a second storage for specifying information related to a plurality of encryption keys, comprising a base address of a second data structure that stores information related to the encryption keys, a size of the encryption key storage, and a size of the encryption keys.
[0008] In accordance with further aspects thereof this invention provide a method for operating a memory control unit and a computer program product operable with a memory control unit. The method includes storing a first data structure specifying, for individual ones of a plurality of partitions of a memory, whether use of at least one encryption engine for data read operations and data write operations is enabled for the associated partition and, if it is, information descriptive of at least one input to the encryption engine for that partition, comprising information related to a plurality of counters individual ones of which count write operations to an individual one of a plurality of cachelines storable in that partition, a size of the counter and a starting address where a first counter value for the partition is stored. The method further includes specifying information related to a plurality of encryption keys, comprising a base address of a second data structure that stores information related to the encryption keys, a size of the encryption key storage, and a size of the encryption keys.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The foregoing and other aspects of these teachings are made more evident in the following Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments, when read in conjunction with the attached Drawing Figures, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a data processing system having at least one master (data processor), and a memory control unit (MCU) that incorporates an encryption/decryption engine (EDE) for a computer system memory;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a more detailed block diagram of the MCU of FIG. 1 ;
[0012] FIG. 3 shows a plurality of Device Control Register (DCR) registers that form a part of the MCU, and also shows memory mapped registers;
[0013] FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the EDE during a memory write operation to encrypted memory;
[0014] FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the EDE during a memory read operation from encrypted memory;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a logic flow diagram that is useful in understanding the operation of the EDE during the memory write operation of FIG. 4 ; and
[0016] FIG. 7 is a logic flow diagram that is useful in understanding the operation of the EDE during the memory read operation of FIG. 5 .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Referring to FIG. 1 , exemplary embodiments of this invention relate to a memory control unit (MCU) 10 that incorporates an encryption/decryption engine (EDE) 12 for a computer system memory 14 . The memory control unit 10 is highly configurable by software to allow tradeoffs to be considered at system initialization and during runtime, allowing the system designer to provide the required levels of system performance and system security within the constraints of allowable usage of the system memory 14 . The MCU 10 operates at a double data rate (DDR) by outputting and inputting a 256-bit data word, 128 bits at a time.
[0018] The memory control unit 10 operates to decode requests on a processor local bus (PLB) 16 , originating from one or more data processors, also referred to as masters 18 , in the computer system. Through a sequence of logical steps, a request is decoded to determine if it accesses a portion of the system memory 14 that is defined to be encrypted memory, and if so, the necessary information to perform the encryption/decryption is collected. For an encrypted memory read operation, the data is read over a system memory bus (SMB) 20 and is eventually returned to the requesting master 18 in raw (unencrypted) form. For an encrypted memory write, the data is stored in the memory 14 (e.g., in synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM)) over the SMB 20 after being altered by the encryption portion of the EDE 12 . Non-encrypted reads and writes are handled as normal SDRAM operations and the EDE 12 is effectively bypassed. At least a portion of an encryption/decryption algorithm executed by the encryption/decryption engine 12 is programmable by software, which allows the EDE 12 to vary the encryption strength and/or the memory ranges covered based on the system and application needs. The MCU 10 may be considered to be “in-line” between the processor bus and a system memory.
[0019] The above-noted programmability of the MCU 10 may be achieved at least in part by using various device control registers (DCRs) of the MCU 10 that can be programmed via a DCR Bus 22 that is coupled to at least one of the masters 18 , or possibly to some other control logic.
[0020] In an exemplary embodiment of this invention the MCU 10 and at least one of the masters 18 (as a processor core) are integrated on the same integrated circuit, such as in a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) type of architecture, where the system memory 14 may be on-chip and/or off-chip. In other exemplary embodiments the MCU 10 may be a self-contained integrated circuit that is interposed between a processor bus and the system memory 14 .
[0021] Referring also to FIG. 2 , the MCU 100 can be seen to include a DCR interface 100 that includes memory-mapped registers 100 A and DCR registers 100 B. The memory-mapped registers 100 A and DCR registers 100 B include various arrays and registers for programming the encryption/decryption configuration. These include a Memory Encryption Configuration (MEC) Table 101 , where each entry in the MEC Table 101 corresponds to, in a non-limiting example, a 4 MB region or partition of the system memory 14 (preferably linearly mapped). The MEC Table 101 is programmed by software with memory-mapped accesses after a MEC Base Address Register 200 (part of the DCR registers 100 B, shown in FIG. 3 ) is set up with the desired memory base address. A given entry of the MEC Table 101 contains the following non-limiting examples of information for its corresponding address range:
[0022] Encryption enabled/disabled (one bit) for this memory segment (if disabled, memory transactions bypass the EDE 12 );
[0023] Number of Checksum bytes per cacheline (0, 1, 2, 4), where a cacheline is, in the preferred but non-limiting embodiment, 32 bytes (256 bits);
[0024] Checksum starting address (where the first checksum for the segment is stored); Number of Message Counter 310 bytes per cacheline (0, 1, 2), as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 ;
[0025] Message Counter 310 starting address (where the first Message Counter value for the segment is stored); and
[0026] Disable checksum checking (where the Checksum read from memory is not checked against the new Checksum created from decrypted memory data (plain text) for memory reads, which may be useful for, as an example, system initialization purposes).
[0027] In other embodiments more or less that this specific information may be used.
[0028] In a preferred embodiment the MEC Table 101 is embodied on-chip as a low power array logic construction to allow an incoming PLB request to be immediately checked to determine whether it is encrypted or not, and to determine what other requests are required to complete the encryption/decryption (depending on the checksum and message counter configuration and access type). Other embodiments may locate the MEC Table 101 in an embedded DRAM (eDRAM) 106 a , or externally in the SDRAM system memory 14 . It may be preferred to locate at least the Encryption enabled/disabled bits of the MEC Table 101 in a latch to enable even faster access, since if encryption is disabled for a region corresponding to a current memory address (read or write), then the remaining entries of the MEC Table 101 need not be accessed.
[0029] Note that while each entry in the MEC Table 101 corresponds to a fixed region size in the system memory 14 (e.g., 4 MB), in other embodiments the region sizes may be programmable, or may correspond to: (encrypted memory size/number of MEC Table 101 entries) MB. In general, the entries of the MEC Table 101 define region-by-region (e.g., for each 4 MB partition) of the system memory 14 whether the corresponding region is to contain encrypted data and, if it is, to provide various information used to enable the encryption/decryption function for that region.
[0030] The DCR registers 100 B also include a Page Key Table Configuration Register 202 (see FIG. 3 ) that allows software to configure a Page Key Table base address, the Page Key Table size (1 K, 2K, 4K, or 8K entries), the Page Key size (128, 192, or 256 bits), and the size of encrypted system memory 14 (0, 64, 128, 256, 512 MB). Encrypted memory is defined to start at, for example, system memory 14 address zero. A single Page Key size is preferably used throughout the system, but the invention accommodates the use of different Page Key sizes. In the preferred embodiment the lower (up to) 512 MB of system memory 14 may contain encrypted 4 MB regions, although in other embodiments more than 512 MB may be used to store encrypted data.
[0031] The memory mapped registers 100 A may also include the Page Key Array 206 (see FIG. 3 ) having characteristics defined by the Page Key Table Configuration Register 202 . The Page Key Array 206 is programmed by software with memory-mapped accesses (using the base address defined in the Configuration Register 202 ). Each entry corresponds to a region of memory defined by: (encrypted memory size/number of page key entries). The entry size is dependent on the Page Key Size 302 (see FIGS. 4 and 5 ). Each entry contains a Page Key 300 (see FIGS. 4 and 5 ) which is used by the encryption algorithm for accesses to its associated memory region. The Page Key Array 206 may be physically located in the local eDRAM 106 a for performance reasons. This allows the use of a large table size, while having a faster table lookup than a read to, for example, the external SDRAM of the system memory 14 would allow, and it also lessens SDRAM congestion.
[0032] As is shown in FIG. 3 , the DCR registers 100 B may also include one or more Random Fill Registers 204 that are configured by software to create a padding value that is used during the encryption/decryption process carried out by the EDE 12 , as shown below in more detail in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
[0033] The above data is used in conjunction with encryption/decryption algorithms of the EDE 14 , such as a plurality of Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) engines 108 that are organized in pairs, with each member of the pair handling 128 bits of the 256-bit word. Reference with regard to AES may be had, for example, to Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 197, Nov. 26, 2001, “Announcing the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)”. However, it should be appreciated that the embodiments of this invention may be practiced using other encryption techniques including, but not limited to, the Data Encryption Standard (DES). In the exemplary embodiment there are four pairs of AES algorithms or engines 108 A, 108 B, 108 C and 108 D, collectively referred to as AES engines 108 , enabling four 256-bit system memory 14 read/write commands to be processed in parallel. The AES engines 108 operate in cooperation with EDE logic 105 that may be located for convenience in a PLB interface (PI) 104 , and with the eDRAM 106 A that is associated with an EDRAM controller (EC) 106 . The eDRAM 106 A stores information used by the AES engines 108 , including keys and checksums. Alternatively, and as will be discussed below, some or all of this information may be stored in the system memory 14 . The AES engines 108 are enabled to vary encryption strength and validation for desired memory regions, such as by changing the size of one or more parameters that form the inputs to the AES engines 108 , as described in further detail below.
[0034] As is made more evident in FIG. 4 , the encryption of a given 32 byte (256-bit) cacheline depends on its system memory 14 address (e.g., 24 bits of address 308 , bits 3:26), its associated Message Counter 310 (if configured), the Random Fill value 204 , and the Page Key 300 . If configured, individual Message Counters and Checksums are associated with each cacheline within an associated region, and may be stored in contiguous arrays in either the eDRAM 106 A or the SDRAM of the system memory 14 , with the starting location being defined as configured, and managed by hardware (they are fetched and stored as necessary without processor intervention). The cacheline Address 308 , Message Counter value 310 , and Random Fill value 204 together form a 32 byte Data Message 312 (shown as Data Message 312 A and 312 B). Each Data Message 312 A, 312 B is encrypted using the Page Key 300 that is associated with the current memory region. The resulting encrypted Data Messages 314 A, 314 B are then Exclusively-ORed (XORed) 304 A, 304 B with the data plaintext (encryption during a memory write operation) or with the encrypted cacheline (decryption during a memory read operation, as in FIG. 5 ) to create the encrypted cacheline (encryption) or data plain text (decryption), respectively. The use of the Checksum 306 allows critical areas to be validated by comparing the checksum created the last time the cacheline was encrypted (on its way to the SDRAM of the system memory 14 ) with the checksum calculated after decryption.
[0035] To complete the description of FIG. 2 , the EC 106 operates with, as a non-limiting example, up to eight physical eDRAMS 106 A each having 2 MB of memory plus ECC for a total of 16 MB of addressable memory. The eDRAM 106 a memory 106 A can be accessed by any Master 18 via the PLB Interface 104 , or by the internal logic to read the stored Page Keys, read/write Checksums and read/write Message Counters.
[0036] Data flowing to and from the system memory 14 is accommodated by DDR write and read buffers 102 A, 102 B. The on-chip data bus is referred to as the internal PLB bus 104 A. In addition, there are a number of on-chip control-related buses 100 C, 100 D, 104 B and 104 C for coupling together the various major functional blocks as illustrated.
[0037] Discussing the memory encryption/decryption aspects of the invention now in further detail, MCU 10 supports memory encryption/decryption using the AES engines 108 , although in other embodiments other types of encryption standards may be accommodated, as was noted above. In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 encryption/decryption is performed on 128-bit (16-byte, one half of a cacheline) pieces of data. Referring again to the encryption operation depicted in FIG. 4 , which shows by example the AES engine pair 108 A, the AES engine pair 108 A is provided with a 128-bit, 192-bit, or a 256-bit Page Key 300 from the Page Key Array 206 , the Page Key Size 302 , and a 128-bit Data Message (e.g., data plain text from the PLB 104 ). The AES pair 108 A performs AES-compatible encryption on the Data Messages 312 A, 312 B for both system memory 14 writes and read ( FIG. 5 ). The output 314 A, 314 B of each AES engine of the AES pair 108 A is the 128-bit Mask that is XORed (via XORs 304 A, 304 B) with the 128-bit Memory Data (plain text) to produce the 128-bit encrypted data for memory writes, and is XOR'd with the 128-bit encrypted data read from system memory 14 to produce the 128-bit Memory Data (plain text) for memory reads. Note that in other embodiments an AES engine may be capable of operation on more or less than 128-bit data, and corresponding less or more AES engines may be used. For example, if an AES engine is capable of operation with 256-bits, then each AES engine pair (e.g., 108 A) can be replaced with a single AES engine.
[0038] During memory encryption, the Checksum may be generated in the Checksum block 306 and stored in either the eDRAM 106 A or the SDRAM memory 14 . During decryption, and if a Checksum exists, it is checked against the decrypted data (plain text) to verify correct data.
[0039] As was noted above, the amount of system memory 14 that may be encrypted (Mem Encrypted) is programmable and starts with address 0 , with valid sizes being, for example, 0, 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB and 512 MB. Memory encryption/decryption is performed for PLB memory operations that are an 8-word line transfer (32-bytes, also referred to herein as the cacheline), or for a quadword burst transfer that is both on a 32-byte boundary and that has a length is a multiple of 32 bytes. All PLB Masters 18 are assumed to programmed by software to conform to these parameters when accessing encrypted memory. If a PLB Read or Write request to encrypted memory is received, and it does not meet the above size and address alignment restrictions, then an error signal is asserted.
[0040] PLB burst operations that require encryption/decryption are partitioned into 32-byte cachelines internally with each 32-byte data chunk using its own AES engine pair 108 to perform encryption/decryption. The MCU 10 may use one of the following options when breaking up PLB burst operations on each 32-byte boundary:
[0041] inject “wait’ states on the PLB read/write data bus 104 A until an AES engine pair 108 is available, where the burst is not terminated;
[0042] terminate the PLB burst operation at a current 32-byte boundary when no AES engine pair 108 is available (this requires the PLB Master 18 to resend the burst operation starting at the address where termination was received);
[0043] terminate the PLB burst operation at each 32-byte boundary (this requires the PLB Master 18 to resend the burst operation starting at the address where termination was received); or
[0044] terminate the PLB burst operation after four 32-byte cachelines are received (this requires the PLB Master 18 to resend the burst operation starting at the address where termination was received).
[0045] The above-described Message Counter 310 , if used, is incremented for each memory write to a corresponding 32-byte cacheline, shown in FIG. 4 as the increment logic that includes adder 318 . For a memory write operation, the Message Counter 310 associated with that cacheline is first incremented, and is then used as part of the 128-bit Data Message 312 that is sent to the AES engine 108 for encryption. For a memory read of a particular cacheline the Message Counter 310 is not incremented before being used as part of the 128-bit Data Message 312 that is sent to the AES engine 108 for a decryption operation.
[0046] It is within the scope of the exemplary embodiments of this invention to set a Message Counter threshold value so that when the Message Counter 310 value exceeds the threshold an interrupt can be generated. This enables a Master 18 or some other logic to change the Page Key 300 value, if desired, after some predetermined number of writes to the same cacheline in the system memory 14 . The address of the PLB memory command that caused the interrupt to be triggered may also be stored. An interrupt may also be generated upon an occurrence of a Message Counter 310 overflow event.
[0047] Further in this regard FIG. 4 also shows threshold/overflow logic 320 that includes a programmable Threshold register 322 and associated Threshold comparator 324 for comparing the value of the Message Counter 310 to the programmed threshold value. Also provided is an Overflow register 326 (an actual register or hardwired inputs (e.g., all ones)) that has an associated Overflow comparator 328 . Outputs of the comparators 324 , 326 can be used to generate separate interrupt signals to the Masters 18 , or as shown their outputs may be ORed to generate a single interrupt signal 332 . Status is preferably saved upon the generation of the interrupt to enable the Master 18 to perform the desired interrupt handling.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 6 , there is described a logical sequence of events to accomplish a memory encryption operation. The encryption/decryption logic preferably optimizes the sequence by executing multiple steps at the same time whenever possible.
[0049] Step 6 A. Receive a memory write on the PLB interface 104 , and check the corresponding 4 MB segment entry in the Memory Encryption Configuration Table 101 to determine if encryption is enabled for this 4 MB segment. If encryption is enabled the method proceeds to Step 6 B, else send the memory write directly to the system memory 14 .
[0050] Step 6 B. Read the Page Key 300 from the eDRAM memory 106 A (the Page Key 300 will be either 128, 192, or 256 bits).
[0051] Step 6 C. Examine MEC Table 101 entry to determine if the Message Counter 310 value is non-zero bytes. If non-zero, go to Step 6 D, else if zero bytes, go to Step 6 F.
[0052] Step 6 D. Using the Message Counter Address in the MEC Table 101 entry, and adding an offset based on the 32-byte cacheline index into the segment and the size of the Message Counter 310 , read the Message Counter 310 value from either internal (eDRAM 106 A) or the external (SDRAM) memory 14 , depending on the Message Counter address calculated.
[0053] Step 6 E. Once the Message Counter value has been retrieved from memory, increment the value of the Message Counter 310 .
[0054] Step 6 F. Construct the 128-bit Data Message 312 to be used by the AES engine 108 as follows, according to the Message Counter size as found in the MEC Table 101 entry (∥ denotes concatenation):
[0000] a) 0 byte=>Random Fill(0:102)∥Address(3:27); or
[0000] b) 1 byte=>Random Fill(0:94)∥Message Counter(0:7)∥Address(3:27); or
[0000] c) 2 bytes=>Random Fill(0:86)∥Message Counter(0:15)∥Address(3:27).
[0055] It should be noted that the 128-bit Data Message 312 will be different for each AES engine 108 of the pair because the Address field will be different, as the Address field indicates the 16-byte boundary of the 32-byte cacheline data portion that is being encrypted. Note that although address bits 3:26 are applied at 308 , the address bit 27 (defining a 16 byte boundary) is forced to a zero ( 313 A) or to a 1 ( 313 B), thereby ensuring that the 128-bit Data Message 312 will be different for each AES engine 108 of the pair. The Random Fill value 204 is previously specified, and the same value may be initialized by software to be used for all of the encrypted segments of the memory 14 .
[0056] Step 6 G. Send the following information to both AES engines of the AES engine pair 108 A, 108 B:
[0000] a) Page Key 300 (256 bits, not all bits may be valid);
[0000] b) Key Size 302 (128, 192, or 256 bits);
[0000] c) Data Message 312 (128 bits, each AES engine receives a unique value); and
[0000] d) a Start signal 301 to begin the encryption process.
[0057] Step 6 H. Wait for the AES engines 108 to indicate the encryption process is completed.
[0058] Step 6 I. Use the 128-bit Data Out 314 of each of the AES engines 108 to XOR with the corresponding 128-bit memory write data.
[0059] Step 6 J. Send the encrypted memory write data (256 bits) to the memory 14 .
[0060] Step 6 K. If the Message Counter 310 size is specified to be non-zero bytes, then send the updated Message Counter 310 value to either internal memory (eDRAM 106 ) or external memory (SDRAM system memory 14 ), depending on the Message Counter address calculated.
[0061] Step 6 L. Check the MEC Table 101 entry to determine if the Checksum field indicates non-zero bytes and,
[0000] a) if non-zero bytes, go to Step 6 M; else
[0000] b) if zero bytes, then Done.
[0062] Step 6 M. Create the Checksum 306 for the 32-byte memory write data (plain text).
[0063] Step 6 N. Using the Checksum Address in the MEC Table 101 entry, and adding an offset based on the 32-byte cacheline index into the segment and the size of the Checksum, write the Checksum value to either internal memory (eDRAM 106 A) or external memory 14 , depending on the Checksum address calculated. The Checksum value is retrieved and used to compare to a checksum generated on the next read of the cacheline that was just stored, as described below.
[0064] Referring now to FIG. 7 , the logical sequence of events to accomplish a memory decryption operation is now described. The encryption/decryption logic preferably optimizes the sequence by executing multiple steps at the same time whenever possible.
[0065] Step 7 A. Receive a memory read on the PLB interface 104 , check the corresponding 4 MB segment entry in the Memory Encryption Configuration Table 101 to determine if encryption is enabled. If encryption is enabled the method proceeds to Step 7 B, else send the memory read command directly to the system memory 14 .
[0066] Step 7 B. Read the Page Key 300 from eDRAM memory 106 A (the Page Key will be either 128,192, or 256 bits).
[0067] Step 7 C. Check MEC Table 101 entry to determine if the Message Counter 310 value is non-zero bytes. If non-zero go to Step 7 D, else go to Step 7 E.
[0068] Step 7 D. Using the Message Counter Address in the MEC Table 101 entry, and adding an offset based on the 32-byte cacheline index into the segment and the size of the Message Counter 310 , read the Message Counter 310 value from either internal memory (eDRAM 106 A) or external (SDRAM) memory 14 , depending on the Message Counter Address that is calculated.
[0069] Step 7 E. Read the system memory 14 (data read buffer 102 ) to obtain the encrypted memory read data.
[0070] Step 7 F. Construct the 128-bit Data Message 312 to be used by the AES engine 108 as follows, according to the Message Counter size as found in the MEC Table 101 entry:
[0000] a) 0 byte=>Random Fill(0:102)∥Address(3:27); or
[0000] b) 1 byte=>Random Fill(0:94)∥Message Counter(0:7)∥Address(3:27); or
[0000] c) 2 bytes=>Random Fill(0:86)∥Message Counter(0:15)∥Address(3:27).
[0071] As was discussed above for Step 6 F, the 128-bit Data Message 312 will be different for each AES engine 108 of the pair because the Address field will be different, as the Address field indicates the 16-byte boundary of the 32-byte cacheline data portion that is being encrypted. Again note that although address bits 3:26 are applied at 308 , the address bit 27 (defining a 16 byte boundary) is forced to a zero ( 313 A) or to a 1 ( 313 B), thereby ensuring that the 128-bit Data Message 312 will be different for each AES engine 108 of the pair. The Random Fill value 204 is previously specified, and the same value may be initialized by software to be used for all of the encrypted segments of the memory 14 .
[0072] Step 7 G. Send the following information to both AES engines of the AES engine pair 108 A, 108 B:
[0000] a) Page Key 300 (256 bits, not all bits may be valid);
[0000] b) Key Size 302 (128, 192, or 256 bits);
[0000] c) Data Message 312 (128 bits, each AES engine receives a unique value); and
[0000] d) the Start signal 301 to begin the encryption process (note that even though this is a decryption operation, the AES engine 108 still performs an encryption operation.)
[0073] Step 7 H. Wait for the AES engines 108 to indicate that the encryption process is completed.
[0074] Step 7 I. Use the 128-bit Data Out 314 of each of the AES engines to XOR with the corresponding 128-bit encrypted memory read data.
[0075] Step 7 J. Return the memory read data (plain text) to the PLB Interface 104 and, via the PLB 16 , to the logic that requested the memory read operation.
[0076] Step 7 K. Check MEC Table 101 entry to determine if the Checksum field indicates non-zero bytes and to determine if the Disable Checksum Checking bit is reset and,
[0000] a) if non-zero bytes and the Disable Checksum Checking bit is reset, go to Step 7 L; else
[0000] b) if zero bytes or the Disable Checksum Checking bit is set, then Done.
[0077] Step 7 L. Create the Checksum 306 for the memory read data (plain text).
[0078] Step 7 M. Using the Checksum Address in the MEC Table 101 entry, and adding an offset based on the 32-byte cacheline index into the segment and the size of the Checksum, read the Checksum value from either the internal memory (eDRAM 106 A) or the external system memory 14 , depending on the Checksum address calculated.
[0079] Step 7 N. Using a Checksum comparator 316 ( FIG. 5 ), compare the new Checksum with the Checksum read from the memory 106 A or 14 , and if they are the same, then Done, else if they are not the same, and the error is not masked, then the plain text data is returned on the PLB interface 104 with an associated error flag set, and an interrupt signal 317 may be generated.
[0080] Based on the foregoing description it should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments of this invention provide a combination of hardware and software that is used to perform a rotating-key algorithm for encrypting and decrypting information in a system memory 14 . The method provides very high encryption with a minimal impact on memory latency. By altering the encryption variables each time data is stored externally to the chip that embodies the MCU 10 (to the system memory 14 ), it becomes much more difficult to use probing techniques and the like to read the encrypted data. The encryption process is also unique to a given cacheline, as the same data stored to two different addresses is encrypted differently.
[0081] There are various pieces of hardware and software which work together to implement the rotating-key encryption algorithm. In the general case, all encryption/decryption is performed by the hardware on-the-fly, and each time a cacheline is stored to memory 14 it is encrypted differently, by including the cacheline-specific Message Counter 310 as part of the encryption message. The Message Counters 310 are maintained by hardware on a cacheline basis, without requiring software intervention. A further aspect of the invention provides an ability to generate an interrupt to the processor, such as one of the Masters 18 , based on the value of the Message Counter 310 , to enable software to create a completely new encryption key for a block of memory, such as by providing a new Page Key 300 . In this case it is preferred that a memory block is moved and then re-encrypted. This procedure provides more complete data protection for the most sensitive pieces of memory, and occurs infrequently enough to not impact general system performance.
[0082] The MCU 10 hardware operates to determine the location of the Page Key 300 entry and read it, and read the appropriate Message Counter 310 for the new encrypted access. If the encrypted access is a memory store or write operation, the Message Counter 310 associated with the current cacheline is fetched, incremented, and then used along with at least a portion of the cacheline address 308 , the Random Fill 204 data, and the Page Key 300 table entry, to encrypt the data to be stored. The Message Counter 310 is then also saved in memory (internal or external). If the encrypted access is a memory fetch or read operation, the Message Counter 310 is fetched and used to decrypt the data read from memory. Further, for the memory store operation, the value of the Message Counter 310 may be compared, using threshold/overflow logic 320 , to a programmable threshold value and to an overflow count value, and if either comparison finds equality the processor interrupt 332 can be generated and status information saved for use by software.
[0083] The related software creates the encrypted memory configuration, initializes the memory encryption table (MEC Table 101 ), and establishes the Random Fill data 204 and a starting Page Key 300 value for each memory page. If the software interrupt handler is invoked and detects that a Message Counter 310 threshold or overflow condition has occurred, then the following operations are executed. If the value stored in Threshold register 322 has been reached, the hardware status is read to determine the encrypted block that caused the interrupt; enabling the block to be re-created using a new Page Key 300 value. To accomplish this the current data in memory 14 is copied (saved) to a different region in memory, the Page Key 300 table entry is revised, all of the cacheline Message Counters 310 associated with the block are re-initialized, and then the saved data is copied back to memory 14 (which the hardware now encrypts with the new encryption values). If a Message Counter 310 overflow condition is indicated by the interrupt, the software can either consider this an error condition, or as a high-priority interrupt and handle in the same manner as the threshold event.
[0084] In this case the data stored into memory 14 is still good, but further encryptions will begin reusing Message Counter 310 values that have already been used with the current Page Key 300 .
[0085] It can be appreciated that these exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited for use with memory (semiconductor and/or magnetic or optical storage device) interfaces, but could also be used with other types of interfaces, such as Peripheral Component Interfaces (PCI), where data can be probed externally but is required to be secure. The exemplary embodiments of the invention may also be used to provide a higher level of security, through the use of the rotating Message Counter and related logic, while using weaker encryption methods (e.g., smaller keys and/or simplified encryption engines), to reduce chip size, cost and complexity.
[0086] The exemplary embodiments of this invention may be implemented in whole or in part by computer software executable by processor, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Further in this regard it should be noted that the various blocks of the logic flow diagrams of FIGS. 6 and 7 may represent program steps stored in a data storage medium, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions.
[0087] The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. As but some non-limiting examples, the use of other data word widths, other size memory partitions (e.g., other than 4 MB), other number of bytes in a cacheline and/or other types of encryption engines may be attempted by those skilled in the art. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of this invention will still fall within the scope of the embodiments of this invention.
[0088] Furthermore, some of the features of the embodiments of this invention may be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles, teachings and embodiments of this invention, and not in limitation thereof. | An electrical circuit includes a first interface for coupling to a data processor bus; a second interface for coupling to a memory; at least one data encryption engine and storage for storing a data structure specifying, for individual ones of a plurality of partitions of the memory, whether use of the at least one encryption engine for data read operations and data write operations is enabled for the associated partition and, if it is, information descriptive of at least one input to the encryption engine for that partition, comprising information related to a plurality of counters individual ones of which count write operations to an individual one of a plurality of data units storable in that partition. | 6 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates broadly to a method of forming a circuit board, and to a circuit board.
BACKGROUND
The demand for advanced electronic systems in e.g. front-end wireless communication and the increased use of the Internet has resulted in miniaturization of electronic products having more functional features. These products use a large number of passive components (e.g. resistors, capacitors and inductors). In conventional printed circuit boards, these passive components are surface mounted devices, which consume a large area thereby increasing costs. Passive components generally may take up to 60% of the printed circuit board (PCB) area thereby limiting the space available for active components (e.g. integrated circuits (IC))
On the other hand, passive components, such as bypass capacitors are generally placed as close as possible to a die or IC to increase the effectiveness of the capacitors. These capacitors and other passive components are thus often surface mounted to the die side or on the opposite side of an IC during printed circuit board assembly. FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-section of a conventional multi-layer printed circuit board assembly 10 having an IC 11 , capacitors 12 located on the die side and capacitors 13 located on the opposite side of the die. The terminals of the capacitors 12 , 13 are internally connected to the integrated circuit through pads 9 , vias 14 , and power or ground lines 15 , 16 .
Reducing the dimensions of the passive components may help in mounting a large number of such passive components. However, reducing the dimensions of the surface mounted passive components has an adverse effect on the electrical performance.
An alternative that is currently practiced for selected applications is embedded passive components using screen printed inks. Commonly used materials include capacitor paste and resistor inks. The density of capacitance that can be achieved using commercially available printed paste is insufficient to meet a wide range of capacitance requirements that is readily available using discrete capacitors. Printed resistor inks have poor resistance tolerance of up to 30%. In such instances, laser trimming may be used for precise resistance tolerance control for selected applications which increases costs.
Japanese Publication No. 2002261449 published on 13 Sep. 2002 in the names of SEIICHI et al. describes a method of embedding IC chips and discrete passive components by using a proprietary epoxy resin material. Interconnections between the ICs and passive components are formed by vias, which are composed of a conductive resin. The use of proprietary material and via forming process in commercial applications increases costs.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,407,929 B1 issued on 18 Jun. 2002 to AARON et al. relates to embedding discrete passive components by a lamination process. Interconnections are formed after the lamination process by drilling holes right above the component terminals and filling the holes with a conductive material.
United States Patent Publication No. 2004/0001324 A1 published on 1 Jan. 2004 in the names KWUN et al. describes a method of embedding IC chips in a through-hole cavity and discrete passive components in a PCB recess (partially formed cavity). A dielectric epoxy material is filled in the cavities, and once the epoxy is cured interconnections are formed by vias formed in the cured epoxy over the component terminals.
International (PCT) Publication No. 2004/001848 A1 pertains to a lamination process for embedding IC or discrete passive components in a PCB with cavity formed on prepreg sheets to fit the components. Interconnection are formed by drilling holes right above the component terminals and electroplating.
There are a number of concerns relating to the processes of embedding discrete passive components in the above documents. For instance, drilling holes for vias above the component terminals may introduce thermal/mechanical damage or removal of termination material. Electroplating the drilled vias over component's solder terminal may not be feasible due to concern of plating adhesion to solder surface.
It is with the knowledge the above concerns that the present invention has been conceived and is now reduced to practice.
SUMMARY
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a circuit board, the method comprising mounting at least one passive component on a first surface of a first laminate material; interconnecting the passive component to contact traces and vias of the first laminate material; and attaching a second laminate material to the first surface of the first laminate material utilizing a lamination process, the second laminate material sheet having at least one of a recess, a through-hole or both formed therein for accommodating the passive component in the second laminate.
The passive component may be directly interconnected to the contact traces and vias.
The passive component may be substantially vertically interconnected to the contact traces and vias with respect to a surface plane of the first laminate material.
The attaching of the second laminate material may utilise the lamination process comprises providing a dielectric material between the first and second laminate materials.
The dielectric material may comprise one or more prepreg sheets.
The mounting of the passive component may comprise forming mounting pads on the first laminate material.
The interconnecting of the passive component may comprise providing vias in the mounting pads.
The method may further comprise mounting one or more integrated circuits (ICs) on a second surface of the first laminate material in an area substantially above individual or a cluster of the passive components.
The second laminate material may comprise contact traces for forming a multi-layered circuit board.
The method may further comprise attaching one or more further laminate materials having contact traces formed thereon to the first and second laminate materials for forming a multi-layered circuit board.
The method may comprise attaching a resin coated metal material to the first and second laminate materials for forming a multi-layered circuit board.
The laminate materials may comprise organic laminate materials.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a circuit board comprising a first laminate material comprising contact traces and vias; at least one passive component mounted on a first surface of the first laminate material; interconnections formed from the passive components to the contact traces and vias of the first laminate material; and a second laminate material sheet laminated to the first surface of the first laminate material having at least one of a recess, a through-hole or both formed therein for accommodating the passive component.
The passive component may be directly interconnected to the contact traces and vias.
The passive component may be substantially vertically interconnected to the contact traces and vias with respect to a surface plane of the first laminate material.
The board may comprise a dielectric sheet between the first and second laminate materials.
The dielectric material may comprise one or more prepreg sheets.
The board may comprise mounting pads on the first laminate material for the passive component.
The board may comprise vias in the mounting pads for interconnecting the passive component to the traces.
The board may further comprise one or more integrated circuits (ICs) mounted on a second surface of the first laminate material in an area substantially above individual or a cluster of the passive components.
The second laminate material sheet may comprise contact traces.
The board may further comprise one or more further laminate materials having contact traces formed thereon and attached to the first and second laminate materials.
The board may further comprise a resin coated metal material attached to the first and second laminate materials for.
The laminate materials may comprise organic laminate materials.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Non-limiting embodiments of the invention are described hereinafter with reference to the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional printed circuit board assembly with integrated chip and passive components;
FIGS. 2A-2H show schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the process flow for fabricating embedded passive components in a printed circuit board assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 3 is a schematic bottom view of FIG. 2B .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In an example embodiment, discrete components are embedded away from the surface area of a printed circuit board. An organic core material of small thickness is fabricated using an established fabrication process. The fabricated core material in the example embodiment is designed on a two-layer printed circuit laminate having signal and ground connections which are connected by passive components mounted on mounting pads. A direct vertical connection is provided by vias formed in the mounting pad. The passive components are surface mounted on the core material and are so located as to form a group or cluster.
A second laminate material has a cavity which is formed by punching or routing. The surface area of the cavity is larger than the cluster area formed on the core material. The thickness of the second laminate is chosen to be greater than that of the discrete component in the example embodiment, so as to embed the passive components in the final assembly. The core material and second laminate material are sandwiched together and the cluster of passive components is enclosed by the cavity with a desired clearance.
The core and second laminate materials may be sandwiched using established printed circuit lamination process employing heating and pressing. A prepreg sheet of multiple layers is provided between the core and second laminate materials in the example embodiment prior to laminating the PCB assembly. The above process can be repeated for fabricating a multi-layered printed circuit board.
The cavity of the laminated printed circuit board is filled and planarized with a resin of the prepreg sheet thereby forming embedded components within the printed circuit board. The external surface area of the laminated board is free from passive components. This surface area can be used for mounting other electronic components. An integrated circuit is subsequently mounted directly above the cavity area in the example embodiment, to form electrical connections with embedded passive components (such as bypass capacitors).
FIGS. 2A to 2H illustrate the detailed process flow of forming embedded passive components in a PCB according to the example embodiment of the present invention. The manufacturing steps are as follows:
Referring to FIG. 2A , a two-layer organic laminate 17 having conductive patterns (such as copper) 15 and 16 is provided with mounting pads 9 on a bottom side of the laminate 17 for assembling passive components. The material of the organic laminate 17 can be standard PCB materials, such as FR-4 epoxy glass, polyimide, benzocyclobutene, teflon, cyanate ester, bismeleimide triazine, other epoxy resins, or the like, or combinations of those materials. The thickness of the laminate 17 is so chosen to balance between mechanical stability and proximity of the passive components to an IC. The mounting pads 9 are directly and vertically (with respect to the plane of the laminate 17 taken as a horizontal plane) connected to power or ground connections 15 , 16 , by via-in-pads, e.g. 14 , in the example embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 2B , discrete passive components e.g. 13 , are surface mounted on the pads 9 and in the example embodiment soldered using a reflow process. Thin profile (height) discrete passive components may be used to produce a low profile PCB in the example embodiment. The passive components can be tested at this stage.
Referring to FIG. 2C , a second laminate material 19 having a thickness (e.g. 0.1˜0.2 mm) slightly larger than the height of the passive components e.g. 13 is placed adjacent to the first laminate material 17 . The laminate material 19 has conductive patterns, e.g. 28 , 30 , formed on both sides. By punching or routing, a cavity 8 is provided in the second laminate material 19 , and disposed directly below the passive components 13 of the laminate material 17 . The area of the cavity 8 is slightly larger than the cluster area of the components e.g. 13 formed on the first laminate material 17 . A multi-layered prepreg sheet 18 is placed between the core laminate material 17 and the second laminate material 19 in the example embodiment, prior to the lamination process. The number of prepreg sheets is dependent on the thickness of the second laminate material 19 and the number of passive components e.g. 13 .
Referring to FIG. 2D , a multi-layered printed circuit lamination is formed in the example embodiment by adding another pair of a prepreg sheet 20 and a laminate material 21 . The laminate material 21 has conductive patterns formed on the upper side. The process can be repeated depending on the number of printed circuit board layers required. In another embodiment, resin coated copper (RCC) foil may be used instead of the pair of the prepreg sheet 20 and the laminate material 21 .
Referring to FIG. 2E , a multi-layered PCB in the example embodiment with embedded discrete components e.g. 13 is formed by a lamination process by appropriate heating and pressing of the top and the bottom surfaces of the structure formed in the previous step.
Referring to FIG. 2F , laminated assembly 22 is completed with embedded passive components.
Referring to FIG. 2G , through via holes 23 are formed and plated to form connections between the top, bottom and internal layers. The via holes 23 may be formed by drilling (e.g. mechanical or laser drilling) The top and bottom surfaces of the laminated assembly 22 ( FIG. 2F ) are further processed by known etching methods in the example embodiment to provide metal pads 24 , 25 for component surface mounting, thereby forming the final PCB 26 having embedded discrete components e.g. 13 .
Referring to FIG. 2H , an IC 27 is surface mounted on top of the PCB 26 . The embedded passive components e.g. 13 are electrically connected to the IC 27 . Other components may be mounted on the top or bottom layers of PCB 26 .
FIG. 3 is the bottom view of the passive component assembly shown in FIG. 2B , illustrating a cluster area 28 of the passive components e.g. 13 , in the example embodiment.
The example embodiment makes use of known component assembly processing and printed circuit fabrication steps. By embedding passive components such as bypass capacitors, more surface area on top and bottom layers may be available for mounting other electronic components. This results in increased functional features and reduced PCB size.
The example embodiment also provides a less inductive interconnection between the embedded passive components, e.g. capacitors, which, in turn, increases the self-resonant frequency and extends the decoupling frequency range in broadband applications. The example embodiment facilitates increased routing space on the signal layers by direct vertical interconnection, in conjunction with co-location of the passive components with associated, surface mounted components such as ICs.
It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerous variations and substitutions may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The example embodiments are, therefore, to be regarded as illustrative only, and not restrictive on the scope of protection sought. | A circuit board is formed by mounting at least one passive component on a first surface of a first laminate material; interconnecting the passive component to contact traces and vias of the first laminate material; and attaching a second laminate material to the first surface of the first laminate material utilizing a lamination process, the second laminate material sheet having at least one of a recess, a through-hole or both formed therein for accommodating the passive component in the second laminate. | 8 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to silicone foam control compositions. More particularly, this invention relates to silicone foam control compositions comprising a silicone antifoam agent, mineral oil, a polydiorganosiloxane containing at least one polyoxyalkylene group, and a finely divided filler.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of various silicone containing compositions as antifoams or defoamers is known. In this regard, it is well established that this art is highly unpredictable and slight modification can greatly alter performance of such compositions. Most of these compositions contain silicone fluid (usually dimethylpolysiloxane), often in combination with small amounts of silica filler. Additionally, these compositions may include various surfactants and dispersing agents in order to impart improved foam control or stability properties to the compositions.
Silicone compositions which are useful as foam control agents have been taught in the art. For example, Aizawa et al., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,639,489 and 4,749,740, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference, teach a method for producing a silicone defoamer composition wherein a complex mixture of polyorganosiloxanes, filler, a resinous siloxane and a catalyst to promote reaction of the other components are heated together at 50° C. to 300° C.
More recently, a method for preparing a composition similar to that described by Aizawa et al., cited supra, was disclosed by Miura in U.S. Pat. No. 5,283,004, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In this disclosure, the above mentioned complex silicone mixture additionally contains at least 0.2 weight parts of an organic compound having at least one group selected from —COR, —COOR′ or —(OR″) n —, wherein R and R′ are hydrogen or a monovalent hydrocarbon group, R″ is a divalent hydrocarbon group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and the average value of n is greater than one. It is further disclosed that all the ingredients, including a catalyst, must be reacted at elevated temperatures to obtain the desired antifoam agent.
John et al., in European Patent Application No. 217,501, published Apr. 8, 1987, discloses a foam control composition which gives improved performance in high foaming detergent compositions which comprises (A) a liquid siloxane having a viscosity at 25° C. of at least 7×10 −3 m 2 /s and which was obtained by mixing and heating a triorganosiloxane-endblocked polydiorganosiloxane, a polydiorganosiloxane having at least one terminal silanol group and an organosiloxane resin, comprising monovalent and tetravalent siloxy units and having at least one silanol group per molecule, and (B) a finely divided filler having its surface made hydrophobic. John et al. further describes a method for making the foam control compositions and detergent compositions containing said foam control compositions.
McGee et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,380,464 discloses a foam control composition comprising a silicone defoamer reaction product and a silicone glycol copolymer which is particularly effective in defoaming highly acidic or highly basic aqueous systems. However, when a foam control composition comprising a silicone antifoam agent and a silicone glycol copolymer is employed, it is added in the form of a liquid or after dilution with water to a foamable liquid thus requiring higher levels of the silicone copolymer.
McGee et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,543,082 discloses a foam control composition prepared by mixing at room temperature a silicone defoamer reaction product, a silicone glycol copolymer, and a hydroxyl-endblocked polydiorganosiloxane polymer.
In European Patent Application No. 0638346 is disclosed a composition comprising a reaction product, a nonaqueous liquid continuous phase, and a moderately hydrophobic particulate stabilizing aid. EP'346 discloses that the reaction product is prepared by heating a mixture of a polyorganosiloxane fluid, a silicon compound, a finely divided filler, and a catalytic amount of a compound for promoting the reaction of the other components at a temperature of 50° C. to 300° C. EP'346 further discloses that these compositions can further contain at least one nonionic silicone surfactant, and a nonreinforcing inorganic filler.
In European Patent Application No. 0663225 is disclosed a foam control composition comprising a silicone antifoam agent and a crosslinked organopolysiloxane polymer having at least one polyoxyalkylene group.
Fey et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,891 discloses a dispersible silicone composition comprising (I) a silicone composition prepared by reacting a polyorganosiloxane, a silicon compound, optionally a finely divided filler, and a catalytic amount of a compound for promoting the reaction of the other components and (II) mineral oil. Fey et al. further discloses that the mineral oil is effective as a dispersing agent for the silicone composition (I).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to silicone foam control compositions. More particularly, this invention relates to silicone foam control compositions comprising a silicone antifoam agent, mineral oil, a polydiorganosiloxane containing at least one polyoxyalkylene group, and a finely divided filler.
It is an object of the present invention to prepare silicone compositions which can be advantageously utilized to control foam in foam producing systems.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide silicone compositions wherein there is provided improvement in the control of foaming behavior.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide silicone foam control compositions which are stable and easily dispersible.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a silicone foam control composition comprising (I) a silicone antifoam agent prepared by reacting at a temperature of 50° C. to 300° C. a mixture comprising: (i) 100 weight parts of at least one polyorganosiloxane selected from the group consisting of (A) a polyorganosiloxane having a viscosity of about 20 to 100,000 mm 2 /s at 25° C. and being expressed by the general formula R 1 a SiO (4-a)/2 in which R 1 is a monovalent hydrocarbon or halogenated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms and a has an average value of 1.9 to 2.2, (B) a polyorganosiloxane having a viscosity of 200 to about 100 million mm 2 /s at 25° C. expressed by the general formula R 2 b (R 3 O) c SiO (4-b-c)/2 in which R 2 is a monovalent hydrocarbon or halogenated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, R 3 is hydrogen or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, b has an average value of 1.9 to 2.2 and c has a sufficiently large value to give at least one —OR 3 group in each molecule, at least one such —OR 3 group being present at the end of the molecular chain, and (C) a mixture of (A) and (B); (ii) 0.5 to 20 weight parts of at least one silicon compound selected from (a) an organosilicon compound of the general formula R 4 d SiX 4-d in which R 4 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, X is selected from a halogen atom or a hydrolyzable group and d has an average value of one or less, (b) a partially hydrolyzed condensate of said compound (a), (c) a siloxane resin comprising (CH 3 ) 3 SiO 1/2 units and SiO 4/2 units wherein the ratio of (CH 3 ) 3 SiO 1/2 units to SiO 4/2 units is 0.4:1 to 1.2:1, or (d) a condensate of said compound (c) with said compound (a) or (b); and (iii) a catalytic amount of a compound for promoting the reaction of components (i) and (ii); (II) at least one mineral oil; (III) at least one polydiorganosiloxane having at least one polyoxyalkylene group; and (IV) at least one finely divided filler. The silicone foam control compositions of this invention can optionally comprise a polyglycol.
The silicone foam control compositions of this invention comprise (I) a silicone antifoam agent, (II) at least one mineral oil, (III) at least one polydiorganosiloxane containing at least one polyoxyalkylene group, and (IV) at least one finely divided filler. Component (I) of the present invention can be prepared by reacting (i) a polyorganosiloxane, (ii) a silicon compound, and (iii) a catalytic amount of a compound for promoting the reaction of the other components.
Component (i) may be selected from (A) polyorganosiloxanes comprising siloxane units of the general formula R 1 a SiO (4-a)/2 and having a viscosity of 20 to 100,000 mm 2 /s (centistokes (cS)) at 25° C. The organo groups R 1 of the polyorganosiloxane (A) are the same or different monovalent hydrocarbon or halogenated hydrocarbon groups having one to ten carbon atoms. Specific examples thereof are well known in the silicone industry and include methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, octyl, trifluoropropyl, phenyl, 2-phenylethyl and vinyl groups. The methyl group is particularly preferred. In the above formula, a has a value of 1.9 to 2.2. It is particularly preferred that polyorganosiloxane (A) is a trimethylsilyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane having a viscosity of about 350 to 15,000 mm 2 /s at 25° C.
Alternatively, component (i) may be selected from (B) polyorganosiloxanes comprising siloxane units of the general formula R 2 b (R 3 O) c SiO (4-b-c)/2 and having a viscosity of 200 to 100 million centistokes at 25° C. wherein R 2 is independently selected from the monovalent hydrocarbon or halogenated hydrocarbon groups designated for group R 1 , R 3 is a hydrogen atom or R 2 , and the —OR 3 group is present at least at the end of a molecular chain of the polyorganosiloxane. The value of b is from 1.9 to 2.2 and c has a value so as to provide at least one —OR 3 group per molecule. It is particularly preferred that polyorganosiloxane (B) is a hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane having a viscosity of about 1,000 to 50,000 mm 2 /s at 25° C. Component (i) may also be (C) a mixture of (A) and (B) in any proportion.
Component (ii) is at least one silicon compound selected from (a) to (d):(a) an organosilicon compound of the general formula R 4 d SiX 4-d wherein R 4 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group having one to five carbon atoms, X is a halogen atom or a hydrolyzable group, such as —OR 5 or —OR 6 OR 7 , in which R 6 is a divalent hydrocarbon group having one to five carbon atoms and R 5 and R 7 are each a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having one to five carbon atoms, the average value of d not exceeding 1, (b) a partially hydrolyzed condensate of the compound (a), (c) a siloxane resin comprising (CH 3 ) 3 SiO 1/2 and SiO 2 units and having a (CH 3 ) 3 SiO 1/2 /SiO 2 ratio of 0.4/1 to 1.2/1, or (d) a condensate of the siloxane resin (c) with the compound (a) or (b). It is preferred that component (ii) is selected from either an alkyl polysilicate wherein the alkyl group has one to five carbon atoms, such as methyl polysilicate, ethyl polysilicate and propyl polysilicate, or the siloxane resin (c). Most preferably, component (ii) is either ethyl polysilicate or a siloxane resin copolymer comprising (CH 3 ) 3 SiO 1/2 units and SiO 2 units in a molar ratio of approximately 0.4:1 to 1.2:1.
Component (iii) is a compound used as a catalyst for promoting the reaction of the other components. Any compound which promotes condensation reactions or rearrangement/condensation reactions is suitable as component (iii). It is preferably selected from siloxane equilibration catalysts, silanol-condensing catalysts, or a combination thereof. Catalysts suitable as component (iii) are exemplified by alkali metal hydroxides such as potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, or cesium hydroxide, alkali metal silanolates such as potassium silanolate, alkali metal alkoxides such as potassium isopropoxide or potassium ethoxide, quaternary ammonium hydroxides such as betahydroxyethyltrimethyl ammonium hydroxide, benzyltrimethyl ammonium hydroxide; and tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide, quaternary ammonium silanolates, quaternary phosphonium hydroxides such as tetrabutyl phosphonium hydroxide and tetraethylphosphonium hydroxide, quaternary phosphonium silanolates, metal salts of organic acids such as dibutyltin dilaurate, stannous acetate, stannous octanoate, lead napthenate, zinc octanoate, iron 2-ethylhexoate, and cobalt naphthenate, mineral acids such as sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, organic acids such as acetic acid or organosulfonic acids, and ammonium compounds such as ammonium carbonate or ammonium hydroxide. It is preferred that the catalyst is selected from potassium silanolate, potassium hydroxide, or sodium hydroxide.
The mixture can further comprise up to 30 weight parts of component (iv) a finely divided filler. The finely divided filler is exemplified by fumed, precipitated, or plasmatic TiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Al 2 O 3 /SiO 2 , ZrO 2 /SiO 2 , and SiO 2 . The finely divided filler can hydrophilic or hydrophobic. The filler can be hydrophobed during manufacture (i.e. in-situ) or independently. Various grades of silica having a particle size of several millimicrons to several microns and a specific surface area of about 50 to 1000 m 2 /g, preferably a surface area of 50 to 300 m 2 /g, are commercially available and suitable for use as component (iv). Preferably component (iv) is a hydrophobic silica having a surface area of about 50 to 300 m 2 /g.
The mixture can further comprise up to 20 weight parts of component (v), a polyorganosiloxane comprising siloxane units of the general formula R 8 e (R 9 O) f SiO (4-e-f)/2 and having a viscosity of 5 to 200 mm 2 /s at 25° C. wherein R 8 is a monovalent hydrocarbon or halogenated hydrocarbon group having one to ten carbon atoms and R 9 is hydrogen or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having one to ten carbon atoms. The value of e is between 1.9 and 2.2 and f has a value so as to provide two or more —OR 9 groups in each molecule. It is particularly preferred that component (v) is a hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane having a viscosity of about 10 to 100 mm 2 /s at 25° C. It is preferred that component (v) is added when filler (iv) is a hydrophilic silica.
A mixture of components (i), (ii), and (iii), optionally containing components (iv) and/or (v), is reacted under heat to produce the silicone antifoam agent (I), the proportions of the various components being: Component (i)—100 weight parts; Component (ii) —0.5 to 20, preferably 1 to 7, weight parts; Component (iii) —A catalytic amount (usually in the range of 0.03 to 1 part by weight); Component (iv), if present, —up to 30, preferably 1 to 15, and highly preferred is 5 to 15 weight parts; Component (v), if present, —up to 20, preferably 1 to 10, weight parts.
The proportions of components (A) and (B) used depends largely on their respective viscosities. It is preferable to use a mixture of (A) and (B) which has a viscosity of 1,000 to 100,000 mm 2 /s at 25° C.
The silicone antifoam agent (I) is prepared by first mixing components (i), (ii), and (iii) and heating this blend to about 110 to 120° C. Finely divided filler (iv), if desired, is then uniformly mixed in using an appropriate dispersing device, such as a homomixer, colloid mill or triple roll mill. The resulting mixture is heated at a temperature of 50° C. to 300° C., preferably 100° C. to 300° C., and reacted for one to eight hours, although the reaction time varies depending on the temperature. If component (v) is to be employed in the composition, it is generally added after the filler (iv). It is preferable to carry out all mixing and heating operations in an inert gas atmosphere in order to avoid any danger and to remove volatile matter (unreacted matter, by-products, etc.). The mixing order of the components and the heating temperature and time as hereinabove stated are not believed critical, but can be changed as required. It is further preferred that, after reaction, the catalyst is neutralized to further stabilize silicone antifoam agent (I).
Alternatively, silicone antifoam agent (I) preferably comprises a diorganopolysiloxane, a silicon compound, and a catalyst for promoting the reaction of these components, and this combination optionally containing a filler such as silica. These systems contain a mixture of a trimethylsilyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane and a diorganopolysiloxane having silicon-bonded hydroxyl groups or silicon-bonded alkoxy groups along its main chain or at its chain ends, said alkoxy groups having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The silicon compound (ii) acts as a crosslinker for the diorganopolysiloxane by reacting with the functionality of the latter. It is further preferred that the above diorganopolysiloxane is either a linear or a branched polymer or copolymer of siloxane units selected from dimethylsiloxane units, methylphenylsiloxane units or methyltrifluoropropylsiloxane units. Most preferably, the diorganopolysiloxane of component (A) is a polydimethylsiloxane containing Si-bonded hydroxyl or methoxy functionality. The above mentioned silicon compound (ii) is preferably a siloxane resin comprising (CH 3 ) 3 SiO/ 2 and SiO 2 units and having a molar ratio of (CH 3 ) 3 SiO 1/2 /SiO 2 between 0.4:1 and 1.2:1. The latter resin may be prepared according to methods taught in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 2,676,182 to Daudt et al. and typically contains from about 0.5 to about 3 weight percent of hydroxyl groups.
A highly preferred silicone antifoam agent is a homogeneous blend of a hydroxyl- terminated polydimethylsiloxane, a trimethylsilyl- terminated polydimethylsiloxane having a viscosity in the range of about 1,000 to 50,000 mm 2 /s at 25° C., an alkyl polysilicate wherein the alkyl group has one to five carbon atoms, such as methyl polysilicate, ethyl polysilicate and propyl polysilicate, and a potassium silanolate catalyst reacted at a temperature of 50 to 300° C.
The silicone antifoam agent (I) can also be a silicone antifoam agent comprising (a) silicone and (b) silica and can be prepared by admixing a silicone fluid with a hydrophobic silica. In industrial practice, the term “silicone” has become a generic term which encompasses a variety of relatively high molecular weight polymers containing siloxane units and hydrocarbon groups of various types. Preferred as component (a) are polydimethylsiloxanes having a molecular weight within the range of from about 2,000 to about 200,000. Component (b) is exemplified by silica aerogels, xerogels, or hydrophobic silicas of various types. Any of several known methods may be used for making a hydrophobic silica which can be employed herein in combination with a silicone fluid as the antifoam agent. For example, a fumed silica can be reacted with a trialkyl chlorosilane (i.e. “silanated”) to affix hydrophobic trialkylsilane groups on the surface of the silica. Silicas having organosilyl groups on the surface thereof are well known and can be prepared in many ways such as by contacting the surface of a fumed or precipitated silica or silica aerogel with reactive silanes such as chlorosilanes or alkoxysilanes or with silanols or siloxanols or by reacting the silica with silanes or siloxanes. Various grades of silica having a particle size of several millimicrons to several microns and a specific surface area of about 500 to 50 m 2 /g are commercially available and several hydrophobic silicas having different surface treatments are also commercially available.
Component (I) is present in the silicone foam control compositions of this invention in an amount from 10-80 weight parts, preferably from 30 to 60 weight parts, and most preferably from 40 to 60 weight parts, said weight parts being based on the total weight of the composition.
Component (II) is mineral oil. The term “mineral oil” as used herein refers to hydrocarbon oils derived from carbonaceous sources, such as petroleum, shale, and coal, and equivalents thereof. The mineral oil of component (II) can be any type of mineral oil, many of which are commercially available, including heavy white mineral oil which is high in paraffin content, light white mineral oil, petroleum oils such as aliphatic or wax-base oils, aromatic or asphalt-base oils, or mixed base oils, petroleum derived oils such as lubricants, engine oils, machine oils, or cutting oils, and medicinal oils such as refined paraffin oil. The above mentioned mineral oils are available commercially at a variety of viscosities from Amoco Chemical Company (Chicago, Ill.) under the tradename Amoco White Mineral Oil, from Exxon Company (Houston, Tex.) under the tradenames Bayol™, Marcol™, or Primol™, from Lyondell Petrochemical Company (Houston, Tex.) under the trade name Duoprime® Oil, and from Shell Chemical Company (Houston, Tex.) under the tradename ShellFlex® Mineral Oil. Preferably the mineral oil has a viscosity of from about 1 to about 20 millipascal-seconds at 25° C. Component (II) can also be a mixture of the above-described mineral oils.
Component (II) is present in the silicone foam control compositions of this invention in an amount from 10-80 weight parts, preferably from 30 to 60 weight parts, and most preferably from 30 to 50 weight parts, said weight parts being based on the total weight of the composition.
Component (III) is at least one polydiorganosiloxane compound having at least one polyoxyalkylene group. The polyoxyalkylene group is exemplified by polyoxyalkylene groups having the formulae
—R 10 (OCh 2 Ch 2 ) g OR 11 ,
wherein R 10 is a divalent hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, R 11 is selected from a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, or an acyl group, and g, h, and i independently have an average value from 1 to 150. As used herein to describe Component (III), the polydiorganosiloxane having at least one polyoxyalkylene group, it is understood that the various siloxane units and the oxyethylene, oxypropylene and oxybutylene units may be distributed randomly throughout their respective chains or in respective blocks of such units or in a combination of random or block distributions.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term “polydiorganosiloxane having at least one polyoxyalkylene group” standing alone, encompasses a number of compounds, including those based upon cyclic and resinous siloxane compounds. While cyclic and resinous oxyalkylene-modified siloxanes can be used in the foam control compositions of this invention, they are comparatively expensive and thus, are not as cost effective as the linear polyoxyalkylene-containing polydiorganosiloxane compounds described hereinbelow.
Preferably Component (III) is a polydiorganosiloxane compound having the formula
Me 3 SiO(Me 2 SiO) x (MeQSiO) y SiMe 3 ,
wherein Q is selected from the group consisting of
wherein Me denotes methyl, x has an average value from 100 to 500, y has an average value from 1 to 50, z has a value of 2 to 10, g has an average value of 1 to 36, and h has 25 an average value of 1 to 36.
Component (III) of the silicone foam control compositions of this invention can also be a cross-linked polydiorganosiloxane polymer having at least one polyoxyalkylene group. This class of compounds has been generally described by Bahr et.al. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,853,474 and 5,136,068, incorporated herein by reference to teach cross-linked polydiorganosiloxane polymers suitable as (III). Compounds suitable as (III) include polydiorganosiloxane-polyoxyalkylene polymer molecules which are intentionally cross-linked through a cross-linking agent joined thereto by nonhydrolyzable bonds and being free of internal hydrolyzable bonds.
These may be obtained by a method comprising preparing a cross-linked polydiorganosiloxane polymer and combining a polyoxyalkylene group therewith or by a method comprising preparing a linear polyorganosiloxane having a polyoxyalkylene group combined therewith and cross-linking the same.
The cross-linking in this system can be attained through a variety of mechanisms. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize the systems wherein the required components are mutually compatible to carry out the method of preparing these polydiorganosiloxanes. By way of illustration, an extensive bibliography of siloxane polymer chemistry is provided in Siloxane Polymers , S. J. clarson and J. A. Semlyen eds., PTR Prentice Hall, Englewood cliffs, N.J., (1993).
Not to be construed as limiting this invention, it is preferred that the cross-linking bonds and the bonds to the polydiorganosiloxane-polyoxyalkylene molecules are not hydrolyzable, and that the cross-linking bridge contains no hydrolyzable bonds. It is recognized that similar emulsifiers wherein the polyoxyalkylene units are attached to the organopolysiloxane units via SiOC bonds are useful in applications not requiring extended stability under conditions where hydrolysis may occur. It is further recognized that such emulsifiers containing cross-links formed by SiOC bonds offer benefits of improved emulsion stability and consistency in such applications not requiring extended stability under conditions where hydrolysis may occur.
Preferably, the cross-linked polydiorganosiloxane polymer is obtained by the addition reaction between the following components: (i) an organopolysiloxane having an Si—H group at each of its terminals and a polydiorganosiloxane having at least two allyl groups in the side chains of each molecules thereof, or (ii) more preferably, an polydiorganosiloxane having at least two Si—H groups in the side chains of each molecule thereof, and a polydiorganosiloxane having each of its terminals blocked with an allyl group or a silanol group.
The preferred cross-linking radical is a vinyl-terminated polydiorganosiloxane used in combination with an Si—H containing backbone. This organosiloxane bridge should not contain any reactive sites for the polyoxyalkylene moieties. An organosiloxane bridge cooperates with the siloxane backbones which it bridges to create a siloxane network at the interface of water and the silicone antifoarn agent. This network is thought to be important in effecting the stabilizing properties and characteristics of the present invention. The siloxane bridge works with other types of antifoams. Other bridge types may be more suitable for non-silicone antifoams (e.g. an alkane bridge for mineral oil based antifoams).
The cross-linked polydiorganosiloxane polymer to be used as (III) should be one that satisfies the following conditions: (1) it has a three-dimensional crosslinked structure, (2) it has at least one polyoxyalkylene group, and (3) it has fluidity (i.e. it is “free flowing”). The term “three-dimensional cross-linked structure” used herein denotes a structure in which at least two organopolysiloxane molecules are bonded together through at least one bridge.
The exact number of polydiorganosiloxane-polyoxyalkylene polymer molecules which will be bridged together will vary within each compound. One limitation on such cross-linking is that the overall molecular weight must not become so great as to cause the material to gel. The extent of cross-linking must thus also be regulated relative to the molecular weight of each individual polymer molecule being cross-linked since the overall molecular weight must also be maintained sufficiently low to avoid gelling. In controlling the cross-linking reaction there is also the possibility that some un-cross linked material will be present.
In the present invention, it is preferred that component (III) is a compound having a viscosity of 100 to 100,000 mm 2 /s at 25° C. and having the unit formula:
wherein R 12 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group, A is a group having the formula (Ch 2 ) q —(R 14 2 SiO) r Si(Ch 2 ) s or the formula O(R 14 2 SiO) r —SiO wherein R 14 denotes a monovalent hydrocarbon group, q has a value of 2 to 10, r has a value of 1 to 5000, s has a value of 2 to 10, R 13 denotes a group having its formula selected from the group consisting of:
wherein R 15 is selected from a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, or an acyl group, t has a value of 2 to 10, u has a value of from greater than zero to 150, v has a value of from greater than zero to 150, and w has a value of from greater than zero to 150, j has a value of 1 to 1000, k has a value of from greater than zero to 30, 1 has a value of 1 to 1000, m has a value of 1 to 1000, n has a value of from greater than zero to 30, p has a value of 1 to 1000. The groups R 12 and R 14 can be the same or different as desired and are preferably alkyl groups or aryl groups and it is highly preferred that they are both methyl.
In the formulae hereinabove, it is preferred that j has a value of 1 to 500 and it is highly preferred that j has a value of 1 to 250, it is preferred that k has a value of from greater than zero to 20 and it is highly preferred that k has a value of from 1 to 15, it is preferred that l has a value of 1 to 100 and it is highly preferred that I has a value of 1 to 50, it is preferred that m has a value of 1 to 500 and it is highly preferred that m has a value of 1 to 250, it is preferred that n has a value of from greater than zero to 20 and it is highly preferred that n has a value of from greater than 1 to 15, it is preferred that p has a value of 1 to 100 and it is highly preferred that p has a value of 1 to 50, it is preferred that q has a value of 2 to 6, it is preferred that r has a value of 1 to 2500 and it is highly preferred that r has a value of 20 to 1000, it is preferred that s has a value of 2 to 6, it is preferred that t has a value of 2 to 4, it is preferred that u has a value of from 1 to 100 and it is highly preferred that u has a value of 5 to 50, it is preferred that v has a value of from 1 to 100 and it is highly preferred that v has a value of 5 to 50, it is preferred that w has a value of from 1 to 100 and it is highly preferred that w has a value of 1 to 50. It is preferred that the cross-linked polydiorganosiloxane polymer of component (III) is triorganosiloxy endblocked at each terminal of the polymer, and it is highly preferred that the polymer is trimethylsiloxy endblocked at each terminal of the cross-linked polymer.
The method used to prepare the crosslinked polydiorganosiloxane polymers is disclosed in European Patent Application No. 0663225. A specific example of the method for producing the crosslinked polydiorganosiloxane polymers will now be described. Preparation of a crosslinked polydiorganosiloxane polymer was done through the following steps: (I) a charging step in which a linear polysiloxane having hydrogen atoms in its side chains, a polysiloxane having vinyl groups and a catalyst for promoting the reaction, particularly platinum catalysts such as an isopropanol solution of H 2 PtCl 6 6H 2 O with a 2% methanol solution of sodium acetate are put in a reactor, (II) an agitation/heating step in which agitation is conducted, for example, at 40° C. for 30 minutes, (III) an input step in which a polyoxyalkylene and a solvent (isopropanol) are put in the reactor, (IV) a reflux step in which the isopropanol is refluxed, for example, at 80° C. for 1.5 to 2 hours while monitoring the reaction rate of Si—H, (V) a stripping step in which the isopropanol is stripped, for example, at 130° C. under a reduced pressure of 25 mmHg, and (VI) a final step in which the reduced pressure condition of step (V) is released and the reaction mixture is cooled to 60° C. to obtain a final product.
An example of a linear polysiloxane having hydrogen atoms in its side chains suitable for step (I) is a polysiloxane having its formula selected from:
wherein Me hereinafter denotes methyl and j, k, l, m, n, and p are as defined above. An example of a polysiloxane having vinyl groups suitable for step (I) is a polysiloxane having the formula:
wherein Me denotes methyl, Vi hereinafter denotes vinyl, and r is as defined above. The reaction of these two compounds in step (II) results in a cross-linked siloxane polymer having the formula
Introduction of a polyoxyalkylene group into the obtained crosslinked organopolysiloxane polymer (steps III-VI) is accomplished by reacting the crosslinked polymer with a polyoxyalkylene compound having its formula selected from the group consisting of
wherein u, v, and w are as defined above.
Preferred as Component (III) are cross-linked polydiorganosiloxane polymers having the formula
wherein Me denotes methyl, j has a value of 1 to 250, k has a value of from 1 to 15, l has a value of 1 to 50, m has a value of 1 to 250, n has a value of from greater than 1 to 15, p has a value of 1 to 50, r has a value of 20 to 1000, u has a value of 5 to 50, v has a value of 5 to 50, and R 15 is hydrogen, methyl, or C(O)CH 3 .
Component (III) is present in the silicone foam control compositions of this invention in an amount from 1-50 weight parts, preferably from 5 to 20 weight parts, and most preferably from 10 to 20 weight parts, said weight parts being based on the total weight of the composition.
Component (IV) is at least one finely divided filler. The finely divided filler is exemplified by fumed, precipitated, or plasmatic TiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Al 2 O 3 /SiO 2 , ZrO 2 /SiO 2 , and SiO 2 . The finely divided filler can be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. The filler can be hydrophobed during manufacture (i.e. in-situ) or independently. Various grades of silica having a particle size of several millimicrons to several microns and a specific surface area of about 50 to 1000 m 2 /g, preferably a surface area of 50 to 300 m 2 /g, are commercially available and suitable for use as component (iv). Preferably component (IV) is a hydrophobic silica having a surface area of about 50 to 300 m 2 /g. Hydrophobic precipitated silicas are especially preferred as component (IV).
Component (IV) is present in the silicone foam control compositions of this invention in an amount from 1-20 weight parts, preferably from 1 to 10 weight parts, and most preferably from 2 to 6 weight parts, said weight parts being based on the total weight of the composition.
The silicone foam control compositions of this invention can further comprise (V) a polyglycol. The polyglycol is exemplified by polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol copolymers, condensates of polyethylene glycol with polyols, condensates of polypropylene glycol with polyols, and condensates of polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol copolymers with polyols.
Component (V), if used, is present in the silicone foam control compositions of this invention in an amount from 1-50 weight parts, preferably from 5 to 20 weight parts, and most preferably from 10 to 20 weight parts, said weight parts being based on the total weight of the composition.
In addition to the above-mentioned components, the silicone foam control compositions of the present invention may also contain adjuvants such as corrosion inhibitors and dyes. The compositions of the present invention may be prepared by blending components (I)-(IV), and any optional components, to form a homogenous mixture. This may be accomplished by any convenient mixing method known in the art such as a spatula, mechanical stirrers, in-line mixing systems containing baffles, blades, or any of the like mixing surfaces including powered in-line mixers or homogenizers, a drum roller, a three-roll mill, a sigma blade mixer, a bread dough mixer, and a two roll mill. The order of mixing is not considered critical.
The present invention also relates to a process for controlling foam in a foaming system wherein the above-described silicone foam control composition is added to a foaming or foam-producing system, in an amount sufficient to reduce foaming, as determined by routine experimentation. Typically, the silicone foam control compositions of the present invention are added at a concentration of about 0.001 to 0.1 weight parts based on the weight of the foaming system, however the skilled artisan will readily determine optimum concentrations after a few routine experiments. The method of addition is not critical, and the composition may be metered in or added by any of the techniques known in the art. Examples of foaming systems contemplated herein include media encountered in the production of phosphoric acid and in sulphite or sulphate process pulping operations, bauxite digestion medium in the production of aluminum, metal working fluids, paper manufacture, detergent systems, hydrocarbon based systems, etc. The compositions of the present invention can be used as any kind of foam control composition, i.e. as defoaming compositions and/or antifoaming compositions. Defoaming compositions are generally considered as foam reducers whereas antifoaming compositions are generally considered as foam preventors. The compositions of this invention find utility as foam control compositions in various media such as inks, coatings, paints, detergents, pulp and paper manufacture, textile dyes, textile scours, and hydrocarbon containing fluids.
EXAMPLES 1-7
Each of the silicone foam control compositions were prepared by mixing the ingredients in Table 1 hereinbelow. The amounts listed in the Examples below are in weight parts and the viscosity was measured at 25° C. unless otherwise indicated. The ingredients used in the Examples are defined as follows:
Silicone Antifoam Agent l was prepared according to the method disclosed in Example 1 of Aizawa et al in U.S. Pat. No. 4,639,489. The amounts of ingredients used were as follows: 59.2 weight parts of a trimethylsiloxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane having a viscosity of 1000 mm 2 /s at 25° C., 28.2 weight parts of a hydroxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane having a viscosity of 12,500 mm 2 /s at 25° C., 2.8 weight parts of ethyl polysilicate (“Silicate 45” from Tama Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd., Japan); 1.3 weight parts of a potassium silanolate catalyst, 2.8 parts of Aerosil 200 Silica (silica having a surface area of 200 m 2 /g from Degussa-Huls Corporation), and 4.8 weight parts of hydroxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane having a viscosity of 40 mm 2 /s at 25° C. In addition to the above ingredients, this formulation also included 0.625 weight parts of water, 0.005 weight parts of Silwet® L-77 Silicone Glycol (from CKWITCO Corporation) and 0.09 weight parts of L-540 Silicone Glycol (a silicone polyether block copolymer wherein the polyether blocks consist of 50/50 mole percent of polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene from Union Carbide Corp., Danbury, Conn.).
Silicone Antifoam Agent 2 is a reaction product prepared according to the method of John et al. as described in EP 0217501, and was prepared by mixing together 64.3 weight parts of a trimethylsiloxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane, 3.42 weight parts of a silicone resin, 32 weight parts of a hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane, and 0.15 weight parts of a catalyst containing 10 wt % potassium hydroxide in isopropyl alcohol. The mixture was reacted at 80° C. with mixing for 5 hours and neutralized with 0.015 weight parts glacial acetic acid and 0.14 weight parts water.
Silicone Antifoam Agent 3 was prepared by heating a mixture of: 91 weight parts of a trimethylsiloxy-endblocked polydimethylsiloxane having a viscosity of 500 millipascal-seconds at 25° C., 3 parts of hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane, 6 parts hydrophobic silica, and 0.025 parts ammonium carbonate.
Mineral Oil 1 is Shellflex® 6111 Mineral Oil, a light mineral oil having a viscosity of about 3 mm 2 /s at 40° C. from Shell Chemical Company, Houston, Tex.
Mineral Oil 2 is Duoprime® 55, a white mineral oil having a viscosity of about 10 millipascal-seconds at 25° C. from Lyondell Petrochemical Company, Houston, Tex.
Polydorganosiloxane 1 is a cross-linked polydiorganosiloxane polymer having at least one polyoxyalkylene group prepared by the method described in Tonge et al in European Patent Application No. 0663225, as follows:
Component (A1): was a linear polysiloxane having the formula:
Wherein Me denotes methyl, j has a value in the range of 70 to 110, and k+1 is in the range of 5 to 15.
Component (B1): was a polysiloxane having the formula
wherein Me denotes methyl, Vi denotes vinyl, and wherein the polysiloxane has a molecular weight ranging from 8000 to 25,000.
Component (C1): was a polyoxyalkylene having the formula:
having a molecular weight in the range of from 2000 to 4000 and the ratio of u:v is 1:1.
Component (D): was isopropanol (as a solvent).
Component (E): was a 2% isopropanol solution of H 2 PtCl 6 .6H 2 O.
In the Examples, A1 had values of j=108, and k+1=10, B1 had a molecular weight of approximately 11,000, and C1 had a molecular weight of approximately 3,100. The polydiorganosiloxane was prepared by adding 12.8 parts of (A1), 2.6 of (B1) into a reactor, mixing, and heating to 80° C. Next, 0.001 parts of (E) were added and the mixture was reacted for 60 minutes. 60.2 parts of (C1) and 24.4 parts of (D) were then added. The mixture was heated to 90° C. 0.001 additional parts of (E) were added. The mixture was reacted at 90° C. for 2 hours, followed by a vacuum strip to remove the isopropanol. The mixture was cooled and filtered.
Polydiorganosiloxane 2 is an oxyalkylene-containing polydimethylsiloxane having the formula
where Me denotes methyl, x=4, y=396, g=18, and h=18. The polydimethylsiloxane was diluted to a level of 47% in cyclosiloxanes.
Polydiorganosiloxane 3 is an oxyalkylene-containing polydimethylsiloxane having the formula
where Me denotes methyl, x=2, y=22, and g=12.
Silica 1 is Sipernat® D10, a hydrophobic silica from Degussa Corp. (Ridgefield Park, N.J.).
Silica 2 is Sipernat® D13, a hydrophobic silica from Degussa Corp. (Ridgefield Park, N.J.).
Polyglycol 1 is Polyglycol E-8000, a polyethylene glycol having molecular weight of about 8000 from The Dow Chemical Company (Midland, Mich.).
Continuous Phase 1 is P15-200®, an ethylene oxide/propylene oxide triol copolymer with glycerin having a number average molecular weight of 2,600 from The Dow Chemical Company (Midland, Mich.).
Surfactant 1 is a nonionic silicone surfactant of trimethylsilyl end capped polysilicate prepared according to the method described in Keil, U.S. Pat. No. 3,784,479. A mixture of 7 weight parts of a siloxane resin (which is a 70% xylene solution of a hydroxy-functional siloxane resin copolymer comprising (CH 3 ) 3 SiO 1/2 and SiO 2 units having a (CH 3 ) 3 SiO 1/2 to SiO 2 ratio of 0.75:1), 15 weight parts of a copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide having a number average molecular weight of 4000, and 38 weight parts of xylene was reacted at reflux for 8 hours with 0.2 weight parts of a stannous octoate, 0.1 weight parts of phosphoric acid was added and the product was blended with 40 weight parts of a polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol copolymer. The product was stripped at 5.3 kPa at 140° C. to remove xylene and filtered.
Stabilizing Aid 1 is Aerosil® 972, a fumed silica that has been treated to a moderate level with dichlorodimethylsilane, having a surface area of 110 m 2 /g, a methanol wettability of 45%, and is available from Degussa Corp. (Ridgefield Park, N.J.).
TABLE 1
Ingredients
Ex 1
Ex 2
Ex 3
Ex 4
Ex 5
Ex 6
Ex 7
Ex 8
Ex 9
Silicone Antifoam Agent 1
46
46
46
0
0
46
46
40
41.5
Silicone Antifoam Agent 2
0
0
0
46
0
0
0
0
0
Silicone Antifoam Agent 3
0
0
0
0
46
0
0
0
0
Mineral Oil 1
37
37
37
37
37
0
37
37
41.5
Mineral Oil 2
0
0
0
0
0
37
0
0
0
Polydiorganosiloxane 1
13
0
0
13
13
13
13
13
13
Polydiorganosiloxane 2
0
13
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Polydiorganosiloxane 3
0
0
13
0
0
0
0
0
0
Silica 1
4
4
4
4
4
4
0
0
4
Silica 2
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
5
0
Polyglycol 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
COMPARISON EXAMPLES 1-3
Each of the comparison silicone foam control compositions were prepared by mixing the ingredients in Table 2 hereinbelow. The amounts listed in Table 2 below are in weight parts.
TABLE 2
Ingredients
C Ex 1
C Ex 2
C Ex 3
Silicone Antifoam Agent 1
46
46
46
Silicone Antifoam Agent 2
0
0
0
Silicone Antifoam Agent 3
0
0
0
Mineral Oil 1
0
0
0
Mineral Oil 2
0
0
0
Polydiorganosiloxane 1
0
50
0
Polydiorganosiloxane 2
0
0
50
Polydiorganosiloxane 3
50
0
0
Silica 1
0
0
0
Silica 2
4
4
4
COMPARISON EXAMPLES 4-8
Comparison Examples 4, 5, and 8 were prepared by mixing together the ingredients listed in Table 3 using moderate mechanical agitation. The amounts listed in Table 3 below are in weight parts. Comparison Examples 6 and 7 were prepared by mixing the amounts specified in Table 3 below for Silicone Antifoam Agent 1 with that for Silica 1 to form a premix, then blending this premix with Polydiorganosiloxane 1 in the amount specified in Table 3 below using moderate mechanical agitation.
TABLE 3
Ingredients
C Ex 4
C Ex 5
C Ex 6
C Ex 7
C Ex 8
Silicone Antifoam
50
50
46
26
30
Agent 1
Silicone Antifoam
0
0
0
0
0
Agent 2
Silicone Antifoam
0
0
0
0
0
Agent 3
Mineral Oil 1
0
0
0
0
0
Mineral Oil 2
0
0
0
0
0
Continuous
0
0
0
0
0
Phase 1
Polydiorgano-
50
0
50
70
70
siloxane 1
Polydiorgano-
0
50
0
0
0
siloxane 2
Polydiorgano-
0
0
0
0
0
siloxane 3
Silica 1
0
0
4
4
0
COMPARISON EXAMPLES 9-11
Comparison Examples 9 and 10 were prepared by mixing together the ingredients listed in Table 4 using moderate mechanical agitation. The amounts listed in Table 4 below are in weight parts. Comparison Example 11 was prepared by mixing the amounts specified in Table 4 below for Silicone Antifoam Agent 1 with that for Silica 1 to form a premix, then blending this premix with Mineral Oil 1 in the amount specified in Table 4 below using moderate mechanical agitation.
TABLE 4
Ingredients
C Ex 9
C Ex 10
C Ex 11
Silicone Antifoam Agent 1
50
50
46
Silicone Antifoam Agent 2
0
0
0
Silicone Antifoam Agent 3
0
0
0
Mineral Oil 1
50
0
50
Mineral Oil 2
0
50
0
Continuous Phase 1
0
0
0
Polydiorganosiloxane 1
0
0
0
Polydiorganosiloxane 2
0
0
0
Polydiorganosiloxane 3
0
0
0
Silica 1
0
0
4
COMPARISON EXAMPLES 12-13
Comparison Example 12 was prepared by adding 31 parts of Silicone Antifoam Agent 1 to a combination of 4 parts of Surfactant 1 in 42 parts of Continuous Phase 1 under moderate mechanical agitation. The resulting mixture was then added to a premix containing 2 parts of Stabilizing Aid 1 in 21 parts of Continuous Phase 1.
Comparison Example 13 was prepared by making a premix of 36 parts of Silicone Antifoam Agent 1 with 4 parts of Silica 2 under moderate mechanical agitation. This premix was then added to a mixture of 2.5 parts of Stabilizing Aid 1 in 57.5 parts of Continuous Phase 1 under mechanical agitation.
TABLE 5
Ingredients
C Ex 12
C Ex 13
Silicone Antifoam Agent 1
31
36
Silicone Antifoam Agent 2
0
0
Silicone Antifoam Agent 3
0
0
Mineral Oil 1
0
0
Mineral Oil 2
0
0
Continuous Phase 1
63
57.5
Polydiorganosiloxane 1
0
0
Polydiorganosiloxane 2
0
0
Polydiorganosiloxane
0
0
Surfactant 1
4
0
Stabilizing Aid 1
2
2.5
Silica 1
0
0
Silica 2
0
4
Test Protocols
Foam control composition samples prepared according to the above examples and comparative examples were added to portions of the following detergent prototype, and the resulting compositions were evaluated as to wash foam production and stability.
Detergent Prototype Formulation (Percentages given are by weight and do not add up to 100.0 due to Rounding)
29.8% Distilled Water
33.7% Witcolate LES-60C by Witco (contains an alkyl ether sulfate)
15.7% Glucopon 600 UP by Henkel (contains an alkyl polyglycoside)
8.3% Sodium Citrate
7.0% Propylene Glycol
2.6% Neodol 23.6.5 by Shell Chemical Company (a linear alcohol ethoxylate)
2.0% Ethanolamine
1.0% Emery 621 Coconut Fatty Acid (by Henkel)
Wash Foam Test
General Electric Model WWA7678MALWH washing machines were loaded in turn with twelve 106.7 cm×58.4 cm towels (86% cotton, 14% polyester) for ballast and filled with 68.1 liters water of 0 ppm hardness containing 112 g of the detergent prototype and 0.112 g of the foam control compositions (0.1 weight %) of the examples and comparative examples. The foam height was measured at various times during a 12 minute wash cycle as summarized in Table VI below. Thus, “Ht3” refers to the foam height in the washer after 3 minutes into the washer cycle, going up to “Ht12” for 12 minutes into the cycle. Foam heights are given as 99 if there was foam out of the machine. To obtain “Wash Results” ratings, foams heights after 12 minutes into the cycle were characterized as “Good” if less than 1.5 cm, “OK” if from 1.5-7 cm and “Fail” if over 7 cm.
Stability Test
Samples of foam control compositions were prepared according to the above examples and comparative examples and mixed with prototype detergent such that the foam control composition was 1% by weight of the final composition. The resulting blends were allowed to stand for one week and visually evaluated according to the following rating.
1=clear with no or very little surface scum or “collar” around the container wall.
2=slight amount of collar or surface scum/oil; can be re-dispersed into detergent.
3=fair amount of collar or surface scum/oil; more difficult to re-disperse.
4=significant collar or surface scum/oil; hard to re-disperse
5=agglomeration or coalescence of silicone visible and cannot be re-dispersed.
TABLE 6
Ht 3
Ht 6
Ht 9
Ht 12
Avg
Avg
Avg
Avg
Wash
Stability
Example
(cm)
(cm)
(cm)
(cm)
Results
Results
Ex 1
0.50
1.00
1.67
4.08
OK
2
Ex 2
−1.17
1.00
1.00
2.92
OK
1
Ex 3
0.50
0.75
1.00
0.67
Good
1
Ex 4
0.50
0.50
1.17
3.33
OK
4
Ex 5
3.25
6.17
8.17
99.00
Fail
2
Ex 6
0.00
0.50
0.50
0.92
Good
3
Ex 7
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.50
Good
2
Ex 8
0.00
0.50
0.50
1.42
Good
3
Ex 9
2.08
4.42
5.50
6.08
OK
2
Comp Ex 1
0.50
1.83
2.00
4.42
OK
5
Comp Ex 2
6.42
99
99
99
Fail
3
Comp Ex 3
0.50
1.00
1.83
3.08
OK
5
Comp Ex 4
13.00
99
99
99
Fail
1
Comp Ex 5
2.50
3.08
3.00
3.00
OK
5
Comp Ex 6
9.67
99
99
99
Fail
4
Comp Ex 7
99
99
99
99
Fail
4
Comp Ex 8
99
99
99
99
Fail
4
Comp Ex 9
99
99
99
99
Fail
2
Comp Ex 10
99
99
99
99
Fail
2
Comp Ex 11
1.58
4.67
9.42
99
Fail
3
Comp Ex 12
1.25
4.58
4.75
8.50
Fail
4
Comp Ex 13
0.50
0.50
0.50
0.50
Good
3 | This invention relates to silicone foam control compositions comprising a silicone antifoam agent, mineral oil, a polydiorganosiloxane containing at least one polyoxyalkylene group, and a finely divided filler. The foam control compositions of this invention can be advantageously utilized to control foam in foam producing systems, provide improvement in the control of foaming behavior, and are stable and easily dispersible. | 1 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fuel injection timing control system for a diesel engine.
The optimization of diesel engine performance requires very accurate control of fuel injection timing. It would be even more desirable to control the timing of the start of combustion (SOC), but SOC can only be controlled indirectly by controlling fuel injection timing. Variations in fuel quality and engine operating conditions influence the ignition delay time between fuel injection turn-on and actual start of combustion. Thus, the ability of open loop fuel injection control systems to accurately control SOC is limited. Closed loop control systems for the control of spark timing in ignition-type (gasoline) engines have been proposed to achieve minimum spark advance for best torque or maximum power under various operating conditions. However, such systems are not suitable for use with a fuel-injected diesel engine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel injection timing control system which automatically compensates for variations in fuel quality or other engine operating conditions which effect ignition delay time in a diesel engine.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a control system which is stable and which has fast response time and thus, responds well to engine transients.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a control system with a simple control algorithm.
These and other objects are achieved by the present invention which includes sensors for sensing engine speed, throttle position (load), crank angle and start of combustion. An electronic control unit derives a desired crank angle for start of combustion from the sensed engine speed and load. The actual crank angle for the previous start of combustion is subtracted from the desired crank angle to provide an error value. If the error is larger than a threshold value, then an adjustment value is updated by the error value and an injection crank angle value for energization of a fuel injector is determined from the adjustment value. The injector is turned on when the injection crank angle is reached and then the new start of combustion crank angle value is stored for use in deriving the next error value. In this manner, the start of combustion timing is controlled indirectly by controlling fuel injection timing as a function of an error signal derived from the difference between the actual and desired start of combustion timing. The control system is insensitive to minor, momentary disturbances which cause errors which are less than the threshold value, and the control system automatically compensates for variations in fuel quality or other engine operating conditions which effect ignition delay.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a diesel engine control system, according to the present invention; and
FIGS. 2a and 2b are logic flow diagram of a control algorithm which is executed by the ECU of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A conventional diesel engine 10 includes a plurality of cylinders 12, (one of which is shown), each with a solenoid-operated fuel injector 14. The control system includes an engine rpm sensor 16, such as a magnetic pick-up, mounted near the engine flywheel 18. A crank angle (CA) sensor 20, such as a conventional encoder, is coupled to the flywheel 18. A combustion detector 22, such as a photo detector, generates a signal in response to radiation generated by combustion in the cylinder 12. A throttle transducer 24 generates a load signal which depends upon the position of the throttle 26.
The signals from sensors 16, 20, 22 and 24 are applied to inputs of an electronic control unit 30 (ECU). The control unit 30 preferably would include a conventional microprocessor and associated input and output hardware devices (not shown), such as A/D and D/A converters and multiplexers, for example. The ECU 30 generates control signals which are applied to fuel injector 14 to turn the injector 14 on and off. The injector control signals are generated according to a control algorithm which will now be described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b.
The control algorithm begins at step 102 by counting the crank angle, CA, derived from encoder 20. Then, step 104 prevents the algorithm from proceeding to step 106 until the CA is equal to or greater than a value such as 50 degrees before top dead center (BTDC). Once this CA is achieved, then the engine rpm and the engine load values from sensors 16 and 24, respectively, are determined.
Then, at 108, a desired crank angle value for start of combustion, DCA, and a delay value, ADV, which represents the crank angle interval between the application of a start injection signal to the injector 14, and the expected start of combustion, are derived using the engine speed and load values from 106 and a schedule which is stored in memory. Such a schedule could be developed empirically by one with ordinary skill in the art and would be similar to such typical injection timing versus speed and load schedules, as are described on page 7 of R. F. Parker's "Future of Fuel Injection System Requirements for Mobile Power", SAE Paper No. 760125, 1976.
Then, in step 110, an error value, E, is calculated by subtracting a SOCCA value, representing the CA at which combustion started during the last injection cycle, from the DCA value. Then, at step 112, the absolute value of the E value is compared to some small threshold value, Et, which represents a magnitude of error values below which the error value, E, can be ignored, for example, 1/3 to 1/2 degrees. If the magnitude of E is less than or equal to Et, then an "nth" correction value A(n) is set equal to the previous value, A(n-1)in step 116. (A(o) is initially set equal to 0). However, if the magnitude of E is greater than Et, then A(n) is set equal to A(n-1)+E in step 114.
Next, at 118, a SOLON value, representing the crank angle corresponding to when a signal should be applied to the injector 14, is set equal to A(n)+ADV. Then, step 120 prevents the injector 14 from being turned on in step 122 unless the crank angle, CA, is equal to the crank angle represented by the SOLON value from step 118. After the injector is turned on, step 124 prevents the algorithm from proceeding to step 126 until combustion has begun, as determined by the signal from combustion sensor 22. In step 126, the crank angle at which combustion began is stored as the new SOCCA value. In this manner, the new solenoid turn on crank angle value, SOLON, is adjusted by an amount which is proportional to difference or error, E, plus the accumulated previous errors between the desired start of combustion crank angle, DCA, and the actual previous start of combustion crank angle, SOCCA.
Steps 128 and 130 operate to turn off the fuel injector solenoid when the crank angle is equal to SOLOFF, which is preferably a crank angle value corresponding to a most retracted position of the plunger of the fuel injector, such that the injector will be turned on for an appropriate duration. After the injector is turned off at 130, the previous correction value, A(n-1), is set equal to the current correction value, A(n), at 132, after which the algorithm returns to step 104.
The conversion of the above-described flow chart into a standard language for implementing the algorithm described by the flow chart in a digital data processor, such as a microprocessor, will be evident to those with ordinary skill in the art.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific embodiment, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the aforegoing description. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations which fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. | A diesel engine control system indirectly controls start-of-combustion timing by controlling fuel injection timing as a function of an error signal derived from desired and sensed start-of-combustion timing. | 5 |
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/697,709, filed Apr. 7, 2007, now patented as U.S. Pat. No. 7,832,923, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/730,062, filed Dec. 9, 2003, now abandoned, and claims the benefit of Provisional application No. 60/431,688, filed Dec. 9, 2002, which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to fluid mixing units. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus employed in conjunction with containers for agitating, mixing and/or blending of fluids. Yet more particularly, the present invention relates to an assembly for fluid mixing units wherein a mixing assembly is affixed to a container for fluids.
BACKGROUND
Many industries transport, store, mix, process and/or discharge fluids from commercial bulk containers made of plastic or metal, commonly known in the trade as “tote boxes”, “bulk containers”, or “intermediate bulk containers” (all herein referred to as “containers”). It is often desirable, and in some cases required, that the fluids stored in such containers be agitated, mixed or blended between the time they are loaded into the containers and the time they are discharged therefrom. To affect the desired mixing, according to the prior art, it was necessary to open the container and insert a mixing unit with impeller blades. There are, however, several drawbacks to this approach.
A first disadvantage of mixing assemblies used in the art is that as a plurality of containers are usually stored in close proximity, it may be difficult to access the selected container to remove the cover of the access opening or port and to insert the mixing unit. Even if the cover of the opening is readily accessible, it may be difficult to remove the cover, particularly if the material in the container is highly volatile and the lid or port had been sealed to retain vapors.
Furthermore, the diameter of the access opening through which the mixing unit is inserted must be of sufficient diameter to allow the insertion of the impeller blades. In addition, if the container is substantially full, the mixing assembly has to be operated with considerable care so as not to splash, or otherwise spill, the contents of the container. This often requires operating the mixing assembly at speeds and power settings insufficient to properly agitate or mix the contents of the container.
Mixing units, including the drives and impellers (which are usually a single unit), are usually used with multiple containers and require extensive cleaning each time they are moved from one container to another. At present the containers and mixing units are cleaned after each use, resulting in high costs (both environmentally and in equipment/manpower). For many fluids used in the paint, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries the slightest contaminant left from ineffective cleaning may ruin the fluids in the container. Further substantial costs are also incurred through the expense of using and disposing of cleaning agents such as solvents. Finally, there is a manpower cost in the amount of time required to open, mix, close and seal each container.
Another mount for mixing units in the prior art is a bridge mounting that supports the mixing unit above the vessel neck. These mounts also do not seal the container completely thereby allowing contaminants to enter the container.
Another solution in the prior art is the use of fully enclosed mixing units within stainless steel bulk containers. Unlike plastic containers, steel containers require extensive and often imperfect cleaning after each use which may contaminate the container contents. The use and disposal of powerful solvents and cleaning agents also create a large cost.
Another solution in the prior art is to support mixers by the use of expensive threaded metal lids for mounting the mixer. These lids rely on the threads of the neck and collar of the container to support the loads applied during mixing and often result in cracking of the bulk container and failure of the mount.
Yet another method of mixer support is a clamping device positioned around the neck of the container. This may cause difficulties as the clamping shoe inside the housing may collapse the neck of the container. Alternatively, this mount may also rotate on the neck of the container.
What is needed is an assembly that seals the container, and does not require any additional support means other than the container itself. Additionally what is needed is a power module that can be detachably secured to the container and mixing assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, a mounting assembly for a container with a lip is provided, comprising a rigid lip mount shaped to fit on top of said lip, said lip mount defining an aperture shaped to engage a housing for a shaft; a cover for the container, said cover shaped to secure said lip mount to the lip by threadably engaging with the neck, said cover defining an aperture shaped to allow passage of said housing; and mixing means comprising a shaft with a housing, a motor and an impeller. This assembly provides a fully enclosed mixing mount for use inside the container. The lip mount allows for mixing in the container while preserving the integrity of the container (when compared to a threaded metal lid mount), and for a low cost (when compared to a stainless steel bulk container, or the recycling process involved in prior art mixing assemblies). It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide a mixing assembly, which facilitates agitating, mixing and/or blending of fluids that are shipped and stored in containers.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a mixing unit, which permits a mixing assembly to be easily, and if desired, permanently, affixed to a container and that is readily accessible for operation by a power module that can be detachably secured to the mixing assembly.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a mixing assembly, as above, that allows the power module to be detachably secured to the mixing assembly such that there is no need for a person securing said power module to use tools, or to insert his or her hands in an area where injury could result.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a mixing assembly that employs a locking means to prevent inadvertent disengagement of a fast make/break connector.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a mixing unit, as above, wherein the mixing assembly, when affixed to a container, presents a low profile so that it does not interfere with stacking of the containers.
In general, a mixing unit embodying the concepts of the present invention is adapted for use in conjunction with “tote vessel” containers or other containers of the type employed to store, mix and/or discharge fluids.
A mixing assembly may be relatively permanently affixed to such a container. The mixing assembly comprises a housing and an impeller shaft rotatably mounted within the bearing housing. One or more impellers are secured to the shaft and disposed interiorly in the container for rotation.
A fluid mixing unit embodying the concepts of the present invention is shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and described in detail without attempting to show all of the various forms and modifications in which the invention might be embodied; the invention being measured by the appended claims and not by the details of the specification.
These and other objects of the invention, as well as the advantages thereof over existing and prior art forms, which will be apparent in view of the following detailed specification, are accomplished by means hereinafter described and claimed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 a is a side cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;
FIG. 1 b is a side cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;
FIG. 2 a is an exploded side view of the first embodiment;
FIG. 2 b is an exploded side view of the second embodiment;
FIG. 3 a is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment;
FIG. 3 b is an exploded perspective view of the second embodiment;
FIGS. 4 a and 4 b are side and bottom views, respectively of a cover therefor;
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the second embodiment of the assembly;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the coupling assembly prior to contact; and
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the coupling assembly secured to the coupling member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As seen in FIG. 1 a , a first embodiment of the invention is an assembly, generally indicated as 10 , for mounting mixing means to a container 6 b . Mixing means may be of any kind found in the art, and generally comprise drive 1 or other propulsion device, a rotatable shaft 5 , a housing 4 surrounding at least the upper portion of shaft 5 , and impellers to mix the contents of container 6 b . In this document, the terms “mixer” and “mixing means” will be used interchangeably. Container 6 b is preferably made of plastic or steel, and may be any one of the many bulk containers available in the art. Container 6 b is made to hold large amounts of material, usually fluids. The invention uses a lip mount 3 to stabilize and support the mixer on the lip 6 of container 6 b . Lip mount 3 is generally disc shaped as best seen in FIG. 5 and is preferably made of a hard rigid material such as metal that can distribute the weight of the mixing means. Lip mount 3 , when in position on lip 6 , acts as a support for the mixer inserted through lip mount 3 into container 6 b . Lip mount 3 preferably has a circumference equal to the outside diameter of lip 6 of neck 6 a of container 6 b such that lip mount 3 can rest on top of lip 6 . Lip mount 3 may have an aperture sized to receive threaded mixer housing 4 . Alternatively, housing 4 may be secured to lip mount 3 by welding or other securing means known in the art.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a gasket 3 b is preferably secured by glue or other conventional means to the edge 3 a of the underside of lip mount 3 . Gasket 3 b is positioned to engage the outer side of neck lip 6 to provide further support for lip mount 3 . Lip mount 3 is positioned between the lip 6 of the cylindrical neck 6 a of container 6 b . Neck 6 a has external screw threads, and receives cover 2 , allowing cover 2 to act as a collar. Cover 2 secures lip mount 3 by engaging the threaded fasteners on the container neck 6 a to hold lip mount 3 into position.
As best seen in FIG. 2 a , neck 6 a extends from container 6 b , and ends at lip 6 . Mixer shaft 5 is inserted though neck 6 a of container 6 b to reach the interior of container 6 b . The top of shaft 5 and housing 4 are supported and sealed in container 6 b by lip mount 3 , which allows the mixer assembly to rest on the cover 2 of the container 6 b . Housing 4 is secured to lip mount 3 by securing means. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, lip mount 3 and housing 4 may be welded or manufactured in a single piece.
In a preferred embodiment, cover 2 threadably engages neck 6 a and may be screwed on to neck 6 a to compress lip mount 3 into place. Cover 2 may be included as part of the mixer and inserted above lip mount 3 and below mixer drive 1 . This complete assembly may then be inserted into and onto lip 6 allowing cover 2 to be engaged as above.
As seen in FIG. 3 a , housing 4 is engaged with lip mount 3 allowing shaft 5 to extend downwardly into container 6 b . The bottom portion of mixer drive 1 couples with the top portion of housing 4 , but lip mount 3 prevents mixer drive 1 from passing further into container 6 b . In an alternative embodiment, housing 4 and lip mount 3 may be a single piece.
An embodiment of the invention includes an assembly for agitating, mixing and/or blending fluids affixed to container 6 b using lip mount 3 . Lip mount 3 is compressed between threaded container neck 6 and a threaded cover 2 . The positioning of lip mount 3 between the container lip 6 and cover 2 causes the mixer 1 to be supported by the combined structure of both cover 2 and lip 6 .
Shaft 5 is rotatably mounted in housing 4 to rotate an impeller secured to shaft 5 . This impeller is sealed within the interior of the container 6 b.
The assembly also preferably includes a power module that is detachably secured to the mixing assembly by coupling assembly, generally indicated as 100 , as seen in FIGS. 6 and 7 . A preferred embodiment of coupling assembly 100 includes coupling member 20 , as best seen in FIG. 6 , positioned at the top of shaft 5 , with coupling pin 24 positioned horizontally thereto. Drive shaft 28 of motor 1 extends downwardly therefrom and at its bottom end is shaft coupling member 32 . Shaft coupling member 32 has groove 36 for receiving coupling pin 24 .
Sheath 48 extends downwardly from motor 1 encompassing shaft coupling member 32 . Sheath 48 is shaped to cover shaft coupling member 32 . Sheath coupling member 52 is sized to receive sheath 48 and cover shaft coupling member 32 . Sheath coupling member 52 preferably extends cylindrically from housing 4 . Alternatively, sheath coupling member 52 may extend cylindrically from lip mount 3 .
Sheath 48 , as best seen in FIG. 7 , has an L-shaped groove 56 to receive pin 44 . When sheath coupling member 52 is secured to sheath 48 by pin 44 and groove 56 , during operation of the mixing assembly 10 , the rotation of drive shaft 28 assists in locking pin 44 with groove 56 .
Sheath coupling member 52 is secured to housing 4 by securing means or may be part of housing means 4 . In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the parts described above are easily replaceable and may be substituted should they become worn, or should an alternative securing means be used.
In use shaft coupling member 32 is lowered onto coupling member 20 such that coupling pin 24 is received by groove 36 , as seen in FIG. 7 . Pin 44 is simultaneously inserted into groove 56 to hold shaft coupling member 32 to shaft 5 . Sheath 48 engages sheath coupling member 52 such that pin 44 is engaged by groove 56 . Sheath 48 is then turned and groove 56 locks pin 44 in place thereby securing sheath 48 to sheath coupling member 52 . When the agitator is operated to mix the liquid the drive motor 1 module drives agitator shaft 5 .
An alternative embodiment of coupling assembly 100 (not shown), includes locking studs positioned on a mounting plate secured to the top surface of a lid to secure drive 1 to the lid. In this embodiment, the lid is used instead of cover 2 . The lid has a generally flat cylindrical shape as is sized to cover the opening of the tote. A flange circumferentially extends from the bottom of sheath 48 . This flange includes apertures to receive the locking studs on the mounting plate. After receiving the studs through the apertures, drive 1 can be rotated slightly allowing the studs to move to a smaller portion of the aperture to lock the studs in place on the mounting plate. The studs can then be tightened by nuts or the like, to further secure the flange to the mounting plate. Alternatively, rather than using a mounting plate, the studs can be part of the lid, allowing the flanges to be secured directly to the lid.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention as seen in FIGS. 1 b , 2 b , and 3 b no gasket is used. Instead the underside 8 b of lip mount 3 may be padded to help it secure to lip 6 . In yet another alternative embodiment, lip mount 3 may be molded to a particular shape to increase the ability to better handle pressure and to help secure lip mount 3 to lip 6 .
As best seen in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b cover 2 is a standard cover for use with containers in the field. However, cover 2 has an aperture through which the bottom portion of mixer drive 1 and shaft 4 can pass. The assembly according to the invention positions the mixer in the center of cover 2 (as part of the cover) so that cover 2 can be rotated around the mixer, clamping the assembly into place.
As the cover is sealed, the contents may be pressurized and maintained under pressure as the mixing assembly is operated.
Container 6 b may be made from plastic, steel or other material.
Preferably drive 1 will have a minimum protrusion to allow the containers to be stored in close proximity.
The assembly as described above is usually manufactured of plastic or a metal such as stainless steel.
Although the particular preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus lie within the scope of the present invention. | A mounting and coupling assembly for a mixer for in a container having an impeller connected to a drive shaft, in an assembly, which extends through an opening into the container. The assembly includes a lip mount to stabilize and support the mixer on the lip of said container. A cover secures said lip mount with threaded fasteners engaging complementary fasteners on the container neck and clamping the plate to the container lip. A primary objective of the invention is to allow the stable mounting of a mixing unit to bulk containers and allow easy and safe coupling of a power module to the mixing assembly. | 1 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention refers to an ironing board, in particular for steam-assisted ironing, of the type in which air and/or steam are caused to be blown out and/or sucked in through a perforated ironing top surface of the ironing board.
(2) State of the Prior Art
Ironing boards of the above cited kind are largely known in the art. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,164 discloses an ironing board associated with an iron. A fan is mounted below the ironing top surface of such a board and this fan is operated so as to rotate either in a direction or in the opposite one so as to generate a negative pressure or a positive pressure in a chamber provided under the board; while the steam is ejected from the iron.
EP-A-0531 207 describes an ironing board whose top surface is provided with valves that are adapted to establish a communication between such a top surface and a ventilated chamber arranged therebelow. These valves are operated when the iron passes thereupon.
GB-A-2 226 830 describes an ironing board in the worktop of which there are provided suction zones and pressure or blowing zones for the air that is circulated by means of a fan, in order to keep the clothes being ironed closely adhering against the board.
JP-B-3 051 091 describes an ironing board that is associated with a steam iron. The steam accumulates in a chamber arranged below the worktop of the board and a humidity sensor, on the basis of a pre-established value, controls the moisture in the chamber and triggers steam suction, i e. causes the steam to be sucked in through the ironing top surface accordingly.
Ventilated ironing boards of the above cited kind are usually provided with a substantially rigid working, i.e. an ironing top surface made of perforated sheet-metal or metal net covered with a transpiring cloth and associated with a lower casing provided therebeneath, which defines and encloses a chamber for the steam to flow therethrough. This chamber collects any possible condensation water and is connected to a motor-driven fan adapted to support the circulation of the steam ejected from the steam iron through the ironing top surface. In substance, it is the presence of such a lower casing and such a fan that makes the real difference between blowing and/or suction-type ironing boards and the traditional ones.
Connected to the lower casing there are at least a pair of folding support legs that are articulated in a scissors-like manner. In particular, the upper end portion of one of such legs is hinged on to the casing, to which there is attached also a longitudinal runner provided with ratchets for corresponding detents, along which the upper end portion of the other leg is capable of sliding in an adjustable manner, so as to correspondingly vary the height of the ironing top surface with respect to the floor.
The casing must therefore sustain the entire ventilated ironing board, which is largely known to be quite heavy, so that it must be fabricated of an adequately strong and robust material, usually a metal. It must further be adequately stiffened and must be provided with proper means adapted to allow for the legs to be properly hinged thereon and to slide longitudinally in a guided manner therealong. As a result, such a casing turns out to be undesirably toilsome, i.e. demanding and expensive to fabricate, and must be given a relatively complex structure that contributes to increasing the overall weight of the ironing board, so that the latter also proves considerably less convenient in practical use.
OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It therefore is a main purpose of the present invention to provide a suction-type and/or blowing-type ironing board that has a particularly simple and light-weight structure, which therefore proves low-cost and is convenient in use.
According to the present invention such an aim is reached in an ironing board of the blowing-type and/or suction-type embodying the features as recited in the appended claims.
In particular, according to the present invention the casing is reduced to an element having a mere enclosing purpose, while the ironing top is given a self-bearing construction by connecting it directly to the support legs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Features and advantages of the present invention may be more readily understood from the description that is given below by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematical side view of a preferred embodiment of the ironing board according to the present invention, under normal conditions of use thereof; and
FIG. 2 is a partial, enlarged-scale cross-sectional view of the ironing board illustrated in FIG. 1 .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference to the Figures, the ironing board is preferably of the steam-assisted type and comprises mainly a substantially rigid worktop 1 of perforated sheet-metal or metal net, to the lower side of which there is attached an appropriately shaped casing 2 that defines, jointly with the worktop 1 itself, a chamber 3 for the steam to flow therethrough.
The chamber 3 is ventilated by a motor-operated fan 4 of the suction type and/or blowing type, which is adapted to promote the circulation, through the worktop 1 , of the steam ejected by a smoothing iron 5 . In an inherently known manner, such steam is generated by a boiler 6 that is mounted on the rear side of the ironing worktop 1 and is connected to the smoothing iron 5 via an appropriate conduit 7 .
The ironing board is of the type that is capable of being adjusted in its height by means of at least a pair of folding legs 8 , 9 that are articulated in a scissors-like manner.
Preferably, the upper end portion of one of these legs (indicated at 8 ) is hinged on to the worktop 1 at 10 , in correspondence of a zone of the lower surface thereof that extends rearwards beyond the casing 2 in the form of a rigid bracket 16 or the like. As a matter of fact, the casing 2 preferably extends from the front end portion 11 of the ironing board up to a rear end portion 12 beyond which the leg 8 is hinged on to the worktop 1 .
Inside the chamber 3 , the worktop 1 is provided on its lower surface with a longitudinal runner 13 (FIG. 2 ), preferably provided with adjustment ratchets or detents, along which the upper end portion of the other leg (indicated at 9 ) is capable of sliding. In the preferred example of embodiment that is described here, both legs 8 and 9 extend in correspondence of a single side of the ironing board and are provided with respective transversal floor-resting bases 14 and 15 .
With reference to FIG. 2, the longitudinal runner 13 is preferably formed by two mutually opposing, C-shaped profile sections 17 , 18 attached to the lower surface of the worktop 1 . Fitting in slidably between the two profile sections 17 , 18 there are respective appropriately shaped flanges 19 , 21 attached to a transversal bush, or slide, 22 into which there is fitted a pin 23 that extends in a substantially horizontal manner from the upper end portion of the leg 9 .
In an inherently known manner, the longitudinal sliding motion of the pin 23 with respect to the runner 13 , along with the scissors-like articulation of the legs 8 , 9 , enables the worktop 1 to be adjusted in its working height, as well as the legs themselves to be fully folded up against the same worktop 1 in such a position as to enable the ironing board to be conveniently stored under minimum space requirements.
The leg 9 , and in particular the pin 23 , fits into the bush 22 by passing through a longitudinal aperture 20 provided in the casing 2 , preferably in correspondence of the side surface thereof, as illustrated in connection with the example of embodiment that is being described.
A filling or plugging lug or strip 24 , or the like, enables the support leg 9 to be displaced with respect to the aperture 20 , while at the same time keeping the same aperture substantially closed, so as to avoid affecting or altering the suction and/or blowing effect of the fan 4 through the ventilated chamber 3 .
In particular, the lug or strip 24 is adapted to slide longitudinally along an auxiliary runner 25 provided in correspondence of the border of the aperture 20 and is integral with the pin 23 in the longitudinal displacements thereof.
Conclusively, this advantageously enables the steam-assisted ironing board to keep operating in an optimum manner, while on the other hand setting the casing 2 free from any structural stiffening and/or support task.
As a matter of fact, the hinging means used for the legs 8 , 9 , as well as the sliding runner 13 , are in all cases attached to the worktop 1 , which therefore turns out to be self-bearing.
The casing 2 , on the contrary, performs as a mere enclosure to contain and delimit the ventilated chamber 3 , so that it can most easily be manufactured out of any suitable lightweight and low-cost material, without any particular structural constraint.
It will be readily appreciated that the above described ironing board may be the subject of a number of modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention.
So, by mere way of example, the use may be envisaged of two pairs of legs 8 , 9 , or the aperture 20 may be provided in a lower position in the casing 2 and the sealing or plugging means 24 may be provided with any different structure as far as this suits the application.
In any case, the ironing board will be preferably completed by a surface or shelf 26 , attached to the worktop 1 , for the smoothing iron 5 to be put to rest thereupon. It will further comprise a power-supply cable 27 for powering the various operating elements of the apparatus.
It shall further be readily appreciated that, as an alternative to the afore described example, the ironing board according to the present invention may be of a suction type and/or blowing type that does not include a steam-generation function of its own, so that the boiler 6 may be omitted along with the various operating elements associated therewith. | The ironing board comprises a perforated worktop ( 1 ) enclosed by a casing ( 2 ) with which it defines a chamber ( 3 ) associated to ventilation means for the steam ejected by an iron to pass therethrough. The ironing board further comprises adjustable support legs ( 8, 9 ), whose upper end portions are connected directly to the worktop ( 1 ). At least one ( 9 ) of these legs is adapted to pass in an air-tight manner through a longitudinal aperture ( 20 ) provided in the casing ( 2 ). | 3 |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional No. 61/869,383, filed Aug. 23, 2013, which is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes.
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure describes trenching and pipe burial techniques that can be used in offshore and arctic offshore regions.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Development of offshore and offshore arctic pipelines requires consideration of unique design challenges such as seafloor scour/erosion and gouging by ice features. There are several types of ice features that may produce scouring of the seafloor, including icebergs, first year ice ridge keels and multiyear ridge keels. Ice is continuously drifting due to the action of environmental loads (e.g. wind and ocean currents) and may produce seabed scouring whenever water depth becomes lower than ice draft. FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an ice gouging process.
SUMMARY
[0004] An apparatus including: a tubular suction pile; an indenter housing that surrounds the tubular suction pile, wherein the indenter housing is configured to be sunk into a seabed in response to a negative pressure created from water being removed from the tubular suction pile, and the indenter housing is configured to create a trench in the seabed; and a water jetting device, within the indenter housing, that includes a first valve, a nozzle, and a channel that connects the first valve to the nozzle.
[0005] An apparatus including: a vibration device; and an indenter housing that surrounds the vibration device, wherein the vibration device is configured to impart a longitudinal vibration to the indenter housing and the indenter housing is configured to be sunk into a seabed in response to longitudinal vibration, and the indenter housing is configured to create a trench in the seabed.
[0006] A method including: lowering or dropping an indenter into a body of water, wherein the indenter includes a tubular suction pile, a housing that surrounds the tubular suction pile, and a water jetting device, within the housing, that includes a first valve, a nozzle, and a channel that connects the first valve to the nozzle; after the indenter comes to rest at a bottom of the seabed, sinking the indenter into the seabed, the sinking including creating a negative pressure by removing water from the tubular suction pile, wherein the negative pressure causes the indenter to sink to a predetermined depth in the sea bed; causing water to exit from the indenter, the water loosening soil in the seabed; and creating a trench in the seabed by pulling or pushing the indenter after the indenter is sunk into the seabed and the soil is loosened by the water.
[0007] A method including: lowering or dropping an indenter into a body of water, wherein the indenter includes a vibration device, and a housing that surrounds the vibration device; causing the vibration device to impart a longitudinal vibration to the housing, said longitudinal vibration causing the housing to sink to a predetermined depth in a seabed; and creating a trench in the seabed by pulling or pushing the indenter after the indenter is sunk into the seabed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific example embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific example embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed herein, but on the contrary, this disclosure is to cover all modifications and equivalents as defined by the appended claims. It should also be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating principles of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Moreover, certain dimensions may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles.
[0009] FIG. 1 is an example of a schematic representation of an ice gouging process.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates some limitations of high cost trenching techniques.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary system for pipeline installation;
[0012] FIG. 4A is a plan view of an exemplary suction pile/jetting indenter.
[0013] FIG. 4B is a side view of an exemplary suction pile/jetting indenter.
[0014] FIG. 5A is a plan view of an exemplary vibrating indenter.
[0015] FIG. 5B is a side view of an exemplary vibrating indenter.
[0016] FIG. 6 is flow chart of an exemplary method for installing a pipeline.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a computer system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Non-limiting examples of the present technological advancement are described herein. The invention is not limited to the specific examples described below, but rather, it includes all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents falling within the true spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0019] Technology that can be used for pipe burial includes dredging, plough, suction hopper, and horizontal drilling. These pipe burial techniques may not satisfy design requirements at some locations, may incur high construction costs, and may produce an unwanted environmental impact. FIG. 2 illustrates some limitations the use of plough, suction hopper, and dredging techniques encounter based on burial depth of the pipe and water depth for the area in which burial is to occur.
[0020] Ploughs provide a cost-effective solution to subsea trenching, requiring basic instrumentation and little or no mechanical tooling. Generally, ploughs can operate in soils up to 400 kPa shear strength and create trench depths ranging from 1-3 meters below the seabed using single or multiple passes.
[0021] Water jetting systems (or jetters) use pumps to direct high-pressure water streams from nozzles that disperse or fluidize seabed sediments and remove obstructions like small rocks and compact soils. Nozzle, as used herein, can refer to a device designed to control a direction and/or characteristics of a fluid flow, or can be and of a pipe or tube through which fluid exits. Jetters are usually deployed directly from a support vessel or are integrated as part of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Water jetting offers a solution to trenching in strong, cohesive soils in the strength range of 0-500 kPa. In general, water jetters can trench to depths ranging from 1-3 meters below the seabed, depending on soil type. Jetters can be an excavation and trenching tool for seabed profiles that feature valleys and pits, or where remedial work is required to reduce free spanning of pipelines. Jetters are generally capable of operating in shallow to very deep water.
[0022] By way of example, the present technological advancement can trench and bury pipelines, flowlines, and umbilicals to protect against the effects of ice scouring as depicted in FIG. 1 . If a deep burial is needed (because of scouring, seabed erosion, or environmental reasons), the present technological advancement can be used in any offshore region. The present technological advancement can be configured to trench to depths greater than current industry norms (i.e., burial depths greater than three meters), and install/lay pipeline in that trench. In addition, the present technological advancement can open trenching for offshore structures other than pipeline.
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a non-limiting example of the present technological advancement. In FIG. 3 , indenter 301 is penetrated to a desired depth in the seabed 307 . An indenter is a device that is designed to create a trench in a seabed. Pipeline lay barge 303 can pull indenter 301 in order to gouge the seabed 307 for trenching. Pipeline 305 may be laid on the seabed using conventional techniques (i.e., S-lay, J-lay, etc.).
[0024] While a barge is depicted, any type of above-water or below-water vessel or below water tractor may be used to pull or push the indenter.
[0025] Seabed or sea floor, as used herein, refers to any underwater bottom surface where pipe can be laid including, for example, ocean bottoms, lake bottoms, river bottoms, or canal bottoms. Pipeline 305 can included, but is not limited to, oil and gas transportation pipes, communications cabling, sewage and water pipes, and other utility transportation pipes.
[0026] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate further details of indenter 301 , with FIG. 4A illustrating a plan view and FIG. 4B illustrating a side view.
[0027] Indenter 301 can have a housing, frame, or body constructed from high strength steel. However, other materials can be used, and a person of ordinary skill in the art could select an appropriate material in order to provide sufficient strength and durability based on sand/soil conditions in which a trench will be formed. By way of example, the indenter may weigh on the order of a couple of tons, but dimensions, size, and weight would depend upon desired trench depth and soil type.
[0028] Housing or indenter housing, as used herein, is synonymous with frame and body. The housing of the indenter 301 in FIG. 4B has a wedge shape (broad and truncate at the summit, and tapering down to the base) with a trapezoidal cross-section, but other cross-sectional shapes are possible. The trapezoidal shape provides a bottom region 319 that is configured to penetrate into the seafloor when the indenter impacts the seafloor after being dropped/lowered into the body of water. Bottom region 319 can be configured to have an edge that facilitates an initial penetration of the lower region 319 into the seafloor. For example, the bottom region 319 , which will make contact with the seabed 307 , can have a pointed or sharpened cutting edge.
[0029] The indenter 301 is shown with a symmetrical shape, but symmetry is not required. The leading edge of the indenter 301 (the edge in the pulling direction) does not need to have the same shape as the trailing edge of the indenter 301 .
[0030] The housing, frame or body of indenter 301 can be welded or otherwise directly/indirectly affixed to encompass or surround at least one suction pile 313 . The at least one suction pile 313 extends into and forms at least part of the bottom region 319 . The at least one suction pile 313 can include a tubular pile configured to be driven into the seabed (or more commonly dropped a few meters into a soft seabed). Then a pump, which can be included on the barge shown in FIG. 3 , is configured to suck water out of the at least one tubular pile via valve 315 , which causes the indenter to be sunk further down into the seabed. However, the pump need not necessarily be located on the barge, and can be located any place as long as the pump is configured to remove water out of the at least one tubular pile. A pump can be connected to the suction pile via a releasable coupling which is configured to be remotely controlled by a computer. A pump can be included within indenter 301 .
[0031] Using a suction pile for a moveable structure goes against conventional wisdom. Conventional suction piles are used as a deep foundation element to support or moor offshore structures and are driven to depths of 30 meters or more. Conventional suction piles are used to prevent structures from moving, whereas the indenter disclosed herein is moveable and dragged by a barge when laying pipeline.
[0032] In the example shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , the at least one suction pile 313 is centrally located in a body of the indenter 301 . The bottom of suction pile 313 is at least partially open so that water is contained within suction pile 313 when the indenter 301 comes to rest at the seafloor. The bottom region 319 is configured to form a water tight seal with the seabed 307 when a part of the bottom region penetrates into the seabed 307 . Water tight does not mean that absolutely no water may enter the suction pile. Rather, the seal is sufficiently water tight if water can be pumped out of suction pile 313 via a pump, which is connected to a valve on a closed upper end of the suction pile, in order to sink the indenter to a desired depth due to the creation of negative pressure. Removal of the water from the suction pile 313 creates a negative pressure zone that drives the indenter 301 further into the seabed 307 until the upper surface of the indenter is about even with the seabed. Sinking the indenter into the seabed by using the suction pile can provide the indenter with a penetration depth greater than three meters.
[0033] The depth of penetration of the indenter 301 can be controlled by controlling the negative pressure. Once the indenter achieves the desired depth, which may be confirmed by cameras, divers, or sensors (i.e., an echo-sounder), the pumping may be ceased and the valve 315 closed.
[0034] The at least one suction pile 313 may include several suction piles closely arranged or separated from each other by a predetermined distance. The at least one suction pile 313 does not necessarily need to be disposed at a center of the indenter 301 and a suction pile may be disposed at one or more locations so long as the one or more suction piles are disposed where they can bury the indenter into the seabed 307 as discussed above.
[0035] FIG. 4A shows that the upper surface of the indenter has a rectangular shape. However, a rectangular perimeter is not required and other perimeter shapes are possible. FIG. 4A shows that the at least one suction pile 313 has a square shape along a bottom surface. The square-cross section is merely an example and other cross-sectional shapes are possible (i.e., rectangular and circular cross-sections).
[0036] FIG. 4B illustrates an example that combines suction pile 313 and water jetting 311 . Water jetting can be used to loosen/reduce the strength of the soil surrounding the indenter when the indenter is sunk into the seabed. Indenter 301 , with the suction pile 313 and water jetting 311 , synergistically combine to enable a target penetration depth for pipe burial (via suction pile) to be achieved while loosening the soil with water jetting to enable easier pulling of the indenter 301 .
[0037] The water jetting may be facilitated by pumps that force water through jets in the pulling direction. Such a pump may be included in or on the indenter 301 , or at a remote location, such as the barge 303 . Alternatively, a simpler arrangement may be used, where a pump is not used to generate the water jetting. The leading portion of the indenter 301 (the portion on the pulling direction) can include a channel 360 connected to a valve 317 on the upper end of indenter 301 and a one-way jet or a one-way nozzle 370 on a tapering side of the indenter 301 , with the channel extending from the top of the indenter. The valve can be opened to allow a rush of water to pass through the channel, and to exit through the one-way-jet or one-way nozzle as a stream of water that loosens the soil surrounding the leading edge of the indenter 301 . Loosening the soil around the leading edge can facilitate easier pulling of the indenter 301 . The valve can be connected to a hose 320 with an end open to the surrounding water, connected to the barge, or connected to pump.
[0038] Element 350 is a cable that connects indenter 301 to a computer that is programmed to control valves, pumps, sensors, and/or other equipment that are disposed in or on the indenter 301 . The computer can control the pump in order to sink the indenter to a desired depth. The computer can terminate operation of the pump based on feedback from a user, a camera and/or sensors.
[0039] Indenter 301 provides many advantages when compared to the techniques discussed with respect to FIG. 2 . These advantages include, but are not necessarily limited thereto: deeper burial depth, longer trench opening in a shorter time, and no requirement for special plough equipment. A single-step pipeline installation after trenching process also improves the portability of the process over other composite-type liners.
[0040] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate another exemplary indenter 301 . Elements that are the same as those discussed with respect to FIGS. 4A and 4B are numbered the same and are not further discussed with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B .
[0041] In FIGS. 5A and 5B , the suction pile has been replaced with vibration device 501 . The vibration device 501 is configured to induce a vibration in a direction substantially perpendicular to the seabed as indicated by the double-headed arrow in FIG. 5B . Vibratory driving is a technique that drives the indenter 301 into the ground by imparting to the indenter 301 a small longitudinal vibratory motion of a predetermined frequency and displacement amplitude from a driving unit. The vibration device or driving unit 501 can be a hydraulic system that is at least partially incorporated into the indenter. The vibration device can be of type used for concrete vibrating machines or vibratory hammers used for pile installations.
[0042] The vibrations serve to reduce the ground resistance, allowing penetration under the action of a relatively small surcharge. Vibratory driving will achieve a target penetration depth in excess of three meters and will loosen the soil through vibration for easier pulling of the indenter. The vibrations can be maintained while the barge pulls the indenter.
[0043] A computer can control the vibration device in order to sink the indenter to a desired depth. The computer can terminate operation of the vibration device based on feedback from a user, a camera and/or sensors.
[0044] It is possible that the vibration device in FIGS. 5A and 5B can be combined with the indenter of FIGS. 4A and 4B . The driving unit that imparts the longitudinal vibratory motion may be fitted into or on an outside surface of the indenter 301 . The combination of the vibratory motion and negative pressure created with the suction pile can be used to sink an indenter into the seabed. Moreover, the vibratory motion can be maintained while the indenter is pulled by the barge in order to loosen soil as the indenter is pulled through the seabed.
[0045] The proposed designs in FIGS. 4A , 4 B, 5 A, and/or 5 B provide many advantages, which can include but are not limited thereto, deeper burial depth, creation of longer trench openings in a shorter time, and elimination of a need for specialized plough equipment. The proposed designs in FIGS. 4A , 4 B, 5 A, and 5 B are more economical than conventional trenching techniques.
[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary method of installing a pipeline. In step 601 , an indenter discussed above with respect to FIGS. 4A , 4 B, 5 A, and/or 5 B is lowered or dropped into a body of water from a barge. The indenter will come to rest at the bottom of the seabed. The tapered bottom region of the indenter will sink into the seabed based on the force of impact between the seabed and the indenter. In step 603 , the indenter will be further sunk into the seabed by the creation of negative pressure with a suction pile and/or imparting a longitudinal vibratory motion that drives the indenter into the seabed until the indenter reaches a desired depth. In step 605 , which is optional, water jetting can be used to loosen the soil in a pulling direction. In step 607 , the barge pulls the indenter in order to form a trench in the sea bed. In step 609 , pipe is laid into the trench. A single-step pipeline installation after the trenching can improve the portability of the process over other composite-type liners.
[0047] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a computer system 400 that can be used to execute an embodiment of the present techniques. A central processing unit (CPU) 402 is coupled to system bus 404 . The CPU 402 may be any general-purpose CPU, although other types of architectures of CPU 402 (or other components of exemplary system 400 ) may be used as long as CPU 402 (and other components of system 400 ) supports the operations as described herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, while only a single CPU 402 is shown in FIG. 7 , additional CPUs may be present. Moreover, the computer system 400 may comprise a networked, multi-processor computer system that may include a hybrid parallel CPU 402 /GPU 414 system, The CPU 402 may execute the various logical instructions according to various embodiments. For example, the CPU 402 may execute machine-level instructions for performing processing according to the operational flow described.
[0048] The computer system 400 may also include computer components such as non-transitory, computer-readable media. Examples of computer-readable media include a random access memory (RAM) 406 , which may be SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM, or the like. The computer system 400 may also include additional non-transitory, computer-readable media such as a read-only memory (ROM) 408 , which may be PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or the like. RAM 406 and ROM 408 hold user and system data and programs, as is known in the art. The computer system 400 may also include an input/output (I/O) adapter 410 , a communications adapter 422 , a user interface adapter 424 , a display driver 416 , and a display adapter 418 .
[0049] The I/O adapter 410 may connect additional non-transitory, computer-readable media such as a storage device(s) 412 , including, for example, a hard drive, a compact disc (CD) drive, a floppy disk drive, a tape drive, and the like to computer system 400 . The storage device(s) may be used when RAM 406 is insufficient for the memory requirements associated with storing data for operations of embodiments of the present techniques. The data storage of the computer system 400 may be used for storing information and/or other data used or generated as disclosed herein. For example, storage device(s) 412 may be used to store configuration information or additional plug-ins in accordance with an embodiment of the present techniques. Further, user interface adapter 424 couples user input devices, such as a keyboard 428 , a pointing device 426 and/or output devices to the computer system 400 . The display adapter 418 is driven by the CPU 402 to control the display on a display device 420 to, for example, present information to the user regarding available plug-ins.
[0050] The architecture of system 400 may be varied as desired. For example, any suitable processor-based device may be used, including without limitation personal computers, laptop computers, computer workstations, and multi-processor servers. Moreover, embodiments may be implemented on application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits. In fact, persons of ordinary skill in the art may use any number of suitable hardware structures capable of executing logical operations according to the embodiments. The term “processing circuit” includes a hardware processor (such as those found in the hardware devices noted above), ASICs, and VLSI circuits. In an embodiment, input data to the computer system 400 may include various plug-ins and library files. Input data may additionally include configuration information.
[0051] The present techniques may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, and the exemplary embodiments discussed above have been shown only by way of example. However, the present techniques are not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein. Indeed, the present techniques include all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. | An apparatus including: a tubular suction pile; an indenter housing that surrounds the tubular suction pile, wherein the indenter housing is configured to: (a) be sunk into a seabed in response to a negative pressure created from water being removed from the tubular suction pile, and the indenter housing is configured to create a trench in the seabed; and comprise a water jetting device, within the indenter housing, that includes a first valve, a nozzle, and a channel that connects the first valve to the nozzle; and/or (b) impart a longitudinal vibration to the indenter housing and the indenter housing is configured to be sunk into a seabed in response to longitudinal vibration, and the indenter housing is configured to create a trench in the seabed. | 4 |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/856,806, filed Jul. 22, 2013, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure relates to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) wherein the conversion of mechanical work between high force/low distance and low force/high distance is accomplished by varying the radius of a ring-like component relative to the input and/or output axis. This variation in radius produces a change in both the force and distance of an output component relative to an input component. Although the length variance ratio is limited, the system can be configured to produce a final output with increased gear ratio, for example from zero rotation (infinite torque) to maximum rotation (reduced torque). Having solidly interlocked power transmitting components, there is no possible means for loss of engagement (slippage) between components, short of component breakage.
The Contoured Radius Continuously Variable Transmission (CRCVT) provides significant advantages over other forms of continuously variable transmissions currently available in the following ways:
1. It does not depend on a smooth-surface, friction-based contact of torque transmitting parts to obtain variability; therefore, higher torques can be applied to the system without introducing significant wear to parts that drive each other by means of smooth surface contact or to parts that support significant side loads due to the excessive contact pressures needed to prevent slippage between components that are transmitting high torques.
2. It eliminates the energy losses associated with friction-based systems that rely on increasing friction between driving components to prevent slippage between them, as is common to belt and pulley type designs. Many belt designs accommodate higher torques by increasing the contacting surface area between driving and driven parts, as opposed to increasing the pressure between smooth-surface parts. This added surface area contact produces added friction, lowering overall efficiency.
3. It does not depend on the movement of fluid to obtain variability, as is the case with continuously variable hydrostatic transmissions; therefore, similar torque loads can be handled with much greater energy efficiency than hydrostatic transmissions. As is known in the art, significant friction is produced as fluid is moved through the pump and motor of a hydrostatic transmission. This friction results in significant energy losses. Friction losses of this nature are not present in the CRCVT.
4. It does not depend on the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy and back; therefore, electrical motors and/or generators and their accompanying electrical energy converters are not part of the system. This eliminates the drawbacks of electrical continuously variable transmissions such as high heat production, over sizing electrical components, or operating in environments poorly suited to electricity.
5. It provides a continuously smooth velocity output, which is not present in most one-way-clutch type designs.
6. It increases efficiency and machine life by eliminating components that change direction or fluctuate in speed, as in most one-way-clutch type designs.
7. It provides torque variance (in addition to speed variance), which is not present in some one-way-clutch type designs.
The CRCVT provides an efficient and effective means for continuously varying mechanical speed and torque.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate the design and operation of an example embodiment. The example embodiment uses a flexible ring, the exact contour of which is formed by adjustable sheaves. Since the adjustable sheaves do not rotate along with the ring, the ring should also have some means of reducing friction between the ring side surfaces and the sheave surfaces—rollers, bearing balls, bushings, etc. As the sheaves pivot slightly, the contour of the ring is varied from a circular shape that is coaxial with the input and output shafts to an “egg shape” that is eccentric to the input/output axes. The shape of the sheaves should be such that the contact circumference stays the same no matter what the contour of the ring. Slight variances can be accommodated by spring loading the sheaves against the sides of the ring. The shape of the sheaves should also be such that there is always a period of uniform radius for the smallest contour radius and a period of uniform radius for the largest contour radius. These periods of uniform radius provide a steady speed period wherein transmission of torque can be transferred from one one-way clutch to another. The steady speed periods also produce a uniform output when a uniform input is applied.
Having one-way clutches on the input shaft, the input shaft drives the radial arms during the large radius period when the rotational speed is slowest. During the small radius period, the radial arms override the input shaft because they are rotating faster. In a complimentary fashion, the output shaft is also driven by one-way clutches. However, since these clutches are being driven, it is the fastest rotations during the small radius period that drive the output. The slower rotations during the larger radius periods simply “under-ride” or slip backward relative to the output shaft speed. In short, the asymmetry of the ring yields a faster output than input. As the ring is reshaped to a perfect circle with equal radial distance from the axis of rotation, the output speed gradually comes to equal the input speed. This is how the continuous variability of the CRCVT is produced.
If a zero maximum speed output is desired, the input can be reversed and summed with the output through differential gearing so that when input/output clutch speeds are equal, the combined output is zero; and, as the clutch output speed becomes greater than the clutch input speed, the combined output gradually increases. This then creates an infinitely variable version of the CRCVT.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 shows an angled perspective view and FIG. 2 shows a straight axial view of the example embodiment's drive system. Input shaft 1 drives one-way input clutches 2 which in turn drive radial arms 4 , which are fastened to one-way input clutches 2 through connecting links 3 . Radial arms 4 drive contoured radius ring 6 by being linked to contoured radius ring 6 through linear bearings 5 , which pivot within the ring on pivot rods 27 . Transmission of torque from input shaft 1 to contoured ring 6 takes place only within a slowest rotation period 16 , when the radial distance from input shaft 1 to contoured radius ring 6 is the greatest. Contoured ring 6 changes from being driven to being the driver during a fastest rotation period 15 . Through the fastest rotation period 15 , contoured ring 6 drives one-way output clutches 7 by transmitting output torque through the same linear bearings 5 , radial arms 4 , and connecting links 3 , as they pass through the fastest rotation period 15 . Each radial arm 4 is connected to its own distinct connecting link 3 , which is connected to a distinct set of one-way clutches 2 (input) and 7 (output). As such, each radial arm 4 alternates between being driven by input shaft 1 through slowest rotation period 16 and being the driver of clutched output shaft 8 through fastest rotation period 15 .
In applications where a zero output is unnecessary, the output of the CRCVT can end with clutched output shaft 8 . However, in applications where a final output of zero is desirable, the output of clutched output shaft 8 can be combined with the input of input shaft 1 to produce a minimum final output of zero. In this case, input shaft 1 would drive input gear 10 ; input gear 10 would drive reversing gears 11 , and reversing gears 11 would drive reversed input 12 . Reversing gears 11 rotate on an axis that has a fixed position and orientation. Since reversed input 12 turns in a direction opposite that of clutched output shaft 8 , the rotation of a combined output differential 13 would be zero when reversed input 12 and clutched output shaft 8 rotate at the same speed. As the speed of clutched output shaft 8 is gradually increased relative to input shaft 1 and reversed input 12 , the final output of combined output differential 13 gradually increases. In this manner the output of the CRCVT can be continuously varied from zero to its maximum speed.
FIG. 3 shows a straight axial view and FIG. 4 shows an angled perspective view of the example embodiment's ring contouring system. In application, the system would likely have two contouring sheaves 17 , one on each side of contoured radius ring 6 , as opposed to just one as shown. Since the adjustable sheaves do not rotate along with the ring, the ring should also have some means of reducing friction between the ring side surfaces and the sheave surfaces—rollers, bearing balls, bushings, etc. Ring rollers 14 are depicted in FIG. 2 .
Contouring sheave 17 is shaped such that as it pivots slightly on pivot shaft 18 , the contour of its contact with the side surfaces of contoured radius ring 6 varies. The contact between contouring sheave 17 and the sides of contoured radius ring 6 is depicted as contact lines 20 , 20 A, 20 B, and 20 C. Contact planes 24 are depicted on the right side of FIG. 3 . As the 3-dimensional contouring sheave 17 intersects with the 2-dimensional intersection planes 24 , an intersecting contact line 20 A, 20 B, and 20 C is derived. This intersecting contact line represents the contour of contoured radius ring 6 as contouring sheave 17 is pressed up against the sides of contoured radius ring 6 .
In its zero output position, the angle of contouring sheave 17 is such that contact line 20 A is perfectly circular, and its radial distance from the axis of input shaft 1 is uniform. In other words, contact line 20 A is a perfect circle with its center aligned to the center of input shaft 1 . Radius 25 A and radius 25 B are equal. When contouring sheave 17 is angled so that its resulting line of contact parallels 20 A the rotational speed of each radial arm 4 stays consistent for all 360 degrees of rotation. In this position the clutched input is equal to the clutched output. When contouring sheave 17 is angled so that its resulting line of contact parallels line 20 C the rotational speed of each radial arm 4 varies. When a radial arm 4 intersects with contoured radius ring 6 with a lengthened radius 26 B the rotational speed of that radial arm 4 at that point in its rotation will be slower than when that same radial arm 4 intersects with contoured radius ring 6 with a shortened radius 26 A.
Contact line 20 B represents the line of contact (between contouring sheave 17 and the sides of contoured radius ring 6 ) when contouring sheave is angled near the midway point between its zero discrepancy position contact line 20 A and its maximum discrepancy position contact line 20 C. At this midway point, contact line 20 B is not as far off center as contact line 20 C and its discrepancy between the longest and shortest radial lengths is not as pronounced as contact line 20 C.
The progression between contact line 20 A and contact line 20 C is gradual, as opposed to stepwise. Additionally, all contact lines throughout the gradual progression from 20 A to 20 B to 20 C have a period of uniform radius for the shortest radius 15 and a period of uniform radius for the longest radius 16 .
Pivot shaft 18 has rotational freedom within bushings 21 . Pivot arm 19 is representative of some means for pivoting contouring sheave 17 on pivot shaft 18 's axis. Springs 22 are representative of some means for pushing contouring sheaves 17 against the sides of contoured radius ring 6 , so as to take up any unwanted slack in contoured radius ring 6 . Anchor points 23 represent fixed points, perhaps on the housing of the transmission, to which springs 22 can be anchored. Springs 22 push bushings 21 . Bushings 21 push contouring sheave 17 by way of pivot shaft 18 , which is attached to contouring sheave 17 . | A Contoured Radius Continuously Variable Transmission (CRCVT) varies the torque and speed of an output component relative to the torque and speed of the input component by forming the contour of a belt-like component so that the belt-like component's radial distance from the input and/or output axis is gradually altered from being uniform throughout its length to being varied for different periods along its length. | 5 |
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a customizable electronic bill presentment and payment (EBPP) system using a dynamic model/view/controller architecture.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Many organizations are becoming more involved in conducting business electronically (so called e-business), over the Internet, or on other computer networks. E-business calls for specialized applications software such as Electronic Bill Presentment and Payment (EBPP) and Electronic Statement Presentment applications. To implement such applications, traditional paper documents have to be converted to electronic form to be processed electronically and exchanged over the Internet, or otherwise, with customers, suppliers, or others. The paper documents will typically be re-formatted to be presented electronically using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) Web pages, e-mail messages, Extensible Markup Language (XML) messages, or other electronic formats suitable for electronic exchange, processing, display and/or printing.
[0003] Billers who provide their customers with the option of viewing and paying their bills over the Internet have varying requirements for the business content to be provided. In addition to varying content, different billers will want the customer interface and presentation of the billing information to have a particular “look-and-feel.”
[0004] Instead of programming their own EBPP system from scratch, billers have the option of purchasing or outsourcing a pre-made EBPP system from a vendor. The biller may also hire a third party electronic billing service to provide the desired EBPP services to the biller's customers. In any of these situations, a pre-made EBPP system must be customized to meet the particular business and presentation requirements of the biller. Accordingly, a vendor who provides an EBPP solution to multiple billers needs to consider the extent to which its system can be customized, and the ease with which customization can be achieved.
[0005] [0005]FIG. 1 depicts a prior art EBPP system. In the prior art system, for one or more billers, EBPP computer system 10 controls the presentment of billing service web pages 40 over the Internet 2 to customer 1 . Billing information is gathered by EBPP computer system 10 from the biller's legacy computer systems 20 . Typically, billing data will be parsed by EBPP system 10 from a print stream generated by the legacy system 20 , the legacy print stream being originally intended for printing conventional hard-copy bills. A preferred method for parsing billing data from the legacy print stream is described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/502,314, titled Data Parsing System for Use in Electronic Commerce, filed Feb. 11, 2000, which is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.
[0006] In addition to communication via web pages 40 generated during a session, EBPP computer system 10 includes the capability of sending and receiving e-mail messages 50 to and from the user 1 . Typically, system 10 will generate a message to user 1 upon the occurrence of a predetermined event. An example of such an event is a new billing statement becoming available, or the approach of a due date for an unpaid bill. EBPP system 10 is also capable of communicating with a bank or ACH network 30 to process bill payment activities.
[0007] System 10 includes a data repository 11 in which billing data for use with system 10 may be stored in a variety of formats. Data in the repository can be organized in a database, such as the kind available from Oracle or DB2. Statement data archives may also be stored in a compressed XML format. XML is a format that allows users to define data tags for the information being stored.
[0008] The EBPP computer system 10 itself is typically comprised of standard computer hardware capable of processing and storing high volumes of data, preferably utilizing a J2EE platform. EBPP system 10 is also capable Internet and network communications. Of interest with respect to the present patent application, the prior art EBPP computer system 10 includes a software architecture within an application server 12 for generating and handling electronic billing functions. At a fundamental level, the software architecture of the prior art system 10 is split into two conceptual components, the front-end presentation logic 13 and the back end servicing logic 14 . The split between front-end and back-end logic 13 and 14 serves to reduce the amount of recoding necessary for the system to be customized for different billers.
[0009] The front-end presentation logic 13 is the portion of the software that is the primary Internet interface for generating web page presentations. As such, the front end presentation logic 13 includes code that is custom written to meet the specific business and presentation needs of the biller. Functionality that might be included in front-end logic 13 is enrollment, presentation, payment instructions, and reporting.
[0010] Typically, front-end logic 13 is comprised of Java Server Pages (JSP's) that control the presentation of billing information in the form of web pages. The front-end logic JSP's also receive and respond to inputs as the customer makes requests for various services to be provided. The JSP's can be recoded to accommodate different look-and-feel and business requirements of different billers. Within the JSP's, front-end logic 13 can also utilize Enterprise Java Beans (EJB's) that comprise objects for performing specific tasks.
[0011] The back-end services logic 14 comprises the software for functions that typically do not need to be customized for particular billers. Preferably, very little of the back-end services must be customized for a particular biller's needs. For example, back-end logic may include the software for extracting the billing data from the biller legacy billing computers 20 . Similarly, logic for handling of payments with the bank or ACH network 30 and systems for generating and receiving e-mail messages will be handled in the back-end services logic 14 .
[0012] As a result of the distinction between the front-end and back-end logic 13 and 14 , re-coding of software to provide customization for different billers is somewhat reduced. However, a significant amount of presentation logic and some business logic must always re-written to meet a particular biller's needs. The re-coding required for customization can require a high degree of programming skill and can add expense to implementation of a biller's on-line presence. The requirement for re-writing code introduces a risk that changes to the way that a web page looks may in fact introduce a problem that could cause the content of the information being displayed to be incorrect. Another problem with this prior art system is that after a system is customized it may be difficult to provide upgrades and future releases of the software. In order to be sure that new releases work properly substantial efforts would be necessary to retrofit the new release with the code changes that were made for the particular biller.
[0013] As will be described in more detail below, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is an expansion on a Model-View-Controller (MVC) software design architecture. An example of a system using the MVC concept is Apache Jakarta Struts Project (Struts) (see http:jakarta.apache.org/struts). Known MVC architectures such as Struts, however, fail to address the problems caused by the need for customization described above. If one were to attempt customization electronic billing presentations using a known Struts architecture, changes to code, recompiling, and debugging would still be required, because business and presentation variations must still be re-coded and recompiled in the controller, the model, and/or the view components.
[0014] In the prior art, certain Internet services such as “Yahoo!” and “Excite” have allowed registered users to create personalized web pages. Such personalized web pages allow the user to select certain information and presentations of the information available from the service. When the registered user visits the web site and is recognized, the user's selected information and arrangement is displayed. For example, the user may choose to see an arrangement including a weather report for his region, sports scores for his favorite teams, and stock quotes for his investment portfolio. These personalization features, however, do not provide a way for a biller to offer EBPP services customized to its particular business and presentation needs.
[0015] Accordingly, the prior art leaves disadvantages and needs to be addressed by the present invention, as discussed below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention provides a customizable EBPP system whereby the business logic and presentation logic need not be changed to provide customization to different billers. Rather, customization features are stored in data repositories, preferably in XML format, whereby a controller activates appropriate objects and routines within the business and presentation logic based on the stored customization features. Accordingly, customization for a particular biller is achieved by changing data stored in a repository, rather than reprogramming core logic.
[0017] The electronic bill presentment computer system of the present invention provides bill information from a biller to a remote customer over a network. At the beginning of a transaction session, the customer submits a requested transaction to the electronic bill presentment computer system. The electronic bill presentment computer system comprises standard computer hardware configured and programmed to include the necessary software components and storage facilities.
[0018] A first storage facility, called a presentation descriptor repository, stores data pertaining to the biller's particular look-and-feel for presentation of electronic billing results to the customer. The software for the system includes a presentation logic module that prepares a visual presentation of results of the requested transaction from the system to the customer. The presentation logic module retrieves look-and-feel data from the presentation descriptor repository to generate the presentation.
[0019] The preferred embodiment of the present invention also includes an action descriptor repository. The action descriptor repository comprises stored scripts of processing instructions corresponding to a wide variety of potential transactions allowed by a particular biller. The scripts are customized to particular electronic bill requirements of the biller and can include identifications of business objects to instantiate, methods to invoke the business objects, and presentation instructions. The preferred embodiment further includes a non-customized business logic module including a plurality of business objects for determining electronic billing results based on the customer's request. A variety of business objects are supplied with the basic system to offer a wide range of functionality that can be customized.
[0020] An interaction controller serves as the central means for directing the operation of the various components of the system. The controller receives the requested transaction from the customer and retrieves the corresponding script of processing instructions from the action descriptor repository. Then the controller invokes the appropriate business objects in the business logic module in accordance with the action descriptor scripts from the action descriptor repository. The controller also provides basic presentation instructions to the presentation logic module in accordance with the customized script instructions.
[0021] An important feature of the invention is that the action descriptor repository and the presentation descriptor repository be discrete from the business logic module, the presentation logic module, and the interaction controller. In a further preferred embodiment, the repositories store the respective instructions relating the particular billers' requirements in XML format. This format provides flexibility by allowing user designated tags, and ease of use with different types of software applications. This arrangement of the repositories and logic modules provides that the repositories are the part of the system directly reflecting the biller's particular electronic billing needs. The information in the repositories can then be customized without requiring recoding of the base code for the system. Also, this arrangement allows that the base code can be upgraded relatively easily for a variety of billers who have adopted the present invention to fulfill their EBPP needs.
[0022] Other variations on the basic invention will be described in the detailed description and the enumerated claims below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0023] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, wherein elements having the same reference numeral designations represent like elements throughout and wherein:
[0024] [0024]FIG. 1 is a prior art EBPP system;
[0025] [0025]FIG. 2 is a customizable EBPP system according to the present invention;
[0026] [0026]FIG. 3 is a sample HTTP request and corresponding XML action descriptor for use with the present invention;
[0027] [0027]FIG. 4 is a sample look-and-feel template stored in XML format for use with the present invention; and
[0028] [0028]FIG. 5 represents a typical web page layout that could be generated using the presentation features of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] A customizable EBPP system in accordance with the present invention is depicted in FIG. 2. EBPP computer system 100 includes an EBPP software product in accordance with the present invention that can be extended and customized without inhibiting subsequent upgrades and without modifying the base code set for the product. In part, this is accomplished by incorporating what will be referred to as a dynamic model-view-controller methodology.
[0030] To a customer 3 , interacting with the EBPP system 100 of the present invention through the Internet 2 , the functionality and presentation of information on a EBPP web page will not necessarily be distinguishable from a prior art EBPP system 10 . However, the manner in which EBPP computer system 100 processes interactions with customer 3 will be significantly different.
[0031] At the beginning of a session, a customer 3 uses an Internet browser (Netscape, Internet Explorer, etc.) to visit the biller's EBPP website. To initiate an EBPP transaction the customer 3 will click on a button or a link on a web page that will cause a transaction request 60 to be sent to the web server housing the EBPP system 100 . The request 60 is typically in HTTP format, and includes a URL parameter for the customer 3 . Request 60 is processed by EBPP system 100 and an appropriate response 70 is presented, typically in the form of a web page. This interaction continues as long as the customer 3 is accessing the web site.
[0032] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the processes for generating the response 70 based on the request 60 can be described as using a novel “dynamic MVC” architecture or methodology. The system is “dynamic” in the sense that the same model, view, and control related components can be used to provide customized EBPP service using a common set of base code. The dynamic aspect of the invention relies on customized data stored independently of the core logic. The customized data can be interpreted as instructions that activate the specially designed logic modules in a manner that they can provide a very wide range of customized functionality.
[0033] The business model logic module 130 represents the business logic needed to fulfill the request 60 . In the preferred embodiment the business logic module 130 is comprised of business objects 131 that interact with the business data repository 140 , perform calculations, and provide coordination between related objects.
[0034] Presentation logic 150 is responsible for constructing the response, which in most cases will be an HTML web page, showing the results of requests and links or buttons to allow for additional requests. The content and format of a presentation is based on content descriptors pertinent to the particular information to be presented and a look-and-feel (LAF) framework active for the current session. LAF data is stored in a repository called the LAF repository 152 and descriptor data for how to present particular results is stored in a view descriptor repository 154 . Also, further data for cosmetic features such as graphics or fonts is available for use and stored in a view resource repository 155 .
[0035] Interaction controller 110 processes the HTTP request and data sent from the customer and instructs the business model logic module 130 to activate the appropriate business objects 131 . The interaction controller 110 also selects a presentation look-and-feel to initiate from the LAF provider 151 to prepare an appropriate presentation to send back to the customer 3 upon completion of the response to the request 60 .
[0036] The controller 110 controls the processes of the business logic module 130 and the presentation view logic 150 based on sets of instructions called action descriptors that are stored in the action descriptor repository 120 . For a request from a particular customer 3 , the controller 110 will retrieve a corresponding action descriptor. The action descriptor is interpreted by the controller 110 for subsequently controlling logic modules 130 and 150 . In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the actions descriptors are stored in XML format in the action descriptor repository 120 . The XML action descriptors may then be modified relatively easily to provide customized responses for different billers, without the necessity of rewriting base code for the interaction controller 110 , the business model logic module 130 or the presentation view logic module 150 . XML is a preferred format because it is a universally usable language for data on the Web. Further, XML allows the creation of unique data formats to allow greater flexibility to for the purposes of allowing customization. In particular, the ability to create an unlimited number of tags in XML allows this flexibility. XML is also a good way to store information because it can be easily read and understood by humans and machines. XML has the advantage that it describes the content of the data, rather than how it should look.
[0037] In operation, the interaction controller 110 accepts an HTTP request received from the customer 3 . In the preferred embodiment the controller determines actions to be invoked based on the URL parameter passed with each request. The URL parameter will indicate both the name of the dialog and the path that categorizes the dialog. For example, a request with “url=/company_profile/accounts/CompanyAccount” will invoke the dialog named “Company Account.” This dialog is associated with the path “company_profile/accounts” that basically mirrors the menu option at the web page, at customer's computer, that is used to invoke the dialog.
[0038] Once the controller 110 determines the dialog to invoke from the URL parameter, it will retrieve a corresponding action descriptor XML for that dialog from the action descriptor repository 120 . The action descriptor XML will contain the instructions describing what must occur for the interaction corresponding to the request to be completed. The action descriptor preferably describes which business objects 131 to instantiate, what methods to invoke on each off the business objects 131 , and based on the results of those methods, which presentation to send back to the user 3 .
[0039] An exemplary HTTP request 200 from user 3 is depicted in FIG. 3 with a corresponding “Company Account” XML action descriptor 300 . In response to the HTTP request 200 , interaction controller 110 retrieves and interprets action descriptor 300 . At step 301 of the script, controller 110 interprets an XML tag called “controlAction” defining responses to requests that have a particular URL parameter where “path=company_profile/account/CompanyAccount.” At step 302 of the script, instructions to controller 110 for instantiating the “CompanyAccount” class are provided for the modelObject tag. Interpreting step 303 , the controller 110 will invoke a “setAccountKey” method of the CompanyAccount class, passing in a type “long” argument. The value of the type long argument will be retrieved from the HTTP request 200 parameter named “AccountKey” taken from the URL request. In the HTTP request 200 example of FIG. 3, this value is “23.” At step 304 , the controller 110 initializes the business object via the doAction name=“load” call.
[0040] The XML action descriptor 300 further includes instructions for presentation of results generated by the business object 131 . If the business objects return a successful completion, then at step 305 the controller 110 instructs that a responsive presentation will use the view “stdForm” that will use the form descriptor named “CompanyAccount.” If the business object fails, however, the controller will invoke an exception presentation using instead the view “stdError” and form descriptor named “CompanyAccountError,” in accordance with script step 306 .
[0041] The business objects 131 within the business model logic module 130 preferably represent Java classes that will enforce certain basic business rules that are required by the system. These rules ensure the integrity of the information being manipulated in response to a request from a customer. For example, a business object “CompanyAccount,” as described above, can include provisions to ensure that the values of other fields such as a company profile identification, or a user identification are set correctly for each CompanyAccount item, without the need to explicitly set them via an instruction in the action descriptor 300 . In prior art systems, much of the business rule logic was incorporated in JavaServer Pages in the front end presentation logic 13 (see FIG. 1). The prior art presentation logic 13 required re-coding to allow customization for different billers. In contrast, the present invention allows that business object 131 be constant for all billers, with the activation of those objects being customized through adjustments to the XML in the action descriptor repository 120 .
[0042] Business objects 131 provide more intuitive and higher level Application-Program Interface (API) that is used by the interaction controller 110 and objects in the presentation view logic module 150 . This provides the controller 110 and presentation logic 150 with more efficient means to interact with lower level items via the business objects 131 . The business objects 131 effectively shield the controller 110 and presentation logic 150 from the granularity of the interaction with the basic data objects.
[0043] The business objects 131 also provide helper methods that are utilized by the presentation view logic module 150 . In the case of the exemplary CompanyAccount dialog, in order for a new “UserAccount” field to be defined, it may be that values for “Publisher” and “PaymentProfile” fields must be chosen. To help the presentation logic, the CompanyAccount business object provides an API that will retrieve a list of valid Publishers (CompanyAccount.PublisherList) as well as a method to retrieve the possible payment profiles that could be used for this account (CompanyAccount.PaymentMethodList). These lists may be stored in the business data repository 140 in any desired format such as an Oracle database or XML.
[0044] The CompanyAccount business object discussed herein could also provide access to other data objects that are associated with the account that is currently loaded. For example, an “AutoPayment” object that is connected to this particular account is easily accessed via an API call to “get AutoPay.” This method call doesn't require the action descriptor to provide information about the Autopayment record. Once the appropriate script has been activated by controller 110 , the business object 131 determine itself which “AutoPayment” record to use. Relevant automatic payment data would be stored in the business data repository 140 .
[0045] Using this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the business objects 131 provide the API set for the general business function, not just the current interactions. Further, multiple interactions can use the same business object 131 . Using the present invention, the business objects 131 can act in accordance with any number of “doAction” calls, as identified in the XML of the action descriptor repository 120 , or elsewhere.
[0046] In operation, the presentation view logic module 150 provides the facilities to return a visual presentation to a user in response to an interaction request. As discussed above with respect to FIG. 3, the presentation can be determined based on the success or failure of the interaction controller 110 to execute the action descriptor.
[0047] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a response 70 generated by the presentation view logic module 150 is an HTML web page presentation. Two factors that preferably determine the presentation of the HTML web page are the look-and-feel (LAF) active for the current request and an XML view descriptor indicated in the action descriptor.
[0048] The LAF template is derived by the LAF provider object 151 as selected from the LAF library 152 . View descriptors are stored in the view descriptor repository 154 . As with respect to the action descriptors, the view descriptors are preferably stored in XML format. The presentation view logic module 150 further includes a view resource repository 155 comprising data pertaining to cosmetic features such as graphics or special fonts.
[0049] The LAF template is the framework structure of the HTML presentation. The LAF template determines where the main menu will appear, where the list or form presentation will appear on the page, and the way that each of these items will appear via a reference to the appropriate style sheet definitions. The LAF provider object 151 is responsible for architecting the overall shape and positioning of content in a web page. LAF object 151 is invoked by the interaction controller 110 after the action descriptor methods for a specific request have been completed by the business model logic module 130 . The LAF object 151 and the template stored in the LAF library 152 are referenced in the action descriptor in the action descriptor repository 120 . The LAF object 151 has initialization parameters that reference appropriate XML in the LAF library 152 to use as a template to structure the web page.
[0050] The LAF library 152 can include specific tags that identify HTML presentation parameters and presentation objects to be invoked by the LAF object 151 . In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the HTML stored in the XML at step 401 may describe a page having a banner 501 across the top of the page and another step 402 may describe a menu area 502 along the left side of a certain width. The HTML for step 402 also includes HTML indicating that a presentation object called “MenuObject” should be invoked at that point to create the appropriate HTML to render a menu. Later in the XML, at step 403 , a tag indicates that an object called “AppObject” should be invoked to create content to fill the defined area 503 on the right side of the page. The call for the “AppObject” of “application object” is a call to utilize the business logic results provided from a business 131 that provides a substantive result. In turn, the formatting object 153 provides the specific logic for turning the results into a format that can be inserted into the defined area 503 .
[0051] An example of view descriptors in repository 154 may be scripts of instructions for presenting a “LIST” of items, or they may describe elements of an HTML FORM to be presented at the user's browser, or there may be a pointer to a simple JavaServer Page (JSP). These view descriptors are retrieved by formatting object 153 for a particular type of business result that is obtained from the business logic module 130 .
[0052] The formatting object 153 (or any of the objects discussed in this application) may actually be a group of one or more objects for operating on particular business results from the business logic module 130 , for presentation within the LAF template identified by the LAF provider 151 . For example, if a “LIST” presentation is required by the view descriptor XML for the business results, a standard hosting object (part of formatting object 153 ) that uses a “listObject” class will be invoked with an argument that points “listObject” to the appropriate list descriptor in repository 154 that describes the elements and format of the list items to be presented. The list descriptor will describe each element that is to be displayed in the list and may associate that element with an API call to a business object that was invoked pursuant to an action descriptor from repository 120 . Headings for list elements may be static text or references to a resource item from the view resource repository 155 .
[0053] If a “FORM” type presentation is required by the view descriptor XML, a standard hosting object (again part of formatting object 153 ) that uses the “formObject” class will be invoked with an argument that points the “formObject” to the appropriate form descriptor. This form descriptor will describe the form elements that are to appear on the presentation. Each element will be associated with an API call to a business object 131 that was invoked by controller 110 pursuant to a stored XML action descriptor from repository 120 . Any text that appears on the form such as a label for a field can be static text or may be a reference to a resource item from the view resource repository 155 .
[0054] The combination of the presentation descriptors from repository 154 and the formatting objects 153 remove the responsibility of the presentation from the coding of a JSP page that was used in the prior art system in FIG. 1. Instead, the appearance of the web page as well as the content of that page is controlled via configuration information stored in the respective repositories 120 , 140 , 154 , and 152 . These respective repositories are independent of the core software code that can be provided as a base product to individual billers, who may then achieve customization relatively easily by preparation of XML instruction scripts to be used with their processing and presentation of their billing data.
[0055] Repositories 120 , 140 , 154 , and 152 may reside in any number or configuration of physical storage devices. Also, the data for those repositories may be stored in common or separate data organizational structures. As long as the information is retrievable, the data can be stored in any combination of appropriate formats, i.e., database, directory tree, etc.
[0056] While the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment, but is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. It should also be understood that certain features of the system described herein may be considered novel inventions in their own right, even if separated from the overall system described herein, and that the scope of protection afforded to the patentee should be determined in view of the following appended claims. | An customizable electronic bill presentment computer system for providing bill information from a biller to a remote customer over a network. The system processes a requested transaction from a customer through an interaction controller that utilizes stored scripts of instructions in an action descriptor repository. The action descriptor repository includes customized instructions for controlling business objects and presentation objects. The action descriptor repository and a presentation descriptor repository are maintained discrete from the business logic, presentation logic, and interaction controller, thereby providing that the repositories are the only part of the system directly reflecting the biller's particular electronic billing needs, the information in the repositories being customizable for the biller. | 6 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The field of this invention is downhole tool that require hydraulic pressure to perform a function and a way of generating that pressure without resort to a control line extending from the surface where that pressure is generated or pressure transmitted through the well tubulars and instead using string manipulation to locally generate the pressure to perform a downhole function.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A wide variety of tools for downhole applications are operated on supplied fluid pressure. One of the most common ways to supply hydraulic pressure to downhole components in a bottom hole assembly is to run a control line from the surface. A control line is secured outside a tubing string and connected at the surface to a source of fluid pressure and at the other end to a housing of a downhole tool. Generally, when pressure is applied from the surface through the control line it is communicated to the tool housing where it moves a piston that actuates the tool to perform a downhole operation. Subsurface safety valves commonly operate this way. They are designed to stay in the open position as long as control line pressure is applied. Applying pressure compresses a return spring acting on the flow tube. Applying pressure shifts the flow tube to rotate a flapper to hold the valve open. A loss of control line pressure allows the spring to return the flow tube up to allow the flapper to close generally under the further bias of a pivot pin mounted spring.
Other variations involve using internal tubing pressure applied form the surface. In these designs there is a ball seat that receives a ball. When the ball has landed pressure can be built up to actuate the tool. In some designs the ball on the seat can be blown out with a further increase in pressure beyond what it took to operate the tool so that the internal passage in the tool is at least partially cleared for running other tools even further into a well. These designs require special features and can shock a formation below when the ball and its seat are blown out or alternatively when the ball is blown through the seat.
Sometimes tools designed for one job are retrofitted to other jobs but require modification to function in the new application. For example downhole wet connects are devices that mate an upper portion of a string to a lower portion. These devices feature an orientation pin on one half of a connection and a longitudinal groove usually having a broad tapering entrance to initially grab the alignment pin and cause some relative rotation so that the two parts of the string can be mated downhole. Wet connects generally connect the main bores in the upper and lower tubular strings as well as connecting adjacent conduits for such purposes as a control line for a subsurface safety valve, for example. Once wet connect connections are fully mated, they generally need to be locked together and such locks or anchors have been in the past actuated with hydraulic pressure from an available adjacent control line that the wet connect mated to its downhole counterpart segment. However, some wet connects are not designed to couple hydraulic control lines so a ready source of hydraulic pressure was not available for such designs. One design that connected fiber optic cables had no available hydraulic sources but still needed to be locked in a connected mode. It was this need to adapt a known design for a new application that drove to the discovery of the present invention that not only solved the problem of locking that connection together but further has application in a wide variety of situations where hydraulic pressure is needed for a variety of purposes. In the fiber optic wet connect, for example, not only was hydraulic pressure needed to lock the connection together, but there was a need to clean the fiber cable ends of one or more cable end pairs before the connection was driven home to get drilling fluid or other solids that might impede signal transmission through the cable connection out of the way. The present invention addresses a problem in this context, in a preferred embodiment but its application is far more universal to a wide variety of tools. Variations are also possible to allow multiple pressure sources to deliver pressure to various locations with a single or multiple manipulations of the string. One time operation with a single string manipulation is envisioned as well as multiple actuations from a series of string manipulations with multiple reservoirs or reservoirs that can recharge for reuse. Details of these alternatives will be more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the description of the preferred embodiment and the associated drawing while recognizing that it is the claims that contain the full scope of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Two subs are held in a fixed position relative to each other when assembled to a string and run into a wellbore. A reservoir of fluid is defined in a wall between the subs. The reservoir has one or more outlets connected by a short jumper line to an adjacent tool to be operated. At the appropriate time, set down weight breaks a shear pin to reduce the reservoir volume and create pressure in the exit lines. The exit lines can be connected to operating pistons in adjacent tools to actuate them or to perform other desired functions using a stream of pressurized fluid. The device can be set for one time or multiple cycles where fluid in the reservoir can be replenished and re-pressurized for multiple cycles of operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a section view of a first embodiment of the invention used in conjunction with the anchor portion of a wet connect;
FIG. 2 is a section view of the subs that define a chamber to be pressurized when weight is set down;
FIG. 3 is an alternative to FIG. 2 showing a floating piston in the chamber;
FIG. 4 is an alternative to FIG. 3 showing multiple floating pistons and multiple outlets that can be used for different purposes; and
FIG. 5 is a variation of FIG. 4 showing an undercut adjacent one of the floating pistons.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 1 illustrates an anchor section 10 of the upper half of a wet connect having the upper connector portion 12 at its upper end. The lower half of the wet connect assembly containing the other connector mate is not shown. An upper string 14 extends into a sub 16 that defines an internal recess 18 with an outlet 20 . A hydraulic line 22 extends from outlet 20 and is connected to in the preferred embodiment to a connection 24 that actuates a lock between the upper portion of the wet connect 12 and the lower portion of the wet connect after they are pushed together and weight is set down on the upper string 14 .
FIG. 2 shows how hydraulic pressure is generated locally to lock the wet connect in FIG. 1 in a way other than the prior design that depended on a control line run to connection 24 from the surface. Top sub 28 is secured at thread 30 to the upper string 14 , which is not shown in this FIG. In this embodiment, the bottom sub 16 and top sub 28 are configured to create a chamber 32 where preferably an incompressible fluid is stored to preferably fill the chamber 32 . Outlet 20 communicates with chamber 32 and line 22 which leads to an anchor on the wet connect at a connection 24 . From that point on the operation of the anchor is the same as if the pressure source was from a control line that started at the surface. In essence, the pressure moves a piston in the anchor to actuate it when the wet connect segments are fully pushed together engaging the locking collet threads in the anchor section 10 of the upper connector segment with a matching profile in the lower connector segment in a manner known in the art. Chamber 32 is sealed at seals 34 and 36 so that when the wet connect segments are together, setting down weight on top sub 28 will break the shear pin 38 to allow the top sub 28 to advance to reduce the volume of chamber 32 so that pressure builds up in it. That pressure passes through conduit 22 to set a downhole tool such as an anchor for a wet connect that needs to be locked together after being pushed together. It can also serve other purposes. For example, when a wet connect with two ends of a fiber optic cable is being made up, it is good to make sure the abutting exposed ends are free of debris so that the integrity of the optical connection is maintained. In another application of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , fluid can be forced out to reach the fiber optic cable ends on the two parts of the wet connect as they come together to clean debris away from the end area of each fiber optic cable segment. This helps to insure the quality of signal transmission through the made up connection. As will be seen below, this can be accomplished with a single reservoir that not only builds pressure in line 22 that can actuate a tool but also ejects fluid through an orifice, for example, to keep the connection in a tool clean as it is being made up downhole. Those skilled in the art will realize that wholly unrelated applications are envisioned such as shifting sleeves, holding safety valves open, setting anchors or operating lock mechanisms, to name but a few possible applications. The present invention allows elimination of one or more control lines from the surface.
The mechanism of the present invention as shown in FIG. 2 can be adapted for single application or multiple applications. Without the optional passage 40 and an associated check valve 42 shown schematically in FIG. 2 , an initial setting down weight will break the shear pin 38 and initiate a one time pressure buildup to operate a tool or perform another downhole function. In that version, once weight is set down the pressure is applied. In systems where some of the pressurized fluid is allowed to escape such as for a purpose of displacing debris before a downhole connection is made, the loss of fluid from the system could mean that an insufficient volume of incompressible fluid could remain to re-establish the initial pressure generated from the original settling down weight and reduction of the volume of chamber 32 . However, it is possible to have a system of being able to recharge the chamber 32 with well or other fluids for example stored in other compartments in sub 28 and a way to do this is to provide a passage 40 which can optionally have a check valve 42 that only allows fluid into chamber 32 when top sub 28 is picked up. In FIG. 2 passage 40 is shown terminating in passage 44 formed by subs 28 and 46 . Alternatively passage 40 can lead into the surrounding annulus 48 or to an enclosed compartment of clean fluid within sub 28 or in the string above it. Using passage 40 the chamber 32 fills when sub 28 is picked up because such movement reduces pressure in chamber 32 to allow fluids to come in. Even without a check valve 42 , pressure can still be built up after recharging chamber 32 through passage 40 by advancing passage 40 beyond seal 34 . This will create a vacuum upon re-charging until the port re-enters the chamber if the other end of the tube is plugged. The preferred alternative is the check valve 42 .
Alternatively, with the addition of the check valve 42 any subsequent setting down of the sub 28 will close the check valve 42 and allow chamber 32 to be pressurized. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that while a shear pin 38 is shown as holding the relative positions of subs 28 and 46 , other ways of holding them together can be used that also accommodate subsequent relative movement. Clearly after the shear pin 38 is broken the sub 28 can be raised and lowered from the surface any number of times. Alternatively, a j-slot mechanism of a type known in the art can be supplied to allow relative movement between sub 28 and sub 46 in a defined range any number of times. Finally, it is worth mentioning that the embodiment of FIG. 2 because it has seals 34 and 36 is isolated from wellbore hydrostatic pressure increase as the assembly is introduced into the wellbore. The embodiments in FIGS. 3 and 4 use a floating piston to balance out wellbore hydrostatic that is an issue in those embodiments due to the different sealing arrangements from FIG. 2 , as will be explained below.
In FIG. 3 , a top sub 50 that is supported by a tubing string that is not shown, is inserted into a bottom sub 52 defining chambers 54 and 56 that are divided by floating piston 58 . Floating piston 58 has outer seal 60 and inner seal 62 . Chamber 54 is not sealed and is exposed to wellbore hydrostatic pressure. Chamber 56 has an outlet 64 that goes to a tool to be operated or for flushing purposes as described above or for any other downhole use of pressurized fluid. Seal 66 isolates chamber 56 from bore 68 in the subs 50 and 52 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that movement of floating piston 58 allows the increasing hydrostatic pressure to be transferred to chamber 56 to avoid any pressure imbalances from forming inside the tool prior to operation. A shear pin 70 prevents relative movement between subs 50 and 52 until enough set down weight is applied to sub 50 . Movement of sub 50 with respect to sub 52 builds pressure in chambers 54 and 56 although some leakage occurs out of chamber 54 into the annulus 72 as sub 50 is moved down. Pressure builds up in chamber 56 and is delivered though outlet 64 to perform the downhole operation with the various options again available as earlier described with regard to FIG. 2 .
FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 3 except that in FIG. 4 there is a second floating piston 74 and chamber 54 is isolated from annulus 72 while a new chamber 76 is provided that is not sealed from annulus 72 . Setting down sub 50 pressurizes all three chambers 76 , 54 and 56 . Discrete fluid paths are made available as between chambers 54 and 56 through separate outlets 64 and 77 . Outlet 64 can be used to lock a wet connect together while outlet 77 can be used for a fluid flush of the ends of the fiber optic cable before they are pushed together, for example. It may be desirable to sequence the action of pressure buildup on the end user tools or devices affected by them. For example, in making up a downhole wet connect it is desirable to flush the fiber optic cable ends before the connection is fully pushed together.
A way to address these conflicting needs is to put a rupture disc 78 in outlet 77 . That way if outlet 64 is used to flush the ends of the fiber optic cables it can be activated first before the wet connect is fully made up. Then when that process completes and more pressure is developed with further movement of sub 50 , at some point, calculated to be when the wet connect halves are abutting and are ready to be locked together, the rupture disc 78 will fail to allow the built up pressure to be communicated through passage 77 to set the anchor that locks the wet connect together. It is worth noting that if a rupture disk is placed in outlet 64 there will be a trapped fluid volume between the disk and piston in the anchor. A better way to do this is to have a low-pressure disk in outlet 77 which shears at a relatively low pressure when compared to the pressure required to shear the commit piston in the anchor. This way there is no trapped fluid volume which cannot be hydrostatically balanced.
Yet another way to do this is to allow the relative motion between subs 50 and 52 to open a port communicating with outlet 77 first to allow the connection to be washed before it is fully mated up with additional movement then closing access to port 77 so that available pressure can act through port 64 to which access only opens up after access to port 77 is closed or nearly closed to avoid fluid lock in chambers 54 and 56 .
FIG. 5 is a variation on FIG. 4 adding an undercut 80 at piston 74 so that seal 82 can initially be bypassed. Chamber 54 can be filled with a viscous material such as optical index matching gel to keep it in place as the assembly is run into the hole. When the shear screw 70 is sheared the contents of chamber 54 will be pushed out passage 77 for, for example, cleaning the connection before it is fully made up so that the fiber optic cables can effectively transmit signals. Eventually, piston 74 will contact piston 58 after which the contents of chamber 56 will be pushed out through connection 64 . Since an actuating piston for the anchor or lock for the wet connect (not shown) is also shear pinned, the pressure has to build in chamber 56 with piston 80 against piston 58 and set down weight applied to sub 50 before the shear pin in the anchor or lock can break to actuate that tool. Again, the concept being illustrated is sequential operation of two downhole operations the details of which can vary broadly. The invention encompasses this staged actuation as well as simultaneous actuation of different or even an identical downhole device.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention allows the elimination of a control line from the surface and replaces its operation with a pressure generation system that is localized and preferably initiated with string manipulation. Designs are presented that allow for single operation for a specific task or the ability to cycle as many times as needed to accomplish the same or different tasks. The reservoirs can be isolated from wellbore hydrostatic or compensated to neutralize its effects. A single or multiple reservoirs can be actuated either at once or in sequential order to meet the well conditions and the desired order of operations downhole. The chambers can be pre-filled for a single time fluid displacement or they can have the capability of being recharged using a passage that passes a seal or a passage with a check valve. Recharge fluid can come from the tubing, the annulus or a storage chamber for fluid provided in the string. Splines or other rotational locking features can be provided to allow for torque transmission through the subs independent of their ability to move longitudinally relative to each other to create the desired pressure to use downhole.
The above description is illustrative of the preferred embodiment and many modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention whose scope is to be determined from the literal and equivalent scope of the claims below. | Two subs are held in a fixed position relative to each other when assembled to a string and run into a wellbore. A reservoir of fluid is defined in a wall between the subs. The reservoir has one or more outlets connected by a short jumper line to an adjacent tool to be operated. At the appropriate time, set down weight breaks a shear pin to reduce the reservoir volume and create pressure in the exit lines. The exit lines can be connected to operating pistons in adjacent tools to actuate them or to perform other desired functions using a stream of pressurized fluid. The device can be set for one time or multiple cycles where fluid in the reservoir can be replenished and re-pressurized for multiple cycles of operation. | 4 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an abrasive material produced by an etching process and suitable for sanding or smoothing a variety of surfaces and to a method of forming the abrasive material.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various abrading surfaces have been suggested over the years. Such surfaces include those wherein abrasive particles such as gamet, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, grit of zirconia and alpha aluminum oxide monohydrate, single crystals of diamond or cubic boron nitride are adhered to a substrate. Also known are abrasive surfaces which are scored to provide grooves or punched to provide holes or openings with projections or burs surrounding the holes. Where grooves have been formed in metal sheets such as steel sheets, coating the surface or the cutting edge formed by the groove are also known. Metal abrasive sheets are known which are prepared by forming a cured polyvinylchloride negative master using a sheet of sandpaper and, then, electroplating the master to form the sheet.
[0003] Etching processes using a suitable resist to form a desired pattern in a metal substrate are also known. In one such technique, a resist pattern is applied to a thin flat steel plate in a predetermined pattern such as equal sized spots which can be round, elongate or polygonal. The plate is etched which with an etchant such as an aqueous solution of ferric chloride to remove the desired amount of metal and form the pattern elements. It is reported that through variations of spraying mode, composition and temperature of the etching solution, the angle between the side of the protruding cutting elements and the original plate surface, as I well as how far under the edge of the protecting pattern elements the etching will reach. One improvement suggested is to provide parallel ridges on the etched side of the plate in the form of rhombic quadrangles either tangentially or helically to prevent the plate from curling.
[0004] Another improvement suggested is a resist pattern which is reported to give an even intermixing of fast working sharp points with smooth planing edges. The cutting teeth are formed in the shape of triangles or squares which come out of the etch process still sharp and usable due to the resist pattern which accentuates the corner points and eliminates under cutting of the upper surfaces of the cutting teeth. Each tooth bears an upper flat surface and is amenable to hardening by heat treating without excessive brittleness due to the tooth configuration. The upper flat surface of each tooth is reported to be typically about 3 mils with the width of the base and the height of the tooth being about twice that of the upper flat surface.
[0005] A process for producing cutting dies, particularly for use such as, for example, cutting adhesive tape to form labels, has been disclosed wherein multiple etching steps are used. A resist corresponding to the contour of a label to be propertied is formed on a steel plate and a first etching step is carried out, thereby forming a convex portion of a prescribed height. A second etching step is carried out whereby the resist extending from both sides of the top off of the convex portion is removed and the steel plate is subjected to further etching. This second etching step may be carried out multiple times. The resist remaining on the top of the convex portion is then removed.
[0006] A metal abrasive has been described having substantially uniform pyramidal protrusions extending from a base surface which is formed by etching of metal sheet material.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention, in one aspect, provides an abrasive material comprising a base surface having a plurality of pyramidal shapes protruding therefrom, the base surface and the protrusions being formed of the same material, each protrusion having a substantially triangular, square, or polygonal base and triangular sides which meet at an apex which substantially forms a point, the pyramidal shapes having apexes in at least two distinct planes with a portion of the pyramidal shapes extending further from the base surface than others, with the apexes of the protrusions providing intermixing cutting and planing edges in a pattern such that the material is capable of abrading independent of direction of use.
[0008] The apexes of the pyramidal shapes extending a lesser distance from the base surface retaining their apexes which substantially form points after a period of use during which the pyramidal shapes extending a further distance from the base material may have their apexes worn to less than substantially a point. This retention of the apexes of those pyramidal shapes extending a lesser distance from the base material provides the abrasive material with greater length of service life and effectiveness.
[0009] Preferably, the pyramidal shapes extending a lesser distance from the base material, extend at least about ten percent less, more preferably at least about twenty percent less, most preferably at least about thirty percent less, than those of the pyramidal shapes extending a further distance from the base material.
[0010] The pyramidal shapes of an abrasive material of the invention may be the same or different in shape. For example, various pyramidal shapes may have different bases configurations, i.e., different numbers of sides, and/or different degrees of slope.
[0011] Optional performance enhancing surface treatments may be applied to the protrusions and/or the base surface to improve abrasive performance, aid in non-loading characteristics due to the lubricity of certain coatings, and reduce surface porosity.
[0012] Preferably, the triangular sides of the pyramidal protrusions have an inward arcuate slope. Such a slope provides greater longevity of the abrasive material due to lack of loading of material being abraded. The present invention provides rapid material removal from a workpiece, yet leaves a smooth surface on the workpiece.
[0013] The abrasive material of the invention can be provided with protrusions on both surfaces of the base material to prevent curling when the material is thin. Alternatively, to prevent curling of thin materials, i.e., relieve internal stress or tension, protrusions can be provided on one surface and the opposing surface can simply be etched.
[0014] The present invention, in a further aspect, provides a method of forming an abrasive material comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a base material; (b) applying to at least one surface of the base material a photoresist coating; (c) placing over the photoresist a mask having a randomly directional triangular, square or polygonal pattern thereon, the individual elements forming the pattern having at least two different surface areas; (d) curing the photoresist not covered by the mask; (e) removing said mask and unexposed photoresist; (f) applying an etchant suitable for etching the base material for a time sufficient to provide a plurality of pyramidal protrusions on the base surface, each protrusion having a substantially triangular, square or polygonal base and triangular sides which meet at an apex which substantially forms a point, the pyramidal shapes having apexes in at least two distinct planes with a portion of the pyramidal shapes extending further from the base surface than others.
[0021] The surface of the protrusions and the base surface can optionally be provided with performance enhancing coatings or treatments to improve abrasive performance, aid in non-loading characteristics due to the lubricity of certain coatings, and reduce surface porosity. Plating can be used to provide such enhanced surfaces. The surface can be heat treated or metallurically altered to form a thin harder layer on the surface of the base surface and protrusions to improve hardness as is well known to those skilled in the art. Other performance enhancing treatments such as, for example, diamond surface treatments can be useful. A particularly useful diamond surface treatment using laser technology is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,754.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIGS. 1 [ a ]A, 1 [ b ]B, and 1 [ c ]C are perspective views of pyramidal protrusions useful in the invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred pyramidal protrusion of the invention having inward arcuate triangular sides.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a top view showing a preferred pyramidal protrusion of the invention having inward arcuate triangular sides.
[0025] FIG. 4 [ a ]A is a top view of a portion of a photoresist mask suitable for use in producing an abrasive material of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 4 [ b ]B is a top view of a portion of another photoresist mask suitable for use in producing an abrasive material of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 5 is side view of a pyramidal protrusion useful in the invention having a performance enhancing coating thereon.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a fragmented cross-section of an abrasive material of the present invention having pyramidal protrusions on each surface thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The abrasive material of the invention can be formed from any material susceptible to etching including, for example, stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum alloys, iron-nickel-chrome alloys, and titanium; boron-filled elastomers, silica composites, fluorocarbon materials, graphite alloys, plastics, and the like.
[0030] Stainless steel is a particularly preferred base material in the present invention due to the intrinsic resistance of the material to corrosion, the good high and excellent low temperature strength and toughness over a broad range of temperatures, the non-magnetic properties of austenitic grades, and aesthetic appeal. Stainless steel can also be readily reproducibly etched to form the abrasive material of the invention.
[0031] The thickness of the material is not particularly limited, but after etching should be suitably flexible where it will be used over a roller or suitably stiff when used as a flat abrasive. Of course, stiffness can be provided, if necessary, by attachment to a stiff substrate such as, for example, a metal plate or synthetic resin plate having suitable stiffness.
[0032] Typical surface treatments particularly preferred for stainless steel base material include, but are not limited to, nickel or chrome plating or diamond coating or plating in combination with diamond dust or boron nitride. The base and pyramidal protrusions can be exposed to heat treatment or metallurical alteration, e.g., case hardening, to effect, for example, surface hardness by forming a thin harder layer on the base surface and protrusions to improve performance.
[0033] With respect to the drawings, like references number will be used with reference to like parts. FIGS. 1 [ a ]A, 1 [ b ]B, and 1 [ c ]C depict various possible embodiments of the pyramidal protrusions of the abrading material of the invention with the bases of the pyramidal protrusions being triangular, square and pentagonal, respectively. Of course, other polygonal shapes can be used. In FIG. 1 [ a ]A, protrusion 10 a is shown having triangular base 12 a , triangular side 14 a , and apex 16 a . In FIG. 1 [ b ]B, protrusion 10 b is shown having square base 12 b , triangular side 14 b and apex 16 b . In FIG. 1 [ c ]C, protrusion 10 c is shown having polygonal base 12 c , triangular side 14 c and apex 16 c.
[0034] The apex of each protrusion need not form a true point as shown in the FIGS., although this is the preferred configuration. The apexes of the protrusions may be slightly rounded or flat. However, this portion of the apexes should preferably be no greater in width than 20 percent of edges L, more preferably no more than 10 percent of edges L, edges L being shown in FIG. 5 .
[0035] The depth of the inward arcuate slope on the triangular sides of the pyramidal protrusions which are found in the preferred embodiments of the invention can be from very slight, e.g., 1 μm, to as great as about 175 μm. Such actuate slopes can readily be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 wherein protrusion 20 has actuate sloped surfaces 22 . The greater the size of the protrusions, the deeper the inward actuate slope can be formed.
[0036] Preferably, the height H of the pyramidal protrusions from the etched surface can be in the range of about 25 μm to 1.5 mm, with higher pyramidal protrusions for normal coarse abrading, i.e., from about 125 μm to 375 μm, and lower pyramidal protrusions for finer abrading, i.e., from about 75 μm to 125 μm. The length of the edges L of the base is dependent on the height of the protrusions. Preferably, the ratio of the height of the protrusions from the etched surface to the length of the edge of the base is in the range of about 1:1 to 1:5, more preferably about 1:2 to 1:4, most preferably about 1:3. The thickness of the remaining base material B can vary widely and is not critical, with thinner base materials being used for more flexible abrasive materials and thicker base materials being used for stiffer abrasive materials as is well known to those skilled in the art. Such dimensions are indicated in the enlarged view of a portion of a hard coated abrasive material, seen in cross-section in FIG. 5 .
[0037] The spacing S of the pyramidal protrusions can also vary widely, from about 0.75 mm to 30 mm apart, as measured from center to center of the pyramidal protrusions, with greater spacing for coarse abrading, i.e., 2 to 10 mm or more apart and less spacing for finer abrading, i.e., from about 0.75 to 1.5 mm apart.
[0038] The fineness or coarseness of the abrasive material can also be adjusted by maintaining the height of the protrusions and the length of the base of the protrusions and adjusting the size of the resist pattern. Greater spacing between the protrusions provides coarser abrading material, while lesser spacing between the protrusions provides finer abrading material.
[0039] A photoresist mask suitable for a fine abrasive grit is shown in FIG. 4 [ b ]B. A photoresist mask suitable for a coarse abrasive grit is shown in FIG. 4A .
[0040] It is important that the pyramidal protrusions be oriented such that the cutting edges of the individual protrusions are oriented in different directions to provide the capability of abrading independent of direction of use. The pyramidal protrusions can be randomly oriented in various directions such as by designing the etching mask through the use of a computer-based random generator or an etching mask can be patterned which ensures random orientation as is well known to those skilled in the art. Examples of a randomly oriented patterns are shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b .
[0041] As previously described, a coating such as nickel or chrome plating; a diamond coating; or nickel or chrome plating in combination with diamond dust or Teflon®, tungsten, carbide or boron nitride particles can be applied to the surface of the abrasive material such as is shown in FIG. 5 , wherein a portion of abrasive material 59 has protrusion 52 , remaining base material 54 , and coating 56 .
[0042] The etching process can be carried out using well-known resist and etching materials and processes. Prior to application of the photoresist to the base material, cleaning of the base material is preferably carried out. Where the base material is stainless steel, such cleaning may involve rinsing with deionized water and drying. Alternatively, or in addition to such rinsing, the stainless steel surface may also be subjected to a pumice scrub or passivation treatment. Passivation which removes free iron contaminants, if present, as well as other contaminants is generally carried out with the use of solutions of ferric chloride, nitric acid or other solutions know to those skilled in the art.
[0043] The resist coating can be applied using, for example, hot roll lamination, screen printing, gravure printing, dip coating and the like. When a resist is applied in the form of a polymeric film to a stainless steel base material, the base material is preferably pre-heated and the film is applied using sufficient heat and pressure to ensure good adhesion. Curing of the resist must be avoided at this point in the process.
[0044] The mask which is used to provide the desired abrasive pattern surface is then placed on the resist covered base material. Good, i.e., intimate, contact between the resist coating and the mask is needed to achieve the desired pattern on the base material when the photoresist not covered by the mask is cured. Such contact can be enhanced by use of vacuum techniques.
[0045] Curing, or imaging, is achieved by exposure to light sufficient to cure, i.e., cross-link, the polymeric resist. The mask is then removed from the base material/photoresistmask composite and the uncured, photoresist is removed from the base material using a developing solution, or developer. The selection of the developer is dependent on the composition of the photoresist. If desired, the photoresist then remaining on the base material may be imaged again prior to etching to further ensure good adhesion of the photoresist to the base material during etching.
[0046] Etching is then performed on those portions of the base material not protected by the photoresist. For example, when the substrate is stainless steel, carbon steel, or the like, suitable etchants include ferric chloride, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, mixtures of these acids and sodium hydroxide; for aluminum or aluminum alloys, suitable etchants include sodium hydroxide; for titanium, suitable etchants include hydrofluoric acid; and plastics are generally etchable using various acids. The degree of etching can be adjusted by altering the concentration and temperature of the etchant solution and the method of application as is known to those skilled in the art. For example, when the base material, or substrate, is stainless steel, an aqueous ferric chloride solution of about 37° to 42° Baume can be used, the lower the Baume of the solution, generally the more arcuate the slope of the sides of the protrusions.
[0047] After etching, any remaining photoresist may optionally be removed by techniques well known to those skilled in the art. In some cases with certain mask patterns and etching parameters, much of the photoresist is removed in the etching process. Removal of remaining photoresist is generally preferable, particularly when the pyramidal protrusions are to be plated and the photoresist may act as a plating resist.
[0048] Alternatively, the resist can be retained on the surface of the resultant abrasive material, particularly on the non-abrasive side of the material when only one side is masked and pattern etched, which aids in prevention of curling. A suitable method of preventing curling involves etching both surfaces of the base material as shown in FIG. 6 , wherein abrasive material 60 has protrusions 62 a , 62 b on each surface 61 , 63 extending from the remaining base material 64 .
[0049] Objects and advantages of this invention are further illustrated by the following examples, but the particular materials and amounts thereof recited in these examples, as well as other conditions and details, should not be construed to unduly limit this invention. All parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0050] A sheet of 301 high tensile stainless steel having a thickness of about 0.02000 inch was cleaned using a pumice scrub and passivated for 30 seconds with a 40° Baume solution of ferric chloride. A 0.0013 inch thick photoresist film, Type EM213, available from DuPont Co., was adhered to the passivated stainless steel and a mask having a pattern like that shown in FIG. 4 a was applied over the photoresist.
[0051] The stainless steel/photoresist/mask composite was exposed to 60 millijoules of light to effect initial imaging of the photoresist. The uncrosslinked photoresist was removed by rinsing with a developer solution of 1% aqueous potassium carbonate at pH 10.5. The stainless steel having the photoresist pattern thereon was re-exposed to 100 millijoules light to ensure adherence of the photoresist to the stainless steel during etching.
[0052] The stainless steel was etched to a depth of about 0.011 inches using a 40° Baume ferric chloride solution. The resulting etched sheet was rinsed with water and remaining photoresist was removed using a 15% potassium hydroxide aqueous stripping solution.
[0053] The pyramidal protrusions had a triangular base. The height of the protrusions whose apexes were the greatest distance from the base material was about 0.004. The resulting sheet performed excellently in a manner similar to a coarse grit sandpaper, but without loading problems typical with sandpaper.
Example 2
[0054] A sheet of 302 full hard stainless steel having a thickness of about 0.006 inch, available from Ulbrich of California, was cleaned using a pumice scrub and passivated for 30 seconds with a 40° Baume solution of ferric chloride as in Example 1. A photoresist film was adhered to the passivated stainless steel and a mask having a pattern like that shown in FIG[S]. 4 [B] was applied over the photoresist. The stainless steel was etched to a depth of about 0.0040±0.0005 inches using a 40° Baume ferric chloride solution over a period of about 4 minutes. The resulting etched sheet was rinsed with water and remaining photoresist was removed using a 15% potassium hydroxide aqueous stripping solution.
[0055] The pyramidal protrusions had a triangular base. The height of the protrusions whose apexes were the greatest distance from the base material was about 0.004 inch. The resulting abrasive material performed in a manner similar to fine sandpaper but significantly more efficiently and with greater longevity than standard sandpaper.
[0056] Various modifications and alterations of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention, and it should be understood that this invention is not to be unduly limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein. | The present invention provides an abrasive material comprising a base surface having a plurality of pyramidal shapes protruding therefrom the base surface and the protrusions being formed of the same material, each protrusion having a substantially triangular, square, or polygonal base and triangular sides which meet at an apex which substantially forms a point. The pyramidal shapes have apexes in at least two distinct planes with a portion of the pyramidal shapes extending further from the base surface than others, with the apexes of the protrusions providing intermixing cutting and planning edges in a pattern such that the material is capable of abrading independent of direction of use. | 1 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a method of producing an endless sling as used, in particular, for lifting purposes. Such a manufacturing method is the subject matter of DE-A No. 2,716,056.
In such endless slings, the only function of the protective tube composed of a woven, tubular textile fabric is to protect the skein of yarn against external mechanical damage over the entire circumferential length of the sling, since the strands of the skein are generally composed of synthetic yarns. It is known that synthetic threads are particularly susceptible to nicks and cuts.
The protective tube is slightly pushed together in the circumferential direction of the sling. Expansion occurring in the case of load, and thus an increase in the circumferential length of the skein of yarn still does not produce tensile stresses or thus the danger of damage to the protective tube.
A further feature of such endless slings is that the internal cross section of the protective tube composed of a woven, tubular textile fabric is not filled with the skein of yarn to its full capacity but only to about 60% to 70% of the maximum tube cross section. In this way it is ensured that the tube is able to be displaced with respect to the skein of yarn and the individual strands of yarn can easily move relative to one another for automatic load compensation.
The maximum lifetime or service life of such an endless sling is determined primarily by the lifetime or service life of the protective tube. If this tube is damaged somewhere, the endless sling must be discarded for reasons of accident prevention.
A particular feature of the endless sling manufacturing method disclosed in DE-A No. 2,716,056 is that, for introduction of the wound yarn by machine, the one-piece protective tube, which has a greater circumferential length than the skein of yarn, must be pushed together in the longitudinal direction of the tube to a length which is much less than half the initial length of the protective tube.
It is known to increase wear resistance of the protective tube made of a woven, tubular textile fabric by providing it with a greater wall thickness, i.e. to process more textile material. However, the increase in wall thickness of the woven, tubular textile fabric, results in making the prior art manufacturing method more difficult and can therefore be employed only within limits. The greater the wall thickness of the woven, tubular textile fabric, the more difficult it is to push it together in the longitudinal direction of the tube to the required, at least about 40% or even less, of the circumferential length of the skein, without making the reduction of the inner cross section of the protective tube connected therewith more difficult or even impossible. Such increased difficulties arise if the fabric of the tube is reinforced by the addition of wear resistant yarns, e.g. metal yarns, or if a coating is applied. In such cases, the required pushing together of the tubular fabric having the desired wall thickness can be realized only by broadening the tube fabric, i.e. enlarging the tube cross section. Such an enlargement of the tube, however, not only requires the expensive, additional use of textile materials, it also worsens the utility of the endless sling because the protective tube requires an unnecessarily large amount of space in the crane hook. For manipulation of the endless sling during its useful life, a cross-sectional configuration as close to a circle is of advantage because it can then be accommodated in a crane hook with particular ease.
A change has already been made, on the assumption that it would increase the wear resistance of the protective tubes of endless slings, to manufacture a woven, tubular textile fabric having a total of four fabric layers between its two woven selvages so that the skein of yarn placed therebetween is protected against the exterior on both sides by two layers of fabric between the two selvages. Although this type of construction of the tube fabric may facilitate its being pushed together for insertion of the skein of yarn, it has been found that endless slings equipped with such protective tubes are particularly prone to accidents.
The regular checking of endless slings in use is directed primarily toward damage of the tube fabric, i.e. that there is no penetration to the supporting skein of yarn as a result of external mechanical influences. Such penetrations can easily be detected from the outside at protective tubes having only one layer of fabric between the selvages of the tube fabric. But if a tube wall is formed of a double layer of fabric between the selvages of the protective tube, there exists the danger that, for example, sharp metal chips penetrate initially only the outer layer of fabric; due to the fact that the inner layer of fabric remains undamaged in the penetration region, this cannot be detected externally or only with relative difficulty. The penetrated metal chips then travel between the outer and inner layers of the protective tube fabric and cannot be seen from the outside. This travel occurs completely unimpededly. If then these metal chips, which roam around, so to speak, between the outer and inner layers of the protective tube fabric, some where also penetrate the inner layer of the fabric, damage the skein of yarn can occur. This reduces the maximum load the lifting sling is able to support, and this cannot be detected from the outside by normal, optical checking of the endless sling or, more precisely, of the protective tube of the endless sling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is the object of the invention to provide a manufacturing method of the above-mentioned type with which the wall thickness of the two fabric layers of the tube fabric can be increased substantially as desired without excessive costs for textile materials. Briefly, the solution resides in that the total length of the protective tube is divided into two preferably equal-length length sections of tube fabric before the skein of yarn is inserted in the conventional manner. This division into two length sections has the advantage that the tube fabric need no longer be pushed together longitudinally, in the region of the two length sections, to a minimum of about 40%, but now only to about 80% to 90% of its initial length to be able to insert the skein of yarn by machine in the conventional manner. This slight amount of pushing together makes it possible to considerably increase the textile wall thickness of both fabric layers of the tube fabric without having to increase, solely for production engineering reasons, the width of the tube fabric and thus its available cross-sectional area to enable it to accommodate a skein having the same load carrying capability. This process also does not require any significant additional apparatus expenditures. In the end result, the endless sling produced according to the invention differs from a conventional endless sling of the above-mentioned type, except for the additional wall thickness of both fabric layers of the tube fabric, only by the fact that the protective tube is not composed of a single piece of tube fabric but of two tube fabric pieces placed end to end in the circumferential direction, with their ends being connected to one another, particularly sewn together.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The manufacturing method and the endless sling according to the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the drawing figures, in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a device for implementing the method;
FIG. 1a is an enlarged sectional detail view of FIG. 1;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view along line II--II of FIG. 1 of the pushed-together length sections of the tube with inserted skein of yarn;
FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the naked skein of yarn which, for reasons of clarity, is here composed of only three turns;
FIG. 4 is a view to a smaller scale of the finished endless sling;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic illustration of the overlap region of the length sections of the protective tube seen in the direction of arrow V of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The bobbin table 1 of the apparatus for introducing a skein of loosely laid yarn 2 into length sections 3 and 4 of the protective tube 5 of the endless sling (FIG. 4) is equipped with a plurality of synthetic filaments 7 wound on bobbins 6. Filaments 7 may be twisted together into a strand of yarn 8 by rotation of bobbin table 1 in the direction of arrow 1'. Yarn strand 8 may also be called a ply. The length sections 3 and 4 of protective tube 5 are cut off from a woven tube fabric of any desired length. The length of sections 3 and 4 corresponds to somewhat more than half of the circumferential length of the endless sling of FIG. 4 plus an extra amount for the mutual overlap 9 in the region of their ends. In the region of the overlap 9 of the ends of the two length sections 3 and 4 of protective tube 5, when the endless sling is finished, there is provided a seam 10 which prevents the two length sections 3 and 4 from coming apart to thus expose the skein of yarn.
The two length sections 3 and 4 are each pushed in the longitudinal direction of the tube over a trough-like supporting element 11. Supporting element 11 has about the cross-sectional shape of a tube cut in half in the longitudinal direction. In the longitudinal direction of supporting element 11, length sections 3 and 4 of supporting tube 5 are pushed together in such a manner that their pushed-together length is about 80% to 90% of their initial length of tubular fabric. The length of supporting element 11 corresponds approximately to the pushed-together length of the two length sections 3 and 4.
Then, both supporting elements 11 with length sections 3 and 4 surrounding them are brought between two wheel discs 12 and 13. The planes of rotation of wheel discs 12 and 13 lie in the same vertical plane.
Wheel disc 12 may be driven by a motor in the direction of arrow 14. It is mounted to the machine frame in a stationary manner as indicated by a bearing arm 15.
Wheel disc 13 is mounted to be freely rotatable only at bearing arm 16. Bearing arm 16 is mounted in the machine frame to be displaced to both sides in the direction of arrow 16'. In this way it is possible to vary the distance between the two wheel discs 12 and 13. This distance, together with the diameter of the two wheel discs 12 and 13, determines the desired circumferential length of the endless sling to be produced. Wheel discs 12 and 13 may be mounted on one side in order to facilitate removal of skein of yarn 2 from wheel discs 12 and 13 after skein of yarn 2 has been drawn into the two length sections 3 and 4 of the future protective tube 5.
For insertion of a skein of yarn 2 into the two length sections 3 and 4 of the future protective tube, the two supporting elements 11 together with the pushed-together length sections 3 and 4, respectively, pushed thereonto are arranged in the longitudinal direction within the vertical plane defined by the plane of wheel discs 12 and 13 in such a manner that the longitudinal center axes 17 and 18 of the two semi-tubular supporting elements 11 and the length sections 3 and 4 seated thereon in a pushed-together form approximately coincide with the tangents 21 and 22 placed respectively through the zenith 19 and the nadir 20 of the two wheel discs 12 and 13. In this way, the first length section 3 encloses the upper reach 24 and the second length section 4 encloses the lower reach 25 of the strand of yarn drive.
Then strand of yarn 8 is brought around the circumference of right-hand wheel disc 12 through supporting element 11 and the first length section 3 which has been pushed onto the latter in a shrunken form, from the top to the bottom over the circumference of left-hand wheel disc 13 and from there in the reverse direction through supporting element 11 with the second length section 4 placed thereon in a pushed-together form and back again to wheel disc 12. Then this end of strand of yarn 8 is knotted by means of a knot 23 to the strand coming from bobbin table 1. With this knotted connection, strand of yarn 8 now forms a type of closed drive between the two wheel discs 12 and 13. The knotted connection of the ends of strand of yarn 8 to form this drive must be made in such a manner that strand of yarn 8 rests relatively firmly on the circumference of wheel discs 12 and 13 so that a friction lock exists with respect to wheel discs 12 and 13. The only significant fact is the production of a closed drive and not the number of wheel discs 12 and 13 of this drive. It is quite conceivable to operate, instead of With only two wheel discs--as in the embodiment, --with a drive which includes four wheel discs in which then each wheel disc causes a turn of only about 90°. Such a structural configuration of the manufacturing apparatus may be advantageous for reasons of friction.
Now the drive of wheel disc 12 is turned on in the direction of arrow 14. This causes a twisted strand of yarn 8 formed from filaments 7 drawn from bobbin table 1 to be pulled through the pushed-together length sections 3 and 4 of the future protective tube 5. Each full revolution of knot 23 indicates that a further strand of yarn has been pulled through the two pushed-together length sections 3 and 4 of the future protective tube 5.
Consequently, the number of revolutions of knot 23 corresponds to the number of turns of yarn 8 in the future skein of yarn 2 to be disposed within the two length sections 3 and 4.
After the desired number of revolutions of knot 23 has been reached, the drive for wheel disc 12 is turned off, which may be effected by means of an automatic control device. Then the rear end 26 of strand of yarn 8 is cut from the intake side of filaments 7. Thereafter, the skein 2 composed of a plurality of wound strands of yarn is removed from wheel discs 12 and 13. Supporting elements 11 are then pulled out of the pushed-together length sections 3 and 4 of the future tubular sleeve 5. Length sections 3 and 4 are pulled apart to their original starting length in the circumferential direction of skein 2. The ends of length sections 3 and 4 are pushed into one another in order to form the overlap 9 and are connected together by a seam 10.
The manufacturing method according to the invention makes it possible, without changing the width of the tubular fabric or the inner cross section of the protective tube intended to accommodate skein 2, to configure the tubular fabric, e.g. to increase its wear resistance, so that it need be pushed together to a lesser degree than is necessary in the prior art manufacturing method.
It will be understood that the above description of the present invention is susceptible to various modifications, changes and adaptations, and the same are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the appended claims. | A skein of yarn is drawn through a protective tube prefabricated of a woven, tubular textile fabric and is connected in order to form an endless sling. The protective tube is formed of two length sections. These length sections, which are of approximately the same length, are pushed together only slightly during the manufacturing process. In this pushed-together form, they surround the upper reach and the lower reach of the drive formed during drawing in of the skein of yarn by the strands of yarn which are placed around the wheel discs of the manufacturing apparatus. | 3 |
This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 08/817,426, filled on Jun. 19, 1997 now abandoned, which is a 371 of PCT/FR95/01337 filled on Oct. 12, 1995.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is related to our co-pending commonly assigned applications:
USSN 08/817,690
(Corres. to PCT/FR94/01185
filed Oct. 12, 1994);
USSN 08/817,689
(Corres. to PCT/FR95/01333
filed Oct. 12, 1995);
PAT. NO. 6,308,204
(Corres. to PCT/FR95/01334
filed Oct. 12, 1995
USSN 08/817,968
(Corres. to PCT/FR95/01335
filed Oct. 12, 1995)
PAT. NO. 6,182,126
(Corres. to PCT/FR95/01336
filed Oct. 12, 1995)
USSN 08/817,438
(Corres. to PCT/FR95/01338
filed Oct. 12, 1995)
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an audiovisual distribution system for playing an audiovisual piece on at least one audiovisual device from among a plurality of audiovisual devices linked in a network to a central server.
2. Description of Related Art
Networks exist which make it possible to produce music from a jukebox-type device by frequency multiplexing a musical selection on a cable network of the coaxial cable type used to distribute television channels. A device such as this one is known from patent EP 0140593. This patent has the drawback, however, that it requires conversion boxes to demultinaex signals, and it uses a network of the coaxial type involving—for one channel—distribution of the same selection to all stations.
A first object of the invention is to allow the network to distribute as a matter of choice either the same selection to all the devices, or a different selection to each individual device; the selection can be either of the audio or video type.
British patent 2193420 and patent PCT WO 9415416 also disclose audio selection distribution networks requiring telephone lines. Due to the use of these telephone lines, network transmission speeds are limited and a network such as this cannot be used for distribution of video selections requiring a high transmission speed to allow good-quality video reproduction.
PCT patent WO 9415416 discloses use of a telephone line of the ISDN type, but even this type of line—the transmission speed of which is limited to 18 megabits per second—is not sufficient to distribute good-quality video data to a sufficient number of devices.
Finally, another object of the invention is a network in which the costly elements are transferred to the level of the server to reduce the cost of each audiovisual reproduction device, but without detriment to their performance. These costly elements are high-capacity hard disks allowing storage of a sufficient number of data selections, in particular video, and also telecommunication modems with transmission speeds allowing the network to be linked to a central system servicing a plurality of networks.
This object is achieved in an audiovisual distribution system according to the present invention. An audiovisual piece can be played on at least one audiovisual device from among a plurality of audiovisual devices. Each device includes audio or video units for playing a piece. The audio or video units are linked to a central computer server containing optical or magnetic memory for mass storage of a plurality of audiovisual pieces selectable from any of these devices. Each of the audiovisual devices has interactive structure for communication with the user to select a piece or a menu, a payment device, a computer network card, a permanent semiconductor memory containing a multitask operating system including at least one hard disk access management task in which the order to play a piece resulting from a selection is handled as a hard disk sequential access task and declaration of the hard disk as a peripheral corresponding to the network card of the device, in order to allow a request to a server to be sent through the network for processing. The server includes a multitask operating system, a permanent mass memory of the magnetic or optical type, and a network card by which the requests from different devices are received. The operating system processes these disk access requests produced by the devices as actual disk access requests.
Another feature of the invention is that in the operating system of each audiovisual device, the declaration of the telecommunications modem belonging to a telecommunications access task as peripheral corresponds to that of the network card, and when a telecommunications access request is made at the device level, the network card of this device transmits this request to the server which itself has at least one telecommunications modem.
According to another feature, the audiovisual device is assured beforehand by a request that the modem card of the server be available.
According to another feature, the transmission speed of each network card and the buffers of video and audio control circuits are dimensioned to allow exchange of data with a transmission rate sufficient for video animation on a network containing at least eight audiovisual devices.
According to another feature, each audiovisual device has a touch screen and its interface software connected as an interactive means of communication with the user.
According to another feature, the network has as many servers each linked to a hard disk as it does servers corresponding to the number (multiple of eight) of audiovisual devices.
According to another feature, the operating system of each server is linked to a switching device making it possible to decide whether the data supplied in response to the request of one network device are given to all the network devices or only to those devices which transmitted a request.
According to another feature, the server is equipped with structure for audio or video performance of a piece, a payment device, and structure for interactive communication with a user or network manager.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other advantages and features of the invention will be discussed in the description below, with reference to the attached drawings, given by way of an illustrative example but not limited to one embodiment of the invention, in which:
FIG. 1 shows a circuit diagram of the network according to the invention;
FIG. 2 shows a schematic of the circuits which comprise an audiovisual device of the network;
FIG. 3 shows a schematic of the circuits which comprise a server of the network;
FIG. 4 shows the organization of the multitask system which manages the hardware and software structure of each of the devices or servers of the network;
FIG. 5 shows a flowchart which describes how the multitask operating system functions;
FIG. 6 shows a flowchart which describes how the activities of tasks in the multitask system are verified; and
FIG. 7 is a flowchart which describes task queuing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Preferably, but in a nonrestrictive manner, the audiovisual reproduction system uses the components cited above and numbered hereafter as in FIG. 1 .
The system is comprised of a plurality of audiovisual devices AV ( 8 1 , 8 2 , 8 i , 8 16 ) linked to one another and via a computer server to at least one server ( 9 1 , 9 2 ).
There are two types of servers ( 9 1 , 9 2 ) which can be linked to a local network ( 10 ), master servers ( 9 1 ) and mirror servers ( 9 2 ). Master servers ( 9 1 ) are those which are actively involved with the local network. They are the ones which receive requests from the jukeboxes ( 8 ) and which do the work.
The job of the mirror servers ( 9 2 ) is to clone the master servers ( 9 1 ). They must be perfectly synchronized with their masters to be ready for any change. When they detect that the master server ( 9 1 ) is no longer responding to the requests of the jukeboxes ( 8 ), they must make distress calls to the network administrators in order to take over for the masters until the latter are operating normally again.
Each server ( 9 1 , 9 2 ) is comprised of a central microprocessor ( 1 in FIG. 3 ) which is, for example, a high-performance PC-compatible system, the choice for the embodiment having fallen on an Intel 80486 DX/2 system which has storage means and the following characteristics.
compatibility with the local Vesa bus, processor cache memory: 256 kO, 100 Mbit network card ( 71 ) high performance parallel and serial ports, 32-bit type SCSI/2WIDE bus controller, 32 MO battery backedup static RAM.
The operating system of the network cards must be a local network server such as NOVELL, OS/2 LAN SERVER, UNIX or any other similar operating system.
This network server software allows access, exchange and sharing of data and equipment resources in an orderly manner by applying priorities and rules of access to each of the customers connected to the local network.
Any other central processor with equivalent or better performance can be used in the invention.
The central unit ( 1 , FIG. 3 ) of the server controls and manages network control circuit ( 7 ), telecommunications control circuit ( 4 ), input control or interface circuit ( 3 ), and mass storage control circuit ( 2 ). If server ( 9 ) must operate as a jukebox, it is possible to add audio control circuit ( 5 ) and display control circuit ( 6 ) of the same type as of devices ( 8 ). The display consists essentially of 14 inch (35.56 cm) flat screen video monitor ( 62 ) without interleaving of the SVGA type, with high resolution and low radiation, which is used for image reproduction (for example, the covers of the albums of the musical selections), graphics or video clips.
For maintenance, server ( 9 ) uses external keyboard ( 34 ) which can be linked to the server which has for that purpose a keyboard connector, controlled by interface circuit ( 3 ).
Mass storage means ( 21 ) using high-speed, high-capacity SCSI-type hard disks are connected to the storage means already present in the microprocessor of server ( 9 ). These means are used to store digitized and compressed audiovisual data.
High-speed telecommunications modem circuit ( 41 ) of at least 28.8 Kbps is incorporated into server ( 9 ) to authorize the link to a network for distribution of audiovisual data controlled by a central system covering several servers.
Each audiovisual device ( 8 ) has one central microprocessor unit ( 1 , FIG. 2 ) which is, for example, a high-performance PC-compatible system. The choice for the embodiment has fallen on an Intel 80486 DX/2 system which has storage means and the following characteristics:
compatibility with the local Vesa bus, processor cache memory: 256 kO, 100 Mbit network card ( 71 ), 32 MO battery-backed static RAM, high performance parallel and serial ports.
Any other central processor with equivalent or better performance can be used in the invention.
This central unit controls and manages audio control circuit ( 5 ), input control circuit ( 3 ), computer network control circuit ( 7 ) and display control circuit ( 6 ). The display consists essentially of a 14 or 15 inch (35.56 cm) flat screen video monitor ( 62 ) without interleaving of the SVGA type, with high resolution and low radiation, which is used for image reproduction (for example, the covers of the albums of the musical selections), graphics or video clips.
To reproduce the audio data of musical selections, the devices and possibly the server(s) have loudspeakers ( 54 ) which receive the signal of an amplifier-tuner ( 53 ) linked to electronic circuit ( 5 ) of the music synthesizer type intended to support a large number of input sources while providing one output with CD (compact disk)-type quality, such as for example the microprocessor multimedia audio adapter of the “Sound Blaster” card type SBP32AWE by Creative Labs Inc to which two memory buffers ( 56 , 57 ) are added for the purpose described below. This circuit ( 5 ) has the function of decompressing the digital data arriving via the network.
Likewise the display control circuit also has two buffer memories ( 66 , 67 ) for the purpose described below.
A ventilated, thermally controlled power supply of 240 watts powers each device or server. This power supply is protected from surges and harmonics.
Each audiovisual device ( 8 ) and possibly the server(s) ( 9 ) manage—via input controller circuit ( 3 )—an “Intelli Touch” 14-inch (35.56 cm) touch screen ( 33 ) from Elo Touch Systems Inc. which includes a glass coated board using “advanced surface wave technology” and an AT type bus controller. This touch screen allows, after having displayed on video monitor ( 62 ) or television screen ( 61 ) various selection data used by the customers, as well as management command and control information used by the system manager or owner. It is likewise used on each device ( 8 ) for maintenance purposes in combination with external keyboard ( 34 ) which can be connected to the device which has a keyboard connector for this purpose, controlled by key lock ( 32 ) via interface circuit ( 3 ).
Input circuit ( 3 ) of at least one of devices ( 8 ) of the network likewise interfaces with a remote control set ( 31 ) composed for example of:
an infrared remote control from Mind Path Technologies Inc., including an emitter which has 15 control keys for the microprocessor system and 8 control keys for the projection device. an infrared receiver with serial adapter from Mind Path Technologies Inc.
A fee payment device ( 35 ) from National Rejectors Inc. is likewise connected to input interface circuit ( 3 ). It is also possible to use any other device which allows receipt of any type of payment by coins, bills, tokens, magnetic chip cards or a combination of means of payment.
To house the circuits, each device has a chassis or frame of steel with external customizable fittings.
Besides these components, a wireless or wired microphone ( 55 ) is connected to audio controller ( 5 ) of each device; this allows transformation of the latter into a powerful public address system or possibly a karaoke machine. Likewise a wireless loudspeaker system can be used by the system.
Remote control set ( 31 ) allows the manager, for example from behind the bar, to access and control various commands such as:
microphone start/stop command, loudspeaker muting command, audio volume control command; command to cancel the musical selection being played.
Two buffers ( 56 , 57 ) are connected to audio controller circuit ( 5 ) to allow storage of information corresponding to a quarter of a second of sound each in alternation. Likewise two buffers ( 66 , 67 ) are linked to each video controller circuit ( 6 ), each of which is able to store a tenth of a second of video in alternation. Finally, an input interface buffer ( 36 ) is connected to each input interface ( 3 ) of each device ( 8 ) or server ( 9 ).
The system operating software of each device ( 8 ) or server ( 9 ) was developed around a library of tools and services largely oriented to the audiovisual domain in a multimedia environment. This library advantageously includes a powerful multitask operating system which effectively authorizes simultaneous execution of multiple fragments of code. This operating software thus allows concurrent execution—in an orderly manner and avoiding any conflict—of operations carried out on the display or audio reproduction structure as well as management of the telecommunications lines via the distribution network. In addition, the software has high flexibility.
The digitized and compressed audiovisual data are stored in storage ( 21 ) of server ( 9 ).
Each selection is available in two digitized formats: with hi-fi quality or CD quality.
The operating software of each device ( 8 ) is installed in the battery backed-up static RAM of each device ( 8 ), while the operating software of server ( 9 ) can be backed up on hard disk ( 21 ) and loaded for operation in the server's RAM.
It must be noted that the specific tasks of the modules which make up the operating system are executed simultaneously in an environment using the multitask operating system. Consequently, the organizational chart indicates specific operations which a module must perform and not a branch to this module which would invalidate all the operations performed by the other modules.
The first module, labeled SSM, is the startup module. This module does only one thing, and consequently it is loaded automatically when the device or server is powered up and then directly re-enters the “in service” mode of the module labeled RMM.
The RMM module is the module of the “in service” mode which is the mode of operation which the system enters when its registration number has been validated. In this mode, device ( 8 ) or server ( 9 ) is ready to handle any request which can be triggered by various predefined events such as:
users touching the screen of device ( 8 ), transferring foreground session control to the CBSM module from the customer browsing and selection mode, telecommunications call requests by the TSM telecommunications services module,
Device ( 8 ) or server ( 9 ) remains in the “in service” mode until one of the events cited above takes place.
The CBSM module is the customer browsing and selection mode. Access to this module is triggered from the “in service” mode when the customer touches the screen. The display allows the user to view a menu provided for powerful browsing assisted by digitized voice messages to guide the user in his choice of musical selections.
The TSM module is the telecommunications services mode module between the network server and a central system covering several servers belonging to different networks. The module allows management of all management services available on the distribution network. All the tasks specific to telecommunications are managed as background tasks of the system. These tasks always use only parts of the processing time remaining once the system has completed all its foreground tasks. Thus, when the system is busy with one of its higher priority tasks, the telecommunications tasks automatically will try to reduce the limitations on system resources and recover all the microprocessor processing time left available.
The SPMM module allows management of musical, song or video selections queued by the system for execution in the order of selection.
The multitask operating system is the essential component for allowing simultaneous execution of multiple code fragments and for managing priorities between the various tasks which arise.
This multitask operating system is organized as shown in FIG. 4 around a kernel comprising a module ( 11 ) for resolving priorities between tasks, task scheduling module ( 12 ), module ( 13 ) for serialization of hardware used, and process communications module ( 14 ). Each of the modules communicates with applications programming interfaces ( 15 ) and database ( 16 ). There are as many programming interfaces as there are applications. Thus, module ( 15 ) includes first programming interface ( 153 ) for touch screen ( 33 ), second programming interface ( 154 ) for the keyboard, third programming interface ( 155 ) for payment device ( 35 ), fourth programming interface ( 156 ) for audio control circuit ( 5 ), fifth programming interface ( 157 ) for video control circuit ( 6 ) and last interface ( 158 ) for computer network control circuit ( 7 ).
It should be noted that the programming interface of the network card is supplied with the card when a network kit is purchased and that the network card is declared to the operating system as the peripheral comprising the hard disk or the modem, telecommunication card of each audiovisual device ( 8 ). Thus each operating system of each device ( 8 ), after calling a telecommunications procedure or hard disk access procedure following a selection, triggers a network communication session in which the network card of the server will make the called resource available to each audiovisual device ( 8 ).
Five tasks with a decreasing order of priority are managed by the kernel of the operating system, the first ( 76 ) for the video inputs/outputs has the highest priority, the second ( 75 ) of level two relates to audio, the third ( 74 ) of level three to telecommunications, the fourth ( 73 ) of level four to interfaces and the fifth ( 70 ) of level five to management. These orders of priority will be considered by priority resolution module ( 11 ) as and when a task appears and disappears. Thus, as soon as a video task appears, the other tasks underway are suspended, priority is given to this task and all the resources are assigned to the video task. At the output, video task ( 76 ) is designed to unload the video files from mass memory ( 21 ) alternatively to one of two buffers ( 66 , 67 ) of device ( 8 ) which made the request, whereas the other buffer ( 67 or 66 ) is used by video controller circuit ( 6 ) of device ( 8 ) having made the request to produce the display after data decompression. At the input, video task ( 76 ) from server ( 9 ) is designed to transfer data received in telecommunications buffer ( 46 ) of server ( 9 ) to mass storage ( 21 ) of server ( 9 ). It is the same for audio task ( 75 ) on the one hand at the input between a telecommunications buffer ( 46 ) and the buffer ( 26 ) of mass memory ( 21 ) and on the other hand at the output between a buffer ( 26 ) of mass memory ( 21 ) of server ( 9 ) and one of two buffers ( 56 , 57 ) of audio controller circuit ( 5 ) of device ( 8 ) which made the request.
Task scheduling module ( 12 ) of each device ( 8 ) or server ( 9 ) will now be described in conjunction with FIG. 5 . In the order of priority this module performs first test ( 761 ) to determine if the video task is active, i.e, if one of video buffers ( 66 , 67 ) is empty. In the case of a negative response the task scheduling module passes to the following test which is second test ( 751 ) to determine if the audio task is active, i.e, if one of buffers ( 56 , 57 ) is empty. In the case of a negative response, a third test ( 741 ) determines if the communication task is active, i.e., if buffer ( 46 ) is empty. After a positive response to one of the tests, task scheduling module ( 12 ) at stage ( 131 ) fills memory access request queue ( 13 ) and at stage ( 132 ) executes this request by reading or writing between mass storage ( 21 ) of server ( 9 ) and the buffer corresponding to the active task of device ( 8 ), then loops back to the first test. When test ( 741 ) on communications activity is affirmative, scheduler ( 12 ) performs test ( 742 ) to determine if it is a matter of reading or writing data in the memory. If yes, the read or write request is placed in a queue at stage ( 131 ). In the opposite case, the scheduler determines at stage ( 743 ) if it is transmission or reception and in the case of transmission sends via a network communication procedure at step ( 744 ) a block of data to server ( 9 ) for transmission by the latter to the central system covering several servers. In the case of reception the scheduler verifies at stage ( 746 ) that the server buffers are free for access and in the affirmative sends a message to the central server to accept reception of a data block at stage ( 747 ). After receiving a block, an error check ( 748 ) of the cyclic redundancy check (CRC) type is executed. The block is rejected at stage ( 740 ) in case of error, or accepted in the opposite case at stage ( 749 ) by sending a message corresponding to the central system indicating that the block bearing a specific number is rejected or accepted, then loops back to the start tests. When there is no higher level task active, at stage ( 731 or 701 ) the scheduler processes interface or management tasks.
Detection of an active task or ready task is done as shown in FIG. 6 by a test respectively ( 721 to 761 ) on each of respective hardware or software buffers ( 26 ) of the hard disk, ( 36 ) of the interface, ( 46 ) of telecommunications, ( 56 and 57 ) of audio, ( 66 and 67 ) of video which are linked to each of respective controller circuits ( 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ) of each of the hardware devices linked to central processor ( 1 ).
Test ( 721 ) makes it possible to see whether the data are present in the input and output memory buffer of the disk, test ( 731 ) makes it possible to see whether data are present in the hardware or software memory buffers of the customer interface device, test ( 741 ) makes it possible to see whether data are present in the software or hardware memory buffers of the telecommunications device, test ( 751 ) makes it possible to determine whether data are present in the hardware or software memory buffer for direction, and test ( 761 ) makes it possible to see whether data are present in the hardware or software memory buffers of the video device.
If one or more of these buffers are filled with data, scheduler ( 12 ) positions respective status buffer or buffers ( 821 ) for the hard disk, ( 831 ) for the interface, ( 841 ) for telecommunications, ( 851 ) for audio, ( 861 ) for video corresponding to the material in a logic state indicative of the activity. In the opposite case the scheduler status buffers are returned at stage ( 800 ) to a value indicative of inactivity.
The operating status of server ( 9 ) or respectively of device ( 8 ) is kept on hard disk ( 21 ) of server ( 9 ) or respectively in the battery backed-up memory of device ( 8 ).
Each time a notable event occurs, the system immediately registers it in the permanent storage.
Thus, in the case in which an electrical fault or hardware failure occurs, the system will accordingly restart exactly at the same location where it had been interrupted.
Events which trigger back-up of the operating status are:
insertion of money (crediting); addition of a selection to the queue; end of a selection (change from the selection currently being played).
The file is then in a machine format which can only be read by the unit and does not occupy more than 64 octets.
The number and type of active tasks are indicated to scheduler ( 12 ) by execution of the selection management module SPMM whose flowchart is shown in FIG. 7 . The management exercised by this module begins with test ( 61 ) to determine if selections are in the queue.
Consequently, if test ( 61 ) on the queue determines that selections are waiting, when a customer chooses a title he wishes to hear, it is automatically written in a queue file of the system on hard disk.
Thus, any selection made will never be lost in case of an electrical failure. The system plays (reproduces) the selection in its entirety before removing it from the queue file.
When the selection has been reproduced in its entirety, it is removed from the queue file and written in the system statistics file with the date and time of purchase as well as the date and time at which it was played.
Immediately after transfer of the completed selection to the statistics file, the device checks if there are others in the queue file. If there is another, the device begins immediately to play the selection.
Processing continues with test ( 65 ) conducted to determine if the selection contains an audio scenario. If yes, at stage ( 651 ) this scenario is written in the task queue of scheduler ( 12 ). If not, or after this entry, processing is continued by test ( 66 ) to determine if the selection contains moving images. If yes, the video scenario is written at stage ( 661 ) in the task queue of scheduler ( 12 ). If no or if yes after this entry, processing is continued by test ( 64 ) to determine if the selection contains still graphics. If yes, at stage ( 641 ) this graphic presentation scenario is written in the task queue of scheduler ( 12 ). If no or if yes after this entry, processing is continued by test ( 63 ) to determine if the selection contains an advertising scenario. If yes, at stage ( 631 ) the scenario is written in the task queue of scheduler ( 12 ). Thus scheduler ( 12 ) notified of uncompleted tasks can manage the progression of tasks simultaneously.
Due on the one hand to the task management mode assigning highest orders of priority to video tasks requiring the most resources, on the other hand to the presence of hardware or software buffers assigned to each of the tasks to temporarily store data, the presence of status buffers relating to each task, and communication between each device and a server via the computer network, it is possible to transfer costly resources necessary for certain tasks of devices ( 8 ) to single central unit ( 9 ) which also has a multitask operating system.
A basic server ( 9 ) is designed to service a local network having up to eight customer jukeboxes. With addition of appropriate peripherals, such as supplementary hard disks, one server can serve a maximum of 8 additional jukeboxes. To add more jukeboxes, it is possible to create local network environments which have several servers which share tasks. Thus it is possible to create environments capable of meeting any need.
A completely equipped server has sufficient resources to administer 16 jukeboxes. A server can support up to 7 disks which can contain as many selections as there is available space needed for the type of selection, with the knowledge that an audio selection and its graphic part require 3.4125 Mbits of available disk space, and an audio and video selection requires 39.568 Mbits of available disk space.
In order to circumvent these limitations and meet the needs of establishments such as hotel complexes which sometimes have several hundred rooms, it is possible to use mass storage technologies such as RAID to back up the selections and/or network configurations with multiple servers in order to serve the jukeboxes.
It is also possible to add additional telecommunications peripherals ( 41 ) such as modems in order to satisfy the network's additional needs for telecommunications to the outside.
The network allows the server to assume responsibility for carrying out several tasks common to each jukebox in order to avoid redundancy of work, computer operations and equipment.
The local network also serves as an important link between all the jukeboxes by making connections which allow all data common to all the jukeboxes to be kept and made accessible to each of them.
The common data kept on a server are either audio/video selections or statistics of use of the purchases of each jukebox, or statistics on the audio/video selections.
The jukebox or audiovisual device ( 8 ) on the one hand has no telecommunications peripherals because the latter are centralized at server ( 9 ), but it does make requests to server ( 9 ) which processes them as a priority; on the other hand, it does not have the disk space required to store audio/video selections, since the selections are centralized at server ( 9 ) so that they may be shared with all the jukeboxes of the local network.
Network jukebox ( 8 ) needs very little permanent storage space, since all data will now be centralized, allowing units without hard disks to be produced and thus reducing maintenance by eliminating those parts most likely to break down. In jukebox ( 8 ) without a hard disk, a permanent memory region contains the information and an operating program necessary to make connections with the server and start-up the jukebox operating system.
This permanent memory can be in the form of an EEPROM, static memory banks which are backed up by batteries or even cards called HARD CARDS which are static memory banks backed up by batteries with functions allowing the tasks of a hard disk to be cloned.
The operating system of jukebox module ( 8 ) is assured of having the resources necessary to do its work. To do this it must manage the status of links with centralized peripherals and if necessary make requests to the server requesting that the appropriate connections be made between the jukebox and the required peripheral. If the resources, for example, telecommunications resources, are not in use by a jukebox, then server ( 9 ) will provide exclusive links to the jukebox.
Once the connection has been made, jukebox ( 8 ) can do its work as if the resource were its own. Once the jukebox ( 8 ) finishes its work, it sends a request to the server to be disconnected from the resource, thus making it available for other jukeboxes ( 8 ) in the network.
The order and logic used to provide distribution and access privileges to the ordered resources are controlled by the network operating system which is on server ( 9 ).
Thus a switching device such as a hardware or software key allows the network operator to decide whether server ( 9 ) shall play the same selection on all devices ( 8 ) of the network or to let each device ( 8 ) play a different selection. In this latter case, hard disk resources will be accessed time-shared between each device ( 8 ), since buffers ( 56 , 57 ; 66 , 67 ) of each device ( 8 ) have sufficient capacity to await subsequent access without there being discontinuity in the audio or visual representation.
Moreover, the multitask operating system, which includes a library containing a set of tools and services, considerably facilitates operation due to its integration in the memory storage and the resulting high degree of flexibility. In particular, this allows a multimedia environment to be created by simply and efficiently managing audio reproduction, video or graphics display, and video animation. In addition, since the audiovisual data are digitized and stored in the server's storage alone, the cost of the network is considerably reduced.
Likewise, transfer of hardware necessary for the telecommunications function of each device ( 8 ) on the network server greatly reduces the cost and by using a computer network with a transmission speed of 100 Mbit/s makes it possible to serve simultaneously at least eight devices which can all simultaneously reproduce a different video animation piece on each of the devices, with the knowledge that each video animation requiring a transmission speed of 10 Mbit/s.
This would not have been possible with the ISDN network of patent WO 94/15416, with a transmission speed which is on the order of 1 Mbit/s, insufficient even for video animation. The same applies to any other line for long distance data transmission.
Any modification by one skilled in the art is likewise part of the invention. Thus, regarding buffers, it should be remembered that they can be present either physically in the circuit to which they are assigned or implemented by software by reserving storage space in the system memory. | Audiovisual reproduction system triggered by payment from a user, developed around a microprocessor device, said system comprising memory containing, in compressed digital form, audio and visual information to be used, a display and digital audio reproduction unit enabling formation of a multimedia environment, wherein the display comprises a video monitor and an interactive interface with the user by an interface program which reacts to external events and translates the external events for a multitasking operating system as events which trigger, via a graphical module of a library of integrated tools and services, a display of windows or frames providing a modification of physical operating parameters of the audiovisual reproduction system, said external events comprising at least a down event interpreting coincidence of a placement of pointing device with the position of at least a representation displayed by the graphic module, and an event which triggers modification of the physical operating parameters by storing these parameters in said memory. | 7 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Low cost methods of efficiently disposing of waste materials are a serious problem in most industrial nations of the world. This problem is particularly acute in heavily populated areas.
Landfills and incinerators have and are utilized to dispose of waste materials. Landfills are frequently located at a distance from areas which produce large amounts of waste and therefore are extremely expensive to use and are rapidly filled. Incineration creates air pollution, requires heavy initial capital expenditures and consume great amounts of fuel in order to burn the waste material. Also, they often destroy the waste materials which may have value.
A type of corrugated cardboard or as it is sometimes called corrugated board has been used in this country for making shipping containers since 1895. Today such materials are used extensively for shipping a multitude of commercial items. There are very few items that at one time or another have not been packed in corrugated cardboard containers, whether as raw material destined to the factory or as a finished product destined to the store or customer.
Once the shipped items have arrived at their destination, the corrugated cardboard shipping containers are often discarded. These discarded boxes comprise 10-15 percent of total disposable waste material.
The current method of disposing of the used corrugated boxes is to break them down and pile them into a flat package, then transport them to an incinerator or a landfill. The boxes are particularly clumsy to handle because of their great bulk. Furthermore, until the present invention, there has been no economical, large scale method of recycling or reusing corrugated cardboard known to the inventors.
Corrugated cardboard is made in production widths generally ranging from 60 to 85 inches. The corrugating medium, a web of paperboard, is heated and moistened by a steam shower and then fluted by passage between a pair of rollers.
After fluting, the tips of the flutes are glued to an inner liner or single face of paperboard. This method produces a single face sheet of corrugated cardboard. To produce the more common double faced corrugated cardboard found in boxes, an outer sheet or outer liner of paperboard is adhered to the tips of the flutes on the opposite side from the inner liner of the single faced board. The corrugated board is then scored and cut parallel to its length by a slitter and then cut to proper length by a cut-off knife. The normal direction of the flutes is from top to bottom of a container when it is used to form a box.
Unlike paper waste which has commercial value due to its adaptability in recycling, corrugated cardboard waste has almost no commercial value, except to the trash collectors who are paid to dispose of it.
Corrugated cardboard containers are one of the biggest producers of waste materials in American commerce and industry today. They are expensive to manufacture, used only once, and then discarded.
Another problem also existing at this time is the rapid consumpton of fuels which have caused their depletion and a world wide shortgage, followed by ever upward accelerating cost of their procurement. A very successful method of reducing the use of fuels when used in the heating of structures is to insulate the structures, thereby reducing heat loss and fuel consumption.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed at insulation composed of a multiplicity of small pieces or chips of corrugated cardboard. Each of the pieces include inner and outer liners having a flute portion between and attached to the liners, and may have various configurations including rectilinear and circular types. Each of the pieces may also have the long flute axis oriented in various ways with the sides of the piece. The chips may be used either in a loose pack, sealed within a bag as bag insulation, or they may be lightly compressed together with adjacent chips and adhered to each other to form a block.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be understood more fully from the following detailed description thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sheet of corrugated cardboard showing the lines of cut, in phantom, used to produce a type of chip;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sheet of corrugated cardboard showing the lines of cut, in phantom, used to produce another type of chip;
FIG. 3 is a perspective sectional view with a portion of the outer liner removed, of a chip configuration;
FIG. 4 is a perspective sectional view of a variation of the chip configuration of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a chip having a circular configuration;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a chip having an elliptical configuration;
FIG. 7 is a perspective sectional view of a portion of a building wall insulated with the chips of the invention;
FIG. 8 is a perspective sectional view of a portion of an attic floor insulated with bag insulation containing the chips of the invention; and
FIG. 9 is a perspective of a block of insulation formed from the adhering together of the chips of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Corrugated board may be single face comprising an inner liner and corrugating medium adhered to a side of the inner liner; double face 10 comprising corrugating medium sandwiched between and adhered to an inner liner 12 and an outer liner 14; double wall comprising a double face construction having a second layer of corrugating medium adhered to and sandwiched between the outer liner of the double face construction and a liner and triple wall.
The corrugating medium is sinuous in configuration including a series of parallel flutes 16.
The chips or insulating elements 18 are formed from double faced corrugated board that is unused or that has been used as, for example, in forming a shipping container. The containers are cut apart to provide flat, undamaged portions. In the average container, the usable portions may include side and end panels, and the outer and inner flaps. The container portions may then be cut in a number of different ways to provide the chips 18.
One method of cutting or slicing may start with a first cut 22 from a long edge 20 through the middle of the second complete flute from the side edge 24 through the opposite long edge of the corrugated board. The rest of the cuts 22 are made to include a flute 16 as indicated in FIG. 1. The first cut 22 is made at right angles to the long edge 20 of the board across the full width of the board. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the longitudinal or long axis of the flutes 16 are in right angle relation to the long edge 20. There is the possibility that the flutes would be in right angle relationship to the side edge 24 and in that case the first cut would be made in the second complete flute from the long edge 20 at right angles to the side edge 24 and across the full length of the board.
A second cut 26 is then made at right angles to and across the line of the first cut 22 from the side edge 24 a predetermined distance from the long edge 20 to provide the rectalinear chips 18. The rest of the cuts 26 are made an equal distance from each other and each of these distances is equal to the distance from the long edge 20 to the first of the second cuts 26. The chip 18 includes a portion of the inner and outer liners 12, 14 and at least a portion of one flute 16. Obviously, position of the first cut 22 may be varied to provide portions of two or more flutes in the chip 18 is desired. Further cuts are then made in a manner similar to the first and second cuts.
Another method of cutting is to make the first cut 22a at an angle of 45° to the long edge 20a of a board from the center of the second flute from the side or short edge 24a of the board. A second cut 26a is made from the side edge 24a and the long edge 20a at a 45° angle with the side edge 24a and long edge 20a and at a 90° angle with and across the first cut 22a to provide a square configured chip 18a. The pieces formed by the cutting operation adjacent the edges of the board will probably not form complete chips. These may be discarded. In the square configured chip 18a, the long axis of the flute 16a is at a 45° angle with the edges of the chip 18a that it opens upon.
The cuts may be varied to provide different angular relationship between the flute long axis and the chip edge.
In either the rectalinear or square configuration, the first and second cuts may be made to provide a chip having the length of each of its sides not less than 1/4 inch nor more than 3 inches. These dimensions are considered by the inventors to provide optimum insulating advantages when the chips are packed as will be explained more fully hereinafter. The first, second and additional cuts may be simultaneously made by tools having multiple blades appropriately dimensioned according to the desired size of the chip.
Still another method of forming the chips is to form them of circular configuration as a chip 18b by punching them out of the corrugated board by methods well known in the art. The chips may also have an elliptical configuration 18c. As is true of all the chip embodiments, care should be taken that a substantially undamaged flute portion is provided.
The air space created by the combination of a flute portion and liner portion is an important element for furnishing the insulating quality of the chip.
When used as insulation, the chips are effective as thermal insulators, sound insulators and vibration insulators and can be utilized in many forms of insulation, for example, bag, loose and block.
The chips 18, 18a, 18b and 18c can be manufactured into a block form by spraying, brushing or roll coating their external surfaces with an adherent such as thermal marine glue. The coated chips are placed into a mold manually or by blowing. They are then lightly pressed together and the adherent is allowed to set. If the mold was a large one, the formed piece (sheet) is cut into sections 36, which may be attached or laid in place in the conventional manner to provide an insulating layer in building construction. The placement may be in areas similar to those where the loose or bagged chips are used as will be set out hereinafter.
In building construction, the loose chips 18 are used, for example, to insulate an exterior wall of an existing wooden building by blowing them, by methods well known in the art, between the sheathing 28 and the lath 30. Of course, the blown chips will also be located on top of the sill 32 and between the studs 34. The chips may also be blown into bags 38, which are subsequently sealed and used as insulators in the walls and attics of dwellings, in a manner well known in the art, such as on a ceiling 40 between joists 42. The chips 18 when used either in a loose pack, bag or block form should be packed with adjacent chips 18 in abutting relation. | Insulation comprising a multiplicity of small chips of corrugated cardboard. The chips have varying external configurations and varying orientation of the long axis of the flute(s) with a side of the chip. The chips may be utilized as loose, bagged or block insulation. | 4 |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/368,225 filed 3 Mar. 2006, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,419,952, which is a continuation of each of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/964,887 filed 15 Oct. 2004, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,115,569, and of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/966,337 filed 14 Oct. 2004, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,138,375, each of which are continuations of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/187,051 filed 28 Jun. 2002, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,989,366, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/003,869 filed Jan. 7, 1998, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,956,026, which claims priority to U.S. Application No. 60/034,905 filed 7 Jan. 1997, U.S. Application No. 60/055,404 filed 8 Aug. 1997, U.S. Application No. 60/066,029 filed 14 Nov. 1997, and U.S. Application No. 60/065,442, filed 14 Nov. 1997. The contents of each of these references are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to methods for treating conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake comprising administration of an effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist alone or in conjunction with other compounds or compositions that affect satiety such as a leptin or an amylin agonist. The methods are useful for treating conditions or disorders, in which the reduction of food intake is of value, including obesity, Type II diabetes, eating disorders, and insulin-resistance syndrome. The methods are also useful for lowering the plasma lipid level, reducing the cardiac risk, reducing the appetite, and reducing the weight of subjects. Pharmaceutical compositions for use in the methods of the invention are also disclosed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The following description summarizes information relevant to the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art to the presently claimed invention, nor that any of the publications specifically or implicitly referenced are prior art to that invention.
[0004] Exendins are peptides that are found in the venom of the Gila-monster, a lizard found in Arizona, and the Mexican Beaded Lizard. Exendin-3 is present in the venom of Heloderma horridum, and exendin-4 is present in the venom of Heloderma suspectum (Eng et al, J. Biol. Chem., 265:20259-20262 (1990); Eng et al, J. Biol. Chem., 267:7402-7405 (1992)). The exendins have some sequence similarity to several members of the glucagon-like peptide family, with the highest homology, 53%, being to GLP-1[7-36]NH 2 (Göke et al, J. Biol. Chem., 268:19650-19655 (1993)). GLP-1[7-36]NH 2 , also known as proglucagon[78-107], has an insulinotropic effect, stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells; GLP also inhibits glucagon secretion from pancreatic α-cells (Ørskov et al, Diabetes, 42:658-661 (1993); D'Alessio et al, J. Clin. Invest., 97:133-138 (1996)). GLP-1 is reported to inhibit gastric emptying (Williams et al, J Clin Endocrinol Metab., 81(1):327-332 (1996); Wettergren et al, Dig Dis Sci., 38(4):665-673 (1993)), and gastric acid secretion. (Schjoldager et al, Dig Dis Sci., 34(5):703-708 (1989); O'Halloran et al, J Endocrinol., 126(1):169-173 (1990); Wettergren et al, Dig Dis Sci., 38(4):665-673 (1993)). GLP-1[7-37], which has an additional glycine residue at its carboxy terminus, also stimulates insulin secretion in humans (Ørskov et al, Diabetes, 42:658-661 (1993)). A transmembrane G-protein adenylate-cyclase-coupled receptor believed to be responsible for the insulinotropic effect of GLP-1 is reported to have been cloned from a β-cell line (Thorens, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 89:8641-8645 (1992)).
[0005] Exendin-4 potently binds at GLP-1 receptors on insulin-secreting βTC1 cells, at dispersed acinar cells from guinea pig pancreas, and at parietal cells from stomach; the peptide is also said to stimulate somatostatin release and inhibit gastrin release in isolated stomachs (Göke et al, J. Biol. Chem., 268:19650-19655 (1993); Schepp et al, Eur. J. Pharmacol., 69:183-191 (1994); Eissele et al, Life Sci., 55:629-634 (1994)). Exendin-3 and exendin-4 were reported to stimulate cAMP production in, and amylase release from, pancreatic acinar cells (Malhotra et al, Regulatory Peptides, 41:149-156 (1992); Raufman et al, J. Biol. Chem., 267:21432-21437 (1992); Singh et al, Regul. Pept., 53:47-59 (1994)). The use of exendin-3 and exendin-4 as insulinotrophic agents for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and the prevention of hyperglycemia has been proposed (Eng, U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,286).
[0006] C-terminally truncated exendin peptides such as exendin[9-39], a carboxyamidated molecule, and fragments 3-39 through 9-39 have been reported to be potent and selective antagonists of GLP-1 (Göke et al, J. Biol. Chem., 268:19650-19655 (1993); Raufman et al, J. Biol. Chem., 266:2897-2902, 1991; Schepp et al, Eur. J. Pharm., 269:183-91, 1994; Montrose-Rafizadeh et al, Diabetes, 45(Suppl. 2):152A, 1996). Exendin[9-39] is said to block endogenous GLP-1 in vivo, resulting in reduced insulin secretion. (Wang et al, J. Clin. Invest., 95:417-21, 1995; D'Alessio et al, J. Clin. Invest., 97:133-38, 1996). The receptor apparently responsible for the insulinotropic effect of GLP-1 has reportedly been cloned from rat pancreatic islet cell (Thorens, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:8641-8645, 1992). Exendins and exendin[9-39] are said to bind to the cloned GLP-1 receptor (rat pancreatic β-cell GLP-1 receptor (Fehmann et al, Peptides 15(3):453-6, 1994) and human GLP-1 receptor (Thorens et al, Diabetes 42(11):1678-82, 1993). In cells transfected with the cloned GLP-1 receptor, exendin-4 is reportedly an agonist, i.e., it increases cAMP, while exendin[9-39] is identified as an antagonist, i.e., it blocks the stimulatory actions of exendin-4 and GLP-1. Id.
[0007] Exendin[9-39] is also reported to act as an antagonist of the full length exendins, inhibiting stimulation of pancreatic acinar cells by exendin-3 and exendin-4 (Raufman et al, J. Biol. Chem. 266:2897-902, 1991; Raufman et al, J. Biol. Chem., 266:21432-37, 1992). It is also reported that exendin[9-39] inhibits the stimulation of plasma insulin levels by exendin-4, and inhibits the somatostatin release-stimulating and gastrin release-inhibiting activities of exendin-4 and GLP-1 (Kolligs et al, Diabetes, 44:16-19, 1995; Eissele et al, Life Sciences, 55:629-34, 1994).
[0008] Exendins have recently been found to inhibit gastric emptying (U.S. Ser. No. 08/694,954, filed Aug. 8, 1996, (abandoned, but see, U.S. Pat. No. 6,858,576) which enjoys common ownership with the present invention and is hereby incorporated by reference).
[0009] Exendin [9-39] has been used to investigate the physiological relevance of central GLP-1 in control of food intake (Turton et al, Nature, 379:69-72, 1996). GLP-1 administered by intracerebroventricular injection inhibits food intake in rats. This satiety-inducing effect of GLP-1 delivered ICV is reported to be inhibited by ICV injection of exendin [9-39] (Turton, supra). However, it has been reported that GLP-1 does not inhibit food intake in mice when administered by peripheral injection (Turton, Nature, 379:69-72, 1996; Bhavsar, Soc. Neurosci. Abstr., 21:460 (188.8), 1995).
[0010] Obesity, excess adipose tissue, is becoming increasingly prevalent in developed societies. For example, approximately 30% of adults in the U.S. were estimated to be 20 percent above desirable body weight—an accepted measure of obesity sufficient to impact a health risk (H ARRISON'S P RINCIPLES OF I NTERNAL M EDICINE 12th Edition, McGraw Hill, Inc. (1991) p. 411). The pathogenesis of obesity is believed to be multifactorial but the basic problem is that in obese subjects food intake and energy expenditure do not come into balance until there is excess adipose tissue. Attempts to reduce food intake, or hypernutrition, are usually fruitless in the medium term because the weight loss induced by dieting results in both increased appetite and decreased energy expenditure (Leibel et al, (1995) New England Journal of Medicine 322: 621-628). The intensity of physical exercise required to expend enough energy to materially lose adipose mass is too great for most people to undertake on a sufficiently frequent basis. Thus, obesity is currently a poorly treatable, chronic, essentially intractable metabolic disorder. Not only is obesity itself believed by some to be undesirable for cosmetic reasons, but obesity also carries serious risk of co-morbidities including, Type 2 diabetes, increased cardiac risk, hypertension, atherosclerosis, degenerative arthritis, and increased incidence of complications of surgery involving general anesthesia. Obesity due to hypernutrition is also a risk factor for the group of conditions called insulin resistance syndrome, or “syndrome X.” In syndrome X, it has been reported that there is a linkage between insulin resistance and hypertension. (Watson N. and Sandler M., Curr. Med. Res. Opin., 12(6):374-378 (1991); Kodama J. et al., Diabetes Care, 13(11):1109-1111 (1990); Lithell et al., J. Cardiovasc. Pharmacol., 15 Suppl. 5:S46-S52 (1990)).
[0011] In those few subjects who do succeed in losing weight, by about 10 percent of body weight, there can be striking improvements in co-morbid conditions, most especially Type 2 diabetes in which dieting and weight loss are the primary therapeutic modality, albeit relatively ineffective in many patients for the reasons stated above. Reducing food intake in obese subjects would decrease the plasma glucose level, the plasma lipid level, and the cardiac risk in these subjects. Hypernutrition is also the result of, and the psychological cause of, many eating disorders. Reducing food intake would also be beneficial in the treatment of such disorders.
[0012] Thus, it can be appreciated that an effective means to reduce food intake is a major challenge and a superior method of treatment would be of great utility. Such a method, and compounds and compositions which are useful therefor, have been invented and are described and claimed herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention concerns the surprising discovery that exendins and exendin agonists have a profound and prolonged effect on inhibiting food intake.
[0014] The present invention is directed to novel methods for treating conditions or disorders associated with hypernutrition, comprising the administration of an exendin, for example, exendin-3 [SEQ ID NO: 1: His Ser Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro Ser], or exendin-4 [SEQ ID NO: 2: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro Ser], or other compounds which effectively bind to the receptor at which exendin exerts its action on reducing food intake. These methods will be useful in the treatment of, for example, obesity, diabetes, including Type II or non-insulin dependent diabetes, eating disorders, and insulin-resistance syndrome.
[0015] In a first aspect, the invention features a method of treating conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake in a subject comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. By an “exendin agonist” is meant a compound that mimics the effects of exendin on the reduction of food intake by binding to the receptor or receptors where exendin causes this effect. Preferred exendin agonist compounds include those described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/055,404, entitled, “Novel Exendin Agonist Compounds,” filed Aug. 8, 1997 (see U.S. Pat. No. 7,157,555); U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/065,442, entitled, “Novel Exendin Agonist Compounds,” filed Nov. 14, 1997 (see U.S. Pat. No. 7,223,725); and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/066,029, entitled, “Novel Exendin Agonist Compounds,” filed Nov. 14, 1997 (see U.S. Pat. No. 7,220,721); all of which enjoy common ownership with the present application and all of which are incorporated by this reference into the present application as though fully set forth herein. By “condition or disorder which can be alleviated by reducing food intake” is meant any condition or disorder in a subject that is either caused by, complicated by, or aggravated by a relatively high food intake, or that can be alleviated by reducing food intake. Such conditions or disorders include, but are not limited to, obesity, diabetes, including Type II diabetes, eating disorders, and insulin-resistance syndrome.
[0016] Thus, in a first embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake in a subject comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. Preferred exendin agonist compounds include those described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/055,404; 60/065,442; and 60/066,029 (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,157,555; 7,223,725; and 7,220,721, respectively), which have been incorporated by reference in the present application. Preferably, the subject is a vertebrate, more preferably a mammal, and most preferably a human. In preferred aspects, the exendin or exendin agonist is administered parenterally, more preferably by injection. In a most preferred aspect, the injection is a peripheral injection. Preferably, about 10 μg-30 μg to about 5 mg of the exendin or exendin agonist is administered per day. More preferably, about 10-30 μg to about 2 mg, or about 10-30 μg to about 1 mg of the exendin or exendin agonist is administered per day. Most preferably, about 30 μg to about 500 μg of the exendin or exendin agonist is administered per day.
[0017] In various preferred embodiments of the invention, the condition or disorder is obesity, diabetes, preferably Type II diabetes, an eating disorder, or insulin-resistance syndrome.
[0018] In other preferred aspects of the invention, a method is provided for reducing the appetite of a subject comprising administering to said subject an appetite-lowering amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist.
[0019] In yet other preferred aspects, a method is provided for lowering plasma lipids comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist.
[0020] The methods of the present invention may also be used to reduce the cardiac risk of a subject comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. In one preferred aspect, the exendin or exendin agonist used in the methods of the present invention is exendin-3. In another preferred aspect, said exendin is exendin-4. Other preferred exendin agonists include exendin-4 (1-30) [SEQ ID NO: 6: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly], exendin-4 (1-30) amide [SEQ ID NO: 7: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH 2 ], exendin-4 (1-28) amide [SEQ ID NO: 40: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH 2 ], 14 Leu, 25 Phe exendin-4 amide [SEQ ID NO: 9: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro Ser-NH 2 ], 14 Leu, 25 Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide [SEQ ID NO: 41: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH 2 ], and 14 Leu, 22 Ala, 25 Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide [SEQ ID NO: 8: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Ala Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH 2 ].
[0021] In the methods of the present invention, the exendins and exendin agonists may be administered separately or together with one or more other compounds and compositions that exhibit a long term or short-term satiety action, including, but not limited to other compounds and compositions that comprise an amylin agonist, cholecystokinin (CCK), or a leptin (ob protein). Suitable amylin agonists include, for example, [ 25,28,29 Pro-]-human amylin (also known as “pramlintide,” and previously referred to as “AC-137”) as described in “Amylin Agonist Peptides and Uses Therefor,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,686,511, issued Nov. 11, 1997, and salmon calcitonin. The CCK used is preferably CCK octopeptide (CCK-8). Leptin is discussed in, for example, Pelleymounter et al., Science, 269:540-43 (1995); Halaas et al., Science, 269:543-46 (1995); and Campfield et al. Eur. J. Pharmac., 262:133-41 (1994).
[0022] In other embodiments of the invention is provided a pharmaceutical composition for use in the treatment of conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or exendin agonist in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Preferably, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount for a human subject.
[0023] The pharmaceutical composition may preferably be used for reducing the appetite of a subject, reducing the weight of a subject, lowering the plasma lipid level of a subject, or reducing the cardiac risk of a subject. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the pharmaceutical composition will preferably comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or exendin agonist to accomplish the desired effect in the subject.
[0024] The pharmaceutical compositions may further comprise one or more other compounds and compositions that exhibit a long-term or short-term satiety action, including, but not limited to other compounds and compositions that comprise an amylin agonist, CCK, preferably CCK-8, or leptin. Suitable amylin agonists include, for example, [252829 Pro]-human amylin and salmon calcitonin.
[0025] In one preferred aspect, the pharmaceutical composition comprises exendin-3. In another preferred aspect, the pharmaceutical composition comprises exendin-4. In other preferred aspects, the pharmaceutical compositions comprises a peptide selected from: exendin-4 (1-30), exendin-4 (1-30) amide, exendin-4 (1-28) amide, 14 Leu, 25 Phe exendin-4 amide, 14 Leu, 25 Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide, and 14 Leu, 22 Ala, 25 Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in normal mice after intraperitoneal injection of exendin-4 and GLP-1.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in obese mice after intraperitoneal injection of exendin-4.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in rats after intracerebroventricular injection of exendin-4
[0029] FIG. 4 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in normal mice after intraperitoneal injection of exendin-4 (1-30) (“Compound 1”).
[0030] FIG. 5 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in normal mice after intraperitoneal injection of exendin-4 (1-30) amide (“Compound 2”).
[0031] FIG. 6 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in normal mice after intraperitoneal injection of exendin-4 (1-28) amide (“Compound 3”).
[0032] FIG. 7 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in normal mice after intraperitoneal injection of 14 Leu, 25 Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide (“Compound 5”).
[0033] FIG. 8 is a graphical depiction of the change of food intake in normal mice after intraperitoneal injection of 14 Leu, 22 Ala, 25 Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide (“Compound 6”).
[0034] FIG. 9 depicts the amino acid sequences for certain exendin agonist compounds comprising the amino acid sequence: Xaa 1 Gly Xaa 3 Gly Thr Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Xaa 6 Xaa 7 Xaa 8 Ser Lys Gln Xaa 9 Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Xaa 13 Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro Xaa 18 -NH 2 , that are useful in the present invention [SEQ ID NOs. 9-22].
[0035] FIG. 10 depicts the amino acid sequences for certain exendin agonist compounds comprising the amino acid sequence: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Xaa 9 Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Xaa 10 Xaa 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Xaa 14 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa 15 Xaa 16 Xaa 17 Ser-NH 2 , that are useful in the present invention [SEQ ID NOs. 23-39].
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] Exendins and exendin agonists are useful as described herein in view of their pharmacological properties. Activity as exendin agonists can be indicated by activity in the assays described below. Effects of exendins or exendin agonists on reducing food intake can be identified, evaluated, or screened for, using the methods described in the Examples below, or other methods known in the art for determining effects on food intake or appetite.
[0037] Exendin agonist compounds are those described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/055,404 (see U.S. Pat. No. 7,223,725), including compounds of the formula (I) [SEQ ID NO: 3]:
[0000] 1 5 10 Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Gly Thr Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Xaa 6 Xaa 7 Xaa 8 15 20 Ser Lys Gln Xaa 9 Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu 25 30 Xaa 10 Xaa 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Xaa 14 35 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa 15 Xaa 16 Xaap 17 Xaa 18 -Z
wherein Xaa 1 is His, Arg or Tyr; Xaa 2 is Ser, Gly, Ala or Thr; Xaa 3 is Asp or Glu; Xaa 4 is Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa 5 is Thr or Ser; Xaa 6 is Ser or Thr; Xaa 7 is Asp or Glu; Xaa 8 is Leu, Ile, Val, pentylglycine or Met; Xaa 9 is Leu, Ile, pentylglycine, Val or Met; Xaa 10 is Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa 11 is Ile, Val, Leu, pentylglycine, tert-butylglycine or Met; Xaa 12 is Glu or Asp; Xaa 13 is Trp, Phe, Tyr, or naphthylalanine; Xaa 14 , Xaa 15 , Xaa 16 and Xaa 17 are independently Pro, homoproline, 3Hyp, 4Hyp, thioproline, N-alkylglycine, N-alkylpentylglycine or N-alkylalanine; Xaa 18 is Ser, Thr or Tyr; and Z is —OH or —NH 2 ; with the proviso that the compound is not exendin-3 or exendin-4.
[0038] Preferred N-alkyl groups for N-alkylglycine, N-alkylpentylglycine and N-alkylalanine include lower alkyl groups preferably of 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, more preferably of 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Suitable compounds include those listed in FIGS. 9 and 10 having amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs. 9 to 39.
[0039] Preferred exendin agonist compounds include those wherein Xaa 1 is His or Tyr. More preferably Xaa 1 is His.
[0040] Preferred are those compounds wherein Xaa 2 is Gly.
[0041] Preferred are those compounds wherein Xaa 9 is Leu, pentylglycine or Met.
[0042] Preferred compounds include those wherein Xaa 13 is Trp or Phe.
[0043] Also preferred are compounds where Xaa 4 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa 11 is Ile or Val and Xaa 14 , Xaa 15 , Xaa 16 and Xaa 17 are independently selected from Pro, homoproline, thioproline or N-alkylalanine. Preferably N-alkylalanine has a N-alkyl group of 1 to about 6 carbon atoms.
[0044] According to an especially preferred aspect, Xaa 15 , Xaa 16 and Xaa 17 are the same amino acid reside.
[0045] Preferred are compounds wherein Xaa 18 is Ser or Tyr, more preferably Ser. Preferably Z is —NH 2 .
[0046] According to one aspect, preferred are compounds of formula (I) wherein Xaa 1 is His or Tyr, more preferably His; Xaa 2 is Gly; Xaa 4 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa 9 is Leu, pentylglycine or Met; Xaa 10 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa 11 is Ile or Val; Xaa 14 , Xaa 15 , Xaa 16 and Xaa 17 are independently selected from Pro, homoproline, thioproline or N-alkylalanine; and Xaa 18 is Ser or Tyr, more preferably Ser. More preferably Z is —NH 2 .
[0047] According to an especially preferred aspect, especially preferred compounds include those of formula (I) wherein: Xaa 1 is His or Arg; Xaa 2 is Gly; Xaa 3 is Asp or Glu; Xaa 4 is Phe or napthylalanine; Xaa 5 is Thr or Ser; Xaa 6 is Ser or Thr; Xaa 7 is Asp or Glu; Xaa 8 is Leu or pentylglycine; Xaa 9 is Leu or pentylglycine; Xaa 10 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa 11 is Ile, Val or t-butyltylglycine; Xaa 12 is Glu or Asp; Xaa 13 is Trp or Phe; Xaa 14 , Xaa 15 , Xaa 16 , and Xaa 17 are independently Pro, homoproline, thioproline, or N-methylalanine; Xaa 18 is Ser or Tyr: and Z is —OH or —NH 2 ; with the proviso that the compound does not have the formula of either SEQ. ID. NOS: 1 or 2. More preferably Z is —NH 2 . Especially preferred compounds include those having the amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID. NOS:9, 10, 21, 22, 23, 26, 28, 34, 35 and 39.
[0048] According to an especially preferred aspect, provided are compounds where Xaa 9 is Leu, Ile, Val or pentylglycine, more preferably Leu or pentylglycine, and Xaa 13 is Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine, more preferably Phe or naphthylalanine. These compounds will exhibit advantageous duration of action and be less subject to oxidative degration, both in vitro and in vivo, as well as during synthesis of the compound.
[0049] Exendin agonist compounds also include those described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/065,442 (see U.S. Pat. No. 7,223,725), including compounds of the formula (II) [SEQ ID NO: 4]:
[0000] Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Gly Xaa 5 Xaa 6 Xaa 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Xaa 10 Xaa 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Xaa 14 Xaa 15 Xaa 16 Xaa 17 Ala Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 Xaa 22 Xaa 23 Xaa 24 Xaa 25 Xaa 26 Xaa 27 Xaa 28 -Z 1 ;
wherein Xaa 1 is His, Arg or Tyr; Xaa 2 is Ser, Gly, Ala or Thr; Xaa 3 is Asp or Glu; Xaa 5 is Ala or Thr; Xaa 6 is Ala, Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa 7 is Thr or Ser; Xaa 8 is Ala, Ser or Thr; Xaa 9 is Asp or Glu; Xaa 10 is Ala, Leu, Ile, Val, pentylglycine or Met; Xaa 11 is Ala or Ser; Xaa 12 is Ala or Lys; Xaa 13 is Ala or Gln; Xaa 14 is Ala, Leu, Ile, pentylglycine, Val or Met; Xaa 15 is Ala or Glu; Xaa 16 is Ala or Glu; Xaa 17 is Ala or Glu; Xaa 19 is Ala or Val; Xaa 20 is Ala or Arg; Xaa 21 is Ala or Leu; Xaa 22 is Ala, Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa 23 is Ile, Val, Leu, pentylglycine, tert-butylglycine or Met; Xaa 24 is Ala, Glu or Asp; Xaa 25 is Ala, Trp, Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa 26 is Ala or Leu; Xaa 27 is Ala or Lys; Xaa 28 is Ala or Asn; Z, is —OH, —NH 2 , Gly-Z 2 , Gly Gly-Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 -Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 Ser-Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 Ser Ser-Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 Ser Ser Gly-Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 Ser Ser Gly Ala-Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa 36 -Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa 36 Xaa 37 -Z 2 or Gly Gly Xaa3 1 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa 36 Xaa 37 Xaa 38 -Z 2 ; wherein Xaa 31 , Xaa 36 , Xaa 37 and Xaa 38 are independently Pro, homoproline, 3Hyp, 4Hyp, thioproline, N-alkylglycine, N-alkylpentylglycine or N-alkylalanine; and Z 2 is OH or NH 2 ; provided that no more than three of Xaa 3 , Xaa 5 , Xaa 6 , Xaa 8 , Xaa 10 , Xaa 11 , Xaa 12 , Xaa 13 , Xaa 14 , Xaa 15 , Xaa 16 , Xaa 17 , Xaa 19 , Xaa 20 , Xaa 21 , Xaa 24 , Xaa 25 , Xaa 26 , Xaa 27 and Xaa 28 , are Ala. Preferred N-alkyl groups for N-alkylglycine, N-alkylpentylglycine and N-alkylalanine include lower alkyl groups preferably of 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, more preferably of 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
[0050] Preferred exendin agonist compounds include those wherein Xaa 1 is His or Tyr. More preferably Xaa 1 is His.
[0051] Preferred are those compounds wherein Xaa 2 is Gly.
[0052] Preferred are those compounds wherein Xaa 14 is Leu, pentylglycine or Met.
[0053] Preferred compounds are those wherein Xaa 25 is Trp or Phe.
[0054] Preferred compounds are those where Xaa 6 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa 22 is Phe or naphthylalanine and Xaa 23 is Ile or Val.
[0055] Preferred are compounds wherein Xaa 31 , Xaa 36 , Xaa 37 , and Xaa 38 are independently selected from Pro, homoproline, thioproline and N-alkylalanine.
[0056] Preferably Z 1 is —NH 2 .
[0057] Preferable Z 2 is —NH 2 .
[0058] According to one aspect, preferred are compounds of formula (II) wherein Xaa 1 is His or Tyr, more preferably His; Xaa 2 is Gly; Xaa 6 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa 14 is Leu, pentylglycine or Met; Xaa 22 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa 23 is Ile or Val; Xaa 31 , Xaa 36 , Xaa 37 and Xaa 38 are independently selected from Pro, homoproline, thioproline or N-alkylalanine. More preferably Z 1 is —NH 2 .
[0059] According to an especially preferred aspect, especially preferred compounds include those of formula (II) wherein: Xaa 1 is His or Arg; Xaa 2 is Gly or Ala; Xaa 3 is Asp or Glu; Xaa 5 is Ala or Thr; Xaa 6 is Ala, Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa 7 is Thr or Ser; Xaa 8 is Ala, Ser or Thr; Xaa 9 is Asp or Glu; Xaa 10 is Ala, Leu or pentylglycine; Xaa 11 is Ala or Ser; Xaa 12 is Ala or Lys; Xaa 13 is Ala or Gln; Xaa 14 is Ala, Leu or pentylglycine; Xaa 15 is Ala or Glu; Xaa 16 is Ala or Glu; Xaa 17 is Ala or Glu; Xaa 19 is Ala or Val; Xaa 20 is Ala or Arg; Xaa 21 is Ala or Leu; Xaa 22 is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa 23 is Ile, Val or tert-butylglycine; Xaa.sub.24 is Ala, Glu or Asp; Xaa 25 is Ala, Trp or Phe; Xaa 26 is Ala or Leu; Xaa 27 is Ala or Lys; Xaa 28 is Ala or Asn; Z, is OH, NH 2 , Gly-Z 2 , Gly Gly-Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 -Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 Ser-Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 Ser Ser-Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 Ser Ser Gly-Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 Ser Ser Gly Ala-Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa 36 -Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa 36 Xaa 37 -Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa 36 Xaa 37 Xaa 38 -Z 2 ; Xaa 31 , Xaa 36 , Xaa 37 and Xaa 38 being independently Pro homoproline, thioproline or N-methylalanine; and Z 2 being —OH or —NH 2 ; provided that no more than three of Xaa 3 , Xaa 5 , Xaa 6 , Xaa 8 , Xaa 10 , Xaa 11 , Xaa 12 , Xaa 13 , Xaa 14 , Xaa 15 , Xaa 16 , Xaa 17 , Xaa 19 , Xaa 20 , Xaa 21 , Xaa 24 , Xaa 25 , Xaa 26 , Xaa 27 and Xaa 28 are Ala. Especially preferred compounds include those having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs. 40-61.
[0060] According to an especially preferred aspect, provided are compounds where Xaa 14 is Leu, Ile, Val or pentylglycine, more preferably Leu or pentylglycine, and Xaa 25 is Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine, more preferably Phe or naphthylalanine. These compounds will be less susceptive to oxidative degration, both in vitro and in vivo, as well as du-ring synthesis of the compound.
[0061] Exendin agonist compounds also include those described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/066,029 (see U.S. Pat. No. 7,220,721), including compounds of the formula (III) [SEQ ID NO: 5]:
[0000] Xaa 1 Xaa 2 Xaa 3 Xaa 4 Xaa 5 Xaa 6 Xaa 7 Xaa 8 Xaa 9 Xaa 10 Xaa 11 Xaa 12 Xaa 13 Xaa 14 Xaa 15 Xaa 16 Xaa 17 Ala Xaa 19 Xaa 20 Xaa 21 Xaa 22 Xaa 23 Xaa 24 Xaa 25 Xaa 26 Xaa 27 Xaa 28 -Z 1 ;
wherein Xaa 1 is His, Arg, Tyr, Ala, Norval, Val or Norleu; Xaa 2 is Ser, Gly, Ala or Thr; Xaa 3 is Ala, Asp or Glu; Xaa 4 is Ala, Norval, Val, Norleu or Gly; Xaa 5 is Ala or Thr; Xaa 6 is Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa 7 is Thr or Ser; Xaa 8 is Ala, Ser or Thr; Xaa 9 is Ala, Norval, Val, Norleu, Asp or Glu; Xaa 10 is Ala, Leu, Ile, Val, pentylglycine or Met; Xaa 11 is Ala or Ser; Xaa 12 is Ala or Lys; Xaa 13 is Ala or Gln; Xaa 14 is Ala, Leu, Ile, pentylglycine, Val or Met; Xaa 15 is Ala or Glu; Xaa 16 is Ala or Glu; Xaa 17 is Ala or Glu; Xaa 19 is Ala or Val; Xaa 20 is Ala or Arg; Xaa 21 is Ala or Leu; Xaa 22 is Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa 23 is Ile, Val, Leu, pentylglycine, tert-butylglycine or Met; Xaa 24 is Ala, Glu or Asp; Xaa 25 is Ala, Trp, Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa 26 is Ala or Leu; Xaa 27 is Ala or Lys; Xaa 28 is Ala or Asn; Z, is —OH, —NH 2 , Gly-Z 2 , Gly Gly-Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 -Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 Ser-Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 Ser Ser-Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 Ser Ser Gly-Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 Ser Ser Gly Ala-Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa 36 -Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa 36 Xaa 37 -Z 2 , Gly Gly Xaa 31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa 36 Xaa 37 Xaa 38 -Z 2 or Gly Gly Xaa 31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa 36 Xaa 37 Xaa 38 Xaa 39 -Z 2 ; wherein Xaa 31 , Xaa 36 , Xaa 37 and Xaa 38 are independently Pro, homoproline, 3Hyp, 4Hyp, thioproline, N-alkylglycine, N-alkylpentylglycine or N-alkylalanine; Xaa 39 is Ser or Tyr; and Z 2 is —OH or —NH 2 ; provided that no more than three of Xaa 3 , Xaa 4 , Xaa 5 , Xaa 6 , Xaa 8 , Xaa 9 , Xaa 10 , Xaa 11 , Xaa 12 , Xaa 13 , Xaa 14 , Xaa 15 , Xaa 16 , Xaa 17 , Xaa 19 , Xaa 20 , Xaa 21 , Xaa 24 , Xaa 25 , Xaa 26 , Xaa 27 and Xaa 28 are Ala; and provided also that, if Xaa 1 is His, Arg or Tyr, then at least one of Xaa 3 , Xaa 4 and Xaa 9 is Ala.
[0062] In accordance with the present invention and as used herein, the following terms are defined to have the following meanings, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
[0063] The term “amino acid” refers to natural amino acids, unnatural amino acids, and amino acid analogs, all in their D and L stereoisomers if their structure allow such stereoisomeric forms. Natural amino acids include alanine (Ala), arginine (Arg), asparagine (Asn), aspartic acid (Asp), cysteine (Cys), glutamine (Gln), glutamic acid (Glu), glycine (Gly), histidine (His), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), Lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), phenylalanine (Phe), proline (Pro), serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), typtophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr) and valine (Val). Unnatural amino acids include, but are not limited to azetidinecarboxylic acid, 2-aminoadipic acid, 3-aminoadipic acid, beta-alanine, aminopropionic acid, 2-aminobutyric acid, 4-aminobutyric acid, 6-aminocaproic acid, 2-aminoheptanoic acid, 2-aminoisobutyric acid, 3-aminoisbutyric acid, 2-aminopimelic acid, tertiary-butylglycine, 2,4-diaminoisobutyric acid, desmosine, 2,2′-diaminopimelic acid, 2,3-diaminopropionic acid, N-ethylglycine, N-ethylasparagine, homoproline, hydroxylysine, allo-hydroxylysine, 3-hydroxyproline, 4-hydroxyproline, isodesmosine, allo-isoleucine, N-methylalanine, N-methylglycine, N-methylisoleucine, N-methylpentylglycine, N-methylvaline, naphthalanine, norvaline, norleucine, ornithine, pentylglycine, pipecolic acid and thioproline. Amino acid analogs include the natural and unnatural amino acids which are chemically blocked, reversibly or irreversibly, or modified on their N-terminal amino group or their side-chain groups, as for example, methionine sulfoxide, methionine sulfone, S-(carboxymethyl)-cysteine, S-(carboxymethyl)-cysteine sulfoxide and S-(carboxymethyl)-cysteine sulfone.
[0064] The term “amino acid analog” refers to an amino acid wherein either the C-terminal carboxy group, the N-terminal amino group or side-chain functional group has been chemically codified to another functional group. For example, aspartic acid-(beta-methyl ester) is an amino acid analog of aspartic acid; N-ethylglycine is an amino acid analog of glycine; or alanine carboxamide is an amino acid analog of alanine.
[0065] The term “amino acid residue” refers to radicals having the structure: (1) —C(O)—R—NH—, wherein R typically is —CH(R′)—, wherein R′ is an amino acid side chain, typically H or a carbon containing substitutent; or (2), 1 wherein p is 1, 2 or 3 representing the azetidinecarboxylic acid, proline or pipecolic acid residues, respectively.
[0066] The term “lower” referred to herein in connection with organic radicals such as alkyl groups defines such groups with up to and including about 6, preferably up to and including 4 and advantageously one or two carbon atoms. Such groups may be straight chain or branched chain.
[0067] “Pharmaceutically acceptable salt” includes salts of the compounds described herein derived from the combination of such compounds and an organic or inorganic acid. In practice the use of the salt form amounts to use of the base form. The compounds are useful in both free base and salt form.
[0068] In addition, the following abbreviations stand for the following: “ACN” or “CH 3 CN” refers to acetonitrile. Boc”, “tBoc” or “Tboc” refers to t-butoxy carbonyl. “DCC” refers to N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. “Fmoc” refers to fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl. “HBTU” refers to 2-(1H-benzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3,-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate. “HOBt” refers to 1-hydroxybenzotriazole monohydrate. “homoP” or hpro” refers to homoproline. “MeAla” or “Nme” refers to N-methylalanine. “naph” refers to naphthylalanine. “pG” or pGly” refers to pentylglycine. “tBuG” refers to tertiary-butylglycine. “ThioP” or tPro” refers to thioproline. “3Hyp” refers to 3-hydroxyproline. “4Hyp” refers to 4-hydroxyproline. “NAG” refers to N-alkylglycine. “NAPG” refers to N-alkylpentylglycine. “Norval” refers to norvaline. “Norleu” refers to norleucine.
[0069] The exendins and exendin agonists described herein may be prepared using standard solid-phase peptide synthesis techniques and preferably an automated or semiautomated peptide synthesizer. Typically, using such techniques, an α-N-carbamoyl protected amino acid and an amino acid attached to the growing peptide chain on a resin are coupled at room temperature in an inert solvent such as dimethylformamide, N-methylpyrrolidinone or methylene chloride in the presence of coupling agents such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole in the presence of a base such as diisopropylethylamine. The α-N-carbamoyl protecting group is removed from the resulting peptide-resin using a reagent such as trifluoroacetic acid or piperidine, and the coupling reaction repeated with the next desired N-protected amino acid to be added to the peptide chain. Suitable N-protecting groups are well known in the art, with t-butyloxycarbonyl (tBoc) and fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) being preferred herein.
[0070] The solvents, amino acid derivatives and 4-methylbenzhydryl-amine resin used in the peptide synthesizer may be purchased from Applied Biosystems Inc. (Foster City, Calif.). The following side-chain protected amino acids may be purchased from Applied Biosystems, Inc.: Boc-Arg(Mts), Fmoc-Arg(Pmc), Boc-Thr(Bzl), Fmoc-Thr(t-Bu), Boc-Ser(Bzl), Fmoc-Ser(t-Bu), Boc-Tyr(BrZ), Fmoc-Tyr(t-Bu), Boc-Lys(Cl-Z), Fmoc-Lys(Boc), Boc-Glu(Bzl), Fmoc-Glu(t-Bu), Fmoc-His(Trt), Fmoc-Asn(Trt), and Fmoc-Gln(Trt). Boc-His(BOM) may be purchased from Applied Biosystems, Inc. or Bachem Inc. (Torrance, Calif.). Anisole, dimethylsulfide, phenol, ethanedithiol, and thioanisole may be obtained from Aldrich Chemical Company (Milwaukee, Wis.). Air Products and Chemicals (Allentown, Pa.) supplies HF. Ethyl ether, acetic acid and methanol may be purchased from Fisher Scientific (Pittsburgh, Pa.).
[0071] Solid phase peptide synthesis may be carried out with an automatic peptide synthesizer (Model 430A, Applied Biosystems Inc., Foster City, Calif.) using the NMP/HOBt (Option 1) system and tBoc or Fmoc chemistry (see, Applied Biosystems User's Manual for the ABI 430A Peptide Synthesizer, Version 1.3B Jul. 1, 1988, section 6, pp. 49-70, Applied Biosystems, Inc., Foster City, Calif.) with capping. Boc-peptide-resins may be cleaved with HF (−5° C. to 0° C., 1 hour). The peptide may be extracted from the resin with alternating water and acetic acid, and the filtrates lyophilized. The Fmoc-peptide resins may be cleaved according to standard methods (Introduction to Cleavage Techniques, Applied Biosystems, Inc., 1990, pp. 6-12). Peptides may be also be assembled using an Advanced Chem Tech Synthesizer (Model MPS 350, Louisville, Ky.).
[0072] Peptides may be purified by RP-HPLC (preparative and analytical) using a Waters Delta Prep 3000 system. A C4, C8 or C18 preparative column (10μ, 2.2×25 cm; Vydac, Hesperia, Calif.) may be used to isolate peptides, and purity may be determined using a C4, C8 or C18 analytical column (5μ, 0.46×25 cm; Vydac). Solvents (A=0.1% TFA/water and B=0.1% TFA/CH 3 CN) may be delivered to the analytical column at a flowrate of 1.0 ml/min and to the preparative column at 15 ml/min. Amino acid analyses may be performed on the Waters Pico Tag system and processed using the Maxima program. Peptides may be hydrolyzed by vapor-phase acid hydrolysis (115° C., 20-24 h). Hydrolysates may be derivatized and analyzed by standard methods (Cohen, et al., The Pico Tag Method: A Manual of Advanced Techniques for Amino Acid Analysis, pp. 11-52, Millipore Corporation, Milford, Mass. (1989)). Fast atom bombardment analysis may be carried out by M-Scan, Incorporated (West Chester, Pa.). Mass calibration may be performed using cesium iodide or cesium iodide/glycerol. Plasma desorption ionization analysis using time of flight detection may be carried out on an Applied Biosystems Bio-Ion 20 mass spectrometer. Electrospray mass spectroscopy may be carried out on a VG-Trio machine.
[0073] Peptide compounds useful in the invention may also be prepared using recombinant DNA techniques, using methods now known in the art. See, e.g., Sambrook et al., M OLECULAR C LONING : A L ABORATORY M ANUAL , 2d Ed., Cold Spring Harbor (1989). Non-peptide compounds useful in the present invention may be prepared by art-known methods. For example, phosphate-containing amino acids and peptides containing such amino acids, may be prepared using methods known in the art. See, e.g., Bartlett and Landen, Biorg. Chem. 14:356-377 (1986).
[0074] The compounds described above are useful in view of their pharmacological properties. In particular, the compounds of the invention possess activity as agents to reduce food intake. They can be used to treat conditions or diseases which can be alleviated by reducing food intake.
[0075] Compositions useful in the invention may conveniently be provided in the form of formulations suitable for parenteral (including intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous) or nasal or oral administration. In some cases, it will be convenient to provide an exendin or exendin agonist and another food-intake-reducing, plasma glucose-lowering or plasma lipid-lowering agent, such as amylin, an amylin agonist, a CCK, or a leptin, in a single composition or solution for administration together. In other cases, it may be more advantageous to administer the additional agent separately from said exendin or exendin agonist. A suitable administration format may best be determined by a medical practitioner for each patient individually. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and their formulation are described in standard formulation treatises, e.g., R EMINGTON'S P HARMACEUTICAL S CIENCES by E. W. Martin. See also Wang, Y. J. and Hanson, M. A. “Parenteral Formulations of Proteins and Peptides: Stability and Stabilizers,” Journal of Parenteral Science and Technology , Technical Report No. 10, Supp. 42:2S (1988).
[0076] Compounds useful in the invention can be provided as parenteral compositions for injection or infusion. They can, for example, be suspended in an inert oil, suitably a vegetable oil such as sesame, peanut, olive oil, or other acceptable carrier. Preferably, they are suspended in an aqueous carrier, for example, in an isotonic buffer solution at a pH of about 3.0 to 8.0, preferably at a pH of about 3.5 to 5.0. These compositions may be sterilized by conventional sterilization techniques, or may be sterile filtered. The compositions may contain pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary substances as required to approximate physiological conditions, such as pH buffering agents. Useful buffers include for example, sodium acetate/acetic acid buffers. A form of repository or “depot” slow release preparation may be used so that therapeutically effective amounts of the preparation are delivered into the bloodstream over many hours or days following transdermal injection or delivery.
[0077] The desired isotonicity may be accomplished using sodium chloride or other pharmaceutically acceptable agents such as dextrose, boric acid, sodium tartrate, propylene glycol, polyols (such as mannitol and sorbitol), or other inorganic or organic solutes. Sodium chloride is preferred particularly for buffers containing sodium ions.
[0078] The claimed compositions can also be formulated as pharmaceutically acceptable salts (e.g., acid addition salts) and/or complexes thereof. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are non-toxic salts at the concentration at which they are administered. The preparation of such salts can facilitate the pharmacological use by altering the physical-chemical characteristics of the composition without preventing the composition from exerting its physiological effect. Examples of useful alterations in physical properties include lowering the melting point to facilitate transmucosal administration and increasing the solubility to facilitate the administration of higher concentrations of the drug.
[0079] Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include acid addition salts such as those containing sulfate, hydrochloride, phosphate, sulfamate, acetate, citrate, lactate, tartrate, methanesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, cyclohexylsulfamate and quinate. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be obtained from acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfamic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, malonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, cyclohexylsulfamic acid, and quinic acid. Such salts may be prepared by, for example, reacting the free acid or base forms of the product with one or more equivalents of the appropriate base or acid in a solvent or medium in which the salt is insoluble, or in a solvent such as water which is then removed in vacuo or by freeze-drying or by exchanging the ions of an existing salt for another ion on a suitable ion exchange resin.
[0080] Carriers or excipients can also be used to facilitate administration of the compound. Examples of carriers and excipients include calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, various sugars such as lactose, glucose, or sucrose, or types of starch, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, vegetable oils, polyethylene glycols and physiologically compatible solvents. The compositions or pharmaceutical composition can be administered by different routes including intravenously, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular, orally, topically, transmucosally, or by pulmonary inhalation.
[0081] If desired, solutions of the above compositions may be thickened with a thickening agent such as methyl cellulose. They may be prepared in emulsified form, either water in oil or oil in water. Any of a wide variety of pharmaceutically acceptable emulsifying agents may be employed including, for example, acacia powder, a non-ionic surfactant (such as a Tween), or an ionic surfactant (such as alkali polyether alcohol sulfates or sulfonates, e.g., a Triton).
[0082] Compositions useful in the invention are prepared by mixing the ingredients following generally accepted procedures. For example, the selected components may be simply mixed in a blender or other standard device to produce a concentrated mixture which may then be adjusted to the final concentration and viscosity by the addition of water or thickening agent and possibly a buffer to control pH or an additional solute to control tonicity.
[0083] For use by the physician, the compositions will be provided in dosage unit form containing an amount of an exendin or exendin agonist, for example, exendin-3, and/or exendin-4, with or without another food intake-reducing, plasma glucose-lowering or plasma lipid-lowering agent. Therapeutically effective amounts of an exendin or exendin agonist for use in reducing food intake are those that suppress appetite at a desired level. As will be recognized by those in the field, an effective amount of therapeutic agent will vary with many factors including the age and weight of the patient, the patient's physical condition, the blood sugar level and other factors.
[0084] The effective daily appetite-suppressing dose of the compounds will typically be in the range of about 10 to 30 μg to about 5 mg/day, preferably about 10 to 30 μg to about 2 mg/day and more preferably about 10 to 100 μg to about 1 mg/day, most preferably about 30 μg to about 500 μg/day, for a 70 kg patient, administered in a single or divided doses. The exact dose to be administered is determined by the attending clinician and is dependent upon where the particular compound lies within the above quoted range, as well as upon the age, weight and condition of the individual. Administration should begin whenever the suppression of food intake, or weight lowering is desired, for example, at the first sign of symptoms or shortly after diagnosis of obesity, diabetes mellitus, or insulin-resistance syndrome. Administration may be by injection, preferably subcutaneous or intramuscular. Orally active compounds may be taken orally, however dosages should be increased 5-10 fold.
[0085] The optimal formulation and mode of administration of compounds of the present application to a patient depend on factors known in the art such as the particular disease or disorder, the desired effect, and the type of patient. While the compounds will typically be used to treat human subjects they may also be used to treat similar or identical diseases in other vertebrates such as other primates, farm animals such as swine, cattle and poultry, and sports animals and pets such as horses, dogs and cats.
[0086] To assist in understanding the present invention, the following Examples are included. The experiments relating to this invention should not, of course, be construed as specifically limiting the invention and such variations of the invention, now known or later developed, which would be within the purview of one skilled in the art are considered to fall within the scope of the invention as described herein and hereinafter claimed.
EXAMPLE 1
Exendin Injections Reduced the Food Intake of Normal Mice
[0087] All mice (NIH: Swiss mice) were housed in a stable environment of 22(±2)° C., 60(±10) % humidity and a 12:12 light:dark cycle; with lights on at 0600. Mice were housed in groups of four in standard cages with ad libitum access to food (Teklad: LM 485; Madison, Wis.) and water except as noted, for at least two weeks before the experiments.
[0088] All experiments were conducted between the hours of 0700 and 0900. The mice were food deprived (food removed at 1600 hr from all animals on day prior to experiment) and individually housed. All mice received an intraperitoneal injection (5 μl/kg) of either saline or exendin-4 at doses of 0.1, 1.0, 10 and 100 μg/kg and were immediately presented with a pre-weighed food pellet (Teklad LM 485). The food pellet was weighed at 30-minute, 1-hr, 2-hr and 6-hr intervals to determine the amount of food eaten.
[0089] FIG. 1 depicts cumulative food intake over periods of 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 hr in overnight-fasted normal NIH: Swiss mice following ip injection of saline, 2 doses of GLP-1, or 4 doses of exendin-4. At doses up to 100 μg/kg, GLP-1 had no effect on food intake measured over any period, a result consistent with that previously reported (Bhavsar, S. P., et al., Soc. Neurosci . Abstr. 21:460 (188.8) (1995); and Turton, M. D., Nature, 379:69-72, (1996)).
[0090] In contrast, exendin-4 injections potently and dose-dependently inhibited food intake. The ED 50 for inhibition of food intake over 30 min was 1 μg/kg, which is a level about as potent as amylin (ED 50 3.6 μg/kg) or the prototypical peripheral satiety agent, CCK (ED 50 0.97 μg/kg) as measured in this preparation. However, in contrast to the effects of amylin or CCK, which abate after 1-2 hours, the inhibition of food intake with exendin-4 was still present after at least 6 hours after injection.
EXAMPLE 2
Exendin Reduced the Food Intake of Obese Mice
[0091] All mice (female ob/ob mice) were housed in a stable environment of 22(±2)° C., 60(±10) % humidity and a 12:12 light:dark cycle; with lights on at 0600. Mice were housed in groups of four in standard cages with ad libitum access to food (Teklad: LM 485) and water except as noted, for at least two weeks before the experiments.
[0092] All experiments were conducted between the hours of 0700 and 0900. The mice were food deprived (food removed at 1600 hr from all animals on day prior to experiment) and individually housed. All mice received an intraperitoneal injection (5 μl/kg) of either saline or exendin-4 at doses of 0.1, 1.0 and 10 μg/kg (female ob/ob mice) and were immediately presented with a pre-weighed food pellet (Teklad LM 485). The food pellet was weighed at 30-minute, 1-hr, 2-hr and 6-hr intervals to determine the amount of food eaten.
[0093] FIG. 2 depicts the effect of exendin-4 in the ob/ob mouse model of obesity. The obese mice had a similar food intake-related response to exendin as the normal mice. Moreover, the obese mice were not hypersensitive to exendin, as has been observed with amylin and leptin (Young, A. A., et al., Program and Abstracts, 10th I NTERNATIONAL C ONGRESS OF E NDOCRINOLOGY , Jun. 12-15, 1996 San Francisco, pg 419 (P2-58)).
EXAMPLE 3
Intracerebroventricular Injections of Exendin Inhibited Food Intake in Rats
[0094] All rats (Harlan Sprague-Dawley) were housed in a stable environment of 22(±2)° C., 60(±10) % humidity and a 12:12 light:dark cycle; with lights on at 0600. Rats were obtained from Zivic Miller with an intracerebroventricular cannula (ICV cannula) implanted (coordinates determined by actual weight of animals and referenced to Paxinos, G. and Watson, C. T HE R AT B RAIN IN S TEREOTAXIC C OORDINATES 2nd ed. Academic Press) and were individually housed in standard cages with ad libitum access to food (Teklad: LM 485) and water for at least one week before the experiments.
[0095] All injections were given between the hours of 1700 and 1800. The rats were habituated to the ICV injection procedure at least once before the ICV administration of compound. All rats received an ICV injection (2 μl/30 seconds) of either saline or exendin-4 at doses of 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 μg. All animals were then presented with pre-weighed food (Teklad LM 485) at 1800, when the lights were turned off. The amount of food left was weighed at 2-hr, 12-hr and 24-hr intervals to determine the amount of food eaten by each animal.
[0096] FIG. 3 depicts a dose-dependent inhibition of food intake in rats that received doses greater than 0.1 μg/rat. The ED 50 was ˜0.0.1 μg, exendin-4 is thus ˜100-fold more potent than intracerebroventricular injections of GLP-1 as reported by Turton, M. D., et al. ( Nature 379:69-72 (1996)).
EXAMPLE 4
Exendin Agonists Reduced the Food Intake in Mice
[0097] All mice (NIH: Swiss mice) were housed in a stable environment of 22 (±2)° C., 60(±10) % humidity and a 12:12 light:dark cycle; with lights on at 0600. Mice were housed in groups of four in standard cages with ad libitum access to food (Teklad: LM 485; Madison, Wis.) and water except as noted, for at least two weeks before the experiments.
[0098] All experiments were conducted between the hours of 0700 and 0900. The mice were food deprived (food removed at 1600 hr from all animals on day prior to experiment) and individually housed. All mice received an intraperitoneal injection (5 μl/kg) of either saline or test compound at doses of 1, 10, and 100 μg/kg and immediately presented with a food pellet (Teklad LM 485). The food pellet was weighed at 30-minute, 1-hr, 2-hr and 6-hr intervals to determine the amount of food eaten.
[0099] FIG. 4 depicts the cumulative food intake over periods of 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 hr in overnight-fasted normal NIH: Swiss mice following ip injection of saline or exendin-4 (1-30) (“Compound 1”) in doses of 1, 10 and 100 μg/kg.
[0100] FIG. 5 depicts the cumulative food intake over periods of 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 hr in overnight-fasted normal NIH: Swiss mice following ip injection of saline or exendin-4 (1-30) amide (“Compound 2”) in doses of 1, 10 and 100 μg/kg.
[0101] FIG. 6 depicts the cumulative food intake over periods of 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 hr in overnight-fasted normal NIH: Swiss mice following ip injection of saline or exendin-4 (1-28) amide (“Compound 3”) in doses of 1, 10 and 100 μg/kg.
[0102] FIG. 7 depicts the cumulative food intake over periods of 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 hr in overnight-fasted normal NIH: Swiss mice following ip injection of saline or 14 Leu, 25 Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide (“Compound 5”) in doses of 1, 10 and 100 μg/kg.
[0103] FIG. 8 depicts the cumulative food intake over periods of 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 hr in overnight-fasted normal NIH: Swiss mice following ip injection of saline or 14 Leu, 22 Ala, 25 Phe exendin-4 (1-28) amide (“Compound 6”) in doses of 1, 10 and 100 μg/kg.
EXAMPLE 5
Preparation of Amidated Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 9
[0104] The above-identified peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA-resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.). In general, single-coupling cycles were used throughout the synthesis and Fast Moc (HBTU activation) chemistry was employed. However, at some positions coupling was less efficient than expected and double couplings were required. In particular, residues Asp 9 , Thr 7 and Phe 6 all required double coupling. Deprotection (Fmoc group removal) of the growing peptide chain using piperidine was not always efficient. Double deprotection was required at positions Arg 20 , Val 19 and Leu 14 . Final deprotection of the completed peptide resin was achieved using a mixture of triethylsilane (0.2 mL), ethanedithiol (0.2 mL), anisole (0.2 mL), water (0.2 mL) and trifluoroacetic acid (15 mL) according to standard methods (Introduction to Cleavage Techniques, Applied Biosystems, Inc.) The peptide was precipitated in ether/water (50 mL) and centrifuged. The precipitate was reconstituted in glacial acetic acid and lyophilized. The lyophilized peptide was dissolved in water). Crude purity was about 55%.
[0105] Used in purification steps and analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN).
[0106] The solution containing peptide was applied to a preparative C-18 column and purified (10% to 40% Solvent B in Solvent A over 40 minutes). Purity of fractions was determined isocratically using a C-18 analytical column. Pure fractions were pooled furnishing the above-identified peptide. Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.5 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4131.7; found 4129.3.
EXAMPLE 6
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 10
[0107] The above-identified peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 25% to 75% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 21.5 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4168.6; found 4171.2.
EXAMPLE 7
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 11
[0108] The above-identified peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 17.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4147.6; found 4150.2.
EXAMPLE 8
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 12
[0109] The above-identified peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 35% to 65% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 19.7 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4212.6; found 4213.2.
EXAMPLE 9
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 13
[0110] The above-identified peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 50% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 16.3 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4262.7; found 4262.4.
EXAMPLE 10
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 14
[0111] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4172.6
EXAMPLE 11
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 15
[0112] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4224.7.
EXAMPLE 12
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 16
[0113] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4172.6
EXAMPLE 13
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 17
[0114] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4186.6
EXAMPLE 14
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 18
[0115] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4200.7
EXAMPLE 15
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 19
[0116] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4200.7
EXAMPLE 16
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 20
[0117] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4202.7.
EXAMPLE 17
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 21
[0118] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4145.6.
EXAMPLE 18
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 22
[0119] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4184.6.
EXAMPLE 19
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 23
[0120] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4145.6.
EXAMPLE 20
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 24
[0121] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4224.7.
EXAMPLE 21
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 25
[0122] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4172.6.
EXAMPLE 22
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 26
[0123] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4115.5.
EXAMPLE 23
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 27
[0124] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4188.6.
EXAMPLE 24
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 28
[0125] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4131.6.
EXAMPLE 25
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 29
[0126] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4172.6.
EXAMPLE 26
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 30
[0127] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4145.6.
EXAMPLE 27
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 31
[0128] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the thioproline positions 38, 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4266.8.
EXAMPLE 28
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 32
[0129] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the thioproline positions 38, 37 and 36. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4246.8.
EXAMPLE 29
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 33
[0130] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the homoproline positions 38, 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4250.8.
EXAMPLE 30
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 34
[0131] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the homoproline positions 38, 37, and 36. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4234.8.
EXAMPLE 31
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 35
[0132] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the thioproline positions 38, 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4209.8.
EXAMPLE 32
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 36
[0133] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the homoproline positions 38, 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4193.7.
EXAMPLE 33
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 37
[0134] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the N-methylalanine positions 38, 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3858.2.
EXAMPLE 34
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 38
[0135] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the N-methylalanine positions 38, 37 and 36. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3940.3.
EXAMPLE 35
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 39
[0136] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Additional double couplings are required at the N-methylalanine positions 38, 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3801.1.
EXAMPLE 36
Preparation of C-Terminal Carboxylic Acid Peptides Corresponding to the Above C-Terminal Amide Sequences
[0137] The above peptides of Examples 5 to 35 are assembled on the so called Wang resin (p-alkoxybenzylalacohol resin (Bachem, 0.54 mmole/g)) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 5. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry provides an experimentally determined (M).
EXAMPLE 37
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO:7
[0138]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 7]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys
Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu
Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH 2
[0139] The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxypheny-1)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.). In general, single-coupling cycles were used throughout the synthesis and Fast Moc (HBTU activation) chemistry was employed. Deprotection (Fmoc group removal) of the growing peptide chain was achieved using piperidine. Final deprotection of the completed peptide resin was achieved using a mixture of triethylsilane (0.2 mL), ethanedithiol (0.2 mL), anisole (0.2 mL), water (0.2 mL) and trifluoroacetic acid (15 mL) according to standard methods (Introduction to Cleavage Techniques, Applied Biosystems, Inc.) The peptide was precipitated in ether/water (50 mL) and centrifuged. The precipitate was reconstituted in glacial acetic acid and lyophilized. The lyophilized peptide was dissolved in water). Crude purity was about 75%.
[0140] Used in purification steps and analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). The solution containing peptide was applied to a preparative C-18 column and purified (10% to 40% Solvent B in Solvent A over 40 minutes). Purity of fractions was determined isocratically using a C-18 analytical column. Pure fractions were pooled furnishing the above-identified peptide. Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 50% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 18.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3408.0; found 3408.9.
EXAMPLE 38
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO:40
[0141]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 40]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys
Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu
Trp Leu Lye Asn-NH 2
[0142] The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxypheny-1)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 40% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 17.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M) calculated 3294.7; found 3294.8.
EXAMPLE 39
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO:41
[0143]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 41]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys
Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu
Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH 2
[0144] The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 29% to 36% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of. 20.7 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3237.6; found 3240.
EXAMPLE 40
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO:42
[0145]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:42]
His Ala Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0146] The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2.1-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 36% to 46% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 15.2 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3251.6; found 3251.5.
EXAMPLE 41
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO:43
[0147]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:43]
His Gly Glu Gly Ala Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0148] The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxypheny-1)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 36% to 46% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 13.1 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3207.6; found 3208.3.
EXAMPLE 42
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 44
[0149]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:44]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Ala Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0150] The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxypheny-1)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 35% to 45% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 12.8 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3161.5; found 3163.
EXAMPLE 43
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 45
[0151]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:45]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ala Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0152] The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 36% to 46% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 15.2 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3221.6; found 3222.7.
EXAMPLE 44
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO:46
[0153]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:46]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0154] The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 34% to 44% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.3 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3195.5; found 3199.4.
EXAMPLE 45
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 47
[0155]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:47]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ala Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0156] The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 38% to 48% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 15.7 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3221.6; found 3221.6.
EXAMPLE 46
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 48
[0157]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:48]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Ala Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0158] The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent. B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 38% to 48% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 18.1 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3180.5; found 3180.9.
EXAMPLE 47
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 49
[0159]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:49]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Ala
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0160] The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Compound 1. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 36% to 46% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 17.0 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3180.6; found 3182.8.
EXAMPLE 48
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 50
[0161]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:50]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Ala Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0162] The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 32% to 42% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3195.5; found 3195.9.
EXAMPLE 49
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 51
[0163]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:51]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Ala Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0164] The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical. RP-HPLC (gradient 37% to 47% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 17.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3179.6; found 3179.0.
EXAMPLE 50
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 52
[0165]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:52]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Ala Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0166] The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 37% to 47% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.3 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3179.6; found 3180.0.
EXAMPLE 51
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 53
[0167]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:53]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Ala Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0168] The above-identified peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 37% to 47% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 13.7 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3179.6; found 3179.0.
EXAMPLE 52
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 54
[0169]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:54]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Ala Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0170] The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 35% to 45% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.0 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3209.6; found 3212.8.
EXAMPLE 53
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 55
[0171]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:55]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Ala Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0172] The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 38% to 48% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.3 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3152.5; found 3153.5.
EXAMPLE 54
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 56
[0173]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:56]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Ala Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0174] The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 35% to 45% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 12.1 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3195.5; found 3197.7.
EXAMPLE 55
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 57
[0175]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:57]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Ala Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0176] The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 38% to 48% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 10.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3179.6; found 3180.5.
EXAMPLE 56
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 58
[0177]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:58]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Ala Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0178] The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 32% to 42% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 17.5 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3161.5; found 3163.0.
EXAMPLE 57
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 59
[0179]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:59]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Ala
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0180] The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 32% to 42% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 19.5 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3195.5; found 3199.
EXAMPLE 58
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 60
[0181]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:60]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Ala Asn-NH 2
[0182] The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 38% to 48% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.5 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3180.5; found 3183.7.
EXAMPLE 59
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 61
[0183]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:61]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Ala-NH 2
[0184] The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 34% to 44% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 22.8 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3194.6; found 3197.6.
EXAMPLE 60
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 62
[0185]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:62]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro-NH 2
[0186] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4099.6.
EXAMPLE 61
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 63
[0187]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:63]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro-NH 2
[0188] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4042.5.
EXAMPLE 62
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 64
[0189]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:64]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro-NH 2
[0190] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4002.4
EXAMPLE 63
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 65
[0191]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:65]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro-NH 2
[0192] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3945.4.
EXAMPLE 64
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 66
[0193]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:66]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu
Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro-NH 2
[0194] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3905.3.
EXAMPLE 65
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 67
[0195]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:67]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro-NH 2
[0196] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3848.2.
EXAMPLE 66
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 68
[0197]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:68]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala-NH 2
[0198] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3808.2.
EXAMPLE 67
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 69
[0199]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:69]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala-NH 2
[0200] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3751.1.
EXAMPLE 68
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 70
[0201]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:70]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly-NH 2
[0202] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3737.1.
EXAMPLE 69
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 71
[0203]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:71]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly-NH 2
[0204] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1%, TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3680.1.
EXAMPLE 70
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 72
[0205]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:72]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser-NH 2
[0206] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 0.30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3680.1
EXAMPLE 71
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 73
[0207]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:73]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser-NH 2
[0208] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3623.0.
EXAMPLE 72
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 74
[0209]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:74]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser-NH 2
[0210] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/q) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3593.0
EXAMPLE 73
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 75
[0211]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:75]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser-NH 2
[0212] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3535.9
EXAMPLE 74
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 76
[0213]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:76]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro-NH 2
[0214] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g): using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 0.60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3505.9.
EXAMPLE 75
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 77
[0215]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:77]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro-NH 2
[0216] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3448.8.
EXAMPLE 76
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 78
[0217]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:78]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH 2
[0218] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3351.7.
EXAMPLE 77
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 79
[0219]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:79]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly-NH 2
[0220] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3351.8.
EXAMPLE 78
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 80
[0221]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:80]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn Gly-NH 2
[0222] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M) calculated 3294.7.
EXAMPLE 79
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 81
[0223]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:81]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly tPro Ser Ser Gly Ala tPro tPro
tPro-NH 2
[0224] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Double couplings are required at residues 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4197.1.
EXAMPLE 80
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 82
[0225]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:82]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala tPro tPro
tPro-NH 2
[0226] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied. Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Double couplings are required at residues 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4179.1.
EXAMPLE 81
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 83
[0227]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:83]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly NMeala Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro-NH 2
[0228] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Double couplings are required at residues 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3948.3.
EXAMPLE 82
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 84
[0229]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:84]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly NMeala Ser Ser Gly Ala NMeala
Nmeala-NH 2
[0230] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Double couplings are required at residues 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A. (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide, is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3840.1.
EXAMPLE 83
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 85
[0231]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:85]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly hPro Ser Ser Gly Ala hPro hPro-NH 2
[0232] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Double couplings are required at residues 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4050.1.
EXAMPLE 84
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 86
[0233]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:86]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly hPro Ser Ser Gly Ala hPro-NH 2
[0234] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. A double coupling is required at residue 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3937.1
EXAMPLE 85
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 87
[0235]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 87]
Arg Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala-NH 2
[0236] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3827.2.
EXAMPLE 86
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 88
[0237]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 88]
His Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH 2
[0238] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3394.8.
EXAMPLE 87
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 89
[0239]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 89]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Naphthylala Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser
Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu
Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH 2
[0240] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems., Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent. A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention-time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3289.5.
EXAMPLE 88
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 90
[0241]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 90]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Ser Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0242] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray, Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3280.7.
EXAMPLE 89
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 91
[0243]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 91]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Ser Thr Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Gln Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0244] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3294.7.
EXAMPLE 90
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 92
[0245]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 92]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Glu Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Ala Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0246] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A. (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3250.7.
EXAMPLE 91
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 93
[0247]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 93]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp pentylgly Ser
Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu
Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH 2
[0248] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B. (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3253.5.
EXAMPLE 92
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 94
[0249]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 94]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Naphthylala Ile Glu
Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH 2
[0250] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3289.5.
EXAMPLE 93
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 95
[0251]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 95]
His Guy Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe tButylgly Glu
Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH 2
[0252] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3183.4.
EXAMPLE 94
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 96
[0253]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 96]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Asp Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0254] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3237.6.
EXAMPLE 95
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 97
[0255]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 97]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser-NH 2
[0256] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3637.9.
EXAMPLE 96
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 98
[0257]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 98]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly-NH 2
[0258] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3309.7.
EXAMPLE 97
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 99
[0259]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 99]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly hPro Ser Ser Gly Ala hPro hPro-NH 2
[0260] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Double couplings are required at residues 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3711.1.
EXAMPLE 98
Preparation of C-Terminal Carboxylic Acid Peptides Corresponding to the C-Terminal Amide Sequences for SEQ ID NOs. 7, 40-61, 68-75, 78-80 and 87-96
[0261] Peptides having the sequences of SEQ ID NOs. 7, 40-61, 68-75, 78-80 and 87-96 are assembled on the so called Wang resin (p-alkoxybenzylalacohol resin (Bachem, 0.54 mmole/g)) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry provides an experimentally determined (M).
EXAMPLE 99
Preparation of C-Terminal Carboxylic Acid Peptides Corresponding to the Above C-Terminal Amide Sequences for SEQ ID NOs. 62-67, 76, 77 and 81-86
[0262] Peptides having the sequences of SEQ ID NOs. 62-67, 76, 77 and 81-86 are assembled on the 2-chlorotritylchloride resin (200-400 mesh), 2% DVB (Novabiochem, 0.4-1.0 mmole/g)) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 37. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry provides an experimentally determined (M).
EXAMPLE 100
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 100
[0263]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 100]
Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0264] The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxypheny-1)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.). In general, single-coupling cycles were used throughout the synthesis and Fast Moc (HBTU activation) chemistry was employed. Deprotection (Fmoc group removal) of the growing peptide chain was achieved using piperidine. Final deprotection of the completed peptide resin was achieved using a mixture of triethylsilane (0.2 mL), ethanedithiol (0.2 mL), anisole (0.2 mL), water (0.2 mL) and trifluoroacetic acid (15 mL) according to standard methods (Introduction to Cleavage Techniques, Applied Biosystems, Inc.) The peptide was precipitated in ether/water (50 mL) and centrifuged. The precipitate was reconstituted in glacial acetic acid and lyophilized. The lyophilized peptide was dissolved in water). Crude purity was about 75%.
[0265] Used in purification steps and analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). The solution containing peptide was applied to a preparative C-18 column and purified (10% to 40% Solvent B in Solvent A over 40 minutes). Purity of fractions was determined isocratically using a C-18 analytical column. Pure fractions were pooled furnishing the above-identified peptide. Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 19.2 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3171.6; found 3172.
EXAMPLE 101
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 101
[0266]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 101]
His Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0267] The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxypheny-1)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 36% to 46% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3179.6; found 3180.
EXAMPLE 102
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 102
[0268]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:102]
His Gly Glu Ala Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0269] The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxypheny-1)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 37% to 47% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 12.2 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3251.6; found 3253.3.
EXAMPLE 103
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 103
[0270]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:103]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0271] The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxypheny-1)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 35% to 45% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 16.3 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3193.6; found 3197.
EXAMPLE 104
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 104
[0272]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:104]
Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0273] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3228.6.
EXAMPLE 105
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 105
[0274]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:105]
His Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0275] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3234.7.
EXAMPLE 106
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 106
[0276]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:106]
His Gly Glu Ala Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0277] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3308.7.
EXAMPLE 107
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 107
[0278]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:107]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0279] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3250.7
EXAMPLE 108
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 108
[0280]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:108]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0281] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3252.6.
EXAMPLE 109
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 109
[0282]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:109]
Ala Ala Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0283] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis ate Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3200.6.
EXAMPLE 110
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 110
[0284]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:110]
Ala Ala Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0285] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3143.5.
EXAMPLE 111
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 111
[0286]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:111]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0287] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3214.6.
EXAMPLE 112
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 112
[0288]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:112]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0289] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3157.5.
EXAMPLE 113
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 113
[0290]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:113]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Ala Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0291] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3184.6.
EXAMPLE 114
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 114
[0292]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:114]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Ala Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0293] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3127.5.
EXAMPLE 115
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 115
[0294]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:115]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr NaphthylAla Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser
Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu
Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH 2
[0295] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3266.4.
EXAMPLE 116
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 116
[0296]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:116]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Naphthylala Thr Ser Asp Leu
Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile
Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH 2
[0297] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3209.4.
EXAMPLE 117
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 117
[0298]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:117]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Ser Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0299] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3200.6.
EXAMPLE 118
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 118
[0300]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:118]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Ser Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0301] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3143.5.
EXAMPLE 119
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 119
[0302]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:119]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ala Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0303] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3198.6.
EXAMPLE 120
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 120
[0304]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:120]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ala Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0305] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3141.5.
EXAMPLE 121
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 121
[0306]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:121]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0307] The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mm ole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3170.6.
EXAMPLE 122
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 122
[0308]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:122]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0309] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are. Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B. (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3113.5.
EXAMPLE 123
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 123
[0310]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:123]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Glu Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0311] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3228.6.
EXAMPLE 124
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 124
[0312]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:124]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Glu Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0313] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3171.6.
EXAMPLE 125
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 125
[0314]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:125]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0315] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3172.5.
EXAMPLE 126
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 126
[0316]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:126]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0317] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3115.4.
EXAMPLE 127
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 127
[0318]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:127]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Pentylgly Ser
Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu
Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH 2
[0319] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3230.4.
EXAMPLE 128
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 128
[0320]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:128]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Pentylgly Ser
Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu
Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH 2
[0321] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3198.6.
EXAMPLE 129
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 129
[0322]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:129]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ala Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0323] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3141.5.
EXAMPLE 130
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 130
[0324]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:130]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ala Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0325] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3157.5.
EXAMPLE 131
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 131
[0326]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:131]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Ala Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0327] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3100.4.
EXAMPLE 132
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 132
[0328]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:132]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Ala Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0329] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3157.6.
EXAMPLE 133
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 133
[0330]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:133]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Ala
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0331] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3100.5.
EXAMPLE 134
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 134
[0332]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:134]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Ala
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0333] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3100.5.
EXAMPLE 135
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 135
[0334]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:135]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Ala Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0335] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3154.5.
EXAMPLE 136
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 136
[0336]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:136]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Ala Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0337] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3115.5.
EXAMPLE 137
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 137
[0338]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:137]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Pentylgly Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu
Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH 2
[0339] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3212.4.
EXAMPLE 138
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 138
[0340]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:138]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Pentylgly Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu
Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH 2
[0341] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3173.4.
EXAMPLE 139
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 139
[0342]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:139]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Ala Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0343] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3156.6.
EXAMPLE 140
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 140
[0344]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:140]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Ala Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0345] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3099.5.
EXAMPLE 141
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 141
[0346]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:141]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Ala Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0347] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100′. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3156.6.
EXAMPLE 142
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 142
[0348]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:142]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Ala Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0349] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B. (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3099.5.
EXAMPLE 143
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 143
[0350]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:143]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Ala Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0351] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3156.6.
EXAMPLE 144
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO:144
[0352]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:144]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Ala Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0353] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3099.5.
EXAMPLE 145
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 145
[0354]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:145]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Ala Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0355] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3186.6.
EXAMPLE 146
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 146
[0356]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:146]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Ala Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0357] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3129.5.
EXAMPLE 147
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 147
[0358]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:147]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Ala Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0359] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3129.5.
EXAMPLE 148
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 148
[0360]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:148]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Ala Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0361] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3072.4.
EXAMPLE 149
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 149
[0362]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:149]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Ala Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0363] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3172.5.
EXAMPLE 150
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 150
[0364]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:150]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Ala Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0365] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3115.5.
EXAMPLE 151
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 151
[0366]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:151]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Naphthylala Ile Glu
Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH 2
[0367] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.5.5 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3266.4.
EXAMPLE 152
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 152
[0368]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:152]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Naphthylala Ile Glu
Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH 2
[0369] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3209.4.
EXAMPLE 153
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 153
[0370]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:153]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Val Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0371] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3200.6.
EXAMPLE 154
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 154
[0372]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:154]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Val Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0373] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3143.5.
EXAMPLE 155
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 155
[0374]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:155]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe tButylgly Glu
Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH 2
[0375] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3216.5.
EXAMPLE 156
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 156
[0376]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:156]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe tButylgly Glu
Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH 2
[0377] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.) cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3159.4.
EXAMPLE 157
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 157
[0378]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:157]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Asp Trp Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0379] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3200.6.
EXAMPLE 158
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 158
[0380]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:158]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Asp Phe Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0381] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3143.5.
EXAMPLE 159
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 159
[0382]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:159]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Ala Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0383] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3099.5.
EXAMPLE 160
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 160
[0384]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:160]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Ala Leu
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0385] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3081.4.
EXAMPLE 161
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 161
[0386]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:161]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Ala
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0387] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3172.5.
EXAMPLE 162
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 162
[0388]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 162]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Ala
Lys Asn-NH 2
[0389] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3115.5.
EXAMPLE 163
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 163
[0390]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 163]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Ala Asn-NH 2
[0391] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3157.5.
EXAMPLE 164
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 164
[0392]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 164]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Ala Asn-NH 2
[0393] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3100.4.
EXAMPLE 165
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 165
[0394]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 165]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Ala-NH 2
[0395] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3171.6.
EXAMPLE 166
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 166
[0396]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 166]
Ala Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Ala-NH 2
[0397] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3114.5.
EXAMPLE 167
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 167
[0398]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 167]
Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro-NH 2
[0399] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4033.5.
EXAMPLE 168
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 168
[0400]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 168]
His Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro-NH 2
[0401] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3984.4.
EXAMPLE 169
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 169
[0402]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 169]
His Gly Glu Ala Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro-NH 2
[0403] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4016.5.
EXAMPLE 170
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 170
[0404]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 170]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro-NH 2
[0405] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3861.3.
EXAMPLE 171
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 171
[0406]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 171]
Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro-NH 2
[0407] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3746.1.
EXAMPLE 172
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 172
[0408]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 172]
Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala-NH 2
[0409] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3742.1.
EXAMPLE 173
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 173
[0410]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 173]
His Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala-NH 2
[0411] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3693.1.
EXAMPLE 174
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 174
[0412]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 174]
His Gly Glu Ala Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly-NH 2
[0413] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3751.2.
EXAMPLE 175
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 175
[0414]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 175]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser-NH 2
[0415] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3634.1.
EXAMPLE 176
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 176
[0416]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO: 176]
Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser-NH 2
[0417] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3526.9.
EXAMPLE 177
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 177
[0418]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:177]
His Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser-NH 2
[0419] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3477.9.
EXAMPLE 178
Preparation of Peptide having SEQ ID NO: 178
[0420]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:178]
His Gly Glu Ala Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro-NH 2
[0421] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3519.9.
EXAMPLE 179
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 179
[0422]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:179]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH 2
[0423] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3307.7.
EXAMPLE 180
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 180
[0424]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:180]
Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn Gly-NH 2
[0425] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3186.5.
EXAMPLE 181
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 181
[0426]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:181]
His Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly tPro Ser Ser Gly Ala tPro tPro
tPro-NH 2
[0427] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Double couplings are required at residues 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4121.1.
EXAMPLE 182
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 182
[0428]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:182]
His Gly Glu Ala Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala tPro tPro
tPro-NH 2
[0429] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(21-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Double couplings are required at residues 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4173.2.
EXAMPLE 183
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 183
[0430]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:183]
His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Ala Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly NMeala Ser Ser Gly Ala NMeala
NMeala-NH 2
[0431] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Compound 1. Double couplings are required at residues 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC. (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3796.1.
EXAMPLE 184
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 184
[0432]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:184]
Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly hPro Ser Ser Gly Ala hPro-NH 2
[0433] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. A double coupling is required at residue 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3871.1.
EXAMPLE 185
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 185
[0434]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:185]
His Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala-NH 2
[0435] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3750.2.
EXAMPLE 186
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 186
[0436]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:186]
His Gly Asp Ala Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH 2
[0437] The above-identified amdiated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3408.8.
EXAMPLE 187
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 187
[0438]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:187]
Ala Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro
Ser-NH 2
[0439] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4120.6.
EXAMPLE 188
Preparation of Peptide Having SEQ ID NO: 188
[0440]
[0000]
[SEQ ID NO:188]
Ala Gly Ala Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln
Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu
Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro
Ser-NH 2
[0441] The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4005.5.
EXAMPLE 189
Preparation of C-Terminal Carboxylic Acid Peptides Corresponding to the C-Terminal Amide Sequences for Peptides Having SEQ ID NOs. 100-166, 172-177, 179-180 and 185-188
[0442] C-terminal carboxylic acid peptides corresponding to amidated having SEQ ID NOs. 100-166, 172-177, 179-180 and 185-188 are assembled on the so called Wang resin (p-alkoxybenzylalacohol resin (Bachem, 0.54 mmole/g)) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to that described in Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry provides an experimentally determined (M).
EXAMPLE 190
Preparation of C-Terminal Carboxylic Acid Peptides Corresponding to the C-Terminal Amide Sequences for Peptides Having SEQ ID NOs. 167-171, 178 and 181-184
[0443] C-terminal carboxylic acid peptides corresponding to amidated SEQ ID NOs. 167-171, 178 and 181-184 are assembled on the 2-chlorotritylchloride resin (200-400 mesh), 2% DVB (Novabiochem, 0.4-1.0 mmole/g)) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to that described in Example 100. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry provides an experimentally determined (M).
[0444] Various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and fall within the scope of the following claims.
[0445] All publications and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings of this invention that certain changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims. | Methods for treating conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake are disclosed which comprise administration of an effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist, alone or in conjunction with other compounds or compositions that affect satiety. The methods are useful for treating conditions or disorders, including obesity, Type II diabetes, eating disorders, and insulin-resistance syndrome. The methods are also useful for lowering the plasma glucose level, lowering the plasma lipid level, reducing the cardiac risk, reducing the appetite, and reducing the weight of subjects. Pharmaceutical compositions for use in the methods of the invention are also disclosed. | 0 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon and claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/240,702, filed Sep. 9, 2009, entitled “Multi-Directional Mobile Robotic Cell,” which application is specifically incorporated herein by reference for all that it discloses and teaches.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Industrial robots may be used to perform repetitive tasks such as the welding of component parts together, cutting, routing, grinding, and polishing. Typically, the robot always repeats a specific preprogrammed task. The products which are usually worked on by the robot may have a specific support structure, or jig, that support the product at a precise location in relation to the robot. In another application, industrial robots are used to position products at a precise location so that they may be worked on by another robotic device.
[0003] A robotic arm is a robot manipulator with functions that have been compared to a human arm. Joints of a robotic arm may allow rotational motion (such as in an articulated robot) or translational (linear) displacement. The joints of the robotic arm can be considered to form a kinematic chain. Robots and robotic arms are used, for example, in automotive assembly lines.
[0004] Robotic arms may be categorized by their degrees of freedom. This number typically refers to the number of single-axis rotational joints in the arm. A higher number indicates an increased flexibility in positioning a tool. Modern robotic arms typically achieve more than six degrees of freedom.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An embodiment of the invention may therefore comprise a mobile self-contained robotic workcell, comprising: a multi-degree of freedom robot arm; a gantry supporting said robot arm; an air bearing that selectively lifts said gantry off of a supporting surface for low-friction movement; a first drive system that engages a first drive surface while said gantry is lifted off of said supporting surface by said air bearing to propel said gantry in a first direction; a second drive system that engages a second drive surface while said gantry is lifted off of said supporting surface by said air bearing to propel said gantry in a second direction; a first guide carriage that engages a first guide track, the first guide carriage limiting said gantry to movement in said first direction.
[0006] An embodiment of the invention may therefore further comprise a mobile self-contained robotic arm workcell, comprising: a superstructure; a multi-degree of freedom robotic arm supported by said superstructure; at least one air bearing, the at least one air bearing selectively lifting said superstructure from a position resting on a support surface to an elevated position, the elevated position allowing for low friction movement of said superstructure across said support surface; a guide carriage that engages a first guide rail that directs a first movement of said superstructure while said superstructure is moved in said elevated position.
[0007] An embodiment of the invention may therefore further comprise a robotic arm workcell, comprising: superstructure means for supporting a multi-degree of freedom robotic arm; air bearing means for selectively lifting said superstructure from a position resting on a support surface to an elevated position, the elevated position allowing for low friction movement of said superstructure across said support surface; drive means for propelling said superstructure across said support surface in at least a first direction and a second direction; guide means for limiting a direction of travel of said superstructure while being propelled across said support surface to one of said first direction and said second direction at a time.
[0008] An embodiment of the invention may therefore further comprise a method of moving a robotic arm workcell, comprising: activating an air compressor contained on the workcell that supplies air to an air bearing, the air bearing lifting the workcell from a position resting on a support surface to an elevated position, the elevated position allowing for low friction movement of said workcell across said support surface; engaging a first guide carriage to a first guide rail to limit a movement of said workcell across said support surface to a first direction; engaging a first drive system to propel said workcell across said support surface in said first direction; engaging a second guide carriage to a second guide rail to limit said movement of said workcell across said support surface to a second direction; and, engaging a second drive system to propel said workcell across said support surface in said second direction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a mobile self-contained robotic workcell.
[0010] FIG. 1A is a perspective view from below of a mobile self-contained robotic workcell.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view from below of a mobile self-contained robotic workcell engaged with a first guide rail and a first power rail.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view from below of a mobile self-contained robotic workcell engaged with a second guide rail and a second power rail as the air bearings pass through a gap in the first guide rail.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a factory floor showing a first layout of guide and power rails.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a factory floor showing a looped track.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a factory floor showing a switchyard track.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a factory floor showing a multi-bay loop track.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a computer system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a mobile self-contained robotic workcell. FIG. 1A is a perspective view from below of a mobile self-contained robotic workcell. In FIGS. 1 and 1A , workcell 100 comprises gantry 110 , robotic arm 120 , robotic arm 121 , air bearing 130 , air bearing 131 , air bearing 132 , air bearing 133 , air compressor 141 , cabinet 142 , cabinet 143 , dust collector 144 , computer display 145 , drive carriage 150 , drive carriage 151 , drive carriage 152 , drive carriage 160 , drive carriage 161 , and power contact 170 .
[0019] Robotic arms 120 - 121 are attached to gantry 110 . Robotic arms 120 - 121 may be engaged with gantry 110 via a track or channel so that they may move along the length of gantry 110 . In an embodiment, robotic arm 120 and robotic arm 121 are both on the same side of gantry 110 . Robotic arm 120 is hung from a track that comprises a top portion of gantry 110 . Robotic arm 121 sits on a track that comprises a bottom portion of gantry 110 . Thus, because robotic arm 120 and robotic arm 121 are on different tracks, they may pass by each other even though they are on the same side of gantry 110 .
[0020] In FIGS. 1 and 1A , air compressor 141 , cabinet 142 , cabinet 143 , dust collector 144 , and computer display 145 are also attached to gantry 110 . Air compressor 141 , cabinet 142 , cabinet 143 , dust collector 144 , and computer display 145 are intended to be examples of equipment that may be attached to, and thus moved with, gantry 110 .
[0021] Other examples of equipment that may be attached to, and thus moved with, gantry 110 include, but are not limited to, welding power supplies, welding gas bottles, welding gas mixers, gas bottles, tool racks, welding wire containers, fume filtration equipment, dust filtration equipment, vision sensor systems, computers, additional air compressors, hydraulic power units, and hydraulic pumps. This list is not intended to be exhaustive. Any equipment or supplies to be used in support of the operations performed by robotic arm 120 or 121 may be attached to, and thus moved by, gantry 110 .
[0022] Gantry 110 is any suitable superstructure or supporting apparatus with at least one robotic arm 120 - 121 attached that also carries support equipment (such as air compressor 141 and/or dust collector 144 ) used in support of the operations performed by robotic arm 120 or 121 . Gantry 110 is also capable of being lifted with attached air bearings 130 - 133 for low friction movement across a supporting surface, such as a factory floor. Air bearings 130 - 133 may be supplied air from air compressor 141 to lift gantry (and all attached equipment) for low friction movement.
[0023] Air bearings 130 - 133 (a.k.a., air casters) support loads on a cushion of air like an air hockey puck on an air hockey table. Air bearings may use a flexible diaphragm beneath the load support surface. Compressed air is pumped into the diaphragm and passes through holes in the diaphragm holes and into a plenum beneath, thereby raising the supported load off the floor. Air that is forced out between the diaphragm and the floor forms a thin lubricating air film that allows for low friction movement of the supported load (e.g., workcell 100 ). Since the diaphragm is flexible, it can deflect as it encounters obstacles, or fill out as it passes over depressions in the surface.
[0024] In an embodiment, air bearings 130 - 133 may selectively lift gantry 110 for low-friction movement across a factory floor. One or more of drive carriages 150 - 152 may engage a drive surface while said gantry is lifted. One or more of drive carriages 150 - 152 may propel gantry 110 in a first direction. To move gantry 110 in a second direction (e.g., a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction), one or more of drive carriages 160 - 161 may engage a different part of the drive surface to propel gantry 110 in the second direction. This is illustrated in FIG. 1A with drive carriages 160 - 161 and 150 - 152 being orientated at approximately 90° to each other. Drive carriages 150 - 152 and 160 - 161 may be or include, or be steered by, guide carriages that engage guide rails or otherwise provide a guide system.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view from below of a mobile self-contained robotic workcell engaged with a first guide rail and a first power rail. In FIG. 2 , drive carriages 150 - 152 are shown engaged with guide rail 180 . Power contact 170 is shown engaged with power rail 190 .
[0026] In an embodiment, one or more of drive carriages 150 - 152 engage a guide rail 180 . When one or more of drive carriages 150 - 152 is engaged with guide rail 180 , gantry 110 is limited to movement along guide rail 180 . Typically, guide rail 180 will be fixed in relation to the floor. Guide rail 180 is shown in FIG. 2 as being straight. However, guide rail 180 may be curved or have other shapes.
[0027] Power contact 170 engages power rail 190 . When power contact 170 is engaged with power rail 190 , the equipment of workcell 100 (such as compressor 141 and drive carriages 150 - 152 ) may be powered through power rail 190 . Typically, power rail 190 is fixed in relation to guide rail 180 so that the equipment of workcell 100 may be powered through power rail 190 while workcell 100 is moving along guide rail 180 .
[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view from below of a mobile self-contained robotic workcell engaged with a second guide rail and a second power rail as the air bearings pass through a gap in the first guide rail. In FIG. 3 , drive carriages 160 and 161 are shown engaged with guide rail 182 . Power contact 170 is shown engaged with power rail 191 . It should be understood that guide rail 182 is oriented at substantially a perpendicular angle to guide rails 180 and 181 . Likewise, power rail 191 is oriented at substantially a perpendicular angle to power rail 190 .
[0029] In an embodiment, one or more of drive carriages 160 and 161 engage guide rail 182 . When one or more of drive carriages 160 and/or 161 is engaged with guide rail 182 , gantry 110 is limited to movement along guide rail 182 . Typically, guide rail 182 will be fixed in relation to the floor. Guide rail 182 is shown in FIG. 3 as being straight. However, guide rail 182 may be curved or have other shapes.
[0030] In an embodiment, guide rails 180 - 182 may have gaps to allow air bearings 130 - 133 to cross the alignment of a guide rail 180 - 182 without interference. In FIG. 3 , this is shown by a gap between guide rail 180 and guide rail 181 with air bearing 131 disposed in that gap. Guide rail 181 is substantially in line with guide rail 180 . Thus, guide rail 181 may be thought of as an extension of guide rail 180 . In an embodiment, the number of, and position of, drive carriages 160 - 162 is selected such that at least two of drive carriages 160 - 162 are always engaged with guide rail 180 , guide rail 181 , or both, when gantry 110 is moving in the direction controlled by guide rails 180 and 181 .
[0031] Power contact 170 engages power rail 191 . When power contact 170 is engaged with power rail 191 , the equipment of workcell 100 (such as compressor 141 and drive carriages 160 - 161 ) may be powered through power rail 191 . Typically, power rail 191 is fixed in relation to guide rail 182 so that the equipment of workcell 100 may be powered through power rail 191 while workcell 100 is moving in the direction of guide rail 182 .
[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a factory floor showing a first layout of guide and power rails. The layout shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to the guide rail layout shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
[0033] In FIG. 4 , several workcells 100 are shown. These workcells 100 are guided by guide rails 180 and 181 to move in a first direction. The workcells 100 are also guided to move in a second direction by guide rail 182 . The second direction appears to be substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
[0034] The factory shown in FIG. 4 has several long workbays 420 defined by columns 410 . Disposed within workbays 420 are work pieces 430 . The orientation of guide rails 180 and 181 allow workcells 100 to move along the length of workbays 420 and thus operate on work pieces 430 . The orientation of guide rail 182 allows workcells 100 to move between workbays 420 and/or work pieces 430 . The length of workcells 100 is selected such that workcell 100 may pass between the columns 410 of the factory to move between work bays 420 . Note the gaps between guide rail 180 and guide rail 181 , and guide rail 181 and guide rail 182 that allow air bearings 130 - 133 to move along guide rail 182 without interference from rails running the length of the workbays 420 .
[0035] Workcell 100 may be moved as follows: Air compressor 141 contained on workcell 100 may supply air to air bearings 130 - 133 . This allows air bearings 130 - 133 to lift workcell 100 from a position resting on the floor to an elevated position. This elevated position allows for low friction movement of workcell 100 across the floor. Drive carriages 150 - 152 , or a separate guide carriage, is engaged with guide rail 180 to limit the movement of workcell 100 across the floor to a first direction. One or more of drive carriages 150 - 152 are engaged to propel workcell 100 across the floor in the first direction. To move workcell 100 in a different direction, drive carriages 160 - 161 , or a separate guide carriage is engaged, with a guide rail 182 to limit the movement of workcell 100 across the floor to the second direction. One or more of drive carriages 160 - 161 are engaged to propel workcell 100 across the floor in the second direction. As workcell 100 moves along guide rails 180 - 182 , power contact 170 may engage power rails 190 - 191 (and additional power rails, as needed) to at least power air compressor 141 which keeps air bearings 130 - 133 activated.
[0036] When workcell 100 has reached its desired position (e.g., a new workbay 420 , or work piece 430 ) in the second direction, drive carriages 150 - 152 , or a separate guide carriage, may be engaged with another guide rail at the new position to limit the movement of workcell 100 across the floor to the first direction. One or more of drive carriages 150 - 152 may then be engaged to propel workcell 100 along the new workbay 420 , or work piece 430 . In addition, a new power rail may be engaged to receive power for compressor 141 during the movement and operation of workcell 100 along the new workbay 420 , or work piece 430 . When workcell 100 reaches a desired position along the new workbay 420 , or work piece 430 , air bearings 130 - 133 may be deactivated to lower workcell 100 to a position resting on the floor. This resting position provides a stable platform for the operation of workcell 100 . Once resting, one or more of robotic arms 120 - 121 may be activated to operate on a work piece 430 .
[0037] In FIG. 4 , the work pieces are shown as wind turbine blades. It should be understood, however, that this is only an example and that other types of work pieces 430 are envisioned. Likewise, the workbays 420 of the factory shown in FIG. 4 are long in relation to their width. This is also only an example and other types and geometries of workbays and work pieces are envisioned.
[0038] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a factory floor showing a looped track. As discussed previously, guide rails 180 - 182 may have non-straight shapes. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a non-straight shape. As can be seen from FIG. 5 , workcell 100 may be guided within the confines of columns 410 in a loop that encompasses multiple work pieces 430 .
[0039] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a factory floor showing a switchyard track. In FIG. 6 , workcell 100 is gradually guided from a first direction to a second direction at the end of a workbay 420 . A rail switching device (not shown) may then be repositioned to guide workcell 100 into a different workbay 420 and/or work piece 430 . FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a factory floor showing a multi-bay loop track.
[0040] In FIGS. 2-4 , workcell 100 is shown being guided by guide rails 180 - 182 . It should be understood that workcell 100 may be guided by other guidance means. For example, the workcell may be guided by overhead rails. These rails may also supply power to workcell 100 .
[0041] In an embodiment, workcell 100 may be controlled manually through the use of a pendant. The manual movement of workcell 100 may be freeform without any automatic guidance or set path (using, for example, a joystick). In another embodiment, movement is controlled manually but is limited within certain tolerances by a guidance system. In another embodiment, movement is controlled automatically (using, for example, a computer) but is limited within certain tolerances by a guidance system. In another embodiment, movement is controlled by a combination of manual and automatic controls. For example, movement may be controlled by an operator, but automated decisions based on sensors are made regarding such things as speed, turning radius, turning position, stopping position, final location, etc.
[0042] In an embodiment, the guidance system may not involve, or rely completely on, guide rails. Guidance systems that may be used to control the movement and positioning of workcell 100 include, but are not limited to: optical systems that follow a painted or taped line on the floor, systems that sense and follow a buried wire or magnetic tape; and, systems that are wirelessly guided using positioning information (e.g., GPS, or differential GPS). Another example of a wireless guidance system that may be used involves a laser system wherein a rotating laser sends a beam to stationary reflectors at known locations. Distance and angle measurements from the reflectors may then be used to calculate a position, or series of positions, of workcell 100 . Position measurements may be used by the guidance system to control the movement of workcell 100 .
[0043] The systems, units, drives, devices, equipment, and functions described above may be controlled by, implemented with, or executed by one or more computer systems. The methods described above may also be stored on a computer readable medium. Many of the elements of workcell 100 , comprise, include, or are controlled by computers systems.
[0044] FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of a computer system. Computer system 800 includes communication interface 820 , processing system 830 , storage system 840 , and user interface 860 . Processing system 830 is operatively coupled to storage system 840 . Storage system 840 stores software 850 and data 870 . Processing system 830 is operatively coupled to communication interface 820 and user interface 860 . Computer system 800 may comprise a programmed general-purpose computer. Computer system 800 may include a microprocessor. Computer system 800 may comprise programmable or special purpose circuitry. Computer system 800 may be distributed among multiple devices, processors, storage, and/or interfaces that together comprise elements 820 - 870 .
[0045] Communication interface 820 may comprise a network interface, modem, port, bus, link, transceiver, or other communication device. Communication interface 820 may be distributed among multiple communication devices. Processing system 830 may comprise a microprocessor, microcontroller, logic circuit, or other processing device. Processing system 830 may be distributed among multiple processing devices. User interface 860 may comprise a keyboard, mouse, voice recognition interface, microphone and speakers, graphical display, touch screen, or other type of user interface device. User interface 860 may be distributed among multiple interface devices. Storage system 840 may comprise a disk, tape, integrated circuit, RAM, ROM, network storage, server, or other memory function. Storage system 840 may be a computer readable medium. Storage system 840 may be distributed among multiple memory devices.
[0046] Processing system 830 retrieves and executes software 850 from storage system 840 . Processing system may retrieve and store data 870 . Processing system may also retrieve and store data via communication interface 820 . Processing system 850 may create or modify software 850 or data 870 to achieve a tangible result. Processing system may control communication interface 820 or user interface 870 to achieve a tangible result. Processing system may retrieve and execute remotely stored software via communication interface 820 .
[0047] Software 850 and remotely stored software may comprise an operating system, utilities, drivers, networking software, and other software typically executed by a computer system. Software 850 may comprise an application program, applet, firmware, or other form of machine-readable processing instructions typically executed by a computer system. When executed by processing system 830 , software 850 or remotely stored software may direct computer system 800 to operate as described herein.
[0048] In an embodiment, a mobile self-contained robotic workcell, may include a multi-degree of freedom robot arm, a gantry supporting the robot arm, an air bearing that selectively lifts the gantry off of a supporting surface for low-friction movement, a first drive system that engages a first drive surface while the gantry is lifted off of the supporting surface by the air bearing to propel the gantry in a first direction, a second drive system that engages a second drive surface while the gantry is lifted off of the supporting surface by the air bearing to propel the gantry in a second direction, and, a first guide carriage that engages a first guide track, the first guide carriage limiting the gantry to movement in the first direction. The workcell may also include an air compressor supported by the gantry that supplies compressed air to the air bearing for selectively lifting the gantry off of the supporting surface. The workcell may also include power rail contacts that provide power to at least one device supported by the gantry. The at least one device may include the robot arm. The robot arm may have at least 5 degrees of freedom.
[0049] The first direction may be determined by a first guide rail that is fixed in relation to the supporting surface. The second direction may be determined by a second guide rail that is also fixed in relation to the supporting surface. The second direction may be approximately perpendicular to the first direction. The supporting surface may include the first drive surface and the second drive surface. The two drive surfaces may overlap.
[0050] The first drive system may be steered by a first guide rail that is fixed in relation to the supporting surface. The second drive system may be steered by a second guide rail. The first guide rail may include a plurality of discontinuous sections. At least two of the plurality of discontinuous sections may be separated in a longitudinal direction by a distance sufficient to allow one or more air bearings to pass between the two of the plurality of discontinuous sections.
[0051] In an embodiment, a mobile self-contained robotic arm workcell may include a superstructure, a multi-degree of freedom robotic arm supported by the superstructure, and at least one air bearing. The at least one air bearing may selectively lift the superstructure from a position resting on a support surface to an elevated position. The elevated position may allow for low friction movement of the superstructure across the support surface. A guide carriage that engages a first guide rail may direct a first movement of the superstructure while the superstructure is moved in the elevated position.
[0052] Power rail contacts may provide power to at least one device supported by the superstructure. The at least one device may include an air compressor that supplies compressed air to the at least one air bearing. The robot arm may have at least 2 degrees of freedom.
[0053] A first guide rail may direct the first movement of the superstructure in a first direction. A second guide rail may direct a second movement of the superstructure in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction may be substantially perpendicular.
[0054] The first guide rail and the second guide rail may both direct the superstructure in the first direction. The first guide rail and the second guide rail may be separated by a gap that allows the air bearing to pass in a second direction between the first guide rail and the second guide rail. A second guide carriage may engage the second rail while the first guide carriage is disposed in the gap.
[0055] In an embodiment, a robotic arm workcell includes superstructure means for supporting a multi-degree of freedom robotic arm and air bearing means for selectively lifting the superstructure from a position resting on a support surface to an elevated position. The elevated position allows for low friction movement of the superstructure across the support surface. Drive means propel the superstructure across the support surface in at least a first direction and a second direction. Guide means limit a direction of travel of the superstructure while being propelled across the support surface to one of the first direction and the second direction at a time.
[0056] Air supply means, which may be supported by the superstructure, may provide compressed air to the air bearing means. Power contact means may provide power to the drive means while the superstructure is being propelled across the support surface. The power contact means may engage a fixed power rail. The guide means may selectively engage a first guide rail to limit the direction of travel of the superstructure while being propelled across the support surface to the first direction. The guide means may engage a second guide rail to limit the direction of travel of the superstructure while being propelled across the support surface to the second direction.
[0057] In an embodiment, a method of moving a robotic arm includes activating an air compressor contained on a workcell to supply air to an air bearing. The air bearing lifts the workcell from a position resting on a support surface to an elevated position. The elevated position allows for low friction movement of the workcell across the support surface. A first guide carriage is engaged with a first guide rail to limit a movement of the workcell across the support surface to a first direction. A first drive system is engaged to propel the workcell across the support surface in the first direction. A second guide carriage is engaged to a second guide rail to limit the movement of the workcell across the support surface to a second direction. A second drive system is engaged to propel the workcell across the support surface in the second direction.
[0058] The first guide carriage may be engaged to a third guide rail to limit a movement of the workcell across the support surface to the first direction. The first drive system may be engaged to propel the workcell across the support surface in the first direction and guided by the third guide rail. The air bearing may be deactivated to lower the workcell to a position resting on the support surface. A first robotic arm that is attached to the workcell may be activated.
[0059] A first power rail may be engaged to receive power for the compressor during the movement of the workcell across the support surface in the first direction. A second power rail may be engaged to receive power for the compressor during the movement of the workcell across the support surface in the second direction. A third power rail may be engaged to receive power for the compressor during the movement of the workcell across the support surface in the first direction while the workcell is being guided by a third guide rail. The air bearing may be deactivated to lower the workcell to a position resting on the support surface. Power for a robotic arm that is attached to the workcell may be received via the third power rail.
[0060] The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and other modifications and variations may be possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that this application be construed to include other alternative embodiments of the invention except insofar as limited by the prior art. | Disclosed is a mobile robotic arm workcell. A robotic arm is mounted on a superstructure that carries all the equipment associated with the workcell's task. Thus, the workcell is self-contained needing only power. The workcell may be moved by activating air bearings that are pressurized by an air compressor that is also mounted on the superstructure. Power is received via power contacts that engage a power rail. Guidance is provided a guide system. The guide system may include guide rails engaged by guide carriages. Propulsion is provided by a drive system that may engage the guide system or the factory floor. | 1 |
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to harness systems to be worn by humans for purposes of carrying items of equipment, most particularly, it relates to belts with protruding tracks to which containers can be attached for carrying articles of various types.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Police and military personnel have for a long time carried weapons and ammunition attached to a waist encircling belt. In recent years the need for added security has caused a proliferation of safety holsters to protect the wearer from losing his weapon to an attacker. The many designs of safety holsters all require a rigid belt which provides structural integrity and a stable platform from which to draw. The standard has become a 2.25 inch wide belt that is 0.25 inch thick. These belts are made from a variety of materials, but even the lightest belts, combined with the attaching belt loops that go on each container carried, add up to several pounds. A lighter belt system has been needed that would also eliminate the bulky belt loops necessary for each container, i.e., magazine case, holster, handcuff case, radio case, etc.
It is an object of this invention to provide a novel, lightweight system for carrying containers by a wearer. Such system must be as strong or stronger than that which is presently used, and can be adapted to be worn around the waist, chest or thigh of the wearer. It is another object of this invention to provide a novel track system to which the many various containers easily attach. Such a track system, which can be incorporated into an armored vest or an extremely lightweight belt, does not require a heavy material separating the tracks, nor do the containers used therewith become apparent from the more detailed description which follows.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a planar member for carrying a container including a belt having an outside surface facing away from an encircled body and an inside surface facing that body and a track means protruding outwardly from that outside surface and extending lengthwise of the belt. The container is detachably connected to the track means and slidable along that track means by way of a tubular guide having an internal hollow adapted to slide along the track means while being frictionally clamped thereto.
In preferred embodiments of the invention there are two spaced parallel tracks which are engaged by a clip having two guides attached to the article container. In another preferred embodiment the tracks are fabric covered tubes sewn to opposite edge portions of a central fabric web to form the tracked belt of this invention, and the guides are two spaced, C-shaped, rigid, smooth surfaced grooves adapted to fit over and slide along the tracks. It is these guides that are firmly fastened to article containers so as to provide the carrying function of this system. The belt is preferably prepared with fabric hooks on the inside of the belt and fabric hooks and loops on overlapping ends to provide for a closure which therefore need not rely on a buckle.
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 consideration with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the track belt system of this invention as it might appear around the waist of a wearer;
FIG. 2 is an end elevation of a guide used in this invention to attach an article-carrying container to the track belt;
FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the guide shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken at 4--4 of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an armored vest, or the like, upon which are two track belt portions, showing two positions for attaching such portions to the vest.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a belt system as shown in FIG. 1; the details of which are shown in FIGS. 2-4. Attention is called to these drawings and to the reference numbers thereon to obtain the best understanding of all features of this invention.
In FIG. 1 there is a view of how the belt components would appear when positioned around the waist of a wearer and as viewed by an observer facing the front of the wearer. The body of the wearer is omitted for the sake of full clarity.
In many instances the belt system of this invention is most securely worn when an internal belt 11 is included, although the belt system of this invention does not necessarily include internal belt 11. Belt 11 is worn outside the clothing, i.e., outside the trousers, skirt, or jacket of the wearer. Belt 11 has an inside surface 38 and an outside surface 23. Inside surface 38 may be of any texture or type, rough, smooth, leather, fabric, or the like. Outside surface 23 is covered with a layer of fabric loops of the type useful in Velcro fasteners. In order for inside belt 11 to be the most comfortable and useful, the closure of the belt is accomplished by overlapping ends 39 fitted with cooperating surfaces of fabric loops and fabric hooks so as to eliminate the bulkiness of a buckle. This is not necessary, but is a preferred arrangement. The main purpose for inside belt 11 is to provide a secure surface of fabric loops for attachment of track belt 10 which is the next component of this invention to be added. Track belt 10 is the principal support component of this system. It encircles around belt 11, if one is worn, and has a central body 21 of an elongated narrow web fabric having an upper edge 16 and a lower edge 17, an outside surface 15 and an inside surface 14. Along edge portions 16 and 17, there are track means in the form of a pair of tracks 13 which are protruding shoulders or guides 19 and 20 extending outwardly from the outside surface 15 of the belt body 21. Overlapping ends 18, like ends 39 of belt 11, are fitted with cooperating portions of fabric loops and fabric hooks in order to provide a secure closure for belt 10. Tracks or guides 13 extend generally the length of belt 10 from one overlapping end 18 to the other overlapping end 18. Tracks 13 are flexible tubular members, preferably covered by a layer of fabric, canvas, nylon or the like, and sewn to central body 21 to produce a single component. The fabric covering track or guides 13 is generally folded neatly to make tapered ends 37 that will provide a smooth transition from the protruding shoulders of 19 and 20 to the smooth flat surface of body 21.
It is, of course, not critical that belt 10 be made of web fabric at 21, and covered by fabric around tracks 13. Other materials are useful for these purposes, e.g., leather, molded plastic, etc. Buckles may be employed instead of Velcro fabric fasteners for closures of belts 10 and 11, but the preferred is as described above for fabric components, canvas, nylon and the like. As will be seen, tracks 13 may be of any shape (e.g., T-shape, triangular, etc.) so long as they protrude from the belt 10 and can be attached to containers.
It is to the above basic structure of the track belt 10 that containers or articles may be attached for carrying. These might include a holster 40 for a pistol 41, or a carrier 12 for handcuffs or a first-aid kit, or the like. Holster 40 or carrier 12 are attached to belt 10 by means of clips 22 as generally seen in FIG. 1.
In FIGS. 2 and 3 there is shown a clip 22 which is preferred for engagement with tracks 13 so as to suspend an article-carrying container therefrom. Clip 22 has two parallel, spaced guideways 25 and 26 which are rigidly joined to each other by a body plate 32. Preferably these components are all part of a molded plastic article having a smooth surface and is substantially rigid and inflexible. Guideways 25 and 26 are hollow tubes with a lengthwise slot 35 such that the cross-sectional shape of guideway 25 or 26 is in the form of the letter C. The open slot 35 is oriented to extend lengthwise of each guideway 25 and 26 and to face away from body plate 32. Guide slots 35 are spaced substantially the same as the spacing between tracks 13 or guides 19 and 20 such that the protruding portion of guides 19 and 20 will slide into the hollows 33 in guideways 25 and 26 and fit snugly therein, permitting clip 22 to slide along belt 10 while connected to shoulders 19 and 20. Body plate 32 preferably has two spaced slots 34 therein for fasteners, e.g., T-nuts, to firmly attach an article container to clip 22 in an appropriate vertical position. The article container might be a gun holster, an ammunition clip or reloader holster, handcuff holder, canteen cover and the like. Preferably two T-nuts or other fasteners are used in slots 34 so as to hold the article container in a fixed selected position, since only one such T-nut might permit the container to rotate out of the desired position. The ends of guide slots 35 are preferably tapered, as at 36, to facilitate the attachment of guide clip 22 to guides 19 and 20 of belt 10.
In FIG. 4 there is shown a cross sectional view of the track belt system of this invention at a location of an article-carrying container. This is a cross-section taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 1. Inner belt 11 is attached to track belt 10 through the engagement of fabric hooks 29 on track belt 10 to fabric loops 30 on inner belt 11. Track belt 10 has a web fabric body connected at its upper edge portion 16 to upper track 13U and at its lower edge portion 17 to lower track member 13L. Tracks 13U and 13L are each lengths of tubing 27, fiber, nylon, plastic, etc., covered with a layer of fabric 31. When central web body 21 is sewn to fabric cover 31 and tubular members 27, the result is a firm, but flexible, tough belt.
Container 12 has a guide clip 22 attached thereto by means of two T-nuts 24 passing through slots 34 (as seen in FIG. 3). Hollows 33 of guide clip 22 extends more than halfway around the protruding guides formed by tracks 13U and 13L so as to make it difficult, if not impossible, for the tracks 13U and 13L to permit slots 35 from being pulled away from the tracks 13, but make it easy for the hollows 33 to slide lengthwise over the tracks 13U and 13L. The slots 35 closely engage the tracks 13 so that the positions of the container 12 remain in position until forcibly changed. Also, since clip 22 is planar and hollows 33 are straight and parallel, there is an enhanced frictional engagement when the belt is worn about the waist since the belt and the tracks 13 are in an arcuate position tending to force the guides 19 and 20 at the end engagement with the guide slots 35 through same and thus the guides 19 and 20 are squeezed somewhat but do not become disengaged therefrom.
FIG. 5 is an illustration of a protective flak jacket (sometimes referred to as an armored vest) with portions of track belts of this invention attached thereto for purposes of carrying containers of items as has been discussed above. Jacket 42 usually covers the upper body of a person, usually leaving the arms unprotected. Such a jacket generally is made of layers of material which together are able to absorb the forces of a bullet and prevent it from penetrating to the body of the wearer. To such a flak jacket 42 lengths of the tracked belt of this invention may be attached horizontally as at 43, vertically as at 44, or in any other desired orientation. The tracked belts 43 and 44 of this invention may, of course, be used to attach any convenient or desired object which has a guide clip 22 attached thereto. This is merely an illustration of a portion of this invention which is intended to cover the use of a guide clip like that of 22 as an attachment means to a tracked belt 10 or portion thereof (as 43 or 44) to carry items of any sort.
Among the advantages of this track belt system over prior art systems is that this system is comfortable and will stand much wear and tear; it is flexible and lightweight; the tracks 13 are hollow tubes having great strength and toughness; the belt can be made with some play in the spacing between tracks and thus permitting errors in alignment to be usable; and tapered ends 36 on the hollows 33 of clips 22 can be increased or decreased to make insertion of shoulders 19 and 20 into hollows 33 easier or more difficult as the situation requires; and, finally, buckles may be added to belts 10 or 11 to dress up the system as desired.
It should be noted that while a two-track belt system is shown in the drawings, and described above, operable systems for some applications may be derived from one, or several tracks, although two tracks are preferred. For example, the belt system may be configured to be worn about a thigh portion of a wearer's body.
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 system for carrying containers suspended from a track member which may be attached to a body encircling belt or attached to clothing which includes a pair of protruding tracks substantially parallel and from which the containers for holding articles are suspended by clips on the containers which are positionable lengthwise on the tracks and may slide thereon and enter and exit the track at tapered ends of the tracks and is particularly useful for police and military personnel in carrying weapons, ammunition and the like holstered articles. | 8 |
This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/085,102 filed May 28, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,816 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an ozonizer for generating ozone from the oxygen contained in air, and more particularly, to an ozonizer well adapted for use in 24-hour working baths, circulating water purifiers such as a Jacuzzi, ozonized water generators, water purifiers and the like. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a water purifier equipped with an ozonizer for use with 24-hour working baths, Jacuzzis, ponds, water tanks and pools, and to a method of cleaning the ozonizer.
2. Description of the Related Art
Ozone has conventionally been used in industrial as well as household applications for purifying and deodorizing water and the like. A relatively small-sized apparatus for generating ozone for household use employs a creeping discharge element including a filamentary discharge electrode and a surface induction electrode disposed opposite each other and a dielectric layer interposed therebetween. A voltage is applied between the electrodes to thereby excite discharge on the filamentary discharge electrode. This type of creeping discharge element is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,652,318.
More particularly, such ozonizers include a creeping discharge element, a power circuit and a resin case for housing the creeping discharge element and power circuit. The creeping discharge element is typically composed of a dielectric layer formed from ceramic, a filamentary discharge electrode disposed on one surface of the dielectric layer, and a surface induction layer disposed on the other surface of the dielectric layer opposite the filamentary discharge electrode. The power circuit applies a voltage between the filamentary discharge electrode and surface induction electrode so as to excite a discharge from the filamentary discharge electrode.
In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (kokai) No. 8-171979, the present applicant proposed an ozonizer employing a creeping discharge element for use in the circulating water purifier of a 24-hour working bath. This ozonizer is described below with reference to FIGS. 8A-8D. FIG. 8B shows a plan view of the ozonizer 310 . FIG. 8A shows a plan view of a cover 330 that attaches to the ozonizer. FIG. 8C shows the ozonizer of FIG. 8B as viewed in the direction of arrow C of FIG. 8 B. FIG. 8D shows a sectional view along line 8 D— 8 D of FIG. 8 B.
As shown in FIG. 8D, a creeping discharge element, i.e. an ozonizing element, is formed as part of a high-voltage generating board 350 including a high-voltage-generating circuit element 352 . Specifically, the high-voltage generating board 350 is formed from a dielectric having a surface induction electrode 366 embedded in a portion thereof and a filamentary discharge electrode 368 disposed on the top surface thereof. The high-voltage generating board 350 is disposed within a housing 320 such that the filamentary discharge electrode 368 mounted on the high-voltage generating board 350 faces an opening 320 a formed in the housing 320 . The cover shown in FIG. 8A is attached to the housing 320 so as to close the opening 320 a , to thereby prevent ozone leakage from the housing 320 .
Large-sized creeping discharge type ozonizers for industrial use employ pure oxygen or dry air as a starting material, whereas small-sized ozonizers for household use employing the above-described creeping discharge element use untreated air as a starting material. Accordingly, small-sized ozonizers are disadvantageous in that when the creeping discharge element is used continuously, the material of the creeping discharge element reacts with nitrogen or the like in air to form an ammonium salt on the element surface. The ammonium salt hinders creeping discharge with a resulting failure in the proper generation of ozone. Thus, for such small-sized creeping discharge type ozonizers, it is important to check whether ozone continues to be generated. Hitherto, this checking was difficult to conduct.
More particularly, because untreated air has a humidity higher than that of artificially-produced dry air, large amounts of nitrogen oxides are produced when ozone is generated by discharge.
The nitrogen oxides chemically react with ammonia present in the air to produce ammonium nitrate. The thus-produced ammonium nitrate covers the filamentary discharge electrode.
Accordingly, the density of the electric field generated by the filamentary discharge electrode is reduced. Also, ammonium nitrate covering the filamentary discharge electrode absorbs water present in the air and becomes electrically conductive, thus increasing the apparent area of the filamentary discharge electrode. As a result, the capacitance of the dielectric increases.
That is, in a conventional ozonizer, because ammonium nitrate covers the filamentary discharge electrode, the density of the electric field generated by the filamentary discharge electrode is reduced. The capacitance of the dielectric increases, resulting in reduced ozone generation.
Conventionally, therefore, the ozonizer is disassembled, and adhering ammonium nitrate is wiped off from the filamentary discharge electrode using water or a solvent. That is, a conventional ozonizer must be maintained through manual labor.
After cleaning, the creeping discharge element resumes discharging to thereby generate ozone. However, a high electric potential of several kilovolts is applied to the creeping discharge element even though the current flowing through the element is very small. Therefore, it is dangerous for an ordinary household user to clean the element. That is, even though designed for household use, conventional ozonizers are difficult to maintain.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an ozonizer which is easy to maintain and a water purifier equipped with the ozonizer.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an ozonizer, a water purifier and a method of cleaning the ozonizer which allows for easy removal of at least ammonium nitrate among those substances adhering to a discharge element without the need for manual cleaning and which dispenses with the need for touching the discharge element.
The above objects have been achieved according to a first aspect of the present invention by providing an ozonizer which comprises an ozonizing discharge element, an electric circuit for applying a voltage to said ozonizing discharge element so as to produce an ozone-generating discharge; a housing having an opening formed therein for receiving said ozonizing discharge element, a cover which seals the ozonizing discharge element in said housing, and means for turning off the voltage applied to said ozonizing discharge element when the cover is removed.
In the ozonizer according to the above first aspect of the present invention, it is safe to clean the ozonizing discharge element because the voltage applied to the ozonizing discharge element is turned off when the cover is removed.
In the ozonizer, preferably at least part of the cover or housing is transparent so as to enable visual detection of the discharge state of the ozonizing discharge element. Instead of visual inspection, for example, a light sensor which detects a discharge light of the ozonizing discharge element through the transparent cover or housing may be placed outside the transparent cover or housing to confirm the discharge state of the ozonizing discharge element. Thus, the ozonizer is easy to maintain.
According to a second aspect, the present invention provides an ozonizer which comprises an ozonizing discharging element, an electric circuit for applying a voltage to said ozonizing discharge element so as to produce an ozone-generating discharge, a housing having an opening formed therein for receiving said ozonizing discharge element, and a cover which seals the ozonizing discharge element in said housing, wherein at least part of said cover or housing is transparent so as to enable visual detection of the discharge state of the ozonizing discharge element.
In the ozonizer according to the above second aspect of the present invention, the discharge state of the ozonizing discharge element can be visually observed or easily detected with a sensor.
Also, in the above-described ozonizers, an ozone discharge pipe is preferably provided on said housing separate from said cover.
Namely, because a piping portion is provided on the housing side, the piping portion, to which an ozone pipe is connected, remains stationary when the cover is removed. Accordingly, protection is provided against accidentally disconnecting the ozone pipe from the piping portion, to thereby prevent a gas leak which might otherwise result and assure safe operation.
In the above-described ozonizers, each of the housing and the cover preferably comprises engagement means for fixedly engaging one another. More preferably, one of the engagement means comprises a hook portion and the other comprises an engagement portion for engaging the hook portion.
In this case, because the housing and the cover are fixed together via the engagement means, the cover is easily detached from or attached to the housing by disengaging or engaging the engagement means.
According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a water purifier equipped with an ozonizer which comprises an ozonizing discharge element, an electric circuit for applying a voltage to said ozonizing discharge element so as to produce an ozone-generating discharge; a housing having an opening formed therein for receiving the ozonizing discharge element, and a cover which seals said ozonizing discharge element in said housing, wherein at least part of the cover or housing is transparent so as to enable visual detection of the discharge state of the ozonizing discharge element.
In the water purifier according to the above third aspect of the present invention, the discharge state of the ozonizing discharge element can be visually observed with ease because at least a part of the cover or housing is transparent. Thus, the water purifier is easy to maintain.
The water purifier preferably includes a window through which the transparent portion of the cover of the ozonizer can be visually observed from the outside. Thus, it is easy to visually observe the discharge state of the ozonizing discharge element.
According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a water purifier equipped with an ozonizer which comprises an ozonizing discharge element, a power unit for energizing and applying a voltage to said ozonizing discharge element so as to produce an ozone-generating discharge, a housing having an opening formed therein for receiving said ozonizing discharge element, a cover which seals said ozonizing discharge element in said housing, and means for turning off the voltage applied to the ozonizing discharge element when the cover is removed.
In the water purifier according to the above fourth aspect of the present invention, it is safe to clean the ozonizing discharge element because the voltage applied to the ozonizing discharge element is turned off when the cover is removed.
Furthermore, in the above first through fourth aspects of the present invention, the cover preferably hermetically seals the ozonizing discharge element in the housing.
According to a fifth aspect, the present invention provides an improved ozonizer having a discharge element for generating ozone by electric discharge. The ozonizer includes a heat generating element for generating heat upon input of current so as to heat the discharge element. The ozonizer also includes a heat generating circuit for supplying current to the heat generating element so as to heat the heat generating element and thereby heat the discharge element to a predetermined temperature. This induces scattering of at least ammonium nitrate molecules among those substances adhering to the discharge element.
In the ozonizer according to the above fifth aspect of the present invention, the discharge element preferably includes a dielectric formed from ceramic, a discharge electrode disposed on one surface of the dielectric, and an induction electrode disposed in the dielectric opposed to and separate from the discharge electrode. The heat generating element is preferably disposed on the other surface of the dielectric opposed to the induction electrode.
Because ammonium nitrate adhering to the discharge element can be evaporated by operating the heat generating circuit, the user does not have to touch or handle the discharge element to clean the same. In contrast, in a conventional cleaning practice, the user wipes off adhering ammonium nitrate from a discharge element using water or a solvent.
In the ozonizer according to the above fifth aspect of the present invention, the discharge element is heated preferably to a set temperature within a range of from 200° C. to 500° C., more preferably, within a range of from 250° C. to 350° C. A broad temperature range of from 200° C. to 500° C. is employed because ammonium nitrate adhering to the discharge element can be evaporated at a temperature within this range. Ammonium nitrate adhering to the discharge element begins to evaporate at a temperature slightly above 200° C. However, in order to reduce the evaporation time, the discharge element is preferably heated to a temperature of at least 250° C. Also, if the discharge element is heated to an excessively high temperature, the resin case which houses the discharge element may become deformed. Therefore, a temperature range of from 250° C. to 350° C. is more preferred.
In the ozonizer according to the above fifth aspect of the present invention, a heat generating time control means is preferably provided in order to control the period of time during which the heat generating element generates heat.
In this manner, the heating time for heating the discharge element can be controlled. That is, the discharge element can be maintained at the set temperature under control of the heat generating time control means.
The heat generating time control means preferably comprises a thermistor having a positive characteristic connected in series with the heat generating element.
Because the thermistor having a positive characteristic increases in resistance with an increase in temperature, the thermistor connected to the heat generating element shuts off current flow to the heat generating element after a predetermined time has elapsed, to thereby prevent overheating of the discharge element.
Also, the use of the thermistor reduces the cost of the ozonizer as compared with the case where a complicated timer circuit is employed.
The ozonizer according to the above fifth aspect of the present invention preferably comprises a discharge element housed in a resin case. The induction electrode is connected to a high-voltage supply, and the discharge electrode is connected to ground. A portion of the discharge electrode is covered with a protective film against wear caused by discharge, and the uncovered portion of the discharge electrode is exposed from one surface of the dielectric.
In this structure, the induction electrode is connected to a high-voltage supply, and the discharge electrode is connected to ground. Therefore, even when water enters the case and wets the discharge electrode, the electric potential between the electrodes is rendered identical to that of the water. Accordingly, one would not suffer electric shock by touching the ozonizer.
Furthermore, the discharge electrode excluding a certain portion thereof is covered with a protective film against wear caused by discharge, and the uncovered portion is exposed from one surface of the dielectric. Accordingly, even if the dielectric breaks with the resulting exposure of a high-voltage portion (for example, a portion of the induction electrode or heat generating element), current flows into the exposed portion of the discharge electrode such that electric shock is prevented.
The discharge element is preferably housed in a case with a heat resistant rubber gasket interposed therebetween. This prevents heat generated by the discharge element from being transmitted to the resin case which might otherwise cause the resin case to deteriorate or deform.
In the ozonizer according to the above fifth aspect of the present invention, a timer is preferably provided in order to control the period of time during which electrical power s supplied to the discharge element and the heat generating circuit.
According to a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a water purifier which includes the above described ozonizer, a filter for filtering water, and ozone discharging means for discharging ozone generated by the ozonizer into water filtered through the filter.
When a water purifier equipped with an ozonizer is disassembled and maintained, water entering into the ozonizer may cause electric shock. By contrast, in the case of a water purifier equipped with the ozonizer according to the present invention, the ozonizer can be maintained merely by operating the heat generating circuit with no need of disassembly. Thus, maintaining the ozonizer does not involve the risk of electric shock.
According to a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a method of cleaning an ozonizer having a discharge element for generating ozone by electric discharge. In this method, the discharge element is heated to a predetermined temperature using a heat generating element and a heat generating circuit for supplying current to the heat generating element so as to heat the heat generating element, to thereby evaporate at least ammonium nitrate among those substances adhering to the discharge element.
Because the cleaning method of the present invention allows a user to evaporate ammonium nitrate adhering to the discharge element by operating the heat generating circuit, the invention dispenses with the need for handling the discharge element in order to clean the same. In contrast, in a conventional cleaning practice, the user wipes off adhering ammonium nitrate from a discharge element using water or a solvent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will be understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments when considered with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the structure of a circulating water purifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2A is a perspective front-side view of an ozonizing element used in an ozonizer according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 2B is a perspective back-side view of the ozonizing element of FIG. 2A;
FIG. 2C is a side view of another type of ozonizing element according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3A is a front view of the ozonizer according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 3B is a side view of the ozonizer of FIG. 3A;
FIG. 3C is a view showing the ozonizer of FIG. 3A with its cover separated therefrom;
FIG. 3D is a sectional view along line 3 D— 3 D of FIG. 3A;
FIG. 3E is a bottom view of the ozonizer of FIG. 3A;
FIGS. 3F and 3G show the ozonizer of FIG. 3A mounted on the circulating water purifier of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 4A and 4B are circuit diagrams of the high-voltage generating board of the ozonizer according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 4C is a circuit diagram of the high-voltage generating board of an ozonizer according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5A is a front view of the ozonizer according to the second embodiment;
FIG. 5B is a side view of the ozonizer of FIG. 5A;
FIG. 5C is a view showing the ozonizer of FIG. 5A with its cover separated therefrom;
FIG. 5D is a sectional view along line 5 D— 5 D of FIG. 5A;
FIG. 5E is a bottom view of the ozonizer of FIG. 5A;
FIG. 6 is a front view of an ozonizer according to a modification of the second embodiment;
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an ozonizer according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7B is a side view of the cover of the ozonizer of FIG. 7A;
FIG. 7C is a side view of the housing of the ozonizer of FIG. 7A;
FIG. 7D is a sectional view along line 7 D— 7 D of FIG. 7A;
FIG. 7E is a sectional view of an ozonizer according to a modification of the third embodiment;
FIG. 8A is a plan view of a cover for mounting on a conventional ozonizer;
FIG. 8B is a plan view of a conventional ozonizer;
FIG. 8C is a view of the ozonizer of FIG. 8B in the direction of arrow C of FIG. 8B;
FIG. 8D is a sectional view along line 8 D— 8 D of FIG. 8 B.
FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an ozonizer according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10A is an exploded view of a discharge element employed in the ozonizer of FIG. 9;
FIG. 10B is a perspective bottom view of the discharge element of FIG. 10A; and
FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of an electric circuit used in the ozonizer of FIG. 9 .
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention will be described in greater detail below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows the structure of a circulating water purifier 80 for use in a 24-hour working-type Jacuzzi (whirlpool bath) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Hot water in a bathtub 98 is drawn in through a water intake unit 82 , and debris such as hair is filtered from the hot water by a filter 84 disposed within the water intake unit 82 . Bucket 86 purifies the filtered hot water drawn in through the water intake unit 82 . The bucket 86 contains activated carbon 86 B and porous natural stone 86 A containing silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) as a main component, and a temperature sensor 88 is disposed at the bottom of the bucket 86 . Microorganisms adhering to the natural stone 86 A and activated carbon 86 B act as a biofilter to decompose impurities contained in the hot water. The temperature of the hot water leaving the bucket 86 is monitored by the temperature sensor 88 , and the hot water is heated to an appropriate bathing temperature of 42° C. to 44° C. by a heater 90 equipped with a ceramic heater (not shown). Hot water heated by the heater 90 is pumped by a circulation pump 92 and discharged into the bathtub 98 from a jet nozzle 96 via a water flow sensor 94 . The water flow sensor 94 monitors water flow from the circulation pump 92 and turns off the circulation pump 92 when needed to protect its built-in motor. This occurs, for example, when the filter 84 is clogged and hot water in the bathtub 98 is not being pumped to the circulation pump 92 .
The circulating water purifier 80 contains an ozonizer 10 for generating ozone from oxygen contained in air. A first solenoid valve 16 A is mounted on a first air intake pipe 12 a used for drawing air into the ozonizer 10 . A pipe 18 a open to the atmosphere at the tip end thereof is connected to the first solenoid valve 16 A. A second air intake pipe 12 b is connected to a discharge pipe 14 used for discharging ozone generated in the ozonizer 10 into the jet nozzle 96 . A second solenoid valve 16 B is mounted at the tip end of the second air intake pipe 12 b . A pipe 18 b open to the atmosphere at the tip end thereof is connected to the second solenoid valve 16 B.
Under control of a controller (not shown), the ozonizer 10 is operated intermittently (for example, a 10-minute operation followed by a 50-minute pause). While the ozonizer 10 is operating, the first solenoid valve 16 A is opened, and the second solenoid valve 16 B is closed, so that air is taken into the ozonizer 10 through the first solenoid valve 16 A to thereby generate ozone. The ozone thus generated is drawn into the jet nozzle 96 via the discharge pipe 14 and discharged into the hot water contained in the bathtub 98 in the form of bubbles. Thus, the ozone is introduced into the hot water. On the other hand, while operation of the ozonizer 10 is suspended, the first solenoid valve 16 A is closed, and the second solenoid valve 16 B is opened. As a result, air is taken in through the second solenoid valve 16 B and drawn into the discharge pipe 14 via the second air intake pipe 12 b . Then, air is discharged from the jet nozzle 96 into hot water contained in the bathtub 98 in the form of bubbles.
Next, an ozonizing element accommodated in the ozonizer 10 is described below with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C.
As shown in FIG. 2A, a creeping discharge type ozonizing element 60 includes a first dielectric layer 62 and a second dielectric layer 64 , both formed from ceramic. A surface induction electrode 66 is interposed between the first dielectric layer 62 and the second dielectric layer 64 . A filamentary discharge electrode 68 is disposed on the upper surface of the first dielectric layer 62 . The surface of the filamentary discharge electrode 68 is covered with a glaze layer or ceramic layer (not shown) to prevent wear due to discharge. FIG. 2B shows the ozonizing element 60 of FIG. 2A viewed from underneath (back side). A terminal 66 a connected to the surface induction electrode 66 and a terminal 68 a connected to the filamentary discharge electrode 68 are exposed on the surface of the second induction layer 64 . Also, heaters H are mounted on the surface of the second dielectric layer 64 to prevent dew condensation on the ozonizing element 60 which is described below. Power from a high-voltage generating board, which is also described below, is supplied to the electrodes 66 and 68 via the terminals 66 a and 68 a.
FIG. 2C shows another type of ozonizing element 160 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the creeping discharge type ozonization element 160 , a filamentary discharge electrode 168 is disposed on the upper surface of a dielectric layer 164 , and electrodes 167 a and 167 b for connection to a power supply are disposed on the lower surface of the dielectric layer 164 .
Next, the structure of the ozonizer 10 shown in FIG. 1 is described below with reference to FIGS. 3A-3G. FIG. 3A shows a front view of the ozonizer 10 ; FIG. 3B shows a side view of the ozonizer 10 ; and FIG. 3C shows the ozonizer 10 with a cover 30 separated therefrom. FIG. 3D shows a sectional view along line 3 D— 3 D of FIG. 3A; FIG. 3E shows a bottom view of the ozonizer 10 ; FIGS. 3F and 3G show the ozonizer 10 mounted on the circulating water purifier 80 .
As shown in FIG. 3C, the ozonizer 10 includes the ozonizing element 60 , a box-like housing 20 which accommodates a high-voltage generating board 50 , described below, for driving the ozonizing element 60 , and a cover 30 for hermetically closing a first opening 20 a formed in the housing 20 . In the present embodiment, the housing 20 comprises a rectangular box-shape, but may assume various kinds of shapes such as a cylindrical shape.
The housing 20 is integrally formed from a material resistant to ozone-induced oxidation such as vinyl chloride, stainless steel, Teflon, or the like. A flange portion 20 b having a second opening 20 c formed therein is provided inside the housing 20 . The ozonizing element 60 is mounted on the flange portion 20 b via a packing 24 formed from an ozone-resistant fluorine-containing rubber. The packing 24 prevents ozone generated by the ozonizer 10 from leaking into the high-voltage generating board 50 side through the second opening 20 c . A through-hole 20 d is provided in a side wall of the housing 20 . A screwdriver can be inserted through the through-hole 20 d to adjust a variable resistor, described below, provided on the high-voltage generating board 50 . On the bottom portion of the housing 20 are formed a socket flange 20 f for accommodating sockets 22 a and 22 b and six screw flanges 20 e through which corresponding screws 28 (see FIG. 3B) are inserted in order to fix the cover 30 on the housing 20 . As shown in FIG. 3D, the sockets 22 a and 22 b are connected to the high-voltage generating board 50 via lead wires 56 a and 56 b.
The cover 30 is formed from a transparent vinyl chloride which is resistant to ozone. Here, the term “transparent” means a degree of transparency such that a user can determine whether or not there is a discharge at the inner ozonizing element 60 , and thus includes semitransparent materials. Therefore, in order to achieve the above objects of the present invention, the cover 30 is preferably located so as to face the filamentary electrode 68 side of the creeping discharge element (creeping discharge type ozonization element) 60 , namely, the side of the creeping discharge element 60 where corona discharge occurs. As shown in FIG. 3C, an upright wall 30 a is formed on the cover 30 . The upright wall 30 a is inserted into the first opening 20 a of the housing 20 and abuts the flange portion 20 b via the packing 24 to thereby prevent ozone from leaking out of the apparatus.
An air intake pipe 30 b for taking in air and an ozone discharge pipe 30 c for discharging ozone are provided on the cover 30 . The first air intake pipe 12 a shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the air intake pipe 30 b , whereas a discharge pipe 14 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the ozone discharge pipe 30 c . On the periphery of the cover 30 , six screw flanges 30 d are provided into which the corresponding screws 28 are driven in order to fix the cover 30 on the housing 20 (see FIG. 3 B), and a terminal flange 30 e is provided which supports terminals 32 a and 32 b for inserting into the sockets 22 a and 22 b , respectively. In the terminal flange 30 e , external lead wires 54 a and 54 b are connected to the terminals 32 a and 32 b , respectively.
Also, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, a pair of mounting brackets 30 f extend longitudinally outward from both ends of the cover 30 . As shown in FIG. 3F, the ozonizer 10 is fixedly mounted on the housing 81 of the circulating water purifier 80 by means of screws 34 which are inserted through the through-holes 30 g formed in the mounting brackets 30 f.
As shown in FIG. 3E, the ozonizing element 60 can be visually observed because the cover 30 is transparent. As shown in FIG. 3F, the ozonizer 10 is mounted on a window 81 a formed in the housing 81 of the circulating water purifier 80 . Accordingly, the discharge state of the ozonizer 10 can be monitored from outside the circulating water purifier 80 . In FIG. 3F, the window 81 a is formed in the housing 31 in the form of an opening. However, as shown in FIG. 3G, a glass plate 83 may be fit into the window 81 a.
As described above, the ozonizer 10 allows a user to monitor the discharge state of the ozonizing element 60 from outside the circulating water purifier 80 . When the discharge is properly carried out, a purple corona discharge light shines around the filamentary discharge electrode 68 of the ozonizing element 60 shown in FIG. 3 E. The corona discharge light indicates that ozone is being generated.
In contrast, when the discharge is disabled due to accumulation of an ammonium salt on the ozonizing element 60 over long-term use, the above-described discharge light is not observed. In that case, the screws 28 (see FIG. 3F) are removed to thereby separate the cover 30 from the housing 20 as shown in FIG. 3 C. Then, the ozonizing element 60 equipped in the housing 20 is cleaned using water or a solvent, to thereby remove the accumulated ammonium salt. This restores the ozonizing element 60 which can once again generate ozone. When the cover 30 is separated from the housing 20 , the terminals 32 a and 32 b are disconnected from the sockets 22 a and 22 b , respectively, whereby the power supply is shut off. Thus, voltage applied to the ozonizing element 60 is reliably turned off. In yet another embodiment, a push-button switch (on when depressed) connected in series with the power supply may be employed. In this embodiment, the push-button switch is mounted such that the cover 30 depresses and engages the switch when fixed to the housing 20 . When the cover 30 is removed, the circuit is broken such that the voltage applied to the ozonizing element 60 is reliably turned off. This enables a user to safely carry out the above-described cleaning work.
The circuit of the high-voltage generating board 50 is described below with reference to FIGS. 4A-4C. As shown in FIG. 4A, the high-voltage generating board 50 has an IC 1 which receives an external electric potential of 12 V sequentially via the lead wires 54 a and 54 b , the terminals 32 a and 32 b , the sockets 22 a and 22 b , and the lead wires 56 a and 56 b (see FIG. 3D) and which provides a regulated voltage supply. The heater H for heating the ozonizing element 60 is connected to the IC 1 . Being located on the back surface side of the ozonizing element 60 , the heater H continues heating the ozonizing element 60 to a temperature of approximately 40° C. even when power to the ozonizing element 60 is shut off, to thereby prevent dew condensation on the ozonizing element 60 . In FIG. 4B, the oscillation of transistor TR 1 can be stopped by applying a voltage from a terminal 69 . This discontinues ozone generation while power is continuously supplied to the heater H.
As shown in FIG. 4B, the high-voltage generating board 50 includes a transformer T, the transistor TR 1 , a transistor TR 2 , an IC 2 and a variable resistor RV. The transistor TR 1 together with the transformer T oscillate to generate a high electric potential of 5 kV at 40 kHz. The thus-generated high electric potential of 5 kV is applied to the ozonizing element 60 . The transistor TR 2 is adapted to cause the transistor TR 1 to start or stop oscillating. The IC 2 is used to adjust the amount of ozone that is generated by the ozonizing element 60 by altering its duty ratio. In order to adjust the value of the variable resistor RV to thereby set the duty ratio of the IC 2 , a user may insert a screwdriver through the through-hole 20 d formed in the housing 20 as shown in FIG. 3 A. The high-voltage generating board 50 can include a power source such as a battery.
Next, an ozonizer 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to FIGS. 5A-5E. As in the case of the first embodiment, the ozonizer 110 is also intended for a circulating water purifier for use in a 24-hour working bath. A circulating water purifier employing the ozonizer 110 is similar to that of the first embodiment described above. Thus, a description thereof is not repeated. Members of the ozonizer 110 similar to those of the ozonizer 10 are denoted by common reference numerals, and the description thereof is not repeated.
FIG. 5A shows a front view of the ozonizer 110 ; FIG. 5B shows a side view of the ozonizer 110 ; and FIG. 5C shows the ozonizer 110 with a cover 130 separated therefrom. FIG. 5D shows a sectional view along line 5 D— 5 D of FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5E is a bottom view of the ozonizer 110 .
As shown in FIG. 5C, the ozonizer 110 includes the ozonizing element 60 which has been described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C, a box-like housing 120 which accommodates a high-voltage generating board 150 (FIG. 5 D), and a cover 130 for hermetically closing a first opening 120 a of the housing 120 .
The housing 120 is integrally formed from vinyl chloride. A flange portion 120 b having a second opening 120 c formed therein (see FIG. 5A) is provided inside the housing 120 . The ozonizing element 60 is mounted on the flange portion 120 b via a packing 124 formed from ozone-resistant fluorine-containing rubber. On the bottom portion of the housing 120 are provided a socket flange 120 f for accommodating sockets 122 a and 122 b and six screw flanges 120 e through which corresponding screws 28 are inserted in order to fix the cover 130 on the housing 120 . A through-hole 120 d is provided in a side wall of the housing 120 to allow for adjusting the variable resistor of the high-voltage generating board 150 . As shown in FIG. 5D, the socket 122 a is connected to a lead wire 154 b , and the socket 122 b is connected to the high-voltage generating board 150 via a lead wire 156 b . Furthermore, an external lead wire 154 a is directly connected to the high-voltage generating board 150 .
In contrast to the ozonizer 10 of the first embodiment which has been described above with reference to FIGS. 3A-3G, in the ozonizer 110 of the second embodiment, an air intake pipe 120 h and an ozone discharge pipe 120 g are provided on the housing 120 . The air intake pipe 12 a shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the air intake pipe 120 h , and the discharge pipe 14 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the ozone discharge pipe 120 g . Furthermore, a pair of mounting brackets 120 j extend longitudinally outward from both ends of the top portion of the housing 120 . After the ozonizer 110 is turned upside down from the state shown in FIG. 5A, the ozonizer 110 is fixedly mounted on the housing 81 of the circulating water purifier 80 by means of screws (not shown) which are inserted through through-holes 120 k formed in the mounting brackets 120 j.
The cover 130 is formed from a transparent vinyl chloride which is resistant to ozone. As shown in FIG. 5C, an upright wall 130 a is formed on the cover 130 . The upright wall 130 a is inserted into the first opening 120 a of the housing 120 and abuts the flange portion 120 b via the packing 124 to thereby prevent ozone from leaking out of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 5 A. Through-holes 130 f are formed in the upright wall 130 a so as to communicate with the air intake pipe 120 h and the ozone discharge pipe 120 g provided on the housing 120 . A flange 130 g extends outward from the cover 130 and abuts the bottom surface 120 n of the housing 123 as shown in FIG. 5A. A packing 126 interposed between the flange 130 g and the bottom surface 120 n maintains a hermetic seal. That is, in the second embodiment, an ozone leak is prevented by using the packings 124 and 126 .
On the periphery of the cover 130 are provided six screw flanges 130 d through which the corresponding screws 28 (see FIG. 5A) are inserted in order to fix the cover 130 on the housing 120 , and a terminal flange 130 e which supports a U-shaped jumper 132 for inserting into the sockets 122 a and 122 b . Via the jumper 132 , the external lead wire 154 b and the lead wire 156 b connected to the high-voltage generating board 150 are connected as described above with reference to FIG. 5 D.
The circuit of the high-voltage generating board 50 in the second embodiment is described below with reference to FIGS. 4A-4C.
As shown in FIG. 4C, the high-voltage generating board 50 has the voltage regulating IC 1 which receives an external electric potential of 12 V sequentially via the lead wire 154 b , the jumper 132 and the lead wire 156 b , and via the lead wire 154 a . The circuit diagram of the high-voltage generating section of the high-voltage generating board 150 shown in FIG. 4B is similar to that of the first embodiment, and thus a description thereof is not repeated.
As shown in FIG. 5E, the ozonizing element 60 can be visually observed because the cover 130 is transparent. When ozone is not properly generated due to accumulation of ammonium salt on the ozonizing element 60 , the cover 130 is removed and the ozonizing element 60 is cleaned. When the cover 130 is removed, the jumper 132 is disconnected from the sockets 122 a and 122 b as shown in FIG. 5 D. As a result, the lead wire 154 b is disconnected from the lead wire 156 b such the electric potential is no longer applied to the ozonizing element 60 . Accordingly, it is then safe to clean the ozonizing element 60 .
Also, in the ozonizer 110 , an air intake pipe 120 h and an ozone discharge pipe 120 g are provided on the housing 120 . Accordingly, when the cover 130 is removed, the ozone discharge pipe 120 g to which the discharge pipe 14 (see FIG. 1) is connected remains stationary. This prevents the discharge pipe 14 from accidentally being disconnected from the ozone discharge pipe 120 g with a resultant ozone leak. Thus, safety is assured.
Next, an ozonizer according to a modification of the second embodiment is described below with reference to FIG. 6 .
In this modification, a check valve is unitarily provided in an ozone discharge pipe 120 v . A slit 120 r is formed in the interior of the cylindrical portion 120 s of the ozone discharge pipe 120 v , and a valve disk 128 moves along the slit 120 r . When ozone flows back toward the ozonizer 110 , the valve disk 128 abuts the inner wall 120 q (a right-hand inner wall in FIG. 6) of the cylindrical portion 120 s , to thereby prevent ozone from entering the ozonizer 110 . This modification of the second embodiment does not involve installation of an external check valve, thereby avoiding an ozone leak which could otherwise occur at the connection between the check valve and a pipe used for connecting the check valve to the ozonizer 110 .
Next, an ozonizer according to a third embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to FIGS. 7A-7E.
An ozonizer 210 according to the third embodiment has a structure substantially similar to that of the second embodiment as described above with reference to FIGS. 5A-5E. In the second embodiment, the cover 130 is fixed onto the housing 120 with screws, whereas in the third embodiment, a cover 230 is removably attached to a housing 220 by means of hook-like engagement portions.
FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of the ozonizer 210 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7B shows a side view of the cover 230 . FIG. 7C shows a side view of the housing 220 . FIG. 7D shows a sectional view along the line 7 D— 7 D of FIG. 7 A. As shown in FIG. 7B, the cover 230 has engagement portions 230 b serving as the engagement means of the present invention. The engagement portion 230 b includes a flexible support piece 230 c extending sideward from the cover 230 , a hook 230 e formed at the tip end of the support piece 230 c , and a projection 230 d formed substantially at the center of the support piece 230 c and projecting upward. Engagement hole portions 220 b serving as the engagement means of the present invention are formed in the housing 220 so as to engage the engagement portions 230 b of the cover 230 . The engagement hole portion 220 b includes a stepped engagement portion 220 c for engaging the hook 230 e and a through-hole 220 d for receiving the projection 230 d.
In the ozonizer 210 , the cover 230 is press-fitted into the housing 220 , whereby the hooks 230 e of the engagement portions 230 b of the cover 230 engage the stepped engagement portions 220 c of the engagement hole portions 220 b of the housing 220 . Thus, the cover 230 is fixed on the housing 220 . When the cover 230 is to be removed from the housing 220 , the projections 230 d of the engagement portions 230 b are pressed down to thereby disengage the hooks 230 e from the stepped engagement portions 220 c of the engagement hole portions 220 b . In FIG. 7B, 230 a is a peripheral projecting portion for holding a packing inside and providing an air-tight seal.
In the third embodiment, the ozonizing element can be readily cleaned because the cover 230 is removably attached to the housing 220 without using screws. In FIGS. 7A-7E, a jumper used for shutting off power to the high-voltage generating board is omitted for convenience of illustration.
FIG. 7E shows an ozonizer 210 according to a modification of the third embodiment. In this modification, the housing 220 has an engagement portion 220 e , and the cover 230 has an engagement hole 230 f formed therein.
In the above-described first, second, and third embodiments, the entire cover 30 , 130 , or 230 is transparent. However, only a portion of the cover 30 , 130 or 230 or housing need be transparent so long as the ozonizing element 60 is visible. The transparent part of the cover or housing is preferably made of an inorganic transparent material such as glass as opposed to a transparent plastic (organic) material. This is because the transparent plastic loses its transparency faster than glass over an extended period of use.
In the above-described embodiments, a low electric potential supplied to the high-voltage generating board is disconnected when the cover is removed. Alternatively, a high electric potential applied to the ozonizing element 60 is disconnected when the cover is removed. Also, in the above-described embodiments, the high-voltage generating board is accommodated within the housing. Alternatively, the ozonizing element 60 alone may be accommodated within the housing, and a high electric potential may be applied to the ozonizing element 60 from a high-voltage generating board disposed outside the housing.
Next, the main structure of the ozonizer 10 in accordance with the fifth through seventh aspects of the present invention is described below with reference to FIG. 9 .
The ozonizer 10 includes a box-shaped resin case 11 , which houses a circuit board 12 on which an electric circuit shown in FIG. 11 is formed. A board 13 is mounted on the top portion of the case 11 . The board 13 has four sockets 14 , 15 , 16 , and 17 , which are electrically connected to the electric circuit formed on the circuit board 12 . A frame-shaped packing 18 formed from a heat resistant rubber is disposed on the peripheral edge of the top of the case 11 . An ozone generating element 21 is fitted into the space surrounded by the packing 18 . Four connection pins 21 a , 21 b , 21 c , and 21 d project from the back surface of the ozone generating element 21 and are inserted into the sockets 14 through 17 , respectively.
A frame-shaped packing 40 formed from a heat resistant rubber is disposed on the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the ozone generating element 21 fitted into the packing 18 . A cover 41 is placed on the upper surface of the case 11 with the packing 40 interposed therebetween.
That is, the ozone generating element 21 is not in direct contact with the case 11 . This prevents heat generated from the ozone generating element 21 from being transmitted to the case 11 which might otherwise deteriorate or deform the case 11 .
An opening 42 is formed in the lower surface of the cover 41 . The air intake valve 43 for drawing in the air and the discharge pipe 44 for discharging ozone are provided on opposing end surfaces of the cover 41 , respectively. The air intake pipe 43 and the discharge pipe 44 communicate with the opening 42 . A mounting bracket 19 for mounting the ozonizer 10 inside the housing 81 of the water purifier 80 is provided at each end surface of the case 11 at a lower position thereof. A screw hole 19 a is provided through the mounting bracket 19 .
In this embodiment, a fluorine-containing rubber is used as the heat resistant rubber.
Next, the structure of the ozone generating element 21 is described below with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B.
As shown in FIG. 10A, the ozone generating element 21 includes a discharge element 22 , which in turn includes a sheet-like first dielectric layer 25 and second dielectric layer 26 , and a third dielectric layer 27 in the form of a laminate. A filamentary discharge electrode 25 a is provided on the surface of the first dielectric layer 25 . Most of the surface of the filamentary discharge electrode 25 a is covered with a protective film 25 b to protect against wear caused by the discharge. A portion of the filamentary discharge electrode 25 a that is not covered with the protective film 25 b is exposed to the atmosphere and forms an exposed portion 25 d.
Even if the ozone generating element 21 breaks with a resulting exposure of a surface of the induction electrode 26 a or heater electrode 27 a , current flows into the exposed portion 25 d . Thus, a user is protected from electric shock.
The surface induction electrode 26 a is provided on the front surface of the second dielectric layer 26 such that its position corresponds to that of the filamentary discharge electrode 25 a . The heater electrode 27 a serving as the heat generating element of the present invention is provided on the front surface of the third dielectric layer 27 such that its position corresponds to that of the filamentary discharge electrode 25 a.
In this embodiment, the heater electrode 27 a is preferably located within 5 mm from the filamentary discharge electrode 25 a for better heating efficiency.
One end of the filamentary discharge electrode 25 a is electrically connected to a terminal 25 c formed on the back surface of the third dielectric layer 27 . The terminal 25 c is electrically connected to the ground side of the electric circuit via the connection pin 21 a (see FIG. 9 ). One end of the surface induction electrode 26 a is electrically connected to a terminal 26 c . The terminal 26 c is electrically connected to the high-voltage side of the electric circuit via the connection pin 21 c . Both ends of the heater electrode 27 a are connected to terminals 27 c . The terminals 27 c are electrically connected to a heat generating circuit formed in the electric circuit via the connection pins 21 b and 21 d.
In this embodiment, the filamentary discharge electrode 25 a and the surface induction electrode 26 a are preferably formed from tungsten, and the protective film 25 b is preferably formed from glaze or a ceramic. A material for the heater electrode 27 a is selected such that the temperature of the discharge element 22 reaches 200° C. to 500° C. approximately 10 seconds after power is applied to the discharge element 22 in the case of using a 110V AC power source.
This is because ammonium nitrate adhering to the discharge element 22 can be evaporated at a temperature of 200° C. to 500° C.
The discharge element 22 preferably reaches a temperature of from 250° C. to 350° C.
That is, ammonium nitrate adhering to the discharge element 22 begins to vaporize at a temperature slightly above 200° C. However, in order to reduce evaporation time, the discharge element 22 is preferably heated to a temperature of at least 250° C. Also, if the discharge element 22 is heated to an excessively high temperature, the case 11 may deteriorate or deform.
Thus, in view of the above, the heater electrode 27 a having a resistance of 50 Ω at room temperature and a power consumption of 50 W is preferably formed from a mixed material of tungsten and ceramic so that the temperature of the discharge element 22 reaches 250° C. to 350° C. in 10 seconds.
Next, the electric circuit formed on the circuit board 12 is described with reference to FIG. 11 .
A heat generating circuit 53 and a power circuit 65 are provided on the circuit board 12 . The heat generating circuit 53 supplies current to the heater electrode 27 a so as to generate heat from the heater electrode 27 a . The power circuit 65 supplies power to the ozone generating element 21 and the heat generating circuit 53 .
The heat generating circuit 53 includes a thermistor 51 having a positive characteristic and a diode 52 . The thermistor 51 is connected in series with the heater electrode 27 a and functions as the heat generating time control means of the present invention. The diode 52 is connected in series between the thermistor 51 and the heater electrode 27 a . The power circuit 64 includes a half-wave diode bridge 61 , a transistor 62 , and a transformer 63 . The diode bridge 61 rectifies alternating current supplied from an AC power source 71 . The thus half-wave rectified current causes the transistor 62 to perform a switching operation. Switching of the transistor 62 causes the transformer 63 to apply a voltage between the filamentary discharge electrode 25 a and the surface induction electrode 26 a.
Also, the filamentary discharge electrode 25 a of the ozone generating element 21 is connected to a ground wire 64 .
Accordingly, even when water enters the case 11 and wets the filamentary discharge electrode 25 a , there is no potential difference between the filamentary discharge electrode 25 a and the water. Thus, a user does not suffer from electric shock.
Next, the operation of the water purifier 80 and ozonizer 10 is described below.
In this embodiment, the voltage applied between both electrodes is 5 kV at 40 kHz. The resistance of the thermistor 51 is 15 Ω at room temperature. The maximum voltage of the AC power source 71 is approximately 140 V.
When the timer 70 turns ON at a predetermined time, power from the AC power source 71 is supplied to a pump-driving circuit 72 . As a result, the circulation pump 92 is driven to thereby pump hot water from the bathtub 98 through the water intake 82 . Hot water is then filtered by the bucket 86 and heated by the heater 90 . The thus-heated hot water is discharged from the jet nozzle 96 . The first solenoid valve 16 A is opened, and the second solenoid valve 16 B is closed, such that air is drawn into the ozonizer 10 through the air intake pipe 12 a.
When the timer 70 is turned ON, alternating current is supplied from the AC power source 71 to the circuit board 12 . The thus-supplied alternating current undergoes half-wave rectification by the diode bridge 61 . An electrolytic capacitor C 1 is charged with the thus half-wave rectified current. When the electrolytic capacitor C 1 is charged, base current flows to the base of the transistor 62 via a resistor R 1 ; consequently, the transistor 62 turns ON. As a result, current flows to the secondary of the transformer 63 , and an electric potential is established between the filamentary discharge electrode 25 a and surface induction electrode 26 a of the ozone generating element 21 sufficient to generate a discharge. The discharge converts oxygen contained in the air, which has been drawn into the opening 42 through the air intake pipe 12 a (see FIG. 1 ), into ozone. The ozone thus generated is transferred through the discharge pipe 14 and discharged from the jet nozzle 96 into hot water contained in the bathtub 98 in the form of bubbles.
The above-described alternating current supplied from the AC power source 71 to the circuit board 12 also flows through the thermistor 51 and then to the diode 52 . The diode 52 performs half-wave rectification on the alternating current to thereby produce a DC voltage of approximately 70 V. Thus, direct current flows through the heater electrode 27 a to thereby heat the heater electrode 27 a . The magnitude of current I flowing to the heater electrode 27 a is approximately 1 A (I=70 V/(15 Ω+50 Ω)≅ 1 A). Accordingly, the power consumption P of the heater electrode 27 a is approximately 50 W (P=1 2 ×50)
Subsequently, as current flows continuously, the temperature of the discharge element 22 reaches 250° C. to 350° C. in approximately 10 seconds. This elevated temperature induces scattering of ammonium nitrate molecules adhering to the filamentary discharge electrode 25 a . Meanwhile, the resistance of the thermistor 51 increases to 2.5 Ω due to temperature rise, such that current stops flowing through the thermistor 51 . Consequently, the heater electrode 27 a stops generating heat.
In this embodiment, the timer 70 goes ON at 50-minute intervals and goes OFF 10 minutes after it goes ON. The ozone generating element 21 discharges continuously to generate ozone until the timer 70 goes OFF.
As described above, according to this embodiment, the ozone generating element 21 is heated by the heater electrode 27 a to thereby induce scattering of ammonium nitrate molecules adhering to the filamentary discharge electrode 25 a . This, in turn, removes the adhering ammonium nitrate.
Accordingly, this aspect of the present invention dispenses with the need for conventional manual maintenance which involved disassembling an ozonizer and wiping the discharge element using water or a solvent.
Furthermore, because measures for preventing electric shock are employed, maintenance can be readily performed.
Particularly, when an ozonizer used in a water purifier is maintained, there is a high possibility of electric shock due to the entry of water. However, the ozonizer of the present invention provides an electric shock-free environment.
The ozonizer of the present invention can be used in various ozonized water-producing apparatuses without particular limitation. Namely, the water purifier of the present invention is applicable to water purification systems for ponds, water tanks, pools and the like.
It should further be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail of the invention as shown and described above may be made. It is intended that such changes be included within the spirit and scope of the claims appended hereto. | An ozonizer and water purifier equipped with the ozonizer comprising an ozonizing discharge element; an electric circuit for applying a voltage to the ozonizing discharge element so as to produce an ozone-generating discharge; a housing having an opening formed therein for receiving the ozonizing discharge element; a cover which seals the ozonizing discharge element in the housing; and a device for turning off the voltage applied to the ozonizing discharge element when the cover is removed. In another embodiment, at least a part of the cover or housing is transparent so as to enable detection of the discharge state of the ozonizing discharge element. Also disclosed is an ozonizer and a water purifier comprising the ozonizer which includes a discharge element for generating ozone by discharge, wherein ammonium nitrate and other substances adhere to the discharge element upon discharge; and a heat generating element for heating the discharge element to a predetermined temperature which induces scattering of at least ammonium nitrate molecules among those substances adhering to the discharge element. | 2 |
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/993,698, filed on Sep. 12, 2007.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to gas treatment towers, and more specifically relates to the sieve trays that are commonly used in these towers to facilitate contact between a gas which flows in a given direction in the tower and a counter-current flowing liquid or slurry which interacts with the gas.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] Gas treatment towers typically are used to effect contact between a gas or gases which are to be subjected to treatment with a liquid or slurry which reacts with the gas or a component of the gas. The gas or gases are made to flow in a first direction in the tower while the liquid or slurry reactant flows in the opposed or counter-current direction. In a typical example a sulfur-containing flue gas may be subjected in such a tower to flue gas desulfurization (“FGD”) by being contacted with calcium carbonate slurry. However the present invention is not limited to use with any specific type of gas treatment tower; thus it can as well be used in various gas-liquid towers, including distillation columns and the like.
[0004] One or more perforated plates—so-called “sieve trays”—are commonly mounted in the tower flow path to serve as liquid-gas contact surfaces facilitating the liquid-gas reaction. (As used herein it will be understood that the term “liquid”, as in “gas-liquid contact”, is intended to encompass not only pure liquids, but as well flowable slurries such as the calcium carbonate slurry mentioned above.) The perforations in these sieve trays are commonly in the form of simple round holes of a diameter that is deemed appropriate for the intended materials being reacted. However while it is important to provide via the tray openings a large ratio between the open and closed space on the perforated surface, it is also important to preserve the integrity of the tray from a strength viewpoint. This is particularly important where higher gas velocities are used in the tower, as is often desired for maximum efficacy and efficiency.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0005] Now in accordance with the present invention a sieve tray is disclosed for use in a gas treatment tower, wherein the openings thereof are hexagonal in shape, enabling a higher open area in the tray while maintaining the tray structural integrity, thereby enabling use of the tray in higher velocity towers. The openings are arranged in rows and columns on the tray and each hexagonal opening is oriented with respect to each of its neighboring hexagonal openings so that opposed flat sides of neighboring openings are parallel. Consequently the closed area of the tray defined between the flat sides of the neighboring openings is a continuous strip of constant width corresponding to the distance between the adjacent flat sides of neighboring openings. The open area in the perforated surface of the tray can be as much as 60% of the total perforated surface, without sacrificing the mechanical integrity of the surface, a result that is not readily achievable where conventional round openings are provided.
[0006] The invention is also to be regarded as an improvement in the method for effecting a liquid-gas or slurry-gas reaction by flowing the gas through a tower in countercurrent relationship to the liquid or slurry which reacts with the gas or a component of the gas; and wherein one or more perforated sieve trays are mounted in the tower flow path to serve as liquid-gas or slurry-gas contact surfaces facilitating the liquid-gas or slurry-gas reaction. This method is thus improved by utilizing as the one or more sieve trays, a tray or trays having perforated openings which are hexagonal in shape, enabling in comparison to the perforations being round holes, a higher open area in the tray while better maintaining the tray structural integrity, thereby enabling higher velocities to be utilized for the gas and liquid or slurry flows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0007] The invention is diagrammatically illustrated, by way of example, in the drawings appended hereto, in which:
[0008] FIGS. 1( a ) and 1 ( b ) are plan views, schematic in nature, of the perforated surfaces of prior art sieve trays, respectively having 50% and 56% open area, wherein conventional round openings are provided; and
[0009] FIGS. 2( a ) and 2 ( b ) are plan views, schematic in nature, of the perforated surfaces of sieve trays, respectively having 50% and 56% open area; where the surfaces, in accordance with the invention, are provided with hexagonally formed openings.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0010] FIGS. 1( a ) and 1 ( b ) schematically depict the surface 12 of a typical prior art sieve tray 10 , which is provided with a plurality of conventional circular openings 14 . At FIG. 1( a ) a 50% open surface is shown; and at FIG. 1( b ) a 56% open area. Note in FIG. 1( a ) that with the 1⅜ inch openings shown, the minimum distance between openings 14 is ⅜ inches, while in FIG. 1( b ) the minimum distance between openings 14 is reduced to ¼ inch. Note as well that the solid strip 14 defined between the openings varies in shape depending upon the point in the strip which is considered.
[0011] FIGS. 2( a ) and 2 ( b ) schematically depict the surface 18 of a sieve tray 16 which in accordance with the invention is provided with a plurality of hexagonally shaped openings 20 . Openings 20 are seen to be arranged into rows 22 and columns 24 . Each hexagonal opening is oriented with respect to each of its neighboring hexagonal openings so that opposed flat sides, e.g. 26 and 28 , of neighboring openings are parallel. The closed area of tray 16 defined between the flat sides of the neighboring openings is a continuous strip 30 of constant width corresponding to the distance between the adjacent flat sides of neighboring openings.
[0012] The advantages gained by the invention will now be clear. Thus in FIG. 2( a ) a 50% open area surface is shown. The flat sides of the hexagons are exemplarily shown as 13/16 inches. The distance between the closest points of neighboring openings is ⅝ inches-considerably greater than the corresponding parameter in FIG. 1( a ). In FIG. 2( b ) a 56% open area surface is shown. Here it is seen that the closest distance between the openings is ½ inch, again considerably greater than the corresponding approach distance in FIG. 1( b ). Thus it will be evident that in comparison to the prior art use of round openings, the present invention results in considerably increasing the mechanical strength and integrity of the sieve tray in instances where the open area remains the same. This in turn enables use of sieve trays with greater open area, e.g. in towers characterized by higher gas velocities, or enables safe increase of the gas velocity in a tower previously operated at a lower gas flow rate.
[0013] It will be appreciated that the dimensions shown in the Figures just discussed, are merely set forth to enable comparisons, and are not intended to delimit the present invention. It will also be appreciated that in these Figures shadow lines are use to visually complete the imaginary portions of the circular or hexagonal openings which would reside outside the periphery of the sieve tray. The shadowed portions thus depicted do not therefore represent real structure, but are simply provided to assist the viewer in understanding the invention.
[0014] While the present invention has been particular set forth in terms of specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood in view of the present disclosure, that numerous variations on the invention are now enabled to those skilled in the art, which variations yet reside within the scope of the present teaching. Accordingly, the invention is to be broadly construed and limited only by the scope and spirit of the disclosure and of the claims now appended hereto. | A sieve tray is used in a gas treatment tower, wherein the tray openings are hexagonal in shape, enabling a higher open area in the tray while maintaining the tray structural integrity, thereby enabling use of the tray in higher velocity towers. | 8 |
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a national stage application under 35 USC 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2008/010312, filed Dec. 4, 2008, which claims the priority of German Patent Application No. 10 2007 060 958.4, filed Dec. 14, 2007, the contents of which prior applications are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a control device for wind energy installations having a wind rotor, a generator driven by the wind rotor, and a torque control unit for controlling the torque of the generator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Virtually all modern wind energy installations are de-signed for a variable rotation speed. This means that the wind rotor, which generally drives the generator via a transmission, can be operated at a different speed, depending on the wind conditions. To this end, a capability is provided to vary the pitch angles of the rotor blades of the wind rotor. Varying the pitch angle varies the wind power that the wind rotor extracts from the wind. The torque control unit correspondingly varies the torque of the generator, and therefore the emitted electrical power. A conventional closed-loop control system generally provides for the pitch control unit and the torque control unit to be connected to a superordinate operating point module, which determines nominal value presets for the pitch and torque control units, and applies them thereto.
The control device can be designed such that the pitch control unit and the torque control unit are independent of one another (U.S. Pat. No. 6,137,187). However, it is also possible for the two control units to be linked to one another (DE 10 2005 029 000), in such a way that the linking makes it possible to achieve a significant improvement in transitional behavior between partial-load operation and full-load operation of the wind energy installation.
When grid disturbances occur during operation, in particular brief voltage dips as a result of a short, then variable rotation-speed wind installations can also be affected by them. Conventionally, the wind energy installation is disconnected from the grid, as a result of which less power is available in the grid. This is counterproductive in the event of a short. It is therefore desirable to keep the wind energy installation connected to the grid, at least during short voltage dips, thus allowing power to be fed into the grid again from the wind energy installation as quickly as possible at the end of the voltage dip. This aspect of the wind energy installation still being connected to the grid throughout the duration of the voltage dip is referred to as “low voltage ride through”.
Because of the rapid changes which occur in the electrical grid parameter when the grid collapses, corresponding, highly dynamic effects occur on the wind energy installations and their drive train, resulting in oscillations. These oscillations, which occur at the start of the grid dip, are in practice excited again at the end of the grid dip, that is to say when the voltage returns. Torque peaks can occur in this case, which are more than twice the rated torque. There is therefore a risk of the drive train of the wind energy installation fracturing, and a risk of damage to the surrounding area. One known remedy is to appropriately derate the mechanical drive train. However, this has the disadvantage that the wind energy installation production costs are considerably increased.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Against the background of the last mentioned prior art, the invention is based on the object of improving the behavior of the wind energy installation when temporary voltage dips occur in the grid (low voltage ride through”).
The solution according to the invention resides in the features broadly disclosed herein. Advantageous developments are described in the disclosure below.
In the case of a control device for wind energy installations having a wind rotor and a generator which is driven at a variable rotation speed by the wind rotor, which control device has a pitch control unit for the rotation speed of the wind rotor and a torque control unit for the torque of the generator, the invention provides a detector for identification of a grid dip and of its end, a torque transmitter, which provides a set point for a torque of the generator after identification of the grid dip, and an initializer, which initializes a component of the torque control unit at the set point, after identification of the grid dip.
The essence of the invention is the concept of forcing the torque control unit to be set to a specific value for the end of the voltage dip. This can be done by setting the integrator state to a value identical to zero. This means that, as a result of the initialization, the torque control unit is set a value which is well away from possible saturation limits of the control unit, in particular of regulators which are implemented in it. The invention has identified that, in the case of closed-loop control devices that are used in the conventional manner there is a risk of these devices becoming saturated at the end of the grid dip, because the actual torque which in fact occurs throughout the duration of the grid dip differs to a major extent from the originally intended nominal values. The regulators would then no longer be able to react sufficiently sensitively to the end of the grid dip. The invention has identified that these negative consequences can be avoided by deleting the “memory” of the control device. This is achieved by the initialization. This ensures that saturation at the end of the grid dip is prevented, and that the control device therefore has an adequate control margin. With the initialization, it can be set to a start value which optimally damps the drive train oscillations. The invention achieves an amazingly good result, in comparison to oscillation damping, with little complexity.
A number of the terms used will first of all be explained in the following text:
Initialization means setting the nominal value of a control unit to a specific value. Previous discrepancies become ineffective. The history of the control device is therefore, so to speak, deleted.
A control unit means a device which provides open-loop or closed-loop control for a control variable as a function of at least one input parameter. It is therefore based on a wider understanding of the term, which also includes a closed-loop control device.
An I-element of the control unit means a component which ensures steady-state accuracy. One example of this is a conventional PI or PID regulator with its I-element. The term “I-element” is, however, not restricted to this but also covers components which ensure steady-state accuracy with other control concepts, such as state regulators or fuzzy control systems. For the purposes of the invention, the return of the grid voltage means that the grid voltage has risen to an adjustable threshold voltage which is permissible during steady-state operation (generally about 90% of the rated voltage).
It is particularly preferable for this to be an I-element which is initialized. The I-element is that component of the control unit which ensures steady-state accuracy. However, this is not entirely the case in the context of the invention but, on the contrary, the action on the I-element is used to improve the regulator dynamics. Surprisingly, by deliberately influencing the component for steady-state accuracy, specifically the I-element, the invention improves the dynamics, to be precise by greatly reducing the load on the drive train when the grid returns. Paradoxically, it is actually action on the I-element which ensures an improvement in the dynamic response.
This positive influence of the action on the I-element can be enhanced by the initializer furthermore varying a weighting factor of the component in the torque control unit. The initializer therefore does not just act on the component but also increases its weighting within the torque control unit. If the component is the I-element, this means that its weighting factor is varied, preferably increased. In one development, the initializer can vary at least one further weighting factor of another component. By way of example, this may be a P-element of a PI-regulator or an equivalent functional unit in some other control concept. This weighting factor is preferably varied in the opposite sense to the variation of the weighting factor in the I-element. The weighting factors are expediently not varied in the long term, but temporarily over an adjustable time period. This allows the variation of the weighting factors to be limited to the time period which is required for the oscillations in the drive train to decay.
Furthermore, the initializer is preferably designed to output an amended setting point for a rotation speed to the pitch control unit and/or torque control unit. This makes it possible to vary the rotation speed set point, in particular to increase it, for the end of the voltage dip. It has been found that a variation, in particular an increase, in the rotation speed setting point makes it possible to protect the control units for the torque and the pitch even better against saturation. In contrast, with conventional regulator concepts, the respective regulators frequently become saturated when the rotation speed set point is not varied, that is to say they reach their regulator limits, as a result of which the control dynamics are then at least temporarily lost. It has been found to be particularly advantageous to set the rotation speed value higher than the value which would correspond to the respective operation situation, for example by 5% or—when on partial load—to the rated rotation speed. In this case, it is also possible to choose the setting points for the pitch control unit and for the torque control unit to be different. For the purposes of the invention, it is particularly advantageous to vary only the setting point for the torque control unit.
According to a further advantageous embodiment, an input filter is provided for a nominal value input of the torque control unit, to which input filter a setting point of the rotation speed is applied as an input. This results in the capability of applying this amended value as an input signal to the input filter when the rotation speed setting point is varied. By comparison of the setting value with the actual rotation speed, the input filter determines a value for a reference variable which is applied to the torque control unit. An input filter such as this allows the rotation speed setting point for the torque control unit to be varied as desired in a particularly simple and expedient manner.
According to one particularly advantageous development, a determination module is provided for the set point, and is designed to determine a safe torque as a function of the severity of the grid dip. A safe torque means a torque which corresponds to the residual torque which is still available when the grid is in the respective state. The determination module expediently has a characteristic element which preferably corresponds on the basis of a relationship [M S =M N ·U I /U N ]. In this case, M N is the rated torque, U N is the rated voltage and U I is the residual voltage which is actually still present. The determination module advantageously has a minimum memory, which stores the safe torque associated with the respective lowest measured voltage, and produces this as an output value of the determination module.
Furthermore, a pilot control module is expediently provided which is designed to identify the occurrence of an excessive torque above the safe torque during the grid dip. The pilot control module has a detector for identification of the grid dip, and a comparator. When the detector identifies the occurrence of the grid dip, then the comparator compares the torque of the generator with the safe torque, and outputs a signal if it is exceeded. The pilot control module preferably interacts with the torque control unit such that it applies a residual torque set point to the generator, bypassing the torque control unit, during the grid dip. This residual torque set point is expediently calculated from the safe torque. The definition of the torque avoids the generator, and the converter which interacts with it, from being overloaded. The actual torque control unit now has no effect and can be initialized by the initializer. This creates the preconditions for the torque control unit starting to act smoothly at the end of the voltage dip. A quick-acting pitch adjustment module is preferably also provided, and interacts with the pitch control unit. This is controlled by the pilot control module such that the pitch angle of the rotor blades is varied through a specific angle Δv at the maximum possible adjustment rate. This adjustment angle is calculated as a function of the start angle of the rotor blades and the magnitude of the sudden torque change which results from the difference between the previously existing torque and the residual torque which is now applied. It is particularly preferable for the adjustment angle Δv to be calculated using the relationship Δv=f(v 0 )×v A ×(M 0 −M R ), where v 0 is the start angle v A is the generalized blade adjustment amplitude, M 0 is the torque before the grid dip, and M R is the residual torque. The blade pitch amplitude is preferably adjusted in the range between 5-10°. The function F is a function which takes account of the non-linear characteristics of the aerodynamics of the rotor blade.
The invention also relates to a wind energy installation having a tower, a pod which is arranged thereon and has a wind rotor on one end face which drives a generator via a rotor shaft, which generator uses a converter to output electricity to an electrical grid, and an operating control system, with a control device as described above also being provided.
The invention also relates to a corresponding method for operation of a wind energy installation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be explained in the following text with reference to the attached drawings, in which one advantageous exemplary embodiment is illustrated, and in which:
FIG. 1 : shows a schematic overview illustration of one exemplary embodiment according to the invention of a wind energy installation which is connected to an electrical supply grid;
FIG. 2 : shows a block diagram of the wind energy installation shown in FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 3 : shows a schematic view of a torque control unit in the wind energy installation;
FIG. 4 : shows graphs with time profiles of a number of parameters during a voltage dip;
FIG. 5 : shows a further graph with time profiles on an enlarged time scale; and
FIG. 6 : shows a flowchart for the method according to the exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 illustrates a wind energy installation which is designed to implement the invention and is annotated in its totality with the reference number 1 . In a manner known per se, this wind energy installation has a pod 11 which is arranged on a tower 10 such that it can swivel in the azimuth direction. A wind rotor 12 is arranged such that it can rotate on the end face of the pod 11 and, via a rotor shaft 14 , drives a generator 13 which is preferably in the form of a double-fed asynchronous machine with rotor and stator winding having a number of winding sections. The stator winding of the generator 13 is connected directly to a connecting line 19 of the wind energy installation 1 . The rotor winding (not illustrated) is likewise connected via a converter 16 , to the connecting line 19 . Furthermore, an operating control system 2 is provided, and is preferably arranged in the pod 11 .
During normal operation, the mechanical power (wind power) extracted from the wind by the wind rotor 12 is transmitted via the rotor shaft 14 and an optional transmission 15 (see FIG. 2 ) to the generator 13 which produces electrical power, which is fed into the grid 9 via the connecting line 19 . The wind energy installation 1 therefore has two main systems, on the one hand the mechanical system with the wind rotor 12 , and on the other hand the electrical system with the generator 13 , as central components. The two main systems are provided with their own control unit subordinate to the operating control system 2 . They are controlled by the operating control system by means of a dedicated module, specifically a working point generator 3 .
A pitch control unit 4 is provided in order to control the mechanical system with the wind rotor 12 and comprises a rotation speed sensor 41 , which is arranged on the rotor shaft 14 and detects its speed of revolution. When a transmission 15 is used, the rotation speed sensor is preferably arranged on the “high-speed shaft”, that is to say on the generator side of the transmission 15 . This is connected as an input signal to the pitch control unit 4 . A nominal value for the rotation speed is applied by the working-point generator 3 to a further input of the pitch control unit 4 . The pitch control unit 4 uses a comparator to calculate a difference between the applied nominal rotation speed and the actual rotation speed determined by the rotation speed sensor 41 , and from this determines a value for a pitch angle of the blades 18 of the rotor. The blades 18 are then rotated via a pitch drive (not illustrated) which is arranged o the rotor, to be more precise in the rotor hub, such that the desired pitch angle is reached. The wind power extracted from the wind is therefore varied, and therefore also the rotation speed of the rotor 12 . The pitch control unit 4 therefore provides closed-loop control of the rotation speed.
A torque control unit 5 is provided for the electrical system and likewise receives, as an input value, the actual rotation speed measured by the rotation speed sensor 41 as well as a nominal rotation speed value determined by the working-point generator 3 . Both signals are applied to inputs and a difference is formed between them. The torque control unit 5 determines from this a required value for an electrical torque (nominal torque), which is applied to the generator 13 and to its converter 16 . The converter 16 operates the generator 13 with electrical parameters such that an appropriate electrical torque is set, in accordance with the nominal torque set point.
The method of operation of the torque control unit 5 will be explained in the following text with reference to FIG. 3 . The wind energy control unit 5 comprises a regulator core 51 and an input filter 52 . The two inputs for the actual rotation speed and the nominal value provided by the working-point generator 3 are applied to the input filter 52 which has a subtraction element 54 and produces the difference between the two rotation speed signals at its output. This output signal from the input filter 52 is applied to one input of the regulated core 51 . In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the regulated core 51 is in the form of a PI regulator and has a P-component and an I-component. The P-component 53 comprises a proportional element 53 which multiplies the applied input signal by an adjustable factor k P , and applies this to an input of an adder 59 . The I-element comprises a second proportional element 55 , which carries out a multiplication by a coefficient k I . It also has an integrator 57 , to whose input the output of the proportional element 55 is applied. One output signal of the integrator 57 is applied to another input of the adder 59 . The integrator furthermore has a reset input 56 . When a signal is applied to this reset input 56 , then the integrator is initialized at this value. The regulated response of the PI regulator can be adjusted by means of the two coefficients k P and k I . The adding element 59 forms an output signal which is applied to one input of a switching unit 61 (see FIG. 2 ). A signal line 62 for a fixed torque is connected to another input of the switching unit 61 . The output of the switch 61 forms the output of the torque control unit 5 , and is applied to the generator/converter 13 .
Furthermore, the wind energy installation has an additional module 7 which interacts with the control unit 2 . The additional module 7 has a detector 71 for identification of grid dip, a torque transmitter 72 which determines a set point for a torque to be set by the torque control device 5 , and an initializer 73 which acts on the integrator 57 in the regulator core 51 . The invention operates as follows: the detector 71 determines whether a grid dip has occurred, and detects when it ends again. The torque transmitter 72 produces a set point for the torque, which is applied to the generator 13 for the end of the grid dip via the signal line 62 . Furthermore, the detector 71 triggers the initializer 73 such that it initializes the integrator 57 at the end of the grid dip, to be precise at the torque provided by the torque transmitter 72 . Furthermore, the initializer 73 acts on the proportional elements 53 , 55 , to be precise such that, when the grid voltage returns, the coefficients k P and k I are set to predetermined different values. These values are maintained for an adjustable time of, for example, 10 seconds. This time period is considerably longer than the time period of about one second during which the integrator 57 is initialized by applying the set point for the torque at the initialization input 56 .
Reference will now be made to FIGS. 4 to 6 in order to explain how a conventional control device [cuts off] the wind energy installation responds to a grid dip when the detector 71 determines the presence of a grid dip (step 101 ). For this purpose, in the illustrated embodiment, the detector 71 is in the form of a threshold-value switch which emits a signal when the value of the grid voltage falls below an adjustable threshold. The grid dip, which is assumed to start the time t=1 second, and the output signal which results from this from the detector 71 , are illustrated in FIG. 5 a . When a grid dip is identified, a determination module 74 uses the relationship M R =M N ×U/UN (step 105 ) to determine a residual torque as a function of the grid voltage measured during the grid dip (step 103 ). The determination module 74 has a minimum detector, which stores the minimum value of the residual torque determined during the course of the grid dip, and produces this as an output signal (step 107 ). The torque transmitter 72 uses a comparator 75 to check whether a nominal torque demanded by the torque control unit 5 is greater than the determined residual torque (step 109 ). If this is the case, the nominal torque is limited to the residual torque, and the initializer 73 is activated (steps 111 , 113 ). This is designed to operate the switching unit 61 such that the residual torque, which is considered to be safe, is applied as the nominal torque to the generator/converter 13 , 16 . This prevents both the generator 13 and the converter 16 from being overloaded during the grid dip. The initializer 73 also causes the integrator 57 in the regulator core 51 to be initialized, to be precise likewise to the value of the residual torque. This results in the PI regulator core 51 being started smoothly when the voltage returns. Finally, the initializer 73 acts on the pitch adjustment unit 4 , to be precise such that the rotor blades 18 are adjusted through an angle Δv at the maximum possible adjustment rate (step 115 ). This adjustment angle Δv is calculated as a function of the start angle v 0 and the torque difference between the torque M 0 applied when the grid dip occurred, and the calculated residual torque using the following relationship: Δv=f(v 0 )×v A ×(M 0 −M R ), where v A is the generalized blade pitch amplitude and is preferably in the range between 5 and 10°, and the function f(v 0 ) is a non-linear function, which takes account of the aerodynamics of the rotor blade 18 and can be determined empirically for each rotor blade 18 .
When the grid voltage returns at the end of the grid dip at t=1.5 s (step 117 ), then the output signal from the detector 71 is reset before the threshold voltage is exceeded. In this case, the initializer 73 is activated again, and determines an amended setting point for the rotation speed (step 119 ). This can be done by a calculation itself or by accepting a signal from the superordinate control system 2 . The setting value is expediently chosen such that a higher rotation speed is defined than that which corresponds to the operating state before the grid dip; alternatively, the rated rotation speed can also be provided as the setting value. This setting value is applied by an override module 76 to the input for the setting value of the input filter 52 . This prevents the torque control unit 5 , to be precise in particular its regulated core 51 , from immediately becoming saturated when the voltage returns. This variation of the setting value for the rotation speed is expediently maintained for a presettable time of, of example, one second. Furthermore, at the end of the grid dip, the initializer 73 varies the gain factors k P and k I of the proportional elements 53 , 55 in the regulator core 51 (step 121 ). Its values are varied such that the value k I is increased and the value k P is reduced proportionally. This increases the weighting of the I-element in the regulator core 51 , as a result of which—as the invention has identified—it is possible to achieve a better regulator transient response. The torque defined by the torque control unit 5 is illustrated in FIG. 5 b , with the dashed line indicating the output value from the I-element. This shows the torque rising again harmonically and virtually without any overshoots, without exceeding the output value. The variation of the gain factors k P and k I is also only temporary, for example for a time period of 10 seconds. Furthermore, when the grid voltage returns, the integrator 53 is initialized again, to be precise at the value of the residual torque. Once a predetermined first time period has elapsed (step 125 ), for example one second, the initializer is enabled again (step 127 ). The coefficients and the nominal rotation speed value are correspondingly reset to the initial value (step 131 ) after a second time period has elapsed (step 129 ), for example 10 seconds. Normal operation is therefore resumed.
The combination of these measures prevents the torque and pitch control units 4 , 5 from becoming saturated when the grid voltage returns. The closed-loop control system can therefore develop its full effect, thus resulting in the power rising more smoothly, in a better-controlled manner, at the end of the grid dip, thus avoiding damaging oscillations in the drive train. This is illustrated in FIG. 4 . FIG. 4 a shows the generator rotation speed, FIG. 4 b shows the blade angle, FIG. 4 c shows the drive train loads, and FIG. 4 d shows the electrical power. For comparison, a dashed line shows the respective profile without the present invention. This clearly shows that the considerable drive train loads ( FIG. 4 c ) which may result in values of up to 230% of the rated torque without the invention, are greatly damped, and only overshoots of about 30% now occur. These can be coped with out any problems. The rotation speed oscillations which occur in this case are minimal. FIG. 4 a clearly shows the way in which the invention smoothes the generator rotation speed. Its oscillations are greatly reduced, and have an amplitude which now corresponds only to about ¼ of that which occurs without the invention. The electrical power ( FIG. 4 d ) rises correspondingly more slowly, but reaches the initial value again about 0.5 seconds after the grid voltage returns. | A wind energy installation control device includes a wind rotor, a generator driven by the wind rotor, a torque control unit configured to control a torque of the generator, and a control system. The control system includes a detector configured to identify a grid dip and an end of the grid dip, a residual torque transmitter configured to provide a set point for a torque of the generator after identification of the grid dip, and an initializer configured to initialize a component of the torque control unit at the set point. Accordingly, upon return of grid power after a grid dip, the vibration behavior of a wind power system can be significantly improved. Overload of a drive train upon return of grid voltage can thus be reduced. | 5 |
This is a national stage of PCT/AT2009/000418 filed Oct. 28, 2009 and published in German, which has a priority of Austria no. GM 619/2008 filed Oct. 30, 2008 and Austria no. GM 529/2009 filed Aug. 25, 2009, hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for integrating an electronic component into a printed circuit board, whereby the electronic component comprising contacts oriented towards the insulating layer is fixed to a laminate at least consisting of a conducting or conductive layer and a non-conducting or insulating layer.
PRIOR ART
In the context of growing product functionalities of apparatus provided with electronic components and the increasing miniaturization of such electronic components as well as the increasing number of electronic components to be loaded on printed circuit boards, efficient field-likely or array-likely configured components or packages including several electronic components comprising pluralities of contacts or connections at increasingly reduced distances between said contacts are used to an increasing extent. For fixing or contacting such components, the use of strongly disentangled printed circuit boards is increasingly required, wherein it is to be anticipated that, with the simultaneous reduction of the product sizes as well as the components and circuit boards to be used, it is to be expected, both in terms of the thicknesses and in terms of the surfaces of such elements, that the loading and arrangement of such electronic components via the required plurality of contact pads on printed circuit boards will become problematic, reaching the limits of the possible pattern definition of such contact pads.
To solve these problems, it has meanwhile been proposed to integrate electronic components at least partially into a printed circuit board, reference being, for instance, made to WO 03/065778, WO 03/065779, WO 2004/088902, WO 2006/134216 or DE-C 19954941. Those known methods and embodiments of electronic components or components integrated in a printed circuit board, however, involve the drawback that recesses or holes are each to be provided in a base element of a printed circuit board for receiving such electronic components or components, wherein conductor tracks are additionally formed prior to the arrangement of a component in such a hole. For contacting the components, soldering processes and bonding techniques are used, usually resulting in contact sites or contact pads between materials of different types between elements of the conductor tracks and the contact sites or junctions of the electronic components. Particularly when using such systems in environments affected by great temperature differences and regions with variable temperatures, mechanically and thermally induced tensions will be created due to the use of different materials in the region of the contact sites or junctions considering the different thermal expansion coefficients, which tensions may lead to a crack of at least one contact site or junction, and hence to a failure of the component. Moreover, it is to be anticipated that bores, particularly laser bores, additionally required in conductive layers for the production of contact surfaces prior to the arrangement of the component will stress the components. Furthermore, it is disadvantageous that contacting or bonding of the components embedded in the recesses or depressions to be produced, on conductor tracks and contact surfaces will be complicated and, in particular, will not be reliably achievable when used under varying temperature stresses. In addition, it is disadvantageous that the high pressures and temperatures to be provided, if necessary, during the circuit board production process will stress the embedded and contacted components.
When producing an electronic module, or embedding or integrating an electronic component into a printed circuit board, it is moreover known, for instance, from WO 2006/056643 to produce openings or perforations at least in the conducting layer on a laminate formed by a conducting or conductor layer and a non-conducting or insulator layer, the position of those openings having to correspond to the positions of contacts of a component to be subsequently fixed to the insulating layer. That known embodiment, in particular, involves the drawback that, for instance, when taking into account the usually extremely large number of contacts of such electronic components to be integrated in a printed circuit board with accordingly small tolerances, the openings or perforations to be previously produced for the subsequent fixation of the component have to be produced in a separate or additional method step. Bearing in mind the extremely small tolerances due to the small sizes of such components, a precise adaptation of the holes or perforations to be previously produced, to the contacts of a component to be fixed subsequently is to be effected, which will not only call for major additional expenditures for forming such holes or perforations, but also entail an accordingly high amount of rejects due to imperfectly precise positioning of the holes or perforations relative to the contacts of a component to be fixed subsequently. That known embodiment, furthermore, involves the drawback of requiring further method steps after the fixation of the component to the laminate including holes or perforations, in particular for sheathing the component and hence embedding the same, wherein, during such method steps, gas or air present, for instance, in the previously produced holes or perforations will adversely affect laminating or pressing procedures for embedding the component, above all by the formation of bubbles. Such bubbles may, moreover, lead to additional problems when electrically contacting the components, or to the mutual separation of components or circuit board layers.
In a similar manner, a method can, for instance, be taken from EP-A 1 111 662, wherein patterning of a conducting layer corresponding to contacts of the component to be fixed is performed prior to arranging or fixation an electronic component, such previously performed patterning or formation of holes or perforations at least in the conducting layer of a likewise multilayer laminate again involving the above-mentioned drawbacks in respect to the tolerances to be observed and the orientation of the component to be fixed subsequently. An additional disadvantage of such preceding patterning of a conducting layer, moreover, resides in that such patterning of the conducting layer prior to the fixation of the component to be fixed requires the removal of an optionally present protection or carrier layer, this leading to an impairment and, in particular, damage of the patterned conducting layer, e.g. by scratches, the application of impurities or the like, during treatment or processing steps to follow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention thus aims to avoid or minimize the above-mentioned problems according to the prior art when integrating an electronic component into a printed circuit board, wherein it is particularly aimed at providing a method of the initially defined kind, which enables the simple and reliable positioning and embedding of an electronic component on or in a multilayer laminate of a circuit board by a simplified and reliable course of procedure. In particular, it is aimed at avoiding additional method steps for producing holes or perforations corresponding to the contacts of the component to be fixed prior to its fixation, and hence at improving or simplifying the fixation of such a component.
To solve these objects, a method of the initially defined kind is essentially characterized in that, once the component has been fixed to the insulating layer, holes or perforations corresponding to the contacts of the component are formed in the conducting layer and in the insulating layer, and the contacts are subsequently contacted with the conducting layer. Due to the fact that, according to the invention, the formation of holes or perforations corresponding to the contacts of the already fixed component does not take place until the fixation of the component on the insulating layer with the contacts oriented to the insulating or non-conducting layer, it has become possible to renounce cumbersome positioning and/or aligning steps for fixing the component with respect to already provided or previously produced openings or perforations as in the prior art, so as to readily enable the reliable positioning and arrangement of a component on the laminate. Following the fixation of the component to the insulating or non-conducting layer with the contacts oriented to the latter, it is possible in a simple and reliable manner and, in particular, in further steps usually provided in the production of a printed circuit board for patterning at least the conducting layer, and corresponding to the position of the already fixed component to be readily determinable on the laminate, to form holes or perforations both in the conducting layer and in the non-conducting layer for exposing the contacts of the component and contacting the same. It is thus immediately apparent that the process control proposed by the invention for the formation of holes or perforations corresponding to the contacts of the already fixed component allows for a substantially simpler fixation and, after this, a more reliable positioning and formation of the holes or perforations required for contacting the contacts, using known method steps usually applied in the production of printed circuit boards. It is, in particular, possible to simplify relative to the above-mentioned prior art the efforts taken in the precise positioning of the component to be fixed to the laminate, bearing in mind the fact that the holes or perforations for contacting the contacts are not produced until the fixation of the component to the laminate, and hence minimize or reduce the time required for producing the printed circuit board while integrating at least one component.
As already pointed out above, sheathing of such a component for embedding the same is usually performed after its fixation, wherein, in this respect, it is proposed according to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention that the electronic component, once it has been fixed to the insulating layer, is surrounded or sheathed by an insulating material, particularly at least one prepreg sheet and/or a resin, in a manner known per se. Such embedding or sheathing can be realized using prepreg sheets prefabricated according to the shape of the already fixed component, or a plurality of layers made of an insulating material or resin material.
For the reliable and safe embedment of the electronic component, it is, moreover, proposed in a preferred manner that the sheathing of the electronic component is realized by a pressing or laminating procedure of a plurality of insulating layers. Particularly when considering the fact that holes or perforations for contacting the contacts of the component are formed after the fixation of the latter and, in particular, also after sheathing of the electronic component, for instance by a pressing or laminating procedure, it will be safeguarded that such a pressing or laminating procedure for embedding the component will each be realized using substantially full-surface layers or sheets. Thus, in particular, no air or gas inclusions whatsoever will be present in at least some layers as opposed to the known prior art, which may lead to improper connections of individual layers during such a pressing or laminating procedure as are obtained in the prior art cited in the beginning, where holes or perforations corresponding to the contacts of the component to be subsequently fixed are already provided prior to the fixation of said component.
For a particularly reliable and safe fixation of the component to the laminate or, in particular, the insulating layer, it is proposed according to a further preferred embodiment that the electronic component is fixed to the insulating layer in a manner known per se using an adhesive.
In order to reliably ensure the removal of heat, which is optionally required at an accordingly high integration density and compactness of the component to be received, it is, moreover, proposed that a thermally conducting or conductive adhesive material, e.g. an adhesive or an adhesive tape, is used as in correspondence with a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention.
In the context of the formation of holes or perforations in the laminate, it is proposed according to a further preferred embodiment that the holes or perforations in the conducting layer are formed by a drilling procedure, particularly laser drilling, or an etching procedure. Such drilling procedures, for instance or in particular laser drilling, are known per se in the context of the production of a circuit board such that the formation of the holes or perforations required after the fixation of the electronic component to the laminate can be performed in the context of further patterning processes, particularly of the conducting layer, as already indicated above, so that, in particular, the consideration of additional method steps that would require additional time for the production or processing of such a circuit board can be obviated.
Furthermore, it is alternatively proposed by the invention to form the holes or perforations in the conducting layer by an etching procedure in the context of a photo-patterning process. Such an etching procedure in the context of a photo-patterning process is likewise known per se in connection with the production of a circuit board, and at least in special applications can result in a further acceleration of the manufacturing process by saving time when performing such an etching procedure rather than making individual holes or perforations by the aid of a laser.
Considering the materials used for the formation of the insulating or non-conducting layer as well as the conducting or conductive layer and, in addition, considering method steps optionally known or generally used in connection with the production and processing of multilayer circuit boards, it is proposed according to a further preferred embodiment that the formations of the holes or perforations in the conducting layer and in the insulating layer are performed in separate method steps following the fixation of the component. It is thus possible, particularly in coordination with the respective material properties of the conducting or conductive layer and of the non-conducting layer, to apply optimized methods for making the holes or perforations. In this respect, the formation of the holes or perforations can also be performed in the context of the implementation of further method steps irrespectively of the region of fixation of the component, for instance the patterning of individual layers or sheets of the circuit board.
For the production of the holes or perforations corresponding to the contacts of the already fixed and, advantageously, sheathed or embedded component with the required precision and at as low an expenditure of time as possible, it is proposed according to a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention that an UV laser is used when forming the holes or perforations in the conducting layer separately. Such high-performance UV lasers in a simple and reliable manner, and with the appropriate precision at an accordingly low expenditure or time, enable the formation of an optionally large number of holes or perforations corresponding to the contacts of the already fixed component.
In order to avoid excessive expenditures when adjusting or performing the drilling procedure by laser drilling using an UV laser in the conducting or conductive layer, since, at the simultaneous removal of the insulating layer narrow tolerances would have to be observed in order to avoid, in particular, damage to the adjoining contact of the already fixed component, it is proposed according to a further preferred embodiment that the holes or perforations in the insulating layer are made by a laser, particularly a CO 2 laser. By using a further laser, particularly a CO 2 laser, for making holes or perforations in the insulating layer in a further or separate method step, as already indicated above, it will not only be possible to use simpler and more cost-effective CO 2 lasers, which enable higher speeds or rates than UV lasers for the production of holes corresponding to the contacts of the already fixed component, but it will also be ensured that no damage to the contacts of the already fixed electronic component will occur, which are to be exposed after the removal of the insulating layer and, if necessary, residues of an adhesive. The use of such further lasers, which is also known per se in the context of the production of printed circuit boards, will thus enable the accordingly rapid and safe removal of the insulating material after the already performed formation of holes or perforations in the conducting layer.
In order to facilitate the orientation of the laser beam for removing the material of the insulating layer in the region of the holes or perforations of the conducting or conductive layer corresponding to the positions of the contacts of the already fixed component, it is proposed according to a further preferred embodiment that a laser beam whose dimension or diameter exceeds the clear width of the holes or perforations in the conducting layer is used for separately forming the holes or perforations in the insulating layer. By the dimension or diameter of the laser beam used for the formation of the holes or perforations in the insulating layer exceeding the clear width of the holes or perforations in the conducting layer, a low precision will do in view of the orientation of the laser beam for every perforation to be produced, since the respective hole or perforation in the insulating layer will be accordingly rapidly and reliably made by a suitable selection of the dimensions or diameter of the laser beam, while the conducting or conductive layer will safeguard that no material surrounding the insulating or non-conducting layer will be affected by the laser beam. Overall, low expenditures will thus do in respect to the precision of the alignment or orientation of the laser, thus enabling further speeding-up of the method for making holes or perforations in the insulating layer.
Considering the materials usually employed for insulating layers, and in order to achieve an accordingly high process speed while reliably removing the insulating material corresponding to the previously formed holes or perforations in the conducting layer and corresponding to the contacts of the already fixed component, it is proposed according to a further preferred embodiment that for separately forming the holes or perforations in the insulating layer a laser, particularly a pulsed CO 2 laser, having a power of 0.1 to 75 W, particularly 0.1 to 7 W, is used for a period or pulse length of 0.1 to 20 μs.
While, in the foregoing, the advantages of separate formations of the holes or perforations in the conducting or conductive layer and in the insulating layer corresponding to the positions of the plurality of contacts of the component fixed to the insulating layer have been discussed, it may be provided according to a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, in order to reduce the method steps, that the holes or perforations in the conducting layer and in the insulating layer are formed in a common method step using a CO 2 laser after a pretreatment of the conducting layer. This allows for the production of holes or perforations both in the conducting or conductive layer and in the insulating layer by using a single laser, particularly a CO 2 laser, so that the use of, for instance, different lasers or, in general, different method steps for the production of holes or perforations both in the insulating layer and in the conducting layer can be renounced. Since a CO 2 laser can usually not be directly employed to make holes or perforations in a conducting or conductive material, it is proposed in this context according to the invention that an appropriate pretreatment of the conducting layer is provided so as to enable the processing of a conducting or conductive layer, particularly at reasonable time. Such a pretreatment, in particular, is to assist the formation of holes or perforations in the conducting or conductive layer when using a CO 2 laser.
In this context, it is proposed according to a further preferred embodiment that said pretreatment of the conducting layer comprises the formation of a copper oxide layer on the conducting layer, which is, in particular, covered by an additional organic or metallo-organic layer. The formation of such a copper oxide layer and, optionally or particularly, an additional organic or metallo-organic layer when using a CO 2 laser, will enable the direct formation of holes or perforations in the conducting or conductive layer. By applying a single drilling procedure, particularly laser drilling procedure, using a CO 2 laser for making holes or perforations both in the conducting and in the non-conducting or insulating layer, there will be no need to provide separate method steps for forming the holes or perforations in the individual layers.
To make the holes or perforations both in the conducting layer and in the insulating layer corresponding to the contacts of the component already fixed to the insulating layer, which are to be exposed by the formation of the holes or perforations, it is, moreover, proposed that a pulse duration of the CO 2 laser of at least 200 μs, particularly at least 250 μs, and a maximum pulse count of 5, particularly 3, are chosen to remove the conducting layer and the insulating layer in a common method step, as in correspondence with a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention. Such a choice of the parameters of the CO 2 laser to be employed, upon pretreatment of the conducting or conductive layer will enable the reliable and precise formation of both the holes or perforations in the conducting or conductive layer and, in a common drilling procedure, of the holes in the non-conducting or insulating layer, so that the contacts of the component already fixed to the insulating layer will be immediately exposed in a common working step.
In order to avoid interferences with, in particular, further patterning of the conducting or conductive layer after the formation of the holes or perforations in a common step and to ensure proper contacting of the exposed contacts of the fixed component, which is to be effected subsequently, it is proposed according to a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention that the additional layer applied as a pretreatment of the conducting layer is removed, particularly by an etching step, after the formation of the holes or perforations and prior to further processing steps. Such an etching step in the context of the production of a circuit board is known per se and, if desired, can be combined with a cleaning or etching step provided in another context such that an additional method step can be obviated.
In order to assist the positioning and orientation of the component on the laminate, it is proposed according to a further preferred embodiment that, prior to fixing the component to the insulating layer, at least one marker is formed at least in the insulating layer for registering and aligning the component on the insulating layer. Such a marker can optionally be configured as a depression so as to achieve advantages for further treatment or processing. Moreover, it is to be anticipated that such a marker can be used not only for fixing the component but also for further processing steps.
Particularly when using such a marker, for instance, also in the context of subsequent treatment steps, it may be provided that the at least one marker is formed by a bore or perforation penetrating both the insulating layer and the conducting layer, as in correspondence with a preferred further development of the method according to the invention.
In addition to the simple and reliable production of holes or perforations corresponding to the contacts of the already fixed component, it is proposed according to a further preferred embodiment that, in addition to forming holes or perforations corresponding to the contacts of the component, in the conducting layer and in the non-conducting layer, at least one further perforation is formed outside the region of the fixation of the component to the laminate in order to provide an additional perforation for the formation of a subsequent feedthrough and/or for the formation of the contour of a circuit board element. Due to such a formation of at least one further perforation outside the region of the fixation of the component, and hence the contacts of the same, in particular for the formation of a subsequent feedthrough, it has become possible to provide or realize such a perforation or bore much more closely to the fixed component. Such an additional perforation will thus not have to be formed in a subsequent or independent method step, for instance as a mechanical bore at the end of the overall production process of the circuit board, wherein, by the subsequent or independent formation of such an additional bore, significantly larger process tolerances will have to be observed, in particular, to avoid damage to the already fixed component. When using the at least one additional or further perforation to produce the contour of a circuit board element or printed circuit board corresponding to the contour of a finished circuit board or a circuit board to be produced, it will, moreover, be possible, similarly as in the formation of a subsequent feedthrough, to renounce subsequent mechanical separation processes like milling to produce the contour of a circuit board. A common method or process step will thus also make possible to simultaneously form the contour of the circuit board to be produced, corresponding to the edges of the circuit board, closer to the component to be fixed due to smaller process tolerances, thus miniaturizing the same. The use of, for instance, a laser drilling procedure or laser technology for making the further perforation to form a feedthrough and/or the contour of the circuit board will, in the main, enable a more precise configuration of such additional perforations as opposed to mechanical processing procedures. Furthermore, registering and aligning will, in particular, be improved in that all holes or perforations both for contacting the component by exposing the contacts and for producing additional perforations will be realized in a common working step while jointly aligning and registering. By forming at least one further perforation during, or along with, the formation of holes or perforations in the conducting layer and subsequently also in the insulating layer, it has thus become possible to promote the usually sought miniaturization of a circuit board to be produced, by reducing the mutual distances of individual elements or such a feedthrough or the contour of the circuit board to be produced, of an integrated component. The available surface will thus be significantly better utilized.
To further simplify the production procedure and to increase the accuracy of, in particular, the arrangement of the additional or further perforation, it is proposed according to a further preferred embodiment that the additional perforation is formed relative to the previously produced marker. By arranging in the region of the previously produced marker the additional perforation which, for instance for the formation of a feedthrough or the formation of the contour of the circuit board, has a dimension that is, in particular, larger than the dimensions of the holes or perforations corresponding to the contacts, not only the precise positioning of the additional or further perforation will be achieved, but also the positioning expenditures involved in the formation of said additional perforation will be accordingly minimized.
To further simplify the process control and, in particular, avoid additional method steps, it is proposed according to a further preferred embodiment that the laser beam(s) provided for forming the perforations or holes in the conducting and insulating layers is/are used for forming the perforation for the feedthrough and/or contour. As already pointed out above, the use of optionally different lasers will, in particular, thus accordingly rapidly and reliably enable the realization of the processing or patterning of the conducting or conductive layer as well as the subsequent removal of the material of the insulating layer for producing the additional perforation in a common working step with the formation of the holes or perforations corresponding to the contacts of the fixed component, for instance for providing a subsequent feedthrough.
In particular, in order to provide protection, and/or simplify handling of both the laminate and the component to be fixed thereto, it is proposed according to a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention that, prior to fixing the component, at least one carrier or protection layer is provided on the conducting layer, on its surface facing away from the insulating layer, which is removed again prior to forming the holes or perforations in the conducting layer, particularly after sheathing of the component. Such a carrier or protection layer can, in particular, be provided together with the laminate comprised of at least one conducting and one non-conducting or insulating layer, in order to, in particular, enable the protection from damage of the conducting layer, which optionally has an extremely thin thickness, during the process of fixing the component and, in particular, subsequently sheathing the same prior to forming the holes or perforations.
In order to achieve an accordingly good protective effect, it is proposed in this respect according to a further preferred embodiment that a carrier or protection layer is formed by a metallic sheet or polymer. Such a metallic sheet, e.g. a steel or aluminum sheet, can also be used as a pressed sheet and, for instance, protect, during an above-described laminating or pressing procedure for embedding or sheathing the component fixed to the insulating layer, in particular, the conducting layer from the high loads exerted by the pressing and laminating procedure. The metallic sheet for the protection or carrier layer may be replaced with non-conducting materials such as polymers, which, at least during methods steps preceding the formation of the holes or perforations, will likewise provide appropriate protection from damage or contamination of the conducting layer, in particular.
In order to achieve an accordingly good composite effect, particularly when embedding or sheathing the component to be integrated in the circuit board, it is proposed according to a further preferred embodiment that the insulating layer facing the component is formed by a layer improving the adherence between the conducting layer and the material surrounding the component, e.g. a metallo-organic layer or a resin layer or the like.
Due to the process control proposed by the invention for the formation of holes or perforations corresponding to the contacts of the component to be fixed or integrated once the latter has been fixed to the insulating layer, different methods for contacting the conducting layer of the laminate and optionally additional conducting layers can be provided to realize the contacting of the contacts of the embedded or fixed electronic component after the formation of the holes or perforations. In this respect, it is proposed according to a further preferred embodiment, in particular, in order to produce geometries of conducting connections having small dimensions, e.g. dimensions and distances smaller than 50 μm, that the conducting layer for contacting the contacts of the component and/or the conducting layer of the laminate for forming a conducting pattern is applied and/or patterned by a semi-additive or subtractive method.
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the following, the method according to the invention will be explained in more detail by way of exemplary embodiments schematically illustrated in the accompanying drawing. Therein:
FIGS. 1 a to 1 j depict different steps of a method according to the invention for integrating an electronic component into a printed circuit board and subsequent patterning in the context of a subtractive method;
FIGS. 2 a to 2 j depict different steps of a modified embodiment of the method according to the invention for integrating an electronic component into a printed circuit board, wherein the arrangement of a further perforation for forming a feedthrough and/or a contour of the printed circuit board is indicated;
FIG. 3 , on an enlarged scale, illustrates a section through a further modified embodiment of a laminate to which a component, for instance according to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 , is to be fixed;
FIGS. 4 a to 4 h , in an illustration similar to that of FIG. 1 , depict different steps of a further modified embodiment of a method according to the invention for integrating an electronic component into a printed circuit board, wherein the holes in the conducting and insulating layers are made in a common working step;
FIGS. 5 a to 5 k depict different steps of a further modified method according to the invention for integrating an electronic component into a printed circuit board, wherein, as opposed to the method control according to FIG. 1 , subsequent patterning is performed in the context of a semi-additive process; and
FIG. 6 is a schematic top view on a printed circuit board produced by the method according to the invention, wherein an additional perforation outside the region of the fixed or integrated electronic component is used for forming the contour of the circuit board element.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In all of the Figures, merely a partial region of a circuit board to be produced, i.e. the area of fixation of an electronic component to be integrated into the circuit board is schematically illustrated. In this respect, it is to be anticipated that, in particular, shown thicknesses of individual layers or sheets as well as dimensions of the electronic component and distances of only a small number of contacts or contact sites serving as examples, as well as dimensions of holes or perforations for contacting the contact sites are not to scale.
In a first method step according to FIG. 1 a , a laminate 10 for supporting a subsequently illustrated electronic component to be integrated into a circuit board to be produced is provided, wherein an insulating or non-conducting layer 1 , a conducting or conductive layer 2 and, in the embodiment represented in FIG. 1 a , an additional protection or carrier layer 3 are provided.
The protection or carrier layer 3 in this case serves to protect the conducting layer 2 , which optionally has a comparatively small thickness of, for instance, 50 μm or less and is, for instance, formed by a copper layer.
The conducting layer 2 may in this case be formed by a rolled copper layer, whereby a laminate consisting of at least the insulating or non-conducting layer 1 and the conducting layer 2 can be provided in a simple and cost-effective manner.
To the laminate 10 comprised of layers 1 , 2 and 3 , an electronic component 4 is fixed to the insulating layer 1 using an adhesive 5 in the method step illustrated in FIG. 1 b , contacts 6 of the electronic component 4 being oriented towards the insulating layer 1 .
After having fixed the electronic component 4 to the insulating layer, embedding or sheathing of the same is effected by providing an insulating material 7 , such embedding being described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2 and, in particular, FIGS. 2 e and 2 f.
In order to improve adherence, the insulating material 1 can be formed by a material supporting the adherence, in particular, between the conducting or conductive layer 2 and the insulating material 7 for embedding the electronic component 4 , such a layer or sheet 1 improving the adherence between the individual layers being, for instance, comprised of a metallo-organic layer or a resin layer.
After having formed the sheathing or embedment of the component 4 by the insulating material 7 , the carrier layer 3 is removed according to the method step of FIG. 1 d , starting from the method step illustrated in FIG. 1 c , to thereby expose the conducting or conductive layer 2 protected by the carrier or protection layer 3 .
For the subsequent contacting of the contacts 6 of the electronic component 4 , holes or perforations 8 are formed in the conducting layer 2 corresponding to the positions of the contacts 6 of the electronic component 4 in the method step illustrated in FIG. 1 e , wherein a laser beam 9 is schematically indicated for making the holes or perforations 8 .
The laser beam 9 for making the holes or perforations 8 in the conducting or conductive layer 2 is, for instance, formed by a UV laser.
Following the production of the holes or perforations 8 in the conducting or conductive layer 2 , holes or perforations 11 corresponding to the positions of the contacts 6 of the electronic component 4 are formed also in the insulating layer 1 as well as, if necessary, in existing residual layers of the adhesive 5 according to the step of FIG. 1 f . To make these holes or perforations 11 in the insulating layer 1 as well as, if necessary, in existing residual layers of the adhesive 5 , a laser 12 different from the laser 9 is, for instance, used, said laser 12 being, for instance, formed by a CO 2 laser in order to achieve accordingly high processing speeds and, at the same time, avoid damage of the contacts 6 of the electronic component 4 to be exposed.
From FIG. 1 f , it is moreover apparent that the dimensions of the laser beam 12 exceed the size or dimensions of the hole or perforation 8 in the conducting layer 2 , thus enabling the holes or perforations 11 to be produced both in the insulating layer 1 and in the remaining adhesive layer 5 while positioning the laser beam 12 in an accordingly simplified manner. Expensive and complex operations for the adjustment of the laser beam 12 relative to the already produced holes or perforations 8 in the conducting layer 2 can thus be obviated, and adjustment expenditures can be accordingly reduced.
Following the production of the holes or perforations 8 and 11 in the conducting layer 2 and in the insulating layer 1 as well as in the remaining adhesive layer 5 , respectively, contacting of the contacts 6 with the conducting layer 2 is effected by applying a further conducting layer 13 at least in the region of the holes or perforations 8 and 11 , as is indicated in FIG. 1 g.
In FIG. 1 g , it is moreover indicated that an additional layer 14 is also arranged or provided on the side facing away from the conducting layer 2 .
To remove the insulating material 1 as well as, if necessary, residues of the adhesive 5 in order to produce the holes or perforations 11 in the insulating layer 1 , a CO 2 laser having the parameters according to Example 1 below is used when providing a comparatively thin insulating layer 1 and/or insulating material easy to remove and/or an adhesive layer 5 with a low filler content.
Example 1
Thin insulating layer (15-30 μm) and/or adhesive with low filler content
Pulsed CO 2 laser
Power: 3 watts
Beam diameter: 180 μm
Pulse duration: 6 μs
Number of pulses: 13
Hole diameter: 75 μm
Considering the above-indicated parameters relating to the performance of the used CO 2 laser, it is apparent that, due to the holes or perforations 8 made by the laser beam 9 in the method step according to FIG. 1 e , a suitable cover of the insulating layer 1 located therebehind is provided for forming holes 11 that are contoured according to the contacts 6 .
When providing a larger thickness for the insulating layer 1 and/or an adhesive 5 having a higher filler content, and/or for the formation of larger holes or perforations 11 , a CO 2 laser having an accordingly higher power according to the following Example 2 can be employed.
Example 2
Thick insulating layer (30-50 μm) and/or adhesive with higher filler content
Pulsed CO 2 laser
Power: 4 watts
Beam diameter: 280 μm
Pulse duration: 8 μs
Number of pulses: 13
Hole diameter: 120 μm
In this manner, even large holes or perforations 11 can be produced in an accordingly short time.
After the production or formation of the further conducting layer 13 for contacting the contacts 6 of the integrated or received component 4 , it is indicated in FIG. 1 h in the context of a subtractive method that a photoresist 28 is applied for further processing or patterning the conducting layer 2 and, if desired, also the additional conducting layer 13 .
Corresponding to the application of the photoresist 28 , a patterning is formed in the conducting layer 2 in a further method step according to FIG. 1 i , e.g. by an etching procedure, by making perforations or holes 29 in the conducting layer in regions that are not covered by the photoresist 28 .
The finished patterning is provided by removing the photoresist 28 as indicated in FIG. 1 j.
For the process control illustrated in FIG. 2 , the reference numerals of FIG. 1 have been retained for identical components or elements.
According to the method step illustrated in FIG. 2 a , a laminate 10 is thus again provided, wherein an insulating or non-conducting layer 1 , a conducting or conductive layer 2 as well as a carrier or protection layer 3 are provided.
For aligning or registering the electronic component 4 to be subsequently fixed, additionally produced markers 15 penetrating both the insulating layer 1 and the conducting or conductive layer 2 are indicated in the method step illustrated in FIG. 2 b.
In the method step depicted in FIG. 2 c , an adhesive again denoted by 5 is applied, whereupon an electronic component again denoted by 4 is fixed to the laminate 10 by the aid of the adhesive 5 in the method step illustrated in FIG. 2 d.
Contrary to the embodiment of FIG. 1 , according to which the adhesive 5 is merely arranged or provided over a surface or region corresponding to the dimensions of the electronic component 4 to be fixed, a surface exceeding the dimensions of the electronic component 4 to be fixed is provided with the adhesive 5 in the embodiment represented in FIG. 2 . Registering and aligning both for applying the adhesive 5 and for fixing the component 4 are, in particular, effected relative to the marker 15 .
From the method step depicted in FIG. 2 e , it is apparent that a plurality of layers or sheets of insulating material such as prepreg foils, which are denoted by 16 and 17 and configured to at least partially correspond to the dimensions of the component 4 fixed to the laminate 10 , are used for sheathing or embedding the electronic component 4 as indicated for the preceding embodiment in FIG. 1 c , wherein a laminating or pressing procedure is performed following the positioning of the individual layers as indicated in FIG. 2 e so as to obtain the composite element illustrated in FIG. 2 f , in which the electronic component 4 is completely surrounded by the mutually laminated or pressed and altogether insulating material 18 .
Similarly as with the embodiments according to FIG. 1 , the method step depicted in FIG. 2 f comprises the removal of the protection or carrier layer 3 so as to expose the conducting layer 2 . From the method step depicted in FIG. 2 f , it is additionally apparent that a layer denoted by 19 is applied on the surface facing away from the conducting layer 2 for further patterning or further structuring the circuit board to be produced.
In the method step depicted in FIG. 2 g , the formation of holes or perforations, which are again denoted by 8 , in the conducting or conductive layer 2 is performed corresponding to the positions of the contacts 6 of the electronic component 4 in a manner similar to the method step depicted in FIG. 1 e.
In addition to the formation of holes or perforations 8 in the conducting or conductive layer 2 , the formation of a further perforation 20 is carried out in the conducting layer 2 as illustrated in the method step according to FIG. 2 h , said additional perforation or bore 20 in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 h being formed relative to one of the markers 15 and, in particular, in the region or at the position of one of the markers 15 .
The formations of the perforations or holes 8 corresponding to the contacts 6 of the electronic component 4 as well as the additional opening or perforation 20 are, for instance, again performed by the aid of a UV laser as described in the context of FIG. 1 .
After this, perforations 11 are again formed for exposing the contacts 6 of the electronic component 4 according to the method step depicted in FIG. 2 i in a manner similar as in the preceding embodiment. Besides the formation of the perforations or holes 11 in the insulating layer 1 , an additional perforation 21 is made in the insulating material 18 embedding the electronic component 4 corresponding to the formation or positioning of the additional perforation 20 in the conducting layer 2 .
The formation of the perforations or holes 11 in the insulating layer 1 for exposing the contacts of the electronic component 4 , in a manner similar as in the preceding embodiment, may again be rapidly and conveniently performed using a CO 2 laser. By selecting the dimensions of the CO 2 laser, it will also be possible, with an appropriate size of the latter, to produce the additional perforation 21 , which has comparatively larger dimensions, in a common working step.
FIG. 2 j , moreover, indicates that, instead of the formation of a conducting layer 13 as indicated in FIG. 1 g , an additional conducting layer 22 for contacting the contacts 6 of the electronic component 4 is immediately applied and, by forming a feedthrough 23 in the region of the produced additional perforation 21 , contacting with a conducting layer 24 additionally arranged on the opposite side is effected following the production of the perforations 11 and 21 , respectively. The additional conducting layers 22 and 24 , respectively, as well as the previously produced conducting layer 19 are subjected to additional patterning as indicated by the recesses or perforations 25 .
The option of forming the at least one additional perforation 20 or 21 both in the conducting layer 2 and in the insulating layer 1 as well as in the insulating material 18 of the embedment allows for the arrangement or formation of such a feedthrough 23 not only in the context of contacting with the contacts 6 of the electronic component 4 , but also by observing smaller distances to the electronic component than would be possible after the completion of the circuit board in successive, separate method steps by, in particular, the mechanical formation of such holes or perforations for the formation of feedthroughs.
Instead of using the at least one additional perforations 20 and 21 in the conducting layer 2 and in the insulating layer 1 , respectively, for the subsequent formation of a feedthrough, such an additional perforation 20 or 21 can also be used for providing or defining the contours of a circuit board element incorporating the electronic component 4 , as is schematically indicated in FIG. 6 .
By forming additional perforations 20 or 21 in a substantially common working step along with the formation of the holes or perforations 8 and 11 in the conducting layer 2 and in the insulating layer 1 , respectively, an accordingly high increase of precision in the formation of the contour of the circuit board under observance of reduced process tolerances and, in the main, a miniaturization of the circuit board element to be produced, will thus be achievable.
In the schematic illustration according to FIG. 6 , it is indicated that, for the formation of the contour of the circuit board element in which the component 4 is embedded, the additional perforations 20 and 21 basically constitute a continuous line surrounding the electronic component 4 , with the exception of predetermined breaking points 33 for temporary anchoring or fixing. For the sake of simplicity, no patternings of the conducting layer 2 are illustrated or indicated in FIG. 6 . Due to the formation of the contour by producing the at least one further perforation 20 and/or 21 , respectively, a further miniaturization of such a circuit board element 31 will be achieved while enhancing the exploitation of the available surface area.
The insulating material 1 even in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 can be formed by a material especially supporting or promoting the adherence between the conducting layer 2 and the material 8 surrounding the component 4 as well as the individual layers 16 and 17 .
FIG. 3 , on a scale enlarged relative to the preceding Figures, depicts a modified embodiment of a laminate again denoted by 10 , wherein an additional carrier layer 26 is provided besides the insulating layer 1 , the conducting or conductive layer 2 and a protection layer 3 . The carrier layer 26 is, for instance, formed by a metallic sheet so that such a carrier layer or metallic sheet 26 can, for instance, be directly used as a pressing sheet in the laminating or pressing procedure illustrated in FIGS. 2 e and 2 f , such a carrier sheet 26 having an accordingly sufficiently high mechanical strength. In this manner, also the appropriate protection of, in particular, the conducting layer 2 , which optionally has a comparatively small thickness of 50 μm or less, will be ensured particularly during loading procedures prior to the formation of the holes or perforations 8 and 11 for contacting the contacts 6 of the electronic component 4 .
In the modified embodiment depicted in FIG. 4 , the steps illustrated in FIGS. 4 a to 4 d correspond to the steps represented in FIGS. 1 a to 1 d , so that further description of these steps will be omitted.
In the method step depicted in FIG. 4 e , the application of a copper oxide layer 27 , which is optionally covered by a further organic or metallo-organic layer, which is, however, not illustrated separately, takes place in the context of a pretreatment of the conducting or conductive layer 2 upon removal of the carrier or protection layer 3 .
After such a pretreatment, or application of an additional layer 27 to the conducting or conductive layer 2 , the formation of holes or perforations 8 and 11 corresponding to the contacts 6 of the electronic component 4 is performed both in the conducting layer 2 and in the additional layer 27 arranged thereon as well as in the insulating layer 1 in a common working step, to which end a laser corresponding to the schematic CO 2 laser 32 is employed as illustrated in FIG. 4 f.
By providing the additional or pretreatment layer 27 on the conducting or conductive layer 2 , the appropriate formation of perforations or holes 8 and 11 corresponding to the contacts 6 of the electronic component 4 can thus be effected in a common working step using a CO 2 laser 32 .
To supply the power also required for making the holes or perforations 8 in the conducting layer when using a CO 2 laser 32 , a pulse duration of at least 200 μs, e.g. about 285 μs, which is elevated relative to that of the CO 2 laser 12 which is merely used to remove the insulating layer as discussed with reference to FIG. 1 , is proposed. By applying such an extended pulse duration, a reduced number of pulses, e.g. 5 and, in particular, 2 pulses, will do to make the holes or perforations 8 and 11 , respectively, in the conducting layer 2 and in the pretreatment layer 27 attached thereto as well as in the insulating layer 1 for exposing the contacts 6 of the component 4 .
Following such a production of holes or perforations 8 and 11 in the conducting layer 2 and in the insulating layer 1 , respectively, the removal of the additional or pretreatment layer 27 is effected, for instance by etching, as indicated in FIG. 4 g.
The formation of an additional conducting or conductive layer 13 according to the illustration of FIG. 4 h again corresponds to the method step depicted in FIG. 1 g.
After this, patterning can be done as, for instance, indicated in FIGS. 1 h to 1 j.
For subsequent patterning, either a conducting layer 2 having an appropriate thickness, of the laminate 10 is used, or an appropriate additional conducting or conductive layer may be applied or formed to achieve the required layer thickness for the formation of the conducting or conductive pattern, e.g. in the form of conductor tracks, on the conducting or conductive layer 2 of the laminate 10 , this being not illustrated in detail for the sake of simplicity.
In the illustration according to FIG. 5 , the method steps according to FIGS. 5 a to 5 f again correspond to the steps according to FIGS. 1 a to 1 f , so that a detailed description of the same will not be repeated.
To provide the contacting of the contacts 6 of the integrated component 4 , chemical coppering as indicated in FIG. 5 g is performed, such an additional conducting layer for contacting the contacts 6 of the component 4 being again denoted by 13 .
In a subsequent method step according to FIG. 5 h , a mask formed by a photoresist 28 is again applied, whereupon, according to the method step depicted in FIG. 5 i , wiring paths are, for instance, formed by so-called plating in the context of a semi-additive method, said wiring paths being indicated by 30 .
According to the method step depicted in FIG. 5 j , the wiring paths 30 are exposed by removing the photoresists 28 so as to achieve overall patterning, whereupon, according to the method step depicted in FIG. 5 k , also partial regions of the conducting or conductive, thin copper layer 2 are removed corresponding to the wiring paths 30 , for instance by flash-etching, so as to achieve overall patterning of the conducting or conductive layer formed by layers 2 and 30 .
As in the embodiment according to FIG. 2 , also in the modified methods illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 at least one further perforation 20 and 21 , respectively, can be produced in addition to the contacting of the integrated component, in order to subsequently provide a feedthrough 23 or form the contour of the circuit board element 31 , as has been discussed in detail with reference to FIG. 2 as well as FIG. 6 . | The invention relates to a method for integrating an electronic component into a printed circuit board, whereby the electronic component ( 4 ) comprising contacts ( 6 ) oriented towards an insulating layer ( 1 ) which is fixed to a laminate consisting of a conductive layer ( 2 ) and a insulating layer ( 1 ). Once the component ( 4 ) has been fixed to the insulating layer ( 1 ), at least one hole or perforation ( 8, 11 ) corresponding to the contacts ( 6 ) of the component ( 4 ) are formed in the conducting layer ( 2 ) and in the insulating layer ( 1 ), the contacts come into contact with the conducting layer ( 2 ), enabling a reliable integration or embedding of an electronic component ( 4 ) into a printed circuit board. | 7 |
This invention relates to logic circuits, and specifically, to a NP domino logic circuit implementing dynamic logic clock timing for providing glitch-free and short circuit current-free building blocks for use in logic circuits.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an improvement over traditional NP domino logic techniques by providing dynamic clock signal timing in order to eliminate short circuit current flow. In the preferred embodiment, the static inverters utilized between logic blocks when implementing traditional NP domino logic circuit design techniques have been eliminated allowing for simpler cascading of the domino building blocks for various logic circuits.
Logic designers utilize various design styles to create logical building blocks which are optimized for a given environment. For example, some logic design styles are directed to preventing race conditions between devices, other design styles take advantage of low power techniques, still other design styles are directed to minimizing power dissipation in a particular circuit.
Power dissipation is a performance measure that refers to the amount of heat energy that is dissipated by a given device during the operation of the device. As a device operates, heat energy is generated. This heat energy is due to the basic operation of the device as gates are switched from state to state, as well because of design defects in the device. If too much heat is built up in the device, the circuit may fail or operate unpredictably. As such, the logic circuit designer must either dissipate the heat energy by means of heat sinks and the like, adding to the cost and overall complexity of the logic circuit design, or minimize its generation or effect in the logic circuit. In terms of efficiency, ideally designers would opt for minimizing the amount of heat energy to be dissipated by eliminating any unnecessary switching, thereby saving on power consumption. This is especially important in portable electronic devices which operate on a finite battery supply. The present invention is directed to a logic design technique which is utilized to minimize power consumption and necessarily the heat energy required to be dissipated by a given circuit by eliminating short circuit current flow in each logic building block.
Heat energy may be created in a logic circuit, inter alia, due to short circuit current flow or glitches. Short circuit current flow will arise if care is not taken as to the sequencing of switching in the device. Specifically, logic circuits which utilize PMOS and NMOS chains often have short circuit current flow as complementary switches transition from state to state. Accordingly, short circuit current power dissipation refers to the amount of power that is dissipated due to short circuit conditions in the logic circuit.
Glitches arise due to race conditions in logic gates, where extra switching occurs due to multi-state transitions during a single clock cycle. Glitch power dissipation refers to the amount of heat energy that is dissipated due to hazard transitions or glitches that arise due to unnecessary switching of the logic devices. In CMOS VLSI circuits, it has been shown that short circuit current can account for as much as 10% of the total power dissipated by a given circuit. Similarly, glitch power dissipation has been shown to be up to 15-20% of the total power dissipated by a CMOS VLSI circuit.
In the prior art, certain design techniques have been utilized to eliminate the need for dissipating glitch power. One such design technique involves the use of a clocked dynamic logic style. In a clocked dynamic logic style, inputs to each gate are switched at most once per clock cycle. In this way, glitch power dissipation is not required by a circuit implementing this technology.
Referring first to FIG. 1, a prior art static logic building block for use in a logic design circuit is shown. The building block 100 is comprised of a PMOS field effect transistor (FET) 102 whose source is tied to a Vcc input, and whose drain is tied to the source of an NMOS FET 104. The drain of the NMOS transistor 104 is coupled to a ground. An input signal 106 is coupled to the gate inputs of both PMOS FET 102 and NMOS FET 104. As such, as the input Vin 106 swings from high to low, the PMOS FET 102 will conduct driving a high signal out on the Vout signal line 108. Conversely, as the V input signal 106 is driven from low to high, the PMOS FET 102 will no longer conduct, while the NMOS FET 104 will begin to conduct thereby driving a ground to the output signal line Vout 108.
As configured, the input swings of Vin and Vout may cause a condition to arise in the FETs 102 and 104, whereby both FET 102 and 104 are on at the same time. In the event that both FET 102 and 104 are on at the same time, a short circuit current flow will arise as the VCC is conducted through the two transistor devices directly to ground. The short circuit current condition arises because the same input signal Vin is used to both turn on and off the complementary FETs 102 and 104. As such, during a transition period between the on and off states, both FETs 102 and 104 will conduct causing a short circuit current to flow.
Referring now to FIG. 2, an example of a prior art glitch free logic technique which implements pre-charge logic is shown. "Pre-charge" logic refers to a logical building block device which has its output pre-charged during one clock cycle (the charge cycle) and thereafter during a second cycle (the evaluation cycle) the status of the input signal to the logic block is evaluated. In this type of circuit technique, the input signal (Vin) is limited to a single transition during the evaluation period.
In this prior art design technique, a building block 200 comprised of a PMOS FET 202 whose source is coupled to VCC and whose drain is coupled to the source of a second PMOS FET 204. The second PMOS FET 204 has its drain coupled to a source input of an NMOS FET 206 whose drain is coupled to ground. In this glitch-free circuit, a first clock signal, Vclk 208 is connected as an input to the gate inputs of PMOS FET 202 and NMOS FET 206. Finally, an input signal Vin 210 is coupled to the gate input of the second PMOS FET 204 whose drain forms the output Vout 212 for this building block circuit 200. This type of circuit utilizes a pre-charge and evaluate clock phase in order to evaluate the status of the input signal Vin.
The clocking diagram is shown in FIG. 2b. For this type of device, the input signal Vin is held at a constant high and, upon a transition from a high to a low state, will drive the output of the building block from a low to a high state. During a charge cycle, the clock line is held high causing PMOS FET 202 to turn off and NMOS FET 206 to turn on. When NMOS FET 206 turns on, a ground is provided on the output signal line Vout 212. As such the building block is "pre-charged" to a logical low output level. During the second portion of the clock cycle, the evaluation cycle, the clock is held low thereby causing the NMOS FET 206 to turn off and the PMOS FET 202 to conduct. When the PMOS FET 202 conducts, the VCC signal is driven to the source input of the PMOS FET 204. As such, if the input signal Vin transitions from a high to low, the second PMOS FET 204 will conduct driving a high VCC output signal on the signal output line Vout 212. Upon the end of the evaluation period, a charge cycle will re-occur causing the output to again be driven to ground.
In this type of dynamic clocked environment, the input signal Vin is only allowed to switch one time during the evaluation phase. As long as this condition is satisfied, then the output signal Vout will transition only a single time during a clock cycle. Those ordinarily skilled in the art will recognize that the reason why the input signal must only be allowed to transition one time during the evaluation phase is because the capacitive nature of the output signal line, Vout 212. In operation, upon transition from a high to a low state on the Vin input signal line, a high output state would result as described above. If the input signal were to transition back to high during the evaluation cycle, the output signal line Vout would remain in the high output state due to the capacitive nature of the output signal line irrespective of the input signal until the capacitive elements in the output signal line were discharged into some load. As such, if the input signal line Vin 210 is allowed to toggle during the evaluation phase, the output signal line Vout 212 will not reflect a true state of the input signal. By requiring a single transition during the evaluation phase, the circuit as shown in FIG. 2a provides for a glitch-free power dissipation because no switching of the devices occur due to race considerations.
However, as can be seen in FIG. 2a, because a single clock signal Vclk 208 is used to drive both the PMOS FET 202 and the NMOS FET 206, a short circuit current condition may arise during the transition phase between the turn on and turn off of FETs 202 and 206. This condition will arise when, at the end of an evaluation period, the input signal remains in the low state causing FET 204 to conduct. During the transition from the end of the evaluation period, FET 202 will turn off while FET 206 begins to turn on. As such, the cascading of the three FETs 202, 204, and 206 will result in a short circuit current during this transition period. While the circuit shown in FIG. 2a provides for a glitch-free logic building block, short circuit current power dissipation still must be compensated for by circuits implementing building blocks as shown in FIG. 2a.
Other dynamic logic techniques including NORA make use of this glitch-free property of dynamic clock circuit timing. Still other designs including Zipper CMOS have been implemented which provide the same basic race or glitch-free environments. However, the majority of the modifications to these basic NP domino techniques have been made to combat charge sharing problems associated with cascading a plurality of building blocks together.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a dynamic logic building block having separate pre-charged and evaluation clocks to allow for the elimination of short circuit current flows in logic building block.
It is the further object of the present invention to provide a short circuit current free static latch for maintaining the input signal to a dynamic logic building block in a steady state during the precharge clock cycle for DC operation.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a short circuit current free dynamic latch for maintaining the last state input to a dynamic logic building block when operating the dynamic logic building block at frequencies high enough that capacitive charges built up between stages of the building block do not decay between charges.
The apparatus of the present invention comprises P-logic and N-logic dynamic domino building blocks having separate clocks for driving the P-logic and N-logic evaluate and pre-charge stages. The P logic building gates are pre-charged to a zero volt output and upon the transition from high to low on the input line, will provide a high output during the evaluation cycle. Conversely, the N-logic building blocks are pre-charged with a high output level and upon the transition of a high to low input to the building block device, will provide a low output signal during the evaluation period. Both building block types are pre-charged again at the end of the evaluation period to provide an inherently glitch-free dynamic logic device. Separate evaluate and charge clock signals are provided to each of the P-logic and N-logic building blocks which are configured to provide a non-overlapping charge and evaluation cycle. In this configuration, no short circuit current will arise during the transition between the charge and the evaluation cycle for either of the building block devices. By using four separate clocks for P-logic pre-charge, P-logic evaluate, N-logic pre-charge, and N-logic evaluate, the short circuit current can be eliminated. The active portions of the pre-charge, evaluate cycles, and the transitions between are made mutually exclusive. That is, the pre-charge for the N and the P-logic end, and are completely off, before the evaluate for each building block begins to transition.
In an alternative embodiment, a static latch is provided for use with the dynamic logic building blocks during DC operations where the clocking may be shut off in the precharge state. In another alternative embodiment, a dynamic latch is provided for use with the dynamic logic building blocks during minimal frequency operations where the frequency of charge cycles is sufficient to prevent the decay of the capacitive charge built up between the stages of the building blocks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Additional objects and features of the invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a prior art static logic building block.
FIG. 2a is a prior art dynamic logic building block.
FIG. 2b is a timing diagram for the device of FIG. 2a.
FIG. 3a shows a P-logic dynamic domino logic block according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3b is a timing diagram for the device of FIG. 3a.
FIG. 4 shows an N-logic dynamic domino logic block according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 shows a clocking diagram associated with the four separate clock inputs for the P-logic and N-logic building blocks according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of a clock circuit for generating clock signals for use in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7a shows a cascaded device incorporating alternating N-logic and P-logic building blocks according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7b shows a P-logic NOR gate type dynamic domino logic block according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 shows a short circuit current free static latch according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 shows a short circuit current free dynamic latch according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring first to FIG. 3a, a P-logic building block 300 incorporating the teaching of the present invention is shown. The P-logic building block 300 includes a PMOS FET 302 having its source tied to VCC and its drain tied to the source of a second PMOS FET 304. The second PMOS FET 304 has its drain connected to the source of a NMOS FET 306 and also forms the tap point for the output signal line Vout 308. The gate input for the second PMOS FET is coupled to an input signal Vin 310. The first PMOS FET 302 has its input coupled to a first clock signal Vpe 312 which is the PMOS evaluate clock. The NMOS FET 306 has its gate input coupled to a second clock signal Vnc 314, which is the NMOS charge clock. During the charge cycle, the input to FET 306 is held high (Vnc=high) thereby driving the output Vout 308 to ground. In the preferred embodiment, the input signal Vin 310 for a P-logic building block device is held at a steady state high level and transitions to low during the evaluation period. Thereafter, the input signal is held constant through the remainder of the evaluation cycle allowing only for a single transition from the high to low state during the evaluation time period. This input restriction allows for the proper evaluation logic function and is standard for dynamic logic devices.
Referring now to FIG. 3b, the clocking relationship between the Vpe evaluation clock and the Vnc charge cycle clock and the input signal is shown. In operation, the Vnc charge clock is transitioned from low to high during the charge cycle thereby providing for a low output voltage as described previously on the output of the building block device 308. The charge cycle will thereafter end resulting in a capacitive hold of the low voltage signal value at the output until the start of the evaluation cycle. After some time period ΔT 1 (ΔT 1 >0) after the end of the charge cycle (when the Vnc signal=0), the evaluation cycle begins. The evaluation cycle commences in the P-logic device by transitioning the Vpe evaluation clock 312 from a high state to a low state to be held low during the entire evaluation cycle. This low signal on the gate input to P-logic FET 302 causes the device to conduct thereby providing for a connection from the source of FET 304 to VCC through the conductive channel of FET 302. Accordingly, the output signal Vout 308 will swing from a low to a high value upon an input signal transition from a high to low state. As described previously, the input signal to the building block device is held for P-logic devices to a high signal level and transitions to a low signal level during the evaluation phase. Upon the occurrence of a transition from high to low in the input signal, the output line will swing from low to high reflecting this change of state of the input signal.
Upon the end of the evaluation cycle (the evaluation signal line Vpe will transition from a low state back to a high state), a second time period ΔT 2 (ΔT 2 >0) will elapse and thereafter, a new charge cycle can be initialized. The new charge cycle may be initialized only upon the completion of the evaluation phase, thereby providing for no short circuit current flow to arise between the PMOS and NMOS chains in the P-logic and N-logic devices.
In the P-logic building block 300, the output node is pre-charged to low, 0 volts, using the Vnc clocking signal 314. Once the pre-charge is finished and the Vnc signal is low, the Vpe evaluation clock signal 312 will begin to go low after some time delay ΔT 1 . In the preferred embodiment, the ΔT 1 time delay can be any time period>0. However, those ordinarily skilled in the art will recognize that for time periods greater than the decay time associated with the capacitance for the output circuit, a static latching means will have to be provided in order to maintain the output state at a pre-defined charge level in anticipation of the next input signal.
As the P-logic evaluation clock signal Vpe 312 goes low, the P-logic function is evaluated and the output may be discharged to high on the output signal line Vout 308, depending on the input Vin 310. As was described previously, the inputs during this time may only transition from high to low. Those ordinarily skilled in the art will recognize this input restriction allows for proper evaluation of the logic function and is standard for dynamic logic.
Once the evaluation is finished, the evaluation clock signal Vpe 312 will return to the high state turning off the evaluation of the P-logic. Once the evaluation clock signal Vpe is completely high, the charge clock signal Vnc will be allowed to go high after some second time delay ΔT 2 . As was described previously, the high level input signal on the charge clock Vnc will cause the output of the P-logic section to be pre-charged to a low voltage level. During the period of time where the charge signal clock Vnc is high, it is possible for the inputs to switch back from their low input state to a high state in order to satisfy the traditional high input signal level required into the P-logic device. Those ordinarily skilled in the art will recognize that this is proper and has no affect on the logic function because the P chain is off due to the clock signal Vpe 312 being in a high state. Those ordinarily skilled in the art will recognize that if the time period ΔT 2 between the P-logic going inactive and the pre-charge PMOS FET going active is greater than zero, then no short circuit current will flow when switching from pre-charge to evaluate with the P-logic. Thus, P-logic is short circuit, current free by design.
Referring now to FIG. 4, an N-logic building block 400 is shown. The N-logic building block comprises a PMOS FET 402 whose source is coupled to a VCC signal and whose drain is coupled to the source of a first NMOS FET 404. The drain of the first NMOS FET 404 is in turn coupled to the source of a second NMOS FET 406 whose drain is coupled to ground. An output signal line is tapped between the source and drain of PMOS FET 402 and first NMOS FET 404 providing for an output signal Vout 408 for the logic block. A first charge clock Vpc 412 is coupled to the gate input to the PMOS FET 402. A second clock signal, the evaluation clock signal, Vne 414 is coupled to the gate input of the second NMOS FET 406. Finally, an input signal Vin 416 is coupled to the gate input of the first NMOS FET 404.
In operation, the N-logic output node is pre-charged to high using the charge clocking signal Vpc 412. This is accomplished by driving the Vpc signal line low thereby causing the PMOS FET 402 to conduct, resulting in a VCC high signal level on the output signal line Vout 408. Once the pre-charge is finished, the charge signal line Vpc 412 returns to high and the evaluation clock signal Vne 414 will begin to go high after some time delay ΔT 1 . In the preferred embodiment, the time delay is greater than zero, but should be made less than the decay time for the output capacitance associated with the output load on the output signal line. As the evaluation signal Vne 414 goes high, the N-logic function is evaluated and the output may be discharged from high to low depending on the value of the input. As was described in conjunction with the P-logic device, the input signal Vin may only make transitions (from low to high) during the evaluation clock cycle.
In the N-logic devices, the input signals are held low in the steady state and then transition one time during the evaluation period to a high state to indicate a state change. If during the evaluation period this transition occurs, then the output signal line Vout 408 will transition from a high to low logic state. Those ordinarily skilled in the art will recognize the input restriction allows for proper evaluation of the logic function and is standard for dynamic logic.
Upon the end of the evaluation period, the evaluation clock signal Vne will go back to a low state, causing the complete turn off of the evaluation NMOS FETs 404 and 406. Once the evaluation clock signal Vne is completely low, the charge clock signal Vpc will go low after a second time delay ΔT 2 . During the charge low cycle, the inputs Vin to the building block may be switched back from a high to a low state, providing the low input value that is required for this type of building block. This transition has no effect on the logic function because the NMOS chain 404 and 406 is off during the charge cycle by holding the evaluation clock signal Vne low.
Just as the case with the P-logic section, if the time between the pre-charge going inactive and the N-logic becoming active ΔT 1 is greater than zero, no short circuit current will flow when switching from pre-charge to evaluate with the N-logic. Also, if the time between the N-logic evaluate going inactive and the P precharge going active ΔT 2 is greater than zero, there will be no short circuit current when in transition from the evaluate back to the pre-charge using N-logic. Thus, the N-logic is also short circuit current free by design.
Referring now to FIG. 5, the clocking signals used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention are shown. An input clock signal Sync 502 is utilized to generate a second clock signal Clk 504 which has a 25% duty at one-quarter of the frequency of Sync 502. A third clocking signal Clk -- 8 504 is a phase shifted version of Clk 504. From these three signals Sync 502, Clk 504, and Clk -- 8 506, the clocking signals Vpe, Vne, Vpc, and Vnc can be generated. In the preferred embodiment, the Vpe clocking signal is generated by logical "OR"ing the Clk 504 and the Clk -- 8 506 signals. The Vnc signal is generated by logical "NOR"ing the Clk 504 and the Clk -- 8 506 signals. Clocking signals Vne and Vpc are merely the inverse of the Vpe and the Vnc signals, respectively.
Referring now to FIG. 6, a block diagram is shown for generating the Clk 504 and Clk -- 8 506 clocking signals from a given input signal SYNC for use in deriving the four clocking signals used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Four positive edge triggered latches 602, 604, 606, and 608 are coupled with four negative edge triggered latches 610, 612, 614, and 616 by having the output of a positive triggered latch feed the input of the next negative triggered latch, while the respective output of each of the negative triggered latches is, in turn, coupled to the input of an adjoining positive edge triggered latch. The output from latch 614 is coupled to the input of latch 602 thereby creating a feedback network for producing the clocking signals required by the preferred embodiment of the present invention. A first input signal Sync 620 is provided as the input to the clock ports for each of the positive edge triggered latches 602, 604, 606, and 608 as well as to the clock input port of the negative edge triggered latches 610, 612, 614, and 616. A reset signal 621 is provided as an input to the reset signal port of latch 602, and to the clear port of each of the latches 604, 606, 608, 610, 612, 614 and 616. The reset signal is generated at initialization of the logic circuit in order to synchronize the subsequently generated other clock source signals (504 and 506). In the preferred embodiment, the reset signal 621 sets the output of latch 602 to a logical "1" and simultaneously sets the output of the remaining latches 604, 606, 608, 610, 612, 614 and 616 to a logical "0".
The output of the first positive edge triggered latch 602 is coupled to the set input of an SR flip-flop 622 whose reset input is, in turn coupled to the output of the second positive edge triggered latch 604. The output of the SR flip-flop 622 forms the Clk 504 output signal. A second SR flip-flop 624 has its set input coupled to the output of the first negative edge triggered latch 610 and reset input coupled to the output of the second negative edge triggered flip-flop 612. The output of the second SR flip-flop 624 forms the Clk -- 8 506 signal for use by the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Finally, by the use of logical NOR, OR and inverter gates, the Vpe, Vne, Vpc, and Vnc signals are derived. Those ordinarily skilled in the art will recognize that the latching means and flip-flops described are a simple way of implementing the necessary clock signals utilized in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, other means may be utilized as is known in the art.
In operation, the N-logic short circuit current-free logic blocks as shown in FIG. 4 are configured to receive a low level input signal that transitions from low to a high state during the evaluation period. Upon the occurrence of a low to high transition during the evaluation phase, the output of a N-logic block will transition from a high level to a low logic level. If no low to high transition occurs during the evaluation period, then the output of the N-logic device will remain at a constant high output level. Conversely, the P-logic short circuit current-free logic blocks as shown in FIG. 3 require a high input signal that transitions from a high to low level during the evaluation phase. In operation, the P-logic device requires a high to low level transition during the evaluation phase to cause the output of the P-logic device to transition from a low logic level to a high logic level. If no high to low logic level input transition occurs, then the output of the P-logic device remains at a low logic level. Accordingly, P-logic devices provide a perfect input signal to N-logic devices because of their low level pre-charged output level. Conversely, the N-logic device provides a perfect input to the P-logic device because of its constant high level output as a result of the pre-charge for the N-logic device. In this way, the P-logic and N-logic devices may be cascaded alternately with N-logic devices feeding P-logic devices to form more complex logic structures.
Referring now to FIG. 7a, a cascaded device 650 incorporating alternating N-logic and P-logic building blocks is shown. A first N-logic device 652 is coupled to P-logic device 654, which in turn is coupled to a second N-logic device 656 whose output is coupled to a second P-logic device 658. Cascaded structures such as these may be utilized in various digital logic circuits such as custom LSI's, DSPs, and micro processors.
In order to cascade the N-logic and P-logic devices, care must be taken in maintaining the input levels at their pre-charge state for the entire duration of an evaluation phase in the event no transition occurs in the input signal. This may be accomplished by utilizing the capacitance associated with the output stage in the individual logic block, however, these capacitively stored values will decay after some time requiting a minimum frequency for the clocks. A latch may be used between the logic building devices so as to store the intermediate data states thereby maintaining the high level or low level input signals required by the individual N-logic and P-logic devices, respectively.
Those ordinarily skilled in the art will recognize that the teachings of the present invention may be incorporated in more complex logic building blocks than the invertor gates shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Invertor gates were chosen for illustration purposes only, and the logic design technique disclosed can work equally well with other logical devices such as AND, NAND, NOR, OR, and XOR gates. Referring now to FIG. 7b, a P-logic NOR gate according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown, the P-logic NOR gate building block includes a PMOS FET 662 having its source tied to VCC and its drain tied to the source of a second PMOS FET 664. The drain of the second PMOS FET 664 is in turn tied to the source of a third PMOS FET 666. The third PMOS FET 666 has its drain connected to the source of a NMOS FET 668 and also forms the tap point for the output signal line Vout 670. The gate input for the second PMOS FET is coupled to an first input signal Vin1 672, while the gate input for the third PMOS FET is coupled to an second input signal Vin2 674. The first PMOS FET 662 has its input coupled to a first clock signal Vpe 676 which is the PMOS evaluate clock. The NMOS FET 668 has its gate input coupled to a second clock signal Vnc 678, which is the NMOS charge clock. During the charge cycle, the input to FET 668 is held high (Vnc=high) thereby driving the output Vout 670 to ground.
In the preferred embodiment, the input signals Vin1 and Vin2 for a P-logic building block device are held at a steady state high level and transition to low during the evaluation period. Thereafter, the input signals are held constant through the remainder of the evaluation cycle allowing only for a single transition from the high to low state during the evaluation time period. This input restriction allows for the proper evaluation logic function and is standard for dynamic logic devices. In operation, during the evaluation cycle, the output will only transition from low to high upon both PMOS FETs 664 and 666 conducting. As such, the resultant output signal is the logical NOR of the two input signals Vin1 and Vin2.
Referring now to FIG. 8, a short circuit current-free latch for use in the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The dynamic latch 700 receives an input signal 702 which may be of the form of a constant high output with high to low transitions or a steady state low input signal with low to high transitions as required by a given P-logic or N-logic device. The input signal 702 is coupled through a complimentary pass gate NMOS transistor 704 which is configured to allow the input signal to pass to the intermediate stage 706 during the evaluation cycle for a given logic block. Clock signals Vpe 708 and Vne 710 drive the complimentary base inputs to the pass gate transistor such that during the evaluation cycle (when the Vpe clock signal is held low and the Vne clock signal is held high), the value of the input signal is passed to the intermediate stage 706.
The intermediate stage 706 drives the bass input of a PMOS FET 712 and an NMOS FET 714. The PMOS FET 714 has its source coupled to VCC and its drain coupled to the source input of a second PMOS FET 716. The drain of the second PMOS FET 716 is in turn coupled to the source of a second NMOS FET 718 whose drain, in turn is coupled to the source of the first NMOS FET 714. The drain of the first NMOS FET 714 is coupled to ground. Finally, the gate input to PMOS FET 716 is tied to the Vpc clocking signal 720 and the gate input to the second NMOS FET 718 is tied to the Vnc clocking signal 722. An output signal tap Vout 724 is provided between the drain and source of the second PMOS FET 716 and second NMOS FET 718.
In operation, during the evaluation of the N and P-logic blocks, the Vpe clock signal 708 is held low and the Vne clock signal 710 is held high. This allows the value of the input signal 702 to pass to the intermediate node 706. At the same time, the Vpc clock signal 720 is high and the Vnc clock signal 722 is held low, allowing the value of the output signal 724 to be unaffected by the intermediate node 706. Those ordinarily skilled in the art will recognize that because the second PMOS FET 716 and second NMOS FET 718 are disabled due to the state of the Vpc and Vnc clocking signals, the output signal 724 will be maintained in an unchanged state (either ground or logic high) due to the capacitive nature of the output port. As such, the new intermediate signal located at intermediate section 706 will have no immediate effect on the output signal 724.
Upon the termination of the evaluation cycle (Vpe transitions from low to high and Vne transitions from high to low), the pass gate transistor 704 turns off, leaving an intermediate value stored in the intermediate stage 706 due to the capacitive nature of the intermediate stage. As such, after the evaluation period is completed and the input signal switches back from a low to a high or a high to a low transition, the intermediate stage 706 is unaffected by the return to steady state of the input signal line.
As the pre-charge cycle begins, the Vpc clocking signal 720 goes low and the Vnc clocking signal 722 goes high. The intermediate value stored in the intermediate node 706 will cause either the PMOS FET 712 or the NMOS FET 714 to conduct. If the intermediate value stored in the intermediate state 706 is a logic low, the PMOS FET 712 will conduct thereby causing the output signal line 724 to reflect a high signal level (via FETs 712 and 716). Conversely, if the intermediate value stored in intermediate node 706 is a high level, the PMOS FET 712 will not turn on, and instead, the NMOS FET 714 will conduct driving a logic low or ground signal to the output signal line 724. At the end of the charge cycle, second PMOS FET 716 and second NMOS FET 718 will turn off as the clock input signal Vpc and Vnc transition back to their steady states. Those ordinarily skilled in the art will recognize that since the intermediate value stored in the intermediate node is a stable value (due to the transition of the pass gate transistor 704 to the off state), only one of the transistors 712 or 714 will be on at a given time thereby providing no short circuit current flow in the latch 700.
Again, as was described previously, care should be taken when using this particular latch due to the capacitive storage nature of the latch. The latch stores data using capacitance on the intermediate node. Stored values however, will decay after some time, so again, a minimum frequency for the clocks used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention is required. Those ordinarily skilled in the art will recognize that the input value received via the pass gate transistor 704 is transferred from the output of a particular logic block using charge sharing, that is, the capacitance of the output node of a particular logic block shares its charge with the logic block and its capacitance associated with the intermediate node. As such, the capacitance on the input signal side (the output capacitance of a particular logic block) must be significantly larger than the capacitance of the intermediate node. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the capacitance of the output node of a particular logic block is ten times more than the capacitance of the intermediate node in order to alleviate charge sharing problems.
As was described above, the latch stores data in its intermediate node using the capacitance of the intermediate and output nodes. This stored data may decay over time. In order to maintain the data values over a longer period of time, a keeper circuit may be employed.
Referring now to FIG. 9, a keeper circuit 800 for use in maintaining the intermediate data stored in the latch 700 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The keeper circuit 800 is comprised of an input signal line 801 which couples the intermediate value from the intermediate node 706 associated with the latch 700 to the keeper circuit 800. The keeper circuit 800 is comprised of a high value detector 802, a low value detector 804, a logical high maintenance circuit 806 and a logical low maintenance circuit 808.
The high value detector 802 is comprised of a PMOS transistor 810 whose source is coupled to VCC and gate is coupled to the Vpe input clock signal. The drain of the PMOS transistor 810 is, in turn coupled to the source of an NMOS transistor 812 whose drain is connected to a second NMOS transistor 814. The gate for the second NMOS transistor 814 is coupled to the Vnc clocking signal while the drain of the second NMOS transistor is coupled to ground. Finally, the gate input for the first NMOS transistor 812 is coupled to receive the intermediate value from the intermediate node 706 of the dynamic latch 700 via input signal line 801.
In operation, during the evaluation period, node 1 (N1) is held high irrespective of the output values associated with the intermediate node on gate input to NMOS FET 812. During the charge cycle, node N1 is held low if the intermediate value from the latch circuit is high or conversely, node 1 is held at a logical high if the intermediate value input to the gate input of NMOS FET 812 is low.
The low level detection circuit 804 is comprised of a first PMOS FET 820 whose source is coupled to VCC and whose gate is coupled to the Vpc clocking signal. The drain of the PMOS FET 820 is coupled to a source input of a second PMOS FET 822 whose drain in turn is coupled to the source of an NMOS FET 824. The gate of the second PMOS FET is coupled to the intermediate node 706 to receive the intermediate value stored by the dynamic latch 700 via input signal line 801. Finally, the gate input of the NMOS FET 824 is coupled to the Vne clocking signal and the drain of the NMOS FET 824 is coupled to ground.
In operation, the node 2 (N2) is held at a logical low during the evaluation period due to the turn on of the NMOS FET 824, irrespective of the intermediate input value at the gate of PMOS FET 822. Conversely, during the charge cycle, node N2 is held at a logic low if the intermediate value transferred from the dynamic latch is a logic high signal and the node N2 is held at a logical high level if the intermediate value from the intermediate node of the dynamic latch 700 is a logic low.
The logic high maintenance circuit 806 is comprised of three PMOS transistors 830, 832, and 834. The source of the first PMOS transistor 834 is coupled to VCC and its gate input is coupled to the Vpc clocking signal. The drain of the first PMOS FET 830 is coupled to the source input of the second 832 and third 834 PMOS transistors, respectively. The drain of the third PMOS transistor is coupled to the gate input of the second PMOS transistor 832, which is also connected to the node 1 (N1) point of the high value detector 802. Finally, the intermediate value from intermediate node 706 is coupled to the drain input of second PMOS FET 832 and the gate input of third PMOS FET 834 via input signal line 801.
In operation, whenever the charge cycle is asserted (e.g., the Vpc clock signal is held at a logic low), then a logic high signal will be transferred onto the input signal line 801 via second PMOS FET 832. This is because during the charge cycle, node 1 will be at a logic low if the last intermediate value stored was a logical high. As such, the intermediate value will be maintained at a logical high due to PMOS transistors 830 and 832 conducting and providing a path for the VCC signal to be asserted on the intermediate value input signal line 801. Conversely, if the intermediate input value last stored by the latch 700 was a low state, third PMOS transistor 834 would conduct (due to the low level value on the gate input of PMOS transistor 834) and cause the node 1 point coupled to the gate input of second PMOS transistor 832 to be driven to a logical high, thereby not allowing the turn on of the second PMOS transistor 832. As such, when the intermediate value from intermediate node 706 is a low level, the high level maintenance circuit 806 is disabled.
Finally, the logical low level maintenance circuit 808 includes three NMOS transistors 840, 842, and 844. NMOS transistor 840 has its drain coupled to ground and gate input coupled to the Vnc clocking signal. The source of the first NMOS transistor 840 is in turn, coupled to the drain of both the second 842 and third 844 NMOS transistors. The source of the third NMOS transistor 844 is in turn, coupled to the gate input of the second NMOS transistor 842 which also is connected to the node 2 (N2) point of the low level detector circuit 804. Finally, the intermediate value input signal line 801 is coupled to the gate input of the third NMOS transistor 844 and the source of the second NMOS transistor 842.
In operation, the low level maintenance circuit provides a logical low level coupled via NMOS transistors 840 and 842 to the intermediate value input signal line 801 upon a logical low value being asserted on the intermediate node during a charge cycle. In particular, during a charge cycle, the Vnc clock signal is held high thereby causing NMOS transistor 840 to conduct providing a ground input to the drain inputs to NMOS transistors 842 and 844. If the intermediate value stored in the intermediate node 706 is a logical low level, then NMOS transistor 842 will conduct due to the high input signal at its gate input driven from node 2 of the low detector circuit 804, thereby causing a low signal to be reinforced on the intermediate value output signal line 801. Conversely, if the intermediate value received from intermediate node 706 is a high signal level, NMOS transistor 844 will conduct and drive a logical low to the gate input to NMOS transistor 842, thereby disabling NMOS transistor 842. As such, when the intermediate value from intermediate node 706 is a high level, the low level maintenance circuit 808 is disabled.
Those ordinarily skilled in the art will recognize that the keeper circuit is also short circuit current free because no PMOS or NMOS stages will be on concurrently in any cascaded leg of the keeper circuit. This is true because of the different cycling of the clocking signals during the evaluation and the charge cycles. Those ordinarily skilled in the art will also recognize that by maintaining the charge state (e.g., maintaining the Vnc and Vpc signals in the enabled state), the keeper circuit 800 will maintain the last intermediate value stored at intermediate node 706 for as long as the Vpc and Vnc circuits are asserted.
In order to better understand the operation of the keeper circuit 800, an evaluation of circuit operation during the various clock cycles is provided.
Prior to the evaluation cycle, Vpc and Vpe clocking signals are high while the Vnc and Vne clocking signals are in a low state. As the evaluation cycle commences, the Vpe clocking signal goes low and the Vne clocking signal goes high thereby pre-charging node N1 in the high intermediate value detector 802 to a high logic level and node 2 in the low intermediate value detector 804 to a logic low. This forces transistors 832 and 842 to turn off. As such, the value of the intermediate node has no affect on the keeper during this time period.
After the evaluation cycle is complete, then the Vpe clock signal goes high and the Vne clock signal goes low causing the value of the input signal 702 from the dynamic latch 700 to be stored as an intermediate value at intermediate node 706. As was described previously, the intermediate value is stored by the capacitance of the intermediate node. Again, the keeper circuit remains unchanged during this cycle having no affect on the keeper circuit due to the disabled state of the drive PMOS and NMOS transistors in the keeper circuit (810, 814, 820, 824, 830, and 840).
As the pre-charge cycle begins, the Vpc clocking signal goes low and the Vnc clocking signal goes high. The value of the intermediate node is maintained by the capacitance associated with the intermediate node and can be used by the keeper circuit as described above. When the value of the intermediate node is high, node N1 in the high value detector circuit 802 will be discharged to low by the NMOS path of the high value detector circuit (NMOS transistors 812 and 814). This will in turn, turn transistor 832 on and a high value will be driven on to the intermediate signal input line 801, and, accordingly, onto the intermediate node 706. If the intermediate value during pre-charge is low, node N2 of the low value detector circuit 804 will be discharged to high by the PMOS path of the low value detector circuit 804 (PMOS transistors 820 and 822). This will in turn, cause transistor 842 to conduct and a low value will be driven on to the intermediate node 706 by means of the intermediate signal line 801.
Those ordinarily skilled in the art will recognize that the intermediate value stored in the intermediate node of dynamic latch 700 is transferred to the keeper circuit by means of a charge sharing principle. However, the decaying nature of the capacitive value stored in the intermediate node is compensated for by the maintenance circuits 806 and 808 of the keeper circuit, such that as long as the charge dock signals Vpc and Vnc are maintained enabled, the last value for the intermediate node will be maintained awaiting the end of the charge cycle and the beginning of a new evaluation cycle.
While the present invention has been described with reference to a few specific embodiments, the description is illustrative of the invention and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Various modifications may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. | An apparatus and method for providing short circuit current free dynamic logic building blocks comprising P-logic and N-logic dynamic domino building blocks having separate clocks for driving the P-logic and N-logic evaluate and pre-charge stages. The P-logic building gates are pre-charged to a zero volt output and upon the transition from high to low on the input line, will provide a high output during the evaluation cycle. Conversely, the N-logic building blocks are pre-charged with a high output level and upon the transition of a low to high input to the building block device, will provide a low output signal during the evaluation period. Both building block types are pre-charged again at the end of the evaluation period to provide an inherently glitch-free dynamic logic device. Separate evaluate and charge clock signals are provided to each of the P-logic and N-logic building blocks which are configured to provide a non-overlapping charge and evaluation cycle. The active portions of the pre-charge, evaluate cycles, and the transitions between are made mutually exclusive. A static latch is provided for use in DC operations upon shut off of the charge clock. In an alternative embodiment, a dynamic latch is provided for use in a minimal frequency clocking embodiment of the dynamic building blocks where charge cycles are sufficiently frequent to compensate for charge decay. | 7 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to outdoor deck structures. In particular, this invention relates to a prefabricated modular sun deck and a frame therefor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An outdoor deck structure, commonly known as a sun deck, is a popular extension to the living space offered by residential housing and the like. Sun decks can be virtually any size and shape and are conventionally constructed out of weather resistant lumber, either attached to or detached from the main structure. Myriad styles and finishes are known, but virtually all ground-supported sun decks are subject to the limitation that they are permanent structures.
This limitation arises because of the practical considerations involved in constructing any type of living space, the main ones being the load that the structure must bear and the ability to resist shifting of the ground underneath the structure. The latter consideration is particularly important if the deck is to retain its integrity and a level orientation, since the ground underneath a structure shifts unevenly and often substantially from year to year. Conventional construction techniques utilize concrete piers sunk four feet or more to stable ground. However, the permanence of such a structure poses a considerable disadvantage to those living in some kind of mobile abode, such as a trailer or mobile home. There is little incentive to construct a permanent deck where eventual relocation of the main living space is likely, especially on land owned by another such as a trailer park.
The present invention overcomes this disadvantage by providing a prefabricated modular sun deck mounted on an adjustable frame. The deck is easily erected and disassembled into modular sections capable of transport, and the frame facilitates levelling of the deck when erected and periodic relevelling as the supporting ground shifts, without the need for sunken piers or other permanent supports. The deck frame according to the invention is designed to facilitate levelling by a single person, and is also suitable for use as a supporting frame for a permanent deck.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention thus provides a deck structure comprising a floor comprising at least one floor section, having floorboards secured to orthogonal joists, and a supporting frame including legs supporting a beam, the beam comprising a pair of opposed boards with an adjustable gap therebetween.
The present invention further provides a frame for a deck structure comprising supporting legs and a supporting beam comprising a pair of opposed boards connected by securing means with a gap between the boards sufficient to enable the legs to be disposed therein, wherein when a leg is disposed in the gap adjacent to the securing means the securing means can be tightened such that the leg is frictionally engaged between the boards and the level of the beam relative to the leg can thereby be adjusted by the application of force sufficient to overcome the frictional engagement of the leg by the beam.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In drawings which illustrate by way of example only a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the deck embodying the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a partially exploded top plan view of the deck floor;
FIG. 3 is a partially exploded, partially cut away perspective view of the floor of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the supporting frame;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred form of railing for the deck of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one corner of the frame of FIG. 4 illustrating the levelling feature; and
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a modification of the supporting frame.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of the sun deck of the present invention consists of a floor 10 supported on a supporting frame 20 with a railing 30. Preferred lumber dimensions are provided, but the invention is not restricted to any particular size of lumber. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with the minimum lumber dimensions required and local building code requirements for the various components of the deck. It will further be apparent that although the preferred embodiment is described as composed of wood, the invention is not so restricted and includes wood substitutes such as plastic and the like.
The floor 10 comprises modular sections 12, in the example illustrated each constructed from alternating 2×4 and 2×6 floor boards 14 secured to 2×6 joists 16 (illustrated in phantom in FIG. 2). To reduce inventory costs, it may be preferred to construct the floor sections 12 entirely from 2×6 boards. Alternate floor boards 14 include a portion 14a extending over any adjoining edge of a section 12, complimentary to extended portions 14b of alternate floor boards 14 in the next section 12 to which the first section will be affixed by means of a 2×4 joining board 18 secured to the extension portions 14a,14b of the floor boards 14. Extended ends are omitted along peripheral side edges, as at 13. Ribbon boards 17 are secured to the ends of the supporting joists 16.
It will be apparent that any number of floor sections 12 may be joined side-to-side in this fashion, or front to back so long as a beam 24 as described below is provided at the front and rear of each floor section, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The size of the deck floor 10 is limited only by the available space and the size of the selected supporting frame 20. It will also be apparent that although the illustrated embodiment shows alternating 2×4 and 2×6 floor boards, any size of lumber that is suitably strong can be used for the floor boards 14 and joists 16.
The supporting frame 20 comprises 4×4 supporting legs 22 extending into front and rear beams 24. Each beam 24 comprises a pair of 2×6 or 2×8 boards 25,26 secured together by floor retaining posts 23 extending upwardly from the beams 24 as illustrated, which serve to retain the floor sections 12 on the frame 20. The retaining posts 23 should extend to just below the underside of the floorboards 14 for fastening the floor sections 10 to the retaining posts 23 from above. The ends of only one of the boards 26 of each beam 24 are secured to ribbon boards 28 of like dimensions. For reasons described below, one of the boards 25 of each beam 24 is left unsecured and bolts 27 are located closely adjacent to each leg 22.
The railing 30 comprises posts 32 and corner posts 33 supporting top rail sections 34, all constructed from 2×4 lumber. Preferably each post 32 comprises a long section 32a to which is affixed a shorter section 32b in the manner illustrated in FIG. 5. Corner posts 33 may be produced from a 2×4 33a to which are affixed short sections of 2×2 33b, 33c, the latter extending to the bottom of the post 33 to provide a finished appearance. The top rail sections 34 comprise a rail head 34a secured orthogonally to a supporting rail 34b. Thus, the top rail section 34 is secured at each end to the top of a post 32 with the rail head 34a seated on top of the long section 32a and the supporting rail 34b seated on top of the short section 32b, providing solid support with no gaps. The bottom of each post 32 is secured to the deck floor sections 12, with the bottom end of the short section 32b seated on top of the deck floor 10 and the bottom end of the long section 32a extending over a portion of the ribbon 17 or joist 16, depending on the location of the post 32.
The top rail sections 34 are preferably prefabricated in 4 foot lengths, and the posts 32 are cut or pre-cut to length for the desired height of the railing 30 in compliance with any applicable building code requirements. Railing sections 30 may be supplied pre-cut with a top rail section 34 presecured to a post 32 or corner post 33. A cap 36 may be used to finish off the outside corner gap between top rail sections 34 abutting at a corner post.
To erect the deck of the present invention, an end of each leg 22 is inserted between the board 25,26 of the beam, and the bolts 27 are tightened until the legs are frictionally engaged, but not locked in place, between the boards 25,26. The ribbon boards 28 are then secured to the ends of one of the two boards 25,26 of each beam, so that the frame 20 stands upright in the desired position. The bottoms of the legs 22 may rest on the ground, or preferably on a patio stone or the like to keep ground moisture away from the legs 22.
The frame 20 is then levelled by applying force, for example using a mallet, to raise or lower the beam 24 to the appropriate position relative to each leg 22. The bolts 27 are tight enough to cause the beam 24 to engage the legs 22, but sufficient force to overcome the frictional resistance (the amount depending on the tightness of the bolts 27) permits some slippage between the legs 22 and the beam 24, allowing the height of each leg 22 to be adjusted as required for levelling. When the beams 24 are properly levelled, screws or other preferably removable securing means are driven through the boards 25,26 into each leg 22. If the bolts 27 are properly tightened, the frame 20 will support itself through the levelling process, such that levelling can be accomplished by a single person. It is possible to secure one corner leg 22 to the beam 24 and to adjust all other legs 22 to the level of the secured leg, but it is preferable to have all legs 22 adjustable as described herein.
This levelling feature is the reason that only one of the boards 25, 26 of each beam 24 is initially secured to the ribbon boards 28, so space between the boards 25, 26 of the beam 24 can be adjusted as required for levelling. For the same reason, the retaining posts 23 must not be located too close to the supporting posts 22, or the retaining posts 23 could prevent the proper adjustment to the boards 25, 26 for levelling. Once the frame 20 has been levelled, struts 29 may be added as desired/for lateral support.
The ribbon boards may at this stage be fastened to the unfastened board 26 of each beam 24. The floor sections 12 are then seated on the frame 20, with the floor retaining posts 23 abutting the inner face of ribbon boards 17. The floor sections 12 may be secured to the posts 23 through the ribbon board 17, if accessible, or through the floor boards 14. The tops of the legs 22 may protrude from the top of the beam 24 so long as the legs 22 do not interfere with the seating of the floor sections 12.
Although in the embodiment illustrated the retaining posts 23 are shown immediately adjacent to the front and, rear edges of the floor section 12, it will be apparent that the floor 10 of the deck can be cantilevered by reducing the front-to-back dimensions of the frame 20 and securing a cross-brace between the joists 16 set back from the edge of each floor section 12 a corresponding distance, to abut the retaining post 23. It will also be apparent that the deck floor 10 may in some cases be secured at the rear to the main dwelling structure, in which case only one beam 24, located adjacent (either immediately adjacent or set back as described above) to the front of the floor 10, is required. In the preferred embodiment, however, at least two beams 24 are used as described above.
Finally, the rail sections 30 are secured to the floor sections 12, or, if not preassembled, posts 32 and corner posts 33 are secured to the floor sections 12 as described above, and the top rail sections 34 are secured to the tops of the posts 32, 33. Allowances may be made in the railing for stairs or other access points by placing the posts 32 as required and cutting the top rail sections 34 accordingly. Ballusters (not shown) may be secured as desired.
The deck may be extended forward indefinitely by adding beams 24 as required, as shown in FIG. 7. Moreover, the deck may be extended on either side by abutting beams 24 meeting at the centreline of a common leg 22, as at 40 in FIG. 7. In this fashion a modular sun deck of any dimension may be constructed from the basic components described above.
It will be apparent that the deck of the present invention is easily assembled, disassembled and reassembled as necessary, and being modular in nature is easy to transport from one location to another. Moreover, the deck is readily re-levelled from year to year or as required, by removing any struts, removing the screws joining the beam 24 to the tops of the legs 22, levelling the frame 20 as described above (care being taken to prop up the frame 20 if the floor sections 12 have not been removed prior to levelling) and driving the screws back through the beam 24 into each leg 22 in its new level position.
The invention having thus been described with reference to a preferred embodiment only, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that certain adaptations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims. | A prefabricated modular sun deck is disclosed, comprising a floor seated on a frame and preferably including a railing. The deck is easily erected and disassembled into modular sections capable of transport. The frame includes a levelling feature which facilitates levelling of the deck when erected, and periodic relevelling as required, without the need for sunken piers or other permanent supports. | 4 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates a sheathed synthetic fiber rope, preferably of aromatic polyamide, and a process for manufacturing it.
In materials handling technology, especially on elevators, in crane construction, and in open-pit mining, moving ropes are an important element of machinery and subject to heavy use. An especially complex aspect is the loading of driven ropes, for example as they are used in elevator construction and for suspended cable cars. In these instances the lengths of rope needed are large, and considerations of energy lead to the demand for smallest possible masses. High-tensile synthetic fiber ropes, for example of aromatic polyamides or aramides with highly oriented molecule chains, fulfil these requirements better than steel ropes.
Such a sheathed synthetic fiber rope has become known from the European Patent document 0 672 781 A1. There, the synthetic sheath is applied by extrusion in such a manner that a large surface of adhesion to the strands is formed. However, when the rope bends on the rope sheave or pulley the strands perform compensatory movements which, under certain circumstances, can cause relative movement of the strands of different layers of strands. These movements are greatest in the outermost layer of strands and particularly when the drive torque is transferred by friction to the section of rope lying in the angle of wrap of the rope sheave, can cause the sheath to lift off and form pile-ups. Such a change in the structure of the rope is undesirable because it can cause the rope to have a short service life. The same applies to ropes wound on drums as they are used in mining.
The problem underlying the invention is that of proposing a sheathed synthetic fiber rope with a long service life, as well as a method for producing such a rope.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention concerns a synthetic fiber rope having a stranded core surrounded by an intersheath. A covering layer of stands is laid on the intersheath and the covering layer is surrounded by a rope sheath.
The advantages resulting from the invention consist of a lasting bonding of the sheath in the outermost layer of strands. In addition to the former adhesive bonding to as large a contact surface as possible of the outermost layer of strands, according to the invention the sheath is fastened with anchoring means which are structurally anchored in the outermost layer of strands. Especially when the join is in one piece, the bonding forces between the sheath and the anchoring means correspond to the strength of the material of the anchoring means, and are thereby many times greater than conventional adhesive forces. If the anchoring means are connected to the outermost layer of strands by positive fit, separation of the sheath is then only possible with accompanying damage to the aramide fiber strands.
As a further advantage of integrating the anchoring means into the rope structure of the outer layer of strands in combination with the single piece bonding to the sheath, for example bonding with adhesive, as the rope passes over the traction sheave the anchoring means follow the movement and/or deformation of the outermost layer of strands. By appropriate selection of a material with suitable elastic deformability, the forces acting in the layer of aramide fibers and, as a result of the bending load, in the sheath can be mutually balanced out, thereby preventing relative movement between the sheath and the layer of strands.
In a further development of the invention, the anchoring means and the sheath are made of weldable or vulcanizable materials. This choice of materials makes it possible to join the anchoring means and the sheath with no additional bonding agent. At the same time, the joint is permanent, displays material behavior identical to that of the joined parts themselves, and is therefore equivalent to a single piece construction of the anchoring means and the sheath. The joint is particularly homogeneous if the anchoring means and the sheath are made of identical material. The uniform material parameters then occurring make-it simpler to join the parts to be joined with uniform molecular bonding.
In addition to the functional advantages achieved by the invention, manufacturing sheathed synthetic fiber ropes according to the invention can be done simply, and with minimal modification to conventional rope laying machines. Over a rope core manufactured in known manner, load-bearing fiber strands with anchoring means are laid in the outermost layer of strands. The fiber strands are then thermally or chemically pre-treated before the sheath of synthetic material is applied, and the fiber strands then form a molecular bond with the means of anchoring. With conventional rope laying machines it is adequate to retrofit a pre-treatment station, apart from which there is only adjustment work to be done.
If the anchoring means and the sheath are welded to each other, essentially a heating device must be provided to heat the anchoring means so that when the sheath is extruded, permanent fusion of the sheath and the anchoring means takes place.
In a further preferred alternative process the sheath is vulcanized onto the outermost layer of strands. In this embodiment a substrate is applied to the anchoring means by use of a suitable pre-treatment station which slightly corrodes them, and in this way prepares them for molecular interlinking with the extruded sheath.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the anchoring means take the form of one or more anchoring strands which together with load-bearing aramide fiber strands are laid into the outermost layer of strands. The twisted rope structure resulting from the helical twisting of the strands around each other already provides in a simple manner a positive fit of the anchoring strands on the outermost layer of strands. The anchoring of the sheath can be adjusted via the number of anchoring strands laid in the outer layer. A particularly good positive fit is achieved with this embodiment if the anchoring strands have a smaller diameter than the load-bearing aramide fiber strands. The circumference of each anchoring strand is squeezed between two aramide fiber strands of larger diameter, and thereby anchored in the layer of strands. Pre-manufactured anchoring strands can be processed together with the aramide fiber strands by the same rope-laying machine.
Furthermore, the anchoring means can take the form of anchoring fibers that are twisted together with aramide fibers and fixed to them to form load-bearing strands for the outermost layer of strands. The anchoring fibers are arranged in the outermost layer of fibers of the strands, and are also bonded as a single piece to the sheath, which is subsequently extruded on to them. Having a large number of such anchoring strands creates a large total bonding area between the sheath and its anchoring which strengthens the bond and also lengthens the service life of the rope.
Furthermore, the thin anchoring strands can be heated to melting temperature in a short space of time and with relatively low expenditure of energy, as a result of which this embodiment is advantageous for continuous extrusion of the sheath onto the rope.
The synthetic fiber rope according to the invention affords advantages in elevator installations, for example, where it connects the car frame of a car guided in an elevator hoistway to a counterweight. For the purpose of raising and lowering the car and counterweight, the rope passes over a traction sheave that is driven by a drive motor. As the synthetic fiber rope according to the invention passes over the traction sheave, no relative movement occurs between the rope sheath and the synthetic fiber rope.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above, as well as other advantages of the present invention, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a drive rope with anchoring strands according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of the drive rope with enveloping of the strands according to the present invention; and
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention with anchoring fibers.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a sheathed rope 1 according to the present invention. The rope 1 is constructed of a core strand 2 , about which a plurality of strands is laid in a first direction of lay 3 . Five identical strands 4 of a first layer of strands 5 are laid helically about the core strand 2 . The first layer 5 is covered by ten strands of a second layer of strands 7 are laid in parallel lay in a balanced ratio between the direction of twist and the direction of lay of the fibers and strands. The second layer includes five of the strands 4 alternated with five larger diameter strands 6 . A different number of laid strands can be selected to correspond to the specific requirements and is not determined by the number in this exemplary embodiment. The second layer of strands 7 is surrounded by a covering layer of strands 9 . Load-bearing strands 2 , 4 , 6 and 9 that are used for the rope 1 are twisted or laid from individual aramide fibers and treated with an impregnating substance, for example polyurethane solution, which protects the aramide fibers.
The strands 2 , 4 and 6 form a rope core 8 that is surrounded by an intersheath 12 of polyurethane or polyester, onto which the covering layer of strands 11 is laid. The intersheath 12 is extruded onto the rope core 8 immediately before the covering layer of strands 11 is laid. It prevents contact between the covering layer of strands 11 and the second layer of strands 7 , and thereby wear of the strands 4 , 6 and 9 being caused by their rubbing against each other when the rope 1 runs over the traction sheave and relative movement then occurs between the strands 4 , 6 and 9 . The intersheath 12 also serves to transfer internal moments between the rope core 8 and the covering layer of strands 11 .
The covering layer of strands 11 is laid in a second direction of lay 10 that is opposite to the first direction of lay 3 . When the rope 1 is loaded longitudinally, the covering layer of strands 11 gives rise to a torque opposite in direction to that of the parallel laid rope core 8 .
A rope sheath 14 of polyurethane surrounds the covering layer of strands 11 and 15 ensures the desired coefficient of friction on the traction sheave. Furthermore, the polyurethane is so resistant to abrasion that no damage occurs as the rope 1 passes over the traction sheave. By means of, for example, welding, vulcanization, or use of adhesive, the rope sheath 14 is bonded in one piece to anchoring strands 13 of polyurethane. Here, by way of example, nine of these polyurethane strands 13 alternating with nine aramide fiber strands 9 , and each lying between two adjacent aramide fiber strands 9 , are laid together to form the covering layer of strands 11 .
In the FIG. 1, the aramide fiber strands 9 and the polyurethane strands 13 are shown equally thick, but the positive fit of the polyurethane strands 13 to the covering layer of strands 11 can be improved further if the polyurethane strands 13 are thinner than the aramide fiber strands 9 . The circumferences of the thinner polyurethane strands 13 are squeezed between the adjacent aramide fiber strands 9 of larger diameter and thereby pressed in a radial direction onto the intersheath 12 .
The rope sheath 14 is extruded onto the covering layer of strands 11 in a pass-through process. During the extrusion process, the flowable synthetic material is pressed into all the interstices in the surface of the covering layer of strands, so that a large surface of adhesion is formed. Before extruding the rope sheath 14 , the polyurethane strands 13 are heated to melting temperature so that during extrusion the rope sheath 14 and the polyurethane strands 13 are welded together. The permanent single-piece bonding thereby created provides the rope sheath 14 with a permanent connection to the high-tensile rope 1 via the improved positive fit of the polyurethane strands to the covering layer 11 . Furthermore, the sheath can be vulcanized onto the outermost layer of strands wherein a substrate is applied to the anchoring means by use of a suitable pre-treatment station which slightly corrodes them, and in this way prepares them for molecular interlinking with the extruded sheath.
The rope sheath can also be extruded in two layers. The foregoing description then applies identically to the first layer of sheath applied. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of a sheathed rope 20 according to the invention. With regard to function and construction, a rope core 21 and an intersheath 22 , that is firmly bonded to it, correspond to relative parts of the first exemplary embodiment described above. A covering layer 23 of seventeen aramide fiber strands 24 is laid onto the intersheath 22 . Each individual aramide fiber strand 24 is given a separate, seamless jacket 25 of polyurethane. The aramide fiber rope 20 described so far is surrounded by a rope sheath 26 . The rope sheath 26 , as also the jacket 25 surrounding the aramide strands 24 , consists of thermoplastically formable polyurethane and this material is welded in one piece to the covering layer of strands 23 along the corresponding external surface of the jacket 25 . Via these permanent molecular bonds the rope sheath 26 is bonded with positive fit to the aramide fiber rope 20 . In this exemplary embodiment too, anchoring means in the form of the jacket 25 are first anchored in the rope structure with positive fit, and immediately prior to extrusion of the rope sheath 26 are permanently bonded to the rope sheath 26 by heating, bonding with adhesive, lightly corroding or vulcanizing.
In FIG. 3, an aramide fiber rope 30 is shown as a third exemplary embodiment of the invention. A rope core structure 31 , an intersheath 32 surrounding it, and a number of strands 33 of a covering layer of strands 34 are again identical to those in the two exemplary embodiments described above. A rope sheath 37 surrounds the covering layer of strands 34 to which it is joined with positive fit. The strands 33 each are formed of a plurality of polyurethane fibers 35 and can include at least one aramide fiber 36 . The fact that the strands 33 are wound helically around the intersheath 32 ensures that the polyurethane fibers 35 at least in part lie against the surface adjacent to the rope sheath 15452 37 . Shortly before extruding the rope sheath 37 , the polyurethane fibers 35 are heated and fuse with the rope sheath 37 that is pressed on tightly. As a component of the strands 33 , the polyurethane fibers 35 are bonded with positive fit to the strand structure forming the covering layer of strands 34 .
Consequently, the rope sheath 37 which is bonded in one piece to the polyurethane fibers 35 is also permanently anchored with positive fit to the aramide fiber rope 30 via a large number of such polyurethane fibers 35 . Moreover, the described exemplary embodiments of the invention can be systematically combined with each other to create a specific desired fastening of the sheath.
As well as being used as a means of suspension in elevator installations, the rope according to the present invention can be used in a wide range of equipment for handling materials, examples being hoisting gear in mines, building cranes, indoor cranes, ship's cranes, aerial cableways, and ski lifts, as well as a means of traction on escalators. The drive can be applied by friction on traction sheaves or Koepe sheaves, or by the rope being wound on rotating rope drums. A hauling rope is to be understood as a moving, driven rope, which is sometimes also referred to as a traction or suspension rope.
In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present invention has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiment. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope. | A sheathed synthetic fiber rope includes concentric layers of load-bearing synthetic fiber strands, preferably of aramide fibers, with an outermost layer of strands having anchoring strands permanently fastened to a sheath extruded onto the outermost layer. The anchoring strands can be formed of weldable or vulcanizable material. Alternatively, a polyurethane jacket surrounding each of the outermost layer strands can be used to permanently fasten the sheath. | 3 |
CROSS REFERENCED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the disclosure of International patent application number PCT/EP2011/053704 filed on Mar. 11, 2011 incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure broadly relates to oilfield applications. More particularly it relates to methods for treating lost circulation, downhole, in a subterranean reservoir, such as for instance oil and/or gas reservoir or a water reservoir.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
[0004] During construction of a subterranean well, drilling and cementing operations are performed that involve circulating fluids in and out of the well. The fluids exert hydrostatic and pumping pressure against the subterranean rock formations, and may induce a condition known as lost circulation. Lost circulation is the total or partial loss of drilling fluids or cement slurries into highly permeable zones, cavernous formations and fractures or voids. Such openings may be naturally occurring or induced by pressure exerted during pumping operations. Lost circulation should not be confused with fluid loss, which is a filtration process wherein the liquid phase of a drilling fluid or cement slurry escapes into the formation, leaving the solid components behind.
[0005] Lost circulation can be an expensive and time consuming problem. During drilling, this loss may vary from a gradual lowering of the mud level in the pits to a complete loss of returns. Lost circulation may also pose a safety hazard, leading to well-control problems and environmental incidents. During cementing, lost circulation may severely compromise the quality of the cement job, reducing annular coverage, leaving casing exposed to corrosive downhole fluids, and failing to provide adequate zonal isolation. Lost circulation may also be a problem encountered during well-completion and workover operations, potentially causing formation damage, lost reserves and even loss of the well.
[0006] Lost-circulation solutions may be classified into three principal categories: bridging agents, surface-mixed systems and downhole-mixed systems. Bridging agents, also known as lost-circulation materials (LCMs), are solids of various sizes and shapes (e.g., granular, lamellar, fibrous and mixtures thereof). They are generally chosen according to the size of the voids or cracks in the subterranean formation (if known) and, as fluid escapes into the formation, congregate and form a barrier that minimizes or stops further fluid flow. Surface-mixed systems are generally fluids composed of a hydraulic cement slurry or a polymer solution that enters voids in the subterranean formation, sets or thickens, and forms a seal that minimizes or stops further fluid flow. Downhole-mixed systems generally consist of two or more fluids that, upon making contact in the wellbore or the lost-circulation zone, form a viscous plug or a precipitate that seals the zone.
[0007] WO2010/020351 described a method for treating lost circulation by pumping downhole capsules that once submitted to sufficient stress can break and form a gel that would plug lost circulation zone. GB 2341876 discloses multiphase drilling and completion fluids for carrying an agent. The composition consists of a first, second and third phase. The agent is present in the first phase and the first phase is suspended in the second phase to form a first pumpable emulsion. The composition consists either of an oil phase-in-aqueous phase-in-oil phase composition or an aqueous phase-in-oil phase-in-aqueous phase composition.
[0008] The following describes novel and alternative mechanisms in regards to releasing reactive chemicals. Namely, utilizing shells containing multiple emulsions that can be blended with the base fluids, and then react with said base fluid upon exposure to a trigger e.g. high shear and/or elongation flow, therefore plugging even large fractures. Such gelling lost circulation material (LCM) allows obtaining a reliable carrier and fast reaction when triggered.
SUMMARY
[0009] Chemical systems designed for oilfield application experience stress throughout the whole placement process. Some systems see relatively low stress, like cement, flowing inside the annulus; and some systems see relatively high stress, like mud, exiting the drill bit. As such, utilizing stress as a mechanism to control the properties of the chemical system exhibits minimum impact in terms of interfering with common operational procedures.
[0010] Embodiments disclosed herewith focus on utilizing high stress, encountered by the chemical systems during the placement, as a trigger mechanism to control the release of reactive materials. Once the reactive material is released, then the properties of the whole chemical system can be altered and tailored to meet the performance criteria.
[0011] Embodiments pertain to aqueous gelling LCM comprising a carrier fluid containing shells of a polymer having droplets of an accelerator dispersed therein; the LCM further comprising a polymerization initiator.
[0012] Methods for treating well bore and especially for treating lost circulation are also part of the present disclosure. Such treatments being achieved by pumping the gelling LCM downhole and by triggering the polymerization when necessary.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Further embodiments of the present invention can be understood with the appended drawings:
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a shell containing droplets of accelerator dispersed therein.
[0015] FIG. 2 shows a gelling LCM according to the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 3 shows a measurement of release of the accelerator when subjected to various stress.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] At the outset, it should be noted that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system related and business related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. In addition, the composition used/disclosed herein may also comprise some components other than those cited. In the summary of the invention and this detailed description, each numerical value should be read once as modified by the term “about” (unless already expressly so modified), and then read again as not so modified unless otherwise indicated in context. Also, in the summary of the invention and this detailed description, it should be understood that a concentration range listed or described as being useful, suitable, or the like, is intended that any and every concentration within the range, including the end points, is to be considered as having been stated. For example, “a range of from 1 to 10” is to be read as indicating each and every possible number along the continuum between about 1 and about 10. Thus, even if specific data points within the range, or even no data points within the range, are explicitly identified or refer to only a few specific, it is to be understood that inventors appreciate and understand that any and all data points within the range are to be considered to have been specified, and that inventors possessed knowledge of the entire range and all points within the range.
[0018] The present disclosure refers to gelling LCM comprising a carrier fluid containing shells of inert polymer having droplets of accelerator contained therein; the LCM further comprising a polymerization initiator. The accelerator being released in the carrier fluid when subjected to a trigger. The trigger may be sufficient stress such as the passage through a restriction, e.g. a perforation or a drill bit. Without being bound by any theory, the inventors believe that the combination of shear and elongational flow experienced in these conditions are producing enough stress to break the shells made from a polymer inert for both the accelerator and the carrier fluid. Basically, the stress might first come from the turbulence experienced in the pumps of surface equipment and within the carrier fluid in itself; after that, the passage of the flow through a restriction creates first some sort of “Venturi effect” with an acceleration of the fluid which will have the effect of deforming the shells and then at the outlet of the restriction another deformation of the shells coming from fluid deceleration. Velocity increases and decreases are typically of the order of 50 to 100 times variation. Strain rates experienced in restriction are typically from 1000 to one million reciprocal second, more specifically 10000 to 200000 reciprocal second. The inventors have noticed that even if the stress experienced during pumping and all along the transportation has an effect on the breakage of the shells, the stress and/or velocity difference which is obtained due to the flow through a restriction is of paramount importance. The stress is closely related to the pressure drop encompassed in each units of the well treatment (pumps, pipes, drill-bit). A higher pressure drop corresponds to a higher stress applied. Typically, the highest stress is observed when the fluid passes through the nozzles in a drill bit or a port of completion string downhole. By stress sufficient to break the shells, it is to be understood in the context of the present disclosure that said sufficient stress is produced by the passage through the nozzles of the drill bit or similar restriction to allow the accelerator to be released from the shells. Preferably, the pressure drop observed when passing through the nozzles is from about 150 to 5000 psi (10 to 345 bar), more preferably from 300 to 5000 psi (20 to 345 bar), most preferably from 300 to 1000 psi (20 to 69 bar). As shown earlier, the stress may sometimes also be referred to as a velocity difference.
[0019] As apparent from FIG. 1 , the shell ( 101 ) is made from a polymer that is inert to the accelerator, the carrier fluid and the polymerization initiator. The shells are preferably made from a polyurea polymer and its derivatives; more preferably the shells are made from polyurethane. The shells preferably have a diameter (or main dimension) of from 1 to 5000 microns, more preferably from 10 to 2000 microns even more preferably from 30 to 1000 microns.
[0020] Also, as shown on FIG. 1 , the shell ( 101 ) contains droplets of accelerator ( 102 ) dispersed therein. Basically these are droplets of water solution containing the accelerator.
[0021] The polymerization accelerator usable in gelling LCMs as disclosed are advantageously compounds which accelerates the polymerization of water soluble or water dispersable monomers comprising acrylated or methacrylated poly-oxyethylene and/or poly-oxypropylene monomers (also sometime referred to as “macromonomers” due to the presence of poly-oxyethylene and/or poly-oxypropylene chain in the monomer).
[0022] Said accelerator is generally an amino compound like an alkylamine, polyalkylen amine or poly alkylen imine preferably comprising tertiary amino groups and whose alkyl or alkylen part comprises 2-4 carbon atoms. Primary or secondary amines or amine hydrochlorides can also be employed, although the polymerization rate obtained with these accelerators is often lower than with tertiary amines. The amine polymerization accelerator may include other chemical functional groups in its formula, such as, for example nitrile or hydroxyl or ester functional groups. The ester functional groups may, in particular, originate from the esterification with acrylic acid or methacrylic acid of one or more hydroxyl functional groups present in the formula of the amine. Among the preferred tertiary amines there may be mentioned diethylaminopropionitrile, triethanolamine, dimethylaminoacetonitrile, diethylenetriamine, N,N-dimethylaniline, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl acrylate, triethanolamine methacrylate and triethanolamine acrylate.
[0023] A preferred accelerator is a polyethyleneimine (PEI) such as for example the one commercially available from BASF under the name of Lupasol®.
[0024] The accelerator is usually used at levels from 0.01% to 10% by weight over the weight of the carrier fluid, and preferably from 0.1% to 1.0%. Other accelerators, catalysts or co-accelerators can be used like metal ions such as copper or iron as catalysts of the activation.
[0025] FIG. 2 shows the shells in the carrier fluid ( 100 ). Said carrier fluid is preferably a water soluble or water dispersible monomers comprising polymerizable compounds such as an acrylated or methacrylated poly-oxyethylene and/or poly-oxypropylene monomers which can present the general formula:
[0000] CH 2 ═CR 1 —CO—(O—CH 2 —CHR 2 ) n —OR 3 (I)
Wherein:
[0026] R 1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical,
R 2 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical, and
R 3 is a hydrogen atom, a methyl radical, or a CH 2 ═CR 1 —CO— group.
n is a whole or fractional number from 3 to 25.
[0027] In said carrier fluid, Poly-ethylene oxide chain are preferably about 1000 g/mol as short chains are not hydrophilic enough to balance the hydrophobicity of the methacrylate end groups (especially at high temperature and high salinity) on the other hand, longer chains lead to less reactive molecules. As a consequence, preferred monomers are of the formula:
[0000]
[0000] Wherein n is a number between 15 and 25, limits included, and/or
[0000]
[0000] Wherein n is a number between 10 and 20, limits included, and/or
[0028] In addition, these monomers are preferably non-volatile, classified as polymers and show no toxicity.
[0029] According to a specific embodiment, the water-soluble or water-dispersible monomers used in the composition of the invention is a mixture comprising at least two distinct kinds of monomers of formula (I), namely a first part of monomers wherein R 3 is a methyl radical (herein referred to as monofunctional monomers I-1); and a second part of monomers wherein R 3 is a CH 2 ═CR 1 —CO— group (herein referred to as bisfunctional monomers I-2). According to an economical process, this mixture of monomers may advantageously be prepared by reacting a mixture of two compounds (A1) and (A2) having the following formula:
[0000] HO—(O—CH 2 —CHR 2 ) n —OM e (A1)
[0000] HO—(O—CH 2 —CHR 2 ) n —OH (A2)
[0000] wherein R 2 is as defined above,
with a (meth)acrylic acid, chloride or anhydride (preferably an anhydride), typically a (meth)acrylic anhydride of formula (CH 2 ═CR 1 —C) 2 O wherein R 1 is as defined above.
[0030] Advantageously, in this preparation process, compounds (A1) and (A2) are used so as to obtain a mean number of —OH group of between 1.1 and 1.5 ((A1) bears one —OH and (A2) bears two —OH). In this connection, it is typically preferred for the molar ratio (A2):(A1) to be between 10:90 and 50:50.
[0031] Depending on the end-use temperature conditions, either water-soluble persalts like sodium persulfate, ammonium persulfate or potassium persulfate for low temperature (10 to about 40° C.) or water-soluble or water-dispersible peroxides like tertiobutyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), tertioamyl hydroperoxide and cumene hydroperoxide for temperature above 40° C. are used as polymerization initiators and mixed with the carrier fluid without any reaction within at least 2 to 3 hours at the target temperature. The polymerization reaction of the monomers can easily be triggered by the addition to said monomers of an amine accelerator. A stiff gels sets then within a few minutes to a few hours depending on targeted application and on how far from the injection point versus pumping rate the gel plug is to be placed, with the combined action of the initiator and accelerator whose concentrations are adapted to the conditions (essentially the temperature) of the monomers in the gelling remote location.
[0032] The polymerization initiator may be either contained with the droplets of accelerator and/or present in the carrier fluid.
[0033] Accordingly, in embodiments where the polymerization initiator is in the carrier fluid, the inventive gelling LCMs comprise:
[0000] i) a carrier fluid containing water-soluble or water-dispersible monomers comprising acrylated and/or methacrylated poly-oxyethylene and or poly-oxypropylene monomers, and
ii) polymerization initiators dispersed in i), wherein the carrier fluid is stable in the storage or injection conditions but starts to polymerize upon addition and/or contact with the accelerator in the pressure and temperature conditions at the remote location to be treated;
iii) shells ( 101 ) containing an accelerator, said shells being dispersed in the carrier fluid, and being made from a polymer that is inert to the accelerator, the carrier fluid and the polymerization initiator.
[0034] As apparent from the disclosure, the initiator is preferably in the carrier fluid but it may also be present with the accelerator in the shells of inert polymer.
[0035] The LCMs can have various applications such as drilling, completion, stimulation, production enhancement or remedial operations in subterranean zones penetrated by a borehole by initiating polymerization with a crosslinker. The preferred application being lost circulation treatment by triggering the reaction close to fractures in the formation, thereby creating a strong gel that plug said fractures and or isolate it from production zones.
[0036] In Embodiments, the gelling LCM is pumped as a pill. Typically, operators on a rig will notice a decrease in the flow of fluid returning to surface or even sometimes no return at all; if the decision is made to use the present lost circulation solution, a volume of the present gelling LCM will be prepared and pumped in order to plug the zone where part or all of the fluid is lost. A typical volume of treatment varies from 1 to 30 m 3 , preferably from 3 to 20 m 3 , more preferably from 5 to 16 m 3 .
[0037] The present lost-circulation solution is particularly useful in situation where conventional treatment are not successful and thus large fractures are preferably targeted, large fractures, in the industry are typically larger than 3 mm, even larger than 5 mm; the present gelling LCM may even be envisaged for plugging fractures larger than 10 mm.
[0038] The carrier fluid may further include other additives, such as pH control agent, delaying agent, fillers, fluid-loss agents, lubricating agents, biocides, weighting agent and other relevant additives for the specific application the gelling LCM is used for. In particular, weighting agent may be used to tune the density of the pill. Said density is preferably comprised between 800 kg/m 3 to 2400 kg/m 3 . The viscosity of the gelling LCM before polymerization is activated is preferably equal to or below 300 cP.
[0039] In all embodiments, the selection of polymerization initiator will vary depending on the particular polymerizable compounds that are used in the carrier fluid, and the compatibility of various polymerizable compounds and initiators will be understood by those skilled in the art. Illustrative examples of polymerization initiators employable herein can include oxidizing agents, persulfates, peroxides, azo compounds such as 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane)dihydro-chloride and oxidation-reduction systems.
[0040] A possible process to produce the lost circulation materials containing the shells and/or gelling LCMs as disclosed herein may be the following:
[0000] a) providing a reverse emulsion containing in an oil phase a water solution or dispersion (referred as W1) containing a polymerization activator, the oil phase being (or at least including) a heat-curable mixture of an isocyanate and a polyalkyldiene hydroxylated or polyol,
b) pouring the reverse emulsion of step a) in a water phase (referred as W2) to make a multiple emulsion water/oil/water, containing drops of activators (as the internal water phase) and, then,
c) heating the multiple emulsion obtained in step b) at a temperature of between 50 and 95° C., in order to cure the polyisocyanate in polyurethane and obtain drops of activator (W1) enclosed in shells of polyurethane dispersed in water (W2).
[0041] As mentioned earlier, the present lost-circulation material may contain a gelling LCM based on the encapsulated accelerator as obtained according to steps a) to c) and further comprising water-soluble or water-dispersible acrylated or methacrylated polyoxyethylene and/or polyoxypropylene monomers together with polymerization initiators such as peroxides or persulfates. Such LCM comprises:
[0000] i) water-soluble or water-dispersible monomers comprising acrylated or methacrylated polyoxyethylene and/or polyoxypropylene monomers;
ii) a polymerization initiator dispersed in said monomers i); and
iii) an encapsulated polymerization accelerator as obtained with the process disclosed herein.
[0042] As mentioned previously, the polymerization initiators ii) may be encapsulated with the accelerator iii). In that case, the initiators and the accelerator are generally both in the internal water phase inside the capsules obtained. Such a co-encapsulation may be obtained e.g. by providing in step a) of the process of the invention an emulsion which comprises both the initiators and the accelerator in the water solution or dispersion (W1).
[0043] The gelling operation may be carried out in the end-use locations through a polymerization reaction initiated by release, of the accelerator, in the carrier fluid containing water-soluble or water-dispersable monomers.
[0044] In order to achieve that release at the appropriate timing for the application, the accelerator may be encapsulated before use, by the multiple emulsion process as disclosed herein.
[0045] Optionally, in step a), a solvent or plasticizer can be added to the oil phase said solvent or plasticizer may be for example di-isobutyl ester of succinate, glutarate or adipate. This addition allows tuning the mechanical properties of the polyurethane shells.
[0046] Optionally, in step a), a non-ionic surfactant may be added to the water phase W1, wherein said activator is dispersed or in solution. The non-ionic surfactant can be for example a di-C 1 -C 8 alkyl ester of a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having 12 to 22 carbon atoms.
[0047] Preferably, the water phase (W2) of step b) contains a mineral salt like NaCl and xanthan gum. The mineral salt is used in order to balance the osmotic pressure to prevent the reverse emulsion of step a) from bursting. Xanthan gum is used as protective colloid and rheological agent. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that even if xanthan gum is mentioned herein, other polymers such as gelatin, pectin, derivatives of cellulose, arabic gum, guar gum, locust bean gum, tara gum, cassia gum, agar, alginates, carraghenanes, chitosan, scleroglucan, diutan, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone or modified starches such as n-octenyl succinated starch, porous starch, and mixtures thereof may be used. Similarly even if NaCl is mentioned, other equivalent salts might be used.
[0048] Advantageous isocyanates to be used in step a) are alpha, omega-aliphatic diisocyanates. These aliphatic diisocyanates, to be condensed with polyamines/polyols, may be either isocyanate molecules, referred to as monomers, that is to say non poly-condensed, or heavier molecules resulting from one or more oligocondensation(s), or mixtures of the oligocondensates, optionally with monomers.
[0049] As will be clarified subsequently, the commonest oligocondensates are biuret, the dimer and the trimer (in the field under consideration, the term “trimer” is used to describe the mixtures resulting from the formation of isocyanuric rings from three isocyanate functional groups; in fact, there are, in addition to the trimer, heavier products are produced during the trimerization reaction). Mention may in particular be made, to monomer, of polymethylene diisocyanates, for example, TMDI (TetraMethylene DiIsocyanate) and HDI (Hexamethylene DiIsocyanate of the formula: OCN—(CH 2 ) 6 —NCO and its isomers (methylpentamethylene diisocyanate)].
[0050] It is preferred, in the structure of the, or of one of the isocyanate monomer(s), for the part of the backbone connecting two isocyanate functional groups to comprise at least one polymethylene sequence. Mention may also be made of the compounds resulting from the condensation with diols and triols (carbamates and allophanates) under substoichiometric conditions. Thus, in the isocyanate compositions, it is possible to find:
[0000] isocyanurate functional groups, which can be obtained by catalyzed cyclocondensation of isocyanate functional groups with themselves,
urea functional groups, which can be obtained by reaction of isocyanate functional groups with water or primary or secondary amines,
biuret functional groups, which can be obtained by condensation of isocyanate functional groups with themselves in the presence of water and of a catalyst or by reaction of isocyanate functional groups with primary or secondary amines,
urethane functional groups, which can be obtained by reaction of isocyanate functional groups with hydroxyl functional groups.
[0051] The shells of polyurethane obtained in step c) typically have an average diameter of between 10 and 1500 μm, preferably between 300 and 800 μm.
EXAMPLES
[0052] The following examples serve to further illustrate the invention. The materials used in the examples are commonly available and used in the oilfield industry.
Example 1
[0053] A gelling LCM was prepared as follows:
[0054] Step a): an aqueous solution of Polyethyleneimine (PEI, Lupasol P from BASF) was dispersed in mixture of OH functionalized butadiene (Poly BD R45HT-LO from Sartomer), isophorone di-isocyanate trimer supplied diluted with 30% wt butyl acetate (Tolonate IDT 70B from Perstorp) and diluted with Rhodiasolv DIB (succinate, glutarate, adipate diisobutyl ester from Rhodia). In order to ease the emulsification process, the emulsion of PEI in OH functional butadiene diluted with DIB was first made, and, then, the isocyanate was added to the already formed emulsion.
[0055] The particle size of the emulsion was set by acting on mixing speed.
[0056] The different quantities of ingredients were gathered in the following table 1:
[0000]
TABLE 1
Ingredients
Weight (g)
OH functionalized butadiene
186.9
Poly BD R45HT-LO from Sartomer
DIB
186.9
PEI
532.7
Tolonate IDT 70B from perstorp
93.5
Total
1000.0
[0057] The mixing time after the addition of isocyanate was set to 5 min. As a consequence, the reverse emulsion was very quickly transferred to the aqueous phase to form the multiple emulsion of step b).
[0058] Step b) The reverse emulsion from step a) was then dispersed under vigorous stirring conditions to achieve the multiple emulsion. A very good and homogeneous mixing efficiency is needed at that stage to maintain a particle size distribution as narrow as possible.
[0059] To stabilize the suspension and avoid bursting of the shells while the polyurethane was not fully crosslinked, the dispersion was made in a salted xanthan solution. The salt (here NaCl at 20% wt) ensured the osmotic pressure balance between the inner PEI and outer xanthan solution phases. A mismatch of osmotic pressure may potentially cause a burst of the inverse emulsion. Xanthan was used here as a “protective colloid” and rheological agent. Indeed, it showed very good suspensive properties as well as stabilization of the emulsion in salt water and even at elevated curing temperature (up to 80° C. here).
[0060] As long as a homogeneous mixing was ensured during step b), the particle size distribution was directly linked to the mixing speed. Here a rotation speed of 280 rpm gave a particle size of approximately 400 μm.
[0061] Typical operating conditions were reported here below:
[0062] transfer of emulsion of step a) to the reactor (containing the 0.45% wt xanthan in 20% wt NaCl water solution) under shear 280 rpm heated to 66° C. (envelope temperature)
[0063] after addition maintain agitation at 280 rpm for 15 min
[0064] reduce speed to minimal 37 rpm and maintain for 2 h for curing of the elastomer
[0065] For 1000 g emulsion from step 1 quantities necessary for the second step were reported in table 2 below:
[0000]
TABLE 2
ingredients
Weight (g)
Deionized water
700.7
xanthan
4.0
(Rhodopol 23P)
NaCl Normapur
177.0
total
881.7
Example 2
[0066] In a nitrogen inerted round bottom flask, a mixture of methoxy polyethylene glycol (MW=750 g/mol) and polyethylene glycol (MW=1000 g/mol) respectively 67% and 33% by weight was poured at 50° C. Methoxy polyethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol were bearing respectively 1 and 2 OH function per molecule. The necessary quantity of methacrylic anhydride (AM2O) to get a molar ratio AM2O/OH of 1 was added to the reaction medium. Prior used, AM2O was stabilized with 1000 ppm phenothiazine and 1000 ppm topanol.
[0067] The quantities and the nature of the used products were reported in the table 3 below:
[0000]
TABLE 3
supplier
purity
M (g/mol)
m (g)
methacrylic
Aldrich
94%
154.16
25.5
anhydride AM2O
PEG 1000
Fluka
100%
1000
33
methoxy PEG 750
Aldrich
100%
750
67
phenothiazine
Acros
99%
199.3
0.024
topanol A
Brenntag
78.5-100%
178
0.024
[0068] The reaction medium was heated up to 80° C. for 10 h under stirring of a magnetic bar (with an expected yield of esterification of 80%).
[0069] Flask was then placed under vacuum (30 mbar) and heated to 90° C. Under these pressure and temperature conditions, produced methacrylic acid was removed by vapor stripping. Stripping was considered as complete when residual methacrylic acid content was below 2%. The obtained product was diluted with water to 70%. This material will hereinafter be referred to as “PEO-methacrylate monomers”.
Example 3
[0070] The shells from example 1 were formulated with a PEO-methacrylate monomers from example 2. The PEO-methacrylate monomers consisted here in a blend of PEO (500 g/mol) mono-methacrylate and PEO (1000 g/mol) di-methacrylate with a weight ratio mono-methacrylate/di-methacrylate=2/1
[0071] Formulations were thickened using hydroxyl-ethyl cellulose (HEC) (Cellosize 10-HV from Dow Chemical). The solid polymer was hydrated for at least 1 h under stirring in de-ionized water at 0.5% wt prior use.
[0072] Other components were gently mixed together in quantities as reported in table below:
[0000]
TABLE 4
formulation
formulation #2-1
formulation #2-2
m (g)
m (g)
PEO-methacrylate
3.75
3.75
monomers
HEC at 0.5%
21.25
21.25
Sodium persulfate
0.125
0.25
shells from example 1
0.25
0.25
[0073] Half of each formulation was sheared for 10 s at 16000 rpm using a rotor-stator blender (Ultra-Turrax T25 basic from IKA). Solution of both sheared and un-sheared formulations are then let to set at 21° C. and setting times are reported in table below.
[0000]
TABLE 5
formulation #2-1
formulation #2-2
sheared ultra turrax
gelification
gelification
after 105 min
after 65 min
un-sheared
gelification
gelification
after 25 h
after 21 h
[0074] The results gathered in the above table, shows that shear from rotor stator blender can release the polymerization activator and induce gelation of the formulation.
Example 4
[0075] In order to ensure proper temperature stability for the POE-methacrylate monomers at high temperature, a more thermally stable oxidizer was used and an extra inhibitor was added to the system. The inhibitor used here was the 4-Hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (or hydroxyl-TEMPO).
[0076] The capsules from example 1 were formulated with PEO-methacrylate monomers.
[0077] Formulations were thickened using hydroxyl-ethyl cellulose (HEC) (Cellosize 10-HV from Dow Chemical). The solid polymer was hydrated for at least 1 h under stirring in de-ionized water at 0.5% wt prior use.
[0078] Other components were gently mixed together in quantities as reported in table below:
[0000]
TABLE 6
formulation
formulation #3-1
m (g)
PEO-methacrylate monomers
3.75
HEC at 0.5%
21.25
tertiobutyl hydroperoxide, 70% in
0.10
water
capsules from example 1
0.25
Hydroxy-TEMPO, 1% in water
0.19
[0079] Then half of the formulation was sheared for 10 s at 16000 rpm using a rotor-stator blender (Ultra-Turrax T25 basic from IKA). Solution of both sheared and un-sheared formulations were placed in an oven heated at 80° C. and setting times were reported in table below.
[0000]
TABLE 7
formulation #3
sheared ultra turrax
45 min
un-sheared
210 min
[0080] Considering that in the oven, samples took about 60 min to reach 80° C. and were at 65° C. after 45 min, the above table shows that a sheared sample was activated very quickly once at elevated temperature while an un-sheared sample remained stable for a couple of hours at 80° C. without any reaction.
Example 5
[0081] A sample of the gelling LCM as in Example 2 was collected in a tank. Release of accelerator was measured and indicated 0% of release. The fluid was pumped at 218 L/min through a centrifugal pump and a Triplex reciprocating pump: after that, another sample (tubing) was collected and no detectable release was observed. Then the fluid was pumped through a drill bit nozzle creating a pressure drop of 70 bar. FIG. 3 shows the release measurement of the first two samples as compared to the release of the LCM under pressure drop of 70 bar. The difference was significant with 100% of accelerator released for the sample passed through drill bit. This indicates that, in these conditions, all the release was triggered through the drill bit nozzle.
[0082] Release of PEI was measured by UV spectroscopy. The droplets of accelerator (PEI) do not possess chromophores. Accordingly upon addition of copper (II) ions, PEI forms a dark blue cuprammonium complex that can be detected by UV-visible spectroscopy. The solution of copper ions was optimized by adding 10 volume % of HCl 0.1 mol/L. | The following describes a novel and alternative mechanism in regards to releasing reactive chemicals. Namely, utilizing shells containing multiple emulsions that can be blended with the base fluids, and then react with said base fluid upon exposure to a trigger e.g. high shear and/or elongation flow, therefore plugging even large fractures. Such gelling lost circulation material allows to obtain a reliable carrier and fast reaction when triggered. | 2 |
BACKGROUND F THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to the field of packaging integrated circuit devices, and, more particularly, to a method of packaging integrated circuit devices using a preformed carrier.
2. Description of the Related Art
Microelectronic devices generally have a die (i.e., a chip) that includes integrated circuitry having a high density of very small components. In a typical process, a large number of die are manufactured on a single wafer using many different processes that may be repeated at various stages (e.g., implanting, doping, photolithography, chemical vapor deposition, plasma vapor deposition, plating, planarizing, etching, etc.). The die typically include an array of very small bond pads electrically coupled to the integrated circuitry. The bond pads are the external electrical contacts on the die through which the supply voltage, signals, etc. are transmitted to and from the integrated circuitry. The die are then separated from one another (i.e., singulated) by backgrinding and cutting the wafer. After the wafer has been singulated, the individual die are typically “packaged” to couple the bond pads to a larger array of electrical terminals that can be more easily coupled to the various power supply lines, signal lines and ground lines.
Electronic products require packaged microelectronic devices to have an extremely high density of components in a very limited space. For example, the space available for memory devices, processors, displays and other microelectronic components is quite limited in cell phones, PDAs, portable computers and many other products. As such, there is a strong drive to reduce the height of a packaged microelectronic device and the surface area or “footprint” of a microelectronic device on a printed circuit board. Reducing the size of a microelectronic device is difficult because high performance microelectronic devices generally have more bond pads, which result in larger ball/grid arrays and thus larger footprints.
There are many techniques of packaging integrated circuit devices. Most involve conductively coupling a substrate, e.g., a printed circuit board, an interposer, etc., to the integrated circuit chip using a plurality of wire bonds. Thereafter, the chip and substrate are positioned in a mold and an injection molding process is typically performed to encapsulate the chip and the substrate in an encapsulant material, e.g., molding compound, epoxy, etc. The process described above, while acceptable in many applications, still suffers from said drawbacks. For example, products may have to be scrapped due to problems encountered in the molding process, e.g., voids. Moreover, the process described above may be very labor-intensive in that it requires that the molding apparatus be frequently cleaned.
The present invention is directed to a device and various methods that may solve, or at least reduce, some or all of the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is discussed later.
The present invention is generally directed to a method of packaging integrated circuit devices using a preformed carrier. In one illustrative embodiment, the method comprises providing a carrier having a plurality of pockets formed therein, positioning an integrated circuit chip and a substrate in each of the plurality of pockets and conductively coupling the integrated circuit chip and the substrate in each of the plurality of pockets to one another.
In another illustrative embodiment, the method comprises providing a carrier having a plurality of pockets formed therein, each of the pockets including a first recess and a second recess. The method further comprises, for each of the pockets, positioning an integrated circuit chip in the first recess and positioning a substrate in the second recess and conductively coupling the integrated circuit chip and the substrate in each of the plurality of pockets to one another.
The present invention is also directed to a packaged integrated circuit device. In one illustrative embodiment, the device comprises a preformed body having an integrated circuit chip and a substrate positioned within the preformed body, the integrated chip and the substrate being conductively coupled to one another.
In another illustrative embodiment, the device comprises a preformed body comprising a first recess and a second recess, an integrated circuit chip positioned in the first recess, a substrate positioned within the second recess and a plurality of wire bonds conductively coupled to the integrated circuit chip and the substrate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one illustrative embodiment of a premolded chip carrier in accordance with one illustrative aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of an illustrative pocket, a plurality of which may be formed in the carrier depicted in FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view depicting one illustrative embodiment of a packaged integrated circuit device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a plan view depicting one illustrative technique for conductively coupling an integrated circuit chip and a substrate in accordance with one illustrative aspect of the present invention;
FIGS. 5A-5I depict one illustrative process flow that may be practiced in forming a packaged integrated circuit device in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view depicting an optional external support structure that may be employed with the present invention; and
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a packaged integrated circuit device after it has been trimmed in accordance with another aspect of the present invention.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
The present invention will now be described with reference to the attached figures. Various regions and structures of a packaged integrated circuit device are depicted in the drawings. For purposes of clarity and explanation, the relative sizes of the various features depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced as compared to the size of those features or structures on real-world packaged devices. Nevertheless, the attached drawings are included to describe and explain illustrative examples of the present invention. The words and phrases used herein should be understood and interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the understanding of those words and phrases by those skilled in the relevant art. No special definition of a term or phrase, i.e., a definition that is different from the ordinary and customary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art, is intended to be implied by consistent usage of the term or phrase herein. To the extent that a term or phrase is intended to have a special meaning, i.e., a meaning other than that understood by skilled artisans, such a special definition will be explicitly set forth in the specification in a definitional manner that directly and unequivocally provides the special definition for the term or phrase.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one illustrative embodiment of a premolded carrier 10 with a plurality of preformed pockets 12 for integrated circuit chips in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The carrier 10 may be formed by a variety of known techniques, e.g., transfer or injection molding. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of one of the illustrative pockets 12 depicted in FIG. 1 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the illustrative pockets 12 depicted herein comprise a body 11 having a first recess or pocket 14 that is adapted to receive an integrated circuit (IC) chip and a second recess or pocket 16 that is adapted to have a substrate positioned therein. The body 11 further comprises a mold cap 13 having a thickness 15 that may vary depending upon the particular application. For example, the thickness 15 may range from approximately 0.1-0.2 mm. Typically, laser masking on the mold cap 13 will require that the thickness 15 be at least about 0.05 mm. However, if laser masking is not required, the thickness 15 may be less than that value. After a complete reading of the present application, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention has broad applicability and thus should not be considered to be limited to the illustrative embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the size, number and configuration of the preformed pockets 12 and the recesses 14 , 16 formed in the carrier 10 may vary depending upon the particular application. In the illustrative embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 , the carrier 10 contains sixteen illustrative pockets 12 , although more or less may be provided in practicing the present invention. Additionally, the size and configuration of the first and second recesses 14 , 16 may also vary depending upon the particular application. Thus, the illustrative examples depicted herein should not be considered a limitation of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a packaged integrated circuit device 100 in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partial plan view of the device depicted in FIG. 3 . As shown in these drawings, an integrated circuit (IC) chip or die 18 is secured within the first recess 14 by adhesive material 20 , and a substrate 22 is secured within the second recess 16 by adhesive material 24 . Of course, the present invention may be employed with any type of integrated circuit device, e.g., a memory device, a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. More than one integrated circuit chip may also be positioned in the first recess 14 depending upon the particular application. The substrate 22 may be any type of structure that is commonly connected to an IC chip 18 . For example, the substrate 22 may be an interposer, a printed circuit board, flex tape, a silicon interposer, etc. The adhesive material 20 , 24 may be an adhesive paste or an adhesive tape which are both well known in the art. A plurality of wire bonds 26 are conductively coupled to bond pads 21 on the IC chip 18 and to bond pads 23 on the substrate 22 using known wire attach techniques. As seen in FIG. 4 , a slot 37 is formed in the substrate 22 to allow attachment of the wire bonds 26 to the underlying IC chip 18 .
An encapsulant material 28 is formed to over the wire bonds 26 and associated bond pads 21 , 23 . The encapsulant material 28 may be any of a variety of materials, e.g., epoxy or molding compound, and it may be formed using a variety of techniques, e.g., injection or transfer molding. Also depicted in FIG. 3 are a plurality of solder balls 30 that are coupled to bond pads 29 formed on the substrate 22 using known techniques. Ultimately, the solder balls 30 may be employed to conductively couple the packaged integrated circuit device to a structure (not shown), such as a printed circuit board, a motherboard, a module board, etc., using known techniques.
One illustrative process flow for forming a packaged integrated circuit device 100 in accordance with the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5A-5I . FIG. 5A depicts one illustrative pocket 12 that is initially formed as part of the carrier 10 . As shown therein, the pocket 12 comprises a first recess 14 and a second recess 16 . In the depicted embodiment, the first recess 14 is defined by a bottom surface 14 a and sidewalls 14 b , and the second recess 16 is defined by a ledge 16 a and sidewalls 16 b . Of course, the shape and configuration of the first and second recesses 14 , 16 may vary depending upon the particular application.
As indicated previously, the thickness 15 of the mold cap 13 may vary depending upon the particular application. For many applications, the mold cap 13 may be sufficiently thick to withstand the rigors of the packaging process. In some case, it may be desirable to add an optional additional external support structure 27 (see FIG. 6 ) to reduce or eliminate the chances of the mold cap 13 cracking or breaking during the chip packaging process. For example, this external support structure 27 may be a tape carrier that is adhesively coupled to the bottom surface 25 of the mold cap 13 . The physical size, e.g., thickness, of the external support structure 27 may be varied to provide sufficient support to the mold cap 13 for the anticipated loading conditions to be experienced during the packaging process. For ease of explanation, the optional external support structure 27 will not be depicted in any additional drawings so as not to obscure the present invention.
In FIG. 5B , an adhesive material 20 , .e.g., a die attach paste, is dispensed into the first recess 14 . The IC chip or die 18 is then mounted into the first recess 14 , as show in FIG. 5C , using traditional pick and place techniques. Of course, if desired, the IC chip 18 could be secured in the first recess 14 using an adhesive tape.
Next, as shown in FIG. 5D , additional adhesive material 24 , e.g., adhesive paste, is positioned above the IC chip 18 and in the second recess 16 . Then, as shown in FIG. 5E , the substrate 22 is positioned within the second recess 16 and attached to the adhesive material 24 using known techniques.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5F , wire bonds 26 are conductively coupled to the bond pads 21 (on the IC chip 18 ) and bond pads 23 (on the substrate 22 ) to conductively couple the substrate 22 to the IC chip 18 . The wire bonds 26 may be attached using a variety of known attachment techniques and materials. Note that the substrate 22 is provided with a wire bond slot 37 (see FIG. 4 ) to enable the attachment of the wire bonds 26 .
Next, as shown in FIG. 5G , an encapsulant material 28 , e.g., epoxy, is formed to cover the wire bonds 26 and the bond pads 21 , 23 . The encapsulant material 28 may be formed by a variety of known techniques and it may be formed using a variety of known techniques.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5H , the bond pads 29 on the substrate 22 are exposed and solder balls 30 are formed on the bond pads 29 using traditional techniques. The structure depicted in FIG. 5H may now be trimmed to the final desired package size. For example, as shown in FIG. 5I , the packaged device may be trimmed along line 46 wherein the body 11 is along the exposed edge 47 of the packaged integrated circuit device 100 , as shown in FIG. 3 . Alternatively, the packaged device 100 may be trimmed along the lines 48 , in which case the substrate 22 is on the exposed edge 47 of the device 100 , as shown in FIG. 7 .
As an alternative, the IC chip 18 and the substrate 22 may be pre-assembled or coupled together to form a pre-assembled unit. Thereafter, that pre-assembled unit may be positioned and secured within the pocket 12 of the pre-molded body 11 .
Use of the present invention may provide many significant benefits. For example, the present invention may reduce warpage as compared to packaging methodologies employing organic substrates. The premolded carrier 10 depicted herein is relatively rigid and flat, thus enabling the carrier 10 to endure the rigors of the packaging process. Using the present technique, the thickness 15 of the mold cap 13 may be reduced as compared to prior art packaging designs, thereby resulting in a thinner packaged integrated circuit device which occupies less space. The carrier 10 can be formed with a larger number of pockets 12 , thereby resulting in less mold cleaning operations and reduced mold waste. Since the premold pocket 12 is employed, there will be less loss due to encapsulant formation activities as only the wire bond slot 37 may require transfer or injection molding. At least some of these and other benefits may be obtained through use of the present invention.
The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. For example, the process steps set forth above may be performed in a different order. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below. | Disclosed is a method of packaging integrated circuit devices using a preformed carrier. In one illustrative embodiment, the method includes providing a carrier having a plurality of pockets formed therein, positioning an integrated circuit chip and a substrate in each of the plurality of pockets and conductively coupling the integrated circuit chip and the substrate in each of the plurality of pockets to one another. Also disclosed is a packaged integrated circuit device including a preformed body and an integrated circuit chip and a substrate positioned within the preformed body, the integrated chip and the substrate being conductively coupled to one another. | 7 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to paper generally. More particularly, the present invention also relates to secure substrates and generally to the field of transparent substrates, anti-counterfeiting and authentication devices and methods.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] A variety of transparent, glassine and cellophane papers are known. Manufacture of these papers can involve processes such as calendaring and embossing. Typically, however, transparentizing of paper is accomplished by treating the paper substrate with a transparentizing material and curing the transparentizing material using heat, uv or other curing methods to help prevent migration of the transparentizing material from the application site. Resins such as acrylic, polyester and urethane are typically used as the transparentizing medium as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,902,770; 5,849,398; 5,055,354; 4,569,888; 4,513,056; 4,416,950; and 4,271,227. Solvents such as petroleum hydrocarbons, oils and waxes may also be used to impart transparency. A typical example is found in the production of true vegetable parchment paper using sulfuric acid solution. These transparentizing materials are typically applied as a solvent mixture to penetrate, infuse or coat the paper and impart transparency.
[0005] Such chemical treatments to achieve transparency have their limitations and often such resin-treated substrates are difficult to recycle.
[0006] Often, transparent papers such as glassine papers must be cut and separately attached to an envelope window opening by gluing or other fastening means.
[0007] Separate cutting and gluing steps are needed to utilize the transparent papers since the transparent regions are not integral to the balance of the paper. The transparent components must typically be separately applied.
[0008] A variety of secure documents are known used in bank notes, credit cards, tickets, title documents, and similar instruments of value. A variety of security tokens or authentication devices are also known.
[0009] Australian Patent No. 488,652 (Application No. 73762/74) filed Sep. 26, 1973 by Sefton Davidson Hamann et al., assigned to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization teaches a security token comprising a laminate of at least two layers of plastic sheeting. Positioned between the sheeting is an optically variable device such as a diffraction grating, liquid crystal, moiré patterns and similar patterns produced by cross-gratings with or without superimposed, refractive, lenticular and transparent grids. These devices yield variable interference patterns.
[0010] Amidror et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,995,618; 6,819,775; and 7,058,202 teach methods for authenticating documents using the intensity profile of moiré patterns. The various dot screens and perforations taught in Amidror while useful as authentication devices, however do not teach formation of transparent papers, or replacements for glassine paper.
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to teach a distinctive form of a document or token with a transparent field that is difficult to reproduce using xerographic methods and a method of making same. Structural aspects of the substrate are often more difficult to reproduce by xerography and therefore provide an elevated level of security.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention is a novel paper substrate having a transparent field, the transparent field comprising an array of a plurality of laser-formed microperforations separated by a land area, the array of microperforations having a density rate of at least 1200 microperforations per square centimeter, the land area separating adjacent microperforations being at least 50 microns and not exceeding 600 microns. In an alternative embodiment, the transparent field is a close packed array of a plurality of laser microperforations having a density rate of at least 2000 microperforations per square centimeter with each individual microperforation being of less than 150 microns. The spacing between adjacent microperforations can be not less than 20 and preferably not more than 600 microns. Desirably the array of a plurality of microperforations is at a density rate of at least 3200 microperforations per square centimeter. In a yet further embodiment the paper substrate comprises a paper with a transparent field wherein in the array of a plurality of laser formed microperforations, each of the microperforations is spaced such that the microperforations create a lensing effect when two transparent fields are overlaid.
[0013] Alternatively, the microperforations consist of an array of one or more complex shapes designed so as not to be easily reproducible manually.
[0014] In a yet further embodiment the paper substrate has a transparent field, the transparent field comprising an array of a plurality of laser-formed microperforations separated by a land area, the array of microperforations having a density rate of at least 1200, more preferably 2000 microperforation per square centimeter, the percent transmittance of the transparent field being at least 70% as measured by ASTM test method D1726-03.
[0015] In a yet alternative embodiment, the paper substrate has a semitransparent watermark field, the semitransparent watermark field comprising an array of a plurality of laser-formed partial ablations separated by raised land areas, the array of partial ablations having a density rate of at least 1200 partial ablations per square centimeter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a micrograph of a transparent field comprising a close packed array of a plurality of laser-formed microperforations at a density rate of 20,000 microperforations per square centimeter according to the invention and a magnification of 40×.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a graphic representation of a laser formed transparent field according to the invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a photographic reproduction of a paper with a transparent field overlaid over a second sheet. A puzzle shaped piece is visible in the transparent field.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a photographic reproduction of a paper with a transparent field according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The present invention teaches a transparent paper. In a preferred embodiment the present invention is a paper substrate having a transparent field.
[0021] Preferably the transparent field is integral to the document itself though as will be apparent to the skilled artisan, in alternative embodiments it can be applied onto the substrate or laminated or glued or otherwise attached.
[0022] In one desirable form, the present invention is a paper substrate having an integral transparent field. The transparent field is an array of a plurality of close-packed laser-formed microperforations. The array is a dense field having a density rate of at least 1200 microperforations per square centimeter. By “density rate” it is meant that the density of microperforations if continued to fill a one centimeter by one centimeter area, the number of microperforations in such area would equal at least the stated density rate.
[0023] The transparent field of the paper substrate is surprisingly achieved through use of dense packed or close packed microperforations formed using a laser system. A CO 2 laser system would usually be employed for best results. However, other laser systems including UV and fiber lasers would yield similar results. The microperforations are applied in sufficient density to transparentize the paper yet leaving sufficient fiber as wall material or land area such that sufficient strength characteristics of the paper are retained. Surprisingly the paper can be transparentized with the laser to impart visibility characteristics similar to glassine while retaining the integrity of the paper stock in the transparentized field.
[0024] To achieve transparent paper or paper with a transparent field it is useful to preferably select a paper of from 30 to 150 grams or higher per sq meter. Useful papers can be from 2 to about 300 grams per square meter. Uniform fiber and filler distributions in the substrate are desirable to yield consistent transparencies across the substrate. Lighter weight paper substrates tend to be easier to perforate/transparentize. The degree of transparency is believed to be inversely related to paper thickness and directly related to the density of microperforations and the distance between perforations. As a thicker paper is selected, the level of transparency obtained via microperforations tends to be of a lesser degree. For a given substrate, however, the higher the density of the microperforations, the more transparent and the weaker the transparent area becomes. Any weakness however can be effectively offset with the use of a saturation latex or strengthening polymer, if desired or needed. In a situation where a lighter weight substrate is perforated under the same conditions as a heavier weight (thicker) substrate, the lighter weight substrate hole dimensions tend to be slightly larger than the heavier weight substrate hole dimensions. Appropriate beam intensity adjustment can lead to similarity in hole dimensions. It should be noted that both synthetic and regular paper substrates can be transparentized using this process. A highly filled polyester synthetic paper, for instance, yields excellent results.
[0025] The paper substrate can be anywhere from about 10 to 400 grams per square meter and preferably 30 to 150 grams per square meter. More preferably writing stock weight or bond weight is employed. Such papers are typically of from 30 to 75 grams per square meter or higher, such as up to 100 grams per square meter. Thicknesses are generally from 30 to 150 microns and preferably from about 60 to 100 microns, and more preferably from 60 to 90 microns. The selection of weight and thickness depends on the intended end use application.
[0026] It is important that the land area between adjacent microperforations be kept from 20 to 700 microns, and preferably 20 to 500 microns and more preferably 20 to 400 microns. Similarly the land area between adjacent rows should be within such ranges. If the land area between adjacent rows is kept constant while varying the dimensions of the perforations, one observes that the larger perforations yield substrates with a higher degree of transparency. A typical example is seen in a substrate with a land area of 400 microns between perforations with one set of perforations being 100 microns in diameter and the other set being 50 microns in diameter. The 50 micron sized perforated area is about 50-80% less transparent than the 100 micron sized perforated area in this case.
[0027] Preferably the microperforations are circular though other shapes are possible providing the density of the close-packed microperforations can be preserved.
[0028] If other shapes are used, the actual number or density of microperforations may differ. For example the shape of the field, rather than being a circle may be in the shape of a square or other shape. The density rate or concentration of microperforations in the areas perforated would be about the stated rate. The density rate can be thought of in terms of the frequency of the occurrence of microperforations in the theoretical one square centimeter area.
[0029] The density of microperforations is at least 1200 microperforations per square centimeter, preferably at least 1500 microperforations per square centimeter, and more preferably at least 8000 microperforations per square centimeter and desirably at least 3200 microperforations per square centimeter. Transparency of greater than 70% is perceivable at at least 4000 microperforations per square centimeter. Surprisingly the paper retains sufficient strength in the transparent field that it can function as a glassine window, a security element, or even a writing surface.
[0030] The individual microperforations are usually less than 150 microns in diameter usefully less than 120 microns, and preferably 100 microns or less and more preferably 50 microns or less.
[0031] It can be desirable to use microperforations approaching 300 to 800 nanometer sizes for specific transparentizing applications.
[0032] An important aspect to achieve transparentizing of the paper substrate is to control or select the power of the impinging laser and beam width so as to avoid excessive heat buildup which can result in browning or charring of the substrate. To further reduce discoloration it can be advantageous to equip the laser system with a suction means such as vacuum to draw off outgassing from the substrate surface. If desired an inert atmosphere or gas flow can be supplied in the area of the laser perforating or ablating to further minimize charring or discoloration, and to help cool the substrate.
[0033] FIG. 2 depicts a typical pattern of microperforations for transparentizing applications. There are five rows and seven columns of holes shown in the diagram. Each hole is X microns in radius and the distance between two adjacent holes in a row or in a column is Y microns. Alternatively, each row or column can be separately spaced or if desirable the spacing need not be orderly. The distance between adjacent holes in rows 1 and 2 is Z microns (or from the center of one hole to the next would be 2X+Z microns). The number of holes per square inch can depend on the values of X, Y and Z in an orderly arrangement. Differing sizes can optionally be employed, for a particular application.
[0034] In FIG. 2 , microperforation A is shown immediately adjacent to microperforation B. Microperforation C in this pattern would be considered remote and not immediately adjacent to microperforation A for purposes of the formula 2X+Z.
[0035] An advantage of the use of microperforations integral to the paper itself is that the paper retains strength even in the areas appearing transparent. To further reinforce the paper, the paper could be optionally further strengthened via saturation or coating with latex or polymeric resin, or lamination to a second substrate.
[0036] The saturation latex or strengthening polymer can be selected from various polymeric or film forming materials including various synthetic or natural resins, varnishes, acrylates, methacrylates, urethanes, phenol-formaldehyde polymers, urea-formaldehyde polymers, vinyl resins such as polyvinyl alcohol, starches, methyl or ethyl cellulose emulsion, silane modified acrylates such as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,951,893, and various solvent or aqueous based coatings known to the art. Latex stabilization can ensure that the base paper has the requisite strength for the intended end use.
[0037] The transparent area also serves as a security feature depending on the design of the perforations (holes, squares, or other complex structures). The design preferably is selected to be such that it cannot be easily reproduced manually or otherwise.
[0038] The combination of size and separation between perforations results in a unique or highly secure system for many end use applications.
[0039] Similarly, the transparent field itself can take on a variety of shapes such as square or rectangular, circular or other fanciful shape. In an alternative embodiment, the transparent field can be a stripe or ribbon or lace pattern across the length or width of the sheet or web. Creating the transparent field as a stripe (understood for purpose hereof to include ribbon or lace patterns, or multiple stripes, lines or combinations thereof) can create a security paper which is a more economical substitute or replacement for windowing or a windowed thread. The thread portion becomes optional since the pattern of the transparent field as a stripe can be sufficiently original so as to make the use of thread for windowing applications as optional. Additionally, the laser formed transparent field is difficult to recreate by conventional non-laser techniques making even simple transparent fields difficult to counterfeit. When the transparent field is used as a replacement for windowing, the transparency level can be optionally selected to be of a lesser or higher degree.
[0040] The transparent area can also act as a self-authentication system. This self authentication is achieved via layering of two transparent areas to produce a lensing effect which would allow verification of perforation size and separation. The lensing effect can be an observable optical effect such as wavelength interference or a diffraction pattern. A simple magnifier may also be used for verification of the perforation size and separation.
[0041] A convenient way to measure transparency is to adapt test methods such as ASTM D1746-03. This method describes calculating the percent transmittance as a ratio of the light intensity with a specimen, here the transparent field, being placed in the beam and compared to the light intensity with no specimen in the beam. The transparent field of the invention yields transparent fields having at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, and more preferably at least 90% transmittance. | The invention teaches a novel paper substrate having a transparent field of a dense array of a plurality of laser-formed microperforations. The resultant paper can be useful as a replacement for glassine paper, and can be useful in secure documents. The transparent field is integral to the paper substrate and can be formed by laser techniques surprisingly resulting in a transparent field retaining acceptable strength characteristics after lasing. The transparent field acts as a self authentication device. | 8 |
RELATED APPLICATION
This is a continuation of PCT/US2007/089225 (WO 2009/085054) filed Dec. 31, 2007, the contents of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a computer-implemented method and system for the analysis of musical information. Music is an informational form comprised of acoustic energy (sound) or informational representations of sound (such as musical notation or MIDI datastream) that conveys characteristics such as pitch (including melody and harmony), rhythm (and its characteristics such as tempo, meter, and articulation), dynamics (a characteristic of amplitude and perceptual loudness), structure, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture. Musical compositions are purposeful arrangements of musical elements. Because music may be highly complex, varying over time in many simultaneous dimensions, there exists a need to characterize musical information so that it may be indexed, retrieved, compared, and otherwise automatically processed. The present invention provides a system and method for doing-so that considers the perceptual impact of music on a human listener, as well as the objective physical characteristics of musical compositions.
The present invention comprises methods, modeled on research observations in human perception and cognition, capable of accurately segmenting primarily (although not exclusively) melodic input and mining the results for defining motives using context-aware search strategies. These results may then be employed to describe fundamental structures and unique identity characteristics of any musical input, regardless of style or genre.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Musical melodies consist, at the least, of hierarchal grouped patterns of changing pitches and durations. Because music is an abstract language, parsing its grammatical constructs require the application of expanded semiotic and Gestalt principals. In particular, the algorithmic discretization of musical data is necessary for successful automated analysis and forms the basis for the present invention.
Melodic Construction and Analysis
Term Definitions
Phrase: a section of music that is relatively self contained and coherent over a medium time scale. A rough analogy between musical phrases and the linguistic phrase can be made, comparing the lowest phrase level to clauses and the highest to a complete sentence.
Melody: a series of linear musical events in succession that can be perceived as a single (Gestalt) entity. Most specifically this includes patterns of changing pitches and durations, while most generally it includes any interacting patterns of changing events or quality. Melodies often consist of one or more musical phrases or motives, and are usually repeated throughout a work in various forms.
Prototypical Melody: generalization to which elements of information represented in the actual melody may be perceived as relevant.
Motive: the smallest identifiable musical element (melodic, harmonic, or rhythmic) characteristic of a composition. A motive may be of any size, though it is most commonly regarded as the shortest subdivision of a theme or phrase that maintains a discrete identity. For example, consider Beethoven's Fifth Symphony (Opus 67 in C minor, first movement) in which the pattern of three short notes followed by one long note is present throughout.
Musical Hierarchies
Consider the graphic representation of musical form using the first line of Mary Had a Little Lamb shown in FIG. 1 . The arcs connect two passages that contain the same sequence of notes. (after, Martin Wattenberg, “Arc Diagrams: Visualizing Structure in Strings,” infovis, p. 110, 2002 IEEE Symposium on Information Visualization (InfoVis 2002), 2002.) Using this technique to graphically represent J. S. Bach's Minuet in G Major, shown in FIG. 2 , a more elaborate (and potentially more interesting) series of hierarchical patterns emerges. (Wattenberg, 2002)
The internal structure of musical compositions is understood hierarchically; phrases often contain melodies, which are in turn composed of one or more motives. Phrases may also combine to form periods in addition to larger sections of music. Each hierarchical level provides essential information during analysis; smaller units tend to convey composition-specific identity characteristics while the formal design of larger sections allow general classification based on style and genre.
During the 1960s, composer and theorist Edward Cone devised the concept of hypermeter, a large scale metric structure consisting of hypermeasures and hyperbeats. Hyperunits describe patterns of strong and weak emphasis not notated in the musical score, but that are perceived by listeners and performers as “extended” levels of hierarchical formal organization. (Krebs, Harald (2005). “Hypermeter and Hypermetric Irregularity in the Songs of Josephine Lang.”, in Deborah Stein (ed.): Engaging Music: Essays in Music Analysis. New York: Oxford University Press.)
Further hierarchical approaches to musical analysis were introduced by theorist Heinrich Schenker in the 1930s, and later expanded by Salzer, Schachter. and others. By the 1980s, these views formed the foundation of “Schenkerian Analysis Techniques” and is one of the primary analytical methods practiced by music theorists today.
Semiotic and Cognitive Considerations
Music Semiology
With the exception of certain codes (rule-driven semiotic systems which suggest a choice of signifiers and their collocation to transmit intended meanings), music is an abstracted language that lacks specific instances and definitions with which to communicate concrete ideas. Because musical information is encoded in varying modalities (e.g. written and aural), the understanding of its defining grammatical principles is best illuminated through the study of music semiology, a branch of semiotics developed by musicologists Nattiez, Hatten, Monelle, and others.
Composer/musicologist Fred Lerdahl and linguist Ray Jackendoff have attempted to codify the cognitive structures (or “mental representations”) a listener develops in order to acquire the musical grammar necessary to understand a particular musical idiom, and also to identify areas of human musical capacity that are limited by our general cognitive functions. These investigations led the authors to conclude that musical discretization, or segmentation, is necessary for cognitive perception and understanding, thus making discretization the basis for their work on pitch space analysis and cognitive constraints in human processing of musical grammar. (Lerdhal, F., Jackendoff, R. A Generative Theory of Tonal Music . MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass. (1983); Jackendoff, R.& Lerdahl, F., “The Human Music Capacity: What is it and what's special about it?,” Cognition, 100, 3372 (2006).) For these reasons, the process of musical analysis often involves reducing a piece to relatively simpler and smaller parts. This process of discretization is generally considered necessary for music to become accessible to analysis. (Nattiez, JeanJacques. Music and Discourse: Toward a Semiology of Music . (Musicologie générale et sémiologue, 1987). Translated by Carolyn Abbate (1990).)
Gestalt and the Implication Realization
Cognition Model
The founding principles of Gestalt perception suggest that humans tend to mentally arrange experiences in a manner that is regular, orderly, symmetric, and simple. Cognitive psychologists have defined “Gestalt Laws” which allow us to predict the interpretation of sensation. Of particular interest to musical cognition research is the Law of Closure, which states that the mind may experience elements it does not directly perceive in order to complete an expected figure.
Eugene Narmour's Implication - Realization Model (Narmour, E. The Analysis and Cognition of Basic Melodic Structures: The Implication - Realization Model . Chicago:
University of Chicago Press. (1990); Narmour, E. The Analysis and Cognition of Melodic Complexity The Implication - Realization Model . Chicago: University of Chicago Press. (1992)) is a detailed formalization based on Leonard Meyer's work on applied Gestalt psychology principles with regard to musical expectation.
(Meyer, Leonard B. Emotion and Meaning in Music . Chicago: Chicago University Press. (1956)) This theory focuses on implicative intervals that set up expectations for certain realizations to follow. Narmour's model is one of the most significant modern theories of melodic expectation, providing specific detail regarding the expectations created by various melodic structures.
Analysis and Cognition of Basic Melodic Structures: The Implication Realization Model begins with two general claims. The first is given by “two universal formal hypotheses” describing what listeners expect. The process of melody perception is based on “the realization or denial” of these hypotheses (1990):
1) A+A→A (hearing two similar items yields an expectation of repetition)
2) A+B→C (hearing two different items yields an expected change)
The second claim is that the “forms” above function to provide either closure or nonclosure. Narmour goes on to describe five melodic archetypes in accordance with his theory:
1) process [P] or iteration (duplication) [D] (A+A without closure)
2) reversal [R] (A+B with closure)
3) registral return [A+B+A] (exact or nearly exact return to same pitch)
4) dyad (two implicative items, as in 1 and 2, without a realization)
5) monad (one element which does not yield an implication)
Central to the discussion is direction of melodic motion and size of intervals between pairs of pitches. [P] refers to motion in the same registral direction combined with similar intervallic motion (two small intervals or two large intervals). [D] refers to identical intervallic motion with lateral registral direction. [R] refers to changing intervallic motion (large to relatively smaller) with different registral directions.
P, D, and R only account for cases where registral direction and intervallic motion are working in unison to satisfy the implications. When one of these two factors is denied, there are more possibilities; the five archetypal derivatives:
1) intervallic process [IP]: small interval to similar small interval, different registral directions 2) registral process [VP]: small to large interval, same registral direction 3) intervallic reversal [IR]: large interval to small interval, same registral direction 4) registral reversal [VR]: large interval to larger interval, different registral direction 5) intervallic duplication [ID]: small interval to identical small interval, different registral directions
Narmour contends that these eight symbols reference either a “prospective” or “retrospective” dimension and are therefore representative of generally available cognitive musical structures: “As symbological tokens, all sixteen prospective and retrospective letters purport to represent the listener's encoding of many of the basic structures of melody.” (1990)
Data Representation
The difficulties in accurately representing music for transmission and analysis have plagued musicians since sounds were first notated. Musical representation differs from generalized linguistic techniques in that it involves a unique combination of features among human activities: a strict and continuous time constraint on an output that is generated by a continuous stream of coded instructions. Additionally, it remains difficult (even for human experts) to consistently determine which musical elements are most important when transcribing musical performances. Past approaches have tended to favor perceived “foreground” parameters which are easiest to notate, while neglecting similarly important aspects of musical expression that are more difficult to capture or define. These challenges require a multidimensional representation system capable of measuring the amount of raw and relative change in simultaneous attribute dimensions and signifiers.
Pattern Variation and Relevance
Once an adequate method of data collection and representation has been implemented, it remains problematic to reliably discover and compare potentially related musical ideas due to their various presentations and functions within a given work. Past models have attempted to directly extract significant patterns from raw musical material only to be overwhelmed with the volume of results, most of which may be unimportant. Flexible, context-based judgments are required to determine the prototypical structure and the analytical relevance of musical ideas, a task not well suited to standard heuristic techniques.
Semantic Interpretation Issues
While the encoding of music shares certain characteristics with linguistic and grammar studies, research clearly demonstrates that many aspects of human musical capacity are interlinked with other more general cognitive functions. This observation, along with the semiotic nature of musical languages, requires a system capable of rendering adaptive solutions to largely self-defined data sets.
Idiomatic Relational Grammar
A generative grammar is a set of rules or principles that recursively “specify” or “generate” the well-formed expressions of a natural language. Semiotic codes create a transformational grammar that renders rule-based approaches very weak. Even if idiomatic grammar rules could be found to provide a robust approach to musical data mining and analysis, it remains that individual pieces of music are fundamentally created from (and therefore shaped by) unique motivic ideas. This observation leads to the debate surrounding the definition of creativity and its origins.
Data Mining within Creative Models
Creativity has been defined as “the initialization of connections between two or more multifaceted things, ideas, or phenomena hitherto not otherwise considered actively connected.” (Cope, David. Computer Models of Musical Creativity . Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 2005.) These inconspicuous and generally unpredictable connections create data characteristics that are often responsible for the most interesting (and arguably influential) musical works. Effectively interpreting this broad landscape requires any analyst (human or otherwise) to draw on contextual experience while maintaining a flexible approach.
Prior Art Approaches to Algorithmic Musical Data Mining
Musical analysis generally involves reducing a piece to relatively smaller and simpler parts. This process of discretization, or segmentation, is necessary for the implementation of an algorithmic approach to significant pattern discovery.
Melodic Segmentation
Prior art approaches have tended toward the application of complicated rule sets that rely on assumptions about specific style and language conventions.
Overall, these approaches demonstrate four points of failure:
1) Rule based segmentation tends to create internal conflicts in real world application scenarios. Dependable musical analysis requires the awareness of contextual data trends when making segmentation boundary decisions.
2) Even if these conflicts are resolved appropriately, the assumptions required to design the original rule base necessarily limit the analysis process with regard to style and genre.
3) Certain implementations of rule based discretization systems require preprocessing of the input data to provide consistency within the samples. While this may make data processing more straightforward, it alters the original input, thus destroying the integrity of the data, making the results unreliable.
4) Grammatical rules may be useful in describing detailed analysis observations and outlining stylistic conventions, but these rules on their own do not provide the necessary knowledge base required to recreate an example resembling the original subject. This strongly suggests that no matter how complex a system of strict rules may become, it cannot adequately describe the transformational grammar at work in musical contexts. (By way of example: undergraduate music theory students are often taught part writing and counterpoint using rules drawn from “expert” analysis and observation, however they are rarely able to produce results that rival the models upon which these rules are based.) Gestalt Segmentation (Tenney, J., Polansky, L., “Temporal Gestalt Perception,” Music Journal of Music Theory,” Vol. 24, Issue 2, 1980. (pp. 205-241))
This prior art method relies on a single change indicator that presumes the inverse of proximity and similarity upon which grouping preference rule systems are based. When elements exceed a certain threshold of total (Gestalt) change, a boundary is formed. While correct in predicting the application of Gestalt principals, this system remains inflexible in that it relies on a single indicator of change and a predetermined threshold value.
GTTM Grouping Preference Rules (Lerdahl and Jackendoff, 1983)
Musician Fred Lerdahl and linguist Ray Jackendoff attempted to codify the cognitive structures (or “mental representations”) a listener develops in order to acquire the musical grammar necessary to understand a particular musical idiom.
1) GPR 1 (size) Avoid small grouping segments. The smaller, the less preferable. 2) GPR 2 (proximity) Given n1, n2, n3, n4; n2n3 may be group boundary if:
1. attack point interval between n2n3>n1n2 && n3n4 OR 2. time between end of n2 and attack point of n3>end of n3 to attack point of n4.
3) GPR 3 (change) Given n1, n2, n3, n4; n2n3 may be group boundary if:
1. pitch interval between n2n3>n1n2&& n3n4 OR 2. dynamic interval of change between n2n3>n1n2&& n3n4 OR 3. articulation duration between n2n3>n1n2&& n3n4 OR 4. length of n2 !=n3 && length of (n1+n2)=(n3+n4)
4) GPR 4 (intensification) When groupings from GPR 2&3 become pronounced, they may be split into higher level groups. 5) GPR 5 (symmetry) Grouping two parts of equal length. 6) GPR 6 (parallelism) Similar segments are preferably seen as parallel. 7) GPR 7 (timespan and prolongation stability) Large scale groupings that allow the greatest stability of the groupings within it.
While they provide a valuable guide for the application of Gestalt principals and music cognition research to melodic segmentation, algorithmic implementations of the GPRs routinely lead to internal rule conflicts.
Structure Grouping (Berry, Wallace. Structural Functions in Music . New York: Dover Publications. 1987; and Cambouropoulos, E. (1997). Musical Rhythm: A Formal Model for Determining Local Boundaries, Accents and Meter in a Melodic Surface. in M. Leman (Ed.), Music, Gestalt, and Computing: Studies in Cognitive and Systematic Musicology (pp. 277-293). Berlin: Springer-Verlag.)
This technique is an extension of Gestalt Segmentation based on Lerdahl and Jackendoff's GPR 3 and Tenny and Polansky's research, that applies a preestablished threshold to the following criteria: tempo, register shift (pitch), approach (pitch), duration, articulation, timbre, and texture density. Recognizing the need to employ threshold tests to multiple attributes is an improvement on previous designs; however, this system remains insensitive to data tendencies and is therefore successful in only a limited number of cases.
The Cognition of Basic Musical Structures (Temperley, David. The Cognition of Basic Musical Structures . Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press. 2001)
This theory consists of six preference rule systems (conceptually similar to the GTTM), each containing “wellformedness” rules that define a class of structural descriptions that specify an optimal application for the given input. The six grammatical attributes analyzed are: meter, phrasing, counterpoint, harmony, key and pitch. Temperley's approach requires event onset quantization (based on an arbitrary 35 ms threshold) which alters (and therefore destroys) the integrity of the input data. In addition, algorithmic implementation of several of the proposed rule systems is impossible due to the fact that the descriptions are inadequate or incomplete. By way of example: phrase structure preference rule (PSPR) 2 claims that ideal melodic phrases should contain approximately 8 note events, which is an unjustified assumption based on one specific musical style.
Automatic Generation of Grouping Structure (Hamanaka, M., Hirata, K. & Tojo, S., “ATTA: Automatic Time-Span Tree Analyzer Based on Extended GTTM”, in Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Music Information Retrieval, ISMIR 2005, 358-365.)
As previously discussed, direct application of the GTTM suffers from frequent rule conflicts. The authors of this study introduced adjustable parameters, in addition to a basic weighting process that allows for priority among the GPR. Recognizing the faults of the inflexible rule-based GPR algorithms is a step in the right direction, however, this attempt fails to include procedures that allow for continuous context-based parameter adjustment; changes are made at the beginning of the process, but the parameters fail to fully adapt and comply to the input data. The result is clearly an improvement on the GTTM, but remains inflexible nonetheless.
Pattern Analysis in Music Data
Most historical approaches have attempted to mine musical patterns from low-dimension string representations; often without any preprocessing whatsoever. This has resulted in one of three common points of failure:
1) Applying heuristic search techniques to strings of musical data produces an overwhelming number of results; most of which are unimportant in terms of cognitive perception. Musical grammar naturally contains similar patterns throughout, but determining which of these have analytical value remains a significant challenge. 2) Some approaches attempt to filter results based on pattern frequency or length, however this still ignores the greater context considerations described within the largely self-defined musical data set. 3) In nearly every case, the difficulty of identifying musical parallelism remains unaddressed. Empirical research (Deliège, I., “Prototype effects in music listening: An empirical approach to the notion of imprint,” Music Perception, 18, 2001. (pp. 371-407)) strongly suggests that beginnings of patterns play a crucial role in cognitive pattern recognition. This requires either preprocessing segmentation or a post-processing filtering algorithm capable of reliably identifying pattern start points so that beginning similarity can be analyzed.
Interactive Music Systems: Machine listening and Composing (Rowe, Robert. Interactive music systems: Machine listening and composing. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press. 1993.)
Rowe's approach rates each pattern occurrence based on the frequency with which the pattern is encountered. While frequency of pattern occurrence is an important factor in determining pattern relevance, this system ignores contextual issues and phrase parallelism (GPR 6).
Music Indexing with Extracted Melody (Shih, H. H., S. S. Narayanan, and C. C. Jay Kuo, “Automatic Main Melody Extraction from MIDI Files with a Modified LempelZiv Algorithm,” Proc. of Intl. Symposium on Intelligent Multimedia, Video and Speech Processing, 2001.)
The disclosed method is a dictionary approach to repetitive melodic pattern extraction. Segmentation is based solely on tempo, meter, and bar divisions read from score. After basic extraction using a modified Lempel Ziv 78 compression method, the data is pruned to remove non-repeating patterns. Search and pruning processes are repeated until dictionary converges. Relying on the metric placement of musical events to determine hierarchal relevance can be misleading—this is especially true for complex music and most “Classical” literature composed after 1800. While this approach may work with some examples, musical phrasing often functions “outside” the bar.
FlExPat: Flexible Extraction of Sequential Patterns (Rolland, PierreYves, “Discovering patterns in musical sequences,” Journal of New Music Research, 1999. (pp. 334-350); Rolland, PierreYves, “FlExPat: Flexible extraction of sequential patterns,” Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Data Mining (IEEE ICDM'01). (pp. 481-488) San Jose, Calif. 2001.)
This method identifies all melodic passage pairs that are significantly similar (based on a similarity threshold set in advance), extracts the patterns, and orders them according to frequency of occurrence and pattern length. The heavy combinatorial computation required is carried out using dynamic programming concepts. The use of euclidean distance-based dynamic programming techniques is an important advance toward increasing computational efficiency; however, this approach generates many unimportant results and does not take into account contextual issues and the importance of phrase parallelism (GPR 6).
Finding Approximate Repeating Patterns from Sequence Data (J. L. Hsu, C. C. Liu, and Arbee L. P. Chen, “Discovering Nontrivial Repeating Patterns in Music Data,” Proceedings of IEEE Transactions on Multimedia, pp: 311-325, 2001.)
This method is an application of feature extraction from music data to search for approximate repeating patterns. “Cut” and “Pattern Join” operators are applied to assist in sequential data search. This approach fails to introduce continuity issues raised through examination of midlevel and global context trends. Musical Parallelism and Melodic Segmentation: A Computational Approach (Cambouropoulos, E., “Musical Parallelism and Melodic Segmentation: A Computational Approach.” Music Perception 23(3):249-269. (2006))
According to this method, discovered patterns are used as a means to determine probable segmentation points of a given melody. Relevant patterns are defined in terms of frequency of occurrence and length of pattern. The special status of non-overlapping, immediately repeating patterns is examined. All patterns merge into a single “pattern” segmentation profile that signifies points within the surface most likely to be perceived as segment boundaries. Requiring discovered patterns to be non-overlapping allows Cambouropoulos to introduce elements of context consideration into his process. However, by attempting to produce segmentation results using initial pattern searches, the process runs contrary to firmly established understandings of music cognition: namely the need for surface discretization for music to become accessible to algorithmic analysis. (Nattiez 1990)
In the patent literature, U.S. Pat. No. 6,747,201 to Birmingham, et al. teaches a method using an exhaustive search for all potential patterns in a musical work, which are then filtered and rated by perceptual significance. U.S. Pat. No. 7,227,072 to Weare discloses a system and method for processing audio recordings to determine similarity between audio data sets. Component such as harmonic, rhythmic and melodic input are generated and arbitrarily reduced in dimensionality to six by a mapper using two-dimensional feature maps generated by a trainer. The method disclosed produces results completely different from a melodic segmentation approach which requires the separation of polyphonic input into monophonic lines in order to develop a catalog of relational change (delta) between individual attributes (pitch, rhythm, articulation, dynamics) of individual musical events. Moreover, without knowing the full data set used by the trainer, however, the method cannot be defined, and its results cannot be repeated. Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 7,206,775 to Kaiser, et al. discloses a music playlist generator based on genre “classification” (both human and automated) of media. No classification method is disclosed, and the patent teaches that there are no automated processes known that are capable of producing adequate results without human intervention in the processing method.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a prior art musical form of “Mary Had a Little Lamb”;
FIG. 2 is a prior art musical form of J. S. Bach, “Minuet in G Major”; and
FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of the method of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Data Formatting and Representation
Musical data is represented indirectly within the system of the present invention as a series of note event attribute changes. Both manual (performance data such as MIDI or score and the like) and auditory (encoded audio in the form of AIF, FLAC, MP3, MP4, and the like) input streams are used to build a comprehensive picture of the data models. Manual input supplies detailed information while auditory streams provide a simulation of the actual human listening experience. A user determined “style tag” may optionally be provided along with the model data for purposes of categorization and software training. This approach is based on current cognition models and is similar to the way humans acquire and process novel information. In this manner, associated identifiers and style awareness are developed over time and exposure to data streams.
Manual (MIDI/SCORE) Models
Working with MIDI and score data allows in the present invention permits:
1) the high level of precision necessary for detailed analysis, 2) instrument-specific controller information, and 3) the ability compare specific performance data with perceived auditory data.
Global MetaStructure
According to the present invention, the data provided comprises: phrase structure, measure and tempo information, section identifiers, stylistic attributes, exact pitch, onset, offset, velocity, as well as note density for both micro (measure) and macro (phrase/section) groupings. Tracking includes translating controller data into stylistically context aware performance attributes.
Stylistic Performance Implications
By further comparing the analysis output with the calculated tempo grid, a specific analysis of stylistic character can occur. The exacting nature of this data format makes it especially (although not exclusively) suited to the segmentation analysis techniques described herein.
Auditory Models
Working directly with auditory input allows the present invention to provide:
1) the modeling of human perception enhancements (and limitations),
2) realistic analysis of polyphonic textures (i.e. alberti bass),
3) and the potential to detect subtle performance variations (timbre, tempo).
The following is a list of core issues along with their respective solutions specific to auditory model processing in the present invention.
Equal Loudness (Fletcher-Munson) Contour Filtering
Human aural sensitivity varies with frequency. Software listeners filter input to compensate for this natural phenomenon and ensure relevant model analysis. First documented by Fletcher and Munson in 1933 (and refined by Robinson and Dadson in 1956), an equal loudness contour is the measure of sound pressure, over the frequency spectrum, for which a listener perceives a constant loudness. Aspects of implementing this filtering process have been described by Berry Vercoe (MIT), David Robinson and others.
Frequency Tracking
The present invention employs spectral pitch tracking process using Csound's PVSPITCH opcode (Alan Ocinneide 2005. (http://sourceforge.net/projects/csound/)) to determine localized frequency fundamentals. The pitch detection algorithm implemented by PVSPITCH is based upon J. F. Schouten's hypothesis that the brain times intervals between the beats of unresolved harmonics of a complex sound in order to find the pitch. The output of PVSPITCH is captured and stored at predetermined intervals (10 ms) and analyzed for pattern correlations. Additionally, the results of PVSPITCH can be directly applied to an oscillator and audibly compared with the original signal.
RMS and Pulse/Beat Tracking (Tempo Extraction)
RMS (root mean square: the statistical measure of the magnitude of a varying quantity) of the input signal is calculated to determine perceived signal strength and then examined for amplitude periodicity via the RMS Csound opcode. While beat/tempo tracking is not currently necessary for the auditory segmentation analysis process, RMS is calculated in attempt to detect changes in event onset and offset data. Csound's TEMPEST opcode has been implemented for beat/tempo extraction. TEMPEST passes auditory input through a lowpass filter and places the residue in a short term memory buffer (attenuated over time) where it is analyzed for periodicity using a form of autocorrelation. The resulting period output is expressed as an estimated tempo (BPM). This result is also used internally to make predictions about future amplitude patterns, which are placed in a buffer adjacent to that of the input. The two adjacent buffers can be periodically displayed, and the predicted values optionally mixed with the incoming signal to simulate expectation.
Timbre/Partial Tracking
The present invention employs a form of Instantaneous Frequency Distribution (IFD) analysis (Toshihiko Abe, Takao Kobayashi, Satoshi Imai, “Harmonics Estimation Based on Instantaneous Frequency and Its Application to Pitch Determination of Speech,” IEICE TRANSACTIONS on Information and Systems Vol. E78-D No. 9 pp. 1188-1194, 1995.) originally developed to accomplish spoken language pitch estimation in noisy environments. Implemented via Csound's PVSIFD opcode (Lazzarini, 2005. (http://sourceforge.net/projects/csound/)) which performs an instantaneous frequency magnitude and phase analysis, using the short time Fourier transform (STFT) and IFD. The opcode generates two PV signals—one contains amplitude and frequency data (similar to PVSANAL) while the other contains amplitude and unwrapped phase information.
Stylistic Performance Implications
By further comparing the frequency tracking output with the inferred tempo grid, a generalized stylistic tempo map may optionally be induced. Additionally, it may be useful to compare the placement of note event start points with the inferred tempo grid. Consistent discrepancies likely indicate the presence of a unique style identifier.
Process Flow
Referring now to FIG. 3 there is shown a schematic process flow of the method of the present invention. The method begins by loading a data set representative of music into a computer memory. The method proceeds, as detailed herein, to identify at least one subset of the loaded data set representative of melody, and then to identify at least one subset of the melody data subset that is representative of motive. After such identification, post-processing steps as detailed herein (not shown) may be employed.
Data Representation
Attribute Formatting
pitch: MIDI note number (0127) onset: absolute time offset: absolute time velocity: 0127 (MIDI)
Delta Observations
Input data is represented indirectly within the system of the present invention as a series of change functions which provide pure abstraction of the musical material and ensures context aware analysis. For example: the relationship of three consecutive note events (NEs) (actually, it's the descriptive attributes that are of interest) are represented and compared using two normalized data points that describe the delta change between the NE data.
Adaptive Melodic Segmentation
Calculations Between Consecutive Note Events (NE)
pitch, velocity, onset, offset [double] length (calculated as offset onset) [double] current_pitch_to_next_pitch [double] current_length_to_next_length [double] current_onset_to_next_onset [double] current_offset_to_next_onset [double] current_velocity_to_next_velocity [double]
Pseudocode:
Set current attribute to next attribute (pitch, onset, length, and velocity) [double]
if (NEn > NEn+1) then {NEn+1 / NEn} else {NEn / NEn+1}
Case Specific Calculations
Pitch Contour is the quality necessary to maintain melodic specificity with regard to the delta pitch attribute.
Property Definitions
LSL (long/short/long length profile) [boolean] pitch_contour (melodic direction) [boolean] delta_pitch_contour (change of melodic direction) [boolean]
Pseudocode: Set Ditch contour [boolean] and delta pitch contour [boolean]
if (NEn < NEn+1) while (NEn++ < NE(n+1)++) then {pitch_contour to NEn+1 = UP} set delta_pitch_contour found = true if (NEn > NEn+1) while (NEn++ > NE(n+1)++) then {pitch_contour to NEn+1 = DOWN} set delta_pitch_contour found = true if (NEn == NEn+1) while (NEn++ == NE(n+1)++) then {pitch_contour to NEn+1 = SAME} set delta_pitch_contour found = true
Java Code
// Case Specific -- Pitch Contour NoteEventLystItr previous = new NoteEventLystItr(this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ). get(vl).getValue( ).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).get(s) .getValue( ).getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).get(1−1)); // start at beginning−1 of NoteEventLyst current = new NoteEventLystItr(this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ). get(vl).getValue( ).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).get(s) .getValue( ).getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).get(1));// start at beginning of NoteEventLyst next = new NoteEventLystItr(this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ). get(vl).getValue( ).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).get(s) .getValue( ).getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).get(1+1)); // start at beginning+1 of NoteEventLyst // scan NoteEvents and set Contour while (!next.atEnd( )) { // Pitch Contour “Up” if (!next.atEnd( ) && (current.getNoteEvent( ).get_Pitch( ) < next.getNoteEvent( ).get_Pitch( ))) { current.getNoteEvent( ).set_pitch_contour_to_next_note(“U”); assignment_counter++; // keep track of contour assignments } // Pitch Contour “Down” if (!next.atEnd( ) && (current.getNoteEvent( ).get_Pitch( ) > next.getNoteEvent( ).get_Pitch( ))) { current.getNoteEvent( ).set_pitch_contour_to_next_note(“D”); assignment_counter++; // keep track of contour assignments } // Pitch Contour “Same” if (!next.atEnd( ) && (current.getNoteEvent( ).get_Pitch( ) == next.getNoteEvent( ).get_Pitch( ))) { current.getNoteEvent( ).set_pitch_contour_to_next_note(“S”); assignment_counter++; // keep track of contour assignments } previous.advance( ); next.advance( ); current.advance( ); }
Long Short Long (LSL) Profile assists in identifying segment boundaries.
Property Definitions
LSL (long/short/long length profile) [boolean]
Pseudocode: Set long short long note length (for all NEs) [boolean]
if (NEn > NEn+1 < NEn+2) then {set NEn+2.LSL = true}
Java Code
// Case Specific -- Long Length current = new NoteEventLystItr(this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ). get(vl).getValue( ).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).get(s) .getValue( ).getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).get(1)); // start at beginning of NoteEventLyst next = new NoteEventLystItr(this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ). get(vl).getValue( ).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).get(s) .getValue( ).getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).get(1+1)); // start at beginning+1 of NoteEventLyst NoteEventLystItr twoAhead = new NoteEventLystItr(this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ). get(vl).getValue( ).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).get(s) .getValue( ).getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).get(1+2)); // start at beginning+2 of NoteEventLyst // scan NoteEvents and set LSL while (!twoAhead.atEnd( )) { if ((next.getNoteEvent( ).get_Length( ) > current.getNoteEvent( ).get_Length( )) && (next.getNoteEvent( ).get_Length( ) > twoAhead.getNoteEvent( ).get_Length( ))) { twoAhead.getNoteEvent( ).set_deltalonglength(true); } next.advance( ); current.advance( ); twoAhead.advance( ); }
Offset/Onset Overlap accounts for possible NE overlap in offset/onset calculations. (This step is particularly necessary for performance input.)
Pseudocode: Set offset to next onset [double]
if (NEn+1.onset < NEn.offset) then {set offset to next onset = 0} // account for overlap else {set offset to next onset = NEn+1.onset NEn. offset}
Delta Calculations
Delta values represent amount of change between (NEn, NEn+1) and (NEn+1, Nen+2) and are used to conduct primary data calculations. This represents a significant process advantage in that it allows for the contextually aware attribute layers to align with key identifying characteristics of the original input.
Property Definitions
delta_pitch_to_next_pitch [double]
delta_length_to_next_length [double]
delta_onset_to_next_onset [double]
delta_offset_to_next_onset [double]
delta_velocity_to_next_velocity [double]
Pseudocode: Set delta attribute to next attribute (pitch, onset, length, and velocity)
set delta = 1 ( abs(NEn NEn+ 1))
Pseudocode: Set delta offset/onset to next offset/onset [double]
if (NEn == 0 or NEn+1 == 0) then {set delta offset/onset to next offset/onset = 0} else if (NEn > NEn+1) then {delta = NEn+1 / NEn} else {delta = NEn / NEn+1}
Java Code
// Delta Calculations NoteEventLystItr current = new NoteEventLystItr(this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ). get(vl).getValue( ).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).get(s) .getValue( ).getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).get(1)); // start at beginning of NoteEventLyst NoteEventLystItr next = new NoteEventLystItr(this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ). get(vl).getValue( ).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).get(s) .getValue( ).getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).get(1+1)); // start at beginning+1 of NoteEventLyst NoteEventLystItr twoAhead = new NoteEventLystItr(this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ). get(vl).getValue( ).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).get(s) .getValue( ).getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).get(1+2)); // start at beginning+2 of NoteEventLyst while (!next.atEnd( )) { // Offset to Onset if ((next.getNoteEvent( ).get_current_offset_to_next_onset( ) == 0 || current.getNoteEvent( ).get_current_offset_to_next_onset( ) == 0)) { current.getNoteEvent( ).set_delta_offset_to_next_onset(0.0); } else if (next.getNoteEvent( ).get_current_offset_to_next_onset( ) / current.getNoteEvent( ).get_current_offset_to_next_onset( ) >= 1) { current.getNoteEvent( ).set_delta_offset_to_next_onset((current.- getNoteEvent( ).get_current_offset_to_next_onset( ) / next.getNoteEvent( ).get_current_offset_to_next_onset( ))); } else { current.getNoteEvent( ).set_delta_offset_to_next_onset((next.- getNoteEvent( ).get_current_offset_to_next_onset( ) / current.getNoteEvent( ).get_current_offset_to_next_onset( ))); } // Onset to Onset current.getNoteEvent( ).set_delta_onset_to_next_onset(1 − (Math.abs(next.getNoteEvent( ).get_current_onset_to_next_onset( ) − current.getNoteEvent( ).get_current_onset_to_next_onset( )))); if (next.current.getNext( ).getNext( ) == null) { current.getNoteEvent( ).set_delta_onset_to_next_onset(0.0); } // Pitch to Pitch current.getNoteEvent( ).set_delta_pitch_to_next_pitch(1 − (Math.abs(next.getNoteEvent( ).get_current_pitch_to_next_pitch( ) − current.getNoteEvent( ).get_current_pitch_to_next_pitch( )))); if (next.current.getNext( ).getNext( ) == null) { current.getNoteEvent( ).set_delta_pitch_to_next_pitch(0.0); } // System.out.println(“*** Pitch Delta Calculation Result: ” + current.getNoteEvent( ).get_delta_pitch_to_next_pitch( )); // Velocity to Velocity current.getNoteEvent( ).set_delta_vel_to_next_vel(1 − (Math.abs(next.getNoteEvent( ).get_current_vel_to_next_vel( ) − current.getNoteEvent( ).get_current_vel_to_next_vel ( )))); if (next.current.getNext( ).getNext( ) == null) { current.getNoteEvent( ).set_delta_vel_to_next_vel(0.0); } // Length to Length current.getNoteEvent( ).set_delta_length_to_next_length(1 − (Math.abs(next.getNoteEvent( ).get_current_length_to_next_length( ) − current.getNoteEvent( ).get_current_length_to_next_length( )))); if (next.current.getNext( ).getNext( ) == null) { current.getNoteEvent( ).set_delta_length_to_next_length(0.0); } // Pitch Contour if (!twoAhead.atEnd( ) && current.getNoteEvent( ).get_pitch_contour_to_next_note( ) == “U”) { if (next.getNoteEvent( ).get_pitch_contour_to_next_note( ) == “U”) { next.getNoteEvent( ).set_deltapitchcontour(true); } } else if (!twoAhead.atEnd( ) && current.getNoteEvent( ).get_pitch_contour_to_next_note( ) == “D”) { if (next.getNoteEvent( ).get_pitch_contour_to_next_note( ) == “D”) { next.getNoteEvent( ).set_deltapitchcontour(true); } } else if (!twoAhead.atEnd( ) && current.getNoteEvent( ).get_pitch_contour_to_next_note( ) == “S”) { if (next.getNoteEvent( ).get_pitch_contour_to_next_note( ) == “S”) { next.getNoteEvent( ).set_deltapitchcontour(true); } } else { next.getNoteEvent( ).set_deltapitchcontour(false); } assignment_counter++; twoAhead.advance( ); current.advance( ); next.advance( ); }
Adaptive Thresholds
Threshold Generation is an automatic procedure to establish statistically relevant threshold points for each NE attribute and allow for the creation of boundary candidates. After ensuring the adaptation process begins with a threshold candidate below the lower boundary, this method establishes an appropriate incremental value to be applied to the threshold candidate until the result is within boundary limits. This approach maintains a close link between the threshold and the input data. (NOTE: In extreme cases where the attribute data remains consistently static, the system may be unable to adapt an appropriate threshold. When this happens, the attribute in question does not influence boundary weighing.
Property Definitions
pitch_threshold [double] length_threshold [double] velocity_threshold [double] onset_to_onset_threshold [double] offset_to_onset_threshold [double] mean = total_delta_change / total_NEs [double] standard_deviation (using mean) [double] std_multiplier = 1 [double] divisor = 1 (pitch, onset, velocity) 100 (length) [int] divisor_multiplier = 1 (pitch, onset, velocity) 10 (length) [int] success_multiplier = 4 (pitch, onset, velocity) 2 (length) [int] increment = (1 mean)/ divisor [double] lower_boundary = lower bound of acceptable data points (15%) [double] upper_boundary = upper bound of acceptable data points (45%) [double] previous_success = number of NEs below the threshold (before adaptation) [double] successful_events = number of NEs below the threshold [double]
Pseudocode: Set attribute threshold (pitch, onset, length, and velocity) [double]
FIRST PASS ONLY:
set threshold to (std_multiplier*standard_deviation)
test threshold against all NEs
if (successful_events>total_NEs*lower_boundary)
then {set std_multiplier=std_multiplier 0.1}
else {set threshold to standard_deviation}
set threshold to (increment*standard_deviation)
set previous_success to successful_vents
test threshold against all NEs
(re)set successful_events based on “new” threshold
if (successful_events>=previous_success*success_multiplier)
then {set divisor=(successful_events−previous_success)*divisor_multiplier}
else (set increment to (1−mean)/divisor)
ALL SUCCESSIVE PASSES (NOT TO EXCEED 1000):
test threshold against all NEs
if (successful_events>=total_NEs*lower_boundary &&<=upper_boundary)
then {set threshold to threshold}
else if (threshold<1)
{set threshold to threshold+(increment*standard_deviation) and test against all NEs}
else {set threshold to null}//unable to determine
Pseudocode: Set offset/onset threshold [double]
set threshold to 0.0175
Max and Min Delta Threshold Change
Having adapted relevant thresholds in the previous stage, this method searches for maximum and minimum results that pass the threshold and stores them.
Property Definitions
pitch_max [double] pitch_min [double] off_to_on_max [double] off_to_on_min [double] on_to_on_max [double] on_to_on_min [double] length_max [double] length_min [double] vel_max [double] vel_min [double]
Weighting Factors
Attribute thresholds are applied and boundary candidates are identified if their delta value falls below this threshold. A bonus system is employed to produce better (more context aware) decision making. For example, as pitch contour remains constant, equity is accumulated and then spent (as a weighting bonus) when a change is detected. This bonus “equity” is only applied to the result if delta_pitch passes the adaptive threshold value.
Property Definitions
pitch_range_percentage = (pitch_max pitch_min)/100 [double] onset_range_percentage = (on_to_on_max on_to_on_min)/100 [double] length_range_percentage = (length_max length_min)/100 [double] deltaattack = false (from onset_to_onset) [boolean] deltapitch = false [boolean] deltapitchcontour = false [boolean] contour_equity = 0 [double] deltalength = false [boolean] deltavel = false [boolean] deltalonglength = false [boolean] store[ ] [array of doubles] weight_counter = 4 [int] equity_counter = 0 [int] booster [double] weighting (confidence value; 0 = definite, 1 = not boundary) [double]
Pseudocode: Apply weighting factor based upon its placement within
delta_threshold range.
FOR ALL NEs:
if (NEn.deltapitch = true) if (pitch_max = pitch_min) then {store[0] = 1} else {store[0] = 1 ( NEn1 delta_pitch_change_to_next_pitch pitch — min) / (pitch_range_percentage * 0.01)} if (NEn.deltapitchcontour = true) if (pitchcontour = UP or DOWN) then {contour_equity = contour_equity + (NEn.delta_pitch_to_next_pitch * 0.75)} if (pitchcontour = SAME) then {contour_equity = contour_equity + 0.025} then {store[0] = store[0] * (1 + (contour_equity / equity_counter)} then {weight_counter} else {store[0] = 0} if (NEn.deltaattack = true) if (on_to_on_max = on_to_on_min) then {store[1] = 1} else {store[1] = 1 ( NEn1 delta_attack_change_to_next_attack attack — min) / (attack_range_percentage * 0.01)} then {weight_counter} else {store[1] = 0} if (NEn.deltalength = true) if (length_max = length_min) then {store[2] = 1} else {store[2] = (1 ( NEn1 delta_length_change_to_next_length length — min) / (length_range_percentage * 0.01)} if (NEn.deltalonglength = true) then {store[2] = store[2] * 1.25} then {weight_counter} else {store[2] = 0} if (NEn.deltaspace = true) then {booster = booster + 0.75} if (NEn || NEn1. delta_offset_to_next_onset = 0 && NEn.deltaattack = true) then {booster = booster + 0.25} if (NEn.deltavel = true) then {booster = booster + 0.15} if (weight_counter != 0) then {weighting = 1 ( store[0] / weight_counter + [1] / weight_counter + [2] / weight_counter) + booster)} if (weighting < 0) then {weighting = 0}
Java Code
public void weightCalculations( ) { System.out.println( ); System.out.println(“*** Starting Weight Calculations”); for (int vl=1; vl <= this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).size( ); vl++) { for (int s=1; s <= this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue( ).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).size( ); s++) { // Weight Calculations NoteEventLystItr previous = new NoteEventLystItr(this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ). get(vl).getValue( ).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).get(s) .getValue( ).getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).get(1)); // start at beginning of NoteEventLyst NoteEventLystItr scanner = new NoteEventLystItr(this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ). get(vl).getValue( ).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).get(s) .getValue( ).getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).get(1+1)); // start at beginning+1 of NoteEventLyst double totalweight; double pitch_range_percentage = (this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue ( ).getThresholdPitchMax( ) − this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue( ).getThresholdPitchMin( )) / 100; double onset_range_percentage = (this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue ( ).getThresholdOnToOnMax( ) − this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue( ).getThresholdOnToOnMin( )) / 100; double length_range_percentage = (this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue ( ).getThresholdLengthMax( ) − this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue( ).getThresholdLengthMin( )) / 100; double[ ] result = new double[3]; while (!scanner.atEnd( )) { result[0] = 0; result[1] = 0; result[2] = 0; totalweight = 1; int counter = 4; double booster = 0; double contour_equity = 0.0; int equity_counter = 0; if (scanner.getNoteEvent( ).get_deltapitch( )) { if (this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue ( ).getThresholdPitchMax( ) − this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue( ).getThresholdPitchMin( ) == 0) {result[0] = 1.0;} // in case max and min are equal else { result[0] = previous.getNoteEvent( ).get_delta_pitch_to_next_pitch ( ) − this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue( ).getThresholdPitchMin( ); result[0] = 1 − ((result[0] / pitch_range_percentage) * 0.01); } if (scanner.getNoteEvent( ).get_deltapitchcontour( )) { // LEGACY ERROR: these two “original” lines should not create new NoteEvents and have been replaced with the following line (NOV 21st) // NoteEvent previous_check = new NoteEvent( ); // previous_check = scanner.getValue( ).getPrev( ).getValue( ); NoteEventLystItr previous_check = new NoteEventLystItr(scanner.getValue( ).getPrev( )); // create new scanner to check for past contour results NoteEventLystItr scanner2 = new NoteEventLystItr(scanner.getValue( )); scanner2.deAdvance( ); scanner2.deAdvance( ); // for the first time through if (scanner2.getNoteEvent( ).get_pitch_contour_to_next _note( ) == “D” || scanner2.getNoteEvent( ).get_pitch_contour_to_next — note( ) == “U”) { contour_equity = contour_equity + (scanner2.getNoteEvent( ).get_delta_pitch_to_next_pitch ( ) * 0.5); // reducing average delta value by 1/2 for more reasonable bonus amount // System.out.println(“ Delta Pitch to Pitch is: ” + scanner2.getNoteEvent( ).get_delta_pitch_to_next_pitch ( )); // System.out.println(“ Delta Pitch Change Bonus: ” + contour_equity); equity_counter++; } else { contour_equity = contour_equity + 0.15; // TODO ORIG = 0.25 // System.out.println(“ Same to Same Bonus: ” + contour_equity); equity_counter++; } while (scanner2.getValue( ) != this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue( ).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).get(s).getValue( ).getSegment NoteEventLyst( ).get(0) && previous_check.getNoteEvent( ).get_pitch_contour_to _next_note( ) == scanner2.getNoteEvent( ).get_pitch_contour_to_next — note( )) { if (scanner2.getNoteEvent( ).get_pitch_contour_to_next _note( ) == “S”) { contour_equity = contour_equity + 0.15; // TODO ORIG = 0.25 // System.out.println(“ Same to Same Bonus: ” + contour_equity); equity_counter++; } if (scanner2.getNoteEvent( ).get_pitch_contour_to_next _note( ) == “D” || scanner2.getNoteEvent( ).get_pitch_contour_to_next — note( ) == “U”) { contour_equity = contour_equity + (scanner2.getNoteEvent( ).get_delta_pitch_to_next_pitch ( ) * 0.5); // reducing average delta value by ½ for more reasonable bonus amount // System.out.println(“ Delta Pitch to Pitch is: ” + scanner2.getNoteEvent( ).get_delta_pitch_to_next_pitch ( )); // System.out.println(“ Delta Pitch Change Bonus: ” + contour_equity); equity_counter++; } scanner2.deAdvance( ); } result[0] = (result[0] * (1 + (contour_equity / equity_counter))); // System.out.println(“Equity Counter is: ” + equity_counter); // System.out.println(“Contour Bonus is: ” + (1 + (contour_equity / equity_counter))); contour_equity = 0.0; // reset the contour equity } counter−−; } else {result[0] = 0;} if (scanner.getNoteEvent( ).get_deltaattack( )) { if (this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue ( ).getThresholdOnToOnMax( ) − this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue( ).getThresholdOnToOnMin( ) == 0) {result[1] = 1;} // in case max and min are equal else { result[1] = previous.getNoteEvent( ).get_delta_onset_to_next_on set( ) − this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue( ).getThresholdOnToOnMin( ); result[1] = 1 − ((result[1] / onset_range_percentage) * 0.01) ; } counter−−; } else {result[1] = 0;} if (scanner.getNoteEvent( ).get_deltalength( )) { if (this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue ( ).getThresholdLengthMax( ) − this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue( ).getThresholdLengthMin( ) == 0) {result[2] = 1;} // in case max and min are equal else { result[2] = previous.getNoteEvent( ).get_delta_length_to_next_length ( ) − this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue( ).getThresholdLengthMin( ); result[2] = 1 − ((result[2] / length_range_percentage) * 0.01); } if (scanner.getNoteEvent( ).get_deltalonglength( )) { result[2] = (result[2] * 1.5); } // TODO ORIG = 1.25 counter−−; } else {result[2] = 0;} if (counter != 0) { if (scanner.getNoteEvent( ).get_deltavel( )) {booster = booster + 0.15;} if ((scanner.getNoteEvent( ).get_delta_offset_to_next — onset( ) == 0.0) || (scanner.getValue( ).getPrev( ).getValue( ).get_delta _offset_to_next_onset( ) == 0.0)) { if (scanner.getNoteEvent( ).get_deltaattack( )) {booster = booster + 0.25;} } if ((scanner.getNoteEvent( ).get_deltaspace( ))) {booster = booster + 0.5;} // TODO ORIG = 0.75 totalweight = 1 − (((result[0] / counter) + (result[1] / counter) + (result[2] / counter)) + booster ); if (totalweight < 0) {totalweight = 0;} } scanner.getNoteEvent( ).set_weight(totalweight ); scanner.advance( ); previous.advance( ); } // display the calculation results // this.showWeightCalculations(vl, s); } } System.out.println(“*** Completed Weight Calculations”); }
Boundary Identification
Examine weighting results (confidence value) and apply a context based adaptive algorithm (using a standard deviation derived threshold) to set definitive boundary points by searching for the lowest (most confident) weightings.
Property Definitions
mean = total_weighting / total_NEs standard_deviation (using mean) boundary [boolean] weighting [double]
Pseudocode: Define boundaries.
FOR ALL NEs:
if NEn+1.weighting <= NEn.weighting if NEn.weighting < mean ( standard_deviation * 0.80) then {boundary = true}
Java Code
public void boundaryOperations( ) {
System.out.println( );
System.out.println(“*** Starting Boundary
Operations”);
for (int vl=1; vl <=
this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).size( ); vl++) {
for (int s=1; s <=
this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue(
).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).size( ); s++) {
// Boundary Operations
int counter = 0; // to keep track
of number of Note Events (not 1.0) evaluated
double total_weight = 0.0;
int total_counter = 0; // to keep
track of total NEs present
NoteEventLystItr scanner1 = new
NoteEventLystItr(this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).
get(vl).getValue( ).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).get(s)
.getValue( ).getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).get(1)); //
start at beginning of NoteEventLyst
scanner1.advance( );
// necessary to get max/min to
calculate our weighted mean
while (!scanner1.atEnd( )) {
total_weight = total_weight +
scanner1.getNoteEvent( ).get_weight( );
scanner1.advance( );
total_counter++;
}
double[ ] std_array = new
double[total_counter];
NoteEventLystItr scanner2 = new
NoteEventLystItr(this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).
get(vl).getValue( ).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).get(s)
.getValue( ).getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).get(1)); //
start at beginning of NoteEventLyst
scanner2.advance( );
for (int a=0; a < (total_counter);
a++) {
std_array[a] =
scanner2.getNoteEvent( ).get_weight( );
scanner2.advance( );
}
// calculate weighted mean for
threshold
double weighted_mean = 0.0;
weighted_mean =
total_weight/total_counter;
double std = 0.0;
for (int b=0; b < (total_counter);
b++) {
double v =
Math.abs(std_array[b] − weighted_mean);
std = std + (v*v);
}
std = (std/total_counter);
std = Math.sqrt(std);
/*
System.out.println(“ Total
Weight(“ + total_weight + ”)/No. Cases(“ +
total_counter + ”) = Weighted Mean: ” +
weighted_mean);
System.out.println(“ Standard
Deviation: ” + std);
*/
double boundary_threshold =
weighted_mean − (std * 0.80); // TODO ORIG =
weighted_mean − (std * 0.80)
this.complete_voice_layer_lyst.get(vl).getValue
( ).setBoundaryThreshold(boundary_threshold); //
store mastery boundary threshold
NoteEventLystItr scanner3 = new
NoteEventLystItr(this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).
get(vl).getValue( ).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).get(s)
.getValue( ).getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).get(1)); //
start at beginning of NoteEventLyst
scanner3.getNoteEvent( ).set_boundary(true);
// set first note event in piece as a START
boundary
scanner3.advance( );
while (!scanner3.atEnd( )) {
if
(scanner3.getNoteEvent( ).get_weight( ) == 1 &&
!scanner3.atEnd( )) {
counter++;
scanner3.advance( );
}
else {
while (!scanner3.atEnd2( )
&&
(scanner3.getValue( ).getNext( ).getValue( ).get_weight
( ) <= scanner3.getNoteEvent( ).get_weight( ))) {
// while we are getting lower weighting value in
each succesive note event
counter++;
scanner3.advance( );
}
if ((counter > 1) &&
(scanner3.current.getValue( ).get_weight( ) <
boundary_threshold)) {
scanner3.getNoteEvent( ).set_boundary(true);
//
scanner3.getValue( ).getNext( ).getValue( ).set_boundary
(true); // !scanner3.atEnd2( )
counter = 0;
}
else if
(!scanner3.atEnd( )) { // move through LAST events
in piece
counter++;
scanner3.advance( );
}
}
}
// display the calculation results
// this.showBoundaryOperations(vl,
s, boundary_threshold);
}
}
System.out.println(“*** Completed Boundary
Operations”);
}
public void setSegments( ) {
System.out.println( );
System.out.println(“*** Creating Segments”);
for (int vl=1; vl <=
this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).size( ); vl++) {
// Set Segments -- build new segments
based on boudary markers
// add each new segment after the
current complete list (starting with 2)
// this will create a duplicate set of
NEs (312 will become 624)
// once the operation has been confirmed
(312 did in fact become 624) remove the first
segment
NoteEventLystItr scanner = new
NoteEventLystItr(this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).
get(vl).getValue( ).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).get(1)
.getValue( ).getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).get(1)); //
start at beginning of NoteEventLyst (hard coded
for 1 Segment with 1 NoteEventLyst
int ne_counter = 0;
while (!scanner.atEnd2( )) {
if
(scanner.getNoteEvent( ).get_boundary( ) == true) {
NoteEventLyst NE_LYST = new
NoteEventLyst( ); // create new NoteEventLyst
// add the initial event
NoteEvent ne_input =
scanner.getNoteEvent( );
NE_LYST.addTail(ne_input);
ne_counter++;
scanner.advance( ); // advance
scanner to read events within the segment
// read events within the
segment
while
(scanner.getNoteEvent( ).get_boundary( ) == false) {
ne_input =
scanner.getNoteEvent( );
NE_LYST.addTail(ne_input);
ne_counter++;
scanner.advance( );
}
// display NE add results
// System.out.println(“
NE_LYST contains ” + NE_LYST.size( ) + “ note
events”);
// now stick the NE_LYST into
a new Segment
Segment SEG_LYST = new
Segment(NE_LYST, false);
this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue( ).
getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).addTail(SEG_LYST);
// System.out.println(“
SEG_LYST contains ” +
this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue(
).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).size( ) + “
segment(s)”);
// now get the data out
// System.out.println(“ SEG
contains ” + SEG_LYSthis.getSegmentSize( ) + “ note
event(s)”);
}
}
// wrap-up
// System.out.println( );
// System.out.println(“*** Finalizing
Segment Creation”);
// add the final event to the last
segment
NoteEvent last_ne =
scanner.getNoteEvent( );
this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue
( ).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).get(this.getComplete
VoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue( ).getCompleteSegment
Lyst( ).size( )).getValue( ).getSegmentNoteEvent
Lyst( ).addTail(last_ne);
ne_counter++;
// System.out.println(“ final NE
added”);
// now get the data out
// System.out.println(“ final SEG now
contains ” +
this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue(
).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).get(this.getCompleteVoice
LayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue( ).getCompleteSegment
Lyst( ).size( )).getValue( ).getSegmentNoteEventLyst
( ).size( ) + “ note event(s)”);
if (ne_counter !=
this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue(
).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).get(1).getValue( ).getSegment
Size( )) {
// System.out.println(“*** Segment
Assignment ERROR Detected: Number of original
events does NOT match the number of assigned
events”);
} else {
// System.out.println(“*** Total of
” + ne_counter + “ NEs assigned”);
}
// remove the first segmment
this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue
( ).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).remove(1);
// System.out.println(“ first segment
removed”);
// final output message
// System.out.println(“*** Number of NEs
in first segment: ” +
this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue(
).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).get(1).getValue( ).getSegment
Size( ));
// System.out.println(“*** Total of ” +
this.getCompleteVoiceLayerLyst( ).get(vl).getValue(
).getCompleteSegmentLyst( ).size( ) + “ segments
created (Voice Layer: “ + vl + ”)”);
}
System.out.println(“*** Completed Creating
Segments”);
}
Motive Identification
Variation Matrix Processing
This method creates a Euclidean based distance matrix variant that searches for attribute patterns (exact repetition and related variations) while ignoring differences in sample size. The comparison of similar attribute patterns allows the system to determine the extent to which events within identified boundaries share common properties. Rejecting the sample size factor supports variation searches within identified boundaries; a prerequisite for segment ballooning. This “variation matrix” method (“VM”) is critical throughout the motive identification process.
Java Code (pitch attribute only)
public double Minimum (double a, double b, double c) { double min = a; if (b < min) {min = b;} if (c < min) {min = c;} return min; } /****************************** VARIATION MATRIX *********************************/ public double varMatrix(VoiceLayer vl, Segment s, Segment t, int type) { /* varMatrix Type Key: 0 = Pitch 1 = Length 2 = Onset */ NoteEventLystItr it_source = new NoteEventLystItr(s.getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).get(1)); // start at beginning of Segment NoteEventLyst NoteEventLystItr it_target = new NoteEventLystItr(t.getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).get(1)); // start at beginning of Segment NoteEventLyst int SegmentDiff = Math.abs(s.getSegmentSize( ) − t.getSegmentSize( )); // define arrays to hold candidates segments double[ ] sourcearray = new double[s.getSegmentSize( )]; double[ ] targetarray = new double[t.getSegmentSize( )]; // populate source array for (int a=0; a < sourcearray.length; a++) { switch (type) { case 0: sourcearray[a] = it_source.getNoteEvent( ).get_delta_pitch_to_next_pitch( ); break; case 1: sourcearray[a] = it_source.getNoteEvent( ).get_delta_length_to_next_length( ); break; case 2: sourcearray[a] = it_source.getNoteEvent( ).get_delta_onset_to_next_onset( ); break; } it_source.advance( ); } // populate target array for (int b=0; b < targetarray.length; b++) { switch (type) { case 0: targetarray[b] = it_target.getNoteEvent( ).get_delta_pitch_to_next_pitch( ); break; case 1: targetarray[b] = it_target.getNoteEvent( ).get_delta_length_to_next_length( ); break; case 2: targetarray[b] = it_target.getNoteEvent( ).get_delta_onset_to_next_onset( ); break; } it_target.advance( ); } double d[ ][ ]; int i; // iterates through s int j; // iterates through t int n = s.getSegmentSize( ); // length of s int m = t.getSegmentSize( ); // length of t double s_i; // ith position of sourcearray double t_j; // jth position of targetarray double cost = 0.0; // cost double std = 0.0; // standard deviation double similarity_allowance = 0.0; // for length and onset // initialize the matrix d = new double[n+1][m+1]; for (i = 0; i <= n; i++) { d[i][0] = i; } for (j = 0; j <= m; j++) { d[0][j] = j; } // display temporary results in the terminal window // System.out.println( ); // System.out.println(“Building Variation Matrix:”); // System.out.println( ); if (type == 1) { std = vl.getLengthStandardDeviation( ); } if (type == 2) { std = vl.getOnsetStandardDeviation( ); } for (i=1; i <= n; i++) { s_i = sourcearray[i−1]; // set input source for (j=1; j <= m; j++) { t_j = targetarray[j−1]; // set input source if (type == 1 || type == 2) { similarity_allowance = Math.abs((sourcearray[i−1]−targetarray[j−1])); } if ((s_i == t_j) || (similarity_allowance < std)) { cost = 0; // if the candidates are same, there is no cost // System.out.println(“Cost set to 0”); } else { // add 1 to actual distance to get cost cost = 1 + Math.abs((sourcearray[i−1]−targetarray[j−1])); // System.out.println(“Data subtraction result ” + Math.abs((s_i − t_j))); // System.out.println(“Cost set to ” + cost); } // find path of least resistance d[i][j] = Minimum (d[i−1][j]+1, d[i][j−1]+1, d[i−1][j−1] + cost); //d[i][j] = d[i−1][j−1] + cost; } } // display our matrix // for (int e=0; e <= n; e++) { // for (int f=0; f <= m; f++) { // floor output (display) // System.out.print((Math.floor(d[e][f] * 1000.000)/ 1000.000) + “\t”); // } // System.out.println( ); // } // System.out.println( ); // System.out.println(“Variation Matrix Output: ” + (d[n][m] − SegmentDiff)); return (d[n][m] − SegmentDiff); //return (d[n][m]); } public double contourVarMatrix(Segment s, Segment t) { NoteEventLystItr it_source = new NoteEventLystItr(s.getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).get(1)); // start at beginning of Segment NoteEventLyst NoteEventLystItr it_target = new NoteEventLystItr(t.getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).get(1)); // start at beginning of Segment NoteEventLyst int SegmentDiff = Math.abs(s.getSegmentSize( ) − t.getSegmentSize( )); // define arrays to hold candidates segments String[ ] sourcearray = new String[s.getSegmentSize( )]; String[ ] targetarray = new String[t.getSegmentSize( )]; // populate source array for (int i=0; i < sourcearray.length; i++) { sourcearray[i] = it_source.getNoteEvent( ).get_pitch_contour_to_next_note( ); it_source.advance( ); } // populate target array for (int i=0; i < targetarray.length; i++) { targetarray[i] = it_target.getNoteEvent( ).get_pitch_contour_to_next_note( ); it_target.advance( ); } double d[ ][ ]; int n; // length of s int m; // length of t int i; // iterates through s int j; // iterates through t String s_i; // ith position of sourcearray String t_j; // jth position of targetarray double cost; // cost n = s.getSegmentSize( ); m = t.getSegmentSize( ); // initialize the matrix d = new double[n+1][m+1]; for (i = 0; i <= n; i++) { d[i][0] = i; } for (j = 0; j <= m; j++) { d[0][j] = j; } // display temporary results in the terminal window // System.out.println( ); // System.out.println(“Building Variation Matrix:”); // System.out.println( ); for (i = 1; i <= n; i++) { s_i = sourcearray[i−1]; // set input source for (j = 1; j <= m; j++) { t_j = targetarray[j−1]; // set input source if (s_i == t_j) { cost = 0; // if the candidates are same, there is no cost // System.out.println(“Cost set to 0”); } else { // add 1 to actual distance to get cost cost = 1; // System.out.println(“Data subtraction result ” + Math.abs((s_i − t_j))); // System.out.println(“Cost set to ” + cost); } // find path of least resistance d[i][j] = Minimum (d[i−1][j]+1, d[i][j−1]+1, d[i−1][j−1] + cost); //d[i][j] = d[i−1][j−1] + cost; } } // display our matrix for (i = 0; i <= n; i++) { for (j = 0; j <= m; j++) { // floor output (display) // System.out.print((Math.floor(d[i][j] * 1000.000)/ 1000.000) + “\t”); } // System.out.println( ); } // System.out.println( ); // System.out.println(“Variation Matrix Output: ” + (d[n][m] − SegmentDiff)); return (d[n][m] − SegmentDiff); // return (d[n][m]); }
Similarity Ballooning
Searches current segments for inter-segment attribute uniformity and attempts to combine similar consecutive candidates (based on attribute VM comparisons) to create larger, thematically related sections. (Thematically related sections are defined as multi-segment collections containing variation patterns between neighboring NE delta values.) The goal of similarity ballooning is to reduce the overall number of segments by combining thematically similar units to form the largest possible units of internally related motivic material, thus strengthening system understanding of midlevel musical form.
Segment Similarity
For each segment, determine pitch, pitch contour, and length similarity without regard to sample size.
Property Definitions
primary_segment [segment] secondary_segment [segment] segment_to_test [segment] test_target [segment] voice_layer = current voice layer combine_segments(segment, segment) [segment] vm_pitch(segment, segment) [double] vm_contour(segment, segment) [double] vm_length(segment, segment, voice_layer) [double]
Pseudocode: Define segments.
test_target = combine_segments (secondary_segment and segment_to_test) if (vm_pitch(primary_segment, test_target) < 1.5) then {if vm_contour(primary_segment, test_target) < 2} then {if vm_length(primary_segment, test_target, voice_layer) < 0} then {similarity = true} else {similarity = false}
Java Code
public boolean areSegmentsSimilar(VoiceLayer vl, Segment primary, Segment secondary) { VariationMatrix Matrix = new VariationMatrix( ); // if segments return PITCH similarity of less than 1.5 double pitch_test = Matrix.varMatrix(vl, primary, secondary, 0); if (pitch_test < 1.5) { // was 1.5 System.out.println(“ *** Passed Pitch Similarity with: ” + pitch_test); // if segments return CONTOUR similarity of less than 2 double contour_test = Matrix.contourVarMatrix(primary, secondary); if (contour_test < 2.0) { // was 2.0 System.out.println(“ *** Passed Contour Similarity with: ” + contour_test); // if segments return LENGTH similarity of less than 0 double length_test = Matrix.varMatrix(vl, primary, secondary, 1); if (length_test == 0.0) { System.out.println(“ *** Passed Length Similarity with: ” + length_test); return true; } else { System.out.println(“ **** Failed Length Similarity with: ” + length_test); } } else { System.out.println(“ **** Failed Contour Similarity with: ” + contour_test); } } else { System.out.println(“ **** Failed Pitch Similarity with: ” + pitch_test); } return false; }
Combine Segments
Add the contents of two adjacent segments, returning a single, larger segment.
Property Definitions
a_target [segment] a_target_NE [NE] b_target [segment] b_target_NE [NE] combined_segment [segment]
Pseudocode: Combine two adjacent segments.
iterate target_a {a_target_NE + combined_segment} iterate target_b {b_target_NE + combined_segment} return {combined_segment}
Java Code
public Segment combineSegments(Segment a, Segment b) { // System.out.println(“ *** Attempting to Combine Segments”); // System.out.println(“ Segment A contains: “ + a.getSegmentSize( ) + ” events”); // System.out.println(“ Segment B contains: “ + b.getSegmentSize( ) + ” events”); // start with new segment Segment combine = new Segment( ); // System.out.println(“ Combined Segment (pre-process) contains: ” + combine.getSegmentSize( ) + “ Note Events”); // prepare to scan through a and b NoteEventLystItr a_scanner = new NoteEventLystItr(a.getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).get(1)); // start at beginning of Segment NoteEventLyst NoteEventLystItr b_scanner = new NoteEventLystItr(b.getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).get(1)); // start at beginning of Segment NoteEventLyst // System.out.println(“ Attempting segment combination...”); // start with NEs from segment a while (!a_scanner.atEnd( )) { combine.getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).addTail(a_scanner.- getNoteEvent( )); a_scanner.advance( ); } // System.out.println(“ Combined Segment (A only) contains: “ + combine.getSegmentSize( ) + ” Note Events”); // append NEs from segment b while (!b_scanner.atEnd( )) { combine.getSegmentNoteEventLyst( ).addTail(b_scanner.- getNoteEvent( )); b_scanner.advance( ); } // System.out.println(“ Combined Segment (final) contains: “ + combine.getSegmentSize( ) + ” Note Events”); // System.out.println(“ *** Combine Segments Complete”); return combine; }
Large Segment Ballooning
This method compares selected attributes of segments larger than the median segment size for similarity using VM. If candidates pass as similar, the system attempts to “balloon” the smallest candidate by combining it with its smallest neighbor. (NOTE: by first attempting combination using the smaller candidates, the process is made more efficient. If a tie occurs between the neighbors or the candidates themselves, either one may be chosen for initial comparison provided the alternative is immediately considered as well.) VM attribute comparison is once again conducted on the newly ballooned pair. This process is repeated until all candidates have been successfully expanded to their largest potential size while maintaining context-based attribute similarity.
Property Definitions
number_of_segments = total number of segments [int] median_segment_size = median segment size [int] primary_segment = largest untested segment candidate [segment] secondary_segment = second largest untested segment candidate [segment] current_right_neighbor = right neighbor of current segment candidate [segment] current_left_neighbor = left neighbor of current segment candidate [segment] balloon_candidate = potential balloon candidate [segment] Matrix.vm_pitch = VM pitch attribute comparison of primary_segment and secondary_segment [double] Matrix.vm_contour = VM pitch contour attribute comparison of primary_segment and secondary_segment [double] Matrix.vm_length = VM length (offsetonset) comparison of primary_segment and secondary_segment [double] segment_similarity (original_segment, segment_to_test) combine_segments (a_target, b_target)
Pseudocode: Build thematically related sections by combining segments that pass selected attribute VM comparisons.
// calculate median segment size if (number_of_segments%2 == 1) {median_segment_size = segment_list / 2)} else {median_segment_size = ((number_of_segments/2)1) + (number_of_segments/2)) / 2)} FOR ALL SEGMENTS LARGER THAN median_segment_size: if (Matrix.vm_pitch < 1.5) and (Matrix.vm_contour < 2) and (Matrix.vm_length == 0) { if (primary_segment > secondary_segment) or (primary_segment == secondary_segment) { if (current_left_neighbor > current_right_neighbor) { balloon_candidate = combine_segments (secondary_segment, current_right_neighbor) } if (current_left_neighbor < current_right_neighbor) { balloon_candidate = combine_segments (secondary_segment, current_left_neighbor) } segment_similarity (primary_segment, balloon_candidate) // test the ballooned candidate if (segment_similarity == true) {update segment_list and rerun method} if (segment_similarity == false) {rerun method starting with next largest candidate} } if (primary_segment < secondary_segment) { if (current_left_neighbor > current_right_neighbor) { balloon_candidate = combine_segments (primary_segment, current_right_neighbor) } if (current_left_neighbor < current_right_neighbor) { balloon_candidate = combine_segments (primary_segment, current_left_neighbor) } segment_similarity (secondary_segment, balloon_candidate) // test the ballooned candidate if (segment_similarity == true) {update segment_list and rerun method} if (segment_similarity == false) {rerun method starting with next largest candidate} } }
Small Segment Ballooning
Same as large segment ballooning however, only candidates smaller than the median segment size are considered.
Thematic Segment Finalization
Split Point Candidates
Tidyup method that searches for uncharacteristically large offset/onset gaps between consecutive NEs within currently defined segment boundaries. As before, this method adapts the required judgment criteria from general data trends. First, standard deviation is calculated based on the inter-quartile mean to provide a statistical measure of central tendency. Gap candidates are then selected if they lie more than 4 standard deviations outside the inter-quartile mean. Once a potential gap candidate has been identified, the method calculates mean-based standard deviation for the NE gaps within the localized segment. If the original candidate lies outside 2 standard deviations of the inter-segment mean, the gap is identified as a split point.
Property Definitions
total [double] iq_mean (interquartile mean) [double] std (standard deviation using interquartile mean) [double] calcarray = new double[get_complete_note_event_list( ).- get_number_of_note_events( )] [array of doubles] event_counter [int] quartile = get_complete_note_event_list( ).get_number_of_note_events( )/4.0 [double] modifier [double] fractional_low [double] fractional_high [double]
Boundary Split
If split point result occurs with a single NE on either side, the gap isolated NE is removed from the current segment and added to the closest neighbor.
Mid-Segment Split
Otherwise, NE combination adjustments on each side of the split point are tested to find a “best fit” resolution. NEs to the left of the midsegment split are combined with the left neighbor segment and tested against all remaining segments for multiple attribute similarity using the variation matrix method. If no reasonable match is found, the same
procedure occurs with NEs to the right of the midsegment split. New segments are created as necessary to accommodate groupings that don't match any of the remaining segments.
Motive and Variation Data Mining
Using a sliding ballooning window data scan method, the system searches within each thematic segment (beginning with the largest) for internal motivic repetition or variation patterns. Repetition and variation is determined using our variation matrix
comparison method (pitch and pitch contour attributes). As previously noted, studies in music cognition strongly suggest that beginnings of patterns play a critical role in determining pattern recognition. For this reason, the motive discovery windowing process begins at the start of each thematic segment and slides forward from there.
The motive identification process occurs within individual segments only. This final data mining is successful because it relies heavily upon the robust results achieved by the adaptive segmentation and ballooning processes described above. It is the combination of these two processes (adaptive segmentation and context-aware
formal discovery) that allows the windowed scan to reliably identify musically valuable motivic information.
Property Definitions
pass_counter = 0 [int] balloon_pass = 0 [int] primary_window [array of NE attribute values] target_window [array of NE attribute values] primary_number_of_events [int] primary_window_position = 0 [int] target_window_position = primary_window_position + 3 [int]
Pseudocode: Identify motive matches using a ballooning window data scanning technique.
FOR ALL SEGMENTS LARGER THAN 5 (FROM LARGEST TO SMALLEST):
for (primary_number_of_events5) { primary_window[0] = pitch_to_next_pitch(NEprimary_window_position) primary_window[1] = pitch_to_next_pitch(NEprimary_window_position+1) if (primary_window[0] == primary_window[1]) {primary_window_position++} else { target_window[0] = pitch_to_next_pitch(NEtarget_window_position+pass_counter) target_window[1] = pitch_to_next_pitch(NEtarget_window_position+1+pass_counter) while (primary_window == target_window) { primary_window[1+balloon_pass] = pitch_to_next_pitch(NEprimary_window_position+1+balloon_pass) target_window[1+balloon_pass] = pitch_to_next_pitch(NEtarget_window_position+1+pass_counter+ balloon_pass) balloon_pass++ } if (balloon_pass > 0 ) {return motive} } primary_window_position++ reset balloon_pass }
Java Code
double d[ ][ ];
int n = 2; // size of source window (delta values)
int m = 2; // size of target window (delta values)
double current_comparison = 0.0;
double previous_comparison = 0.0;
// define arrays to hold candidates segments
double[ ] sourcearray = new double[n];
double[ ] targetarray = new double[m];
int match_count = 0;
boolean primary_comparison_same = false;
for (int i = 1; i < s.get_number_of_segments( )+1;
i++) { // control segment advancement
segment primary = s.indexreturn(i1).
getData( );
int pass = 0; // count number of passes
for (int a = 0; a <
(s.get_segment_at_index(i).get_number_of_note_events( )5);
a++) { // control window slide advancement
match_count = 0; // reset the match counter
// only consider segments with more than 5 NEs
if
((s.get_segment_at_index(i).-
get_number_of_note_events( ) > 5) && (pass+1 <
s.get_segment_at_index(i).get_number_of_note_events( ))) {
for (int p = 0; p < n; p++) {
sourcearray[p] =
primary.get_segment_note_events_list( ).indexreturn
(p+pass).getData( ).get_current_pitch_to_next_pitch( );
}
previous_comparison = 0.0; // reset the previous
comparison data
for (int r = 0; r < n; r++) {
current_comparison = sourcearray[r]; // check
primary array for duplication at the beginning
(repeated notes/changes)
if (current_comparison == previous_comparison)
{primary_comparison_same = true;}
previous_comparison = current_comparison; //
update current comparison
System.out.print(”NE” + (r+pass+1) + ””
+ (r+pass+2) + ”: ”);
System.out.print(sourcearray[r] + ”, ”);
}
if (primary_comparison_same == true)
{System.out.println(”Primary values are the same
skipping analysis”);}
else {System.out.println(”Primary values are the
different continuing analysis”);}
int round = 0;
// check that we don't search beyond the segment
end, and that the source data isn't the same
while ((round+pass <
s.get_segment_at_index(i).get_number_of_note_events( )5)
&& (primary_comparison_same == false)) {
targetarray[0] =
primary.get_segment_note_events_list( ).indexreturn
(3+round+pass).getData( ).get_current_pitch_to_next_pitch( );
targetarray[1] =
primary.get_segment_note_events_list( ).indexreturn
(4+round+pass).getData( ).get_current_pitch_to_next_pitch( );
// local implementation of Variation Matrix
int k; // iterates through s
int j; // iterates through t
double s_k; // ith position of sourcearray
double t_j; // jth position of targetarray
double cost; // cost
d = new double[n+1][m+1];
for (k = 0; k <= n; k++) {d[k][0] = k;}
for (j = 0; j <= m; j++) {d[0][j] = j;}
for (k = 1; k <= n; k++) {
s_k = sourcearray[k1];
// set the input source
for (j = 1; j <= m; j++) {
t_j = targetarray[j1];
// set the input source
if (s_k == t_j) {cost = 0; // if the candidates
are the same, then there is no cost}
else {cost = 1 + Math.abs((sourcearray[k1]
targetarray[j1]));}
// find the path of least resistance
d[k][j] = Minimum (d[k1][j]+1, d[k][j1]+
1, d[k1][j1]
+ cost);
}
}
int SegmentDiff = Math.abs(nm);
// balloon the candidates if exact match is found
if (d[n][m] SegmentDiff
== 0.0) {
int balloon_pass = 1;
boolean balloon_continue = true;
double[ ] balloon_source_array = new
double[s.get_segment_at_index(i).get_number_of_note_events( )];
double[ ] balloon_target_array = new
double[s.get_segment_at_index(i).get_number_of_note_events( )];
while (balloon_continue == true) { // master
ballooning control
balloon_source_array[0] = sourcearray[0];
balloon_source_array[1] = sourcearray[1];
balloon_target_array[0] = targetarray[0];
balloon_target_array[1] = targetarray[1];
if ((4+round+pass+2+balloon_pass) <=
s.get_segment_at_index(i).get_number_of_note_events( ) &&
(balloon_pass+pass+3) <
(4+round+pass+1+balloon_pass)) { // check for end
of segment and primary collision with target
balloon_source_array[1+balloon_pass] =
primary.get_segment_note_events_list( ).indexreturn
(1+pass+balloon_pass).
getData( ).get_current_pitch_to_next_pitch( );
balloon_target_array[1+balloon_pass] =
primary.get_segment_note_events_list( ).indexreturn
(4+round+pass+balloon_pass).
getData( ).get_current_pitch_to_next_pitch( );
// be sure last two target candidates are not same
as the first two primary candidates
if ((balloon_target_array[(1+m+balloon_pass)2]
!= balloon_source_array[0]) &&
(balloon_target_array[(1+m+balloon_pass)1]
!= balloon_source_array[1])) {
// run local match test
d = new
double[n+1+balloon_pass][m+1+balloon_pass];
for (k = 0; k <= n+balloon_pass; k++) {d[k][0] =
k;}
for (j = 0; j <= m+balloon_pass; j++) {d[0][j] =
j;}
for (k = 1; k <= n+balloon_pass; k++) {
s_k = balloon_source_array[k1];
// set the input source
for (j = 1; j <= m+balloon_pass; j++) {
t_j = balloon_target_array[j1];
// set the input source
if (s_k == t_j) {cost = 0; // if the candidates
are the same, then there is no cost}
else {cost = 1 +
Math.abs((balloon_source_array[k1]
balloon —target _array[j1]));}
// find the path of least resistance
d[k][j] = Minimum (d[k1][j]+1, d[k][j1]+
1, d[k1][j1]
+ cost);
}
}
SegmentDiff = Math.abs((n+balloon_pass)(
m+balloon_pass));
if (d[n+balloon_pass][m+balloon_pass] SegmentDiff
== 0.0) {
System.out.println(” Ballooning Successful!”);
match_count++;
balloon_continue = true;
} else {
System.out.println(” Ballooning Aborted Candidates
to not match”);
//primary_starting_position = 0;
balloon_continue = false;
}
} else {
System.out.println(” Ballooning Aborted Repeat
of Motive Detected”);
//primary_starting_position = 0;
balloon_continue = false;
}
} else {
System.out.println(” Ballooning Aborted End
of Segment or Segment Collision Detected”);
//primary_starting_position = 0;
balloon_continue = false;
} // end of nested match ballooning (nested for
data check)
balloon_pass++;
}
}
round++;
}
} else if
(s.get_segment_at_index(i).get_number_of_note_events( ) < 5 ) {
System.out.println(” Contains ” +
s.get_segment_at_index(i).get_number_of_note_events( ) +
” note events skipping analysis”);
} else {
System.out.println(” End of Segment Detected”);
}
System.out.println(match_count + ” matches
found!”);
primary_comparison_same = false; // reset the
primary comparison value
pass++;
}
}
Discovered motivic patterns can be stored and compared against the remaining candidates to determine its prototypical form and made available for further application specific processing.
Optional Operation Post-Processing
For certain post-processing applications, it may be necessary for model data to exist in two forms:
1) Style Tagged: Data initially provided to the system is tagged with a predetermined style association for purposes of categorization and software training. This approach is similar to the way humans acquire and process novel information; or 2) Analysis-Based Classification: Groupings are inferred once the appropriate amount of input data is present. Algorithms parse the data looking for relationships between the various input streams and identify relevant connections. The result expands and enhances the useful style repertoire and maintains an approach similar to human-based induction.
Auditory Specific Processing
The frequency analysis process is to be tested on exposed (separated) audio layers with the aim of detecting pitch and timber changes relative to a known tempo/beat grid.
Median Filters
Nonlinear digital filtering used to remove noise from the input data stream. Results are stored for further analysis.
Frequency Analysis
Median Filters are applied to the Frequency Tracking output at predetermined intervals (for example, 50 ms) to search for areas where the analysis results are within a range of 70 cents (0.7 semitones). (NOTE: In terms of octave point decimal notation, one semitone is a difference of 0.08333 . . . )
Timbre Analysis
IFD is applied to detect the presence of specific partials. Predefined bands check for changes in harmonic content over time and determine when significant change has occurred. Results are provided as an indicator value and stored for further stylistic analysis.
Segment Function Assignment
Function analysis may be used to build larger phrase-based musical forms based on previously analyzed models. Initially these models are added as manual input, but eventually become integral to the system's comparative reading of the analysis data.
Function Analysis
Vertical and approach interval tensions are combined with representations of duration and metric emphasis. Measurable units are applied to these attributes in order to allow for analysis computation. Phrases may be defined and a grouping average determined.
Automated Style Classification
Additional classification relationships are identified once the necessary data is present. This approach expands system applications by suggestion musically appropriate substitutions when alternative solutions are desired. This discovered relationship demonstrates resonance between the input data and the inductive association necessary to create connections.
Context Development
When possible, auditory and manual analysis and classification data are combined to create a comprehensive picture of musical style characteristics.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION
One application of the system and method disclosed herein is in the quantification of substantial similarity between or among a plurality of musical data sets. Such quantification would be useful in judicial proceedings where copyright infringement is alleged, and there exists a need for testimony regarding the similarities between the accused musical work or performance and one or more of the plaintiff's musical works and/or performances. Heretofore, expert musicologists have provided expert testimony based on artistic qualitative measures of similarity. Using the method and system of the present invention, however, will permit quantitative demonstrations of similarities in a wide range of characteristics of the music, allowing a high degree of certainty about copying, influence, and the like.
While the invention has been described in its preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the words which have been used are words of description rather than of limitation and that changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention in its broader aspects. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the spirit of the invention. The inventor further requires that the scope accorded his claims be in accordance with the broadest possible construction available under the law as it exists on the date of filing hereof (and of the application from which this application obtains priority,) and that no narrowing of the scope of the appended claims be allowed due to subsequent changes in procedure, regulation or law, as such a narrowing would constitute an ex post facto adjudication, and a taking without due process or just compensation. | The present invention comprises a system and method, modeled on research observations in human perception and cognition, capable of accurately segmenting primarily (although not exclusively) melodic input in performance data and encoded digital audio data, and mining the results for defining motives within the input data. | 6 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally applies to the area of computer software development. More specifically, the invention relates to compilers that are used to compile source code during the software development cycle.
2. Description of Related Art
Computers process information by executing a sequence of instructions, which may be supplied from a computer program written in a particular format and sequence designed to direct the computer to operate a particular sequence of operations. Most computer programs are written in high level languages such as "C" or FORTRAN which are not directly executable by the computer processor.
In order to run these high-level programs, the programs are compiled by a compiler that translates the instructions in the high-level programs into macroinstructions having a format that can be decoded and executed by the underlying processing system.
The process of translating the high-level program languages into low-level program languages such as an assembler language or machine language for the underlying processor during the software development cycle is known as compiling the source code into object code.
The source code--an input to a compiler--specifies some computation, and the object code--the output of the compiler--specifies the same computation, but in another form. For each source code there are infinitely many object codes that implement the same computation, in the sense that they produce the same output when presented with the same input.
In order to improve the performance of the object code, such as reducing its size or increasing its speed, prior art compilers while compiling the source code use code execution time information such as a basic block execution count (a block of code with no jump in except at the beginning and no jump outs except at the end), and branch probabilities to identify the most frequently executed code locations in order to produce a better object code than a code compiled without the profile information.
In order to identify the most frequently executed code locations, most compilers gather and use profile information about a code being compiled. The profile information typically describes the execution counts of basic blocks, the control flow nature of branch instructions, the invocation counts of function calls etc. To be profiled, a program must be instrumented with counting code, which may be performed by the compiler or another tool developed by the software developer.
While gathering the profile information, these compilers assign unique identifiers (IDs) to each source code entity such as loops and branches in order to collect that particular entity's profile information during the instrumentation of the code. Once the profile information is gathered, the data is recorded in a profile information database created by using the compiler assigned IDs as index keys to each associated profile information representing each code entity. The compiler then uses the assigned IDs to locate specific code entities in a source code, by matching an ID in the profile information database to a corresponding information or characteristics about an entity in the code.
Although the assignment of IDs by most compilers is very useful to associate and identify specific code entities, some drawbacks are associated with the ID-assigned method of compilation.
These drawbacks include the dynamic nature of the assigned IDs. Since IDs are assigned while a program is being compiled, any code changes by the code developer after compilation requires the reassignment of the IDs. The reassignment of IDs is necessary because the compiler maintains a single ID counter across code entities, which means that the order in which code entities are processed can affect the assignments of IDs. Thus, many entries in the profile information database may no longer be valid after a code has been compiled.
To maintain the accurateness and integrity of the profile information database, the source code must be reprofiled after every minor modification to the code after compilation. Such multiple reprofiling of the same piece of code can be time consuming.
The reassignment of IDs during the multiple compilations of the same code may also cause a misalignment of the IDs already assigned to code entities during a prior compilation step which can lead to data corruption in the profile information database. Furthermore, the problems associated with dynamic reassignment of IDs makes it difficult to motivate the code developer to implement any code modifications, especially during a period close to the release of a new code in the code development cycle.
Another drawback is that, to be profiled, the source code must first be instrumented with counting code by the compiler or an external tool developed by the code developer. The instrumented code executes several times producing a profile. The code is then recompiled with the aid of the profile information to generate an optimized object code. Adding an extra compilation adds complexity and cost to a software development process in several ways. For example, profiling can take hours and sometimes days, which sometimes makes software developers hesitant about adding additional profiling time after final bug fixes and before code testing in order not to delay the release schedule. Reprofiling a changed code may also produce differences in profile data that causes the compiler to perform different code optimizations on the code, and potentially expose different compiler bugs while the software developer struggles to by-pass compiler bugs in the final bug fix stage.
To shorten the code release cycle while maintaining code integrity, a method for compiling source code without corrupting profile data gathered during compilation and encourage code modification up until the point of code release in the code development cycle is needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An improved software compiler and a method for building the compiler is disclosed. The described embodiment includes a heuristic predictor for predicting the run-time behavior (profile information) of a source code being compiled. The predictor includes a hash table of rules formed by compiling various types of programs with different characteristics and merging rules generated for each program into a database of rules. The rules are formed by taking static attribute-vector of code entities of each program compiled during the development of the compiler and mapping the attribute-vectors to the profile information generated for each program compiled, so that for each attribute-vector generated there is corresponding profile information.
The preferred embodiment incorporates the instrumentation and feedback phases of the prior art into a single compilation step to allow the code developer to generate profile information specifically for a code being compiled in the instance when the prediction mechanism of the preferred embodiment mispredicts the profile information of the code.
The preferred embodiment includes a switching logic mechanism that allows a code developer to alternate between the predicting mechanism of the preferred embodiment or an alternate method, to generate profile data for a specific code being compiled when the compiler of the preferred embodiment is unable to predict the profile information of the code.
Advantages of the present invention include shortening the code compilation cycle. The compiler of the preferred embodiment is able to predict the run-time behavior of code being compiled thus the compiler does not have to individually profile every code compiled.
The method of the present invention also provides a merging mechanism, in which profile information from different programs are merged into a single profile information database using a set of attributes observed from one or more programs. By observing attributes from different program levels, frequently executed code regions can be distinguished and incorporated into the prediction mechanism of the compiler of the preferred embodiment to subsequently predict the run-time behavior of programs with similar characteristics.
The incorporation of the instrumentation step into the compiler of the preferred embodiment allows the code developer to make bug fixes near the end of the code development cycle without the need to reprofile the code being developed without the complication of extra compilation.
The heuristic prediction feature of the preferred embodiment also allows the code developer to use the same compiler to compile code of different programs and characteristics, without having to use different compilers for each code developed, thus saving the code developer some cost.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below from the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiment of the invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention to the specific embodiments, but are for explanation and understanding only.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the computer system of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a source code compilation cycle in the prior art.
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a code release cycle of the prior art.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a source code compilation cycle of the preferred embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a code release cycle of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the building of one embodiment of the compiler of the preferred embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a static attribute vector of one embodiment of the preferred embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the creation of the rules database of one embodiment of the compiler of the preferred embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating of one embodiment of the instrumentation phase incorporated into the compiler of the preferred embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an alternate profile data generation method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIGS. 1 through 10 of the drawings disclose various embodiments of the present invention for purposes of illustrations only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention. The following description may include specific details associated with the apparatus and method described herein. For example, the compiler and method described herein can be practiced in a single program computer environment or in a multi-program computer environment.
Overview of the Computer System
Reference is first made to FIG. 1 which is an overview of a computer system of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. It will be understood that while FIG. 1 is useful for providing an overall description of the computer system of the present invention, a number of details of the system are not shown.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the computer system 100 generally comprises a bus or other communication means 101 for communicating information, a processor 102 coupled with communication bus 101 for processing information, a memory sub-system 103 coupled with bus 101 for storing information and instructions for processor 102, and a storage device 104, such as a magnetic disk or disk drive coupled to bus 101 for storing information and instructions, such as the compiler 105 of the present invention.
The computer system 100 also includes the compiler 105 which is stored in the storage device 104 for translating a high level program into macroinstuctions, a display device 106 such as a cathode ray tube, liquid crystal display, etc., coupled to the bus 101 for displaying information to the computer user, and an alphanumeric input device 107 coupled to the bus 101 for communicating information and command selections to the processor 102.
Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a block diagram of a compilation cycle of the prior art. Current compilers typically perform two or more passes with more highly optimizing compilers having more passes. A pass is one phase in which the compiler reads and transforms an entire program into an object code. Subsequent optimizing passes are typically designed to be optional and may be skipped when faster compilation is the goal and a slower code is acceptable.
As illustrated at box 200, the prior art code compilation begins with a source code being supplied to a compiler at box 220 via the alphanumeric device 107 or loaded via the storage device 104.
At box 220, after the source code has been supplied to the compiler, the code developer compiles the source code using prior art instrumentation methods into an instrumented object code at box 230.
At box 230, during a first compilation pass, the source code is instrumented into an object code. The compiler instruments the source code by placing counters in various observation points in the code to collect profile data of the code being compiled. The object code is then executed in box 240 by the processor 102 with representative input data supplied from box 220. The executed object code produces profile data which is then fed back to the compiler in subsequent compilations to generate an optimized object code.
At box 250, the profile data gathered from execution of the instrumented object code is fed back to the compiler at box 210 and the source code is recompiled in a second pass with the profile information to generate an optimized object code at box 260.
As illustrated above, for the prior art compiler to generate an optimized code, the source code has to be compiled twice--once without profile information, and again after the profile information becomes available. The optimized object code generated after the second compilation of the source code runs faster and occupies less space than the un-optimized object code. Optimization of the source code results in a speedup of loops, replacing two instances of the same computations by a single copy, rearranging expression trees to minimize resources needed for expression evaluation and reduces the code size.
Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a flow chart illustrating a code release cycle of the prior art.
As illustrated at box 300, the code developer makes code modifications to the source code being developed, by adding new features, instructions etc. The code developer can also modify existing code (bug fixes), which may include modifications that change any major data structures, algorithms, and fixes that can affect the performance of critical code statements and the control flow of many statements (i.e., a loop macro). After developing new code or revising existing code, processing proceeds to box 310.
At box 310, the source code is instrumented by placing probes in various locations to count how many times control passes for each code procedure (e.g., each basic block) by the compiler or an instrumentation program designed by the code developer. After the source code has been instrumented, processing continues at box 320.
At box 320, the code developer tests the instrumented code with representative input data to collect profile information of the instruction counts of the code being compiled. The profile information generated is then used to recompile the source code a second time at box 330.
At box 330, the source code is recompiled using the profile information gathered from box 320, to generate an optimized object code. The optimized object code is then subjected to various tests with datasets provided by the code developer at box 340 to determine whether the code meets the expected performance.
At box 340, the code developer test runs the optimized object code. For example, if the source code is an integer program and the code developer wants to focus on conditional branch instructions, the developer maps each branch instruction to a different code optimization strategy such as reducing the computer system's resource usage and code size for branch instructions that have low execution counts.
At box 350, if the compiled code passes the test conducted at box 340, the code developer prepares to release the code at box 360; otherwise, processing continues at box 300 where the cycle is repeated.
Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a flow chart illustrating a code compilation cycle for a compiler of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 4, compiling source code in the preferred embodiment, unlike the prior art does not require more than one compilation to generate an optimized object code. Unlike the prior art, the optimizing pass of the compiler 105 is part of the compilation cycle. The compiler 105 illustrated, optionally includes a switching logic mechanism which allows the code developer to generate profile data of a program being compiled using conventional methods of the prior art or an alternate embodiment of the present invention which is described in FIG. 10, if the compiler 105 of the preferred embodiment fails to generate an optimized code that performs as fast as the code developer had hoped for.
As illustrated at box 400, the code developer supplies the source code that will be compiled using the heuristic predictor. The compiler 105 compiles the source code at box 405 using the heuristic prediction method of the present invention to generate an optimized object code at box 410. The building of the compiler 105 and the prediction mechanism of the preferred embodiment are described in detail in FIG. 6 and Appendix 1 respectively.
Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is a flow chart illustrating the code release cycle of the compiler of the preferred embodiment. As illustrated at box 500, the code development cycle begins with the code developer supplying a source code which may be modified at box 510. If the source code does not need modification, it is compiled at box 520.
At box 510, the code developer revises the already developed source code by adding new features or fixes any errors (bugs) detected in the code. After the code has been modified, processing continues at box 520.
At box 520, the revised source code or a newly developed code is compiled by the compiler 105 of the preferred embodiment. The compiler 105 compiles the revised or newly developed code by heuristically predicting the run-time behavior of the code thereby eliminating the separate instrumentation and recompilation steps of the prior art as illustrated in FIG. 4. An illustration of how the compiler 105 predicts the run-time behavior of code being compiled by the compiler 105 is described in FIG. 8.
At box 530, the code developer subjects the optimized object code generated at box 510 to various tests similar to that described in box 340 in FIG. 3. If the optimized object code passes the tests conducted by the code developer at box 520 as determined as box 540, the code developer readies the source code for release; otherwise, processing proceeds to box 510 where the code developer fixes any bugs that may be causing the object code to fail the tests.
Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a block diagram illustrating construction of the compiler 105 of the preferred embodiment. The compiler 105 utilizes an automatic profile-guided code optimization and merging of profile data from different programs to form a single heuristic predictor.
The compiler builder begins building the compiler 105 by compiling different types of programs of different programming categories, as illustrated in boxes 600 through 600c in the compiler 105. For example, a first category could include integer programs and a second category could include floating point application programs. For example, the compiler builder may compile such commercially available integer programs like espresso or compress, which converts Boolean equations to truth tables, and in a second category, floating point programs like spice2g6--an electronic circuit designs simulation program, and a host of other source programs, during the building of the compiler 105. As stated earlier, in building the compiler, the compiler builder uses any number of programs (e.g., 600a-c) which are each instrumented by the compiler 105 to generate an instrumented object code at box 610. The instrumentation process is described in detail in FIG. 9.
After each program has been instrumented, the instrumented program is then executed by an underlying processor with various representative input data (i.e., boxes 630-630b) supplied by the compiler builder to generate the profile data for each program at box 620.
At box 620, as each program is executed, the instrumented object code produces profile data. After the profile data of each program has been gathered, processing proceeds to box 650. Note that the steps described so far are similar to those described in the prior art's compilation method in FIG. 2. However, in the preferred embodiment the steps are performed during the building of the compiler by the compiler builder instead of during the code development cycle by the code developer.
At box 640, the compiler 105 generates a vector of attributes for each program being compiled. The attributes are a static string of bits describing various static program attributes such as the loop nesting level of a basic block or branch instruction, loop depth level of a basic block or branch instruction, if-statement nesting levels etc., that are derived from program observation points, such as the beginning and ending of a basic block or the beginning and ending of a branch instruction, during the compiling of each program.
In choosing elements to be included in the attribute set, the compiler builder decides on whether the attributes selected make an observation point in the code unique and the effect of localized source code changes on the attributes. By evaluating the effect of localized source changes to all potential attributes, the compiler builder is able to identify a set of attributes that are less sensitive to localized source changes. For example, in a localized source change which may involve converting a function definition into a macro definition, if in the process of converting, a function is lost, an attribute of a function of the function ordering in a source module is not a desirable attribute. Any attributes that depend on more than the state of a function body are not insensitive to localized source changes. The compiler builder may also insert counters at the beginning and end of a basic block or a branch instruction to determine how many times the block is executed or the branch is taken respectively.
After generating the attributes, the compiler builder then combines the profile data generated for each program in box 620 with the corresponding attribute-vectors at box 650 by mapping the attribute-vector for each program to the corresponding profile data for all the observation points in the compiled programs.
At box 650, the attribute-vectors of the different programs are paired with the corresponding profile data by creating a (attribute-vector, profile data) pair to form rules for each program with the attribute vector representing the right hand side (RHS) of the rule and the profile data representing the left hand side (LHS). The compiler builder concatenates rules from the various programs and combines all profile data that associate with the same attribute-vector in the process of forming a list of rules. For example, the execution count and branch probability of different programs can be averaged when combining the profile data of two entries with the same attribute-vectors. After forming rules for each compiled program, the compiler builder then converts the set of rules to create a common heuristic predictor for the compiler 105 at box 660. The method of combining attribute-vectors for various programs to form rules and the creating of the heuristic predictor is described in detail in FIG. 8.
At box 660, the compiler builder creates a database of rules by adding important rules from each program such as the takeness of a branch, loop backedge, the number of enclosing loops and "if-statements" as described in FIG. 8. The database is created by concatenating the list of rules from the various programs and combining rules that have the same attribute-vector. Once the compiler builder has created the rules database, a common heuristic predictor is created by creating a hash table of all the rules using the attribute-vector as an index. To predict the run-time behavior of a piece of code to be compiled, the predictor takes the attribute-vector of an observation point and checks to see if it matches any rule in the hash table.
If there is a match, the predictor predicts that the observation point will behave like the RHS of a rule (i.e., the attribute vector of the code being compiled matches an existing rule in the hash table). If there is no match, the predictor tells the compiler 105 that there is no information available. In that case the compiler 105 can make a default prediction.
Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which is a block diagram illustrating an example of an encoding scheme of a static vector attribute of the preferred embodiment. In one embodiment of the preferred embodiment, a 32-bit integer word is used to form a static attribute vector of some source program feature such as a basic block or a branch instruction.
The first sixteen bits 700 of the vector include encoding of a function name. The name may be longer than sixteen bits. The function name may be encoded by finding of the XOR of all the characters in a word or use of checksum. This information is then condensed into the first sixteen bits of the static attribute vector.
The next four bits 710 are used for the control flow type. These four bits describe which features of the program are of interest at a particular location. For example, how many times a loop in a particular location is iterated.
Suppose the code developer writes a "for-loop" or a "while-loop" statements that iterates several times. Since the preferred embodiment handles various programming styles, the control type helps in identifying what kinds of iteration are needed or encountered in various programs compiled. The reason for observing the control flow types in a program is because every code developer has different coding styles and by gathering some parts of the code, the present invention can gather distinct but often used features in the coding styles of various programs to compile the code.
The next three bits 720 define the loop-statement depth. These bits indicate the number of loops that are nested together. By gathering this information, the compiler 105 can tell what statements or instructions are executed often.
The next three bits 730 define the "if-statement" depth in a program. In other words, these statements define the conditional statements in a program. The greater the number of these statements in a program, the less the probability of execution.
The last six bits 740 define the branch conditional expression contents. These statements define branch conditions in a program. By gathering this information, the compiler 105 determines the number of branch conditional statements in a source program.
Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which is a block diagram illustrating an example of how the compiler 105 generates the heuristic predictor hash table of the preferred embodiment.
As illustrated at boxes 800a-b, the compiler builder generates attribute-vectors for various observations point for various categories of programs as described in box 640 in FIG. 6. For each attribute-vector that the compiler 105 generates, the compiler builder assigns a unique value to represent each component of the attribute-vector. As illustrated in box 880a for example, the first attribute-vector of an observation point for program A has been assigned the value "10200" with the corresponding profile data being "20%" to illustrate the number of times that for example a branch instruction that corresponds to the observation point is taken during program execution.
At box 810, the rules from various programs of the same category are concatenated, combining rules having the same attribute-vectors to create a rules database. For example, the two programs illustrated have three attribute-vectors that are similar. In developing the final rules database, attribute-vectors that are the same are combined so that the value of their profile data is averaged out as illustrated in box 820. The compiler builder generates rules for programs of different categories in a similar manner.
At box 820, the values of all the attribute-vectors are merged into one single hash table which becomes the predictor for the compiler 105. In merging the attribute-vectors, the program observation points with the same attribute-vectors are combined into a single rule with the profile data of similar rules being averaged out to get a single value to represent the profile data for the combined rules. Rules without duplicate attribute-vectors are simply entered into the hash table.
To predict the run-time behavior of a new program being compiled (i.e., Program C), the compiler 105 assigns attribute-vectors to observation points in the code using the same method as when building the compiler. The compiler does not have to profile the code being compiled because the compiler 105 predicts that specific attribute-vectors in the code being compiled will behave a rule already in the hash table if the attribute-vectors match and is assigned the corresponding profile data. By assigning profile data values to a new code being compiled, the compiler will not have to reprofile any new code presented to it after the compiler has been built.
To handle cases where the compiler 105 is unable to generate an optimized code because the attribute-vectors of the new code do not match any in the predictor, the code developer has the option to recompile the newly developed code using the alternate embodiment of the present invention as described in FIG. 10, or use prior art compilation means as described in FIG. 2.
Reference is now made to FIG. 9, which is flow chart illustrating the instrumentation process of the preferred embodiment. The instrumentation of the source codes by the compiler 105 starts at box 900 where a single source code is presented to the compiler 105.
At box 905, the compiler 105 computes probe locations by identifying observation points at which to insert probes while compiling the code. For example each basic block could be a probe location. Processing continues at box 910.
At box 910, the compiler 105 assigns a unique ID to each probe location identified and processing continues at box 915 where the compiler 105 computes a static attribute record for each give probe location. An example of the attribute is illustrated in FIG. 7 above. The attribute record is saved in a database along with the unique ID for the corresponding probe location.
At box 920, the compiler 105 allocates space in the source data structure that will hold the execution profile information, (the basic block count), for each probe location. Processing continues at box 925.
At box 925, the instrumented source code is executed with one or more representative data inputs provides by the compiler developer. Execution of the representative data produces one dynamic count file for each data input. Processing continues at box 930.
At box 930, the dynamic counts files for the current code being instrumented are combined into one dynamic information table. The dynamic information table is then matched to a static attribute record from box 920 using the probe ID, at box 935. Matching the dynamic information table with the attribute record results in an attribute table made up of static attributes paired with dynamic counts being generated.
At decision box 940, the compiler determines if the current source code being instrumented is the last one to be instrumented. If this is false, the process returns to box 900; otherwise, processing continues at box 945 where the static attributes record and the profile records are combined into a database of the probe locations and the profile information of the source code. In combining the static attributes and profile records, duplicate attributes are eliminated to prevent the compiler 105 from performing the same process on the same code.
FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an alternate embodiment of the preferred embodiment. The alternate embodiment of the preferred embodiment allows the code developer to generate profile data using conventional means for a program being compiled if the preferred embodiment of the present invention mispredicts the run-time behavior of the program. The code developer opts for the alternate embodiment of the present invention by logically selecting a switch which initializes this embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 10, the code developer begins a conventional code profiling at box 950 by presenting a developed source code to the compiler 105 to compile a program using conventional means. As illustrated inbox 952, the compiler 105 compiles the presented code with instrumentation using the instrumentation process described in FIG. 9.
At box 954, the instrumented code is executed using representative data supplied by the code developer. As the code is executed, a database of profile data is created at box 956 by the code developer. The code developer then passes the profile data through a "make rules" programs at box 958. The "make rules" program produces a rules table similar to the one described in box 660 in FIG. 6. However, the rules table generated in box 958 are specific to the user's program and does not include the combined information of the preferred embodiment.
At box 960 the instrumented code is recompiled with the rules from the rules table generated by the rules program in box 958 to generate an optimized object code. After the object code has been generated, the code is subjected to various tests at box 962.
If the optimized code passes the tests conducted at box 962, as determined at decision box 964, the code developer readies to release the code at box 972; otherwise, processing continues at decision box 966.
At box 966, the code developer decides whether the optimized object code is failing the tests conducted at box 962 due to major errors in the source code or minor errors. If the code developer determines that the errors in the source code are major, processing continues at box 970; otherwise, processing continues at box 968 if the errors are determined to be minor.
At box 968, the code developer identifies and fixes the minor errors detected in the source code and recompiles the code at box 960 with the profile data already generated during the previous compilation of the code However, if the identified bugs at box 966 are determined to be major, the code developer adds new features or fixes the major bugs at box 970 and recompiles the revised code again.
The difference between the code compilation cycle described above and the code compilation cycle of the prior art described in FIG. 3 is that in the prior art, anytime the code developer makes a code change, no matter how minor the change may be, the entire compilation cycle is repeated. However, with the alternate compilation method of the present invention, the entire compilation cycle is only repeated when there is a major fix to the source code.
APPENDIX 1
______________________________________ int a = 0; fn( ) } int i; for (i=0;i<max;i++) { if(cc(i)) { } }______________________________________
Appendix 1 sets forth a sample of a source code that the compiler builder may use in constructing the compiler of the preferred embodiment to generate the heuristic predictor of the compiler. The sample source program includes variables and a format well known in the art. The source code includes a global initialization variable (int a=-0), a function name ("fn()"), a local variable initialization ("int i"), a "for-loop" statement for the local variables within the function, and a conditional "if-statement. After the source code has been supplied to the compiler, the compiler inserts probes at each basic block to observe the run-time behavior of the block. The insertion of the probes results in the following:
______________________________________ fn( ) { block.sub.-- 1: i=0 block.sub.-- 2: if(i>=100)gotoblock.sub.-- 6 block.sub.-- 3: t1 = call cc (i) if(t == 0)goto block.sub.-- 5 block.sub.-- 4: a = a + 1 block.sub.-- 5: i = i + 1 gotoblock.sub.-- 2: block.sub.-- 6 return }______________________________________
From the above example, the compiler identified six basic blocks, with three branches--two of which are conditional branches. The two conditional branches indicate how many times the program flow is interrupted. After the compiler has identified the observation points in the program, the compiler instruments the program by adding counters at each basic block. Although the compiler did identify six observation points, the points of interest to the compiler developer are the two conditional branches because they represent the number of time control flow in the program is interrupted. At the same time the compiler is adding counter at each block, the compiler also determines the static attribute-vector of the observation point. Adding counters at each block results in the following:
______________________________________ fn( ) block.sub.-- 1: counter 1! =counter 1! + 1 i = 0 block.sub.-- 2: counter 2! = counter 2! + 1 if (i>=100) goto block.sub.-- 6 block.sub.-- 3: counter 3! = counter 3! + 1 block.sub.-- 4: counter 4! = counter 4! + 1 a = a + 1 block.sub.-- 5: gotoblock.sub.-- 2: block.sub.-- 6: counter 6! = counter 6! + 1 return }______________________________________
As stated above, the compiler also determines the attribute-vector associated with each observation point. For the code presented above, the compiler uses the static attributes including the loop nesting level, the if nesting level, and the branch type to represent the attribute-vectors for each observation point. Since there are six basic blocks, instrumenting the source code produces the following attribute-vectors for each block:
______________________________________block loop level if-level branch type______________________________________1 0 0 none2 0 0 for loop3 1 0 if4 1 1 none5 1 0 unconditional6 0 0 none______________________________________
After instrumenting the source program, the compiler completes the compilation of the instrumented code by generating an object code. The program is then ready to execute with the representative data supplied by the compiler developer. Executing the program with the representative data produces profile information for the program. The profile information includes the six counters--one for each basic block. The counters represent the number of times a basic block was executed. For the program presented above, the profile information generated will be as follows:
______________________________________Counters Probability______________________________________1 none101 100%100 99%45 45%100 100%1 none______________________________________
Each counter is then converted to indicate whether a block ends in a branch or not. If a block does not end in a branch, it has no probability.
After the program has been executed, a table of rules representing the attributes and the profile information of the program is formed using the attribute-vectors as the left hand side of the rule and the profile information the right hand side of the rule. The table of rules resulting from the execution of the sample program present above is as follows:
______________________________________LHSloop level if level branch type RHS______________________________________0 0 none none0 0 forloop 99%1 0 if 45%1 1 none none1 0 unconditional 100%0 0 none none______________________________________
The rules formed are then consolidated to eliminate duplicates in the left hand side of the rules. In the example presented above, since basic blocks 1 and 6 have the same attribute-vectors and profile information, they are combined. The compiler builder performs the same attribute-vectors and profile information gathering for all the programs compiled during the developing of the compiler. The rules generated from all the programs compiled are then consolidated and concatenated into the heuristic predictor described in FIG. 8 above.
Thus, a method and apparatus for heuristically predicting profile information in a compiler has been described. The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive and the scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the above descriptions. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. | A heuristic prediction method of generating profile information for compilers in a computer system that associates profile information to attribute-vectors of a source code derived from observation points in the code during compilation. The prediction method of the present invention enables the compiler to predict the code run-time behavior even before the code has been compiled, therefore providing an ideal way to maintain profile information. In addition to heuristically predicting code run-time behavior, the compiler of the present invention includes features that allow the compiler user to generate profile information of code being compiled using conventional profile generation methods. | 6 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to utility revenue meters for measuring usage and quality of electrical power in an electrical power distribution network. In particular, the present invention relates to utility revenue meters that are connected to the Internet via wireless means.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0004] With proliferation of electrically powered devices and systems, there is an increasing need to accurately and precisely measure and monitor the quality of the electrical power supplying these devices and systems. Electric utility companies (“utilities”) track electric usage by customers by using electrical energy meters. These meters track the amount of energy consumed at a particular location. These locations range from power substations, to commercial businesses, to residential homes. The electric utility companies use the energy meters to charge customers for their power consumption, i.e. revenue metering.
[0005] A popular type of energy meter is the socket-type energy meter. As its name implies, the meter itself plugs into a socket for easy installation, removal, and replacement. Other meter installations include panel mounted, switchboard mounted, and circuit breaker mounted. Typically the energy meter connects between utility power lines supplying electricity and a usage point, namely a residence or commercial place of business. Though not typical, an energy meter may also be placed at a point within the utility's power grid to monitor power flowing through that point for distribution, power loss, or capacity monitoring. Also, energy meters that handle sub-metering functions can be used to monitor internal customer usage.
[0006] Traditionally, energy meters used mechanical means to track the amount of consumed power. The inductive spinning disk energy meter is still commonly used. The spinning disk drives mechanical counters that track the power consumption information. Newer to the market are electronic energy meters based on solid-state microprocessor applications. Electronic meters have replaced the older mechanical meters, and utilize digital sampling of the voltage and current waveforms to generate power consumption information. In addition to monitoring power consumption, electronic meters can also monitor and calculate power quality, that is, voltage, current, real power, reactive power, apparent power, etc. These power quality measurements and calculations are displayed on an output display device on the meter.
[0007] While electrical utility companies currently use devices to measure the amount of electrical power used by both residential and commercial facilities and the quality of electrical power in an electrical power distribution network, these devices generally do not allow for readings to be made automatically via some remote means. The meter readings are collected in the same manner they were collected in the past, a person reads and reports the information displayed on the meter.
[0008] In more recent developments, limited power consumption information can be transmitted from the energy meter to the utility through the use of telephone communications circuitry contained either within or external to the meter. These developments are advantageous to the utility company in that they reduce the need for employees being dispatched to the remote locations to collect the power consumption information. A standard modem receives raw power consumption information from the energy meter and transmits the information to the utility company via telephone lines.
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a house or an institution 10 having a revenue meter 12 connected to a modem 14 . The modem 14 is, in turn, connected to a telephone line 16 . In the house or an institution 10 , the telephone line 16 may be a dedicated line, i.e., only the modem 14 is connected to it, or a shared line, for example, with one or more telephones 18 connected to the same line 16 via a telephone jack 17 . The telephone line 16 is connected to the telephone infrastructure or grid 28 being managed by a telephone company 26 . Similarly, on the utility side, the utility company or a department entrusted to receive meter readings 20 includes at least one computer 22 connected to a modem 24 , which is connected to the telephone line 16 .
[0010] While this represents an improvement over past techniques, this method has proven to be costly and unreliable, as there is a need for dedicated telephone line connection and line maintenance, which is expensive. When equipment malfunctions an employee must be dispatched to determine the reason for the malfunction and then a specialist must be sent in to fix it. Therefore, there exists a need for a device, which can accurately, inexpensively, and timely provide measurements, e.g., power consumption information, recorded by a common energy or energy meter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an electronic energy meter that can deliver power consumption information readings from residential and commercial facilities to electrical utility companies.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide an electronic energy meter that provides power consumption information to the electrical utility companies automatically via a remote means.
[0013] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an electronic energy meter that provides power consumption information to the electrical utility companies without involvement of human meter readers and installation of modems and telephone lines.
[0014] The present invention provides an electric energy meter for providing real time revenue metering using wireless or cell phone technology. The present invention describes an electrical metering system capable of performing multiple metering functions, collecting data, and wirelessly provides the collected metering data to a utility operator is disclosed. The electrical metering system comprising at least one computing device for initiating a request for data; a first modem for connecting the computing device to an infrastructure; a wireless embedded modem for wirelessly connecting an electric meter to an infrastructure, wherein the wireless electric modem receives a request from the computing device and wirelessly transmits the metering data to the computing device thereby initiating the request.
[0015] The present application describes three infrastructure variations herein below. However, additional combinations and variations of the described infrastructure will be understood by those skilled in the art. The invention describes establishing communication between the embedded wireless modem and the computing device over the following infrastructures:
[0016] 1. The infrastructure comprises a telephone infrastructure including telephone landlines operated by at least one telephone company and a cell phone infrastructure including cell phone relay stations operated by at least one cell service provider. The embedded wireless modem utilizing industry standard interface protocols used within the cell phone industry to communicate with the computing device.
[0017] 2. The infrastructure comprises a wide area network, e.g., the Internet. The embedded wireless modem utilizing industry standard interface protocols, for example, 802.11a and 802.11b, to communicate with the computing device.
[0018] 3. The infrastructure further comprises the wide area network and a carrier network infrastructure including a broadcasting means operated by at least one carrier network provider. The embedded wireless modem utilizing industry standard interface protocols selected from General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) to communicate with the computing device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The present invention is further explained by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram of interconnectivity between an energy meter and a utility for the purpose of collecting power usage data according to prior art;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram of interconnectivity between an energy meter and a utility for the purpose of collecting power usage data, using the telephone and a cell phone infrastructures, according to the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a diagram of interconnectivity between a energy meter and a utility for the purpose of collecting power usage data, using the Internet and a carrier network infrastructures, according to the present invention; and
[0023] FIG. 4 is a diagram of interconnectivity between an energy meter and a utility for the purpose of collecting power usage data, using the Internet infrastructure, according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] The present invention provides an electric energy meter for providing real time revenue metering using wireless or cell phone technology to deliver information to a computing device on a network, e.g., an Internet website, managed by an electrical utility company or its affiliates. The operation of the electric energy meter of the present invention is described in a co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,751,563, titled “Electronic Energy meter”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0025] Numerous types of wireless Ethernet connections can be used to perform the objects of the present invention. These types can be classified in terms of the type of a connection to the network and the configuration and capability of the utility revenue meter. In general, the proposed implementation can be used on any network that includes wireless modems. The following are some examples of proposed configurations.
[0000] Dial-Up Connection
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a computing device 22 , e.g., a computer or a hand held wireless device that may be used to retrieve information form a revenue meter 12 . A revenue meter 12 is located within or outside a house or an institution 10 for metering utility provided resources, e.g., electrical power. A connection between the computing device 22 and the revenue meter 12 may be established via a dial-up using wired lines 28 , such as a telephone infrastructure and wireless cell technology. A telephone infrastructure or grid 28 , managed by a telephone company 26 may be used together with the wireless grid infrastructure 40 including Cell Relay stations 42 managed by a cell phone service provider. It is noted that the telephone infrastructure or grid 28 may be discarded where the computing device 22 has direct access to the wireless grid infrastructure 40 .
[0027] The computing device 22 may be located anywhere the telephone and cell infrastructures 26 and 40 reaches. This may be on the premises of a utility company itself or at any department or agency entrusted with receiving meter readings. The connection between the computing device 22 and the revenue meter 12 may be established via a dial-up process using a wireless modem 34 to respond to a signal from the computing device 22 relayed by a cell relay station 42 .
[0028] The wireless embedded modem 34 can communicate with the revenue meter via hard wired communication means 36 , such as, a serial connection, the Ethernet, a universal serial bus (USB), and a faster version of USB, USB2, or using wireless means, for example, 802.11 and similar protocols. The meter peripheral device's 38 communicates with the revenue meter 12 via industry standard communication protocols, such as, Modbus remote terminal unit (RTU) from the Modicon Inc., ONP etc., so that the meter peripheral device 38 can act as a server for any revenue meters 12 utilizing industry standard interfaces and protocols. The peripheral device 38 presents the collected meter readings and data to the wireless modem 34 to be forwarded to the computing device 22 using a browser program.
[0029] The revenue meter 12 or a peripheral device 38 attached to the revenue meter manage the wireless modem 34 , e.g., controlling the modem's readiness for a dial-up session established by the computing device 22 . Additionally, the revenue meter 12 or the peripheral device 38 may be accessed via the wireless modem 34 and used as a server for providing revenue meter's readings and other relevant data to the computing device 22 . An interface program, e.g., a browser may be used on the revenue meter 12 or the peripheral device 38 to send and receive data.
[0030] In this mode, after the connection between the embedded wireless modem 34 and the computing device 22 is established, the revenue meter 32 or the meter peripheral device 38 control the embedded wireless modem 34 maintaining its readiness for a dial-up session. Such a session may be initiated by the computing device 42 at any time.
[0000] Wireless Packet Data Connection
[0031] In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3 , the wireless modem 34 communicates with the computing device 22 via a carrier network 54 using various protocols, e.g., a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) etc., to provide the revenue meter information collected by the revenue meter 12 . In this embodiment, the carrier network 54 is utilized in conjunction with packet data networks, such as the Internet.
[0032] A connection between computing device 22 , e.g., a computer or a hand held wireless device and the revenue meter 12 may be established via a carrier network 54 . The computing device 22 uses a dial-up modem 24 or some other means to access an Internet service provider (ISP) and a common browser program, e.g., a Microsoft Explorer, to connect to the Internet 50 , and through it to the carrier network 54 . The dial-up modem 24 can be a digital subscriber line (DSL) modem or a cable modem and can connect to the Internet via the cable, satellite, or the telephone infrastructure, including hot spots located within appropriate distance from the modem 24 . The modem 24 may be built into the computing device 22 .
[0033] The carrier network 54 may include a carrier network provider facility 58 , a broadcasting means 56 , e.g., a broadcasting tower, a satellite, etc., and some means of access to the Internet 50 . The computing device 22 may be located anywhere, the only requirement is that it has an ability and means to connect to the Internet 50 . The computing device 22 may be located on the premises of a utility company itself or at any department or agency entrusted with receiving meter readings.
[0034] A request for information from the computing device 22 is forwarded over the Internet 50 to the carrier network provider facility 52 , where the request is processed and transmitted via the broadcasting means 56 to the wireless embedded modem 34 . The wireless embedded modem 34 can communicate with the revenue meter via hard wired communication means 36 , such as, a serial connection, the Ethernet, a universal serial bus (USB), and a faster version of USB, USB2, or using wireless means, for example, 802.11 and similar protocols.
[0035] The revenue meter 12 or a peripheral device 38 attached to the revenue meter, manages the wireless modem 34 , e.g., control the modem's readiness to send information to the computing device 22 . Additionally, the revenue meter 12 or the peripheral device 38 may perform as a server for providing revenue meter's readings and other relevant data to the computing device 62 . An interface program, e.g., a browser, may be used to send and receive data.
[0000] Hot Spots
[0036] In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 4 , the wireless modem 34 communicates with the computing device 22 via the Internet 50 to provide information collected by the revenue meter 12 . In this embodiment, the wireless modem 34 is accessed via a wireless access point (802.11a or b) called a hot spot 60 , which covers a specific geographic boundary. The hot spots are usually set up for Internet access by devices with wireless connectivity. Hot spots can be located just about anywhere, and the maximum connectivity distance is being constantly improved.
[0037] Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art. That is, those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto. | An electrical metering system capable of performing multiple metering functions, collecting data, and wirelessly provides the collected metering data to a utility operator. In the electrical metering system, at least one computing device for initiating a request for data. A first modem connects the computing device to an infrastructure. A wireless embedded modem for wirelessly connects an electric meter to an infrastructure, and the wireless electric modem receives a request from the computing device and wirelessly transmits the metering data to the computing device, thereby initiating the request. | 8 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/021,285, filed Feb. 22, 1993, now abandoned, and the Feb. 22, 1993 date is claimed as the priority date of this continuation application.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to interconnection of data processing systems through a coupling facility, and more particularly to assigning management ownership of the coupling facility to a collection of systems sharing the facility, and maintaining consistency of data and control structures in the coupling facility when concurrent management of the facility and structures is shared the systems in the presence of faulty systems, and concurrently executing management processes in the systems.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
The following applications, all assigned to the assignee of this application and all filed Mar. 30, 1992, are cited for their description of an environment in which the present invention is embodied.
1. Communicating Messages Between Processors And A Coupling Facility by D. A. Elko et al, Ser. No. 860,380.
2. Method And Apparatus For Notification Of State Transitions For Shared Lists Of Data Entries by J. A. Frey et al, Ser. No. 860,809, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,328.
3. Sysplex Shared Data Coherency Method and Means by D. A. Elko et al, Ser. No. 860,805.
4. Command Quiesce Function by D. A. Elko et al, Ser. No. 860,330, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,405.
5. Command Retry System by D. A. Elko et al, Ser. No. 860,378, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,397.
6. Lock Control System for Data Sharing in a Multisystem Data Processing Complex by J. Insalaco et al, Ser. No. 548,516 (Filed Jul. 2, 1990).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In a data processing system, data and system control structures may be shared between several programs running on a single central processing complex (CPC), or shared between several CPC's using a shared facility.
Commands are communicated over a link to the shared facility through channel apparatus. (See related application 1.) The shared facility provides a program controlled command execution processor which accesses the shared control and data structures. The shared storage is comprised of system storage for system-wide or global control structures, and storage for CPC-program created data cache and list structures. (See related applications 2 and 3). All of these structures can be shared among programs in one CPC, or among plural CPC's. Commands are received over a plurality of links. Link buffers are provided to receive commands and/or data, and store responses for transfer over the link to a CPC and/or program. When the shared facility interconnects a plurality of CPC's, a system complex (Sysplex) is created to form a single system image from all of the autonomous CPC's.
It is therefore very important that a function and system be provided in the shared facility that maintains consistency of data or control structures. A program that initiates an action in the shared facility must be able to determine whether a command was received, received and completed, or received but aborted. The program must eventually receive the results of the action, or determine that the action must be requested again. (See related applications 4 and 5).
The related applications describe a shared coupling facility in the form of a structured electronic storage (SES) which couples a network of CPC's into a Sysplex. The CPC's share data structures in SES in the form of caches and lists, and can share management of the status of SES.
The status of a structure in SES is maintained by all the CPC's attached to the SES. When a structure is allocated or created in SES, the allocation status is made known to all systems in order to insure that all users of a given structure share the same instance of that structure. Structures may be allocated and deallocated and users of those structures may be attached and detached concurrently by any CPC during ongoing operation of the systems attached to the SES.
When a user of a SES structure is being detached or a structure is being deallocated, the system on which that operation is being executed may fail. The failure may be permanent or temporary. In either case, a latent SES operation may exist to detach a user or deallocate a SES structure. Until the detach or deallocate operation has completed, SES resources are not available for reassignment. In order to avoid having the failure of one system adversely impact the capabilities of other systems, other systems require the ability to complete the detach or deallocate operation.
The ability of a correctly operating system to complete the detach or deallocate operation associated with a failing system makes SES resources available for reassignment but leads to a serialization and data integrity problem. Assume a system "A" was processing a deallocate command when it became temporarily not operational. Following system A's failure, assume a system "B" completed the deallocate processing and subsequently allocated a new structure in the SES facility with the same identification as the structure that system A was deallocating before it failed. This new structure is available to service users and contain nonvolatile data. If system A resumes execution, the latent deallocate command must not be successfully processed against this new structure created by system B.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to preserve consistency of control and data structures in a facility shared by a plurality of programs when any of the programs can change the status of structures or users in the facility.
A more specific object of the invention is to provide an authorization method as part of the execution of certain commands to the facility to conditionally execute the command only if the authorization method allows the execution.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are achieved by associating an authority value with objects in the shared SES facility. Objects include control and status information of SES itself, data structures including cache and list structures, and user control information.
Certain commands issued to SES which change the status of objects include a comparative authority value operand. The comparative authority value is compared with the existing authority value associated with the object. If they do not match, the command is not executed, and the existing authority value is returned to the program issuing the command.
The commands also include a new authority value operand. If the comparative authority value and existing authority value are equal, the command is executed and the new authority value replaces the previous existing authority value. Authority values are comprised of information that is unique to each command issued by any program connected to SES.
In the example previously described, system A might start a deallocate procedure because the authority values matched. However, when system B completed the deallocate, and allocated a new structure, a new existing authority value would have been associated with the structure. A second attempt by system A to deallocate the structure would not succeed because the comparative authority value in the command would not match the existing authority value created by system B.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a data processing system complex that incorporates the present invention to provide shared usage of system-wide data and control structures in a shared structured electronic storage (SES) facility.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting the hierarchy of authorization achieved in practicing the present invention.
FIG. 3 shows the association of data structure and user ID's with authority values within a SES facility.
FIGS. 4A-4B depict the format and contents of bit vectors used for defining data structure ID's and user ID's in a SES facility.
FIGS. 5A-5C depict the format of authority value operands used in commands to SES and stored in SES.
FIGS. 6A-6D depict the format of commands issued to SES by a program and the response received back to the program from SES.
FIGS. 7A-7B depict is a flow chart describing the method of using authority values in accordance with the present invention to assure consistency of data and controls under concurrent control of a plurality of users.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The block diagram of FIG. 1 provides a description of the environment for practicing the present invention. It depicts the coupling together of at least two autonomous data processing systems into a system complex (Sysplex) that exhibits a single system image to a user. Autonomous data processing systems 15 are designated as Central Processing Complex (CPC) 1 and 2. CPC 1 and 2 can each be an International Business Machines ES/9000 data processing system.
An ES/9000 data processing system 15 is comprised of one or more Central Processing Units (CPU) 16, a main memory 17 and a channel system 18. Main memory 17 stores data which is manipulated by a plurality of stored application or utility programs 19 (P1-P9), all under the control of an operating system 20 such as the IBM MVS/SP control program, including SES support programming and Sysplex management to be further described. In a Sysplex environment, where fault tolerance and/or increased performance is desired, some of the programs 19 such as P1 and P2 may be duplicated in the systems 15.
The channel system 18 is comprised of a plurality of channel sub-systems (CSS) which connect each system 15 with various peripheral units. Certain of the peripheral units may be various I/O units 21 such as magnetic tapes, printers, direct access storage devices (DASD), or communication control units to provide connection of user terminals for example. Some I/O devices 22 may be shared by the two systems 15. The channel systems 18 are also shown in FIG. 1 to be connected to a Structured Electronic Storage 23 (SES) to be more fully described as part of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The paths 24 in FIG. 1 that connect the systems 15 to the various peripheral units are preferably fiber optic cable pairs that provide for serial, bidirectional transfer of information between the units. Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,003,558 and 5,025,458 are incorporated by reference herein for their showing of various aspects of a CSS for synchronizing and decoding of serial data transmission between the systems 15 and, for example SES 23.
SES 23 is typically used to store and manipulate various data structures such as lists and caches. The above cited references 2 and 3 deal with the structure and manipulation of these data structures. The present invention describes the process by which these data structures are allocated or activated, deallocated or deactivated, and the attachment or detachment of users (programs) to the structures for shared use.
Support programming, as part of the operating systems 20, respond to requests from programs 19 to access control information contained in SES 23, and control information contained in a SES function data set (FDS) stored on one or more of the shared I/O devices 22. The FDS stores information about various data structures such as size and type, users of the structures, names used by various programs to identify the structures, and other installation dependent information about the various resources in the systems coupled together in a sysplex. Although only a single SES 23 is described, there could be several SES's coupling various combinations of CPC's together. Only one sysplex is described here, but even with only one SES 23, various combinations of CPC's can be defined. The FDS on I/O devices 22 would be accessed and manipulated in accordance with the above cited reference 6.
FIG. 2 depicts the general concept of the present invention. To allow for the concurrent management of SES 23, data structure allocation/deallocation, and user attachment/detachment, an authorization process is implemented. A series of authorization checks take place including a first check that the SES facility itself is in a state to be managed. This is effected by the associated SES facility authority 30. Data structure authority 31 deals with allocation/deallocation of data structures, and user authority 32 deals with attachment of users to the various data structures. The same authority concept is used in the creation or deletion of retry buffers 31a as described in above cited reference 5.
An associated authority value of zero signifies that SES is not managed, and therefore can not respond to most commands received. An authority value of zero associated with a data structure indicates that the data structure has not been allocated, and a zero authority value associated with a user indicates that the designated user has not yet been attached to a data structure. A nonzero authority value associated with these three objects means just the opposite. The following discussion will describe the format of authority values, and how they are used in various commands to allow for concurrent manipulation of the data structures to maintain consistent views of the structures with possible error conditions experienced by various users of SES. This need is evident from the description of reference 6 cited above where it is seen that one user may initiate an action in SES with one view of an object status, but find subsequently that the status has changed.
CPC's 15, SES 23, and links 24 of FIG. 1 are shown again in FIG. 3. The only structure of SES 23 to be discussed in this invention is that portion that actually stores operands, control data, and data structures. The above cited references 4 and 5 discuss additional detail involving program controlled processors and stored programs in SES 23 that respond to and executed various commands issued to SES 23 by SES support programs running in the CPC's 15 as part of the operating system 20.
FIG. 3 shows a number of operands stored in SES 23, and which form part of commands issued to SES by programs running in the CPC's 15. General control of the SES facility is by global controls 33 which include a SES authority value 34 (SESAU), structure ID (SID) vector 35, and other control information 36. Details of the format and use of these operands will be discussed subsequently.
A number of data structures 37, 38, and 39 will be defined, and as previously mentioned, these data structures may be list structures or cache structures. List structures might typically be elements of work queues being shared by the various CPC's. Cache structures become a part of a storage hierarchy, shared by CPC's each with local caches and main memory, as well as other attached I/O devices.
List structure controls 40 in the case of list structures, and cache structure controls 41 in the case of cache structures include a structure authority (SAU) operand 42. Each list structure control 40 also includes an associated user ID (UID) vector 43, and each cache structure control includes an associated local cache ID (LCID) vector 44.
As data structures become allocated or created, users or local CPC caches will be attached to the structures for use. As this occurs, user controls 45 and local cache (LC) controls 46 are made effective. The user or local cache controls will include a user ID (UID) operand 47 or local cache ID (LCID) operand 48. Each UID 47 and LCID 48 will have an associated user authority (UAU) value 49, and local cache authority (LCAU) value 50 respectively.
FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B show the format of the SID vector 35 and UID/LCID vectors 43,44 respectively in FIG. 3. Each is a bit vector where the binary state of each bit position indicates whether a particular ID value has been assigned. The allocation or creation of a data structure starts with a CPC program identifying the structure by a logical name within the particular CPC. For purposes of identifying the structure in commands issued to SES, the structure is dynamically given a temporary ID. The SID vector 35 is examined, the first position having a binary "0" is noted, and the position number used to create a 16-bit SID value. Commands to be executed on that data structure thereafter use the SID as an operand.
In a like manner, each data structure has an associated UID or LCID bit vector shown in FIG. 4B. As users or local CPC caches are attached for use of the structures, the associated UID or LCID vector is examined to find a bit position with binary "0", and that position is used to create an 8-bit binary number to identify that particular user or local cache.
In the case of a SID, UID, or LCID vector, when the position is assigned, it is changed to a binary "1". In a like manner, when a user or local cache is detached, or structure deallocated, the corresponding bit position of the bit vector is reset to binary "0" meaning that ID is again available for use for some other data structure, user, or local cache.
FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C show respectively from FIG. 3, SESAU 34, SAU 42, and UAU 49 or LCAU 50. An essential in practicing the present invention is that authority values, when created, be unique. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the SESAU is comprised of an 8-byte sysplex name 51, and an 8-byte time-of-day (TOD) clock value 52. The TOD of all CPC's 15 are synchronized and represents the instant in time that the authority value was created. The TOD of all systems are synchronized to an external time reference in accordance with the teaching of U.S. Pat. No. 5,041,798 for Time Reference With Proportional Steering by Moorman et al, and assigned to the assignee of this invention. As mentioned previously, a SES 23 can be connected to many CPC's, and various combinations of CPC's can each be considered a sysplex. The sysplex name 51 and TOD 52 reflect which gained management control of the SES facility.
A structure authority (SAU) value 42 shown in FIG. 5B is comprised of a TOD value 52, a system number 53, and a sequence number 54. The system number 53 is a 1-byte value assigned by sysplex management logic when the system joined the sysplex. The sequence number 54 is a 3-byte value reflecting the number of times the system number has been assigned.
A user or local cache authority value 49 or 50 is shown in FIG. 5C and is comprised of the above mentioned system number 53 and TOD value 52. Again, the TOD value 52 reflects the instant in time that the UAU or LCAU is created as part of attaching a user or local cache to a particular list or cache structure.
Subsequent descriptions will refer to the various authority values of FIG. 5 with modifiers. A first authority value modifier will be a "comparative" authority value which will be one operand contained in certain commands issued to SES 23 by a CPC 15. Another operand that may be included in a command is a "new" authority value. Finally, an authority operand stored in SES as either SESAU 34, SAU 42, or UAU/LCAU 49 or 50, will be referred to as an "existing" authority value.
FIG. 6A will be used to describe the general use of authority values in accordance with the present invention. A command issued by a CPC 15 to be executed on an object in SES 23 will include a command code 55 designating the action to be performed on a particular object in SES. Other operands 56 in the command may designate the object and any other operands necessary during the execution. The significant operand of the command in accordance with the invention is the comparative authority value (COMP AU) 57. In particular, the execution of the command on the object by the processor and programming in SES will be inhibited if the comparative authority value 57 does not equal the existing authority value associated with the object.
The command in FIG. 6B adds a further operand comprising a new authority value 58. Certain commands, when executed by SES, make a comparison of the comparative AU 57 to the existing authority value of an object in SES. If they are equal, the new authority value 58 becomes the existing authority value of the object.
An example of this latter use of authority values is one of the first commands issued to SES by a CPC. When the shared facility is initialized, SES is in an unmanaged state such that only a limited number of commands will be executed. The unmanaged state is signified by the fact that the SESAU 34 in FIG. 3 has a value of zero. To place SES in a managed state, and therefore responsive to further commands, a command "Set SES authority" is issued. The comparative authority value 57 will be zero, and the new authority value 58 will be a non-zero value with the contents as shown in FIG. 5A for SESAU 34. This now becomes the existing authority value for the SES facility itself. To place SES in an unmanaged state, the Set SES Authority command will have a new SESAU value 58 of zero. On the assumption the comparative authority value 57 still equals the existing authority value of SESAU 34 previously set, the new value of zero will be set in SESAU 34.
The same concept applies to allocation or creation of data structures, the attachment of users to list structures, and attachment of local caches to cache structures in SES. A data structure such as list 37 or cache 38 in FIG. 3 is not allocated until an allocate command is issued by a CPC with a comparative SAU value 57 of zero, and a new SAU value 58 as in FIG. 5B. The SAU 42 of FIG. 3, for example, will be set with the new SAU value 58 of the command. A user may not use a data structure until the same procedure is executed with an Attach command specifying a structure such as SID 1 which will change the user authority (UAU) 49 from zero to a nonzero value such as shown in FIG. 5C. A detach command or deallocate command must include a proper comparative authority value 57 equalling the existing authority value of UAU 49 or SAU 42 respectively. The new authority value 58 of the commands will equal zero and become the existing authority value UAU 49 or SAU 42 respectively.
Commands such as those just described, issued by a CPC 15, expect a response back from SES 23 such as shown in FIG. 6D. The response code 59, status 60, and other 61 operands received reflect the results of execution of the command received by SES 23. If the comparative authority value 57 of a command did not equal the existing authority value associated with the object of the command, this will be reflected in the contents of the response code 59 and status 60. A further operand in the response will be the correct existing authority value 62 associated with the object, whether SES itself, a data structure, or user. Some commands to SES allow for the reading of global, structure or user controls including the existing authority value. The present invention as just described allows a program in a CPC to assume that the allocate, deallocate, attach, or detach command will complete execution with the correct comparative authority value specified. In those few instances where the comparative authority value does not equal the present existing authority value, the correct existing authority value 62 in the response will allow for program protocols which determine the correct action to take. Correct actions may include discontinued use of SES, terminate, or use of the correct value in a subsequent command by another system completing detachment of a user initiated by a system that is now stopped.
The invention described can be extended further as shown in FIG. 6C. A command would include a comparative authority value #1 63, comparative authority value #2 64, and a new authority value #2 65. For example, execution of this command would require comparative authority value #1 to equal the existing SAU 42 in FIG. 3. Comparative authority value #2 would have to equal the existing UAU 49 before a user is attached to the list structure changing the UAU 49 from zero to the value of the new authority value #2 65 in the command.
The flow chart of FIG. 7 shows steps taken by SES support programming of an operating system 20 of a CPC 15 in FIG. 1 when a program 19 requests connection of a user to a data structure in SES 23. The request will provide a logical name for the data structure.
Beginning at 70, the operating system 20 will utilize the techniques disclosed in the above cited reference 6 to read and lock the SES functional dataset (FDS) from a shared I/O device 22. The FDS contains the installation specified active policy (AP) and SES status information for the sysplex. In certain error situations, the lock may be stolen by another system in the sysplex. After proceeding in accordance with the present invention by processing in the memory of a CPC, the update of the FDS record which occurs later must verify the lock is still held by this CPC.
Steps 70 through 76 proceed as described to determine if the requested structure, with proper attributes exists in any SES to which the CPC is connected. If at step 73 it has been determined that the requested data structure has been allocated in a SES, step 84 is executed to begin the attachment of the requester as a user to the structure. Several steps include an exit to step 102 to commence more extensive processing to recover from undesirable conditions in the sysplex. After setting the error indicator at 102, the dataflow is entered at step 94, completing at step 101 where the FDS structure will be unlocked on the shared I/O devices 22 of FIG. 1.
Step 77 begins the practice of the present invention. Steps 77 through 79 effect the reading of the SID vector 35 from the global controls 33 of SES 23. The bit positions shown in FIG. 4A are examined and the first binary "0" selected to create the 2-byte SID.
Step 80 causes SAU, with the format of FIG. 5B to be created. The allocate command is issued to SES at step 81 to allocate the structure in the selected SES facility. Operands in the command consist of a comparative SAU value (57 in FIG. 6B), a new SAU value (58 in FIG. 6B) created in step 80, and the SID value selected in step 79.
When SES and/or a sysplex is initialized, the first order of business is to place SES in a managed state by changing the existing SESAU 34 from zero to a non-zero value including the name of a sysplex and TOD value as shown in FIG. 5A. This process may be a race between systems in a sysplex or, in the case of several sysplexes attached to one SES, between the sysplexes. At some point in time, a system will find that the global SESAU recorded in the AP on DASD 22, the existing SESAU 34 in SES 23, and the comparative authority value 57 of a Set SES Authority command are all zero. The new authority value of the command, including the sysplex name and TOD, will be stored as the existing SESAU 34 in SES 23 and the global SESAU recorded in the AP on DASD 22.
As this process proceeds concurrently in one or more other systems and/or sysplexes, and because another system may steal the lock on the AP in accordance with reference 7, various states of SES may be observed from examining the global SESAU in the AP and the existing SESAU recorded in SES. A system may find that SES is already managed by a system in the same sysplex in which case SES is made available to that system as well. It might be found that another sysplex is managing SES in which case SES is made unavailable to the system. It can also be determined that although another sysplex is managing SES, it has failed in some way. In this case recovery procedures can be initiated to place SES in an unmanaged state including freeing global resources in SES. After placing SES in an unmanaged state, SES is again available for being placed in a managed state by any sysplex that gains ownership by the process described.
When SES is placed in the managed state, and a user requests attachment to a data structure, steps 70 through 76 proceed as described to determine if the requested structure, with proper attributes exists in any SES to which the CPC is connected. If at step 73 it has been determined that the requested data structure has been allocated in a SES, step 84 is executed to begin the attachment of the requester as a user to the structure. Several steps include an exit to step 102 to commence more extensive processing to recover from undesirable conditions in the sysplex. After setting the error indicator at 102, the dataflow is entered at step 94, completing at step 101 where the FDS structure will be unlocked on the shared I/O devices 22 of FIG. 1.
Step 77 begins the practice of the present invention. Steps 77 through 79 effect the reading of the SID vector 35 from the global controls 33 of SES 23. The bit positions shown in FIG. 4A are examined and the first binary "0" selected to create the 2-byte SID.
Step 80 causes SAU, with the format of FIG. 5B to be created. The allocate command is issued to SES at step 81 to allocate the structure in the selected SES facility. Operands in the command consist of a comparative SAU value (57 in FIG. 6B), a new SAU value (58 in FIG. 6B) created in step 80, and the SID value selected in step 79.
There are two reasons the allocate would not be successful at step 82. First, the comparative SAU in the command does not equal the existing SAU 42 associated with the structure identified by the SID. Second, at the time the bit position identified by the SID is to be changed in the SID vector 35 from binary 0 to binary 1, it is found to already be binary 1. Each of these cases indicate that the lock on the AP in the FDS on the shared I/O devices 22 had been stolen by another system and the state of resources within the SES facility already changed.
Entering the dataflow at step 94 from step 82 would cause the processing at step 100 to reenter the dataflow at step 70 to initiate another attempt at processing the original request.
At step 83 the image of the AP in memory of the CPC processing the request will be updated to show the allocation. The image will be used later to update the FDS on the shared I/O with lock verification. This has the effect of making the entire process of FIG. 7 appear to be atomic in the CPC 15 initiating the process. As long as all of the steps execute properly using the AP image in the CPC 15, the CPC assumes no other system has accessed the AP and all CPC's in the sysplex are using the same instance of all structues. At the completion of processing FIG. 7, the CPC while attempting to finally update the AP with new global values may find the lock had been stolen in accordance with reference 7 and have to reinitiate processing of the original user request.
Steps 84 through 86 are executed internally by the CPC to update various internal control operands, and make one check of the active policy as retrieved from the shared I/O for available UID's.
The UID/LCID vector (43 for a list structure or 44 for a cache structure shown at FIG. 4B), and associated with the structure with a SID selected at 79 is retrieved from SES at step 87. The first position of the UID/LCID vector with a binary 0 is selected to create a 1-byte UID/LCID value.
Step 88 creates a UAU 49 for a list user, or a LCAU 50 for a local cache as shown at FIG. 5C. An attach command is issued to SES to effect connection for use of the structure allocated. Operands of the command include the SID selected at 79, UID/LCID selected at 87, a comparative UAU/LCAU value of zero, and the UAU/LCAU created at 88. As with the allocate procedure at step 82, step 90 may find that the authority value compare did not succeed, or the UID bit position in the UID vector had already been changed to binary 1, again indicating the lock on the FDS had been stolen and changes already made to the user or local cache controls 45 or 46 respectively.
If the attach was not successful, the flow chart will be entered at step 94. This time step 95 must be performed to undo the effects of step 85, and step 99 must be performed to undo the effects of the allocate at step 81. The deallocate command is issued to delete the named structure. The command operands include the SID from step 79, a new SAU of zero, and a comparative SAU value equal to that created at step 80 which is now the existing SAU associated with the SID allocated. The bit position of the SID vector equal to the SID selected will be reset to binary 0. As before, the error indicator would not have been set at 102, so the entire process can be reinitiated for the same request.
If the attach was successful, steps 91 and 92 update the AP in the CPC and then write the update back to the shared I/O devices 22 and unlock the FDS for further use by other systems. If the write-back is successful at 93 control is returned to the program that requested the allocation. The write-back may not be successful because the serialization on the FDS has been stolen in accordance with reference 7, or another error has occurred. In this case all of steps 94 through 99 must be processed to undo the previous allocation and attachment. As before, the entire process can then be reinitiated.
The combined use of the present invention with conditional execution of commands using authority values and the concepts of reference 7 allow for efficient concurrent management of the shared coupling facility. Any system in a sysplex can examine the contents of the AP in the FDS, including authority values, and the authority values stored in SES 23 to determine that a system executing the process of FIG. 7 has failed. The second system can then enter the process of FIG. 7 to complete the failed process to free resources of SES for further use. An attempt by the failed system to re-execute a latent command will find new authority values and determine there is a new instance of the data structure unrelated to the previously failed command execution.
There has thus been shown a method using authority values that permits the concurrent management of control and data structures by a plurality of users. All users can proceed with the management processing independently on the assumption that each has a consistent and updated version of the information in a shared coupling facility. The authorization method detects inconsistencies at the time of command execution to inhibit command action only if another user has changed the previous view of data by the user issuing the command. | One or more central processing complexes (CPC's), each with one or more programs being executed, issue commands to a structured electronic storage (SES). The commands include ones that create or delete data structures in SES, and attach or detach users to the data structures. The commands include a comparative authority value operand and a new authority value operand. A data structure or user control information has an associated existing authority value. If the comparative authority value matches the existing authority value, the existing authority value is replaced by the new authority value, and the command is executed. If there is a mismatch, the existing authority value is returned to the program that issued the command, and the command is not executed in SES. This enables software to serialize management of SES and maintain a consistent view of objects in SES in the presence of faulty CPC's, without causing correctly operating CPC's to experience errors or undue delays. | 6 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention is an improvement in powered conveyors and particularly involves that type of powered conveyors which are capable of article accumulation. The conveyor is of the type capable of automatically shifting between transport to accumulation modes without the intervention of an operator with the shift occurring as the result of sensing the presence of articles on the conveyor. The conveyor automatically continues to transport articles but if, for any reason, the forward movement of the articles is blocked, the conveyor will sense this condition and will react to it by progressively releasing or largely releasing the transport force applied to each of the following articles as they approach the immobilized article ahead.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention involves a conveyor having a plurality of rollers providing a conveying surface. The rollers are driven by a powered propelling member, such as a cable. In the transport mode, all or a substantial number of the rollers are driven by the cable. The cable is supported from beneath by vertically movable support means which govern the position of the cable and, thus, whether it is in transport or accumulation mode. The supports involve the use of a conical roller which, when its axis is inclined in one direction with respect to the cable, travels lengthwise of its axis so as to shift the cable's position on the roller toward the roller's smaller diameter end, thus lowering the cable. When the pivotal position of the axis of the roller is reversed, the roller travels in the opposite direction, lifting the cable as its point of contact shifts to the larger diameter end of the roller. When the cable engages the large end of the roller, the cable is pressed against two carrier rollers with the result that the conveyor operates in transport mode. When the cable is shifted to the small end of the tracking roller, the cable is lowered and is disengaged from one of the carrier rollers and has only slight contact with the other of the two carrier rollers. The pressure exerted by the support on the cable is such that the frictional contact between the cable and the one roller is much too small to result in article movement or to generate any significant line pressure. The shifting of the angular attitude between the tracking roller and the cable is controlled by a sensor which itself is moved by the articles passing over it.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a sectional elevation view of a powered roller conveyor equipped with this invention with the propelling member supports deleted on the left-hand end of the view for clarity;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the plane II--II of FIG. 1 with the carrier rollers deleted for clarity;
FIG. 3 is a plan view similar to FIG. 2 showing the tracking roller at one limit of its angular travel in solid lines, and at the other limit of its travel in phantom lines;
FIG. 4 illustrates the propelling member support mounted on the opposite side rail of the conveyor;
FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the propelling member support in transport mode;
FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing the propelling member support in accumulation mode;
FIG. 7 is an elevation view of the tracking roller and its supporting yoke;
FIGS. 8 and 9 are schematic plan views of the tracking roller illustrating its principle of operation;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation view of the controllable anchor for the control bar mechanism;
FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the control cable anchor for the control mechanism;
FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 but of the opposite side of the control cable anchor; and
FIG. 13 is a fragmentary sectional elevation view taken along the plane XIII--XIII of FIG. 11.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring specifically to the drawings, the numeral 10 refers to a conveyor having a frame 11 and a plurality of rollers 12 forming an article supporting and transporting surface. Conventionally, the frame 11 has a pair of side rails 13, only one of which is illustrated. Beneath the rollers 12 is a driven propelling member 14 supported at spaced intervals along the conveyor by support members 20 (FIGS. 1, 5 and 6). In the preferred embodiment, the propelling member is illustrated as a cable. However a round or a V-belt as well as a flat belt may be substituted for the cable. Where a cable is used, it is preferably a wire cable encased in a suitable jacket of plastic, such as nylon.
As best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, each of the cable support members 20 has a bracket 21 with an upstanding end post 22 at one end and a support post 23 intermediate its ends. Pivotally mounted to the upper end of the end post 22 is a generally L-shaped rocker link 24 having one leg 25 extending generally lengthwise of the bracket and its other leg 26 extending downwardly. A pulley 27 is rotatably mounted to the leg 25 intermediate its ends. A spring 28 has one end attached to the lower end of the link's other leg 26 and its opposite end secured to the bracket to bias the link 24 in a manner to pivot the pulley 27 upwardly. The pivotal movement of the link under the bias of the spring is limited by an adjustment screw 29 mounted on the support post 23 and acting against the stop pad 30 on the free end of the link's leg 25.
As best seen in FIG. 2, each bracket 21 is pivotally mounted to one of the side rails 13 by means such as the bolt 31 inserted through the transverse shaft housing 33 at the upper end of the support post 23. An appropriate spacer 32 is provided so that the bolt can be tightened without binding the bracket against pivotal movement (FIGS. 5 and 6).
The end of the bracket 21 opposite from the lever 24 and pulley 27 has a boss 36 (FIG. 2) having a vertical opening 36a. The opening 36a receives the mounting pin 37 of the yoke 38. The yoke 38 rotatably mounts a cable tracking roller 39 (FIG. 7). The body of the tracking roller 39 is frusto-conical, providing a tapered surface 40. At the larger of its ends, it has a radially projecting lip 41. The preferred taper for the body of the tracking roller is 6°, but it has been found that tapers somewhat larger or smaller than this will work. A preferred material from which to mold the tracking roller or with which to coat it is nylon. The material used must have some lubricious characteristics. However, materials having a very low coefficient of friction have not been satisfactory. To some extent, the particular material will be governed by the surface characteristics of the propelling member since it is a contributing factor to the degree of friction generated between the roller and propelling member.
The yoke 38 is designed to pivot about the vertical axis established by the pin 37. Tests have established a preferred degree of pivotal movement to be about four and one-half degrees on each side of a position normal to the longitudinal axis of the propelling member. To control the pivotal movement of the yoke, an arm 45 projects from one side and engages an opening in the control bar 46 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 4). Preferably, the arm 45 is an extension of the shaft about which the tracking roller 39 rotates. One way of doing this is to provide a shouldered bolt 47 extending through the yoke which mounts a spacer 48 on which the tracking roller is mounted. The extension forming the arm 45 is mounted to the head 49 of the bolt 47.
As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, each control bar 46 extends lengthwise of the conveyor and is movably supported on the bolts 31 supporting the support members 20 it controls, which, in the embodiment illustrated, is three. Because the bolts 31 are surrounded by spacers 32, the bolts can be tightened leaving the brackets 21 free to pivot and without binding the bar 46. The bar has openings 60 for the bolts 31 and spacers 32 which are enlarged both lengthwise and vertically. Adjacent each opening 60, the bar also has a vertical slot 61. The slot 61 receives the end of the arm 45 and permits it to move vertically with respect to the bar as the bracket 21 rocks about its support bolt 31, while at the same time assuring positive horizontal movement of the arm in response to similar movement of the bar.
At one end, the bar 46 is connected to a spring 62. The spring 62 is secured to the frame 13 and biases the bar 46 to the left, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Each bar 46 also has a depending leg 63 to which is mounted one end of a cable 64. The other end of the cable 64 is secured to the depending leg 65 of a hanger bracket 66 for a sensing roller 12a. One sensing roller 12a is provided for each of the bars. The hanger bracket is biased by a spring 67 acting oppositely to the spring 62. The spring 67 is stronger than the spring 62, thus, overpowering it and shifting the cable 64 and bar 46 to the right, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In this position, the sensing roller 12a is raised slightly above the plane formed by the tops of the carrier rollers 12. The pivotal movement of the hanger bracket 66 under the influence of spring 67, is limited by engagement of the bar with the spacers 32 surrounding the support bracket mounting bolts 31.
As illustrated, each of the bars 46 is operatively associated with three of the cable support members 20. This is illustrative only because each bar can be made to control a greater or lesser number of the cable support members, depending upon the length of each segment of the conveyor it is manipulating simultaneously. If relatively short articles are to be transported and accumulated, two or three of the cable support members are controlled by one bar. If long articles are involved, the number of cable support members controlled by a single bar may be increased to four or five or even more.
The operation of the invention will now be described. When the conveyor is in transport mode, the cable support members are in the position illustrated in FIG. 5. In this mode, the yoke 38 is pivoted such that the axis of the tracking roller 39 is inclined to the axis of the cable. The direction of inclination of the axis is such that the cable 14 is biased to travel toward the larger end of the roller or up the inclined surface 40 (FIG. 7). The lip 41 prevents overtravel which might cause the cable to move off the end of the roller. Under the driving force of the driven cable 14, the tracking roller will shift axially along its support 48 until the large end of the roller is beneath the cable. However, the cable 14 cannot rise because at its point of tangency with the tracking roller 39 it is directly beneath one of the rollers 12. Thus, the shift of the cable 14 up the inclined surface 40 forces the end of the bracket 21 mounting the yoke 38 to pivot downwardly. This in turn raises the opposite end, lifting the pulley 27 and pressing the cable 14 into driving engagement with the roller 12.
A limited amount of lost motion is provided for by the pivotal mounting of the link 24 as is shown by the fact that the stop 30 has been disengaged by the adjustment screw 29 (FIG. 5). In this manner, the force with which the cable is pressed against the roller 12 by the pulley 27 is governed by the spring 28. Because the bracket 21 is, in effect, floating about the pivot bolt 31, the force with which the cable 14 is pressed against the rollers 12 at both ends is substantially equal. The inclined position of the axis of the tracking roller will remain stationary because the arm 45 is held against movement lengthwise of the conveyor by its engagement in the vertical slot 61 of the control bar 46.
To shift from transport to accumulation mode, the bar 46 is shifted lengthwise of the conveyor. This is accomplished when an article on the conveyor depresses a raised sensor roller 12a, overpowering the spring 67 and permitting the spring 62 to shift the bar 46. The movement of the bar pivots the yoke 38 such that the axis of the tracking rollers moves from its transport position past a position normal to the axis of the cable to a position inclined the same amount but in the opposite direction from that at which it had been inclined. This will bias the cable to move down the inclined surface 40 causing the tracking roller to travel axially to the opposite side of the yoke (FIG 7). In so doing, the yoke end of the bracket will be free to rise. This pivotal movement of the bracket is caused by gravity, since the pulley end of the bracket is heavier than the yoke end. This can be done simply by weighting the pulley end or, as illustrated, the pulley end of the bracket is longer than the tracking roller end, setting up an unbalanced couple.
The pivotal movement results in complete disengagement between the cable and the roller 12 above the pulley 27 because upward movement of the pulley in response to the spring 28 is limited by the adjustment screw 29 (FIG. 6). Engagement between the cable and the roller 12 above the tracking roller continues. This engagement, however, provides very little propulsion force, since the upward pressure is only that which results from the unbalanced couple about the support 31. The imbalance of this couple need only be enough to assure disengagement between the cable and roller above the pulley 27.
FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate schematically the function of the tracking roller 39. The views are plan views, looking down on the cable and tracking roller. Arrow B in FIGS. 8 and 9 indicates the direction of the cable. Arrow C in FIG. 8 indicates the direction of axial travel or float of the tracking roller. Arrow D in FIG. 9 indicates the direction of axial travel or float of the tracking roller when the direction of inclination of the axis of the tracking roller is reversed with respect to the axis of the cable.
If the direction of travel of the cable is reversed, the reactive movement of the tracking roller will also be reversed. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the significance of this. Depending upon the construction of the conveyor and other factors, it may be necessary to mount the cable support members on either the left or right side of the conveyor. This can be done by reversing the direction of the bolt 31 and turning around the tracking roller 39, end for end. If the tracking roller 39 is not turned end for end, the linkage controlling the axial movement of the bar 46 must be rearranged such that for a given reaction it is at the opposite end of its limit of travel.
The height of the sensor roller 12a can be readily adjusted by selection of the proper position for securing the sensor cable 64 to the bar 46. This structure is illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11, 12 and 13. Each bar 46 has a depending leg 63. The leg 63 has a plurality of generally horizontal cable receiving channels, indicated as 71a through g in FIG. 10. These channels open through one face of the leg. The bottom or base portion of each channel is straight in a horizontal direction but the outer portion is offset by a cap portion 72 which forms an overhanging ledge 73 (FIG. 13). By flexing the cable 14, it can be passed around cap 72, but once seated in its channel and pulled straight by the tension exerted by the springs 62 and 67, it is secured by the ledge 73 against inadvertent release from its channel.
The end 74 of the leg 63 opposite from the associated sensor roller 12a is inclined to the axis of the bar 46. Thus, with the cable 14 equipped with a stop 75 at a fixed distance from the sensing roller, by selection of the appropriate channel, the height of the sensor roller can be adjusted within a limited range. Also, adjustment can be made for differences in spacing between the leg 63 and its associated sensor roller 12a resulting from manufacturing tolerances.
Preferably, the bar 46 with its leg 63 is molded from plastic. To simplify the dies forming the caps 72, an opening 76 through the opposite face of the leg is provided for each cap, eliminating any overhanging structure which would require movable cams in the mold to prevent hang-up (FIG. 12).
The invention provides a number of desirable results. Since both the pulley 27 and the tracking roller 39 are in effective driving engagement with carrier rollers 12 during transport mode, a substantial driving force is applied to the conveying rollers. Thus, the construction provides an efficient conveyor. Because the pressure rollers, that is, the pulley 27 and the tracking roller 39, are each located directly beneath a carrier or transport roller 12 and the squeezing action which determines the frictional bearing pressure between the cable and the carrier rollers 12 is dependent upon the pivotal position of the bracket 21, the problems which have heretofore been experienced due to variations in tension on the cable are largely eliminated. This renders the transport ability of the conveyor basically independent of cable tension. Because the force with which the cable is pressed against the carrier rollers 12, even under maximum conditions, is applied gradually and is readily controlled to a limited value, there is no tendency for the carrier rollers to bounce as the conveyor shifts from one mode to the other. In the same manner, because the device operates relatively gradually rather than abruptly or in a jerky manner, the characteristic sudden stopping and starting of components is eliminated. The device also has the benefit of silent operation.
Since the force used to shift the vertical pivotal position of the support member 20 and thus the vertical position of the cable between its raised and lowered positions is generated from the cable itself in one mode and from gravity in the other mode, the amount of force necessary to operate the sensors or rollers 12a is materially reduced. Also, it will be recognized that very little force is required to change the angular position of the tracking roller. Thus, the differential between the springs 62 and 67 to maintain the sensor roller in raised position can be quite small. This is particularly helpful in increasing the range of weights which a single conveyor construction can handle without either the weight of the article exceeding the conveying capacity of the conveyor or being too small to actuate the sensors to effect accumulation when required.
The progressive or gradual shifting of mode accomplished by this invention results from the fact that the shift requires the tracking roller to make its transit along its axis in response to the shift in the orientation of its axis with respect to the cable. This requires a short interval to be accomplished. Further, it results in a gradual or progressive movement of the bracket 21 and, thus, the shifting modes are gradual rather than sudden. This is a significant contributing factor both to durability and to noise reduction.
While a preferred embodiment of this invention has been described, it will be recognized that various modifications of this embodiment can be made without departing from the principles of the invention. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the hereinafter appended claims, unless these claims, by their language, expressly state otherwise. | An accumulator is disclosed in which the articles are transported on a bed of carrier rollers. Beneath the rollers a plurality of devices, arranged in tandem lengthwise of the conveyor, provide vertical support for the propelling member. Each support has a bracket pivotally mounted between its ends with a propelling member support pulley at one end and a bracket manipulating propelling member tracking roller at the other end. The tracking roller is tapered and is mounted for rotation about a shaft extending transversely of the propelling member. The shaft is longer than the roller permitting the tracking roller a limited amount of axial travel. By changing the angular relationship between the roller and propelling member, the point of contact between the propelling member and tracking roller is shifted lengthwise of the roller, resulting in pivotal movement of the bracket which raises and lowers the propelling member to effect drive and release of the carrier rollers forming the conveyor bed. Article actuated sensors control the angular position of the tracking roller. | 1 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application is a divisional of U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 11/113,206, filed Apr. 22, 2005, pending, the priority of filing date of which is claimed, and the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates in general to automated patient care and, specifically, to an ambulatory repeater for use in automated patient care.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In general, implantable medical devices (IMDs) provide in situ therapy delivery, such as pacing, cardiac resynchronization, defibrillation, neural stimulation and drug delivery, and physiological monitoring and data collection. Once implanted, IMDs function autonomously by relying on preprogrammed operation and control over therapeutic and monitoring functions. IMDs can be interfaced to external devices, such as programmers, repeaters and similar devices, which can program, troubleshoot, and download telemetered data, typically through induction or similar forms of near-field telemetry.
[0004] Telemetered data download typically occurs during follow-up, which requires an in-clinic visit by the patient once every three to twelve months, or as necessary. Following interrogation of the IMD, the telemetered data can be analyzed to evaluate patient health status. Although clinical follow-up is mandatory, the frequency and type of follow-up are dependent upon several factors, including projected battery life, type, mode and programming of IMD, stability of pacing and sensing, the need for programming changes, underlying rhythm or cardiac condition, travel logistics, and the availability of alternative follow-up methods, such as transtelephonic monitoring, for example, the CareLink Monitor, offered by Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.; Housecall Plus Remote Patient Monitoring System, offered by St. Jude Medical, Inc., St. Paul, Minn.; and BIOTRONIK Home Monitoring Service, offered by BIOTRONIK GmbH & Co. KG, Berlin, Germany.
[0005] Telemetered data generally includes information on all programmed device parameters, as well as real time or measured and recorded data on the operation of the IMD available at the time of interrogation. In addition, telemetered data can include parametric and physiological information on the output circuit, battery parameters, sensor activities for rate adaptive IMDs, event markers, cumulative totals of sensed and paced events, and transmission of electrograms. Derived measures include battery depletion, which can be gauged by the downloaded battery voltage and impedance levels, and lead integrity, which is reflected by pacing impedance. Event markers depict pacing and sensing simultaneously recorded with electrograms to indicate how the IMD interprets specifically paced or sensed events with timing intervals. Other types of telemetered data are possible.
[0006] Clinical follow-up is conventionally performed using a programmer under the direction of trained healthcare professionals. The programmer is typically interfaced to an IMD through inductive near field telemetry. Fundamentally, IMDs are passive devices that report on operational and behavioral patient status, including the occurrence of significant events, only when interrogated by an external device. As a result, the programmer-based follow-up sessions generally provide the sole opportunity for the IMD to report any significant event occurrences observed since the last follow-up session. Moreover, the latency in reporting significant event occurrences becomes dependent upon the timing of the clinical follow-up sessions for non-closely followed patients. Thus, in some circumstances, delays in downloading telemetered data can result in lost data or chronic cardiac conditions recognized too late.
[0007] Recently, far field telemetry using radio frequency (RF) carrier signals has provided an alternative means for interfacing programmers and similar external devices to IMDs, such as described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,456,256, issued Sep. 24, 2002, to Amudson et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,574,510, to Von Arx et al., issued Jun. 3, 2003; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,614,406, issued Sep. 2, 2003, to Amudson et al., disclosures of which are incorporated by reference. Far field telemetry has a higher data rate, which results in shorter downloading times, and the patient experiences greater freedom of movement while the IMD is being accessed. Nevertheless, despite the higher data rate, the IMD remains a passive device that only reports significant event occurrences when interrogated using an RF-capable programmer.
[0008] Similarly, dedicated monitoring devices, known as repeaters, have become available to patients to provide monitoring and IMD follow-up in an at-home setting similar to transtelephonic monitoring. Each repeater is specifically matched to an IMD. Once a day or as required, the patient uses the repeater to actively poll the IMD through induction or far field telemetry. Alternatively, some repeaters can be passively polled. During each session, any significant events occurrences are reported, although programming of the IMD is generally not allowed for safety reasons. As well, repeaters download recorded telemetered data. Despite the improved frequency and speed of telemetered data downloads, the latency to report significant event occurrences can be as long as a full day. The patient must also be physically proximal to the repeater during interrogation in the same fashion as a programmer. In addition, repeaters, by virtue of being stationary devices, are unable to capture patient physiological and behavioral data while the patient is engaged in normal everyday activities or at any other time upon the initiation of the patient or by a remote patient management system.
[0009] Furthermore, the use of RF telemetry in IMDs potentially raises serious privacy and safety concerns. Sensitive information, such as patient-identifiable health information (PHI), exchanged between an IMD and the programmer or repeater should be safeguarded to protect against compromise. Recently enacted medical information privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the European Privacy Directive underscore the importance of safeguarding a patient's privacy and safety and require the protection of all patient-identifiable health information (PHI). Under HIPAA, PHI is defined as individually identifiable health information, including identifiable demographic and other information relating to the past, present or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual, or the provision or payment of health care to an individual that is created or received by a health care provider, health plan, employer or health care clearinghouse. Other types of sensitive information in addition to or in lieu of PHI could also be protectable.
[0010] The sweeping scope of medical information privacy laws, such as HIPAA, may affect patient privacy on IMDs with longer transmission ranges, such as provided through RF telemetry, and other unsecured data interfaces providing sensitive information exchange under conditions that could allow eavesdropping, interception or interference. Sensitive information should be encrypted prior to long range transmission. Currently available data authentication techniques for IMDs can satisfactorily safeguard sensitive information. These techniques generally require cryptographic keys, which are needed by both a sender and recipient to respectively encrypt and decrypt sensitive information transmitted during a data exchange session. Cryptographic keys can be used to authenticate commands, check data integrity and, optionally, encrypt sensitive information, including any PHI, during a data exchange session. Preferably, the cryptographic key is unique to each IMD. However, authentication can only provide adequate patient data security if the identification of the cryptographic key from the IMD to the programmer or repeater is also properly safeguarded.
[0011] Therefore, there is a need for an approach to providing an ambulatory solution to retrieving physiological and parametric telemetered data from IMDs. Preferably, such an approach would provide authenticated and secure communication with IMDs and include configurable activation settings.
SUMMARY
[0012] A system and method provide an ambulatory repeater for securely exchanging information, including sensitive patient data, between an implantable medical device and one or more external data processing devices, such as a base repeater, server, or programmer. The ambulatory repeater is interfaced to one or more external sensors to provide the capability to directly monitor patient health information at any time. The ambulatory repeater includes a power supply for operating separately and independently from an external power source and can be held or worn by a patient. The ambulatory repeater interrogates the IMD over a secure data connection on a regular basis or on demand and interfaces periodically to the external data processing device to exchange the information retrieved from the implantable medical device.
[0013] One embodiment provides a secure wireless ambulatory repeater. A cryptographic key is uniquely assigned to an implantable medical device. Sensitive information is preencrypted under the cryptographic key. Physiological measures are measured by the implantable medical device. A decryption module decrypts the sensitive information with the cryptographic key into decrypted information. A communications module exchanges the decrypted information and the physiological measures with the external data processing device over a wireless interface contingent upon authorization of the external data processing device.
[0014] A further embodiment provides an ambulatory repeater for use in automated patient care. A local memory store includes a cryptographic key, sensitive information, and physiological measures. The cryptographic key is uniquely assigned to the implantable medical device prior to implant of the implantable medical device into a patient. The sensitive information is preencrypted under the cryptographic key and physiological measures are measured by the implantable medical device. An authentication module is in receipt of the cryptographic key. A permissions module confirms authorization of an external data processing device against the cryptographic key. A decryption module decrypts the sensitive information with the cryptographic key into decrypted information. A processor is operatively coupled to the local memory store. A communications module exchanges the decrypted information and the physiological measures with the external data processing device over a wireless interface contingent upon the authorization confirmation. An internal power supply supplies power to the foregoing components.
[0015] A further embodiment provides a system for applying an ambulatory repeater to secure information exchange in automated patient care. An implantable medical device is implanted into a patient. A cryptographic key is uniquely assigned prior to implant. Sensitive information is preencrypted under a cryptographic key. Physiological measures are measured on an ad hoc basis by a sensor. An ambulatory repeater includes a storage, which stores the cryptographic key. A permissions module confirms authorization of an external data processing device against the cryptographic key. A decryption module decrypts the sensitive information with the cryptographic key into decrypted information. An external data processing device includes an interrogator receiving the decrypted information and the physiological measures from the ambulatory repeater over a wireless interface contingent upon the authorization confirmation.
[0016] Still other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein are described embodiments of the invention by way of illustrating the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing, by way of example, an implantable medical device.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a process flow diagram showing interfacing with the implantable medical device of FIG. 2 using an ambulatory repeater.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing, by way of example, an ambulatory repeater in handheld form factor, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing, by way of example, an ambulatory repeater in wearable form factor, in accordance with a further embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing, by way of example, systems for securely communicating using an ambulatory repeater, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing, by way of example, the internal components of the ambulatory repeater in the wearable form factor of FIG. 4 .
[0023] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing a method for providing automated patient care using an ambulatory repeater, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing a routine for obtaining a cryptographic key for use in the method of FIG. 7 .
[0025] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing a routine for activating an ambulatory repeater for use in the method of FIG. 7 .
[0026] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing a routine for performing a secure data exchange for use in the method of FIG. 7 .
[0027] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing a routine for interrogating an IMD for use in the method of FIG. 7 .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0000] Implantable Medical Device
[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing, by way of example, an implantable medical device (IMD) 103 . The IMD 103 , such as a pacemaker, implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) or similar device, is surgically implanted in the chest or abdomen of a patient to provide in situ therapy, such as pacing, cardiac resynchronization, defibrillation, neural stimulation and drug delivery, and physiological data monitoring. Examples of cardiac pacemakers suitable for use in the described embodiment include the Pulsar Max II, Discovery, and Discovery II pacing systems and the Contak Renewal cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator, sold by Guidant Corporation, St. Paul, Minn.
[0029] The IMD 103 includes a case 104 and terminal block 105 coupled to a set of leads 106 a - b. The leads 106 a - b are implanted transvenously for endocardial placement. The IMD 103 is in direct electrical communication with the heart 102 through electrodes 111 a - b positioned on the distal tips of each lead 106 a - b. By way of example, the set of leads 106 a - b can include a right ventricular electrode 111 a, preferably placed in the right ventricular apex 112 of the heart 102 , and a right atrial electrode 111 b, preferably placed in the right atrial chamber 113 of the heart 102 . The set of leads 106 a - b can also include a right ventricular electrode 114 a and a right atrial electrode 114 b to enable the IMD 103 to directly collect physiological measures, preferably through millivolt measurements.
[0030] The IMD 103 includes a case 104 and terminal block 105 coupled to a set of leads 106 a - b. The IMD case 104 houses hermitically-sealed components, including a battery 107 , control circuitry 108 , memory 109 , and telemetry circuitry 110 . The battery 107 provides a finite, power source. The control circuitry 108 controls therapy delivery and monitoring, including the delivery of electrical impulses to the heart 102 and sensing of spontaneous electrical activity. The memory 109 includes a memory store in which the physiological signals sensed by the control circuitry 108 can be temporarily stored, pending telemetered data download.
[0031] The telemetry circuitry 110 provides an interface between the IMD 103 and an external device, such as a programmer conventional or ambulatory repeater, or similar device. For near field data exchange, the IMD 103 communicates with a programmer or conventional or ambulatory repeater (not shown) through inductive telemetry signals exchanged through a wand placed over the location of the IMD 103 . Programming or interrogating instructions are sent to the IMD 103 and the stored physiological signals are downloaded into the programmer or repeater. For far field data exchange, the IMD 103 communicates with an external device capable of far field telemetry, such as a radio frequency (RF) programmer, conventional or ambulatory repeater, or other wireless computing device, as further described below with reference to FIG. 2 . Other types of data interfaces are possible, as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art.
[0032] Other configurations and arrangements of leads and electrodes can also be used. Furthermore, although described with reference to IMDs for providing cardiac monitoring and therapy delivery, suitable IMDs also include other types of implantable therapeutic and monitoring devices in addition to or in lieu of cardiac monitoring and therapy delivery IMDs, including IMDs for providing neural stimulation, drug delivery, and physiological monitoring and collection.
[0000] Process Flow
[0033] FIG. 2 is a process flow diagram 120 showing interfacing with the IMD 103 of FIG. 2 using an ambulatory repeater 123 . The ambulatory repeater 123 provides a portable means for securely transacting a data exchange session with the IMD 103 and, in turn, at least one of a conventional or “base” repeater 124 , server 125 , or programmer 126 , as further described below with reference to FIG. 5 . Unlike a base repeater 124 , the ambulatory repeater 123 can collect patient health information as frequently or infrequently as needed and, due to being immediately proximate to the patient, can measure the activity level of the patient during normal everyday activities, rather than only at home or in a clinical setting.
[0034] Interfacing 120 with the IMD 103 includes key generation 121 , authentication 129 , activation 130 , protected data storage and retrieval 131 , unprotected data storage and retrieval 136 , and optional data exchanges 132 , 133 , 134 with the base repeater 124 , server 125 , and programmer 126 . Key generation 121 creates a cryptographic key 122 , which is used to encrypt and decrypt any sensitive information exchanged with the IMD 103 , such as during protected data storage and retrieval 131 using long range telemetry or over any other unsecured interface. The cryptographic key 122 can be statically generated and persistently stored, dynamically generated and persistently stored, dynamically generated and non-persistently stored as a session cryptographic key 122 , or a combination of the foregoing. Persistently-stored cryptographic keys 122 are maintained in a fixed secure key repository, such as a programmer, patient designator, secure database, token, base repeater 124 , ambulatory repeater 123 , and on the IMD 103 itself. Statically generated and persistently-stored cryptographic keys are stored in the IMD 103 prior to implantation, such as during the manufacturing process. Dynamically generated and persistently-stored cryptographic keys are generated dynamically, such as by the ambulatory repeater 123 for subsequent download to the IMD 103 using short range telemetry following implantation. Dynamically generated and non-persistently-stored session cryptographic keys are also generated dynamically and shared with the IMD 103 , but are not persistently stored and are used for a single patient data exchange. Each cryptographic key 122 is uniquely assigned to the IMD 103 . In one embodiment, the cryptographic key 103 has a length of 128 bits, is symmetric or is both 128-bits long and symmetric. Other cryptographic key lengths and symmetries are possible.
[0035] Authentication 129 provides an opportunity to securely obtain the cryptographic key 122 uniquely assigned to the IMD 103 . In one embodiment, the IMD 103 interfaces with an external source, such as the ambulatory repeater 123 or other wireless computing device, to either receive or share the cryptographic key 122 assigned to the IMD 103 , such as described in commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/800,806, filed Mar. 15, 2004, pending, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. In a further embodiment, the ambulatory repeater 123 retrieves the cryptographic key 122 from the IMD 103 using secure, short range telemetry, such as inductive telemetry, as further described below with reference to FIG. 5 .
[0036] In a further embodiment, the cryptographic key 122 is entrusted to a third party, such as hospital or emergency services, as a form of key escrow. Under normal circumstances, the cryptographic key 122 will not be released unless the requester performs proper authentication 129 . However, the cryptographic key 122 could be released under specifically-defined circumstances, such as a bona fide medical emergency, to a third party to facilitate access to patient health information in the IMD 103 , ambulatory repeater 123 , base repeater 124 , server 125 , programmer 126 , or other such authenticated device.
[0037] Following authentication 126 , the ambulatory repeater 123 can be used to securely transact data exchange sessions with the IMD 103 . Each data exchange session is secure in that the patient health information being exchanged is safely protected from compromise and interception by encryption prior to being transmitted. Thus, the communication channel can be unsecured, as the data itself remains protected. As the ambulatory repeater 123 remains physically proximal to the patient, secure data exchange sessions are performed either as on demand or per a schedule, as further described below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 9 . Briefly, activation 130 can occur due to a patient-initiated interrogation, on demand or at scheduled times. A patient-initiated interrogation is triggered by a manual override of the ambulatory repeater 123 by the patient when the patient, for instance, feels ill, or otherwise inclined to take a reading of data values. On demand interrogation occurs due to a remote or local event, such as remote activation request from the server 125 . Scheduled interrogation is specified by a healthcare provider and remains in effect until a new schedule is downloaded.
[0038] Upon activation 130 , protected data storage and retrieval 131 and unprotected data storage and retrieval 136 are performed. During protected data storage and retrieval 131 , sensitive information 127 (SI), particularly PHI, is provided to and retrieved from the IMD 103 , as further described below. During unprotected data storage and retrieval 136 , non-sensitive information (non-SI) 135 is retrieved from and sent to the IMD 103 directly via the ambulatory repeater 123 . Protected data storage and retrieval 131 and unprotected data storage and retrieval 136 can occur simultaneously during the same data exchange session. In a further embodiment, the SI 127 provided to the IMD 103 can include programming instructions for the IMD 103 .
[0039] In one embodiment, the bulk of the patient health information retrieved from the IMD 103 is non-SI 135 . SI 127 is generally limited to only patient-identifiable health information, which typically does not change on a regular basis. The non-SI 135 loosely falls into two categories of data. First, physiological data relates directly to the biological and biochemical processes of the body, such as salinity, pulse, blood pressure, glucose level, sweat, and so forth. Second, behavioral data relates to physical activities performed by the patient either during the course of a normal day or in response to a specific request or exercise regimen, such as sitting, standing, lying supine, and so forth. Other types of patient health measures are possible.
[0040] During protected data storage and retrieval 131 , SI 127 , particularly PHI, can be received into the ambulatory repeater 123 from one or more sensors 128 and from a patient or clinician, respectively via the base repeater 124 and server 125 or programmer 126 . Part or all of the sensitive information 127 is preferably preencrypted using the cryptographic key 122 , including any PHI, which can be stored on the IMD 103 as static data for retrieval by health care providers and for use by the IMD 103 , such as described in commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/801,150, filed Mar. 15, 2004, pending, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. If the sensitive information needs to be retrieved, the ambulatory repeater 123 obtains the cryptographic key 122 , if necessary, through authentication 126 and retrieves the encrypted information 128 from the IMD 103 for subsequent decryption using the cryptographic key 122 . In one embodiment, the sensitive information 127 , including any PHI, is encrypted using a standard encryption protocol, such as the Advanced Encryption Standard protocol (AES). Other authentication and encryption techniques and protocols, as well as other functions relating to the use of the cryptographic key 122 are possible, including the authentication and encryption techniques and protocols described in commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/601,763, filed Jun. 23, 2003, pending, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
[0041] Ambulatory repeater-to-sensor data exchanges 139 enable the ambulatory repeater 123 to receive patient health information from the sensors 138 , including external sensors, such as a weight scale, blood pressure monitor, electrocardiograph, Holter monitor, or similar device. In a further embodiment, one or more of the sensors 138 can be integrated directly into the ambulatory repeater 123 , as further described below with reference to FIG. 6 .
[0042] The non-SI 135 and SI 127 is exchanged with at least one of three external data processing devices, which include the base repeater 124 , server 125 , and programmer 126 . In addition, the ambulatory repeater 123 is communicatively interfaced to at least one external sensor to directly measure patient health information, as further described below beginning with reference to FIG. 5 . Ambulatory repeater-to-base repeater data exchanges 132 enable the ambulatory repeater 123 to function as a highly portable extension of the base repeater 124 . Unlike the base repeater 124 , the ambulatory repeater 123 includes a power supply that enables secure interfacing with the IMD 103 while the patient is mobile and away from the base repeater 124 and can interrogate the IMD 103 at any time regardless of the patient's activity level.
[0043] Ambulatory repeater-to-server data exchanges 133 enable the server 125 to directly access the IMD 103 via the ambulatory repeater 123 through remote activation, such as in emergency and non-emergency situations and in those situation, in which the base repeater 125 is otherwise unavailable.
[0044] Ambulatory repeater-to-programmer data exchanges 134 supplement the information ordinarily obtained during a clinical follow-up session using the programmer 126 . The ambulatory repeater 123 interfaces to and supplements the retrieved telemetered data with stored data values that were obtained by the ambulatory repeater 123 on a substantially continuous basis.
[0045] In addition, patient health information can be shared directly 137 between the base repeater 124 , server 125 , and programmer 126 . Other types of external data processing devices are possible, including personal computers and other ambulatory repeaters.
[0000] Ambulatory Repeater in Handheld Form Factor
[0046] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram 150 showing, by way of example, an ambulatory repeater 123 in handheld form factor 151 , in accordance with one embodiment. The handheld form factor 151 enables the ambulatory repeater 123 to be carried by the patient and can be implemented as either a stand-alone device or integrated into a microprocessor-equipped device, such as a personal data assistant, cellular telephone or pager. Other types of handheld form factors are possible.
[0047] The handheld form factor 151 includes a display 152 for graphically displaying indications and information 157 , a plurality of patient-operable controls 153 , a speaker 154 , and a microphone 155 for providing an interactive user interface. The handheld form factor 151 is preferably interfaced to the IMD 103 through RF telemetry and to the base repeater 124 , server 125 , and programmer 126 through either RF telemetry, cellular telephone connectivity or other forms of wireless communications, as facilitated by antenna 156 . The display 152 and speaker 154 provide visual and audio indicators while the controls 153 and microphone 155 enable patient feedback. In addition, one or more external sensors (not shown) are interfaced or, in a further embodiment, intergraded into the handheld form factor 151 for directly monitoring patient health information whenever required.
[0048] The types of indications and information 157 that can be provided to the patient non-exclusively include:
[0049] (1) Health measurements
[0050] (2) Active or passive pulse generator or health information monitoring
[0051] (3) Data transmission in-process indication
[0052] (4) Alert condition detection
[0053] (5) Impending therapy
[0054] (6) Ambulatory repeater memory usage
[0055] (7) Ambulatory repeater battery charge
[0056] In addition to securely exchanging data with the IMD 103 , the ambulatory repeater 123 can perform a level of analysis of the downloaded telemetered data and, in a further embodiment, provide a further visual indication 158 to the patient for informational purposes.
[0057] The handheld form factor 151 can also include a physical interface 159 that allows the device to be physically connected or “docked” to an external data processing device, such as the base repeater 124 , for high speed non-wireless data exchange and to recharge the power supply integral to the handheld form factor 151 . The ambulatory repeater 123 can continue to securely communicate with the IMD 103 , even when “docked”, to continue remote communication and collection of telemetered data.
[0000] Ambulatory Repeater in Wearable Form Factor
[0058] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram 170 showing, by way of example, an ambulatory repeater 123 in wearable form factor 171 , in accordance with a further embodiment. The wearable form factor 171 enables the ambulatory repeater 123 to be worn by the patient and can be implemented as either a stand-alone device or integrated into a microprocessor-equipped device, such as a watch or belt. Other types of wearable form factors are possible.
[0059] Similar to the handheld form factor 151 , the wearable form factor 171 includes a display 172 for graphically displaying indications and information 177 , a plurality of patient-operable controls 173 , a speaker 174 , and a microphone 175 for providing an interactive user interface. The wearable form factor 171 is preferably interfaced to the IMD 103 through RF telemetry and to the base repeater 124 , server 125 , and programmer 126 through either RF telemetry, cellular telephone connectivity or other forms of wireless communications, as facilitated by antenna 176 . The display 172 and speaker 174 provide visual and audio indicators while the controls 173 and microphone 175 enable patient feedback. In addition, one or more external sensors (not shown) are interfaced or, in a further embodiment, intergraded into the wearable form factor 171 for directly monitoring patient health information whenever required. The wearable form factor 171 also includes a physical interface 179 that allows the device to be physically connected or “docked” to an external data processing device.
[0000] Ambulatory Repeater System Overview
[0060] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram 190 showing, by way of example, systems for securely communicating using an ambulatory repeater 123 , in accordance with one embodiment. By way of example, an ambulatory repeater 123 in a wearable form factor 171 is shown, although the ambulatory repeater 123 could also be provided in the handheld form factor 151 . The ambulatory repeater 123 securely interfaces to the IMD 103 over a secure data communication interface 191 , such as described above with reference to FIG. 2 . The ambulatory repeater interrogates the IMD 103 due to a patient-initiated interrogation, on demand, or at scheduled times. Patient-initiated interrogations are triggered by the patient through a manual override of the ambulatory repeater 123 . In one embodiment, the patient is limited in the number of times that a patient-initiated interrogation can be performed during a given time period. However, in a further embodiment, a healthcare provider can override the limit on patient-initiated interrogations as required. On demand interrogations occur in response to a remote or local event, such as a health-based event sensed by the ambulatory repeater 123 . Scheduled interrogations occur on a substantially regular basis, such as hourly or at any other healthcare provider-defined interval. The schedule is uploaded to the ambulatory repeater 123 and remains in effect until specifically replaced by a new schedule. The ambulatory repeater 123 can also be activated by indirect patient action, such as removing the device from a “docking” station.
[0061] Once activated, parametric and behavioral data collected and recorded by the IMD 103 from the external sensors are monitored by the ambulatory repeater 123 in a fashion similar to the base repeater 124 . However, the power supply enables the ambulatory repeater 123 to operate separately and independently from external power sources, thereby allowing the patient to remain mobile. The ambulatory repeater 123 also provides the collateral benefits of functioning as an automatic data back-up repository for the base repeater 124 and alleviates patient fears of a lack of monitoring when away from the base repeater 124 . In a further embodiment, the parametric and behavioral data is gathered and analyzed by either the ambulatory repeater 123 or an external data processing device, such as repeater 124 , server 125 or programmer 126 , and provided for review by a healthcare provider. Alternatively, the analysis can be performed through automated means. A set of new IMD parameters can be generated and provided to the ambulatory repeater 123 for subsequent reprogramming of the IMD 103 .
[0062] Periodically or as required, the ambulatory repeater 123 interfaces to one or more of the base repeater 124 , server 125 , and programmer 126 to exchange data retrieved from the IMD 103 . In one embodiment, the ambulatory repeater 123 interfaces via a cellular network 191 or other form of wireless communications. The base repeater 124 is a dedicated monitoring device specifically matched to the IMD 103 . The base repeater 124 relies on external power source and can interface to the IMD 103 either through inductive or RF telemetry. The base repeater 124 further interfaces to the ambulatory repeater 123 either through a physical or wireless connection, as further described above.
[0063] The server 125 maintains a database 192 for storing patient records. The patient records can include physiological quantitative and quality of life qualitative measures for an individual patient collected and processed in conjunction with, by way of example, an implantable medical device, such a pacemaker, implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) or similar device; a sensor 138 , such as a weight scale, blood pressure monitor, electrocardiograph, Holter monitor or similar device; or through conventional medical testing and evaluation. In addition, the stored physiological and quality of life measures can be evaluated and matched by the server 123 against one or more medical conditions, such as described in related, commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,903, to Bardy, issued Jan. 8, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,368,284, to Bardy, issued Apr. 9, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,728, to Bardy, issued Jun. 2, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,411,840, to Bardy, issued Jun. 25, 2002; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,440,066, to Bardy, issued Aug. 27, 2002, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference.
[0064] The programmer 126 provides conventional clinical follow-up of the IMD 103 under the direction of trained healthcare professionals. In one embodiment, the ambulatory repeater 123 interfaces via a cellular network 191 or other form of wireless communications. Other types of external data processing devices and interfacing means are possible.
[0065] In a further embodiment, the ambulatory repeater 123 interfaces to emergency services 193 , which posses a copy of the cryptographic key 122 (shown in FIG. 2 ) held in a key escrow. Under ordinary circumstances, patient health information is exchanged exclusively between the ambulatory repeater 123 and authenticated external data processing devices, such as the base repeater 124 , server 125 , and programmer 126 . However, in a bona fide emergency situation, the emergency services 193 can use the cryptographic key 122 to access the patient health information in the ambulatory repeater 123 and IMD 103 , as well as the repeater 124 , server 125 , and programmer 126 . Other forms of key escrow are possible.
[0000] Ambulatory Repeater Internal Components
[0066] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram 190 showing, by way of example, the internal components of the ambulatory repeater 123 in the wearable form factor 171 of FIG. 4 . By way of example, the ambulatory repeater 123 includes a processor 202 , memory 203 , authentication module 212 , communications module 205 , physical interface 213 , optional integrated sensor 214 , and alarm 215 . Each of the components is powered by a power supply 204 , such as a rechargeable or replaceable battery. The internal components are provided in a housing 201 with provision for the antenna 176 and physical interface 179 .
[0067] The processor 202 enables the ambulatory repeater 123 to control the authentication and secure transfer of both non-sensitive and sensitive information between the IMD 103 , one or more external sensors (not shown), and one or more of the base repeater 124 , server 125 , and programmer 126 . The processor 202 also operates the ambulatory repeater 123 based on functionality embodied in an analysis module 207 , schedule module 208 and override module 209 . The analysis module 207 controls the translation, interpretation and display of patient health information. The schedule module 208 controls the periodic interfacing of the ambulatory repeater 123 to the IMD 103 and external data processing device. The override module 209 controls the patient-initiated interrogation. Other control modules are possible.
[0068] The communications module 205 includes an IMD telemetry module 210 and external data processing device (EDPD) telemetry module 211 for respectively interfacing to the IMD 103 and external data processing device, such as the base repeater 124 , server 125 , and programmer 126 . Preferably, the ambulatory repeater 123 interfaces to the IMD 103 and external sensors through inductive RF telemetry, Bluetooth, or other form of secure wireless interface, while the ambulatory repeater 123 interfaces to external data processing device preferably through RF telemetry or via cellular network or other form of wireless interface. The authentication module 206 is used to securely authenticate and encrypt and decrypt sensitive information using a retrieved cryptographic key 212 . The memory 203 includes a memory store, in which the physiological and parametric data retrieved from the IMD 103 are transiently stored pending for transfer to the external data processing device and, in a further embodiment, download to the IMD 103 . The physical interface 213 controls the direct physical connecting of the ambulatory repeater 123 to an external data processing device or supplemental accessory, such as a recharging “dock” or other similar device. The optional integrated sensor 214 directly monitors patient health information, such as patient activity level. Lastly, the alarm 215 provides a physical feedback alert to the patient, such as through a visual, tactual or audible warning, for example, flashing light, vibration, or alarm tone, respectively. Other internal components are possible, including a physical non-wireless interface and removable memory components.
[0000] Ambulatory Repeater Method Overview
[0069] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing a method 220 for providing automated patient care using an ambulatory repeater 123 , in accordance with one embodiment. The purpose of this method is to periodically activate and securely exchange information with the IMD 103 , one or more sensors 138 , and an external data processing device that includes one or more of a base repeater 124 , server 125 , and programmer 126 . The method 220 is described as a sequence of process operations or steps, which can be executed, for instance, by an ambulatory repeater 123 .
[0070] The method begins by obtaining the cryptographic key 122 (block 221 ), as further described below with reference to FIG. 8 . The method then iteratively processes data exchange sessions (blocks 222 - 226 ) as follows. First, the ambulatory repeater 123 is activated (block 223 ), which includes securely interrogating the IMD 103 , as further described below with reference to FIG. 9 . Next, the ambulatory repeater 123 performs a data exchange session with one or more of the external data processing devices, including the base repeater 124 , server 125 , and programmer 126 , as further described below with reference to FIG. 10 . Following completion of the data exchange session, the ambulatory repeater 123 returns to a stand-by mode (block 225 ). Processing continues (block 226 ) while the ambulatory repeater 123 remains in a powered-on state.
[0000] Obtaining a Cryptographic Key
[0071] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing a routine 240 for obtaining a cryptographic key 122 for use in the method 220 of FIG. 7 . The purpose of this routine is to securely receive the cryptographic key uniquely assigned to the IMD 103 into the ambulatory repeater 123 .
[0072] Initially, the cryptographic key 122 is optionally generated (block 241 ). Depending upon the system, the cryptographic key 122 could be generated dynamically by the base repeater 124 or programmer 126 for subsequent download to the IMD 103 using short range telemetry following implantation. Similarly, the cryptographic key 122 could be generated during the manufacturing process and persistently stored in the IMD 103 prior to implantation. Alternatively, the cryptographic key 122 could be dynamically generated by the IMD 103 .
[0073] Next, a secure connection is established with the source of the cryptographic key 122 (block 242 ). The form of the secure connection is dependent upon the type of key source. For instance, if the key source is the IMD 103 , the secure connection could be established through inductive or secure RF telemetric link via the base repeater 124 or programmer 126 . If the key source is the base repeater 124 , a secure connection could be established through the dedicated hardwired connection.
[0074] Finally, the cryptographic key 122 is authenticated and obtained (block 243 ) by storing the cryptographic key 122 into the authentication module 206 .
[0000] Ambulatory Repeater Activation
[0075] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing a routine 260 for activating an ambulatory repeater 123 for use in the method 220 of FIG. 7 . The purpose of the routine is to activate the ambulatory repeater 123 prior to interrogating the sensors 138 and IMD 103 .
[0076] The ambulatory repeater 123 can be activated as scheduled (block 261 ) or through manual action directly or indirectly by the patient (block 262 ) or remotely, such as by the server 125 (block 265 ).
[0077] Manual activation typically involves either a direct patient-initiated interrogation (block 263 ), such as operating a manual override control, or indirect action, such as removing the ambulatory repeater 123 from a “docking” cradle (block 264 ). Similarly, remote activation involves either health-based data transfer triggers (block 266 ) or system-based data transfer triggers (block 267 ). A health-based data transfer is triggered when a prescribed or defined health status or alert condition is detected. A system-based data transfer trigger occurs typically due to a device-specific circumstance, such as data storage nearing maximum capacity. Other forms of manual and remote ambulatory repeater activations are possible. Upon activation, the sensors 138 and IMD 103 are interrogated (blocks 268 and 269 ), as further described below with reference to FIG. 11 .
[0000] Secure Data Exchange
[0078] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing a routine 280 for performing a secure data exchange for use in the method 220 of FIG. 7 . The purpose of this routine is to exchange data between the ambulatory repeater 123 and one or more external data processing device, such as the base repeater 124 , server 125 , and programmer 126 .
[0079] Initially, any sensitive information 127 is encrypted (block 281 ) using, for instance, the cryptographic key 122 that is uniquely assigned to the IMD 103 , or other cryptographic key (not shown) upon which the ambulatory repeater 123 and external data processing device have previously agreed. A secure connection is opened with the external data processing device (block 282 ) and the sensitive information is exchanged (block 283 ). The connection is “secure” in that the sensitive information is only exchanged in an encrypted or similar form protecting the sensitive information from compromise and interception by unauthorized parties. In the described embodiment, the secure connection is served through a Web-based data communications infrastructure, such as Web-Sphere software, licensed by IBM Corporation, Armonk, N.Y. Other types of data communications infrastructures can be used. Upon the competition of the exchange of sensitive information, the secure connection with external data processing device is closed (block 284 ) and a non-secure connection is open (block 285 ). Similarly, non-sensitive information is exchanged (block 286 ) and the non-secure connection is closed (block 287 ). The non-sensitive information can be sent in parallel to the sensitive information and can also be sent over the secure connection. However, the sensitive information cannot be sent over the non-secure connection.
[0000] IMD Interrogation
[0080] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing a routine 300 for interrogating an IMD 103 for use in the method 220 of FIG. 7 . The purpose of this routine is to retrieve encrypted sensitive information 128 , including any PHI, from the IMD 103 and to decrypt the encrypted sensitive information 128 using the cryptographic key 122 uniquely assigned to the IMD 103 .
[0081] Initially, the ambulatory repeater 123 authenticates with the IMD 103 (block 301 ). A connection is established between the IMD 103 and the ambulatory repeater 123 (block 302 ) via an RF connection. Encrypted sensitive information 127 , including any PHI, is retrieved from the IMD 103 (block 303 ) and the connection between the IMD 103 and the ambulatory repeater 123 is closed (block 304 ). The encrypted sensitive information 128 is then decrypted using the cryptographic key 122 (block 305 ).
[0082] While the invention has been particularly shown and described as referenced to the embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing and other changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. | An ambulatory repeater for use in automated patient care is presented. A local memory store includes a cryptographic key, sensitive information, and physiological measures. The cryptographic key is uniquely assigned to the implantable medical device prior to implant of the implantable medical device into a patient. The sensitive information is preencrypted under the cryptographic key and physiological measures are measured by the implantable medical device. An authentication module is in receipt of the cryptographic key. A permissions module confirms authorization of an external data processing device against the cryptographic key. A decryption module decrypts the sensitive information with the cryptographic key into decrypted information. A processor is operatively coupled to the local memory store. A communications module exchanges the decrypted information and the physiological measures with the external data processing device over a wireless interface contingent upon the authorization confirmation. An internal power supply supplies power to the foregoing components. | 0 |
PRIORITY CLAIM
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61/576,777, filed 16 Dec. 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
This invention was made with the support of the United States government under grant numbers R01 EY009275 and R01 MH071625, both of which were awarded by the National Institutes of Health.
FIELD
Generally, the field relates to small molecule compounds for use in pharmaceutical compositions. More specifically, the field relates to derivatives of tetracaine.
BACKGROUND
Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) ion channels are known for their role in phototransduction in retinal photoreceptors and in odorant transduction in the olfactory epithelium (Fesenko E E et al, Nature 313, 310-313 (1985) and Nakamura T & Gold G H, Nature 325, 442-444 (1987) both of which are incorporated by reference herein.) CNG channels are also present in other brain regions and nonsensory tissues, but their physiological roles are much less clear (Kuzmiski J B & MacVicar B A, J Neurosci 21, 8707-8714 (2001); Parent A et al, J Neurophysiol 79, 3295-3301 (1998); Kaupp U B & Seifert R et al, Physiol Rev 82, 769-824 (2002); Matulef K & Zagotta W N, Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 19, 23-44 (2003); and Biel M & Michalakis S, Handb Exp Pharmacol 191, 111-136 (2009), all of which are incorporated by reference herein.)
CNG channel activation in photoreceptors is regulated by the cytoplasmic concentration of cGMP, which binds to and opens the channel to allow influx of Na + and Ca 2+ ions. Alterations of CNG channel activity have been observed in some forms of retinitis pigmentosa, a group of inherited diseases that cause progressive degeneration of rod and cone photoreceptors (Farber D B & Lolley R N, J Neurochem 28, 1089-1095 (1977); Bowes C et al, Nature 347, 677-680 (1990); Pierce E A, BioEssays 23, 605-618 (2001); Pacione L R et al, Annu Rev Neurosci 26, 657-700 (2003); Olshevskaya E V et al, J Neurosci 24, 6078-6085 (2004); Nishiguchi K M et al, Invest Opthalmol Visual Sci 45, 3863-3870 (2004); Trifunovic D et al, J Comp Neurol 518, 3604-3617 (2010), all of which are incorporated by reference herein.) Mutations that cause elevated cGMP levels lead to prolonged channel activation and Ca 2+ -triggered cell death (Pierce, 2001 supra; Trifunovic, 2010 supra; He L et al, J Biol Chem 275, 12175-12184 (2000); Rohrer B et al, J Biol Chem 279, 41903-41910 (2004); and Doonan F et al, Invest Ophthalmol Visual Sci 46, 3530-3538 (2005); all of which are incorporated by reference herein. In mouse models, reduction of CNG channel activity strongly correlated with improvements in the overall progression of the disease (Fox D A et al, Eur J Ophtalmol 13, S44-S56 (2003); Paquet-Durand F et al, Hum Mol Genet 20, 941-947 (2011); Vallazza-Deschamps G et al, Eur J Neurosci 22, 1013-1022 (2005); Woodruff M L et al, J Neurosci 27, 8805-8815 (2007); and Liu X et al, PLoS One 4, e8438 (2009) all of which are incorporated by reference herein.)
The most widely used CNG channel antagonist in research, I-cis-diltiazem, is an incomplete blocker (Stern J H et al, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 83, 1163-1167 (1986); Hashimoto Y et al, Eur J Pharmacol 391, 217-233 (2000); Haynes L W, J Gen Physiol 100, 783-801 (1992); Galizzi J P et al, J Biol Chem 261, 1393-1397 (1986) all of which are incorporated by reference herein). CNG channels are also blocked by some local anesthetics, one example being tetracaine [2-(dimethylamino)ethyl 4-(butylamino)benzoate], which is referred to herein as compound 1 (Quandt F N et al, Neuroscience 42, 629-638 (1991); Schnetkamp P P, Biochemistry 26, 3249-3253 (1987); Schnetkamp P P, J Gen Physiol 96, 517-534 (1990), all of which are incorporated by reference herein.) Compound 1 blocks CNG channels with relatively high affinity, although differently from voltage-gated sodium channels. Similarly to sodium channels, the interaction of compound 1 with CNG channels is thought to be located in the selectivity filter and the pore region (Sunami A et al, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 94, 14126-14131 (1997); Ragsdale D S et al, Science 265, 1724-1728 (1994); Ragsdale D S et al, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 93, 9270-9275 (1996); Catterall W A, Novartis Found Symp 241, 206-218 (2002); Fodor A A et al, J Gen Physiol 110, 591-600 (1997), all of which are incorporated by reference herein).
The CNG channels of retinal photoreceptors are non-selective cation conductances that regulate the membrane potential in response to light (Fesenko E E, et al, Nature 313, 310 (1985) and Nakamura T & Gold G H, Nature 325, 442 (1987), both of which are incorporated by reference herein.) Unlike voltage-gated potassium channels, these channels are directly activated by the binding of cGMP, and are minimally regulated by voltage. In photoreceptors, photons trigger a signaling cascade that leads to a decrease in cGMP levels and closure of channels.
SUMMARY
Compound 1 binds to sodium channels with high affinity when the sodium channel is in its open, inactivated-state (Hille B, J Gen Physiol 69, 497-515 (1977), incorporated by reference herein). Compound 1 also binds to CNG channels, with high affinity to the inactive, closed state (Fodor A A et al J Gen Physiol 109, 3-14 (1997) incorporated by reference herein.)
Disclosed herein are amide and thioamide linkage derivatives of compound 1, and a previously described compound 1 derivative called compound 5 (Strassmeier T et al, Bioorg Med Chem Lett 18, 645-649 (2008), incorporated by reference herein.)
Compound 1 is clinically approved for temporary anesthesia in various surgical procedures, including those involving the eye (Fichman R A, J Cataract Refractive Surg 22, 612-614 (1996) and Amiel H & Koch P S J Cataract Refractive Surg 33, 98-100 (2007), both of which are incorporated by reference herein.)
The effects of compound 1 are localized and short-lived because of its rapid degradation by esterases (Kalow W, J Pharmacol Exp Ther 104, 122-134 (1952), incorporated by reference herein). Therefore, a major challenge in developing a CNG channel blocker based upon compound 1 is that compound 1 is subject to hydrolysis and therefore biologically unstable. Compounds that block CNG channels that are more resistant to hydrolysis than compound 1 would be important products for use in the treatment of retinal degeneration and as anesthetics because they would be more stable than compound 1 or compound 5.
The compounds newly disclosed herein bind CNG with high affinity in the closed state and are more resistant to hydrolysis by serum cholinesterase (butyrylcholinesterase) and other proteases. Butyrylcholinesterase is the most abundant serum cholinesterase present in the eye and therefore the disclosed compounds will be particularly effective in the eye.
Further, tetracaine (compound 1) is well known to have local anesthetic properties. Therefore, the disclosed compounds are likely to also have local anesthetic properties. Based upon their resistance to hydrolysis and ability to bind CNG channels with higher affinity than tetracaine, the disclosed compounds likely will have value as long lasting local anesthetics.
The disclosed compounds have the structure:
wherein R 1 is alkyl, R 2 is O or S, R 3 is NH or O, X 1 is H, nitro, methoxy, methyl, cyano, or halo; and X 2 is H, nitro, methoxy, methyl, cyano, or halo, provided that X 1 and X 2 are not both H when R 3 is O.
In further examples, the compounds have the structure:
wherein R 1 is alkyl and R 2 is S or O. In further examples of the compound, R 1 is butyl or octyl. In still further examples, R 1 is butyl and R 2 is O, R 1 is octyl and R 2 is O, R 1 is butyl and R 2 is S, or R 1 is octyl and R 2 is S.
Additional examples of the compounds have the structure:
wherein R 1 is alkyl, X 1 is H, nitro, methoxy, methyl, cyano, or halo; and wherein X 2 is H, nitro, methoxy, methyl, cyano, or halo; provided that X 1 and X 2 are not both H.
Still more examples of the compounds have the structure:
wherein R 1 is alkyl, R 2 is S or O and wherein X 1 is H or halo; and wherein X 2 is H or halo. In still further examples, R 1 is octyl.
The disclosed compounds may be used in the formulation of pharmaceutical compositions. Pharmaceutical compositions that include the disclosed compounds may be used to block CNG channels in vitro and in vivo, to treat diseases caused by overactivity of CNG channels such as retinal diseases and to be used as local anesthetics.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a graph showing the voltage step protocol used to test blocking of CNG by compounds. Time scale is shown in the lower left-hand corner of the panel and inset and the zero current level is indicated by the dotted line.
FIG. 2 is a graph showing currents were elicited by the voltage step protocol of FIG. 1 in the presence of 2 mM cGMP or 2 mM cGMP and the indicated concentration of compound 1 or compound 8.
FIG. 3 is a graph showing currents were elicited by the voltage step protocol of FIG. 1 in the presence of 2 mM cGMP or 2 mM cGMP and the indicated concentration of compound 5 or compound 9.
FIG. 4 is a set of graphs of currents obtained from a concentration series of compounds 1 (white) and 8 (black) plotted against compound concentration. The solid line indicates the fit of the equation for block at a single binding site. The top panel is determined at +50 mV, the bottom panel at −50 mV.
FIG. 5 is a set of graphs of currents obtained from a concentration series of compounds 5 (white) and 9 (black) plotted against compound concentration. The solid line indicates the fit of the equation for block at a single binding site. The top panel is determined at +50 mV, the bottom panel at −50 mV.
FIG. 6 is a plot of K D values determined from all experimental patches. Plots show all K D values determined at +50 mV (upper panel) and −50 mV (lower panel). Solid horizontal brackets with asterisks indicate groups significantly different from compound 1 using the Holm-Sidak method for multiple pairwise comparisons; P<0.01.
FIG. 7 is a set of plots showing the relationship of all K D values determined for compounds 1 (2 μM), 8 (2 μM), 5 (1 μM), and 9 (1 μM) at subsaturating cGMP (50 or 100 μM) at +50 mV normalized to K D values determined at saturating cGMP (2 mM), versus 1−I/I max , which is related to the fraction of closed channels. K D values at saturating cGMP were corrected for ion accumulation. Solid lines indicate simulations for exclusive closed channel blockers, using K D /K Dsat =(1−F sat )/(1−F sat I/I max ), where F sat is the estimated fraction of open heteromeric rod channels in saturating cGMP assuming F sat =0.3 (a), 0.56 (b), or 0.78 (c). The dotted line is a simulation for a blocker with no preference for state, or K D /K Dsat =1. The dashed line is a simulation for an exclusive open channel blocker, using K D /K Dsat =(I/I max ) −1 .
FIG. 8 is a set of two images of retinal sections from the left eye (left panel) and right eye (right panel) of an rd10 mouse, intravitreally injected with PBS and 5 mM compound 9 (final concentration ˜ 0.5 mM), respectively, at P15 and euthanized at P25. Retinas were sectioned at 20 microns, and stained with DAPI. Images are confocal stacks taken very close to the optic nerve. The outer nuclear layers corresponding to photoreceptor cells are shown with white brackets.
FIG. 9 is a set of four images of retinal sections from an untreated rd1 mouse euthanized at P17 (upper panels) and an rd1 mouse receiving a subretinal injection of 30 μM compound 8 (final concentration ˜ 5 μM) at P12 and euthanized at P17 (lower panels). The photographs show standard histological analysis of retinal sections stained with cresol purple. The right panels are expansions of similar regions in each retina near the optic nerve. The white brackets mark the outer nuclear layer containing photoreceptor nuclei.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Disclosed herein are compounds that may be used in pharmaceutical compositions. In some examples of the compounds, the compounds have the structure:
wherein R 1 is alkyl, R 2 is O or S, R 3 is NH or O, X 1 is H, nitro, methoxy, methyl, cyano, or halo, X 2 is H, nitro, methoxy, methyl, cyano, or halo, provided that X 1 and X 2 are not both H when R 3 is O.
In further examples, the compounds have the structure:
wherein R 1 is alkyl and R 2 is S or O.
In further examples of compounds of this structure, R 1 is butyl or octyl, such as in the following compounds:
In other examples, the compounds have the structure:
wherein R 1 is alkyl, X 1 is H, nitro, methoxy, methyl, cyano, or halo and wherein X 2 is H or halo provided that X 1 and X 2 are not both H.
In further examples, R1 is butyl or octyl as in the following:
Still further examples of the compound include a compound with the structure:
wherein R 1 is alkyl, R 2 is O or S, X 1 is H or halo, and X 2 is H or halo.
In further examples, R 1 is octyl as in the following:
The following explanations of terms and methods are provided to better describe the present compounds, compositions and methods, and to guide those of ordinary skill in the art in the practice of the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and examples only and is not intended to be limiting.
As used herein, the singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “comprises” means “includes.” Hence “comprising A or B” means including A, B, or A and B.
Variables such as R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , X 1 , X 2 , X 3 used throughout the disclosure are the same variables as previously defined unless stated to the contrary.
“Administration of” and “administering a” compound refers to providing a compound or a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as described herein. The compound or composition can be administered by another person to the subject or it can be self-administered by the subject.
The term “alkyl” refers to a branched or unbranched saturated hydrocarbon group, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, decyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl, eicosyl, tetracosyl and the like. A “lower alkyl” group is a saturated branched or unbranched hydrocarbon having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Alkyl groups may be “substituted alkyls” wherein one or more hydrogen atoms are substituted with a substituent such as halogen, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, amino, hydroxyl, aryl, or carboxyl.
The term “anesthetic” refers to an agent that produces a reversible loss of sensation in an area of a subject's body such as a tissue, limb, organ or other part of the body. As used herein, the term anesthetic also encompasses an analgesic, which is an agent that lessens, alleviates, reduces, relieves or extinguishes pain in an area of a subject's body. An anesthetic may be administered locally, in which sensation is lost in one or more discrete parts of the body or generally in which sensation is lost in effectively all of the body.
“Derivative” refers to a compound or portion of a compound that is derived from or is theoretically derivable from a parent compound.
Treating refers to inhibiting the full development of a disease or condition, for example, in a subject who is at risk for a disease that involves retinal degeneration. “Treatment” refers to a therapeutic intervention that ameliorates a sign or symptom of a disease or pathological condition after it has begun to develop. As used herein, the term “treating,” with reference to a disease, pathological condition or symptom, also refers to any observable beneficial effect of the treatment. The beneficial effect can be evidenced, for example, by a delayed onset of clinical symptoms of the disease in a susceptible subject, a reduction in severity of some or all clinical symptoms of the disease, a slower progression of the disease, a reduction in the number of relapses of the disease, an improvement in the overall health or well-being of the subject, or by other parameters well known in the art that are specific to the particular disease. Treating also refers to any quantitative or qualitative reduction of the signs or symptoms of the disease including prevention of retinal degeneration, or complete cure of retinal degeneration, relative to a control such as a standard therapy or an untreated control. A “prophylactic” treatment is a treatment administered to a subject who does not exhibit signs of a disease or exhibits only early signs for the purpose of decreasing the risk of developing pathology. “Coadminister” is meant that each of at least two compounds are administered during a time frame wherein the respective periods of biological activity overlap. Thus, the term includes sequential as well as coextensive administration of two or more drug compounds.
The terms “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” or “pharmacologically acceptable salt” refers to salts prepared by conventional means that include basic salts of inorganic and organic acids, including but not limited to hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, malic acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, lactic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, salicylic acid, benzoic acid, phenylacetic acid, mandelic acid and the like. “Pharmaceutically acceptable salts” of the presently disclosed compounds also include those formed from cations such as sodium, potassium, aluminum, calcium, lithium, magnesium, zinc, and from bases such as ammonia, ethylenediamine, N-methyl-glutamine, lysine, arginine, ornithine, choline, N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine, chloroprocaine, diethanolamine, procaine, N-benzylphenethylamine, diethylamine, piperazine, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, and tetramethylammonium hydroxide. These salts may be prepared by standard procedures, for example by reacting the free acid with a suitable organic or inorganic base. Any chemical compound recited in this specification may alternatively be administered as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. “Pharmaceutically acceptable salts” are also inclusive of the free acid, base, and zwitterionic forms. Descriptions of suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be found in Handbook of Pharmaceutical Salts, Properties, Selection and Use, Wiley VCH (2002). When compounds disclosed herein include an acidic function such as a carboxy group, then suitable pharmaceutically acceptable cation pairs for the carboxy group are well known to those skilled in the art and include alkaline, alkaline earth, ammonium, quaternary ammonium cations and the like. Such salts are known to those of skill in the art. For additional examples of “pharmacologically acceptable salts,” see Berge et al., J. Pharm. Sci. 66:1 (1977).
The term “subject” includes human subjects, veterinary subjects, and laboratory animal test subjects.
An “effective amount” or “therapeutically effective amount” refers to a quantity of a specified agent sufficient to achieve a desired effect in a subject being treated with that agent. For example, this may be the amount of a compound disclosed herein useful in detecting or treating thyroid cancer in a subject. Ideally, a therapeutically effective amount of an agent is an amount sufficient to inhibit or treat the disease without causing a substantial cytotoxic effect in the subject. The therapeutically effective amount of an agent will be dependent on the subject being treated, the severity of the affliction, and the manner of administration of the therapeutic composition. Methods of determining a therapeutically effective amount of the disclosed compound sufficient to achieve a desired effect in a subject in need of local anesthesia and/or suffering from a disease caused by overactivity of CNG channels such as retinal disease are known to those of skill in the art.
Prodrugs of the disclosed compounds also are contemplated herein. A prodrug is an active or inactive compound that is modified chemically through in vivo physiological action, such as hydrolysis, metabolism and the like, into an active compound following administration of the prodrug to a subject. The suitability and techniques involved in making and using prodrugs are well known by those skilled in the art. For a general discussion of prodrugs involving esters see Svensson and Tunek Drug Metabolism Reviews 165 (1988) and Bundgaard Design of Prodrugs, Elsevier (1985). The term “prodrug” also is intended to include any covalently bonded carriers that release an active parent drug of the present invention in vivo when the prodrug is administered to a subject. Since prodrugs often have enhanced properties relative to the active agent such as, solubility and bioavailability, the compounds disclosed herein can be delivered in prodrug form. Thus, also contemplated are prodrugs of the presently disclosed compounds, methods of delivering prodrugs and compositions containing such prodrugs. Prodrugs of the disclosed compounds typically are prepared by modifying one or more functional groups present in the compound in such a way that the modifications are cleaved, either in routine manipulation or in vivo, to yield the parent compound. Prodrugs include compounds having a phosphonate and/or amino group functionalized with any group that is cleaved in vivo to yield the corresponding amino and/or phosphonate group, respectively. Examples of prodrugs include, without limitation, compounds having an acylated amino group and/or a phosphonate ester or phosphonate amide group. In particular examples, a prodrug is a lower alkyl phosphonate ester, such as an isopropyl phosphonate ester.
Protected derivatives of the disclosed compounds also are contemplated. A variety of suitable protecting groups for use with the disclosed compounds are disclosed in Greene and Wuts Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis; 5 3rd Ed.; John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1999. In general, protecting groups are removed under conditions which will not affect the remaining portion of the molecule. These methods are well known in the art and include acid hydrolysis, hydrogenolysis and the like. One preferred method involves the removal of an ester, such as cleavage of a phosphonate ester using Lewis acidic conditions, such as in TMS-Br mediated ester cleavage to yield the free phosphonate. A second preferred method involves removal of a protecting group, such as removal of a benzyl group by hydrogenolysis utilizing palladium on carbon in a suitable solvent system such as an alcohol, acetic acid, and the like or mixtures thereof. A t-butoxy-based group, including t-butoxy carbonyl protecting groups can be removed utilizing an inorganic or organic acid, such as HCl or trifluoroacetic acid, in a suitable solvent system, such as water, dioxane and/or methylene chloride. Another exemplary protecting group, suitable for protecting amino and hydroxyl functions amino is trityl. Other conventional protecting groups are known and suitable protecting groups can be selected by those of skill in the art in consultation with Greene and Wuts Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis; 3rd Ed.; John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1999.
When an amine is deprotected, the resulting salt can readily be neutralized to yield the free amine. Similarly, when an acid moiety, such as a phosphonic acid moiety is unveiled, the compound may be isolated as the acid compound or as a salt thereof.
Particular examples of the presently disclosed compounds include one or more asymmetric centers; thus these compounds can exist in different stereoisomeric forms. Accordingly, compounds and compositions may be provided as individual pure enantiomers or as stereoisomeric mixtures, including racemic mixtures. In certain embodiments the compounds disclosed herein are synthesized in or are purified to be in substantially enantiopure form, such as in a 90% enantiomeric excess, a 95% enantiomeric excess, a 97% enantiomeric excess or even in greater than a 99% enantiomeric excess, such as in enantiopure form.
The compounds disclosed herein may be included in pharmaceutical compositions (including therapeutic and prophylactic formulations), typically combined together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles or carriers and, optionally, other therapeutic ingredients (for example, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories). The compositions disclosed herein may be advantageously combined and/or used in combination with other anesthetic agents such as general anesthetics or with other treatments for retinal diseases.
Such pharmaceutical compositions can be administered to subjects by a variety of mucosal administration modes, including by oral, rectal, intranasal, intrapulmonary, intravitrial, or transdermal delivery, or by topical delivery to other surfaces including the eye. Optionally, the compositions can be administered by non-mucosal routes, including by intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous, intra-arterial, intra-articular, intraperitoneal, intrathecal, intracerebroventricular, or parenteral routes. In other alternative embodiments, the compound can be administered ex vivo by direct exposure to cells, tissues or organs originating from a subject.
To formulate the pharmaceutical compositions, the compound can be combined with various pharmaceutically acceptable additives, as well as a base or vehicle for dispersion of the compound. Desired additives include, but are not limited to, pH control agents, such as arginine, sodium hydroxide, glycine, hydrochloric acid, citric acid, and the like. In addition, local anesthetics (for example, benzyl alcohol), isotonizing agents (for example, sodium chloride, mannitol, sorbitol), adsorption inhibitors (for example, Tween 80), solubility enhancing agents (for example, cyclodextrins and derivatives thereof), stabilizers (for example, serum albumin), and reducing agents (for example, glutathione) can be included. Adjuvants, such as aluminum hydroxide (for example, Amphogel, Wyeth Laboratories, Madison, N.J.), Freund's adjuvant, MPL™ (3-O-deacylated monophosphoryl lipid A; Corixa, Hamilton, Mont.) and IL-12 (Genetics Institute, Cambridge, Mass.), among many other suitable adjuvants well known in the art, can be included in the compositions. When the composition is a liquid, the tonicity of the formulation, as measured with reference to the tonicity of 0.9% (w/v) physiological saline solution taken as unity, is typically adjusted to a value at which no substantial, irreversible tissue damage will be induced at the site of administration. Generally, the tonicity of the solution is adjusted to a value of about 0.3 to about 3.0, such as about 0.5 to about 2.0, or about 0.8 to about 1.7.
The compound can be dispersed in a base or vehicle, which can include a hydrophilic compound having a capacity to disperse the compound, and any desired additives. The base can be selected from a wide range of suitable compounds, including but not limited to, copolymers of polycarboxylic acids or salts thereof, carboxylic anhydrides (for example, maleic anhydride) with other monomers (for example, methyl(meth)acrylate, acrylic acid and the like), hydrophilic vinyl polymers, such as polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, cellulose derivatives, such as hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose and the like, and natural polymers, such as chitosan, collagen, sodium alginate, gelatin, hyaluronic acid, and nontoxic metal salts thereof. Often, a biodegradable polymer is selected as a base or vehicle, for example, polylactic acid, poly(lactic acid-glycolic acid) copolymer, polyhydroxybutyric acid, poly(hydroxybutyric acid-glycolic acid) copolymer and mixtures thereof. Alternatively or additionally, synthetic fatty acid esters such as polyglycerin fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters and the like can be employed as vehicles. Hydrophilic polymers and other vehicles can be used alone or in combination, and enhanced structural integrity can be imparted to the vehicle by partial crystallization, ionic bonding, cross-linking and the like. The vehicle can be provided in a variety of forms, including fluid or viscous solutions, gels, pastes, powders, microspheres, and films for direct application to a mucosal surface.
The compound can be combined with the base or vehicle according to a variety of methods, and release of the compound can be by diffusion, disintegration of the vehicle, or associated formation of water channels. In some circumstances, the compound is dispersed in microcapsules (microspheres) or nanoparticles prepared from a suitable polymer, for example, 5 isobutyl 2-cyanoacrylate (see, for example, Michael et al., J. Pharmacy Pharmacol. 43:1-5, 1991), and dispersed in a biocompatible dispersing medium, which yields sustained delivery and biological activity over a protracted time. Alternatively, the compound may be combined with a mesoporous silica nanoparticle including a mesoporous silica nanoparticle complex with one or more polymers conjugated to its outer surface.
The pharmaceutical compositions of the disclosure can alternatively contain as pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles substances as required to approximate physiological conditions, such as pH adjusting and buffering agents, tonicity adjusting agents, wetting agents and the like, for example, sodium acetate, sodium lactate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, sorbitan monolaurate, and triethanolamine oleate. For solid compositions, conventional nontoxic pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles can be used which include, for example, pharmaceutical grades of mannitol, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharin, talcum, cellulose, glucose, sucrose, magnesium carbonate, and the like. Pharmaceutical compositions for administering the compound can also be formulated as a solution, microemulsion, or other ordered structure suitable for high concentration of active ingredients. The vehicle can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like), and suitable mixtures thereof. Proper fluidity for solutions can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of a desired particle size in the case of dispersible formulations, and by the use of surfactants. In many cases, it will be desirable to include isotonic agents, for example, sugars, polyalcohols, such as mannitol and sorbitol, or sodium chloride in the composition. Prolonged absorption of the compound can be brought about by including in the composition an agent which delays absorption, for example, monostearate salts and gelatin.
In certain embodiments, the compound can be administered in a time release formulation, for example in a composition which includes a slow release polymer. These compositions can be prepared with vehicles that will protect against rapid release, for example a controlled release vehicle such as a polymer, microencapsulated delivery system or bioadhesive gel. Prolonged delivery in various compositions of the disclosure can be brought about by including in the composition agents that delay absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate hydrogels and gelatin. When controlled release formulations are desired, controlled release binders suitable for use in accordance with the disclosure include any biocompatible controlled release material which is inert to the active agent and which is capable of incorporating the compound and/or other biologically active agent. Numerous such materials are known in the art. Useful controlled-release binders are materials that are metabolized slowly under physiological conditions following their delivery (for example, at a mucosal surface, or in the presence of bodily fluids). Appropriate binders include, but are not limited to, biocompatible polymers and copolymers well known in the art for use in sustained release formulations. Such biocompatible compounds are non-toxic and inert to surrounding tissues, and do not trigger significant adverse side effects, such as nasal irritation, immune response, inflammation, or the like. They are metabolized into metabolic products that are also biocompatible and easily eliminated from the body.
Exemplary polymeric materials for use in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, polymeric matrices derived from copolymeric and homopolymeric polyesters having hydrolyzable ester linkages. A number of these are known in the art to be biodegradable and to lead to degradation products having no or low toxicity. Exemplary polymers include polyglycolic acids and polylactic acids, poly(DL-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid), poly(D-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid), and poly(L-lactic acid-coglycolic acid). Other useful biodegradable or bioerodable polymers include, but are not limited to, such polymers as poly(epsilon-caprolactone), poly(epsilon-aprolactone-CO-lactic acid), poly(epsilon.-aprolactone-CO-glycolic acid), poly(beta-hydroxy butyric acid), poly(alkyl-2-cyanoacrilate), hydrogels, such as poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), polyamides, poly(amino acids) (for example, L-leucine, glutamic acid, L-aspartic acid and the like), poly(ester urea), poly(2-hydroxyethyl DL-aspartamide), polyacetal polymers, polyorthoesters, polycarbonate, polymaleamides, polysaccharides, and copolymers thereof. Many methods for preparing such formulations are well known to those skilled in the art (see, for example, Sustained and Controlled Release Drug Delivery Systems, J. R. Robinson, ed., Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1978). Other useful formulations include controlled-release microcapsules (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,652,441 and 4,917,893), lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymers useful in making microcapsules and other formulations (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,677,191 and 4,728,721) and sustained-release compositions for water-soluble peptides (U.S. Pat. No. 4,675,189).
The pharmaceutical compositions of the disclosure typically are sterile and stable under conditions of manufacture, storage and use. Sterile solutions can be prepared by incorporating the compound in the required amount in an appropriate solvent with one or a combination of ingredients enumerated herein, as required, followed by filtered sterilization. Generally, dispersions are prepared by incorporating the compound and/or other biologically active agent into a sterile vehicle that contains a basic dispersion medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated herein. In the case of sterile powders, methods of preparation include vacuum drying and freeze-drying which yields a powder of the compound plus any additional desired ingredient from a previously sterile-filtered solution thereof. The prevention of the action of microorganisms can be accomplished by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like.
In accordance with the various treatment methods of the disclosure, the compound can be delivered to a subject in a manner consistent with conventional methodologies associated with management of the disorder for which treatment or prevention is sought. In accordance with the disclosure herein, a prophylactically or therapeutically effective amount of the compound and/or other biologically active agent is administered to a subject in need of such treatment for a time and under conditions sufficient to prevent, inhibit, and/or ameliorate a selected disease or condition or one or more symptom(s) thereof.
Typical subjects intended for treatment with the compositions and methods of the present disclosure include humans, as well as non-human primates and other animals such as companion animals, livestock animals, animals used in models of retinitis pigmentosa, or animals used in pharmaceutical testing, such as pharmacokinetics and toxicological testing, including mice, rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
To identify subjects for prophylaxis or treatment according to the methods of the disclosure, accepted screening methods are employed to determine risk factors associated with a parasitic infection to determine the status of an existing disease or condition in a subject.
The administration of the disclosed compounds and pharmaceutical compositions can be for prophylactic or therapeutic purposes. When provided prophylactically, the compound is provided in advance of any symptom. The prophylactic administration of the compound serves to prevent or ameliorate any subsequent disease process. When provided therapeutically, the compound is provided at or after the onset of a symptom of disease or infection. An anesthetic administered prophylactically may be administered prior to an event expected to cause pain (such as surgery.) Alternatively, an anesthetic administered therapeutically may be administered after an event causing pain (such as an injury) in order to provide palliative care.
For prophylactic and therapeutic purposes, the compound can be administered to the subject by the oral route or in a single bolus delivery, via continuous delivery (for example, continuous transdermal, mucosal or intravenous delivery) over an extended time period, or in a repeated administration protocol (for example, by an hourly, daily or weekly, repeated administration protocol). The therapeutically effective dosage of the compound can be provided as repeated doses within a prolonged prophylaxis or treatment regimen that will yield clinically significant results to alleviate one or more symptoms or detectable conditions associated with a targeted disease or condition as set forth herein. Determination of effective dosages in this context is typically based on animal model studies followed up by human clinical trials and is guided by administration protocols that significantly reduce the occurrence or severity of targeted disease symptoms or conditions in the subject. Suitable models in this regard include, for example, murine, rat, avian, porcine, feline, non-human primate, and other accepted animal model subjects known in the art. Alternatively, effective dosages can be determined using in vitro models (for example, immunologic and histopathologic assays). Using such models, only ordinary calculations and adjustments are required to determine an appropriate concentration and dose to administer a therapeutically effective amount of the compound (for example, amounts that are effective to elicit a desired immune response or alleviate one or more symptoms of a targeted disease). In alternative embodiments, an effective amount or effective dose of the compound may simply inhibit or enhance one or more selected biological activities correlated with a disease or condition, as set forth herein, for either therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.
The actual dosage of the compound will vary according to factors such as the disease indication and particular status of the subject (for example, the subject's age, size, fitness, extent of symptoms, susceptibility factors, and the like), time and route of administration, other drugs or treatments being administered concurrently, as well as the specific pharmacology of the compound for eliciting the desired activity or biological response in the subject. Dosage regimens can be adjusted to provide an optimum prophylactic or therapeutic response. A therapeutically effective amount is also one in which any toxic or detrimental side effects of the compound and/or other biologically active agent is outweighed in clinical terms by therapeutically beneficial effects. A non-limiting range for a therapeutically effective amount of a compound and/or other biologically active agent within the methods and formulations of the disclosure is about 0.01 mg/kg body weight to about 100 mg/kg body weight, such as about 0.05 mg/kg to about 50 mg/kg body weight, or about 0.5 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg body weight.
Dosage can be varied to maintain a desired concentration at a target site (for example, the lungs or systemic circulation). Higher or lower concentrations can be selected based on the mode of delivery, for example, trans-epidermal, rectal, oral, pulmonary, or intranasal delivery versus intravenous or subcutaneous delivery. Dosage can also be adjusted based on the release rate of the administered formulation, for example, of an intrapulmonary spray versus powder, sustained release oral versus injected particulate or transdermal delivery formulations, and so forth.
The instant disclosure also includes kits, packages and multi-container units containing the herein described pharmaceutical compositions, active ingredients, and/or devices and consumables that facilitate the administration the same for use in the prevention and treatment of diseases and other conditions in mammalian subjects. In one example, this component is formulated in a pharmaceutical preparation for delivery to a subject. The conjugate is optionally contained in a bulk dispensing container or unit or multiunit dosage form. Optional dispensing devices can be provided, for example a pulmonary or intranasal spray applicator. Packaging materials optionally include a label or instruction indicating for what treatment purposes and/or in what manner the pharmaceutical agent packaged therewith can be used.
The compounds may be used in the treatment of diseases that are caused by improper function of CNG channels. CNG channels are central participants in the pathology of certain forms of retinal degeneration including some forms of retinitis pigmentosa. For example, mutations that result in increased cGMP levels, such as mutations in the cGMP phosphodiesterase or the guanylyl cyclase activating protein 1 of retinal rods, can cause a massive influx of sodium and calcium through CNG channels. Gain-of-function CNG channel mutations can have similar effects. Gain-of-function CNG mutations can cause apoptosis, metabolic overload, and retinal degeneration. CNG channel blockers are would be effective treatments for these blinding diseases. Such blockers may be administered through intravitreal injection, subretinal injection and/or topically.
The compounds may be used as local anesthetics. There are situations in which longer lasting anesthetics are desirable, particularly anesthetics resistant to hydrolysis. Several attempts have been made to achieve longer-lasting local anesthetics (Mannheimer W et al, J Am Med Assoc 154, 29-32 (1954): Epstein-Barash H Et al, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 106, 7125-7130 (2009); and Ivani G et al, Minerva Anestesiol 67, 20-23 (2001), all of which are incorporated by reference herein. Indeed, there have been some attempts to increase the half-life of compound 1 in biological preparations (Boedeker B H et al, J Clin Pharmacol 34, 699-702 (1994); Fisher R et al, Br J Anaesth 81, 972-973 (1998); Wang G K et al, Anesthesiology 88, 417-428 (1998); all of which are incorporated by reference herein).
EXAMPLES
The following examples are illustrative of disclosed methods. In light of this disclosure, those of skill in the art will recognize that variations of these examples and other examples of the disclosed method would be possible without undue experimentation.
Examples 1-6 pertain to compounds having the structure:
wherein R 1 is alkyl and R 2 is S or O. In further examples of compounds of this structure, R 1 may be butyl or octyl.
Example 1
Synthesis of Compounds
Compound 1 derivatives were prepared according to Scheme 1. An alkyl substituent was added to the amino end of 4-aminobenzoic acid (2) via reductive amination using a synthesis adapted from Sato S et al, Tetrahedron 60, 7899-7906 (2004), incorporated by reference herein. The resulting alkylated benzoic acid derivatives (3 and 4) were then activated at the carboxylic acid with 1, 10-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) and subsequently esterified or amidated using 2-(dimethylamino)ethanol or N′,N′-dimethylethane-1,2-diamine, respectively, to yield target compounds 5, 6, and 7 (Staab H A, Agnew Chem, Int Ed Engl 1, 351-367 (1962), incorporated by reference herein.) Compounds 6 and 7 were further treated with Lawesson's reagent to yield target thioamide compounds 8 and 9 (Ozturk T et al, Chem Rev 107, 5210-5278 (2007) incorporated by reference herein).
Example 2
CNG Channel Block at Saturating cGMP
FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 depict the results of a heteromeric rod CNG channel block by compound 1 and compound 8. Specifically, FIG. 2 depicts leak-subtracted currents from a representative excised inside-out patch from oocytes expressing heteromeric rod CNG channels. Currents were elicited by a voltage step protocol from 0 to −50 to +50 mV (See FIG. 1 ) in the presence of 2 mM cGMP or 2 mM cGMP and compound (5 μM). Time scale is shown in the lower left-hand corner of the panel and FIG. 1 , and the zero current level is indicated by the dotted line.
FIG. 4 depicts currents obtained from a concentration series of compound 1 (white) and compound 8 (black) plotted against compound concentration on the x-axis. The solid line indicates the fit of the equation for block at a single binding site. K D values determined from the fit of the equation were 4.2 μM at +50 mV and 15.6 μM at −50 mV for compound 1, and 0.5 μM at +50 mV and 3.7 μM at −50 mV for compound 8.
FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 depict heteromeric rod CNG channel block by compound 5 and compound 9. FIG. 3 depicts leak-subtracted currents from a representative excised inside-out patch from oocytes expressing heteromeric rod CNG channels. Currents were elicited by a voltage step protocol from 0 to −50 mV to +50 mV (see FIG. 1 ) in the presence of 2 mMcGMP or 2 mMcGMP and compound (5 μM). Time scale is shown in the lower left-hand corner of the panel and FIG. 1 , and the zero current level is indicated by the dotted line. FIG. 5 depicts currents obtained from a concentration series of compound 5 (white) and compound 9 (black) are plotted against compound concentration. Solid line indicates the fit of the equation for block at a single binding site. K D values determined from the fit of the equation were 1.5 μM at +50 mV and 1.8 μMat-50 mV for compound 5, and 1.3 μM at +50 mV and 1.8 μM at −50 mV for compound 9
The effectiveness of retinal rod CNG channel current block by the disclosed compounds was tested in Xenopus oocyte preparations. Excised, inside-out patches pulled from oocytes expressed heteromeric rod CNG channels consisting of CNGA1 and CNGB1 subunits. This was verified by substantial block of 2 mM cGMP-induced currents with 20 μM l-cis-diltiazem (74.2±5.8% at Vm=+50 mV) (Korschen H G et al, Neuron 15, 627-636 (1995), incorporated by reference herein.) Each compound's apparent affinity for the heteromeric CNG channel was determined under maximal channel activation (2 mM cGMP). CNG channel currents were elicited by a voltage step protocol to −50 and +50 mV ( FIG. 1 ). The apparent K D value at each membrane potential was estimated first by determining I +B and I −B at steady state, where I +B is the current in the presence of blocker and I −B is current in the absence of blocker, for different blocker concentrations ([B]).
The following equation for block at a single binding site was fit to the data to obtain K D :
I +B =I −B K D /( K D +[B] )
Representative traces for CNG channel currents at positive and negative membrane potentials activated by 2 mM cGMP, are shown for compound 1 and compound 8 ( FIG. 2 ) and compound 5, and compound 9 ( FIG. 3 ). Compound 8 is a higher affinity CNG channel blocker relative to compound 1 at both positive and negative membrane potentials ( FIG. 2 ). In contrast, compound 9 (having the same headgroup linkage as compound 8) has a similar CNG channel affinity compared to compound 5. All compounds tested exhibited voltage dependent blocking, although compounds 5, 7, and 9 were appreciably less voltage dependent than compound 1, 6, and 8.
A small transient decay in current attributed to an ion accumulation effect was seen with each voltage step with large currents (typically >1 nA) (Zimmerman A L et al, Biophys J 54, 351-355 (1995), incorporated by reference herein.) Corrections for ion accumulation did not substantially change previous K D estimates for compound 1 (6.8 μM corrected and 6.7 μM not corrected, both determined at +40 mV) (Strassmaier (2005) supra and Strassmaier (2008) supra). K D value estimates for ion accumulation for compounds 6, 7, 8, and 9 similarly did not change significantly when corrected for ion accumulation. As a result, the K D values reported herein were not corrected for ion accumulation. The K D values at both +50 and −50 mV for all compounds tested are plotted in FIG. 6 . The mean K D values are summarized in Table 1, along with estimated log P values for each compound.
Amide substitution of the ester linkage of compound 1 (to generate compound 6) has little effect on the K D values, while the thioamide substitution unexpectedly improves the affinity for CNG channels (compound 8). Amide (compound 7) and thioamide (compound 9) substitutions of compound 5 have little effect on K D .
Example 3
State Dependence of Block
Compound 1 has been reported to preferentially block CNG channels in the closed conformation, and its ability to block CNG channels improves with half-maximal channel activation (Fodor, 1997 supra). The apparent K D values were determined at both positive and negative potentials for CNG channel currents activated by saturating (2 mM) and subsaturating concentrations of cGMP (50 and 100 μM). The K D values for all compounds were lower at subsaturating cGMP than at saturating cGMP. The K D values of each of compounds 1, 8, 5, and 9 at subsaturating cGMP (+50 mV) normalized to the K D values at saturating cGMP are plotted against 1−I/I max , which is related to the fraction of closed channels in FIG. 6 . The solid lines in FIG. 4 marked a, b, and c represent the expected relationship between K D and the fraction of closed channels for an exclusive closed channel blocker. Each of a, b, and c uses one estimate for the probability of closed heteromeric retinal rod channels at saturating cGMP. The simulations are described in the following references: Matthews G et al, J Physiol 403, 389-405 (1988); Taylor W R & Baylor D A, J Physiol 483 567-582 (1995); and Bucossi G et al, Biophys J 72, 1165-1181 (1997), all of which are incorporated by reference herein. The dotted line represents a simulation of a blocker with no preference as to conformational of the channel. The dashed line represents a simulation for an exclusive open channel blocker.
Despite inherent variability in the relationships between K D values and fractional current, the data for compounds 1, 5, 8, and 9 better fit the results expected of a closed channel blocker. Therefore, all of compounds 1, 5, 8, and 9 all are likely to block CNG channels by the same mechanism.
Example 4
Resistance to In Vitro Hydrolysis
In addition to the higher affinity for CNG channels by compound 8 relative to compounds 1 and 5, the amide and thioamide linkage substitutions should provide an improvement for many in vivo applications or tissue preparations to a tetracaine-based CNG channel blocker in terms of biological stability. Compound 1 is rapidly hydrolyzed by butyrylcholinesterase in the bloodstream. Butyrylcholinesterase purified from human blood serum was used to test the resistance of the disclosed compounds to hydrolysis. Results are shown in Table 1.
TABLE 1
K D values, estimated Log P, and rate of in vitro serum cholinesterase
hydrolysis for tetracaine (compound 1), compound 5, and compounds
6, 7, 8, and 9 disclosed herein. Structures are depicted in
the expected predominant protonation state at pH 7.6. Log P is
calculated for the unprotonated forms using ALOGPS 2.1
(Virtual Computational Chemistry Laboratory)
Hydrolysis
Compound
K D(+50)
K D(−50)
rate
#
(μM)
(μM)
n
Log P
nmol/min · mg
1
4.9 ± 1.8
21.8 ± 8.6
16
3.1
132 ± 10
5
1.0 ± 0.6
2.4 ± 1.4
5
5.1
213 ± 31
6
4.4 ± 2.0
28.6 ± 13.1
7
2.3
8.4 ± 3.5
7
1.6 ± 1.5
3.7 ± 1.5
4
4.3
1.2 ± 0.5
8
0.6 ± 0.3
3.9 ± 1.8
4
2.8
ND
9
0.7 ± 0.5
1.8 ± 0.8
5
4.8
ND
ND = no hydrolysis detected.
As shown in Table 1, the amide linkage substitutions of compounds 6 and 7 provided substantial resistance to hydrolysis. The thioamide linkage substitutions of compound 8 and compound 9 improved hydrolysis resistance of to such a degree that no hydrolysis product was detected even after a 24-hour incubation in the presence of butyrylcholinesterase.
The amide linkages of compounds 6 and 7 could potentially be susceptible to hydrolysis by proteases. However, the broad-spectrum, nonspecific endopeptidases chymotrypsin and proteinase K, were not able to generate any detectable hydrolysis products for any of compounds 6, 7, 8, or 9. Hydrolysis products of 4-nitrophenyl acetate and BSA were detected as positive controls.
Example 5
Experimental Methods
Retinal Rod CNG Channel Expression in Oocytes:
Ovaries were surgically removed from adult Xenopus laevis females (Xenopus Express; Brooksville, Fla.) anesthetized with ice-cold 0.1% tricaine and 0.1% NaHCO3 solution. Oocytes were chemically released from ovarian follicles in Ca 2+ -free Barth's solution (88 mM NaCl, 1 mM KCl, 2.4 mM NaHCO3, 0.82 mM MgSO4, 7.5 mM Tris, 2.5 mM sodium pyruvate, 100 U/mL penicillin, and 100 μg/mL streptomycin, pH 7.4) containing 0.1 U/mL Liberase Blendzymes (Roche, Indianapolis, Ind.). Stages IV and V oocytes were visually sorted and stored in ND-96 (96 mM NaCl, 2 mM KCl, 1.8 mM CaCl2, 1 mM MgCl2, 5 mM HEPES, 2.5 mM sodium pyruvate, 100 U/mL penicillin, and 100 μg/mL streptomycin, pH 7.4) at 16° C. Oocytes were co-injected the following day with 33 ng of CNGA1 and 67 ng of CNGB1 cRNA (2:1) synthesized from linearized pGEM-HE expression vectors containing the channel subunit cDNA sequence (Strassmaier T & Karpen J, J Med Chem 50, 4186-4194, (2007), incorporated by reference herein) using T7 mMESSAGE mMACHINE® (Ambion, Austin, Tex.). Injected oocytes were incubated at 18° C. the first day and 16° C. for the remaining days.
Electrophysiological Recordings:
Recordings from inside-out excised patches were made 3-7 days after oocyte injection on an Axopatch 1D® amplifier (Axon Instruments, Foster City, Calif.). Briefly, oocyte vitelline membranes were removed in solution containing 200 mM K aspartate, 20 mM KCl, 1 mM MgCl2, 10 mM EGTA, 10 mM HEPES, pH 7.4. Oocytes were placed in a recording chamber in a solution containing 130 mM NaCl, 2 mM HEPES, 0.02 mM EDTA, 1 mM EGTA, pH 7.6, and borosilicate glass electrodes (1-3 MΩ) were filled with identical solution. Macroscopic currents were filtered at 1 kHz and sampled at 2 kHz using pCLAMP 8.0® software (Axon Instruments). Channels were either fully activated with 2 mM or partially activated with 50 and 100 μM cGMP. Solutions containing different tetracaine derivatives were exchanged using a RSC-100® rapid solution changer (Molecular Kinetics, Pullman, Wash.). Glass syringes and Teflon tubing were used to minimize the binding of compounds to surfaces; concentrations passing through the perfusion system were verified by absorbance. Current traces were digitally filtered at 300 Hz (Gaussian) and averaged using Clampfit 8.2® software. Currents in the absence of cGMP were subtracted from all currents analyzed. KD values were determined and expressed as the mean±SD.
In Vitro Ester Hydrolysis:
All enzymatic assays were performed with 50 μM compound in 0.1M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, at 37° C. with stirring, unless otherwise noted. Butyrylcholinesterase stock solutions from human serum (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) were prepared at 100 U/mL in 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, and stored at −20° C. until use. Hydrolysis was monitored on an 8452A diode array spectrophotometer (Hewlett-Packard). Product peak wavelength absorption was immediately monitored upon addition of compound. Absorbances for complete hydrolysis were determined when there were no further detectable changes. Hydrolysis rates were calculated based on the changes in absorbance during the first 1 minute of hydrolysis (compounds 1 and 5) or first the first 9 minutes (compounds 6 and 7) and were adjusted to the absorbance at the completion of the reaction. All hydrolysis assays were performed in triplicate, and final rate constants are expressed as the mean±SD of the three individually determined rate constants. In some experiments with compound 1, samples were taken at the beginning and end of the assay to verify the hydrolysis product and the completion of the reaction by HPLC. These samples were compared to compounds 1 and 3 on a C18 column eluted with 0.1% TFA in water/acetonitrile. Activity of chymotrypsin (bovine, Worthington Biochemical Co., 190 μg/mL) was verified with 90 μM 4-nitrophenyl acetate in 0.1 M HEPES solution, pH 6.5, at 37° C. with stirring. Hydrolysis product was monitored at 404 nm for 10 min. Activity of proteinase K (from Engyodontium album, Sigma, 165 μg/mL) was verified with 16.5 mg/mL bovine serum albumin in 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, at 37° C. Samples were taken at time point increments up to 2 hours when the reaction reached completion. Samples were analyzed with 12% SDS-PAGE, stained with 0.1% Coomassie Blue.
Statistical Analysis:
Statistical comparison between groups was made using a one-way repeated-measures ANOVA and the Holm-Sidak post hoc method for multiple pairwise comparisons. Statistical significance was accepted at P<0.01.
Example 6
Compound Preparation and Characterization, Compounds 6, 7, 8, and 9
Reagents, including compounds 1 and 2, were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich and were used without further purification. TLC was performed on glass backed silica plates and eluted in a mixture of 5-10% methanol and 90-95% dichloromethane. Plates were visualized using short wave UV light and KMnO 4 . Crude compounds were initially purified using column chromatography, which was packed with normal phase silica gel and eluted using either ethyl acetate/hexane or methanol/dichloromethane mixtures. Trace impurities were removed by reversed-phase HPLC on an Xterra Prep RP8 column, 19 mm×100 mm, 5 μm (Waters, Milford, Mass.), with a water-methanol gradient (5 mM ammonium acetate, pH 5), monitored at 214 and 310 nm to yield final products. Purity was assessed to be greater than 95% with an Xterra Analytical RP8 column, 4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 μm, under similar conditions and monitoring. 1 H and 13 C NMR spectra were obtained using a Bruker 500 MHz FT-NMR spectrometer. ESI-MS was performed on a Thermo Finnigan TSQ Classic® mass spectrometer.
4-(Butylamino)benzoic Acid (Compound 3)
Compound 2 (about 3 mmol) was dissolved in 15 mL of methanol with R-picoline-borane (1.1 mol equiv) and butanal (1.1 mol equiv). The mixture was stoppered with a vent needle and stirred overnight at room temperature. After 16-24 hours, solvent was removed in vacuo, 10 mL 1 M HCl was added to the flask, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for an additional 30 minutes. The pH was adjusted to neutral using NaHCO 3 , and the intermediate product was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×60 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine (1×45 mL), dried with magnesium sulfate, filtered, removed in vacuo, and subsequently purified via column chromatography with 30% ethyl acetate in hexane to yield compound 3 (88%) as a white powder. 1 H NMR (500 MHz) (CD 3 OD): δ 7.92 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.55 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 3.18 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.63 (m, 2H), 1.44 (m, 2H), 0.97 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H). 13C NMR (125 MHz) (CD 3 OD): δ 172.6, 153.1, 132.7, 117.3, 111.6, 43.4, 31.7, 20.5, 14.1.
4-(Octylamino)benzoic Acid (Compound 4)
The product was prepared as described for compound 3 (above) with octanal to yield compound 4 (94%) as a white powder. 1 H NMR (500 MHz) (CD3OD): δ 7.92 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H), 6.55 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H), 3.17 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.63 (m, 2H), 1.25-1.41 (m, 10H), 0.89 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). 13 C NMR (125 MHz) (CD 3 OD): δ 172.6, 153.1, 132.7, 117.3, 111.6, 43.7, 32.1, 29.7, 29.6, 29.5, 27.4, 23.0, 14.4.
2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl 4-(Octylamino)benzoate (Compound 5)
In a flame-sealed flask, Compound 4 (about 0.50 mmol) and CDI (1.5 mol equiv) were dissolved in 3.0 mL of 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME). The solution was stirred at 60° C. for approximately 2 h under argon. 2-(Dimethylamino)-ethanol (3 mol equiv) was added to the solution followed by a small quantity of NaH (˜2 mg). The flask was allowed to cool to room temperature and react for an additional 16-24 hours. The reaction was worked up by dissolving it in 100 mL of chloroform and washing with water (2×60 mL) and brine (1×60 mL). The organic layer was dried with sodium sulfate, filtered, removed in vacuo, and subsequently purified via column chromatography with 30% ethyl acetate in hexane to yield compound 5 (95%) as a white powder. 1 H NMR (500 MHz) (CD3OD): δ 7.83 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H), 6.59 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 4.58 (t, J=5.0 Hz, 2H), 3.57 (t, J=5.0 Hz, 2H), 3.14 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.00 (s, 6H), 1.63 (m, 2H), 1.25-1.5 (m, 10H), 0.90 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 3H). 13 C NMR (125 MHz) (CDCl 3 ): δ 166.8, 152.2, 131.6, 117.9, 111.3, 62.3, 58.0, 45.9, 43.4, 31.8, 29.4, 29.3, 29.2, 27.1, 22.7, 14.1. ESI-MS: m/z 321.1 MH+. Mp: 40-41° C.
4-(Butylamino)-N-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)benzamide (compound 6)
In a flame-sealed flask, compound 3 (about 0.50 mmol) and CDI (1.5 mol equiv) were dissolved in 3.0 mL of DME, and the mixture was stirred at 60° C. for approximately 2 h under argon. N′,N′-Dimethylethane-1,2-diamine (3 mol equiv) was added to the solution followed by a small quantity of NaH (about 2 mg). The flask was allowed to cool to room temperature and react for an additional 16-24 hours. The reaction was worked up by dissolving it in 100 mL of chloroform and washing with water (2×60 mL) and brine (1×60 mL). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, removed in vacuo, and subsequently purified via column chromatography with 30% ethyl acetate in hexane to yield compound 6 (93%) as pale brown oil. 1 H NMR (500 MHz) (CD3OD): δ 8.13 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.61 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 3.82 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.44 (m, 4H), 3.02 (s, 6H), 1.76 (m, 2H), 1.50 (m, 2H), 1.02 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H). 13 C NMR (125 MHz) (CD 3 OD): δ 170.2, 141.8, 135.8, 131.7, 124.0, 59.5, 53.1, 44.8, 37.3, 30.3, 21.6, 14.8. ESI-MS: m/z 264.22 MH + .
4-(Octylamino)-N-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)benzamide (Compound 7)
The product was prepared as described for compound 6 using compound 4 to yield compound 7 (87%) as pale brown oil. 1 HNMR (500 MHz) (CDCl3): δ 7.66 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.99 (br, 1H), 6.55 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 3.98 (br, 1H), 3.57 (m, 2H), 3.13 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.68 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 2.40 (s, 6H), 1.61 (m, 2H), 1.25-1.40 (m, 10H), 0.88 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 3H). 13 C NMR (125 MHz) (CDCl3): δ 167.8, 151.4, 129.1, 122.4, 111.8, 58.4, 51.1, 45.2, 43.8, 36.9, 32.1, 29.7, 29.6, 27.4, 23.0, 14.4. ESI-MS: m/z 320.08 MH + .
4-(Butylamino)-N-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)benzothioamide (Compound 8)
In a flame-sealed flask, compound 6 (about 0.25 mmol) was dissolved in 5 mL of dry toluene with Lawesson's reagent (1 mol equiv) and refluxed under argon for 2.5 h. The mixture was dissolved in 20 mL of ethyl acetate, washed with water (2×20 mL), dried over sodium sulfate, and subsequently purified via column chromatography with 10% methanol in dichloromethane to yield 8 (26%) as yellow oil. 1 HNMR (500 MHz) (CDCl 3 ): δ 8.64 (br, 1H), 7.79 (d, J=9 Hz, 2H), 6.51 (d, J=9 Hz, 2H), 4.03 (br, 1H), 3.97 (m, 2H), 3.14 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.85 (m, 2H), 2.44 (s, 6H), 1.60 (m, 2H), 1.42 (m, 2H), 0.96 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H). 13 C NMR (125 MHz) (CDCl3): δ 197.6, 151.7, 129.3, 129.2, 111.7, 57.0, 45.1, 43.5, 43.2, 31.7, 20.5, 14.2. ESI-MS: m/z 280.1 MH + .
4-(Octylamino)-N-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)benzothioamide (Compound 9)
The product was prepared as described for compound 8 using compound 7 to yield compound 9 (73%) as a yellow oil. 1 H NMR (500 MHz) (CDCl3): δ 8.41 (br, 1H), 7.76 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.52 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 4.02 (br, 1H), 3.90 (m, 2H), 3.14 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.72 (t, J=5.4 Hz, 2H), 2.35 (s, 6H), 1.62 (m, 2H), 1.25-1.40 (m, 10H), 0.88 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). 13 C NMR (125 MHz) (CDCl 3 ): δ 197.4, 151.6, 129.4, 129.2, 111.8, 56.9, 51.2, 45.2, 43.8, 43.6, 32.2, 29.7, 29.6, 27.4, 23.0, 14.5. ESI-MS: m/z 336.13 MH + .
Examples 7-9 pertain to compounds having the structure:
wherein R 1 is alkyl, X 1 is H, nitro, methoxy, methyl, or halo and wherein X 2 is H or halo so long as X 1 and X 2 are not both H.
Example 7
Synthesis of Series 12 and Series 14 Compounds
A set of aromatic substituted derivatives of tetracaine (compound 1) as well as a higher affinity octyl-tail derivative (indicated as compound 2 in the accompanying scheme, but compound 5 above) were synthesized. Electron-donating (CH 3 , CH 3 O) and electron-withdrawing (F, Cl, Br, NO 2 ) groups were added, located meta or ortho to the ester linkage. Scheme 1 outlines the synthesis of the eleven novel derivatives. Intermediates 11a and 13a were synthesized from 4-fluoro-3-nitrobenzoic acid (3a) by a nucleophilic aromatic substitution with N-butylamine or N-octylamine (Skinner P J et al, Bioorg Med Chem Lett 17, 6619, (2007), incorporated by reference herein). Intermediates 11b, 11c, 13b, 13c, 13e, 13f, and 13g were obtained by reductive amination of derivatives of 4-aminobenzoic acid (4b, 4c, 4e, 4f, and 4g) with butanal or octanal. The free carboxylic acid of the resulting alkylated intermediates (11 and 13) was then activated by 1,10-carbonyldiimidazole and reacted with 2-(dimethylamino)ethanol to yield target compounds 12a, 12b, and 12c and 14a, 14b, 14c, 14e, 14f, and 14g. Compounds 12d and 14d were made from compounds 1 and 2 using N-chlorosuccinimide, via a synthesis adapted from Lazar et al, J Med Chem 47, 6973 (2004), incorporated by reference herein.
Example 8
Blocking of CNG Channels by Series 12 and Series 14 Compounds
Heteromeric retinal CNG channels comprised of CNGA1 and CNGB1 subunits were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes as described in Andrade A L et al, J Med Chem 54, 4904 (2011) and Quandt F N et al Neuroscience 42, 629 (1991) (both of which are incorporated by reference herein.) CNG channel currents were elicited with 2 mM cGMP at both positive (+50 mV) and negative (−50 mV) membrane potentials.
Electrophysiological methods as well as data analysis are as described in Examples 1-5 above. Potency of CNG channel block was assessed by fitting current amplitudes to the equation for block at a single binding site (see Tables 2 and 3). Apparent KD values at +50 and −50 mV for tetracaine (compound 1) and derivatives 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d with various substituents at the 3-position are summarized in Table 2. Compound 12d was the only compound in this series to have a slightly higher apparent affinity for CNG channels than compound 1 at both membrane potentials.
TABLE 2
Dissociation constants for
compounds of the following structure:
wherein R 1 is butyl, wherein X 2 is H, and
wherein X 1 is as indicated in the table
Com-
pound
K D(+50)
K D(−50)
r w
ID
X 1
(μM)
(μM)
n
σ p
(Å)
1
H
4.9 ± 1.8
21.8 ± 8.6
16
0.00
1.20
12a
NO2
5.5 ± 3.2
19.6 ± 14.4
7
0.78
2.59
12b
OMe
4.3 ± 0.8
18.3 ± 4.4
7
−0.27
1.56
12c
Me
7.8 ± 3.1
28.1 ± 13.4
7
−0.17
1.72
12d
Cl
3.0 ± 1.0
12.8 ± 4.1
7
0.23
1.75
The structure is depicted as the predominant protonation state at pH 7.6. The K D(+50) and K D(−50) are the apparent dissociation constants at +50 and −50 mV obtained from fits of the equation I +B /I −B =K D /K D +[B], where the left side is current in the presence of blocker divided by current in the absence of blocker, and [B] is blocker concentration. σ p is the Hammett sigma constant at the para-position, which accounts for the net inductive and resonance effects. Positive values denote an electron-withdrawing substituent, and negative values an electron-donating substituent. r w (Å) is the Van der Waals radius; radius of a sphere that encloses the substituent.
In contrast to the butyl-tail derivatives, aromatic substituents in the octyl-tail series (Compounds 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, and 14g) produced more dramatic results. Apparent K D values at +50 and −50 mV for the octyl-tail series (compounds 5, 14a-g) are presented in Table 3. Like compound 12d, compound 14d with a 3-Cl substituent had a higher affinity for CNG channels than compound 5; however the effect was more pronounced with an approximately six-fold improvement compared to the 1.6-fold improvement shown by compound 6d over compound 1. Different halogen substituents were introduced at the 3-position (compounds 14e and 14f), and a 2-Cl substituent ortho to the ester (compound 14g) was also introduced. All derivatives with halogen substituents, like compound 14d, had superior blocking potency compared to compound 5. The 14-series derivatives were up to eight-fold more potent than compound 5 and up to 50-fold more potent than tetracaine (compound 1). A derivative with a strong electron-donating 3-methoxy substituent (14b) blocked with roughly the same apparent affinity as compound 5, while a derivative with a 3-methyl group (14c), (a weak electron-donating substituent) had only marginally better apparent affinity than compound 5. The strongly electron-withdrawing nitro derivative (14a) deviated from the observed trend, blocking with a significantly lower apparent affinity than even compound 1.
TABLE 2
Disassociation constants for
compounds of the following structure:
wherein R 1 is octyl and wherein
X 1 and X 2 are as indicated in the table
Com-
pound
K D(+50)
K D(−50)
r w d
ID
X 1
X 2
(μM)
(μM)
n
σ p
(Å)
5
H
H
0.80 ± 0.50
1.72 ± 1.38
10
0.00
1.20
14a
NO 2
H
8.0 ± 5.8
12.6 ± 7.3
4
0.78
2.59
14b
OMe
H
1.25 ± 1.23
3.0 ± 3.4
5
−0.27
1.56
14c
Me
H
0.50 ± 0.42
1.41 ± 0.84
5
−0.17
1.72
14d
Cl
H
0.14 ± 0.04
0.38 ± 0.16
4
0.23
1.75
14e
F
H
0.20 ± 0.10
0.75 ± 0.86
5
0.06
1.47
14f
Br
H
0.14 ± 0.03
0.24 ± 0.10
4
0.23
1.85
14g
H
Cl
0.10 ± 0.09
0.22 ± 0.13
6
0.23
1.75
The structure is depicted as the predominant protonation state at pH 7.6. The K D(+50) and K D(−50) are the apparent dissociation constants at +50 and −50 mV obtained from fits of the equation I +B /I −B =K D /K D +[B], where the left side is current in the presence of blocker divided by current in the absence of blocker, and [B] is blocker concentration. σ p is the Hammett sigma constant at the para-position, which accounts for the net inductive and resonance effects. Positive values denote an electron-withdrawing substituent, and negative values an electron-donating substituent. r w (Å) is the Van der Waals radius; radius of a sphere that encloses the substituent.
Example 9
Series 12 and 14 Compound Preparation and Characterization
Reagents, including compounds 1, 3a, 4b, c, e-g, were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich or TCl and were used without further purification. Thin layer chromatography was performed on glass backed silica plates and eluted in a mixture of 5-10% methanol and 90-95% dichloromethane. Plates were visualized using short wave ultraviolet light and KMnO 4 . Crude compounds were initially purified using column chromatography, which was packed with normal phase silica gel and eluted using either ethyl acetate/hexane or methanol/dichloromethane mixtures. 1 H and 13 C NMR spectra were obtained using a Bruker 500 MHz spectrometer. Trace impurities were removed by reversed-phase HPLC on an Xterra Prep RP8 column, 19×100 mm, 5 μm (Waters, Milford, Mass.) with a water-methanol gradient (5 mM ammonium acetate, pH 5), monitored at 214 and 310 nm to yield final products. The purity of target compounds was assessed to be between 94% and greater than 99% with an Xterra Analytical RP8 column, 4.6×250 mm, 5 μm, under similar conditions and monitoring.
2-(dimethylamino)ethyl 4-(octylamino)benzoate (Compound 5)
Was synthesized as described in Andrade A L et al, J Med Chem 54, 4904 (2011), incorporated by reference herein.
4-(butylamino)-3-nitrobenzoic acid (Compound 11a)
Following a procedure adapted from Skinner P J et al, Bioorg Med Chem Lett 17, 6619 (2007), 4-fluoro-3-nitrobenzoic acid ( ˜ 1 mmol) (3a), NaHCO 3 (2.1 mol eq), and N-butylamine (2.2 mol eq) were dissolved in 3 mL of water in a heavy walled reaction vessel. The reaction was heated to 150° C. and stirred for 3 h. The reaction was cooled to room temperature and 20 mL of 1 M HCl was added to the reaction. The mixture was dissolved in approximately 20 mL ethyl acetate, washed with water (2×15 mL) and brine (1×15 mL). The organic layer was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, removed in vacuo, and subsequently purified via column chromatography to yield 11a (70%).
4-(butylamino)-3-methoxybenzoic acid (Compound 11b)
4-amino-3-methoxybenzoic acid (4b) ( ˜ 3 mmol) was dissolved in 15 mL methanol with α-picoline-borane (1.1 mol eq) and butanal (1.1 mol eq). The reaction was stoppered with a vent needle and stirred overnight at room temperature. After 16-24 h, solvent was removed in vacuo, 10 mL. A volume of 1 M HCl was added to the flask, and stirred at room temperature for an additional 30 min. The pH was adjusted to neutral using NaHCO 3 and the intermediate product was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×60 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine (1×45 mL), dried with magnesium sulfate, filtered, removed in vacuo, and subsequently purified via column chromatography with 30% ethyl acetate in hexane to yield 3 (84%).
4-(butylamino)-3-methylbenzoic acid (Compound 11c)
Prepared as described for 11b using 4-amino-3-methylbenzoic acid (4c) to yield 11c (62%).
2-(dimethylamino)ethyl 4-(butylamino)-3-nitrobenzoate (Compound 12a)
In a flame sealed flask, 11a ( ˜ 0.50 mmol) and CDI (1.5 mol eq) were dissolved in 3.0 mL of DME. The solution was stirred at 60° C. for approximately 2 h under argon. 2-(Dimethylamino)ethanol (3 mol eq) was added to the solution followed by a small quantity of NaH ( ˜ 2 mg). The flask was allowed to cool to room temperature and react for an additional 16-24 h. The reaction was worked up by dissolving it in 100 mL of chloroform and washing with water (2×60 mL) and brine (1×60 mL). The organic layer was dried with sodium sulfate, filtered, removed in vacuo, and subsequently purified via column chromatography with 30% ethyl acetate in hexane to yield 12a (92%) as dark yellow oil. 1 H NMR (500 MHz) (CDCl 3 ) δ: 8.86 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.36 (br, 1H), 8.05 (dd, J=9.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.85 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 4.43 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 2H), 3.35 (m, 2H), 2.78 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 3H), 2.39 (s, 6H), 1.74 (pent, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.48 (sext, J=7.5 Hz, 2H), 0.99 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H). 13 C NMR (125 MHz) (CDCl 3 ) δ: 165.7, 147.8, 136.4, 131.1, 129.7, 116.9, 113.5, 62.5, 57.6, 45.6, 42.9, 30.8, 20.2, 13.8. ESI-MH + : calculated, 310.37; observed, 310.18.
2-(dimethylamino)ethyl 4-(butylamino)-3-methoxybenzoate (Compound 12b)
Prepared as described for 12a using 11b to yield 12b (27%) as oily, brown-yellow crystals. 1 H NMR (500 MHz) (MeOD) δ: 7.61 (dd, J=8.4, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 6.56 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 4.41 (t, J=5.5 Hz, 1H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.20 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.89 (t, J=5.5 Hz, 2H), 2.47 (s, 6H), 1.62 (pent, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.44 (sext, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 0.97 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H). 13 C NMR (125 MHz) (MeOD) δ: 168.7, 147.1, 144.8, 126.2, 116.8, 110.8, 108.4, 62.3, 58.7, 56.1, 45.5, 43.5, 32.3, 21.3, 14.2. ESI-MH + : calculated, 295.40; observed, 295.20.
2-(dimethylamino)ethyl 4-(butylamino)-3-methylbenzoate (Compound 12c)
Prepared as described for 12a using 11c to yield 12c (10%) as brown powder. 1 H NMR (500 MHz) (CDCl 3 ) δ: 7.81 (dd, J=8.5, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.70 (d, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.55 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 4.64 (t, 5.0 Hz, 2H), 3.44 (t, 5.0 Hz, 2H), 3.22 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.90 (s, 6H), 2.13 (s, 3H), 1.66 (pent, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.45 (sext, J=7.5 Hz, 2H), 0.97 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H). 13 C NMR (125 MHz) (CDCl 3 ) δ: 166.2, 150.9, 131.7, 130.2, 120.8, 115.6, 108.3, 58.0, 56.0, 43.2, 43.1, 31.4, 20.3, 17.2, 13.9. ESI-MH + : calculated, 279.40; observed, 279.21.
2-(dimethylamino)ethyl 4-(butylamino)-3-chlorobenzoate (Compound 12d)
Using a procedure adapted from Lazar et al., tetracaine hydrochloride (1) (2.27 mmol) was dissolved in 40 mL acetonitrile in a 2-necked round bottom flask. N-chlorosuccinimide (0.99 mol eq) was added and the mixture was stirred under reflux overnight ( ˜ 24 h). The following day the reaction was cooled to room temperature and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The pH was raised to alkaline using NaHCO 3 , extracted with ethyl acetate and washed with water (2×15 mL) and brine (1×15 mL). The organic layer was dried using magnesium sulfate, filtered, removed in vacuo, and subsequently purified via column chromatography with 30% ethyl acetate in hexane to yield 12d (75%) as brown-yellow oil. 1 H NMR (500 MHz) (CDCl 3 ) δ: 7.92 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (dd, J=8.6, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 6.60 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 4.77 (t, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 4.48 (t, J=5.5 Hz, 2H), 3.22 (m, 2H), 2.99 (t, J=5.0 Hz, 2H), 2.56 (s, 6H), 1.66 (pent, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.45 (sext, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 0.97 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H). 13 C NMR (125 MHz) (CDCl 3 ) δ: 165.6, 147.9, 130.7, 130.3, 118.1, 117.9, 109.5, 60.9, 57.1, 44.8, 43.0, 31.1, 20.2, 13.8. ESI-MH + : calculated, 299.82; observed, 299.15.
4-(octylamino)-3-nitrobenzoic acid (Compound 13a)
Prepared as described for 11a using 3a and N-octylamine to yield 13a (30%).
4-(octylamino)-3-methoxybenzoic acid (Compound 13b)
Prepared as described for 11b using 4b and octanal to yield 13b (84%).
4-(octylamino)-3-methylbenzoic acid (Compound 13c)
Prepared as described for 11b using 4c and octanal to yield 13c (50%).
4-(octylamino)-3-fluorobenzoic acid (Compound 13e)
Prepared as described for 11b using 4-amino-3-fluorobenzoic acid (4e) and octanal to yield 13e (95%).
4-(octylamino)-3-bromobenzoic acid (Compound 13f)
Prepared as described for 11b using 4-amino-3-bromobenzoic acid (4f) and octanal to yield 13f (93%).
4-(octylamino)-2-chlorobenzoic acid (Compound 13g)
Prepared as described for 11b using 4-amino-2-chlorobenzoic acid (4g) and octanal to yield 13g (78%).
2-(dimethylamino)ethyl 4-(octylamino)-3-nitrobenzoate (Compound 14a)
Prepared as described for 12a using 13a to yield 14a (85%) as a yellow powder. 1 H NMR (500 MHz) (CDCl 3 ) δ: 8.87 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.36 (br, 1H), 8.06 (dd, J=9.1, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 6.86 (d, J=9.1 Hz, 1H), 4.45 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 2H), 3.35 (m, 2H), 2.82 (t, J=5.5 Hz, 2H), 2.43 (s, 6H), 1.74 (pent, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.2-1.5 (m, 10H), 0.88 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). 13 C NMR (125 MHz) (CDCl 3 ) δ: 165.1, 147.9, 136.4, 131.1, 129.7, 116.7, 113.6, 62.3, 57.5, 45.4, 43.3, 31.8, 29.7, 29.2, 29.14, 26.9, 22.6, 14.09. ESI-MH + : calculated, 366.47; observed, 366.24.
2-(dimethylamino)ethyl 4-(octylamino)-3-methoxybenzoate (Compound 14b)
Prepared as described for 12a using 13b to yield 14b (18%) as light brown powder. 1 H NMR (500 MHz) (CDCl 3 ) δ: 7.63 (dd, J=8.3, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.39 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 6.51 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 4.68 (t, J=5.4 Hz, 1H), 4.42 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 1H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 3.17 (m, 2H), 2.80 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 2.41 (s, 6H), 1.64 (pent, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.2-1.45 (m, 10H), 0.88 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H). 13 C NMR (125 MHz) (CDCl 3 ) δ: 167.0, 145.5, 142.7, 124.8, 116.6, 109.8, 107.6, 61.9, 57.8, 55.6, 45.6, 43.1, 31.8, 29.7, 29.4, 29.3, 27.1, 22.7, 14.1. ESI-MH + : calculated, 351.50; observed, 351.1.
2-(dimethylamino)ethyl 4-(octylamino)-3-methylbenzoate (Compound 14c)
Prepared as described for 12a using 13c to yield 14c (24%) as light brown powder. 1 H NMR (500 MHz) (CDCl 3 ) δ: 7.82 (dd, J=8.6, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (m, 1H), 6.54 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 4.40 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 1H), 3.19 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.78 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 2H), 2.38 (s, 6H), 2.13 (s, 3H), 1.66 (pent, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.2-1.45 (m, 10H), 0.88 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H). 13 C NMR (125 MHz) (CDCl 3 ) δ: 175.6, 167.0, 150.3, 131.6, 129.9, 120.5, 117.2, 108.2, 61.6, 57.5, 45.3, 43.5, 31.8, 29.4, 29.3, 27.1, 22.7, 17.2, 14.1. ESI-MH + : calculated, 335.27; observed, 335.50.
2-(dimethylamino)ethyl 4-(octylamino)-3-chlorobenzoate (Compound 14d)
Prepared as described for 12d using 2 to yield 14d (71%) as oily, brown crystals. 1 H NMR (500 MHz) (CDCl 3 ) δ: 7.93 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H) 7.83 (dd, J=8.6, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.60 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 4.74 (br, 1H), 4.39 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 2H), 3.21 (m, 2H), 2.74 (m, 2H), 2.37 (s, 6H), 1.68 (m, 2H), 1.25-1.43 (m, 10H), 0.88 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H). 13 C NMR (125 MHz) (CDCl 3 ) δ: 166.3, 148.0, 131.1, 130.5, 118.3, 109.9, 108.68, 58.2, 46.0, 43.7, 32.1, 30.0, 29.7, 29.6, 29.4, 27.4, 23.0, 14.5. ESI-MH + : calculated, 355.50; observed, 355.92.
2-(dimethylamino)ethyl 4-(octylamino)-3-fluorobenzoate (Compound 14e)
Prepared as described for 12a using 13e to yield 14e (75%) as white powder. 1 H NMR (500 MHz) (CDCl 3 ) δ: 7.72 (dd, J HH =8.5, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.60 (dd, J FH =12.5, J HH =1.9 Hz, 1H), 6.60 (dd, J FH =8.5, J HH =8.5 Hz, 1H), 4.35 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 4.30 (br, 1H), 3.17 (m, 2H), 2.67 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 2.31 (s, 6H), 1.63 (m, 2H), 1.23-1.40 (m, 10H), 0.87 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). 13 C NMR (125 MHz) (CDCl 3 ) δ: 166.5 (d, 1 J CF =2.7 Hz), 150.4 (d, 4 J CF =239 Hz), 141.40 (d, 2 J CF =11.4 Hz), 127.8 (d, 4 J CF =2.5 Hz), 117.7 (d, 3 J CF =6.5 Hz), 115.7 (d, 2 J CF =19.9 Hz), 110.4 (d, 3 J CF =3.6 Hz), 63.0, 58.3, 46.2, 43.4, 32.1, 29.7, 29.6, 27.4, 23.0, 14.4. ESI-MH + : calculated, 339.47; observed, 339.17.
2-(dimethylamino)ethyl 4-(octylamino)-3-bromobenzoate (Compound 14f)
Prepared as described for 12a using 13f to yield 14f (70%) as oily, light brown crystals. 1 H NMR (500 MHz) (CDCl 3 ) δ: 8.11 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.87 (dd, J=8.5, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 6.58 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 4.77 (br, 1H), 4.38 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.21 (m, 2H), 2.70 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 2.34 (s, 6H), 1.69 (m, 2H), 1.26-1.44 (m, 10H), 0.90 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). 13 C NMR (125 MHz) (CDCl 3 ) δ: 166.2, 148.9, 134.4, 131.1, 119.0, 109.9, 108.7, 63.0, 58.23, 46.2, 43.9, 32.1, 29.6, 29.5, 29.4, 27.4, 23.0, 14.5. ESI-MH + : calculated, 399.7, 401.7; observed, 399.09, 401.12.
2-(dimethylamino)ethyl 4-(octylamino)-2-chlorobenzoate (Compound 14g)
Prepared as described for 12a using 13g to yield 14g (45%) as a light yellow powder. 1 H NMR (500 MHz) (CDCl 3 ) δ: 7.80 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 6.57 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 6.42 (dd, J=8.7, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 4.37 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 4.10 (br, 1H), 3.12 (m, 2H), 2.70 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.33 (s, 6H), 1.62 (m, 2H), 1.28-1.40 (m, 10H), 0.89 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). 13 C NMR (125 MHz) (CDCl 3 ) δ: 165.6, 152.2, 136.9, 134.1, 116.5, 114.0, 110.5, 62.9, 58.2, 46.2, 43.7, 32.1, 29.6, 29.6, 29.5, 27.4, 23.0, 14.4. ESI-MH + : calculated, 355.92; observed, 355.13.
Example 10
Compound 8 and Compound 9 are Effective in a Mouse Model of Retinal Degeneration
The rd1 mouse is a newer designation for the classic rd mouse, which harbors a nonsense mutation in the PDE6B gene. The rd10 mouse contains a missense mutation in the same gene and leads to slower degeneration (Chang B et al, Vision Res 42, 517-525 (2002) and Gargini C et al, J Comp Neurol 500, 222-238 (2007), both of which are incorporated by reference herein.) There are advantages to each mutant for evaluating protection strategies. The rd phenotype has been studied for many years, and allows for more rapid assessment of protection strategies. However, the onset of rod photoreceptor death overlaps with the later stages of development and synaptogenesis, making it difficult to distinguish between the primary effects of rod degeneration and the consequences of abnormal neural development. The rd10 phenotype is more reminiscent of typical human RP.
FIG. 8 shows an experiment on rd10 mice in which striking neuroprotection of the photoreceptor layer was observed with intravitreal injection of a high concentration of compound 9 in the right eye (final concentration ˜ 0.5 mM), while the left eye was injected with PBS and showed the typical degeneration observed at P25. In separate experiments on adult wild-type mice, the ERG a and b waves were blocked during a similar 10-day treatment, as expected for a concentration in excess of that required to completely block CNG channels. In the rd10 mouse some degeneration was probably underway before the treatment began.
FIG. 9 is a comparison of two rd1 eyes, one untreated (upper panel) and one receiving a subretinal injection of compound 8 to an estimated final concentration of 5 μM at P12. Both eyes were harvested at P17 and there is a very noticeable rescuing effect of compound 8. The outer nuclear layer was only one cell thick in the untreated eye, and about three cells thick in the treated eye. Indeed, the entire retina was healthier in appearance in the treated eye. | Disclosed herein are derivatives of tetracaine that, among other things, block cyclic nucleotide gated (CNG) channels and are useful in the treatment of diseases characterized by overactive CNG channels such as retinal degeneration diseases. | 0 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to electron multipliers, and particularly to a multiplier structure having channels for confining the flow of electrons therethrough in which additional means are provided for establishing a high multiplier gain condition in an "on" channel while simultaneously establishing a low gain condition in channels adjacent thereto.
Display devices have been proposed in which electron multipliers operated in a feedback mode are used to provide current to light up a cathodoluminescent screen. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 3,904,923 entitled, "Cathodoluminescent Display Panel", issued Sept. 9, 1975 to J. Schwartz. In one such structure, the electron multiplier includes at least two vanes having a plurality of parallel dynodes in staggered relation thereon with a cathode at one end. This structure is further described in copending application of Endriz et al, Ser. No. 672,122, filed Mar. 21, 1976 entitled, "Parallel Vane Structure for a Flat Display Device." In this structure, electrical potentials of increasing magnitude are provided to the successive multiplying dynodes so as to produce an electron beam at the multiplier output. Generally, the electron multiplier has an open structure to allow feedback of ions which results in sufficiently high loop gain to produce sustained electron emission.
A requirement of such a display is that the electron beam be confined to an area of the screen which is no larger than one picture element. However, in the previously described electron multipliers, spreading of the electron beam occurs in a direction along the length of the dynodes. This spreading problem is substantially attenuated by the use of a nonplanar dynode structure wherein confinement bumps help to confine the flow of electrons through predetermined channels. Further information on the confinement bump structure and operation are found in copending application, Ser. No. 714,358, entitled "Electron Multiplier with Beam Confinement Structure," by Catanese and Keneman, filed Aug. 16, 1976, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,041,342 which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Although the confinement structure shown in copending application, Ser. No. 714,358 is effective in confining electron flow in the desired channels while discouraging electron flow and multiplication in the space between channels, it suffers from the disadvantage that it affords no relief for the situation in which an electron skips from one channel to an adjacent channel. This can be further appreciated by the fact that, in the previously discussed embodiment, in which the cathode electrode is used for addressing purposes, all of the channels along a single pair of insulating vanes (not just the "on" channel(s)) are generally in a high multiplier gain condition. This means that any electrons which manage to get out of the confinement channel and into an adjacent channel ("off" channel) will be multiplied and accelerated toward the screen, causing a loss of spot resolution and an undesirable output. Although the previously discussed structure is quite effective in minimizing the number of electrons which are able to pass through to adjacent "off" channels, the presence of these remaining electrons is amplified by two factors. One factor is the previously discussed multiplication factor. Another factor is that the resulting gain in the "off" channels is not degraded by space charge saturation means as is the case in the higher current "on" channel.
Thus, it would be desirable to develop an electron multiplier structure in which the advantages of the electron beam confinement structure shown in copending application, Ser. No. 714,358, are maintained but which further includes the ability to substantially prevent the multiplication of electrons in "off" channels which are adjacent to "on" channels.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An electron multiplier includes at least two spaced substrates of electrically insulating material with a cathode at one end of the substrate. A plurality of parallel dynodes are on the surfaces of the substrates which face each other with the dynodes on one of the surfaces being in staggered relation to the dynodes on the other of the surfaces. At least some of the dynodes include nonplanar structure periodically along the length thereof. The nonplanar structure forms a plurality of substantially parallel spaced channels. The channels extend from the cathode and traverse the parallel dynodes. The electron multiplier includes means responsive to a first set of discrete electrical potentials applied to separate ones of the dynodes for establishing a relatively high electron multiplier gain condition in at least one of the channels while simultaneously establishing a relatively low electron multiplier gain condition in channels adjacent thereto. The means are responsive to a second set of discrete electrical potentials applied to separate ones of the dynodes for establishing a relatively low electron multiplier gain condition in the one channel while simultaneously establishing a relatively high electron multiplier gain condition in the adjacent channels. The electron multiplier can be employed in an image display device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of one form of the electron multiplier of the present invention.
FIGS. 2a and 2b are plan views of a portion of the opposing surfaces of the vane structure of the electron multiplier of FIG. 1.
FIGS. 3a and 3b are diagrammatic views showing more clearly the relative positioning of the vanes and dynodes thereon in the electron multiplier of FIG. 1.
FIGS. 4a and 4b are diagrammatic views showing the electron multiplier gain condition of adjacent channels with electrical potentials being shown in parentheses.
FIGS. 5a and 5b are diagrammatic representations of another embodiment of the electron multiplier of the present invention with electrical potentials being shown in parentheses.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a flat panel image display device including the electron multiplier of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2a and 2b, a portion of one form of electron multiplier of the present invention is generally designated as 20. The electron multiplier 20 includes a back panel 22 having a plurality of cathode stripes 24 on its inside surface. Each cathode stripe 24 is of a conductive material, such as a metal, which may be coated with a thin layer of material that provides high electron emission under bombardment by feedback species, such as ions and photons. For example, in the case of ion feedback, the emissive material may be MgO or BeO. A plurality of spaced parallel insulating vanes 26 are in perpendicuar contact with the back panel 22. The vanes 26 are arranged orthogonal to the cathode stripes 24. Each of the vanes 26 is formed from flat insulating material, such as glass or ceramic. Each vane 26 includes on each of its major surfaces a plurality of spaced, parallel electron multiplier dynodes 28 which are in orthogonal relation with respect to the cathode stripes 24.
The dynodes 28 on the surfaces of the vanes 26 which face each other are disposed in staggered relation. The dynodes 28 include a nonplanar structure, e.g., confinement bumps 28b which are rectangularly shaped and arranged periodically along the length of the dynodes. Each adjacent pair of confinement bumps 28b along the length of the dynode 28 includes an active dynode multiplying area 28a therebetween. Thus, the confinement bumps form channels 30 (30A, 30B, 30C . . . ) from the cathode stripes 24 in directions orthogonal to the parallel dynodes 28.
The structure and operation of the electron multiplier 20 heretofore discussed is more fully described in previously mentioned copending application Ser. No. 714,358.
The electron multiplier 20 of the present invention further includes means for establishing a condition in which, when one of the electron multiplier channels 30 is in a relatively high multiplier gain condition ("on" condition), the adjacent channels are in a relatively low electron multiplier gain condition ("off" condition).
In one embodiment, this high gain/low gain condition is accomplished by the presence of spoiler structure in the channels 30. Referring now to FIGS. 2a, 2b, and FIGS. 3a, 3b, the spoiler structure will be described more particularly. In these FIGURES, the dynodes 28 are, for purposes of clarity, further designated as D1, D2 . . . D5 in order to show their staggered relation.
In FIG. 2a, where a portion of one surface of an insulating vane is shown, it can be seen that each channel 30A, 30B, 30C, includes spoiler surfaces 32 which are raised in relation to the active dynode areas 28a. The spoiler surfaces 32 are disposed such that, in each channel 30A, 30B, 30C on the vane, the position of the spoiler surface 32 is consistently on only one portion of the active dynode area 28a. For example, channels 30A and 30C of FIG. 2a include spoiler surfaces 32 only on the portion of the active areas 28a which is furthest from the cathode. It is important to note that the position of the spoiler surfaces 32 changes from one channel to the adjacent channel, i.e., spoiler surfaces 32 furthest from the cathode in channels 30A, 30C, spoiler surfaces 32 closest to the cathode in channel 30B. Referring now to FIG. 2b, which shows a portion of the opposing surface of an adjacent vane, it can be seen that the structure is substantially the same as that of FIG. 2a. There is, however, one significant difference: channels 30A, B, C of FIG. 2b include spoiler surfaces 32 which are in an opposite position to the corresponding channels of FIG. 2a. That is, in FIG. 2b, spoiler surfaces 32 in channels 30A, 30C are closest to the cathode while spoiler surfaces 32 in channel 30B are furthest from the cathode. Note that the proper positioning of the vanes 26 shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b require that each of the vanes be rotated about an axis in the plane of the drawing, parallel to the dynode length and toward the viewer. See also FIGS. 3a, 3b, which show diagrammatic top views of two channels in the electron multiplier 20 of FIG. 1.
Generally, in the operation of the electron multiplier 20 of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, the cathode stripes 24 provide input electrons for the dynodes 28. For example, in one embodiment, if the cathode stripe 24 is electrically more negative than the first dynode, electrons emitted by the stripe will be attracted to the first dynode whereas if the cathode stripe is more positive than the first dynode, the emitted electrons will not reach the first dynode. This allows the electron flow in the output of the multiplier to be turned on and off in various regions by biasing various cathode stripes 24. Increasing voltages are applied to the multiplier dynodes from the dynode closest to the cathode stripes to the dynode closest to the multiplier output. The multiplier is initially fired or started by primary electrons emitted from the cathode which may be caused by cosmic or other external radiation impinging thereon, or by other causes.
In contrast to the operation of prior art electron multiplier structures where the voltage distribution applied to the dynodes is uniform in the present invention, an asymmetric voltage distribution is applied to the dynodes, as shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 4a, 4b. Note that, in FIGS. 4a, 4b the multiplier dynodes 28 are simply referred to as D1 . . . 8 and the electrical potentials applied thereto are shown parenthetically.
Referring now to FIG. 4a, the relative gain condition of adjacent channels 30C and 30B will be discussed. Note that the voltage changes (.increment.V) from odd numbered dynodes (D1, 3 . . . 7) to even numbered dynodes (D2, 4 . . . 8) is smaller than the voltage changes from even to odd dynodes. This voltage asymmetry, combined with the raised spoiler surfaces 32, results in high multiplier gain in channel 30B, but low gain in channel 30C. This difference in electron multiplier gain can be appreciated by reference to the electron trajectories shown in FIG. 4a. Note that, as seen in channel 30C, the relative orientation of the spoiler surfaces 32 functions to steer some electrons in the nonemitting portion of the higher voltage dynodes. Note also, that in channel 30C, some of the electrons skip dynodes so that electron multiplication is further decreased. The condition of channel 30C is to be contrasted with the condition of channel 30B. In channel 30B, the spoiler surface orientation and applied voltages do not degrade the multiplier performance. Instead, electrons are steered from the emitting portion of one dynode to the emitting portion of the next dynode. Further in connection with FIG. 4a, it is important to note that the relatively high gain condition of channel 30B and the relatively low gain condition of channel 30C are simultaneously accomplished through the identical electrical potentials at each of the dynodes D1-D8. It is to be appreciated that this high gain/low gain condition between adjacent channels 30C, 30B is highly desirable as it means that when only one of the channels is desired to be "on", the other channel (adjacent channel) will be in a spoiled state, i.e., "off".
Now, when channel 30C is desired to be in the relatively high gain condition ("on") and channel 30B is desired to be in the relatively low gain condition ("off"), simple electrical switching techniques provide the desired result. For example, if the set of discrete electrical potentials shown in FIG. 4a is switched to a second set of electrical potentials in which the lower voltage change (ΔV) occurs in going from even to odd numbered dynodes, the electron trajectories are interchanged. This is shown in FIG. 4b where the switching is quite simply accomplished by increasing each of the electrical potentials of the even dynodes D2 . . . 8 by 40 volts. In general, the amount of voltage asymmetry, i.e., switching voltage, required for a situation in which a high gain channel is adjacent to low gain channels depends upon the height of the spoiler surfaces 32. Typically, the greater the spoiler surface 32 height in relation to the active area 28a, the greater will be the voltage difference and the greater will be the gain difference between the "on" and "off" channels.
Although the previous discussion has, for purposes of clarity, been directed toward the operation of two adjacent channels 30B and 30C, it is important to appreciate that the electron multiplier of the present invention typically comprises more than two of such channels. More particularly, the electron multiplier of the present invention includes a plurality of channel combinations such as 30B, 30C where the multiplier can be said to include: a first set of alternate channels, all of which are substantially identical to 30B; and a second set of alternate channels, all of which are substantially identical to 30C.
In another embodiment of the electron multiplier of the present invention, the active dynode area in the channels includes no nonplanar structure, i.e., no raised spoiler surfaces. A portion of such a structure is diagrammatically shown in FIGS. 5a, 5b. In FIGS. 5a, 5b the relative multiplier gain ratio between the adjacent channels 130A and 130B is achieved by shifting the centers of the active areas 28a of the dynodes a distance relative to the symmetrical geometry typical of the dynode arrangement shown in copending application, Ser. No. 714,358.
More particularly, referring to channel 130A of FIG. 5a, the centers (C) of the even numbered dynodes are shifted a distance d to the right of the center (C) of the space between the odd numbered dynodes. In channel 130B the centers of the even numbered dynodes are shifted a distance d to the left of the center of the space between odd numbered dynodes. This center shift, together with an asymmetric voltage distribution wherein the voltage change (ΔV) is 150 volts from odd to even dynodes and 110 volts from even to odd dynodes, results in a relatively high multiplier gain condition in channel 130A while simultaneously establishing a relatively low gain condition in the adjacent channel 130B, as shown by the electron trajectories of FIG. 5a. However, if the voltage asymmetry is reversed, e.g., as in FIGS. 4a, 4b, by switching the even dynodes down 40 volts, channel 130b will have high gain and channel 130A will have low gain, as shown in FIG. 5b. In general, the amount of voltage asymmetry required for a particular high gain-low gain relationship depends upon the amount of shift, i.e., dynode asymmetry, and can be calculated from basic electron optics.
The electron multiplier of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in a flat panel image display device. One such flat panel image display device is partially shown in FIG. 6 and is generally designated 40. The device 40 may be of the type described in previously mentioned copending application Ser. No. 672,122 which is hereby incorporated by reference. The display device 40 includes as an electron source the electron multiplier of the present invention. In such a case, the electron multiplier 20 is designed to include a plurality of insulating vanes 26 positioned to provide for the desired number of horizontal picture elements. Also, the electron multiplier includes a sufficient plurality of cathode stripes 24 so as to provide for the desired number of horizontal display lines. Still further, the electron multiplier structure is provided with sufficient electrode structure 42 following its output so as to enable it to be suitably controlled. The image display device 40 includes side walls 44 and a front panel 46 upon which is disposed a cathodoluminescent screen (not shown) which is responsive to the electron output of the electron multiplier.
In the operation of the display device 40, which includes the electron multiplier of the present invention, a given line is turned on by switching only the cathode associated with that line into the "on" state. The current output for the multiplier channel associated with the turned-on cathode then builds up to a saturation value which is limited by space-charge effects. Some electrons spill over from the "on" channel to the adjacent channels which are desired to be in the "off" condition. However, due to the selection mechanism of the present invention, the electron multiplier gain in the adjacent channels is much lower than the "on" channel such that the spillover electrons are not appreciably multiplied. Although the channels following the adjacent "off" channels are also in the "on" state, these "on" channels are sufficiently distant from the desired "on" channel so that there is substantially no electron spillover thereto.
The operation of the display device 40 can be conveniently accomplished where a television type display employing conventional field interlace addressing is desired. In such a case, the insulating vanes run vertically with horizontal line select cathodes, and the multiplier state remains the same while every other line is addressed during a single field time. After all of the even (or odd) lines in one sequence are addressed, the asymmetric voltages are switched so that the formerly high gain lines are in the low gain state and the formerly low gain lines are in the high gain state. After this switching, the second field is addressed within the frame time.
A significant advantage of the structure of the present invention is that the presence of the high gain/low gain condition is simply accomplished through the switching from one set of electrical potentials to a second set of electrical potentials. Further, this switching need only occur on one of the sets of opposing dynodes. In this connection, it is important to further note that each of the dynodes requires only one electrical switch even though there may be as many as 500 insulating plates with 500 channels whose electrical properties must be varied.
Thus, there is provided by the present invention, structures which provide a relatively high electron multiplier gain condition in the desired "on" channels while at the same time providing a low electron multiplier gain condition in the adjacent channels. The structures allow for simple electrical control. The electron multiplier structure is particularly suitable for use in a flat panel image display device in which relatively small picture element size may be a requirement. | An electron multiplier includes a plurality of staggered parallel dynodes. The dynodes include spaced confinement bumps along their lengths with active multiplying areas between the bumps. The confinement bumps and active areas therebetween define a plurality of channels which extend from a cathode at one end of the multiplier to the output end. Each channel traverses the staggered parallel dynodes and causes an electron beam to pass therethrough without substantial spreading. The electron multiplier includes additional structure for creating a high gain condition in the channels which are desired to be in an "on" condition while simultaneously creating a low gain condition in the adjacent channels. Electrical potentials can be simply switched at the dynodes so as to change this first condition into a second condition where the relative gain parameters of the channels are reversed. | 7 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of boat hull designs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is well known in the industry that watercraft with a multi-hull design provide better seakeeping in moderate-to-high wave conditions than monohull vessels. Multi-hull ships can be designed to experience only one-half to one-fifth of the heave, pitch, and roll motions of a monohull vessel of equal displacement in seas driven by wind speeds above 20 knots.
[0003] An additional benefit of multi-hull designs is they can travel at faster speeds than a monohull design. The wave penetrating features of a multi-hull design allow the watercraft to also maintain course and speed during sea conditions that would otherwise defeat a monohull's ability to maintain the same course and speed.
[0004] However, an inherent problem with multi-hull designs is, in the event of a rollover, they do not return upright once capsized. A multi-hull vessel is equally stable capsized as it is upright. Monohull vessels do not have this problem.
[0005] Through innovative designs and concepts, various hull designs have been introduced. In an article titled “Variable Draft Broadens SWATH Horizons” in the April 1994 issue of Proceedings, improvements are made to the design known as Small Waterplane Area Twin-Hull (SWATH) ships. The SWATH design for this particular boat utilizes struts that are aligned on the centerline of the lower hull. The lower hull's rectangular cross sections enhance seakeeping at deeper drafts and give best propulsion at transit depths. The center bow provides a cushion against slamming and affords convenient overboard access for handling equipment. Rectangular hull forms supportive of the SWATH design are less expensive to fabricate and outfit than conventional hull designs.
[0006] The U.S. Navy test vessel, Sea Shadow, was built to test several aspects of maintaining stealthiness at sea, including low radar visibility, quietness to sonar sensors and minimizing wake. An article titled “The Secret Ship” in the October 1993 issue of Popular Science discussed the unclassified parameters of this vessel. Above the waterline, the Sea Shadow's resemblance is similar to that of the U.S. Air Force F-117A stealth fighter. From the waterline down, the exact details are classified, but the ship's underwater shape is essentially a SWATH design. A pair of submerged pontoons gives the Sea Shadow its buoyancy. Running beneath the water's choppy surface layer, these pontoons cause far less of the seasickness-inspiring vertical motion inherent in traditional monohull designs.
[0007] Another unique design is the trimaran hydrofoil designed and built by Greg Ketterman, as discussed in an article titled, “World's Fastest Sailboat,” in the January 1991 issue of Popular Science. The hydrofoil is a two-mast, triple-hull design that utilizes sensors forward of the outer hulls that hug the water's undulating surface, constantly adjusting the pitch of the hulls and main foils to maintain stability and minimize drag. Foot pedals control the rudder. This design is primarily for sail boats that want to maximize speed through the waters. However, this design is not suitable for large boats, and lacks a propulsion system often desired in larger boats.
[0008] Another design is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,066 issued on Aug. 27, 1996 entitled “Triangular Boat Hull Apparatus.” This patent discloses a multi-hull design constructed from flat pieces of material instead of curved sections normally used for boat hull construction. The patent also presents a bilateral fore and aft symmetrical boat hull. Although this design is suited for rowboat sized boats and pleasure boats, the design is also inherently suited for larger boats such as destroyers.
[0009] Ocean Waves, even in relatively calm seas, have amplitudes and lateral modulations. In stormy seas, those amplitudes and modulations often tear multi-hull ships apart. The current propulsion systems for large multi-hull ships lack a mechanism to cope with the up and down movement of the waves, and also lack structure to protect the multi-hull ship from being ripped apart.
[0010] Therefore, a multi-hull design and propulsion system for a large boat that both protects the ship from being ripped apart by the changing amplitudes and modulations of the ocean, and provides a means for optimizing the ship's speed through varying sea conditions ship is desired in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention relates to a triangular boat hull apparatus having a bow and stem wave penetrating feature. The hull is composed of one triangle overlapping two additional triangles on the port and starboard sides of the apparatus. The triangle features of the hull design run both athwartships, and from stem to stem. The invention also features a drive pod for a multi-hull apparatus including at least one hydropneumatic cylinder, a propulsion device and a propeller. The present invention also provides a propulsion system for a multi-hull apparatus having a plurality of drive pods which are attached to the hull of the apparatus and facilitate adjustability for varying ocean conditions. The multiple drive pods under the hull provide a type of centipede looking drive system.
[0012] Therefore, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a triangular boat hull apparatus that is economical to build.
[0013] It is another aspect of the invention to provide a triangular boat hull that is suitable for a variety of very large sea vessels.
[0014] It is another aspect of the invention to provide a triangular boat hull apparatus suitable for large sea vessels that has dual ended fore and aft wave penetrating features in order to provide added strength compared to other types of wave penetrating hull designs.
[0015] It is another object of the invention to provide a triangular boat hull apparatus that is both air and water tight, so that in the event of a roll-over, no water would enter.
[0016] It is another object of the invention to provide a triangular boat hull apparatus where the inherent design of the hulls prevents the multi-hull boat from being torn apart in inclement weather.
[0017] It is another object of the invention to provide a triangular boat hull apparatus that has dual ended fore and aft wave-penetrating features in order to provide greater stability, particularly when the wave motion is severe.
[0018] It is another object of the invention to provide a drive pod that is capable of incorporating diesel, electric, or waterjet propulsion engines.
[0019] It is another object of the invention to provide a drive pod that incorporates either a single or dual propeller.
[0020] It is another object of the invention to provide a drive pod with a hydropneumatic cylinder that can be adjusted to meet operating conditions on the ocean.
[0021] It is another object of the invention to provide a propulsion system for a multi-hull apparatus where multiple drive pods are attached under the hull of the apparatus.
[0022] It is a further object of the invention to provide a propulsion system for a multi-hull apparatus that can be easily modified to be suitable to any sized multi-hull apparatus.
[0023] It is a further object of the invention to provide a propulsion system for a multi-hull apparatus that provides the strength needed to resist the lateral modulations of ocean waves.
[0024] It is a final object of the invention to provide a propulsion system that can be adjusted to meet a variety of operating conditions.
[0025] These aspects of the invention are not meant to be exclusive and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read in conjunction with the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] [0026]FIG. 1 is an end (athwartships) view of the multi-hull apparatus.
[0027] [0027]FIG. 2 is an end (athwartships) view of the cut-away port hull of the multi-hull apparatus
[0028] [0028]FIG. 3 is an end (athwartships) view of the multi-hull apparatus for a propulsion system.
[0029] [0029]FIG. 4 is an end (athwartships) view of the drive pod.
[0030] [0030]FIG. 5 is a top view of the drive pod.
[0031] [0031]FIG. 6 is a fore and aft view of the drive pod.
[0032] [0032]FIG. 7 is an end (athwartships) view of the propulsion system retracted in the multi-hull apparatus.
[0033] [0033]FIG. 8 is an end (athwartships) view of the propulsions system extended from the multi-hull apparatus.
[0034] [0034]FIG. 9 is a fore and aft view of the propulsion system retracted in the multi-hull apparatus.
[0035] [0035]FIG. 10 is a fore and aft view of the propulsion system extended in the multi-hull apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] Referring first to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the multi-hull apparatus 10 , the apparatus 10 is made up of a port hull 20 , a starboard hull 22 and a center hull 24 . As depicted in FIG. 1, the port hull 20 and starboard hull 22 are of equal dimensions and are each connected to the center hull 24 . The top 26 of the multi-hull apparatus 10 is depicted for illustration purposes only. The top 26 is not necessarily flat, but rather the top portion of any ship design commonly known to those skilled in the art can be dimensioned and placed in the top 26 position on the multi-hull apparatus 10 .
[0037] Still referring to FIG. 1, the multi-hull apparatus 10 is constructed entirely from flat pieces of material instead of curved sections normally used for hull construction. Apparatus 10 can be sized for a variety of watercraft. The apparatus 10 design will inherently displace a large amount of water thus can be used for larger ships carrying larger loads. Examples of these types of watercraft are destroyers or cargo ships. Building watercraft of various sizes will require scaling the dimensions accordingly using techniques well known in the art. The preferable material selected for construction is molded fiberglass. Steel and other types of material typically used in the boat construction industry, including exotic materials, could also be used.
[0038] The multi-hull apparatus 10 is depicted in FIG. 1 as having three hulls. However, this is for illustrative purposes only. The invention is intended for any number of hull multi-hull watercraft. Thus, depending on the size of the watercraft in which the multi-hull apparatus 10 is intended, the number of hulls will increase accordingly. The minimum three hull multi-hull apparatus is illustrated. However, increasing the number of hulls can easily be designed by a person of ordinary skill in the art by simply continuing the pattern evenly on both sides of the multi-hull apparatus 10 .
[0039] The wave penetrating section of the hull will be discussed first. The center hull 24 overlaps the port hull 20 and starboard hull 22 . FIG. 1 shows the hidden lines for illustration purposes. The port hull 20 and starboard hull 22 are of equal dimensions and are also mirror images of one another. Referring now to FIG. 2, a cut-away athwartships end view of the port hull 20 , which is a mirror image of the starboard hull 22 is shown.
[0040] Referring again to FIG. 1 the center hull 24 and the port hull 20 and stern hull 22 are preferably isosceles triangles with equal dimensions of 40 feet for edge 28 , 30 , 32 , 28.7 feet for edges 34 , 36 , 38 , 40 , 42 , 44 . The angle formed by edged 34 and 28 , 36 and 28 , 42 and 32 , 44 and 32 , and 40 and 30 and 38 and 30 are each 60 degrees. 60° angles are formed at the intersection of 40 and 38 , 34 and 36 , and 42 and 44 . The vertexes 46 , 48 , 50 will be under water when the watercraft is at sea.
[0041] The fore and aft triangular shapes used to provide the wave penetrating section improve the strength of multi-hull apparatus 10 in both compression and tension so that heavy sea conditions will not buckle and pull apart multi-hull apparatus 10 . The dimensions and angles provided for the athwartships hull sections 20 , 22 , and 24 can vary to correspond with other dimensions selected for the desired size of triangular boat hull apparatus 10 to be built.
[0042] Referring next to FIG. 3, another embodiment of the multi-hull apparatus 10 is shown. In this embodiment, the multi-hull apparatus 60 is designed to hold a propulsion system. The apparatus 60 varies from apparatus 10 slightly, but has the same dimensions as multi-hull apparatus 10 . The center hull 62 , port hull 64 , and starboard hull 66 are substantially triangular, but in place of a vertex, the bottom of the hull 68 , 70 , 72 is flattened. As shown in FIG. 1, the imaginary line 52 represents the cut-off region that produces the main difference between apparatus 10 and apparatus 60 . Referring back to FIG. 3, to compensate structurally for the lack of triangles in these regions, the multi-hull apparatus 60 incorporates many triangles throughout its design. FIG. 3 exemplifies these triangles formed in the hull. Ocean waves, even in relatively calm seas have amplitudes and lateral modulations. In stormy seas those amplitudes and modulations often tear multi-hull ships apart. In the multi-hull apparatus 60 , the strength of triangles provides the structural strength to keep the multi-hull apparatus 60 from being damaged.
[0043] The multi-hull apparatus 60 has compartments 74 , 76 , 78 which are designed to hold a propulsion system. In other embodiments of the multi-hull apparatus, there are more than three hulls, and in these embodiments, additional hulls will have compartments also. Thus, for example, in a 40 hull destroyer, there would be 40 compartments for 40 parts of the propulsion system.
[0044] Referring next to FIG. 4, the drive pod 80 is shown. In the preferred embodiment, the drive pod 80 consists of a hollow component 82 , a propeller 84 , a propulsion device 86 inside the hollow component 82 , two cylinders 88 , 90 and two poles 92 , 94 . The hollow component 84 contains the propulsion device 86 . In its preferred embodiment, the hollow component is rectangular and has a width dimension 96 of 8 feet, and a height of 12 feet. In other embodiments, the hollow component 82 substantially triangular. The hollow component 82 is preferably made of fiberglass, however, as noted above, other materials used in ship construction can also be used. The hollow component 82 is watertight and is designed to fit into the compartments 74 , 76 , 78 shown in the multi-hull apparatus 60 in FIG. 3.
[0045] The propeller 84 is shown in its preferred embodiment to be a four bladed propeller. The propeller 84 is made of steel. However, the propeller could be made of aluminum or any other non-corroding material. In other embodiments, the propeller 84 is a three bladed propeller, or, in place of a single propeller, there are multiple propellers, or waterjets, etc.
[0046] The propulsion device 86 is located inside the hollow compartment 82 . It is connected to the propeller 84 , and drives the propeller 84 . In its preferred embodiment, the propulsion device 86 is a 2,000 Horse Power Diesel engine and is approximately 5 feet wide and 15 feet long. In other embodiments, the propulsion device 86 is a 2,000 Horse Power electric motor, or a water jet drive.
[0047] The cylinders 88 and 90 are hydropneumatic cylinders and have a pole 92 , 94 located inside each cylinder 88 , 90 . The poles 92 , 94 are connected inside the hollow compartment 82 to the travel stop 98 . The hydropneumatic cylinders 88 , 90 have an internal variable pressure. This pressure is adjustable. Depending on the pressure inside the hydropneumatic cylinders, the pressure causes the pole 92 , 94 to either retract into the cylinder 88 , 90 or extend out of the cylinder 88 , 90 . Consequently, this retraction or extension of the poles 92 , 94 causes the distance between the cylinder and the hollow compartment to change.
[0048] The cylinders 88 , 90 are preferably made of steel, and the poles 92 , 94 are also steel. In other embodiments, the cylinders 88 , 90 and poles 92 , 94 are made from aluminum or any other non-corrosive material.
[0049] [0049]FIG. 6 is a side view of the drive pod 80 exemplifying that the drive pod 80 is designed to be incorporated inside the compartments 74 , 76 , 78 of the multi-hull apparatus 60 . The top portion 106 of the drive pod 80 remains in the hull, while the bottom portion 104 extends below the hull. In its preferred embodiment, the top portion 106 of the drive pod 80 has a height 102 of 12 feet, a width 108 of 30 feet, while the bottom portion 104 has a height 96 of 8 feet and a width 108 of 30 feet. The dimensions will vary according to the size of the multi-hull apparatus 60 and the compartment 74 , 76 , 78 . The provided dimensions are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be the only dimensions possible, rather, the proportions are the preferred embodiment.
[0050] The propulsion system for a multi-hull apparatus 110 is shown in FIG. 7. Since the multi-hull apparatus 60 is symmetrical, only one section (the center hull 62 with the starboard hull 66 ) of the propulsion system for a multi-hull apparatus 110 need be detailed. One of ordinary skill in the art can apply the given dimensions to the other side of the propulsion system for a multi-hull apparatus 110 . The center hull 62 has a width 120 of 40 feet and a height 122 of 28 feet. The distance 124 represents the pitch distance and is 20 feet.
[0051] In FIG. 7, the compartments 74 , 76 , 78 of the multi-hull apparatus 60 are filled with drive pods 80 and are shown retracted into the hull 112 of the multi-hull apparatus 60 . The bottom portion 104 of the drive pod 80 is located in the bottom hull 114 of the multi-hull apparatus 60 and consists of the hollow compartment 82 , the propulsion device 84 and the propeller 86 . The top portion 106 of the drive pod 80 is located in the top hull 116 of the multi-hull apparatus 60 and consists of the cylinders 88 , 90 and the poles 92 , 94 . The height 96 of the drive pods 80 provides amplitude to cope with the up and down movement of the waves. In total, there is approximately 18 feet of hull in the supporting triangles before the hull would bottom out on a wave top.
[0052] The drive pods 80 have side skirts 118 having a height of 12 feet. These side skirts 118 on the drive pods 80 bear against the triangles of the multi-hull apparatus 60 , and together the side skirts 118 and the triangles provide the strength needed to resist the lateral modulations always present in ocean waves.
[0053] Referring next to FIG. 8 showing the propulsion system for a multi-hull apparatus 110 where the drive pods 80 are extended. Even when fully extended, there is at least 4 feet of bearing surface 126 between each drive pod 80 and the triangular extension 128 of the hull. Therefore there is 240 ft 2 or a 66% bearing surface on both sides of the drive pod.
[0054] [0054]FIG. 9 is a side view of the bottom hull 114 of the propulsion system for a multi-hull apparatus 110 retracted. FIG. 10 is a side view of the bottom hull 114 of the propulsion system for a multi-hull apparatus 110 extended. The pressure inside the hydropneumatic cylinders 88 , 90 can be adjusted to meet operating conditions during the time of transit to provide optimum operation of the drive pods as conditions change. For illustration purposes, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show the versatility of the multi-hull apparatus 60 design, where the size of design can be easily adapted to a vessel of any size.
[0055] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions would be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. | A multi-hull design for a large apparatus and a propulsion system for same. The apparatus is a triangular boat hull apparatus having a bow and stem wave penetrating feature. The hull is composed of one triangle overlapping two additional triangles on the port and starboard sides of the apparatus. This invention includes a drive pod for a multi-hull apparatus composed of at least one hydropneumatic cylinder, a propulsion device and a propeller. A propulsion system for a multi-hull apparatus composed of a plurality of drive pods which are attached to the hull of the apparatus and provide adjustability for varying ocean conditions is also an object of the present invention. | 1 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In a known grinding apparatus of this type (DE-OS No. 29 12 814) the holding and guiding part is a cylindrical spindle sleeve, surrounding the grinding sleeve in the area of a center hole of the workpiece. The grinding spindle carries on one of its ends the grinding tool, adapted to the inclination of a valve seat surface. This known grinding apparatus no longer satisfies the high accuracy requirements for workpieces with a relatively small center hole, the diameter of which is approximately 6 mm. or less, for example. The reason for this is the lack of stability of the arrangement. There is an increasing need to produce workpieces with very small center bores, for example, for fuel injection pump nozzle bodies.
SUMMARY OF THF INVENTION
The object of the invention is to provide a grinding apparatus of the above-mentioned type whereby even in the case of workpiece holes with very small diameters high machining accuracies may be obtained.
As the grinding spindle is arranged according to the invention outside the workpiece, its diameter may be significantly larger than the bore of the workpiece and therefore it may be extremely heavy and stable. The shaft like pin is thereby held in the grinding spindle so that the workpiece is guided and held securely even in the case of very small workpiece diameters. As the result of the configuration according to the invention, conventional, high rpm and highly accurate grinding spindles with, for example, hydrostatic or aerostatic bearing supports and a rotating velocity of 60,000 to 100,000 rpm may also be used. The rigid, high strength configuration of the spindle ensures a very high machining accuracy, satisfying the highest requirements.
Further characteristics of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a part of the apparatus according to the invention in an axial section;
FIG. 2 is a top view of a part of a second form of embodiment of the apparatus of the invention;
FIG. 3 is a further form of embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, in a view similar to FIG. 1, and
FIG. 4 is a section along the line IV--IV in FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 1, there is shown therein a grinding apparatus with a workpiece 1 arranged therein. The workpiece has a honed center bore 2 and a valve seat surface 3 concentric with said bore 2, with said valve seat to be ground by means of the apparatus. For the machining of the valve seat surface 3, the apparatus has a shaft-like pin 5, carrying at its front end 38 a grinding tool 6 having a grinding surface adapted to the inclination of the valve seat surface 3. The grinding pin 5 is rigidly joined to a grinding spindle 4 of the apparatus. It is clamped in a simple manner, with one end 26 outside the bore 2 in a corresponding bore 27 of the spindle 4. To improve its strength, the grinding pin 5 has a massive configuration and consists preferably entirely of a hard alloy for example, carbide, and has a circular cross section constant over its entire length. Its diameter is slightly less than the diameter of the center bore 2 and substantially smaller than the diameter of the spindle 4. The diameter of the latter is a multiple of the pin diameter, in the FIG. 1 embodiment being approximately three to four times the diameter of said pin diameter. As the result of this large diameter the spindle 4 is especially strong, so that the pin 5 itself is held securely in the spindle even during the machining of very small valve seat surfaces. This permits the valve seat surface to be processed with an extremely high accuracy.
The workpiece 1 having the valve seat surface 3 to be machined is pushed onto the grinding pin 5 manually or preferably by a device (not shown) known in the art. The workpiece is then securely held and guided in the finish honed center bore, on the pin 5.
For guidance without play and the holding of the workpiece 1, a drive part 9 having the configuration of a roll is provided. It acts on an outer circumferential surface 8 of the workpiece 1, which is concentric to the center bore 2. The workpiece 1 is thereby pressed against the circumferential surface 7 of the pin 5, and driven in rotation. The drive roll 9 may be moved or displaced by means of a device well known, in the art (not shown) for example, a hydrostatic piston-cylinder arrangement, in the direction of the workpiece 1 (arrow 10) with a predetermined, preferably continuously adjustable force. The drive roll is driven by rotating drive means, for example, a hydraulic motor (not shown) in the direction of the arrow 11. Consequently, the workpiece 1 is rotating in a direction (arrow 13) opposite to the grinding spindle 4 (arrow 12), but with a lower rpm, for example at 200 to 3000 rpm.
In order to advance the workpiece 1 in the axial direction (arrow 25), the drive roll 9 is connected with an advance drive 14, also known in the art, whereby the grinding tool 6 may be applied with a fine adjustment to the valve seat surface 3 of the workpiece 1, and the grinding pressure regulated continuously.
As shown in FIG. 2 in a further embodiment of the invention, the axis 28 of a drive roll 9a is set at a predetermined acute angle 15, preferably approximately 2° to 5°, obliquely to the axis 29 of the workpiece, whereby an axial motion component is superposed on the rotation of the drive roll 9a in the direction of the workpiece 1 (arrow 24). By the appropriate setting and variation of the angle of inclination 15 the grinding pressure may be regulated. In place of the drive rolls 9 or 9a, a suitably designed belt drive may also be used.
The devices according to FIG. 1 and 2 further include a cooling medium system, of which only a nozzle 18 is shown (FIG. 1), whereby lubricating and cooling means may be introduced under a high pressure into the grinding zone 16 of the workpiece 1. The nozzle 18 is located aligned with and at a small distance from an orifice 17 of the workpiece, so that the jet of the cooling medium exiting from the nozzle 18 at a high pressure directly enters the grinding zone 16.
By means of the high pressure, the cooling and lubricating medium is further forced into the sickle-shaped gap 19 following the cutting zone 16 in the direction of advance 25, said gap remaining between the center bore 2 and the circumferential surface 7. In this gap 19, the cooling and lubricating medium forms a lubricating wedge between the pin 5 and the workpiece 1, resulting in a hydrostatically acting bearing between said parts. This bearing is highly accurate and assures only very slight friction between the shaft or pin 5 and the workpiece. The lubricating and cooling medium then exits at the frontal side 30 of the workpiece 1 facing the grinding spindle, and is conducted by way of a cover part 20 and a collecting device 21 to a return line 22.
The collecting device 21 is a flat box approximately circular in its cross section, with two coaxial passage orifices 31 and 32 in its opposed disk-shaped lateral walls. The workpiece 1 and the spindle 4 protrude, with their ends 33 and 34 facing each other, into the orifices 31 and 32. The cover part 20 has a circular configuration and is supported flat on the corresponding frontal surface 35 of the spindle end 34. The cover part has an edge 36 bent away from the spindle 4 and a diameter only slightly smaller than the collector device 21, so that the spindle 4 is satisfactorily sealed with respect to the cooling and lubricating medium. The return line 22 is connected to the cylindrical outer wall 37 of the collector device 21, and is preferably integrally formed therewith.
It is further possible to let the cooling and lubricating medium flow in the opposite direction. For this purpose, cooling means may be injected under a high pressure directly into the sickle-shaped gap 19, by means of a finger (not shown) protruding into an intermediate space 23 between the frontal side 35 of the grinding spindle 4 and the opposing frontal side 30 of the workpiece 1. The lubricant then passes into the grinding zone 16 and leaves the workpiece 1 through the orifice 17 of the workpiece. This path of the lubricant has the advantage that the abraded material does not arrive from the grinding zone 16 in the area of the bearing and guidance of the workpiece 1, but is transported directly through the workpiece bore 17 from the workpiece 1.
In the apparatus according to FIGS. 3 and 4, the axial advance movement is effected by the grinding spindle 4a (arrow 39). The workpiece 1 is guided and held in the axial direction by an axial bearing 40, which has the configuration of a hydrostatically acting thrust bearing and is arranged on the frontal side 41 of the workpiece 1 facing away from the grinding spindle 4a. An annular groove 42 concentric with the coolant and lubricant nozzle 18a is provided, which is supplied with liquid under pressure through a supply channel 43.
The thrust bearing 40 and the nozzle 18a are of a simple, single piece configuration, with the coolant and lubricant serving as the pressure liquid. The hydrostatic thrust bearing may have a different configuration, when, for example, only one line is provided for the supply of the coolant and lubricant. From this, a branch line is provided for carrying a partial flow of the lubricant to the annular groove.
The advance of the grinding spindle (arrow 39) and the control and setting of an optimum grinding pressure may be regulated simply by means of the bearing thrust occurring during processing. The bearing thrust is measured by a measuring instrument, for example a manometer, and passed to an evaluating and regulating device 45, connected with the advance control device 46 for the grinding spindle 4a.
It is particularly advantageous to run the grinding spindle 4a against a stationary stop (not shown). Thus, only the grinding pin 5a is run rapidly into the bore 2 of the workpiece, and the thrust bearing 40 is subsequently displaced axially during the working advance (arrow 47). In this case the evaluating unit 45 is actively connected with an advance device (not shown) for the thrust bearing 40.
As further shown in FIG. 3, the holding and guiding part having the configuration of the grinding pin 5a is provided on both ends with bearing surfaces 7a and 7b, adjacent partial sections 48 and 49, in which the outer diameter of the pin is reduced by turning. These bearing surfaces are resting against the terminal areas of the workpiece bore 2. The bearing surfaces 7a and 7b have grooves 50 in the circumferential direction and uniformly spaced apart, extending in the axial direction of the grinding pin 5a and in an oblique or helical manner relative to the grinding spindle 4a, so that each groove 50 forms a section of an imaginary circumferential helix. As the result of this configuration, the bearing surfaces 7a and 7b possess several sliding surfaces, whereby the workpiece 1 is guided in an especially favorable manner. The direction of the grooves 50 is adapted to the direction of rotation of the grinding pin 5a, whereby a pumping effect supporting the flow (arrow 51) of the coolant and lubricant is generated. The grooves 50, viewed transversely to the spindle axis 56, are at an acute angle of approximately 15° with such axis. In addition, one groove of the bearing surface 7a is always aligned approximately with a groove of the other bearing surface 7b.
For the guidance without play and holding of the workpiece 1 on the grinding pin 5a, according to FIG. 4 two drive rolls 9b and 9c are provided, which are located on the circumferential surface 8 of the workpiece 1 axially following each other, so that, when viewed in the axial direction of the workpiece 1, they are partially superposed on each other. The pressure rolls 9b and 9c are further arranged so that their contact lines 52 and 53 with the circumferential surface 8 are symmetrical to a longitudinal center plane 55 of the workpiece 1 containing the contact line 54 of the grinding pin 5a with the workpiece bore 2. The imaginary tangential planes of the contact lines 52 and 53 form with the contact line 54 an acute angle of approximately 60°. | The grinding apparatus permits precision machining of a valve seat or a sealing surface, and includes a grinding spindle having a holding and guiding part extending into a finished workpiece bore with clearance. The holding and guiding part is smaller in diameter than the grinding spindle and includes a pin which carries on its free end a grinding tool. The other end of the pin passes into the grinding spindle which has a substantially larger diameter. The grinding spindle is located outside the bore of the workpiece and may thus be made very stable. The pin is held by the grinding spindle so that the workpiece is held and guided securely even in the case of very small workpiece diameters. | 1 |
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention related to a revolving door security system used to permit unimpeded access into an area in one direction while providing complete security against unauthorized access in the opposite direction.
Revolving doors have long been used to secure areas against unauthorized passage. These doors have the advantage of high through-put with a minimum operating expense. A revolving door system used for security is described in U.S. patent application No. 353,165, filed Mar. 1, 1982, entitled Revolving Door System. In that application, sensors are provided to detect the presence of an object attempting to pass through the door in an unauthorized direction. The door is caused to reverse direction and back up. The intruder will then appreciate that he cannot pass through and will vacate the area, whereupon the door will resume its normal forward rotation. While this system is extremely effective in deterring intruders, it may also trap others within the revolving door system during the period in which the intruder is being backed up of the door. Thus a persistent intruder could theoretically trap others in the system indefinitely.
The present invention overcomes this problem while maintaining all of the benefits of the prior system. The advantages are accomplished without trapping persons passing in either direction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a method of preventing the passage of objection in a unauthorized direction through a revolving door including the steps of detecting the presence of the unauthorized object entering in an unauthorized direction, stopping the normal rotation of the door before the object has free passage into the secured area, alternately rotating the door in a reverse direction to force the object backwards and out of the system, and then rotating the door in the forward direction. The authorized passenger is allowed to escape the system in one or the other direction while the intruder is prevented from passing indefinitely.
According to another aspect of the invention, the present invention is directed to an apparatus for preventing unauthorized passage of an intruder in one direction through a revolving door, the apparatus including a powered revolving door system capable of reverse operation, having a rotatable center shaft, a plurality of wings extending circumferentially from the shaft, a pair of upright opposing arcuate panels spaced apart to define partially enclosed sectors bounded by pairs of wings and defining a pair of openings, to the system, the invention including alternating means responsive to a detector for sensing the presence of an intruder in one of the sectors rotating the shaft in one direction for a predetermined angular rotation and then reversing the shaft rotation to a second predetermined angular rotation until the detector no longer senses the presence of the intruding object.
According to a further aspect of the invention, the door is rotated in a first direction sufficiently to allow any authorized passengers trapped in the door during the period when the intruder attempts to pass, to escape through the system in their intended direction and wherein the door returns to its original position thereafter, preventing the passage of the intruder.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A better understanding of the invention may be had by reference to the specification taken in connection with the following drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a revolving door system;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view taken along lines 2--2 FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional elevational view taken along lines 3--3 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view taken along lines 4--4 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 and 5A are block diagrams of the circuitry of the preferred embodiment; and
FIG. 6-13 are diagrammatic views of the operation of the preferred embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Although the present invention can be applied to most powered reversible revolving doors, an example of such structure is detailed below. With particular reference to FIG. 1, a revolving door system 10 generally comprises an upright vertical center shaft 12 defining an upright axis and three spaced apart upright panels or wings 14 disposed circumferentially equiangularly about and rotatable about the axis, with the shaft 12. A drum 16 is provided for covering the wings 12. The drum 16 includes facing substantially semicircular or curved panels 20, 22 partially enclosing the wings 14 and the shaft 12 and defining a partially enclosed generally circular region 24. The panels 20, 22 are spaced apart to define opposing entry 26 and exit (unmarked) openings. Extending outwardly on opposite sides of the curved panels 20, 22 are front walls 30 for preventing access. The three wings 14 of the revolving door 10 divide the generally circular region 24 between the curved panels 20, 22 into three moveable cylindrical segments having a cross section of constant equal area. The shaft 12 and thus the wings 14, though rotatable define into a sequence-point position when any two of the wings 14 enclose a curved panel 20, 22. A mat switch 29 is disposed on the floor within the confines of the sequence-point position bounded by the panel 22 and a mat switch 31 is disposed on the floor within the confines of the quarter-point position bounded by the panel 20. The mat switch 29 senses the presence of an individual seeking entry from the exit opening 28. So that the door may be used in a reverse mode, the mat switch 31 also senses the presence of an individual seeking improper access, when the entry 26 and exit 28 are reversed. As a result of the wing spacing an individual entering one segment is separated from any individual in either adjacent second segment.
The drum 16 comprising a ceiling 32 and a cylindrical vertical facia 34 extending upward from the ceiling 32. As best viewed in FIG. 2, a pair of parallel spaced apart longitudinal rails 36 extend across the ceiling 32 about the diameter of the ceiling 32. A rectangular plate 38 disposed parallel to the ceiling 32 is joined to the rails 36. As best viewed in FIG. 3, the shaft 12 extends through the ceiling 32. A coaxial coupling 35 couples a rod 37 to the shaft 12. The rod 37 is coupled to a right angle gear assembly 39. A different rod 37 extends upward from an upper bevel gear 45 of the right angle gear assembly 39, and terminates in a circular plate 40 above a support plate 41. The circular plate 40 is rotatable with the rod 37, and in this example, at the same speed as the shaft 12. The right angled gear assembly 39 includes a central bevel gear 43 which is coupled by another coaxial coupler 35 to a gearing assembly 42, which in turn is coupled to a motor reducer 44. An electromechanical brake assembly 47 couples the motor reducer 44 to a motor 46. The gearing provided by the right angle gear assembly 39, the gear box 42 and the motor reducer 47 typically provides a motor to center shaft gear ratio on the order of 150:1. The motor 46 is typically a 1/4 horsepower motor with a permanent magnet field, though the size depends upon the particular installation. The motor 46 operates in connection with the application of a resistive load to regeneratively brake the motor 46 in most situations. The combination of the high gear ratio along with regenerative or dynamic braking provides sufficient resistance to movement of the wings 14 for all practical purposes to prevent manual rotation when regeneratively braked. (For security purposes, the door may not be manually rotated.) This results in an economical controller and braking arrangement. However, in installations requiring exceptionally high security, an electromagnetic brake, such as brake 47, may also be used to assure that the door is prevented from movement when actuated.
A controller 48 located above the ceiling 32 is electrically coupled to and controls the motor 46, and a pair of light boxes 50 for illuminating the door or lighting signs. Three magnets 52 are disposed on the circular plate 40. A pair of proximity switches 54 are coupled adjacent the magnet 52 on the support plate 41 to sense the position of the shaft 12. The first proximity switch 54 is used prior to the end of a cycle to direct the shaft 12 to slow down. The other proximity switch 54 defines the end of a cycle, causing the motor 46 to brake. Position sensing is independent of the starting location of the shaft 12 and the magnets are positioned so that rotation of the wings will always terminate in a quarter point position. The controller 48 receives power from an electric box 56 on one of the rails 36.
A handicap pushbutton switch 58 is disposed adjacent the opening 26 and exit 28. The switch 58 is coupled to the controller to cause the running speed of the motor 46 to be reduced when actuated.
A motion detector 60 such as a microwave detector is disposed on the facia 34 adjacent the entry 26 to sense the presence of a person in the region of the entry 26. An example of a suitable detector is that of Model D7 provided by Microwave Sensors of Ann Arbor, Mich. Typically the detector defines a region whereby the movement of an object within the general confines of the defined region alters a very low power broad microwave beam, which senses the movement and actuates a relay, although card readers, etc. can also be used.
With particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, a drum edge switch 62 is disposed along the vertical edges 64 of the curved panels 20, 22. The drum edge switches 62 sense physical interference between the drum edge 64 and the wings 14, such as a human limb or object. The drum edge switches 62 comprise a curved rubber extrusion 66 vertically disposed along the panel edge and joined to a wooden support block 68 adjacent the vertical edge of the curved panels 20, 22. A pair of narrow vertically disposed longitudinal metal plates 70 separated by an apertured thin (typically less than 2 mm.) rubber strip 72 are glued with a silicone compound to the inner surface of the rubber extrusion 66. The interior space of the rubber extrusion is filled with foam rubber 74 to give it form. Similar edge switches 62 may be provided for vertical edges of the wings 14 in some examples of the invention. Similarly, door edge switches 63 may be disposed along edges 64 of the wings 14 where a weatherstripping 65 is shown in FIG. 4.
The operation of one preferred embodiment of the present invention can be most clearly understood by turning to FIGS. 6-13 where the action of the door is clearly described by means of diagrams.
FIG. 6 indicates the normal starting point for the door, which is stopped when there is no traffic attempting to pass through.
In FIG. 7, the normal rotation of the door is, in this case, counterclockwise as indicated by arrows 200. In this configuration, the passageway is divided into three sectors, namely, 202, 204 and 206 and passages authorized in the direction shown by the arrows 200 and the schematic representation of a person 208 shown in sector 204. The representation of a person 210 shown entering sector 202 indicates the attempted passage of an intruder into the system in an unauthorized direction. FIG. 8 shows the intruder entering the shaded area 212 which is under surveillance by means of a floor mat switch or other sensor, such as microwave, which detects its presence. Once the intruder enters the shaded zone, the door is caused to reverse direction as indicated in FIG. 9 by arrows 214. The intruder is thereby forced to back up toward the entrance from which he came. This is indicated in FIG. 9. Unfortunately, the authorized person 208 would also become trapped as the result of the system's attempt to expel the intruder as shown in FIG. 10. To free the authorized passenger 208, the system will return to its original direction of rotation and continue to rotate approximately 15 degrees (in the preferred embodiment) beyond the point where curved portion 216 and wing 218 were in contact, as shown in FIG. 11. This will permit the escape of the authorized passenger 208 without allowing the intruder to pass through the system. If the intruder 210 leaves the surveillance area 212, the wing 218 will continue in a counter-clockwise direction to a stop position as indicated in FIG. 11. If the intruder 210 does not leave the surveillance area 212, the doors will reverse direction again until they reach the position shown in FIG. 12 to force the intruder backward and toward the entrance from which he came. The system will then return to its original direction of rotation and continue to rotate approximately fifteen degrees beyond the point where curved portion 216 and wing 218 were in contact, as shown in FIG. 11. If the intruder persists in remaining in the surveillance area 212, the door will continue this "ratchet" action indefinitely as explained above (FIGS. 10-12).
When the intruder leaves the surveillance area 212, the door will rotate forward until it reaches the stop position as shown in FIG. 13. The system is now ready for use again.
It will be appreciated from the above and the drawings that the authorized passenger will escape out of the system in one of two directions depending upon the position of the door when the intruder entered. The example shown in the Figures allows a forward escape, but if the intruder enters before 60 degrees of forward rotation, the escape will be in the reverse direction. When the door is operated in the "A" direction (FIG. 5A) as explained infra, the same circumstance will arise although at a different offset 120 degrees to 180 degrees.
The requirements of the system are first, that the door be capable of electrically powered reverse and forward rotation and that it cannot be caused to manually rotate by efforts of an intruder.
Although fifteen degrees is the preferred angular rotation for the "ratchet" action, the actual limitation is 60 degrees for a three-door system or 360 degrees divided by two times the number of doors.
In the preferred embodiment, the system is symmetrical so that the operator can choose and easily switch the permitted direction of passage.
The preferred embodiment of the system involves a door with 3 winged panels. However, it is appreciated that other configurations are equally possible. In general, the critical feature is that reversing or ratchet action of the door may not be so great as to allow passage of the intruder while affording appropriate passage for the authorized user. Specifically, the reverse rotation of the door (ratchet action) can be one-half of the rotational arc length of the door which is calculated as 360 degrees divided by the number of wings in the system. Thus, in a three-door system, the arc length is 120 degrees and the maximum reversal can be 60 degrees.
FIGS. 5 and 5A of the drawings described diagrammatically the operation of the circuitry of the preferred embodiment. It will be appreciated that the components here shown in the diagram are standard devices and that a person skilled in the art can easily prepare an appropriate circuit from this information.
FIGS. 5 and 5A describe circuitry which applies to the above-description but also includes additional enhancements which may be considered an alternative preferred embodiment. In this embodiment, the security door can be operated in either direction although the operation in each direction is somewhat different.
For simplicity, we have labeled the direction of flow in FIG. 5A of the revolving door 300 as "A" and "B", The door rotates in this configuration in the counter clockwise direction as indicated by arrow C.
To activate the system, from either side, in this embodiment, a programed card is inserted within card reader 304 or 306 as appropriate. These card readers are indicated as switches on the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 5. The input from the card readers is latched by latches 308 or 310 and their outputs are fed into a run/stop latch 312. The latch enables drive logic 318 which likewise operates the PWM (pulse width modulation) door motor speed control 320 (although other types of speed control may be employed). The signal from the drive logic 318 would enable the control 320 and the door would be operated by means of motor 322.
The actual location of the wings 14 with respect to the curved portion 20, 22 is not actually known except when proximity switch sensors 340A and 340B detect the passing of permanent magnets 342, 344 or 346 which are located on a cam plate preferably above the doors with the same central axis as used by the doors. The location of the magnets 342-346 is colinearly aligned with the doors. The sensor 340B is located so as to cause the rotation of the door to stop when one of the magnets is adjacent the sensor indicating that the door is the stop position shown in FIGS. 5A and 13. Sensor 340A is 60 degrees back (clockwise) of 340B. The location of 340A is of course dependent and the number of doors based on the formula above.
After the door has been started as indicated above, the first sensor 340A initiates a time deceleration of the drive motor 322 to run at half speed. This is accomplished by a pulsing of 340A which in turn initiates time delay 336 which in turn operates the one-half speed command circuit 334, selecting a lower speed for the PWM control 320. The purpose of the speed reduction is to prepare for the ultimate stop of the door which will occur quite suddenly in a pulse width modulation speed control and the passenger may accidently walk directly into the glass door not realizing it had stopped.
After the time delay has passed and the speed has been reduced to one-half, the door will be regeneratively braked to a stop when a particular door edge is sensed by 340B, which pulses counter 338 which resets enabling stop circuit 339 which resets run/stop latch 312, disabling logic 318. This causes control 320 to stop powering motor 322. This will have occurred after 120 degrees rotation and the passenger will have been permitted enough rotation of the door to pass through the system. The door is also now in the proper position for the next passenger.
The handicap switch 350 is provided to switch the rotation speed to one-half.
An emergency stop switch input 328 is provided which triggers an emergency stop restart timer circuit 352 which disables drive logic 318 and speed control 320. This switch 328 would be used in the event that something became caught between the door edge and door post. After a period of time, if the object is removed from the switch, the door is reabled.
To detect the presence of unauthorized intruders, mats 212A and 212B are provided. The "A" mat used to detect presence of an intruder when the door is operating in the "A" direction and the "B" mat when the door is operating in the "B" direction as shown in FIG. 5A.
When a person steps on the 212B mat, when the system is activated in the "B" direction, logic control circuit 314 which has been enabled by latch 308 sends an alarm condition to the alarm driver 354 which in turn sounds a siren 356.
Simultaneously, the reverse direction latch 360 is set by the alarm condition and reverse direction control logic 362 causes the zero speed sensor and reversing relay control 364 to operate reversing relay 366, but only after deceleration to zero speed. Actually, upon receiving a "reverse command", the zero speed sensor 364 initiates a powered deceleration of the drive motor 322 by the PWM motor speed control 320. Only when the drive motor speed is detected to be zero, do the relays 366 reverse and the direction of door rotation is changed. If, however, one of the door edge magnets 342-346 is sensed by proximity switches 340A or 340B, the door will be decelerated to zero speed by quick regenerative braking and the relay 366 will be reversed. After a short delay, the control will now accelerate the door in the reverse direction to one-half speed. The lower speed is used so that the passenger will not be startled by the reversal. The door will continue to run in the reverse direction, pushing the intruder out the way he came in, until a door edge magnet 342-346 is detected by switch 340A, in this case. At this point, the door stops, reverses direction and accelerates in the forward direction at half speed. If the intruder does not get off the mat, the control will detect an alarm condition again, and the door will stop after it has rotated about fifteen degrees from the point at which sensor 340A was triggered. This fifteen degree rotation is dependent primarily on the reaction time of the circuitry and the nature of switch 340A. It can be adjusted by use of time delay sensors for example, so long as the rotation remains within the parameters mentioned above. It is only significant that the rotation not be so far as to allow the intruder to escape through the system. After the door is rotated fifteen degrees, it will stop and reverse back to the point at which sensor 340A is triggered again. The system will continue to "ratchet" back and forth until the intruder leaves the mat 212B. The door then proceeds in a forward direction at half speed until the 340B sensor is triggered. The door then will be regeneratively braked to zero speed.
Speed control is set by the run speed circuit 324 and adjusted by potentiometer 326. The drive logic 318 is prevented from being reactivated by card readers 304-306 due to an inhibit signal from zero speed sensor 364 which is present whenever an alarm condition (354) is present.
When the system is operated in the "A" direction card reader 304 must be activated and the operation is very similar to the above explanation except that the position of sensors 340A and 340B could require a slightly different interpretation of signals to accomplish the same result. When the door is therefore started by card reader 304, the delay timer 336 waits for one pulse of the door edge counter 338 which comes from sensor 340B and then looks for the next pulse from sensor 340A before initiating a time deceleration of the drive motor 322. Thus, two pulses are actually required to initiate deceleration. This is because the door actually rotates farther in this configuration than it did in the previous configuration. Whenever an alarm condition exists, i.e. an intruder steps on mat 212A, the first proximity switch encountered when the door is reversing (340A or 340B) becomes the reverse limit sensor.
The door is never allowed to reverse more than sixty degrees from the point at which it stopped when the alarm condition was received. This is because reset detector 368 has an input from sensors 340A and 340B and a pulse from either one indicates the limit point for reverse rotation of the door. This can actually happen with rotation in either the "A" or "B" directions. For example, in the "B" direction, if the intruder steps into the surveillance area before the door had completed its first 60 degrees of rotation, the reverse limit point would be signalled by sensor 340B, not 340A, as would be the case shown in FIGS. 6-13. In FIG. 7, the door has already rotated 60 degrees from the start position in FIG. 6.
Numerous characteristics and advantages of the invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of structure and function of the invention, and the novel features thereof are pointed out in the appended claims. The disclosure, however, is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts, within the principal of the invention to the full extent of the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. | A revolving door system has a central axis defining a center shaft and three wing hangers rigidly joined and extending in a equidistant spaced apart relationship about the center shaft's upper portion.
A pair of facing substantially semicircular walls, spaced apart to define regions of ingress and egress, partially surrounds the wings and shaft on opposite sides.
The system allows free passage of persons in an authorized direction while preventing, and driving out, intruders attempting to pass in an unauthorized direction. If an intruder enters the system in an unauthorized direction, the door stops before the intruder has free passage to the other side, reverses direction and forces the intruder back toward the entrance. In one configuration, the door then rotates in its forward direction to permit the authorized passenger to escape the system, but not far enough to allow the intruder to pass. In another configuration, the reversal of the door allows the passenger to escape from the side in which it entered. The system then recycles alternately reverse and forward again until the intruder is convinced to leave the system or the authorized passenger has escaped, whereupon the system returns to its normal stop position and the intruder is prevented from passing. | 4 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/289,801, filed on May 29, 2014, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/706,282, filed on Dec. 5, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,739,344, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/004,565 filed on Jan. 11, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,327,489, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/460,158 filed on Jul. 26, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,886,393, which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/702,474, filed Jul. 26, 2005. The entire contents of each of the foregoing applications are expressly incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD
[0002] The present application relates to a vibrating toothbrush generally, and more particularly to a toothbrush having vibrations that are isolated in the head and having reduced transmissions to the handle.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Power toothbrushes generally comprise a power source, a motor and a powered element that is driven by the motor. In one type of power toothbrush, a power toothbrush head is provided with movable cleaning elements that are usually driven laterally, rotationally or in an oscillating manner by a motor located in the handle. The motor generates a vibration that is absorbed directly by the hands of the user. However, such vibration is effectively a byproduct of the motor operation and is usually not intended to enhance the effectiveness of the movable cleaning elements. Instead, the vibration provides a tactile sensation to the user and generally creates a perceived feeling of increased cleaning effectiveness.
[0004] Another type of power toothbrush relies primarily on vibrations to produce a cleaning operation. These are normally referred to as “sonic”-type brushes because the vibrations generated to achieve a high cleaning efficacy are generally of a frequency of 20-20,000 Hz that can be perceived by the human ear as a “buzz.” However, the combination of this sonic noise and the high-frequency vibration felt on one's teeth create a tactile sensation of highly increased effectiveness. To achieve the greatest cleaning, it is preferable to situate the vibration-generation device as close to the toothbrush head as possible so as to focus the vibratory energy near the site of greatest cleaning, and not along the handle.
[0005] In some prior art sonic-type brushes, elastomeric regions are provided between the motor and the handle to dampen the vibrations felt in the handle. However, such regions tend to decrease the structural strength of the neck and create localized weaknesses in the neck material that could subject the toothbrush to breakage or cause the toothbrush to fail cyclic fatigue tests. Dampening regions are also noticed in other vibrating-type toothbrushes near the junction of the neck and the handle, usually in the form of an elastomeric section or sections of varying configurations. However, again, such sections create structural weaknesses at a location that usually receives a significant amount of stress during use.
[0006] There is a need, therefore, to provide a vibration-powered toothbrush having cleaning vibrations that are directed toward or isolated in the head region and reduced in the handle region, and that do not create weakened areas that subject the toothbrush to breakage and cyclic fatigue.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0007] A vibrating toothbrush is provided with vibration-isolating zones that substantially isolate vibrations in the head and reduce vibrations transmitted to the handle, without sacrificing structural integrity. Such vibration-isolating zones may generally comprise neck material that is reduced in cross-section, thinned, replaced by elastic or dampening material, or removed altogether to create transmission-inhibiting voids. Such zones may be further supported by the housing of the vibratory element to maintain the structural integrity around the zones.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a toothbrush of the present invention;
[0009] FIGS. 2A and 2B are sides views of alternative embodiments of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention; and
[0011] FIG. 4 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] The vibrating toothbrush of FIGS. 1-4 generally comprises a handle 1 , a cleaning head 2 usually having cleaning elements 12 , and a neck 3 disposed between the head 2 and the handle 1 . While the cleaning head 2 illustrates bristles 12 , other cleaning elements of various size, cross-section, material, etc., such as rubber elements, elastomeric elements, polishing elements, abrasive elements, floss-like cleaning elements, etc., may be used. The head 2 and neck 3 are usually formed of a relatively stiff material, such as polypropylene (PP), although other materials may be used. However, such material is also relatively elastic such that the neck and head can vibrate during use.
[0013] The neck 3 contains a mechanical vibratory device 5 that preferably includes a motor 10 and a vibratory element such as an eccentric weight 9 connected thereto by a shaft 11 . By methods well known in the art, the vibratory device 5 can be connected to a power source such as an electrical power source (e.g., a battery or batteries (not shown)) accommodated in the handle 1 via electrical connections 8 provided in the neck 3 , and activated by a switch (not shown). Alternatively, the power source can be located outside of the toothbrush, such as with direct current via a wall socket connection. In addition, the neck 3 can be formed as a unitary structure with the head 2 and handle 1 such as by injection molding or the like, or it can be separable from the handle 1 (not shown) preferably along location 4 .
[0014] The mechanical vibratory device 5 produces vibrations in the head 2 through rotation of the eccentric weight 9 about the shaft 11 . The motor 10 and eccentric weight 9 are preferably accommodated in a structural housing 15 , which is preferably positioned in the neck 3 adjacent the head 2 . The vibrations produced occur nearest the eccentric weight 9 , which is positioned closer to the head 2 than the motor 10 , which is closer to the handle 1 than the head 2 . As noted above, the neck 3 is preferably made of an elastic material which facilitates the transmission of the vibrations from the weight 9 to the head 2 . Of course, the mechanical vibratory device 5 can be positioned in a location that is not adjacent the head 2 as shown, as long as there are means to transmit the generated vibrations to the head 2 .
[0015] In order to reduce the transmission of vibrations below the eccentric weight 9 or toward the handle 1 , the neck construction is altered adjacent or below the eccentric weight 9 to further isolate the vibrations in the head 2 . In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the cross-section of the neck 3 is thinned along an exterior section 20 to reduce the amount of neck material below the eccentric weight 9 , which in turn reduces the capacity of the neck material to transmit vibrations to the handle 1 , and which in turn isolates a majority of the vibrations in the head 2 . Structural support for the thinned neck region 20 is provided by the housing 15 of the mechanical vibratory device 5 . In other words, the housing 15 reinforces the neck 3 along the thinned region 20 . As a result of the thinned neck region 20 , a noticeable increase in head vibration is achieved and transmission of vibrations to the handle 1 is minimized, all without sacrificing structural neck strength along the thinned neck region 20 . In this embodiment, it is preferable to position the thinned region 20 between the weight 9 and the base 7 of the motor 10 , and more preferably along the housing 15 , with the motor 10 and/or housing 15 providing structural support for the reduced neck cross section.
[0016] FIG. 2A illustrates an alternative embodiment, wherein material is removed along an interior section 22 of the neck 3 to create one or more void spaces. The interior section 22 would not be visible to the casual observer as the outer neck wall 24 would appear to be uninterrupted. While it is preferred that the interior section 22 exist as a void with the highest vibration dampening capacity, such section may be filled with a dampening material if desired. Again, the mechanical vibratory device 5 and/or housing 15 provide the structural support for the neck 3 around the interior section 22 .
[0017] FIG. 2B illustrates an alternative embodiment, wherein neck material is removed along an exterior section 26 of the neck 3 to create one or more void spaces. Such exterior section can extend between the housing 15 and an outer wall of the neck 3 . While it is preferred that the exterior section 26 exist as a void with the highest vibration dampening capacity, such section may be filled with a dampening material if desired. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1-2B , the neck, by virtue of the sections 20 , 22 or 26 , is reduced in cross-section by a magnitude of preferably 5%-90%, and more preferably 10%-50%. This translates into a significant reduction in the transmission of vibrations to the handle, with a significant increase in the isolation of such vibrations in the head.
[0018] In FIGS. 3 and 4 , one ( FIG. 3 ) or more ( FIG. 4 ) void regions 28 , 30 are created along the sides of the neck 3 and preferably, although not necessarily, filled with dampening material 13 . The dampening material 13 has a capacity to transmit vibrations that is less than the transmission capacity of the original neck material. For example, the neck material could be formed from PP, while the one or more void regions, which can be created by strategically removing the PP neck material, can be filled with a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Again, the mechanical vibratory device 5 and/or housing 15 provide the structural support for the neck 3 around the void regions 28 , 30 .
[0019] In the embodiment of FIG. 3 , for example, the rear of the neck wall can be lined with a dampening material 13 such as TPE along the entire neck region 30 , while the sides and front are formed of PP. In such embodiment, the TPE provides a dampening benefit by virtue of its material properties, but its extension beyond the boundaries of the mechanical vibratory device 5 and/or housing 15 do not create a vibration-isolating effect. Instead, additional PP neck portions 28 that are removed and retained as voids or substituted with TPE, act to isolate the vibrations from the device 5 in the head 2 , and further reduce the transmission of such vibrations to the handle 1 . If filled with TPE, these additional neck portions 28 would preferably constitute forward extensions of the dampening material 13 lining the rear of the neck wall.
[0020] In the embodiment of FIG. 4 , void regions 28 , 30 are provided on both sides of the neck 3 below the weight 9 , and are preferably filled with a material 13 having a capacity to transmit vibrations that is less than the capacity to transmit vibrations of the original neck material. A bridge 14 of neck material is defined between the regions 28 , 30 , to structurally connect head 2 to the handle 1 . Again, the mechanical vibratory device 5 and/or housing 15 provide the structural support around the void regions 28 , 30 . | A vibrating toothbrush is provided with vibration-isolating zones that substantially isolate vibrations in the head and reduce vibrations transmitted to the handle without sacrificing structural integrity around the vibration-isolation zones. Such zones may generally comprise neck material that is reduced in cross-section, thinned, replaced by dampening material, or removed altogether to create transmission-inhibiting voids. The vibration-isolating zones may be further supported by the housing of the vibratory element to maintain the structural integrity around the zones and to thereby alleviating weakness conditions that might subject the toothbrush to fatigue and breakage conditions. | 5 |
[0001] The invention relates to methods of analyzing samples heparin, and materials derived from heparin.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Complex polysaccharides have been used as pharmaceutical interventions in a number of disease processes, including oncology, inflammatory diseases, and thrombosis. Examples of pharmaceutical interventions in this class are hyaluronic acid, an aid to wound healing and anti-cancer agent, and heparin, a potent anticoagulant and anti-thrombotic agent. Complex polysaccharides elicit their function primarily through binding soluble protein signaling molecules, including growth factors, cytokines and morphogens present at the cell surface and within the extracellular matrices between cells, as well as their cognate receptors present within this environment. In so doing, these complex polysaccharides effect critical changes in extracellular and intracellular signaling pathways important to cell and tissue function. For example, heparin binds to the coagulation inhibitor antithrombin III promoting its ability to inhibit factor Ia and Xa.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one aspect, the disclosure features a method of evaluating a heparin preparation that includes: providing a heparin preparation; analyzing the heparin preparation by SAX-HPLC to determine the absence or presence of over sulfated chondrotin sulfate (OSCS), wherein the limit of detection of the OSCS in the heparin preparation is 0.05% (w/w), the OSCS is resolved from baseline and the OSCS is resolved from other components of the heparin preparation. The evaluation can be, e.g., to determine suitability for use as a pharmaceutical or for use in making a pharmaceutical. The method can include making a decision, e.g., to classify, select, accept or discard, release or withhold, process into a drug product, ship, move to a different location, formulate, label, package, release into commerce, sell or offer for sale the preparation, based, at least in part, upon the analysis.
[0004] In an embodiment, OSCS is not present or is present below the limit of detection and the preparation is suitable to be used as a pharmaceutical product or for the preparation of a pharmaceutical product. In an embodiment, the method can include providing a record, e.g., certificate of analysis regarding OSCS content, or other print or computer readable record, for a preparation determined to be suitable for use as a pharmaceutical or for use in making a pharmaceutical. The record can include other information, such as a specific test agent identifier, a date, an operator of the method, or information about the source, structure. In an embodiment, the method further includes making decision to select, accept, release, process into a drug product, ship, move to a different location, formulate, label, package, release into commerce, or sell or offer for sale the preparation.
[0005] In an embodiment, the OSCS is present at or above the limit of detection and the preparation is not suitable to be used as a pharmaceutical product or for the preparation of a pharmaceutical product. In an embodiment, the method can include providing a record, e.g., certificate of analysis regarding OSCS content, or other print or computer readable record, for a preparation determined not to be suitable for use as a pharmaceutical or for use in making a pharmaceutical. The record can include other information, such as a specific test agent identifier, a date, an operator of the method, or information about the source, structure. In an embodiment, the method further includes making a decision to discard or withhold the preparation.
[0006] In an embodiment the method further includes memorializing the decision or step taken.
[0007] In an embodiment, the preparation is selected from the group of a starting material for the production of a drug, an intermediate in the production of a drug, a drug substance or a drug product. In an embodiment, the heparin preparation is an unfractionated heparin preparation.
[0008] In an embodiment, the method further includes providing a heparin preparation which does not include OSCS or includes OSCS below the limit of detection and evaluating the ability of the preparation to induce an immune response or react with an anti-OSCS antibody.
[0009] In an embodiment, the method further includes providing a heparin preparation which includes OSCS at or above the limit of detection and evaluating the ability of the preparation to induce an immune response or react with an anti-OSCS antibody.
[0010] In an embodiment, the method further includes calibrating a SAX-HPLC column with a standard that includes between 0.05% (w/w) and 1.0% (w/w) OSCS, e.g., 0.05% (w/w), 0.1% (w/w), 0.5% (w/w), 1.0% (w/w) OSCS.
[0011] In an embodiment, the heparin preparation is analyzed using a SAX-HPLC column that has been calibrated with a standard that includes between 0.05% (w/w) and 1.0% (w/w) OSCS, e.g., 0.05% (w/w), 0.1% (w/w), 0.5% (w/w), 1.0% (w/w) OSCS.
[0012] In an embodiment, run time for the SAX-HPLC is not more than 1 hour, 45 minutes, 30 minutes, 20 minutes or 15 minutes. In an embodiment, the run time for the SAX-HPLC is between about 15 to 45 minutes, 20 to 40 minutes or 30 to 35 minutes.
[0013] In one aspect, the disclosure features a method of evaluating a heparin preparation that includes: receiving information on OSCS content, wherein the information was obtained by a method described herein, making a decision, e.g., to classify, select, accept or discard, release or withhold, process into a drug product, ship, move to a different location, formulate, label, package, release into commerce, sell or offer for sale the preparation, based, at least in part, upon receipt of the information.
[0014] In one aspect, the disclosure features a method of evaluating a heparin preparation that includes: obtaining information regarding OSCS content, wherein the information was obtained by a method described herein, and transmitting the information to a party which makes a decision, e.g., to classify, select, accept or discard, release or withhold, process into a drug product, ship, move to a different location, formulate, label, package, release into commerce, sell or offer for sale the preparation, based, at least in part, upon the information.
[0015] In another aspect, the disclosure features a method of detecting OSCS in a heparin preparation. The method includes providing a heparin preparation and analyzing the heparin preparation by a SAX-HPLC method that has a limit of detection of 0.05% (w/w), resolves OSCS from a baseline and resolves OSCS from other components of the heparin preparation, to thereby detect OSCS in the heparin preparation.
[0016] In an embodiment, when OSCS is detected, the method further includes making a decision, e.g., a decision described herein. For example, when OSCS is detected in the heparin preparation, the method further includes making a record, classifying, discarding, withholding, purifying the heparin preparation based, at least in part, upon the analysis or when OSCS is not detected in the heparin preparation, the method further includes making a record, classifying, selecting, accepting, processing into a drug product, ship, moving to a different location, formulating, labeling, packaging, releasing into commerce, selling or offering for sale the heparin preparation, based, at least in part, upon the analysis.
[0017] In an embodiment, the preparation is selected from the group of a starting material for the production of a drug, an intermediate in the production of a drug, a drug substance or a drug product. In an embodiment, the heparin preparation is an unfractionated heparin preparation.
[0018] In an embodiment, the method further includes calibrating a SAX-HPLC column with a standard that includes between 0.05% (w/w) and 1.0% (w/w) OSCS, e.g., 0.05% (w/w), 0.1% (w/w), 0.5% (w/w), 1.0% (w/w) OSCS.
[0019] In an embodiment, the heparin preparation is analyzed using a SAX-HPLC column that has been calibrated with a standard that includes between 0.05% (w/w) and 1.0% (w/w) OSCS, e.g., 0.05% (w/w), 0.1% (w/w), 0.5% (w/w), 1.0% (w/w) OSCS.
[0020] In an embodiment, run time for the SAX-HPLC is not more than 1 hour, 45 minutes, 30 minutes, 20 minutes or 15 minutes. In an embodiment, the run time for the SAX-HPLC is between about 15 to 45 minutes, 20 to 40 minutes or 30 to 35 minutes.
[0021] In one aspect, the disclosure features a method of determining the amount of OSCS in a heparin preparation. The method includes providing a heparin preparation and analyzing the heparin preparation by a SAX-HPLC method that that has a limit of detection of 0.05% (w/w), resolves OSCS from a baseline and resolves OSCS from other components of the heparin preparation, to thereby determine the amount of OSCS in the heparin preparation.
[0022] In an embodiment, the method includes providing a record, e.g., certificate of analysis regarding OSCS content, or other print or computer readable record, for a preparation determined to be suitable for use as a pharmaceutical or for use in making a pharmaceutical. The record can include other information, such as a specific test agent identifier, a date, an operator of the method, or information about the source, structure or amount of OSCS.
[0023] In an embodiment, when OSCS is detected, the method further includes making a decision, e.g., a decision described herein.
[0024] In an embodiment, the preparation is selected from the group of a starting material for the production of a drug, an intermediate in the production of a drug, a drug substance or a drug product. In an embodiment, the heparin preparation is an unfractionated heparin preparation.
[0025] In an embodiment, the method further includes calibrating a SAX-HPLC column with a standard that includes between 0.05% (w/w) and 1.0% (w/w) OSCS, e.g., 0.05% (w/w), 0.1% (w/w), 0.5% (w/w), 1.0% (w/w) OSCS.
[0026] In an embodiment, the heparin preparation is analyzed using a SAX-HPLC column that has been calibrated with a standard that includes between 0.05% (w/w) and 1.0% (w/w) OSCS, e.g., 0.05% (w/w), 0.1% (w/w), 0.5% (w/w), 1.0% (w/w) OSCS.
[0027] In an embodiment, run time for the SAX-HPLC is not more than 1 hour, 45 minutes, 30 minutes, 20 minutes or 15 minutes. In an embodiment, the run time for the SAX-HPLC is between about 15 to 45 minutes, 20 to 40 minutes or 30 to 35 minutes.
[0028] In one aspect, the disclosure features a standard preparation or a set of standard preparations. The standard includes a solvent and OSCS of between about 0.05% (w/w) and 1.0% (w/w) OSCS, e.g., 0.05% (w/w), 0.1% (w/w), 0.5% (w/w), 1.0% (w/w) OSCS. The set includes a plurality of standards each having a different concentration of OSCS. In one embodiment, the solvent can be an unfractionated heparin preparation that does not contain a detectable amount of OSCS. The standard or set of standards can be used to calibrate a SAX-HPLC column. The column can be used in the methods described herein.
[0029] In another aspect, the invention features making a preparation, e.g., a standard preparation of known concentration, by providing OSCS of between about 0.05% (w/w) and 1.0% (w/w) OSCS, e.g., 0.05% (w/w), 0.1% (w/w), 0.5% (w/w), 1.0% (w/w) OSCS, and combining it with a solvent, e.g., a solvent described herein.
[0030] A heparin preparation, as used herein, is a preparation which contains heparin or a preparation derived therefrom, and thus includes UFH, LMWH, ULMWH and the like.
[0031] The term “unfractionated heparin (UFH)” as used herein, is heparin purified from porcine intestinal mucosa that can be used as a drug or as starting material in the process to form a LMWH.
[0032] Complex polysaccharide drug products can be isolated or derived from natural sources and are complex mixtures of polysaccharide chains. It is important that UFH, whether used as a drug or as a starting material for the preparation of a heparin-derived drug, e.g., a LMWH, not contain unacceptable levels of OSCS. The methods described herein are useful, e.g., from a process standpoint, e.g., to monitor or ensure batch to batch consistency or quality and to identify heparin preparations that may or may not result in an adverse patient reaction. An adverse patient reaction might be local irritation, pain, edema, peripheral edema; local reactions at the injection site (e.g., skin necrosis, nodules, inflammation, oozing), systemic allergic reactions (e.g., pruritus, urticaria, anaphylactoid reactions), coma or death.
[0033] Over sulfated chondrotin sulfate (OSCS), as used herein, refers to chondrotin sulfate having the following structure
[0000]
[0034] wherein R 1 is SO 3 H, R 2 is SO 3 H and R 3 is either H or SO 3 H.
[0035] The term “limit of detection” refers to the minimum concentration of OSCS that can be distinguished from other components in a heparin preparation.
[0036] The limit of detection can be used as a reference value. A reference value can be a value for the presence of OSCS in a sample, e.g., a reference sample. The reference value can be numerical or non-numerical. E.g., it can be a qualitative value, e.g., yes or no, or present or not present at a preselected level of detection, or graphic or pictorial. The reference value can also be a release standard (a release standard is a standard which should be met to allow commercial sale of a product) or production standard, e.g., a standard which is imposed, e.g., by a party, e.g., the FDA, on a heparin preparation.
[0037] The SAX-HPLC methods described herein resolve OSCS from a baseline level. The baseline is a value or starting point from which a reaction can be measured. When OSCS is present in a heparin preparation at or above the limit of detection, the methods described herein can distinguish OSCS from the baseline on a chromatogram.
[0038] The methods described herein also allow for OSCS to be resolved from other components of the heparin preparation. The terms “resolve”, “resolved”, “resolving” mean to render two things as distinct. For example, the methods described herein distinguish OSCS from other components of the heparin preparation. In addition, the methods described herein distinguish the presence of OSCS at levels as low as 0.05% (w/w) from the baseline.
[0039] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] The drawing is briefly described.
[0041] FIG. 1 is a chromatograph of unfractionated heparin (UFH) spiked with various concentrations of over sulfated chrondroitin sulfate (OSCS), namely 0.5% (w/w) OSCS, 1.0% (w/w) OSCS and 2.5% (w/w) OSCS.
SAX-HPLC
[0042] Preferably about 100 μl to 300 μl of sample is loaded onto the column. Substrates, e.g., resins or beads, suitable for SAX-HPLC include those with strong anionic groups such as quaternary ammonium groups. The substrate can be of various particle sizes, including 10 μm, 15 μm, 20 μm, 30 μm. The particles can be spherical. In an embodiment, the substrate is SOURCE™ 15Q or RESOURCE™ 15Q from Amersham Biosciences.
[0043] Useful mobile phases include a salt such as tris hydrochloride, sodium chloride, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the mobile phase uses a gradient of a salt. The gradient can be either a linear or non-linear gradient. For example, the gradient can be multiphasic, e.g., biphasic, triphasic, etc. The flow rate is preferably about 1.0 to 1.4 ml/minute. The mobile phase can be maintained at a constant or near-constant pH, e.g., a pH of about 7.0, 7.5, 8.0 or 8.5.
[0044] The column can be maintained at a constant temperature throughout the separation, e.g., using a commercial column heater. In some embodiments, the column can be maintained at a temperature from about 10° C. to about 30° C., e.g., about 10° C., 15° C., 18° C., 20° C., 22° C., 25° C., 30° C.
[0045] OSCS separated from a heparin preparation by the methods described herein can be detected by numerous means including, e.g., by ultraviolet absorbance (e.g., at a wavelength of about 215 nm).
[0046] Additionally, a standard can be used in the methods described herein. Examples of standards include OSCS at a predetermined concentration and/or an unfractionated heparin preparation that does not have a detectable level of OSCS. The OSCS standard can be in a solvent. In an embodiment, the OSCS standard can be in a preparation of heparin that does not have a detectable level of OSCS.
EXAMPLE
[0047] SAX-HPLC was used to detect OSCS present at various concentrations in a preparation of unfractionated heparin. OSCS was added to five samples of the unfractionated heparin preparation at the following concentrations, 5.0% (w/w), 2.5% (w/w), 1.0% (w/w), 0.5% (w/w) and 0.1% (w/w). In addition, the unfractionated heparin sample and an OSCS standard (1% (w/w)) were used as controls. Mobile phase A (10 mM Tris Hydrochloride, pH 7.5) was combined with each of the samples in polypropylene HPLC vials. Mobile phase B was 10 mm Tris Hydrochloride, 2M sodium chloride at pH 7.5.
[0048] The gradient conditions were as follows:
[0000]
HPLC Gradient
Conditions:
% Mobile
Time, minutes
Phase A
% Mobile Phase B
0.0
97
3
2.5
97
3
7.5
90
10
22.5
0
100
25.0
0
100
25.1
97
3
30.0
97
3
[0049] The samples were held at 25° C. during analysis and 100 μl of sample was injected onto the column. The samples were separated using a Triton SOURCE™ Q15 4.6×100 mm strong anion column (Amersham Biosciences) at 25° C. at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min over 30 min of total run time. Ultraviolet absorbance was detected at 215 nm. The results are shown in FIG. 1 .
[0050] The references, patents and patent applications cited herein are incorporated by reference. Modifications and variations of these methods and products thereof will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the foregoing detailed description and are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the appended claims. | The disclosure features methods of analyzing preparations of heparin, and materials derived from heparin using strong anion exchange high performance liquid chromatography (SAX-HPLC). | 6 |
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/711,833, filed Oct. 10, 2012, and entitled THERMAL ENERGY BATTERY WITH ENHANCED HEAT EXCHANGE CAPABILITY AND MODULARITY, by Sorin Grama, et al, the teachings of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] This invention was made with United States Government support under Grant #1113206 awarded by the National Science Foundation. The U.S. Government has certain rights in this invention.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to thermal energy storage systems, and more particularly to a phase-change energy storage system for refrigeration and air conditioning applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] During a 24-hour period, the electrical grid experiences a large variation in demand. Electrical power consumption peaks during the day and dips significantly at night. Energy storage is often employed to mitigate and smooth out these large fluctuations in power demand. There are many ways of storing energy including electrical, chemical, thermal and mechanical means. Of these, thermal energy is an effective method to store energy in the form of heat or cold for use in heating, refrigeration and air conditioning applications. Considering the fact that a majority of the peak demand is generated by power-hungry heating and refrigeration appliances, thermal energy storage stands to become a leading contender in grid storage applications.
[0005] In countries such as India, thermal energy storage can also be used to mitigate the unreliable grid. By way of example, in many rural areas of India grid electricity is only available for a limited time during the day or night. In these situations, a thermal energy storage system can be charged when the grid is on and discharged when the grid is off to provide constant power for critical applications.
[0006] One such application is a village-based milk chiller incorporating a thermal energy storage system. The chiller can be operated in remote villages, requires only 5-6 hours of grid electricity to charge and, most significantly, does not require a regular backup diesel (or other) generator. Once charged, the system can quickly cool large amounts of raw milk to preserve its freshness and eliminate spoilage. In these situations, thermal energy storage is not only used to increase energy efficiency, but is essential to mitigate the unreliable grid supply while avoiding the use of expensive and polluting fossil fuels.
[0007] Thermal energy storage systems are typically designed for specific applications and are exactly matched for those applications. An example of a cold thermal energy storage system is an ice-bank tank which is typically designed for and fully integrated into an end-user application such as milk chilling. The prior art includes many examples of ice-based milk cooling systems dating back as far as the 1950s, such as U.S. Pat. No. 2,713,251. In this disclosure, the ice-based energy storage system is built into and is an integral part of the milk cooling tank, therefore cannot be easily separated and used for other refrigeration applications. Another example of a monolithic thermal energy storage system for cooling applications is the ice-on-coil storage system used in commercial HVAC applications such as disclosed by Gilbertson et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,207. The storage system described by Gilbertson et al. is a large monolithic system that requires custom designs and significant civil engineering effort to adapt to other applications.
[0008] To increase adoption of thermal energy storage and facilitate ease-of-use, it is desirable that the thermal energy storage be designed as a modular and compact component that can be added to (or subtracted from) any cooling or heating application according to the expected load on the system. Furthermore, thermal energy storage systems can be provided with well-defined specifications such that designers or users can incorporate them easily into their cooling or heating applications. An analogy to this is the electrical battery storage system. Designers can easily connect one or more electrical batteries in series or parallel to build a battery bank for a wide range of applications, from simple off-grid lighting systems to complex electrical vehicle storage systems and large solar power storage systems. This wide variety of electrical storage applications is facilitated by the modularity, compactness and well-defined specifications of the common electrical battery, such as the car battery.
[0009] Likewise, it is desirable to provide thermal energy storage systems that are generally as flexible, and as easy to build, as electrical storage systems. To achieve this, it is desirable to provide a compact and modular thermal energy battery with appropriate features to store and release thermal energy at a constant temperature and at a constant rate of discharge. These two specifications (temperature and rate of discharge) can become part of a standard set of specifications of a thermal energy battery which can be adopted by any manufacturer of such batteries.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 7,225,860 discloses a compact heat battery comprising of a cylinder containing encapsulating tubes filled with a phase-changing material (PCM) that absorbs and releases thermal energy. This battery uses maximally-packed PCM tubes to provide sufficient surface area to achieve a desired discharge rate. Disadvantageously, no provision is made for maintaining a constant discharge rate, other than having sufficient surface area for heat transfer. This is a common and well known method described in prior art, but it makes the battery less compact than it can otherwise be. Furthermore, by relying only on surface area for heat transfer, the battery will not be able to maintain a constant output during discharge because the heat exchange surface area becomes smaller as the PCM begins to melt.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,403,645 describes a high performance thermal storage apparatus which stores and releases its energy more efficiently using one long spiral tube rather than a plurality of PCM-filled encapsulants. However, the system is not modular, is difficult to build and cannot be easily sized for other applications. In another attempt at increasing performance, U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,185 describes a method for enhancing heat exchanging capability using ice-based thermal storage system. However this is a very expensive method of forming ice on copper tube coils.
[0012] Various methods of making thermal energy systems more modular are found in prior art, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,239,839 and 4,827,735 which describe methods of encapsulating the PCM into expandable plastic tubes or quilts that can be modularly arranged and therefore used to build compact batteries of any size. These devices suffer from the same limitation as they can not maintain a constant output and discharge rate for long periods of time.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,524,756 describes a thermal energy storage system using modular batteries. This system does not use phase-change materials and thus cannot be very compact. Furthermore, the system described in this disclosure is limited to heat storage and cannot be easily adapted to refrigeration and air conditioning applications. A modular approach suited to refrigeration applications is described in US Patent 2002/0007637, but this method is expensive and relies on fixed path-ways that can only be changed manually using expensive quick-disconnects.
[0014] It would be desirable to provide a system that combines the dual demands of compactness and modularity to build efficient thermal energy storage banks that can be easily adapted to a variety of heating and cooling applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by combining the compactness and modularity of encapsulated phase-change materials with the benefits and simplicity of gravity as a motive force to increase heat exchange capability and provide a more constant rate of discharge.
[0016] In an illustrative embodiment, an insulated tank contains a plurality of densely packed plastic tubes filled with a phase-change material that changes from solid to liquid and vice-versa. An example of usable PCM is water and ice. Energy is stored when the PCM transitions from liquid to solid form and is released when the PCM transitions back from solid to liquid form. Since PCMs will expand during freezing, the tubes must allow for this expansion to occur without bursting. Therefore, at the top of each tube a portion of air is left such that the PCM can expand during freezing and not spill outside the tube.
[0017] The tubes are arranged vertically and span most of the height of the tank. In an embodiment, the tubes are sealed and submersed in a heat transfer fluid (HTF) contained within the walls of the well-insulated tank. Other embodiments allow for the tubes to be open at the top and only partially immersed in HTF such that the HTF and PCM do not mix. The HTF is an aqueous solution with a freezing point temperature below the freezing point temperature of the chosen PCM. The HTF remains in liquid form at all times during the operation of the battery.
[0018] One or more diffusers located at the top of the tank allow the HTF to be extracted uniformly from the top of the tank, pumped and cooled by a liquid chiller situated outside the tank and then and inserted back into the bottom of the tank. As the HTF medium cools below the freezing point of the PCM, ice begins to form inside and at the bottom of the PCM-filled tubes. As the HTF surrounding the PCM-filled tubes continues to cool, the PCM inside the tubes begins to freeze progressively from bottom to top. In this manner, ice inside the tubes progressively builds from bottom to top until the PCM-filled tubes are completely frozen. This is defined as the “constant charge cycle.” Freezing the tubes from bottom to top is desirable to enable ice to grow progressively upwards while filling the expansion air pocket at the top thereby minimizing the chance of tube bursting if the tube is hermetically sealed.
[0019] A second set of diffusers, one located at the bottom of the tank and one located approximately at the top of the tank, allows the HTF to be extracted and returned gently into the tank for the purpose of transferring the latent energy stored in the PCM to a load located outside the tank. Cold HTF is extracted from the bottom of the tank, circulated through a load heat exchanger located outside the tank and returned hot at the top of the tank. It is desirable that the cold HTF at the bottom of the tank does not mix with the hot HTF returning at the top of the tank. This is achieved by tightly packing the PCM-filled tubes in the battery such that the hot HTF at the top exchanges heat with the ice-filled tubes first and does not mix with the cold HTF at the bottom.
[0020] As the top of the tank experiences the highest temperature differential between PCM and HTF, ice inside the tubes melts quickly and the stored thermal energy in the PCM is transferred to the HTF. As the PCM inside the tubes begins to melt, the solid form of PCM (i.e. the ice) floats freely to the top of the tubes while the liquid form settles at the bottom of the tubes. Ice floats up to the top because its specific gravity is lower than the liquid form of PCM. As ice floats up it always makes thermal contact with the hottest HTF returning from the load. In this manner, ice progressively melts from bottom to top at a constant and fast rate. This is called the “constant discharge cycle.”
[0021] Discharge and charge cycles can be run simultaneously or independently, and the output of the thermal energy battery, basically a cold stream of fluid, remains at constant temperature for the longest possible time. The constant temperature output profile and the consequent constant rate of discharge output profile can be defined as a key specification of the thermal energy battery. Because the thermal performance of the thermal energy battery is predictable, multiple batteries can be connected together to form thermal energy storage bank with a well-defined thermal energy transfer characteristic. Multiple batteries can be connected in parallel or in series to build a thermal energy storage bank which can be adapted to any heating or cooling application. Although the current embodiment was designed for a cooling application, the same device can be used for heating applications by simply changing the phase-change material inside the tubes. If the PCM solidifies at a higher temperature, it stores and releases energy at that temperature.
[0022] A compact thermal electric battery is comprised of a tank having insulated walls and containing heat transfer fluid (HTF), a plurality or tubes being substantially filled with a phase change material (PCM) and diffusers operatively connected to the tank constructed and arranged to enable flow of the HTF through a chiller and a heat exchanger. The PCM contains a mixture of water and a nucleating agent, which can include at one least one of Borax and/or IceMax® powder in solution or another equivalent compound or combination of compounds. The PCM can include a freezing point depression agent. The freezing point suppressant can include MKP, NaCl, KCl or other salts, among other equivalent compounds or combinations of compounds. The tubes are arranged vertically between a bottom and a top of the tank and float relative to the gravity in the tube. The tubes include an open space when the PCM is in a liquid phase for expansion of the PCM from liquid to solid. The diffusers are located so that a diffuser in which the HTF enters the tank is located at the top of the tank and a diffuser in which the HTF exits the tank is located on a bottom of the tank. A temperature sensor is located at the bottom of the battery where it can provide an accurate indication of the battery state of charge. An estimate of the battery state of charge can be made by analyzing a single temperature trend. At least one entry diffuser located remote from the bottom at a distance that causes entering HTF to be substantially free of thermal interference with the coldest HTF. The HTF comprises a mixture of water and Isopropyl alcohol having a concentration adapted to a predetermined freezing point. A multiple thermal battery system is comprised of a plurality of thermal batteries constructed and arranged to interconnect in parallel or series to increase storage capacity, wherein each of the batteries includes connectors constructed and arranged to enable addition or subtraction of batteries to match the predetermined storage capacity. Each battery is provided with a diffuser connected to another diffuser using an interconnection system. A method for controlling the freeze melt cycle of a thermal battery providing vertically oriented tubes containing PCM; and initiating a freeze cycle from the bottom of each of the tubes towards the top and/or initiating a melt cycle from the top of each of the tube toward the bottom. The method for controlling the freeze melt cycle further comprising a display of a state of charge and for obtaining the state of charge from a single sensor. The storage capacity can vary by selectively connecting and disconnecting a plurality of batteries together via an interconnection system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The invention description below refers to the accompanying drawings, of which:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing all major components of a complete system including one thermal energy battery, shown in side cross section, connected in a charge and discharge loop;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a more detailed exposed perspective view of the inside of the illustrative battery of FIG. 1 ;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the theory of operation of the system of FIG. 1 ;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a view of the PCM-filled tubes within the illustrative battery of FIG. 1 , shown in different operating states;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a graph of the expected output of the illustrative battery of FIG. 1 ;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing how two batteries in accordance with embodiments herein can be operatively connected in parallel to provide a thermal battery bank; and
[0030] FIG. 7 is a diagram of interconnections used to connect multiple batteries such as those shown in FIG. 6 .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] According to an illustrative embodiment, a compact and modular thermal energy storage (TES) battery is shown and described herein. Also shown and described are systems and methods for charging and discharging the illustrative battery and systems and methods for connecting multiple batteries to form a thermal energy storage bank.
[0032] A thermal energy battery 10 and all associated components to charge and discharge the battery are shown in FIG. 1 . The TES battery 10 comprises of an insulated container 100 oriented vertically about axis 101 . Container 100 is filled with heat transfer fluid (HTF) 102 . In an illustrative embodiment, HTF 102 is a mixture of water and 30% isopropyl alcohol, the freezing point of which is −15 degrees C. (5 degrees F.). The mixture is based on a predetermined freezing point. Other HTF mixtures can also be used, such as water and propylene glycol (PPG), in proper proportion to ensure a depressed freezing point below the freezing point of the chosen phase-change material (PCM).
[0033] In various embodiments, the PCM can compromise a mixture of water with additives that reduce the super-cooling effect of water. One such additive is the commercially available SnoMax® snow inducer, available from York International Corporation of Norwood, Mass. Another PCM can be a mixture of water and Mono-Potassium Phosphate (KH 2 PO 4 also abbreviated as MKP) with an appropriate nucleating agent such as SnoMax® to reduce super-cooling effects or IceMax®. IceMax® powder is an ice machine cleaner containing sulfamic acid and is manufactured by Highside Chemicals, Inc. of Gulfport, Miss. Another PCM can be a mixture of water and Borax. In an embodiment we mix Mono-Potassium Phosphate (MKP) with water in concentrations of 12% to 14% which is near the eutectic point of the mixture to ensure direct transition from liquid to solid and vice-versa without partial solid-liquid formation. The freezing point of this MKP mixture ranges from −3 to −6 degrees C. (21.2 to 26.6 degrees F.) and the latent heat of fusion this MKP mixture is approximately 290 kJ/kg. The MKP mixture is ideal for food refrigeration applications where the target cooling temperature of the food is approximately 3 to 5 degrees C. (37.4 to 41 degrees F.). Because the MKP mixture melts at approximately −2 degrees C. (28.4 degrees F.) it provides a sufficient temperature differential (relative to the food's target temperature) to make the load heat exchangers more efficient. At the same time, because the lowest temperature for freezing this mixture is approximately −6 degrees C. (21.2 degrees F.), the refrigeration system required to freeze the mixture can be operated at temperatures that ensure high coefficient of performance and therefore good energy efficiency. The latent heat of fusion of the MKP mixture is high compared with other PCM mixtures generally used in the industry. Finally, MKP is a non-toxic, affordable and easily obtainable material.
[0034] Inside container 100 , and immersed in HTF 102 , are placed in a plurality of tubes 109 filled with the PCM 110 . In an illustrative embodiment, the tubes hermetically sealed and completely submersed in HTF 102 and are held together vertically by closely packing them inside insulated container 100 . As the tubes float upwards, a restricting mesh 107 is used to keep tubes 109 submersed in HTF 102 at all times. Two diffusers, 106 at the top and 104 at the bottom, are located horizontally inside container 100 to extract and return HTF 102 for achieving heat transfer with outside mediums. In an illustrative embodiment, diffusers are circular tubes with a plurality of holes to diffuse flow for the purpose of achieving a gentle discharge or a uniform suction.
[0035] Bottom diffuser 104 is connected via cold suction pipe 116 to pump 111 which circulates cold HTF 102 through load heat exchanger 113 . After exchanging heat with the load, hot HTF 102 returns via pipe 117 and through diffuser 106 back to the top of the battery 10 .
[0036] In an embodiment, diffuser 106 is shared between the hot discharge and hot suction. Diffuser 106 is connected via suction pipe 119 to pump 112 which circulates warm HTF 102 through liquid chiller 114 . After it is cooled by liquid chiller 114 , cold HTF 102 returns through pipe 118 via diffuser 105 into battery 10 . In the illustrative embodiment diffuser 105 is located at the bottom of the container 100 to initiate freezing cycle from the bottom of battery 10 .
[0037] Liquid chiller is defined as a type of heat exchanger that removes heat from the liquid as it passes from the inlet to the outlet thereof. This can include fluid mechanical systems, thermoelectrics, etc.
[0038] Other locations for diffuser 105 are also acceptable. Diffuser 105 can also be located at the top if a freezing direction from top to bottom is desired. Diffusers 104 , 105 and 106 are submerged at all times in HTF 102 . Diffusers 104 , 105 , and 106 are arranged such that the HTF 102 being extracted or returned through diffusers does not mix significantly in a vertical direction.
[0039] In FIG. 1 , two methods of operation are shown. Charge loop 130 is a closed loop which cools HTF 102 and charges battery 10 by freezing PCM 110 inside tubes 109 . Because coldest HTF is returned near the bottom of battery 10 , ice insides tubes 109 begins to form near the bottom first. Tubes 109 progressively freeze upwards as cold HTF 102 rises from the bottom of battery 10 . When PCM 110 inside all tubes 109 is completely frozen, battery 10 can be considered fully charged. To achieve a fully charged status, charge loop 130 must be operated for a minimum amount of time, depending on the cooling power of the liquid chiller 114 . If loop 130 is operated for less than the minimum time, battery 10 can be partially charged without loss of operational capability.
[0040] Discharge loop 131 is a closed loop which circulates coldest HTF 102 from the bottom of battery 10 so it can transfer energy with a load. In the illustrative embodiment the load is warm milk entering heat exchanger 113 via port 121 and exiting cold via port 123 . After transferring heat with the load, hot HTF 102 exits load heat exchanger 113 and returns to top of battery 10 via diffuser 106 . If battery 10 is fully or partially charged, PCM 110 in solid form (ice) will be present at the top of tubes 109 . Warm HTF 102 will transfer heat with frozen PCM 110 through the walls of tubes 109 . As a result PCM 110 melts. As PCM 110 melts the liquid form settles at the bottom of tube 109 while the solid form floats freely to the top due to gravity. In this manner, PCM 110 in solid form is continually present at the top in constant thermal contact with warm HTF 102 returning from the load. As PCM 110 melts it transfers energy to HTF 102 which cools and settles to the bottom of battery 10 . In this manner the coldest HTF 102 is available at the bottom of battery 10 for the longest period of time, depending on the quantity of PCM in the battery. Discharge loop 131 can be operated for as long as solid PCM 110 remains in tubes 109 . When all PCM in tubes 109 are melted, battery 10 can be considered fully discharged. If, after running discharge loop 131 for some time, some PCM in solid forms still remains inside tubes 109 , battery 10 can be considered partially discharged without loss of operational capability. Successive operations of loop 131 will progressively discharge battery 10 until battery is fully discharged.
[0041] Charge loop 130 and discharge loop 131 can be operated simultaneously or independently. If operated simultaneously, output of discharge loop 131 will not be disturbed by the performance of charge loop 130 . Charge loop 130 can be operated manually or automatically based on a timer or a temperature sensor 125 placed inside the battery. In the illustrative embodiment a temperature controller 126 starts and stops discharge loop 130 based on a pre-set temperature. Independent of charge loop 130 , discharge loop 131 can be manually or automatically operated as long as battery 10 is partially or fully charged. In the illustrative embodiment, loop 131 is operated manually when needed to cool milk.
[0042] The battery is defined by all and/or at least one of a plurality of parameters. A first parameter is that the battery is provided with a capacity at a determined load power. A second parameter is that the battery is provided with a capacity of a determined number of hours at a desired load power. A third parameter is that the depth of discharge is at least a desired percentage rate. A fourth parameter is that the battery is provided with at least a desired number of rated cycles. A fifth parameter is that the battery is provided with a desired output temperature. Other parameters can also be defined in determining standard sizes by one of ordinary skill. These differences can be used to determine standardized rating size. Such rating sizes can be defined in a manner similar to commercial consumer batteries (for example, A, AA, AAA, C and D). The nomenclature of the sizes is highly variable. For example, the nomenclature can be numeric (1, 2, 3, etc.), alphabetic (A, B, C, etc.), symbolic or by another system.
[0043] A more detailed view of the present construction of battery 10 is shown in FIG. 2 . In the illustrative embodiment, insulated container 100 is a plastic (polymer, composite, etc.) tank that is generally free of any chemical reaction with HTF 102 . Tubes 109 are sealed and submersed in heat transfer fluid (HTF) 102 and held in vertical position by the restricting mesh 107 . HTF 102 extends to level 201 . In another embodiment, tubes 109 can float freely in HTF 102 and are not restricted by mesh 107 . General orientation 200 is desirably maintained to ensure free floating of ice to the top of tubes 109 .
[0044] Diffusers 104 and 106 are illustratively formed by bending a plastic (polymer) tube into a circular shape and drilling (or otherwise forming) a multiplicity of holes 202 that server to diffuse the flow during operation. In an embodiment, holes 202 in diffuser 104 point downwards while holes 202 in diffuser 106 point upwards. Holes 202 can also be oriented radially from the vertical axis to minimize vertical mixing of HTF 102 layers.
[0045] To facilitate connection to charge loop 130 , input port 205 and output port 207 are provided. Port 205 is connected to diffuser 105 and port 207 is connected to diffuser 106 . To facilitate connection to discharge loop 131 , input port 206 and output port 204 are provided. Port 206 is connected to diffuser 106 and port 204 is connected to diffuser 104 . It should be clear to those of skill in the art that ports 204 , 205 , 206 and 207 can be located at any height to facilitate easy connection with elements outside the battery so long as diffusers 104 , 105 and 106 are maintained at the approximate locations shown in FIG. 2
[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates the different processes occurring inside the battery. The solid form (ice) 110 a of PCM 110 in tubes 109 rises at the top because it is less dense than the liquid form 110 b of PCM 110 . As hot HTF 102 is returned to the top and cold HTF 102 settles at the bottom, two regions are formed inside battery 10 . These regions are further maintained by the vertical arrangement and the connections to discharge loop 131 and charge loop 130 . Regions 301 and 302 are critical to maintaining optimal heat transfer and output from battery 10 . Region 301 located approximately at the top of the battery, is where most of the heat exchanging between hot HTF 102 and the solid form 110 a of PCM 110 occurs. Region 302 is where the coldest HTF 102 will be maintained and extracted at nearly constant temperature for the longest period of time.
[0047] FIG. 4 further illustrates the PCM-filled tubes 109 and their operational state. Tube 109 can be constructed of plastic or any other material that facilitates optimal heat transfer. Tube 109 can be hermetically sealed or not sealed. Item a of FIG. 4 illustrates a tube filled with PCM 110 in liquid form 110 b. This is the discharged state of the tube 109 . A small amount of empty space 403 remains at the top of the tube 109 to provide room for expansion of PCM liquid 110 b as it transitions from liquid to solid form. It is desirable that tube 109 is free of significant expansion during freezing process. Instead, PCM material will expand into empty space 403 at the top. Item B of FIG. 4 illustrates a tube in fully charged state with PCM 110 in solid state 110 a. PCM 110 in solid form 110 a extends to the top of the tube. Item C of FIG. 4 illustrates a tube in partially charged state with PCM 110 in both solid 110 a form at the top and liquid 110 b form at the bottom.
[0048] FIG. 5 shows the expected output of the battery when the above construction is implemented as illustrated by curve 504 . The useful output of battery 10 is defined by two parameters:
a) the temperature of HTF 102 extracted at the bottom through diffuser 104 and measured by temperature sensor 125 ; and b) the duration of time at which a relatively constant output temperature can be maintained.
[0051] A desired constant temperature output level can be centered within a narrow range 501 centered around PCM 110 melting point 501 a. Temperature bandwidth 501 can be maintained for a period of time 502 which depends on the load presented to the battery by the load heat exchanger. It is desirable to provide a temperature output bandwidth 501 as narrow as possible for the longest period of time 502 as possible. Three regions of operation are observed. In Region 1 , the output power of battery 10 is mainly provided by the sensible heat of HTF 102 . The time duration of this region depends on the amount of HTF in the battery. Once PCM 110 in tubes 109 begins to melt, the battery enters Region 2 of operation. This is the main and optimal region of operation during which output HTF 102 temperature remains relatively constant within a narrow bandwidth 501 centered about melting point 501 a. When all PCM 110 has melted, the battery enters Region 3 . In this region, the battery has exhausted its charge and less useful energy is delivered to the load. From starting point 506 to end point 505 , the battery provides a useful output for fast cooling or heating a large variety of loads.
[0052] Placing the temperature sensor 125 at the bottom of the battery and monitoring its change over time gives an accurate indication of the state of charge of the battery. As the battery transitions from starting point 506 to end point 505 , its state of charge can be easily estimated by analyzing the temperature trend.
[0053] This predictive performance and accurate display of the state of charge is essential in designing thermal battery banks and systems that use thermal battery backup.
[0054] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an arrangement of multiple batteries 10 connected together to form a thermal energy battery bank that can be sized according to any specified heat or cooling load. In an embodiment, two batteries 10 a and 10 b are connected in parallel using manifolds 601 a, 601 b, 601 c and 601 d (collectively, “Manifolds 601 ”). Manifolds 601 eliminate the need for expensive valves. When two batteries 10 are connected in parallel, HTF 102 is extracted simultaneously from both batteries. Manifolds 601 act as junctions that merge the HTF flows to and from the load or the liquid chiller. Such a construction can be susceptible to an imbalance of flows in the two batteries. For example, if there is small restriction in one of the lines exiting or entering one of the batteries in the bank, less HTF will flow through that battery and more HTF will flow through the other battery. Over a period of time, one battery will empty out while the other will overflow potentially resulting in HTF spilling out of battery 10 . However, in the illustrative arrangement, the flow between batteries in the bank is balanced naturally by the way the batteries are connected. Manifolds 601 and especially manifold 601 a contains a sufficiently large cross section to ensure that the HTF 102 in both batteries remains substantially balanced at the operating flow rates. In addition, all manifolds are submerged in HTF. Thus, the liquid pressure remains constant throughout the two batteries. It is contemplated that a multiple thermal battery system comprises a plurality of thermal batteries constructed and arranged to interconnect in a parallel or series to increase storage capacity, wherein each of the batteries includes connectors constructed and arranged to enable addition and/or subtraction of batteries to match a predetermined storage capacity.
[0055] Manifolds 601 can be sized according to the number of batteries that can be connected to form a battery bank. FIG. 7 shows for comparison a 2-way manifold 701 , a 3-way manifold 702 and a 4-way manifold 703 . Those skilled in the art can recognize and find other ways to connect multiple batteries together such as series connection or using multiple manual or automatically actuated valves.
[0056] It is contemplated that the materials of the tubes can be a polymer, such as LDPE (low-density polyethylene) or HDPE (high-density polyethylene). The tank can be constructed of LDPE. It is contemplated that the volume of the tank is 700 liters (approximately between 500 to 1000 liters). The illustrative thermal battery storage system is practical for use in small installations, easy to load and unload and can be assembled by a couple of technicians.
[0057] The foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. Various modifications and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope if this invention. More generally, as used herein the directional terms, such as, but not limited to, “up” and “down”, “upward” and “downward”, “rearward” and “forward”, “top” and “bottom”, “inside” and “outer”, “front” and “back”, “inner ” and “outer”, “interior” and “exterior”, “downward” and “upward”, “horizontal” and “vertical” should be taken as relative conventions only, rather than absolute indications of orientation or direction with respect to a direction of the force of gravity. Each of the various embodiments described above can be combined with other described embodiments in order to provide a variety of combinations of multiple features. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. It is further contemplated that diffusers 104 , 105 and 106 can be constructed in any manner that slows down the flow to minimize mixing between different vertical layers of HTF 102 . In other embodiments diffuser 105 can be located near the top, the middle or the bottom of battery 10 depending on the cooling power of liquid chiller 114 and/or how the battery is operated. Alternatively, diffuser 106 can be eliminated completely and the hot HTF 102 can be released without turbulence at the top of the battery where it circulates and mixes freely with only the top layer of HTF above tubes 109 . In another embodiment, insulated container 100 can be of any size, shape or aspect ratio as long as tubes 109 containing PCM 110 remain oriented in a vertical direction. In further embodiments, HTF 102 can consist of any liquid mixture that is free of freeze-over within the operating temperature range of the battery. The output temperature of the battery can vary, depending on the PCM used. It is further contemplated that the tubes can be of any shape, size and profile as long as the tubes avoid constriction of the free flow of ice to the area of the tube where maximum heat transfer with HTF will occur.
[0058] Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only by way of example, and not to otherwise limit the scope of this invention. | This invention provides a thermal energy battery having an insulated tank contains a multitude of densely packed plastic tubes filled with a phase-change material (PCM, such as ice) that changes from solid to liquid and vice-versa. Energy is stored when the PCM transitions from liquid to solid form, and released when the PCM transitions back from solid to liquid form. The tubes are arranged vertically, span the height of a well-insulated tank, and are immersed in heat transfer fluid (HTF) contained within the tank. The HTF is an aqueous solution with a freezing point temperature below the freezing point temperature of the chosen PCM. The HTF remains in liquid form at all times during the operation of the battery. Diffusers located allow the HTF to be extracted uniformly from the tank, pumped and cooled by a liquid chiller situated outside the tank and then and inserted back into the tank. | 5 |
[0001] This invention relates to devices for preparing corn-on-the-cob to be eaten. More specifically, the invention relates to devices for use in cleaning the silks of the corn away from the corn-on-the-cob, and to cutter devices for removing the corn kernels from the cob.
[0002] Devices have been proposed and sold in the past for removing silks from the cob. Cutters also have been proposed for removing corn kernels from the cob.
[0003] Some of the prior corn cutters suffer from the problem that an elongated handle gets in the way of the cutting operation and tends to make it difficult to use.
[0004] It also has been proposed in the past to mount both a brush and a cutter on a single elongated handle, with the blade of the cutter being positioned so that the handle is perpendicular to the corn cob as the device is used to cut the corn off of the cob. This device, it is believed, also is relatively awkward to use, and has other shortcomings limiting its commercial acceptability.
[0005] As a result, known prior devices for cutting corn from the cob, and for removing silks from the corn to be cooked, have generally been awkward to use, and otherwise less than fully satisfactory.
[0006] Another problem with prior cutters is that the blades often do not cut the corn to a consistent depth; that is, sometimes, the blades dig into the cob too deeply or not deep enough.
[0007] Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to provide a corn preparation device which eliminates or alleviates the foregoing problems.
[0008] More specifically, it is an object to provide a device which can be held easily in the hand while cutting corn from the cob, or while removing silks from the corn cob, and with only minimal contact between the hands of the user and the corn.
[0009] It also is an object of the present invention to provide a protective holder for the corn cutter to keep it from cutting inadvertently.
[0010] It is a further object to provide such a device which is easily convertible from de-silking brush to a cutter so that both functions can be provided in a single compact device.
[0011] In accordance with the present invention, the foregoing objectives are met by the provision of a single structure which is easy to grasp and can be used either as a corn cutter in cutting corn from the cob, or as a brush for removing silks from the cob.
[0012] The foregoing is accomplished by the novel construction in which a base member is provided with first and second opposing faces of a relatively broad extent. Extending from a first one of the surfaces is a brush, and extending from the opposite one of the surfaces is a cutter. A cover is provided to cover either one of the two implements. The cover fits securely onto the body so as to form a palm-fitting pushing structure against which the user can push. The device can be converted from a cutter to a de-silking brush, or vice versa, simply by moving the cover from one surface to the other.
[0013] The invention further provides a cutter blade which is sharpened on both sides of the edge. This tends to guide the blade in a straight path, not forcing it to dig too deeply or cut too shallowly in passing through the corn.
[0014] Because the cover forms a palm-fitting structure for the device, it is believed to be easier to use and to push than certain other devices which have an elongated handle, and tends to hold the fingers of the user out of contact with the corn, thus minimizing such contact and minimizing covering the fingers with messy food juices, butter, and minimizing potential contamination.
[0015] The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in or apparent from the following description and drawings.
In the Drawings:
[0016] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the scrubber-cutter device of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the two units shown in FIG. 1 assembled together with parts of the structure cut away to better illustrate the device;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the base member of the present invention with the brush assembly removed and the bottom portion facing upwardly;
[0019] FIG. 4 is an end elevation view, partially cut away, of the device shown in FIG. 2 with the cover reversed to the bottom side to cover the cutter and leave the brush exposed;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of a brush unit which fits into the base member shown in FIG. 3 , with the bristles on the other side of the structure shown in FIG. 5 and therefore not visible;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the interior of the structure shown in FIG. 3 , with a bridge element positioned in the structure to help support the brush member;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the bridge member piece shown in FIG. 6 ; and
[0023] FIG. 8 is a broken-away cross-sectional view through the cutting blade taken along line 8 - 8 of FIG. 2 .
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
[0024] Referring first to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a fresh corn cutter and de-silker 20 is shown in an exploded view.
[0025] The device 20 includes a base member 22 with a brush 40 extending upwardly from the base on a first side 36 of the base, and (referring to FIG. 2 ) a corn cutter 48 with a blade 52 extending from the lower surface 38 of the base member. A cover 24 is provided. Cover 24 has side walls 28 and 30 , and a curved upper surface 26 which has a decorative finish simulating the look of an ear of corn. The cover 24 is shown lifted above the base 22 , as is customary in an exploded view.
[0026] When it is desired to use the cutter 48 on the bottom surface 38 to cut corn off of the cob, the cover is placed over the brush by pressing the cover down over the edge 32 and against a ledge 34 extending circumferentially around the side of the base 22 . By this means, the cover is fastened securely to the base. The assembled unit is comparable in size and shape to a bar of soap, and can be fitted into the palm of the hand of the user to push the blade 52 longitudinally through the corn-on-the-cob to strip the fresh corn kernels from the cob.
[0027] FIG. 4 of the drawings shows the cover 24 reversed and attached to the bottom edge of the base member 22 so that it covers the cutter 48 . This leaves the brush 40 exposed so that it can be used to de-silk the corn.
[0028] Whether the device is used for de-silking the corn or cutting it, the cover forms a convenient, fairly tall grippable structure which fits neatly into the palm of an adult hand, much like a bar of soap. The cover provides an upwardly spaced gripping surface which raises the fingers of the hand above the surface of the corn so that the fingers are not so easily soiled and so that the corn tends to be more protected from possible contamination by contact with the fingers. When the device is stored, the cover can cover either the brush or the cutter. If it covers the cutting blade, this protects against accidental cutting of objects or fingers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
1. Base Member
[0029] The base member 22 is shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 and 3 . Referring particularly to FIG. 3 , the base member is a molded plastic part with a projecting ridge 34 around the periphery with slight extensions of the ridge at 35 . The projections 35 are used as grippers to hold the body member with one's fingers when the cover 24 is being removed or replaced on the body. The vertical walls are curved as at 62 and 64 in a shape approximating the curvature of a typical ear of corn. The base member is shaped to accommodate the ear of corn, both on the bottom surface 38 and the upper surface 36 .
2. Brush Structure
[0030] The brush structure 40 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 , 4 and 5 . The brush structure is a single molded part comprising a molded bristle base 42 and molded brush bristles formed in the same molding operation. Low density polyethylene is the material of which the base and bristles are made so as to make them relatively soft and flexible.
[0031] The underside of the brush unit is shown in FIG. 5 . Flexible vertical plastic walls 80 form an elongated rectangular shape to match that of the base member 22 and to fit into the cavity 60 shown in FIG. 3 with an interference fit. Tabs extend from the opposite short ends 44 of the bristle base to facilitate removing and replacing the bristle base in the base member 22 , thus providing means for separating the parts for washing.
[0032] As it can be seen in FIG. 4 , the upper surface of the bristles and the upper edge of the bristle base 42 are given with a curvature approximating that of an ear of corn.
[0033] Referring again to FIG. 5 , in the longitudinal center of the bristle base structure shown in FIG. 5 is a reinforcing rib 82 . A projection 84 is formed which, when the bristle base 42 is fitted into the base member 22 , extends downwardly by a predetermined distance to abut against a surface 90 (see FIG. 6 ) of a bridge member 86 which is fitted into the cavity 60 of the base member 22 shown in FIG. 3 . This provides vertical support for the flexible bristle base and bristles to prevent undue distortion under the scrubbing force or cutting force applied by the user.
3. Cover
[0034] The cover 24 , which is shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 and 4 , has a thumb-shaped recess 43 ( FIG. 1 ), two pairs of slight projections 49 located above and below the projection or flange 34 , and two slight vertical projections on the internal surface of the side wall 28 of the cover to mate with the projections 49 to provide a secure but releasable friction fit between the cover and the base member. The thumb recess 43 increases the degree of effective projection outwardly of the areas 35 which facilitates gripping of the cover and the base to push them together or pull them apart.
[0035] The cutter 48 and its blade 52 are best seen in FIGS. 2 , 4 and 8 . The cutter 48 comprises a blade which is generally U-shaped with a curvature in the direction shown in FIG. 3 so as to approximate the curvature of an ear of corn.
[0036] Referring again to FIG. 3 , the base member 22 has a pair of through holes 72 and 74 , and a pair of upstanding projections, 76 and 78 near the holes.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 2 , the cutter 48 includes the blade 52 with two legs 54 extending through the body 22 . FIG. 3 shows those legs 54 are attached to the projections 76 and 78 to anchor the legs of the cutter solidly. The legs are attached by adhesive and ultrasonic bonding.
[0038] The bridge member 86 is shown in FIG. 7 and it forms two vertical receptacles 92 and 94 into which the projections 76 and 78 fit, with a pair of tabs 98 and 100 to fit into the holes 72 and 74 . The bridge has a curved undersurface as shown at 96 to match the curvature of the lower surface of the structure shown in FIG. 3 . That curvature includes a raised portion 66 flanked by recessed portions 68 and 70 .
4. Cutter
[0039] Referring to FIG. 2 , the cutter 48 includes a blade 52 with serrated cutting teeth 50 . The cutter blade preferably is made of hard stainless steel of the type and quality used in food processor blades so that it maintains its sharpness for a long time.
[0040] The undersurface 38 of the cutter/de-silker device has a longitudinal recess 46 which helps to allow the corn kernels to pass underneath the blade without being cut up any more than necessary.
[0041] FIG. 8 is a broken-away, cross-sectional view of the blade 52 . The forward cutting edge is ground to be beveled on both sides of the cutting edge, as shown at 102 and 104 . This has the advantage that the edge shape does not force the blade downwardly towards the corn cob to cut more of the corn kernels than is desired, nor upwardly to cut too little. This is in contrast to those prior cutters whose blades have been ground only on one side.
[0042] Some of the advantages of the invention have been described above. Others include the fact that the assembled device 20 is relatively broad compared with prior devices. This allows a somewhat greater width for the cutting blade of the cutter, therefore allowing more to be cut with each stroke than in some prior devices, and yet does not require the use of excessive force. Similarly, the greater width increases the width of the brush 40 compared with some prior devices, thereby increasing the coverage of the brush and, hence, the speed of the de-silking process.
5. Materials
[0043] Some of the materials of which the device shown in the drawings is made have been mentioned above. The base 22 and the bridge 86 preferably are made of high impact polystyrene, and the cover 24 preferably is made of SAN.
[0044] These materials can be replaced by other suitable materials, within the skill of those experienced in the art.
[0045] The above description of the invention is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes or modifications in the embodiments described may occur to those skilled in the art. These can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. | A device is provided for cutting and/or de-silking corn on the cob. A single unit has a base and a removable cover. A brush for use in removing silks is mounted on one side of the base, and a cutter is mounted on the other side. When it is desired to use the tool on one side instead of the other, the cover is placed over the other tool. The cover then is used as an easy-to-grip palm-fitting structure to push the brush or the cutter along the ear of corn. | 0 |
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/732,846 filed Nov. 2, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to coded orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) systems, and more particularly to reducing the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) in coded OFDM systems.
[0003] Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) has traditionally been robust against multipath fading channels and may be used for effective high-speed wireless data transmission.
[0004] One drawback of OFDM systems, however, is that an OFDM signal typically exhibits a high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). Such a high PAPR occurs when symbols that create the OFDM signal multiplied with the Inverse Discrete Fourier Transform (IDFT) add constructively.
[0005] A high PAPR often necessitates the use of a linear amplifier with large dynamic range (the range in which the amplifier has linear amplifying property). A linear amplifier having a large dynamic range is often difficult to design. An amplifier with nonlinear characteristics (i.e., outside of the linear operation range), however, can cause undesired distortion of the in-band and out-of-band signals.
[0006] A number of approaches have been proposed to suppress the PAPRs in OFDM systems. These approaches may be grouped into different categories or techniques. One technique to suppress the PAPRs in OFDM systems is by using block coding (i.e., to transmit codewords having low PAPR). Such coding techniques typically provide acceptable PAPR reduction and coding gain. A problem associated with the coding approach is that, for an OFDM system with a large number of subcarriers, either the system encounters design difficulties or the coding rate becomes prohibitively low.
[0007] The second type of approach is through clipping and filtering of OFDM signals. Clipping can reduce PAPR, but may introduce in-band clipping noise and filtering. Filtering is employed to remove side-lobes generated-by clipping, but filtering may also generate additional PAPR.
[0008] The third type of approach is phase rotation including selective mapping (SLM) and partial transmit sequence (PTS). A PAPR reduction scheme may use advanced codes, such as turbo codes, low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes, or repeat accumulate (RA) codes to achieve SLM. These codes not only offer high error correction performance, but a random interleaver in an encoder also provides different random coded sequences for SLM using several label bits before encoding. The sequence is a sequence of coded bits after the encoding, i.e., a codeword. With different settings of the label bits, different codewords are obtained (i.e., different sequences of the coded bits). However, a disadvantage of the conventional SLM or PTS technique is that one or more iterative gradient algorithms may need to be applied to reduce the complexity of searching for the optimal sequence over candidate sequences.
[0009] There is no such gradient methods for complexity reduction in a coded scrambling method (e.g., described above using the different label-bits to obtain different coded sequences). Instead, a selector usually has to exhaustively travel through all of the sequences obtained from the different combinations of label bits.
[0010] Therefore, there remains a need to more effectively reduce the PAPR of an OFDM system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a coded orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) system and method for reducing a peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) includes a modulator configured to modulate (e.g., using quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM)) coded bits into symbols. An inverse discrete fourier transform (IDFT) module performs an IDFT on the symbols to produce an OFDM signal. The system and method measure the PAPR of the OFDM signal and transmit the OFDM signal to a receiver if the PAPR of the OFDM signal is less than a threshold PAPR.
[0012] The OFDM system may also include a label inserter configured to mix information bits with corresponding label bits. These information bits can then be encoded by an encoder with the corresponding label bits with random-like codes to produce the coded bits. The encoder may be an LDPC generator matrix.
[0013] These and other advantages of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a coded OFDM system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of a LDPC encoder and a systematic repeat accumulate encoder in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2B shows a high level block diagram of a computer system which may be used in an embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 2C is a flowchart showing the steps performed by the OFDM system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of PAPR reduction using a label inserted encoder as SLM with a number of subcarriers, K, and Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) modulation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of a probability mass function (PMF) and cumulative mass function (CMF) of u sequences for a given threshold Y 0 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of the PMF and CMF of u sequences for different threshold settings in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of the average u sequences to find the final transmitted OFDM sequence as a function of the threshold Y 0 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of PAPR suppression results of threshold limited selection in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a coded OFDM system 100 with K subcarriers (in OFDM systems, the frequency spectrum is divided into subbands. The smallest subband is called a subcarrier) signaling through a quasi-static fading channel. The OFDM system 100 is a transmitter used in mobile communications with a receiver. Each signal frame contains the information to be transmitted to a receiver in one OFDM slot.
[0024] Information bits 104 are transmitted (i.e., mixed) with label bits a 1 , . . . , a Q 108 into a label inserter 112 to produce label inserted information bits d i 116 . The label inserted information bits d i 116 of each signal frame are encoded by a channel encoder 120 , e.g., LDPC or RA encoder 120 , to produce coded bits b j 124 . The coded bits b j 124 are then interleaved by interleaver 128 and mapped into quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) symbols X 0 , . . . , X K−1 by modulator 132 , where X k 136 represents the symbol at the kth subcarrier. An inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) is then performed on each symbol 136 by an IDFT block 140 to produce an OFDM signal s u 142 , where u denotes the decimal value of the binary sequence a 1 , a 2 , . . . , a Q , also referred to as a sequence. A selection module 148 is used to automatically select a threshold Y 0 152 . The threshold Y 0 152 represents a maximum PAPR that an OFDM signal can have in order to transmit the OFDM signal to the receiver. A selector 144 then measures the PAPR of the OFDM signal s u 142 to determine whether its PAPR is less than the threshold Y 0 152 . If so, then the selector 144 (which may or may not include the selection module 148 ) transmits the OFDM signal s u 142 to the receiver. The OFDM system 100 also includes an adapting device 154 . The adapting device 154 can adjust the threshold Y 0 152 .
[0000] PAPR Definition
[0025] After IDFT, the resulting complex baseband OFDM signal is given by
s ( t ) = 1 K ∑ k = 0 K - 1 X k ⅇ j2π kt / K , 0 ≤ t < T , ( 1 )
where T is the duration of one OFDM signal slot and K is the number of subcarriers. At the receiver, assuming proper cyclic extension and ideal sampling, the signal model after DFT is given by
Y k =H k X k +η k , (2)
where H k is the channel response of the kth subcarrier and η k is the additive white Gaussian noise, i.e., η k ˜N C (0,σ η k 2 ) (where N C denotes complex Gaussian distribution, N C (0,σ η k 2 ) is the complex Gaussian distribution with zero mean and variance σ η k 2 ·“η k ˜N C (0,σ η k 2 )” indicates that random complex variable η k follows the complex Gaussian distribution with zero mean and variance σ η k 2 ). The PAPR of the OFDM signal is defined as
PAPR Δ _ _ max 0 ≤ t ≺ T s ( t ) 2 E { s ( t ) 2 } ( 3 )
where E denotes the expectation and s(t) denotes the continuous OFDM signal).
[0026] An oversampling on the OFDM signal is needed to accurately preserve a discrete PAPR. Considering oversampling by a factor of J, the resulting discrete OFDM signal is given by
s n = 1 K ∑ k = 0 K - 1 X k ⅇ j2π kn / JK , n = 0 , … , JK - 1. ( 4 )
Thus, the PAPR of the discrete OFDM signal is given by
PAPR = max 0 ≤ n ≺ JK s n 2 1 JK ∑ n = 0 JK - 1 s n 2 ( 5 )
PAPR Reduction Scheme
Conventional Selected Mapping
[0027] Selected mapping (SLM) is a PAPR suppression method for OFDM signals. It employs random phase rotation to generate a number of sequences of rotated OFDM data symbols. The symbol with the lowest PAPR is selected for transmission. U distinct phase rotation vectors, p (u) =└e jφ 0 (u) , . . . , e jφ K−1 (u) ┘, u=1, . . . , U. Each block of OFDM symbols is multiplied carrierwise with U vectors, resulting in a set of U different sequences with each entry being
X k (u) =X k e jφ k (u) , k=0, . . . , K−1.
[0028] Then, all U sequences are transformed into the time domain and the one with the lowest PAPR is selected for transmission.
[0000] Selected Mapping with Random-Like Codes
[0029] A PAPR reduction scheme can be implemented via selected mapping using a label inserted random-like encoder. The random-like codes offer capacity-achieving performance largely due to the random interleaver of the codes. The inherent random interleaver in the random-like codes can be used as a scrambler to obtain candidates of independent data sequences. FIG. 1 shows a block of L-Q information bits 104 being inserted with (i.e., mixed with) Q label bits 108 , then encoded by a rate of R=L/N random-like codes, i.e., turbo code, LDPC code, or RA code. If using a systematic code (i.e., coded bits that contain the information bits), another interleaver may be added to mix the information bits with parity bits randomly. For non-systematic code (i.e., the information bits are not in the sequence of coded bits), the previously mentioned additional interleaver can be omitted.
[0030] FIG. 2A shows the schematic plot of an LDPC encoder 204 and a systematic RA encoder 208 . Coded bits are modulated using QAM constellation into a block of K=N/M c symbols X k , k=0, . . . , K−1 assigned to K· subcarriers, where M c is the number of bits per symbol, i.e., log 2 {constellation size}. IDFT is then applied to the modulated symbols. With oversampling, the PAPR of the discrete OFDM signal is measured. By enumerating the possible sequences of inserted label bits before the encoding, different PAPR values are obtained. The selector selects the one corresponding to the lowest PAPR to transmit.
[0031] Because of the recursive convolutional code components in turbo codes and RA codes, or the dense generator matrix in LDPC codes, as shown in FIG. 2 , each information bit can affect almost all of the coded bits for non-systematic codes or N(1−R) parity bits in the systematic coded bits. The non-systematic codes may have a better scrambling effect.
[0032] The systematic codes may still offer good randomization by employing the interleaver before modulation if the code rate R is equal to or less than ½. Thus, the label-inserted encoding still has good PAPR reduction by the selected mapping for systematic codes. The label bits can be placed at any positions. They can be placed either randomly, or placed together at the beginning of the information bit block, as long as the positions are predetermined and known to the receiver. Because the label bits are inserted before encoding, no side information needs to be transmitted to the receiver. The received sequence can be decoded and the label bits can be discarded.
[0033] FIG. 2A also shows a systematic RA encoder 208 . Information bits 212 are transmitted to a repeater 216 . The repeater 216 repeats the bits and then transmits the bits to an interleaver 220 . The interleaver 220 permutes the output of the repeater 216 and transmits the permuted results to an accumulator 224 . The accumulator 224 produces parity bits 228 which are then transmitted to another interleaver 232 . The interleaver 232 also receives the information bits 212 , and produces coded bits 236 .
[0000] PAPR Reduction Performance of SLM
[0034] Denote F(·) as the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the discrete OFDM signal s n , i.e., F(Y)=Pr(PAPR<Y). Then, under the above selective mapping scheme and based on the order statistics, the complementary CDF (CCDF) of PAPR is:
Pr ( PAPR SLM > Y ) = Pr ( min ( PAPR 1 , … , PAPR U ) < Y ) = ( Pr ( PAPR > Y ) ) U = ( 1 - F ( Y ) ) U , ( 6 )
where U is the number of candidate sequences, i.e., U=2 Q for Q label bits. Assuming s n is Nyquist-rate sampled complex Gaussian sequences with unit variance, the CDF of PAPR is then given by
F ( Y )= Pr (PAPR< Y )=(1 −e −Y ) K (7)
[0035] So the CCDF of PAPR after SLM is given by
Pr (PAPR SLM >Y )=(1−(1 −e −Y ) K ) U (8)
Above CCDF of PAPR for selected mapping is based on PAPR distribution of the Nyquist-rate sampled OFDM signal. A simplified asymptotic form of distribution for high Y based on the level-crossing (LC) approximation is then given by:
F ( Y ) ≈ Pr ( PAPR < Y ) ≈ exp [ - π 3 K Y ⅇ - Y ] ( 9 )
The other approximated expression for the CDF of PAPR of the OFDM signal is based on the extreme value theory (EVT):
F ( Y ) ≈ exp [ - K π 3 log K ⅇ - Y ] . ( 10 )
Both expressions in (9) and (10) are close to the PAPR CDF of the oversampled OFDM signals. The CCDF of PAPR after SLM from expression (6) is then given by:
Pr ( PAPR SLM > Y ) ≈ { ( 1 - ⅇ - π 3 K Y ⅇ - Y ) U , level crossing , ( 1 - ⅇ - K π 3 log K ⅇ - Y ) U , EVT . ( 11 )
[0036] The description above and below describes the present invention in terms of the processing steps required to implement an embodiment of the invention. These steps may be performed by an appropriately programmed computer, the configuration of which is well known in the art. An appropriate computer may be implemented, for example, using well known computer processors, memory units, storage devices, computer software, and other modules. A high level block diagram of such a computer is shown in FIG. 2B . Computer 250 contains a processor 254 which controls the overall operation of computer 250 by executing computer program instructions which define such operation. The computer program instructions may be stored in a storage device 258 (e.g., magnetic disk) and loaded into memory 262 when execution of the computer program instructions is desired. Computer 250 also includes one or more interfaces 265 for communicating with other devices (e.g., locally or via a network). Computer 250 also includes input/output 274 which represents devices which allow for user interaction with the computer 250 (e.g., display, keyboard, mouse, speakers, buttons, etc.). The computer 250 may represent any of the components shown in FIG. 1 (e.g., the selector 144 ) or the system 100 of FIG. 1 .
[0037] One skilled in the art will recognize that an implementation of an actual computer will contain other elements as well, and that FIG. 2B is a high level representation of some of the elements of such a computer for illustrative purposes. In addition, one skilled in the art will recognize that the processing steps described herein may also be implemented using dedicated hardware, the circuitry of which is configured specifically for implementing such processing steps. Alternatively, the processing steps may be implemented using various combinations of hardware and software. Also, the processing steps may take place in a computer or may be part of a larger machine.
[0038] FIG. 2C is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the steps performed by the OFDM system 100 of FIG. 1 . The OFDM system receives information bits and mixes the information bits with label bits in step 275 . The OFDM system then encodes the results of step 275 to produce coded bits in step 278 . The system then modulates the coded bits into symbols in step 280 . This modulation may be, as described, QAM modulation. The system then applies an inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) on the symbols to produce an OFDM signal in step 282 . The system then measures the PAPR of the OFDM signal in step 284 . If the PAPR is not less than (or equal to) a predetermined threshold PAPR (step 286 ), the system changes the label bits a 1 , . . . , a Q 108 in step 288 and returns to step 275 for additional processing. If, however, the PAPR of the OFDM signal is less than (or equal to) the threshold PAPR, then the system transmits the OFDM signal to the receiver in step 290 .
[0039] FIG. 3 shows CCDF curves 300 of the PAPR results using label inserted encoder as SLM. In one embodiment, the number of subcarriers is K=128 and Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) modulation is used. The number of inserted label bits may go up to 4, i.e., Q=1, 2, 3, 4. The corresponding number of selections may be U=2, 4, 8, 16, respectively. In one embodiment, two types of rate-1/2 codes are considered, namely, a non-systematic LDPC code and a systematic RA code with profile (λ 5 =1, a=5). The RA ensemble can be represented by degree profiles of repetitions, λ i , and group factor a in the accumulator 224 , where λ i represents the proportion of the edges connected to the information bit nodes with degree i. The analytical result in equation (11) above from level crossing method is also included. Without using selected mapping, the PAPR 0 of the original OFDM signal at Pr(PAPR>PAPR 0 =Y)=10 −4 is approximately 11.75 dB. With Q=1, 2, 3, 4, the suppressed PAPRs at Pr(PAPR>Y)=10 −4 are 1.3, 2.3, 3.1, and 3.6 dB, respectively, using the LDPC encoder 204 , and 1.0, 2.3, 3.1, and 3.7 dB, respectively, using the RA encoder 208 . Both LDPC codes and RA codes can perform close to analytical results of SLM with random sequences.
[0000] Threshold Limited Selection
[0040] The conventional SLM typically uses complex sequences to form U candidate sequences. Then the index of the selected sequence is transmitted to the receiver using log 2 U bits. In one embodiment, comparing conventional SLM using random or quantized sequences, the encoding aided SLM scheme does not require the transmission of the label bit sequence. Therefore, there is no potential performance loss caused by the detection failure of the side information.
[0041] In the SLM method, the PAPRs are evaluated from the candidate sequences, and then the candidate sequence with the lowest PAPR is selected to be transmitted. Thus, the complexity of the exhaustive search to obtain the optimal solution increases exponentially. For conventional SLM schemes, some suboptimal algorithms have then been proposed to simplify the search of the desired OFDM signal with PAPR reduction performance close to optimum, such as an iterative flipping algorithm and an iterative neighborhood searching method. In the iterative flipping algorithm, assume binary random rotation sequence is applied, i.e., p i =+1 or −1. As a first step, assume that p i =1 for all and compute the PAPR of the combined signal. Next, invert the first phase factor p 1 =−1 and recompute the resulting PAPR. If the new PAPR is lower than in the previous step, retain as part of the final phase sequence; otherwise, revert to its previous value. The algorithm continues in this fashion until all K possibilities for “flipping” the signs have been explored. The iterative neighborhood searching method starts with a pre-determined vector of phase factors. Next, it finds an updated vector of phase factors in its “neighborhood” that results in the largest reduction in PAPR. Neighborhood of radius is defined as the set of vectors with Hamming distance equal to or less than from its origin. The equation that updates the vector of phase factors from P to P′ is given by
P = arg max P - P H < r ( PAPR for P - PAPR for P )
where ∥*∥ H denotes the Hamming weight of its vector argument and r denotes the radius of the neighborhood which is centered at P. This process is repeated using the updated vector of phase factors as a new starting point as long as PAPR reduction is achieved.
[0042] However, those suboptimal methods for conventional SLM are not typically applicable to the encoding aided SLM scheme. Therefore, a small set of candidate sequence, i.e., a small Q, and consequently, a small number of candidate sequences are chosen. The PAPR reduction performance is then limited by a small U. A clipping method using a soft amplitude limiter (SAL) has been included to complement and further suppress the PAPR. However, there is some performance loss at the receiver caused by clipping distortion.
[0043] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and as shown in FIG. 1 , a PAPR threshold Y 0 is set at the selector. The selector sequentially evaluates the PAPR for the different OFDM signal obtained by enumerating the label bits. Once the selector finds an OFDM sequence with the PAPR being equal to or smaller than the threshold Y 0 , the selector stops measuring the PAPR from the rest of the sequences and transmits the current one immediately.
[0044] The selection may be taken from u sequences, where 0≦u≦U. The CCDF of PAPR for the selected OFDM signal can then be written as
g M ( Y ) Δ Pr (PAPR SLM ( u )> Y )=(1 −F ( Y )) u , (12)
where F(Y) is from equation (7) for Nyquist-rate sampled signals and from equations (9) and (10) for oversampled signals.
[0045] The probability of the uth sequence being selected for a threshold Y 0 is then given by:
P ( u | Y 0 ) = Pr ( PAPR SLM ( u ) < Y 0 , PAPR SLM ( u - 1 ) > Y 0 ) = Pr ( PAPR SLM ( u ) < Y 0 | PAPR SLM ( u - 1 ) > Y 0 ) Pr ( PAPR SLM ( u - 1 ) > Y 0 ) = Pr ( PAPR SLM ( 1 ) < Y 0 ) Pr ( PAPR SLM ( u - 1 ) > Y 0 ) = F ( Y ) ( 1 - F ( Y 0 ) ) u - 1 = ( 1 - g 1 ( Y 0 ) ) g u - 1 ( Y 0 ) . ( 13 )
Obviously, P(u|Y 0 ) is the probability mass function (PMF) of u conditioned on the threshold Y 0 . Since 1−F(Y 0 )<1, the probability of finding a desired (PAPR<Y 0 ) sequence at the uth selection decreases exponentially. Thus, if a reasonable threshold is chosen (Y 0 is not too small), with high probability, PAPR<Y 0 can be achieved with a lower mapping sequence than a maximum U. If the threshold is not well chosen, the target u will be very large. Hence, there is typically a tradeoff between the threshold (consequently the PAPR reduction performance) and the complexity.
[0046] Given u 0 , the probability of finding the sequence with PAPR<Y 0 from u sequences, u≦u 0 , the cumulative mass function (CMF) F(u 0 |Y), is given by
F ( u 0 Y 0 Δ _ _ Pr ( u ≤ u 0 PAPR SLM ( u ) ≤ Y 0 ) = ∑ u = 1 u 0 P ( u | Y 0 ) = 1 - ( 1 - F ( Y 0 ) ) u 0 . ( 14 )
FIG. 4 shows a graphical representation 400 of an embodiment of the PMF (upper plot) and CMF (lower plot) curves for a given threshold Y 0 , Y 0 =7.5 dB, K=128. Three different methods for estimating the PAPR of the OFDM signal are treated. It is seen that the results from the LC and EVT methods are close to each other. Both have the probability about 0.35 for u=1, 0.23 for u=2, and both have a probability of approximately one to find a sequence satisfying PAPR<Y 0 when u 0 =15. The one from the Nyquist-rate sample signals is different from the other two. It has probability about 0.62 for u=1 and 0.22 for u=2. From the CMF plot, when u 2 =6, the probability to find the desired sequence is approximately one.
[0047] FIG. 5 shows a graphical representation 500 of the PMF and CMF of u for different threshold settings, namely, Y 0 =7.0 dB, 7.5 dB, and 8.0 dB. Since the PAPR estimation with oversampling is close to the practical results, the LC method is used to estimate PAPR of OFDM signals (with K=128). It is seen that the probabilities of u=1 are 0.14, 0.32, and 0.53 for Y 0 =7.0, 7.5, and 8.0 dB, respectively. The values of u 0 to achieve a probability of approximately 1 are 35, 15, and 10, respectively. These results show that it is possible to achieve the threshold Y 0 with a much smaller number of sequences for selection.
[0048] In order to find a reasonable threshold, the average number of u as a function of threshold is determined. Given the threshold Y 0 , assuming there is no limitation on u, the average of u to achieve PAPR<Y 0 is given by
u _ ( Y 0 ) = ∑ u uP ( u | Y 0 ) = ∑ u = 1 ∞ u ( 1 - F ( Y 0 ) ) u - 1 F ( Y 0 ) = 1 F ( Y 0 ) ( 15 )
Submitting the approximated F(Y) from the level crossing method produces the following:
u _ ( Y 0 ) ≅ exp [ K π 3 Y 0 ⅇ - Y 0 ] . ( 16 )
In practice, there is a limitation on u with a maximum U. It is possible that the selector could fail to find a sequence with the PAPR smaller than the threshold Y 0 . When this happens, the sequence with minimum PAPR is then transmitted. The probability of failure to reach the threshold Y 0 within maximum U sequences is given by: g U (Y 0 ).
[0049] Conditioned on the success of selection within U sequences, PAPR SLM (U)<Y 0 , the PMF of u for a given Y 0 , denoted by P(u|Y 0 ,U), is given by
P ( u | Y 0 , U ) = ( 1 - F ( Y 0 ) ) u - 1 F ( Y 0 ) 1 - ( 1 - F ( Y 0 ) ) U ( 17 )
The average u is then given by
u _ ( Y 0 | U ) = Pr ( PAPR SLM ( U ) < Y 0 ) , ∑ u = 1 U uP ( u | Y 0 , U ) + U Pr ( PAPR SLM ( U ) > Y 0 ) = 1 F ( Y 0 ) ( 1 - ( 1 - F ( Y 0 ) ) U ( 1 + UF ( Y 0 ) ) ) + U ( 1 - F ( Y 0 ) ) U = 1 F ( Y 0 ) ( 1 - ( 1 - F ( Y 0 ) ) U ︸ ∈ ( Y 0 , U ) ) ≅ exp [ K π 3 Y 0 ⅇ - Y 0 ] ( 1 - ɛ ( Y 0 , U ) ) . ( 18 )
[0050] FIG. 6 shows a graphical representation 600 of the average u to find the final transmitted OFDM sequence as a function of the threshold Y 0 . Consider K=128 and U=256. The difference between the unlimited case in equation (16) and the one with a limited U is marginal. It is seen that the average of u is a decreasing function of Y 0 . For the threshold Y 0 =6.65 dB, the resulting average u =16, indicated with an average u =16 sequences, which has substantially the same complexity as in the previously proposed method for Q=4. As seen in FIG. 3 , with U=16, the resulting PAPR performance is 7.7 dB at Pr(PAPR>Y)=10 −4 . A 1 dB gain is then achieved with the same complexity. The u is small when the threshold Y 0 >6.5 dB. When Y 0 =6.5 dB, however, the average number of u required to satisfy the threshold constraint increases significantly when Y 0 decreases. Therefore, a reasonable threshold can be set to balance the complexity and performance based on the curve of u .
[0051] The PAPR performance from the threshold limited selection can then be determined. For a given Y 0 , when Y<Y 0 , the CCDF of PAPR performance, Pr(PAPR Th >Y), is given by
Pr ( PAPR Th > Y ) = ∑ u = 1 ∞ Pr ( PAPR > Y | PAPR < Y 0 ) P ( u | Y 0 ) = ∑ u = 1 ∞ Pr ( PAPR > Y , PAPR < Y 0 ) Pr ( PAPR < Y 0 ) P ( u | Y 0 ) = F ( Y 0 ) - F ( Y ) F ( Y 0 ) ( 19 )
The performance for the unlimited u is then summarized as follows
Pr ( PAPR Th > Y ) = { 1 - F ( Y ) F ( Y 0 ) , Y < Y 0 , 0 , Y > Y 0 . ( 20 )
For a fixed maximal number U, when Y<Y 0 :
Pr ( PAPR Th > Y ) = Pr ( PAPR SLM ( U ) < Y ) ∑ u = 1 U Pr ( PAPR > Y , PAPR < Y 0 ) Pr ( PAPR < Y 0 ) P ( u | Y 0 , U ) + 1 · Pr ( PAPR SLM ( U ) > Y ) = ∑ u = 1 U F ( Y 0 ) - F ( Y ) F ( Y 0 ) ( 1 - F ( Y 0 ) ) u - 1 F ( Y 0 ) + ( 1 - F ( Y 0 ) ) U = 1 - F ( Y ) F ( Y 0 ) - F ( Y ) F ( Y 0 ) ( 1 - F ( Y 0 ) ) U . ) ( 21 )
Therefore, the PAPR performance for finite u<U can then be summarized as follows
Pr ( PAPR Th > Y ) = { 1 - F ( Y ) F ( Y 0 ) - ∈ 1 ( Y , Y 0 , U ) , Y < Y 0 , ( 1 - F ( Y ) ) U , Y ≥ Y 0 ,
where ( 22 ) ∈ 1 ( Y , Y 0 , U ) = F ( Y ) F ( Y 0 ) ( 1 - F ( Y 0 ) ) U ( 23 )
FIG. 7 illustrates the PAPR suppression results 700 of threshold limited selection from the above analysis for K=128. The original PAPR result (U=1) and the PAPR reduction performance from conventional SLM with U=16 and U=256 are also shown. The results for both cases of unlimited and limited u are included. Predictably, a sharp change is at the threshold value in the PAPR performance curves. With a maximum U, the resulting performance follows the conventional SLM resulting curve when Y>Y 0 . The average is for Y 0 =7, 6.65, and 6. dB are 7, 16, and 113 respectively. Compared with the performance results from the conventional SLM of U=16, the PAPR reduction performance is improved by 0.7 dB, 1.05 dB, and 1.2 dB at Pr(PAPR>Y)=10 −4 , respectively. Compared with the SLM of U=256, the threshold limited selection offers similar or a little less PAPR reduction performance, but the complexity is significantly reduced.
[0052] The foregoing Detailed Description is to be understood as being in every respect illustrative and exemplary, but not restrictive, and the scope of the invention disclosed herein is not to be determined from the Detailed Description, but rather from the claims as interpreted according to the full breadth permitted by the patent laws. It is to be understood that the embodiments shown and described herein are only illustrative of the principles of the present invention and that various modifications may be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Those skilled in the art could implement various other feature combinations without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. | Disclosed is a coded orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) system and method for reducing a peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). The system and method include a modulator configured to modulate (e.g., using quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM)) coded bits into symbols. The system and method also include an inverse discrete fourier transform (IDFT) module to perform an IDFT on the symbols to produce an OFDM signal. The system and method measure the PAPR of the OFDM signal and transmit the signal to a receiver if the PAPR of the signal is less than a threshold PAPR. | 7 |
REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application:
[0002] (1) is a continuation-in-part of pending prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/632,779, filed Aug. 1, 2003 by Daryoosh Vakhshoori et al. for SYSTEM FOR AMPLIFYING OPTICAL SIGNALS (Attorney's Docket No. AHURA-1);
[0003] (2) claims benefit of pending prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/454,036, filed Mar. 12, 2003 by Daryoosh Vakhshoori et al. for EXTENDED OPTICAL BANDWIDTH SEMICONDUCTOR SOURCE (Attorney's Docket No. AHURA-5 PROV); and
[0004] (3) claims benefit of pending prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/549,310, filed Mar. 2, 2004 by Kevin J. Knopp et al. for BANDWIDTH ADJUSTABLE BROADBAND LIGHT SOURCE FOR OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY (Attorney's Docket No. AHURA-20 PROV).
[0005] The three (3) above-identified patent applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0006] This invention relates to optical components in general, and more particularly to optical components for generating light.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In many applications it may be necessary and/or desirable to generate light.
[0008] Different optical components are well known in the art for generating light. By way of example but not limitation, semiconductor lasers, such as vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL's), are well known in the art for generating light. Depending on the particular construction used, the light source may emit light across different portions of the wavelength spectrum. By way of example, many semiconductor-based light sources emit light across a relatively narrow portion of the wavelength spectrum. However, in many applications it may be necessary and/or desirable to provide a semiconductor light source which emits light across a relatively broad band of wavelengths.
[0009] The present invention is directed to a novel semiconductor light source for emitting light across an extended optical bandwidth.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides an optical bandwidth source for generating amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) across a particular wavelength range, the optical bandwidth source comprising:
[0011] a waveguide having a first end and a second end, and the waveguide having a plurality of separate wavelength gain subsections arranged in a serial configuration to form an active waveguide between the first end and the second end;
[0012] wherein each of the wavelength gain subsections is arranged relative to one another so as to produce ASE across the particular wavelength range.
[0013] In another form of the invention, there is provided a system for generating amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) across a particular wavelength range, the system comprising:
an optical bandwidth source for generating the ASE across the particular wavelength range, the optical bandwidth source comprising:
a waveguide having a first end and a second end, and the waveguide having a plurality of separate wavelength gain subsections arranged in a serial configuration between the first end and the second end; wherein each of the wavelength gain subsections is arranged relative to one another so as to produce ASE across the particular wavelength range; a thin-film tap configured adjacent to the second end of the waveguide to divert a portion of the ASE produced by the waveguide to an auxiliary pathway; a power monitor configured to receive the portion of the ASE diverted along the auxiliary pathway so as to monitor the ASE produced by the optical bandwidth source; an isolator configured to receive the ASE remaining from the portion diverted toward the power monitor, the isolator configured to eliminate feedback therethrough toward the waveguide; and a single-mode filter fiber pigtail configured adjacent to the isolator in opposition to the waveguide so as to receive ASE emitted from the waveguide after passing through the isolator.
[0021] In another form of the invention, there is provided a method for generating amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) across a particular wavelength range, the method comprising:
[0022] providing a waveguide having a first end and a second end, and the waveguide having a plurality of separate waveguide gain subsections arranged in a serial configuration to form an active waveguide between the first end and the second end; and
[0023] electrically biasing a first waveguide gain subsection and a second waveguide gain subsection from the plurality of separate waveguide gain subsections, the first waveguide gain subsection being configured between the first end and the second waveguide gain subsection, the second waveguide gain subsection being configured between the second end and the first waveguide gain subsection, and the first waveguide gain subsection configured with a quantum-well structure having a bandgap with lower energy than the second waveguide gain subsection so as to produce longer wavelength ASE at the first waveguide gain subsection than at the second waveguide gain subsection, wherein the waveguide produces ASE across the particular wavelength range at the second end thereof formed by ASE produced by the first waveguide section and the second waveguide section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] These and other objects and features of the present invention will be more fully disclosed or rendered obvious by the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which is to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and further wherein:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating one preferred form of broadband semiconductor light source formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating one preferred form of broadband semiconductor light source module formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 3A is a schematic top view of a package incorporating the broadband semiconductor light source module shown in FIG. 2 ;
[0028] FIG. 3B is a schematic side view of a package incorporating the broadband semiconductor light source module shown in FIG. 2 ; and
[0029] FIG. 3C is a schematic end view of a package incorporating the broadband semiconductor light source module shown in FIG. 2 .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Overview
[0030] The present invention is based on a novel seeded power-optical-amplifier (SPOA) technology. This technology relies on the amplification of a low-power seed optical spectrum by a long-cavity semiconductor waveguide optimized for power amplification. This SPOA technology results in a high-power (>200 mW) broad-band (˜35 nm) source available from 650 to 1650 nm. To address market needs for sources of lower-power with an extended spectral bandwidth of 100 to 200 nm, the SPOA sources are serially-multiplexed. This approach addresses markets such as optical coherence tomography and spectral-sliced wavelength division multiplexing.
[0031] This novel broadband semiconductor light source provides significant advantages in performance, size, and cost over traditional semiconductor and super-continuum light sources.
[0032] Some of the technical advantages of this novel platform are:
[0033] (i) extended spectral bandwidth (FWHM of 100 to 200 nm);
[0034] (ii) high power (>20 mW);
[0035] (iii) single integrated chip: no spectral “stitching” or external combining is required;
[0036] (iv) smooth spectral shape with low secondary coherence function;
[0037] (v) compact size and low electrical power consumption; and
[0038] (vi) compatible with reliable telcom-qualified packaging techniques.
Serial-Multiplexed Seeded Power-Optical-Amplifier
[0039] A schematic representation of a novel serial-multiplexed, seeded power-optical-amplifier (SM-SPOA) broadband light source die 5 is shown in FIG. 1 .
[0040] The device 5 consists of a curved active waveguide 10 having a plurality of gain, or seed, subsections 12 serially disposed along waveguide 10 . Preferably waveguide 10 is a single mode waveguide, although it may also be a multi-mode waveguide. Each gain, or seed, subsection 12 is adapted to generate amplified spontaneous emission (ASE). The gain profile along the waveguide 10 is engineered to generate ASE across a broad wavelength range (100-200 nm) when electrically biased above transparency. This is accomplished by varying the bandgap of the gain from lower to higher energy along the length of the waveguide in a discrete or continuous fashion using techniques such as semiconductor regrowth or quantum-well intermixing. In one preferred construction, each gain subsection 12 is configured to generate a different ASE profile. In another construction, waveguide 10 may be configured to have a continuous gradation along its length to change the bandgap and thus present what is essentially an infinite number of subsections 12 . The ASE generated from the lower energy segments of the waveguide passes through the higher energy portions with low optical loss (<2 cm−1). An angled waveguide (8-13 degrees) is used at the output of the device, followed by an antireflection coating 15 deposited on the semiconductor facet. This combination is used to reduce feedback (<-50 dB) into the device and thus prevent distortion of the broadband spectral profile from Fabry Perot interference. The output will be highly linearly polarized due to the polarization dependence of the quantum-well gain. A high reflecting coating 17 is preferably placed on the opposite end of the device, e.g., at the end adjacent the low energy end of the waveguide.
Gain Subsections
[0041] The basic principle of device operation is the amplification of a plurality of gain, or seed, spectrums of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) along the length of a semiconductor waveguide containing active regions which are biased above transparency. The manner in which the seed light is generated and shaped (i.e., filtered), the number of gain, or seed, spectrums used, and the optical bandgap and electrical bias of those sections, all may be varied according to the particular design considerations to be addressed. The semiconductor material system used depends to a large extent on the wavelength of the desired application. Among others, material systems such as AlAs, GaAs, InP, GaP, InGaAs, InGaAsP, InAlGaAs, and GaN can be used.
[0042] The die 5 consists of a serial connection of multiple gain subsections 12 formed along the semiconductor waveguide 10 . Nine gain subsections 12 are shown in FIG. 1 ; however, it should be appreciated that this number is merely exemplary and more or less than this number of wavelength gain subsections may be used. The gain profile within each gain subsection 12 is chosen so as to provide ASE in a particular wavelength range. The gain profiles can be defined in each gain subsection 12 by such techniques as epitaxial regrowth or quantum-well intermixing. The quantum-well blocks of these gain subsections are designed to provide a region of high gain with, for example, 3-10 quantum wells.
[0043] A high reflectance mirror 17 is used to capture and redirect the portion of seed light traveling away from the output end of the device. The spectral profile of this mirror 17 is designed to provide the desired nominal ASE spectrum. This high reflectance mirror 17 can be defined through thin film coating of the cleaved semiconductor facet or by incorporating a distributed Bragg reflector along the waveguide. Each wavelength gain subsection 12 has an independent electrical contact to allow dynamic tailoring of the seed light spectrum. The output power of the wavelength gain sections 12 can range from 1 to 20 mW, although it is not limited to this range.
[0044] An angled waveguide 10 is used at the output of the device, followed by an antireflection coating 15 on the semiconductor facet. This combination is used to eliminate feedback into the device and to prevent distortion of the broadband spectral profile from Fabry-Perot interference.
[0045] The output of the device will be highly linearly polarized because of the polarization dependence of the quantum-well gain or, in the case of bulk active region, excess loss of TM over TE mode.
[0046] The spectral shape of the ASE generated by the device can be dynamically varied by changing the electrical bias applied to the various gain sections 12 .
Optoelectronic Packaging
[0047] Looking next at FIG. 2 , the semiconductor die 5 may be soldered to an aluminum nitride carrier 20 and be packaged with its associated optical components so as to form a module 23 . A thin-film tap 25 and photodetector 30 may be included to provide power monitoring functionality. The thin-film tap 25 is preferably also used for spectral shaping. More particularly, the thin-film coating on this optic is preferably designed to not only reflect a small fraction of light (e.g., 1%) to an auxiliary path, but also to refine and further shape the optical spectrum emitted from the semiconductor device. For many applications, features such as spectral ripples must be removed. The thin film coating preferably helps to do this and adjust the spectrum to approach the ideal Gaussian shape. Also, if desired, this optic could be stand-alone as a separate element from the tap and/or dynamically configurable. An optical isolator 35 may be used to eliminate feedback from downstream in the system. A thermoelectric cooler (TEC) (not shown, but preferably provided beneath aluminum nitride carrier 20 ) may be used to maintain the temperature of the entire optical platform. The optical train may be contained in a 14-pin hermetically-sealed butterfly package 40 with a single-mode fiber pigtail 45 .
[0048] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3 C show further details of the optical module 23 is shown in FIG. 3 .
Optical Performance Specifications
[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the broadband source module provides the performance criteria outlined in Table 1 over its life throughout the environmental conditions specified in Table 4. The specifications for the final product, alpha prototypes, and beta units are listed; however, it should be appreciated that this table is provided by way of example only and not by way of limitation.
TABLE 1 Final Parameter Unit Min Typical Max α β Product Output Optical Power mW 10 25 √ √ √ Spectral Bandwidth nm 100 √ √ √ 200 Center Wavelength nm 1290 1300 1310 √ √ √ Secondary Coherence Lobe 3 dB 30 50 √ √ √ Relative Intensity Noise dB/Hz −100 √ √ f < 1 GHz
Mechanical Assembly
[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a broadband source module having the mechanical attributes specified in Table 2 for the final product, alpha prototypes, and beta units; however, it should be appreciated that this table is provided by way of example only and not by way of limitation.
TABLE 2 Final Parameter Unit Value α β Product Fiber Type Type Single-Mode √ √ √ Fiber Connector Type Bare √ √ √ Fiber Pigtail Length m >1 √ √ √ Package Style of Optical Type 14-Pin Butterfly √ √ √ Module Dimensions of Optical mm 42 × 12 × 13 √ √ Module Sealing of Optical Module Type Hennetic √ √
Electrical Specifications
[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the present, a laser source module has the electrical requirements specified in Table 3 for the final product, alpha prototypes, and beta units; however, it should be appreciated that this table is provided by way of example only and not by way of limitation.
TABLE 3 Final Parameter Unit Min Typical Max α β Product SM-SPOA Current V 0 2 2.3 √ √ Driver A 0 0.5 1.5 √ √ TEC Driver V −1.5 1.5 √ √ A −1.5 1.5 √ √ Power Dissipation 4 W 5 √ √ Thermistor kΩ 9.5 10 10.5 √ √ √ Resistance (@ 25° C.) Monitor Photodiode nA 100 √ √ Dark Current (V reverse = 5 V) Signal Power μA/mW 3.8 4 4.2 √ √ Monitor Responsivity (V reverse = 5 V)
Environmental Conditions
[0052] The environmental operating conditions are shown in Table 4; however, it should be appreciated that this table is provided by way of example only and not by way of limitation.
TABLE 4 Final Parameter Unit Value α β Product Operating Temperature ° C. 5 to 45 √ √ Storage Temperature Range ° C. −40 to 75 √ √ Operating Humidity Range % 0 to 90 √ √
Qualification
[0053] The broadband source module has a mean time to failure (MTTF) of greater than 10,000 hours. End of life (EOL) is considered to occur when the specifications of Table 1 can no longer be met. Processes and techniques compatible with Telcordia qualification standards are preferably used to ensure reliable operation. Qualification testing includes: aging, storage, damp-heat, thermal cycling, and mechanical shock/vibration. Other tests may be performed as needed to ensure product quality. | An optical bandwidth source for generating amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) across a selected wavelength range, the optical bandwidth source including a waveguide having a first end and a second end, and comprising a plurality of separate wavelength gain subsections arranged in a serial configuration between the first end and the second end so as to collectively form an active waveguide between the first end and the second end; wherein each of the wavelength gain subsections is configured to produce ASE across a wavelength range which is less than, but contained within, the selected wavelength range, whereby the plurality of separate wavelength gain subsections collectively produce ASE across the selected wavelength range. | 7 |
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/287,956, filed Dec. 18, 2009, which along with all other references concurrently filed are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The field of the invention is modular construction of process facilities, with particular examples given with respect to modular oil sand processing facilities.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Building large-scale processing facilities can be extraordinarily challenging in remote locations, or under adverse conditions. One particular geography that is both remote and suffers from severe adverse conditions includes the land comprising the western provinces of Canada, where several companies are now trying to establish processing plants for removing oil from oil sands.
[0004] Given the difficulties of building a facility entirely on-site, there has been considerable interest in what we shall call 2nd Generation Modular Construction. In that technology, a facility is logically segmented into truckable modules, the modules are constructed in an established industrial area, trucked or airlifted to the plant site, and then coupled together at the plant site. Several 2nd Generation Modular Construction facilities are in place in the tar sands of Alberta, Canada, and they have been proved to provide numerous advantages in terms of speed of deployment, construction work quality, reduction in safety risks, and overall project cost. There is even an example of a Modular Helium Reactor (MHR), described in a paper by Dr. Arkal Shenoy and Dr. Alexander Telengator, General Atomics, 3550 General Atomics Court, San Diego, Calif. 92121.
[0005] 2nd Generation Modular facilities have also been described in the patent literatures, An example of a large capacity oil refinery composed of multiple, self-contained, interconnected, modular refining units is described in WO 03/031012 to Shumway. A generic 2nd Generation Modular facility is described in US20080127662 to Stanfield.
[0006] Unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, Shumway and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein, and in the priority specification and attachments, are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent with or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0007] There are very significant cost savings in using 2nd Generation Modular. It is contemplated, for example, that building of a process module costs US$4 in the field for every US$1 spent building an equivalent module in a construction facility. Nevertheless, despite the many advantages of 2nd Generation Modular, there are still problems. Possibly the most serious problems arise from the ways in which the various modules are inter-connected. In the prior art 2nd Generation Modular units, the fluid, power and control lines between modules are carried by external piperacks. This can be seen clearly in FIGS. 1 and 2 of WO 03/031012. In facilities using multiple, self-contained, substantially identical production units, it is logically simple to operate those units in parallel, and to provide in feed (inflow) and product (outflow) lines along an external piperack. But where small production units are impractical or uneconomical, the use of external piperacks is a hindrance.)
[0008] What is needed is a new modular paradigm, in which the various processes of a plant are segmented in process blocks comprising multiple modules. We refer to such designs and implementations as 3rd Generation Modular Construction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which the various processes of a plant are segmented in process blocks, each comprising multiple modules, wherein at least some of the modules within at least some of the blocks are fluidly and electrically coupled to at least another of the modules using direct-module to-module connections.
[0010] In preferred embodiments, a processing facility is constructed at least in part by coupling together three or more process blocks. Each of at least two of the blocks comprises at least two truckable modules, and more preferably three, four five or even more such modules. Contemplated embodiments can be rather large, and can have four, five, ten or even twenty or more process blocks, which collectively comprise up to a hundred, two hundred, or even a higher number of truckable modules. All manner of industrial processing facilities are contemplated, including nuclear, gas-fired, coal-fired, or other energy producing facilities, chemical plants, and mechanical plants.
[0011] Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints, and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.
[0012] As used herein the term “process block” means a part of a processing facility that has several process systems within a distinct geographical boundary. By way of example, a facility might have process blocks for generation or electricity or steam, for distillation, scrubbing or otherwise separating one material from another, for crushing, grinding, or performing other mechanical operations, for performing chemical reactions with or without the use of catalysts, for cooling, and so forth.
[0013] As used herein the term “truckable module” means a section of a process block that includes multiple pieces of equipment, and has a transportation weight between 20,000 Kg and 200,000 Kg. The concept is that a commercially viable subset of truckable modules would be large enough to practically carry the needed equipment and support structures, but would also be suitable for transportation on commercially used roadways in a relevant geographic area, for a particular time of year. It is contemplated that a typical truckable module for the Western Canada tar sands areas would be between 30,000 Kg and 180,000 Kg, and more preferably between 40,000 Kg and 160,000 Kg. From a dimensions perspective, such modules would typically measure between 15 and 30 meters long, and at least 3 meters high and 3 meters wide, but no more than 35 meters long, 8 meters wide, and 8 meters high.
[0014] Truckable modules may be closed on all sides, and on the top and bottom, but more typically such modules would have at least one open side, and possibly all four open sides, as well as an open top. The open sides allows modules to be positioned adjacent one another at the open sides, thus creating a large open space, comprising 2, 3, 4, 5 or even more modules, through which an engineer could walk from one module to another within a process block.
[0015] A typical truckable module might well include equipment from multiples disciplines, as for example, process and staging equipment, platforms, wiring, instrumentation, and lighting.
[0016] One very significant advantage of 3rd Generation Modular Construction is that process blocks are designed to have only a relatively small number of external couplings. In preferred embodiments, for example, there are at least two process blocks that are fluidly coupled by no more than three, four or five fluid lines, excluding utility lines. It is contemplated, however, that there could be two or more process blocks that are coupled by six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more fluid lines, excluding utility lines. The same is contemplated with respect to power lines, and the same is contemplated with respect to control (i.e. wired communications) lines. In each of these cases, fluid, power, and control lines, it is contemplated that a given line coming into a process block will “fan out” to various modules within the process block. The term “fan out” is not meant in a narrow literal sense, but in a broader sense to include situations where, for example, a given fluid line splits into smaller lines that carry a fluid to different parts of the process block through orthogonal, parallel, and other line orientations.
[0017] Process blocks can be assembled in any suitable manner. It is contemplated, for example, that process blocks can be positioned end-to-end and/or side-to-side and/or above/below one another. Contemplated facilities include those arranged in a matrix of x by y blocks, in which x is at least 2 and y is at least 3. Within each process block, the modules can also be arranged in any suitable manner, although since modules are likely much longer than they are wide, preferred process blocks have 3 or 4 modules arranged in a side-by-side fashion, and abutted at one or both of their collective ends by the sides of one or more other modules. Individual process blocks can certainly have different numbers of modules, and for example a first process block could have five modules, another process block could have two modules, and a third process block could have another two modules. In other embodiments, a first process block could have at least five modules, another process block could have at least another five modules, and a third process block could have at least another five modules.
[0018] In some contemplated embodiments, 3rd Generation Modular Construction facilities are those in which the process blocks collectively include equipment configured to extract oil from oil sands. Facilities are also contemplated in which at least one of the process blocks produces power used by at least another one of the process blocks, and independently wherein at least one of the process blocks produces steam used by at least another one of the process blocks, and independently wherein at least one of the process blocks includes an at least two story cooling tower. It is also contemplated that at least one of the process blocks includes a personnel control area, which is controllably coupled to at least another one of the process blocks using fiber optics. In general, but not necessarily in all cases, the process blocks of a 3rd Generation Modular facility would collectively include at least one of a vessel, a compressor, a heat exchanger, a pump, a filter.
[0019] Although a 3rd Generation Modular facility might have one or more piperacks to inter-connect modules within a process block, it is not necessary to do so. Thus, it is contemplated that a modular building system could comprise A, B, and C modules juxtaposed in a side-to-side fashion, each of the modules having (a) a height greater than 4 meters and a width greater than 4 meters, and (b) at least one open side; and a first fluid line coupling the A and B modules; a second fluid line coupling the B and C modules; and wherein the first and second fluid lines pass do not pass through a common interconnecting piperack.
[0020] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0021] FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing some of the steps involved in 3 rd Generation Construction process.
[0022] FIG. 2 is an example of a 3rd Generation Construction process block showing a first level grid and equipment arrangement.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a simple 3rd Generation Construction “block” layout.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a schematic of three exemplary process blocks (# 1 , # 2 and # 3 ) in an oil separation facility designed for the oil sands region of western Canada.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a schematic of a process block module layout elevation view, in which modules C, B and A are on one level, most likely ground level, with a fourth module D disposed atop module C.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a schematic of an alternative embodiment of a portion of an oil separation facility in which there are again three process blocks (# 1 , # 2 and # 3 ).
[0027] FIG. 7 is a schematic of the oil treating process block # 1 of FIG. 3 , showing the three modules described above, plus two additional modules disposed in a second story.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a schematic of a 3rd Generation Modular facility having four process blocks, each of which has five modules.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] In one aspect of preferred embodiments, the modular building system would further comprise a first command line coupling the A and B modules; a second command line coupling the B and C modules; and wherein the first and second command lines do not pass through the common piperack. In more preferred embodiments, the A, B, and C modules comprise at least, 5, at least 8, at least 12, or at least 15 modules. Preferably, at least two of the A, B and C process blocks are fluidly coupled by no more than five fluid lines, excluding utility lines. In still other preferred embodiments, a D module could be is stacked upon the C module, and a third fluid line could directly couple C and D modules.
[0030] Methods of laying out a 2nd Generation Modular facility are different in many respects from those used for laying out a 3rd Generation Modular facility. Whereas the former generally merely involves dividing up equipment for a given process among various modules, the latter preferably takes place in a five-step process as described below. It is contemplated that while traditional 2nd Generation Modular Construction can prefab about 50-60% of the work of a complex, multi-process facility, 3rd Generation Modular Construction can prefab up to about 90-95% of the work
[0031] Additional information for designing 3rd Generation Modular Construction facilities is included in the 3rd Generation Modular Execution Design Guide, which is included in this application. The Design Guide should be interpreted as exemplary of one or more preferred embodiments, and language indicating specifics (e.g. “shall be” or “must be”) should therefore be viewed merely as suggestive of one or more preferred embodiments. Where the Design Guide refers to confidential software, data or other design tools that are not included in this application, such software, data or other design tools are not deemed to be incorporated by reference. In the event there is a discrepancy between the Design Guide and this specification, the specification shall control.
[0032] FIG. 1 is a flow chart 100 showing steps in production of a 3rd Generation Construction process facility. In general there are three steps, as discussed below.
[0033] Step 101 is to identify the 3rd Generation Construction process facility configuration using process blocks. In this step the process lead typically separates the facilities into process “blocks”. This is best accomplished by developing a process block flow diagram. Each process block contains a distinct set of process systems. A process block will have one or more feed streams and one or more product streams. The process block will process the feed into different products as shown in.
[0034] Step 102 is to allocate a plot space for each 3rd Generation Construction process block. The plot space allocation requires the piping layout specialist to distribute the relevant equipment within each 3rd Generation Construction process block. At this phase of the project, only equipment estimated sizes and weights as provided by process/mechanical need be used to prepare each “block”. A 3rd Generation Construction process block equipment layout requires attention to location to assure effective integration with the piping, electrical and control distribution. In order to provide guidance to the layout specialist the following steps should be followed:
[0035] Step 102 A is to obtain necessary equipment types, sizes and weights. It is important that equipment be sized so that it can fit effectively onto a module. Any equipment that has been sized and which can not fit effectively onto the module envelop needs to be evaluated by the process lead for possible resizing for effective module installation.
[0036] Step 102 B is to establish an overall geometric area for the process block using a combination of transportable module dimensions. A first and second level should be identified using a grid layout where the grid identifies each module boundary within the process block.
[0037] Step 102 C is to allocate space for the electrical and control distribution panels on the first level. FIG. 2 is an example of a 3rd Generation Construction process block first level grid and equipment arrangement. The E&I panels are sized to include the motor control centers and distributed instrument controllers and I/O necessary to energize and control the equipment, instrumentation, lighting and electrical heat tracing within the process block. The module which contains the E&I panels is designated the 3rd Generation primary process block module. Refer to E&I installation details for 3rd Generation module designs.
[0038] Step 102 D is to group the equipment and instruments by primary systems using the process block PFDs.
[0039] Step 102 E is to lay out each grouping of equipment by system onto the process block layout assuring that equipment does not cross module boundaries. The layout should focus on keeping the pumps located on the same module grid and level as the E&I distribution panels. This will assist with keeping the electrical power home run cables together. If it is not practical, the second best layout would be to have the pumps or any other motor close to the module with the E&I distribution panels. In addition, equipment should be spaced to assure effective operability, maintainability and safe access and egress.
[0040] The use of Fluor's Optimeyes™ is an effective tool at this stage of the project to assist with process block layouts.
[0041] Step 103 is to prepare a detailed equipment layout within Process Blocks to produce an integrated 3rd Generation facility. Each process block identified from step 2 is laid out onto a plot space assuring interconnects required between blocks are minimized. The primary interconnects are identified from the Process Flow Block diagram. Traditional interconnecting piperacks are preferably no longer needed or used. Pipeways are integrated into the module. A simple, typical 3rd Generation “block” layout is illustrated in FIG. 3 .
[0042] Step 104 is to develop a 3rd Generation Module Configuration Table and power and control distribution plan, which combines process blocks for the overall facility to eliminate traditional interconnecting piperacks and reduce number of interconnects. A 3rd Generation module configuration table is developed using the above data. Templates can be used, and for example, a 3rd Generation power and control distribution plan can advantageously be prepared using the 3rd Generation power and control distribution architectural template.
[0043] Step 105 is to develop a 3rd Generation Modular Construction plan, which includes fully detailed process block modules on integrated multi-discipline basis. The final step for this phase of a project is to prepare an overall modular 3rd Generation Modular Execution plan, which can be used for setting the baseline to proceed to the next phase. It is contemplated that a 3rd Generation Modular Execution will require a different schedule than traditionally executed modular projects.
[0044] Many of the differences between the traditional 1st Generation and 2nd Generation Modular Construction and the 3rd Generation Modular Construction are set forth in Table 1 below, with references to the 3rd Generation Modular Execution Design Guide, which was filed with the parent provisional application:
[0000]
TABLE 1
Traditional Truckable Modular
Activities
Execution
3 rd Gen Modular Execution
Layout &
Steps are:
Utilize structured work process to
Module
1. Develop Plot Plan using
develop plot layout based on
Definition
equipment dimensions and
development of Process Blocks with
Process Flow Diagrams
fully integrated equipment, piping,
(PFDs). Optimize
electrical and instrumentation/
interconnects between
controls, including the following
equipment.
steps:
2. Develop module boundaries
1. Identify the 3rd Generation
using Plot Plan and Module
process facility configuration
Transportation Envelop.
using process blocks using PFDs.
3. Develop detailed module
2. Allocate plot space for each 3rd
layouts and interconnects
Generation process block.
between modules and stick-
3. Detailed equipment layout within
built portions of facilities
Process Blocks using 3 rd
utilizing a network of
Generation methodology to
piperack/sleeperways and
eliminate traditional
misc. supports.
interconnecting piperack and
4. Route electrical and controls
minimize or reduce interconnects
cabling through
within Process Block modules.
interconnecting racks and misc.
The layout builds up the Process
supports to connect various
Block based on module blocks
loads and instruments with
that conform to the
satellite substation and racks.
transportation envelop.
Note: This results in a combination
4. Combine Process Blocks for
of 1 st generation (piperack) and 2 nd
overall facility to eliminate
generation (piperack with selected
traditional interconnecting
equipment) modules that fit the
piperacks and reduce number of
transportation envelop.
interconnects.
Ref.: Section 1.4 A
5. Develop a 3rd Generation
Modular Construction plan,
which includes fully detailed
process block modules on
integrated multi-discipline basis
Note: This results in an integrated
overall plot layout fully built up
from Module blocks that conform to
the transportation envelop.
Ref.: Section 2.2 thru 2.4
Piperacks/
Modularized piperacks and
Eliminates the traditional
Sleeperways
sleeperways, including cable tray
modularized piperacks and
for field installation of
sleeperways. Interconnects are
interconnects and home-run
integrated into Process Block
cables.
modules for shop installation.
Ref.: Section 2.5
Ref.: Section 2.2
Buildings
Multiple standalone pre-
Buildings are integrated into Process
engineered and stick built
Block modules.
buildings based on discrete
Ref: Section 3.3D
equipment housing.
Power
Centralized switchgear and
Decentralized MCC &
Distribution
MCC at main and satellite
switchgear integrated into
Architecture
substations.
Process Blocks located in
Individual home run feeders
Primary Process Block module.
run from satellite substations to
Feeders to loads are directly
drivers and loads via
from decentralized MCCs and
interconnecting piperacks.
switchgears located in the
Power cabling installed and
Process Block without the need
terminated at site.
for interconnecting piperack.
Power distribution cabling is
installed and terminated in
module shop for Process Block
interconnects with pre-
terminated cable connectors, or
coiled at module boundary for
site interconnection of cross
module feeders to loads within
Process Blocks using pre-
terminated cable connectors.
Ref.: Section 3.3E
Instrument
Control cabinets are either
Control cabinets are
and control
centralized in satellite
decentralized and integrated into
systems
substations or randomly
the Primary Process Block
distributed throughout process
module.
facility.
Close coupling of instruments to
Instrument locations are fallout
locate all instruments for a
of piping and mechanical
system on a single Process Block
layout.
module to maximum extent
Vast majority of instrument
practical.
cabling and termination is done
Instrumentation cabling installed
in field for multiple cross
and terminated in module shop.
module boundaries and stick-
Process Block module
built portions via cable tray or
interconnects utilize pre-installed
misc. supports installed on
cabling pre-coiled at module
interconnecting piperacks.
boundary for site connection
using pre-terminated cable
connectors.
Ref.: Section 3.3F
[0045] FIG. 4 is a schematic of three exemplary process blocks (# 1 , # 2 and # 3 ) in an oil separation facility designed for the oil sands region of western Canada. Here, process block # 1 has two modules (# 1 and # 2 ), process block # 2 has two modules (# 3 and # 4 ), and process block # 3 has only one module (# 5 ). The dotted lines between modules indicate open sides of adjacent modules, whereas the solid lines around the modules indicate walls. The arrows show fluid and electrical couplings between modules. Thus, Drawing 1 shows only two one electrical line connection and one fluid line connection between modules # 1 and # 2 . Similarly, Drawing 1 shows no electrical line connections between process blocks # 1 and 2 , and only a single fluid line connection between those process blocks.
[0046] FIG. 5 is a schematic of a process block module layout elevation view, in which modules C, B and A are on one level, most likely ground level, with a fourth module D disposed atop module C. Although only two fluid couplings are shown, the Drawing should be understood to potentially include one or more additional fluid couplings, and one or more electrical and control couplings.
[0047] FIG. 6 is a schematic of an alternative embodiment of a portion of an oil separation facility in which there are again three process blocks (# 1 , # 2 and # 3 ). But here, process block # 1 has three modules (# 1 , # 2 , and # 3 ), process block # 2 has two modules (# 1 and # 2 ), and process block # 3 has two additional modules (# 1 and # 2 ).
[0048] FIG. 7 is a schematic of the oil treating process block # 1 of FIG. 3 , showing the three modules described above, plus two additional modules disposed in a second story.
[0049] FIG. 8 is a schematic of a 3rd Generation Modular facility having four process blocks, each of which has five modules. Although dimensions are not shown, each of the modules should be interpreted as having (a) a length of at least 15 meters, (b) a height greater than 4 meters, (c) a width greater than 4 meters, and (d) having open sides and/or ends where the modules within a given process block are positioned adjacent one another. In this particular example, the first and second process blocks are fluidly coupled by no more four fluid lines, excluding utility lines, four electrical lines, and two control lines. The first and third process blocks are connected by six fluid lines, excluding utility lines, and by one electrical and one control line.
[0050] Also in FIG. 8 , a primary electrical supply from process block 1 fans out to four of the five modules of process block 3 , and a control line from process block 1 fans out to all five of the modules of process block 3 .
[0051] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. | The various processes of a plant are segmented into separate process blocks that are connected to one another using fluid conduits or electrical connections. Each process block is specialized to perform specific tasks in an assembly line manner to achieve an overall goal. For example, multiple distillation process blocks could be daisy-chained to create fuel from crude oil. Each process block is generally small enough to be mounted on a truck or a flatbed for easy transport, allowing for an assembly line of process blocks to be transported anywhere in the world with ease. | 4 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to an improved coating apparatus for applying a coating to various shaped substrates and for the purposes of illustration, particularly a non-continuous coating to various shaped substrates, ore specifically, slender elongated articles of manufacture of substantially cylindrical in cross-section, for example, pens, wherein the non-continuous coating may be any mark, design, character or the like.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Screen printing machines including cylindrical printing stencils are known in the prior art as evidenced by U.S. Pat. No. 3,785,284 for printing on continuous webs, U.S. Pat. No. 3,665,851 for printing on curvilinearly shaped articles, e.g. drinking cups, flower pots, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,903,792.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a printing machine including at least one rotatable coating drum having a hollow interior adapted to contain a coating material, more specifically an ink composition, and a formainous pattern screen, for example a slik screen, associated with the interior or exterior surface of the drum for applying a non-continuous coating to substrates of various shapes. The machine includes a method to convey by intermittent conveyor means or continuous means constructed to convey a plurality of individual spaced substrates to a position adjacent to the coating drum and an elevating device may be used. The elevating device may be constructed for intermittently removing an individual substrate from the conveyor means and positioning the substrate into tangential contact with the peripheral surface of the drum whereby rotation of the drum produces a coating on the surface of the substrate. The conveyor means is optional as an operator may manually position a substrate on the elevating device.
It is an object of the invention to construct a machine capable of functioning safely at high mass production rates for applying a coating on the outer surface of substrates at a rate of at least 100 substrates per minute.
It is a further object of the invention to construct a machine so designed for easily manually or automatically receiving individual substrates without affecting the continuous operation of the machine.
It is a still further object of the invention to design a coating machine intermittant in operation thereby facilitating manual inspection of each of the coated substrates for facilitating discarding of imperfectly coated substrates.
It is an additional object of the invention to fabricate a machine capable of coating a plurality of individual products at a selected position of the outer surface thereof.
It is a still further object of the invention to fabricate a coating drum for applying non-uniform coatings to a substrate.
It is a still additional object of the invention to fabricate a novel printing screen for use with a rotary drum.
In accordance with these and other objects which will be apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the cylindrical drum of the printer.
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the screen.
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional side view of the cylindrical drum.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the cylindrical drum of the printer and converyor.
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the wiper arm for the cylindrical drum.
FIG. 6 is a side view of the wiper arm for the cylindrical drum.
FIG. 7 is a front view of the cylindrical drum of the printer and conveyor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Conveyor
With reference to the several views of the drawing, there is depicted a rotary screen printing machine including a pair of spaced linked chain conveyors 10, each having individual triangular elements 12 secured to rods connecting each link 25 of the chain. Each triangular element 12 is contiguous to each other thereby forming saw teeth in appearance, the valleys thereof adapted to receive individual substrates either manually or mechanically placed therein. The conveyor links are rotatably supported or mounted on tracks 30. On the opposed sides of the conveyors are guide rails 35, 40 engageable with the opposite ends of the substrates for maintianing the objects in a predetermined position thereby resulting in printing of each substrate substantially or exactly on the same surface area of each object.
Cylindrical Stencil
Positioned above the conveyor, described above, is a cylindrical hollow printing drum 45 having an opening 46 for accomodating a pattern screen and having a closed face 50 end removably secured to rotatable drive means 55 for effecting rotary movement of the drum. The opposite face 60 is open, as illustrated, and includes a cylindrical flange 65 for retaining ink in the interior of the drum. The interior of the drum includes an internal screen resilient wiper blade 70 of, for example, rubber or similar material, secured to a thin flexible steel member of approximately 0.015" thick. The blade 70 can easily be adjusted in various critical angular positions relative to the inner periphery of the rotary drum, more specifically at 90', 135' and 225' to an imaginary horizontal line tangent to the periphery of the drum. The means effecting the different angular positions is generally indicated by reference numeral 74 which means 74 includes a shaft 75 on which the wiper blade is secured. Shaft 75 is mounted on L-shaped bracket 80 secured to member 85. Member 85 is adjustably mounted on a lock-screw manually movable by hand knob 95. This construction permits raising or lowering of the wiper blade and for adjusting the angular position of the squeegee and the numerical pressure of the end of the wiper blade on the internal peripheral surface of the rotary drum. The adjusted values can be read from a dial gauge (not shown). Wiper blade 70 may be adjustably rotated on shaft 75 to compensate for wearing due to occasionally sharpening of the end of the wiper by, for example, a sander, which shortens the length thereof. Eventually, however, the blade can be replaced as it is removably mounted on shaft 75 and on the steel member.
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrates a further embodiment for mounting shaft 75 by utilizing a clamp, generally indicated by reference numeral 174, in lieu of using fixed bracket 80. Clamp 174 includes a pair of members 174, 176, movable relative to each other, element 175 being pivotally mounted to aforementioned member 85 at 177 and element 176 also being fixed permanently to member 85. Pivoted element 175 includes an internally threaded aperture 178 threadedly receiving and externally threaded rod 179 having a handle 180 at one end, the opposite end thereof being engagable with a recess 181 in member 176 which prevents lateral movement of the rod 179 of member 176 includes a second recess 182 accommodating shaft 75. Rotation of rod 179 affects movement of member 175 relative to member 176 to engage and clamp shaft 75 thereby maintaining shaft 75 in its operative position.
Print drum 45 is removably mounted in the manner of a cantilevar on drive shaft 55 via keyway 57 for rapid interchange of various drums including different colored compositions as well as permitting cleaning thereof. The position of the print drum can be adjusted in its relationship to a substrate by a pair of elevating screws 46 (only one being illustrated) which includes a lock nut 47 and a screw clamp 48 functional connected to the frame supporting the print drum.
Illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, is a detailed view of a printing screen generally indicated by numeral 300 for association with rotary drum 45. The printing screen comprises a flexible laminate including a thin flexible plastic gasket 302 and a printing screen 304 attached thereto by glue or tape. Gasket 302 is about 1/16" thick and could contain a plurality of magnetic particles distributed throughout the plastic for connection purposes instead of tape and clamp and further has an opening 306 of about the same dimensions as opening 46 in drum 45. Printing screen 304 is formed by conventional photographic emulsion techniques with use of high energy radiation, e.g. ion beam. This technique permits fabrication of an extremely thin printing laminate which facilitates passage of coating material through the individual foramen of the screen with formation of distinct non-continuous coatings on a substrate without smearing of the coatings. The laminate can thus be magnetically maintained on the periphery of the drum. Clamping of the silk screen to the drum is accomplished by a resilient flexible band 90 encircling the drum which includes an opening 46 of dimensions about that of the silk screen. Band 93 includes complementary engageable means 98 similar in construction to a hose clamp, for connecting the opposite ends of the band for fixedly securing the band to the drum.
The relationship of the size screen and rotational speed of the drum for applying coatings of various thicknesses is set forth in the Table below:
______________________________________Screen No. Speed R.P.M. Coating Thickness______________________________________390 100 light335 100 medium245 100 heavy240 130 heavy______________________________________
Elevator
The object to be printed is lifted in position by an elevating mechanism generally designated by numeral 100 and illustrated in detail in FIG. 7. The elevating mechanism includes a camshaft 105 having fixed thereto an elevating cam 110 secured thereto by a conventional means, e.g. a set screw, the cam being of conventional design. A cam follower 115 engages the peripheral surface of the cam and is freely mounted for rotation on shaft 120 thereby enabling raising and lowering of said shaft. A substrate fixture 125 is mounted at the upper end of shaft 120 and is positioned between the pair of link chain conveyors. The fixture 125 includes a T-shaped member 130 rockably supported to the upper end of shaft 120 by a pivot pin 135. Secured to member 130 are a pair of L-shaped brackets 140 via bolts or like fastening means 145 to each of which are mounted a pair of spaced rollers 150 freely mounted on a pair of shafts secured to bracket 140. The spacing between the rollers is of a distance sufficient to support a substate therebetween.
Another embodiment of the elevating mechanism is shown in Figure and includes a pair of rollers 150', similar to rollers 150, mounted in a support 152' biased by tension spring 154' into contact with the rotary drum. The tension of the spring may be adjusted by an adjusting feature.
Mounted laterally of shaft 120 is a member 155 secured to the shaft via bolt and bracket 160. Member 155 includes an opening for receiving shaft 165 including a resilient cushioning element 170. A magnet 170 is mounted on a support 175 fixed to end of shaft 165, the magnet functioning to rotate a non-magnetic substrate by the magnetic attraction of a piece of metal mounted on the non-magnetic substrate. The elements 120-175 constitute a substrate outboard support. The side of support 175 includes adding support means 180 for the depressible part of the substrate which is of known construction.
The lower end of shaft 120 includes means generally indicated by numeral 200 for adjusting the operating position of rollers 150, the means 200 comprises pivot rod 205 pivotally mounted to member 130 via pivot pin 210 which is adjusted by adjusting knob 220 which is locked in position by lock screw 225. Also, secured to shaft 120 are means 230, 235 retaining a spring 240 functioning to return shaft 120 to its inoperative position when cam follower 115 returns to the dwell position of cam 110. Element 235 includes a shock absorbing washer 240.
Drive Mechanism
The drive means for synchonous movement of conveyor 10, print drum 45, elevator mechanism 100 is generally indicated by reference numeral 200 which includes drive shaft 210. Fixed to shaft 210 is a limit siwtch cam 220 which is cyclically engaged by limit switch 230. A D.C. motor is used to furnish the power through a speed reducer and torque limits. This gives an indefinite speed from 0 to 100 pens per minute.
Operation of Machine
Subtrates, more specifically pens, are placed on conveyor 10, and are moved to position A at which time the substrate is lifted by the elevating mechanism 100 into engagement with a continuously rotating printing drum 45 which may be adjusted to attain the optimum radial position of thereof. The wiper blade may be positioned that one corner of the blade is tangent to the pen in its print position in order to obtain the optimum quality of printing on the substrate.
It will be apparent that various modifications may be made to the specific structural embodiments discussed above without departing from the scope of the invention.
It should be noted that the object receiving the print or surface can be circular as shown or flat or conical or other shapes. Further the drum may be cylindrical as shown or may be conical or oval or any other such shape.
The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. | A screen printing drum and machine including said drum for applying a coating to various shaped substrates, more particularly, slender-like substrates, more particularly writing implements. | 1 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to improvements in tow bars for product conveyor systems and, in particular, to a shock-absorbing tow bar for coupling a load-supporting carrier to a powered component of the movable conveyor.
Industrial conveyor systems, including those of the power and free type disclosed herein, typically utilize tow bars between the powered component of the moving conveyor and one or more trailing, load-supporting carriers. Referring particularly to power and free conveyor systems, the powered component is the accumulating trolley on the free track and, when driven, is engaged by a pusher dog projecting from the conveyor chain on the power track. The accumulating trolley is the lead trolley and is connected to a trailing load trolley (or trollies) with a tow bar. Due to the rigidity of the trolley train and carrier assembly, the impact of a pusher dog engaging the accumulating trolley, or the impact of the accumulating trolley striking a stop, is imparted directly to the carrier under tow and may cause the load to shift, damage to the product, or excessive fatigue and wear on the components of the conveyor system.
To alleviate this excessive shock loading, a shock-absorbing link between the driven and towed components of industrial conveyor systems is highly desirable in order to provide a means of controlling the rapid acceleration and deceleration inherent in normal operation of the systems. One such device is an air-type shock absorber utilizing a piston that operates in a pneumatic chamber, an orifice through the piston permitting movement thereof only at a controlled rate. Also, similar devices have been employed of the hydraulic type and have the advantage of improved control due to the incompressibility of hydraulic fluid. An example of the air-type shock absorber is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,720,172 to Clarence A. Dehne, issued Mar. 13, 1973.
Furthermore, as the hydraulic-type shock absorber is subject to eventual leakage problems which render it totally inoperable and can cause contamination of the plant area occupied by the conveyor, a shock absorber utilizing metallic balls has been employed in an attempt to avoid the disadvantages of air and hydraulic-type shock absorbers. Such a metallic ball device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,027,715 to Archie S. Moore et al, issued Jul. 2, 1991 where particulate damping material such as a quantity of ball bearings is positioned in a damping chamber. Acceleration and deceleration cause the bearings to be drawn past a piston through an annular space between the piston and the surrounding wall of the damping chamber. As the bearings become crowded on one side of the piston or the other, the resistance to movement increases. A disadvantage, however, is that over a period of time the piston abrades the surfaces of the balls and can cause them to fracture, thus their ability to roll lessens and the shock absorbing ability is degraded.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, the primary object of the present invention to provide a tow bar for a product conveyor which controls acceleration and deceleration and absorbs the shock that would otherwise be applied to the conveyor and the product, but accomplishes these results without the use of hydraulic fluid or parts requiring close machining tolerances.
As a corollary to the foregoing object, it is an important aim of this invention to provide a tow bar in which only two parts undergo relative movement, i.e., a plunger that encounters resistance to movement due to contact with a stationary resilient material.
Another important object is to provide a tow bar as aforesaid that employs a resilient material defining a passageway in which the plunger moves, wherein the plunger has a head that is oversized with respect to the passageway to create an interference fit and thus compresses and displaces the resilient material in order to move relative to the passageway in response to impact caused by rapid acceleration or deceleration.
Still another important object is to provide such a tow bar in which a sleeve of resilient material and a plunger head within the sleeve provide resistance to sudden and rapid relative movement of the two components.
Yet another important object of this invention is to provide such a tow bar having the aforesaid sleeve and plunger components in which the head of the plunger compresses and displaces the resilient material at a zone of contact therewith, the head shifting the zone of contact and compressing and displacing the material in response to relative movement of the plunger and resilient sleeve under an impact that is communicated to the tow bar.
Yet another important object of the invention is to provide a tow bar construction of this type having an outer, protective sleeve which shields the movable plunger against contaminants and enhances the structural integrity of the tow bar assembly.
Other objects will become apparent as the detailed description proceeds.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of an inverted power and free conveyor system showing a carrier joined to a powered trolley by the tow bar of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the tow bar alone.
FIG. 3 is a view of the tow bar of FIG. 2 with parts broken away to reveal major components and details of construction.
FIG. 4 is a detail of the plunger and associated components in longitudinal cross-section located within the middle broken line circle in FIG. 3, and on an enlarged scale as compared with FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the components seen in FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is an enlargement of the portion of FIG. 3 within the left broken line circle, with certain parts exploded for clarity.
FIG. 7 is a detail in longitudinal cross-section of the dampener tube showing successive positions of the plunger head in broken lines.
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 7 but shows the plunger head and the deformation of the resilient sleeve material at a zone of contact with the head.
FIG. 9 is an enlargement of the portion of FIG. 3 within the right broken line circle.
FIG. 10 is a transverse, cross-sectional view taken along line 10--10 of FIG. 6.
FIG. 11 is an end view of an end washer on the plunger rod within the protective sleeve.
FIG. 12 is an end view of a washer in the dampener tube seen in FIGS. 7 and 8.
FIG. 13 is a detail of the end cap at the right end of the dampener tube taken along line 13--13 of FIG. 4 and looking in the direction of the arrows.
FIG. 14 is a left end view of the plastic bushing on the plunger rod taken along line 13--13 of FIG. 4 and looking in the direction of the arrows.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of an inverted power and free conveyor system having the usual power track 20 disposed below and extending in parallelism with the free track 22. The tracks are rigidly interconnected by longitudinally spaced yoke plates 24 secured to a floor or other horizontal surface at spaced locations 26 along the span of the system. Typically, each of the tracks 20 and 22 is formed by a pair of spaced, opposed channel members within which the trolley rollers ride.
The trolley train shown in FIG. 1 has a leading (accumulating) trolley 28 to which a carrier 30 is connected by a tow bar 32. The carrier 30 includes a platform 34 which bears a product under assembly on a production line, such as an automobile illustrated at 36. The platform 34 is supported by a front pedestal 38 borne by an intermediate load trolley 40, and a rear pedestal 42 carried by a trailing load trolley 44. During movement, the leading trolley 28 is powered by a conveyor chain 46 on spaced power trollies which ride in the power track 20. As is conventional, the conveyor chain 46 is provided with spaced, upwardly projecting pusher dogs 48, each engageable with a driving dog 50 depending from the lead trolley 28 of each train and spaced forwardly from a holdback dog 52. One of the pusher dogs is designated 48a for clarity and is shown in engagement with the driving dog 50 of trolley 28 of the train illustrated in FIG. 1. The front and rear ends of the tow bar 32 are connected to the leading trolley 28 and the intermediate trolley 40 by clevis and pin connections 54 and 56 respectively.
The tow bar 32 of the present invention is shown in detail in FIGS. 2-14. Major components of the tow bar 32 are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and comprise a cylindrical dampener tube 60, a plunger generally denoted 62 (FIG. 3), a protective sleeve 64 secured to the plunger rod 66, and a tubular link 68 extending coaxially from the right end of sleeve 64. A lug 70 projecting from the left end of dampener tube 60 (as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 3) presents the front end of the tow bar 32 that is attached to the leading trolley 28 at connection 54 (FIG. 1). Similarly, a lug 72 projecting from the outer end of link 68 presents the rear end of tow bar 32 that is connected to the intermediate trolley 40 at 56.
Referring also to FIGS. 4-8, it may be appreciated that the plunger 62 has a generally spherical head 74 on a threaded shank 76 (FIGS. 4 and 5) which secures the head 74 to the plunger rod 66. As is particularly clear in FIGS. 4 and 5, a number of parts fit over the plunger rod 66 including a metal washer 78, an annular compression block 80 preferably composed of SHORE A50 urethane, a plastic bushing 82 having a frusto-conical portion 84, an end cap 86 which fits over the right end of dampener tube 60 (FIG. 6), and an end washer 88.
The dampener tube 60 has a sleeve 90 of resilient material therein as best seen in FIGS. 6-8, the sleeve 90 being of uniform, normal wall thickness and terminating at its right end at the washer 78, the latter and compression block 80 being received within the right end of tube 60. A similar solid compression block 92 is fitted into tube 60 at the left end thereof and abuts sleeve 90. FIG. 7 shows the uncompressed radial thickness and uniform inside diameter of the sleeve 90 absent the presence of the plunger head 74 to be discussed. The material forming sleeve 90 may comprise a urethane having a SHORE rating in the range of from A80 to A90 or other material with similar elasticity. The urethane material is highly elastic, tear resistant and has no memory.
FIGS. 6 and 8 show the head 74 received within the cylindrical longitudinal passage 94 presented by the resilient sleeve 90. The broken line illustrations of head 74 in FIG. 7 indicate that head 74 and dampener tube 60 are movable relative to each other longitudinally (axially) of tube 60, such movement occurring in response to rapid acceleration or deceleration of the conveyor as will be discussed in detail below. It should be understood that the resilient sleeve 90 is molded in place within the dampener tube 60 and that, therefore, the complimentary, cylindrical internal and peripheral surfaces of tube 60 and sleeve 90 are bonded together. Accordingly, sleeve 90 is stationary with respect to dampener tube 60. The plunger head 74 in FIGS. 6 and 8 is shown at nearly the right hand limit of its movement relative to tube 60 in passage 94.
Assembly of the plunger 62 and the dampener sleeve 60 may be appreciated from viewing FIGS. 3-6 collectively. An end cap 96 is fitted over the left end of tube 60 and is held by four tie rods 98 and associated nuts 100, two of the tie rods 98 being visible in FIGS. 3 and 6. The tie rods 98 extend through holes 102 in end cap 96 (FIG. 10) and through corresponding notches 103 in end cap 86 (FIG. 13). Furthermore, the tie rods 98 extend through apertures 104 and 106 in bushing 82 and end washer 88 respectively (FIGS. 11 and 14). The nuts 100 on the threaded ends of the four tie rods 98 are tightened against end cap 96 and end washer 88 to clamp the assembled parts together, except for plunger rod 66 which remains free to move longitudinally with respect to the dampener tube 60.
A spacer disk 108 is affixed to the outer end of the plunger rod 66, which is the right end thereof as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 4. A disk 110 of the same diameter is disposed in coaxial relationship with plunger rod 66 and disk 108 and is spaced therefrom as shown in FIGS. 3 and 9. The protective sleeve 64 is telescoped over these parts and is secured to the spaced disks 108 and 110 by screws or other suitable fasteners 112. The protective sleeve 64 spans the disks 108 and 110 and extends forwardly (to the left in FIG. 3) to its front end 114 which is just behind the plunger head 74. The sleeve 64, therefore, moves with the plunger 62 and is in sliding contact with the outer surface of bushing 82. When the tow bar 32 is extended fully as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sleeve 64 and supporting bushing 62 provide an external support for the device as well as providing a protective cover to keep the plunger rod 66 free of contaminants. With particular reference to FIGS. 4 and 14, it should also be noted that the plunger rod 66 is supported in a guide provided by the cylindrical internal surface of bushing 82 and its frusto-conical projection 84.
Extension of the tow bar 32 to the necessary length to reach from the leading trolley 28 to the intermediate trolley 40 in FIG. 1 is accomplished by the tubular link 68 which may be cut to a length that is appropriate. The forward end of link 68 is secured to the disk 110 (FIG. 9) which is held by the sleeve 64 and, additionally, by a pair of angle members 116 interposed between the disks 108 and 110.
Operation
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the diameter of the plunger head 74 is greater than the inside diameter of the passage 94 and thus an interference fit is created. This causes the head 74 to compress sleeve 90 at an annular zone of contact 118 surrounding the ball-like head 74. As the material of sleeve 90 is compressed by head 74, it is also displaced as indicated by the longitudinally spaced, radially inwardly projecting annular ridges 120 formed by the displaced material. When the head 74 is caused to move relative to the passage 94 as indicated by the broken lines in FIGS. 7 and 8 in response to rapid acceleration or deceleration of the conveyor, the zone of contact 118 shifts with the head to create resistance to its movement. For relative movement to occur, the material of sleeve 90 must be progressively compressed and displaced at the moving zone of contact 118. The leading and following ridges 120 further add to the resistance encountered. An effective shock-absorbing action is thereby provided, and the ridges of displaced material 120 serve to stop the head 74 and hold it at the position to which it shifts in response to an applied impact.
The dampener tube 60 is protected against damage in the event of an over-travel situation by the end stops presented by resilient blocks 80 and 92. The full lines in FIG. 8 are an example of over travel to the right as the base of the plunger 62 is in contact with washer 78, the latter being interposed between plunger 62 and the compression block 80. Any further movement of head 74 to the right would result in compression of the urethane material of block 80. Likewise, extreme travel to the left end of dampener tube 60 (as viewed in FIGS. 6-8) would be absorbed by the end stop provided by urethane block 92.
In summary, relative movement of plunger head 74 in the resilient sleeve 90 requires that the resistance presented by the zone of contact 118 be overcome, and thus energy is absorbed in the course of moving the head 74 from an initial to a final, rest position. This absorption of the energy of impact isolates the carrier 30 in FIG. 1 from sudden, high forces that would otherwise be applied to the carrier by rapid acceleration or deceleration. It should be appreciated that rapid acceleration occurs when a pusher dog such as 48a engages driving dog 50, and that rapid (nearly instantaneous) deceleration occurs when the leading trolley 28 accumulates behind another trolley train or strikes a stop. Accumulation is illustrated at the left end of FIG. 1 where it may be seen that leading trolley 28' of the next train has engaged the trailing load trolley 44. Without the shock-absorbing action of the tow bar 32', this accumulation function would cause a high shock loading to be transmitted to the conveyor components, the product carrier and the product itself. | The trailing, load supporting component of a product conveyor is connected to a powered, leading component by a shock absorbing tow bar that employs a dampener tube in which a plunger moves against the resistance of a sleeve of resilient material. The head of the plunger is oversized with respect to a passageway defined by the sleeve and thus is forced to compress and displace the resilient material in order to move relative to the passageway in response to an impact caused by rapid acceleration or deceleration of the conveyor. Compression and displacement of the material occurs at a zone of contact of the head with the material, the head shifting the zone of contact and compressing and displacing the material in response to the impact communicated to the tow bar. A protective sleeve shields an exposed plunger rod from contaminants and enhances the structural integrity of the assembly. | 5 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the fluidized catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons. More specifically this invention relates to external catalyst coolers for the cooling of catalyst in FCC regenerators.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The fluid catalyst cracking process (hereinafter FCC) has been extensively relied upon for the conversion of starting materials, such as vacuum gas oils, and other relatively heavy oils, into lighter and more valuable products. FCC involves the contact in a reaction zone of the starting material, whether it be vacuum gas oil or another oil, with a finely divided, or particulated, solid, catalytic material which behaves as a fluid when mixed with a gas or vapor. This material possesses the ability to catalyze the cracking reaction, and in so acting it is surface-deposited with coke, a by-product of the cracking reaction. Coke is comprised of hydrogen, carbon and other material such as sulfur, and it interferes with the catalytic activity of FCC catalysts. Facilities for the removal of coke from FCC catalyst, so-called regeneration facilities or regenerators, are ordinarily provided within an FCC unit. Coke-contaminated catalyst enters the regenerator and is contacted with an oxygen containing gas at conditions such that the coke is oxidized and a considerable amount of heat is released. A portion of this heat escapes the regenerator with the flue gas, comprised of excess regeneration gas and the gaseous products of coke oxidation. The balance of the heat leaves the regenerator with the regenerated, or relatively coke free, catalyst. The high heat evolved in the regeneration process creates high temperatures in the regenerator. In order to withstand the high temperatures the large regeneration vessel has an internal concrete-like refractory lining that insulates the metal shell from the high regenerator temperatures and erosion of the abrasive catalyst.
The fluidized catalyst is continuously circulated from the reaction zone to the regeneration zone and then again to the reaction zone. The fluid catalyst, as well as providing catalytic action, acts as a vehicle for the transfer of heat from zone to zone. Catalyst exiting the reaction zone is spoken of as being "spent", that is partially deactivated by the deposition of coke upon the catalyst. Catalyst from which coke has been substantially removed is spoken of as "regenerated catalyst".
The rate of conversion of the feedstock within the reaction zone is controlled by regulation of the temperature, activity of catalyst and quantity of catalyst (i.e. catalyst to oil ratio) therein. The most common method of regulating the reaction temperature is by regulating the rate of circulation of catalyst from the regeneration zone to the reaction zone which simultaneously increases the catalyst/oil ratio. That is to say, if it is desired to increase the conversion rate, an increase in the rate of flow of circulating fluid catalyst from the regenerator to the reactor is effected. Inasmuch as the temperature within the regeneration zone under normal operations is considerably higher than the temperature within the reaction zone, this increase in influx of catalyst from the hotter regeneration zone to the cooler reaction zone effects an increase in reaction zone temperature.
An increasing number of FCC units use an external catalyst cooler to provide additional flexibility in operation. The term external catalyst cooler generally refers to a shell and tube heat exchanger that circulates catalyst from the regenerator on the shell side of the exchanger and saturated steam or water on the tube side of the exchanger. Indirect heat exchange with the steam or water cools the catalyst that circulates through the cooler and provides a source of relatively lower temperature catalyst for recirculation to the regenerator or return to the FCC reaction zone. By lowering the temperature of the catalyst, independent of the coke combustion, the cooler allows the FCC unit to fully combust coke without excessive temperatures when processing heavier feedstocks that produce more coke or to control the catalyst circulation rate independent of the riser temperature.
Locating the heat exchanger tubes outside of the regenerator in an external cooler permits isolation from a majority of the catalyst inventory in the event of a tube rupture or other operational problems. The external location of the cooler relative to the regenerator requires a circulation of catalyst between the cooler and the regenerator. Normally the circulating catalyst enters or exits the cooler from the a large open volume of the regenerator. Air nozzles or aeration piping keep the catalyst in a fluidized state so that it can circulate through the cooler. The cooler can operate in a flow through mode where hot catalyst enters one end of the cooler and leaves through from an opposite end of the cooler or in a backmix mode where the catalyst enters and leaves through the opening without any net flow. Aeration is particularly important in the backmix mode where a high degree of turbulence is needed to obtain the necessary interchange of catalyst through the cooler.
In some cases the aeration air has caused failure of the catalyst coolers by the rupture of the heat exchange tubes. It has now been found that the passage or accumulation of debris in the catalyst cooler led to the failure of the heat exchange tubes. Along with the fine particles of FCC catalyst that flow through an FCC unit, a small amount of debris also moves through the FCC unit. This debris normally consists of pieces of spalled or broken refractory lining from the inside of the vessel or agglomerated masses of the fine catalyst particles. This debris seldom causes any problem in most FCC units, but passes downwardly through the vessels and piping and accumulates in inactive areas of the unit for removal during normal maintenance. However, it was discovered that when such debris enters the catalyst cooler it can disrupt the airflow from the aeration nozzles or air distribution pipes. Surprisingly this disruption of air flow from accumulated debris has been found to cause tube failures at locations remote from the debris and the aeration nozzle outlets.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly this invention is a screen arrangement for an FCC catalyst cooler that will restrict the entry of debris that has been found to be one source of tube wall failures. The screen arrangement of this invention is located at the inlet of the cooler and has an arrangement that does not interfere with the free flow of catalyst and aeration air through the cooler. A variety of screen arrangements can be used in accordance with this to maintain a free flow of catalyst through a variety of cooler inlet openings.
In its most general form this arrangement improves an FCC regenerator having a catalyst cooler comprising a shell and tube heat exchanger located external to an FCC regenerator vessel, a regenerator outlet opening defined by the wall of the regenerator vessel for transferring catalyst from the regenerator to the catalyst cooler, a cooler inlet opening defined by the shell of the cooler for receiving catalyst from the regenerator outlet opening, means for contacting catalyst in the cooler with a fluidizing gas, and a fluidizing gas outlet opening defined by the means for contacting and located below the cooler inlet opening. The arrangement is improved by providing means for screening objects having any dimension greater than at least 1/2 inch that is fixed about the regenerator outlet opening and has an arrangement that diverts screened objects away from the means for screening without blocking catalyst flow into the regenerator outlet opening.
External coolers have a variety of locations on the regenerator vessel. Regardless of location good cooler operation requires an unobstructed flow of catalyst into and out of the cooler. The arrangement of this invention can be used in most external cooler arrangement without interfering with the flow of catalyst into the cooler. Since it has been found that only relatively large objects will interfere with the passage of fluidizing gas into the cooler, the screen material can provide large openings that offer minimal occlusion of the opening to catalyst flow. Moreover, particular orientations of the regenerator outlet opening will permit reduced screen usage. Differing cooler locations will dictate the orientation of the regenerator outlet opening. When the plane of the opening is inclined to the vertical, the screen material will usually cover the entire opening. However, when the plane of the regenerator outlet opening lies in a principally horizontal or vertical plane, a section of screen material that only partially covers the opening will block large objects from entering the cooler.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows an FCC regenerator with an external catalyst cooler and an inclined regenerator outlet opening.
FIG. 2 is a section of FIG. 1 taken along line 2--2.
FIG. 3 is a section of FIG. 1 taken along line 3--3.
FIG. 4 shows an FCC regenerator with an external catalyst cooler and a vertically oriented regenerator outlet opening.
FIG. 5 is a section of FIG. 4 taken along line 5--5.
FIG. 6 shows an FCC regenerator with an external catalyst cooler and a horizontally oriented regenerator outlet opening.
FIG. 7 is a section of FIG. 6 taken along line 7--7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
This invention can be applied to any FCC unit that uses an external catalyst cooler and distributes fluidizing gas to the cooler at a location below the inlet by which catalyst enters the cooler. FIG. 1 depicts a typical FCC regenerator having a combustor 10, an upper disengaging vessel 20, and frusto conical section 26 between lower section 10 and upper section 20 and a catalyst cooler 30 supported from cone 26. In operation the regenerator contacts spent catalyst transferred from a reactor vessel (not shown) by a conduit 13 with compressed air from a conduit 11 and a distributor 12. Contact with oxygen combusts coke from the surface of the catalyst as it passes upwardly through vessel 10 and internal riser 14. A disengager 15 directs the catalyst and gas mixture thru outlets 16 into the disengager vessel 20. Catalyst collects in and below cone 26 as it disengages from the combustion gases. A small portion of the catalyst remains entrained with the combustion gases and enters inlet 22 of cyclones 21 which separate essentially all of the entrained catalyst from the combustion gases. Dip pipes 23 return catalyst from the cyclones to the cone section 26 while conduit 25 removes combustion gases from the process. A conduit 49 removes a portion of the catalyst that collects in cone section and returns to the FCC reactor for the continued operation of the process.
Another portion of the catalyst from cone section 26 passes through a regenerator outlet opening 27 and into an inlet opening of catalyst cooler 30 defined by conduit 29. Catalyst entering the cooler 30 contacts the outer surface of heat exchange tubes 31 as it passes downwardly through the cooler and returns to the combustor 10 via a conduit 28. Heat exchange tubes 31 are a bayonet style tube having an outer tube that contacts the catalyst and an inner tube for circulating a cooling fluid. Boiler feed water comprises the typical cooling fluid which enters a manifold 39 via a conduit 32. Manifold 39 distributes cooling fluid to the inner tubes of the bayonet tubes 31 and manifold 38 collects the cooling fluid from the annular space between the inner and outer tubes of bayonet tube 31 for recovery via a line 34.
Fluidizing gas comprising air and distributed by a plurality of conduits enters cooler 30 via a conduit 36 at a rate regulated by a control valve 37. Fluidizing gas passes upwardly through the cooler and thru outlet 27 into disengaging vessel 20. The outlets for the fluidizing gas that enters via line 36 are located below the inlet for cooler. Any debris that accumulates in the upper regeneration vessel can enter thru the outlet 27 and interfere with the distribution of fluidizing gas in the cooler as the debris passes downwardly and collect in the cooler below the inlet for conduit 28.
To prevent the entry of large objects such as agglomerated masses of catalyst and loose pieces of refractory lining from entering the cooler a sheet of screen material 40 covers opening 27. Since the cooler is located in the cone section 26, the plane of opening 27 is inclined with respect to the vertical axis. Due to the inclined plane of opening 27 the screen section 40 covers the entire opening 27. Covering the entire opening prevents debris from entering any part of the opening. The extent of the screen with respect to the opening is shown in FIG. 2 wherein a sheet of screen material 42 extends past the periphery of opening 27 on all sides. A plurality of support plates 44 hold the screen 42 above the refractory lining 46 that covers the section of cone 26. The side edges 48 and the bottom edge 50 the screen section are normally place between two to six inches above the refractory lining. A plate beam 52 attached at opposite ends to support plates 44' and 44" spans the upper side 54 of the screen section 42 and typically extends downwardly to within two inches or less of the refractory lining to prevent any debris from sliding down the wall of the cone into opening 27. Plate beam 52 also provides support for the upper potion of the screen section.
FIG. 3 depicts the angle of the screen and the attachment of screen 42 to support plates 44. As debris moves contacts the screen over opening 27 the angle of the screen sheds any debris from the surface of the screen. Plate beam 52 prevents debris from sliding down from above the screen 42 and entering opening 27.
The screen material can comprise any material that will reject debris but offer little or no interference with the movement of catalyst into or out of the opening 27. It has been found that only debris that is relatively large in comparison to the catalyst needs to be excluded from the regenerator outlet opening. The screen opening should be sized to exclude debris that has a dimension of at least 1/2 inch and is preferably sized to exclude debris having a dimension of at least 1 inch. Preferably the screen is composed of stainless steel bar material having a diameter of about 1/4 inch arranged perpendicularly on 1.5 inch centers. The screen material should have the same percentage of open flow areas as the percentage of catalyst flow area across the tube section of the catalyst cooler. (The catalyst flow area is the area between the heat exchange tubes in the cooler.)
Any method can be used to secure the screen about the opening 27. A hold down plate 56 bolted to support plate 44 secures the screen to the support plates. Preferably the screen 42 is fixed about the opening 27 in a manner that permits removal for inspection and maintenance.
FIG. 4 shows an alternate arrangement for the screen of this invention wherein a catalyst inlet opening 27' lies in a vertical plane. The regeneration vessel depicted in FIG. 4 includes a combustor 10', a disengager vessel 20' and a catalyst cooler 30' and operates in essentially the same manner as that of the vessel described in conjunction with FIG. 1. In FIG. 4 catalyst cooler 30' has an inlet opening defined by a conduit 29' that communicates a regenerator inlet opening 27' which is defined by an upper section 13 of combustor 10' and a conduit 28' that returns catalyst to the combustor. The vertical orientation of outlet 27 permits use of a screen section 60 that extends inwardly from the wall of combustor section 13. This screen section will typically extend inwardly by a distance equal to about 1/3 the diameter of catalyst cooler 30'.
FIG. 5 shows a elevation view for the arrangement of the screen of FIG. 4. The arrangement uses two sheets of screen material 62 that slant downwardly on both sides of the vertical centerline of opening 27'. The lower ends of sheets 62 extend past the sides of opening 27' and are secured to the wall of combustor section 13 by horizontally extended support plates 64. The downwardly sloping arrangement of screens 62 sheds debris that would otherwise accumulate on the top of screens 62. A screen arrangement as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 provide a completely open outlet without any screen material to interfere with catalyst flow or inspection of the cooler.
FIG. 6 depicts another type of FCC regenerator that uses a single regeneration vessel 70 and backmix type catalyst cooler 30". The regeneration vessel 70 receives spent catalyst from a conduit 72. Compressed air, passed to the regeneration vessel via a conduit 74 and distributor 76, contacts the spent catalyst and combusts coke from the catalyst to provide regenerated catalyst. A conduit 78 returns regenerated catalyst to the reaction zone while a cyclone system 80 separates entrained catalyst from combustion gases that leave the regeneration zone thru a conduit 82. Catalyst cooler 30" receives catalyst from a lower conical section 84 through a regenerator outlet opening 27'". Cooler 30" operates in the essentially manner as the previously described catalyst coolers except that there is no separate outlet for cooled catalyst and outlet 27'" serves as an outlet for catalyst from the cooler as well such that catalyst circulates in and out of the opening to the cooler in a manner generally referred to as a backmix operation. In such an operation circulation of catalyst through the cooler is controlled solely by the addition of fluidizing gas to the cooler.
A screen arrangement 86 located about the inlet to catalyst cooler 30" prevents debris from entering the cooler. FIG. 7 shows the screen arrangement in more detail. A cylindrical band of screen material is supported by a series of regularly spaced support bars 90 that extend upwardly from cone 84 through refractory lining 92. Bolts or other fastening means can be used to secure the screen material to the support brackets. The screen material is essentially the same as that previously described. The cylindrical bottom of the cylindrical band of screen material is located within at least two inches of refractory lining 92 and extend upwardly for a vertical distance that is preferably equal to at least 1/3 the diameter of cooler 30".
In its simplest form the screen arrangement 86 will include only the cylindrical band of screen material and will not have a cover include screen material over the top of the opening to cooler 30". Most debris that can enter the cooler will slide down the wall of cone 84 and enter the side of the cooler opening. Therefore, the cylindrical band is adequate to prevent most debris from the cooler opening in the arrangement of FIGS. 6 and 7 such that the top can be left open for an unobstructed exchange of catalyst and inspection. However, where there is the potential for debris to enter the top of the cooler, an additional section of screen 94 can be placed over the top of the cooler opening and secured to the sides of the cylindrical screen section. Preferably the screen section 94 will extend at least to the periphery of the ring of screen material 88 that borders the cooler opening. | A catalyst cooler arrangement for an FCC regenerator improves the operation of the cooler by the use of a full or partial screen arrangement at the cooler outlet of the regenerator to remove material that interferes with the operation of the cooler and especially the distribution of fluidizing gas within the cooler. | 1 |
This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority of prior application Ser. No. 09/609,082, entitled “Floor Vinyl Repair Technique And Tool” filed Jun. 30, 2000, issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,360 on Sep. 16, 2003, which is incorporated herein by this reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to flooring and more specifically to repairs for damaged vinyl floors.
2. Related Art
Vinyl as a flooring material has become very popular. Many millions of square feet of vinyl flooring are installed every year. Often, after or during installation, the vinyl flooring is damaged by dents, holes, scrapes or scratches. Then, the vinyl flooring needs to be repaired.
Typically, the repair of this damage to vinyl flooring is done by:
Providing an oversized replacement patch that matches the pattern in the damaged area (for example, by cutting from a roll or large sample of the vinyl); Aligning the patch and taping it in place; Cutting through both layers with a utility knife along a cutting line determined to surround and not cut through the damaged area; Removing the patch and peeling up the damaged flooring with a scraper, taking care not to damage the cut edges, and using a heat gun or iron to soften the adhesive, if necessary;
Applying new flooring adhesive to the newly-cut patch and pressing it in place into the opening created by cutting the damaged flooring from the undamaged vinyl; and
Wiping off any excess adhesive with a damp cloth and covering the patch with a weight for 24 hours.
Preferably, the cut is made along the flooring pattern lines, if any, to make the repair less visible. If it is discovered that the section to be removed isn't attached to the subfloor by adhesive, an attempt to slip some new adhesive underneath the exposed edges of the original vinyl to keep it in place is recommended.
However, whenever this prior art repair technique is practiced, the seam (between the original vinyl and the replaced, repair piece) is noticeable. The seam may be barely noticeable, but it is there nonetheless, and irritating to discriminating homeowners and floor repairmen. The reason for the seam is because typically the cut replacement piece turns out to be slightly smaller than the original damaged piece. Typically, the industry craftsmen have filled this seam with seam sealer or filler. However, it has been a desire in the industry to eliminate this seam space as much as possible.
This imperfect fit may be because the top piece of vinyl is stretched slightly when it is cut with the knife while overlaying the relative soft damaged piece. The damaged piece, on the other hand, is constrained by the supporting floor and is totally and/or substantially bound by an underlying adhesive, so it does not stretch, or stretches less, when cut. After the cut is performed, the replacement piece tends to be slightly smaller than the original damaged piece, leaving a slight seam between the original, undamaged vinyl and the inserted replacement piece.
Alternatively, the imperfect fit may be because, when the semi-elastic replacement patch is cut out from the oversized patch sheet, the replacement patch may tend to contract slightly, that is, the edges of the replacement patch pull inward slightly, which results in a slightly smaller replacement patch than originally intended. Also, when the semi-elastic vinyl material on the floor is cut, the edges around the cut-out damaged piece may tend to contract slightly especially if not totally secured to the floor by adhesive, that is, the edges of vinyl surrounding and defining the opening pulling-back slightly. This would tend to increase the size of the opening in the floor vinyl into which the replacement patch will be placed. Therefore, either the edges of the replacement patch, the edges of the remaining original vinyl, or both, may have retracted in opposite directions, resulting in a small gap between the edges that must be filled and/or hidden.
Thus, whether the imperfect fit occurs due to stretching and subsequent retraction, and/or contraction of edges after they are cut from adjacent vinyl material, the imperfect fit may be attributed to retraction or contraction of the vinyl.
The present invention addresses the need for a closer fit between the inserted replacement vinyl patch piece and the surrounding, original undamaged vinyl, preferably by adapting the method and apparatus for cutting the vinyl patch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a floor vinyl repair technique and tool. According to the present invention, the prior art repair technique is practiced, except a specially-adapted spacer is placed between the patch and the damaged area prior to taping the oversized replacement patch in place atop the damaged section in preparation for cutting through both layers with the knife. Typically, the spacer is placed or pressed firmly against/into the damaged section generally at, or near, the middle of this section, before the oversized replacement patch is placed above the damaged area. This way, when the patch is taped in place, the center of the patch is slightly elevated above the damaged piece. This slight elevation allows for a slight increase in the perimeter of the patch, or, in other words, a slight increase in the total area of the replacement piece once it is cut. This increase in the perimeter dimension(s)/area of the cut replacement patch offsets the retraction (in opposite directions) of the patch and original vinyl flooring that is believed to occur after both layers of material are cut with the knife. As a result, a more exact fit between the patch and the surrounding, original undamaged vinyl may be achieved when the patch is installed.
Typically, the amount of original vinyl to be removed and, correspondingly, the size of the replacement patch, is determined by the size and shape of the dent, hole or surface abrasion to be repaired. Preferably, a sufficient amount of vinyl is removed so that no significant distortion of the original pattern or texture is noticeable. By trial and error and experience, we have determined an estimated relationship between the size of the spacer to be inserted between the two layers of vinyl before the cut, and the size of the replacement patch.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the prior art vinyl flooring repair technique.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the vinyl flooring repair technique according to the present invention.
FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the repair tool insert/spacer according to the present invention.
FIG. 3B is a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 3A .
FIG. 4 is a side-cross-sectional view along line 4 — 4 in FIG. 2 .
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the Figures, there is shown in FIG. 1 the prior art vinyl flooring repair technique described in the Related Art section above. In FIGS. 2–4 , there are depicted several, but not all, embodiments of the present invention.
According to FIG. 1 , oversized patch 10 is laid over damaged vinyl section 12 so that patch 10 extends over the surrounding, original undamaged vinyl 14 . The oversized patch 10 is aligned to match the pattern on damaged section and the adjacent undamaged vinyl, and is taped into place with tape strips 16 , 16 ′ and 16 ″. Then, both layers of vinyl (oversized patch 10 and damaged section 12 ) are cut with utility knife 18 , for example, along the dashed lines shown in FIG. 1 to form replacement patch 15 and opening 17 in the floor vinyl. The oversized patch 10 is then removed, including the newly-cut replacement patch 15 that has been cut out generally from the center of the oversized patch 10 . The damaged section 12 is peeled up off the floor with a scraper (not shown). Then, new adhesive is applied to the newly-cut replacement patch 15 and the patch 15 is pressed into place in the opening 17 where the damaged section 12 was removed. Any excess adhesive is removed with a damp cloth, and this replacement patch 15 is covered with a weight for about 24 hours to hold it in place while the adhesive dries.
In FIG. 2 depicts the vinyl floor repairing technique according to the present invention. In the invented technique, the steps of the prior art repair technique are practiced, except that a specially-adapted spacer 20 is placed on top of the damaged section 12 prior to positioning the oversized replacement patch 10 over the damaged section 12 and taping or otherwise securing it in place. As a result, the oversized replacement patch is elevated slightly above the damaged piece prior to cutting through both layers with the knife. During cutting, this slight elevation increases the perimeter of the newly-cut patch to offset contraction/retraction of the patch and/or of the original vinyl sheet that may happen after the cut(s) are made.
Preferably, the spacer 20 is placed in the center of the damaged section that will be cut out, which may or may not correspond to the center of the damage in the vinyl, that is, the hole/cut/gouge/scrape in the vinyl. By placing the spacer 20 in the middle of the section that will be cut out, it is more likely that the spacer will evenly and accurately raise the oversized patch in a manner that will consistently increase the perimeter of the replacement patch 15 an appropriate and equal amount all around the patch 15 . For example, if the damage comprises a hole in the vinyl, the repairman may choose to cut out a larger area in which the hole is slightly to one side of that area, so that the spacer may be placed/pressed into the damaged vinyl in the center of the area to be cut out but not in the center of the hole.
Increasing the perimeter dimension(s) and total area of the replacement patch, via spacer insertion prior to cutting, serves to counteract the retraction/contraction of the vinyl material encountered after the sections are cut. Larger replacement patches may have a tendency to retract/contract more than smaller patches and the migration of the edges of the original vinyl may also be greater for larger removed sections. Further, a larger patch should be raised up in its center more than a smaller patch, in order to obtain an appropriate amount/percentage of perimeter/area increase. Consequently, depending upon the size of the patch, preferably different sized spacers may be used. A combination thickness and radius or size of the domed-disc spacer may be important. For example, the inventors have determined that, for replacing a damaged section about 3 to 5 inches square, a domed-disc about ⅛″ high at the center and about ⅞″ square (disc #1) is preferably used. Table 1 offers a rough guide for repairing damaged square sections.
TABLE 1
Size of Square
Size of Disc
3 to 5″
1/8″ high × 7/8″ (disc #1)
5 to 8″
3/16″ high × 1 1/2″ (disc #2)
8 to 11″
stack disc #1 on top of disc #2
11 to 18″
5/16″ high × 2 3/4″ (disc #3)
18 to 24″
stack disc #2 on top of disc #3
24″ and up
stack disc #1 on top of disc #2, and
disc #2 on top of disc #3
The spacer/insert may be various shapes that conveniently take up space between oversized patch 10 and damaged section 12 . A squared-off domed-disc is preferred, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B , because the square shape helps align the disc in the center of damaged section 12 , which is usually cut out as a square or rectangular shape. The inventors prefer the domed-disc because the patch 10 slides easily over the dome when aligning it with the pattern in the original, undamaged vinyl 14 . A square, domed-disc spacer is also preferred, as the dome shape tends to raise all regions of the replacement patch an approximately equal amount and, hence, to increase the perimeter of the patch an approximately equal amount all the way around the patch. Other shapes may be used, with those having a central region 26 raised relative to their edges 28 being preferred. For example, in FIG. 3B , one may see that the square, domed spacer includes a central region 26 having a thickness from top to bottom that is greater than the thickness of the spacer at the edge regions 28 . One may see that the top surface 27 of the spacer in cross-section in FIG. 3B is generally convex all the way from the central region 26 to the outer perimeter edges 29 of the spacer.
Preferably, the spacer 20 has a pointed tip or other gripper(s) on its underside, so that it may be firmly pressed into the damaged vinyl to retain it in place during the cutting procedure. Preferably, a pointed tip 22 is provided on the bottom of the domed-disc to better engage the damaged section 12 once the disc is centered. Other gripping member(s) may be used to keep the spacer in place.
The preferred pointed tip is of a small enough diameter, short enough length, and sharp enough distal end that it easily “pokes” into the damaged vinyl without a great deal of effort by the user and without extending through the damaged vinyl into the floor underneath the vinyl. For example, the preferred pointed tip is a short, sharp protrusion that has a length L of less than about 1/10 of the width W of the spacer.
Also, preferably, a depression 24 is provided on the top center of each domed-disc for receiving the pointed tip of another spacer. This enables several of the discs to be stacked for use and for storage, by virtue of the pointed tip of an upper spacer fitting into the depression of the lower spacer. While the preferred depression 24 is conical, a depression more closely fitting the point tip 22 is also acceptable, for example.
While the invented methods and apparatus are specially-adapted for vinyl flooring, the inventors envision that other flooring coverings may also benefit from the invention. For example, the methods and apparatus may be beneficial to other sheet floor coverings, especially to those that are semi-elastic or partially elastic.
Although this invention has been described above with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed particulars, but extends instead to all equivalents within the scope of the following claims. | A floor covering repair technique and tool includes placement of a spacer between a patch and a damaged floor covering piece before cutting through both layers. This way, the replacement patch is elevated slightly above the damaged piece and this slight elevation allows for a slight increase in the perimeter/total area of the patch, which offsets the slight retraction/contraction of the edges of the patch and/or the edges of the original flooring after the cut. This results in a more exact fit between the patch and the surrounding, original undamaged when the patch is installed. | 4 |
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to mobile positioning and route calculation services. More specifically, the present invention relates to services for route calculations offered by an IP Multimedia Subsystem.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Nowadays, Global Positioning System (hereinafter GPS) receptors have become a quite popular tool used by millions of people all over the world, whereby a GPS user may accurately know at any time his or her geo-position. The GPS receptor was originally introduced as a newer and powerful navigational instrument in aircrafts and ships whilst, now, it has been incorporated in most of the vehicles as well as in sport activities where knowing the geo-position is, at least, helpful.
[0003] In addition and complementary to GPS receptors, plotter systems provided with a worldwide-coverage cartography have launched into the market; firstly, as isolated products connectable with GPS receptors; and, more recently, integrated with the GPS receptor as a compact GPS+Plotter unit (hereinafter GPS unit), whereby the user does not have to worry about interfaces compatibility between GPS and Plotter.
[0004] Regarding the cartography required by any Plotter unit or GPS unit, and as introducing higher and higher granularity and details, there is a need to split such cartography in smaller portions on regional and national basis. This split implies that users of GPS units have to likely buy more than one cartography set to fulfill their needs, especially where such users travel across regions and nations and want to make use of their GPS units at any time and place.
[0005] Cartography sets are generally available in the market in the form of individual Map cartridges to be introduced in the Plotter unit, or in the integrated GPS unit, and to be replaced by another Map cartridge as the user moves from a region or nation coverage area to another. This is somewhat disappointing for people who travel very often between national borders or between different coverage areas.
[0006] Regarding prices, the high penetration of GPS units in the market, especially in terrestrial vehicles, has considerably lowered the price of any commercial GPS unit, as well as the price of those Map cartridges available worldwide. Moreover, newer cars already incorporate a GPS unit and a Map cartridge appropriate to the nation or region where the car is sold.
[0007] Nevertheless, and especially in the terrestrial environment, Map cartridges have to be updated or replaced quite often as new roads appear, or as existing roads are modified, so that the most suitable facilities offered by commercial GPS units, such as guiding you from an origin to a destination following a number of highways, precisely indicating exits from one to another, and remaining distance to such exits, are still valid for use without risking the user to be lost. In this scenario, and even if Map cartridges are not that expensive as before, the continuous replacement of Map cartridges and the costs are not insignificant.
[0008] Aware of the high penetration of GPS units in the market, most of the suppliers of mobile phones, and more sophisticated mobile terminals, have provided some models with a GPS receptor and some additional facilities. However, even if a user can thus know his or her geo-location at any time and almost any place, such user cannot enjoy all the service features as provided by a complete GPS unit with integrated plotter and removable Map cartridges. In this respect, and since the size of newer mobile phones and terminals is smaller than predecessors, said newer mobile phones and terminals cannot be easily provided with a Map cartridge reader for conventional Map cartridges available in the market.
[0009] Nevertheless, this drawback may be somewhat saved thanks to several well known applications, known and used all over the world such as Google Earth®, especially adapted for use in modern mobile terminals with access to Internet, and whereby a user can get a sort of simplified map illustrating a route from an origin position towards a destination position.
[0010] Apart from that, there are quite a few web applications accessible through Internet, which calculate a best route from an origin to a destination, including the selection and combination of different transport media such as underground, bus and train, and which allow users the establishment of some input criteria, such as the fastest route, lower number of different transport media, or the shortest distance.
[0011] However, these well known web applications cannot be expected to be updated as often as new roads appear, or as existing roads are modified, worldwide or even on national or regional basis. Even if some of these web applications, at least those on national basis, are more frequently updated, users cannot always be sure to what extent any of them is up to date, so that the information provided by said well known web applications cannot always be fully trusted, or might make the users to check more than one before deciding which one to trust and which route to choose.
[0012] On the other hand, the currently existing applications may be adapted to calculate a best route based on the position of a user and, in some cases, some fix parameters collected from the transport media, and selection criteria received from the users.
[0013] However, the currently existing applications do not take into account any dynamic data, such as traffic jams, road/rail reparations, accidents, or other temporary and occasionally incidents that might occur and that can hardly be spread through web applications in charge of route calculation services all over the world.
SUMMARY
[0014] The present invention is aimed to at least minimize the above drawbacks and provides for a new route calculation service provided by an IP Multimedia Subsystem (hereinafter IMS) of a telecommunication network for subscribers of the IMS.
[0015] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing a subscriber of an IP Multimedia Subsystem “IMS” network with a route to a destination.
[0016] This method comprises a step of configuring an application server (hereinafter AS), which is associated with the IMS network, with fix parameters to determine as first input criteria for calculations at least one criterion selected from: available transport media, transport routes, transport time-tables and combinations thereof; a step of receiving at the AS dynamic parameters from a plurality of transport media indicating respective incidental information, other than the one derivable from the fix parameters, to determine second input criteria for the calculations; a step of invoking from a user equipment (hereinafter UE), the UE being in use by a subscriber of the IMS, activation of a route calculation service towards the AS; a step of indicating from the UE to the AS a location of the subscriber and at least one given destination of the subscriber to determine third input criteria for calculations; a step of processing at the AS the first, second and third input criteria to determine a number of routes from the location of the subscriber towards the at least one given destination; and a step of submitting from the AS towards the UE the processed number of routes.
[0017] In particular, the location of the subscriber may be a geo-location and, more particularly, said geo-location might be expressed in terms of latitude and longitude, or in other 2-dimension (hereinafter 2D) or 3-dimension (hereinafter 3D) coordinates.
[0018] Generally speaking for this method, the dynamic parameters may include information preventing the fulfilment of the first input criteria. More particularly and in order to provide a more accurate result in terms of presently valid routes, the dynamic parameters received from each transport medium may include information related to events such as, amongst others, traffic jams, accidents, road reparations, rail reparations, transport medium unavailability, expectable delays, and combinations thereof.
[0019] Even though several implementations are possible, the step in this method of receiving at the AS the dynamic parameters may include a step of collecting at a transport media server from each transport medium the respective incidental information, and a step of submitting from the transport media server the respective incidental information towards the AS. In this way, the transport media server, which may be a centralized server on national or regional basis, does not need to be permanently checking possible updates but simply awaiting notification from events. More particularly, this centralized transport media server may be connected with a hierarchical network of companies and servers in charge of, and receiving such information from, each different transport medium.
[0020] Regarding the step of indicating from the UE to the AS, in particular, the geo-location of the subscriber, this step may include a step of obtaining said geo-location from a Global Positioning System (hereinafter GPS) associated with the UE, that is connected with or integrated in the UE. Alternatively or complementary, the step of indicating from the UE to the AS the location of the subscriber may include a step of obtaining at the AS said location as provided from a General Packet Radio System (hereinafter GPRS) network where the UE accesses the IMS through.
[0021] Moreover, where the geo-location of the subscriber can be determined, the step of indicating from the UE to the AS the geo-location of the subscriber may include a step of calculating at the UE a speed vector including a speed modulo and direction of the UE, and a step of indicating said speed vector to the AS. In this way, the AS may more accurately select the number of still possible routes, discarding those which appear to be close to the subscriber but in an opposite direction, or currently inaccessible, to the direction followed by the subscriber.
[0022] Regarding the invocation or activation of a route calculation service towards the AS, and especially useful in the IMS environment, the step of invoking the best route calculation service may include a step of identifying said route calculation service by a public service identifier (hereinafter PSI), and a step of interrogating an entity of the IMS network about the AS in charge of said route calculation service. In particular, this entity to be interrogated may be a Home Subscriber Server (hereinafter HSS) of the IMS holding subscription data for the subscriber.
[0023] This method may further be enhanced where the AS in charge of the route calculation service is connected with one or more navigational and meteorological information systems. Where this is the case, this method may further comprise a step of receiving at the AS from at least one of said navigational and meteorological information systems notifications of incidents on earth, air and oceans, accompanied by respective geo-locations of said incidents, to determine fourth input criteria for calculations; and a step of further processing at the AS the fourth input criteria with the first, second and third input criteria to determine the number of routes from, in particular, the geo-location of the subscriber towards the at least one given destination.
[0024] On the other hand, and quite advantageously depending on the current location of the subscriber, the destination, and the time expected to arrive therein, this method may further comprise a step of indicating from the UE to the AS a number of transport media selected from: terrestrial transportation media (such as bus, taxi, private car, underground, tramp, train, etc), aerial transportation media (such as air lines, private aircraft, etc), marine transportation media (such as sea lines, rent or private ships or boats, etc), animal-powered media (such as elephants, camels, horses, etc), and combinations thereof, to determine fifth input criteria for calculations; and a step of processing at the AS the fifth input criteria with the first, second and third input criteria to determine the number of routes from the, in particular, geo-location of the subscriber towards the at least one given destination.
[0025] In order to complement this IMS service with plotting features this method may further comprise a step of configuring the AS with cartography; a step of selecting an appropriate map in the cartography to plot the geo-location of the subscriber and the at least one given destination; and a step of submitting from the AS towards the UE the appropriate map with information to plot the geo-location of the subscriber, the at least one given destination, applicable input criteria and corresponding routes on said map. In particular, appropriate new symbols are included to display any occasional incidents in the cartography that justify discarding other routes.
[0026] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, and in order to contributory carry out steps of the above method, there is provided an AS associated with the IMS network, the AS having: a first input unit for configuring the AS with fix parameters to determine as first input criteria at least one criterion selected from: available transport media, transport routes, transport time-tables and combinations thereof; a second input unit for receiving at the AS dynamic parameters from a plurality of transport media indicating respective incidental information, other than the one derivable from the fix parameters, to determine second input criteria for calculations; a third input unit for receiving from a UE, which is in use by a subscriber of the IMS, a message invoking activation of a route calculation service towards the AS, a location of the subscriber, and at least one given destination of the subscriber to determine third input criteria for calculations; a processing unit for processing the first, second and third input criteria to determine a number of routes from the location of the subscriber towards the at least one given destination; and an output unit for submitting from the AS towards the UE the processed number of routes.
[0027] Aligned with the above method, the location of the subscriber may, in particular, be a geo-location expressed in terms of 2D or 3D coordinates. In this AS, the third input unit may be arranged for receiving a speed vector from the UE in terms of speed modulo and speed direction, whilst the processing unit may be arranged for processing said speed vector along with the input criteria to determine the number of routes from the geo-location of the subscriber towards the at least one given destination.
[0028] Also in this AS, the second input unit may be adapted for receiving dynamic parameters with information related to events selected from: traffic jams, accidents, road reparations, rail reparations, transport medium unavailability, expectable delays, and combinations thereof; and the processing unit is adapted to determine whether or not these dynamic parameters prevent the fulfilment of the first input criteria.
[0029] In order to obtain useful information from one or more navigational or meteorological information systems, this AS may further comprise a fourth input unit for receiving from at least one of said navigational and meteorological information systems notifications of incidents on earth, air and oceans, accompanied by respective geo-locations of said incidents, to determine fourth input criteria for calculations; and the processing unit of the AS may be arranged for processing the fourth input criteria with the first, second and third input criteria to determine the number of routes from the geo-location of the subscriber towards the at least one given destination.
[0030] Advantageously aligned with the above method, the third input unit of the AS may be arranged for receiving from the UE a number of transport media selected from: terrestrial transportation media (such as bus, taxi, private car, underground, tramp, train, etc), aerial transportation media (such as air lines, private aircraft, etc), marine transportation media (such as sea lines, rent or private ships or boats, etc), animal-powered media (such as elephants, camels, horses, etc), and combinations thereof, to determine fifth input criteria for calculations; and wherein the processing unit of the AS may be arranged for processing these fifth input criteria with the first, second and third input criteria to determine the number of routes from the, in particular, geo-location of the subscriber towards the at least one given destination.
[0031] Moreover, in order to complement this IMS service with plotting features, the AS may include a fifth input unit for configuring the AS with cartography; whereas the processing unit of the AS may be arranged for selecting an appropriate map in the cartography to plot the geo-location of the subscriber and the at least one given destination; and the output unit of the AS may be arranged for submitting towards the UE the appropriate map with information to plot the geo-location of the subscriber, the at least one given destination, applicable input criteria and corresponding routes on said map.
[0032] In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a UE enabled to access an IMS network and to operate services thereof, the UE having: a first output unit for registering a subscriber of the IMS in the IMS network; a first input unit for receiving a confirmation that the subscriber is registered in the IMS network; a location unit arranged for determining a location of the subscriber, which in particular may be a geo-location expressed in terms of 2D or 3D coordinates, and for setting at least one given destination wanted by the subscriber; a second output unit for invoking activation of a route calculation service towards an AS associated with the IMS network, and for indicating the location of the subscriber and the at least one given destination of the subscriber as input criteria to the AS; and a second input unit for receiving from the AS a number of routes from the location of the subscriber towards the at least one given destination.
[0033] In particular, the location unit may include, or may be associated with, a Global Positioning System “GPS” for obtaining the geo-location of the subscriber. Alternatively or complementary, the location unit may be arranged for obtaining the location of the subscriber from a General Packet Radio System “GPRS” network where the UE accesses the IMS through.
[0034] Aligned with advantageous corresponding features in the above method and AS, and especially useful where the location is a geo-location, the UE may further comprise a processing unit for calculating a speed vector, which includes a speed modulo and direction representing the movement of the UE; whereas the second output unit is arranged for submitting said speed vector to the AS.
[0035] As advantageously as for the above method and AS, the UE may further comprise a third input unit for receiving from the subscriber notification of a number of transport media selected from: terrestrial transportation media, aerial transportation media, marine transportation media, animal-powered media, and combinations thereof; and the second output unit of the UE may be arranged for submitting towards the AS the selected transport media to determine further input criteria for calculations.
[0036] In order to complement the service with plotting features, the second input unit of the UE may be arranged for receiving from the AS a map with information to plot the geo-location of the subscriber, the at least one given destination, applicable input criteria and corresponding routes on said map; and the UE may further comprise a third output unit for presenting to the subscriber the map with the information plotted therein.
[0037] On the other hand, the invention may be practised by a computer program, in accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, the computer program being loadable into an internal memory of a computer with input and output units as well as with a processing unit, and comprising executable code adapted to carry out the above method steps. In particular, this executable code may be recorded in a carrier readable in the computer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] The features, objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent by reading this description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0039] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B illustrate alternative embodiments of the sequence of actions to be followed by an AS to respectively obtain fix parameters from a Transport Media Centre either directly or indirectly through a Home Subscriber Server and to be used for the route calculation service.
[0040] FIG. 2 shows a simplified view of an exemplary sequence of actions to be followed for an AS to obtain dynamic parameters from an Incidence Centre and to be used for the route calculation service.
[0041] FIG. 3 shows a simplified view of an exemplary sequence of actions to be followed for a user to activate the route calculation service in an AS in charge of said route calculation service.
[0042] FIG. 4 shows a simplified view of an exemplary sequence of actions to be followed for a user to indicate the location of the user, a destination, and other input criteria to an AS in charge of the route calculation service.
[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary implementation of structural components that an AS may include for providing a route calculation service.
[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary implementation of structural components that a UE may include for using a route calculation service.
[0045] FIG. 7 shows a simplified view of an exemplary sequence of actions to be followed for a user to register in the IMS network.
[0046] FIG. 8 shows a simplified view of another exemplary sequence of actions to be followed for a user to activate the route calculation service in an AS in charge of said route calculation service.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0047] The following describes currently preferred embodiments of means and method for a route calculation service provided by an IMS network for IMS subscribers.
[0048] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a method of providing a subscriber of an IMS network with a route to a destination. This method includes a step of configuring an AS 1 associated with the IMS network with fix parameters to determine as first input criteria for calculations at least one criterion selected from: available transport media, transport routes, transport time-tables and combinations thereof. FIGS. 1A and 1B respectively illustrate a first and second exemplary embodiment of a configuration of the AS with said fix parameters.
[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 1A , these fix parameters selectable from transport media (terrestrial, aerial or marine transport media), transport routes (Line 6 of Metro at Madrid-Spain, train ‘Talgo’ from Madrid-Spain to Paris-France), car renting, etc), transport time-tables (14:00-18:00, 22:00, night, a.m., etc) and combinations thereof may be submitted during a step S- 110 from a Transport Media Centre 6 directly to the AS 1 . In particular, the Transport Media Centre 6 may submit this information with a http PUT message of a so-called ‘Ut’ interface as specified in 3GPP TS 33.220 and TS 33.222.
[0050] Still with reference to FIG. 1A , the AS receiving these fix parameters, namely static parameters, which may be modified at any time but which are supposed to be stable and non-incidental or occasional, stores these fix or static parameters during a step S- 120 to determine first input criteria for route calculations requested by any IMS subscriber.
[0051] Alternatively or complementary to the embodiment of FIG. 1A , especially where not every Transport Media Centre is directly connectable to the AS, the invention also provides for the embodiment of FIG. 1B whereby a Transport Media Centre 6 may keep updated a HSS of the IMS network with the static parameters explained above. As FIG. 1B illustrates, the Transport Media Centre 6 may submit during a step S- 105 the static parameters towards a HSS 5 of the IMS to be stored therein and provided to the AS upon request. In particular, where both HSS and Transport Media Centre support the so-called “Lightweight Directory Access Protocol” (hereinafter LDAP) as specified in RFC 4511, the Transport Media Centre 6 might submit this information with an LDAP ‘Create’ or LDAP ‘Modify’ message towards the HSS 5 .
[0052] Still with reference to FIG. 1B , the AS 1 in charge of route calculation may request during a step S- 115 from the HSS 5 such static parameters, for a first time or in order to be refreshed with up-to-date information, and the HSS may provide the requested static parameters during a step S- 125 . Upon receipt of the static parameters at the AS 1 , said static parameters are stored in the AS during a step S- 135 to determine first input criteria for route calculations requested by any IMS subscriber. In particular, the AS 1 may request this information with a so-called PULL Request message, and the HSS may provide the static parameters with a corresponding PULL Response message of a so-called ‘Sh’ interface as specified in 3GPP TS 29.328.
[0053] This method of providing a subscriber of an IMS network with a route to a destination also includes a step of receiving at the AS dynamic parameters from a plurality of transport media indicating respective incidental information, other than the one derivable from the fix parameters, to determine second input criteria for calculations.
[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the invention provides for an Incidence Centre 4 , so called in the instant specification, which is arranged for submitting during a step S- 205 towards a so-called Authentication Proxy 3 said dynamic parameters from a plurality of transport media indicating respective incidental information.
[0055] In particular, this Authentication Proxy (hereinafter AP) is enabled to handle security relations with the UE and may thus relieve the AS from this task. The AP may also be used to authenticate the UE with help of a Generic Bootstrapping Architecture, as specified in 3GPP TS 33.220 and 3GPP TS 33.222, though the mechanism for this authentication is not relevant for the purpose of the present invention. This AP is conventionally enabled to distribute the UE queries towards a dedicated AS based on the service invoked by the UE, namely, based on a so-called ‘AUID’.
[0056] For the purpose of the present invention, said dynamic parameters are submitted from the Incidence Centre 4 along with an AUID value indicating Route Calculation Service, so that the AP 3 can unambiguously determine the AS 1 in charge of such service. The AP 3 thus forwards during a step S- 210 the received message towards the AS 1 . In particular, and following current trends in accordance with applicable technical specifications, such messages between the Incidence Centre 4 and the AP 3 , as well as between the AP 3 and the AS 1 , could be the so-called ‘http PUT’ messages, and may include additional indications identifying a particular transport medium, likely with a transport-ID, a particular geo-position where an incident has occurred, likely with 2D or 3D coordinates, a particular Incident type and/or Incident severity, others, and combinations thereof.
[0057] Upon receipt of the dynamic parameters at the AS 1 , the dynamic parameters are stored in the AS during a step S- 315 to determine second input criteria for route calculations requested by any IMS subscriber, and a successful response is returned to the AP 3 during a step S- 220 and forwarded during a step S- 225 from the latter to the Incidence Centre 4 .
[0058] This method of providing a subscriber of an IMS network with a route to a destination also includes a step of invoking from a UE, the UE being in use by a subscriber of the IMS, activation of a route calculation service towards the AS.
[0059] To this end, the present invention provides two alternative or complementary embodiments respectively illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 8 . The former makes use of a direct interface, the so-called ‘Ut’ interface, between the UE and the AS already commented above; whereas the latter makes use of a conventional procedure carried out through the IMS network whereby a Serving Call Session Control Function (hereinafter S-CSCF) server, which is assigned during the registration of the user with a UE for serving the user, submits the invocation of the service requested from the UE towards a dedicated AS known to the S-CSCF server.
[0060] Prior to discussing these two embodiments for the activation of the route calculation service at the AS, the registration of a user with a UE 2 is discussed in the following with reference to FIG. 7 .
[0061] As FIG. 7 shows, a user with a UE 2 can register one or more pairs of IMS public user identity (hereinafter IMPU) and IMS private user identity (hereinafter IMPI) for identification purposes into the IMS network where the user holds a subscription with a ‘Register’ message submitted during a step S- 705 from the UE to a Proxy Call Session Control Function (hereinafter P-CSCF) server 7 , which is an entry point to the IMS network.
[0062] This P-CSCF server forwards during a step S- 710 the ‘Register’ message received from the UE 2 towards an Interrogating Call Session Control Function (hereinafter I-CSCF) server 8 , which is in charge of selecting a S-CSCF server having the capabilities required for serving the user in the IMS.
[0063] This I-CSCF server queries during a step S- 715 a HSS 5 , which holds subscription data for the user in the IMS network, about a S-CSCF server already assigned for serving the user or about the capabilities that a selectable S-CSCF server should have for serving said user.
[0064] The HSS 5 returns during a step S- 720 a response towards the I-CSCF 8 indicating either a S-CSCF server previously assigned for serving the user, if a previous registration of one or more IMPI/IMPU pairs had taken place, or the capabilities required for a S-CSCF server to be selected.
[0065] The I-CSCF 8 , depending on the information received from the HSS 5 , determines a suitable S-CSCF server 9 for serving the user, and forwards during a step S- 725 the ‘Register’ message received from the P-CSCF 7 towards the S-CSCF 9 .
[0066] The S-CSCF server 9 receiving the registration of the user with UE 2 informs during a step S- 730 to the HSS 5 of having been assigned for serving the user, and the HSS submits as response during a step S- 735 a user profile with data necessary for serving the user at the S-CSCF server. Then, the S-CSCF server returns back during a step S- 740 to the I-CSCF server 8 a successful result code, the I-CSCF server submits during a step S- 745 such successful result code to the P-CSCF server 7 , and the latter forwards during a step S- 750 the successful result code to the UE 2 .
[0067] After having discussed above the registration of the user with reference to FIG. 7 , the exemplary embodiments illustrated with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 8 for activation of the route calculation service are discussed in the following.
[0068] FIG. 3 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a user with a UE 2 invoking the activation of the route calculation service though the so-called ‘Ut’ interface towards the AS 1 in charge of such service. To this end, and in accordance with general procedures specified in 3GPP TS 33.222 V8.0.0, the UE submits towards the Authentication Proxy 3 an http PUT message to invoke a particular service. This AP 3 , which operates as a HTTP Proxy, distributes the UE queries towards the concerned AS based on the service invoked by the UE. For the purpose of the present invention, this PUT message is submitted during a step S- 305 and includes a user identifier, such as and IMPU, and a new AUID indicating ‘Route Calculation Service’ so that the AP 3 can determine an AS 1 in charge of this service. The AP forwards during a step S- 310 the received PUT message to the AS 1 with the AUID and the user identifier.
[0069] Still with reference to FIG. 3 , the AS 1 activates during a step S- 315 the route calculation service for the indicated user, identified by the given user identifier, and returns during a step S- 320 an activation result back to the AP, which in turn, forwards during a step S- 325 the activation result to the UE 2 . In particular, and depending on security requirements that the AS and the AP might have been configured with, the AS, the AP, or both may check whether the user had already been registered in the IMS network and the AP may carry out a particular authentication of the user following the teaching in the above 3GPP TS 33.222 V8.0.0.
[0070] FIG. 8 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of a user with a UE 2 invoking the activation of the route calculation service though the IMS network where the user holds a subscription, and where the user has been registered following the procedure described above with reference to FIG. 7 . As illustrated in FIG. 8 , the UE 2 submits during a step S- 805 an ‘Invite’ message towards the S-CSCF 9 assigned for serving the user during the registration procedure. For the purpose of the present invention, this ‘Invite’ message includes an identifier of the user, such as the IMPU, and an identifier of the service to be invoked, such as the above AUID indicating ‘Route Calculation Service’. In order to identify the service to be invoked, the invention also provides for making use of the so-called Public Service Identity (hereinafter PSI), which is generally available to identify a service in the IMS, by registering such new PSI so that the S-CSCF may unambiguously determine the AS in charge of the service identified by said PSI.
[0071] Still with reference to FIG. 8 , the S-CSCF 9 receiving such message determines the AS 1 in charge of the service and forwards during a step S- 810 the ‘Invite’ message to said AS 1 . The AS 1 activates during a step S- 815 the route calculation service for the indicated user, identified by the given user identifier, and returns during a step S- 820 the activation result back to the S-CSCF 9 , result which in particular may be a so-called ‘200-OK’ message, and the S-CSCF forwards during a step S- 825 this activation result to the UE 2 .
[0072] This method of providing a subscriber of an IMS network with a route to a destination also includes a step of indicating to the AS a location of the subscriber and at least one given destination of the subscriber to determine third input criteria for calculations. In particular, the location of the subscriber may be obtained from a GPS associated with the UE 2 , or may be obtained from network infrastructure such as a GPRS location. More particularly, for instance where the location is obtained from a GPS associated with the UE, this location may be indicated as a geo-location in 2D coordinates, such as latitude and longitude, or in 3D coordinates as a conventional GPS is enabled to provide.
[0073] To this end, the present invention also provides two alternative or complementary embodiments as those already described above with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 8 . As in the previous case, a first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 makes use of the direct ‘Ut’ interface between the UE and the AS already commented above; whereas the second embodiment, which is not illustrated in any drawing, makes use of a conventional procedure carried out through the IMS network whereby a Serving Call Session Control Function (hereinafter S-CSCF) server, which is assigned during the registration of the user with a UE for serving the user, submits the submissions from the UE towards a dedicated AS known to the S-CSCF server. It is believed that the skilled person will not have any difficulty on applying the teaching described below for the first embodiment with reference to FIG. 4 to develop an equivalent procedure for the second embodiment in view of the comparison between FIGS. 3 , 4 and 8 .
[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the UE 2 submits to the AP 3 during a step S- 405 a GET message including and identifier of the user, particularly an IMPU, an identifier of the route calculation service, which in particular may be a PSI or an AUID, a location of the subscriber and at least one given destination for which the subscriber desires to find one or more possible routes. The AP 3 receiving the GET message forwards it during a step S- 410 towards the AS 1 .
[0075] Alternatively, for the second embodiment where the conventional procedure through the IMS network applies, an ‘Invite’ message with equivalent contents as the GET message may be sent from the UE 2 to the S-CSCF 9 and forwarded from the latter to the AS 1 .
[0076] The method of providing a subscriber of an IMS network with a route to a destination continues with a step of processing at the AS the first, second and third input criteria to determine a number of routes from the location of the subscriber towards the at least one given destination. To this end and still with reference to FIG. 4 , the AS 1 determines during a step S- 415 a number of routes from the origin position, namely the subscriber location, to the at least one given destination.
[0077] Once the number of routes has been determined, the method includes a step of submitting from the AS towards the UE the processed number of routes. To this end and still with reference to FIG. 4 the AS 1 submits during a step S- 420 a successful result towards the AP 3 including the number of routes calculated from the origin to the destination, likely including additional relevant information such as time-tables of the different transport media involved in each route to facilitate the user choice. The AP 3 receiving the successful result with number of routes and additional information forwards during a step S- 425 such message and the included information towards the UE 2 . Likewise, where the second embodiment not illustrated in any drawing applies, the successful result is submitted to the S-CSCF 9 and forwarded from the latter to the UE 2 .
[0078] In order to carry out the above method, there is provided an AS 1 associated with an IMS network and basically illustrated in FIG. 5 .
[0079] As FIG. 5 illustrates, this AS includes a first input unit 31 for configuring the AS with fix parameters to determine as first input criteria at least one criterion selected from: available transport media, transport routes, transport time-tables and combinations thereof. In particular, this first input unit is connectable with a Transport Media Centre 6 adapted for submitting to the AS the fix or static parameters.
[0080] Still with reference to FIG. 5 , this AS also includes a second input unit 32 for receiving at the AS dynamic parameters from a plurality of transport media indicating respective incidental information, other than the one derivable from the fix parameters, to determine second input criteria for calculations. The incidental information may be collected from at least one centralized Incidence Centre 4 , processed therein to obtain the dynamic parameters and submitted towards the AS wherein they are received in the second output unit 32 .
[0081] Still with reference to FIG. 5 , this AS also includes a third input unit 33 for receiving from a UE, the UE being in use by a subscriber of the IMS, a message invoking activation of a route calculation service towards the AS, a location of the subscriber, and at least one given destination of the subscriber to determine third input criteria for calculations. In particular, the third input unit 33 is adapted for receiving the location of the subscriber as a geo-location expressed as 2D coordinates, such as latitude and longitude, or as 3D coordinates, as a conventional GPS is enabled to provide.
[0082] Still with reference to FIG. 5 , this AS also includes a processing unit 20 for processing the first, second and third input criteria to determine a number of routes from the location of the subscriber towards the at least one given destination. If required, and especially where the time required to arrive at the destination is long enough to justify that the subscriber might be periodically notified of any changes, the input criteria may be temporary saved in an internal memory 10 , or database. This processing unit is connected with the first, second and third input units to respectively receive data received therein. In particular, said first, second and third input units may be provided as separate modules or as an integral input unit connectable with the Transport Media Centre 6 , the Incidence Centre 4 and the UE 2 .
[0083] Still with reference to FIG. 5 , this AS also includes an output unit 40 for submitting from the AS 1 towards the UE 2 the processed number of routes. This output unit is connected with the processing unit 20 and receives the number of routes determined therein. In particular, this output unit 40 may be adapted to periodically notify the UE 2 with updates and additional information processed by, and received from, the processing unit 20 .
[0084] Cooperating with the above AS and in order to carry out the above method, there is provided a UE 2 enabled to access an IMS network and to operate services thereof.
[0085] As illustrated in FIG. 6 , this UE includes a first output unit 81 for registering a subscriber of the IMS in the IMS network and a first input unit 91 for receiving a confirmation that the subscriber is registered in the IMS network. In this respect, where the subscriber of the IMS invokes the route calculation service following a conventional procedure for invoking services through the IMS network, that is, carrying out a registration of a subscriber IMPI/IMPU pair, being assigned a S-CSCF for serving the subscriber, invoking the service towards the S-CSCF, and the latter assigning a dedicated AS and forwarding the invocation towards said AS, the subscriber has previously been registered into the IMS network. This assumption is not necessarily required where the subscriber carries out the invocation through the ‘Ut’ interface as explained above.
[0086] Still with reference to FIG. 6 , the UE 2 also includes a location unit 70 arranged for determining a location of the subscriber and for setting at least one given destination wanted by the subscriber. In particular, the location unit 70 may be adapted for determining the location of the subscriber as a geo-location expressed as 2D coordinates, such as latitude and longitude, or as 3D coordinates, as a conventional GPS is enabled to provide. More particularly, the location unit 70 may include, or be associated with, a GPS for obtaining the geo-location of the subscriber. Alternatively or complementary, the location unit 70 may be arranged for obtaining the location of the subscriber from a GPRS network where the UE has accessed the IMS through.
[0087] Still with reference to FIG. 6 , the UE 2 also includes a second output unit 82 for invoking activation of a route calculation service towards an AS 1 associated with the IMS network, and for indicating the location of the subscriber and the at least one given destination of the subscriber as input criteria to the AS; and a second input unit 92 for receiving from the AS a number of routes from the location of the subscriber towards the at least one given destination.
[0088] In this respect, the second output unit 82 and second input unit 92 may be provided as integral output unit and input unit with the first output unit 81 and first input unit 91 , where the subscriber of the IMS invokes the route calculation service following a conventional procedure for invoking services through the IMS network; and the second output unit 82 and second input unit 92 may be separate from the first output unit 81 and first input unit 91 , where the invocation of the route calculation service is carried out with the ‘Ut’ interface directly or through the AP 3 , as exemplary illustrated in FIG. 3 . Even if the communications between the UE 2 and the AS 1 are carried out through the AP 3 where the ‘Ut’ interface is used, the AP 3 has been omitted in FIG. 6 for the sake of simplicity.
[0089] Back to the above method of providing a subscriber of an IMS network with a route to a destination, the dynamic parameters received during a step S- 205 , and collected from each transport medium, may include information related to events selected from: traffic jams, accidents, road reparations, rail reparations, transport medium unavailability, expectable delays, and combinations thereof. Particularly in this method, the step of receiving at the AS the dynamic parameters may thus include a step of collecting at an Incidence Centre 4 from each transport medium the respective incidental information, and a step of submitting from the Incidence Centre 4 the respective incidental information towards the AS. To this end, the second input unit 32 of the AS 1 is adapted for receiving from the Incidence Centre 4 dynamic parameters including information related to events selected from: traffic jams, accidents, road reparations, rail reparations, transport medium unavailability, expectable delays, and combinations thereof. Moreover, the processing unit 20 of the AS 1 may advantageously be adapted to determine whether or not these dynamic parameters prevent the fulfilment of the first input criteria.
[0090] Aligned with capabilities of the above UE 2 , the step of indicating from the UE to the AS the location of the subscriber may include a step of obtaining said location from a GPRS network where the subscriber has accessed the IMS network through, or as a geo-location expressed as 2D or 3D coordinates and obtained from a GPS associated with the UE 2 .
[0091] Advantageously in this method, in order to determine whether all candidate routes are still valid and especially where many possibilities are possible in the area where the subscriber is located, the step of indicating from the UE to the AS the geo-location of the subscriber, likely in terms of 2D or 3D coordinates, may include a step of calculating at the UE a speed vector including a speed modulo and direction of the UE, and a step of indicating said speed vector to the AS. In particular, this speed vector may be submitted during steps S- 405 and S- 410 from the UE towards the AS, along with other input criteria such as update notifications in the case of long distance trips. To this end, the third input unit 33 of the AS 1 may be arranged for receiving the speed vector from the UE in terms of speed modulo and speed direction, and the processing unit 20 may be arranged for processing said speed vector along with the input criteria to determine the number of routes from the geo-location of the subscriber towards the at least one given destination. Also to this end, the UE 2 may further comprise a processing unit 60 for calculating the speed vector, which includes a speed modulo and direction representing the movement of the UE; and the second output unit 82 of the UE 2 may be arranged for submitting said speed vector to the AS 1 .
[0092] Apart from the above features, the method may be enhanced with an additional step, not illustrated in any drawing, of receiving at the AS 1 from at least one of navigational and meteorological information systems notifications of incidents on earth, air and oceans, accompanied by respective geo-locations of said incidents, to determine fourth input criteria for calculations; and a step of further processing at the AS the fourth input criteria with the first, second and third input criteria to determine the number of routes from the geo-location of the subscriber towards the at least one given destination. To this end, the AS 1 may further comprise a fourth input unit 34 for receiving from at least one of navigational and meteorological information systems 7 notifications of incidents on earth, air and oceans, accompanied by respective geo-locations of said incidents, to determine fourth input criteria for calculations; and the processing unit 20 of the AS, which is connected with said fourth input unit 34 , may be arranged for processing the fourth input criteria with the first, second and third input criteria to determine the number of routes from the geo-location of the subscriber towards the at least one given destination.
[0093] In order to offer the IMS subscriber the possibility to customize this service, for example, the selection of one or more transport media to consider for route calculations, or to avoid for route calculations, the method may further include a step of indicating from the UE 2 to the AS 1 a number of transport media selected from: terrestrial transportation media, aerial transportation media, marine transportation media, animal-powered media, and combinations thereof, to determine fifth input criteria for calculations; and a step of processing at the AS 1 these fifth input criteria with the first, second and third input criteria to determine the number of routes from the geo-location of the subscriber towards the at least one given destination. Of course, the step of processing the fifth input criteria may include the above optional fourth input criteria as well, since both fourth and fifth input criteria may be complementary to each other. To this end, the third input unit 33 of the AS 1 may be arranged for receiving from the UE 2 a number of transport media selected from: terrestrial transportation media, aerial transportation media, marine transportation media, animal-powered media, and combinations thereof, to determine fifth input criteria for calculations; and the processing unit 20 of the AS 1 may be arranged for processing the fifth input criteria with the first, second and third input criteria, as well as with the fourth input criteria, if available, to determine the number of routes from the location of the subscriber towards the at least one given destination. Also to this end, the UE 2 may further comprise a third input unit not illustrated in any drawing, which in particular may be implemented with key buttons or menus, for receiving from the subscriber notification of a number of transport media selected from: terrestrial transportation media, aerial transportation media, marine transportation media, animal-powered media, and combinations thereof; and the second output unit 82 of the UE 2 may be arranged for submitting towards the AS 1 the selected transport media to determine further input criteria for calculations. Advantageously, the UE 2 may also include an internal memory 50 , connected with the processing unit 60 wherein the selected transport media, amongst other data, can be saved at least whilst the service is active.
[0094] Moreover, in order to provide users of this service with comparable plotting facilities as other dedicated GPS units available in the market, the method of providing a subscriber of an IMS network with a route to a destination may further comprise a step of configuring the AS 1 with cartography; a step of selecting an appropriate map in the cartography to plot the location of the subscriber and the at least one given destination; and a step of submitting from the AS towards the UE the appropriate map with information to plot the location of the subscriber, the at least one given destination, applicable input criteria and corresponding routes on said map. To this end, the AS 1 may further comprise a fifth input unit 35 , as illustrated in FIG. 5 , for configuring the AS with cartography 11 , which may be configured for reading conventional Map cartridges as well as other dedicated maps; the processing unit 20 of the AS 1 may be arranged for selecting an appropriate map in the cartography to plot the geo-location of the subscriber and the at least one given destination; and the output unit 40 of the AS 1 may be arranged for submitting towards the UE 2 the appropriate map with information to plot the geo-location of the subscriber, the at least one given destination, applicable input criteria and corresponding routes on said map. Also to this end, the second input unit 92 of the UE 2 may be arranged for receiving from the AS 1 a map with information to plot the geo-location of the subscriber, the at least one given destination, applicable input criteria and corresponding routes on said map; and the UE 2 may further comprise a third output unit not illustrated in any drawing, which in particular may be a scrollable display, for presenting to the subscriber the map with the information plotted therein.
[0095] The invention may also be practised by a computer program, loadable into an internal memory of a computer with input and output units as well as with a processing unit. This computer program comprises to this end executable code adapted to carry out the above method steps when running in the computer. In particular, the executable code may be recorded in a carrier readable means in a computer.
[0096] The invention is described above in connection with various embodiments that are intended to be illustrative and non-restrictive. It is expected that those of ordinary skill in this art may modify these embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims in conjunction with the description and drawings, and all modifications that fall within the scope of the claims are intended to be included therein. | Currently existing web applications for calculation of routes from an origin to a destination do not take into account traffic jams, road/rail reparations, accidents, or other temporary incidents. To overcome this drawback, the present specification provides for new network entities and method of providing a subscriber of an IP Multimedia Subsystem “IMS” network with a route to a destination, wherein this method comprises a step of receiving at an application server “AS” associated with the IMS network dynamic parameters from a plurality of transport media indicating respective incidental information, and a step of processing at the AS these dynamic parameters along with other input criteria to determine a number of routes from the origin to the destination. | 7 |
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/537,829 filed Jun. 14, 1990, now abandoned.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for bleaching a cloth dyed with an indigo dye and more particularly, to a method for bleaching a cloth dyed with an indigo dye, such as a denim, by using an aqueous solution comprising a dichloroisocyanuric acid alone or as a main component.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In recent years, cloths dyed with an indigo dye, particularly a bleached denim comprising a blue denim having been subjected to bleaching processing, have become popular.
Bleaching of a blue denim includes a case where a blue denim is relatively uniformly bleached and a case where a blue denim is non-uniformly bleached. Usually, in the case where a blue denim is relatively uniformly bleached, dip bleaching is carried out by using sodium hypochlorite. In the case where a blue denim is non-uniformly bleached, bleaching is carried out by impregnating a pumice or the like with a sodium hypochlorite solution and, after drying, revolving and stirring a blue denim in a cleaning device. In any of these cases, sodium hypochlorite is mainly used as a bleaching agent. As other bleaching agents than sodium hypochlorite, U.S. Pat. No. 4,218,220 proposes use of trichloroisocyanuric acid as a bleaching agent.
In any of these methods, a step for removing chlorine by using a reducing agent such as sodium thiosulfate is introduced after the bleaching processing step.
The above-described case of using sodium hypochlorite as a bleaching agent involves such a defect that cotton fibers are deteriorated and, hence, when the degree of bleaching is further controlled, a method for controlling an available chlorine concentration of or processing time with a processing solution is employed. However, in this case, the bleaching power of sodium hypochlorite is so strong that it is not easy to control the degree of bleaching. Further, as a method for controlling the degree of bleaching, a method for changing a pH of or processing time with a processing solution could be considered, but this method is not desired because the pH of the sodium hypochlorite solution is lowered, or if the temperature of the processing solution is increased, a chlorine gas is volatilized.
In order to solve this problem, U.S. Pat. No. 4,218,220 proposes use of trichloroisocyanuric acid as a bleaching agent. However, trichloroisocyanuric acid is considerably acidic such that a 0.1% aqueous solution thereof has a pH of from 1 to 2, and its bleaching power is too high. Further, in the case that it is aimed to suppress the bleaching power of trichloroisocyanuric acid by adding an alkaline agent thereto, there are still such problems that not only is it dangerous because decomposition of trichloroisocyanuric acid causes generation of nitrogen chloride, but a blue denim is likely yellowed.
Bleaching of a blue denim is likely delicately influenced by not only the type of a bleaching agent used but the processing condition employed. Therefore, undesired phenomena such as deterioration of fibers by reduction in the tear strength and yellowing of the blue denim sometimes occur.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present inventors have found that the above-described problems can be solved by using dichloroisocyanuric acid and then accomplished the present invention.
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for bleaching a cloth dyed with an indigo dye, in which the degree of bleaching can be easily controlled and, after bleaching, neither yellowing nor deterioration of fibers occurs.
That is, the present invention relates to a method for bleaching a cloth dyed with an indigo dye, which comprises using, as a processing solution, an aqueous solution of a dichloroisocyanuric acid salt which is optionally compounded with a basic compound and/or a surfactant.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The cloth dyed with an indigo dye, which is used in the method of the present invention, is not particularly limited, but the method of the present invention is particularly effective for a denim. Besides, the method of the present invention is also applicable to traditional products such as knitwear, yukata, and pongee as well as handicraft products such as shop curtain and tablecloth.
As the dichloroisocyanuric acid salt, sodium dichloroisocyanurate and/or potassium dichloroisocyanurate is preferred. A suitable concentration of the dichloroisocyanuric acid salt in the processing solution is from 0.05 to 1.5% by weight, preferably from 0.1 to 1.0% by weight, in terms of the available chlorine concentration.
In the range of the available chlorine concentration of 0.5% by weight or more, since a processing solution comprising an aqueous solution containing only a dichloroisocyanuric acid salt tends to cause problems such as yellowing of fibers after bleaching processing, in order to prevent such problems, it is preferred to compound therewith at least one member selected from basic compounds, anionic surfactants, and nonionic surfactants.
Even in the range of the available chlorine concentration of less than 0.5% by weight, it is, as a matter of course, possible to use the above-described basic compounds and/or surfactants, use of which is rather preferred.
Examples of basic compounds which can be used in the present invention include basic inorganic compounds such as sodium carbonate, sodium metasilicate, and trisodium phosphate and basic organic salt compounds such as sodium citrate.
A suitable amount of the basic compound added is adjusted such that the processing solution has a pH of from 5 to 11 and preferably from 6 to 10. If the pH exceeds 11, not only the bleaching effect is lowered, but reduction in the strength of fiber occurs. On the other hand, if the pH is less than 5, yellowing likely occurs.
Examples of anionic surfactants which can be used in the present invention include alkylbenzenesulfonic acid salts, alkanesulfonic acid salts, α-olefin-sulfonic acid salts, and alkyl sulfate polyoxyethylene salts.
Examples of nonionic surfactants which can be used in the present invention include alkyl polyoxyethylene ethers and alkylphenyl polyoxyethylene ethers.
A suitable amount of the surfactant compounded is from 0.01 to 0.2% by weight in the processing solution. If the amount is less than 0.01% by weight, the yellowing-preventing effect is not satisfactory, whereas if it exceeds 0.2% by weight, a rinsing operation in the subsequent step becomes likely insufficient.
In the method of the present invention, the dichloroisocyanuric acid salt can be used in combination with a cationic surfactant. In this case, a concentration of the dichloroisocyanuric acid salt in the aqueous solution is from 0.05 to 0.4% by weight, preferably from 0.1 to 0.2% by weight, in terms of the available chlorine concentration.
As will be clear from the Examples as described later, in the case that a cloth is treated with a processing solution containing sodium dichloroisocyanurate in an effective chlorine concentration of about 0.2% by weight and 0.02% by weight of lauryldimethylbenzylammonium chloride as a cationic surfactant, a bleaching effect of the cloth which is substantially equal to that attained in the case that a cloth is treated with a processing solution containing only sodium dichloroisocyanurate in an effective chlorine concentration of about 0.4% by weight can be attained. That is, the cationic surfactant functions as a filler for the bleaching agent.
A suitable amount of the cationic surfactant is from 0.005 to 0.5% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 0.05% by weight, in the aqueous solution. If the amount exceeds 0.5% by weight, a rinsing operation in the subsequent step becomes likely insufficient.
The bleaching effect of a cloth increases in substantial proportion to the amounts of the dichloroisocyanuric acid salt and cationic surfactants added. Accordingly, though it is possible to control these amounts, if the effective chlorine concentration is less than 0.05% by weight, desired results cannot be obtained even though the amount of the cationic surfactant added is increased. Further, if the effective chlorine concentration exceeds 0.4% by weight, the bleaching by combined use with the cationic surfactant markedly proceeds, whereby yellowing of the cloth so-called as "chlorine yellowing" is likely generated.
Moreover, though the cationic surfactant may be used in combination with the above-described basic compound and nonionic surfactant, it is not preferred to use the cationic surfactant in combination with the anionic surfactant.
A suitable temperature of the bleaching processing is not higher than 70° C., preferably from 30° to 70° C., and more preferably from 50° to 65° C. If the temperature is lower than 30° C., it is not efficient because it takes a long period for achieving the bleaching. If it exceeds 70° C., decomposition of chlorine is vigorous, and the bleaching is likely non-uniform. A suitable weight ratio (i.e., bath ratio) of the cloth to the processing solution is from 1:10 to 1:50 and preferably from 1:20 to 1:40. If the bath ratio exceeds 1:10, the bleaching is likely non-uniform due to twisting between the fibers. Further, a bath ratio of less than 1:50 could be employed, but it is of no efficiency. A processing time is usually from 10 to 30 minutes though it varies depending on the temperature and bath ratio.
After the bleaching processing by the method of the present invention, reduction processing, rinsing and drying steps which are carried out in the conventional bleaching step are employable. Further, a method in which the above-described bleaching solution is impregnated into a pumice or the like and local bleaching is performed is also applicable.
The present invention is described in more detail with reference to the following Examples and Comparative Examples.
EXAMPLES 1 TO 12 AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES 1 TO 14
Bleaching was carried out in the manner described below under the conditions as shown in Table 1, followed by evaluation. The results obtained are also shown in Table 1. For reference, the physical properties of a denim which had been subjected to a bleaching processing step with only water are shown in Table 1, too.
[Bleaching Method]
Into a 500 ml beaker, 500 ml of distilled water was charged, and a bleaching agent was added thereto under the conditions as shown in Table 1, followed by keeping the mixture at 50° C. Two blue denim cloth pieces (15 cm×8 cm in size) were dipped therein and bleached for 10 minutes by means of a detergency tester ("Tergoto Meter Model 7243" manufactured by U.S. Testing Co., Ltd.) at 100 rpm, followed by adding thereto 0.5% by weight of sodium thiosulfate to effect chlorine-removal treatment. Thereafter, the resulting cloth pieces were air dried at room temperature for 24 hours, ironed, and then evaluated with respect to the following items.
[Bleaching Effect]
The color tone of the bleached denim cloth piece was measured in terms of lightness (L) and hue (a, b) by means of a differential colorimeter (manufactured by Tokyo Denshoku K.K.), and suitability of the bleaching effect as well as degree of yellowing were visually observed. The results are shown in Table 1.
The bleaching effect is expressed by three ratings, "suitable", "excessive", and "insufficient"; and the yellowing is expressed by the following symbols.
A: not yellowed
B: slightly yellowed
C: yellowed
D: markedly yellowed
[Tear Strength]
The bleached denim cloth piece was measured with respect to tear strength under the conditions according to the single tongue method as defined in JIS L1004 by means of a Tensilon (a trade name of Toyo Boldwing Co., Ltd.).
The denim used was 14 oz., and the chemicals used are shown below.
[Bleaching Agent]
(1) sodium hypochlorite solution
(2) trichloroisocyanuric acid powder
(3) sodium dichloroisocyanurate powder
(4) sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate powder
(5) potassium dichloroisocyanurate powder
(6) high test hypochlorite
[Basic Substance]
(1) sodium carbonate powder
(2) sodium metasilicate powder
(3) trisodium phosphate powder
(4) sodium citrate
[Surfactant]
Anionic Surfactant
(1) sodium salt of alkyl sulfate-decaethylene oxide adduct ("Persoft-EL", a trade name of Nippon Oil and Fats Co., Ltd.)
(2) sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate ("Newrex Paste H", a trade name of Nippon Oil and Fats Co., Ltd.)
(3) sodium α-olefin-sulfonate ("Nikkol OS-14", a trade name of Nikko Chemical Co., Ltd.)
Nonionic Surfactant
(1) alkyl polyoxyethylene ether ("Nonion E-215, a trade name of Nippon Oil and Fats Co., Ltd.)
(2) alkylphenyl polyoxyethylene ether ("Nonion NS-202", a trade name of Nippon Oil and Fats Co., Ltd.)
TABLE 1 Bleaching Condition Bleaching Agent & Evaluation Result Available Chlorine Basic pH of Processing Tear Color Tone Bleaching Concentration (%) Substance (%) Surfactant (%) Solution Strength (kg) L a b Effect Yellowing Example 1 DCCNa (0.3) -- -- 5.8 4.4 34.2 -0.9 -7.8 suitable A Example 2 DCCNa (0.3) sodium carbonate -- 9.2 4.5 43.0 -3.1 -8.5 suitable A (0.3) Example 3 DCCNa (0.3) sodium m-silicate -- 8.7 4.6 31.5 -0.7 -13.3 suitable A (0.3) Example 4 DCCNa (0.3) sodium citrate -- 7.4 4.4 35.4 -1.6 -10.2 suitable A (0.3) Example 5 DCCNa (0.3) -- α OS--Na (0.1) 6.1 4.5 32.9 -0.4 -14.4 suitable A Example 6 DCCNa (0.3) sodium carbonate α OS--Na (0.1) 9.0 4.5 36.4 -0.8 -13.3 suitable A (0.3) Example 7 DCCNa (0.3) -- AS--Na (0.1) 6.3 4.7 35.5 -2.0 -10.9 suitable A Example 8 DCCNa (0.5) -- POE (0.2) 6.1 4.5 46.9 -4.1 -9.9 suitable A Example 9 DCCNa (0.5) sodium carbonate POE (0.2) 9.2 4.5 54.3 -7.6 -0.6 suitable A (0.5) Example 10 DCCNa.2H.sub.2 O -- ABS--Na (0.2) 6.2 4.6 33.1 -0.7 -15.5 suitable A (0.3) Example 11 DCCK (0.3) -- -- 6.0 4.5 33.6 -1.4 -8.1 suitable A Example 12 DCCK (0.3) -- ABS--Na (0.2) 6.3 4.7 34.0 -1.8 -11.8 suitable A Comparative NaClO (0.1) -- -- 7.6 4.3 22.5 1.2 -14.9 insufficient A Example 1 Comparative NaClO (0.3) -- -- 8.1 3.3 27.7 0.3 -17.9 suitable B Example 2 Comparative NaClO (0.5) -- -- 8.6 2.7 42.2 -2.5 -16.1 suitable C Example 3 Comparative NaClO (2.0) -- -- 9.7 1.6 69.5 -3.7 4.3 excessive C Example 4 Comparative high test -- -- 8.3 3.2 25.4 0.1 -13.3 suitable C Example 5 hypochlorite (0.3) Comparative high test -- -- 8.8 2.5 43.3 -1.8 -19.3 suitable C Example 6 hypochlorite (0.5) Comparative TCCA (0.05) -- -- 5.5 4.5 29.1 -1.9 -15.5 insufficient A Example 7 Comparative TCCA (0.3) -- -- 4.3 4.4 39.0 -0.4 -7.7 suitable D Example 8 Comparative NaClO (0.3) sodium carbonate -- 8.7 2.1 25.1 0.2 -17.0 suitable C Example 9 (0.3) Comparative NaClO (0.1) -- ABS--Na (0.1) 7.9 4.0 20.9 1.4 -15.3 insufficient A Example 10 Comparative NaClO (0.3) -- ABS--Na (0.1) 8.3 3.4 27.1 0.4 -13.3 suitable C Example 11 Comparative high test -- POE (0.2) 8.2 2.6 23.1 -0.2 -15.8 suitable A Example 12 hypochlorite (0.3) Comparative TCCA (0.3) trisodium -- 5.7 4.0 36.1 -0.3 -10.9 suitable B Example 13 phosphate (0.3) Comparative TCCA (0.3) trisodium ABS--Na (0.1) 5.7 4.0 34.8 -0.2 -13.3 suitable B Example 14 phosphate (0.3) Reference -- -- -- 7.4 4.5 18.3 -8.2 -10.2 -- -- DCCNa: sodium dichloroisocyanurate DCCNa.2H.sub.2 O: sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate DCCK: potassium dichloroisocyanurate OS--Na: sodium olefin-sulfonate AS--Na: alkyl sulfate 10EONa salt POE: polyoxyethylene alkyl ether ABS--Na: sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate TCCA: trichloroisocyanuric acid
EXAMPLES 13 TO 29 AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES 15 TO 18
Bleaching was carried out in the manner described below under the conditions as shown in Table 2, followed by evaluation. The results obtained are also shown in Table 2.
[Bleaching Method and Evaluation Method]
Five liters of warm water at 50° C. was charged in a small-sized electric washing machine, and a bleaching agent was added thereto under the conditions as shown in Table 2. One blue denim cloth piece (30 cm×45 cm in size) was thrown into this processing solution and bleached for 30 minutes, followed by subjecting to a chlorine-removal treatment with 5 liters of warm water having 20 g of sodium thiosulfate added thereto for 15 minutes. The resulting cloth piece was rinsed with tap water for 15 minutes, air dried at room temperature for 24 hours, and then ironed. The color tone of the bleached denim cloth piece was measured in terms of lightness (L) and hue (a, b) by means of the same differential colorimeter as used in Example 1.
The denim used was the same type as in Example 1, and the cationic surfactant used is as follows.
(1) hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride
(2) stearyltrimethylammonium chloride
(3) lauryldimethylbenzylammonium chloride
(4) stearyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride
TABLE 2__________________________________________________________________________ Bleaching Condition Bleaching Agent & Evaluation Result Available Chlorine Cationic Color Tone Concentration (%) Surfactant (%) L a b__________________________________________________________________________Example 13 DCCNa (0.06) lauryldimethyl- 19.7 1.9 -13.7 benzylammonium chloride (0.01)Example 14 DCCNa (0.06) lauryldimethyl- 21.5 1.9 -15.7 benzylammonium chloride (0.02)Example 15 DCCNa (0.06) lauryldimethyl- 28.9 0.4 -17.0 benzylammonium chloride (0.03)Example 16 DCCNa (0.18) lauryldimethyl- 57.5 -2.6 -8.7 benzylammonium chloride (0.01)Example 17 DCCNa (0.18) lauryldimethyl- 64.8 -2.6 -3.2 benzylammonium chloride (0.02)Example 18 DCCNa (0.18) lauryldimethyl- 75.2 -2.1 4.0 benzylammonium chloride (0.03)Example 19 DCCNa (0.27) lauryldimethyl- 66.9 -2.6 -1.2 benzylammonium chloride (0.01)Example 20 DCCNa (0.27) lauryldimethyl- 70.2 -2.7 -1.9 benzylammonium chloride (0.02)Example 21 DCCNa (0.27) lauryldimethyl- 71.5 -2.6 1.0 benzylammonium chloride (0.03)Example 22 DCCNa (0.36) lauryldimethyl- 75.1 -2.3 2.9 benzylammonium chloride (0.01)Example 23 DCCNa (0.36) lauryldimethyl- 78.7 -2.1 4.8 benzylammonium chloride (0.02)Example 24 DCCNa (0.36) lauryldimethyl- 74.9 -2.2 4.7 benzylammonium chloride (0.03)Example 25 DCCK (0.18) lauryldimethyl- 63.3 -2.4 -3.1 benzylammonium chloride (0.02)Example 26 DCCNa (0.06) hexadecyltrimethyl- 68.6 -2.6 -3.9 ammonium chloride (0.02)Example 27 DCCNa (0.06) stearyltrimethyl- 56.5 -3.1 -5.1 ammonium chloride (0.02)Example 28 DCCNa (0.06) lauryldimethyl- 67.3 -2.4 -1.7 benzylammonium chloride (0.02)Example 29 DCCNa (0.06) stearyldimethyl- 52.3 -2.7 -9.0 benzylammonium chloride (0.02)Comparative DCCNa (0.18) -- 42.0 -1.3 -17.2Example 15Comparative DCCNa (0.27) -- 55.2 -2.6 -12.9Example 16Comparative DCCNa (0.36) -- 65.9 -2.9 -6.4Example 17Comparative DCCK (0.18) -- 39.8 -1.3 -17.7Example 18__________________________________________________________________________
While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. | A method for bleaching a cloth dyed with an indigo dye by using a processing solution containing a bleaching agent, wherein said processing solution is an aqueous solution of a dichloroisocyanuric acid salt, is disclosed. According to the invention, the degree of bleaching can be easily controlled and, after the bleaching, neither yellowing nor deterioration of fibers occurs. | 3 |
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to apparatuses and methods for controlling fluid flow and erosion/cooling of bearing assembly components. More specifically, embodiments disclosed herein relate to apparatuses and methods for controlling fluid flow and erosion/cooling of bearing assembly components through modification of the bearing components or housing of the bearing.
[0003] 2. Background Art
[0004] Drilling motors are commonly used to provide rotational force to a drill bit when drilling earth formations. Drilling motors used for this purpose are typically driven by drilling fluids pumped from surface equipment through the drillstring. This type of motor is commonly referred to as a mud motor. In use, the drilling fluid is forced through the mud motor(s), which extracts energy from the flow to provide rotational force to a drill bit located below the mud motors. There are two primary types of mud motors: positive displacement motors (“PDM”) and turbodrills.
[0005] FIG. 1 shows a prior art turbodrill which is used to provide rotational force to a drill bit. A housing 45 includes an upper connection 40 to connect to the drillstring (not shown). Turbine stages 80 are disposed within the housing 45 to rotate a shaft 50 . A stage in this context may be defined as a mating set of rotating and stationary parts. A turbine stage typically includes a bladed rotor (not shown) and a bladed stator (not shown). At a lower end of the turbodrill, a drill bit 90 is attached to the shaft 50 by a lower connection (not shown). A radial bearing 70 is provided between the shaft 50 and the housing 45 . Stabilizers 60 and 61 disposed on the housing 45 help to keep the turbodrill centered within the wellbore. A turbodrill uses turbine stages 80 to provide rotational force to drill bit 90 . In operation, drilling fluid is pumped through a drillstring (not shown) until it enters the turbodrill. The drilling fluid passes through a rotor/stator configuration of turbine stages 80 , which rotates shaft 50 and ultimately drill bit 90 .
[0006] While providing rotational force to the shaft 50 through the rotor (not shown), the turbine stages 80 also produce a downward axial force (thrust) from the drilling fluid. Upward axial force results from the reaction force of the drill bit 90 , also called weight on bit “WOB.” To transfer axial loads between the housing 45 and the shaft 50 , thrust bearings 10 are provided. As shown in FIG. 2A , multiple stages of thrust bearings 110 are “stacked” in series; FIG. 2A shows a portion of a bearing stack in which four bearing stages can be seen. A bearing stage in this context may comprise a rotating bearing subassembly and a stationary bearing subassembly. A bearing subassembly as defined herein may simply comprise the bearing itself, for example a bearing comprised of polycrystalline diamond compacts inserted into a ring, or may additionally comprise components, including but not limited to spacers, frames, wear plates, pins, and springs.
[0007] It is necessary to positionally arrange the bearing stages in series in order to fit them within the confines of the turbodrills tubular body. Though the bearing stages are positionally in series, the axial load, at least in principle, is carried in parallel by the bearing stages and shared to some extent by each bearing stage. The bearing stages are held in position in the stacks by axial compression. The primary purposes of compression are to allow the components to transfer torque and to provide a sealing force between components. The compression may be maintained by threaded components on one or both ends of the inner and outer bearing stacks. In a free, uncompressed state, all stage lengths may be nominally equal. Ideally, all stages have identical lengths so the load is distributed evenly among all stages.
[0008] A limitation of prior art bearings has been balancing the requirement to cool the bearing with the negative effects of erosion of the thrust bearing components. In circumstances where there is not enough flow through the bearing surfaces, inadequate cooling may cause the bearing to premature fail. In circumstances where there is too high an amount of fluid flowing through the bearing, erosion on the bearing surfaces has been observed, which may also result in premature failure.
[0009] Referring to FIG. 2B , a cross-sectional view of a thrust bearing is shown. In such thrust bearings, the bearing includes a rotating disc 200 and a fixed disc 201 . Each disc 200 , 201 may include inserts 203 formed from ceramic, PDC, or similar materials. During use, fluid is flossed through the bearings along path A, such that fluid is allowed to flow between inserts 203 and along outer housing 204 .
[0010] Referring to FIG. 2C , a fluid flow schematic of fluid flowing through the thrust bearing of FIG. 2B is shown. As may be seen at Region B, the fluid along flat section 205 of fixed disc 201 may cause recirculation. The recirculation may result in erosion to the flat section 205 .
[0011] Accordingly, there exists a need for improved bearing design for controlling cooling and erosion.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0012] In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a bearing assembly comprising a frame; a rotating disc disposed in the frame, the rotating disc comprising a first set of inserts; and a fixed disc disposed in the frame, the fixed disc comprising a second set of inserts, the second set of inserts configured to interact with the first set of inserts, and a lip disposed adjacent the second set of inserts.
[0013] In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a bearing assembly comprising a frame; a rotating disc disposed in the frame, the rotating disc comprising a first set of inserts and at least one groove disposed axially above at least one of the inserts; and a fixed disc disposed in the frame, the fixed disc comprising a second set of inserts, the second set of inserts configured to interact with the first set of inserts.
[0014] In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a bearing assembly comprising a frame; a rotating disc disposed in the frame, the rotating disc comprising a first set of inserts; and a fixed disc disposed in the frame, the fixed disc comprising a second set of inserts, the second set of inserts configured to interact with the first set of inserts and wherein the fixed disc comprises a chamfer.
[0015] In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a bearing assembly comprising a frame; a rotating disc disposed in the frame, the rotating disc comprising a first set of inserts; and a fixed disc disposed in the frame, the fixed disc comprising a second set of inserts, the second set of inserts configured to interact with the first set of inserts and wherein the fixed disc comprises a chamfer.
[0016] In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a bearing assembly comprising a frame; a rotating disc disposed in the frame, the rotating disc comprising a first set of inserts; and a fixed disc disposed in the frame, the fixed disc comprising a second set of inserts, the second set of inserts configured to interact with the first set of inserts; wherein at least one of the frame, the rotating disc, and the fixed disc comprises a fluid control feature.
[0017] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is an assembly view of a conventional turbo drill.
[0019] FIG. 2A is a section view of a multi-stage thrust bearing assembly.
[0020] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a conventional bearing assembly.
[0021] FIG. 2C is a fluid flow diagram of the bearing assembly of FIG. 2B .
[0022] FIG. 3A is a cross-section view of a bearing assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 3B is a fluid flow schematic of a bearing assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of a bearing assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 4B is a fluid flow schematic of a bearing assembly according to the bearing assembly of FIG. 4A .
[0026] FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of a bearing assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 6A is a cross-section view of a bearing assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 6B is a cross-section view of a bearing assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of a bearing assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of a bearing assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of a bearing assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 10A is a cross-section view of a bearing assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 10B is a top view of a bearing assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 10C is a bottom view of a bearing assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to apparatuses and methods for controlling fluid flow and erosion/cooling of bearing assembly components. In other aspects, embodiments disclosed herein relate to apparatuses and methods for controlling fluid flow and erosion/cooling of bearing assembly components through modification of the bearing components or housing of the bearing.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 3A , a thrust bearing assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, thrust bearing assembly 300 includes a first disc 301 and a second disc 302 . In certain embodiments, the first disc 301 may be a rotating disc, while second disc 302 may be a fixed disc. In alternative embodiments, the first disc 30 a may be a fixed disc, while the second disc 302 may be a rotating disc. In certain embodiments, the orientation of the first and second discs 301 and 302 and the determination of which disc is fixed versus rotating will depend on the direction of flow through the bearing assembly. For example, as fluid flows in direction A, axially downward through the bearing assembly, the fluid flows past the first rotating disc 301 to the second fixed disc 302 . In alternate embodiments the direction of flow may be reversed and/or the orientation of first and second discs 301 and 302 , as well as which disc rotates and which disc is fixed, may vary. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the relative orientation of first and second discs 301 and 302 and the determination of whether first or second disc 301 or 302 rotates or is fixed will depend on the requirements of a particular thrust bearing assembly and/or drilling tool.
[0037] Both first disc 301 and second disc 302 have a wear resistant surface 303 disposed thereon. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that wear resistant surfaces 303 may be formed from a variety of materials, such as ceramics, PDC, or other materials having material properties making wear resistant surfaces 303 resistant to abrasive wear. In certain embodiments, the wear resistant surface 303 may be formed of a variety of hard or ultra-hard particles. In one embodiment, the wear resistant surface 303 may be formed from a suitable material such as tungsten carbide, tantalum carbide, or titanium carbide. Additionally, various binding metals may be included in the substrate, such as cobalt, nickel, iron, metal alloys, or mixtures thereof. In such wear resistant surfaces 303 , the metal carbide grains are supported within the metallic binder, such as cobalt. Additionally, the wear resistant surface 303 may be formed of a sintered tungsten carbide composite structure. It is well known that various metal carbide compositions and binders may be used, in addition to tungsten carbide and cobalt. Examples of other hard and ultra-hard materials that may be used include polycrystalline diamond, thermally stable diamond, natural diamond, a diamond/silicon carbide composite, and cubic boron nitride.
[0038] In this embodiment, wear resistant surfaces 303 include a plurality of inserts. Thus, the inserts may be formed from the materials discussed above. In alternate embodiments, wear resistant surfaces 303 may include a substantially continuous sleeve, such as a ceramic sleeve. In still other embodiments, the substantially continuous sleeve may be formed from various other hard and ultra-hard materials, as discussed above.
[0039] Wear resistant surfaces 303 may be disposed circumferentially around first disc 301 and second disc 302 . In an embodiment where the wear resistant surfaces 303 include a plurality of inserts a first set of inserts may be disposed on first disc 301 and a second set of inserts may be disposed on second disc 302 . The inserts of the first and second sets may be disposed so individual inserts 303 of the first and second sets contact during use of the tool in which the bearing assembly is disposed.
[0040] In this embodiment, second disc 302 also includes a lip 304 disposed around the periphery of the second disc 302 . As illustrated, lip 304 may include an angled protrusion extending longitudinally upward. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a lip angle α may be formed as lip 304 extends from second disc 302 . By varying lip angle α, as well as the length of the protrusion, flow through wear resistant surfaces 303 and between second disc 302 and a frame 306 may be adjusted. For example, by increasing the length of lip 304 and/or increasing lip angle α, the volume of fluid flowing through inserts 303 may be increased, while decreasing the volume of fluid flowing between second disc 302 and frame 306 . Lip 304 may extend around second disc 302 , thereby forming a continuous lip 304 . In certain embodiments, lip angle α may be in a range between about 5 degrees and about 90 degrees. In other embodiments, lip angle α may be between about 10 degrees and about 80 degrees, while in still other embodiments, lip angle α may be in a range between about 20 degrees and about 60 degrees.
[0041] Referring briefly to FIG. 3B a fluid flow schematic of a bearing assembly having a lip is shown. As illustrated, fluid flowing between frame 306 and first disc 301 is directed over lip 304 and through inserts of wear resistant surfaces 303 . Additionally, the fluid flow between second disc 302 and frame 306 is streamlined, and recirculation (i.e., fluid flowing back up second disc 302 ) (as illustrated in FIG. 2C ) is minimized at portion 307 . By decreasing the amount of recirculation, dead zones that may otherwise occur may be minimized, thereby keeping fluid flow through the ports (not individually shown), allowing fluid to continue flowing into other down hole components, which may include additional bearing assemblies. Recirculation is reduced because, as the fluid flow contacts lip 304 , the flow velocity is decreased causing the flow to climb uphill along lip 304 , which results in decreased overshoot of the fluid at the periphery of lip 304 .
[0042] Inclusion of lip 304 may thereby promote fluid flow through inserts of wear resistant surfaces 303 , as well as minimize flow recirculation. A fluid control feature, such as lip 304 , may thereby be used when cooling of inserts of wear resistant surfaces 303 is an issue due to lack of sufficient fluid flow through the bearing components.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 4A , a thrust bearing assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, thrust bearing assembly 400 includes a first disc 401 and a second disc (not illustrated). Both first disc 401 and the second disc have a plurality of inserts (not illustrated) disposed thereon. Both first disc 401 and the second disc are disposed in a frame 406 .
[0044] In this embodiment, first disc 401 includes a plurality of grooves 408 formed above the inserts. The grooves 408 may have various geometries, such as, for example, circular, triangular, rectangular, square, and/or combinations thereof. Additionally, the grooves 408 may have sharp or round edges and/or may have chamfered edges. In FIG. 4A , grooves 408 may be axially aligned relative to a longitudinal axis of bearing assembly 400 . However, in alternate embodiments, grooves 408 may be at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of bearing assembly 400 .
[0045] Referring to FIG. 4B , a fluid flow schematic of a bearing assembly according to the bearing assembly of FIG. 4A is shown. In FIG. 4B , a top cross-sectional view during computational fluid dynamics modeling allows the flow of fluid through a thrust bearing to be observed. As illustrated, grooves 408 may increase cross-flow in slots 409 between inserts 403 . Increased fluid flow may thereby allow inserts 403 to be more effectively cooled during use, thereby decreasing the likelihood of premature failure of the thrust bearing. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in alternative embodiments, grooves 408 may be aligned at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the thrust bearing, thereby diverting fluid around the bearing components. Such a design may be beneficial to prevent erosion of bearing surfaces that may be caused by excessive fluid flowing through the bearing components.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 5 a thrust bearing assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, thrust bearing assembly 500 includes a first disc 501 and a second disc 502 . Both first disc 501 and the second disc 502 have wear resistant surfaces 503 disposed thereon. As explained above, wear resistant surfaces 503 may include a plurality of inserts and or a substantially continuous sleeve. Both first disc 501 and the second disc 502 are disposed in a frame 506 .
[0047] In this embodiment, frame 506 includes a blade protrusion 509 extending from the internal diameter of frame 506 . Blade protrusion 509 may include various geometries, such as a crescent shaped geometry (e.g., an arcuate surface), thereby controlling the flow of fluid through various bearing components. Blade protrusion 509 having a crescent shaped geometry increases the flow of fluid through wear resistant surfaces 503 , thereby providing increased cooling to the wear resistant surfaces 503 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the angle of blade protrusion 509 may vary, thereby allowing for the flow of fluid to be controlled, which may further extend the operating life of thrust bearing 500 . Additionally, blade protrusion 509 may be one continuous protrusion extending circumferentially around the entire frame 509 , or may include protrusion segments that extend from a portion of the circumference of frame 509 .
[0048] In certain embodiments, blade protrusion 509 may be formed to include an arcuate surface such as a continuous curve. Blade protrusion 509 may thus be formed by joining two tangency lines that are non-collinear, thereby forming a substantially continuous curve. In an alternate embodiment, blade protrusion 509 may be formed to include a substantially straight line. In such an embodiment, blade protrusion 509 may be formed by joining two tangency lines that are collinear.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 6A , a thrust bearing assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. FIG. 6A , similar to FIG. 5 , illustrates a thrust bearing assembly 600 having a first disc 601 and a second disc 602 . Both first disc 601 and second disc 602 have a wear resistant surface 603 disposed thereon. Wear resistant surfaces 603 may include a plurality of inserts or a substantially continuous sleeve. Additionally, first disc 601 and the second disc 602 are disposed in a frame 606 .
[0050] In this embodiment, second disc 602 further includes a blade protrusion 609 . As with blade protrusion 509 of FIG. 5 , blade protrusion 609 may promote the flow of fluid between bearing components, thereby providing greater cooling of the bearing components, during use. The location of blade protrusion 609 may be varied in order to change the amount of fluid flowing between bearing components 609 . For example, by varying the angle of blade protrusion 609 , or varying the location with respect to the outer diameter of second disc 602 and/or the inner diameter of frame 606 , the amount of fluid flowing between bearing components may be adjusted. In certain embodiments, blade protrusion 609 may include an extended region that may be formed integrally with second disc 602 , or alternatively, formed separately from blade protrusion 609 and affixed to second disc 602 . In certain aspects, blade protrusion 609 is integral to frame 606 .
[0051] Additionally, blade protrusion 609 may include various geometries, such as a crescent geometry. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that changing the geometry may promote the flow of fluid through the bearing components or otherwise prevent fluid recirculation or wear to bearing components.
[0052] Referring briefly to FIG. 6B , in certain embodiments, blade protrusion 609 may be formed to include an arcuate surface such as a continuous curve. Blade protrusion 609 may thus be formed by joining two tangency lines that are non-collinear, thereby forming a substantially continuous curve. In an alternate embodiment, blade protrusion 609 may be formed to include a substantially straight line. In such an embodiment, blade protrusion 609 may be formed by joining two tangency lines that are collinear.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 7 , a thrust bearing assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. FIG. 7 illustrates a thrust bearing assembly 700 having a first disc 701 and a second disc 702 . Both first disc 701 and second disc 702 have a wear resistant surface 703 disposed thereon. Wear resistant surfaces 703 may include a plurality of inserts and/or a substantially continuous sleeve. Additionally, first disc 701 and the second disc 702 are disposed in a frame 706 .
[0054] In this embodiment, second disc 702 may further include a chamfer 710 on the outer periphery thereof. Chamfer 710 may be included to increase the volume of fluid flowing into flow ports 711 , located between second disc 702 and frame 706 . By increasing the volume of fluid flowing into flow ports 711 , the volume of fluid flowing through the load bearing surfaces (., between a second wear resistant surface 703 of second disc 702 and a first wear resistant surface 703 of first disc 701 ) of the thrust bearing 700 may be decreased. Chamfer 710 may include various geometries, and in certain embodiments, may include an arcuate surface. Additionally, the angle of chamfer 710 may also be varied to adjust the volume of fluid flowing between thrust bearing components and/or into flow ports 710 .
[0055] Referring to FIG. 8 , a thrust bearing assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. FIG. 8 illustrates a thrust bearing assembly 800 having a first disc 801 and a second disc 802 . Both first disc 801 and second disc 802 have a wear resistant surface 803 disposed thereon. As explained above, wear resistant surfaces 803 may include a plurality of inserts and/or a substantially continuous sleeve. Additionally, first disc 801 and the second disc 802 are disposed in a frame 806 .
[0056] In this embodiment, second disc 802 may further include an inclined surface 812 extending from an outer diameter of second disc 802 to an inner diameter of second disc 802 . The inclined surface 812 may thereby direct fluid flow through bearing components, enhancing the cooling effect of the fluid flow during use. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the angle of inclined surface 812 may be varied in order to adjust the volume of fluid flowing through thrust bearing components. Additionally, inclined surface 812 may include various geometric features, such as arcuate surfaces, ridges (not shown), or other varying surface features to further control the flow of fluid therethrough. Inclined surface 812 , as illustrated, is inclined from an outer diameter of second disc 802 to an inner diameter of second disc 802 . In alternative embodiments, the inclination may occur over a portion, such as an area between the outer diameter of second disc 802 and wear resistant surfaces 803 , or may include various inclined portion and flat portions.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 9 , a thrust bearing assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. FIG. 9 illustrates a thrust bearing assembly 900 having a first disc 901 and a second disc 902 . Both first disc 901 and second disc 902 have a wear resistant surface 903 disposed thereon. Wear resistant surfaces 903 may include a plurality of inserts and/or a substantially continuous sleeve. Additionally, first disc 901 and the second disc 902 are disposed in a frame 906 .
[0058] In this embodiment, an outer diameter 913 of first disc 901 is larger than an outer diameter 914 of second disc 902 . By increasing outer diameter 913 of first disc 901 relative to an outer diameter 914 of second disc 902 , flow may be directed to flow ports 911 located between second disc 902 and frame 906 . Diverting the flow of fluid through flow ports 906 may decrease erosion through thrust bearing components, thereby preventing the premature failure of the thrust bearing components. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the relative outer diameters of first disc 901 and second disc 902 may be varied in order to adjust the relative volume of fluid flowing into flow ports 906 or through the bearing components.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 10A-10C , multiple views of thrust bearing assemblies according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. FIG. 10A illustrates a thrust bearing assembly cross-section, the cross-section taken between the intersection of a first (rotating) disc (not shown) and a second (fixed) disc 1002 . FIG. 10B illustrates a thrust bearing assembly top view and FIG. 10B illustrates a thrust bearing assembly bottom view.
[0060] In this embodiment, the thrust bearing assembly has a first rotating disc 1001 and the second fixed disc 1002 . The second fixed disc 1002 includes a wear resistant surface 1003 including plurality of inserts 1010 , disposed thereon. As explained above, first rotating disc 1001 also includes a wear resistant surface that may include a plurality of inserts or a substantially continuous sleeve, depending on the requirements of a particular operation. The thrust bearing assembly also includes a frame 1006 .
[0061] In this embodiment, second fixed disc 1002 includes a first plurality of grooves 1007 . Additionally, frame 1006 includes a second plurality of grooves 1008 . As illustrated, the first and second pluralities of grooves correspond to one another. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various fluid control features may be combined, and as such, grooves 107 and 18 may be present on the frame 1006 and second disc 1002 , or alternatively or in addition to the first disc 1001 .
[0062] Generally, embodiments of the present disclosure include thrust bearing designs having various fluid control features. Examples of fluid flow control features may include, for example, the presence on thrust bearing assembly of a lip, an inclined surface, a groove, a blade protrusion, a chamfer, and/or relative diameter of a first rotating disc to a second fixed disc.
[0063] In certain embodiments, thrust bearing assemblies in accordance with the present disclosure may have more than one fluid flow control feature. For example, in one aspect, a thrust bearing may have a groove on a first disc and a lip on a second disc, while in an alternate aspect, the thrust bearing may have a groove on a first disc and an inclined surface on a second disc.
[0064] During the design of thrust bearing assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, various aspects of the thrust bearings may be simulated and/or modeled in a computational fluid dynamics simulator in order to optimize the design of the thrust bearing assembly. For example, in such a computer assisted method for designing thrust bearings, an operator may initially input thrust bearing parameters. Thrust bearing parameters may include, for example, outer diameter of a second disc, outer diameter of a first disc, inner diameter of a second disc, inner diameter of a first disc, material properties of the first disc or second disc, properties of a wear resistant surface, the number of inserts forming a wear resistant surface, a material property of the wear resistant surface, a diameter of the wear resistant surface, the orientation of the wear resistant surface relative to one another, a frame outer diameter, a frame inner diameter, a flow port diameter, a groove geometry, a groove angle, a blade protrusion geometry, a lip geometry, a chamfer geometry, and an inclined top surface angle of the second disc.
[0065] With the model of the thrust bearing assembly inputted, a computational flow dynamics model is generated through simulation of the thrust bearing assembly. The results of the computational flow dynamics model is analyzed to determine the flow of fluid through the thrust bearing, including, for example, a flow rate, a cross-flow potential, fluid pooling, etc. Additionally, the model is analyzed to determine the erosion potential at various positions on the thrust bearing, including, for example, on the first disc, on the second disc, and between inserts of the relative wear resistant surfaces.
[0066] After the analyzing, at least one parameter of the thrust bearing assembly is adjusted to affect a flow control feature. The thrust bearing assembly is then resimulated and readjusted until an optimized flow is achieved. Optimized fluid flow refers to, for example, a balance of fluid flow to cool components of the thrust bearing during operation and erosion of thrust bearing assembly components. Depending on the design of the thrust bearing, optimization may further refer to a thrust bearing assembly that does not experience erosion or have cooling issues that result in premature failure of the thrust bearing during normal flow conditions.
[0067] Advantageously, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide thrust bearing assemblies that have enhanced fluid flow designs. In one aspect, such thrust bearing assemblies may have enhanced fluid flow, thereby allowing for more effective cooling of thrust bearing assembly components while decreasing the erosion typically caused by high fluid flow through thrust bearing assembly components. Also advantageously, embodiments, of the present disclosure may provide thrust bearing assembly design methods that may allow for the optimization of thrust bearings for a particular application.
[0068] Also advantageously, embodiments, of the present disclosure may provide thrust bearing assembly designs that have multiple flow control features, such as lips, inclined surfaces, grooves, chamfers, blade protrusions, etc. Because such embodiments may include multiple fluid control features, a balance may be achieved between erosion and cooling of the thrust bearing assembly components.
[0069] While the present disclosure has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments may be devised which do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as described herein. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure should be limited only by the attached claims. | A bearing assembly comprising a frame; a rotating disc disposed in the frame, the rotating disc comprising a first set of inserts; and a fixed disc disposed in the frame, the fixed disc comprising a second set of inserts, the second set of inserts configured to interact with the first set of inserts, and a lip disposed adjacent the second set of inserts. Also, a bearing assembly comprising a frame; a rotating disc disposed in the frame, the rotating disc comprising a first set of inserts and at least one groove disposed axially above at least one of the inserts; and a fixed disc disposed in the frame, the fixed disc comprising a second set of inserts, the second set of inserts configured to interact with the first set of inserts. | 6 |
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fluid reservoirs, such as swimming pools. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning contaminants from the bottom of such reservoirs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In swimming pools, a leaf skimmer is typically utilized to skim off leaves and other such contaminants that float on the surface and that are pulled into the skimmer by the currents of the recirculating water in the pool. Unfortunately, some debris often sinks to the bottom before it has an opportunity to be caught in the skimmer. In reservoirs, such as ponds, decorative pools, fountains and so forth that do not have a skimmer in them, contaminants blown in or dropped in the reservoirs ultimately sink to the bottom of the reservoir. Contaminants that accumulate on the bottom of a pool are unsightly. Moreover, such contaminants also accelerate the formation and growth of algae, and as the contaminants decompose, the water can become cloudy.
[0003] Various devices are available for removing sediment, leaves, grass, rocks, and other contaminants from reservoirs, such as swimming pools, ponds, decorative pools, fountains, and so forth. Many devices are removably connected to the water intake of a pool recirculating system. The devices then vacuum the contaminants from the bottom of the pool and deliver the contaminants to the pool filter from which contaminants may be removed or backwashed.
[0004] While removal of contaminants from the bottom of the pool in this manner may be effective, such an apparatus often necessitates the disassembly of part of the skimmer in order to connect the vacuum hose to the water return for the pool circulation system. In addition, since such devices only function when the reservoir includes a recirculating water supply, these vacuum devices cannot be utilized in reservoirs that do not have a recirculating water supply. Yet another problem is that the contaminants sucked up by the vacuum device can clog the pool filter, decrease filter effectiveness, and eventually damage filtration and pump system components, especially when backwashing is not performed on a regular basis.
[0005] To circumvent the problems of the aforementioned vacuum devices, some prior art pool vacuum systems have been developed that do not couple to the swimming pool recirculating water supply. These pool vacuum systems are referred to herein as filter system bypass vacuums to differentiate them from the pool vacuums, discussed above, that are coupled to the water intake of a recirculating water supply for a pool. These filter system bypass vacuums use the addition of water into the pool to effect their operation. More specifically, water under pressure is supplied to the pool through a hose to force a stream of water through nozzles in the filter system bypass vacuum that are directed toward a debris pickup bag. The high pressure water creates a vacuum to suck up debris from the bottom of a pool. This debris passes through the filter system bypass vacuum and into a basket, filter, or other such debris pickup bag through the exit end of the vacuum. The filtered water then returns to the pool. In pools of all types, it is typically necessary to add additional water to replace water that has evaporated from the pool and/or has been splashed out of the pool. Thus, systems like this can serve the purpose of concurrently supplying the needed water to the pool while functioning to pick up debris from the bottom of the pool.
[0006] Reservoirs, such as swimming pools, ponds, decorative pools, fountains, and so forth, can collect large amounts of leaves, rocks, dirt, and other contaminants through severe intentional or unintentional neglect. Additionally, large quantities of contaminants can rapidly collect in the bottom of a reservoir during a severe rainstorm and/or dust storm.
[0007] Pool vacuums that are coupled to the water intake of a recirculating water supply for a pool may be able to pick up some of the debris. However, contaminants from a very dirty pool can rapidly clog the filter of a recirculating water supply system. Thus, an individual may have to stop frequently during the cleanup process to backwash the pool when the pool has large quantities of contaminants. Frequent backwashing during a single cleaning process is highly undesirable in terms of inconvenience, as well as wear and tear on the pump and filter system components.
[0008] While a filter system bypass vacuum may satisfactorily suck up small amounts of debris, or lightweight debris, such as leaves, grass, and so forth, such a vacuum cannot effectively pick up the large quantities of contaminants found in a neglected or storm ravaged pool. That is, the filter system bypass vacuums tend to generate insufficient suction to pick up large quantities of contaminants and/or heavy contaminants, such as rocks. In addition, tiny particulates, such as dust, may be sucked up by the filter system bypass vacuum only to be released back into the pool through the filter bag of the vacuum. If the filter system bypass vacuum is able to pick up the contaminants, the filter bag of a filter system bypass vacuum rapidly fills with debris, thus necessitating frequent and inconvenient cleaning.
[0009] Both filter system vacuums and filter system bypass vacuums tend to cause significant “kick” in very dirty pools. The term “kick” is referred to herein as the action in which dirt and dust is stirred up from the bottom in a cloud about the vacuum as the vacuum travels across the bottom of the pool. The kick results from the contact of the vacuum head with the bottom of the pool combined with insufficient suction of the vacuum. Contact occurs from the wheels of the vacuum head rolling on the bottom of the pool, as well as, from the conventional stiff bristles of the vacuum head rubbing across the bottom of the pool. Unfortunately, if the dirt and dust floats up from the bottom of the pool, it is less likely that the vacuum will be able to effectively suck up the dirt.
[0010] Due to the problems incurred with both the pool vacuums that are coupled to the water intake and the filter system bypass vacuums, an individual may be compelled to drain their pool to clean the bottom of their severely soiled pool. The individual may then be required to shovel out the accumulated contaminants from the bottom of the empty pool. Such action is highly undesirable because such extreme action is time consuming, labor intensive, and wastes significant quantities of water. Thus, what is needed is a pool vacuum apparatus that is effective for removing large quantities of contaminants found in a neglected or storm ravaged pool.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention that an improved vacuum apparatus for cleaning a submerged surface of a reservoir is provided.
[0012] It is another advantage of the present invention that a vacuum apparatus is provided that cleans the pool using an external water source to generate suction.
[0013] Another advantage of the present invention is that a vacuum apparatus is provided that effectively removes contaminants in a severely soiled pool.
[0014] Another advantage of the present invention is that a vacuum apparatus is provided that removes contaminants from the submerged surface of a reservoir while producing minimal kick.
[0015] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that a vacuum apparatus is provided that is of simple construction and is easy to use.
[0016] The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried out in one form by a vacuum apparatus for removing contaminants from a submerged surface of a reservoir. The vacuum apparatus includes an inlet section having a first inlet end and a second inlet end. An intermediate chamber has a first chamber end and a second chamber end, the first chamber end being in fluid communication with the second inlet end. The intermediate chamber exhibits a first inner diameter. An outlet section has a first outlet end in fluid communication with the second chamber end. The outlet section exhibits a second inner diameter that is less than the first inner diameter. A fluid supply pipe resides inside the intermediate chamber and has a fluid port directed toward the outlet section. The fluid supply pipe supplies fresh fluid under pressure from the fluid port toward the outlet section to induce a flow of fluid and the contaminants from the reservoir into the first inlet end of the inlet section and through the intermediate chamber and the outlet section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the Figures, and:
[0018] [0018]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a vacuum apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] [0019]FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the vacuum apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0020] [0020]FIG. 3 shows sectional view along a longitudinal dimension of the vacuum apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0021] [0021]FIG. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of a vacuum apparatus in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and
[0022] [0022]FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the vacuum apparatus of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1 - 2 , FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a vacuum apparatus 20 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of vacuum apparatus 20 . Vacuum apparatus 20 effectively removes contaminants 22 from a submerged surface 24 of a reservoir 26 . Reservoir 26 may be a swimming pool, spa, pond, decorative pool, fountain, and so forth. Contaminants 22 include leaves, grass, dirt, rocks, and other undesired debris in reservoir 26 .
[0024] Vacuum apparatus 20 functions independent from a recirculating water supply (not shown). Thus, vacuum apparatus 20 may be utilized in reservoirs that do not have such a recirculating water supply. In addition, vacuum apparatus 20 is advantageously utilized for cleaning reservoirs that have become severely contaminated from intentional or unintentional neglect, or from severe weather phenomena.
[0025] Vacuum apparatus 20 includes an inlet section 28 , an intermediate chamber 30 , and an outlet section 32 . Inlet section 28 has a first inlet end 34 and a second inlet end 36 . A first chamber end 38 of intermediate chamber 30 is in fluid communication with second inlet end 36 of inlet section 28 . In addition, a second chamber end 40 of intermediate chamber 30 is in fluid communication with a first outlet end 42 of outlet section 32 . A flexible discharge hose 44 is coupled to a second outlet end 46 of outlet section 32 .
[0026] Vacuum apparatus 20 further includes a fluid supply pipe 46 having an interior portion 48 (shown in ghost form) residing inside of intermediate chamber 30 and an exterior portion 50 located outside of intermediate chamber 30 . A first end 52 of fluid supply pipe 46 at interior portion 48 includes a fluid port 54 (best seen in FIG. 3), and a second end 56 of intermediate chamber 30 at exterior portion 50 includes a coupling 58 . Coupling 58 is a standard threaded coupling configured for connection to a fluid supply hose 60 , such as a conventional garden hose, for supplying fresh water 62 to fluid supply pipe 46 .
[0027] A conventional quick change handle 64 is coupled to vacuum apparatus 20 . Quick change handle 64 includes detents 66 that interconnect with corresponding holes on a pole 68 , such as that commonly used for a pool skimming net.
[0028] Intermediate chamber 30 is desirably formed from a rigid plastic material and serves as a support structure for inlet section 28 , outlet section 32 , fluid supply pipe 46 , and quick change handle 64 . However, inlet section 28 is configured for direct contact with submerged surface 24 . Thus, in a preferred embodiment, inlet section 28 is formed from a flexible plastic material for enabling vacuum apparatus 20 to accommodate non-uniformities in the smoothness of submerged surface 24 .
[0029] Inlet section 28 includes a head 70 that forms first inlet end 34 , and a flexible tubular member 72 that terminates at second inlet end 36 . Second inlet end 36 connects with first chamber end 38 of intermediate chamber 30 via a flanged coupling 74 . By way of example, flanged coupling 74 includes a first segment 76 that extends into second inlet end 36 and a second segment 78 that extends into first chamber end 38 . Flanged coupling 74 may be press-fit, glued, bolted or otherwise secured to each of flexible tubular member 72 and intermediate chamber 30 per conventional techniques.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, flexible tubular member 72 is formed from flexible polyvinylchloride (PVC) tubing. Alternatively, flexible tubular member 72 may be formed from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, nylon, and so forth. In addition, head 70 may be formed from a flexible material, such as PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, nylon, and so forth, so that head 70 will also flex to accommodate non-uniformities of submerged surface 24 .
[0031] Head 70 includes an extension member 80 formed at first inlet end 36 that is oriented transverse to inlet section 28 . In use, extension member 80 is brushed against submerged surface 24 . Extension member 80 may be approximately ten inches in length, so as to sweep an approximate ten inch swath along submerged surface 24 . A flexible rubber member 79 is coupled to a rear edge 81 of head 70 along the length of extension member 80 , and a pile material 82 is secured to flexible rubber member 79 . Pile material 82 may be a synthetic felt that is durable, odor resistant, mildew resistant, and will not break down from moisture. Alternatively, pile material 82 may be another fabric, such as chenille, having a fiber of wool, cotton, nylon, and the like, that stands up from the weave. Pile material 82 may be optionally removably coupled to flexible rubber member 79 . Pile material 82 is made removable by use, for example, of hook and loop fasteners so that pile material 82 can be replaced as it wears out. Flexible rubber member 79 and pile material 82 serve to sweep or direct contaminants 22 toward an opening 84 (see FIG. 3) in inlet section 28 . The use of flexible rubber member 79 and pile material 82 combined with the suction created using vacuum apparatus 20 (discussed below) results in a system that is effective at removing a thick coating of dust from submerged surface 24 with minimal kick, i.e. minimal generation of a cloud of dust in the water. In addition, the flexibility of member 79 enables effective cleaning of the vertical walls of the sides and, if present, stairs, of reservoir 26 .
[0032] Head 70 and flexible tubular member 72 are described as separate parts of inlet section 28 . However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. Rather, head 70 and flexible tubular member 72 may be formed as a single, integral unit utilizing fabrication and molding techniques known to those skilled in the art.
[0033] [0033]FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of vacuum apparatus 20 along a longitudinal dimension. FIG. 3 draws attention to the variances of the inner diameters of inlet section 28 , intermediate chamber 30 , and outlet section 32 . These changes in inner diameter generate a Venturi effect that results in a high level of suction at first inlet end 34 . This high level of suction is particularly advantageous for removing contaminants from a severely soiled reservoir 26 (FIG. 1). Discharge hose 44 , handle 64 , and extension member 80 , shown in FIGS. 1 - 2 , are not shown in FIG. 3 for simplicity of illustration.
[0034] As mentioned briefly above, interior portion 48 of fluid supply pipe 46 resides within intermediate chamber 30 with fluid port 54 of interior portion 48 being located proximate second chamber end 40 of intermediate chamber 30 . More specifically, interior portion 48 is approximately axially aligned with intermediate chamber 30 . In addition, interior portion 48 of fluid supply pipe 45 is radially positioned toward a center, longitudinal axis 88 of intermediate chamber 30 . In a preferred embodiment, fluid supply pipe 46 is formed from one quarter inch copper tube with the length of pipe 46 from an elbow 90 to fluid port 54 being approximately two and one half inches.
[0035] Inlet section 28 exhibits a first inner diameter 92 . Intermediate chamber 30 exhibits a second inner diameter 94 , and outlet section 32 exhibits a third inner diameter 96 . First and second inner diameters 92 and 94 , respectively, are roughly equivalent, and third inner diameter 96 is smaller than second inner diameter 94 . In addition, discharge hose 44 (FIGS. 1 - 2 ) has a diameter that is smaller than second inner diameter 94 . With particular regard to third inner diameter 96 , third inner diameter 96 of outlet section 32 is in a range of twenty-five to fifty percent smaller than second inner diameter 94 of outlet section 32 .
[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, first and second inner diameters 92 and 94 , respectively, are approximately one and one half inches, and third inner diameter 96 is approximately one inch. Discharge hose 44 friction fits onto outlet section 32 . Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, discharge hose 44 (FIG. 2) may have an inner diameter of approximately one and a quarter inches. This configuration, combined with the one quarter inch fluid supply pipe 46 supplying fresh water 62 , generates suction at first inlet end 34 of inlet section 28 .
[0037] The suction results from a Venturi effect. That is, as fluid flows past a constricted opening or through a constricted pipe, the velocity of the fluid increases, and the pressure in the system decreases. Accordingly, a Venturi effect occurs when fresh water 62 enters intermediate chamber 30 at second chamber end 40 and immediately flows into the constricted outlet section 32 . The Venturi effect occurring at outlet section 32 results in a corresponding pressure decrease in inlet section 28 relative to the pressure outside of vacuum apparatus 20 . Consequently, this pressure decrease results in suction which induces a flow of water 98 mixed with contaminants 22 from reservoir 26 into first inlet end 34 of inlet section 28 . The relatively large size of first and second diameters 92 and 94 , respectively, allow large profile contaminants, such as leaves, to be drawing into vacuum apparatus 20 . Accordingly, water 98 and contaminants 22 are effectively drawn through intermediate chamber 30 and outlet section 32 . Water 98 and contaminants 22 are subsequently discharged from reservoir 26 through discharge hose 44 .
[0038] To use vacuum apparatus 20 , a user attaches fluid supply hose 60 (FIG. 1) to coupling 58 and attaches pole 68 to quick change handle 64 . Vacuum apparatus 20 is submerged into reservoir 26 , with a distal end of discharge hose 44 remaining outside of reservoir 26 . A water source coupled to fluid supply hose 60 is turned on to supply fresh water 62 from fluid port 54 to into intermediate chamber 30 and out of outlet section 32 . When pressure drops sufficiently, vacuum apparatus 20 will begin to draw water 98 combined with contaminants 22 from submerged surface 24 . The user then sweeps head 70 across submerged surface 24 (FIG. 2) with tubular member 72 and rubber member 79 flexing to accommodate non-uniformities in submerged surface 24 , changes in depth of reservoir 26 , and distance from the edge of reservoir 26 . Once submerged surface 24 is clean, the suction can be stopped merely by turning off the water source supplying fresh water 62 . Although some of water 98 is removed from reservoir 26 through vacuum apparatus 20 (roughly nine gallons per minute), reservoir 26 need not be completely drained in order to clean a very soiled pool. Thus, significant savings in terms of time, labor, and water is achieved using vacuum apparatus 20 .
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 4 - 5 , FIG. 4 shows an-exploded perspective view of a vacuum apparatus 100 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of vacuum apparatus 100 . Vacuum apparatus 100 operates on the same principle as vacuum apparatus 20 (FIG. 1) to remove contaminants 22 from submerged surface 24 of reservoir 26 .
[0040] Vacuum apparatus 100 includes an inlet section 102 , an intermediate chamber 104 in fluid communication with inlet section 102 , and an outlet section 106 in fluid communication with intermediate chamber 104 . A fluid supply pipe 108 resides in intermediate chamber 104 , and includes a coupling 110 configured for connection to fluid supply hose 60 . Discharge hose 44 is coupled to an outlet end 112 of outlet section 106 , and quick change handle 64 is coupled to vacuum apparatus 100 for interconnection with pole 68 .
[0041] Inlet section 102 of vacuum apparatus 100 includes a head 114 and a tubular member 116 . Tubular member 116 , intermediate chamber 104 , and outlet section 106 are manufactured as an integral unit, and a sleeve portion 118 of head 114 slides over tubular member 116 . Head 114 readily friction fits onto tubular member 116 for engagement with or removal from tubular member 116 . In a preferred embodiment, head 114 includes extension member 80 and pile material 82 . However, pile material 82 surrounds inlet section 102 at an inlet end 119 of head 114 . More specifically, pile material 82 is coupled about extension member 80 and an opening (not seen) into inlet section 102 . Due to the friction fit of head 114 onto tubular member 116 , head 114 may be easily replaced as pile material 82 wears out, or as enhancements to the shape and/or size of head 114 evolve.
[0042] Tubular member 116 and head 114 may be fabricated from a rigid plastic material. Alternatively, tubular member 116 may not be integral with intermediate chamber 104 , but may instead be fastened to intermediate chamber 104 through standard manufacturing methods. As such, tubular member 116 and head 114 can be produced from flexible material for enabling vacuum apparatus 100 to accommodate non-uniformities in the smoothness of submerged surface 24 .
[0043] The inner diameters intermediate chamber 104 and outlet section 106 correspond respectively to second inner diameter 94 and third inner diameter 96 , discussed in connection with FIG. 3. However, tubular member 116 exhibits a first inner diameter 122 that is smaller than the inner diameter of intermediate chamber 104 . Although, suction is achieved due to the reduction of diameter from the larger second inner diameter 94 (FIG. 3) of intermediate chamber 30 (FIG. 3) to the smaller third inner diameter 96 (FIG. 3) of outlet section 32 (FIG. 3), it has been discovered that the smaller first inner diameter 122 of tubular member 116 relative to the inner diameter of intermediate chamber 104 further enhances this suction. Such enhanced suction is particularly advantageous when removing fine particulate contaminants 22 , such as, dust, from submerged surface 24 while producing minimal kick.
[0044] Tubular member 116 forms an elongated neck through which water 120 and contaminants 22 travel as they are drawn through vacuum apparatus 100 . Vacuum apparatus 100 generates suction in a similar manner to vacuum apparatus 100 . However, the elongated neck of tubular member 116 with the smaller inner diameter relative to the inner diameter of intermediate chamber 104 may serve to further enhance the suction capability of vacuum apparatus 100 .
[0045] In summary, the present invention teaches of an improved vacuum apparatus for cleaning a submerged surface of a reservoir, such as a swimming pool. The vacuum apparatus utilizes an external water source that generates suction through a Venturi effect to draw water and contaminants from the reservoir. The constriction of the inlet and outlet sections of the vacuum apparatus relative to the intermediate chamber, and the positioning of a fluid supply pipe within the intermediate chamber proximate the outlet section generates significant suction to effectively remove contaminants from a severely soiled pool. Moreover, unlike conventional apparatuses, the enhanced suction capability of the vacuum apparatus readily removes contaminants from deep reservoirs, such as, eight to ten foot diving pools. In addition, the shape of the vacuum head and the inclusion of the flexible rubber member and the pile material on the vacuum head serve to sweep, or draw in, contaminants from the submerged surface of the reservoir while producing minimal kick. The operation of the vacuum apparatus using an external water source is simpler than connection to the recirculating water supply of a pool, and enables the vacuum apparatus to be used in reservoirs that do not include a recirculating water supply system.
[0046] Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims. For example, the principles of the present invention may be adapted for use to remove particulate contaminants from the submerged surface of a reservoir containing a fluid other than water. In addition, the discharge hose of the vacuum apparatus can be adapted to couple to a water intake of a recirculating water supply for a pool, so that the water introduced into the vacuum apparatus can be returned to the reservoir. | A vacuum apparatus ( 20 ) includes an intermediate chamber ( 30 ) interposed between inlet and outlet sections ( 28, 32 ). A fluid supply pipe ( 46 ) resides inside the intermediate chamber ( 30 ) and supplies fluid ( 62 ) under pressure toward the outlet section ( 32 ). An inner diameter ( 96 ) the outlet section ( 32 ) is smaller than an inner diameter ( 94 ) of the intermediate chamber ( 30 ). The introduction of the high pressure fluid ( 62 ) and the inner diameter of the outlet section ( 32 ) relative to the inner diameter of the intermediate chamber ( 30 ) creates a partial vacuum to induce a flow of water ( 98 ) and contaminants ( 22 ) from a submerged surface ( 24 ) of a reservoir ( 26 ) through the vacuum apparatus ( 20 ). The water ( 98 ) and contaminants ( 22 ) are subsequently discharged from the reservoir ( 26 ) through a discharge hose ( 44 ) coupled to the outlet section ( 32 ). | 4 |
CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §§119 AND 120
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/319,166 filed Mar. 30, 2010, titled HIERARCHICAL QUICK NOTE TO ALLOW DICTATED CODE PHRASES TO BE TRANSCRIBED TO STANDARD CLAUSES, which is incorporated herein as if set out in full.
REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS FOR PATENT
None.
BACKGROUND
1. Field
The technology of the present application relates generally to dictation systems, and more particular, to a hierarchical quick note that allows the use of a short dictated code phrase to be transcribed to a standard clause.
2. Background
Originally, dictation was an exercise where one person spoke while another person transcribed what was spoken. Shorthand was developed to facilitate transcription by allowing the transcriptionist to write symbols representative of certain utterances. Subsequently, the transcriptionist would replace the shorthand symbol with the actual utterance.
With modern technology, dictation has advanced to the stage where voice recognition and speech-to-text technologies allow computers and processors to serve as the transcriber. Speech recognition engines receive the utterances and provide a transcription of the same, which may subsequently be updated, altered, or edited by the speaker.
Current technology has resulted in essentially two styles of computer based dictation and transcription. One style involves loading software on a machine to receive and transcribe the dictation, which is generally known as client side dictation. The machine transcribes the dictation in real-time or near real-time. The other style involves sending the dictation audio to a centralized server, which is generally known as server side dictation. The centralized server transcribes the audio file and returns the transcription. There are two modes of server side dictation: (a) “batch” when the transcription is accomplished after hours, or the like, when the server has less processing demands; or (b) “real-time” when the server returns the transcription as a stream of textual data.
As can be appreciated, the present computer based dictation and transcription systems have drawbacks. One drawback is the lack of a shorthand type of methodology. Currently, dictation systems transcribe what is spoken. Certain industries, however, have repetitive clauses and phrases that must be repeated frequently. Conventional speech recognition software, however, is not typically customized for a particular industry so the repetitive clauses and phrases must be fully enunciated so the speech recognition software can accurately transcribe the repetitive clauses and phrases. As can be appreciated, repeating common clauses and phrases is time consuming. Against this background, it would be desirous to provide a method and apparatus wherein the repetitive clauses and phrases may be incorporated into a customizable shorthand or hierarchical quick note.
SUMMARY
To attain the advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the technology of the present application, a trainable transcription module having a speech recognition engine is provided. The trainable transcription module receives code phrases or quick notes from one of a plurality of sources. The code phrases or quick notes are matched with particular transcription textual data. The speech recognition engine receives audio data and converts the audio data to converted textual data. A comparator in the trainable transcription module would compare the converted textual data to the code phrases or quick notes from one of the plurality of sources. If the textual data matches one of the code phrases or quick notes, the trainable transcription module replaces the recognized textual data with the equated particular transcription textual data in the transcription of the audio. The comparator may use patterns, such as regular expressions, to match the converted textual data, and the ‘particular transcription textual data’ may include parametric substitution of values specified (as parameters) in the converted textual data.
Methods for using code phrases and quick notes from one of a plurality of sources also are provided. The method includes loading code phrases or quick notes into a trainable transcription module. The code phrases or quick notes would be equated with particular transcription textual data. Audio would be received and converted to converted textual data. The converted textual data would be compared to the code phrases or quick notes. If it is determined that the converted textual data matches the code phrase or quick note, the converted textual data would be removed, replaced, or overwritten with particular transcription textual data. The replacement includes also parametric substitution.
In certain aspects of the technology of the present invention, the converted textual data would only be compared to the code phrases or quick notes when the converted textual data or parametric substitution has at least a certain confidence. The confidence may be configurable depending on the application, but may require, for example, a confidence of 90% or more.
In still other aspects of the technology, code phrases or quick notes may be established in hierarchical arrangement, such as, for example, headquarters, division, corporate, or individual. Other organization structures are contemplated. In one aspect, a code phrase ( 1 ) may be established that is non-modifiable by entities lower in the hierarchical arrangement. In another aspect, the code phrase ( 1 ) may be established that is non-modifiable by entities higher in the hierarchical arrangement. In still another aspect, the code phrase ( 1 ) may be modified by any entity in the hierarchical arrangement.
Features from any of the above-mentioned embodiments may be used in combination with one another in accordance with the general principles described herein. These and other embodiments, features, and advantages will be more fully understood upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary system consistent with the technology of the present application;
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary module consistent with the technology of the present application;
FIG. 3 is a diagram of an exemplary database consistent with the technology of the present application;
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrative of a methodology consistent with the technology of the present application;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The technology of the present application will now be explained with reference to FIGS. 1-4 . While the technology of the present application is described with relation to a transcription module resident with a speech recognition engine, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize on reading the disclosure that other configurations are possible. For example, the technology of the present application may be used in conjunction with a thin or fat client such that the modules, engines, memories, and the like are connected locally or remotely. Moreover, the technology of the present application is described with regard to certain exemplary embodiments. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All embodiments described herein should be considered exemplary unless otherwise stated.
Referring first to FIG. 1 , a dictation system 100 is provided. Dictation system 100 includes a microphone 102 , which may be part of a headset 104 as shown, or a more conventional stand alone microphone. Microphone 102 is coupled via a communication link 106 to a client station 108 , such as a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a portable digital assistant, a smart phone, a cellular telephone, or the like. Optionally, microphone 102 may contain a processor to pre-process the audio into a format compatible with processor 108 . Communication link 106 may be any conventional communication link such as a universal serial bus, a Bluetooth connection, or the like. Processor 108 may be connected to a remote server 110 via a network 112 , such as, for example, a LAN, a WAN, a WLAN, a WIFI, a WMax, the Internet, an Ethernet, or the like. As shown in FIG. 2 , client station 108 , remote server 110 , both, or a combination thereof, would contain all or parts of a transcription module 202 . The transcription module 202 is identified as a trainable transcription module because it can be trained to recognize code phrases or quick notes that are equated with particular transcription textual data as will be explained in more detail below. Transcription module 202 interconnects a transcription processor 204 , speech recognition engine 206 , a memory 208 , and an interface 210 . Interface 210 receives audio files, commands, and data from client station 108 or remote server 110 and transmits converted textual data to client station 108 or remote server 110 , or the like. Transcription processor 204 may be co-located with the central processing unit, microprocessor, field programmable gate array, logic circuits, chip-sets, or the like, of either client station 108 or remote server 110 . Transcription processor 204 controls the major functions of the transcription module 202 to allow it to function as further explained below. Transcription processor 204 also processes various inputs and/or data that may be required to operate the transcription module 202 . The memory 208 may be remotely located or co-located with transcription processor 204 . The memory 208 stores processing instructions to be executed by transcription processor 204 . The memory 208 also may store data necessary or convenient for operation of the dictation system. For example, memory 208 may store code phrases or quick notes and the equated particular transcription textual data as will be explained further below. Memory 208 also may store the audio file being transcribed as well as the transcribed textual data at least until the textual data file is transmitted from the trainable transcription module. Speech recognition engine 206 converts the utterances contained in the audio file to textual data, such as a word document, or the like. Speech recognition engine 206 may operate similar to a number of available speech recognition systems including, WINDOWS® Speech, which is available from Microsoft, Inc., Lumen Vox SRE, Nuance 9 Recognizer, which is available from Nuance, Inc., Dragon® NaturallySpeaking®, which is available from Nuance, Inc., among other available systems. As shown, transcription processor 204 contains a comparator 212 , although comparator 212 may be located remotely or separately from transcription processor 204 . Comparator 212 would compare clauses in converted textual data with code phrases or quick notes stored in memory 208 . If clauses in the converted textual data match a code phrase or quick note, transcription processor 204 would replace the converted textual data clause with particular transcription textual data equated with the code phrase or quick note (as can be appreciated code phrase and quick note are used interchangeably herein).
As mentioned, transcription module 202 stores code phrases in memory 208 . The code phrases are equated with particular transcription textual data. Referring to FIG. 3 , a database 300 showing an exemplary memory database is provided. Database 300 has a plurality of code phrase fields 302 1-n , a plurality of particular transcription textual data fields 304 1-n where each code phrase is associated with a corresponding particular transcription textual data. Database 300 also has a plurality of hierarchical fields 306 1-n . A hierarchical field 306 is associated with each code phrase field 302 and particular transcription textual data field 304 . Database 300 may be entered directly from trainable transcription module 202 , downloaded from client station 108 or remote server 110 as a matter of design choice. Also, as mentioned above, many organizations have an organizational structure. The present database shows in entity field 306 what entity established the code phrases. As shown in database 300 , code phrase ( 1 ) may be associated with two different particular transcription textual data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) established by different entities ( 1 ), ( 2 ). In this case, transcription processor 204 would select the appropriate particular transcription textual data depending on the user that created the audio file. For example, code phrase ( 1 ) may be associated with a divisional entity ( 1 ) that establishes particular transcription textual data ( 1 ), In this case, an entity above or below the divisional entity on the organization chart may elect to have a different particular transcription textual data ( 2 ) associated with code phrase ( 1 ). Thus, when entity ( 2 ) uses the code phrase ( 1 ) in the audio file, the trainable transcription module 202 would select particular transcription textual data ( 2 ) instead of particular transcription textual data ( 1 ) and when entity ( 1 ) uses the code phrase ( 1 ) in the audio file, the trainable transcription module 202 would select particular transcription textual data ( 1 ) instead of particular transcription textual data ( 2 ). Notice, the entity entry may designate whether edits or changes by higher, lower, or peer entities in the hierarchical structure can edit the particular transcription textual data.
Referring now to FIG. 4 , a flow chart 400 is provided illustrative of a methodology of using the technology of the present application. While described in a series of discrete steps, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize on reading the disclosure that the steps provided may be performed in the described order as discrete steps, a series of continuous steps, substantially simultaneously, simultaneously, in a different order, or the like. Moreover, other, more, less, or different steps may be performed to use the technology of the present application, In the exemplary methodology, however, code phrases, particular transcription textual data, and the appropriate entity indicator are loaded into memory 208 , step 402 . Next, audio data is provided to the transcription module 202 , step 404 . The speech recognition engine 206 would convert the audio data (whether streamed or batch loaded) to converted textual data, step 406 . For example, the audio data may be converted to a word document or the like.
The converted textual data is compared to the code phrases stored in memory to determine whether the words, clauses, phrases, etc. in the converted textual data match one or more code phrases, step 408 . Determining whether the connected textual data matches one or more code phrases may include determining that the confidence of the converted textual data is above, for example, 90%. The comparison may be performed substantially as the audio is converted to converted textual data or subsequently after the entire audio file is converted. If more than one code phrase is matched, the transcription module selects the code phrase having the appropriately matched entity indicator, step 410 . The converted textual data is replaced with particular transcription textual data, step 412 . The process continues until it is determined that the entire audio file has been transcribed, step 414 , and all the code phrases or quick notes have been matched and updated. The transcription module returns the transcribed textual data, step 416 , by streaming the data to client station 108 or remote processor 110 , batch loading the data to client station 108 or remote processor 110 , or a combination thereof. Notice, instead of using converted textual data in the comparison, the process may use utterances and match certain utterances to particular transcription textual data.
Those of skill in the art would understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.
Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention.
The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.
The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. | A dictation system that allows using trainable code phrases is provided. The dictation system operates by receiving audio and recognizing the audio as text. The text/audio may contain code phrases that are identified by a comparator that matches the text/audio and replaces the code phrase with a standard clause that is associated with the code phrase. The database or memory containing the code phrases is loaded with matched standard clauses that may be identified to provide a hierarchal system such that certain code phrases may have multiple meanings depending on the user. | 6 |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/964,819, filed on Dec. 27, 2007, now allowed, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to financial transaction systems, and more particularly to conducting a financial transaction using a mobile communication device.
[0004] 2. Brief Description of the Related Art
[0005] Today, financial transactions systems (FTS) are generally well known in the art and can include both wired communication systems and wireless communication systems. Typically, these systems include one or more payment devices and a payment terminal for processing financial transactions. The payment devices can include credit, debit, prepaid and smart cards, as well as cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other types of devices.
[0006] Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are also becoming increasingly available. Typically, these systems are used for navigation purposes and include hand-held receivers that can lock on to wireless signals to calculate a 2D position (latitude and longitude) and track movement. In the past, tracking individuals with GPS technology required purchasing special and expensive hardware and software. Today, various solutions are available through cellular service providers. For example, GPS-enabled cell phones are becoming more prevalent in the marketplace.
[0007] With cellular technology providing consistent communication capabilities and the use of GPS-based devices becoming more accessible and prevalent, there is a need in the art for techniques for utilizing GPS-based capabilities in financial transactions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention advantageously combines communications aspects of mobile devices with financial transaction system capabilities in a novel manner. This advantageous combination enables a user to automatically initiate a financial transaction with a merchant upon the user being located in a particular geographic vicinity. Numerous types of transactions can be enabled using the present invention.
[0009] Various aspects of the system relate to conducting financial transactions using geographic location information. For example, according to one aspect, a system for conducting a financial transaction exchange includes a payment terminal for charging a user account to complete a financial transaction, and a payment device capable of (i) sending a financial transaction instruction to the payment terminal, the instruction competent to charge the user account through the terminal, and (ii) calculating a geographic location for the device in response to receiving a plurality of distance signals. Preferably, the instruction is sent based on the calculated geographic location and an authorized activation of the device.
[0010] In one preferred embodiment, the payment device includes a global positioning system to provide said geographic location. Preferably, the payment terminal and the payment device are operatively coupled via a wireless network.
[0011] In one preferred embodiment, the payment device compares the calculated geographic location to a predefined geographic location and sends the instruction based on the comparison. The system can also include a graphical user interface for identifying the predefined geographic location. Preferably, the graphical user interface displays a map on the payment device for selecting the predefined geographic location.
[0012] Preferably, the payment terminal transmits an acknowledgement to the payment device upon completion of the transaction. In one preferred embodiment, the system includes a map server that provides a map to the payment device to select the predefined geographic location. In another preferred embodiment, the payment terminal associates a fee for processing the transaction.
[0013] In yet another aspect, a method of conducting a transaction exchange includes providing a payment terminal for charging a user account to complete a financial transaction. The method also includes providing a payment device capable of (i) sending a financial transaction instruction to the payment terminal, the instruction competent to charge the user account through the terminal, and (ii) calculating a geographic location for the device in response to receiving a plurality of distance signals, wherein the instruction is sent based on the calculated geographic location and an authorized activation of the device.
[0014] In one preferred embodiment, the method includes calculating the geographic location using a trilateration technique. The method can also include coupling operatively the payment terminal and the payment device using a wireless network.
[0015] In one preferred embodiment, the method further includes comparing the calculated geographic location to a predefined geographic location, and sending the instruction based on the comparison.
[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the method further includes selecting the predefined geographic location using a graphical user interface. The method can also include displaying a map on the payment device for selecting the predefined geographic location.
[0017] In yet another preferred embodiment, the method further includes transmitting an acknowledgement from the payment terminal to the payment device upon completion of the transaction. The method can further include providing a map to said payment device from a map server and charging a fee for processing said transaction.
[0018] Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile communication device according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a financial transaction system using a mobile communication device according to the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 3 is an example graphical user interface for defining a transaction location.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method for conducting location-based financial transactions.
[0023] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] The invention described provides a system and method for executing financial transactions using existing and available technology in a novel manner. The preferred technique allows an individual to use a GPS-enabled mobile communication device, such as a cell phone, as a payment device to automate a business transaction.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a payment device 10 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1 , the payment device can be a mobile communication device 10 that includes a GPS receiver 12 , communication interface 14 , processing unit 16 , memory 18 , input/output interface 20 , and a power source 22 , such as a battery.
[0026] The communication interface 14 preferably includes a particular structure and functionality based upon the type of the device 10 . For example, when the device 10 is a cellular telephone, the communication interface 14 supports a corresponding interface standard e.g., Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS), etc. The communication interface 14 of the device 10 may also/alternately support Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), and/or Wire-less Personal Area Network (WPAN) functionality.
[0027] When the device 10 is a WLAN device for example, the wireless interface 14 preferably supports a standardized communication according to the IEEE 802.11x group of standards, for example. When the device 10 is a WPAN device, the wireless interface 14 preferably supports the Bluetooth interface standard or another WPAN standard such as the 802.15 standard. In any case, the wireless interface 14 can support all or a subset of cellular telephone, WLAN, and WPAN operations.
[0028] The processing unit 16 of the device 10 may include any type of processor such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or a combination of processing type devices. The processing unit 16 is operable to execute a plurality of software instructions that are stored in the memory 18 and are accessed for execution. The processing unit 806 may also include specialized hardware required to implement particular aspects of the present invention. Memory 18 may include SRAM, DRAM, PROM, flash RAM, or any other type of memory capable of storing data and instructions.
[0029] The input/output interface 20 may include a keypad, a mouse, a screen, a touch screen, and/or any other type of interface that allows a user of the device 10 to interact with the device 10 . The power source 22 , such as a battery, operates to power the components of the device 10 .
[0030] The GPS receiver 12 operates to receive GPS signals from a plurality of satellites that operate as part of a GPS system. In one preferred embodiment, the GPS receiver 12 determines a geographic location for the device 10 by calculating a distance between the device 10 and at least three satellites. Preferably, the receiver 12 calculates the distance using low-power radio signals received from the satellites using a technique known as Trilateration, which is known in the art.
[0031] The memory 18 of the device is configured to include a GPS module 18 A that provides a graphical user interface on the device 10 to identify payment locations, one or more data storage areas 18 B for storing location coordinates identified by the user, and a payment module 18 C capable of initiating a financial transaction instruction to a payment terminal based on a geographic location of the device 10 . Details of the GPS module 18 A and payment module 18 C are discussed in connection with FIGS. 3-4 .
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 2 , a financial transaction system for conducting a financial transaction using a mobile communication payment device is disclosed. The system can be used to automate financial transactions based on a geographic location of the payment device 10 .
[0033] As shown in FIG. 2 , the system includes the payment device 10 disclosed in connection with FIG. 1 , a payment terminal 28 that can operate as a point of sale (POS) terminal for merchants, and a network 26 for operatively connecting the payment device 10 to the payment terminal 28 . Although only one payment device 10 is shown in FIG. 2 , the present invention is not limited to one payment device and can include a multitude of varied payment devices that are capable of communicating using a wireless protocol.
[0034] The payment terminal 28 is preferably a computer device that operates as a point of sale terminal for goods or services rendered. In one preferred embodiment, the payment terminal 28 includes a management module 28 A that processes financial transaction instructions received from the device 10 and provides an acknowledgement message to the payment device 10 upon completion of a transaction.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 2 , the payment terminal 28 is preferably in communication with a financial institution 30 , such as a bank, which has access to a conventional payment network for transaction authorizations.
[0036] In one preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , the system includes a map server 24 that provides maps to the payment device 10 on demand. As used herein, the term ‘map’ refers to a representation of the whole or a part of a geographic area. Use of the map server 24 is discussed in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4 of the disclosure.
[0037] The network 26 is preferably a wireless network that can be an 802.11-compliant network, Bluetooth network, cellular digital packet data (CDPD) network, high speed circuit switched data (HSCSD) network, packet data cellular (PDC-P) network, general packet radio service (GPRS) network, 1x radio transmission technology (1xRTT) network, IrDA network, multichannel multipoint distribution service (MMDS) network, local multipoint distribution service (LMDS) network, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) network, and/or any other network that communicates using a wireless protocol.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 3 , an example graphical user interface (GUI) 32 provided by the GPS module 18 A is shown. In one preferred embodiment, the GPS module 18 A displays the user interface 32 on the screen 20 of the payment device 10 and prompts the user to enter either an address or MAP name that identifies a particular geographic area to be displayed on the device 10 . In another preferred embodiment, the GPS module 18 A displays the graphical user interface 32 on a Personal Computer (PC) attached to the device 10 and prompts the user to enter either an address or map name to be displayed on the device 10 .
[0039] As shown in the FIG. 3 example, the graphical user interface 32 of the present invention includes a map area 34 , a map-name/address area 42 with map-name/address entry area 44 , an access-map button 46 , a charge-amount entry area 52 , and a select-payment-location button 48 .
[0040] The map-name/address area 42 provides a listing of previously accessed maps and entered addresses that are user selectable and available for display on the device 10 . In the event a particular map name or address is not included in the area 42 , map-name/address entry area 44 provides a data entry area for entering the particular address or map name which, upon selection of access-map button 46 , is displayed on the device 10 . In one preferred embodiment, the GPS module 18 A requests the associated map from the map server 24 which is then displayed in map area 34 . In another preferred embodiment, the GPS module 18 A accesses the associated map from memory 18 of the device 10 and displays the same in the map area 34 . As shown in FIG. 3 , in one preferred embodiment, the map displayed can include latitudinal 38 and longitudinal 36 coordinates representing varying degrees of specificity concerning geographic locations and coordinates.
[0041] Once a map is displayed in the map area 34 and the user selects select-payment-location button 48 , the user can then select transaction locations for automatic payment. For example, in one preferred embodiment, upon selection of select-payment-location button 48 , the GPS module 18 A displays a cursor that overlays the displayed map and allows the user to identify a particular location 58 on the map where a payment is to be automatically commenced.
[0042] Once a transaction location 58 is identified on the map, the GPS module 18 A activates the transaction amount data entry area 52 that allows the user to specify a monetary amount for the transaction.
[0043] Once a value is entered into data entry area 52 and the user selects the save button 54 , the GPS module 18 A saves the identified transaction location and entered transaction amount to the data storage area 18 B. For example, in one preferred embodiment, the GPS module 18 A calculates transaction coordinates using one or more particular transaction locations 58 identified on the map and stores the calculated transaction coordinates along with the entered transaction amount to the data storage area 18 B. Upon the user selecting the exit button 64 , the GPS module 30 terminates display of the GUI 32 .
[0044] Turning now to FIG. 4 , a typical financial transaction executed by the system using the techniques of the present invention will now be described. As shown in the FIG. 4 example, first, the GPS module 18 A of the payment device 10 calculates the current geographical coordinates of the device 10 upon receiving a plurality of satellite signals 60 . As mentioned previously, in one preferred embodiment, the GPS module 18 A uses a trilateration technique to determine geographic coordinates of the device 10 . Next, the GPS module 18 A compares the calculated geographic coordinates to predefined transaction locations stored in the data storage areas 18 of the device 10 . In one preferred embodiment, if the calculated coordinates are within a particular distance of one of the predefined transaction locations 64 , the GPS module 18 A activates the payment module 18 C to initiate a financial transaction 66 over the network 26 . If the calculated coordinates are not within a particular distance of any of the stored transaction locations 64 , the GPS module 18 A continues to calculate the device's current geographical location and continues its comparisons.
[0045] Once the payment module 18 C is activated, the payment module 18 C initiates a network connection 68 to the payment terminal 28 . In one preferred embodiment, where the payment device 10 is a cellular phone, a telephone company (TELCO) provider can be used as a gateway into one or more payment networks. For example, an arrangement can be made between the user of the device 10 and the TELCO provider such that the TELCO provider would charge a fee for supporting location dependent transactions.
[0046] In one preferred embodiment, the payment module 18 C initiates the network connection by polling for a wireless network connection as is known in the art. Preferably, the network connection is a secure connection that includes encryption and digital authentication. Upon the payment terminal 28 verifying the authenticity of the payment device 10 , the payment terminal 28 grants network access to the payment device 10 .
[0047] Once the payment device 10 is connected to the network 26 , the payment module 18 C can send financial transaction instructions to the payment terminal to charge a particular account a predefined transaction amount automatically 70 .
[0048] Next, upon transmission of a financial transaction instruction from the payment device 10 to the payment terminal 28 , the management module 28 A of the payment terminal 28 transmits an authorization request to the financial institution 30 for approval 72 . In one preferred embodiment, the financial institution 30 in turn forwards the authorization request through a conventional payment network to a credit grantor. Based upon the payment device user's account status and the amount of transaction, the credit grantor can authorize or deny the authorization request 74 . The grantor's response is then routed back through the financial institution 30 to the payment terminal 28 and payment device 10 .
[0049] A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, payment terminals can provide messages to payment devices that could include information relating to upcoming offers and sales. Also, the steps described above may be modified in various ways or performed in a different order than described above, where appropriate. Accordingly, alternative embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. | The present invention advantageously combines communications aspects of mobile devices with financial transaction system capabilities in a novel manner. This advantageous combination enables a user to automatically initiate a financial transaction with a merchant upon the user being located in a particular geographic vicinity. Numerous types of transactions can be enabled using the present invention. | 6 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a road milling machine with a machine frame and a milling mechanism for milling off material.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The known road milling machines have a machine frame, which is supported by a chassis, and a milling mechanism, which comprises a milling drum for milling off material. The milling drum, which is rotatable about an axis transverse to the operating direction, is located in a milling drum housing.
Furthermore, the known road milling machines have a transport arrangement for conveying the milled material. In the known rear loader road milling machines, the transport arrangement is behind the milling drum housing, when seen in the operating direction, to allow it to feed the milled material, as far as possible free from residues, over the rear of the milling machine to the following truck. A rear loader road milling machine is known, for example, from DE 195 47 698 A1.
With the known road milling machines, the road surface can be milled true to contour and evenly. The so-called stabilisers or recyclers should be differentiated from road milling machines; the role of the former is to produce a stable substructure by addition of binding agents to unstable ground, for example loose soil (stabiliser) or a damaged roadway (recycler).
In the operation of the known road milling machines, particular requirements are demanded of the design of the milling drum housing. The milling drum housing should prevent the milled material being ejected. In particular, the risk of ejection of milled material exists in the operating direction of the milling machine if the milling drum is rotated in the direction opposite to the operating direction. The milling drum housing should also ensure that there is a continuous supply of milled material to the transport arrangement.
DE 10 2008 024 651 describes a rear loader road milling machine whose milling drum is positioned in a milling drum housing that surrounds the milling drum. A so-called hold-down device, which is mounted on a circular track concentrically surrounding the axis of rotation of the milling drum and is adjustable in height, serves to seal the milling drum housing from the surface of the material to be milled. In the known road milling machines, an aim is to have a uniform gap width for the gap between the tips of the milling tools of the milling drum and the inside of the hold-down device over the periphery of the milling drum. A uniform gap width should be obtained, independent of the set milling depth, where the hold-down device runs on a concentric circular track around the axis of rotation of the milling drum.
The stripping elements, which are located behind the milling drum, when seen in the operating direction, are to be differentiated from the hold-down devices. In the known stabilisers or recyclers, the mixed material should be uniformly removed with the stripping elements to a specified depth and evenly distributed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the invention is therefore to create a road milling machine with improved material transport of the milled material within the milling drum housing.
This object is achieved, according to the present invention, with the features of the independent patent claims. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments of the invention.
The milling drum housing of the road milling machine in accordance with the invention is a fixed housing, which partially surrounds the milling drum. The opening between the milling drum housing and the surface of the material to be milled off, the depth of which varies with the set milling depth, can be closed with a hold-down device.
In the road milling machine in accordance with the invention, the hold-down device is configured so that the distance between the hold-down device and the milling drum housing increases in the specified direction of rotation of the milling drum, at least over a section of the gap between the milling drum and the hold-down device. Preferably, the distance between the axis of rotation of the hold-down device increases over the whole periphery of the hold-down device, so that the gap width increases over the whole length of the gap between milling drum and hold-down device. However, it is basically sufficient for the gap width to increase over only a section of the periphery of the hold-down device. In this connection, gap width should be understood as the distance between the inside of the hold-down device and a cylinder which encloses the tips of the milling tools of the milling drum.
The milling drum housing and the hold-down device preferably extend in the axial direction over the width of the milling drum. Preferably, the milling drum housing is closed at the sides by side plates.
In a preferred embodiment, both the distance between the axis of rotation and the milling drum housing, i.e. the gap width between milling drum and milling drum housing, and the distance between the axis of rotation and the hold-down device, i.e. the gap width between milling drum and hold-down device, increase upwards in the direction of rotation of the milling drum, i.e. from the surface of the material being milled. As a result, the hold-down device continues the contour of the milling drum housing.
The configuration of the hold-down device with increasing gap width leads to an improvement in transport of the milled material to the transport arrangement. It has been shown that the distance between the milling drum and hold-down device is particularly important for material flow, since the material is picked up in the region of the hold-down device. A uniform distance between milling drum and hold-down device leads to an undesired compaction of the milled-off material. This material compaction impedes transport of material over the milling drum to the rear. Furthermore, the material compaction requires higher power for the drum and leads to increased wear. It has also been shown that an excessively large gap, which requires less power for the drum and leads to reduced wear, also makes transport of material more difficult. The gap width increasing in the direction of rotation of the milling drum, in particular in the region of the hold-down device, improves material flow with a relatively small power requirement and relatively low wear.
While the milled material is conveyed through the gap in the direction of rotation of the milling drum, the packing density of the material can reduce without there being a risk that the material remains compacted or is compacted. As the packing density decreases, the milled material is first conveyed with increasing speed through the gap in the region of the hold-down device and later is ejected to the rear, so that the material can be picked up by the transport arrangement. The relatively small gap width at ground level results in lumps of material accumulating during milling being immediately broken up to the desired particle size.
A preferred embodiment provides that the hold-down device is guided displaceably on a guide track surrounding the milling drum between a first position, in which the hold-down device is lowered, and a second position, in which the hold-down device is raised. When the milling drum having a horizontal axis of rotation penetrates in the vertical direction into the material to be milled, the hold-down device is adjusted in height.
A particularly preferred embodiment provides that the lower edge of the hold-down device and the lower edge of the milling drum housing are essentially at the same level when the hold-down device is in the second position. The maximum milling depth is obtained in this position. However, it is also possible for the milling drum housing and the hold-down device partially to overlap at the maximum milling depth.
For the basic principle of the invention, it is not basically significant how the guide or mounting of the hold-down device is provided, as long as it has sufficient rigidity. In a preferred embodiment, adequate rigidity of the guide is obtained by extending guide elements around the periphery of the hold-down device, which are displaceably guided in the mounting elements surrounding the periphery of the hold-down device. However, as an alternative, it is also possible for the hold-down device to have mounting elements that are displaceably guided in guide elements.
The guide elements of the hold-down device preferably extend beyond the hold-down device, so that the guide elements enclose part of the periphery of the milling drum housing. As a result, the hold-down device can be supported on the milling drum housing via the guide elements when the hold-down device is in the lowered position. Thus the rigidity of the guide is further improved.
Preferably, two guide or mounting elements are provided and are positioned on either side of the milling drum housing or hold-down device. In principle, it is also possible for only one guide element or only one mounting element to be provided.
It has proved to be advantageous if a breaker element, extending in the direction of the axis of rotation of the milling drum, is positioned in the gap between milling drum and milling drum housing. Lumps of material accumulating during milling can be broken down to the desired particle size on the breaker element. However, the breaker element, extending in the direction of the axis of rotation of the milling drum, only comes into use when the lumps have not already been broken during transport through the gap.
While the road milling machine is moved in the operating direction, the opening between the lower edge of the milling drum housing and the surface of the material to be milled should always be tightly closed, regardless of the milling depth.
Tilting of the hold-down device can be avoided by positioning a skid on the lower edge of the hold-down device, with which the hold-down device rests on the material to be milled as the machine advances. With the skid, the hold-down device can move upwards in the guide against its contact force on impact with an obstacle.
In a further preferred embodiment, a mechanism is provided or lifting and lowering the hold-down device, so that the movement of the hold-down device is supported, in particular from the lowered to the raised position.
The mechanism for raising and lowering the sealing element preferably has a measurement unit, which is configured so that the measurement unit measures the force acting on the sealing element when the hold-down device encounters an obstacle. Furthermore, the mechanism for raising and lowering has a control unit, which is configured so that the control unit generates a control signal for raising the hold-down device when the force measured by the measuring unit is greater than a predetermined limit value, so that the hold-down device is raised, and a control signal is generated for lowering the hold-down device when the force is smaller than a predetermined limit value, so that the hold-down device is pressed on the ground with the predetermined contact force.
The force measured with the measuring unit is preferably the essentially horizontal force component acting on the hold-down device when it strikes an obstacle. However, it is also possible that the measured force has a vertical component.
The advantage of the sealing element in accordance with the invention is that obstacles in the operating direction of the construction machine are detected when the force acting on the hold-down device exceeds a limit value. When this is the case, the hold-down device is automatically raised. The hold-down device is only raised until the measured force is again below the limit value. In this case, it is assumed that the obstacle has been negotiated. The hold-down device is then lowered until the hold-down device rests on the ground with the predetermined contact force. The limit value for the measured force should be calculated so that the hold-down device is not raised just for very small obstacles.
In a preferred embodiment, the mechanism for raising and lowering the hold-down device comprises one or more piston/cylinder arrangements where their cylinders have an articulated connection to the machine frame and their pistons have an articulated connection to the hold-down device or their cylinders have an articulated connection to the hold-down device and their pistons have an articulated connection to the machine frame. The piston/cylinder arrangement can be operated hydraulically or pneumatically. However, an electric motor can also be used for height adjustment. The sub-assemblies required for this purpose are state of the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the following, an example of an embodiment of the invention is explained in detail with reference to the drawings.
These show:
FIG. 1 a rear loader road milling machine in accordance with the invention in a perspective view,
FIG. 2 a simplified schematic representation of the milling drum housing of the road milling machine in accordance with the invention, together with the milling drum and machine frame in a first operating position of the hold-down device,
FIG. 3 the milling drum housing in accordance with the invention in a second operating position of the hold-down device,
FIG. 4 the milling drum housing in accordance with the invention in a third operating position of the hold-down device,
FIG. 5 a schematic representation of the milling drum housing, together with the milling drum, wherein the hold-down device is in a raised position,
FIG. 6 the milling drum housing of FIG. 5 , wherein the hold-down device is in a lowered position and
FIG. 7 a section through a guide element and a mounting element of the guide of the hold-down device and
FIG. 8 a further embodiment of the milling drum housing in accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 shows in a perspective view a road milling machine, specifically a rear loader road milling machine. The road milling machine comprises a machine frame 1 , which is supported by a chassis 2 . The chassis 2 has a front wheel 2 A and two rear wheels 2 B, when seen in the operating direction. The operator's platform 3 is in the rear part of the machine frame. The milling mechanism 4 of the road milling machine is underneath the operator's platform 3 .
The milling mechanism 4 comprises a milling drum 5 , with cutting tools 5 A spaced around its periphery. The milling drum 5 is positioned in a milling drum housing 7 about an axis of rotation 6 running transverse to the operating direction of the milling machine. The milling drum 5 rotates in the milling drum housing 7 in a predetermined direction of rotation D. In the present example, the milling drum 5 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction. The milling drum housing 7 enclosing the milling drum 5 has a discharge opening at the rear, when seen in the operating direction. The milling drum housing is closed off by side plates 33 on the longitudinal sides. On the milling drum housing 7 is the transport arrangement 9 , with a conveyor belt 10 for conveying the milled material, which can be received by a truck driven behind the milling machine.
In the following, the milling drum housing 7 accommodating the milling drum 5 is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8
The milling drum housing 7 is fixedly attached to the machine frame 1 . The fastening members for the milling drum housing 7 are not shown in the Figures. In the Figures, the milling drum 5 is represented schematically by a cylindrical body that encloses the tips of the tools 5 A of the milling drum 5 . The milling drum housing 7 extends beyond the width of the milling drum 5 on both sides. It surrounds the milling drum 5 except for an opening 11 A in front of the milling drum, when seen in the operating direction, and a discharge opening 11 B behind the milling drum, when seen in the operating direction. The opening 11 A at the front, when seen in the operating direction is closed by a hold-down device 8 . The milled material is discharged to the rear and is picked up by the conveyor belt 9 of the transport arrangement 10 . A stripper element in the rear part of the milling drum housing 7 is not shown in the Figures.
The height of the hold-down device 8 can be adjusted according to the milling depth. FIGS. 2 to 4 show how the milling drum penetrates into the material to be milled off in the vertical direction. While the milling drum is penetrating into the material, the hold-down device 8 is moved from a first position, shown in FIG. 2 , in which the hold-down device 8 is fully lowered, into a second position, in which the hold-down device is fully raised ( FIG. 4 ). The maximum milling depth is obtained in this position. FIG. 3 shows a middle position of the hold-down device 8 with a smaller milling depth. In the present embodiment, the closed milling drum housing 7 , closed at the front, along with the hold-down device 8 completely surrounds the milling drum 5 over a circumferential angle of approximately 180°.
FIGS. 5 and 6 show a sectional view, wherein the hold-down device 8 is in the raised position ( FIG. 5 ) and in the lowered position ( FIG. 6 ). The hold-down device 8 closes the opening 11 A pointing in the operating direction between the lower edge 12 of the hold-down device 8 and the surface of the road pavement material 13 to be milled off.
The milling drum housing 7 , surrounding the milling drum 5 over a circumferential angle of more than 90°, preferably has a spiral contour. The cross-section of the milling drum housing 7 describes a curve which, in the running direction, is spaced from the axis of rotation about the axis of rotation 6 of the milling drum 5 , wherein the running direction of the curve corresponds to the turning direction of the milling drum 6 . The milling drum housing 7 is configured so that the distance between the axis of rotation 6 and the inside of the milling drum housing 7 continuously increases from the lower edge 17 up to the upper edge 14 . Consequently, the radius r 1 <r 2 <r 3 . For this reason, the width of the gap between the milling drum body 5 surrounding the tips of the milling tools 5 and the inside of the milling drum housing 7 continuously increases from the bottom to the top. However, the increase need not necessarily be continuous. It is only important that the gap width enlarges.
It is preferred that the hold-down device, in particular, has a spiral contour. The cross-section of the hold-down device describes a curve which, in the running direction, is spaced from the axis of rotation about the axis of rotation 6 of the milling drum 5 , wherein the running direction of the curve corresponds to the turning direction of the milling drum 6 . The hold-down device and the lower section of the milling drum housing 7 can have precisely the same curvature. In this case, milling drum housing and hold-down device can lie with one precisely in top of the other in the raised position. However, it is also possible for the spiral contour of the milling drum housing 7 to be continued in the hold-down device 8 when the hold-down device 8 is in the lowered position. The milling drum housing and hold-down device cannot then lie precisely with one on top of the other in the raised position. In practice, the two embodiments exhibit no significant differences.
The gap width, preferably increasing over the whole periphery of the milling drum housing 7 and the hold-down device 8 from bottom to top improves the flow of milled material along the gap 15 , in particular between the milling drum 5 and hold-down device 8 against the operating direction A of the milling machine. The milled material, whose packing density decreases in the direction of rotation D of the milling drum 5 , and whose volume increases, can be conveyed continuously into the gap 15 with increasing gap width. The power required for driving the milling drum and the wear on the milling tools are thereby relatively small.
FIG. 6 shows the hold-down device 8 in the lowered position, wherein the distance between the inside of the hold-down device 8 and the axis of rotation 6 of the milling drum 5 is referenced with r 1 ′, r 2 ′, and r 3 ′ (r 1 ′<r 2 ′<r 3 ′).
In practice, it has been shown that the gap width can vary over the whole periphery of the milling drum between 15 and 80 mm, preferably between 25 and 50 mm. It is not absolutely necessary for the gap width to increase continuously over the whole periphery of the milling drum.
In the present embodiment, the gap width in the region of the hold-down device 8 is larger than that at the lower edge 17 of the milling drum housing 7 . In this embodiment, lumps of removed material can still reach the milling drum housing, which forms a gap with increasing gap width with the milling drum. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a breaker element may be positioned within the gap 15 , extending in the direction of the axis of rotation 6 . Coarser material remaining in the gap 15 can be broken up with the breaker element.
FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of the guide of the hold-down device 8 . On the outside, the hold-down device has a guide rail 15 A, 15 B on either side extending upwards over the periphery. The guide rails 15 A and 15 B are guided in mounting elements 16 A and 16 B, which are fastened on the machine frame 1 . The fastening of the mounting elements is not shown in FIG. 7 .
FIG. 7 shows a section through the guide rails 15 A, 15 B and mounting elements 16 A, 16 B. The mounting elements 16 A, 16 B have a U-shaped cross-section, in which the guide rails 15 A, 15 B are longitudinally displaceable. Since the mounting elements 16 A, 16 B encompass the guide rails 15 A, 15 B, the guide rails are secured in axial and radial directions. When the hold-down device 8 is in the lowered position, the sections of the guide rails 15 A, 15 B extending upwards are supported on the milling drum housing 7 . Because of this, even greater forces can be absorbed.
At the lower edge 27 , the hold-down device 8 has a sliding element 18 extending along the lower edge, which can be a sliding bar. The hold-down device 8 slides with the sliding element 18 on the surface of the road pavement 13 . In doing so, the hold-down device 8 is supported on the road pavement solely due to its weight. When the milling drum 5 penetrates into the road surface in the vertical direction, the hold-down device 8 moves upwards in the guide.
In the present embodiment, a mechanism 19 is provided for raising and lowering the hold-down device 8 . In particular, supporting the upward movement of the hold-down device 8 when the milling depth is varied.
The mechanism 19 for raising and lowering the hold-down device 8 comprises a piston/cylinder arrangement 20 . The piston/cylinder arrangement 20 is operated by a hydraulic unit 21 , shown only in outline, which supplies a hydraulic fluid to the cylinder 20 A of the piston/cylinder arrangement 20 .
The cylinder 20 A of the piston/cylinder arrangement 20 has an articulated connection to the machine frame 1 and the piston 20 B has an articulated connection to the upper end of a U-shaped profile element 22 , which is fastened to the hold-down device 8 . The hold-down device 8 can be raised and lowered by admitting hydraulic fluid to the cylinder 20 A.
The mechanism 19 for raising and lowering the hold-down device 8 further has a control unit 23 and a processing unit 24 , which are connected together by means of a data line 25 . The control unit 23 , which is connected to the hydraulic unit 21 by a control line 26 , controls the hydraulic unit 21 , so that the piston/cylinder arrangement 20 keeps the hold-down device 8 in contact with the ground with a predetermined downwards force. For example, the hydraulic unit can release the piston in the cylinder, so that the hold-down device 8 rests on the ground under its weight if the hold-down device 8 is not raised when it strikes an obstacle.
The mechanism 19 for raising and lowering the hold-down device 8 further comprises a measuring unit 26 for measuring the force exerted on the hold-down device 8 on impact with an obstacle. Preferably, only the horizontal force component acting on the sealing element is measured by the measuring unit.
The processing unit 24 compares the impact force measured by the measuring unit 26 with a predetermined limit value. When the impact force is greater than the limit value, the control unit 23 generates a first control signal for the hydraulic unit 21 to raise the hold-down device 8 , so that the hydraulic unit 21 actuates the piston 20 B of the piston/cylinder unit 20 . The hold-down device 8 is raised by the piston/cylinder unit 20 until the measured impact force is again less than the predetermined limit value. When the impact force is smaller than the limit value, the control unit 23 generates a control signal for the hydraulic unit 21 , with which the piston/cylinder arrangement 20 is actuated once more to lower the hold-down device 8 again until the lower edge 27 of the hold-down device 8 again rests on the ground with the predetermined downwards force. Alternatively, the piston/cylinder arrangement 20 can also release the hold-down device 8 , so that the hold-down device moves downwards in the guide under its own weight.
The measuring unit 26 has two sensors 26 A, 26 B, for measuring the impact force, positioned between the mounting elements 16 A, 16 B and the guide rails 15 A, 15 B, in the area in which the guide rails extend upwards beyond the hold-down device 8 . When an essentially horizontal force acts on the hold-down device, the ends of the guide rails exert a contact pressure on the ends of the mounting elements, which is measured by the two sensors 26 A, 26 B. The sensors 26 A, 26 B are connected to the processing unit 24 by signal lines 26 A′ and 26 B′. The processing unit 24 processes the measurement signals of the two sensors. Either only one or the other measurement signal can be processed, or both measurement signals together. For example, the two measurement signals can be averaged. Suitable pressure sensors and the processing of the measurement signals are part of the state of the art. A skid 34 can also be provided on the hold-down device, to support the upwards movement and to introduce the force on impact with an obstacle. | The invention relates to a road milling machine, with a milling drum housing partially surrounding a milling drum, wherein the opening between the milling drum housing and the surface of the material to be milled can be closed off by a hold-down device. The distance between the axis of rotation and the hold-down device increases in the specified direction of rotation of the milling drum at least over a section of the gap between the milling drum and the hold-down device. The particular configuration of the hold-down device leads to an improvement in transport of the milled material to the transport arrangement. The gap width increasing in the direction of rotation of the milling drum improves material flow with a relatively small power requirement and relatively low wear of the milling drum. | 4 |
STATEMENT AS TO FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
This invention was made with Government support under Grant No. MSS-9320153 awarded by the National Science Foundation. The Government has certain rights in this invention.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to high speed fluid cutting jets, and more particularly to high speed slurry jets that use fluid-entrained abrasive particles to cut materials.
2. Description of Related Art
High speed fluid jets ("cutting jets") play an increasingly important role as a tool for cutting a variety of materials. In a cutting jet, a fluid, such as water or gas, entrains abrasive particles to form a slurry which is sprayed from an orifice of a nozzle at very high speeds (typically 100-500 m/sec). Like laser cutting devices, cutting jets are accurate, easily managed, and cause very little loss of material. However, abrasive jet cutting does not involve the high temperatures characteristic of laser cutting, and as a result are suitable for cutting practically any material. Further, the control system required for cutting jets is simpler and much cheaper than for laser cutting systems. Consequently, cutting jets can be used in a broad range of industries, from small machine shops and quarries to the large scale cutting requirements of the automotive and aircraft industries.
The most troublesome difficulty associated with cutting jets is wear of the nozzles, which presently limits their usefulness. Even using very hard materials, the high speed of the fluid, along with a particle size that can be as high as 40% of the nozzle diameter, can rapidly destroy a nozzle. Further, as the nozzle erodes, its kerf, or width of cut, changes, as does the dispersion of the fluid upon exiting from the jet nozzle. Consequently, nozzles must be replaced frequently, resulting in constant maintenance and inspection, loss of accuracy, and machine down time, all of which add to the cost of using a cutting jet.
Present attempts to solve this wear problem include seeding a pure liquid jet with abrasive particles only downstream of the nozzle, use of nozzles made of very hard materials (such as diamonds), using abrasive particles that are softer than the nozzle walls, and attempting to modify the flow structure of the nozzle in order to keep abrasive particles away from the nozzle wall. All of the presently available techniques have major deficiencies. Seeding downstream of the jet reduces the speed of the abrasive particles, and causes considerable expansion, scattering, and unsteadiness of the fluid flow. Diamond nozzles are expensive and almost impossible to form into desirable shapes. Use of abrasive particles softer than the nozzle reduces cutting efficiency. Modification to the jet flow structure by introducing secondary swirling flows near the nozzle walls is useful only with relatively slow flows and small abrasive particles; such modification also causes jet expansion and secondary flow phenomena that limit the capability to control the process.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to have an improved nozzle that overcomes the limitations of the prior art. The present invention provides such an improvement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention comprises a high speed fluid jet nozzle made at least in part of a porous material and configured so that the porous part of the nozzle is surrounded at least in part by a reservoir containing a lubricant. As a cutting fluid passes through the nozzle, lubricant from the reservoir is drawn through the porous material and creates a thin film of lubricant on the surfaces of the nozzle exposed to the fluid jet.
The invention not only resolves the main difficulties of the prior art relating to nozzle wear, it expands the use and applications of high speed fluid jet cutters. By reducing wear of a jet nozzle, it is possible to increase the jet speed and reduce the nozzle diameter even further than the prior art, allowing much higher precision, deeper cutting, and usage on difficult to cut material such as ceramics. The invention thus provides a reliable but yet very simple method for preventing nozzle wear.
The details of the preferred embodiment of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Once the details of the invention are known, numerous additional innovations and changes will become obvious to one skilled in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A is a block diagram of the preferred embodiment of the invention, showing a nozzle in cross-section.
FIG. 1B is a closeup cross-section of the nozzle of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 1C is an end view of the distal end of the nozzle of FIGS. 1A and 1B, showing a circular orifice.
FIG. 1D is an end view of the distal end of an alternative to the nozzle of FIGS. 1A and 1B, showing a linear or slot orifice.
FIG. 1E is a closeup cross-section of an alternative to the nozzle of FIG. 1A.
Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the invention.
Preferred Structure
FIG. 1A is a block diagram of one embodiment of the invention. A carrier fluid, such as water, is pressurized (e.g., by a high pressure hydraulic pump) and introduced to a cutting head 1 having a slurry mixing chamber 2. The pressurized fluid is also used to pressurize a high density slurry source 3 containing abrasive particles 4 at a concentration of approximately 10-20% by volume; however, other ratios may be used. The abrasive particles may be, for example, fine silica, aluminum oxide, garnet, tungsten carbide, silicon carbide and similar materials.
The outlet of the high density slurry source 3 is coupled to the slurry mixing chamber 2 of the cutting head 1, where the slurry is diluted by the pressurized fluid, typically to about 1-5% by volume. In the preferred embodiment, the pressurized fluid is also used to pressurize a lubricant source 5, the output of which is coupled to a lubricant chamber 6 surrounding a nozzle 7. The nozzle 7 forms one end of the cutting head 1. Manual or automated valves 8 are used to regulate the relative flow rates and pressure of fluid, slurry, and lubricant to the cutting head 1.
Referring to FIG. 1B, shown in closeup is the distal end of the cutting head 1. In the preferred embodiment, the nozzle 7 is formed of a porous material. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1C, the distal end of the nozzle 7 defines an approximately circular jet orifice 9, from which the slurry cutting jet exits the cutting head 1. In a typical embodiment, the smallest cross-sectional dimension (i.e., the diameter, if round) of the jet tip 9 is less than 500 micrometers. Because of the improved performance characteristics resulting from the present invention, the smallest cross-sectional dimension may be as little as twice the diameter of the abrasive particles (presently, fine abrasive particles are typically about 20 μm).
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1D, the distal end of the nozzle 7 defines a linear or slotted jet orifice 9', from which the slurry cutting jet exits the cutting head 1. By suitable configuration of a one piece nozzle 7, or by forming the nozzle from two elongated structures having cross-sections similar to that shown in FIG. 1B plus end-caps, a linear orifice of virtually any desired length can be fabricated. Further, multiple orifices can be used, if desired. Other shapes can be used for the orifice 9, such as an ellipse, oval, etc.
Operation
In use, the pressure in the lubricant chamber 6 is higher than the pressure in the slurry mixing chamber 2. The pressure differential may be achieved by a difference in applied pressure, or by a difference in flow rates between the lubricant chamber 6 and the slurry mixing chamber 2. As a result of this pressure difference, lubricant is forced continuously through the porous structure of the nozzle 7 to provide a thin protective layer (film) on the inner wall of the nozzle 7. Since the lubricant is constantly replenished from the lubricant chamber 6, sites where abrasive particles "gouge" the film are "repaired", reducing or preventing damage to the solid walls.
The thickness of the lubricating film is designed to prevent contact (impact) between the particles in the slurry jet and the inner wall of the nozzle 7 and to prevent high stress that would lead to failure of the nozzle wall when the distance between the particle and the wall is very small. An approximated analysis to determine the required thickness of the lubricant layer indicates, for example, that an approximately 5 μm thick layer of light oil is sufficient to prevent contact between the abrasive particles and the nozzle wall for a 100 μm diameter, 200 m/sec slurry jet containing 20 μm diameter abrasive particles with a specific gravity of 2 in a water carrier fluid. For this example, the lubricant viscosity should be about 40 times that of water. In general, the required thickness of the lubricating film is dependent on the flow conditions, including slurry velocity, nozzle geometry, particle specific gravity, shape and void fraction, as well as the lubricant viscosity. In most cases, the lubricant film thickness need be only a few percent (about 1-6%) of the nozzle diameter.
Due to the differences in viscosity between the fluid and the lubricant (typically 40-80:1 if oil is used as the lubricant and water is used as the carrier fluid), and the thinness of the lubricant film, the lubricant flow rate can be kept at a very low level (characteristically, below 0.1% of the carrier fluid flux). Thus, lubricant consumption is minimal.
The lubricant can be of any desired type, so long as the lubricant creates a protective film on the inner wall of the nozzle 7. Use of liquid polymers provides an additional advantage in situations involving high shear strains (>10 7 ) like those occurring in the nozzle 7, since liquid polymers tend to "harden" under such conditions (that is, become less of a viscous material and more of a plastic solid). Thus, liquid polymers can absorb much more energy and stresses from laterally moving abrasive particles. Synthetic, light lubricants (such as poly alfa olefins) that can be easily drawn or forced through a porous medium should provide sufficient protection to the walls of the nozzle 7 under normal conditions. Under preferred conditions, the viscosity of the lubricant should be greater than the viscosity of the abrasive fluid. However, injection of fluid with the same or lower viscosity as the abrasive carrier fluid is also possible as long as the injected fluid creates a protective layer or film along the nozzle walls.
Additional Implementation Details
In the preferred embodiment, the lubricant chamber 5 and slurry chamber 3 are pressurized from the same source. Due to the high speed flow of the slurry through the nozzle 7 and the almost stagnant fluid pool in the lubricant chamber 6, a pressure difference exists between the inner and outer sides of the porous wall of the nozzle 7 that is generally sufficient to draw the lubricant through the porous wall. The lubricant chamber 5 can also be pressurized by a separate pump if need be.
The nozzle 7 can be of any porous material, but is preferably made of a hard, moldable or easily machined porous material, such as a ceramic, metal/ceramic foam, sintered metals, sintered plastic, bonded glass or ceramic beads, porous plastics (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, etc. The pore size can be varied to provide for different lubricant flow rates. Further, the nozzle 7 need not be made completely of porous material. A porous ring 30, such as is shown in FIG. 1E, upstream from a non-porous tip 32, may provide enough lubrication along the inner surface of the tip 32 to substantially reduce erosion. In a different configuration, the porous ring 30 can be downstream of a non-porous portion, where wear would be greatest. Alternatively, a nozzle can be configured with stacked multiple porous and non-porous rings. As another alternative, a nozzle can be configured with stacked multiple porous rings having different lubricant flow rates (for example, due to different porosity or thicknesses).
Moreover, while a uniformly porous material is preferred for the nozzle 7, in an alternative embodiment, a number of very fine to extremely fine holes can be bored (such as by a laser drill) through a nozzle formed of non-porous material to make the nozzle effectively porous. Also, the nozzle can be made of a series of tubes, glued together and formed.
The lubricant injection rate is controlled by the pressure difference across the wall of the nozzle 7, the lubricant viscosity, porous medium permeability, and the thickness of the nozzle wall. The pressure within the nozzle 7 is not constant due to the change in fluid velocity resulting from changes in cross-sectional area of the nozzle 7 and due to shear stresses along the inner wall of the nozzle 7. To insure a desirable lubricant flow rate at every point, the thickness of the porous walls of the nozzle 7 can be varied. The exact shape of the nozzle 7 can be determined by solving the equations of motion for fluid flow in the porous medium with the prescribed flow rate at every point as a boundary condition. Thus, it is possible to prescribe a relatively exact injection rate.
With lubricated walls, the diameter of the nozzle 7 can be substantially decreased to sizes that are only slightly larger than the particle diameter. For example, if the maximum particle diameter is about 20 μm, the nozzle diameter in principle can be reduced to about 40 μm, including the oil film. A smaller nozzle diameter provides sharper and more precise cuts with less material loss. As a further consequence of lubricating the nozzle walls exposed to the slurry, the slurry velocity can be increased to considerably higher speeds without damage to the nozzle walls, thereby increasing the abrasive power of the slurry and the cutting efficiency of the system.
The ability to premix the abrasive particles and the carrier fluid within the slurry mixing chamber 2 and nozzle 7 without fear of damage to the nozzle walls has an additional major advantage. Provided that the nozzle 7 is long enough (based on a relatively simple analysis that depends on the nozzle geometry and the abrasive particle specific gravity, which is higher than the carrier fluid), the abrasive particles can be accelerated to the same speed as the fluid. Consequently, the speed and abrasive power of each particle can be maximized.
Although the preferred embodiment of the invention uses liquid as the carrier fluid, the carrier fluid can be a gas or liquid/gas mixture. Further, while the preferred embodiment uses abrasive particles as the principal cutting material, the lubricated nozzle of the invention should also reduce wear due to cavitation when used with only highly pressurized cutting liquid. Thus, "abrasive fluid" or "cutting fluid" should be understood to include fluids with or without entrained abrasive particles.
A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrated embodiment, but only by the scope of the appended claims. | A high speed fluid jet nozzle made at least in part of a porous material and configured so that the porous part of the nozzle is surrounded at least in part by a reservoir containing a lubricant fluid. As a cutting fluid passes through the nozzle, lubricant from the reservoir is drawn through the porous material and lubricates the surfaces of the nozzle exposed to the fluid jet. The invention not only resolves the main difficulties of the prior art relating to nozzle wear, it expands the use and applications of high speed fluid jet cutters. By reducing wear of a jet nozzle, it is possible to increase the jet speed and reduce the nozzle diameter even further than the prior art, allowing much higher precision, deeper cutting, and usage on difficult to cut material such as ceramics. The invention thus provides a reliable but yet very simple method for preventing nozzle wear. | 1 |
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to an application entitled “Apparatus And Method For Detecting Ranging Signal In An Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access Mobile Communication System” filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Oct. 12, 2004 and assigned Ser. No. 2004-81326, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a receiving apparatus and method for a base station (BS) in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)-based broadband mobile communication system, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for receiving a ranging signal in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) communication system.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In a communication system which is defined by an Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) 802.16d/e standard, a BS acquires uplink timing synchronization and tracks Carrier-to-Interference plus Noise Ratio (CINR) using a known signal (e.g. a ranging signal, a preamble, a pilot signal, etc.) received from a subscriber station (SS). A signal that the SS transmits to help the BS to acquire the uplink timing synchronization is known as a “ranging signal”. Conventional ranging signal reception will now be described, according to the IEEE 802.16d/e standard.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an OFDMA-based broadband mobile communication system. The OFDMA communication system is configured to have a single cell structure, and includes a BS 100 and a plurality of SSs 110 , 120 and 130 managed by the BS 100 . Signal transmission/reception takes place using an OFDM/OFDMA based communication scheme between the BS 100 and the SSs 110 , 120 and 130 . Thus, the SSs 110 , 120 and 130 and the BS 100 transmit physical channel signals on subcarriers.
[0007] OFDMA defines an access scheme of a two-dimensional grid that combines Time Division Access (TDM) with Frequency Division Access (FDM). In OFDMA, data symbols are delivered on subcarriers which form subchannels. Depending on system situation, a predetermined number of subcarriers form one subchannel.
[0008] For application of Time Division Duplexing (TDD) to the OFDMA communication system, ranging is required to acquire accurate timing synchronization between the SS and the BS and adjust the reception power of the BS on the uplink. In each OFDMA frame a ranging channel has a plurality of subchannels for transmitting a ranging signal.
[0009] Ranging in the IEEE 802.16d/e communication system will be described below. The ranging is classified into initial ranging for acquiring physical layer timing synchronization and periodic ranging for maintenance and management.
[0010] The initial ranging is the process of acquiring a correct timing offset between the BS and the SS and initially adjusting a transmit power. Upon power-on, the SS acquires downlink synchronization from a received downlink preamble signal. Then the SS performs the initial ranging with the BS to adjust an uplink time offset and transmit power. The IEEE 802.16d/e communication systems use the OFDM/OFDMA communication scheme. Thus, they perform a ranging procedure by transmitting a randomly selected ranging code on a plurality of subchannels.
[0011] The periodic ranging is the process of periodically tracking the uplink timing offset and received signal strength after the initial ranging. The SS randomly selects one of ranging codes allocated for the periodic ranging in the ranging procedure.
[0012] A description of transmitting a ranging signal will now be provided.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a ranging code generator used in a typical TDD/OFDMA system. A Pseudorandom Noise (PN) code generated from a Pseudo Random Binary Sequence (PRBS) generator is used as a ranging code. The generator polynomial for generating a PN code is given as
G ( x )=1+ x 1 +x 4 +x 7 +x 15 Equation 1
[0014] A register is initialized to 00101011 (binary) and a 7-bit cell identification (ID) number. The SS acquires the cell ID number from a downlink preamble signal or broadcast information.
[0015] For a ranging code length of N bits, codes are generated for each ranging mode as follows.
[0016] A long sequence is generated under synchronization of 1360 th through (N×K1) th clock pulses from the PRBS generator. The long sequence is divided into K1 N-bit codes for use in initial ranging. For handoff ranging, a long sequence generated under synchronization of (N×K1+1) th through N×(K1+K2) th clock pulses from the PRBS generator is divided into K2 N-bit codes. K3 N-bit codes are used for periodic ranging, which are created by dividing a long sequence generated under synchronization of N×(K1+K2+1) th through N×(K1+K2+K3) th clock pulses from the PRBS generator by N bits. For bandwidth request ranging, a long sequence generated under synchronization of (N×K1+K2+K3+1) th through N×(K1+K2+K3+K4) th clock pulses from the PRBS generator is divided into K4 N-bit codes. (K1, K2, K3 and K4 are number of codes).
[0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a ranging transmitter in an SS in a conventional TDD/OFDMA communication system.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 3 , upon receipt of information about an SS-intended ranging mode (e.g. initial ranging, periodic ranging, etc.), a ranging code generator 301 generates a randomly selected ranging code. A ranging channel generator 302 allocates the ranging code to subcarriers. The subcarrier allocation amounts to providing each element or bit of the ranging code to a corresponding input (subcarrier position) of anInverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) processor 303 . 0s are padded at subcarrier positions to which the ranging code is not allocated. The IFFT processor 303 generates time-domain signals by IFFT-processing the signal from the ranging channel generator 302 . A parallel-to-serial (P/S) converter 304 converts the parallel time-domain signals to serial data. A Cyclic Prefix (CP) inserter 305 inserts a CP into the data stream, thereby creating a baseband ranging signal. While not shown, the baseband ranging signal is processed into a transmittable Radio Frequency (RF) signal and wirelessly transmitted through an antenna.
[0019] A ranging channel pattern as defined by the IEEE 802.16e is illustrated in FIG. 4 in which a total of 144 tones (subcarriers) used for transmission of the ranging signal reside in six bands that are separated from each other, each band including 24 successive subcarriers.
[0020] Reception of the ranging signal will be described below.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a ranging receiver in a BS in the conventional TDD/OFDMA communication system.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 5 , a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) processor 501 FFT-processes an input signal and outputs the resulting frequency-domain signal. That is, the FFT processor 501 demodulates the input signal to subcarrier values. A ranging subchannel extractor 502 extracts subcarrier values with a ranging code loaded thereon from the subcarrier values received from the FFT processor 501 . A multiplier 503 multiplies the extracted subcarrier values by ranging code 0 (or Code 0). A multiplier 504 multiplies the extracted subcarrier values by ranging code 1 (Code 1). Similarly, a multiplier 505 multiplies the extracted subcarrier values by ranging code (k−1) (Code (k−1)). Without knowledge of a received ranging code, all possible ranging codes are multiplied by the subcarrier values with the ranging code.
[0023] A phase detector 506 detects a timing offset from the product received from the multiplier 503 . A phase detector 507 detects a timing offset from the product received from the multiplier 504 . Similarly, a phase detector 508 detects a timing offset from the product received from the multiplier 505 . The operations of the phase detectors 506 to 508 are modeled as defined by Equation 2 below.
ℜ ( n ) = argmax t min / θ step ≤ n ≤ t max / θ step ∑ m ∈ { 0 , M } , RNG subband k ∈ { 0 , K - 1 } , tone index - in - subband Y m , k C m , k ⅇ - j 2 π f ( m , k ) × ( n θ step ) / N FFT Equation 2
where Y m,k denotes the received signal response of a k th subcarrier in an m th band in FIG. 4 , C m,k denotes a ranging code bit allocated to the k th subcarrier in the m th band, f(m,k) denotes the frequency index of the k th subcarrier in the m th band, N FFT denotes an FFT size (for example 1024), and θ step denotes samples normalized to a step size (expressed in the number of samples normalized to a sampling rate) set for timing offset detection.
[0024] In Equation. 2, {Y m,k , C m,k ,} is the product of the FFT processor output by a ranging code, input to a phase detector. This value is multiplied by an exponential function. A variable set in the exponential function is n and n ranges [t min /θ step □ t max /θ step ]. n denotes a timing offset range to be estimated. Using Equation 2, { (n), t min /θ step ≦n≦t max /θ step } is computed over all possible values of n. An n value that maximizes |R(n)| is selected as a temporary timing offset, n est .
[0025] Peak detectors 509 to 511 each calculate a Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR) to verify the temporary timing offset received from a corresponding phase detector and compare the PAPR with a predetermined threshold. If the PAPR is greater than the threshold, the temporary timing offset is decided as a timing offset estimate. If the PAPR is less than the threshold, the temporary timing offset is discarded and it is determined that a ranging signal has not been received.
[0026] The PAPR is computed using Equation 3 below.
PAPR = ℜ ( n est ) 2 average { ℜ ( n ) 2 , t min / θ step ≤ n ≤ t max / θ step } Equation 3
[0027] As described above, the conventional TDD/OFDMA communication system detects a ranging signal in the manner illustrated in FIG. 5 , and suffers from the following problems.
[0028] (1) Acutal implementation is difficult because of computational complexity.
[0029] The FFT processor 501 and the multipliers 503 to 505 are basic computation blocks and the phase detectors 506 to 508 detect phases using Equation 2. As noted from Equation 2, 1024 exponential calculations are performed on a value received from a multiplier for one n value and accumulated. Then a maximum value is selected as a temporary timing offset. The peak detectors 509 to 511 calculate PAPRs to verify the temporary timing offsets. The implementation complexity is illustrated in Table 1 below.
TABLE 1 FFT reception Real (Radi × 2 Code Total multiplication FFT) Multiplication Phase Test Peak Test computation Conventional N FFT log 2 N FFT 2 × Number_of_Codes × 2 × Number_of_Codes × 2 × Number_of_Codes × 9.46E6 Code_Size Code_Size × N FFT Code_Size In Table 3 it is assumed that: N FFT : FFT size (e.g., 1024) Number_of_Codes: the number of ranging codes (e.g., 32) Code_Size: the length of ranging codes (e.g., 144).
[0030] As illustrated in Table 1, according to the IEEE 802.16e, 3 (ranging type)×9.46E6 (computation volume)=28.4E6 real multiplications occur every 5 msec, or 5679E6 floating point calculations take place every second. Therefore, the conventional ranging detection is very difficult to implement.
[0031] (2) Ranging reception performance decreases at low Carrier-to-Interference plus Noise Ratio (CINR). Since the ranging channel is not transmitted over the total frequency band, the timing offset estimation can be incorrect.
[0032] To be more specific, conventionally, the response of a channel whose phase is rotated by a timing offset in the frequency domain is achieved and then converted to a time-domain channel response, thereby detecting the shift of the time-domain channel response. As described earlier with reference to FIG. 4 , since the ranging code is loaded only in some bands, the frequency characteristic of an acquired channel is limited. Meanwhile, conversion of a channel value to the time domain is equivalent to passing through a filter configured in correspondence with a ranging subchannel. Therefore, the output of the phase detector is the convolution of the time response of an ideal channel with a filter coefficient. That is, the phase detector outputs an incorrect timing offset. Considering the effects of noise, the performance is worsened. In a cellular system, many terminals must operate at a low CINR due to inter-cell interference. Since the CINR is a function of distance in constant transmit power and the same path loss, abnormal ranging reception at a low CINR reduces cell radius.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0033] An object of the present invention is to substantially solve at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages below. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for reducing a computation requirement for ranging signal detection in an OFDMA mobile communication system.
[0034] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for improving the performance of detecting a ranging signal in an OFDMA mobile communication system.
[0035] The above objects are achieved by providing an apparatus and method for receiving a ranging signal in an OFDMA mobile communication system.
[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a base station (BS) apparatus of a broadband mobile communication system, a ranging subchannel extractor extracts subcarrier values with a ranging signal from an FFT signal. A plurality of multipliers code-demodulate the sub-carrier values by multiplying them by a plurality of ranging codes. Each of a plurality of correlators calculates a plurality of differential correlations in a code-demodulated signal received from a corresponding multiplier. Each of a plurality of IFFT processors IFFT-processes differential correlations received from a corresponding correlator by mapping the differential correlations to predetermined subcarriers. Each of a plurality of maximum value detectors detects a maximum value in an IFFT signal received from a corresponding IFFT processor and calculates a timing offset using an IFFT output index having the maximum value.
[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, in a receiving method in a base station of a broadband mobile communication system, subcarrier values with a ranging signal are extracted from an FFT signal. The sub-carrier values are multiplied by a plurality of ranging codes, for code modulation. A plurality of differential correlations are calculated for each of the code-demodulated signals and IFFT-processed by mapping the differential correlations to predetermined subcarriers. A maximum value is detected in each of the IFFT signals and a timing offset is calculated using an IFFT output index having the maximum value.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0039] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the configuration of an OFDMA-based broadband mobile communication system;
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates a ranging code generator in a typical TDD/OFDMA communication system;
[0041] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a ranging transmitter in an SS in a conventional TDD/OFDMA communication system;
[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates a ranging channel pattern in the typical TDD/OFDMA communication system;
[0043] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a ranging receiver in a BS in the conventional TDD/OFDMA communication system;
[0044] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a ranging receiver in a BS in a TDD/OFDMA communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 7 illustrates a J-point IFFT processor and its inputs according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0046] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a ranging signal detection operation in the BS in the TDD/OFDMA communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0047] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the invention in unnecessary detail.
[0048] The present invention is intended to provide a method of reducing a computation requirement for ranging signal detection and improving ranging detection performance even at a low CINR in an OFDMA mobile communication system. In the OFDMA mobile communication system, an SS transmits a predetermined signal such as a ranging signal, a pilot signal or a preamble signal to a BS, for uplink synchronization.
[0049] The present invention as described below is applicable without limitation to any TDD-OFDMA system that acquires an uplink synchronization using a predetermined signal such as a ranging signal.
[0050] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a ranging receiver in a BS in a TDD/OFDMA communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 6 , an FFT processor 601 FFT-processes a received signal and outputs the resulting frequency-domain signal. That is, the FFT processor 601 demodulates the received signal to subcarrier values. A ranging subchannel extractor 602 extracts subcarrier values with a ranging code among the subcarrier values. A multiplier 603 multiplies the extracted subcarrier values by ranging code 0 (or Code 0). A multiplier 604 multiplies the extracted subcarrier values by ranging code 1 (Code 1). Similarly, a multiplier 605 multiplies the extracted subcarrier values by ranging code (k−1) (Code (k−1)). In this way, the subcarrier values with the ranging code are multiplied by all possible ranging codes (i.e., K codes).
[0052] The output Y m,k C m,k of the multipliers 603 to 605 represents the frequency characteristic of a channel that the ranging signal has experienced in the case in which physical ranging signals have not collided, and contains a phase rotation component arising from a generated timing offset. Y m,k denotes the received signal response of a k th subcarrier in an m th band and C m,k denotes a ranging code bit allocated to the k th subcarrier in the m th band as shown in FIG. 4 .
[0053] A correlator (or differential correlator) 606 groups values received from the multiplier 603 according to ranging bands, calculates differential correlations between two subcarriers spaced apart from each other by k (1≦k ≦k max ) (k is a IFFT input index) over all cases in each ranging band, and sums the differential correlations for each k value across the ranging bands, thereby creating k th -order differential correlations. Then the correlator 606 finally produces 2×k max correlations by complex-conjugating the k th -order differential correlations. Each correlation Z k output from the correlator 606 is the sum of differential correlations between subcarriers spaced apart from each other by k, including a phase rotation component corresponding to an uplink timing offset.
[0054] In the same manner, the correlator 608 groups values received from the multiplier 605 according to the ranging bands, calculates differential correlations between two subcarriers apart from each other by k (1≦k≦k max ) over all cases in each ranging band, and sums the differential correlations for each k value across the ranging bands, thereby creating k th -order differential correlations. Then the correlator 608 finally produces 2×k max correlations by complex-conjugating the k th -order differential correlations.
[0055] The operation of the correlators 606 to 608 are each defined by Equation 4 below.
Z k = { ∑ l = 0 5 ∑ n = 0 23 - k ( Y l , n C l , n ) ( Y l , m + k C l , n + k ) * , l ≤ k ≤ k max Z J - k * , J - k max ≤ k < J Z
where ,
Z k : J - point IFFT complex input value
k : J - point IFFT input index , 0 ≤ k < J - point Equation 4
[0056] Equation 4 is based on the assumption that values corresponding to six ranging bands each having 24 subcarriers, that is, 144 frequency-domain values are fed to each correlator. Z k is defined as the sum of correlations between subcarriers separated from each other by k. If the subcarriers spaced by k have the same channel characteristics, the amplitude of Z k is the sum of channel amplitudes, and its phase is the difference between the phases of subcarriers apart from each other by k affected by a timing offset. The number of summing (Σ) operations varies depending on a k value. This is related to the reliability of information. As k decreases, the correlation between adjacent subcarriers is higher. Accordingly, as the number of summing operations increase, the value of Z k also increases in as defined by Equation 4. Therefore, the reliability of Z k is increased. Each ranging band includes 24 successive subcarriers, 23 Z k values are available since k ranges from 1 to 23. Although a phase difference can be obtained with a negative value of k, the phase difference is equivalent to the complex conjugate of Z k . Hence, Z k for k ranging from −1 to −23 is easily achieved without re-computing Equation 4. As a result, a total of 46 Z k values are output from each correlator. These Z k values are symmetrical in the form of a triangle centering on 0.
[0057] Each of zero padders 609 to 611 provides the 2×k max correlations received from a corresponding correlator to appropriate inputs of a corresponding J-point IFFT processor and pads zeros in non-allocated inputs of the IFFT processor. For k max =23, zero-padding positions Z k are defined by Equation 5.
Z k =0 , k= 0, 24 ≦k<j− 24 Equation 5
[0058] J-point IFFT processors 612 to 614 IFFT-process signals received from their corresponding zero padders 609 to 611 and output time-domain signals. In the present invention, the IFFT size J can be selected from
Jε{2 3 ,2 4 ,2 5 , . . . , N FFT }
[0059] FIG. 7 illustrates a J-point IFFT processor and its inputs according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 7 , the inputs of the J-point IFFT processor are {Z 0 , Z 1 , . . . , Z J/2−1 , Z J/2 , Z J/2+1 , . . . , Z J−2 , Z J−1 }. The output of the J-point IFFT processor is the square of a sin c function due to the waveform of the input signal Z k , characteristic of a shifted maximum value caused by the uplink timing offset.
[0061] Therefore, maximum value detectors 615 to 617 (as shown in FIG. 6 ) each detects a maximum value from the signal |sin c| 2 received from a corresponding J-point IFFT processor and calculates a temporary timing offset using an IFFT output index with the maximum value.
[0062] Let the output of the J-point IFFT processor be denoted by z n . Then, the maximum value detector operates as defined by Equation 6 below.
n = argmax 0 ≤ n ≤ J - 1 { z n 2 }
Δ t offset = { DR × n , if n ≤ j 2 DR × n - N FFT , if n > j 2
where
DR ( decimation ratio ) = N FFT J Equation 6
[0063] Each of PAPR comparators 618 to 620 calculates a PAPR using Equation 7 to verify the temporary timing offset received from a corresponding maximum value detector, and compares the PAPR with a predetermined threshold. If the PAPR exceeds the threshold, the PAPR comparator outputs the temporary timing offset as a timing offset estimate Δt offset,final .
Δ t offset , final = { Δ offset , if PAPR ≥ threshold N / A , others where
threshold : the specific value assigned to BS
PAPR = max { IFFT { Z k } 2 } average { IFFT { Z k } 2 } Equation 7
[0064] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a ranging detection operation in the BS in the TDD/OFDMA communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 8 , the BS demodulates a received signal to subcarrier values using an FFT in step 801 and multiplies the subcarriers by all possible ranging codes in step 803 .
[0066] In step 805 , the BS groups each of the ranging code-demodulated signals according to ranging bands, calculates differential correlations between subcarriers spaced apart from each other by k (1≦k≦k max ) over all possible cases in each ranging band, and sums the differential correlations for each k value across the ranging bands, resulting in k th -order differential correlations, and then complex-conjugates the k th -order differential correlations. Thus, 2×k max correlations are produced for each ranging code-demodulated signal. For 6 ranging bands each having 24 subcarriers, let the received signal response of an n th subcarrier in an 1 th band be denoted by Y 1,n and the ranging code bit allocated to the n th subcarrier in the 1 th band be denoted by C 1,n . Then 2×k max correlations calculated for one ranging code-demodulated signal are computed using Equation 8 below.
Z k = { ∑ l = 0 5 ∑ n = 0 23 - k ( Y l , n C l , n ) ( Y l , m + k C l , n + k ) * , l ≤ k ≤ k max Z J - k * , J - k max ≤ k < J
where ,
Z k : J - point IFFT complex input value
k : J - point IFFT input index , 0 ≤ k < J - point Equation 8
where k max is 23 because each band has 24 successive subcarriers.
[0067] In step 807 , the BS allocates the 2×k max correlations for each ranging code to subcarriers. At the same time, subcarriers without the correlations are padded with zeroes. For example, if k max =23, zero-padded subcarriers Z k are determined using Equation 9 below.
Z k =0 , k= 0, 24 ≦k<j− 24 Equation 9
[0068] After the subcarrier allocation, the BS performs a J-point IFFT operation on each of the subcarrier-allocated signals in step 809 . The IFFT size J is a system operation parameter. The resulting IFFT signal is the square of a sin c function has a shifted maximum value according to a timing offset.
[0069] Therefore, the BS detects a maximum value from each IFFT signal and calculates a timing offset using an IFFT output index with the maximum value in step 811 .
If the IFFT signal is z n , the timing offset is computed using Equation 10 below.
n = argmax 0 ≤ n ≤ J - 1 { z n 2 }
Δ t offset = { DR × n , if n ≤ j 2 DR × n - N FFT , if n > j 2
where
DR ( decimation ratio ) = N FFT J Equation 10
[0070] In step 813 , the BS calculates the PAPR of each IFFT signal using Equation 11 below.
Δ t offset , final = { Δ offset , if PAPR ≥ threshold N / A , others
where
threshold : the specific value assigned to BS
PAPR = max { IFFT { Z k } 2 } average { IFFT { Z k } 2 } Equation 11
[0071] The BS then compares the PAPR with a predetermined threshold in step 815 . If the PAPR exceeds the threshold, the BS decides a timing offset corresponding to the PAPR as a timing offset estimate Δt offset,final and stores the timing offset and its associated ranging code in step 817 . If the PAPR is less than the threshold, the BS discards the timing offset.
[0072] Compared to the conventional ranging detection method, the ranging method according to present invention provides better reception performance. A comparison in reception performance between the conventional technology and the present invention is given in Table 2 below.
TABLE 2 Veh A, Veh B, AWGN Ped A, 3 Km/h Ped B, 10 Km/h 60 Km/h 120 Km/h CINR Conventional Present Conventional present Conventional present Conventional present Conventional present −5 dB 1.0000 0.9989 0.9995 0.9999 0.6578 0.9304 0.8732 0.9259 0.7959 0.8480 0 dB 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 0.9171 0.9996 0.9731 0.9995 0.9557 0.9609 5 dB 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 0.9306 1.0000 0.9789 1.0000 0.9572 0.9724
[0073] CINR denotes a Carrier-to-Interference plus Noise Ratio, AWGN denotes Additive White Gaussian Noise, PED Denotes a pedestrian environment and Veh denotes a Vehicular environment. Table 3 below illustrates reception ranging reception performance for each J-point IFFT size according to the present invention.
TABLE 3 IFFT Ped A, Ped B, Veh A, Veh B, CINR size AWGN 3 Km/h 10 Km/h 60 Km/h 120 Km/h −5 dB 64 0.9949 0.9984 0.8972 0.8931 0.8016 128 0.9980 0.9992 0.9247 0.9178 0.8390 256 0.9989 0.9999 0.9304 0.9259 0.8480 512 0.9987 0.9999 0.9294 0.9250 0.8492 0 dB 64 1.0000 1.0000 0.9988 0.9994 0.9441 128 1.0000 1.0000 0.9995 0.9997 0.9579 256 1.0000 1.0000 0.9996 0.9995 0.9609 512 1.0000 1.0000 0.9992 0.9996 0.9596 5 dB 64 1.0000 1.0000 0.9998 1.0000 0.9559 128 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 0.9712 256 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 0.9724 512 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 0.9738
[0074] Particularly, the present invention is less complex and requires fewer computations than the conventional technology, as illustrated in Table 4 below.
TABLE 4 FFT reception Total Total Real (Radi × 2 Code IFFT computation computation multiplication FFT) Multiplication Diff. demod (Radi × 2) N J = 126 N J = 256 Present N FFT log 2 N FFT 2 × Num_of_Codes × Num_of_Codes × 3312 Num_of_Codes × 1.09E6 2.07E6 invention Code_Size N J log 2 N J Where it is assumed that: N FFT : FFT size (e.g., 1024) Number_of_Codes: the number of ranging codes (e.g., 32) Code_Size: the length of ranging codes (e.g., 144).
[0075] As illustrated in Table 4, for an N j -IFFT size of 126, the computation volume is 1.09E6 and for an N j -IFFT size of 256, the computation volume is 2.07E6 in the present invention. On the other hand, the conventional technology has a computation volume of 9.46E6 as illustrated in Table 1, which is about 900% of the computation volume of the present invention.
[0076] As described above, the present invention advantageously improves the reception performance of a ranging signal and reduces a computation requirement for ranging signal detection.
[0077] While the invention has been shown and described with reference to a certain preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. | An apparatus and method for receiving a ranging signal in an OFDMA mobile communication system are provided. The ranging signal receiving apparatus including, a ranging subchannel extractor for extracting subcarrier values with a ranging signal from a (FFT) signal; a plurality of multipliers for code-demodulating the sub-carrier values by multiplying them by a plurality of ranging codes; each of a plurality of correlators for calculating a plurality of differential correlations in a code-demodulated signal received from a corresponding multiplier; each of a plurality of inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) processors for IFFT-processing differential correlations received from a corresponding correlator by mapping the differential correlations to predetermined subcarriers and each of a plurality of maximum value detectors for detecting a maximum value in an IFFT signal received from a corresponding IFFT processor and calculating a timing offset using an IFFT output index having the maximum value. | 7 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PROVISIONAL APPLICATION
This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/406,136 filed Aug. 26, 2002, now abandoned, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application contains subject matter related to the subject matter disclosed in the following commonly assigned copending U.S. patent applications:
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/079,516, filed on Feb. 22, 2002, entitled “Servo Pattern Formation Via Transfer Of Sol-Gel Layer and Magnetic Media Obtained Thereby”
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/852,084, filed on May 10, 2001, entitled “Defect-Free Patterning of Sol-Gel-Coated Substrates for Magnetic Recording Media”; and
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/852,268, filed on May 10, 2001, entitled “Mechanical Texturing of Sol-Gel-Coated Substrate for Magnetic Recording Media”.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to methods for forming textured surfaces in a polymeric surface and replicating to very hard-surfaced, high modulus substrates such as of glass, ceramic, and glass-ceramic materials. The invention has particular utility in the manufacture of magnetic data/information storage and retrieval media, e.g., hard disks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A method of creating a textured surface on a hard-surfaced high modulus alternative substrate, such as glass, ceramic, and glass-ceramic materials, includes direct mechanical texturing of the surface of the substrate. Mechanical texturing on a glass substrate to obtain anisotropic thin-film media has been pursued intensively for some time because of the high performance of the media and the high modulus of the glass substrate. However, the extreme hardness of the glass substrate imposed a great difficulty in achieving the desired surface topography for high orientation ratio, and in process control to maintain the desired topography. Imperfect mechanically textured surfaces have been formed with deep cuts and non-uniformity due to the difficult process conditions.
A recently developed approach for texturing surfaces of hard-surfaced, high modulus alternative substrate materials, such as glass, ceramic, and glass-ceramic materials, is to mechanically texture directly on a sol-gel layer spin-coated on a glass substrate. With its glass-like properties, sol-gel has very strong affinity to a glass substrate and bonds to the substrate very well. By treating the sol-gel layer at different temperatures, different surface hardnesses can be obtained to achieve the desired surface topography and better process control. However, obtaining precise replication by mechanical texturing of the sol-gel layer on the glass substrate is difficult to achieve from disk to disk.
In view of the above, there exists a need for improved methodology and means for forming a high quality texture pattern in polymeric surfaces and replicating it to the surface of high modulus, very hard materials such as glass, ceramic, or glass-ceramic disk substrates, such that the “perfect” textured polymeric surface can be reproduced and repeated from disk to disk and all the disks can have the identical high surface quality.
The present invention addresses and solves problems and difficulties attendant upon the formation of faithfully replicated textured surface patterns in the surfaces of sol-gel films on the surfaces of very hard materials, e.g., of glass, ceramic, or glass-ceramic substrates, such as are utilized in the manufacture of magnetic recording media, while maintaining full capability with substantially all aspects of conventional automated manufacturing technology. Further, the methodology and means afforded by the present invention enjoy diverse utility in the manufacture of various other devices requiring formation of surfaces with precisely replicated surface texturing formed therein.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
An advantage of the present invention is an improved method of replicating a textured surface in a hard surface, high modulus substrate.
Additional advantages and other aspects and features of the present invention will be set forth in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from the practice of the present invention. The advantages of the present invention may be realized and obtained as particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the foregoing and other aspects and advantages are obtained in part by a method of replicating a textured surface, comprising the steps of:
(a) mechanically texturing a surface of a stamper to form a textured surface to be replicated;
(b) forming a layer of a material in contact with at least one of the textured surface of the stamper or with a surface of a substrate;
(c) urging the substrate and the stamper together with the layer of material therebetween; and
(d) separating the stamper and the substrate such that the layer of material is on the substrate and has a replica of the textured surface of the stamper in the layer of material.
According to embodiments of the present invention step (a) comprises mechanically texturing the surface of the stamper by way of polishing.
According to embodiments of the present invention step (b) comprises forming a layer of a partially dried sol-gel material in contact with the textured surface of the stamper and step (b) comprises spin coating a layer of partially dried sol-gel material comprised of a Micro-porous structure of silica (SiO 2 ) particles with solvents saturated in the micro-pores thereof.
Further, according to embodiments of the present invention, at least the textured surface of the stamper is comprised of a polymer or a metal or alloy coated with a layer of a polymer.
In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, step (b) comprises forming a layer of a partially dried sol-gel material in contact with the surface of the substrate and step (b) comprises spin coating a layer of partially dried sol-gel material comprised of a micro-porous structure of silica (SiO 2 ) particles with solvents saturated in the micro-pores thereof. The substrate is comprised of a glass, ceramic, or glass-ceramic material.
According to further embodiments of the present invention step (c) comprises urging the substrate and the stamper together by application of pressure.
Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise the further step of: (e) converting the layer of partially dried sol-gel material to a glass or glass-like layer and step (e) comprises sintering the layer of partially dried sol-gel material at an elevated temperature.
According to other embodiments of the present invention, improved products are produced by the above described method.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the foregoing and other aspects and advantages are obtained in part by a method of forming a stamper suitable for sol-gel replication, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a stamper wherein at least the surface of the stamper is comprised of a polymer or a metal or alloy coated with a layer of a polymer; and
(b) mechanically texturing a surface of a stamper to form a textured surface or pattern to be replicated to a disk-shaped substrate,
wherein the mechanical texturing comprises polishing of the surface of the stamper to form a textured surface or pattern.
According to further embodiments of the present invention step (b) comprises polishing the surface of the stamper with polishing tape or a polishing cloth and free polishing particles, or a slurry of abrasive particles on an absorbent and compliant polishing pad or tape to form a textured surface to be replicated.
According to other embodiments of the present invention, improved products are produced by the above described method.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the foregoing and other aspects and advantages are obtained in part by a stamper comprising:
a stamper support; and means for forming a textured surface onto a substrate urged against the stamper support.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the means for forming includes a textured surface to be replicated on the stamper support and the means for forming also includes a sol-gel-based or derived glass or glass-like layer.
Additional advantages and aspects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein embodiments of the present invention are shown and described, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated for practicing the present invention. As will be described, the present invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are susceptible of modification in various obvious respects. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as limitative.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention can best be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which the features are not necessarily drawn to scale but rather are drawn as to best illustrate the pertinent features, wherein:
FIGS. 1(A)–1(B) illustrate, a method according to the present invention;
FIGS. 2(A)–2(C) illustrate, in schematic, simplified perspective view, a sequence of steps for performing an embodiment of a method according to the present invention;
FIGS. 3(A)–3(C) illustrate, in schematic, simplified perspective view, a sequence of steps for performing a second embodiment of a method according to the present invention;
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention addresses and solves problems and difficulties in achieving high fidelity reproduction of surface texture patterns in a partially dried sol-gel layer overlying a high hardness, high modulus material. The above is based upon the discovery that faithful replication of surface texture patterns, formed in the mechanically textured surfaces of stampers, may be obtained in the surfaces of partially dried sol-gel layers by a sol-gel molding+layer transfer process or by a sol-gel imprinting/embossing methodology.
More specifically, the present invention fully exploits the replication capability of the sol-gel process. A high quality mechanically textured surface is formed and used as a mold or stamper to replicate the texturing to the sol-gel layers on glass substrates. A plastic surface, that is inert to the alcohol solvents in the sol-gel solution, can serve as such a mold or stamper. Because of the softer and more conformal nature of the plastic surface, compared to that of a glass surface, a high quality mechanically textured surface can be obtained under optimal process conditions. In this way, difficult mechanical texture process conditions can be avoided while still providing high quality texturing on the glass substrates. An important property of a plastic serving as a mold or stamper for sol-gel is that it can self-release cleanly from sol-gel layer without any sol-gel sticking to its surface after replication. This is because the surface properties of plastic are so different from that of sol-gel that they “dislike” each other. Other high quality materials, such as metals or alloys (i.e. NiP/Al), can serve as the mold or stamper for sol-gel replication when coated with a thin mold release agent such as a polymer.
The mechanical texturing of a surface of a stamper can be achieved by providing scratch marks or lines on the surface of the stamper by mechanical means, such as by polishing. By way of illustration, but not limitation, the polishing means may comprise a polishing tape or free polishing particles and a polishing cloth, as shown in FIGS. 1(A)–1(B) .
As seen in FIG. 1(A) , a polishing tape 20 , which is movable as indicated by arrow b, and which is movably driven by a roller 22 is positioned in contact with the upper surface 12 a of the stamper 12 (also rotatable as indicated by arrow a) by the weight of the roller 22 . It is noted that stamper 12 includes a stamper support 16 which is positioned on the underside of stamper 12 . The tape 20 and roller 22 are bodily fed from the peripheral edge toward the center of the stamper 12 or from the center of the stamper 12 to its peripheral edge (as indicated by double-headed arrow c), thereby forming scratch marks 14 on the stamper surface 12 a . The depth, pitch and other characteristics of the scratch marks 14 are variable as desired by controlling the weight of the roller 22 , the particle size of polishing particles 20 a provided on the tape 20 , the radial feed speed of the tape 20 and roller 22 , etc.
An alternative polishing means includes a rotary disk 24 whose underside is covered with a polishing cross 26 is used, as shown in FIG. 1(B) . The disk rotates as indicated by an arrow d, and makes contact, due to gravity, with free polishing particles 28 which are supplied from above through a pipe 29 onto the upper surface 12 a of the stamper 12 , which also rotates as indicated by arrow a. It is noted that the stamper 12 includes a stamper support 16 which is positioned on the underside of the stamper 12 . The disk 24 is fed radially on the stamper 12 from the peripheral edge toward the center of the latter or from the center of the stamper to its peripheral edge (as indicated by double-headed arrow c), so that scratch marks 14 are formed on the stamper surface 12 a . Again, the depth, pitch and other factors of the scratch marks 14 are variable as desired by changing the total weight of the disk 24 and polishing cloth 26 , the particle size of the polishing particles 28 , the radial feed speed of the disk 24 , the amount of supply of the particles 28 , etc.
The scratch lines or marks formed on the stamper in accordance with the present invention include the following dimensions: mean surface roughness (Ra) from about 0.1 nm to about 10 nm; maximum peak height (Rp) from about 0.5 nm to about 30 mm; maximum valley depth (Rv) from about 0.5 nm to about 30 mm; and line density (1/micron) from about 0.1 to about 100.
With a stamper thus textured in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, accurate replications of the textured surface of the stamper can be made in manners described below.
In a first replication method, the partially dried SiO 2 —containing sol-gel layer is initially formed on the mechanically textured surface of the stamper, as by spin coating of a solution containing SiO 2 gel particles, such that the pattern features of the mechanically textured surface are substantially completely filled by a process similar to molding.
In a second replication method, the surface of a partially dried SiO 2 —containing sol-gel layer formed on the surface of a high hardness, high modulus substrate (e.g., by spin coating of a solution containing SiO 2 gel particles).
According to the next step of the inventive methodology, the substrate and the stamper are urged (i.e. pressed) together with the layer of partially dried sol-gel layer therebetween.
In a following step according to the inventive methodology, the stamper and the substrate are separated and the sol-gel layer adheres to the substrate surface. The sol-gel layer has a replica of the textured surface of the stamper.
The sol-gel film adherence to the substrate is due to the sol-gel's strong affinity to the substrate and its “dislike” to the polymer surface. Further, the depth of the textured pattern formed in the sol-gel is sufficient to compensate for the partial loss of texture depth (i.e. shrinkage) during the later occurring sintering process.
Both replication methods can be used to replicate the high quality mechanically textured surface of the stamper to the sol-gel on glass substrate. The inventive methodologies, therefore, provide a major advance in obtaining useful surface texture patterns in sol-gel layers.
Referring now to FIGS. 2(A)–2(C) , shown therein in schematic, simplified perspective view, is a sequence of steps for performing one embodiment of a method for forming a pattern in a sol-gel layer. As illustrated in FIG. 2(A) , in a first step according to the embodiment, a stamper S is provided having, e.g., an annular disk-shaped textured surface TS. Textured surface TS includes a desired pattern or texture to be replicated in the surface of a partially dried sol-gel layer. At least the texturing surface TS is comprised of a suitable polymer (e.g., polyetherimide, polycarbonate, etc.). Further, other high quality mechanically textured surfaces, such as NiP/Al surface, can serve as the mold or stamper for sol-gel replication when coated with a thin layer of a plastic or other polymers as the mold release agent. Suitable polymers or plastics include those that are inert to the alcohol solvents in the sol-gel solution and that can self-release cleanly from the sol-gel layer without any sol-gel adhering to their surface after replication. Because of the softer and more conformal nature of the polymer or plastic surface, in comparison to that of a glass surface, a high quality mechanically textured surface can be obtained under optical process conditions. In this way, difficult mechanical texture process conditions can be avoided while still providing high quality texturing on the glass substrate.
Still referring to FIG. 2(A) , by way of illustration, but not limitation, a sol-gel layer SGL having a thickness of from about 0.001 to about 10 μm, e.g., about 0.2 μm, is then formed on the texturing surface TS by spin coating of a SiO 2 sol solution SS supplied drop-wise via a dispensing nozzle DN. A suitable SiO 2 solution for use according to the invention may be prepared by mixing an alkoxide, e.g., a silicon alkoxide such as tetraethoxysilane (“TEOS”) or tetramethoxysilane (“TMOS”), water, and nitric acid at molar ratios of TEOS or TMOS/H 2 O/HNO 3 of ¼–30/>0.05. The nitric acid acts as a catalyst for conversion of the TEOS or TMOS to a SiO 2 sol according to the following reaction (1), illustratively shown for TEOS:
nSi(OC 2 H 5 ) 4 +2nH 2 O→nSiO 2 +4nC 2 H 5 OH (1)
with ethanol (C 2 H 5 OH) being produced as a reaction product in solution. After completion of reaction, butanol (C 4 H 9 OH) is added to the solution as a drying retardation agent at molar ratios of TEOS/H 2 O/HNO 3 /C 4 H 9 OH of e.g., 1/5/0.05/>4. Such solution SS, when applied to the texturing surface TS by spin coating, forms a very smooth film with a minimum amount of surface microwaves. A portion of the solvent(s) contained in the layer or film of sol solution is removed during the spin coating process. The resultant partially dried sol-gel film or layer SGL is glass-like and is principally comprised of silica (SiO 2 ) molecular clusters together with the remaining amounts of the various solvents (H 2 O, C 2 H 5 OH, C 4 H 9 OH). The sol-gel film or layer SGL is of a porous structure with the solvents saturated in the micropores thereof.
Referring now to FIG. 2(B) , in a next step according to the illustrated embodiment of the invention, a surface MS of a substrate MM having a smaller diameter than that of stamper S, e.g., an annular disk-shaped substrate is provided in facing relation to the annular disk-shaped texturing surface TS of stamper S coated with the partially dried sol-gel layer SGL and urged into conformal contact therewith, as by applying pressure to either or both of substrate MM or stamper S. The amount of pressure applied to stamper S and/or substrate MM is not critical for practice of the invention, and suitable pressures may range from about 5,000 to about 60,000 lbs/in 2 . The stamper size is not critical and does not need to be larger than the substrate surface, as discussed above. Although not illustrated herein, the stamper can be the same size as the substrate.
Substrate MM comprises high hardness, high modulus materials, with high modulus glass, ceramic, or glass-ceramic materials being preferred according to the invention, wherein textured surfaces or patterns are to be created in a sol-gel layer formed on a surface thereof. In addition, if desired, surface MS of substrate MM may be provided with an about 0.001 to about 10 μm thick, preferably about 0.2 μm thick, spin-coated, partially dried SiO 2 sol-gel layer SGL prior to placement in contact with sol-gel layer SGL formed on the texturing surface TS of stamper S.
Adverting to FIG. 2(C) , in a next step according to the invention, stamper S with its texturing surface TS is separated from contact with media substrate MM, such that the (inner) portion of sol-gel layer SGL in contact with the substrate surface MS separates from the texturing surface TS of stamper S and remains in adherent contact with the former, leaving an outer, annular-shaped band SGL 1 of sol-gel layer SGL in contact with the peripheral portion of the texturing surface TS of stamper S, and an inner, annular-shaped band SGL 2 of sol-gel layer SGL transferred to surface MS of media substrate MM, wherein the textured surface thereof (originally in contact with the texturing surface TS of stamper S) forms the exposed, outer surface of the inner, annular-shaped band SGL 2 of sol-gel layer SGL. Thus, the surface of annular-shaped band SGL 2 contains a replicated textured surface TS 2 . As noted above, the size of the stamper is not critical and the stamper can have the same size as the substrate surface and therefore, no annular-shaped band SGL 1 would be present on the stamper S.
Subsequent to the above-described transfer of the inner, annular band-shaped portion SGL 2 of the partially dried sol-gel film or layer SGL, a sintering process is performed at an elevated temperature from about 300 to above about 1000° C. (depending upon the withstand temperature of the substrate material, i.e., which temperature is higher for ceramic-based substrates than for glass-based substrates) at e.g., a ramping rate from about 0.5 to about 10° C./min. and a dwell time of about 2 hrs., to evaporate the solvents so as to effect at least partial collapse of the micro-pores, with resultant densification of the sol-gel film or layer portion SGL 2 into a substantially fully densified glass layer having a density and hardness approaching that of typical silica glass (<1.5 g/cm 3 ), or into a partially densified “glass-like” layer. The textured pattern formed in the exposed upper surface of the partially dried sol-gel layer portion SGL 2 is preserved in the corresponding exposed upper surface of the sintered glass or glass-like layer.
Referring now to FIGS. 3(A)–3(C) , shown therein in schematic, simplified perspective view, is a sequence of steps for performing another embodiment of a method for forming a textured surface or pattern in a sol-gel layer.
Referring to FIG. 3(A) by way of illustration, but not limitation, a sol-gel layer SGL having a thickness of from about 0.001 to about 10 μm, e.g., about 0.2 μm, is then formed on the substrate surface MS of the media substrate MM by spin coating of a SiO 2 sol solution SS supplied drop-wise via a dispensing nozzle DN.
Referring now to FIG. 3(B) , in a next step according to the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the surface MS, coated with the partially dried sol-gel layer SGL, of a substrate MM having a smaller diameter than that of stamper S, e.g., an annular disk-shaped substrate is provided in facing relation to the annular disk-shaped texturing surface TS of stamper S and urged into conformal contact therewith, as by applying pressure to either or both of substrate MM or stamper S. Texturing surface TS includes a textured surface or pattern desired to be formed in the surface of a partially dried sol-gel layer. The amount of pressure applied to stamper S and/or substrate MM is not critical for practice of the invention, and suitable pressures may range from about 5,000 to about 60,000 lbs/in 2 . Again, the size of the stamper is not critical and the stamper can have the same size as the substrate surface.
Adverting to FIG. 3(C) , in a next step according to the invention, stamper S with its texturing surface TS is separated from contact with media substrate MM, such that the textured sol-gel layer SGL remains in adherent contact with the substrate surface MS of the media substrate MM. The textured sol-gel layer SGL comprising a replicated textured surface TS 2 . The sol-gel film or layer SGL with its replicated textured surface TS 2 , is then subjected to a sintering process, similar to the sintering process detailed above, to preserve the replicated textured surface TS 2 .
Thus, the present invention advantageously provides improved processing techniques and methodologies, which can be practiced at low cost to yield improved, textured surface substrates comprised of high hardness, high modulus materials.
In the previous description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as specific materials, structures, reactants, processes, etc., in order to provide a better understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced without resorting to the details specifically set forth. In other instances well-known processing materials and techniques have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
Only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and but a few examples of its versatility are shown and described in the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the present invention is capable of use in various other combinations and environments and is susceptible of changes and/or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein. | The present invention relates to methods for forming textured surfaces in a polymeric surfaces. Moreover, the present invention relates to methods for forming textured surfaces in a polymeric surfaces and faithfully replicating the textured surfaces in the surfaces of sol-gel films on the surfaces of very hard materials, e.g., of glass, ceramic, or glass-ceramic substrates. | 2 |
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to methods and apparatus for spreading surfacing material, and, while not limited thereto, it relates to the spreading of asphalt on streets, highways, driveways, and parking lots.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A primary use for the invention lies in resurfacing and repairing roadways and parking lots with hot asphaltic materials. The effects of the weather and traffic are to cause deterioriation and to create surface irregularities in paved surfaces. Hot asphalt repairs are made by spreading a quantity of hot asphalt or other particulate material on the damaged surface, followed by raking the repair material to fill holes and depressions while creating a smooth and level upper surface. It is usual to compact the repair material in place to seal it to the repaired surface and to provide a new surface which is smooth and resistant to weather damage. Most repair work of that kind is accomplished on roadways by employees or contractors of local governments.
Small holes are filled by hand, raked level, and the filling compacted with a heavy roller. It is hard work. It is messy and dirty, but it is effective if the repair material, when asphaltic, is used while hot and within a two-hour period beginning at the time the asphalt was produced. The two-hour time limit is a practical limiting factor for hot asphalt repairs. As the area of a road repair project is increased, logistical problems increase. These complexities increase costs and severely limit the area that can be repaired by the average patch repair crew.
Paving machines are available and they do an excellent job. They are costly, however, and must be moved from place to place with a trailer. Most of the available machines require a crew of six to nine workers. Fixed operating costs are so high that it is customary to employ two-way radio communication as a part of providing a continuous fresh supply of asphalt. Such machines are practical and necessary for the expeditious and economical accomplishment of long, continuous resurfacing tasks. They are entirely impractical for resurfacing short strips and patches which are spaced some on one street and others a few blocks away. It simply is too costly to employ six or nine people from one craft union and several from a trucking union to load and unload a machine costing tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars to effect medium sized repair jobs at a number of different locations.
The result, which can be verified in city after city from the largest metropolis to small villages, is that local governments make hand repairs until the repair jobs are too numerous or involve an area too large for the available manpower. Thereafter, no repair is made until the roadway has deterioriated to the point where the whold road, or much of it, requires resurfacing. At that point, a contract is let which will support use of a resurfacing machine and its related supporting industries.
That has been the procedure for years. Asphalt has been inexpensive. It has posed no special burden to resurface entire streets when their condition had deteriorated. But, asphalt uses large quantities of petroleum and costs have made it increasingly difficult to continue past practices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide an improved method and apparatus for spreading particulate matter, including asphaltic materials.
It is an object to provide an improved method and means for effecting maintenance repair of streets, driveways, parking lots, walkways, and other areas that are covered with, or can be covered with, asphaltic or other particulate material.
A further object is to provide a repair method which increases the efficiency of small road repair crews and which requires less in manpower and equipment than has been available in machine made repairs. In that connection, it is an object to provide an apparatus which can be operated satisfactorily by unskilled local government laboring crews with less effort than is required in hand repair work and which is sufficiently low in cost to be feasible for local governments to own.
One of the specific objects of the invention is to provide an apparatus that will make it practical to repair streets that in past practice were not in poor enough shape to warrant use of a costly resurfacing machine.
These objects and other advantages of the invention which will become apparent upon an examination of the drawings and description that follows are achieved, in part, by the provision of a raking device and by mounting that raking device at the rear of a vehicle, preferably a truck, in which asphalt and other particulates can be carried and from which it is to be discharged to be acted upon by the rake. The raking device is mounted so that it can be lowered onto the surface to be repaired or lifted clear of the roadway when repairs are completed, allowing the vehicle to be driven normally. The mounting of the rake is such as to permit the vehicle to pull forward when the rake is lowered to road level and such that forward and reverse motion is possible when the rake is raised above the road level.
The rake provided by the invention is special in several senses. It can be fitted to conventional dump trucks that are, or can be, fitted with an hydraulic lifting mechanism of the kind that is commonly used to add a front end loading capability. That combination of truck and hydraulic lifter is standard equipment for many, if not most, county and city road maintainence organizations. The lifting mechanism can be used to mount an end loader, a road scraper, a snow plow, and other equipment on a truck--usually a dump truck. By providing an asphalt rake that can be mounted on and controlled by the same hydraulic lifter, the invention can be available to most road maintainence units by adding only the rake. To provide that advantage is another object of the invention.
Another requirement for practicality, and least cost for local government use, is that the invention require no special skill for its practice. Road repair is a relatively undesirable job. Turn over of workers is frequent. Often it is used as a summer employment opportunity for students. It is a feature and an object of this invention that almost no training is required as a condition to its successful practice. In this connection, the invention eliminates much of what is undesireable in road repair work, although it cannot cure summer heat or the unpleasant odor of hot asphalt.
THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic drawings which illustrate steps in practicing the method of the invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing, partially fragmented and partially exploded, of a rake in which the invention is embodied, and which is connected to an hydraulic mechanism;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating how the rake performs its function;
FIG. 5 is a view in elevation of a fragment of the left side of the rake of FIG. 3 as seen from the rear;
FIG. 6 is a view in elevation of a fragment on the left side of the rake of FIGS. 3 and 5 as seen from the front;
FIG. 7 is a view in side elevation of a fragment of the left side of said rake; and
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 8--8 of FIG. 3 of the right rear portion of said rake.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In FIG. 1, the dump truck 10 is shown with its dump container 12 lifted, and its end gate 14 open, so that asphalt or other particulate material will be discharged onto the roadway 16 just ahead of the spreader bucket 18 which is attached to the truck by a pair of arms one of which, 20, is visible. As the truck moves forward, drawing the spreader over the roadway, the asphalt is spread in the manner depicted in FIG. 4. Practice of the invention is not limited to this step of discharging asphalt onto the roadway as the truck is moving forward. Sometimes it is convenient simply to stop the truck, dump an appropriate quantity of asphalt onto the roadway, and then, after returning the truck to normal position, spreading the amount that has been discharged to the road. In other circumstances, a quantity of asphalt is piled along the roadway, over a portion of the area that is to be treated, and the truck drives forward over that material until it is engaged by the spreading apparatus and is spread over the entire area to be treated. Such a pile of material, in elongated form, is identified by the reference numeral 22 in FIG. 1.
After the asphalt, or other particulate material, has been spread, the road repairing process continues in accordance with past practice. Usually that includes pressing the asphalt down to seal it to the existing pavement and to provide a smooth upper surface. That task is accomplished with a power driven, heavy roller. The process might include hand raking to remove lumps at the edge of the patch to be treated, and any other step that is appropriate to the completion of a particular job.
As for the truck and the spreader, they are free to move onto another job site down the road a few hundred feet or many miles away after no more preparation than to use the truck's hydraulic lifting mechanism to lift the arms and the bucket of the spreader from the roadway to a level where it is easily visible to the drivers of other vehicles. If the next job site is an appreciable distance away, it is a simple matter to lock the spreader in its transport position as illustrated in FIG. 2. That task requires only a minute or two and the truck can be off to the next job site, or to pick up a fresh load of asphalt.
Because asphalt must usually be spread and rolled within two hours of the time when first prepared, the mobility of the apparatus is very important and makes possible a new approach to road repairs.
Portability, no matter how convenient or desirable in itself, has little meaning unless the apparatus is capable of performing its function expeditiously and well. A preferred form of the apparatus of the invention is shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 through 8. It consists of relatively few components whose purpose and whose function is readily understood, at least in the degree necessary to enable totally unskilled workers to spread an appropriate quantity of asphalt at the required position and uniformly in the required thickness. In addition to the arm 20, the apparatus includes a similar arm 22 which is the mirror image of arm 20. At their forward ends, the arms are connected to an hydraulic lifting apparatus. That apparatus is an accessory for trucks which is available in a number of different specific structural forms. The form illustrated is representative.
A trunnion is bolted to the outer surface of each of the two longitudinal truck frame members 23 and 24. They are usually positioned just at the rear of the truck cab. An associated one of two oscillating sleeves fits over each of the trunnions. Each sleeve is bolted to an associated one of the two arms which extend in parallel, one on each side of the truck. A lever arm is fixed to each sleeve at a point close to the frame member and an hydraulic piston is connected between the lever arm and the side of a frame member. In FIG. 3, the trunnion 25 of frame member 24 is visible. Both oscillating sleeves 26 and 27 are visible. The lever arm 28 is fixed to sleeve 26 and lever arm 30 is fixed to sleeve 27. The two hydraulic cylinder assemblies are designated 32 and 34. Their pistons are connected to lever arms 28 and 30, respectively, and their cylinders are connected to frame members 24 and 23, respectively. In the case of frame member 24, the cylinder of assembly 32 is connected to a bracket 36 which is bolted to the outer side of the frame member.
In this case, the cylinder assemblies extend toward the front of the truck. If more convenient in a particular case, they can be arranged to extend toward the rear of the truck. Also, the lever arms may extend downwardly instead of upwardly. Because of these alternatives, and because the trunnions can be mounted at a convenient point along the frame members, this preferred mounting arrangement is applicable to a wide variety of truck brands and models.
Whether it be this lifting structure, or another, some means to perform the function of rotating the arms 20 and 22 is required in the practice of the preferred method of the invention.
At their outer ends, the arms 20 and 22 are connected to respectively associated opposite sides of a bucket generally designated 38. Among its major components are a pair of end plates 40 and 42, respectively. The end plates are spaced apart, and the distance between them is spanned by a back plate 44. The bucket has no top wall and it has no bottom wall. In assembled condition, it is disposed between the rearward ends of the arms 20 and 22. The end plate 40 is bolted to arm 20, and the plate 42 is bolted to arm 22. In this embodiment there are four bolts. They are arranged in two pairs.
The bucket includes a bucket extension member 54. That member is bolted to the end plate 40 at its rearward end by a bolt whose head is not visible in FIG. 3. At its forward end the bucket extension 54 is bolted to a tab 58 which is welded and extends downwardly from the lower edge of the arm 20. The mounting bolts for that forward extension extend through elongated openings in the bucket extension, and that feature permits adjustment of the position of the bucket extension in the vertical plane. Except that they are all formed as mirror images of the elements on the right side of the structure, the elements at the left side, the arm 22, the end plate 42, the bucket extension 60, and the several bolts at the left side, are assembled in the same fashion as are the corresponding elements on the right side.
The back plate 44 serves as a means for pushing a quantity of asphaltic material forwardly as the bucket is pulled by a truck, and it serves, also, as the means by which a layer of asphaltic material is metered out to selected and uniform height above the level of existing roadway. That latter function is performed by a rake element which forms part of the back plate. The pusher plate 64 is a broad, flat plate whose upper edge in this embodiment extends to the highest point of the end plates and which, when the bucket is lowered to the roadway, extends at least eighteen inches above the road surface. The rake 66 is a separate bar which is bolted by a series of bolts to the lower margin of the pusher plate 64. Some of those bolts have been identified with the reference numeral 68 in FIG. 3. The rake will be described more completely later. At its edges, the rake is protected by a small plate that is secured, as by welding, on edge to the end plate. That small plate is spaced from the pusher plate by a distance that exceeds the width of the rake bar only slightly. One of those small plates is visible in FIG. 3 where it has been identified with the reference numeral 70. The corresponding plate, on the other side, is fixed to end plate 40 but is not visible in the perspective view of FIG. 3. Like those small protective plates, the pusher plate has a fixed connection, as by welding, to the end plates 40 and 42, in the preferred embodiment. The structure that is designated 72 in FIG. 3 is a fabricated reinforcement structure whose purpose is to prevent bending and buckling of the back plate as it is pulled forward to push a quantity of asphaltic material before it.
The diagram of FIG. 4 illustrates how that is done. In FIG. 4, a pile 74 of asphaltic material is being pushed forward by the back plate 42 of the bucket which includes an end plate 42. The arrow 80 indicates that the bucket is being moved to the right in FIG. 4. The extension 60 serves to prevent portions of the asphalt pile from being pushed to the side out of the path of the bucket back plate 44. The back plate 44 includes a pusher portion 64 and a rake portion 66 which is fixed to and extends down from a lower margin of the pusher plate 84. However, while the bucket extension 82 is lowered so that its lower edge just clears the roadway, the lower edge of the rake is lifted somewhat so that a layer of asphalt remains atop the roadway 90 as the body of asphaltic material is moved to the right. The layer of material that remains on the roadway is numbered 92 for identification. Its upper surface is parallel with the upper surface of the roadway, and it forms a layer of asphaltic material which has uniform thickness except in those regions where the roadway is defective in that it is formed with depressions and potholes. One of the potholes is identified by the reference numeral 94. It has been filled with asphaltic material just as the pothole 96 is filled. Each pothole, in turn, is filled as the pile 74 of asphaltic material is pushed over it. It is not the rake 86 that fills the pothole. The function of the rake is to spread the asphaltic material in a layer, like a butter knife. The pothole is filled with asphaltic material when the pile of material is moved over it. The weight of the body of the material serves to ensure that enough material is forced down into the depression or pothole so that it will be completely filled.
Ahead of the bucket is a place in the roadway where the surface is undulated or corrugated. That place is identified with the numeral 98. If the side extensions of the bucket straddle that position, the depressions will be filled with asphalt as the bucket passes over it, and the rake 86 will spread the material at uniform height unless the undulations reach to greater height. In that case, unless they are excessive, the protrusion will be shaved off by the lower edge of the rake.
The lower edge of the rake 86 is held at proper height above the roadway by a pair of skids, one mounted at each end of the bucket and each fitted with a means by which its respectively associated end of the bucket may be raised or lowered relative to the surface of the roadway. Except that the two skids are mirror images one of the other, they are the same, and they can be understood by examining the skid 46 in FIG. 3. The skid includes a lower plate 100 which is dragged over the surface of the road as the spreader is pulled forwardly by the truck. The forward end 102 of that bottom plate is bent upwardly at an angle to ensure that the plate will not become caught at the edge of a pothole or deterred from its movement by some other obstruction. A pair of bars 104 and 106 are arranged in parallel and have their lower margins fixed by any convenient means, as by welding, to the upper surface of plate 100. These two bars are spaced so that they will receive between them the lower end 108 of a jack assembly 109 which is operated by rotation of a handle 110. The handle is mounted pivotally on the top element 112 of the jack. While shown with its hand knob down, the handle is swung around so that the knob is upward when it is desired to operate the jack. It is operated by rotating the handle around the vertical axis of the jack, and that action serves to cause an extension of the jack in which the upper portion 114 is moved relative to the lower portion 108 to carry the arm 20 to a different distance from the lower edge of the plate 100. When the arm is lowered to lower the spreader to road level, the plate 100 rests upon the ground to limit the degree in which the arms can be lowered. At that point, pressure in the lift cylinders is relieved so that the weight of the spreader is transferred to skid 46 and the corresponding skid 120 at the opposite side of the spreader. By rotating the jack handle an operator can lift and lower the spreader bucket relative to the roadway, and that action changes and adjusts the separation between the lower edge of the rake 66 and the level of the roadway. The jack assembly at the other side of the structure is numbered 123.
To ensure against loss of the lower part of the skid in the event that the jack parts become separated, and to keep the skid properly oriented in other cases, a simple guide mechanism is employed. A bar 116 has its lower end pivotally connected to the parallel bars 10. It extends upwardly through a pair of U-bolts which are fixed to the outer side of arm 20. The U-bolts are identified by the numeral 117. A pin 118 projects from bar 116 to prevent the bar from becoming separated from the U-bolts. The corresponding bar 150 and pin 151 at the other side of the bucket are visible in FIGS. 7 and 8.
In practice, the layer of asphaltic material that is spread on the roadway will vary from one-eighth of an inch in thickness to one inch or a little more than one inch. To prevent the emergence of asphaltic material at the side of the spreader under the bucket extensions, the latter are made independently adjustable. The mounting bolts are loosened and the side extension is lowered so that it just clears the roadway. When the extensions are in that position, the bolts are retightened.
In this embodiment, the upper jack section 114 is attached to the arm 20 by two plates 127 and 128 which are welded both to the jack section and to the arm, one forwardly and the other rearwardly, from the jack. That the structure at the opposite side of the spreader is the same will be apparent from an examination of FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8, all of which show the construction of the spreader at the left side of the bucket. The bucket and skid are shown from the rear in FIG. 5. The small protective plate 70 extends down slightly below the lower edge of rake 66. That separation represents the minimum thickness which the rake 66 can spread. As previously described, the rake is bolted to the lower end of the pusher plate 64. The arrangement of those elements is best seen in FIG. 8 which shows that the lower edge of the rake is tapered in cross-section so that the lower edge becomes quite thin. That feature aids greatly in ensuring that the material being spread is metered to a uniform height above the roadway. No more is required than to provide that shape. A uniform layer results whether the rake is moved rapidly or slowly, and it results whether the rake is moved continuously or whether it is stopped and started during the course of accomplishing the job. The effect is that the workers who participate in the job need have no special knowledge or talent other than what is required to select the desired layer height and to drive the truck and to operate the hydraulic lift mechanism. As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, both edges of the rake are tapered. Tapering of the upper edge means that no ledge remains on which asphaltic material can collect. However, the reason for tapering both edges is so that if one edge becomes damaged in the field, it is possible to correct that situation simply by unfastening the rake and turning it over end-to-end and reassembling it with the pusher plate.
A comparison of FIGS. 5 and 8 show that the reinforcing structure 72 is formed by two L-shaped pieces, one designated 130 and the other designated 132. In the preferred form of the invention, they are welded one to the other, and both to the pusher plate. In FIGS. 7 and 8, it can be seen that the bucket extension member 60 lies adjacent to the end plate 42 inboard of the lift arm 22. The lift arm is sectioned in FIG. 6, at a point rearwardly of the point of interconnection of the lift arm and the bucket extension. Because of that, the bolt 140 that interconnects the extension and the end plate 42 is visible. Also, the retention bar 150 and U-bolts 152, which are shown in FIG. 7, have been omitted from FIG. 6 for the sake of clarity.
It will be apparent from the description above that the invention provides a structure that is especially useful in practicing the method of the invention. No only are the bucket, rake and skid elements suited to doing an excellent job of spreading asphalt using the power of the pulling truck, those same elements require no adjustment or change when the unit is to be moved and used at some other place. No more is required than to mount the unit on a truck and then to lift the lower it as it is moved from one repair site to another.
Although I have shown and described certain specific embodiments of my invention, I am fully aware that many modifications thereof are possible. My invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except insofar as is necessitated by the prior art. | A particulate material spreader suitable for spreading asphalt on roadways and other paved surfaces is formed by a bucket which has a back and side walls but no bottom, and arms by which it may be carried at the rear of a vehicle and lifted or lowered by a hydraulic mechanism. Height adjusters at the sides of the bucket hold the lower edge of the back of the bucket at selected height above the roadway whereby a layer of asphalt is metered from the bottom of the bucket as the remainder of a pile of asphalt is raked away by the bucket. | 4 |
RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/405,341, filed Apr. 3, 2003, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/521,281, filed Mar. 7, 2000, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to data transfer, and more particularly, to systems and methods for reducing distortions in data transferred over high speed links.
2. Description of Related Art
A communications bus can be used to couple electrical components in a network device. Optimally, the communications bus should be transparent to the components that it interconnects. A source synchronous communications bus can be used to couple a transmitting component to one or more receiving components. In a source synchronous communications link, the transmitting component provides a source clock signal that can be used by the receiving component to synchronize the reading of data from the communications link.
When the network device is to be used in mission critical environments (i.e., environments where the continuous operability of the network device is critical), redundancy may be built into the network device. Previous redundant source synchronous links that use switches for redundancy typically maintain controlled lengths between the transmitting component and the switch and between the switch and the receiving component to compensate for the effects of voltage standing waves that occur from reflections caused by the switch. Such redundant source synchronous links are limited to medium speed operation (e.g., 250 megabits per second). These redundant source synchronous link designs are inadequate for operations in the 1 gigabit per second (or greater) range.
Accordingly, it is desirable to improve high speed signal transmissions in a network device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Systems and methods consistent with the principles of the invention address this and other needs by providing a network device that uses pre-emphasis to compensate for signal distortions caused by the implementation of a redundant field effect transmitter (FET) switch in a high speed channel.
One aspect consistent with principles of the invention is directed to a method for performing pre-emphasis in a channel that includes high speed redundant links. The method includes characterizing the channel in the time domain to identify impedance discontinuities, characterizing the channel in the frequency domain to identify loss due to frequency dependent attenuations and dispersions, and performing pre-emphasis to compensate for the identified impedance discontinuities and frequency dependent attenuations and dispersions.
A second aspect consistent with principles of the invention is directed to a system that includes a receiving device, redundant drivers that are configured to transmit signals to the receiving device, and a switch. The switch is connected to the receiving device and the redundant drivers via high speed links and is configured to transmit signals from one of the redundant drivers based on a control signal. The switch causes distortions in the high speed links. Each of the redundant drivers is configured to compensate for the distortions caused by the switch.
A third aspect consistent with principles of the invention is directed to a network device. The network device includes a group of high speed redundant links and means for switching between the high speed redundant links. The means for switching causes distortions to signals transmitted over the high speed redundant links. The network device further includes means for compensating for the distortions prior to the signals being transmitted over the high speed redundant links.
A fourth aspect consistent with the principles of the invention is directed to a network device that includes a group of high speed redundant transmission lines and a switch that is configured to select a high speed redundant transmission line from the group of high speed redundant transmission lines. The switch causes reflections and frequency dependent dispersions in the selected high speed transmission line. The network device further includes a transmitting device that is configured to adjust signals transmitted over the selected high speed transmission line so as to reduce the reflections and frequency dependent dispersions.
A fifth aspect consistent with the principles of the invention is directed to a network device that includes a group of high speed, source synchronous buses, and a switch. The switch is configured to select one of the high speed, source synchronous buses and that switch causes reflections and frequency dependent dispersions in the selected high speed, source synchronous bus. The network device further includes a driver that is connected to the selected high speed, source synchronous bus and configured to transmit signals to a receiving device over the selected high speed, source synchronous bus. The driver is further configured to adjust the signals prior to transmission to compensate for the reflections and frequency dependent dispersions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, explain the invention. In the drawings,
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary routing system in which systems and methods consistent with the principles of the invention may be implemented;
FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram illustrating portions of the routing system of FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a channel connecting a pair of input/output interfaces (I/Os) to a packet processor in an implementation consistent with the principles of the invention;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a driver with two finite impulse response (FIR) filter taps in an implementation consistent with the principles of the invention;
FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary process for providing equalization in a redundant system in an implementation consistent with the principles of the invention;
FIG. 6 is an exemplary graph of impedance versus time for the channel of FIG. 3 in an implementation consistent with the principles of the invention;
FIG. 7 is an exemplary graph of the scattering parameter S 21 versus frequency for the channel of FIG. 3 in an implementation consistent with the principles of the invention; and
FIG. 8 is an exemplary channel response in an implementation consistent with the principles of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements. Also, the following detailed description does not limit the invention. Instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and equivalents.
As described herein, a network device uses pre-emphasis to compensate for signal distortions caused by the implementation of a redundant FET switch in a high speed channel.
System Configuration
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary routing system 100 in which systems and methods consistent with the principles of the invention may be implemented. System 100 receives one or more packet streams from a physical link, processes the packet stream(s) to determine destination information, and transmits the packet stream(s) out on a link in accordance with the destination information. System 100 may include a routing engine (RE) 110 , packet forwarding engines (PFEs) 120 A, 120 B, . . . , 120 N (referred to collectively as “PFEs 120 ”), and a switch fabric 130 .
RE 110 performs high level management functions for system 100 . For example, RE 110 maintains the connectivity and manages information and data necessary for performing routing by system 100 . RE 110 creates routing tables based on network topology information, creates forwarding tables based on the routing tables, and forwards the forwarding tables to PFEs 120 . PFEs 120 use the forwarding tables to perform route lookup for incoming packets and perform the forwarding functions for system 100 . RE 110 also performs other general control and monitoring functions for system 100 .
PFEs 120 are each connected to RE 110 and switch fabric 130 . PFEs 120 receive packet data on physical links connected to a network, such as a wide area network (WAN) or a local area network (LAN). Each physical link could be one of many types of transport media, such as optical fiber or Ethernet cable. The data on the physical link is formatted according to one of several protocols, such as the synchronous optical network (SONET) standard, an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) technology, or Ethernet.
PFEs 120 may process incoming packet data prior to transmitting the data to another PFE or the network. PFEs 120 may also perform route lookup for the data using the forwarding table from RE 110 to determine destination information. If the destination indicates that the data should be sent out on a physical link connected to one of PFEs 120 , then the PFE prepares the data for transmission by, for example, adding any necessary headers, and transmits the data from the port associated with the physical link. If the destination indicates that the data should be sent to another PFE via switch fabric 130 , then PFE 120 prepares the data for transmission to the other PFE, if necessary, and sends the data to the other PFE via switch fabric 130 .
FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram illustrating portions of routing system 100 . PFEs 120 connect to one another through switch fabric 130 . Each of PFEs 120 may include one or more packet processors 210 and pairs of redundant input/output (I/O) interfaces 220 A- 220 D. Although FIG. 2 shows two pairs of redundant I/Os 220 A and 220 B and I/Os 220 C and 220 D connected to each of packet processors 210 and three packet processors 210 connected to switch fabric 130 , in other embodiments consistent with principles of the invention there can be more or fewer I/Os 220 and packet processors 210 .
Each of packet processors 210 performs routing functions and handles packet transfers to and from I/Os 220 A- 220 D and switch fabric 130 . For each packet it handles, packet processor 210 performs the previously-discussed route lookup function and may perform other processing-related functions.
I/Os 220 A- 220 D may transmit data between a physical link and packet processor 210 . In one implementation, each of I/Os 220 A- 220 D may be a line card. Different pairs of I/Os may be designed to handle different types of network links. For example, one pair of I/Os may be an interface for an optical link while another pair of I/Os may be an interface for an Ethernet link, implementing any of a number of well-known protocols. Each pair of I/Os provides redundancy in the event of failure of one of the I/Os in the pair. That is, if I/O 220 A fails, for example, packet processor 210 may transmit data to the link via I/O 220 B. The channel connecting a pair of I/Os and packet processor 210 will now be described with respect to FIG. 3 .
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a channel 310 connecting a pair of I/Os (e.g., I/Os 220 A and 220 B) to packet processor 210 in an implementation consistent with the principles of the invention. While the foregoing description focuses on transmitting signals from I/Os 220 A and 220 B to packet processor 210 , it will be appreciated that the techniques described herein are equally applicable to the transmission of signals from packet processor 210 to I/Os 220 A and 220 B. Moreover, the links connecting I/Os 220 A and 220 B to packet processor 210 may be bi-directional. As such, I/Os 220 A and 220 B and packet processor 210 may be configured to send and receive signals.
As illustrated, each of I/Os 220 A and 220 B may include a driver 320 and 330 , respectively, for transmitting signals to a receiver 340 of packet processor 210 . Each driver 320 and 330 may include a digital finite response filter (FIR) that compensates for intersymbol interference (ISI) jitter and reflections in the transmission line connecting I/Os 220 A and 220 B to receiver 340 .
In one implementation, channel 310 may be a high speed (e.g., 1 gigabit per second or greater), source synchronous channel. Channel 310 may include a switch 350 that acts to selectively transfer signals from one of drivers 320 and 330 based on a control signal received at switch 350 . In one implementation, switch 350 may include two re-channel field effect transistors (FETs) 352 and 356 . In an alternative configuration, switch 350 may include other electronic, mechanical, and/or optical switch configurations and types. The output of driver 320 connects, via a transmission line, to the drain of FET 352 , while the output of driver 330 connects to the drain of FET 356 via a different transmission line. The source of each of FETs 352 and 356 connects to receiver 340 via a single transmission line.
The gates of FETs 352 and 356 may be coupled to control signals 354 and 358 , respectively. In one implementation, a single control signal may be provided to the gates of FETs 352 and 356 . The single control signal may be inverted for one of the gates, or alternatively, the FET pair can be configured to operate at different bias levels (e.g., one FET operating at a high level and the other FET operating at a low level). In operation, switch 350 selectively transfers signals from one of drivers 320 and 330 to receiving device 340 based on the control signal applied to the gates of FETs 352 and 356 . In this way, if the primary driver (e.g., driver 320 ) fails, switch 350 can switch transmissions from failed driver 320 to backup driver 330 .
It will be appreciated that FET switches, such as switch 350 , can cause problems when operated at very high speeds (e.g., speeds on the order of 1 gigabit per second) because their associated electrical parasitics (R, L, C) represent impedance discontinuities along the channel and produce reflections on the transmission lines. For example, switch 350 may be associated with a parasitic capacitance that can result in reflection noise in channel 310 . While channel 310 is shown to include a single switch 350 , it will be appreciated that channel 310 may include other devices, such as connectors, vias, etc., that may also produce signal distortions (e.g., reflections) in channel 310 . Moreover, due to the length of the transmission lines in channel 310 and the speed at which signals are transmitted across channel 310 , different symbols (e.g., 1's and 0's) may be present at any one time along a transmission line. As the reflections are generated by the switch (and/or other devices) on the transmission line, the symbols interact with each other to produce timing uncertainties, which are commonly known as ISI jitter.
As will be described in additional detail below, the impedance discontinuities in channel 310 can be characterized in the time domain using conventional techniques. In one implementation, a time domain reflectometer 360 may be used to characterize channel 310 in the time domain. A vector network analyzer 370 may also be used to characterize channel 310 in the frequency domain. This characterization illustrates the effects of the ISI jitter on channel 310 .
To reduce the effects of ISI jitter and reflections, drivers 320 and 330 may include fractional or symbol-spaced FIR filters. In an alternative implementation, drivers 320 and 330 may include infinite impulse response (IIR) filters. The FIR filters provide pre-emphasis that acts to suppress pre-cursor and/or post-cursor symbols in channel 310 . FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a driver 400 , which may be driver 320 or 330 , with two FIR filter taps in an implementation consistent with the principles of the invention.
As illustrated, a main symbol portion of driver 400 may include a pair of re-channel FETs 410 and 420 that is connected in parallel to a voltage source VDD via resistors R. In one implementation, each resistor R may be 50Ω. The gate of FET 410 connects to a positively biased input (IN(+)) via a delay device 460 and the gate of FET 420 connects to a negatively biased input (IN(−)) via delay device 460 . Delay devices 460 may cause a one symbol bit delay or fractional symbol bit delay. A current source I 430 for the main symbol may connect to the drain of FETs 410 and 420 .
The post-cursor FIR filter tap portion of driver 400 includes an n-channel FET pair 440 . The source of a first FET 442 of FET pair 440 connects to the negative output of the main symbol portion of driver 400 . The source of a second FET 444 of FET pair 440 connects to the positive output of the main symbol portion. The drains of FETs 442 and 444 connect to a current source 450 . The current from current source 450 is equivalent to the current in main symbol current source 430 multiplied by a FIR filter coefficient (FIR 1 ). As will be described in additional detail below, the filter coefficient may have a coefficient that corresponds to an equalization in the frequency domain that is the inverse of the channel so as to reduce the effects of ISI jitter in channel 310 . The gate of FET 442 connects to a positively biased input (IN(+)) via delay devices 460 and the gate of FET 444 connects to a negatively biased input (IN(−)) via delay devices 460 . Delay devices 460 may cause a one symbol bit delay (or half symbol bit delay) for the post-cursor FIR filter tap.
The pre-cursor FIR filter tap portion of driver 400 includes an n-channel FET pair 470 . The source of a first FET 472 of FET pair 470 connects to the negative output of the main symbol portion of driver 400 . The source of a second FET 474 of FET pair 470 connects to the positive output of the main symbol portion. The drains of FETs 472 and 474 connect to a current source 480 . The current from current source 480 is equivalent to the current in main symbol current source 430 multiplied by a FIR filter coefficient (FIR 0 ). The gate of FET 472 connects to a positively biased input (IN(+)) and the gate of FET 474 connects to a negatively biased input (IN(−)).
The configuration illustrated in FIG. 4 is provided for explanatory purposes only. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other numbers of pre-cursor and post-cursor taps may be used based on channel characteristics. For example, in a 7 tap implementation, driver 400 may include 1 pre-cursor tap, a main symbol, and 5 post-cursor taps. Each post-cursor tap may be associated with a different post-cursor value (e.g., I*FIR 1 , I*FIR 2 , . . . , I*FIR 5 ).
Exemplary Processing
To provide hardware redundancy for high speed links, such as source synchronous buses, designers often implement arrays of switches, such as switch 350 , to switch between the primary and backup links. As described above, these switches 350 produce signal reflection noise along the transmission lines connecting to switches 350 . The reflection noise creates voltage overshooting, undershooting, and ringing on fast edge rate signals, which are necessary for high speed links. The magnitude of the reflection noise may be significant to produce large timing uncertainties. This resultant timing uncertainty, when added to other timing uncertainties that may be present in the high speed link, such as from intersymbol interference and other noise sources, prohibits high speed operation, thus limiting the maximum speed at which the redundant high speed links can function.
Implementations consistent with the principles of the invention use digital signal processing techniques to provide equalization to cancel out reflections that are created from transistor switches and reduce ISI jitter in high speed links. Equalization may be provided at the driver. As described above, the driver may be a digital output driver with a current source n-tapped FIR filter that performs the necessary equalization. The FIR filter taps may be spaced at either integer or fractional symbol bit times and can have one or more pre-cursors, which may be either integer or fractional symbol spaced.
FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary process for providing equalization in a redundant system in an implementation consistent with the principles of the invention. Processing may begin by characterizing the channel, such as channel 310 , in the time domain (act 510 ). In one implementation, time domain reflectometer 360 may be used to characterize channel 310 in the time domain. Each FET 352 and 356 represents a capacitive discontinuity over the transmission line connected thereto. Therefore, in the time domain, each FET 352 and 356 is associated with a certain impedance change (Δz) and time duration (Δd). Drivers 320 and 330 use digital signal processing techniques to compensate for these discontinuities.
FIG. 6 is an exemplary graph of impedance (z) versus time for channel 310 in an implementation consistent with the principles of the invention. In FIG. 6 , a solid line 610 represents the measured (actual) characterization of channel 310 and a dotted line 620 represents the ideal channel characterization. The ideal channel characterization is a flat line (i.e., the impedance does not vary over time). FET 352 , for example, may be associated with a capacitive discontinuity 630 that may be determined, as set forth above, via the use of time domain reflectometer 360 . The change in impedance (Δz) and time duration (Δd) of capacitive discontinuity 630 may be measured.
Channel 310 may be characterized in the frequency domain (act 520 ). In one implementation, vector network analyzer 370 may be used to determine the loss or attenuation of the signal over different frequencies. Intersymbol interference is caused when different amounts of attenuation for different frequencies are present in the signal. Vector network analyzer 370 is able to measure ISI jitter in a channel, such as channel 310 .
FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary graph of the scattering (s) parameter S 21 versus frequency for channel 310 in an implementation consistent with the principles of the invention. In FIG. 7 , a solid line 710 represents the measured (or actual) characterization for channel 310 in the frequency domain and a dotted line 720 represents the ideal channel characterization in the frequency domain. Flat line 720 represents no signal loss due to the channel. As shown in FIG. 7 , the s parameter S 21 of channel 310 decreases at higher frequencies. For example, at 1 gigahertz (GHz), channel 310 experiences a loss of approximately 5 decibels (dB). At 5 GHz, channel 310 experiences a loss of approximately 20 dB. To compensate for this loss and make channel 310 closer to ideal 720 in the frequency domain, the inverse of actual channel characterization 710 may be determined. This inverse is depicted in FIG. 7 as line 730 . It will be appreciated that the sum of actual channel characterization 710 and inverse channel characterization 730 produces ideal channel characterization 720 .
Once channel 310 has been characterized in the time and frequency domains, digital signal processing techniques can be used to compensate for the loss (impedance discontinuities and ISI jitter) in channel 310 (act 530 ). In one implementation, current source n-tapped FIR filters are used in the drivers (i.e., drivers 320 and 330 ) to compensate for these channel effects. The FIR filter taps may be spaced at either integer or fractional symbol bit times and can have one or more pre-cursors, which can be either integer or fractional symbol spaced.
The FIR filter coefficients may be determined based on the characteristics of channel 310 . The FIR filter coefficients have an equalization in the frequency domain that is the inverse of the channel (line 730 in FIG. 7 ). Therefore, when multiplied in the frequency domain, ideal channel characterization 720 is obtained. Moreover, when the convolution of the FIR filter coefficients is taken in the time domain, ideal channel characterization 620 is obtained.
FIG. 8 is an exemplary channel response in an implementation consistent with the principles of the invention. Line 810 in FIG. 8 represents the channel response for channel 310 , which may be obtained via an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform operation. Line 820 represents the ideal channel response (i.e., the channel response if channel 310 was lossless). Channel response 810 includes a main symbol portion (represented by a “1”), and post-cursor and pre-cursor portions which contain residue from the main symbol. The symbols in the post-cursor and pre-cursor portions are represented by a “0” in FIG. 8 . The FIR filter taps may be integer symbol spaced (e.g., spaced 1 nanosecond apart) or fractional symbol spaced to suppress the energy in those adjacent symbols following the main symbol (post-cursor) and those preceding the main symbol (pre-cursor).
For power and chip area and electrical parasitics reasons, large numbers of FIR filter taps are undesirable to implement. To prevent the need for excessively large numbers of FIR filter taps, two techniques may be implemented. In a first technique, the transmission line lengths between drivers 320 and 330 and switch 350 and between switch 350 and receiver 340 are constrained so that the channel characteristics are bounded and deterministic. For example, in the exemplary configuration illustrated in FIG. 3 , the transmission line lengths between each driver 320 and 330 and switch 350 and the transmission line lengths between switch 350 and receiver 340 may be constrained and controlled to make channel 310 deterministic. Knowing the channel characteristics enables an optimal design of the digital FIR filter, and its corresponding number of taps and tap coefficients.
In a second technique, the FIR filter taps may be moved simultaneously by integer multiples of the symbol bit delay times. By positioning the grouped FIR filter taps at the bit time impulse response time aberrations based on the known channel characteristics, the number of optimal FIR filter taps can be dramatically reduced (e.g., by one quarter).
Conclusion
Systems and methods consistent with the principles of the invention provide equalization to compensate for reflections and frequency dependent dispersions (i.e., ISI jitter) in redundant, high speed links. Exemplary implementations perform pre-emphasis to greatly reduce signal distortions in the high speed links caused by the presence of one or more FET switches in the high speed links.
The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the present invention provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. For example, while the above description described the high speed links as being source synchronous, implementations consistent with the principles of the invention are equally applicable to non-source synchronous links (e.g., asynchronous links).
Moreover, while a series of acts was described with respect to FIG. 5 , the order of the acts may differ in other implementations consistent with the principles of the invention. Also, non-dependent acts may be performed in parallel.
No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used.
The scope of the invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents. | A network device includes a group of high speed redundant transmission lines and a switch. The switch is configured to select one of the high speed redundant transmission lines. The switch causes reflections and frequency dependent dispersions in the selected high speed redundant transmission line. The network device further includes a transmitting device that is configured to adjust signals transmitted over the selected high speed redundant transmission line so as to reduce the reflections and frequency dependent dispersions. | 7 |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority from, and is a Continuation of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/153,103, filed Jun. 3, 2011 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/418,527 filed Apr. 3, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,979,722 issued on Jul. 12, 2011 which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/927,936 filed Aug. 27, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,536,558 issued on May 19, 2009 and which is related to the subject matter disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/499,053 filed on Aug. 29, 2003, all of which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the disclosures of which are herein specifically incorporated by this reference in their entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to distributing software, and more particularly to using nonvolatile flash memory to distribute software.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Electronic memory comes in a variety of forms to serve a variety of purposes. Nonvolatile flash memory devices, such as electrically erasable and programmable read only memories (EEPROMs), are used in a wide assortment of applications, including computers, integrated circuit (IC) cards, digital cameras, camcorders, communication terminals, communication equipment, medical equipment, and automobile control systems. In these roles, flash memory is used more as a hard drive than as Random Access Memory (RAM). Nonvolatile flash memory is considered a solid state storage device. Solid state devices do not have moving parts—everything is electronic instead of mechanical.
[0004] A few examples of nonvolatile memory include a computer's Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) chip, CompactFlash, SmartMedia, Memory Stick (all three of which are often found in digital cameras), PCMCIA Type I and Type II memory cards (used as solid-state disks in laptops), and memory cards for video game consoles. Other removable nonvolatile memory products include Sony's Memory Stick, PCMCIA memory cards, and memory cards for video game systems.
[0005] Nonvolatile memory possesses several inherent advantages. Nonvolatile memory is noiseless, it allows faster access to stored data than media involving moving mechanical apparatuses such as a disk drive, it is typically smaller than most hard drives, it is lighter on a storage capacity per ounce basis, and it has no moving parts. Nonvolatile memory is, however, expensive as compared to more traditional forms of storage media, such as a hard disk drive or compact disk. For that and other reasons, nonvolatile memory has not been used to distribute digital content.
[0006] Today, digital content is distributed through a variety of means. Typically, a disk containing the digital content is read by a device or installed on a computer's hard drive, or similar storage media, through a variety of procedures. Digital content is also distributed across networks via downloading. There are significant problems associated with these systems. Since the software needs to be installed, untrained third parties are responsible for actually delivering digital content products to the end consumer. Additionally, the end consumer may have little experience or understanding in the underlying processes that are performed during installation. The installation media and digital content are also subject to corruption before, during, and after the installation process. As a result, digital content such as software is repeatedly re-installed during its useful lifetime, reducing its productivity and efficiency. Lastly, installing digital content under this process is not secure.
[0007] Despite the security systems that a digital content provider may impose on a customer to unlock or decode digital content during its installation, all decoding schemes that process information through the computer's central processing unit are vulnerable to hacking. Fundamentally, the digital content is communicated across the computer's system bus, which is vulnerable to intrusion. The Internet, along with inexpensive CD duplicating hardware, has made it possible for anyone to pirate thousands of dollars worth of digital content in a matter of minutes. This is complicated by the fact that the fidelity of pirated digital content from an illicit source is identical to that of the original version. Revenue lost to piracy of digital content is staggering and continues to grow. Thus, there is a continuing need to protect digital content reliably. This need continues to drive security schemes to exceedingly high levels of sophistication.
[0008] As schemes to protect digital content become more convoluted, end users are forced to deal with an ever broadening array of technical issues. This scenario is further exasperated by the realization that installed digital content is increasingly prone to corruption. Subsequent installations of other digital content may replace or alter fundamental portions of a previous installation, leaving software or similar digital content useless. Hard drives are subject to physical wear and tear, and the magnetic fields that hold data may degrade. As end consumers become less aware of the underlying structure and installation process, they rely more and more on expert advice. As a result, support requirements and customer service costs have skyrocketed.
[0009] There remains a need to distribute digital content securely in a cost effective and reliable manner. The present invention addresses these and other problems, as well as provides additional benefits.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0010] Methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for securely distributing digital content. One embodiment comprises an apparatus comprising: a device ( 100 ) communications bus; coupled to the device communications bus ( 150 ), a bi-directional communications controller ( 110 ) capable of communicatively interfacing with a computer ( 710 ); coupled to the device communications bus ( 150 ), an integrated processor ( 130 ) capable of executing ( 270 ) computer-executable instructions; and coupled to the integrated processor ( 130 ), a storage module ( 140 ) capable of storing computer-executable instructions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] These and other more detailed and specific objects and features of the present invention are more fully disclosed in the following specification, reference being had to the accompany drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one apparatus embodiment of the present invention for securely distributing digital content.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of one method embodiment of the present invention for securely distributing digital content.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of one method embodiment of the present invention for securing digital content using dynamic encryption keys.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of one method embodiment of the present invention for distributing digital content using an encryption component distribution system.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of one method embodiment of the present invention for distributing digital content using a combination of dynamic and fixed encryption keys.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the present invention for securely distributing digital content.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of one apparatus embodiment of the present invention for a flash memory driver delivery system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] The present invention distributes digital content using nonvolatile memory. A nonvolatile memory distribution system provides digital content in a ready-to-run state. Installation is not required, nor is the digital content subject to degradation or piracy.
[0020] The present invention offers the following advantages over the prior art:
cross platform compatibility of digital content; secure delivery of digital content; dynamic encryption environment; reliable functionality of application software; reduction in customer support cost; instantaneous access to software applications; faster execution of digital content; and maintenance free utility.
[0029] Distribution of digital content via flash memory provides a secure means to deliver reliable digital content to a variety of platforms. Flash memory devices are treated universally as removable storage devices when coupled to a computer, processor, or similar device. The present invention capitalizes on this functionality within the BIOS of the controlling chip of the computer 710 . The present invention initializes itself as a new device to the operating system of a computer 710 . The operating system of the computer 710 recognizes a new piece of hardware that provides functionality of the digital content without further action on the part of the operating system. The digital content residing on the storage module 140 is never visible to the central processing unit of the host device 710 , making the content secure from piracy, corruption, incompatible software, and attack from malicious computer code. For purposes of this patent application, malicious computer code comprises computer code commonly referred to as computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spam, spy-ware, and any other type of unauthorized or unsolicited computer code that appears in or on a computer without an authorized user's knowledge and/or without an authorized user's consent.
[0030] One embodiment of an apparatus for distributing digital content using nonvolatile memory is shown in FIG. 1 . The distribution device 100 comprises a communications controller 110 , an integrated processor 130 , and a storage module 140 . A communications bus 150 communicatively couples the communications controller 110 to the integrated processor 130 . The integrated processor 130 couples with and directly communicates to the storage module 140 for transfer of secure information. In an alternative embodiment, a distinct storage module 140 or memory partition is communicatively coupled to the communications controller 110 via the communications bus 150 . This partition or distinct storage module 140 can house drivers allowing the host computer 170 to recognize the storage device 100 . The remaining digital content can be stored on a separate partition or distinct storage module 140 only accessible through the integrated processor 130 . In alternative embodiments, the distribution device 100 may comprise other components such as a power source for standalone operations or an antenna 120 for wireless communications. Further, the storage module 140 or modules comprise, in one embodiment, a flash nonvolatile memory environment.
[0031] As described herein, the communications controller 110 communicates, in one embodiment, drivers that enable the distribution device 100 to communicate with a host computer 710 or host device. From the host computer's 710 perspective, the communications controller 110 enables the distribution, access, and initialization of the storage module 140 as a new and different piece of hardware. In one embodiment, the distribution device 100 appears to the host computer 710 as directly accessible executable instructions, software applications, and/or digitally encoded audio, or video. This prevents a resulting change in drive-letters during a removal and subsequent reinstallation of the distribution device 100 . Typically, when a memory device or additional drive is added to a host computer, the device or drive is assigned a letter. Traditionally the host's hard drive is given the “C” letter designation, a compact disk drive is typically given the “E” designation and so forth. In situations where the host computer 710 is a member of a network the designations may involve several letters of the alphabet. In the present invention, the distribution device remains functionally operational regardless of what letter designation the host computer places on the drive.
[0032] Such independence allows the distribution device 100 to be customized for each application and to be installed in the host computer as a plug-and-play device independent of drive letters. For example, if a flash memory device using the present invention is installed into a computer via its USB port, the computer will readily recognize the new installation of the memory card as a particular piece of hardware. The host computer does not know, nor does it care, what is on the flash memory card. The computer 710 may interact with the flash memory card, but from the operating system perspective, the card is recognized as an additional piece of equipment. From the card's perspective, it has gained access to the computer's processor and graphical user interface, and may begin offering its capabilities to the host computer 710 . The present invention is recognized by the host computer 710 as a distribution device 100 module that is ubiquitous, rather than a drive. What is installed into the operating system is the device 100 itself, not the software contained on the device 100 .
[0033] Internally, the integrated processor 130 accesses data stored in the memory module 140 on the distribution device 100 directly, and internally emulates standard drive operations for drive dependant features of client software. In an alternative embodiment, direct hardware calls are executed by software designed specifically to access media contained on the distribution device 100 . The communications controller 110 functions to eliminate the need for platform specific software development. Applications processed internally on the distribution device 100 are platform independent, with the driver being the only platform specific element required for proper operation.
[0034] In a distributed application environment, the communications controller 100 also serves to register the services and capabilities of the distribution device 100 with a peer device and/or coordinating device(s). Other ancillary items, such as a software icon and registry settings, are installed during driver installation, along with a device enumeration code that is a unique identification for the client application.
[0035] In one embodiment, the storage module 140 of the distribution device 100 is partitioned. One such partition is a boot region. The boot region comprises a read only executable program that loads upon initial connection of the distribution device 100 to a computer or similar device with processing capability. This program's function is to load drivers for the distribution device 100 and initialize the software access or installation routine. In one embodiment, the boot region initializes a traditional installation procedure for application software maintained in the storage module 140 . The application software is installed to the computer 710 through the integrated processor 130 and communications controller 110 of the distribution device 100 .
[0036] In an alternate embodiment, a driver for a security or encryption scheme, as would be known to one skilled in the relevant art, is installed by the communications controller 110 . The driver integrates the distribution device 100 with its client application. An installation routine then installs a portion of the software to the computer's hard drive, while leaving some elements of the application within the distribution device's nonvolatile memory 140 . In yet another embodiment for establishing communications with the host computer 710 , a driver is installed that creates a new class of hardware on the host system. The new distribution device's hardware class initializes all distribution device enabled software as plug and play hardware components within the host system. This initialization eliminates any issues with drive letter enumeration that would interfere with the proper operation of software located on the distribution device 100 . It is also contemplated in another embodiment that the BIOS of the host system recognizes the distribution device's boot region as a bootable disk initializing the distribution device 100 module as the system's boot disk. This facilitates a distribution device 100 based operating system that is fast, reliable, and resistant to viral infection.
[0037] A second partition of the storage module 140 can be a user data region. The user data region is recognized by the computer as a separate drive and can be encrypted or write protected through techniques known to one skilled in the relevant art. Furthermore, documents associated with a parent application can be stored on the distribution device 100 , making it convenient to keep the data and software together when moving between or among different host systems.
[0038] When the distribution device 100 supports operating system software, a portion of the storage module 140 is reserved for caches of dynamic user settings, unused wallpapers and screen savers, temporary files, print buffers, archived email, deleted files folder, device drivers, software settings and other hardware configurations. Temporary elements of the operating system may be stored in system RAM to reduce deterioration on the distribution device 100 .
[0039] It is also contemplated that the storage module 140 can be further partitioned to include an extensible region, an update region, and/or a utility region. The extensible region can be designed for the storage of application extensions. The contents of this region will not initialize unless the plug-ins are certified as extensions to the client application. Updates stored in the update region may execute from within the distribution device 100 , verify the integrity of the data, and disable read access to the entire distribution device 100 while performing a reversible update to the client application. The device then resets itself, forcing a redetection of the device. The utility region can include, in one embodiment, an encrypted region containing executable utilities specific to the individual distribution device's 100 client application.
[0040] In one embodiment, the storage module 140 comprises flash memory elements. Traditionally, the photo positive for the thin film oxide layer of some types of flash memory comprise a uniform array. The thin film oxide is the actual storage medium for each of the millions of bits contained in the storage module 140 . In another embodiment of the present invention, the memory modules could be fixed. Fixed memory modules use a custom array pattern, a type of physical memory map, to store software or other digital content, at the die level, as it would appear as flash memory. This allows for rapid and inexpensive production from photographic masters of software stored within permanently charged fixed memory arrays. Fixed memory modules of this kind are more durable, faster, and more readily usable than traditional media like CDs, DVDs and the like.
[0041] The integrated processor 130 is not vender specific. As demand on system architecture increases, the speed and capability of the processor becomes more important. The electrically erasable programmable random access memory (EEPRAM), i.e., flash memory or fixed memory modules, are ideally integrated into the processor as a L2 (level 2) or L3 (level 3) cache within the die; but may initially be installed as an element entirely separate from the memory elements.
[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, a distributed application support system comprises multiple distribution devices 100 that host the same client application sharing processing power. This is accomplished by using multithreading support within the client application. This capability is facilitated by the drivers of the distribution device 100 . It is also possible for distribution devices housing dissimilar applications to coordinate their transactions. In that embodiment, a controller module hosts an operating system client application and functions as a boot device.
[0043] Data concerning the integrated processor 130 is housed in a portion of the nonvolatile memory 140 that is permanently encrypted. Based on fixed encryption security (FES), the contents of the secured portion of the distribution device 100 are encrypted with the internal serial number or similar identification means of the integrated processor 130 . The integrated processor 130 acts to decrypt the data in real time and potentially faster than the host computer can access the device as the application is executed. Effectively, this procedure creates a “looking glass” or one-way mirror security scenario. Once data is placed in the secure flash memory, the data is write protected and is “visible” only within the module. The secure flash memory module can be an independent integrated circuit isolated physically from the other memory components, or it can be part of a shared nonvolatile memory 140 , since access is regulated by the integrated processor 130 . In a typical embodiment, the largest storage location in a distribution device 100 is never directly accessible to the end user. When the distribution device 100 houses application software, the software is encrypted and stored in this location. In the case of an operating system device, the operating system's core files are stored in secure flash memory. Dynamic content is stored in another portion of the nonvolatile memory 140 .
[0044] One embodiment of a method for securely distributing digital content using nonvolatile memory is shown in FIG. 2 . The method begins by communicatively coupling 210 the distribution device 100 to the computer via a communications controller 110 . Upon initial connection, a driver is installed 220 in the computer that allows the computer to recognize and communicate with the distribution device 100 . In another embodiment, the communications driver for the distribution device 100 may be preinstalled in the computer. Once connected, the computer recognizes the distribution device 100 as a new piece of hardware or as an additional drive depending on the specific requirements of the data.
[0045] The integrated processor 130 of the distribution device 100 establishes the ability to communicate 240 data to the computer 710 via the communications controller 110 . An encryption key 241 is then read 245 from a key storage element within the distribution device. Internal to the distribution device 100 , computer-readable instructions stored in the device's nonvolatile memory 140 are decrypted 250 . Once the computer-readable instructions are decrypted 250 , the integrated processor 130 executes 270 those instructions found in the storage module 140 including, but not limited to, application execution, file manipulation, and encryption processing. At this time the integrated processor 130 can generate a new encryption key 241 that is then loaded into the key storage element. The resulting data may then be communicated 280 back to the host computer 710 . The host computer 710 does not interact directly with the encryption/decryption of the distribution device 100 and, in some instances, does not interact with the executable instructions of the application. The device-executable instructions (computer-readable instructions executed on the device) that reside on the distribution device 100 are never communicated across the host computer's system bus. As there is no direct host computer 710 interface with the device-executable instructions, the software is isolated on the distribution device 100 and cannot be pirated, nor can it be corrupted by other applications. The reliability of the software is thus enhanced, reducing support costs and increasing user satisfaction.
[0046] In another embodiment, the encryption scheme is based on different storage methodologies that correspond to media specific encryption keys. These storage algorithms determine how to address, translate, decode, and process the data stored on the device 100 . The storage algorithms are typically dependent on symbiotic key codes to process and decode the stored data. In the absence of an encryption key 241 , no translation is performed on the data and it is passed through the integrated processor 130 unchanged. In another embodiment of the present invention, the nature of the encryption key 241 may aid the processor 130 in determining what storage algorithm to use to access the data. The keys 241 are specific to associated data and may be updated as determined by the algorithms.
[0047] An alternative to a fixed encryption scheme for the protection of the computer-executable instructions, and an embodiment of the present invention, is a dynamic encryption methodology. In dynamic encryption, the distribution device 100 maintains 310 multiple storage algorithms and multiple encryption keys 241 . Only one storage algorithm can be active at a time; however multiple keys 241 can facilitate different operations simultaneously within the integrated processor 130 . Initially, the appropriate encryption key 241 is loaded 320 from the distribution device which can then aid in the determination 325 of the appropriate storage algorithm. Using the encryption key 241 and associated algorithm, data is decrypted 330 for use by the integrated processor 130 . During free clock cycles, a new key 241 is generated 340 and the integrated processor 130 encrypts 350 any programmable storage location as directed by the storage algorithm. A new key 241 may then be written to a portion of the storage element 140 designated 360 as the current key 241 for data processing 330 .
[0048] The generation of a new key 241 is controlled by the storage algorithms. The algorithms also determine when the cycle repeats itself 370 , generating an alternate key 241 and alternate algorithm. In the case of programmable storage the storage algorithm can alter 270 the storage location and encryption of the data so that should a third party be able to guess or derive a valid encryption key 241 , the pirated key 241 will only be valid for a fraction of a second. Algorithms used to generate a new key 241 , and periodically alter the encryption of any materials on the distribution device 100 , are well known to one skilled in the relevant art. Furthermore, the encryption process is internal to the integrated processor 130 and thus not accessible via the communications controller 110 or any outside source, making the distribution device 100 secure from outside intrusion, piracy, and attack by malicious code.
[0049] To hack into encrypted data, the hacker must observe the decryption of the data and emulate the encryption key 241 . For the hacker to succeed, the encryption key 241 and the algorithm used to encrypt the data must remain constant while the hacker imitates the key 241 and attempts to gain illegally access to the encrypted data. Dynamic encryption prevents this by changing the encryption key 241 faster than the hacker can access the data. Essentially, data protected by the integrated processor 130 is encrypted with a new encryption key 241 before an outside entity can attempt to access the data through the communications controller 110 . Therefore, even if a hacker observed the decryption process and was able to emulate the key 241 , by the time the hacker attempted to use his key, the original key 241 would have been replaced by a new key 241 thus foiling the hacker's attempt to gain access to secure data.
[0050] In another embodiment of the present invention, the cycle speed of the integrated processor 130 is several times faster than the input/output speed of the communications controller 110 and the distribution device's computer interface. This allows encryption to occur in real time transparently to the computer or host system, making it impossible for a software pirate to hack the application. Such an encryption scheme can be applied to the entire volume of data stored in storage module 140 by ensuring enough space is reserved to mirror the data, and the speed of the distribution device's integrated processor 130 is sufficient to support the cipher of the entire data stored in storage module 140 in real time.
[0051] A further embodiment of the present invention is to distribute digital content using an encrypted component distribution system. Such a system allows for the delivery of an independent and discrete encryption key 241 that is stored on a programmable memory component. This key acts to decrypt encrypted digital content such as material contained on audio or video disks on a case by case basis. Such a distribution facilitates the delivery of discretely encrypted media on a per-product, per-production run basis. Unlike the content scrambling system (CSS) (CSS is the DVD encoding standard), the encrypted component distribution system of the present invention does not suffer from the limitations and security issues of using a limited, previously shared pool of keys. In the present invention, a distinct key 241 can be assigned to every disk coming off a production line.
[0052] One embodiment of an encryption component distribution system using virtual keying is shown in FIG. 4 . In virtual keying, an encryption key is stored 410 in a digital format on the storage media itself amongst the digital content. As the digital content is received, the encryption key 241 is detected 415 . To be useful, the integrated processor 130 or a similar type of device extracts 420 and processes 430 the encryption key 241 . The key 241 may also be used to decode 440 the encrypted digital content stored in the storage module 140 of the distribution device 100 or digital content on a similar storage medium. After decryption, the key 241 is retained 450 in a local memory buffer within the decryption module 640 (i.e. the integrated processor 130 ) until a new stream of data is detected. When a new stream of data is detected carrying with it an unprocessed key 241 directed to the decryption module 640 , the key 241 is harvested by the integrated processor 130 and used to decrypt the remaining digital content. When unencrypted data is detected at the decryption module 640 , the buffer is cleared and the data passes through the decryption module 640 unchanged to a digital to analog converter 670 . Ideally, the digital to analog converter 670 is integrated into the distribution device 100 or similar storage medium.
[0053] An additional embodiment of the encryption methodology is possible by integrating virtual keying with dynamic encryption as shown in FIG. 5 . In this embodiment, both keying systems are present on the storage media at all times and can be used interchangeably, alternatively, or cooperatively. The present invention thereby possesses the flexibility to accommodate differing security schemes for different applications. In this embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the keying methodologies is actively maintaining a key. Furthermore, storage algorithms can be found in the distribution device 100 . Any keys present are detected 520 . In the case of a dynamic key the current key is loaded 521 from the key storage element. When the embodiment comprises a virtual key the data being accessed is examined 415 for a key 241 . When a key 241 is located it is extracted 420 from the data and manipulated 530 by the integrated processor 130 . At this point the appropriate storage algorithm is selected 540 to decode, manipulate, and/or process 545 the stored data. A new key is generated 550 and written 560 to the key storage element as the processed data is delivered 570 to the host computer 710 . The storage algorithm then directs 580 the internal processor 130 to execute any manipulations on the stored data. The process continuously detects 520 new keys as long as data is accessed 590 .
[0054] One embodiment of encryption component distribution is further illustrated in the block diagram of FIG. 6 . Encrypted digital content 630 is stored on a digital storage medium 610 such as a compact disk, digital video disk, mini disk, or the like. In one embodiment, the encryption key 241 is obtained directly from the storage medium 610 and communicated to a decryption module 640 . Information about the storage medium such as the number of tracks, title, etc. may also be loaded into the receiver's memory. In another embodiment of the present invention, the encryption key 241 is stored with the digital content 630 . In this situation, the encryption key 241 is harvested from the associated digital content 630 and communicated to the decryption module 640 . The decryption module 640 manipulates the key 241 , uses it to decrypt 440 the digital content, and passes it to a digital to analog converter 670 . Unlike the previous embodiments, the decryption module 640 is separate from the digital content, yet all processing of the keys is executed within a processor 130 coupled inline between the data buffer 630 and the digital to analogue converter 670 . The encrypted data is processed in memory by the processor 130 using an encryption key 241 . While this processing is being accomplished, the data, key, or decryption algorithms are never exposed to the host computer or host device 710 . Likewise, where the encryption key 241 would normally be stored in the storage module 140 of the distribution device 100 , the encryption key 241 , in this embodiment, is stored on the storage medium 610 with the encrypted content and, in another embodiment, wirelessly transmitted to the decryption module 640 via Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or the like.
[0055] In this embodiment, the digital stream of data from the digital storage medium 610 , such as an audio or video disk, is passed unaltered in its original digital format to the decryption module 640 , where it is decrypted and forwarded to a digital to analog converter 670 . The present invention prevents access to decrypted digital content before it is converted to analog data.
[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, a memory device 680 is attached or embedded within the clamping area, ideally between 26 mm and 33 mm from the center of the disk to facilitate communication of the encryption key 241 . Should a wireless device be used to communicate the encryption key 241 to the decryption module 640 , an antenna can occupy any unused portions of the disk from 15 mm to 46 mm of the center along with or instead of physical contacts.
[0057] When the decryption module 640 is permanently integrated into an independent media player and used to decode audio and video independent of any form of software distribution, the system becomes completely backward compatible with existing media. When a traditional (non-encrypted) audio or video disk is played in a player enabled with the present invention, the decryption module will have no codes with which to decrypt the media, and the digital content will pass the digital data stream unchanged to the digital to analog converter. As described herein, the encryption/decryption key 241 is passed to a dedicated decryption module 640 . The keys 241 are dynamic in that they can be changed or replaced with other keys 241 that may be stored in different remote locations on the storage medium and use different algorithms and/or encryption techniques. As the encryption key 241 is field programmable, it possesses the capability to frequently alter the encryption algorithm as well as convey processing instructions separately to the encryption/decryption methodology.
[0058] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of one embodiment for a flash memory driver delivery system. A host computer 710 is communicatively coupled with a printer 731 , monitor 733 , or similar peripheral component through cabling, a wireless connection, or other means known to one skilled in the art. By integrating a distribution device module 720 into the bus architecture (IO) of a peripheral component, (i.e., a printer 731 , sound card, video card, monitor 733 , home automation system, or similar device), delivery of the software component such as, in one embodiment, the driver, becomes as simple as plugging in the device. As opposed to the current technology that requires installation of driver software into the computer operating system to allow the peripheral to be properly recognized and later utilized, a distribution device module 720 ensures immediate installation of the appropriate software as the peripheral is physically connected to the host computer. For example, in the case of a printer 731 needing a driver to interface and operate with a host computer 710 , a cable having a distribution device module 720 can attach any printer to any computer and truly be a plug and play device.
[0059] In such an embodiment, the distribution device module 720 residing in the peripheral contains drivers for communicating with the printer 731 . In one embodiment, the distribution device module 720 automatically installs the device driver onto the host computer in the traditional way. In another embodiment, the flash distribution device module 720 delivers the driver as a distribution device module 720 and functions as an intermediary device negotiating access to the peripheral. In such a scenario, as a new cable is plugged into a host computer 710 , the computer 710 recognizes it is a flash memory device. Upon being recognized by the host computer 710 , the ubiquitous nature of the cable determines the operating system of the host computer 710 and either installs the driver into the computer 710 or acts as an intermediary to communicate data to and from the printer 731 . Furthermore, hardware component manufactures may directly integrate the distribution device module 720 into their bus architecture or cables to include a distribution device module 720 with device specific, or manufacturer specific drivers built into or attached to the cable.
[0060] Yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises storing user information, software licenses, network access levels, software, documents, email, electronic mail authentication, custom settings and configurations, or the like on a distribution device 100 module. The module 100 can be assigned to operate on a specific computer or one of several computers operating in a network. The device 100 can also be password protected. In this embodiment, the ability to store user specific information can be combined with nonvolatile memory 140 and distribution device 100 based software modules to allow a user to travel with all his or her information and software. Furthermore, the user can access and use any PC to have full access to his or her live desktop on that computer regardless of network or internet access.
[0061] Flash memory distribution device 100 based software and live desktops can benefit from architecture tailored to support them. A flash distribution device 100 terminal relies on nonvolatile memory 140 modules, associated with a flash device 100 loaded with the graphic user interface, “live desktop,” and software, to function. Unlike current shared bus architecture where multiple devices share the same path to a central processor, flash memory supported modules of the present invention are able to dynamically communicate with one another across a switch fabric, reducing latency and eliminating core processor dependence. Furthermore, flash memory distribution devices 100 are capable of distributed application sharing with each other in a superscalar architecture that allows a network's processing power to grow as the number of terminals increases. In this way, the spare clock cycles of any application processor within a given network can be used to accelerate the processes of any terminal within the network.
[0062] While it is contemplated that the present invention will be used on network computers, it is possible to apply the methodology presented here to network environments with multiple computers in several locations. Although not required, method embodiments of the invention can be implemented via computer-executable instructions, such as routines executed by a general purpose computer, e.g., a server or client computer. The computer-executable instructions can be embodied in hardware, firmware, or software residing on at least one computer-readable medium, such as one or more hard disks, floppy disks, optical drives, Flash memory, Compact Disks, Digital Video Disks, etc. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced with other computer system configurations, including Internet appliances, hand-held devices, wearable computers, cellular or mobile phones, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, set-top boxes, network PCs, mini-computers, mainframe computers, and the like. The invention can be embodied in a special purpose computer, integrated processor, or data processor that is specifically programmed, configured, or constructed to perform at least one of the computer-executable instructions as explained herein. Indeed, computer, as used generally herein, refers to any of the above devices and systems, as well as any data processor. The invention can also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks or modules are performed by remote processing devices linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.
[0063] The above description is included to illustrate the operation of various embodiments of the invention and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. The elements and steps of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. The scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims. Accordingly, from the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the spirit and scope of the present invention. | Methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for distributing digital content. One embodiment comprises an apparatus comprising: a device ( 100 ) communications bus; coupled to the device communications bus ( 150 ), a bi-directional communications controller ( 110 ) capable of communicatively interfacing with a computer ( 710 ); coupled to the device communications bus ( 150 ), an integrated processor ( 130 ) capable of executing ( 270 ) computer-executable instructions; and coupled to the integrated processor ( 130 ), a storage module ( 140 ) capable of storing computer-executable instructions. | 6 |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.