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pinecone_hackathon

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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) [0001] This application claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/234,008, filed Aug. 14, 2009, entitled MICROPROCESSOR WITH MICROTRANSLATOR AND TAIL MICROCODE INSTRUCTION FOR FAST EXECUTION OF COMPLEX MACROINSTRUCTIONS HAVING BOTH MEMORY AND REGISTER FORMS, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates in general to the field of microprocessors, and particularly to microprocessors that include microcode. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Many contemporary microprocessors include a micro-architecture that is distinct from their architecture, or macroarchitecture. On characteristic of such a microprocessor is that it includes an instruction translator that translates macroinstructions (e.g., x86 instructions) of the microprocessor's instruction set architecture into one or more microinstructions, or micro-operations, of the micro-architecture instruction set. When the instruction translator encounters a macroinstruction that must be translated into more micro-operations than the instruction translator can generate per clock cycle, the instruction translator generates a prolog of micro-operations. The remainder of the instructions to implement the macroinstruction is fetched from a microcode ROM. The sequence of instructions fetched from the microcode ROM is referred to herein as the “microcode tail.” The micro-operations of the prolog generated by the translator can be customized for the form of the instruction. The most common customization is to generate a different prolog for a memory form of a macroinstruction versus a register form of the macroinstruction. For a memory-based form, the translator generates a load instruction to load the source operand into a temporary register of the microprocessor; whereas, for a register-based form, the translator generates a move instruction to move of the source register to the temporary register. The problem is in the microcode tail. For the memory form, a store micro-operation is needed to store the result to memory; whereas, for the register form, the result needs to be moved to the destination register. [0004] Normally, the microcode tail would include a conditional branch to go to either a tail for the register-based form or a tail for the memory-based form. However, conditional branch instructions can be costly to performance. BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0005] In one aspect the present invention provides a microprocessor. The microprocessor includes a first instruction translator configured to translate an instruction of an instruction set architecture of a microprocessor. The instruction may specify a first form that instructs the microprocessor to write its result to a destination register or a second form that instructs the microprocessor to write its result to memory. The first instruction translator is further configured to generate, in response to encountering an instance of the instruction, an indication of whether the instance is of the first form or the second form. The microprocessor also includes a microcode memory configured to store a tail instruction as part of a microcode routine invoked by the first instruction translator in response to encountering the instance of the instruction. The microprocessor also includes a second instruction translator configured to receive the tail instruction from the microcode memory and the indication. If the indication specifies the first form, the second instruction translator responsively generates a first micro-operation that writes the result to the destination register. If the indication specifies the second form, the second instruction translator responsively generates a second micro-operation that completes a write of the result to memory. [0006] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method. The method includes storing in a microcode memory of a microprocessor a tail instruction that is part of a microcode routine. The method also includes encountering an instruction of an instruction set architecture of the microprocessor. The instruction may specify a first form that instructs the microprocessor to write its result to a destination register or a second form that instructs the microprocessor to write its result to memory. The method also includes generating an indication of whether the instance of the instruction is of the first form or the second form and invoking the microcode routine, in response to said encountering the instance of the instruction. The method also includes, in response to receiving the tail instruction and the indication, generating a first micro-operation that writes the result to the destination register if the indication specifies the first form and generating a second micro-operation that completes a write of the result to memory if the indication specifies the second form. [0007] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product for use with a computing device, the computer program product comprising a computer usable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied in said medium for specifying a microprocessor. The computer readable program code includes first program code for specifying a first instruction translator configured to translate an instruction of an instruction set architecture of a microprocessor. The instruction may specify a first form that instructs the microprocessor to write its result to a destination register or a second form that instructs the microprocessor to write its result to memory. The first instruction translator is further configured to generate, in response to encountering an instance of the instruction, an indication of whether the instance is of the first form or the second form. The computer readable program code also includes second program code for specifying a microcode memory configured to store a tail instruction as part of a microcode routine invoked by the first instruction translator in response to encountering the instance of the instruction. The computer readable program code also includes third program code for specifying a second instruction translator configured to receive the tail instruction from the microcode memory and the indication. If the indication specifies the first form, the second instruction translator responsively generates a first micro-operation that writes the result to the destination register. If the indication specifies the second form, the second instruction translator responsively generates a second micro-operation that completes a write of the result to memory. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a microprocessor according to the present invention. [0009] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the microprocessor of FIG. 1 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0010] To solve the problem, we provide a new microcode instruction, referred to as the TAIL instruction. A microtranslator translates the TAIL instruction into the appropriate store or move depending on whether the macroinstruction was a register or memory form, which is indicated in a register populated by the instruction translator with the necessary information when it translates the macroinstruction. This avoids the need for the conditional branch instruction in the microcode tail. [0011] Referring now to FIG. 1 , a block diagram illustrating a microprocessor 100 is shown. The microprocessor 100 includes an instruction cache 102 that caches instructions of the instruction set architecture of the microprocessor 100 , referred to herein as macroinstructions 132 . For example, in one embodiment the instruction set architecture substantially conforms to the x86 instruction set architecture. [0012] A macrotranslator 104 receives the macroinstructions 132 from the instruction cache 102 and translates them into micro-operations 138 . The macrotranslator 104 is capable of translating a macroinstruction 132 into at most N micro-operations 138 . In one embodiment, N is three. Therefore, if the macroinstruction 132 is sufficiently complex such that it requires more than N micro-operations 138 to implement it, the macrotranslator 104 generates a prolog of micro-operations 138 and also generates a trap address 134 to a microcode ROM 124 . [0013] The macrotranslator 104 also generates macroinstruction information 136 that is written to an instruction indirection register (IIR) 126 . The macroinstruction information 136 stored in the IIR 126 includes, for example, information identifying the source and destination registers specified by the macroinstruction 132 and the form of the macroinstruction 132 , such as whether the macroinstruction 132 operates on an operand in memory or in an architectural register 116 of the microprocessor 100 . This enables the microcode routines to be generic, i.e., without having to have a different microcode routine for each different source and/or destination architectural register 116 . [0014] The microcode ROM 124 stores and outputs microcode instructions 142 of microcode routines. The microcode ROM 124 is part of a larger microcode unit (not shown) that includes a microsequencer (not shown) that provides a fetch address (not shown) to the microcode ROM 124 to specify the address of the next microcode instruction 142 to output. The initial fetch address is the trap address 134 provided by the macrotranslator 104 . The microcode instructions 142 may be viewed as a tail of microcode instructions 142 relative to the prolog 138 , which together implement the macroinstruction 132 . In particular, the microcode instructions 142 may include a new instruction referred to as the TAIL instruction, which is discussed in more detail below. In one embodiment, each microcode instruction 142 is 38 bits wide. [0015] A microtranslator 122 receives the microcode instructions 142 from the microcode ROM 124 and translates them into micro-operations 144 . Additionally, the microtranslator 122 receives the contents of the IIR 126 . In particular, as described in more detail below, the microtranslator 122 translates the TAIL microcode instruction into different sequences of micro-operations 144 depending upon the information received from the IIR 126 , more specifically depending upon the form of the macroinstruction 132 . In one embodiment, each micro-operation 144 is approximately 200 bits wide. In one embodiment, the microtranslator 122 is capable of generating up to three micro-operations from a microcode instruction 142 . [0016] A mux 106 receives the prolog micro-operations 138 from the macrotranslator 104 and the tail micro-operations 144 from the microtranslator 122 and provides the appropriate micro-operations to a register alias table (RAT) 108 of the microprocessor 100 . The RAT 108 generates dependencies for the micro-operations. The RAT 108 provides the micro-operations and dependency information to reservation stations 112 that hold the micro-operations until they are ready to be issued to one of the execution units 114 . The execution units 114 receive operands from the register sets 116 of the microprocessor 100 , which include the architectural register set and a temporary register set used by the micro-architectural instruction set. A reorder buffer (ROB) 118 receives the micro-operation results from the execution units 114 and retires the results to the architectural state of the microprocessor 100 in program order. [0017] Referring now to FIG. 2 , a flowchart illustrating operation of the microprocessor 100 of FIG. 1 is shown. Flow begins at block 202 . [0018] At block 202 , the macrotranslator 104 encounters a macroinstruction 132 that requires more micro-operations to implement than the maximum number the macrotranslator 104 is capable of generating. Flow proceeds to block 204 . [0019] At block 204 , the macrotranslator 104 generates a prolog 138 of micro-operations in response to the macroinstruction 132 based on the form of the macroinstruction 132 . Specifically, the prolog 138 includes micro-operations to load the source operand from memory into a temporary register 116 if the macroinstruction 132 is a memory form, and the prolog 138 includes micro-operations to move the source operand from the source register specified by the macroinstruction 132 to the temporary register 116 if the macroinstruction 132 is a register form. Additionally, the macrotranslator 104 writes the macroinstruction information 136 to the IIR 126 . Finally, the macrotranslator 104 generates the trap address 134 to specify the microcode routine in the microcode ROM 124 that includes the microcode tail for the macroinstruction 132 . Flow proceeds to block 206 . [0020] At block 206 , the macrotranslator 104 causes a trap to the microcode routine in the microcode ROM 124 at the trap address 134 . The microcode routine includes a TAIL microcode instruction. Flow proceeds to block 208 . [0021] At block 208 , the microcode ROM 124 provides the microcode instructions 142 to the microtranslator 122 , including the TAIL instruction. Flow proceeds to block 212 . [0022] At block 212 , the microtranslator 122 translates the TAIL instruction into the appropriate micro-operations 144 based on the information stored in the IIR 126 . Specifically, if the IIR 126 indicates the macroinstruction 132 is a memory form, the microtranslator 122 generates a micro-operation to store the result from the temporary register to memory; whereas, if the IIR 126 indicates the macroinstruction 132 is a register form, the microtranslator 122 generates a micro-operation to move the result from the temporary register to the architectural destination register 116 specified by the IIR 126 . Flow proceeds to block 214 . [0023] At block 214 , the microtranslator 122 provides the translated micro-operations 144 to the mux 106 . Flow proceeds to block 216 . [0024] At block 216 , the execution units 114 execute the micro-operations 144 . Advantageously, the execution units 114 do not have to execute a conditional branch instruction that was required before the advent of the TAIL instruction. Flow ends at block 216 . [0025] An example of a macroinstruction 132 that requires more than three micro-operations according to one embodiment of the microprocessor 100 is the x86 RCR (rotate through carry right) instruction. The RCR instruction can specify its source operand to be in memory or to be in a general purpose register 116 . According to one embodiment, when the macrotranslator 104 encounters a RCR instruction at block 202 , it generates the following micro-operation prolog 138 for the register form: [0000] mov temp1, Src; // moves the source register (Src) into temp1 register and temp2, 0x1F; // mask off all but lowest 5 bits of the count The macrotranslator 104 generates the following micro-operation prolog 138 for the memory form: [0000] ldsta temp1, srcBase, srcIndex, srcSeg; // load memory operand into temp1         // and generate store address using same address         // operands used to generate load address;         // this is a merged load/store address instruction         // described in U.S. Application 12/100,616         // (CNTR.2339), filed 04/10/2008, which is hereby         // incorporated by reference. and temp2, 0x1F; // mask off all but lowest 5 bits of the count [0026] The microcode routine in the microcode ROM 124 includes: [0000] rcr_trap_addr: loop:   RCR temp1, temp1, 1; // rotate right temp1 through carry one bit   LOOPE temp2, 1, exit; // decrement count and goto exit if equals 1   JMP loop; // jump back to top of loop exit:   TAIL temp1; // write the result in temp1 to destination // destination depends on IIR register information [0027] The microtranslator 122 translates the TAIL instruction into the following micro-operation sequence for the register form: [0000] mov Dest, temp1; // move the result in temp1 to the architectural // destination register specified in IIR [0028] The microtranslator 122 translates the TAIL instruction into the following micro-operation sequence for the memory form: [0000] std temp1; // store the result in temp1 to memory [0029] It should be noted that the code above is pseudo-code simplified for clarity of communication rather than implemented code. [0030] An advantage of the microprocessor described above is that it eliminates one or more conditional branch instructions that would otherwise need to be included in the microcode in order to accommodate the various forms of the macroinstructions. This is particularly advantageous because conditional branch instructions can be very costly to performance, particularly those generated by the microcode unit. This is at least in part due to the fact that in one embodiment the microcode unit does not include a branch predictor. The performance penalty increases as the length of the execution pipeline grows. [0031] Another advantage is that the size of the microcode ROM may be reduced since it may include fewer conditional branch instructions. [0032] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described herein, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant computer arts that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, software can enable, for example, the function, fabrication, modeling, simulation, description and/or testing of the apparatus and methods described herein. This can be accomplished through the use of general programming languages (e.g., C, C++), hardware description languages (HDL) including Verilog HDL, VHDL, and so on, or other available programs. Such software can be disposed in any known computer usable medium such as semiconductor, magnetic disk, or optical disc (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc.). Embodiments of the apparatus and method described herein may be included in a semiconductor intellectual property core, such as a microprocessor core (e.g., embodied in HDL) and transformed to hardware in the production of integrated circuits. Additionally, the apparatus and methods described herein may be embodied as a combination of hardware and software. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described herein, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. Specifically, the present invention may be implemented within a microprocessor device which may be used in a general purpose computer. Finally, those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiments as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
A microprocessor includes a first instruction translator that translates an instruction of an instruction set architecture of a microprocessor. The instruction may specify a first form that writes its result to a destination register or a second form that writes its result to memory. The first instruction translator generates, in response to encountering an instance of the instruction, an indication of whether the instance is of the first form or the second form. A microcode memory stores a tail instruction as part of a microcode routine invoked in response to encountering the instance of the instruction. A second instruction translator receives the tail instruction from the microcode memory and the indication and responsively generates a first micro-operation that writes the result to the destination register if the indication specifies the first form or a second micro-operation that completes a write of the result to memory if the indication specifies the second form.
6
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an adjustable two-dimensional nozzle for aircraft jet engines, more particularly such a nozzle which has the capabilities of variably adjusting the cross-section in addition to variably adjusting the direction of gasses exiting through the nozzle. An adjustable nozzle must be able to vary its general converging-diverging cross-sectional shape in order to optimize the thrust produced by the aircraft engine. Furthermore, the nozzle must also be able to redirect the flow of gasses to a thrust reversing direction. To achieve these results, two-dimensional nozzles have been developed which include a structure having a square or rectangular cross-section with two opposite, stationary walls interconnected by sets of pivotable flaps which pivot about axis extending substantially perpendicular to the fixed walls in order to vary the nozzle's shape or redirect the flow of gasses. Typically, the sets of flaps each comprise at least one upstream or converging flap; at least one downstream or divergent flap having an upstream edge pivotally attached to the downstream edge of the upstream flap; and at least one thrust reversing flap capable of moving from a position in which it forms a part of the outer nozzle wall to a position wherein it opens so as to direct the gasses through the wall to provide a thrust reversing effect. Such nozzles typically include a control system formed of actuators and rods to move the flaps, wherein the control system is located on the outer surface of the fixed walls of the nozzle. British Pat. No. 2,155,552 and French Pat. No. 2,483,523 show typical examples of this type of two-dimensional nozzle. As illustrated in these documents, the known systems have required a complex and delicate control system. In the British patent, fourteen hydraulic actuators, each disposed outside of the fixed walls of the nozzles are required to position the six flaps. In the French patent, the nozzle structure requires only one drive means for each of the movable flaps (a total of eight actuators), but the drive means or the primary flaps are located within the flaps and are subject to extremely high operating temperatures, since these flaps come into direct contact with the exhaust gasses of the engine. Other drawbacks of the known systems include variance of the load on the drive means along the length of the actuator stroke, and the fact that the downstream flap has an outer surface which also forms part of the outer nozzle surface. This simplistic design prevents the formation of a chanel to direct cooling air onto the flaps. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an adjustable two-dimentional nozzle which obviates the drawbacks of the known devices. In particular, the control means are simplified and are located away from the flow of gasses through the nozzle to protect the control means against overheating. The nozzle according to the present invention includes a movable frame located outside of the fixed sidewalls and having pivotally attached thereto a pair of upstream or converging nozzle flaps. The upstream edges of the upstream flaps are attached to the movable frame such that the flaps pivot about axes extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. Downstream or diverging flaps are attached to the downstream edges of the upstream flaps such that these flaps also pivot about axes extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. A cam member extends between each of the movable frames and each downstream flap such that a first portion of the cam member is pivotally attached to the frame while a second portion thereof is pivotally attached to the downstream flap. Stationary cam rollers attached to the fixed sidewalls bear against a cam surface formed on each of the cam members. Link rods also connect the downstream flap to an outer flap which, in turn, has its upstream edge pivotally attached to the fixed nozzle structure. Thus, as the movable frame moves in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle, the cam member and the link rods adjust the relative convergence and divergence of the upstream and downstream flaps, respectively, so as to vary the cross-sectional shape of the nozzle. The movable frames are also mounted so as to pivot about a central axis extending substantially transversely of the longitudinal axis. Pivoting of the frame members serves to direct the flow of gasses passing therethrough at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. Thus, the nozzle according to the invention has not only a variable cross-sectional shape, they may also be utilized for thrust vectoring. The invention also emcompasses a nozzle having at least one thrust reversing flap and provides a means for opening the thrust reversing flap when the downstream nozzles are positioned so as to completely close off the nozzle passage so as to redirect the gasses in a thrust reversing direction. Means interconnecting the movable frame with the thrust reversing flaps allows the frame to move over an initial portion of its travel without affecting any movement in the thrust reversing flaps to allow the upstream and downstream flaps to vary the nozzle's cross-sectional shape. It is only at the extremity of travel of the movable frame, when the downstream flaps have effectively closed the exhaust nozzle that the mechanism opens the thrust reversing flaps. The geometry of the system is such that lines connecting the pivot axes of the first portion of the cam, the second portion of the cam, the pivot axis of the connection between the upstream and downstream flags and the pivot connection of the upstream flap with the frame, in the plane of one of the fixed sides, defines a quadrilateral having at least two opposite sides of different lengths. The quadrilateral so formed is not a deforming parallelagram and, therefore, if one of the sides of the quadrilateral undergoes solely translational movement, such as the movable frame, then the opposite side, namely, the downstream flap, will not only undergo translation, but will also undergo rotation so as to change its angular orientation. The upstream flap also assumes varying angular orientation during the translational movement of the frame. Preferably, the flap arrangements are symetrically arranged with respect to a plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the nozzle, such that translational movement of the frames will alter the cross-section of the nozzle in a symetrical manner with respect to the plane. However, if the frame is rotated about its pivot attachment, the nozzle flaps will be asymetrically adjusted and may be utilized to vector the thrust of the gasses emanating from the nozzle. The frame located on one side of the nozzle is preferably linked to the frame on the opposite side of the nozzle such that it forms a rigid rectangular structure. This structure provides redundancy for the control system, since the actuators on one side of the nozzle will effectively move frames on both sides of the nozzle in the event that one control system should fail. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a partial, prespective view, partially broken away of an exhaust nozzle according to the invention. FIG. 2 is a partial, longitudinal sectional view of the nozzle shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 3-6 are schematic diagrams of the nozzle structure shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating various flap orientations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, nozzle 1 has a generally rectangular cross-section with fixed opposite sides 2 interconnected by cross members 3, 4 and 5. The cross members are mounted symetrically with respect to a substantially horizontal plane AA which passes through the longitudinal axis of the nozzle (see FIG. 2). Upstream of the nozzle assembly, the fixed sides 2 are transversely connected by inner and outer panels 6 and 7, respectively. Each of the fixed sides 2 comprise an inner wall 8, the inner surface of which defines the lateral boundaries of the exhaust gas passage and an outer wall 9 spaced therefrom. The control mechanism for the flaps, which will be described in more detail hereafter, is located in the space between the inner walls 8 and the outer walls 9. The movable flaps are also symetrically arranged with respect to plane AA passing through the longitudinal center line of the nozzle and, although only the upper flaps and the upper portion of the control system will be described with reference to FIG. 2, it is to be understood that the lower portion of the nozzle has identical flaps and an identically arranged control mechanism. The movable portions of the nozzle comprise upstream flaps 10 and downstream flaps 11 which change their angular orientation to vary the cross-sectional shape of the nozzle. Thrust reversing flaps 12 and 13 serve as an extension of inner wall 6 during normal operation of the nozzle, but pivot outwardly when the downstream flaps 11 close of the nozzle to direct the gasses in a thrust reversing direction. A third thrust reversing flap 14 is, under normal operation, generally co-planar with outer wall 7. This flap also opens outwardly during the thrust reversing portion of the operating cycle. A cold or outer flap 15 is pivotally attached to the cross member 5 at its upstream edge and also serves as an extension of the outer panel 7 in a downstream direction beyond the downstream flap 11. A fourth thrust reversing flap 16 is located between the ends of the inner and outer panels 6 and 7, respectively, and normally extends generally parallel thereto. However, when the nozzle is in its thrust reversing configuration, flap 16 moves so as to cover the space between inner and outer panels 6 and 7 to prevent the thrust reversing gasses from passing between these elements. The movable flaps extend generally transversely across the nozzle between the inner walls 8 of fixed side walls 2. The inner walls 8 may have indentations to accommodate the pivoting attachments of the movable flaps throughout their range of motion. Known sealing devices may be interposed between the movable flaps and the inner walls 8 to prevent the leakage exhaust gasses therebetween and to improve the efficiency of the nozzle. Although the control system is shown on only one side of the nozzle in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is to be understood that an identical control system is located on the opposite side of the nozzle. A frame 17 is movably attached to outer side wall 9 via pivot 18, roller 19 and guide member 20. Frame 17 is pivotally attached to the roller 19 by pivot 18. Roller 19 is guided by member 20 so as to move longitudinally in the plane AA passing through the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. Guide member 20 is mounted on the outer wall 9 of the fixed side wall 2. The control mechanism includes a pair of actuators 23, each having extendable and retractable rods 22 connected to the frame 17 by hinge means 21. The actuators 23 are mounted upstream from the frame 17 and serve to move the frame with respect to the guide member 20. Upstream flaps 10 are pivotally connected to frame 17 at their upstream edges by hinge 24. Hinge member 25 serves to pivotally connect a first portion of cam member 26 to the frame 17, while a second portion of the cam member 26 is pivotally connected to the downstream flap 11 by hinge 29. Cross bars 27 and 28 extend coaxially with hinge members 24 and 25, respectively, and serve to connect the frame 17 on one side of the nozzle to the frame 17 on the opposite side of the nozzle. This forms a substantially rigid rectangular structure which permits the actuators 23 on one side of the nozzle to actuate both frames 17 in the case of failure of one or more of the actuators 23 on the opposite side of the nozzle. This provides a redundant safety feature and increases the reliability of the nozzle. Cam member 26 extends in a generally vertical plane and comprises a rib 30 which extends generally perpendicular to this plane and defines a primary cam surface 31. Cam surface 31 is formed such that it comprises a generally circular cam surface portion near the hinge 29 and an oppositely curved portion extending away from the generally circular portion. The opposite side of rib 30 forms a secondary cam surface 32 adapted to be contacted by roller 36 mounted on arm 35 which, in turn, is attached to cross member 3. Roller 36 bearing agaisnt secondary cam surface 32 maintains contact betwen the primary cam surface 31 and the roller 34. Roller 34 is rotatably supported by bearings 33 and is mounted so as to rotate about cross member 3. The thrust of the exhaust gasses bearing against flaps 10 and 11 generally serves to maintain contact between the roller 34 and the cam surface 31, but roller 36 maintains this contact even during those periods of operation when the thrust may be insufficient to do so. Downstream flap 11 is pivotally attached to the downstream edge of upstream flap 10 by hinge shaft 37. The length of shaft 37 is such that it does not extend through the inner walls 8 of the fixed sides 2. Downstream flap 11 is also interconnected to outer or cold flap 15 by link rods 40. Pivot connections 39 and 41 serve to connect the ends of link rods 40 with the outer flap 15 and the downstream flap 11, respectively. Outer flap 15 is pivotally attached at its upstream edge to cross member 5 by clevis joint 38. The relative positions of pivot connections 29 and 41 on the downstream flap 11 as well as the length of link rod 40 may be determined for each individual nozzle application to optimize the distance between the downstream end of the downstream flap 11 and the outer flap 15 to reduce the base drag. The mechanism for actuating the thrust reversing flaps comprises a pivoting member 42 pivotally mounted to the outer wall 9 of fixed side 2 by pivot 43. Member 42 is fixedly joined to the thrust reversing flap 14 (the external sealing flap) by means of shafts 44 and 44a. The ends of shaft 44a pass through the inner walls 8 of the fixed sides 2 through an arcuate opening 45 and may be provided with sealing member 46. The pivoting member 42 also is connected to the remaining thrust reversing flaps via a linkage mechanism such that all of the flaps are simultaneously actuated. The link system includes first link rod 47 attached to member 42 at joint 48 and at joint 49 to a second link rod 50 which, in turn, is fixedly attached to intermediate thrust reversing flap 16. The pivoting movement of member 42 moves the first link rod 47 which, in turn, causes the intermediate thrust reversing flap 16 to pivot about its attachment shaft 51. A third link rod 52 is connected to link rod 47 at joint 49 at one end and, at joint 53, to a fourth link rod 54, which, in turn, is fixedly attached to the first thrust reversing flap 12. Thrust reversing flap 12 is caused to pivot about its attachment axis 55 as member 42 pivots about is attachment point 43. A fifth link rod 56 connects fourth link rod 54 to a sixth link rod 57 which, in turn, is fixedly attached to the second thrust reversing flap 13 which pivots about its attachment shaft 58. The lengths of the various link rods are computed for each specific nozzle application such that the thrust reversing flaps are simultaneously actuated and remain approximately mutually parallel while moving between their closed positions and their open positions. A guide rail 59 is fixedly attached to pivoting member 42 and serves to attach the pivoting member 42 to the pivot attachment point 43. Guide rail 59 defines a guide path comprising a substantially straight portion 64, extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle and obliquely extending portion 65. Follower roller 60 is supported so as to be movable along the guide path and is attached to mounting member 61. Mounting member 61 is, in turn, attached to frame 7 at pivot point 18 such that frame 7 may pivot about this point with respect to the mounting frame 61. Mounting frame 61, however, is constrained so as to only undergo translational movement in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. This is achieved by attaching roller 63 to the mounting frame at point 62 such that roller 63 also is guided by guide member 20. Thus, rollers 19 and 63, and their engagement with guide member 20 serves to prevent any rotation of mounting member 61. It is preferred that the distance between the roller follower 60 and the plane AA passing through the longitudinal center line of the nozzle be equal to the sum of the distances from the axis of the straight portion 64 of the guide path 59 to the pivot point 43 and the distance from the pivot point 43 to the plane AA. As a result, the mounting member 61 and the movable frame 17 can be displaced over a substantial distance without causing the member 42 to pivot, thereby operating the thrust reversing flaps. This enables the nozzle geometry to be varied without actuating the thrust reversing system. The operation of the system will now be described with particular reference to FIGS. 2-6. It will be assumed that the positions of the flaps are as shown in FIG. 2 with the thrust reversing flaps 13 and 14 extending generally co-planar with inner wall 6 and thrust reversing flap 14 extending generally co-planar with outer wall 7. It will also be assumed that the upstream edge of upstream flap 10 is generally tangent to the plane defined by inner wall 6 and the thrust reversing flaps 12 and 13. Flexible sealing means 66 may be provided so as to seal the area between the thrust reversing flaps 12 and 13, and the attachment point 27 of the upstream nozzle 10 to prevent the leakage of gasses through this area. With the nozzle in its widest opening, the rods 22 of the actuators 23 are retracted to their extreme positions as shown in FIG. 2. In this position, upstream flaps 10 are slightly convergent, while downstream flaps 11 are slightly divergent. If it is desired to alter the shape of the nozzle, while still maintaining the thrust substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of the nozzle, the rods 22 of actuators 23 are all extended an equal amount so as to translate frame 17 in a downstream direction, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The interaction of cam 26 with roller 33, as well as the interaction of link 40 between the downstream flap 11 and cold flap 15 moves the flaps 10 and 11 to the positions shown in FIG. 4. In this orientation, upstream flaps 10 are highly convergent while downstream flaps 11 are slightly convergent. During this movement of frame 17, the thrust reversing flaps are retained in their closed positions, since follower roller 60 is moving along the straight portion 64 of guide path 69. Thus, member 42 is not caused to pivot about its attachment point. At the position shown in FIG. 4, the cross bar 27 attaching upstream edge of upstream flap 10 to the frame 17 is generally at the downstream edge of thrust reversing flap 13. As the motion of frame 17 continues in a downstream direction, the convergence of the flaps 10 and 11 increases such that they tend to close the nozzle, as illustrated in FIG. 5. However, before this point is reached, follower roller 60 encounters the obliquely extending portion 65 of guide path 59. Thus, as further movement of frame 17 takes place in this direction, follower roller 60 causes member 42 to pivot about its attachment point 43, thereby opening the thrust reversing flaps 12, 13, 14 and 16. The opening of these flaps redirects the gasses in a direction which exerts a reversing thrust on the nozzle structure. It is also possible to utilize the control system and nozzle according to this invention to vector or direct the thrust to a position which is not coincident with the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. If it is assumed that the nozzle structure is in the orientation shown in FIG. 4, pivoting the frame member 17 about pivot point 18, as illustrated in FIG. 6, will serve to vector the exiting gasses from the nozzle and to provide a vector thrust. Pivoting member 17 is accomplished by extending one of the rods 22 of one of the actuators 23 further than the other rod on the same side of the nozzle. Pivoting the frame 17 about pivot point 18 changes the relative positions between the upper and lower cam members 26, thereby placing the upper flaps 10 and 11 in a different orientation from the lower flaps 10 and 11. As long as the pivoting takes place while the follower roller 60 is in the straight portion 64 of guide path 59, the thrust reversing flaps will remain closed. As shown in FIG. 3, points A, B, C and D are located at the intersection of the pivot axes of hinge points 24, 25, 29 and 37 with a generally vertically extending plane passing through the nozzle. Lines interconnecting points A, B, C and D form a quadrilateral having at least two opposide sides of different lengths. The foregoing is provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as in any way limiting this invention, the scope of which is defined solely by the appended claims.
An adjustable two-dimensional nozzle is disclosed in which simplified control means are located away from the flow of gasses through the nozzle. The nozzle includes a movable frame located outside of fixed sidewalls and has pivotally attached thereto a pair of upstream or converging nozzle flaps. Upstream edges of the upstream flaps are attached to the movable frame such that the flaps pivot about axes extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. Downstream or diverging flaps are attached to the downstream edges of the upstream flaps such that these flaps also pivot about axes extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. A cam member extends between each of the movable frames and each downstream flap to control the angular variations of the flaps during movement of the frame. The flap arrangements are symmetrically arranged with respect to a plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the nozzle, such that translational movement of the frames will alter the cross-section of the nozzle in a symmetrical manner with respect to the plane. If the frame is rotated about its pivot attachment, the nozzle flaps will be asymmetrically adjusted and may be utilized to vector the thrust of the gasses emanating from the nozzle.
5
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a technique for assuring security in a computer network such as a software library and a transaction system between companies. Hitherto, for example, with respect to an electronic signature, when the electronic signature (digital signature) for a long message is generated by using only open key ciphers, it takes long time. Consequently, a method of once compressing the message into short data and generating an electronic signature for the compressed data is used. In the method of compression, unlike ordinary data compression, it is unnecessary to reconstruct the original message from the compressed data but the data is compressed so as to have a certain kind of cipher characteristic. The hash function is then considered. A message of a business transaction document or the like, for example, a document A "Mar. 10, 1996, To Susaki Company, I will purchase a car (catalog No. 1443) at 1,040,000 yen. Yoshiura" is input data to the hash function. The input data can be have any length. The hash function performs a process similar to encipherment to the input data, thereby compressing the data into short data having a predetermined length. For example, a hash value: 283AC9081E83D5B28977 is an output of the hash function. The hash value is also called a message digest or a finger print. Ideally, only one hash value substantially exists in the world for a message. In order to assure that "only one hash value substantially exists in the world", it is said that at least about 128 bits is necessary as the length of the hash value. Specifically speaking, the hash function has to have the following characteristics. (1) one-way property: When it is assumed that an output value M' of the hash function is given for a message M, another message M(X) which might have the same output value M' as the output value M' should be difficult to be obtained from the viewpoint of the amount of calculation. e.g. It is assumed that the birthday of Kazuo is February 22nd. In case of finding another person whose birthday is the same as Kazuo's birthday, when the birthday of each of about (365/2≈) 183 people is checked, the person can be found. When the people is replaced by a message and the birthday is replaced by a hash value, a similar calculation method can be used. That is, when the length of the hash value is 160 bits, the total number of hash values is 2 160 . When messages of 2 160 /2=2 159 are checked on the average, another message having the same hash value as that of a certain message can be found. It is difficult to find another message having the same hash value from the viewpoint of the amount of calculation. (2) collision free property: It should be difficult from the viewpoint of calculation amount to find two different messages M and M(X) having the same hash value from any messages and hash values. e.g. When it is desired to find two any persons whose birthday is the same, if the birthdays of about 24 persons are checked on the average, two persons whose birthday is the same can be found. Similarly, when it is assumed that the length of the hash value is 160 bits and two different messages having the same hash value are searched, it is sufficient to check about 2 160 /2=2 80 sets of messages on the average. Although the number is much smaller than that in the case of the one-way property, it is still difficult from the viewpoint of calculation amount. Various methods of realizing the hash function have been disclosed and a method of repeating substitution and transposition is the mainstream since the processing speed is overwhelmingly faster than a method using the open key cipher. A conventional technique showing the method of the process is disclosed in the following literature. ISO/IEC 10118-2, "Information technology Security techniques--Hash-functions: Part 2: Hash-functions using an n-bit block cipher algorithm" (1994). In the conventional technique, as shown in FIG. 21, a message 2501 which is desired to be compressed is first divided into a first division M 1 2502, a second division M 2 2503, . . . each having a predetermined length and the resultant data is inputted to a hash function 2507. In the hash function 2507, a repetitive processing 2505 of substitution and transposition is performed to the first division M 1 2502 by using an initial value 2504 as a parameter, thereby obtaining a first intermediate output. Subsequently, by performing the repetitive processing 2505 of substitution and transposition to the second division M 2 2503 by using the intermediate output as a parameter, a second intermediate output is obtained. Such processes are repeated and a final intermediate output is used as a hash value H 2506 to be obtained. In the repetitive processing 2505 of substitution and transposition, an enciphering function such as DES (Data Expansion Standard) is used. The function is called "a hash function using a block cipher", standardized by ISO, and disclosed in the above-mentioned literature of the conventional technique. The details of the method are as follows. An enciphering function 2509 is applied to the first division M 1 2502 by using data obtained by transforming the initial value 2504 with a transforming function 2508, thereby enciphering the first division M 1 2502. The exclusive OR 2510 is obtained every bit between the result of encipherment and the first division M 1 2502 and is used as an intermediate output of the repetitive processing 2505 of substitution and transposition. The intermediate output is fed back to the repetitive processing 2505 of substitution and transposition and the enciphering function 2509 is applied to the second division M 2 2503 by using data obtained by transforming the input data with the transforming function 2508, thereby performing the enciphering process. The exclusive OR 2510 between the enciphered data and the second division M 2 2503 is obtained every bit and is used as an intermediate output of the repetitive processing 2505 of substitution and transposition. Such processes are repeated and the final intermediate output is used as the hash value H 2506 to be derived. When the DES is used as the enciphering function 2509, the length of each of the first division M 1 2502, the second division M 2 2503, . . . is 64 bits, the length of the output of the repetitive processing 2505 of substitution and transposition is 64 bits, and the length of the hash value H 2506 is also 64 bits. The feature of the "hash function using the block cipher" is that the length of each of the divisions M 1 2502, M 2 2503, . . . is equal to the length of the output of the repetitive processing 2505 of substitution and transposition. In the repetitive processing 2505 of substitution and transposition, methods which do not use the enciphering function 2509 such as DES are called "dedicated hash functions". There are SHA-1, RIPEMD-160, etc. which are being standardized by the internet standards MD5 and ISO. Among them, MD5 is disclosed in "The MD5 Message Digest Algorithm", by R. Rivest, IETF RFC 1321 (1992). In MD5, the message 2501 is divided into parts each having the length of 512 bits, thereby obtaining the first division M 1 2502 of 512 bits, the second division M 2 2503 of 512 bits, . . . . The resultant data is inputted to the hash function 2507. In the hash function 2507, the repetitive processing 2505 of substitution and transposition is performed to the first division Ml 2502 of 512 bits by using the initial value 2504 of 128 bits as a parameter, thereby obtaining the intermediate output of 128 bits. Subsequently, the repetitive processing 2505 of substitution and transposition is performed to the second division M 2 2503 of 512 bits by using the derived intermediate output as a parameter, thereby obtaining an intermediate output of 128 bits. Such processes are repeated and the final intermediate output of 128 bits is used as the hash value H2506. The feature of the "dedicated hash function" is that the length of the output of the repetitive processing 2505 of substitution and transposition is shorter than the length of each of the divisions M 1 2502, M 2 2503, . . . of the message. The processing speed of MD5 is high and is 1,000 times as fast as that of the open key cipher. For example, data of about 100,000 bits is compressed by software on a personal computer using Pentium 90 MHz in about 1 milli-second (1/1000 second). Consequently, the electronic signature can be generated at high speed for a relatively long sentence or a figure. The above known technique has, however, the following drawbacks. (1) The processing speed of the hash value generated by the "hash function using the block cipher" is low. The length of the input and that of the output to/from the enciphering function (block cipher) such as DES which can be used in the hash function is 64 bits which is short. The hash value obtained is consequently 64 bits which is not sufficiently long to realize the collision free property. Therefore, the hash value of 128 bits is generated by executing the calculation of the hash function twice by changing the initial value and the like, but a problem of slow processing speed occurs. (2) It is feared that the hash value generated by the "dedicated hash function" is insufficient from the viewpoint of security. As mentioned above, in the "dedicated hash function", the simple repetitive processing 2505 of substitution and transposition is performed to the data obtained by dividing the message. In this case, the length (for example, 128 bits) of the output value is shorter than the length (for example, 512 bits) of the input value. Consequently, input collision such that the same output is obtained from different two inputs can be relatively easily caused by paying attention to the relation between the message division data input of 512 bits and the compressed data output of 128 bits. That is, the hash function can be relatively easily broken. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, a main object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for generating a hash value in which the security is increased while the processing speed is not reduced. A specific object of the invention is to generate a hash value having a long length of bits at high speed by a personal computer constructed by a general microcomputer, for example, to enable a hash value of 256 bits to be generated by calculating a few cycles of internal clocks. (1) As mentioned above, an object of the invention is to realize generation of a hash function at high speed. In a processing step of the hash function, for example, both of a cyclic shifting process (A=rot 5 (X L +H 2 +1), C=B+rot 12 (B)+1) to 32-bit data and an integrating operation between 32-bit data and 32-bit data (process of E=C·D+Y 2 ) are used. It is effective to efficiently scramble the data by the following reason. Although the cyclic shifting realizes the transposition of data of 32 bits by one process, a recent microprocessor, for example, Pentium® of Intel Corporation completes the cyclic shifting in one cycle. Pentium of 100 MHz executes one hundred million times of cyclic shifting in one second. The processing speed is forty times as high as that of the 68020 processor of 20 MHz which can execute only about 2,500,000 times of the cyclic shifting in one second. The integrating operation between 32-bit data and 32-bit data, that is, (32-bit data×32-bit data=64-bit data) is very effective substitution when the data scrambling degree in which all of the bits of an output is influenced by the bits of an input is enhanced. Pentium of 100 MHz executes the integrating operation ten million times in one second. The processing speed is twenty times as high as that of the 68020 processor of 20 MHz which can execute the integrating operation only about five hundred thousand times in one second. One of the features of the invention is that the fundamental arithmetic operation of a microprocessor which is especially advantageous by recent technical innovations is used in the processing of the transposition and substitution. Consequently, the calculation of the hash function can be realized at high speed. With respect to addition of data of 32 bits and data of 32 bits which is conventionally often used in a substituting process, pentium of 100 MHz executes the addition one hundred million times in one second. The processing speed is only ten times as fast as that of the 68020 processor of 20 MHz which executes the adding operation about ten million times in one second. When the fact that the multiplication has data scrambling effect of addition of 32 times and the shifting of 32 times is considered, it can be said that the advantage of multiplication is increased more than addition in the age of Pentium. (2) It is another object of the invention to realize a safe (highly secured) hash function. According to the conventional technique of FIG. 21, when the length of each division of the message inputted to the repetitive processing 2505 of substitution and transposition is compared with the length of the intermediate output, the length of the input is equal to that of the output ("hash function using the block cipher") or the length of the input is longer than that of the output ("dedicated hash function"). On the contrary, according to the invention, the length of an input unit of the message is shorter than the length of an output and a process for performing a one to one expansion transformation such that when input values are different, output values are always different is included. Consequently, the collision of messages in the repetitive processing 2505 of substitution and transposition, which is a problem in MD5, can be relatively easily avoided. (3) It is further another object of the invention to realize a hash function in which an initial value has high collision free property. In the conventional technique, after the initial value 2504 is first processed, it is not subjected to any process. On the contrary, according to the invention, an initial value processed first is subjected to a process in a data expanding part and is again inputted to an input part to which an input unit of a message of a one to one expanding part is also inputted. Thus, collision of the initial values such that the same hash value is derived from different initial values does not easily occur. (4) It is further another object of the invention to realize a hash function having high collision free property of a message. According to the conventional technique, after divisions M 1 2502, M 2 2503, . . . of a message are once processed, they were not subjected to any process. On the contrary, according to the invention, the divisions are again inputted to the same input part generally K times. Consequently, collision of the messages such that the same hash value is derived from different messages does not easily occur. (5) It is further another object of the invention to compound various functions of the hash function. Hitherto, the open key cipher and a common key cipher and data compression are provided as separate functions. That is, conventionally, when it is desired to compress a message and send ciphers, the following processes are separately executed; (a) a session key generated by generating a random number is enciphered by an open key enciphering function and the resultant data is distributed to a receiver, (b) a message is compressed by a data compressing function, and (c) the compressed message is enciphered by the session key and the common key enciphering function and the resultant data is sent to the receiver. On the contrary, according to the invention, the open and common key ciphers and the data compression are combined so as not to be separated, thereby enabling those three functions to be simultaneously effectively realized. In order to solve the problems of the conventional technique, the invention employs the following means. (1) According to the conventional technique, when the length of the division of the message inputted to the repetitive processing 2507 of substitution and transposition is compared with the length of the intermediate output to be generated, the length of the output is equal to the length of the input ("hash function using the block cipher") or the length of the output is shorter than the length of the input ("dedicated hash function"). On the contrary, according to the invention, the length of the output is longer than that of the input and the process for executing the one to one expansion transformation so that when input values are different, output values are always different is included. Consequently, the collision of the messages in the repetitive processing 2505 of substitution and transposition, which is the problem in MD5, can be relatively easily avoided. (2) The one to one expansion transformation includes the process for executing multiplication to the data obtained by transforming the input value and the process for executing a plurality times of cyclic shifting calculation in which shift values are different. Consequently, the cyclic shifting calculation and the multiplication whose processing speed is particularly improved in association with the advancement of recent microprocessors such as Pentium can be effectively used to scramble data. That is, the multiplication and the cyclic shifting calculation are used in the calculation of the hash function so that the calculation of the hash function can be remarkably improved. (3) In the conventional technique, after the initial value 2504 is first used as a parameter, the initial value 2504 is not subjected to any process. On the contrary, according to the invention, the initial value 2504 used first as a parameter is again inputted to the same input part to which the message 2501 is inputted. Consequently, the collision of the initial values such that the same hash value is derived from different initial values does not easily occur. (4) In the conventional technique, after the divisions M 1 2502, M 2 2503, . . . of the message are once processed, they are not used in any processes. On the contrary, according to the invention, the divisions of the message once processed are again inputted to the same input part later. Consequently, the collision of the messages such that the same hash value is derived from different initial values can be suppressed. The methods of the invention can be realized by software (computer program). The program can be stored in a recording medium such as a hard disk drive and can be distributed in a form stored in a portable recording medium such as ROM, CD-ROM, flexible disk, or the like. The program realizing the invention can be also loaded via a network into an apparatus executing the program. The above and other objects and features will become more apparent from the following preferred embodiments described with reference to the appended drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a construction example of a 256-bit hash function according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a construction example of a mixing process of a message with an initial value in the 256-bit hash function of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of K times per L blocks repetitive expansion of mixed data in the 256-bit hash function of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a one to one expansion part in FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of one to one expansion from 64-bit data to 96-bit data in the processing flow of the one to one expansion part of FIG. 4: FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of one to one expansion from 96-bit data to 128-bit data in the processing flow of the one to one expansion part of FIG. 4; FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of one to one expansion from 128-bit data to 256-bit data in the processing flow of the one to one expansion part of FIG. 4; FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a construction example of an 80-bit hash function according to another embodiment of the invention; FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a construction example of a mixing process of a message with an initial value in the 80-bit hash function of FIG. 8; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a one to one expansion part in FIG. 8: FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of one to one transformation from 64-bit data to 64-bit data in the processing flow of the one to one expansion part of FIG. 10; FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of one to one expansion process from 64-bit data to 80-bit data in the processing flow of the one to one expansion part of FIG. 10; FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a construction example of a 128-bit block cipher according to further another embodiment of the invention; FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of a π function in the block cipher of FIG. 13; FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a construction example of a masking apparatus according to further another embodiment of the invention; FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a construction example of a cipher apparatus according to further another embodiment of the invention; FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a construction example of a compression and enciphering function in the cipher apparatus of FIG. 16; FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a construction example of a decoder according to further another embodiment of the invention; FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a construction example of a decoding and expanding function in the decoder of FIG. 18; FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a construction example of a cipher apparatus according to further another embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the construction of a conventional apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the invention. When a message 2501 is inputted to a hash function 101, a process 103 of "mixture of the message with an initial value" is performed in a data expansion part 102. After that, a process 104 of "K times per L blocks repetitive expansion of the mixed data" is performed and expanded data 107 is generated. Subsequently, the expanded data 107 is divided into parts each having the length of 64 bits such as a first division E 1 108 of 64 bits, a second division E 2 109 of 64 bits, . . . , and the resultant data is inputted to a one to one expansion part 105. In the one to one expansion part 105, by performing the one to one expansion to the 64-bit first division E 1 108 by using an initial value 110 of 256 bits as a parameter, an intermediate output of 256 bits is obtained. By performing the one to one expansion 105 to the 64-bit second division E 2 109 by using the intermediate output as a parameter, an intermediate output of 256 bits is obtained. Such processes are repeated and an intermediate output of 256 bits which is obtained at last serves as a hash value H 111 to be derived. FIG. 2 shows the details of the process 103 of "the mixture of the message with the initial value" in FIG. 1. The initial value 110 and the message 2501 are inputted to the process 103 of "the mixture of the message with the initial value". The initial value 110 consists of four 64-bit data blocks I 1 201, I 2 202, I 3 203, and I 4 204 in this order. First, in a padding process 220, with reference to a preset integer L, data is connected to the message 2501 so that the numerical value obtained by adding 256 to the length of the message 2501 is equal to a value which is integer times as large as (L×64). (1) When the numerical value obtained by adding 256 to the length of the message 2501 is equal to a value which is integer times as large as (L×64), the bit "1" and (L×64-1) pieces of the bit "0" are connected to the end of the message in this order. (2) When the numerical value obtained by adding 256 to the length of the message 2501 is not equal to a value which is integer times as large as (L×64) bits, the bit "1" and a few pieces (from 0 to (L×64-2)) of the bit "0" are connected to the end of the message in this order, thereby adjusting the total length to the value which is integer times as large as (L×64) bits. The message 2501 becomes data 216 in which (N) 64-bit data blocks M 1 205, M 2 206, M 3 207, M 4 208, M 5 209, . . . are sequentially lined in a row after the padding process. When the data 216 is inputted to a process 217, the data is substituted like M 1 to D 1 , I 1 to D 2 , M 2 to D 3 , I 2 to D 4 , M 3 to D 5 , I 3 to D 6 , M 4 to D 7 , I 4 to D 8 , M 5 to D 9 , M 6 to D 10 , M 7 to D 11 , . . . . Data in which (N+4) 64-bit data blocks D 1 210, D 2 211, D 3 212, D 4 213, D 5 214, . . . are sequentially lined in a row is generated as expanded intermediate data 215. The length of the expanded intermediate data 215 is just the integer times of (L×64 bits). FIG. 3 shows a detailed flow of the process 104 of "the K times per L blocks repetitive expansion of the mixed data" in FIG. 1. In FIG. 3, the following processes are performed. Step 301: start Step 302: The expanded intermediate data D 1 , D 2 , . . . obtained in the process of FIG. 2 is inputted. Step 303: i=1, j=0 are set. Step 304: m=(I-(i(mod L·K)))/K+((I-1)(mod L)) +1 Step 305: E i =D m Step 306: E i is outputted. Step 307: Is D m the last input data? If YES, the processing routine advances to step 308. If NO, the processing routine advances to step 310. Step 308: j=j+1 Step 309: j>K? If YES, the processing routine advances to step 311. If NO, the processing routine advances to step 310. Step 310: i=i+1. The processing routine is returned to step 304. Step 311: End By executing the process of FIG. 3, the expanded intermediate data D 1 , D 2 , . . . is expanded in such a manner that it is repeated K times every L blocks and is outputted as expanded data E 1 , E 2 , . . . . The length of each of the expanded data E 1 , E 2 , . . . is K times as long as that of each of the expanded intermediate data D 1 , D 2 , . . . . FIG. 4 shows a detailed flow of the one to one expansion part 105 in FIG. 1. In FIG. 4, the following process is executed. Step 401: Start Step 402: An initial value of 256 bits is inputted as H. Step 403: i=1 is set Step 404: The (i)th 64-bit block E i in the expanded data as an output of FIG. 3 is inputted. Step 405: One to one expansion from 64-bit data into 96-bit data is performed to E i , thereby obtaining data of 96 bits. Step 406: One to one expansion from 96-bit data into 128-bit data is performed to the derived 96-bit data, thereby obtaining data of 128 bits. Step 407: One to one expansion from 128-bit data to 256-bit data is performed to the derived 128-bit data, thereby obtaining 256-bit data H. Step 408: Is E i the last input data? If YES, the processing routine advances to step 410. If NO, the processing routine advances to step 409. Step 409: i=i+1 is set. The processing routine is returned to step 404. Step 410: The 256-bit data H is outputted. Step 411: End The output value H obtained as a result of the process of FIG. 4 is the hash value H 111. FIG. 5 shows a detailed flow of the step 405 of "the one to one expansion from 64-bit data into 96-bit data". In FIG. 5, the following process is executed. Step 501: Start Step 502: The 64-bit data block E i is inputted. The upper 32 bits of E i are set as X 1 and the lower 32 bits of E i are set as Y 1 . Similarly, the 256-bit data block H is inputted and is divided from the head every 32 bits, thereby obtaining eight 32-bit data H 1 , H 2 , . . . , H 8 . Step 503: X 2 =X 1 +(Y 1 +H 1 ) 2 and Y 2 =Y 1 are calculated. Consequently, data of 64 bits is derived as X 2 and data of 32 bits is obtained as Y 2 . Step 504: X 2 and Y 2 are outputted. Step 505: End By the process of FIG. 5, the 64-bit input data E i is expanded to data of total 96 bits of the 64-bit X 2 and the 32-bit Y 2 and the data of 96 bits is outputted. In the process of step 503, (X 1 , Y 1 to X 2 , Y 2 ) is one to one expansion since an output space (96 bits) is longer than an input space (64 bits) and when X 2 and Y 2 are given, X 1 and Y 2 are unconditionally determined by X 1 =X 2 -(Y 2 +H 1 ) 2 , Y 1 =Y 2 . FIG. 6 shows a detailed flow of the step 406 of "the one to one expansion from 96-bit data to 128-bit data" in FIG. 4. Step 601: Start Step 602: X 2 and Y 2 obtained in FIG. 5 are inputted. H 1 , H 2 , H 3 , H 4 , H 5 , H 6 , H 7 , and H 8 are also inputted. Step 603: The upper 32 bits of X 2 are set as X H and the lower 32 bits are set as X L . Step 604: The following calculation is sequentially executed. A=rot 5 (X L +H 2 +1) B=A+(X H VH 3 )+1 C=B+rot 12 (B)+1 D=X H +(H 4 XOR C)+1 E=C·D+Y 2 F=X 2 +E+(H 5 ∥H 6 ) X 3 =E+F+(H 7 ∥H 8 ) Y 3 =F rot T (U) shows data obtained by cyclically shifting numerical data U by T bits to the high order side. For example, rot 2 (110000) is 000011 (the left side of the numerical data is the high order side). XOR shows the exclusive OR of every bit (it is shown by a sign having "+" in a circle in the diagram). For example, 110010 XOR 011001=101011. + denotes addition of digits. When shift occurs in calculation of the most significant bit, the shift part is ignored. For instance, 101101+100100=010001. ∥ shows the connection of data. For example, 101101∥100100=101101100100. Step 605: X 3 and Y 3 are outputted. Step 606: End By the process of FIG. 6, the 64-bit input data X 2 and the 32-bit input data Y 2 is expanded to data of total 128 bits of the 64-bit data X 3 and the 64-bit data Y 3 and the resultant data is outputted. The process of step 604 is the one to one expansion in a manner similar to step 503. FIG. 7 shows a detailed flow of "the one to one expansion from 128-bit data to 256-bit data" 407 in FIG. 4. Step 701: Start Step 702: X 3 and Y 3 obtained in FIG. 6 are inputted. H 1 , H 2 , H 3 , H 4 , H 5 , H 6 , H 7 , and H 8 obtained in FIG. 5 are also inputted. Step 703: The upper 32 bits of X 3 are set as X H and the lower 32 bits of X 3 are set as X L . Step 704: The upper 32 bits of Y 3 are set as Y H and the lower 32 bits are set as Y L . Step 705: The following process is executed. K1∥K2=((X H XOR H 3 )∥(X H XOR H 4 ))+(H 7 ∥H 8 ) K3∥K4=((X L XOR H 1 )∥(X L XOR H 2 ))+(H 5 ∥H 6 ) K5∥K6=((Y H XOR H 7 )∥(Y H XOR H 8 ))+(H 2 ∥H 1 ) K7∥K8=((Y L XOR H 5 )∥(Y L XOR H 6 ))+(H 4 ∥H 3 ) Step 706: K 1 ∥K 2 ∥K 3 ∥K 4 ∥K 5 ∥K 6 ∥K 7 ∥K 8 →H Step 707: H is outputted. Step 708: End By the process of FIG. 7, the input data X 3 of 64 bits and the input data Y 3 of 64 bits are expanded to H of 256 bits and H is outputted. In step 705, the one to one expansion similar to that of step 505 is executed. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the invention. An initial value 802, a hash value H 804, a process 801 of "mixture of a message with the initial value", and a one to one expansion part 803 are different from FIG. 1. (1) In FIG. 1, the length of the initial value 110 is 256 bits. In FIG. 8, the length of the initial value 802 is 80 bits. (2) In FIG. 1, the length of the hash value H 111 is 256 bits. In FIG. 8, the length of the hash value H 804 is 80 bits. (3) In FIG. 1, the details of the process 103 of "the mixture of the message with the initial value" are as shown in FIG. 2. The process 801 of "the mixture of the message with the initial value" is as shown in FIG. 9. To the process 801 of "the mixture of the message with the initial value", the initial value 802 and the message 2501 are inputted. In the initial value 802, a 64-bit data block I 1 901 and a 16-bit data block I 2 902 are lined in a row in this order. The message 2501 is transformed to data in which (N) 64-bit data blocks M 1 205, M 2 206, M 3 207, M 4 208, M 5 209, . . . are sequentially lined by the padding process 220. When the data is inputted to a process 903, the data is substituted like M 1 to D 1 , I 1 to D 2 , M 2 to D 3 , I 2 ∥I 2 ∥I 2 ∥I 2 to D 4 , M 3 to D 5 , M 4 to D 6 , M 5 to D 7 , M 6 to D 8 , M 7 to D 9 , . . . . As a result of the substitution, data in which (N+2) 64-bit data blocks D 1 211, D 2 211, D 3 212, D 4 213, D 5 214, . . . are sequentially lined is outputted as the expanded intermediate data 215. (4) In FIG. 1, the process of the one to one expansion part 105 is as shown in FIG. 4. The process of the one to one expansion part 803 in FIG. 8 is as shown in FIG. 10. Step 1001: Start Step 1002: The initial value of 80 bits is inputted as H. Step 1003: i=1 is set. Step 1004: In the expanded data as the output of FIG. 3, the (i)th 64-bit block E i is inputted. Step 1005: The one to one transformation from 64-bit data to 64-bit data is performed to E i , thereby obtaining 64-bit data. Step 1006: The one to one expansion from 64-bit data to 80-bit data is performed to the obtained 64-bit data, thereby deriving 80-bit data. The derived 80-bit data is set as H. Step 1007: Is E i the last input data? If YES, the processing routine advances to step 1009. If NO, the processing routine advances to step 1008. Step 1008: i=i+1 is set. The processing routine is returned to step 1004. Step 1009: The data H of 80 bits is outputted. Step 1010: End The output value H obtained by the process of FIG. 10 is the hash value H 804. FIG. 11 shows a detailed flow of the "one to one expansion from 64-bit data to 80-bit data" in FIG. 10. The following process is performed in FIG. 11. Step 1101: Start Step 1102: The 64-bit data block E i is inputted. The upper 32 bits of E i are set as X 1 and the lower 32 bits are set as Y 1 . Similarly, the 80-bit data block H is inputted and is divided from the head into three parts of 32 bits, 32 bits, and 16 bits, thereby obtaining three data H 1 , H 2 , and H 3 . Step 1103: X 2 =X 1 +(Y 1 +H 1 ) 2 (mod 2 32 ) and Y 2 =Y 1 are calculated. X (mod 2 32 ) shows the remainder when X is divided by 2 32 . As a result, X 2 becomes data of 32 bits and Y 2 becomes data of 32 bits. Step 1104: X 2 and Y 2 are outputted. Step 1105: End By the process of FIG. 11, the input data E i of 64 bits is transformed to data of total 64 bits of X 2 of 32 bits and Y 2 of 32 bits and the resultant data is outputted. In the process of step 1103, X 1 , Y 1 correspond to X 2 , X 2 in a one to one manner, for when X 2 , Y 2 are given, X 1 and Y 1 are unconditionally determined by X 1 =X 2 -(Y 2 +H 1 ) 2 (mod 2 48 ) and Y 1 =Y 2 . FIG. 12 shows a detailed flow of the "one to one expansion from 64-bit data to 80-bit data" 1006 in FIG. 10. Step 1201: Start Step 1202: X 2 and Y 2 derived in FIG. 11 are inputted. H 1 , H 2 , and H 3 are also inputted. Step 1203: The following calculation is sequentially executed. A=rot 5 (X 2 +H 2 +1) B=A+(X 2 XOR(H 3 ∥H 3 )+1 C=rot 13 (B+H 1 ) D=C+(BH 2 )+1 E=D 2 +Y 2 (mod 2 48 ) F=X 2 +H 3 +E (mod 2 32 ) X 3 =E+F(H 1 ∥H 2 ) (mod 2 48 ) Y 3 =F Step 1204: X 3 and Y 3 are outputted. Step 1205: End By the process of FIG. 12, the input data X 2 of 32 bits and the input data Y 2 of 32 bits are expanded to data of total 80 bits of X 3 of 32 bits and Y 3 of 48 bits and the resultant data is outputted. The process of step 1203 is one to one expansion. As mentioned above, according to the another embodiment, the hash function for generating the output of 80 bits by using the one to one expansion can be constructed. Similarly, the hash function for generating an output having an arbitrary length of 64 bits or larger can be constructed by using the one to one expansion. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing further another embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 13, a data key 1302 having an arbitrary length and a normal description 1305 of 128 bits are inputted to a cipher apparatus 1311 and a cryptogram 1310 of 128 bits is outputted. A hash function h 1301 is the same as that shown in FIG. 1. The data key having the arbitrary length is inputted and a hash value of 256 bits is generated as a work key 1304. A system key 1303 is given as an initial value of the hash function h 1301. The work key of 256 bits is divided into eight 32-bit data H 1 , H 2 , . . . , and H 8 . The normal description 1305 of 128 bits is transformed by a function π 1306 by using seven 32-bit data H 1 to H 7 in the work key 1304 (except for H 8 ). Further, the result of the transformation is transformed by a function π 1307 by using the seven 32-bit data H 2 to H 8 in the work key 1304 (except for H 1 ). Such processes are repeated and, finally, data is transformed by a function π 1309 by using the seven 32-bit data H 8 to H 6 in the work key 1304 (except for H 7 ). Consequently, the cryptogram of 128 bits is outputted. FIG. 14 shows a processing flow of the function π 1306 in FIG. 13. Step 1401: Start Step 1402: The two 64-bit data X 1 and Y 1 are inputted. The seven 32-bit data H 1 to H 7 are also inputted. Step 1403: The high-order 32 bits of X 1 are set as X H and the low-order 32 bits of X 1 are set as X L . Step 1404: The following calculation is sequentially executed. A=rot 5 (X L +H 1 +1) B=A+(X H VH 2 )+1 C=B+rot 12 (B)+1 D=X H +(H 1 XOR C)+1 E=C·D+Y 1 F=X 1 +E+(H 4 ∥H 5 ) X 2 =E+F+(H 6 ∥H 7 ) Y 2 =F Step 1405: X 2 and Y 2 are outputted. Step 1406: End By the process of FIG. 14, the input data X 1 of 64 bits and the input data Y 1 of 64 bits are transformed to data of total 128 bits of X 2 of 64 bits and Y 2 of 64 bits and the resultant data is outputted. The process of the function π (X 1 ∥Y 1 to Y 2 ∥Y 2 ) is executed in a full one to one manner. That is, inverse transformation π -1 from the output X 2 ∥Y 2 to the input X 1 ∥Y 1 exists: (1) X 2 ∥Y 2 is inputted to π -1 . (2) The following calculation is sequentially executed. F=Y 2 E=X 2 -F-(H 6 ∥H 7 ) X 1 =F-E-(H 4 ∥H 5 ) X H ∥X L =X 1 A=rot 5 (X L +H 1 +1) B=A+(X H VH 2 )+1 C=B+rot 12 (B)+1 D=X H +(H 3 XOR C)+1 Y 1 =E-C·D (3) X 1 ∥Y 1 is outputted from π -1 . Similar processes are executed with respect to the other functions π 1307 to 1309. Consequently, the cryptogram 1310 generated in FIG. 13 can be decoded to the original normal description by the inverse transformation using π -1 . Although the number (n) of repeating the function (f) is eight in the embodiment of FIG. 13, (n) can be also changed to an arbitrary positive integer by, generally, giving the value of (n) from the outside. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing further another embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 15, a common key 1502 of 128 bits and expanded data 1503 are inputted to a masking apparatus 1501. The expanded data 1503 consists of (N) common keys 1502. In the masking apparatus 1501, a random number 1521 is generated by a random number generator 1508. Data obtained by connecting the random number 1521 and the common key 1502 is inputted to a hash function h 1509 and an output value of the hash function h 1509 serves as a work key 1524. When a first division 1504 as first 128-bit data of the expanded data 1503 is inputted, it is transformed by a π function 1513 by using data of a part of the work key 1524 as a parameter, thereby obtaining a work key 1525 of 128 bits. The π function 1513 executes the processes as shown in FIG. 14. π functions 1513, 1518, and 1519 which will be described hereinlater execute processes in a similar manner. The work key 1525 is transformed by a π function 1514 by using data of a part of the work key 1524 as a parameter, thereby obtaining data H 1 1522 of 128 bits. When a second division 1505 of the next 128 bits in the expanded data 1503 is inputted, the second division 1505 is transformed by the π function 1518 by using the work key 1525 as a parameter, thereby obtaining a work key 1526 of 128 bits. The work key 1526 is transformed by the π function 1519 by using the work key 1525 as a parameter, thereby obtaining data g2 1523 of 128 bits. In such a manner, the whole expanded data 1503 is transformed and masking data 1520 is outputted. In the embodiment, the masking data 1520 can be regarded as data obtained by expanding the common key 1502. The masking data 1520 can be also regarded as data obtained by enciphering the expanded data 1503 with the common key 1502. Actually, by executing the processes inverse to those of FIG. 15, the expanded data 1503 can be decoded by inputting the common key 1502 and the masking data 1520. Although the length of the common key 1502 is 128 bits in the embodiment, the common key 1502 can also has an arbitrary length. The n function acts twice on each of the data blocks 1504, 1505, . . . of the expanded data 1503 in the embodiment, however, it can also act (N) times generally. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing further another embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 16, a base point P 1602, an open key Q 1603, and a normal description 1604 as parameters in an elliptic cipher are inputted to a cipher apparatus 1601. The elliptic cipher here denotes an open key cipher generated by defining addition (x 1 , y 1 )+(x 2 , y 2 ) or calculation of integer times k(x 1 , y 1 ) or the like of two points (x 1 , y 1 ) and (x 2 , y 2 ) on an elliptic curve (y 2 =x 3 +ax+b). The base point P 1602 and the open key Q 1603 are also points on the elliptic curve and satisfy the following relation with a secret key d 1802 which will be described hereinlater. Q=dP In the cipher apparatus 1601, random numbers k are generated by a random number generating function 1607. The random number k and the base point P 1602 are inputted to an integer times calculating function 1608, R=kP is calculated, and R 1616 is generated. The random number k and the open key Q 1603 are inputted to the integer times calculating function 1609 and (x, y)=kQ is calculated, and the numerical value x on the x coordinate is outputted. A number generating function 1610 generates a sequence number "1" and a hash function h 1611 generates a hash value from data obtained by connecting the sequence number "1" and the numerical value x. By using the hash value as a key, a compression and enciphering function 1612 compresses and enciphers first N bits 1605 of the normal description 1604. The compressed and enciphered data is generated as data c 1 1618. A number generating function 1613 generates a sequence number "2" and a hash function h 1614 generates a hash value from data obtained by connecting the sequence number "2" and the numerical value x. By using the hash value as a key, a compression and enciphering function 1615 compresses and enciphers next N bits 1606 of the normal description 1604. The compressed and enciphered data is outputted as c 2 1619. Such processes are repeated and the whole normal description 1604 is transformed. Thus, a cryptogram 1616 can be obtained. FIG. 17 shows the details of the compression and enciphering function 1612 in FIG. 16. In a compression and enciphering function 1701, when a key 1705 is inputted, an extending function 1706 copies the key 1705 to obtain a plurality of keys. The plurality of keys are connected and generated as a work key 1723. When a first division 1703 of first N bits 1702 is inputted, a compression (substitution) process 1707 is performed by using data of a part of the work key 1723 and compressed data 1708 of 128 bits and a fraction 1709 are outputted. As the compression (substitution) process 1707, for example, Huffman compression is used. Similarly, the Huffman compression is also used as a compression (substitution) process 1713 which will be described hereinlater. Compressed data 1708 of 128 bits is transformed by a π function 1710 by using data of a part of the work key 1723 as a parameter. The data obtained by the transformation is extended by an extending function 1712 and the resultant data is outputted as a work key 1722. The π function 1710 performs the processes as shown in FIG. 14. π functions 1711, 1716, and 1718 which will be described hereinlater execute processes in a similar manner. An output of the π function 1710 is transformed by the π function 1711 by using data of a part of the work key 1723 as a parameter, thereby obtaining g 1 1720 of 128 bits. When a second division 1704 of the normal description 1702 is inputted, the compression (substitution) process 1713 is performed by using a part of the work key 1722 as a parameter and compressed data 1714 of 128 bits and a fraction 1715 are outputted. The length of data obtained by connecting the fraction 1709 and the compressed data 1714 is equal to 128 bits. The data obtained by connecting the fraction 1709 and the compressed data 1714 is transformed by the π function 1716 by using a part of the work key 1722 as a parameter and the result of the transformation is extended by an extending function 1717. The output of the π function 1716 is transformed by the π function 1718 by using data of a part of the work key 1722 as a parameter, thereby obtaining data g 2 1721 of 128 bits. When all of the first (N) bits 1702 is transformed by repeating the above operations, data c 1 1719 is obtained as a result of the transformation. The embodiment is similar to an open key cipher like conventionally used RSA with respect to the point that the normal description 1604 is transformed to the cryptogram 1616 by using the open key Q 1603. However, for an ordinary normal description which can be compressed by the Huffman compression or the like, it is different from the conventional open key cipher with respect to the point that the length of the cryptogram 1616 is shorter than that of the normal description 1604. Although the π function acts twice on each of the 128-bit compressed data 1708, the fraction 1709, the compressed data 1714, . . . in FIG. 17, generally, it can also act (N) times. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing further another embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 18, a secret key 1802 as a parameter in the elliptic cipher and a cryptogram 1803 are inputted to a decoder 1801. In the decoder 1801, the secret key 1802 and R 1804 in the cryptogram 1803 are inputted to an integer times calculating function 1807, (x, y)=dR is calculated, and a numerical value x on the x coordinate is outputted. A number generating function 1808 generates a sequence number "1". A hash function h 1809 generates a hash value from data obtained by connecting the sequence number "1" and the numerical value x and the hash value is outputted. A decoding and expanding function 1810 decodes and expands data c 1 1805 in the cryptogram 1803. The decoded and expanded data is generated as first (N) bits 1815. A number generating function 1811 generates a sequence number "2". A hash function h 1812 generates a hash value from data obtained by connecting the sequence number "2" and the numerical value x and the hash value is outputted. By using the hash value as a key, a decoding and expanding function 1813 decodes and expands data c 2 1806 in the cryptogram 1803. The decoded and expanded data is generated as next (N) bits 1816. The whole cryptogram 1803 is transformed by repeating the above operations, thereby obtaining a normal description 1814. FIG. 19 shows the details of the decoding and expanding function 1810 in FIG. 18. In the decoding and expanding function 1810, when a key 1905 is inputted, an extending function 1906 copies the key 1905, thereby obtaining a plurality of keys. The plurality of keys are connected and outputted as a work key 1923. When data g 1 1903 in data c 1 1902 is inputted, it is transformed by a π -1 function 1907 by using data of a part of the work key 1923 as a parameter. The result of the transformation is extended by an extending function 1909 and the resultant data is generated as a work key 1924. The π -1 function 1907 is an inverse function of the π function 1711 in FIG. 17. That is, in a case where the same parameter is set to each of the π function 1711 and the π -1 function 1907, when data π(m) obtained by transforming data (m) by the π function 1711 is further transformed by the π -1 function 1907, the original data (m) is obtained. That is, the following equation is satisfied. m=π -1 (π(m)) The output of the π -1 function 1907 is transformed by a π -1 function 1910 by using data of a part of the work key 1923 as a parameter and the resultant data is outputted. The output is expanded by an expansion (substitution) function 1911 by using data of a part of the work key 1923 as a parameter, thereby obtaining expanded data 1912 and a fraction 1913. The expanded data 1912 is outputted as a first division 1921. The expansion (substitution) function 1911 is the inverse transformation of the compression (substitution) function 1707 in FIG. 17. That is, when the same parameter is set in each of the compression (substitution) function 1707 and the expansion (substitution) function 1911, data obtained by transforming data (m) by the compression (substitution) function 1707 is further transformed by the expansion (substitution) function 1911, thereby obtaining the original data. When data g 2 1904 in the data c 1 1902 is inputted, it is transformed by a π -1 function 1914 by using data of a part of the work key 1924 as a parameter and the result of the transformation is extended by an extending function 1915. The output of the π -1 function 1914 is transformed by a π -1 function 1916 by using data of a part of the work key 1924 as a parameter and the resultant data is outputted. The output is expanded by the expansion (substitution) function 1917 by using data of a part of the work key 1924 as a parameter, thereby obtaining expanded data 1918 and a fraction 1919. Data derived by connecting the fraction 1913 obtained by the previous operation and the expanded data 1912 obtained by the operation of this time is outputted as a second division 1922. The whole data c 1 1902 is transformed by repeating such operations, thereby obtaining first (N) bits 1920. In the embodiment, the cryptogram 1803 is similar to the open key cipher such as conventionally used RSA with respect to a point that it is decoded to the normal description 1814 by using the secret key d 1802. However, the cryptogram compressed by the Huffman compression or the like is different from the conventional open key cipher with respect to a point that the length of the decoded data is longer than that of data before decoding operation. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing further another embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 20, a base point P 2002 and an open key Q 2003 as parameters in the elliptic cipher and a normal description 2004 are inputted to a cipher apparatus 2001. In the cipher apparatus 2001, random numbers k are generated by a random number generating function 2007. The random number k and the base point P 2002 are inputted to an integer times calculating function 2008, R=kP is calculated, and a cryptogram R 2016 is outputted. The random number k and the open key Q 2003 are inputted to an integer times calculating function 2009, (x, y)=kQ is calculated, and the numerical value x on the x coordinate is outputted. A hash function h 2011 generates a hash value for the numerical value x and outputs the hash value as a key 2020. A compression and enciphering function 2012 compresses and enciphers first N bits 2005 of the normal description 2004 by using the key 2020. Data obtained by the compression and enciphering is outputted as c 1 2018. A hash function h 2014 generates a hash value for the key 2020 and outputs the hash value as a key 2021. A compression and enciphering function 2015 compresses and enciphers next (N) bits 2006 in the normal description 2004 by using the key 2021. The result of the compression and enciphering is outputted as data c 2 2019. The whole normal description 2004 is transformed by repeating the above processes, thereby obtaining the cryptogram 2016. The embodiment is similar to the open key cipher such as conventionally used RSA with respect to a point that the normal description 2004 is transformed to the cryptogram 2016 by using the open key Q 2003. However, for an ordinary normal description which can be compressed by the Huffman compression or the like, it is different from the conventional open key cipher with respect to a point that the length of the cryptogram 2016 is shorter than that of the normal description 2004.
A method and apparatus for generating a highly secured hash value without deteriorating the processing speed is provided. A hash function such that when a message M is given, the message M is compressed so as to have a certain kind of characteristics of cipher is realized. In a step, (1) one to one expanding process so that divided data of the message is inputted and longer data is outputted is executed, and (2) a plurality of cyclic shifting processes in which the number of shifting is different are executed. Consequently, the hash function can be calculated at higher speed than a conventional method of simple repetitive compression of divided data of a message.
7
RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/617,982, filed Oct. 11, 2004, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] Tis invention relates to unit dose packaging systems, and more particularly to an improved slide card having blisters integrally formed therewith and elements for enhancing performance of a locking panel of the slide card. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Unit dose packaging systems are useful as a means for dispensing individual, or unit, dose of a medicament. Such systems are even more useful when they have the added features of providing resistance to the package being opened by a child while at the same time facilitating ease of opening, closing and general use by older individuals whose manual dexterity may have decreased with age. These two attributes are typically referred to as packages, or systems, that are “child-resistant” and “senior-friendly,” respectively. [0004] The MeadWestvaco Corporation, or one of its predecessor entities, owns patents issued in the United States that disclose unit dose packaging systems that possess child-resistant and senior-friendly characteristics. MeadWestvaco Corporation, the owner of the present application, is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,829, No. 6,230,893, No. 6,412,636 and No. 6,752,272, which disclose unit dose packaging systems. The specifications and teachings of those four patents are hereby incorporated by reference. [0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,829 discloses a unit dose packaging system having a slide card that is received within a shell. The insertable inner slide card is formed from side panels and side panel extensions, both of symmetric construction, that are folded over upon one another to form the slide card. One set of the symmetric side panels contain conventional unit dose packaging holes for receiving respective unit dose blisters. The symmetric equivalents of these panels contain perforated areas corresponding to the holes for permitting removal of respective unit doses. The side panel extensions are disposed at one end of and extend longitudinally from the side panel portions to form an extension to form a panel that will be a part of the systems locking arrangement. The extension is folded over onto the side panel portion to be in condition to engage two separate locking mechanisms. In both locking arrangements, the leading edge of the extension engages an edge and/or opening in the sleeve or shell in a manner that inhibits withdrawal of the insert card until desired. One locking mechanism is positioned at a posterior end of the sleeve/shell to maintain the insert in place fully inserted in the sleeve/shell. A release mechanism can be depressed to lower and disengage the extension, thereby allowing the insert to be withdrawn. A second locking mechanism is formed by folded panels disposed at the anterior end of the sleeve, which is the opening. The folded panel or panels provide a stopping mechanism upon which the extension catches to prevent the insert card from being completely withdrawn. [0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,230,893 discloses an improvement in the sleeve/shell of a cut-out and node to facilitate use of a first locking mechanism that fully retains the insert within the sleeve/shell. [0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,636 discloses a unit dose packaging system wherein the outer sleeve includes offset notches for grasping and removing an internal slide card and the outer sleeve is at least partially laminated with a polymeric film. [0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,272 discloses a unit dose package having a pocket foldable extending from the sleeve. [0009] Preventing or inhibiting undesired partial or full removal of the inner slide card from the sleeve/shell is important in helping facilitate resistance to child tampering and use by seniors. Thus, it will be appreciated that it is useful to have a unit dose package that enhances the operation of features that prevent or inhibit the undesired removal of the inner card from the sleeve/shell. [0010] Because cost of manufacturing is an important factor in the production of any product, it will likewise be appreciated that it is desirable to have a unit dose package that is efficient to operate, is durable and sturdy, and simple to construct thereby reducing the cost of manufacture. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0011] The present invention provides a unit dose packaging system having an inner slide card that is simple and more cost effective to manufacture. The slide card of the system also provides enhanced features for preventing or inhibiting undesired removal of the slide card from a sleeve or shell of the system. [0012] In a preferred embodiment of one aspect of the invention, a slide card for use with a sleeve of a unit dose packaging system has at least one blister integrally formed with the base panel of the slide card for receiving a unit dose of a medicament. [0013] In a preferred embodiment of a second aspect of the invention, a slide card for use with a sleeve or shell of a unit dose packaging system has at least one fold-resisting mechanism for inhibiting substantially parallel alignment between a base panel and a locking panel of the slide card. [0014] In another preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the fold-resisting mechanism is a hinge that connects the base panel and locking panel adapted for biasing the base panel and the locking panel away from one another. [0015] In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, at least one of a base panel and a locking panel of the slide card has at least one fold-resisting abutment as the fold-resisting mechanism. [0016] In accordance with still a further preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the base panel and the locking panel each have at least one fold-resisting abutment. [0017] In accordance with an additional preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, a fold-resisting abutment on the base panel and a fold-resisting abutment on the locking panel are disposed for engagement with one another. [0018] In accordance with still an additional preferred embodiment of the invention, the fold-resisting abutment is an embossment. [0019] In a final preferred embodiment of the invention, the slide card including base panel and locking panel are formed from plastic. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0020] FIG. 1 is a top plan view a slide card in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. [0021] FIG. 1 a is an elevation view from an anterior end of the slide card of FIG. 1 . [0022] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the slide card of FIG. 1 . [0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the slide card of FIG. 1 showing the locking panel partially pivoted with respect to the base panel. [0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the slide card of FIG. 1 with the locking panel more fully pivoted with respect to the base panel but at an angle wherein the slide card would be inserted within a sleeve or shell and the locking panel disposed for engagement by one or more locks of the sleeve/shell. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0025] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. In other instances, well-known components, systems, materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. [0026] Referring first to FIG. 1 , therein is illustrated a slide card in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. A slide card 10 has a base panel 40 and a locking panel 20 hingedly 30 connected. The base panel has blisters 50 for holding a medicament. A rib 60 extends around the perimeter of the base panel 40 . The locking panel 20 has a fold-resisting abutment 70 and base panel 40 has a fold-resisting abutment 80 proximate the hinge 30 and adjoining locking panel. [0027] Referring now to FIG. 1 a , therein is illustrated a slide card 10 in an elevation view from an anterior vantage point. One aspect of the invention is directed primarily to the fold-resisting abutments 70 , 80 . In the plan view of FIG. 1 , the slide card 10 would appear the same irrespective of whether the slide card would be integrally formed with blisters or having a separate blister pack joined to the slide card. FIG. 1 a illustrates the manner in which the card 10 would be formed from composite slide and blister cards but still maintain, the fold-resisting abutment features. The combination of the rib(s) 60 rising above the surface of the base panel 40 creates a flange 42 element. [0028] Referring now to the side elevation view of the slide card 10 in FIG. 2 , the alignment and relative disposition of fold-resisting abutments 70 , 80 with respect to one another can be seen. As in FIG. 1 a , the option of forming the card from composite slide and blister cards as opposed to an integrated card is shown. In this side view, the hinge 30 is shown with the possibility of being formed in the “reverse” of the other elements, namely, the fold-resisting abutments 70 , 80 and rib 60 . If the card 10 is made of plastic material and some types of paper substrates, it can be formed by manufacturing processes such as thermo-forming or die-press with a tool set. An integrated slide and blister card as taught by the invention is simple and can be simply formed by these processes, particularly when the card is made of plastic substrate. The term “reverse” for the hinge 30 refers to the fact that the hinge as illustrated is formed in a downward direction, opposite the direction in which the abutments 70 , 80 and rib(s) 60 are formed. Although shown in is reverse form, the hinge may be suitably formed in the same upward direction as the other elements on the card. The hinge 30 may be formed in any configuration by known substrate manufacturing methods including but not limited to perforation along a line that will form the hinge and creasing. [0029] Referring now to FIG. 3 , the slide card 10 of FIGS. 1, 1 a or 2 is shown in perspective view. The locking panel 20 is shown partially pivoted about the hinge 30 with respect to the base panel 40 . In using the slide card 10 , medicaments 90 are contained within the blisters 50 . A substrate such as foil or some type of composite substrate containing foil, generally indicated but not shown, holds the medicaments 90 in place within the blisters 50 until removed by known methods. [0030] Referring finally to FIG. 4 , the slide card 10 is shown as illustrated in FIG. 3 with the locking panel 20 further pivoted to a position wherein it would engage one or more locks in a sleeve or shell to help form a locking arrangement as shown in the prior art discussed herein. [0031] In one aspect of the invention, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 , the slide card 10 has unit dose blister 50 that are integrally formed with the base panel. [0032] In another aspect of the invention, the ability of the locking panel 20 to be engaged by an aperture or panel that forms a part of the locking arrangement of the system's sleeve or shell is enhanced by biasing the locking panel away from a substantially parallel condition with respect to the base panel 40 . A fold-resisting mechanism serves this purpose. The hinge 30 serves as a fold-resisting mechanism to bias the locking panel. The amount of bias in the hinge 30 may be controlled by manufacturing techniques such as varying the thickness of the hinge 30 or otherwise varying the degree to which a line forming the hinge 30 is weakened to permit bending. An abutment 70 , 80 may serve as an additional or distinct fold-resisting mechanism or element. The abutment 70 , 80 prevents the locking panel 20 and base panel 40 from being placed into a substantially parallel condition with respect to one another. Although one abutment 70 , 80 on either of the locking panel 20 and the base panel 40 is sufficient to serve as a fold-resisting mechanism or element, more than one be used on either one or both panels. The use of opposing abutments 70 , 80 on respective locking 20 and base 40 panels, provides the advantage of being able to minimize the height of each abutment while still achieving desirable fold resistance. Although the abutment may be take many forms, an embossed abutment may be easily manufactured in a substrate, particularly a slide card substrate of plastic. Although paper may be used as a substrate, plastic may be easily thermoformed, die-pressed or otherwise easily manipulated. [0033] It must be emphasized that the law does not require and it is economically prohibitive to illustrate and teach every possible embodiment of the present claims. Hence, the above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clean understanding of the principles of the invention. Variations, modifications, and combinations may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All such variations, modifications, and combinations are included herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following claims.
A slide card ( 10 ) for use with a sleeve of a unit dose packaging system, comprises a base panel ( 40 ) adapted for receiving unit doses of a medicament ( 90 ), a locking panel ( 20 ) joined by a hinge ( 30 ) to the base panel ( 40 ) and fold-resisting mechanism ( 30 ), ( 70 ), ( 80 ) for inhibiting substantially parallel alignment between the base panel ( 40 ) and the locking panel ( 20 ) when folded over with respect to one another so as to promote engagement of the locking panel ( 20 ) with at least one locking element of the sleeve, thereby inhibiting undesired removal of the base panel ( 40 ) from the sleeve when the base panel ( 40 ) is attempted to be withdrawn from the sleeve.
1
FIELD The invention relates generally to the field of database searching and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for enhanced hashing. BACKGROUND In networking systems, routers and/or switches typically move packets of information from one of a number of input ports to one or more output ports. Referring now to FIG. 1 , a block diagram of a conventional router/switch system arrangement is shown and indicated by the general reference character 100 . Input Ports 1 , 2 , . . . N can connect to Packet Receive 102 , which can send Packet Headers to Lookup Engine 104 and Packets (Data and Headers) to Packet Storage Unit 108 . The packet storage unit can store the packet data and the locations of this packet data can be identified by packet “pointers.” Typically, only one copy of the packet data may be stored in the packet storage unit regardless of the packet type (e.g., unicast or multicast). Lookup Engine 104 can provide signals 110 to Transmit Queue Control 106 . Signals 110 can include a packet type indication (e.g., unicast or multicast), a transmit port number, and/or a packet pointer, for example. Further, the packet type information can also include a Media Access Control Destination Address (MACDA), as only one example. Transmit Queue Control 106 can provide signals 112 to Packet Storage Unit 108 , which can store data and control the selections to Output Ports 1 , 2 , . . . N. Signals 112 can include information such as a transmit enable, a packet pointer, and/or a transmit port number. In other words, Transmit Queue Control 106 can “schedule” or set an order of the packets to be transmitted for each output port in the system by indicating the packet pointer in signals 112 . A lookup function, such as may be implemented in Lookup Engine 104 or the like, can include a content addressable memory (CAM), but this approach may be relatively expensive. Another approach is to use a standard memory, such as static random-access memory (SRAM), with a direct indexing of the entries. However, because a typical key may be, for example, 60-bits wide, a 2 60 universe (i.e., 2 60 table entries) would be required and this approach may be impractical and/or cost-prohibitive. A more common approach is to use the standard memory as a hashing table, which essentially provides a “many-to-one” function so that the table size can be made substantially smaller and the overall system cost can be reduced. Referring now to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B , a conventional hashing approach will be described. In FIG. 2A , which is indicated by the general reference character 200 , Hash Function 202 receives “k” and includes Cyclic Redundancy Code (CRC) Generation 204 to produce the function “c(k).” CRC is a commonly used hashing function. In FIG. 2B , which is indicated by the general reference character 250 , Hash Table 252 can be indexed by c(k) as “addr=c(k),” for example. The hash table can include several fields, such as Key 254 , Error Checking and Correcting (ECC) 256 , and Attribute 258 . As shown, “e(k)” can be the ECC code of “k” and this can be used to test if a stored key has been corrupted. The standard of corruption protection provided with this approach can include single-bit-error correction and double-bit-error detection (SECDED). The ECC field in the hash table can, in some applications, increase the memory width so that it is too large for readily available memory configurations. Thus, specialty memories, at increased cost, would likely be required. As an alternative, some applications may not use an ECC function, but this is not desirable because there would be no way of correcting the stored data if it has been unintentionally changed. Consequently, what is needed is an enhanced hashing approach that does not include an ECC field in the hash table, but still maintains an ECC function. SUMMARY The invention overcomes the identified limitations in previous methods of moving packets of information in network systems from one of a number of input ports to one or more output ports, by providing a hashing solution with efficient table entry storage and other advantageous features. The invention teaches a search key lookup system for moving packets of information in networking systems from one of a number of input ports to one or more output ports, comprising: a table having a plurality of entries; and a function generator coupled to the table and configured to receive a key and to provide a first function and a second function, wherein an address of the table includes outputs of the first function and the second function, wherein: each of the plurality of entries includes at least one field; the at least one field includes a key field and an attribute field; wherein the key includes information extracted from a packet header; and wherein the attribute field is configured to store a port number. According to embodiments of the invention, a search key lookup system can include a hash table having a plurality of entries and a function generator. The function generator can be coupled to the table and configured to receive a key and to provide a first function and a second function. The first function can be a Cyclic Redundancy Code (CRC) type function and the second function can be an Error Checking and Correcting (ECC) type function. Further, an address of the table can include a concatenation of the results of the CRC and the ECC type functions. According to another aspect of embodiments of the invention, a method of searching a hash table can include the steps of providing a first function of an incoming key, providing a second function of the incoming key, extracting a stored key from the table to provide an extracted key, performing a correction on the extracted key to provide a corrected key, and comparing the corrected key with the incoming key. The first function can be an ECC type function and the second function can be a CRC type function. Further, the correction can include an ECC type correction. Advantages of the invention include providing efficient table entry storage while maintaining ECC functionality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the FIGS, in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional router/switch system arrangement. FIG. 2A is a block diagram of a conventional hash function. FIG. 2B is a diagram of a conventional hash table including ECC. FIG. 3A is a block diagram of a hash function according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3B is a diagram of a hash table according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of key inserting and key searching methods according to embodiments of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments of the invention are described with reference to specific diagrams depicting system arrangements and methods. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the description is for illustration and to provide the best mode of practicing the invention. The description is not meant to be limiting. For example, reference is made to specific function generators, such as Cyclic Redundancy Code (CRC) and Error Checking and Correcting (ECC) type functions, but the invention is applicable to other types of functions and/or mappings as well. Also, hash tables and the specific fields and/or arrangements thereof in a system merely provide example implementations and should not be construed as limiting. Further, the standard of corruption protection used in examples of this approach is single-bit-error correction and double-bit-error detection (SECDED), but the invention is applicable to other standards and/or types of corruption protection as well. Referring now to FIG. 3A , a block diagram of a hash function according to an embodiment of the invention is shown and indicated by the general reference character 300 . An incoming key “k” can be received by Hash Function 302 . Hash Function 302 can include function generators CRC Generation 304 and ECC Generation 306 . An output of a CRC function of “k” can be denoted “d(k)” and an output of an ECC function of “k” can be denoted “e(k).” The d(k) code, according to embodiments, is shorter (i.e., fewer bits) than the output of corresponding conventional CRC functions. For example, a conventional CRC function may provide an output (e.g., c(k) of FIG. 2A ) that is 14-bits wide, while the CRC function according to embodiments of the invention may provide, for example, an output (e.g., d(k)) that is only 7-bits wide. In this example, an ECC function output may also be only 7-bits wide. These function outputs can be used to index a hash table, as will be described below. Referring now to FIG. 3B , a diagram of a hash table according to an embodiment of the invention is shown and indicated by the general reference character 350 . Hash Table 352 can include a number of entries, such as “m” total entries for example. Accordingly, the addresses can range from “addr=0” to “addr=m−1” in the hash table. For a particular incoming key, such as “k,” outputs of the hash function of FIG. 3A can be concatenated to form an address of the table. For example, “addr={e(k), d(k)}” can represent a concatenation of ECC and CRC function outputs. In this manner, the ECC function, for example, can be embedded in the address of the table instead of requiring a designated ECC field in the table. Of course, other information associated with the key may, in addition or instead of the ECC information, be embedded in the address. However, the table can be substantially without a field for storing such information associated with the key. Accordingly, in this particular example, the entries of the hash table can include fields Key 354 and Attribute 358 , but no specific ECC field. This can allow for the use of a reduced-width and/or lower cost standard memory for the hash table. Such standard memories typically have set width configurations that may not be reasonably compatible with a hash table implementation that also provides ECC protection for the keys. However, embodiments of the invention can allow for the ECC protection standard of single-bit-error correction and double-bit-error detection (SECDED) to be maintained. As an example application, a Media Access Control (MAC) address may be 48-bits wide, but the system application may only require storage of a subset of the possible keys. Thus, a set of “actually stored” keys may be substantially less than the 2 48 “universe” of possible keys. An attribute, such as stored in the field Attribute 358 , for each actually stored key can include a port number associated with the corresponding MAC address, for example. Further, this approach is applicable to common collision resolution methods, as used in typical hash table implementations. Key insertion and search procedures can be described with reference to pseudo-code. Pseudo-code for inserting a key into the hash table can include: i. e = ecc_gen(k); ii. d = crc_gen(k); iii. write_memory (.addr({e, d}), .data (k, attribute)); Pseudo-code for searching for a key in a hash table can include: i. e = ecc_gen(k); ii. d = crc_gen(k); iii. l = extract_key (read_memory(.addr({e, d}))); iv. /* ecc code check and correction */ v. g = ecc_correct (l, e); /* g is the corrected version of l */ vi. /* done: ecc code check and correction */ vii. /* check if found or not */ viii. if (g = = k) 1. match = 1; ix. else 1. match = 0; x. /* done: check if found or not */ Referring now to FIG. 4 , a flow diagram of key inserting and key searching methods according to embodiments of the invention is shown and indicated by the general reference character 400 . The flow can begin in Start 402 and proceed to Receive Incoming Key 404 . The methods can generally include a Procedure for Inserting a Key and a Procedure for Searching Hash Table for Key, as indicated by the dashed boxes. In the insertion procedure, the flow can proceed to step Generate ECC 406 , which can include providing an output from an ECC function generator of a hash function based on the incoming key. Next, the flow can proceed to step Generate CRC 408 , which can include providing an output from a CRC function generator of the hash function based on the incoming key. Next, step Write Memory 410 can include writing the incoming key and attribute to the location indexed by an address formed by the concatenation of CRC and ECC function outputs, for example, before ending in Done 418 . The searching of the hash table for a key procedure can include the flow proceeding from step Generate CRC 408 to step Extract Key 412 . The key extraction can include reading the memory at an address location referenced by the address formed by the concatenation of CRC and ECC function outputs, for example. Next, the flow can proceed to step ECC Correct Key 414 . This ECC correction can provide an ECC corrected version of the extracted key. Next, the flow can proceed to step Compare Incoming Key To ECC Correct Key 416 . This step can determine if a match or a mismatch occurred as a result of the search. Accordingly, if the incoming key was not found in the hash table, a mismatch indication can be provided. However, if the incoming key was found in the hash table, a match indication can be provided. The searching procedure can end in Done 418 . Because many keys may be mapped into the same entry of the table, key information can be stored for each entry. Accordingly, this comparison with the stored key itself, or an ECC corrected version thereof, may be needed in order to determine if there is a true match in the hash table. Advantages of the invention include providing efficient table entry storage while maintaining ECC functionality. Having disclosed exemplary embodiments and the best mode, modifications and variations may be made to the disclosed embodiments while remaining within the subject and spirit or the invention as defined by the following claims.
A search key lookup system including a hash table having a plurality of entries and a function generator is disclosed. The function generator can be coupled to the hash table and configured to receive a key and to provide a first function and a second function. The first function can be a Cyclic Redundancy Code (CRC) type function and the second function can be an Error Checking and Correcting (ECC) type function. Further, an address of the table can include a concatenation of the results of the CRC and the ECC type functions.
8
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Thermal design considerations for electronic equipment, such as a large scale computer system, involve primary concerns for performance, cost, reliability and low maintenance. In practice, performance requirements, on the one hand, are weighed against the remaining concerns, on the other. A system characterized by simplicity, but having the ability to provide adquate cooling of the electronic equipment, represents the best solution to the thermal problem. Air cooling is generally regarded as the most simple and reliable system. However, as the power density on the computer cards continually increases, it becomes increasingly more difficult to cool with air. In the typical forced air cooling scheme, air is blown across the computer card in a direction parallel to the planar surface of the card. As the air travels across the card, it picks up heat in serial fashion, from the integrated circuit packages mounted thereon and the air increases in temperature. With the rise in card power levels, large volumes of air are needed to keep the air temperature rise from exceeding acceptable levels. The cooling problem is further exacerbated by the increase in power and size of the integrated circuit packages. The high power levels of the last mentioned devices result in higher than average local temperature rises. Each pocket of high temperature air is directed by the air stream onto the next package. Also, as the devices become physically larger, they tend to block the flow of cooling air from the downstream packages. Because of the last mentioned thermal effects, every package forms a downstream wake of high temperature, low velocity air. With the high density packaging of present day electronic equipment, it is apparent that the downstream packages will fall directly within this wake. Moreover, these thermal effects become more difficult to control in proportion to the increase in physical size and power dissipation of the integrated circuit packages. Ultimately, in new computer design applications, the package and card power levels may overwhelm the cooling reasonably expected to be provided by the above-described, serially directed air stream. In such a case, more exotic cooling systems, such as those employing a water approach may be considered, notwithstanding the increase in complexity and cost and decrease in reliability of such systems. What is desired is a cooling system which utilizes air as the cooling medium, but which differs from the conventional approach in its ability to maintain acceptable temperature levels in present day high density electronic equipment. The parallel-flow air system of the present invention fills such a need. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an arrangement for directing cooling air simultaneously from individual outlets upon a respective plurality of integrated circuit packages. The latter packages generally utilize heat sink members disposed thereon to enhance the cooling effect. The aforementioned arrangement comprises the integral assembly of a printed circuit board or card and a ducting structure arranged in parallel, spaced-apart relationship. More specifically, the card includes a plurality of integrated circuit packages, with heat sinks mounted thereon, and disposed in parallel, spaced-apart columns. The ducting structure includes a card plenum leading into a plurality of finger-like ducts arranged to coincide with the columns of integrated circuit packages. Each of the ducts has a plurality of outlets, that is, apertures formed therein--the apertures being homologously positioned with respect to the packages. In an actual working environment, a cabinet is provided having a rack for holding the card-duct assemblies of the present invention. Blower scrolls located at the bottom of the cabinet provide a source of high velocity, large volume cooling air flow, which is delivered to a central cabinet plenum. The individual card plenums of the respective card-duct assemblies interface with the central plenum in an air-sealed manner. Thus, air from the blower scrolls travels into the finger-like ducts, exits the apertures thereof, and is directed upon the respective surfaces of the individual heat sink members. In contrast to the conventional serial air cooling scheme mentioned hereinbefore, the present parallel system offers highly significant advantages, not the least of which is that a high power card can be cooled with air. Also, the present system insures that every integrated circuit package in the card rack will receive cooling air at the blower inlet air temperature, while the temperature difference between packages is minimized. The system also requires a much lower volumetric air flow per watt of power dissipated, and the average device temperature is lower than that which can be achieved with a serial air system. An important feature of the present invention is that each of the cards is provided with its own cooling system as an integral part of its assembly. Each card-duct assembly is compact in form, such that a large number of such assemblies may be mounted in close-packed relation to each other within the cabinet. Installation and removal of a card-duct assembly from a card rack is readily accomplished without disturbing the remaining assemblies. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description thereof which follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a pictorial illustration of the parallel air cooling system of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the card-duct assemblies of the system of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a section view taken along lines 3--3 of FIG. 2 illustrating the surface of the ducts having air outlets disposed adjacent the integrated circuit packages. FIG. 4 is an exploded view depicting an integrated circuit package with its attendant heat sink member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 depicts an actual working environment for the parallel cooling system of the present invention. A cabinet 10 is shown with its exterior walls partially cut away to illustrate a card rack 12 containing a plurality of card-duct assemblies 14. A pair of blower scrolls 16, driven by a motor 18, and located at the bottom of cabinet 10, draw surrounding air into the cabinet through louvers 20. Thus, a large volume, fast moving air stream is delivered by the scrolls to a central plenum 22. With continued general reference to FIG. 1 and more specific reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the card-duct assemblies 14 mounted in card rack 12 is comprised of a printed circuit board or card 24 rigidly fastened to a ducting structure 26 having a card plenum 26a and a plurality of finger-like ducts 26b opening thereinto. Each card 24 and its associated ducting structure 26 are held in proximate, parallel, spaced-apart relation by substantially U-shaped members 28, as seen particularly in FIG. 2. Moreover, one leg of each of the members 28 is elongated to engage the groove in each of the rack support channels 30. Each card-duct assembly 14 further includes a projection 32 for engaging the groove in each of the channels 34 mounted on the exterior surface of the central plenum 22. Electrical connections for each card result from the mating of connectors 36 mounted respectively on the card-duct assemblies 14 and the cabinet backplane 38. As seen particularly in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the cards 24 has mounted thereon a plurality of integrated circuit packages 40 with respective heat sink members 42 affixed thereto. The packages 40 are arranged generally in columns which coincide with the placement of the adjacent finger-like ducts 26b. As seen in FIG. 3, each of the latter ducts has a plurality of apertures 44 formed therein--the apertures 44 being homologously disposed with respect to the heat sink members 42. In operation, the scrolls 16 (FIG. 1) deliver cooling air to the central plenum 22. From the latter, air is pushed into the openings of card plenums 26a via slots 46 in the central plenum 22. As the air traverses each of the finger-like ducts 26b, individual air streams are directed via apertures 44 (FIG. 3) over the respective heat sink members 42 of the integrated circuit packages 40. The heated air then exits the cabinet 10 via openings 48 in the upper portion thereof. As is customary, heat sink members 42 are used to better dissipate the heat generated in the packages 40. In general, the form and configuration of heat sinks vary appreciably. While the present invention is not to be considered limited to the heat sinks 42 depicted in FIG. 4, the structure of the latter lends itself to the present system. Thus, each of the heat sink members 42 includes a pair of metallic corrugated sections 42a separated by an opening 50 and supported within a frame 52. Cooling air exiting an aperture 44 in a finger-like duct 26b tends to enter the opening 50 in the heat sink 42 and is then carried in opposite directions by sections 42a across the heat sink, where it exits the latter. As to the design of the finger-like ducts 26b, reference to FIG. 1 reveals that the cross section of the duct is stepped, rather than constant. That is, the cross section of duct 26b is a maximum at its extremity adjacent the card plenum 26a and decreases in steps to the approximate midpoint of the duct. The duct 26b has a minimum cross section from the latter point to its opposite extremity. The reason for the stepped finger-like duct is that this configuration yields the highest total air flow rate at the lowest plenum pressure and with the least variability from one aperture 44 to another along the duct. Conversely, a constant cross section duct requires a high plenum pressure and exhibits considerable variability in individual air flow. For example, low flow rates issue from apertures 44 near the card plenum 26a of uniform cross section ducts--such low flow rates providing inadequate cooling for the integrated circuit packages 40 associated therewith. In summary, the stepped cross section duct 26b is preferred in the present system because it is superior to the constant cross section in maintaining a uniform differential pressure across all of the apertures 44. Another significant feature of the present invention is that the individual volumes of cooling air provided by apertures 44 may be chosen in accordance with the power dissipations of the respective integrated circuit packages 40. Thus, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, it is assumed that package 40a is of a higher power type than the other packages. Accordingly, aperture 44a is larger to provide the volume of air needed to cool the chip housed in package 40a to substantially the same temperature as the chips in the other packages. In conclusion, there has been described an effective air cooling system for high density electronic packaging applications. It is apparent that depending upon particular circumstances, changes and modifications of the system as described herein may be required. Such changes and modifications, insofar as they are not departures from the true scope of the invention, are intended to be covered by the claims which follow.
The present disclosure describes an air cooling system which has the ability to maintain acceptable temperature levels in present day high density electronic equipment. More specifically, the system provides an arrangement whereby each printed circuit card has its own ducting structure affixed thereto to form an integral unit. Cooling air streams are directed simultaneously from individual apertures in the ducting structure upon a respective plurality of integrated circuit package assemblies mounted on the card.
8
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/901,432 filed Jun. 19, 1992, entitled THIN FILM TRANSISTORS AND ACTIVE MATRICES INCLUDING SAME,(abandoned) which itself is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 07/203,548, filed May 31, 1988, (U.S. Pat. No. 5,124,768), which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 06/862,151, filed May 12, 1986 (abandoned), which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 06/484,046 (abandoned), filed Apr. 13, 1983. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to thin film transistors, active matrix assemblies including thin film transistors, and more particularly to improved thin film transistors including polycrystalline silicon or amorphous silicon thin films and active matrix assemblies including the thin film transistors for providing improved thin-type displays. Applications of thin film transistor technology are wide-spread, including their use as active switching elements in thin matrix panels and three-dimensional integrated circuits and the like. A recurring problem encountered when using thin film transistors is leakage current of the transistor when it is in the OFF state. In the conventional MOS type transistor utilizing monocrystalline silicon, a PN junction is utilized to decrease OFF current where a P-type substrate is used for N-channel and N-type substrate is used for P-channel. When using prior art polycrystalline silicon transistors, the formation of an effective PN junction cannot be attained and hence the OFF current cannot be decreased enough to allow its use in a matrix display. This problem is particularly undesirable when the transistor is being used as a switching element in, for example, an active matrix panel. A MOS transistor with a poly-crystalline-silicon film channel region of approximately 2 microns thickness is disclosed in Solid - State Electronics, 1972, Vol. 15, pp. 789-799. The authors reported on field-effects in polycrystalline-silicon films and threshold voltages of doped films and concluded that these MOS transistors would find limited practical application. When a thin film transistor (TFT) is used as a switching element in a matrix-type arrangement in a liquid crystal display (LCD) device it selects the data signal to be applied to the liquid crystal material. In such construction, the TFT must have the following characteristics: (1) Permit enough current to flow into a condenser for charging when the TFT is in the ON state; (2) Exhibit insignificant current flow in an electrode when the TFT is in the OFF state; and (3) Show stabilized, reproducible performance and reliability. Requirement (1) relates to the TFT's inputting a data signal into a condenser. A TFT must accept a large amount of current flow for a short time so as to completely input the data signal to the condenser, since the quality of a liquid crystal display depends in part on the capacitance of the condenser. This amount of current flow (hereinafter referred to as “ON current”) is determined by the capacitance of the condenser and the time elapsed in writing the data signal to the condenser. Compliance with condition (1) depends largely on the TFT's size (especially channel length and width), construction, manufacturing process and input voltage to its gate. A TFT composed of polycrystalline silicon is capable of carrying a sufficient amount of ON current, and satisfying the requirement (1), since the polycrystalline silicon has a large carrier mobility comparing with that of amorphous semiconductors. Requirement (2) relates to the holding time of written data in a condenser. Generally, written data in a condenser must be kept for an extremely long time compared with the writing time of that data to the condenser. Since the capacitance of the condenser is generally a very small value, such as 1 pF, if there is even a small amount of leakage current (“OFF current”) at the TFT, during the OFF state, then the driving voltage of the electrode sharply drops to the level of voltage of the data signal time. As a result, the written data signal cannot be held properly at a condenser during the OFF state, and image sharpness is lost. This problem has been especially so in the case of prior art polycrystalline silicon TFTs, where deep and shallow trap levels are unevenly distributed in a crystal grain, allowing leakage current to flow via these trap levels, as discussed in the above-identified article in Solid State Electronics. The requirement for insignificant current flow in the OFF state is necessary in other applications of TFTs, for example, in logic circuits using TFTs where stationary current increases and in memory circuits using TFTs. Requirement (3) relates to stability, reproducibility and reliability of thin film transistor characteristics. Generally, several tens of thousands of thin film transistors are formed on one active matrix substrate and all of them must have uniform characteristics and superior reproducibility with no dispersion among manufacturing lots and remain stable and delivery reliable performance for an indefinitely long term. Conventional thin film transistors as active elements on a substrate include a compound semiconductor, such as calcium selenium, and the like, or non-crystalline semiconductor, such as amorphous silicon, and the like, as the semiconductor thin film. However, these TFTs cannot satisfy all of the three above-mentioned requirements. For example, a TFT including a semiconductor film satisfies requirement (1) due to the high value of carrier mobility, but cannot meet requirements (2) and (3), since this type of semiconductor exhibits poor stability and reproducibility. A non-crystalline semiconductor has a low carrier mobility, and hence substantially small ON current flows. As noted above, an active matrix panel utilizing such a thin film transistor on a substrate did not exhibit sufficiently good characteristics for providing satisfactory image quality of the above matrix panel. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide improved thin film transistors having reduced leakage current in the OFF state that overcome deficiencies found in the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, thin film transistors of a thin film thickness less than 2500 Å and greater than about 100 Å having reduced leakage current in the OFF state are provided. The thickness of the thin film in the channel region is less than the thickness of the source and drain regions. The channel thickness should also be greater than about 100 Å. When such thin film transistors are utilized in matrix display elements, the data signal line and driving electrodes may be formed with the same transparent conductive film. Thin film transistors are prepared in accordance with the invention by depositing a thin film on an insulating substrate and etching to provide a channel portion having a concave surface. The non-etched portions can be doped to provide source and drain regions. This method allows for secure connection of the connector metal to the source and drain regions without their breaking through the diffusion regions. Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved thin film transistor. Another object of the invention to provide an improved thin film transistor including a silicon thin film exhibiting reduced current leakage. A further object of the invention to provide an improved thin film transistor including a silicon thin film between about 100 Å and 2500 Å thick. Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved thin film transistor including a channel region having a depth of at least about 100 Å and no more than about 2500 Å. Still a further object of the invention is to provide an improved active matrix assembly including the improved thin film transistor in accordance with the invention as switching elements. Yet another object of the invention is to provide an active matrix assembly including the film transistors as switching elements having a channel region with a thickness of at least about 100 Å and no more than about 2500 Å. Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a process for preparing improved thin film transistors. Another object of the invention is to provide a process for preparing improved active matrix-type arrangements including thin film transistors as switching elements. A further object of the invention is to provide an active matrix arrangement in which the thin film transistor switching element is provided with a data signal line and driving electrodes of the same transparent conductive film. Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification. The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts and the relation of one or more which will be exemplified in the steps of construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is had to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGS. 1 a-d are cross-sectional views illustrating the processing steps for forming a thin film transistor according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating physical properties of thin film transistors having varying thickness of silicon thin film; FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the thickness T of polycrystalline silicon and the drain current ID at zero voltage for thin film transistors; FIG. 4 a is a schematic diagram of a matrix display arrangement of liquid crystal driving elements on a substrate; FIG. 4 b is a schematic representation of a liquid crystal driving element in the matrix arrangement of FIG. 4 a; FIGS. 5 a- 5 d are cross-sectional views of the processing steps for thin film transistors according to the invention; FIGS. 6 a- 6 e are cross-sectional views of the processing steps for forming thin film transistors according to another embodiment of the invention; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of one substrate of an active matrix panel for a liquid crystal display device including a thin film transistor constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; FIGS. 8 a- 8 e are cross-sectional views of the processing steps for forming one substrate of FIG. 7 constructed according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the concentration of impurities diffused into a channel region and the leakage current in an N-channel thin film transistor according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of one substrate of an active matrix assembly prepared in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 11 is a graph comparing the change in both. ON current and leakage current with the change in thickness of the channel region. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The method of manufacturing a thin film transistor (TFT), utilizing a polycrystalline silicon film is explained as follows. Referring to FIG. 1 a , a thin film of polycrystalline silicon is formed on a conventional insulating substrate 101 and patterned to provide a polycrystalline island 102 . A gate insulating film 103 is then formed on island 102 by thermally oxidizing island 102 or, alternatively, by chemical vapor deposition. Subsequently, a second thin layer of polycrystalline silicon, metal silicofluoride, or metal is deposited and patterned to provide a gate electrode 104 , as shown in FIG. 1 b . Ion implanted impurities 105 , such as phosphorus, arsenic or boron, are diffused into island 102 by using gate electrode 104 as a mask to form source and drain regions 106 of the transistor. An insulating layer 107 is then formed across substrate 101 and island 102 . Referring to FIG. 1 c , contact windows 108 are then opened in insulating layer 107 above source and drain regions 106 . Finally, an electrical connector 109 is formed of, for example, aluminum and the like, as shown in FIG. 1 d for providing electrical connections to the TFT. FIGS. 2 and 3 show drain current characteristics of a TFT manufactured by the above-mentioned process. In FIG. 2, the abscissa represents the gate voltage, VGS and the ordinate represents the drain current, ID. Voltage of drain to source, VDS, was set at 4V. The three ID-VGS curves correspond to three different thicknesses of polycrystalline silicon (“T” in FIG. 1 d the thickness T of the TFT which corresponds to curve (A) is Å, the thickness T, for curve (B) is 3000 Å, and the thickness for curve (C) is 2000 Å. FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the thickness T polycrystalline silicon thin film and the drain current ID in case of null (0) gate voltage VGS (OFF state). It can be seen that below a thickness of about 2500 Å the drain current drops off markedly. The results of FIGS. 2 and 3 confirm our discovery that the leakage current of the transistor in the OFF state is dependent on the thickness T of polycrystailine film 102 . At the lesser thicknesses there is a smaller leakage current. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, leakage current ID at VGS=0 is substantially constant for the range of thickness T greater than 2500 Å and sharply decreases when thickness T is reduced to less than 2500 Å. This reduction in leakage current has been observed in the case of other silicon thin films, such as amorphous silicon, and the like. Based on this, the thickness T of polycrystalline silicon 102 must be controlled below the approximate value of about 2500 Å. This permits limiting the leakage current to a minimum when the transistor is in the OFF state and makes such a polycrystalline silicon TFT particularly well suited as a switching element. It is a significant embodiment of the invention to use this polycrystalline silicon TFT as a switching element in a liquid crystal active matrix panel as will be described in detail below. A liquid crystal panel in accordance with the invention including picture elements of 0.01 mm 2 , to 0.09 mm 2 , wherein the resistance of the liquid crystal is about 10 10 Ω. Since the leakage current of the TFT should be less than {fraction (1/10)} that of a liquid crystal at equivalent resistance, the leakage current should be less than 10 −11 A. This will prevent adverse effects on the liquid crystal image. It is seen from FIG. 3 that the thickness T of polycrystalline silicon must be maintained at a value under about 2500 Å in order to maintain the leakage current under 10 −11 A. A primary object of the invention is to provide a thin film transistor including a non-monocrystalline silicon layer such as a polycrystalline silicon or amorphous silicon thin film having improved characteristics. It is also an important object to provide a TFT wherein the ON/OFF ratio is extremely high and the leakage current is reduced by controlling the thickness of the thin film to be less than 2500 Å. A switching element formed of such a TFT can be utilized in an active matrix display in order to improve the image quality of the display. A detailed description of such an embodiment in accordance with the invention is as follows. A liquid crystal display device utilizing a TFT as a switching element generally includes a glass substrate at the upper or viewing side, and an opposed substrate on which the TFTs are mounted with a liquid crystal material encapsulated therebetween. The liquid crystal driving elements are formed and arranged in a matrix format on one of the substrates and some of these elements are selected by the external selecting circuits. Thus, a wide variety of characters, graphic patterns and images can be displayed on the liquid crystal panel. FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show in general a diagram of a liquid crystal display device. FIG. 4 a represents a matrix-type arrangement of liquid crystal driving elements formed on a substrate. A display region is surrounded by boundary line 1 wherein a plurality of liquid crystal driving elements 2 are arranged in a matrix format. A data signal line 3 and a timing signal line 4 are connected to each liquid crystal driving element 2 . FIG. 4 b represents the detailed construction of liquid crystal driving element 2 . Each liquid crystal cell 7 includes a liquid crystal driving electrode 7 - 1 corresponding to a liquid crystal driving element and an opposed electrode 7 - 2 mounted on the upper substrate. TFT 5 controls the input of the data signal to a liquid crystal driving electrode. Condenser 6 is used for holding data signals. In this arrangement, TFTs of the liquid crystal driving element are used as switching elements which select a data signal to apply to the liquid crystal. The performance of an active matrix panel is affected by the characteristics of the TFTs of the panel as described above. In order to be effective, a TFT in an active matrix panel must: (1) allow enough current to flow into condenser 6 for charging when TFT 5 is ON; (2) permit only insignificant leakage current when TFT 5 is in an OFF state; and (3) show stabilized, reproducible performance and reliability. FIGS. 5 a- 5 d show the steps in the manufacture of a preferred TFT according to an embodiment of the invention. The manufacturing method is similar to that described in FIG. 1 . The reference numerals shown in FIG. 5 correspond generally to those shown in FIG. 1 as follows: ( 101 - 201 , 102 - 202 . . . 109 - 209 ). In this embodiment, thin film silicon 202 has a thickness less than 2500 Å as shown as T′ and provides an improved TFT due to thickness T′. As discussed above, the film thickness T′ of polycrystalline silicon film 202 is less than 2500 Å, thereby providing a product having minimal leakage current in the OFF state, characteristic of the invention. As mentioned above, OFF current can be reduced by decreasing film thickness T′ of polycrystalline silicon 202 . However, when manufacturing such a TFT with polycrystalline silicon 202 of reduce thickness, connector metal 209 , such as Al or Al—Si can break through the diffusion regions 206 , so that sufficient contact with the source and drain region is not possible (“breakthrough”). Consequently, control of film thickness T′ of a polycrystalline silicon layer 202 (decreasing OFF current) is limited by the requirement that connector metal 209 make stable contact with source and drain regions 206 even though there is a possibility of further reducing the OFF current with even thinner films. This problem can be solved in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention wherein the thickness of the thin film in the channel region can be reduced without reducing unnecessarily the thickness of the source and drain regions as shown in FIG. 6 . This allows the connector metal to be placed in contact with the source and drain regions while still reducing the OFF current in accordance with the primary object of the invention. This further embodiment is shown in FIGS. 6 a- 6 e with a TFT including a polycrystalline thin film 302 . Polycrystalline silicon layer 302 of sufficient thickness to prevent “breakthrough”, yet having a thin film channel of no greater than 2500 Å thickness is formed in such a manner that connector metal can be precisely in contact with source and drain region is patterned to provide island 302 as shown in FIG. 6 a . The thickness of thin film layer 302 is reduced to between about 100 Å and 2500 Å, preferably 100 Å to 1000 Å and 100 Å to 500 Å by etching a central channel region 302 a in a concave shape. In this configuration, the source and drain are significantly thicker than the channel both near and at the junction with the channel. This leads to sufficiently low resistance values for the source and drain regions. This arrangement improves the speed of switching operations significantly compared to a construction in which the source and drain are thin at or near the channel regions while effectively limiting leakage current. A gate insulating film 303 is formed by thermal oxidation of polycrystalline silicon 302 or by chemical vapor deposition, as shown in FIG. 6 b . Subsequently, a second thin layer of polycrystalline silicon, metal silicide or metal is deposited and patterned to provide gate electrode 304 . Ion implanted impurities 305 , such as phosphorus, arsenic or boron, are diffused to film 302 by using gate electrode 304 as a mask to form source and drain regions 306 , as shown in FIG. 6 c . After that, as shown in FIG. 6 d , insulating film 307 is formed and contact windows 308 are opened in order to allow a connector metal 309 of such as aluminum and the like, is deposited, to contact source and drain regions 306 , as shown in FIG. 6 e. According to this construction, connector metal 309 will make perfect contact with source and drain regions 306 , without breakthrough of film 302 and the leakage current can still be greatly reduced when the TFT is in the OFF state, and the thickness of the polycrystalline silicon layer, in the channel region 302 will be no more than 2500 Å. As mentioned above, a TFT prepared in accordance with the invention is superior to conventional TFTs in that leakage current can be substantially reduced during the OFF state of the TFT which is a requirement of devices, such as active matrix display devices including TFTs formed of polycrystalline silicon. The effects of the thickness of an intrinsic polycrystalline silicon channel on leakage current and ON current were investigated. Values were determined at room temperature with: V G −V S =20V (for I ON ), −5V (for I OFF ) V D −V S =4V sample width: 10 μm sample length: 10 μm Data points for channel thickness and I ON are listed below in Table I and are also shown in FIG. 11 . TABLE I Channel Thickness (Å) I ON (Amps) × 10 −7 80 2 100 12 150 13 200 6.3 250 4.1 300 3.2 450 2.0 600 1.0 1000 0.63 FIG. 11 is a graph plotting the ON current versus the channel thickness as channel thickness is decreased from 1000 Å to about 100 Å. The graph also includes a plot of leakage current versus the same channel thickness. As shown in these results, there is an increase in ON current as the channel region becomes thinner. The leakage current also decreases. However, at about 100 Å in thickness the ON current increase not only abruptly terminates, but it begins to decrease significantly. Thus, a thickness of about 100 Å was determined as a minimum preferred channel thickness. A further matrix in accordance with this invention is described in detail hereafter with reference to FIG. 7 . FIG. 7 represents a sectional view of an active matrix of a substrate including a TFT in accordance with an embodiment of this invention. In order to simplify the drawing, only one liquid crystal driving element is shown. A thin layer of polycrystalline silicon 409 is deposited on an insulating substrate 408 , such as quartz or the like, for forming a thin film transistor and a capacitor electrode. In the thin film transistor of FIG. 7, a channel region 409 of intrinsic polycrystalline silicon is formed. A source 410 and a drain 411 are formed by doping impurities, such as phosphorus, arsenic or boron into intrinsic polycrystalline silicon 409 . A gate insulating film 412 is formed by oxidizing intrinsic polycrystalline silicon 409 by thermal treatment. An address signal line of the gate electrode 413 and an insulating layer 414 deposited thereon function as the dielectric of a condenser. A data signal line 415 connects source electrode or drain electrode. A driving electrode 416 is electrically connected to the corresponding drain or source electrode. A layer 417 on substrate 408 is a common electrode of the condenser for holding the data signal. FIGS. 8 a-e show the steps in manufacturing an active matrix substrate as shown in FIG. 7 . An intrinsic polycrystalline silicon film 509 is deposited in the shape of an island on an insulating substrate 508 and a gate insulating film 512 is formed thereon by conventional methods, such as thermal oxidation, as shown in FIG. 8 a . A gate electrode 513 and a common condenser electrode 517 which may be formed of the same conductive material at the same time, are formed as shown in FIG. 8 b . Subsequently, impurities are doped to form source and drain regions 510 and 511 . Thermal diffusion or ion implantation is generally used for doping impurities to the source and drain. An insulating layer 514 is formed across substrate 508 and contact holes 518 and 519 are opened in insulating layer 514 as shown in FIG. 8 c . A data signal line 515 is deposited and is electrically connected to source or drain region 510 at contact hole 518 , as shown in FIG. 8 d . A driving electrode 516 is deposited on insulating film 514 and is electrically connected to drain or source region 511 at contact hole 519 , as shown in FIG. 8 e . In an alternative embodiment of the invention, signal line 515 is formed after driving electrode 516 is formed. A unique characteristic of active matrix panels according to the embodiments in FIGS. 7 and 8 a- 8 e is that intrinsic polycrystalline silicon film is used for the channel regions 409 , 509 and the films formed by thermally oxidizing this intrinsic polycrystalline silicon is used as gate insulating films 412 , 512 . The use of intrinsic polycrystalline silicon film for channel regions 409 and 509 allows a large amount of ON current to flow and simultaneously limits OFF current to a minimum. ON current flows in an amount sufficient for the active matrix substrate since polycrystalline silicon has a large carrier mobility of about 10 cm 2 /Vsec. In addition, the OFF current can be limited to a minimum by using intrinsic polycrystalline silicon in the channel without any impurities and, preferably of a thickness of less than about 2500 Å. FIG. 9 shows the relationship between the concentration of impurities diffused to the channel region in an N-channel thin film transistor according to the invention and the OFF current. Boron is used as the impurity, and is diffused by ion implantation so as to form a P-type channel region. The abscissa represents the amount of diffused boron, and the ordinate represents the amount of OFF current in the case of null (0) gate voltage. The curve in FIG. 9 shows that the OFF current is a minimum in the case of non-diffused boron, namely, when utilizing intrinsic polycrystalline silicon. This is due to the leakage current in the PN junction which increases as the concentration of impurities becomes higher. In contrast, in an N-type channel region, a depletion-type transistor is formed and OFF current increases. Accordingly, the OFF current can be kept to a minimum value by utilizing intrinsic polycrystalline silicon. Thermal oxidation of intrinsic polycrystalline silicon yields a gate insulating film permitting a large amount of ON current flow in the transistor. A superior thin film transistor is thereby provided, fulfilling the requirements of stability, reproducibility and reliability. Polycrystalline silicon needs to be thermally treated at temperatures higher than 900° C. for thermal-oxidation. At these temperatures the grain size of crystalline particles becomes larger and mobility greatly increases. As is well-known, in the case of forming gate insulating film by thermal oxidation of polysilicon, the interfacial surface between the polycrystalline silicon and its thermal oxidation film can be reduced to a smaller value compared with the cases of externally formed SiO 2 film, e.g., by sputtering, vapor phase growth and the like. Thus, the threshold voltage of the transistor can be lowered. Therefore, large amounts of ON current flow can be attained by utilizing intrinsic polycrystalline silicon having a large mobility and a low threshold voltage as the channel. Furthermore, superior stability, reproducibility and reliability can be provided by thermally oxidizing the polycrystalline silicon to form the gate insulating film. A superior interface, usually having a small value of interfacial level can be stably formed so that stability, reliability and reproducibility of the transistor are greatly improved. The interface is formed utilizing stable materials such as silicon and the thermal oxidation film by the same process as that used in ordinary silicon technology. As described above, this embodiment of the invention provides an improved active matrix substrate including a superior quality thin film transistor. Thermal treatment of the polycrystalline silicon at temperatures higher than 900° C. is required to form the gate insulating film. This requires an insulating substrate having a higher melting point than the thermal treatment temperatures, such as quartz glass, for example. This increases the cost of manufacturing an active matrix substrate, since a high-melt temperature substrate such as quartz is more expensive than a low-melt temperature substrate. Thus, it is preferred to reduce other expenses of manufacture. This embodiment of the invention provides a simplified construction of an active matrix substrate by forming a data signal line and a driving electrode with the same transparent conductive film as shown in FIG. 10 . FIG. 10 shows the construction of an active matrix substrate wherein a data signal line 615 and a driving electrode 616 are formed with the same transparent conductive film. The fundamental construction except for data signal line 615 and driving electrode 616 is the same as that shown in FIG. 7, and all other elements are identified by corresponding reference numerals. Indium oxide, tin oxide or indium tin oxide is preferably used for the transparent conductive film. The process step (d) shown in FIG. 8 ( d ) wherein data signal line 515 is formed separately can be omitted in this construction. An effective way to reduce manufacturing costs is to simplify the patterning process, since the patterning process (photo-etching process) accounts for a large percentage of manufacturing cost of the semiconductor device. Five separate patterning processing steps are required in the manufacturing process shown in FIGS. 8 a- 8 e , whereas, only four separate patterning processes are utilized to prepare an active substrate as shown in FIG. 10 . In addition, it is unnecessary to coat with two kinds of conductive films. Such a simplification of manufacturing process is extremely effective to form an inexpensive active matrix substrate. Thus, in accordance with the invention, the advantageous characteristics of a thin film transistor are improved by sharply controlling the ON current and leakage current during the OFF state of the TFT by providing a thin film channel upon having a thickness less than about 2500 Å preferably less than 1000 Å but greater than 100 Å. Additionally, sufficient current in the ON state can flow into a liquid crystal electrode through the TFT. Construction of a TFT in accordance with the invention provides stable and reliable characteristics which are readily reproducible and suitable for long term use. While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
Thin film transistor including polycrystalline silicon or amorphous silicon thin film channel regions having a thickness of between about 100 Å and 2500 Å which are thinner than at least a portion of the source and drain regions and active matrix assemblies including thin film transistors for improved electro-optical displays are provided.
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RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/582,289, filed Jun. 23, 2004, entitled “Gas Turbine Tip Clearance Measurement Using Case-Mounted Pressure Transducers”, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates generally to gas turbine engines and their operation, and more particularly to gas turbine engine tip clearance measurement systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] It is well known that tip clearance leakage is one of the primary loss mechanisms in axial flow compressors and turbines of a gas turbine engine. Tip clearance loss translates into lost efficiency, higher fuel costs and thus higher operating costs. More particularly, over the operating life of an engine such as an aircraft engine, tip clearance increases over time, due at least in part to mechanical rubs between rotating blades and stationary casing and erosion. This clearance deterioration is a leading driver for engine performance deterioration, which often manifests in increased fuel burn and exhaust gas temperatures (EGT). The FAA mandates that an engine be removed for maintenance/overhaul once the EGT reaches an upper limit. [0004] It is desirable therefore to maintain tip clearance as low as possible in an effort to minimize related losses throughout the engine-operating envelope. One way of achieving this is to use Active tip Clearance Control (ACC) systems, such that clearance levels are adjusted for engine operating conditions, and throughout the operating cycle. For any ACC concept to work effectively, real-time tip clearance data is required as part of the control algorithm. However, current tip clearance sensors are believed to be deficient in certain regards. [0005] Accordingly, an alternative tip clearance measurement technique and system for accomplishing tip clearance measurement is highly desirable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] A system for sensing at least one physical characteristic associated with an engine including a turbine having a plurality of blades turning inside a casing, the system including: a pressure sensor coupled substantially adjacent to the casing and including at least one output; a port in the turbine casing for communicating a pressure indicative of a clearance between the blades and casing to the pressure sensor; a cooling cavity substantially surrounding the pressure sensor; and, an inlet for receiving a fluid such as compressed air from the engine and feeding the compressed air to the cooling cavity to cool the pressure sensor; wherein, the pressure sensor output is indicative of the clearance between the blades and casing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] Understanding of the present invention will be facilitated by consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts, and: [0008] FIG. 1 illustrates gas turbine tip clearance sensor system according to an aspect of the present invention; and, [0009] FIG. 2 illustrates gas turbine tip clearance sensor system according to an aspect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0010] It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding, while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity, many other elements found in typical gas turbine engines and methods of making and using the same, and pressure sensing systems and methods of making and using the same. Those of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that other elements and/or steps may be desirable in implementing the present invention. However, because such elements and steps are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements and steps is not provided herein. [0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic cross section of an exemplary turbine system 100 including a pressure transducer 110 mounted substantially adjacent to, including for example, within the interior of, turbine case 120 . Transducer 110 measures pressure on the turbine case 120 , and provides a signal indicative of the sensed pressure via leads (not shown) electrically coupled thereto. [0012] Turbine system 100 may include an engine assembly that takes the form of a conventional gas turbine engine. In operation, blades 140 of engine 100 rotate past port 150 which communicates the pressure at the turbine casing 120 to transducer 110 . As a result of blade rotation, the pressure sensed by transducer 110 varies. As a blade passes and obscures port 150 , the inlet of port 150 is essentially closed and the pressure communicated to transducer 110 is essentially the ambient static pressure. The inlet to port 150 becomes un-obscured after the blade passes. At this point, the communicated and sensed pressure rises to a maximum pressure indicative of blade 140 loading. This cyclic process repeats as each of the turbine blades 140 passes port 150 . [0013] As is understood, tip clearance size affects the blade loading. This is due to leakage flows from one side of the blade to the other across the clearance gap. Hence, the unsteady pressure field exerted upon port 150 is a function of tip clearance size. The functional dependence between the two tip clearance and the pressure signature as measured by the transducer may be established through computer modeling and/or calibration testing, for example. Thus, one may derive real-time tip clearance data from sensing the unsteady pressure signature resulting from turbine blades passing by a case mounted pressure transducer. [0014] As will be understood by those possessing an ordinary skill in the pertinent arts, pressure transducer 110 may have a frequency response capability roughly 5-10 times that of the blade passing frequency in order to resolve the flow structure at the blade tip region. For example, the blade passing frequency for a high-pressure turbine in a typical modern gas turbine engine may be around ten kilohertz (10 KHz). Accordingly, transducer 110 may have a frequency response on the order of about 50 KHz-100 KHz. Such high frequency operation may require transducer 110 to be mounted close to turbine casing 120 —as a physically extending port 150 may serve to essentially low-pass filter the pressure signature resulting from turbine blades 140 passing port 150 . [0015] The output of pressure transducer 110 may optionally be provided to a signal processing and conditioning electronics module 130 remotely located within the system 100 . Sensor 110 and/or signal processor 130 may provide one or more signals indicative of an operating condition of the engine assembly 100 , such as turbine tip clearance. [0016] Signal processing and conditioning electronics module 130 may include a processor and memory, by way of example only. “Processor”, as used herein, refers generally to a computing device including a Central Processing Unit (CPU), such as a microprocessor. A CPU generally includes an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), which performs arithmetic and logical operations, and a control unit, which extracts instructions (e.g., code) from memory and decodes and executes them, calling on the ALU when necessary “Memory”, as used herein, refers to one or more devices capable of storing data, such as in the form of chips, tapes or disks. Memory may take the form of one or more random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) chips, by way of further non-limiting example only. The memory utilized by the processor may be internal or external to an integrated unit including the processor. For example, in the case of a microprocessor, the memory may be internal or external to the microprocessor itself. Of course, module 130 may take other forms as well, such as an electronic interface or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). [0017] As is well understood by those possessing an ordinary skill in the pertinent arts, in general an axial flow turbine engine includes a compressor, combustion area and turbine. In compressor applications, the casing temperature is at or below 1300 degrees Fahrenheit (1300° F.). In the turbine section, the metal temperature can reach as high as 2500° F. According to an aspect of the present invention, transducer cooling may used. According to another aspect of the present invention, pressure transducers for turbine clearance measurement may be air cooled, optionally using the same cooling air that may be used to cool the turbine casing. [0018] Referring still to FIG. 1 , there is shown a cooling chamber 160 substantially surrounding transducer 110 and having a cooling air inlet 170 and outlet 180 . Cooling air for inlet 170 may be drawn from a compressor of turbine system 100 , and thus have a temperature around 1300° F., for example. The cooling air may circulate through chamber 160 , cooling transducer 110 and/or the immediate environment it is subjected to, and then exit outlet 180 . A high temperature pressure transducer, such as model WCT-250 or WCT-312 cooled by air of water pressure sensor, commercially available from Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc. the assignee hereof, may be used in combination with such a cooling scheme to provide a system that can reliably operate in a high temperature, high pressure turbine environment. [0019] Referring now to FIG. 2 , there is shown a turbine system 200 according to an aspect of the present invention. Like references have been used in FIGS. 1 and 2 to designate like elements of the invention. Hence, a detailed discussion of those common elements will not be repeated. In system 200 , cooling air is again fed into a chamber 160 substantially surrounding pressure transducer 110 via inlet 170 . The cooling air is again discharged using an outlet 180 . However, outlet 180 of system 200 discharges spent cooling air into the main gas path, i.e., into the turbine. Outlet 180 may discharge into port 150 , such that pressure sensing port 150 of system 200 will have a net air outflow, forming a discharge jet into the turbine. This allows an interaction between the discharge jet and the passing turbine blades 140 . This interaction may enhance the sensing of the unsteady pressure as a function of tip clearance size. Parameters, such as discharge jet velocity and flow rate of the cooling chamber, inlet and outlet may be chosen to maximize the sensitivity of the sensed unsteady pressure signal as a function of tip clearance. [0020] By way of further, non-limiting example only, the cooling airflow in FIG. 2 is modulated by the relative motion of turbine blades or airfoils. The cooling air is first modulated by the interaction between the cooling air and unsteady pressure field around each turbine blade. The unsteady pressure fluctuations will modulate cooling airflow rate, therefore affecting air pressure measured by the pressure sensor. The cooling air is also modulated by the interaction with the turbine blades themselves. When the turbine blades periodically pass over the cooling air discharge jet, a blockage effect occurs when the turbine blade is aligned with the discharge jet, whereas no or little blockage is present without such an alignment. This on and off blockage effect modulates the cooling airflow rate, again impacting unsteady pressure measurements. The amount of blockage, and the resultant pressure fluctuations, will depend on blade geometry and tip clearance size. As blade geometry is known, tip clearance may be deduced. [0021] According to an aspect of the present invention, by sizing the cooling air discharge and cooling chamber geometries, one may “acoustically tune” the effect on transducer 110 so as to maximize pressure fluctuations due to tip clearance changes, thus increasing tip clearance measurement accuracy. [0022] According to an aspect of the present invention, transducer 110 may also be utilized to measure turbine rotational speed. Transducer 110 senses the turbine blade passing frequency, by sensing the unsteady pressure field generated each time a turbine blade 140 passes port 150 . Using this frequency, together with the known configuration of the turbine itself, such as the number of blades installed on the turbine wheel, one may readily deduce turbine shaft speed. Such a shaft speed sensor may prove more reliable, and physically lighter than conventional magnetic speed transducers. Further, as a same transducer may be used to provide multiple functionality according to an aspect of the present invention, additional cost savings to the engine system as a whole may be realized. [0023] According to an aspect of the present invention, tip clearance may be adjusted using a conventional methodology responsively to the output of the pressure transducer. [0024] Those of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many modifications and variations of the present invention may be implemented without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
A system for sensing at least one physical characteristic associated with an engine including a turbine having a plurality of blades turning inside a casing, the system including: a pressure sensor coupled substantially adjacent to the casing and including at least one output; a port in the turbine casing for communicating a pressure indicative of a clearance between the blades and casing to the pressure sensor; a cooling cavity substantially surrounding the pressure sensor; and, an inlet for receiving fluid from the engine and feeding the fluid to the cooling cavity to cool the pressure sensor; wherein, the pressure sensor output is indicative of the clearance between the blades and casing.
6
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/087,979, filed on Nov. 24, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,637,423, which claims priority to PCT Application No. PCT/US2007/001000, filed on Jan. 12, 2007, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/759,434, filed on Jan. 17, 2006. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a catalyst and method for hydrodesulfurizing naphtha. More particularly, a CoMo metal hydrodesulfurization component is loaded on a high temperature alumina support in the presence of an organic additive to produce, after sulfidation, a catalyst that is then used for hydrodesulfurizing naphtha. The high temperature alumina support has defined properties that minimize olefin saturation. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Environmental regulations mandate the lowering of sulfur levels in motor gasoline (mogas). For example, it is expected that regulations will require mogas sulfur levels of 30 ppm or less by 2006. In many cases, these sulfur levels will be achieved by hydrotreating naphtha produced from Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC cat naphtha), which is the largest contributor to sulfur in the mogas pool. Since sulfur in mogas can also lead to decreased performance of catalytic converters, a 30 ppm sulfur target is desirable even in cases where regulations would permit a higher level. As a result, techniques are required that reduce the sulfur in cat naphthas while at the same time minimizing the reduction of beneficial properties such as octane number. Conventional fixed bed hydrotreating can reduce the sulfur level of cracked naphthas to very low levels. However, such hydrotreating also results in severe octane number loss due to extensive reduction of the olefin content as well as excessive consumption of hydrogen. Selective hydrotreating processes have recently been developed to avoid significant olefin saturation and octane number loss. Unfortunately, in such processes, the liberated H 2 S reacts with retained olefins forming mercaptan sulfur by reversion. Such processes can be conducted at severities which produce product within sulfur regulations. However, significant octane number loss also occurs. One proposed approach for preserving octane during sulfur removal is to modify the olefin content of the feed using an olefin-modification catalyst followed by contact with a hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalyst (U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,405). The olefin modification catalyst oligomerizes the olefins. One recently developed method of HDS is SCANfining which is a process developed by Exxon Mobil Corporation. SCANfining is described in National Petroleum Refiners Association paper #AM-99-31 titled “Selective Cat Naphtha Hydrofining with Minimal Octane Loss” and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,985,136 and 6,013,598. Typical SCANfining conditions include one and two-stage processes for hydrodesulfurizing a naphtha feedstock. The feedstock is contacted with a hydrodesulfurization catalyst comprised of about 1 to about 10 wt. % MoO 3 ; and about 0.1 to abut 5 wt. % CoO; and a Co/Mo atomic ratio of about 0.1 to about 1.0; and a median pore diameter of about 60 Å to about 200 Å. Even though SCANfining controls the degree of olefin saturation while achieving a high degree of HDS, there is still a need to improve the selectivity of the catalyst system to further reduce the degree of olefin saturation thereby further minimizing octane number loss. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a catalyst suitable for the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of naphtha which is prepared by a process comprising: (i) heating an alumina precursor to a temperature above at least about 800° C. to form a high temperature alumina, impregnating the high temperature alumina with an aqueous solution of (a) a cobalt salt, (b) a molybdenum salt, and (c) at least one organic additive to form an impregnated high temperature alumina, provided that the high temperature alumina has a gamma, eta and chi alumina content less than about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the alumina; a median pore diameter in the range of about 100 Å to about 1000 Å; and a surface area between about 40 m 2 /g and about 200 m 2 /g; (ii) drying the impregnated high temperature alumina at temperatures less than about 200° C. to form a dried impregnated high temperature alumina catalyst precursor; and (iii) sulfiding the dried impregnated high temperature alumina catalyst precursor to form a HDS catalyst, provided that the HDS catalyst or catalyst precursor is not calcined prior to sulfiding or use for HDS. In a preferred embodiment, the HDS catalyst precursor contains from about 1 wt. % to about 8 wt. % cobalt, based on catalyst support and from about 6 wt. % to about 20 wt. % molybdenum, based on catalyst support. The HDS catalyst may further contain alpha alumina in addition to other high temperature aluminas such as delta, theta and kappa. Another embodiment relates to a method for making a HDS catalyst, with the catalyst prepared by: (i) heating an alumina precursor to a temperature above at least about 800° C. to form a high temperature alumina; (ii) impregnating the high temperature alumina with an aqueous solution of (a) a cobalt salt, (b) a molybdenum salt, and (c) at least one organic additive to form an impregnated high temperature alumina, provided that the high temperature alumina has a gamma, eta and chi alumina content less than about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the alumina; a median pore diameter in the range of about 100 Å to about 1000 Å; and a surface area between about 40 m 2 /g and about 200 m 2 /g; (iii) drying the impregnated high temperature alumina at temperatures less than about 200° C. to form a dried impregnated high temperature alumina catalyst precursor; and (iv) sulfiding the dried impregnated high temperature alumina catalyst precursor to form a HDS catalyst, provided that the HDS catalyst or catalyst precursor is not calcined prior to sulfiding or use for HDS. Another embodiment relates to a method for the HDS of a naphtha having an olefin content of at least about 5 wt. %, based on the weight of the naphtha comprising: (i) contacting the naphtha with a HDS catalyst under hydrodesulfurization conditions, wherein the catalyst is prepared by heating an alumina precursor to a temperature above at least about 800° C. to form a high temperature alumina; impregnating the high temperature alumina with an aqueous solution of (a) a cobalt salt, (b) a molybdenum salt, and (c) at least one organic additive to form an impregnated high temperature alumina, provided that the high temperature alumina has a gamma, eta and chi alumina content less than about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the alumina; a median pore diameter in the range of about 100 Å to about 1000 Å; and a surface area between about 40 m 2 /g and about 200 m 2 /g; (ii) drying the impregnated high temperature alumina at temperatures less than about 200° C. to form a dried impregnated high temperature alumina catalyst precursor; and (iii) sulfiding the dried impregnated high temperature alumina catalyst precursor to form a HDS catalyst, provided that the HDS catalyst or catalyst precursor is not calcined prior to sulfiding or use for HDS. The HDS catalyst, when used for the HDS of naphtha, shows improved selectivity towards olefin saturation while maintaining a high level of HDS of the naphtha feed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 is a plot of the X-ray diffraction patterns for the calcined supports of Examples 1-5. FIG. 2 is a plot showing the pore size distributions by Hg porosimetry for Example 2. FIG. 3 is a plot showing the pore size distributions by Hg porosimetry for Example 3. FIG. 4 is a plot showing the pore size distributions by Hg porosimetry for Example 4. FIG. 5 is a plot showing the pore size distributions by Hg porosimetry for Example 5. FIG. 6 is a plot of the X-ray diffraction pattern for the support for Example 6. FIG. 7 is a plot showing the pore size distribution for the support of Example 6 with a median pore diameter by Hg porosimetry of 672 Å. FIG. 8 is a plot showing the percentage of C 5 olefin saturation at 90% HDS conversion vs. the median pore diameter (based on Hg intrusion pore area) of the alumina supports used to prepare the catalysts of Example 12. FIG. 9 is a plot showing the percentage of C 5 olefin saturation at 90% HDS conversion vs. (1/median pore diameter) of the alumina supports used to prepare the catalysts of Example 12. FIG. 10 is a plot showing the percentage of C 5 olefin saturation at 90% HDS conversion vs. percentage of surface area (measured by Hg porosimetry) larger than 150 Å for the alumina supports used to prepare the catalysts of Example 12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The term “naphtha” is used to refer to the middle boiling range hydrocarbon fraction or fractions that are major components of gasoline, while the term “FCC naphtha” refers to a preferred naphtha that has been produced by the well-known process of fluid catalytic cracking. Naphthas having a middle boiling range are those have boiling points from about 10° C. (i.e., from about C 5 ) to about 232° C. (50 to 450° F.) at atmospheric pressure, preferably from about 21° C. to about 221° C. (70 to 430° F.). Producing naphtha in a FCC process without added hydrogen results in a naphtha that is relatively high in olefins and aromatics. Other naphthas such as steam cracked naphthas and coker naphthas may also contain relatively high concentrations of olefins. Typical olefinic naphthas have olefin contents of at least about 5 wt. % up to about 60 wt. %, based on the weight of the naphtha, preferably about 5 wt. % to about 40 wt. %; sulfur contents from about 300 ppmw to about 7000 ppmw, based on the weight of the naphtha; and nitrogen contents from about 5 ppmw to about 500 ppmw, based on the weight of the naphtha. Olefins include open chain olefins, cyclic olefins, dienes and cyclic hydrocarbons with olefinic side chains. Because olefins and aromatics are high octane number components, olefinic naphtha generally exhibits higher research and motor octane values than does hydrocracked naphtha. While olefinic naphthas are typically high in olefin content, they may also contain other compounds, especially sulfur-containing and nitrogen-containing compounds. Selective Catalyst The catalyst for the selective removal of sulfur with minimal olefin saturation from an olefinic naphtha is prepared using a high temperature alumina as a support material. High temperature aluminas are moderate to high surface area (from about 40 m 2 /g to about 200 m 2 /g), large pore aluminas. Alpha alumina is the most stable high temperature alumina phase as it is formed when other alumina phases are heated to sufficiently high temperatures such as temperatures in range of about 1000° C. to about 1200° C. or more. Thus alumina precursors such as boehmite or psuedoboehmite (AlO(OH)) and bayerite or gibbsite (Al(OH) 3 ) when heated to increasingly high temperatures are converted through the various alumina phases to the alpha phase. The generally accepted phase transitions associated with a temperature increase beginning with boehmite are as follows: boehmite→gamma alumina/chi alumina→delta alumina/theta alumina→alpha alumina. The phase transitions associated with a temperature increase beginning with gibbsite are as follows: gibbsite→chi alumina→kappa alumina→alpha alumina. The phase transitions associated with a temperature increase beginning with bayerite are as follows: bayerite→eta alumina→theta alumina→alpha alumina. As noted above, alpha alumina is the end phase of the heating of other alumina phases such as gamma, chi, eta, delta, kappa and theta. As used herein, high temperature alumina means alumina that contains theta, delta, kappa and alpha aluminas, and mixtures thereof with only minor amounts of gamma, chi, or eta phase alumina. The sum of gamma, chi, and eta alumina is less than about 50 wt. %, preferably less than about 30 wt. %, more preferably less than about 20 wt. %, based on the weight of the alumina. In an embodiment, the high temperature alumina contains greater than about 50 wt. % of at least one of theta, kappa, delta and alpha alumina, preferably greater than about 70 wt. %, more preferably greater than about 80 wt. %, based on the total weight of the alumina. The high temperature aluminas according to the invention can be prepared by heating a precursor such as gamma alumina, bayerite, gibbsite and/or boehmite to a temperature greater than about 800° C. The temperature used is also a function of the nature of the starting phase as well as the time of heating, the time being controlled to achieve the desired phases. The high temperature alumina thus prepared is preferably predominantly a mixture of theta, kappa and alpha alumina, more preferably predominantly a mixture of theta and alpha alumina. By predominantly is meant that the weight of the designated component or components comprise more that about 50% of the weight of the mixture. It is also noted that heat with steaming can be used to produce the high temperature alumina. For example, steaming an alumina precursor at about 95% humidity for one hour at about 1000° C. results in a pure theta phase material. Other methods for preparing the high temperature alumina can be used, including conventional methods, provided the high temperature alumina has the described characteristics. The alumina phases are determined by X-ray diffraction techniques. The different phases each have a characteristic X-ray diffraction pattern as determined by essential peak intensities and d-spacings. Accordingly, X-ray diffraction can be used to verify that a high temperature alumina has been made. The high temperature alumina support is then impregnated with a mixture of (a) a cobalt salt (b) a molybdenum salt, and (c) one or more organic additives, such as organic ligands. The cobalt and molybdenum salts used to impregnate the alumina support may be any water-soluble salt. Preferred salts include carbonates, nitrates, heptamolybdate and the like. The amount of salt is such that the alumina support will contain from about 2 wt. % to about 8 wt. % cobalt oxide (CoO), based on the weight of the support, preferably from about 3 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, and from about 8 wt. % to about 30 wt. % molybdenum oxide (MoO 3 ), preferably from about 10 wt. % to about 25 wt. %. Organic ligands are organic additives which are hypothesized to aid in distributing the Co and Mo components on the silica support. The organic additives contain oxygen and/or nitrogen atoms and include mono-dentate, bi-dentate and poly-dentate ligands. The organic additives (ligands) may also be chelating agents. Organic ligands include at least one of carboxylic acids, polyols, amino acids, amines, amino alcohols, ketones, esters and the like. Examples of organic ligands include phenanthroline, quinolinol, salicylic acid, acetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid (CYDTA), alanine, arginine, triethanolamine (TEA), glycerol, histidine, acetylacetonate, guanidine, and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), citric acid and urea. The high temperature alumina supports have large pore volumes as measured by mercury porosimetry using ASTM method no. D4284 using a contact angle of about 140 degrees. The pore volumes are in the range from about 0.3 cc/g to about 1.5 cc/g, preferably about 0.5 cc/g to about 1.5 cc/g. The median pore sizes as measured by intrusion volume of mercury are in the range from about 100 Å to about 1000 Å, preferably from about 150 Å to about 1000 Å. The surface areas, as measured by the BET method using nitrogen, are in the range from about 40 m 2 /g to about 200 m 2 /g, preferably from about 40 m 2 /g to about 150 m 2 /g. While not wishing to be bound to any particular theory, it is postulated that the present high temperature alumina supports with large pore diameters, when combined with organic ligands such as arginine, citric acid and urea, and low severity drying, lead to HDS catalysts having the desired selectivity towards olefin saturation while maintaining the activity of the HDS catalyst for desulfurizing the naphtha feed. The organic ligands are hypothesized to assist in producing an effective dispersion of metals throughout the alumina support which, in turn, is a factor in the increased selectivity exhibited by the present catalysts. The high temperature alumina support may also be doped with metals from Groups 2-4 of the Periodic Table based on the IUPAC format having Groups 1-18, preferably from Groups 2 and 4. Examples of such metals include Zr, Mg, Ti. See, e.g., The Merck Index, Twelfth Edition, Merck & Co., Inc., 1996. Catalyst Preparation and Use High temperature alumina supports were impregnated with aqueous solutions of Co and Mo salts using conventional techniques, i.e., techniques known to those skilled in the art of hydroprocessing catalyst design, synthesis, manufacturing and/or use. The organic ligand may be added to the aqueous solution of salts prior to contact with the alumina support. One embodiment for impregnating the alumina support with metal salt is by the incipient wetness method. In this method, an aqueous solution containing metal salts and an organic additive is mixed with the support up to the point of incipient wetness using conventional techniques. The manner of impregnation of the alumina support by metal salt may be by impregnating the alumina support with a mixture of a cobalt salt and organic ligand using incipient wetness, drying the impregnated support and then impregnating the dried support with a molybdenum salt solution or molybdenum salt solution containing organic ligand up to the point of incipient wetness. In another embodiment, the order of impregnation by cobalt salt followed by molybdenum salt may be reversed. In yet another embodiment, the support may be co-impregnated with a mixture of cobalt salt and molybdenum salt plus organic ligand to incipient wetness. The co-impregnated support may be dried and the co-impregnation process repeated. In yet another embodiment, an extruded alumina support may be impregnated with a mixture of cobalt salt, molybdenum salt and organic ligand and the impregnated support dried. This treatment may be repeated if desired. In all the above embodiments, the organic ligand may be a single ligand or may be a mixture of ligands. The impregnated alumina support isolated from the reaction mixture is heated and dried at temperatures in the range from about 50° C. to about 200° C. to form a catalyst precursor. The drying may be under vacuum, or in air, or inert gas such as nitrogen. The dried catalyst precursor is treated with hydrogen sulfide at concentrations of from about 0.1 vol. % to about 10 vol. % based on total volume of gases present, for a period of time and at a temperature sufficient to convert metal oxide, metal salt or metal complex to the corresponding sulfide in order to form the HDS catalyst. The hydrogen sulfide may be generated by a sulfiding agent incorporated in or on the catalyst precursor. In an embodiment, the sulfiding agent is combined with a diluent. For example, dimethyl disulfide can be combined with a naphtha diluent. Lesser amounts of hydrogen sulfide may be used but this may extend the time required for activation. An inert carrier may be present and activation may take place in either the liquid or gas phase. Examples of inert carriers include nitrogen and light hydrocarbons such as methane. When present, the inert gases are included as part of the total gas volume. Temperatures are in the range from about 150° C. to about 700° C., preferably from about 160° C. to about 343° C. The temperature may be held constant or may be ramped up by starting at a lower temperature and increasing the temperature during activation. Total pressure is in the range up to about 5000 psig (34576 kPa), preferably about 0 psig to about 5000 psig (101 to 34576 kPa), more preferably about 50 psig to about 2500 psig (446 to 17338 kPa). If a liquid carrier is present, the liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) is from about 0.1 hr −1 to about 12 hr −1 , preferably about 0.1 hr −1 to about 5 hr −1 . The LHSV pertains to continuous mode. However, activation may also be done in batch mode. Total gas rates may be from about 89 m 3 /m 3 to about 890 m 3 /m 3 (500 to 5000 scf/B). Catalyst sulfiding may occur either in situ or ex situ. Sulfiding may occur by contacting the catalyst with a sulfiding agent, and can take place with either a liquid or gas phase sulfiding agent. Alternatively, the catalyst may be presulfurized such that H 2 S may be generated during sulfiding. In a liquid phase sulfiding agent, the catalyst to be sulfided is contacted with a carrier liquid containing sulfiding agent. The sulfiding agent may be added to the carrier liquid or the carrier liquid itself may be sulfiding agent. The carrier liquid is preferably a virgin hydrocarbon stream and may be the feedstock to be contacted with the hydroprocessing catalyst but may be any hydrocarbon stream such as a distillate derived from mineral (petroleum) or synthetic sources. If a sulfiding agent is added to the carrier liquid, the sulfiding agent itself may be a gas or liquid capable of generating hydrogen sulfide under activation conditions. Examples include hydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, carbon disulfide, sulfides such as dimethyl sulfide, disulfides such as dimethyl disulfide, and polysulfides such as di-t-nonylpolysulfide. The sulfides present in certain feeds, e.g., petroleum feeds, may act as sulfiding agents and include a wide variety of sulfur-containing species capable of generating hydrogen sulfide, including aliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic compounds. The dried catalyst is not calcined prior to either sulfiding or use for HDS. Not calcining means that the dried catalyst is not heated to temperatures above about 300° C., preferably about 200° C. By not calcining the catalyst, from about 60% to about 100% of the dispersing aid remains on the catalyst prior to sulfiding or use for HDS. Following sulfiding, the catalyst may be contacted with naphtha under hydrodesulfurizing conditions. Hydrodesulfurizing conditions include temperatures of from about 150° C. to 400° C., pressures of from about 445 kPa to about 13890 kPa (50 to 2000 psig), liquid hourly space velocities of from about 0.1 to about 12, and treat gas rates of from about 89 m 3 /m 3 to about 890 m 3 /m 3 (500 to 5000 scf/B). After hydrodesulfurization, the desulfurized naphtha can be conducted away for storage or for further processing, such as stripping to remove hydrogen sulfide. The desulfurized naphtha is useful for blending with other naphtha boiling-range hydrocarbons to make mogas. Embodiments, including preferred embodiments, are illustrated in the following examples. EXAMPLES 1 TO 5 An alumina extrudate useful as a support was prepared by mixing Versal-300 (UOP) with 30% Avicel (FMC) as organic filler and 2% HNO 3 , followed by extrusion through a 1/20″ quadrilobed die. The resulting extrudate was calcined using various conditions of temperature, time, and partial steam, to produce alumina supports of Example 1 through Example 5. Specific calcination conditions, alumina phase identifications, BET surface areas by N 2 , and pore volumes/diameters by Hg, are listed in Table 1. The XRD patterns of these calcined alumina supports are shown in FIG. 1 . A copper anode was used. Intensity results are plotted vs. scattering angle (two theta). FIGS. 2 through 5 show the pore size distributions by Hg intrusion for Examples 2, 3, 4, and 5. TABLE 1 Median Median Pore Pore Support from Hg Diameter Diameter Versal-300 Alumina SA, PV, (by Hg (by HG Exam. # Alumina Phase m 2 /g cc/g Area) Vol.) SC# 1 Versal/400° C./1 hr γ (broad) 340 0.81 67 94 1369 Calcination 2 Versal/800° C./8 hr γ (pure) 199 0.82 102 126 1371 Calcination 3 Versal/1000° C./1 hr θ + δ 143 0.75 143 175 1373 Calcination (1247) 4 Versal/1000° C./1 hr θ (pure) 86 0.78 256 307 1375 Steam (95%) Calcination 5 Versal/1100° C./10 hr. α (major) + θ 43 0.59 285 805 1378 Calcination EXAMPLE 6 A commercial alumina support (Norpro SA31132) containing mixed theta and alpha alumina phases was examined by X-ray diffraction techniques as in Examples 1 through 5. FIG. 6 is a plot of the X-ray diffraction pattern for the support. FIG. 7 is a log-log plot of pore size distribution. FIG. 7 shows the pore size distribution based on HG intrusion volume. The median pore diameter determined based on mercury intrusion volume is 672 Å, while the median pore diameter determined based on pore area is 209 Å. The support has a surface area of 62 m 2 /g as measured by N 2 BET method, and pore volume of 0.77 cc/g as measured by Hg (ASTM-D4284 method). An impregnation solution was prepared by dissolving 8.34 g of urea and 4.20 g of citric acid monohydrate in 10 ml of water, followed by dissolving 2.13 g of cobalt carbonate hydrate (46.2% Co) and 6.13 g of ammonium heptamolybdate. The impregnation solution was added to the alumina support using the incipient wetness impregnation technique. The impregnated catalyst was dried at 110° C. and used in the sulfidation and HDS evaluation without calcination. The impregnated solid contained 3.9 wt. % of CoO and 15.5 wt. % MoO 3 on a dry basis. EXAMPLES 7-11 The alumina supports of Examples 1-5 were impregnated with Co and Mo salts using citric acid and urea as organic additives. Impregnation and drying was carried out as described in Example 6. Table 2 lists the metal content of the dry catalyst precursors. TABLE 2 Support from Example # Example # Support SC# MoO 3 CoO 7 1 1369 18.1 4.5 8 2 1371 19.6 4.9 9 3 1373 16.8 4.2 10 4 1375 17.5 4.4 11 5 1378 15.5 3.9 EXAMPLE 12 Catalyst precursors from Examples 6-11 were sulfided and tested in parallel with a commercially available reference CoMo/Al 2 O 3 catalyst (RT-225) for selectivity in cat naphtha hydrodesulfurization. The catalyst precursors were sulfided using 3% H 2 S in H 2 and virgin naphtha. Feed for the catalyst evaluation was a C 5 -177° C. (350° F.) FCC naphtha feed containing 1408 ppm S and 46.3% olefins. Catalysts were evaluated in an MCFB-48 unit (Multi-Channel Fixed Bed-48 Reactor) at 274° C. (525° F.) at 220 psig using H 2 . Feed flow rate was adjusted to obtain a range of 2-methylthiophene desulfurization from 65% to 95%. Product streams were analyzed using on-line GCs and SCDs. C 5 Olefin content in the product was compared with C 5 olefin content in the feed to calculate the percentage of olefin saturation (% OSAT). Results of % HDS and % OSAT were stable after about 30 hours of catalyst on stream, and were used to evaluate the olefin saturation (% OSAT) at various HDS conversions (% HDS). FIG. 8 plots the percentage of C 5 olefin saturation at 90% HDS conversion vs. the median pore diameters (based on Hg intrusion pore area) of the alumina supports used to prepare the catalysts of Example 12. A commercial catalyst, which has a median pore diameter of 90 Å, was tested under the identical conditions and showed 14 wt. % of C 5 olefin saturation at 90% HDS conversion. Compared to the commercial catalyst and the catalysts formed on lower temperature alumina (precursors from Examples 7 and 8), the current inventive catalysts supported on high temperature alumina have lower olefin saturation. FIG. 9 plots the percentage of C 5 olefin saturation at 90% HDS conversion vs. (1/median pore diameter) of the alumina supports used to prepare the catalysts of Example 12. FIG. 10 plots the percentage of C 5 olefin saturation at 90% HDS conversion vs. percentage of surface area (measured by Hg porosimetry) larger than 150 Å for the alumina supports used to prepare the catalysts of Example 12.
This invention relates to a catalyst and method for hydrodesulfurizing naphtha. More particularly, a Co/Mo metal hydrogenation component is loaded on a high temperature alumina support in the presence of a dispersion aid to produce a catalyst that is then used for hydrodesulfurizing naphtha. The high temperature alumina support has a defined surface area that minimizes olefin saturation.
2
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/137,020 filed Jun. 1, 1999. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) enzymes that participate in cholesterol and vitamin D biosynthesis. More particularly, the invention relates to the 3β-HSD enzyme termed NSDHL and to manipulation of the chemical reaction(s) in which it participates. BACKGROUND [0003] Cholesterol is a key component of cell membranes and is the immediate precursor for the synthesis of all known steroid hormones and bile acids. Vitamin D is important in calcium homeostasis and bone formation. Cholesterol and vitamin D can be synthesized in a multistep pathway from the sterol precursor lanosterol. As illustrated in FIG. 1, lanosterol is typically first converted to 4, 4-dimethylcholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol. Next, 4,4-dimethylcholest-8(9)-en-3 β-ol is converted to 4-methylcholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol and then to cholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol by sequential removal of the two C-4 methyl groups from the sterol backbone. Cholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol is, in turn, converted to lathosterol (cholest-7-en-3β-ol). 7-dehydrocholesterol is then generated from lathosterol and is the immediate major precursor of both cholesterol and vitamin D. Intermediates preceding lanosterol in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway also serve as precursors for the synthesis of non-sterol isoprenes such as isopentenyl-tRNAs, dolichol, ubiquinone, and haem A. The isopentenyl groups in tRNAs stabilize codon-anticodon interaction contributing to fidelity of protein synthesis from mRNA. Dolichol is required for the synthesis of glycoproteins. Ubiquinone and haem A are important components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. While some genes encoding enzymes participating in the mammalian biosynthetic pathway have been previously characterized, other genes remain unknown. [0004] Various disease states have been linked to abnormalities in cholesterol biosynthesis. For example, mevalonic aciduria was the first disorder of cholesterol synthesis to be recognized and is caused by a defect in mevalonate kinase, an enzyme participating in early steps of the pathway. Patients experience developmental delay, failure to thrive, hypotonia, ataxia, hepatosplenomegaly, cataracts, lymphadenopathy, anaemia, myopathy, and enteropathy with fat malabsorption. [0005] Additionally, defects in later steps of the pathway in the conversion of lanosterol to cholesterol have been described in a single infant with “desmosterolosis” in Clayton, Archi. Dis. Child., 78: 185-189 (1998) and in patients with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) in Kelley, Am. J. Hum. Genet., 63: 322-326 (1998). The desmosterolosis afflicted infant had a cleft palate, ambiguous genitalia, short limbs, short and unrotated intestines and bilateral renal hypoplasia. SLOS is characterized by mental retardation, microcephaly, failure to thrive, cataracts, cleft palate, postaxial polydactyly and/or syndactyly of the second and third toes, congenital heart disease, genital abnormalities, photosensitivity, and, occasionally, chondrodysplasia punctata. Affected patients accumulate 7-dehydrocholesterol and mutations in the 3β-hydroxysteriod-Δ 7 -reductase gene have recently been identified in numerous SLOS probands. See, e.g., Wassif et al., Am. J. Hum. Genet., 63: 66-62 (1998). Even more recently, Kelley et al., Am. J. Med. Gen., 83: 213-219 (1999) reported that patients with X-linked dominant Conradi-Hünermann-Happle syndrome and nonspecific lethal chondrodysplasia punctata exhibited abnormally increased levels of 8-dehydrocholesterol and cholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol. [0006] Other disease states have been suggested to involve 3β-HSD abnormalities but the biosynthetic pathway in which those enzymes participated had not previously been demonstrated. For example, Herman et al. [presenting at the 12 th International Mouse Genome Conference, Garmisch, Germany (September 1998) and at the American Society of Human Genetics Meeting Late Breaking Plenary Session, Denver, Colo. (October 1998)] described an X-linked mouse mutation bare patches (Bpa) occurring in a gene, the Nsdhl gene putatively encoding a 3β-HSD, as being a murine model of the human X-linked dominant disorder chondrodysplasia punctata (CDPX2). The human and murine phenotypes of the two disorders are very similar and include hyperkeratotic skin eruptions and hair loss, a skeletal dysplasia characterized by abnormal epiphyseal calcifications (chondrodysplasia punctata), and frequent cataracts and or microophthalmia. A human genomic DNA containing a gene (NSDHL) corresponding to the murine Nsdhl gene was disclosed in Genbank Accession No. U82671. The human NSDHL gene has been mapped on the X chromosome at Xq28 and comprises eight exons. At the time of the Herman et al. presentations, the substrate of the putative enzyme encoded by the human NSDHL and murine Nsdhl genes was not known. However, Gachotte et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 95: 13794-13799 (1998) reported that the S. cerevisiae homolog of Nsdhl functions as a C-3 sterol dehydrogenase (C-4 decarboxylase) in the synthesis of ergosterol, the major sterol of yeast and Kelley et al. (1999), supra suggested that Nsdhl gene product may have a role in cholesterol biosynthesis in 4-demethylation of lanosterol. [0007] There thus continues to exist in the art a need for the identification of genes encoding enzymes that participate in the biosynthetic pathway(s) for cholesterol and vitamin D as well as for the identification of disease states resulting from mutations in those genes or abnormalities in their expression. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] The present invention relates to the identification of the NSDHL gene product as a 3β-HSD involved in the conversion of 4,4-dimethylcholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol to cholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol in the cholesterol and vitamin D biosynthetic pathway. [0009] Based upon this function, the present invention contemplates methods for manipulating the biosynthetic pathway at the step of involvement of NSDHL to increase or decrease the levels of cholesterol and/or vitamin D (or downstream products such as steroids) produced by a cell. Also contemplated are methods for manipulating (increasing or decreasing) the accumulation of intermediate compounds upstream of the step of involvement of NSDHL in the pathway. These methods of manipulation are useful, for example, in in vitro cell culture methods to produce steroids for which cholesterol is a precursor and in in vivo treatments for disease states involving the biosynthetic pathway. [0010] The present invention contemplates that various disease states including bone, skin and eye disorders are associated with mutations in the NSDHL gene and other genes encoding proteins involved in the conversion of 4,4-dimethylcholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol to cholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol. Thus, detection of mutations in these genes is useful in the initial diagnosis of the disease states and in evaluating treatment options. [0011] Embodiments of the invention are methods for diagnosing disease states associated with mutations in the NSDHL gene or the other genes encoding proteins involved in the same step of the biosynthetic pathway, that is the step in which 4,4-dimethylcholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol is converted to cholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol. It is contemplated that the step of removal of the two C-4 methyl groups requires the sequential actions of a C-4 sterol methyloxidase, the NSDHL gene product (a 3β-HSD) and a 3-keto reductase (i.e., the sterol-4-demethylase complex). See FIG. 2. In addition, regulatory or other accessory proteins may be required. A cDNA sequence encoding a human C-4 sterol methyloxidase is deposited under GenBank U60205 (SEQ ID NO: 5 herein) and was identified based on homology to yeast ERG25 [Li and Kaplan, J. Biol. Chem., 271: 16927-16933 (1996)]. [0012] In the diagnostic methods of the invention, polynucleotides obtained from a patient are analyzed for mutations (i.e., nucleotide differences from wild type) using primers or probes based on the NSDHL polynucleotide sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 1 or the C-4 sterol methyloxidase sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 5 using standard polynucleotide sequencing, amplification and/or hybridization techniques. Examples of intronic primer pairs for routine sequencing of and mutation detection in the 5′ noncoding region and eight exons of the human NSDHL gene are: 5′ noncoding 5′ AAAGACTGGTGCGCTAAAGC 3′ (SEQ ID NO:7) 5′ CGAGCTTCCTCCACCAAGAG 3′ (SEQ ID NO:8) Exon 1 (ending at nucleotide 151 of SEQ ID NO:1) 5′ CCCCGTCTTTATTGGGCAAG 3′ (SEQ ID NO:9) 5′ ACTGCCCAGTCGCTGACACAG 3′ (SEQ ID NO:10) Exon 2 (corresponding to nucleotides 152 through 302 of SEQ ID NO:1) 5′ GGCATCTGCCCAAAACACTAAC 3′ (SEQ ID NO:11) 5′ CCACAGGTAAATAGTATCAGCC 3′ (SEQ ID NO:12) Exon 3 (corresponding to nucleotides 303 through 461 of SEQ ID NO:1) 5′ TTCCAGTCCTCACTACCCTG 3′ (SEQ ID NO:13) 5′ AGTATCGTGGTTTCCCTTCG 3′ (SEQ ID NO:14) Exon 4 (corresponding to nucleotides 462 through 608 of SEQ ID NO:1) 5′ TGCCATTGACCTGTCAAAGC 3′ (SEQ ID NO:15) 5′ CCCTTAGAAAGGGCCATCAC 3′ (SEQ ID NO:16) Exon 5 (corresponding to nucleotides 609 through 737 of SEQ ID NO:1) 5′ GGATCATGCACTGTTTGAATTG 3′ (SEQ ID NO:17) 5′ GGATTCTAAACCCTTCAGTC 3′ (SEQ ID NO:18) Exon 6 (corresponding to nucleotides 738 through 880 of SEQ ID NO:1) 5′ CTAGGAATTTGCAATGGACG 3′ (SEQ ID NO:19) 5′ TGAATGCGAGCATGGACCAG 3′ (SEQ ID NO:20) Exon 7 (corresponding to nucleotides 881 through 983 of SEQ ID NO:1) 5′ AAGACTTGGGAGTGGCCCTG 3′ (SEQ ID NO:21) 5′ AGGCAAGGAGAAGAAACCCG 3′ (SEQ ID NO:22) Exon 8 (beginning at nucleotide 984 of SEQ ID NO:1) 5′ TTCAACTTTGGGCAGGTGGG 3′ (SEQ ID NO:23) 5′ CTCCATAGCATCATCCATGG 3′ (SEQ ID NO:24) and 5′ CATTCCACTACTACAGCTGC 3′ (SEQ ID NO:25) 5′ TGTATAAACCAGAAGAGGGG 3′ (SEQ ID NO:26). [0013] Techniques contemplated by the invention include, but are not limited to, well-known techniques such as polymerase chain reaction techniques, single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis (SSCP) [Orita et al., Proc Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 86: 2766-2770 (1989)]; heteroduplex analysis [White et al., Genomics, 12: 301-306 (1992)]; denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis [Fischer et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 80: 1579-1583 (1983); and Riesner et al., Electrophoresis, 10: 377-389 (1989)]; DNA sequencing; RNase cleavage [Myers et al., Science, 230: 1242-1246 (1985)]; chemical cleavage of mismatch techniques [Rowley et al., Genomics, 30: 574-582 (1995); and Roberts et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 25: 3377-3378 (1997)]; restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis; single nucleotide primer extension analysis [Shumaker et al., Hum. Mutat., 7: 346-354 (1996); and Pastinen et al., Genome Res., 7: 606-614 (1997)]; 5′ nuclease assays [Pease et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 91: 5022-5026 (1994)]; DNA Microchip analysis [Ramsay, G., Nature Biotechnology, 16: 40-48 (1999); and Chee et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,837,832]; and ligase chain reaction [Whiteley et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,521,065]. See generally, Schafer and Hawkins, Nature Biotechnology, 16: 33-39 (1998). All of the foregoing documents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. [0014] In one preferred embodiment the assaying involves sequencing of nucleic acid to determine nucleotide sequence thereof, using any available sequencing technique. [See, e.g., Sanger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA), 74: 5463-5467 (1977) (dideoxy chain termination method); Mirzabekov, TIBTECH, 12: 27-32 (1994) (sequencing by hybridization); Drmanac et al., Nature Biotechnology, 16: 54-58 (1998) and Science, 260: 1649-1652 (1993) (sequencing by hybridization); Kieleczawa et al., Science, 258: 1787-1791 (1992) (sequencing by primer walking); (Douglas et al., Biotechniques, 14: 824-828 (1993) (Direct sequencing of PCR products); and Akane et al., Biotechniques 16: 238-241 (1994); Maxam and Gilbert, Meth. Enzymol., 65: 499-560 (1977) (chemical termination sequencing)]. [0015] Alternatively, diagnostic methods of the invention involve detection in a patient's body fluid (e.g., serum, urine, semen, amniotic fluid, saliva, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid) or cells (e.g., fibroblasts, keratinocytes, chondrocytes, liver tissue or osteoid tissue) of sterol intermediates or their metabolites prior to the step of generation of cholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol in the cholesterol/vitamin D biosynthetic pathway. Preferably detection is by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) or related mass spectrometric techniques, and more preferably is by selected ion monitoring gas chromatography/mass-spectrometry (SIM-GC/MS) as described in Kelley, Clinica Chimica Acta, 236: 45-58 (1995) which is incorporated by reference herein. In the methods, a sample obtained from a patient is analzyed by SIN-GC/MS for accumulation of 4,4-dimethylcholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol, 4-methylcholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol (methylsterol-1) and/or 4-methylcholesta-8(9),24-dien-3β-ol (methylsterol-2), sterol intermediates generated prior to or during the NSDHL step of involvement in the biosynthetic pathway. Accumulation of these intermediates is indicative of an abnormality at this step in the pathway because only trace concentrations of the intermediates are detectable in normal individuals. [0016] Preferred diagnostic methods contemplated by the invention are methods of diagnosis of CHILD syndrome (involving skin and bone), of skin disorders such as psoriasis and ichthyoses, of bone disorders such as osteoporosis and osteosclerosis, of eye disorders such as cataracts and microopthalmia and of arthritis. [0017] In another embodiment, treatment of skin, bone and eye disorders is contemplated by the invention. Preferred indications are CHILD syndrome (involving skin and bone), skin disorders such as psoriasis and ichthyoses, bone disorders such as osteoporosis and osteosclerosis, eye disorders such as cataracts and microopthalmia, and arthritis. As noted above, manipulation of the biosynthetic pathway at the step of involvement of NSDHL may involve increasing or decreasing downstream products produced by a cell or may involve increasing or decreasing upstream products produced by a cell. This is because mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in the step alter the balance between upstream and downstream products. In disease states such as CHILD syndrome, psoriasis, ichthyoses, osteosclerosis, cataracts, micropthalmia and arthritis, it is contemplated that treatment according to the invention involves decreasing upstream products and increasing downstream products. Tissue abnormalities that arise in these disorders can be caused by adverse effects of intermediate sterols upstream of the step of involvement of NSDHL in the pathway (such as C29 sterols 4,4′-dimethylcholest-en-3β-ol and 4,4′-dimethylcholesta-8,24-dien-3β-ol) and/or deficiency in downstream products. In disease states such as osteoporosis it is contemplated that treatment involves increasing upstream products and decreasing downstream products in order to promote bone formation. [0018] In one embodiment, agents to be used to therapeutically manipulate the biosynthetic pathway can be identified in assays based on the 3β-HSD activity of the NSDHL (SEQ ID NO: 2) or Nsdhl (SEQ ID NO: 4) enzyme products, or in assays based on the methyloxidase activity of C-4 sterol methyloxidase (SEQ ID NO: 6). The enzyme is made by standard recombinant techniques by expressing human NSDHL (SEQ ID NO: 1) or murine Nsdhl (SEQ ID NO: 3) or C-4 sterol methyloxidase cDNA in an appropriate host cell. Activity of the enzyme is measured in the presence and absence of a test agent and agents which increase or decrease the activity of the enzyme are identified. As one example, the active site of NSDHL enzyme (amino acids 92-96 of SEQ ID NO: 2) exhibits relatively low homology to other mammalian 3β-HSDs and is contemplated as a binding site for a agent that would inhibit the NSDHL enzyme. [0019] In other embodiments, expression of the NSDHL gene or C-4 sterol methyloxidase gene is directly manipulated in vivo either locally (e.g., topically) or systemically, for example, using antisense or sense oligonucleotides comprising a single-stranded nucleic acid sequence (either RNA or DNA) capable of binding to target mRNA (sense) or DNA (antisense) sequences or using gene therapy. [0020] Antisense or sense oligonucleotides, according to the present invention, comprise a fragment of DNA (such as that DNA set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1 or 5). Such a fragment generally comprises at least about 14 nucleotides, preferably from about 17 to about 30 nucleotides. The ability to derive an antisense or a sense oligonucleotide, based upon a cDNA sequence encoding a given protein is described in, for example, Stein and Cohen ( Cancer Res., 48: 2659, 1988) and van der Krol et al. ( BioTechniques, 6: 958, 1988). Binding of antisense or sense oligonucleotides to target nucleic acid sequences results in the formation of duplexes that block or inhibit protein expression by one of several means, including enhanced degradation of the mRNA by RNAseH, inhibition of splicing, premature termination of transcription or translation, or by other means. The antisense oligonucleotides thus may be used to block expression of proteins. Antisense or sense oligonucleotides further comprise oligonucleotides having modified sugar-phosphodiesterase backbones (or other sugar linkages) and wherein such sugar linkages are resistant to endogenous nucleases. Such oligonucleotides with resistant sugar linkages are stable in vivo (i.e., capable of resisting enzymatic degradation) but retain sequence specificity to be able to bind to target nucleotide sequence. Other examples of sense or antisense oligonucleotides include those oligonucleotides which are covalently linked to organic moieties and other moieties that increases affinity of the oligonucleotide for a target nucleic acid sequence, such as poly-(L-lysine). Further still, intercalating agents, as ellipticine, and the alkylating agents or metal complexes may be attached to sense or antisense oligonucleotides to modify binding specificities of the antisense or sense oligonucleotide for the target nucleotide sequence. [0021] Antisense or sense oligonucleotides may be introduced into a cell containing the target nucleic acid sequence by any gene transfer method, including, for example, lipofection, CaPO 4 -mediated DNA transfection, electroporation, or by using gene transfer vectors such as Epstein-Barr virus. Sense or antisense oligonucleotides also may be introduced into a cell containing the target nucleotide sequence by formation of a conjugate with a ligand binding molecule. Suitable ligand binding molecules include, but are not limited to, cell surface receptors, growth factors, other cytokines, or other ligands that bind to cell surface receptors. Preferably, conjugation of the ligand binding molecule does not substantially interfere with the ability of the ligand binding molecule to bind to its corresponding molecule or receptor, or block entry of the sense or antisense oligonucleotide or its conjugated version into the cell. Alternatively, a sense or an antisense oligonucleotide may be introduced into a cell containing the target nucleic acid sequence formation of an oligonucleotide-lipid complex. The sense or antisense oligonucleotide-lipid complex is preferably dissociated within the cell by an endogenous lipase. [0022] Mutations in the genes encoding proteins involved in the conversion of 4,4-dimethylcholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol to cholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol that result in reduction or loss of normal expression or function of the proteins are contemplated to underlie aforementioned disease states. The invention comprehends gene therapy to restore gene function to treat those disease states. For example, delivery of functional NSDHL or C-4 sterol methyloxidase genes to appropriate cells is effected ex vivo, in situ, or in vivo by use of vectors, and more particularly viral vectors (e.g., adenovirus, adeno-associated virus or retrovirus), or ex vivo by use of physical DNA transfer methods (e.g., liposomes or chemical treatments). Delivery may be systemic or local as appropriate. See, for example, Anderson, Nature, 392(6679 Suppl):25-30 (1998). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0023] The invention is illustrated by the following examples wherein Example 1 describes the tissue distribution of Nsdhl mRNA, Example 2 describes abnormal sterol accumulation in Bpa mice, Example 3 reports mutations in the human NSDHL gene in patients with CHILD syndrome and Example 4 describes abnormal sterol accumulation in psoriasis patients. EXAMPLE 1 [0024] Previous Northern analyses with partial human NSDHL cDNA probes (called XAP104 and H105E3) demonstrated ubiquitous expression in adult tissues of a 1.5-2.0 kb transcript. See Levin et al., Genome Res., 6: 465-477 (1996) and Heiss et al, Genome Res., 6: 478-491 (1996). [0025] Expression of wild type murine Nsdhl mRNA was examined and compared to the human tissue distribution results. Northern blots containing 4 μg of mRNA were prepared from cultured undifferentiated embryonic stem cells, from embryos isolated from timed matings, and from other murine tissues. The Northern blots were probed with the 1.4kb Nsdhl EST 605654 or a 780 bp human GAPDH cDNA (control) and exposed under X-ray film. RT-PCR was also performed on bone/cartilage dissected from femurs of newborn mice. [0026] High levels of expression of Nsdhl transcript were detected in undifferentiated embryonic stem cells and mid and late gestation mouse embryos. In adult mice, expression was detected in all tissues with the highest expression seen in ovary, testis, liver, adrenal, and kidney. Expression was also observed in eye, skin and newborn bone/cartilage, tissues that are affected in surviving Bpa females. EXAMPLE 2 [0027] To determine the substrate of the Nsdhl gene product sterol metabolism was examined in Bpa mice. [0028] Sterol distributions in cultured skin fibroblasts or tissue samples obtained from Bpa females and control mice were analyzed by gas chromatography and selected-ion mass spectrometry as described in Kelley et al. (1999), supra except that the gas chromatographic matrix was 5% phenylmethylsilicone (HP-2, Hewlett Packard). Primary murine fibroblasts were expanded by weekly subculture (1:2) in RPMI 1640 supplemented with 15% fetal calf serum and incubated at 37° in 5% CO 2 For analysis of sterol metabolism, cells were subcultured 1:3 in T25 flasks and fed at 24 hours and 7 days with RPMI containing 15% delipidated fetal calf serum as described in Gibson et al, J. Lipid Res., 31: 515-521 (1990). After 14 days growth in delipidated medium, the cells were harvested and sterols quantitated. Tissues from female Bpa mice were analyzed for sterol content in the same manner as skin fibroblasts following initial homogenization of the tissue in 1 ml of sterol saponification solution in a ground glass homogenizer. Results of the analyses are presented in Table 1 below and in FIG. 3 which shows gas chromatographic flame ionization profiles of the sterol extracts of the normal mouse fibroblasts (upper tracing) and the Bpa fibroblasts (lower tracing). In the figure, the ordinates are detector response and the abscissae are elution time. The identified compounds are: (1) internal standard (epicoprostanol); (2) cholesterol; (3) desmosterol; and (4) lathosterol. Tentatively identified compounds include: (5) 4-methylcholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol; (6) 4-methylcholesta-8(9),24-dien-3β-ol; and (7) 4,4′-dimethylcholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol. TABLE 1 Sterol Analysis of Cultured Skin Fibroblasts from Bpa Mice Female Female Female Bpa Bpa Bpa Male Mouse Culture 1 Culture 2 Mean Controls (4) Sterol % Sterols % Sterols % Sterols % Sterols Cholesterol 79.3 63.4 71.4 100.0 Desmosterol  3.3  5.8  4.6 <0.1 Lathosterol  0.6  3.7  2.1 <0.1 4-Methylcholest-  7.9  3.9  5.9 <0.1 8(9)-en-βol 4-Methylcholesta-  6.8 17.8 12.3 <0.1 8(9),24,dien-3β-ol 4,4-Diemthylcholest-  1.1  1.0  1.1 <0.1 8(9)-en-3β-ol [0029] Cultured fibroblasts from an affected adult Bpa female accumulated large amounts of two C28 sterols and a smaller amount of a C29 sterol (Table 1 and FIG. 2). Similar abnormal accumulations in kidney and liver tissue from Bpa females, ages 6 days, 18 days, and 3 months were also found (data not shown). Although the exact isomeric structures of the accumulated C28 sterols remain to be determined, their fragmentation patterns and retention times are consistent with C-4 methylsterols having double bonds in, respectively, the 8(9) and 8(9), 24 positions. The C29 sterol as was tentatively identified as 4,4′-dimethylcholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol. The abnormal sterol profile is consistent with the function of Nsdhl as a C-3 sterol dehydrogenase involved in the complex series of reactions that result in the sequential removal of the two C-4 methyl groups from the sterol backbone of the cholesterol precursor lanosterol. [0030] [0030]FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the enzymatic pathway for conversion of lanosterol to cholesterol in which sterol intermediates that are increased in Bpa mice are shown in bold type and underlined. The saturation of the C-24 methyl groups may occasionally precede that of the C-24 double bond or may occur at different points in the pathway, and removal of the C-4 methyl groups may occasionally precede that of the C-14 methyl group (not shown). FIG. 4 depicts additional steps in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway that could be affected by the accumulation of sterol intermediates. EXAMPLE 3 [0031] Mutations in the human NSDHL gene have been identified in patients with CHILD syndrome (congenital hemidysplasia, ichthyosiform erythroderma and limb defects), a rare X-linked dominant genodermatosis characterized by unilateral ichthyosiform skin lesions, ipsilateral anomalies of limbs and internal organs, and punctate calcifications of the epiphyses and other cartilaginous structures on the affected side. [0032] CHILD Syndrome [0033] In CHILD syndrome patients, there is unilateral distribution of ichthyotic skin at birth, with a sharp line of demarcation between normal and abnormal skin at the midline of the trunk. In most patients, large areas of skin are diffusely abnormal, often on the trunk, but also on the limbs. However, some skin lesions on the affected side may follow lines of Blaschko with interspersed streaks of normal skin. The skin of the face is usually spared, although scalp alopecia may be present. The skin lesions are usually most severe at or shortly after birth and often improve spontaneously, but some patients have persistent patches of involved skin that do not resolve and respond poorly to therapy. Clinically, the skin appears scaly and erythematous. The lesions may be pruritic. Skin lesions in NSDHL deficiency CHILD syndrome are characterized by waxy yellow plaques with a propensity for skin folds. Histologically, the epidermis shows orthohyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, and marked acanthosis with inflammatory infiltrates of lymphocytes, histiocytes and neutrophils. Accumulations of neutrophils may form in the stratum comeum. Verruciform xanthoma, characterized by foamy, lipid-filled histiocytes in the dermal papillae, has also been observed in several reported cases of CHILD syndrome. New patches of involved skin, on the same or on the contralateral side, can develop. Lesions may appear and disappear spontaneously, and usually do not respond well to most therapeutic trials of emollients, topical steroids, etc. [0034] Patients with skin disorders such as ichthyosiform nevus, ichthyosis, inflammatory linear vernucous epidermal nevus (ILVEN), linear epidermal nevus, epidermal nevus, inflammatory epidermal nevus, epidermal hyperplasia, psoriasiform erythroderma and psoriasiform epidermal nevus, which are clinically very similar to the skin abnormality seen in NSDHL deficiency CHILD syndrome, may have NSDHL deficiency or other sterol biosynthetic defects at the same enzymatic step. ILVEN may represent the mild end of the spectrum of the same defect as that in CHILD syndrome. [0035] Limb defects may range from mild hypoplasia of digits to agenesis of an entire limb. Punctate calcifications of cartilaginous structures are often observed in newborns or young infants, but usually resolve over time. Finger and toenails may be dysplastic. In addition to the skeletal and cutaneous manifestations, patients may have ipsilateral visceral anomalies, including brain, renal, and cardiac defects. The right side is involved more frequently than the left. If the left side is affected, there is a higher risk for a serious or lethal cardiac defect. [0036] Identification of Mutations [0037] A distinct splicing mutation was identified in two unrelated CHILD syndrome patients. The mutation IVS7-2 A to C, alters the splice acceptor site at the beginning of exon 8 of the NSDHL gene. The presence of the heterozygous mutation was confirmed by sequencing PCR products. The mutation was also found to be present in one of the patients' asymptomatic mother by direct sequencing. Confirmation of the mutation was performed by RT-PCR performed as described in Levin et al., Genome Res., 6: 465-477 (1996) on patient lymphoblast DNA using the primers shown below that amplify between exon 7 and exon 8 of the DNA sequence. Forward 5′ ACGTGGTCCATGGACACA 3′ (SEQ ID NO:27) Reverse 5′ CATCCATGGTCACTAGTGGC 3′ (SEQ ID NO:28) [0038] PCR conditions were 94° C., 7 minutes; 94° C., 30 seconds; 55° C., 30 seconds; 72° C., 30 seconds; then forty cycles of 72° C., 7 minutes and 4° C. The RT-PCR product was excised from a gel and directly sequenced. It indicated that the mutation results in abnormal splicing and the in frame deletion of the first fifty-six amino acids in exon 8 of the protein. [0039] Other mutations have been identified in the NSDHL gene of CHILD patients and are described in König et al., Am. J. Med. Genet., 90: 339-346 (2000), which is incorporated by reference herein. [0040] Sterol Analysis [0041] Sterol analysis of the serum and/or skin fibroblasts of the patients and mother demonstrated the accumulation of 4-methyl sterols consistent with the mutation in the NSDHL gene. EXAMPLE 4 [0042] Abnormal sterol accumulation consistent with defects in the genes encoding enzymes in the NSDHL step was also observed in psoriasis patients. [0043] Psoriasis [0044] Psoriasis is a chronic papulosquamous disorder that undergoies spontaneous remissions and exacerbations. In psoriasis, skin lesions are sharply demarcated with distinct borders. The lesions of psoriasis demonstrate a variety of morphologic types and areas of distribution on the body. The surface of the lesions is covered with silvery scales, and under the scale, there is glossy, homogeneous erythema. Nails are frequently involved in psoriasis; the abnormalities can include nail pits, brownish or yellowish discoloration beneath the nail plate, or severe onychodystrophy. Histopathology of psoriasis is characterized by thickened (3-5×normal) epidermis (acanthosis), parakeratosis, and a lymphohistiocytic infiltrate in the papillary dermis. The dermal papillae become thin and elongated, and contain tortuous blood vessels in an edematous stroma. Psoriasis, its diagnosis, and its treatment are discussed in Abel, Psoriasis 8/97, 2. Dermatology III, pp. Psoriasis-1 to Psoriasis-14, in Scientific American Medicine , Scientific American, Inc., New York, N.Y. (1973-2000), which is incorporated by reference herein. [0045] Differences between psoriasis and the NSDHL deficiency skin lesions include an apparent difference in the clinical appearance of the skin scales, in that the scales in psoriasis are silvery and those of NSDHL deficiency are waxy and yellow, and the lack of verruciform xanthomatous changes in the dermis in psoriasis on biopsy. However, in psoriasis and other ichthyoses, such as harlequin ichthyosis, lipid vacoules are seen in lesional keratinocytes ultrastructurally. Keratinocytes may be vacoulated in CHILD syndrome as well. [0046] Sterol Analysis [0047] To determine if common psoriasis is associated with the same abnormalities of cholesterol biosynthesis that are characteristic of both human NSDHL- and murine Nsdhl-deficiency, sterols were quantified in the scales of human psoriatic skin and from forearm skin of human adult controls. Presented in Table 2 below are representative data summarizing sterol levels in the skin of three adult psoriasis samples, three normal adult controls, and one of the CHILD syndrome patients discussed in Example 3, wherein all values are percent of total sterols TABLE 2 Sterol Analysis in Psoriasis 4-Methyl- 4-Methyl- Cholesterol Squalene sterol-1 sterol-2 Psoriasis-1 90  0.9 0.3 1.2 Psoriasis-2 88.6  0.6 0.2 2.0 Psoriasis-3 89.4  0.5 1.0 3.7 Control 1 42.0 42.0 <0.1 <0.1 Control 2 57.0 37.1 <0.1 <0.1 Control 3 56.0 36.9 <0.1 <0.1 CHILD 96  0.4 1.3 0.3 [0048] All psoriasis samples tested had increased levels of the same two 4-methylsterols that are most prominent in Nsdhl-deficient mouse plasma, tissues, and cultured cells: 4-methylcholest-8(9)-en-3beta-ol (methylsterol-1) and 4-methylcholesta-8(9),24-dien-3beta-ol (methylsterol-2). These are the sterols that are predicted herein to be increased because of the deficient activity of the NSDHL-encoded 3β-HSD of the sterol-4-demethylase complex. Only trace amounts of these compounds are present in normal skin. Another important characteristic of the skin of the human psoriasis is the near absence of squalene, a isoprenoid precursor of lanosterol and one of the most abundant lipids in normal skin. [0049] Essentially the same abnormal pattern of sterols was found in the skin of the CHILD syndrome patient with the established NSDHL mutation described in Example 3 above. One difference between the sterol profile of CHILD syndrome skin and that of psoriasis skin is the reversed ratio of the two 4-methylsterols. Nevertheless, the similarity of the two sterol profiles indicates that dysfunction of the sterol-4-demethylase enzyme complex is a characteristic of human psoriasis in the patients examined. [0050] Diagnostic methods based on the analysis of genes encoding enzymes participating in the sterol-4-demethylase complex or on analysis of sterol accumulation are therefore contemplated as useful to clinicians in the initial diagnosis of psoriasis and also in determining treatment course as different psoriasis patients are not necessarily responsive to the same therapies. [0051] While the present invention has been described in terms of exemplary methods, it is understood that variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, only such limitations as appear in the claims should be placed on the invention. 1 28 1 1563 DNA Homo sapiens CDS (195)..(1313) 1 cgccgagctg ggccaatcct cttggtggag gaagctcggc tgattctcgg ctcacgcggg 60 aggggagtaa agggtggcgg tccgggcctg gagttcagtg ggtgcagcct gcttgcgagc 120 tgaggccaga caggggggcg cctacggacg gaaaagaaaa gttgattaca aacgggacca 180 tattttgctt cgaa atg gaa cca gca gtt agc gag cca atg aga gac caa 230 Met Glu Pro Ala Val Ser Glu Pro Met Arg Asp Gln 1 5 10 gtc gca cgg act cat ttg aca gag gac act ccc aaa gtg aat gct gac 278 Val Ala Arg Thr His Leu Thr Glu Asp Thr Pro Lys Val Asn Ala Asp 15 20 25 ata gaa aag gtt aac cag aat cag gcc aag aga tgc aca gtg atc ggt 326 Ile Glu Lys Val Asn Gln Asn Gln Ala Lys Arg Cys Thr Val Ile Gly 30 35 40 ggc tct gga ttc ctg ggg cag cac atg gtg gag cag ttg ctg gca aga 374 Gly Ser Gly Phe Leu Gly Gln His Met Val Glu Gln Leu Leu Ala Arg 45 50 55 60 gga tat gct gtc aat gta ttt gat atc cag caa ggg ttt gat aat ccc 422 Gly Tyr Ala Val Asn Val Phe Asp Ile Gln Gln Gly Phe Asp Asn Pro 65 70 75 cag gtg cgg ttc ttt ctg ggt gac ctc tgc agc cga cag gat ctg tac 470 Gln Val Arg Phe Phe Leu Gly Asp Leu Cys Ser Arg Gln Asp Leu Tyr 80 85 90 cca gct ctg aaa ggt gta aac aca gtt ttc cac tgt gcg tca ccc cca 518 Pro Ala Leu Lys Gly Val Asn Thr Val Phe His Cys Ala Ser Pro Pro 95 100 105 cca tcc agt aac aac aag gag ctc ttt tat aga gtg aat tac att ggc 566 Pro Ser Ser Asn Asn Lys Glu Leu Phe Tyr Arg Val Asn Tyr Ile Gly 110 115 120 acc aag aat gtc att gaa act tgc aaa gag gct ggg gtt cag aaa ctc 614 Thr Lys Asn Val Ile Glu Thr Cys Lys Glu Ala Gly Val Gln Lys Leu 125 130 135 140 att tta acc agc agt gcc agt gtc atc ttt gag ggc gtc gat atc aag 662 Ile Leu Thr Ser Ser Ala Ser Val Ile Phe Glu Gly Val Asp Ile Lys 145 150 155 aat gga act gaa gac ctt ccc tat gcc atg aaa ccc att gac tac tac 710 Asn Gly Thr Glu Asp Leu Pro Tyr Ala Met Lys Pro Ile Asp Tyr Tyr 160 165 170 aca gag act aag atc tta cag gag agg gca gtt ctg ggc gcc aac gat 758 Thr Glu Thr Lys Ile Leu Gln Glu Arg Ala Val Leu Gly Ala Asn Asp 175 180 185 cct gag aag aat ttc tta acc aca gcc atc cgc cct cat ggc att ttc 806 Pro Glu Lys Asn Phe Leu Thr Thr Ala Ile Arg Pro His Gly Ile Phe 190 195 200 ggc cca agg gac ccg cag ttg gta ccc atc ctc atc gag gca gcc agg 854 Gly Pro Arg Asp Pro Gln Leu Val Pro Ile Leu Ile Glu Ala Ala Arg 205 210 215 220 aac ggc aag atg aag ttc gtg att gga aat ggg aag aac ttg gtg gac 902 Asn Gly Lys Met Lys Phe Val Ile Gly Asn Gly Lys Asn Leu Val Asp 225 230 235 ttc acc ttt gtg gag aac gtg gtc cat gga cac atc ctg gcg gca gag 950 Phe Thr Phe Val Glu Asn Val Val His Gly His Ile Leu Ala Ala Glu 240 245 250 cag ctc tcc cga gac tcg aca ctg ggt ggg aag gca ttt cac atc acc 998 Gln Leu Ser Arg Asp Ser Thr Leu Gly Gly Lys Ala Phe His Ile Thr 255 260 265 aat gat gag ccc atc cct ttc tgg aca ttc ctg tct cgc atc ctg aca 1046 Asn Asp Glu Pro Ile Pro Phe Trp Thr Phe Leu Ser Arg Ile Leu Thr 270 275 280 ggc ctc aat tat gag gcc ccc aag tac cac atc ccc tac tgg gtg gcc 1094 Gly Leu Asn Tyr Glu Ala Pro Lys Tyr His Ile Pro Tyr Trp Val Ala 285 290 295 300 tac tac ctg gcc ctc ctg cta tcc ctg ctg gtg atg gtg atc agt cct 1142 Tyr Tyr Leu Ala Leu Leu Leu Ser Leu Leu Val Met Val Ile Ser Pro 305 310 315 gtc atc cag ctg cag ccc acc ttc aca ccc atg cgg gtc gca ctg gct 1190 Val Ile Gln Leu Gln Pro Thr Phe Thr Pro Met Arg Val Ala Leu Ala 320 325 330 ggc aca ttc cac tac tac agc tgc gag aga gcc aaa aag gcc atg ggc 1238 Gly Thr Phe His Tyr Tyr Ser Cys Glu Arg Ala Lys Lys Ala Met Gly 335 340 345 tac cag cca cta gtg acc atg gat gat gct atg gag agg acc gtg cag 1286 Tyr Gln Pro Leu Val Thr Met Asp Asp Ala Met Glu Arg Thr Val Gln 350 355 360 agc ttt cgc cac ctg cgg agg gtc aag tgagggacac tggaggctgg 1333 Ser Phe Arg His Leu Arg Arg Val Lys 365 370 gctctctcga cacgttgctc agccagtcac tccttcccct gtggattgat gaaataacat 1393 cctttgaatg agtttgctct gagcctgtga ctccttctgc taggcagaga gcgcacccta 1453 ctctttccgt gacgatgagg gcggcaaaaa cagacatttc ttccttcatg gaactggatt 1513 tggatttctt gaagcaggca gcttcatatt ataccgattt gttctctgtc 1563 2 373 PRT Homo sapiens 2 Met Glu Pro Ala Val Ser Glu Pro Met Arg Asp Gln Val Ala Arg Thr 1 5 10 15 His Leu Thr Glu Asp Thr Pro Lys Val Asn Ala Asp Ile Glu Lys Val 20 25 30 Asn Gln Asn Gln Ala Lys Arg Cys Thr Val Ile Gly Gly Ser Gly Phe 35 40 45 Leu Gly Gln His Met Val Glu Gln Leu Leu Ala Arg Gly Tyr Ala Val 50 55 60 Asn Val Phe Asp Ile Gln Gln Gly Phe Asp Asn Pro Gln Val Arg Phe 65 70 75 80 Phe Leu Gly Asp Leu Cys Ser Arg Gln Asp Leu Tyr Pro Ala Leu Lys 85 90 95 Gly Val Asn Thr Val Phe His Cys Ala Ser Pro Pro Pro Ser Ser Asn 100 105 110 Asn Lys Glu Leu Phe Tyr Arg Val Asn Tyr Ile Gly Thr Lys Asn Val 115 120 125 Ile Glu Thr Cys Lys Glu Ala Gly Val Gln Lys Leu Ile Leu Thr Ser 130 135 140 Ser Ala Ser Val Ile Phe Glu Gly Val Asp Ile Lys Asn Gly Thr Glu 145 150 155 160 Asp Leu Pro Tyr Ala Met Lys Pro Ile Asp Tyr Tyr Thr Glu Thr Lys 165 170 175 Ile Leu Gln Glu Arg Ala Val Leu Gly Ala Asn Asp Pro Glu Lys Asn 180 185 190 Phe Leu Thr Thr Ala Ile Arg Pro His Gly Ile Phe Gly Pro Arg Asp 195 200 205 Pro Gln Leu Val Pro Ile Leu Ile Glu Ala Ala Arg Asn Gly Lys Met 210 215 220 Lys Phe Val Ile Gly Asn Gly Lys Asn Leu Val Asp Phe Thr Phe Val 225 230 235 240 Glu Asn Val Val His Gly His Ile Leu Ala Ala Glu Gln Leu Ser Arg 245 250 255 Asp Ser Thr Leu Gly Gly Lys Ala Phe His Ile Thr Asn Asp Glu Pro 260 265 270 Ile Pro Phe Trp Thr Phe Leu Ser Arg Ile Leu Thr Gly Leu Asn Tyr 275 280 285 Glu Ala Pro Lys Tyr His Ile Pro Tyr Trp Val Ala Tyr Tyr Leu Ala 290 295 300 Leu Leu Leu Ser Leu Leu Val Met Val Ile Ser Pro Val Ile Gln Leu 305 310 315 320 Gln Pro Thr Phe Thr Pro Met Arg Val Ala Leu Ala Gly Thr Phe His 325 330 335 Tyr Tyr Ser Cys Glu Arg Ala Lys Lys Ala Met Gly Tyr Gln Pro Leu 340 345 350 Val Thr Met Asp Asp Ala Met Glu Arg Thr Val Gln Ser Phe Arg His 355 360 365 Leu Arg Arg Val Lys 370 3 2218 DNA Mus musculus CDS (216)..(1301) 3 gagcgtcaat tggttgcgcc agagccaagc tagaccaatc aacattatga aggaagctct 60 gctgattgtg ggctcatatc tatcagtaga aaagggtggc gggtgttcag ccagacttct 120 ctggttgccg gttgtctgca agctgaggtc gatcatttga gtgtctaaac cgggaagaag 180 agttgattgc aaacgaaacc atactttgag ccata atg gaa caa gct gtt cat 233 Met Glu Gln Ala Val His 1 5 ggt gaa tca aag cga ggc cag gtc aca gga aca cat ttg aca aat gac 281 Gly Glu Ser Lys Arg Gly Gln Val Thr Gly Thr His Leu Thr Asn Asp 10 15 20 att tcc aaa gct aag aag tgc aca gtg att gga ggc tct ggg ttc ctg 329 Ile Ser Lys Ala Lys Lys Cys Thr Val Ile Gly Gly Ser Gly Phe Leu 25 30 35 ggg cag cac atg gtg gag cag ttg ctg gag cga ggc tat act gtc aat 377 Gly Gln His Met Val Glu Gln Leu Leu Glu Arg Gly Tyr Thr Val Asn 40 45 50 gta ttt gat atc cac caa ggc ttt gat aac ccc cgg gtg cag ttc ttt 425 Val Phe Asp Ile His Gln Gly Phe Asp Asn Pro Arg Val Gln Phe Phe 55 60 65 70 ata ggc gac ctg tgc aac caa cag gac ctg tac cca gct ctc aaa ggt 473 Ile Gly Asp Leu Cys Asn Gln Gln Asp Leu Tyr Pro Ala Leu Lys Gly 75 80 85 gta agc aca gtt ttc cac tgc gcg tcc cct ccg ccg tac agt aac aac 521 Val Ser Thr Val Phe His Cys Ala Ser Pro Pro Pro Tyr Ser Asn Asn 90 95 100 aag gag ctc ttt tat aga gtg aat ttc att ggc acc aag act gtc att 569 Lys Glu Leu Phe Tyr Arg Val Asn Phe Ile Gly Thr Lys Thr Val Ile 105 110 115 gaa acc tgc aga gag gcc gga gtt cag aaa ctc att tta acc agc agt 617 Glu Thr Cys Arg Glu Ala Gly Val Gln Lys Leu Ile Leu Thr Ser Ser 120 125 130 gcc agt gtt gtc ttt gag ggt gtt gac ata aaa aat gga act gaa gac 665 Ala Ser Val Val Phe Glu Gly Val Asp Ile Lys Asn Gly Thr Glu Asp 135 140 145 150 ctc cct tac gcc atg aag cct att gac tat tac aca gag acc aag atc 713 Leu Pro Tyr Ala Met Lys Pro Ile Asp Tyr Tyr Thr Glu Thr Lys Ile 155 160 165 ttg cag gag aga gca gta ctg gat gcc aac gac cct aag aag aat ttt 761 Leu Gln Glu Arg Ala Val Leu Asp Ala Asn Asp Pro Lys Lys Asn Phe 170 175 180 tta acc gca gcc att cgt cct cat ggc att ttc ggc cca agg gac ccc 809 Leu Thr Ala Ala Ile Arg Pro His Gly Ile Phe Gly Pro Arg Asp Pro 185 190 195 cag ttg gtc cca atc cta att gat gca gct aga aag ggc aaa atg aag 857 Gln Leu Val Pro Ile Leu Ile Asp Ala Ala Arg Lys Gly Lys Met Lys 200 205 210 ttc atg att gga aat ggg gaa aac ctg gtg gac ttc acc ttc gtg gag 905 Phe Met Ile Gly Asn Gly Glu Asn Leu Val Asp Phe Thr Phe Val Glu 215 220 225 230 aat gtg gtt cat gga cac atc tta gcc gct gag cac ctc tcc caa gat 953 Asn Val Val His Gly His Ile Leu Ala Ala Glu His Leu Ser Gln Asp 235 240 245 gca gct cta ggt gga aag gca ttt cac atc acc aac gat gaa cca atc 1001 Ala Ala Leu Gly Gly Lys Ala Phe His Ile Thr Asn Asp Glu Pro Ile 250 255 260 cct ttc tgg acg ttc ctg tcc cgc att ctg aca ggc ctc aat tat gag 1049 Pro Phe Trp Thr Phe Leu Ser Arg Ile Leu Thr Gly Leu Asn Tyr Glu 265 270 275 gcc cct aag tac cac atc ccc tac tgg atg gcc tat tac ctt gct ttc 1097 Ala Pro Lys Tyr His Ile Pro Tyr Trp Met Ala Tyr Tyr Leu Ala Phe 280 285 290 ctg cta tct cta ctg gtg atg gtg gtc agc cct ctc atc caa atc cag 1145 Leu Leu Ser Leu Leu Val Met Val Val Ser Pro Leu Ile Gln Ile Gln 295 300 305 310 cca acc ttt aca cca att cga gtg gca ttg gct gga aca ttc cac tat 1193 Pro Thr Phe Thr Pro Ile Arg Val Ala Leu Ala Gly Thr Phe His Tyr 315 320 325 tac agt tgt gaa aaa gcc aaa aag ctc ttt ggg tac cgg cca ctg gtc 1241 Tyr Ser Cys Glu Lys Ala Lys Lys Leu Phe Gly Tyr Arg Pro Leu Val 330 335 340 acc atg gat gaa gct gtg gaa agg act gtg cag agt ttc cac cac ctg 1289 Thr Met Asp Glu Ala Val Glu Arg Thr Val Gln Ser Phe His His Leu 345 350 355 cgg aag gac aag tgaagttccc cagtgccctc cccagtaact ttctcctctc 1341 Arg Lys Asp Lys 360 tgttctaaag aacgcatatc cttaactgag tttctcttga cctgtgtgtc ccttgctggt 1401 tagatggtag catacctgac accctccatg acattggagg tgacaacagg agacatttct 1461 cccaggatag cattgaactt ctcaggcaga gtcataatct actgcttggg tctttttctc 1521 tcccccacac ccctacttct gtctcctggg ttcattatca gaaagacagc actaaagtga 1581 agtctttatc tggggtctta aaaattgaag caaaaccaga aattgtaaac acacagtaag 1641 ccttcagaca tacattttat atgatcacag tacaatagct caaagtattg atgaatgtaa 1701 tccccaatcc ttaaggataa atccactgct ggttccttgc ccctcacata ctgtctaggt 1761 ctctttcaaa gatggttgca gtgtctgcct ctattgtttt tccataaatc atttcaattt 1821 atccacagac tctggtgtgg tctttattgc tcagtgatgg tgcaatgcaa tggtacagtg 1881 tgtgctgtgt tagctggtca gctcctaata aacaggagat gatggctgct tggcaataag 1941 ccaaaaagag tggtctcctt catcgacatg atgtttgagt agaaactcct ccgtgagatg 2001 gggcagaatg ggttacagac atctttgcag ctcatttcac agaacattat taggccactt 2061 tccaaagagt acaggccact aacaatccag ccatttctgt tctctgaact cattgaaatg 2121 tattcttgaa gaattctaag ttcttcttca tcactgttca acagtaagat gattggggga 2181 aaataacaaa gaaataaaag ccatacagtt tgtgttg 2218 4 362 PRT Mus musculus 4 Met Glu Gln Ala Val His Gly Glu Ser Lys Arg Gly Gln Val Thr Gly 1 5 10 15 Thr His Leu Thr Asn Asp Ile Ser Lys Ala Lys Lys Cys Thr Val Ile 20 25 30 Gly Gly Ser Gly Phe Leu Gly Gln His Met Val Glu Gln Leu Leu Glu 35 40 45 Arg Gly Tyr Thr Val Asn Val Phe Asp Ile His Gln Gly Phe Asp Asn 50 55 60 Pro Arg Val Gln Phe Phe Ile Gly Asp Leu Cys Asn Gln Gln Asp Leu 65 70 75 80 Tyr Pro Ala Leu Lys Gly Val Ser Thr Val Phe His Cys Ala Ser Pro 85 90 95 Pro Pro Tyr Ser Asn Asn Lys Glu Leu Phe Tyr Arg Val Asn Phe Ile 100 105 110 Gly Thr Lys Thr Val Ile Glu Thr Cys Arg Glu Ala Gly Val Gln Lys 115 120 125 Leu Ile Leu Thr Ser Ser Ala Ser Val Val Phe Glu Gly Val Asp Ile 130 135 140 Lys Asn Gly Thr Glu Asp Leu Pro Tyr Ala Met Lys Pro Ile Asp Tyr 145 150 155 160 Tyr Thr Glu Thr Lys Ile Leu Gln Glu Arg Ala Val Leu Asp Ala Asn 165 170 175 Asp Pro Lys Lys Asn Phe Leu Thr Ala Ala Ile Arg Pro His Gly Ile 180 185 190 Phe Gly Pro Arg Asp Pro Gln Leu Val Pro Ile Leu Ile Asp Ala Ala 195 200 205 Arg Lys Gly Lys Met Lys Phe Met Ile Gly Asn Gly Glu Asn Leu Val 210 215 220 Asp Phe Thr Phe Val Glu Asn Val Val His Gly His Ile Leu Ala Ala 225 230 235 240 Glu His Leu Ser Gln Asp Ala Ala Leu Gly Gly Lys Ala Phe His Ile 245 250 255 Thr Asn Asp Glu Pro Ile Pro Phe Trp Thr Phe Leu Ser Arg Ile Leu 260 265 270 Thr Gly Leu Asn Tyr Glu Ala Pro Lys Tyr His Ile Pro Tyr Trp Met 275 280 285 Ala Tyr Tyr Leu Ala Phe Leu Leu Ser Leu Leu Val Met Val Val Ser 290 295 300 Pro Leu Ile Gln Ile Gln Pro Thr Phe Thr Pro Ile Arg Val Ala Leu 305 310 315 320 Ala Gly Thr Phe His Tyr Tyr Ser Cys Glu Lys Ala Lys Lys Leu Phe 325 330 335 Gly Tyr Arg Pro Leu Val Thr Met Asp Glu Ala Val Glu Arg Thr Val 340 345 350 Gln Ser Phe His His Leu Arg Lys Asp Lys 355 360 5 1751 DNA Homo sapiens CDS (27)..(908) 5 gcgagatgac tgcagagatt tgaaaa atg gca aca aat gaa agt gtc agc atc 53 Met Ala Thr Asn Glu Ser Val Ser Ile 1 5 ttt agt tca gca tcc ttg gct gtg gaa tat gta gat tca ctt tta cct 101 Phe Ser Ser Ala Ser Leu Ala Val Glu Tyr Val Asp Ser Leu Leu Pro 10 15 20 25 gag aat cct ctg caa gaa cca ttt aaa aat gct tgg aac tat atg ttg 149 Glu Asn Pro Leu Gln Glu Pro Phe Lys Asn Ala Trp Asn Tyr Met Leu 30 35 40 aat aat tat aca aag ttc cag att gca aca tgg gga tcc ctt ata gtt 197 Asn Asn Tyr Thr Lys Phe Gln Ile Ala Thr Trp Gly Ser Leu Ile Val 45 50 55 cat gaa gcc ctt tat ttc tta ttc tgt tta cct gga ttt tta ttt caa 245 His Glu Ala Leu Tyr Phe Leu Phe Cys Leu Pro Gly Phe Leu Phe Gln 60 65 70 ttt ata cct tat atg aaa aaa tac aaa att caa aag gat aag cca gag 293 Phe Ile Pro Tyr Met Lys Lys Tyr Lys Ile Gln Lys Asp Lys Pro Glu 75 80 85 aca tgg gaa aac caa tgg aag tgt ttc aaa gtt ctt ctc ttt aat cac 341 Thr Trp Glu Asn Gln Trp Lys Cys Phe Lys Val Leu Leu Phe Asn His 90 95 100 105 ttc tgt atc cag ctg cct ttg att tgt gga acc tat tat ttt aca gag 389 Phe Cys Ile Gln Leu Pro Leu Ile Cys Gly Thr Tyr Tyr Phe Thr Glu 110 115 120 tat ttc aat att cct tat gat tgg gaa aga atg cca aga tgg tat ttt 437 Tyr Phe Asn Ile Pro Tyr Asp Trp Glu Arg Met Pro Arg Trp Tyr Phe 125 130 135 ctt ttg gca aga tgc ttt ggt tgt gca gtc att gaa gat act tgg cac 485 Leu Leu Ala Arg Cys Phe Gly Cys Ala Val Ile Glu Asp Thr Trp His 140 145 150 tat ttt ctg cat aga ctc tta cac cac aaa aga ata tac aag tat att 533 Tyr Phe Leu His Arg Leu Leu His His Lys Arg Ile Tyr Lys Tyr Ile 155 160 165 cat aaa gtt cat cat gag ttt cag gct cca ttt gga atg gaa gct gaa 581 His Lys Val His His Glu Phe Gln Ala Pro Phe Gly Met Glu Ala Glu 170 175 180 185 tat gca cat cct ttg gag act cta att ctt gga act gga ttt ttc att 629 Tyr Ala His Pro Leu Glu Thr Leu Ile Leu Gly Thr Gly Phe Phe Ile 190 195 200 gga atc gtg ctt ttg tgt gat cat gta att ctt ctt tgg gca tgg gtg 677 Gly Ile Val Leu Leu Cys Asp His Val Ile Leu Leu Trp Ala Trp Val 205 210 215 acc att cgt tta tta gaa act att gat gtc cat agt ggt tat gat att 725 Thr Ile Arg Leu Leu Glu Thr Ile Asp Val His Ser Gly Tyr Asp Ile 220 225 230 cct ctc aac cct tta aat ctg atc cct ttc tat gct ggt tct cgg cat 773 Pro Leu Asn Pro Leu Asn Leu Ile Pro Phe Tyr Ala Gly Ser Arg His 235 240 245 cat gat ttc cac cac atg aac ttc att gga aac tat gct tca aca ttt 821 His Asp Phe His His Met Asn Phe Ile Gly Asn Tyr Ala Ser Thr Phe 250 255 260 265 aca tgg tgg gat cga att ttt gga aca gac tct cag tat aat gcc tat 869 Thr Trp Trp Asp Arg Ile Phe Gly Thr Asp Ser Gln Tyr Asn Ala Tyr 270 275 280 aat gaa aag agg aag aag ttt gag aaa aag act gaa taa atatctcacg 918 Asn Glu Lys Arg Lys Lys Phe Glu Lys Lys Thr Glu 285 290 taaaccttcc tgaaagataa acgttttcct gaattcagaa actagtagct aacattgctt 978 ctggagagca gaaataagca tgtcttctgg ctactaagtg ataaaaagaa cattaacaac 1038 ctttaattac cttcctagtg ggaacttttt ctactttacc tacaagttct atatatgtag 1098 aaatgaataa atatatattt aagtacagtt ttcatgagga agttttaaaa gaccatgttc 1158 ctaagcttcc aagaaggttt tggatactag aagtattaat ctatggcttt tctcccagta 1218 aaaccatagg cctgaagttc acattgggtc tttaaatctt ttagatatat actggtcatt 1278 tcagaaaatt cttcatagtg gtattggcct tatatttaac ttttttttta tttttttttt 1338 gagacaaagc cacactctgt ctccttgtct ggagtgtggt ggcacagtct cagctcactg 1398 caacctctgc ctcccagttc aagcaattct tctgcctcag cctcccaagt agctgggatt 1458 acaggcaccc gccaccacgc ccagctaatt tttgtatttt tgtagagatg gggtttctcg 1518 atgttggcca ggctggtctc aaacttctga cctcaagtga tctgcccacc ttggcctccc 1578 aaagtgctgg gattacaggt gtaagccact gcgcccggcc tttttaactt taaacatgtt 1638 ttagaattca cctaaagatc aaaatatcat ggattgaacc tcatcaattg atagcagtga 1698 gtgactgaag cttccaaatc aagaaaagcc ggcaccaaga acttccattc taa 1751 6 293 PRT Homo sapiens 6 Met Ala Thr Asn Glu Ser Val Ser Ile Phe Ser Ser Ala Ser Leu Ala 1 5 10 15 Val Glu Tyr Val Asp Ser Leu Leu Pro Glu Asn Pro Leu Gln Glu Pro 20 25 30 Phe Lys Asn Ala Trp Asn Tyr Met Leu Asn Asn Tyr Thr Lys Phe Gln 35 40 45 Ile Ala Thr Trp Gly Ser Leu Ile Val His Glu Ala Leu Tyr Phe Leu 50 55 60 Phe Cys Leu Pro Gly Phe Leu Phe Gln Phe Ile Pro Tyr Met Lys Lys 65 70 75 80 Tyr Lys Ile Gln Lys Asp Lys Pro Glu Thr Trp Glu Asn Gln Trp Lys 85 90 95 Cys Phe Lys Val Leu Leu Phe Asn His Phe Cys Ile Gln Leu Pro Leu 100 105 110 Ile Cys Gly Thr Tyr Tyr Phe Thr Glu Tyr Phe Asn Ile Pro Tyr Asp 115 120 125 Trp Glu Arg Met Pro Arg Trp Tyr Phe Leu Leu Ala Arg Cys Phe Gly 130 135 140 Cys Ala Val Ile Glu Asp Thr Trp His Tyr Phe Leu His Arg Leu Leu 145 150 155 160 His His Lys Arg Ile Tyr Lys Tyr Ile His Lys Val His His Glu Phe 165 170 175 Gln Ala Pro Phe Gly Met Glu Ala Glu Tyr Ala His Pro Leu Glu Thr 180 185 190 Leu Ile Leu Gly Thr Gly Phe Phe Ile Gly Ile Val Leu Leu Cys Asp 195 200 205 His Val Ile Leu Leu Trp Ala Trp Val Thr Ile Arg Leu Leu Glu Thr 210 215 220 Ile Asp Val His Ser Gly Tyr Asp Ile Pro Leu Asn Pro Leu Asn Leu 225 230 235 240 Ile Pro Phe Tyr Ala Gly Ser Arg His His Asp Phe His His Met Asn 245 250 255 Phe Ile Gly Asn Tyr Ala Ser Thr Phe Thr Trp Trp Asp Arg Ile Phe 260 265 270 Gly Thr Asp Ser Gln Tyr Asn Ala Tyr Asn Glu Lys Arg Lys Lys Phe 275 280 285 Glu Lys Lys Thr Glu 290 7 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence CH-F primer 7 aaagactggt gcgctaaagc 20 8 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence CH-R primer 8 cgagcttcct ccaccaagag 20 9 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence hH105-1F primer 9 ccccgtcttt attgggcaag 20 10 21 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence hH105-1R primer 10 actgcccagt cgctgacaca g 21 11 22 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence hH105-2F primer 11 ggcatctgcc caaaacacta ac 22 12 22 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence hH105-2R primer 12 ccacaggtaa atagtatcag cc 22 13 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence hH105-3F primer 13 ttccagtcct cactaccctg 20 14 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence hH105-3R primer 14 agtatcgtgg tttcccttcg 20 15 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence hH105-4F primer 15 tgccattgac ctgtcaaagc 20 16 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence hH105-4R primer 16 cccttagaaa gggccatcac 20 17 22 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence hH105-5F primer 17 ggatcatgca ctgtttgaat tg 22 18 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence hH105-5R primer 18 ggattctaaa cccttcagtc 20 19 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence hH105-6F primer 19 ctaggaattt gcaatggacg 20 20 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence hH105-6R primer 20 tgaatgcgag catggaccag 20 21 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence hH105-7F primer 21 aagacttggg agtggccctg 20 22 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence hH105-7R primer 22 aggcaaggag aagaaacccg 20 23 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence hH105-8F1 primer 23 ttcaactttg ggcaggtggg 20 24 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence hH105-8R1 primer 24 ctccatagca tcatccatgg 20 25 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence hH105-8F2 primer 25 cattccacta ctacagctgc 20 26 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence hH105-8R2 primer 26 tgtataaacc agaagagggg 20 27 18 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence forward primer 27 acgtggtcca tggacaca 18 28 20 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence reverse primer 28 catccatggt cactagtggc 20
The present invention relates to the identification of the NSDHL gene product as a 3β-HSD participating in the conversion of 4,4-dimethylcholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol to cholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol in the cholesterol and vitamin D biosynthetic pathway. Based upon this function the present invention contemplates methods for manipulating the biosynthetic pathway at the step of involvement of NSDHL to increase or decrease the levels of cholesterol and/or vitamin D (or downstream products such as steroids) produced by a cell. Also contemplated are methods for manipulating the accumulation of intermediate compounds upstream of the step of NSDHL in the pathway. Diagnostic methods involving identification of mutations in the genes encoding enzymes involved in the conversion of 4,4-dimethylcholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol to cholest-8(9)-en-3β-ol are also provided, as well as diagnostic methods involving detection of abnormal accumulation of sterol intermediates prior to generation of choles-8(9)-en-3β-ol in the pathway.
2
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a method and system for multiplexing a signal for transmission. More particularly, this invention relates to a method and system of the kind above described which can be applied to a transmission means incapable of transmitting d.c. components such as a recording and reproducing system using a magnetic recording medium so that a signal including such d.c. components can be transmitted and which are also suitable for transmission of a plurality of information. 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART One of known methods for transmitting a signal comprises subjecting a pulse signal to pulse position modulation, pulse interval modulation, pulse width modulation, pulse amplitude modulation or the like by the signal to be transmitted. Further, it is known that a pulse signal consisting of pulses of positive and negative polarities is advantageously used as a carrier signal when it is desired to transmit a signal with high fidelity by use of a transmission medium incapable of transmitting d.c. components such as one used in a magnetic recording and reproducing system or by use of a transmission medium in which a signal transmitted is susceptible to amplitude variations. A method of transmission utilizing a pulse signal as a carrier as above described can be effectively used when a wide-band video signal is converted into a narrow-band signal for the transmission of the video signal by a narrow-band magnetic recording and reproducing system or by a transmission means adapted for the transmission of an audio signal. In the case of transmission of such narrow-band signal, the period of time required for the transmission is very long compared with that required for the original signal due to the fact that a pulse signal having a low pulse recurrence rate is generally employed as the carrier. When a signal to be transmitted is a television signal which consists of a video information signal, a horizontal synchronizing signal and a vertical synchronizing signal, transmission of this television signal by directly converting same into a narrow-band pulse signal results in the existence of a dead transmission time. More precisely, the synchronizing signals in the television signal are also extended in respect of time, and the period of time occupied by these synchronizing signals relative to the actually required video information provides a dead time. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system for multiplexing a signal for transmission which make possible to transmit two or more kinds of information including d.c. components even by a transmission means incapable of transmitting such d.c. components. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system of the above character which can transmit without any substantial dead time a wide-band signal converted into a narrow-band signal and including two or more kinds of information therein. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system of the above character which are suitable for efficient transmission of a television signal converted into a narrow-band signal. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system of the above character which are suitable for recording and reproduction of a television signal converted into a narrow-band signal by means of a magnetic recording medium of the type used for recording and reproduction of an audio signal. In the present invention which attains the above and other objects, there is provided a pulse signal consisting of a train of pulses of alternately positive and negative polarities which is pulse-position-modulated, pulse-interval-modulated, pulse-width-modulated, pulse-amplitude-modulated or the like-modulated by an information signal of one kind amoung two or more kinds of information signals included in a signal to be transmitted. Then, the polarity of a part of the pulses in the modulated pulse train signal is inverted or a part of the pulses in the modulated pulse train signal is eliminated in response to the application of another information signal. In this manner, a part of the pulse train signal modulated by one of the information signals is coded to represent another information signal. In the case of, for example, a video signal, the video information signal in the vidio signal is subject to sampling, and a pulse train signal consisting of pulses of alternately inverted polarities is subject to pulse modulation depending on the individual amplitude values of the sampled video imformation signal, that is, depending on the brightness levels of the individual picture elements of the video information signal. Then, those pulses, for example, two adjacent pulses lying in this pulse train signal at the positions corresponding to the positions of the vertical and horizontal synchronizing signals are rendered to have the same polarity. Thus, the successive pulses of the same polarity can be easily distinguished from the train of pulses representing the video information signal since the pulse train representing the video information signal consists of pulses of alternately inverted polarities, and such signal portions can be used as the synchronizing signals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 shows a waveform of a signal obtained by the method according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the system according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a timing chart illustrating the operation of the circuit shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the system according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a timing chart illustrating the operation of the circuit shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of one form of a system preferably used for demodulation of a signal obtained by the method of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a timing chart illustrating the operation of the circuit shown in FIG. 6. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows one example of a pulse signal which consists of a train of pulses of positive and negative polarities and is modulated by a video signal according to a method of the present invention. FIG. 1 illustrates the case in which such pulse signal is subject to pulse interval modulation by a video information signal. A video signal includes two kinds of synchronizing signals, that is, a horizontal synchronizing signal and a vertical synchronizing signal. Thus, it is necessary to multiplex these two kinds of signals in addition to the video information signal. These two kinds of signals may be multiplexed in various ways. According to a simplest method, a set of two adjacent pulses may be rendered to have the same polarity in the positive direction and another set of two adjacent pulses may be rendered to have the same polarity in the negative direction. Referring to FIG. 1, two successive pulses 11 of positive polarity are included in the head of the video signal portion corresponding to one field and are coded to provide the vertical synchronizing signal. Two successive pulses 12 of negative polarity are included in the head of the video signal portion corresponding to one horizontal scanning line and are coded to provide the horizontal synchronizing signal. A pulse train 13 represents the video information. In the form shown in FIG. 1 2 bits are used for the purpose of coding of two kinds of information. However, more bits may be used to constitute a polarity pattern which can be distinguished from the video information signal so that more kinds of information can be suitably coded. In a transmission means which cannot transmit d.c. components, a succession of such pulses of the same polarity may result in a sag since a d.c. component appears during this period of time. However, any substantial problem would not arise when the number of bits of such successive pulses of the same polarity is small. Especially, in the case shown in FIG. 1, any appreciable sag does not occur due to the fact that the period of time occupied by the synchronizing signals is extremely short compared with the video imformation. Besides the pulse interval modulation above described, other forms including pulse position modulation (PPM), pulse width modulation (PWM), pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) may be applied for modulating the pulse signal by the video information. However, the pulse interval modulation is most preferred for the most effective use of transmission time. A method of coding for obtaining such a multiplex signal will be described with reference to an embodiment of the present invention in which pulse interval modulation is principally resorted to. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of such an embodiment of the system according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a timing chart illustrating the operation of the circuit shown in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 2, a pulse signal 201 which consists of a train of pulses of single polarity and which is subject to pulse modulation by a video information signal is applied to an input terminal 21 in a waveform as shown in FIG. 3a. A vertical synchronizing signal 202 as shown in FIG. 3b is applied to another input terminal 22, and a horizontal synchronizing signal 203 as shown in FIG. 3c is applied to another input terminal 23. Means for obtaining the pulse train signal subject to pulse interval modulation by the video information signal and applying such modulated signal to the input terminal 21 may be the means invented by Y. Yumde et al and disclosed in Ser. No. 379,950 filed in the United States Patent Office on July 17, 1973, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,883,685. The reference numeral 25 designates a triggered flip-flop circuit (hereinafter abbreviated as a T flip-flop circuit), and the reference numerals 26 and 27 designate JK flip-flop circuits provided with a set terminal and a reset terminal (hereinafter abbreviated as JK flip-flop circuits). In response to the application of the modulated pulse train signal 201 shown in FIG. 3a to the T flip-flop circuit 25, a pulse signal 204 in which high and low levels alternate in response to the successive pulses in the pulse train signal 201 as shown in FIG. 3d appears at the output terminal Q of the T flip-flop circuit 25. This output signal 204 of the T flip-flop circuit 25 is applied to the JK flip-flop circuit 26, and the output signal 205 (FIG. 3e) of the JK flip-flop circuit 26 is applied to the JK flip-flop circuit 27. The modulated pulse train signal 201, vertical synchronizing signal 202 and horizontal synchronizing signal 203 are applied to the terminal T, set terminal S and reset terminal R respectively of the JK flip-flop circuits 26 and 27. When no signals are applied to the set terminal S reset terminal R, the pulses in the output signal 204 of the T flip-flop circuit 25 are successively shifted to the JK flip-flop circuits 26 and 27 with the modulated pulse train signal 201 used as clock pulses. The output signal 206 (FIG. 3f) appearing at the output terminal Q of the JK flip-flop circuit 27 is applied to one input terminal of an AND gate 28. The modulated pulse train signal 201 is applied to the other input terminal of the AND gate 28 so that a pulse signal 208 (FIG. 3h) consisting of a train of pulses of positive polarity appears from the AND gate 28 as the logical product of the two input signals. An output signal 207 (FIG. 3g) which is an inversion of the output signal 206 appears at the output terminal Q of the JK flip-flop circuit 27 to be applied to one input terminal of a NAND gate 29. The modulated pulse train signal 201 is applied to the other input terminal of the NAND gate 29 so that a pulse signal 209 (FIG. 3i) consisting of a train of pulses of inverted or negative polarity appears from the NAND gate 29 as the logical product of the two input signals. These two pulse train signals 208 and 209 are combined together to obtain a pulse signal 210 consisting of a train of pulses of positive and negative polarities as shown in FIG. 3j and this pulse train signal 210 appears at an output terminal 24. This pulse train signal 210 is in the form of a train of pulses of alternately positive and negative polarities when no signals are applied to the input terminals 22 and 23. Suppose that the vertical synchronizing signal 202 shown in FIG. 3b is applied to the input terminal 22 at time t 1 . Then, the JK flip-flop circuits 26 and 27 are set and the outputs appearing at the respective output terminals Q have a high level irrespective of the previous state. Thus, the output signal 205 appearing at the output terminal Q of the JK flip-flop circuit 26 has a high level after this time t 1 as seen in FIG. 3e. This high level persists as seen in FIG. 3e due to the fact that the ouput signal 204 of the T flip-flop circuit 25 is shifted by the next pulse in the pulse train signal 201 applied to the terminal T of the T flip-flop circuit 25. Similarly, the output signal 206 appearing at the output terminal Q of the JK flip-flop circuit 27 has a high level after the time t 1 as seen in FIG. 3f. Although the output signal 205 appearing at the output terminal Q of the JK flip-flop circuit 26 after the time t 1 is shifted by the next pulse in the pulse train signal 201 applied to the terminal T of the JK flip-flop circuit 27, the output signal 206 of the JK flip-flop circuit 27 remains in the high level as seen in FIG. 3f since the output signal 205 of the JK flip-flop circuit 26 has been in the high level. Then, when the horizontal synchronizing signal 203 shown in FIG. 3c is applied to the input terminal 23 at time t 2 , the JK flip-flop circuits 26 and 27 are reset and the output signals appearing at the respective output terminals Q are changed to a low level. After this time t 2 , the output signal 205 appearing at the output terminal Q of the JK flip-flop circuit 26 is changed to a high level in response to the application of the next pulse as seen in FIG. 3e since the output signal 204 of the T flip-flop circuit 25 is shifted. Although the output signal 205 of the JK flip-flop circuit 26 is shifted in response to the next pulse applied after the time t 2 , the output signal 206 appearing at the output terminal Q of the JK flip-flop circuit 27 remains still in the low level and two successive low levels appear necessarily as seen in FIG. 3f. Similarly, in response to the application of the horizontal synchronizing signal 203 at time t 3 , two successive low levels appear in the output signal 206 of the JK flip-flop circuit 27 after the time t 3 . The output signal 207 appearing at the output terminal Q of the JK flip-flop circuit 27 is an inversion of the output signal 206 and has a waveform as shown in FIG. 3g. The AND gate 28 provides the output signal 208 which is the logical product of the pulse train signal 201 shown in FIG. 3a and the signal 206 shown in FIG. 3f. Thus, as seen in FIG. 3h, this output 208 is a signal which consists of a train of pulses of positive polarity and in which the pulses have a short time interval only at the position at which the vertical synchronizing signal is applied. The NAND gate 29 provides the output signal 209 which is the inverted logical product of the pulse train signal 201 shown in FIG. 3a and the signal 207 shown in FIG. 3g. Thus, as seen in FIG. 3i, this output 209 is a signal which consists of a train of pulses of negative polarity and in which the pulses have a short time interval only at the position at which the horizontal synchronizing signal is applied. Consequently, the output signals 208 and 209 respectively of the AND gate 28 and NAND gate 29 are applied to the output terminal 24 to appear as a signal as shown in FIG. 3j in which it will be seen that the vertical synchronizing signal and horizontal synchronizing signal are represented by successive pulses of positive and negative polarities respectively and the video information signal is represented by a train of pulses of alternately inverted polarities. Such manner of multiplexing is advantageous in that it is unnecessary to cut down the video information transmission time for the transmission of the synchronizing signals. In other words, the pulses representing the position of the synchronizing signals can also represent a part of the video information, and as a result, economy of the transmission time can be achieved. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the system according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a timing chart illustrating the operation of the circuit shown in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 4, a pulse signal 301 which consists of a train of pulses of single polarity and is subject to pulse modulation by a video information signal is applied to an input terminal 31 in a waveform as shown in FIG. 5a. A vertical synchronizing signal 302 as shown in FIG. 5b is applied to another input terminal 32, and a horizontal synchronizing signal 303 as shown in FIG. 5c is applied to another input terminal 33. The pulse train signal 301 subjected to pulse position modulation or pulse interval modulation by the video information signal is applied from the input terminal 31 to the input terminal T of a T flip-flop circuit 35. In response to the application of such pulse train signal 301 to the T flip-flop circuit 35, a pulse signal 304 in which high and low levels alternate in response to the successive pulses in the input signal 301 as shown in FIG. 5d appears at the output terminal Q of the T flip-flop circuit 35. This output signal 304 of the T flip-flop circuit 35 is applied to JK flip-flop circuits 36 and 37, and the respective input signals are shifted by the pulse train signal 301 applied to their terminals T as clock pulses. Therefore, when no signals are applied to the terminals 32 and 33, a pulse signal appears at the output terminal Q of the JK flip-flop circuit 36, and this pulse signal is such that high and low levels alternate in a relation delayed by one clock pulse from those in the output signal 304 appearing at the output terminal Q of the T flip-flop circuit 35. That is, such pulse signal is an inversion of the output signal 304 of the T flip-flop circuit 35. Further, a pulse signal appears at the output terminal Q of the JK flip-flop circuit 37, and this pulse signal is an inversion of the output signal appearing at the output terminal Q of the JK flip-flop circuit 36 and is the same pulse signal as the output signal 304 of the T flip-flop circuit 35. Suppose that the vertical synchronizing signal 302 shown in FIG. 5b is applied to the input terminal 32 at time t 1 . Then, the JK flip-flop circuit 36 is set and the output signal 305 appearing at the output terminal Q thereof is changed to a high level after this time t 1 as seen in FIG. 5e. When the horizontal synchronizing signal 303 shown in FIG. 5c is applied to the input terminal 33 at time t 2 , the JK flip-flop circuit 37 is reset and the output signal 306 appearing at the output terminal Q thereof is changed to a high level after this time t 2 as seen in FIG. 5f. The same occurs at time t 3 . These two signals 305 and 306 obtained in the manner above described and the pulse train signal 301 modulated by the video information signal are applied to an AND gate 38 and a NAND gate 39 to obtain a pulse signal 307 consisting of a train of pulses of positive polarity as shown in FIG. 5g and a pulse signal 308 consisting of a train of pulses of negative polarity as shown in FIG. 5h. These two pulse train signals 307 and 308 differ from those described in the first embodiment in that a pulse of positive polarity and a pulse of negative polarity appear simultaneously in response to the application of the vertical and horizontal synchronizing signals as seen in FIGS. 5g and 5h. Thus, when these two signals 307 and 308 are added to each other, these pulses cancel each other with the result that one pulse is eliminated at the position of each synchronizing signal. Therefore, a pulse train signal 309 having a waveform as shown in FIG. 5i appears at an output terminal 34 is which the synchronizing signals are coded to provide successive pulses of the same polarity. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of one form of a system which is adapted to separate the pulse train signal representing the video information from the synchronizing signals for the demodulation of the multiplex signal obtained in the manner above described, and FIG. 7 is a timing chart illustrating the operation of the circuit shown in FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 6, a multiplex modulated pulse train signal 401 consisting of pulses of positive and negative polarities is applied to an input terminal 41, and a modulated pulse train signal 404 consisting of pulses of single polarity representing video information signal appears at an output terminal 42. The multiplex pulse train signal 401 consisting of pulses of positive and negative polarities shown in FIG. 7a is applied from the input terminal 41 to a pair of level detectors 45 and 46. The pulses of positive polarity only are separated as shown in FIG. 7b to appear as a pulse signal 402 from the level detector 45, while the pulses of negative polarity only are separated and then inverted in polarity as shown in FIG. 7c to appear as a pulse signal 403 from the level detector 46. The output signals 402 and 403 of these two level detectors 45 and 46 are applied to an OR gate 47, and a pulse signal 404 consisting of a train of pulses of single polarity modulated by the video information signal as shown in FIG. 7d appears from the OR gate 47. At the same time, the output signal 402 of the level detector 45 is applied to the set input terminal S of an RS flip-flop circuit 48, and the output signal 403 of the level detector 46 is applied to the reset input terminal R of the RS flip-flop circuit 48. In response to the application of these two signals 402 and 403, an output signal 405 as shown in FIG. 7e appears at the output terminal Q of the RS flip-flop circuit 48. This output signal 405 is applied to a JK flip-flop circuit 49 and the output signal 404 of the OR gate 47 is also applied to this flip-flop circuit 49 as clock pulses. As a result, a pulse signal 406 as shown in FIG. 7f appears at the output terminal Q of the JK flip-flop circuit 49 and this pulse signal 406 is such that the waveform of the output signal 405 of the RS flip-flop circuit 48 is delayed by one clock pulse. The output signal 406 appearing at the output terminal Q of the JK flip-flop circuit 49 and the output signal 405 appearing at the output terminal Q of the RS flip-flop circuit 48 are applied to an AND gate 50 to obtain a pulse 407 as shown in FIG. 7g in which it will be seen that this pulse 407 appears only when the pulses of positive polarity appear is succession in the modulated pulse train signal input 401. Therefore, the vertical synchronizing information can be derived from an output terminal 43. An output signal 408, which is an inversion of the output signal 405 appearing at the output terminal Q of the RS flip-flop circuit 48 as shown in FIG. 7h, appears at the output terminal Q of this flip-flop circuit 48, and an output signal 409, which is an inversion of the output signal 406 appearing at the output terminal Q of the JK flip-flop circuit 49 as shown in FIG. 7i, appears at the output terminal Q of this flip-flop circuit 49. These output signals 408 and 409 are applied to an AND gate 51 to obtain a pulse 410 as shown in FIG. 7j in which it will be seen that this pulse 410 appears only when the pulses of negative polarity appear in succession in the modulated pulse train signal input 401. Therefore, the horizontal synchronizing information can be derived from an output terminal 44. In this manner, it is possible to separate individual signals in a multiplex signal obtained by changing a part of a pulse signal consisting of a train of pulses of alternately inverted polarities. It will be understood from the foregoing detailed description of the present invention that the polarity of a part of pulses in a two-polarity pulse train signal subjected to pulse modulation by one information signal is inverted by another information signal or a part of such pulses is eliminated, and by this manner of coding, two or more information signals can be multiplexed for efficient transmission.
A signal multiplexing method and system for transmitting a television signal by a narrow-band transmission medium incapable of transmitting d.c. components. In this method, a two-polarity pulse train signal consisting of pulses of alternately inverted polarities is subject to pulse modulation by the video information only of the television signal. The horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals indicative of the beginning of a line, field or the like are coded in such a form that some of the successive pulses in the pulse train signal have the same polarity.
7
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention concerns devices and methods for the automated synthesis of [ 18 F]-labelled compounds, in particular those suitable for use as in vivo imaging agents for positron emission tomography (PET). The focus of the present invention is for the automated synthesis of more than one batch of an [ 18 F]-labelled compound using just one disposable cassette and in particular a novel system for trapping and elution of [ 18 F]fluoride. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART [0002] Radiolabelled compounds for use as in vivo imaging agents are currently typically prepared by means of an automated synthesis apparatus (alternatively “radiosynthesizer”). Such automated synthesis apparatuses are commercially available from a range of suppliers, including: GE Healthcare; CTI Inc.; Ion Beam Applications S.A. (Chemin du Cyclotron 3, B-1348 Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium); Raytest (Germany) and Bioscan (USA). The radiochemistry takes place in a “cassette” or “cartridge” designed to fit removably and interchangeably onto the apparatus, in such a way that mechanical movement of moving parts of the apparatus controls the operation of the cassette. Suitable cassettes may be provided as a kit of parts that is assembled onto the apparatus in a number of steps, or may be provided as a single piece that is attached in a single step, thereby reducing the risk of human error. The single piece arrangement is generally a disposable single use cassette which comprises all the reagents, reaction vessels and apparatus necessary to carry out the preparation of a given batch of radiopharmaceutical. [0003] The commercially-available GE Healthcare FASTlab™ cassette is an example of a disposable single piece type of cassette pre-loaded with reagents comprising a linear array of valves, each linked to a port where reagents or vials can be attached. Each valve has a male-female joint which interfaces with a corresponding moving arm of the automated synthesis apparatus. External rotation of the arm thus controls the opening or closing of the valve when the cassette is attached to the apparatus. Additional moving parts of the apparatus are designed to clip onto syringe plunger tips, and thus raise or depress syringe barrels. The FASTlab™ cassette has 25 identical 3-way valves in a linear array, examples of which are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of the commercially-available FDG Phosphate FASTlab™ cassette, and FIG. 2 the commercially-available FDG Citrate FASTlab™ cassette. [0004] Synthesis of [ 18 F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([ 18 F]FDG) on the cassettes of FIGS. 1 and 2 is carried out by nucleophilic fluorination using [ 18 F]fluoride produced by a 18 O(p,n) 18 F − reaction. The 18 F − so-produced enters the cassette at position 6 (i.e. 6 th valve from the left) and travels to a QMA (quaternary methyl ammonium anion exchange) solid phase extraction (SPE) column placed at position 4 via tubing at position 5. The 18 F − is retained by an ion-exchange reaction and the 18 O-water is allowed to flow through the common pathway of the cassette to be recovered at position 1. 18 F − retained on the QMA is then eluted with an eluent solution (acetonitrile solution of Kryptofix™ 222 and potassium carbonate at position 2, marked “Eluent”) withdrawn in the syringe at position 3 and into the reaction vessel (illustrated to the bottom of the figure and connected by three tubings, one leading to each of positions 7, 8 and 25). Water is evaporated and mannose triflate precursor (from position 12, marked “Precursor”) is added to the reaction vessel. Then the 18 F-labelled mannose triflate ( 18 F-fluoro-tetraacetyl-glucose, FTAG) is trapped and so separated from 18 F fluorides on an environmental tC18 SPE column at position 18 via tubing at position 17 to undergo hydrolysis with NaOH (from the vial at position 14, marked “NaOH”)) to remove acetyl protecting groups. The resulting hydrolyzed basic solution is then neutralized in the syringe placed at position 24 with phosphoric acid in the case of phosphate configuration ( FIG. 1 ) or hydrochloric acid present in a citrate buffer in the case of citrate configuration ( FIG. 2 ). Potential residual 18 F fluoride removal takes place on an alumina SPE column at position 20 via tubing at position 21 and removal of weakly hydrophilic impurities on an HLB SPE column (for the phosphate cassette of FIG. 1 ) or a tC18 SPE column (for the citrate cassette of FIG. 2 ) at position 22 via tubing at position 23. The final purified solution of 18 F-FDG is transferred to a collection vial via long tubing connected at position 19. [0005] 2 positions on the FASTlab™ cassette are free in the case of each of the known [ 18 F]FDG cassettes illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , i.e. positions 9 and 10. Caps are placed on the valves at these positions. [0006] A typical [ 18 F]FDG production site produces a minimum of 2 batches of [ 18 F]FDG a day. However, because of the residual activity on the FASTlab™ cassette, transfer line and the shadow from the waste bottle after completion of a batch, it is impossible for safety reasons to carry out back to back runs of the above-described process on the same apparatus. Furthermore, it is only possible to fit one FASTlab™ apparatus in a hot cell. To produce a second batch of [ 18 F]FDG on the same day using this process, it is necessary to have a second apparatus in a second hot cell. [0007] It would therefore be desirable to have a means to produce more than one batch of [ 18 F]FDG using the FASTlab™ on the same day and in only one hot cell. For both of the above-described commercially-available FASTlab™ [ 18 F]FDG cassettes, 23 of the total 25 positions are used. With only 2 positions to spare, it is not possible to fit all the duplicate components for a second batch onto the same cassette. [0008] Recycling the QMA column to use in a second batch presents a particular challenge because a salt solution is required for cleaning. In order to make this possible, it would be necessary to connect an external vial with the salt solution, thereby eliminating the “easy to plug” advantage of the FASTlab™ cassette. Furthermore, a salt solution is undesirable because it can contaminate the rest of the manifold as the salt solution must be withdrawn using a syringe and then passed through the cassette and collected to the waste at the other side of the cassette. The other solution is that two QMA columns are required to trap two different batches of incoming activity by using the same cassette. [0009] WO2015071288 describes a FASTlab™ cassette for the synthesis of two batches of [ 18 F]FDG. FIG. 3 illustrates this single-use cassette and shows the QMA for the first [ 18 F]fluoride trapping at position 4 (i.e. the 4 th valve from the left) linked to tubing connected at position 5, and the QMA for the second [ 18 F]fluoride trapping is at position 7 linked to tubing connected at position 8. Seven positions on the cassette are engaged in total for trapping [ 18 F]fluoride and recovery of enriched water, i.e. position 1 with the connection to the enriched water vial, position 6 for the [ 18 F]fluoride inlet, positions 4 and 5 for the first QMA and its tubing, respectively, positions 7 and 8 for the second QMA and its tubing, respectively, and position 19 for recovery of enriched water from the second batch. The enriched water recycling pathways for the first (top) and second (bottom) batches of [ 18 F]-fluoride are illustrated in FIG. 4 . For the first batch, an aqueous solution from the nuclear reaction 18 O(p,n) 18 F enters the system at position 6 and passes through the first QMA at position 4 via the tubing at position 5 so that [ 18 F]fluoride is retained on the QMA and [ 18 O]-water is sent to the recovery vial via the tubing at position 1. For the second batch, the route is from position 6 to the QMA at position 7, and then to the [ 18 O]-water recovery vial via tubing at position 8 to the tubing at position 19 and from there to position 1 and the [ 18 O]-water recovery vial. So, in this cassette configuration described in WO2015071288, enriched water recovery is on the left side for the first batch and on the right side for the second batch. Quite good yields are observed for each [ 18 F]FDG batch using this single-use cassette and there is quite good trapping and elution of the incoming activity. However, the present inventors have found problems with this configuration; firstly contamination of the manifold with enriched water is possible because of the pathway taken for enriched water recovery to the right of the manifold for the second batch. This is a risk for the second labelling reaction. Also, as a consequence of using up seven positions for the QMA arrangement there are limited options for placement of the other components. In particular, the Oasis HLB purification column is directly connected to the alumina column so that there is no way to properly clean the Oasis HLB after the first batch because of the risk of contaminating the alumina column with organic solvent. As a result, there is a risk that non-negligible amounts of Kryptofix 2.2.2 will be present in the final product from the second batch. [0010] It would therefore be desirable to have an improved arrangement of the FASTlab™ cassette for carrying out two [ 18 F]FDG runs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0011] In one aspect the present invention provides a system ( 1 ) for trapping [ 18 F]fluoride and recovering [ 18 O]water comprising the following components each having a first end ( 3 a , 4 a , 5 a , 6 a , 7 a , 8 a ) and a respective second end ( 3 b , 4 b , 5 b , 6 b , 7 b , 8 b ): (i) a first anion exchange column ( 3 ); (ii) a first length of tubing ( 4 ) fluidly connected at its second end to the second end of said first anion exchange column ( 3 ); (iii) a second anion exchange column ( 5 ); (iv) a second length of tubing ( 6 ) fluidly connected at its second end to the second end of said second anion exchange column ( 5 ); (v) a [ 18 F]fluoride inlet ( 7 ); and, (vi) a [ 18 O]water recovery vial ( 8 ); wherein each first end ( 3 a , 4 a , 5 a , 6 a , 7 a , 8 a ) is fluidly connected to a common pathway ( 2 ) via a valve ( 3 c , 4 c , 5 c , 6 c , 7 c , 8 c ) having three ports and means to put any two of the three associated ports in fluid communication with each other while fluidly isolating the third port; characterised in that: said first end ( 4 a ) of said first length of tubing ( 4 ) is fluidly connected to said common pathway ( 2 ) at a point in between said second anion exchange column ( 5 ) and said [ 18 F]fluoride inlet ( 7 ); and, said first end ( 6 a ) of said second length of tubing ( 6 ) is fluidly connected to said common pathway ( 2 ) at a point in between said first anion exchange column ( 4 ) and said [ 18 F]fluoride inlet ( 7 ). [0018] In another aspect the present invention provides a single-use cassette ( 10 ) for the production of two consecutive batches of an [ 18 F]-labelled radiotracer wherein said cassette ( 10 ) comprises: (a) the system ( 11 ) for trapping [ 18 F]fluoride and recovering [ 18 O]water as defined herein; (b) a reaction vessel ( 19 ) and means ( 19 a ) for cleaning said reaction vessel; (c) a vial ( 20 ) containing sufficient eluent for said two consecutive batches; (d) a vial ( 21 ) containing sufficient precursor compound for said two consecutive batches; (e) reagent vials ( 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ) each containing a particular reagent in sufficient quantity for said two consecutive batches; (f) first ( 26 ) and second ( 27 ) reversed-phase SPE columns and respective means ( 26 a , 27 a ) for cleaning said SPE columns; and, (g) first ( 28 ) and second ( 29 ) normal-phase SPE columns, each fluidly connected to a respective product collection vial ( 30 , 31 ). [0026] In a further aspect the present invention provides a method for trapping [ 18 F]fluoride and recovering [ 18 O]water for the synthesis of two consecutive batches of [ 18 F]-fluoride on a single cassette wherein said method comprises the following steps in sequence: (I) providing a system ( 1 ) for trapping [ 18 F]fluoride and recovering [ 18 O]water as defined herein; (II) setting the valves ( 3 c , 4 c , 7 c and 8 c ) to create a first flowpath (F 1 ) from the [ 18 F]fluoride inlet ( 7 ) to the first length of tubing ( 4 ) to the first anion exchange column ( 3 ) and to the [ 18 O]water recovery vial ( 8 ) wherein the remaining valves ( 5 c , 6 c ) are closed; (III) sending a first aliquot of an aqueous solution obtained from the nuclear reaction 18 O(p,n) 18 F through said first flowpath (F 1 ); (IV) setting the valves ( 5 c , 6 c , 7 c and 8 c ) to create a second flowpath (F 2 ) from the [ 18 F]fluoride inlet ( 7 ) to the second length of tubing ( 6 ) to the second anion exchange column ( 8 ) and to the [ 18 O]water recovery vial ( 8 ) wherein the remaining valves ( 3 c , 4 c ) are closed; (V) sending a second aliquot of an aqueous solution obtained from the nuclear reaction 18 O(p,n) 18 F through said second flowpath (F 2 ). [0032] In a yet further aspect the present invention provides a method for the synthesis of two consecutive batches of an [ 18 F]-labelled compound on a single cassette wherein said method comprises the following steps in sequence: (A) carrying out steps (I)-(III) of the method for trapping [ 18 F]fluoride and recovering [ 18 O]water as defined herein; (B) eluting [ 18 F]fluoride trapped on said first anion exchange column ( 3 ) into a reaction vessel on said cassette wherein the reaction vessel contains a first aliquot of a precursor compound; (C) optionally carrying out post-labelling deprotection and/or purification steps on said [ 18 F]-labelled product obtained in step (B) by means of one or more solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges on said cassette; (D) carrying out steps (IV) and (V) of the method for trapping [ 18 F]fluoride and recovering [ 18 O]water as defined herein; (E) eluting [ 18 F]fluoride trapped on said second anion exchange column ( 8 ) into a reaction vessel on said cassette wherein the reaction vessel contains a second aliquot of a precursor compound; (F) optionally carrying out post-labelling deprotection and/or purification steps on said [ 18 F]-labelled product obtained in step (E) by means of one or more solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges on said cassette. [0039] In another aspect the present invention provides a non-transitory storage medium comprising computer readable program code, wherein execution of the computer readable program code causes a processor to carry out the steps of the method of the invention as defined hereinabove. [0040] The present invention permits good trapping and elution of two batches of incoming [ 18 F]fluoride activity, and good yields for the production of two batches of [ 18 F]-labelled compound. Using the system of the present invention two batches of [ 18 F]-fluoride can be trapped and [ 18 O]water recovered using fewer positions than for previous systems, thereby making a position on the cassette available for the placement of another component. So, for example it is possible to place reagent vials for both ethanol and acetonitrile, in contrast to the prior art single-run cassettes that have either ethanol or acetonitrile rather than both, and the dual-run cassette described in WO2015071288 where only acetonitrile is available. Ethanol can be used in the conditioning of SPE columns, in the cleaning steps between first and second batches, and can be used as a radiostabilizer if desired. As described in Example 1 below for [ 18 F]FDG synthesis, reversed-phase purification column of an exemplary system of the present invention can be rinsed between runs with ethanol and water independently of the alumina column such that there is a negligible amount of Kryptofix™ 222 in the both batches of [ 18 F]labelled compound, thereby providing an advantage over WO2015071288 where the second batch has a higher concentration. Acetonitrile is the ideal drying solvent to remove water effectively during evaporation processes and can also be used in conditioning of SPE columns Having both solvents available is advantageous therefore in terms of flexibility of the process used. [0041] Also, the configuration of the present invention allows an enriched water recycling pathway only on the left side of the cassette for both FDG batch ( FIG. 5 ) (avoid contamination of the manifold with water and of the enriched water with residual organic solvents) with only six positions (the activity inlet, position 1 with the connection of enriched water vial, position 4 for the QMA 1 , position 5 for tubing of QMA 2 , position 7 for tubing of QMA 1 and position 8 for the QMA 2 ) on the cassette engaged. [0042] The present invention therefore provides clear advantages over the methods and systems of the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0043] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate examples of known cassettes for the production of one batch per cassette of an 18 F-labelled compound. [0044] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary cassette described in WO2015071288. [0045] FIG. 4 illustrates the enriched water recycling pathways for the first (top) and second (bottom) batches for an exemplary cassette configuration described in WO2015071288. [0046] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the system for trapping [ 18 F]fluoride and recovering [ 18 O]water of the present invention. [0047] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary single-use cassette according to the present invention. [0048] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the system of the present invention showing the enriched water recycling pathways for the first (top) and second (bottom) batches of [ 18 F]fluoride. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0049] To more clearly and concisely describe and point out the subject matter of the claimed invention, definitions are provided in the description hereinbelow for specific terms used throughout the present specification and claims. Any exemplification of specific terms herein should be considered as non-limiting examples. [0050] The term “length of tubing” refers to a suitable length of tubing formed from a flexible polymeric material. Non-limiting examples of suitable such flexible polymeric materials include silicone, PVC, FEP and PEEK. [0051] The terms “first end” and “second end” are used in the context of the two ends of a component of the invention. In certain embodiments, the first end is proximal to the common pathway and the second end is distal to the common pathway. [0052] The term “fluidly connected” used herein means that it is possible for fluid to pass to and/or from one feature of the invention to another feature of the invention, e.g. by use of a suitable valve. In one embodiment of the invention a suitable valve is a 3-way valve having three ports and means to put any two of the three associated ports in fluid communication with each other while fluidly isolating the third port. In another embodiment of the invention a suitable valve is a stopcock valve comprising a rotatable stopcock. [0053] The term “common pathway” is to be understood to be a fluid pathway to which the other components of the system or of single-use cassette of the present invention are selectively fluidly connected. In one embodiment, the common pathway is a linear fluid pathway. In one embodiment, the common pathway is made from a rigid pharmaceutical grade polymeric material that is resistant to radiation. Non-limiting examples of suitable such rigid polymeric materials include polypropylene, polyethylene, polysulfone and Ultem®. In one embodiment, said common pathway is made from polypropylene or polyethylene. In one embodiment, said common pathway is linear. [0054] In the context of the present invention the term “two consecutive batches” refers to the production of two separate first and second batches of 18 F-fluoride or of an 18 F-labelled compound on the same cassette, the second batch being produced only after production of the first batch has been completed. [0055] By the term “cassette” is meant a piece of apparatus designed to fit removably and interchangeably onto an automated synthesis apparatus, in such a way that mechanical movement of moving parts of the synthesizer controls the operation of the cassette from outside the cassette, i.e. externally. Suitable cassettes comprise a linear array of valves, each linked to a port where reagents or vials can be attached, by either needle puncture of an inverted septum-sealed vial, or by gas-tight, marrying joints. In one embodiment each valve is a 3-way valve. In one embodiment each valve is a stopcock valve comprising a rotatable stopcock. Each valve has a male-female joint which interfaces with a corresponding moving arm of the automated synthesis apparatus. External rotation of the arm thus controls the opening or closing of the valve when the cassette is attached to the automated synthesis apparatus. Additional moving parts of the automated synthesis apparatus are designed to clip onto syringe plunger tips, and thus raise or depress syringe barrels. The cassette is versatile, typically having several positions where reagents can be attached, and several suitable for attachment of syringe vials of reagents or chromatography columns. The cassette always comprises a reaction vessel, generally configured such that 3 or more ports of the cassette are connected thereto to permit transfer of reagents or solvents from various ports on the cassette. Cassettes need to be designed to be suitable for radiopharmaceutical manufacture and are therefore manufactured from materials which are of pharmaceutical grade as well as resistant to radiolysis. In one embodiment of the present invention the single-use cassette is a FASTlab™ cassette, i.e. one which is suitable for use with a FASTlab™ automated synthesis apparatus. [0056] The term “single-use” as used in the context of a cassette of the present invention means that the cassette is intended to be used once prior to disposal for the production of two batches of an 18 F-labelled compound. [0057] By the term “automated synthesis apparatus” is meant an automated module based on the principle of unit operations as described by Satyamurthy et al (1999 Clin Positr Imag; 2(5): 233-253). The term ‘unit operations” means that complex processes are reduced to a series of simple operations or reactions, which can be applied to a range of materials. Such automated synthesis apparatuses are preferred for the method of the present invention especially when a radiopharmaceutical composition is desired. They are commercially available from a range of suppliers (Satyamurthy et al, above), including: GE Healthcare; CTI Inc; Ion Beam Applications S.A. (Chemin du Cyclotron 3, B-1348 Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium); Raytest (Germany) and Bioscan (USA). Automated synthesis apparatuses are designed to be employed in a suitably configured radioactive work cell, or “hot cell”, which provides suitable radiation shielding to protect the operator from potential radiation dose, as well as ventilation to remove chemical and/or radioactive vapours. Using a cassette the automated synthesis apparatus has the flexibility to make a variety of different radiopharmaceuticals with minimal risk of cross-contamination, by simply changing the cassette. This approach also has the advantages of simplified set-up hence reduced risk of operator error, improved GMP (good manufacturing practice) compliance, multi-tracer capability, rapid change between production runs, pre-run automated diagnostic checking of the cassette and reagents, automated barcode cross-check of chemical reagents vs the synthesis to be carried out, reagent traceability, single-use and hence no risk of cross-contamination, tamper and abuse resistance. [0058] A “reaction vessel” in the context of the present invention is a container selectively fluidly connected to the common pathway of the single-use cassette of the invention in order that the reactants and reagents required for the synthesis can be sent to the reaction vessel and the product(s) removed in an appropriate order. The reaction vessel has an internal volume suitable for containing the reactants and reagents and is made from pharmaceutical grade materials resistant to radiation. [0059] The term “reagent vial” is taken to mean a vial containing one of the reagents for use in the production of the 18 F-labelled compound. A typical reagent vial is made from a rigid pharmaceutical grade polymer resistant to radiation. Suitable reagents contained in said reagent vials include ethanol, acetonitrile, deprotecting agent and buffer. In one embodiment said deprotecting agent is selected from HCl, NaOH and H 3 PO 4 . In one embodiment said deprotecting agent is NaOH. In one embodiment said buffer is based on a weak acid, for example selected from citrate, phosphate, acetate and ascorbate. For example where the 18 F-labelled compound of the present invention is [ 18 F]FDG, the single-use cassette comprises a reagent vial containing ethanol, one containing acetonitrile, another containing NaOH and another containing a buffer based on a weak acid selected from citrate or phosphate. [0060] The term “means for cleaning” refers to a source of reagent selectively fluidly connected to the component to be cleaned. The selective fluid connection suitably comprises a valve and length of flexible tubing. Suitable reagents for cleaning include ethanol and acetonitrile, aqueous solutions thereof, and water. The term “cleaning” in the context of the present invention refers to the process of passing a suitable amount of one or more reagents through a component to be cleaned in order to render it suitable for use in preparation of the second batch of 18 F-labelled compound. [0061] The term “sufficient” as used in the context of eluent and precursor compound for the two consecutive batches means a suitable amount thereof to ensure that two batches of the 18 F-labelled compound can be obtained. Generally this amount is a little more than the exact amount required. [0062] The “product collection vial” is suitably a clinical grade syringe or a container which is provided with a seal which is suitable for single or multiple puncturing with a hypodermic needle (e.g. a crimped-on septum seal closure) whilst maintaining sterile integrity. Suitable containers comprise a sealed vessel which permits maintenance of sterile integrity and/or radioactive safety, whilst permitting addition and withdrawal of solutions by syringe. A preferred such container is a septum-sealed vial, wherein the gas-tight closure is crimped on with an overseal (typically of aluminium). Such containers have the additional advantage that the closure can withstand vacuum if desired e.g. to change the headspace gas or degas solutions. [0063] The term “buffer” as used in the present invention refers to a solution comprising a weak acid that functions to prevent a rapid change in pH when acids or bases are added to the solution. In one embodiment said weak acid is selected from citrate, phosphate, acetate and ascorbate. For example where the 18 F-labelled compound of the present invention is [ 18 F]FDG, the single-use cassette comprises a reagent vial containing ethanol, one containing acetonitrile, another containing NaOH and another containing a buffer based on a weak acid selected from citrate or phosphate. [0064] The term “solid phase extraction (SPE)” refers to a sample preparation process by which compounds in a solution are separated from each other based on their respective affinities for a solid (the “solid phase”, or “stationary phase”) through which the sample is passed and the solvent (the “mobile phase” or “liquid phase”) in which they are dissolved. The result is that a compound of interest is either retained on the solid phase or in the mobile phase. The portion that passes through the solid phase is collected or discarded, depending on whether it contains the compound of interest. If the portion retained on the stationary phase includes the compound of interest, it can then be removed from the stationary phase for collection in an additional step, in which the stationary phase is rinsed with another solution known as an “eluent”. For the present invention SPE is suitably carried out using an “SPE column” (also often referred to as an “SPE cartridge”), which is readily available commercially and is typically in the form of a syringe-shaped column packed with solid phase. Most known solid phases are based on silica that has been bonded to a specific functional group, e.g. hydrocarbon chains of variable length (suitable for reversed-phase SPE), quaternary ammonium or amino groups (suitable for anion exchange), and sulfonic acid or carboxyl groups (suitable for cation exchange). [0065] “Reversed-phase SPE” makes use of a nonpolar modified solid phase and a polar mobile phase. Compounds are retained by hydrophobic interactions and eluted using a non-polar elution solvent to disrupt the forces that bind the compound to the solid phase. Non-limiting examples of reversed-phase SPE columns include those wherein the chemistry is selected from octadecyl (C18 or tC18), octyl (C8), cyano (CN), diol, hydrophilic modified styrene polymer (HLB e.g. Oasis® HLB from Waters), polymeric poly(divinylbenzene-vinylpyrrolidone) (e.g. Porapak® RDX resin available from Waters), and NH 2 SPE columns. The term “chemistry” in the context of SPE columns refers to the surface groups that interact with the solution being purified and typically an SPE column is referred to by its chemistry, e.g. a SPE column with C18 chemistry is referred to as a “C18 column” In one embodiment of the present invention the chemistry of the reversed-phase SPE column is a tC18 column or a HLB column. In another embodiment of the present invention the reversed-phase SPE column is a tC18 column. In some embodiments of the present invention the tC18 column is an environmental tC18 column, sometimes referred to as a long tC18 column or a tC18 plus column. [0066] The term “normal-phase” used in connection with SPE and SPE columns refers to SPE separation that makes use of a polar modified solid phase and a non-polar mobile phase. Compounds are retained by hydrophilic interactions and eluted using a solvent that is more polar than the original mobile phase to disrupt the binding mechanism. Non-limiting examples of normal-phase SPE columns include alumina, diol and silica SPE columns. [0067] The term “anion exchange” used in connection with SPE and SPE columns refers to SPE separation that utilises electrostatic attraction of charged group on compound to a charged group on the sorbent's surface and can be used for compounds that are charged in solution. The primary retention mechanism of the compound is based mainly on the electrostatic attraction of the charged functional group on the compound to the charged group that is bonded to the silica surface. A solution having a pH that neutralizes either the compound's functional group or the functional group on the sorbent surface is used to elute the compound of interest. A non-limiting example of an anion exchange SPE column is a quaternary ammonium anion exchange (QMA) SPE column. [0068] The term “eluting” refers to passing a solution through an SPE column with the aim to release a compound or compounds of interest that has or have been bound to the solid phase. The terms “eluent” and “eluting” are also specifically used in connection with the present invention to refer to the eluent used to elute 18 F-fluoride trapped on the anion exchange column. 18 F-fluoride suitable for use in the synthesis of an 18 F-labelled compound is normally obtained as an aqueous solution from the nuclear reaction 18 O(p,n) 18 F. In order to increase the reactivity of 18 F-fluoride and to reduce or minimise hydroxylated by-products resulting from the presence of water, water is typically removed from 18 F-fluoride prior to the reaction, and fluorination reactions are carried out using anhydrous reaction solvents (Aigbirhio et al 1995 J Fluor Chem; 70: 279-87). A further step that is used to improve the reactivity of 18 F-fluoride for radiofluorination reactions is to add a cationic counterion prior to the removal of water. This cationic counterion is dissolved in an organic-aqueous solution and this solution is used as an eluent for eluting 18 F-fluoride from an anion exchange column on which the 18 F-fluoride has been trapped. Suitably, the counterion should possess sufficient solubility within the anhydrous reaction solvent to maintain the solubility of the 18 F-fluoride. Therefore, counterions that are typically used include large but soft metal ions such as rubidium or caesium, potassium complexed with a cryptand such as Kryptofix™ 222, or tetraalkylammonium salts, wherein potassium complexed with a cryptand such as Kryptofix™ 222, or tetraalkylammonium salts are preferred. The term Kryptofix™ 222 (or K222) refers herein to a commercially-available preparation of the compound 4,7,13,16,21,24-Hexaoxa-1,10-diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane. [0069] An “ 18 F-labelled compound” is a chemical compound that comprises an 18 F atom. Non-limiting examples of 18 F-labelled compounds include [ 18 F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([ 18 F]FDG), [ 18 F]Fluoromisonidazole ([ 18 F]FMISO), [ 18 F]fluorothymidine ([ 18 F]FLT), [ 18 F]Fluoroazomycin arabinofuranoside ([ 18 F]FAZA), [ 18 F]Fluoroethyl-choline ([ 18 F]FECH), [ 18 F]fluorocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid ([ 18 F]FACBC), [ 18 F]-flumanezil ([ 18 F]FMZ), [ 18 F]-tyrosine, [ 18 F]-altanaserine, 4-[ 18 ]-fluoro-3-iodobenzyl guanidine ([ 18 F]-FIBG), meta-[ 18 F]fluorobenzylguanidine ([ 18 F]-mFBG) and [ 18 F]-5-fluorouracil. In one embodiment of the present invention the 18 F-labelled compound is selected from [ 18 F]FDG, [ 18 F]FMISO, [ 18 F]FLT and [ 18 F]FACBC. In another embodiment of the present invention the 18 F-labelled compound is [ 18 F]FDG. [0070] A “precursor compound” is to be understood herein as a non-radioactive derivative of a radiolabelled compound, designed so that chemical reaction with a convenient chemical form of the detectable label occurs site-specifically in the minimum number of steps (ideally a single step) to give the desired radiolabelled compound. Such precursor compounds are synthetic and can conveniently be obtained in good chemical purity. A number of precursor compounds are well known to be suitable for the synthesis of 18 F-labelled compounds, as taught for example in Chapter 7 of “Handbook of Radiopharmaceuticals: Radiochemistry and Applications” (2003 John Wiley & Sons Ltd., Wench & Redvanly, Eds.). [0071] The term “protecting group” refers to a group which inhibits or suppresses undesirable chemical reactions, but which is designed to be sufficiently reactive that it may be cleaved from the functional group in question (also called “deprotection”) to obtain the desired product under mild enough conditions that do not modify the rest of the molecule. Protecting groups are well known to those skilled in the art and are described in ‘Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis’, Theorodora W. Greene and Peter G. M. Wuts, (Fourth Edition, John Wiley & Sons, 2007). In one embodiment of the present invention deprotection is carried out using an SPE column for deprotection. An “SPE column for deprotection” is an SPE column having a solid phase on which a precursor compound having protecting groups is retained following the 18 F-labelling reaction in order to remove the protecting groups and obtain the desired 18 F-labelled compound. In one embodiment the SPE column for deprotection is a reversed-phase SPE column as defined herein. Deprotection is carried out using a suitable “deprotecting agent”, non-limiting examples of which include HCl, NaOH and H 3 PO 4 . In one embodiment said deprotecting agent is NaOH. [0072] The term “labelling” used in connection with labelling a precursor compound with an aliquot of [ 18 F]fluoride is taken to mean the reaction that takes place such that 18 F becomes covalently bound to said precursor compound. Typically said labelling is carried out by adding reactive [ 18 F]fluoride to a solution of the precursor compound in a reaction vessel and elevating the temperature, e.g. to around 100-150° C. for a short duration of around 2-10 minutes. [0073] The “[ 18 F]-labelled product” referred to in the method for the synthesis of two consecutive batches of an [ 18 F]-labelled compound of the present invention is the solution obtained directly following labelling of a precursor compound with 18 F, i.e. before the optional post-labelling deprotection and/or purification steps. [0074] The term “purification” as used herein may be taken to mean a process to obtain substantially pure 18 F-labelled compound. The term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. The term “substantially pure” can be taken to mean completely pure 18 F-labelled compound, which would be ideal, but also 18 F-labelled compound that is sufficiently pure to be suitable for use as a PET tracer. The term “suitable for use as a PET tracer” means that the substantially pure 18 F-labelled compound is suitable for intravenous administration to a mammalian subject followed by PET imaging to obtain one or more clinically-useful images of the location and/or distribution of the 18 F-labelled compound. [0075] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary system 1 of the present invention for trapping [ 18 F]fluoride and recovering [ 18 O]water. For a first batch of [ 18 F]fluoride, an aqueous solution from the nuclear reaction 18 O(p,n) 18 F produced on a cyclotron enters the system through vial 7 . The valves 3 c , 4 , 7 c and 8 c are positioned to permit flow from the vial 7 through tubing 4 , then QMA column 3 , then tubing 9 and into the [ 18 O]water recovery vial 8 . The [ 18 F]-fluoride trapped on the QMA is eluted into a reaction vessel with a suitable eluent as described hereinabove and used in the production of an [ 18 F]-labelled compound. A second batch of [ 18 F]fluoride is similarly produced but where the aqueous solution from the nuclear reaction 18 O(p,n) 18 F follows the pathway from vial 7 through QMA column 5 , then tubing 6 and finally tubing 9 and the [ 18 O]-water recovery vial 8 . This is advantageous over previous methods as fewer positions are required for the system, and the activity is contained within a smaller space. This is particularly advantageous in the context of a single-use FASTlab™ cassette, where there are a limited number of positions available, but is also generally advantageous for automated synthesis of [ 18 F]-labelled compounds where it is always desirable for equipment to be as compact as possible in order to occupy as little space in a hot cell as possible. [0076] Use of the single-use cassette of FIG. 6 and the system of FIG. 7 is described in Example 1 below where it is demonstrated that two consecutive batches of [ 18 F]-FDG having similar chemical and radiochemical profiles can be obtained from one cassette. This is important for [ 18 F]-FDG and other [ 18 F]-labelled PET tracers where defined pharmacopoeial parameters need to be met. [0077] Any commonly-present features and embodiments of the present invention are equally applicable across the various aspects of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLES [0078] Example 1 described the synthesis of two batches of [ 18 F]FDG on one FASTlab cassette According to an embodiment of the present invention. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THE EXAMPLES [0079] EtOH ethanol [ 18 F]FDG 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose [ 18 F]FDGc citrate-buffered 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose [ 18 F]FTAG 18 F-fluoro-tetraacetyl-glucose IC ionic chromatography ICP-MS inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry K222 4,7,13,16,21,24-Hexaoxa-1,10-diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane KI potassium iodide LB low bleed phase mCi milli Curie MeCN acetonitrile ppm parts per million QMA quaternary methylammonium TLC thin layer chromatography EXAMPLES Example 1: Synthesis of Two Batches of [ 18 F]FDG on One FASTlab Cassette According to an Embodiment of the Present Invention [0080] The cassette configuration as illustrated in FIG. 5 was used in this Example. [0000] (1) The tC18 environmental at position 18 was conditioned with 800 μL MeCN from the reagent vial at position 15 and the tC18 plus column at position 22 was conditioned with 1.5 mL EtOH from the reagent vial at position 12. (2) [ 18 F]-fluoride was obtained from the bombardment of [ 18 O]—H 2 O with a high-energy proton beam extracted from a cyclotron (Cyclotron Cyclone 18/9 from IBA) and transferred to the FASTlab cassette via the conical reservoir at position 6. (3) [ 18 F]Fluoride was trapped on the QMA column at position 4 and separated from the enriched water which was collected in an external vial via a V7-V4-V1 pathway. (4) Eluent was withdrawn in the syringe at position 3 and passed through the QMA column at position 4 to release [ 18 F]fluoride and send to the reaction vessel. (5) Evaporation of the water from the reaction vessel was catalysed by adding around 100 μL of acetonitrile from the vial at position 15 at 120° C. (6) Mannose triflate precursor from position 13 was withdrawn in the syringe at position 11 and transferred to the reaction vessel connected to positions 9, 10 and 25 where the labelling reaction was carried out 125° C. for 2 minutes. (7) The resulting radiolabelling compound ( 18 F-fluoro-tetraacetyl-glucose, [ 18 F]FTAG) was trapped and so, separated from unreacted fluorides, on the lower side of the tC18 environmental column. (8) Sodium hydroxide was passed through the column to convert the [ 18 F]FTAG to [ 18 F]FDG collected by the syringe at position 24. (9) Neutralization of the resulting basic solution was carried out using hydrochloric acid contained in a citrate buffer. (10) The product was purified by following this pathway: tC18 plus column-Alumina N found at position 20 directly connected to the first product collection vial. (11) The tC18 environmental was washed with acetonitrile from position 15, the tC18 plus was washed with ethanol from position 12, and the reactor, purification columns and tubing were washed with water from the water bag connected as position 17 The tC18 environmental was rinsed with 1 mL of acetonitrile and 5 mL of water, the tC18 plus with 1 mL of ethanol and 4 mL of water. (12) A second batch of [ 18 F]-fluoride from the cyclotron was transferred to the FASTlab cassette as in step (2). (13) The [ 18 F]fluoride was trapped on a new QMA column found at position 8 and separated from the enriched water which is collected in an external vial via a pathway through positions 8-5-1. (14) With [ 18 F]fluoride from the QMA at position 8, steps (4)-(9) were carried out as for the first batch. (15) The second batch of [ 18 F]FDG was purified along the pathway: tC18 plus column at position 22-Alumina N found at position 21 directly connected to the second product collection vial. [0081] The results below are obtained with this cassette configuration: [0000] Residual activity K222 EtOH Residual in in in Yield activity enriched the the (non- Starting on water final final corrected Activity QMA vial product product Run ID Sequence used %) (mCi) (%) (%) (ppm) (ppm) FLdualFDGc25F GE_dualFDGc_PETCS018FL 61.96 7.506 0.18 0.00 1 398 EB14-LA1 FLdualFDGc25F GE_dualFDGc_PETCS018FL 70.90 7.479 0.21 0.00 1 2342 EB14-LA2 FLdualFDGc26F GE_dualFDGc_PETCS018FL 69.27 6.756 0.08 0.09 1 494 EB14-LA1 FLdualFDGc26F GE_dualFDGc_PETCS018FL 70.11 7.507 0.00 0.02 1 2185 EB14-LA2 FLduoFDGc10A GE_dualFDGc_PETCS003FL 76.25 8.356 0.00 0.00 1 2778 PR14-LA1 FLduoFDGc10A GE_dualFDGc_PETCS003FL 81.67 6.586 0.04 0.00 1 2766 PR14-LA2 FLduoFDGc10A GE_duoFDGc_PETCS003FL 78.81 8.981 0.00 0.00 1 2824 PR14-LB1 FLduoFDGc10A GE_duoFDGc_PETCS003FL 77.23 10.272 0.02 0.00 1 3094 PR14-LB2 FLduoFDGc08M GE_duoFDGc_PETCS006FL 74.84 5625 NA NA 1 801 AY14-HA& FLduoFDGc09M GE_duoFDGc_PETCS006FL 75.43 5223 0.09 0.01 1 1614 AY14-HA2 [0082] Starting activity, final activity and residual activities were measured by a calibrated ionization chamber VEENSTRA (VIK-202). [0083] To determine yield, the following yield Calculations were made: [0000] if delta Tf=elapsed time after time at starting of the synthesis in min if Af=final activity in mCi cAf=corrected final activity in mCi regarding to starting of the synthesis in min=Af. Exp(ln(2)*(delta Tf/110)) where 110=half-life of [ 18 F]fluorine in minutes if cAi=corrected starting activity in mCi regarding to starting of the synthesis in mCi if delta Ts=duration of the synthesis Corrected yield (CY)=(cAf/cAi)*100 Uncorrected yield (NCY)=CY*Exp(ln(2)*(−delta Ts/110)) [0084] The amount of Kryptofix 2.2.2 in the final product was determined by spotting the sample on a TLC plate which is impregnated by a revealing solution of iodoplatinate (0.5 g of Chloroplatinic acid hexa-hydrated: H 2 PtCl 6 .6H 2 O (!highly hygroscopic!), 9 g of potassium iodide: KI, 200 mL of distilled water) and comparing this with standard solutions of Kryptofix 2.2.2 (1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 ppm). Colour intensity of the obtained stains is proportional to the amount of Kryptofix 2.2.2 present in the solution. [0085] The amount of ethanol in the final product was verified by injecting the sample into a chromatography system called gas chromatography (VARIAN CP-3800, including auto-sampler, column inlet, column oven and flame ionization detector). [0086] The GC column was a Macherey-Nagel OPTIMA 624 (6% cyanopropylphenyl-94% dimethylpolysiloxane), LB (=Low Bleed phase), 30 m (=length), 0.32 mm (=inner diameter), 1.8 μm (=film thickness). [0087] The following parameters were used: Mobile phase=helium (flow=5 mL/min) Injection samples (injection volume=0.5 μL) 1. 1.6 mL water (=blank) 2. 1.6 mL standard solution (5000 ppm in EtOH; 273 ppm in MeCN) 3. 1.6 mL sample requiring analyses Gas flow to detector:—helium (=20 mL/min) hydrogen (=35 mL/min) compressed air (=360 mL/min) Injector temperature=200° C. Column oven temperature=temperature ramp from 50° C. to 220° C. Detector temperature=250° C. Acquisition time=15 minutes
The present invention provides a new chemical process, a new cassette configuration, and new software for the automated production of multiple batches of an [ 18 F]labelled compound on a single cassette. The invention allows one synthesizer in one hot cell to produce sequentially a plurality of batches of [ 18 F]-labelled PET tracer in the same day. In particular, the present invention provides a novel arrangement useful for the trapping of [ 18 F]fluoride and recovery of [ 18 O]water.
1
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an industrial robot and more particularly, to a portable joint type robot for use in welding large scale structures and the like. Development of industrial robots has made a remarkable progress in recent years and an extremely wide variety of robots have been announced. These robots can be classified structurally into a rectangular coordinate type robot, a cylindrical coordinate type robot, a polar coordinate type robot and a joint type robot. The robots of these types have their respective features and have been used in fields corresponding to the features. Among them, the joint type robot having high freedom has recently drawn an increasing attention because it can secure a greater operation range with respect to the installation area than the others. In any way, most of the industrial robots of the kind described above are of the fixed installation type and weigh from one to several hundreds of kilograms. Hence, they can not easily be moved from one installation position to another. Although a robot having the main body weight of as small as about 10 kg has been developed at present, it is not suitable for welding or the like because a maximum portable weight is up to 1 kg. In other words, a tool to be held by a small robot is substantially the same as that of a large robot and hence, a conventional portable robot using small motors and reduction gears has so low capacity that it can not operate while holding a tool that is generally used by a skilled laborer, and high speed high acceleration operation can never be expected. If a large wrist driving motor is used in order to increase the portable weight of the robot, however, the main body construction becomes larger in scale and if this problem is to be avoided, the operation region of a small robot must be drastically reduced due to the limitation of these driving devices. To reduce the size and weight, the design of such a small robot is difficult and the arrangement of each constituent member is also difficult. Accordingly, the robot performance is sometimes sacrificed to design the small robot. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a multi-joint type portable robot which is small in size and light in weight and yet has a portable capacity of from 2 to 3 kg. The present invention is particularly directed to provide a joint type robot which eliminates the design disadvantages such as the arrangement of constituent members resulting from the reduction of the size of the robot as a whole, which is compact and simple in construction and yet has a wide operation region. To accomplish the objects described above, the joint type robot in accordance with the present invention comprises a fixed bed capable of being installed at a desired position, a swivel base disposed on the fixed bed so as to be capable of rotating around a vertical first axis of rotation, a motor base fixed onto the swivel base, an upper arm fitted to the motor base so as to be capable of elevating around a horizontal first axis of rotation crossing at right angles the vertical first axis of rotation, a front arm disposed close to the tip of the upper arm so as to be capable of elevating around a horizontal second axis of rotation in parallel with the horizontal first axis of rotation, and a wrist having freedom around at least one axis and disposed close to the tip of the front arm, wherein the upper arm extends rearward beyond the horizontal first axis of rotation as the center of rotation of its elevating motion and a notch having a suitable shape is defined on the motor base so that the rearwardly extending portion of the upper arm enters the notch. In the present invention, the upper arm extends rearward beyond the horizontal first axis of rotation X 1 as the center of rotation of its elevating motion so as to reduce the driving force necessary for elevating an arm mechanism (due to the counter-balance action) and thus to reduce the size of the driving motor. The notch having a suitable shape is formed on the motor base 3 supporting the arm mechanism 20 so that when the front portion of the upper arm 4 on the wrist side rocks upward, its rearwardly extending portion can enter the notch of the motor base 3, eventually enlarging the angle of elevation of the upper arm 4. In accordance with another feature of the present invention, a driving motor for rotating the swivel base in the joint type robot described above around the vertical first axis of rotation is disposed at a position deviated from the vertical first axis of rotation in parallel with this axis of rotation. In accordance with still another feature of the present invention, driving motors for elevating the upper and front arms of the joint type robot described above are disposed on the motor base and these motors are arranged parallel to each other but in opposite directions. In accordance with still another feature of the present invention, driving motors for driving the wrist at each freedom are disposed on the upper arm of the joint type robot described above, and these motors are arranged in parallel with one another but in opposite directions. More specifically, the joint type robot in accordance with the present invention has the fixed bed which can be moved to a desired position corresponding to a desired work by human power or other particular power means so as to particularly match the welding work of large scale structures and can be suitably installed at the desired position. The robot has the swivel base on the fixed base, the swivel base being disposed so as to be capable of rotating around the vertical first axis of rotation. A rotation driving motor is not incorporated inside the swivel base to minimize the height but is disposed outside, so that the swivel base can be rotated via suitable power transmission means. A motor base, on which driving motors for elevating the upper and front arms are fixed, is fixed to this swivel base by suitable means such as bolts. Accordingly, the motor base rotates together with the swivel base around the vertical first axis of rotation. The side surface of this motor base has a pointed and bent L-shape (visually L-shape) and the driving motors for the upper and front arms are fitted close to the base portion of the L-shape. The upper arm is turnably supported in the proximity of the pointed portion of the motor base in such a manner as to be capable of elevating around the horizontal first axis of rotation disposed at right angles the vertical first axis of rotation. The side surface of this upper arm has an L-shape whose major axis portion extends in the horizontal direction and is turnably supported around the horizontal first axis of rotation with respect to the pointed portion of the motor base in the proximity of the point of intersection between the major and minor axes portions of the L-shape. Accordingly, the vertical L-shape minor axis portion of the upper arm extends rearwards beyond the motor base. At least one, and preferably two, motors are fixed to the rearwardly extending portion of this upper arm so as to drive the wrist. The front arm is turnably supported at the tip of the upper arm around a horizontal second axis of rotation which is disposed parallel to the horizontal first axis of rotation. A wrist having at least one freedom is supported at the tip of this front arm. The wrist having two or three freedoms is mostly used, though the wrist having one freedom is sometimes used. As a definite example, the follwing description will deal with the wrist having two freedoms. The wrist is permitted to rotate around a horizontal third axis of rotation (hereinafter referred to as an "axis of pitching motion" or "P axis") and around a vertical second axis of rotation (hereinafter referred to as an "axis of yawing motion" or "Y 2 axis") which crosses at right angles the horizontal third axis of rotation. The shape of the bent L-shaped side surface of the motor base described earlier is such that the portion close to the center is notched and when the tip of the upper arm rocks upward, the rearwardly extending portion that rocks downward, on the contrary, enters the notch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1 through 3 are overall assembly diagrams showing a definite example of the portable joint type robot in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 4 shows the swivel base and its rotating motion transmission mechanism of the portable joint type robot in accordance with the present invention and is a detailed sectional view taken along line IV--IV of FIG. 5; FIG. 5 is a top view with a part of FIG. 4 being exploded; FIGS. 6 through 8 are partial enlarged views showing the disposition and power transmission mechanisms of driving motors, respectively; FIGS. 9 through 11 are detailed views of the motor base of the portable joint type robot in accordance with the present invention; FIGS. 12 through 14 are detailed views showing the upper arm of the portable joint type robot of the present invention; FIGS. 15 and 16 are side views showing modified examples of the upper arm shown in FIGS. 12 through 14; FIGS. 17 and 18 are detailed views showing the front arm of the portable joint type robot of the present invention; FIGS. 19 through 24 are detailed views of the members forming the wrist of the portable joint type robot of the present invention; FIG. 25 is a side view of the wrist forming members shown in FIGS. 19 through 24 when they are assembled; FIGS. 26 and 27 are assembly views of the main body forming members of the portable joint type robot of the present invention when they are assembled; FIG. 28 is a system diagram showing schematically the power transmission of the portable joint type robot of the present invention; FIGS. 29 through 32B are detailed sectional views of the members and are useful for explaining in detail the power transmission system diagram of FIG. 28; FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a cover fitted to the pivot connecting portion of the upper and front arms of the portable joint type robot of the present invention; FIG. 34 is a schematic view showing the posture of the robot of the present invention when used for the practical work; FIGS. 35 and 36 are detailed views of the postures shown in FIG. 34; and FIG. 37 is a schematic view useful for explaining the dead operation region of the robot of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, definite embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention will be more clearly understood from the following description, though it is not particularly limited to the embodiments thereof. First, the overall structure of a joint type robot, especially a portable joint type robot, in accordance with the present invention will be explained. A fixed bed 1 is removably disposed on the floor of a factory or the floor of an object of work. A swivel base 2, which is rotated around a vertical first axis of rotation Y 1 by suitable rotation means, is placed on this fixed bed 1. A motor base 3 supporting the laterappearing arm mechanism 20 in such a manner as to be capable of elevation is fixed to the swivel stand 2 by bolts or the like. An upper arm 4 forming the first arm of the arm mechanism 20 is supported in the vicinity of the top of the motor base 3 in such a manner as to be capable of elevation around a horizontal first axis of rotation X 1 . A front arm 5 forming the second arm of the arm mechanism 20 is supported at the tip of this upper arm 4 in such a manner as to be capable of elevation around a horizontal second axis of rotation X 2 which is disposed in parallel with the horizontal first axis of rotation X.sub. 1. A wrist 6 having two freedoms is supported at the tip of the front arm 5 so that it can accomplish pitching motion around a P axis and yawing motion around a Y 2 axis. The portable robot illustrated in the drawings is of a type which is to be installed on the floor of a factory or the like, but the present invention is not limited in any manner by the method of installation. Accordingly, the robot of the present invention may be disposed on a track running on rails laid down in advance or on a running vehicle that travels on an endless track. In the robots of this running type, however, relative location between the robot and the workpiece becomes naturally an important factor. Among various location means, pin engagement, for example, can make location relatively easily and provides high accuracy. Definite examples of location means are omitted because it is not the subject matter of the present invention. The description will be continued in further detail with reference to the drawings. The swivel base 2 consists of two portions, i.e., first and second bases, in order to incorporate therein a power transmission mechanism. Motor placing beds 27, 28 for accommodating a motor 7 swell from these two bases. The swelling direction of these bases is set in the direction inclined by 36° from the horizontal first axis of rotation X 1 to which the arm mechanism 20 is mounted as shown in FIG. 5. The motor 7 is mounted to the placing beds 27, 28 in the vertical direction. Since the motor 7 is not incorporated inside the base but is disposed thereoutside, the dimension of the swivel base can be reduced. The motor does not provide any obstacle when the arm mechanism executes elevating motion. Motors 8 and 9 for driving the upper arm 4 and the front arm 5, respectively, are fitted in the proximity of the base portion of the base 3 in parallel with each other and in the horizontal state but in the opposite directions. Motors 10 and 11 for driving the wrist 6 are fitted close to the end portion of the rearwardly extend portion of the upper arm 4 in parallel with each other but in the opposite direction. The wrist driving motor 10 accomplishes yawing motion around the Y 2 axis and the other wrist driving motor accomplishes pitching motion around the horizontal P axis (see FIG. 2) of the wrist 6. The swivel base 2 and the swivel mechanism will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The swivel base 2 has a substantially cylindrical shape and consists of the first and second bases 21 and 22. More definitely, the first base 21 includes a fixed base 24 which is disposed on the floor or the like by suitable fixing means, and a rotary base 25 which is supported turnably around the vertical first axis of rotation Y 1 with respect to the fixed base 24. This rotary base 25 is firmly supported by a ring-like member 26 with respect to the outer race of a bearing 29. The inner race of the bearing 29 is firmly supported by another ring-like member 30 with respect to the fixed base 24. Accordingly, the rotary base 25 can rotate relative to the fixed base 24. The second base 22 is fixed to the rotary base 25 by suitable fixing means such as bolts lest relative motion occurs between them. The motor base placing bed 23 is placed on the upper surface of the second base 22. The first base 21 defines a hollow portion 31 substantially at its center and a harmonic drive mechanism 32 is disposed inside the hollow portion 31. Since this harmonic drive mechanism 32 is well known heretofore, its detail will not be described, but it consists of a flexible cylindrical reduction gear 33 and oval driving member 34 and driven ring member 35 that are disposed so as to interpose the cylindrical reduction gear 33 between them. The driven ring member 35 is fixed to an intermediate disc 36 disposed between the first and second bases 21 and 22. A through-hole 38 is bored at the center of the intermediate disc 36 in order to insert the driven shaft 37 and the driving member 35 into it. Since the intermediate disc 36 is fixed to the rotary base 25 of the first stand 21 by fixing means such as bolts, it is rotatable around the Y 1 axis. A follower shaft support member 39 is fixed so as to correspond to the through-hole 38 of the intermediate disc 36. The support 39 has an upwardly open cup-like shape and supports a follower wheel 40 inside the cup-like portion. The follower wheel 40 is fixed to a driven shaft 37 by a key and the driven shaft 37 is turnably supported inside the support 39 by bearings 41, 42. An opening 43 is bored at a part of the vertical side surface of the support 39 so that a conduction belt 44 (represented by dot-and-chain line in the drawing) spread on the follower wheel 40 passes through the opening. This conduction belt 44 further passes through an opening 45 which is bored on the vertical side surface of the second base 22 and is spread on a driving wheel 46 connected directly to the output shaft 48 of the motor 7. The driving wheel 46 is fixed to the driving shaft 47 by a key and the driving shaft 47 is directly coupled to the output shaft 48 by a coupling 49 and is rotatably supported by bearings 50, 51 inside the motor placing bed 27 swelling from the first base 21. A tension wheel 52 is disposed close to the center of the conduction belt 52 and pushes the belt 44 from outside, thereby generating tension. This tension wheel 52 is turnably supported by a bolt 53, which is fitted through a support plate 54 which is in turn supported in such a manner as to be capable of rocking around a pin 55 within a predetermined angle. An arcuate hole (not shown) is formed inside the motor placing bed 27 swelling from the first base 21 so as to accept the bolt 53. When the tension wheel 52 generates suitable tension acting upon the conduction belt 44, it fastens the bolt 53 and lets predetermined tension always act upon the conduction belt 44. Guide discs 56, 56 are disposed at the upper and lower portions of the tension wheel 52 to prevent the fall-off of the conduction belt 44 and a bearing 57 is disposed at the center. Though not shown, teeth are shaped on the inner surface of the conduction belt 44 to ensure conduction and corresponding teeth are formed on each of the follower wheel 40, driving wheel 46, and tension wheel 52. As described above, the motor 7 is placed on the swivel motor placing beds 27, 28 that are deviated from the vertical first axis of rotation Y 1 as the center axis of rotation of the swivel base 2. This arrangement can reduce the dimension of the swivel base 2, especially its height. The outer circumferential portions of the motor placing beds 27, 28 swelling from the swivel base 2 are covered with a substantially U-shaped cover 58 while its upper surface is covered with a flat sheet-like cover 59. Next, the relation of arrangement of the driving motors 8, 9 for letting the upper and front arms 5 elevate and the driving motors 10, 11 for letting the yawing and pitching motions of the wrist 5 will be described in detail. The driving motors 8, 9 for letting the upper and front arms 4, 5 elevate are disposed in the proximity of the base portion of the motor base 3 in parallel with each other but in the opposite direction. As illustrated particularly clearly in FIG. 7, transmission of the elevating motion of the upper arm 4 is transmitted as the force of rotation is transmitted from the driving wheel 61 connected to the output shaft of the driving motor 8, which is disposed horizontally, to the follower wheel 63 by the conduction belt 62. The follower wheel 63 is fixed to the pivot of the upper arm 4 via the harmonic drive mechanism (whose detail will be described elsewhere), thereby accomplishing the elevating motion of the upper arm 4. A tension wheel 65, which is turnably supported by a bolt 66 with respect to a T-shaped support plate 64, applies tension to the conduction belt 62. The tension wheel 65 consists of a bearing and two guide discs in the same way as the tension wheel 52 described earlier. To apply tension to this belt 62, the lateral plates of the T-shaped support plate 64 are supported by two bolts 67, 68 so that bolt 67 acts as the center of the rocking pivot of the T-shaped support plate 64 while bolt 68 firmly fixes the T-shaped support plate 64 at a suitable position of an arcuate hole 69. The power transmission mechanism of the elevating motion of the upper arm 4 described above has substantially the same construction as the power transmission mechanism of the rotating motion of the swivel base 2 described already. On the other hand, transmission of the elevating motion of the front arm 5 is illustrated particularly clearly in FIG. 6. Since this power transmission mechanism is analogous to that of the upper arm 4, the members having the same functions are represented by putting dashes to the same reference numerals used for the mechanism of the upper arm 4. Transmission of the elevating motion of the front arm 5 is accomplished as the force of rotation is transmitted from the driving wheel 61' connected to the output shaft of the driving motor 9, which is disposed horizontally, to the follower wheel 63' by the conduction belt 62'. The follower wheel 63' rotates a sprocket which is coaxial with the pivot of the upper arm 4 via the harmonic drive mechanism, and is fixed to the pivot of the front arm 5 via the chain, thus accomplishing the elevating motion of the front arm 5 (as will be described in further detail later). A tension wheel 65', which is turnably supported by a bolt 66' with respect to a T-shaped support plate 64', applies tension to this conduction belt 62'. In the same way as the tension wheel 52' described already, this tension wheel 65' consists of a bearing and two guide discs. To apply tension to this belt 62', the lateral plates of the T-shaped support plate 64' are supported by two bolts 67', 68' so that one 67' serves as the center of the rocking pivot of the T-shaped support plate 64' while the other 68' firmly fixes the T-shaped support plate 64' at a suitable position of an arcuate hole 69'. The power transmission mechanism of the elevating motion of the front arm 5 described hereby has substantially the same construction as the power transmission mechanism of the rotary motion of the swivel base 2 and elevating motion of the upper arm 4 described already. Driving motors 10 and 11 for accomplishing the yawing motion of the wrist 6 around the Y 2 axis and its pitching motion around the P axis are disposed close to the root portion of the upper arm 4 having a substantially L-shaped side surface and their arrangement is substantially the same as the arrangement of the driving motors 8 and 9 for driving the upper arm and front arm, respectively. In other words, these wrist driving motors 10 and 11 are disposed in parallel with each other, horizontally but in the opposite direction. This state can be best seen from FIG. 8. Transmission of the yawing motion of the wrist 6 around the Y 2 axis is accomplished as the force of rotation is transmitted from the driving wheel 70 connected to the output shaft of the driving motor 10 to the follower wheel 72 by the conduction belt 71. The yawing motion is transmitted from the follower wheel 72 to the wrist 6 via the harmonic drive mechanism and via chains rotating inside the upper and front arms 4, 5 (the detail will be described elsewhere). A tension wheel 74 supported rotatably by a bolt 75 with respect to an L-shaped support plate 73 applies tension to the conduction belt 71. This tension wheel 74 consists of a bearing and two guide discs in the same way as described earlier. To apply tension to this belt 71, one end of the L-shaped support plate 73 is used as the center axis of rocking by means of a pivot bolt 76 while the other end is firmly fixed by a bolt 77 that passes through an arcuate slit 78. The power transmission mechanism from the driving motor 11 of the pitching motion of the wrist 6 around the P axis is illustrated particularly clearly in FIG. 7. Since this power transmission mechanism is analogous to the power transmission mechanism of the driving motor 10 of the yawing motion of the wrist, like reference numerals with dashes are used to identify those members having the same function. Transmission of the pitching motion of the wrist 6 is effected as the force of rotation is transmitted from the driving wheel 70' connected to the output shaft of the driving motor 11 to the follower wheel 72 by the conduction belt 71'. The pitching motion is transmitted from the follower wheel 72' to the wrist 6 by chains rotating inside the upper and front arms 4, 5 via the harmonic drive mechanism (the detail will be later described). A tension wheel 74' supported rotatably by a bolt 75' with respect to an L-shaped support plate 73' applies tension to the conduction belt 71'. This tension wheel 74' consists of a bearing and two guide discs in the same way as the tension wheel described already. To apply tension to this belt 71', one end of the L-shaped support plate 73' is used as the center axis of rocking while the other end is firmly fixed at a suitable position by a belt 77' that passes through an arcuate slit 78'. The power transmission mechanism for the yawing motion of the wrist 6 around the Y 2 axis and for its pitching motion around the P axis has substantially the same construction as the power transmission mechanisms of the rotating motion of the swivel base 2 and the elevating motion of the upper and front arms 4 and 5. FIG. 8 illustrate the disposition of these driving motors in an easily comprehensive manner. Though this drawing shows the relation of disposition of the two wrist driving motors 10, 11, the relation of disposition of the driving motors 8, 9 for driving the upper and front arms is not particularly shown because this is substantially the same as the former. Motors 10, 11 as well as motors 8, 9 have an output shaft end 48 similar to motor 7 shown in FIG. 4. The axis of rotation of the output shaft is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the respective motor housings. In other words, the driving motors 10 and 11 for the yawing motion and pitching motion of the wrist 6 are disposed in parallel with each other with respect to wrist driving motor fitting plates 88, 89, 91 (whose detail will be described elsewhere) that have a step-like shape as viewed from the upper surface formed close to the root portion of the upper arm 4. Moreover, they are disposed in the opposite direction and horizontally. The virtual portions of the power transmission mechanisms of these driving motors 8, 9, 10 and 11 are covered with covers 79, 79', 80, 80' having suitable shapes. Next, the construction in detail of the motor base 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. The motor base 3 consists of a casting having a unitary structure as a whole and a motor base disc 12 having a disc-like shape is formed on its base end surface so as to correspond to the motor base placing bed 23 that is formed on the upper surface of the swivel base 2. A pair of upright side walls 13, 13' are disposed so as to extend from this motor base disc 12 and to oppose each other, and a boss 14 for fitting the upper arm driving motor and a boss 15 for fitting the front arm driving motor are formed close to the base end portions of these side walls 13, 13', respectively. The upper end portions on the side walls 13, 13' are pointed, where bosses 16, 16' for supporting the elevation shaft of the upper arm 4 (not shown in FIGS. 9-11; a support shaft around the horizontal first axis of rotation X 1 ), respectively. The driving motors 8, 9 fitted to the motor fitting bosses 14, 15 are longer than the gap between the side walls 13, 13' of the motor base 3, so that U-shaped notches 17, 17' are defined on the side walls 13, 13' on the opposite side to the fitting bosses 14, 15 at positions corresponding to the fitting positions of the driving motors 8, 9 for driving the upper arm and front arm, respectively. The pair of side walls 13, 13' are connected to each other by a reinforcing member 18. As can be seen clearly from the drawings, the side walls 13, 13' have the shape of an odd-shaped hook or an L-shape having a bent top when viewed from their side. In other words, substantially -shaped notches 19, 19' are defined at the center of the side walls as can be seen clearly from FIG. 10. The arm mechanism 20 consisting of the upper arm 4 and the front arm 5 is mounted to this motor base 3. The detailed construction of the upper arm 4 is shown in FIGS. 12 through 16. When viewed from the side, the upper arm 4 has a substantially L-shaped form (see FIG. 13) and is made of a casting of a unitary structure as a whole. The L shape of this upper arm 4 consists of a horizontal extension portion 81 extending horizontally as an elongated shaft portion and an upright base portion 82 extending vertically from the former and serving as a short shaft portion. This upper arm 4 is supported so as to be capable of elevation around the horizontal first axis of rotation X 1 with respect to the motor base 3. The upper arm 4 is supported inside an elevation bearing hole 83 formed close to the point of intersection between the horizontal extension portion 81 and the upright base portion 82, though the support structure of the upper arm 4 will be described later in further detail. A follower wheel bearing hole 84 for driving the wrist is formed more rearwards than the elevation bearing hole 83 and a front arm elevation bearing hole 85 is formed at the tip of the horizontal extension portion 81 on the wrist side. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12 through 14, these bearing holes are shown disposed with their centers aligned on a line but they need not be disposed in such a manner but may be disposed zigzag (see FIG. 16). As described above, the follower wheel bearing hole 84 for driving the wrist is disposed on the opposite side of the wrist 6 relative to the upper arm elevation bearing hole 83 in order to establish counterbalance against the load acting upon the upper and front arms as well as upon the wrist. However, the arrangement can be selected relatively freely so long as the object described above can be accomplished (see FIGS. 15 and 16). As can be best seen from FIG. 12, this upper arm 4 has side portions 88, 89 that oppose each other in the longitudinal direction of the upper arm 4 and its width in the transverse direction becomes great at the connecting portion of the side portions with the front arm 5. The bearing holes 83, 84, 85 are formed on the same center line so as to pass through both side portions 88, 89. The side portions 88, 89 are connected to each other and reinforced by an upper surface portion 90, a crossing plate 91 and reinforcing members 92, 93, 94, 95. Reinforcing ribs 96, 96' having a suitable length in the longitudinal direction are formed along the outer side surface of the wide portions of the side portions 88, 89. Fitting holes 86, 87 for fitting the wrist driving motors 10, 11 are formed on both side surfaces of the upright base portion 82 close to the upper end and these motors 10, 11 are fitted horizontally, in parallel with each other but in the opposite direction. As can be best seen especially from FIG. 14, the half of the upright base portion 82 close to the upper end, where the motor fitting hole is not formed, is cut off. This will be explained with reference to FIG. 13. The fitting hole 86 for the motor 10 is formed on the side surface 88 positioned on the front side of the drawing at the back of the upper end of the upright base portion 82 and the front portion is cut off in the rectangular form. The fitting hole 87 for the motor 11 is formed on the side surface 89 at the depth of the drawing at the front of the upper end of the upright base portion 82 and its rear portion is cut off in the rectangular form. Since a crossing plate 91 connecting both side surfaces 88, 89 is disposed in the proximity of the upper end of the upright base portion 82, the wrist driving motors 10, 11 are disposed while being separated from each other into individual compartments by the crossing plate 91. As described above, both side surfaces 88, 89 of the upright base portion 82 and the connecting crossing plate 91 together form the fitting member of the wrist driving motors 10, 11 and hence, the fitting member has a step-like shape when viewed from above (FIG. 12). Next, the detailed construction of the front arm 5 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. The front arm 5 consists of a casting of a unitary structure as a whole and includes side surfaces 97, 98 that extend in the longitudinal direction in parallel with each other, an upper surface 99 and crossing reinforcing members 100, 101. A bearing hole 102 for pitching of the wrist is formed at the tip of each side surface 97, 98 of this front arm 5 on the side of the wrist and bearing holes 103, 104 for elevation of the upper arm are formed at the tips of the side surfaces on the side of the upper arm. The wrist 6 is pivotally supported with two freedoms by this front arm 5. The detailed construction of the wrist 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 through 25. The wrist 6 consists of three portions, i.e., a first wrist portion 105 accomplishing the pitching motion of the wrist 6 around the P axis, a second wrist portion 106 fixed to this first wrist portion 105 and a third wrist portion 107 supported rotatably with respect to the second wrist portion 106 and accomplishing the yawing motion of the wrist around the Y 2 axis. Each of the three portions is made of a casting having a unitary structure and incorporates thereinside a hollow portion 110, 111, 112. The first wrist portion 105 has a front arm bearing hole 102' that corresponds to the bearing hole 102 for the pitching of the wrist on the front arm 5, and a fitting disc 108 for fitting the second wrist portion. The second wrist portion 106 has a fitting disc 109 corresponding to the fitting disc 108 of the first wrist portion 105 and the hollow portions 111 formed thereinside cross one another. At least one through-hole 113 is formed substantially at the center of the second wrist portion. This through-hole is defined in order to inspect the inside or to be used when assembling power transmission gears and the like. A cover having a U-shaped cross-section (not shown) is fitted into a step portion 114 in order to cover this through-hole. The third wrist portion 107 is fitted in a direction crossing at right angles the fitting direction of the first wrist portion 105 with respect to the second wrist portion 106. A suitable number of tool fitting holes 115, . . . , 115 are bored on the upper surface of this third wrist portion so as to fit work tools and the like. When these three wrist portions 105, 106, 107 are combined with one another, the wrist 6 is constituted as depicted in FIG. 25. The main body constituents of the main body when they are assembled are clearly illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27. Next, the driving power transmission mechanism of the portable joint type robot in accordance with the present invention will be described in detail. First, the joint type robot of the present invention has five freedoms, that is, one freedom of the rotation of the swivel base 2 as a drum, two freedoms of the elevating motion of the arm mechanism 20 and two freedoms of the yawing and pitching motions of the wrist mechanism 6. This 5-freedom driving power transmission mechanism will be described with reference to FIG. 28. Incidentally, the relation of position of the driving motors is somewhat different from that of the actual apparatus in order to clarify the illustration. Furthermore, the shaft portions which transmit the power are represented by thick shafts while the shaft portions which only support the rotary motion but does not transmit the power are represented by single lines. Hereinafter, the power transmission mechanism for each freedom will be itemized. (i) Rotary motion of swivel base 2 Since the force of rotation of the motor 7 is transmitted by the conduction belt 44 through suitable reduction gear means such as the harmonic drive mechanism 32 or the like, the swivel base 2, the motor base 3 fitted onto the former and the arm mechanism 20 are rotated around the vertical first axis of rotation Y 1 . (ii) Elevating motion of upper arm 4 The transmission mechanism of the elevating motion of the upper arm 4 is illustrated in detail in FIG. 29. Since the force of rotation of the upper arm driving motor 8 is transmitted by the conduction belt 62 through suitable reduction gear means such as the harmonic drive mechanism 116 or the like, the upper arm 4 is directly caused to elevate around the horizontal first axis of rotation X 1 . Incidentally, this driving force is not transmitted to the later-appearing conduction chain 118. (iii) Elevating motion of front arm 5 The transmission mechanism for the elevating motion of the front arm 5 is illustrated in detail in FIG. 29. The force of rotation of the front arm driving motor 9 is transmitted by the conduction belt 62' through suitable reduction gear means such as the harmonic drive mechanism 117 to directly let the front arm 5 elevate around the horizontal second axis of rotation X 2 . Incidentally, this driving force is not transmitted to the later-appearing conduction chains 120, 121, 123, 124. (iv) Pitching motion of wrist 6 around P axis The transmission mechanism for the pitching motion of the wrist 6 around the P axis is illustrated in detail in FIG. 30. The force of rotation of the wrist driving motor 11 is transmitted from the conduction belt 71' by the conduction chain 120 to 121 through suitable reduction gear means such as the harmonic drive mechanism 119 or the like and lets the wrist 6 pitch around the P axis. Incidentally, this driving force is not transmitted to the later-appearing conduction chain 124 or to the yawing motion mechanism of the wrist 6 around the Y 2 axis. (v) Yawing motion of wrist 6 around Y 2 axis The transmission mechanism for the yawing motion of the wrist 6 around the Y 2 axis is illustrated in detail in FIG. 30. The force of rotation of the wrist driving motor 10 is transmitted from the conduction belt 71 to the conduction chain 123 and from thence ot 124 through suitable reduction gear means such as the harmonic drive mechanism 122 or the like, and the gear mechanism 125 lets the wrist 6 yawn around the Y 2 axis. Hereinafter, these driving force transmission mechanisms will be explained in further detail with reference to FIGS. 29 through 32. (i) Rotary motion transmission mechanism of swivel base 2 The detail of the rotary motion transmission mechanism of the swivel base 2 is illustrated in FIG. 4. Since this mechanism has been described already, re-explanation is omitted. (ii) Elevating motion transmission mechanism of upper arm 4 The upper arm driving motor 8 is fitted to the fitting boss 14 for the upper arm driving motor of the motor base 3, and a correction output shaft 128 is concentrically connected to the output shaft 126 of the motor via coupling 127. The driving wheel 61 is fixed to the tip of the output shaft 128 by the key 61. This correction output shaft 128 has a suitable length so that, since the harmonic drive mechanism 116 is disposed on the side of the follower shaft, the length on the driving shaft side and that on the follower shaft side can be brought into conformity with each other. The correction output shaft 128 is turnably supported within a first distance correction member 129 by a bearing 130. On the other hand, the upper arm 4 is turnably supported inside the upper arm support boss 16 of the motor base 3 by a bearing 132 via an upper arm first support shaft 131. A flexible cylindrical reduction gear member 134 of the harmonic drive mechanism 116 is fixed to the upper arm support shaft 131 on the opposite side to the fixing side of the upper arm. A follower ring-like member 135 is fixed to the upper arm support boss 16 of the motor base 3 around the outer circumferential edge at the tip of the cylindrical reduction gear member 134 by fixing means such as bolts, and an oval driving member 136 is key-fixed to the follower shaft 137 on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical reduction gear member 134. This follower shaft 137 is pivotally supported inside the first distance correction member 129 by a bearing 133 and the follower wheel 63 is key-fixed to the other end portion of this follower shaft 137. A through-hole 138 (whose shape is not shown) having a suitable shape is formed at the center of the first distance correction member, and a T-shaped support plate 64 (see FIG. 7) is fitted into the through-hole 138 by bolt means 67, 68. The tension wheel 65 is turnably supported at the tip of the T-shaped support plate 64 by the bolt 66 so as to elevate the arm 4. (iii) Elevating motion transmission mechanism of front arm 5 The front arm driving motor 9 is fitted to the front arm driving motor fitting boss 15 of the motor base 3 and the correction output shaft 141 is concentrically connected to its output shaft 139 by the coupling 140. The driving wheel 61' is fixed by the key to the tip of the output shaft 141. The correction output shaft 141 has a suitable length so that since the harmonic drive mechanism 117 is disposed on the side of the follower shaft, the length on the side of the driving shaft and the length on the side of the follower shaft can conform with each other. This correction output shaft 141 is turnably supported inside the second distance correction member 142 by the bearing 143. The upper arm 4 is turnably supported inside the upper arm support boss 16' via an upper arm second support shaft 144 by bearings 145, 146. This upper arm second support shaft 144 is disposed concentrically with the upper arm first support shaft 131 and these first and second upper arm support shafts 131, 144 pivotally support the upper arm 4 so that it can elevate with respect to the motor base 3. The upper arm second support shaft 144 is turnably supported inside support shaft fitting bosses 148, 149 formed on the upper arm 4 by bearings 146, 147 lest the rotary motion of the upper arm first support shaft 131 and that of the upper arm 4 are transmitted thereto. A sprocket 150 is fixed by a key at the position close to the center of the upper arm second support shaft 144 and the flexible cylindrical reduction gear member 151 of the harmonic drive mechanism is fixed to the upper arm support boss 16' of the motor base 3 by fixing means such as bolts to the tip (on the right side) of the upper arm second support shaft 144. An oval driving member 153 is fixed by a key to the follower shaft 154 on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical reduction gear member 151. The follower shaft 154 is pivotally supported inside the second distance correction member 142 by a bearing 154 and the follower wheel 63' is fixed by a key to the other end portion of this follower shaft 154. A through-hole 156 (whose shape is not shown) having a suitable shape is bored at the portion of this second distance correction member 142 close to its center, and the T-shaped support plate 64' (see FIG. 7) is fitted into this through-hole by bolt means 67', 68'. The tension wheel 65' is turnably supported at the tip of the T-shaped support plate 64' by bolts 66' and applies suitable tension to the conduction belt 62' spread between the driving wheel 61' and the follower wheel 63'. This tension wheel 65' has the same construction as that of the tension wheel 52' (see FIG. 4) described earlier. The chain 118 that is wound on the sprocket 150 extends up to the front arm bearing portion inside the upper arm 4 and is wound on a sprocket 160 that is key-fixed to the front arm follower shaft 159 supported turnably by bearings 157, 158 inside the front arm bearing hole 85 of the upper arm 4. This follower shaft 159 is key-fixed to the bearing 158. Due to the construction described above, the force of rotation of the front arm driving motor 9 is transmitted to the front arm 5 to elevate it through the correction output shaft 141, the driving wheel 61', the conduction belt 62', the follower wheel 63', the follower shaft 154, the harmonic drive mechanism 117, the upper arm second support shaft 144, the sprocket 150, the chain 118 and the sprocket 160. (iv) Pitching motion transmission mechanism of wrist 6 around P axis The wrist driving motor 11 is fitted to the front half of the L-shaped upper arm 4 at the tip of the upright base portion 82. The correction output shaft 163 is concentrically connected to the output shaft of this driving motor 11 by a coupling 162 and the driving wheel 70' is key-fixed to the tip of the correction output shaft 163. The correction output shaft 163 has a suitable length so that since the harmonic drive mechanism 119 is disposed on the follower shaft side, the length on the driving side and that of the follower shaft side conform with each other. This correction output shaft 163 is turnably supported by a bearing 165 inside the third distance correction member 164. A first housing 166 for the wrist follower shaft is fitted into a bearing hole 84 that is bored at the point of intersection between the horizontal extension portion 81 and upright base portion 82 of the upper arm 4. The harmonic drive mechanism 119 is disposed inside the first housing 166. The detail of this harmonic drive mechanism is omitted because it has the same construction as that of the harmonic drive mechanism 116 or 117 described already. The follower shaft 167 on the input side of this harmonic drive mechanism 119 is turnably supported by a bearing 168 and the follower wheel 72' is fixed by a key. An L-shaped support plate 63' is fitted at a suitable position of the first housing 166 by bolt means and the tension wheel 74' is turnably supported by a bolt 75' at the bent portion of the L-shaped support plate 63', and applies suitable tension to the conduction belt 71' that is stretched between the driving wheel 70' and the follower wheel 72'. The output shaft 169 of the harmonic drive mechanism 119 is turnably supported by a bearing 170 inside the first housing 166 and a sprocket 171 is key-fixed to the tip on the opposite side. The conduction chain 120 is wound on the sprocket 171, extends in the longitudinal direction inside the upper arm 4 beyond the second support shaft 144 and is wound on one of first two-throw sprocket 172. A chain 121 is wound on the other of the first two-throw sprocket 172, extends in the longitudinal direction inside the front arm 5 and is wound on a sprocket 173 that is supported inside wrist pitching bearing hole 102. This sprocket 173 is fixed by a bolt to the first wrist portion 105 of the wrist 6. The construction described above transmits the force of rotation of the wrist driving motor 11 to the wrist 6 via the correction output shaft 163, the driving wheel 70', the conduction belt 71', the follower wheel 72', the follower shaft 167, the harmonic drive mechanism 119, the output shaft 169, the sprocket 171, the conduction chain 120, the first double-throw sprocket 172, the conduction chain 121 and the sprocket 173, thereby causing the pitching motion of the wrist 6. This pitching motion is not transmitted to the elevating motion mechanism of the wrist 6 around the Y 2 axis. (v) Yawing motion transmission mechanism of wrist 6 around Y 2 axis The wrist driving motor 10 is fitted to the latter half at the tip of the upright base portion of the L-shaped upper arm 4. A correction output shaft 176 is concentrically connected to the output shaft 174 of this driving motor 10 by a coupling 175 and the driving wheel 70 is key-fixed to the tip of the correction output shaft 176. The correction output shaft has a suitable length so that since the harmonic drive mechanism 122 is disposed on the follower shaft side, the length on the driving shaft side and the length on the follower shaft side conform with each other. The correction output shaft 176 is turnably supported inside a fourth distance correction member 177 by a bearing 178. A bearing hole 84 is bored at the point of intersection between the horizontal extension portion 81 and upright base portion of the upper arm 4 and a second housing 171 of the wrist follower shaft is fitted into this bearing hole. The harmonic drive mechanism 122 is disposed inside this second housing 179. The detail of this harmonic drive mechanism will not be explained once again because it has the same construction as the harmonic drive mechanism 116 or 117 described already. The follower shaft 180 of this harmonic drive mechanism 122 on the input side is turnably supported by a bearing 181 and the follower wheel 72 is key-fixed thereto. An L-shaped support plate 63 is fitted by bolt means to a suitable position of the second housing 179 and the tension wheel 74 is turnably supported by the bolt 75 at the bent portion of the L-shaped support plate 63, thereby applying suitable tension to the conduction belt 71 spread between the driving wheel 70 and the follower wheel 72. The shaft 182 of the harmonic drive mechanism 122 on the output side is turnably supported by a bearing 183 inside the second housing 179 and a sprocket 184 is key-fixed to the tip of the shaft 182 on the opposite side. A conduction belt 123 is wound on this sprocket 184, extends in the longitudinal direction inside the upper arm 4 beyond the upper arm second support shaft 144 and is wound on one of the sprockets of a second double-throw sprocket 185 turnably supported on a front arm follower shaft 159 that is supported inside the bearing hole 85 for the front arm elevation. A chain 124 is wound on the other of this double-throw sprocket, extends in the longitudinal direction inside the front arm 5 and is wound on a sprocket 186 supported inside the bearing hole 102 for wrist pitching. The sprocket 186 is key-fixed to a wrist pitching shaft 187 and a first bevel gear 188 is also key-fixed thereto. An intermediate conduction shaft 189 is turnably supported by bearings 191, 191 inside the hollow portion of the first wrist portion 105 in a direction crossing at right angles the wrist pitching shaft 187 and a second bevel gear 192 is key-fixed at one of its ends. This second bevel gear engages with the first bevel gear 188. A third bevel gear 193 is key-fixed at the other end of the intermediate conduction shaft 189. Furthermore, a yawing shaft 194 is turnably supported by beaings 195, 196 inside the hollow portion of the second wrist portion 106 in a direction crossing at right angles the intermediate conduction shaft 189 and a fourth bevel gear 197 is key-fixed to one of the ends of this yawing shaft 194. The fourth bevel gear engages with the third bevel gear 193. The third wrist portion 107 is key-fixed to the opposite side of the yawing shaft 194. According to the construction described above, the force of rotation of the wrist driving motor 10 is transmitted to the third wrist portion 197 and causes its yawing motion around the Y 2 axis through the correction output shaft 176, the driving wheel 70, the conduction belt 71, the follower wheel 72, the follower shaft 180, the harmonic drive mechanism 122, the shaft 182 on the output side, the sprocket 184, the conduction chain 123, the second double-throw sprocket 185, the conduction chain 124, the sprocket 186, the wrist pitching shaft 187, the first and second bevel gears 188, 192, the intermediate conduction shaft 189, the third and fourth bevel gears 193, 197 and the yawing shaft 194. The robot in accordance with the present invention is compact and portable. Especially when used for welding, therefore, the robot must operate under severe working environment close to the welding work positions. Accordingly, there is a high necessity that the dust or the like must be prevented from entering the power transmission mechanism of the robot. For this reason, the robot of the present invention is equipped with various covers. Particularly because the cover for the pivot connecting portion between the upper and front arms 4 and 5 has a specific shape, it will be explained with reference to FIGS. 32-a, 32-b and 33. First, a cover 200 having a square cylinder is fitted to the tip of the upper arm 4 by screws or the like and a U-shaped cover 201 is fitted to the tip of the cover 200. On the other hand, a pair of -shaped flat sheet covers 202, 203 are fitted to the front arm 5 from inside the side surface by screws or the like. Semi-spherical notches 204, 204', 205 and 206 are defined on the square cylindrical cover 200 and flat sheet covers 202, 203 so that the front arm elevation shaft portion passes through them. Next, the portable joint type robot using the driving device of the present invention will be described with reference to the case where a hook-shaped work is welded. It will be now assumed that the hook-shaped work W is welded from the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 34. In this case, the upper arm 4, front arm 5 and wrist 6 of the robot must assume the downward posture represented by an arrow E and the upward posture represented by an arrow F. Symbol T in the drawing represents a torch. Selection of these postures must be carefully made particularly when the hook-shaped work W shown in the drawing is welded or screwed. In other words, when the robot changes from one posture to another, there is the possibility that the arms and the wrist collide against the work. It is therefore preferred to secure independent work regions for each posture. As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the work regions are set so that the robot operates only within the work region A in the downward posture E while the robot operates only within the work region B in the upward posture F. Particular operation instruction is given when the work region for each posture is independently secured and the robot must be operated over each work region. In FIGS. 35 and 36, curves LA and LB represented by dot-and-chain line indicate the upper and lower limit work boundary lines in the work regions A and B, respectively. When the robot is moved to the work region where the work regions A and B overlap, the problem occurs in which work region the robot exits. This problem can be determined by the work posture of the robot at present or at a point a little before. If the robot has taken the downward arm posture a little before, the indicated point is determined as being the point within the work region A and if the robot has taken the upward arm posture a little before, the indicated point is determined as the point within the region B. In this manner, the problem of existence of two solutions for the posture to be taken by the robot arm mechanism can be prevented. Furthermore, a dead work region D is secured within ±30° close to the boundary of the upward arm posture and the downward arm posture and this dead work region D is not the work region of the robot. This is because the motor power necessary for accelerating the robot in the arm direction becomes closer to the infinite as the angle between the upper and front arms 4 and 5 becomes closer to 0°, whereby acceleration is not possible in practice. This also necessitates the arrangement in which the work regions of the robot are separately secured for the upward arm posture and the downward arm posture. As described above, the main body construction of the portable joint type robot and the driving power transmission mechanism of the present invention have the extremely compact construction and their operation control can be freely accomplished by suitably controlling the rotation of the driving motors 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11.
A joint type robot comprises a fixed bed, a swivel base on the fixed bed, a motor base on the swivel base, an upper arm capable of elevating on the motor base, a front arm capable of elevating at the tip of the upper arm, a wrist at the tip of the front arm, and so forth. The upper arm extends rearward beyond the center axis of rotation of its elevating motion. The rearwardly extending portion can enter a notch of the motor base. A driving motor for turning the swivel base is disposed at a position deviated from the center axis of rotation and in parallel with the center axis of rotation. The pair of driving motors for the upper and front arms are mounted on the motor base parallel to each other yet oriented in opposite directions to keep the robot as small as possible. The wrist driving motors are mounted on the upper arm in similar fashion. All the features of the robot are designed to keep the robot as small and as light as possible.
8
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to positioning of tubular workpieces, and in particular it relates to the correct positioning of a tubular parison on a carrier member associated with a parison heating oven. In the art of blow molding, the starting material delivered to the blow mold is usually a hollow cylindrical tube knwon as a parison. Since the parisons must be hot when they are formed into finished articles, the original technique was to take the parison as soon as it was formed by the extrusion apparatus, and while still hot transfer it directly to the blow molding apparatus. However, since it has been found undesirable to necessarily link together the process of forming the parisons and the process of forming the finished articles, a further technique has been developed, known as the cold parison technique, wherein the parisons, upon being formed, are first of all cooled down and usually stored for a period of time after which they are reheated and blow molded. The separation of these two functions provides the significant advantage that the process of forming the parisons may be separated in time and geographically from the process of forming the finished articles. The separation of these two functions of course means that the process of forming the finished articles must start with cold parisons which must first be heated. Consequently, this latter technique has become known as the cold parison technique. A method and apparatus for carrying out the cold parison technique is shown and described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 3,765,813, issued Oct. 16, 1973. This patent illustrates an oven into which the parisons are placed and in which the parisons are heated to a forming temperature, after which the heated parisons are removed and carried to a blow mold, whereat the parisons are stretched longitudinally and then blow molded into finished articles. As shown in the said patent, the parisons are loaded by gravity onto upwardly extending carrier members which then carry the parisons through the oven. It is of critical importance that the parisons be heated uniformly as they travel through the oven. Except for the case where non-uniformed heating is applied and carefully controlled for obtaining certain conditions, it is necessary that the parison be heated uniformly so that the subsequent stretching and blow molding steps will act upon the parison in a uniform manner. Otherwise, for example if the parison is not heated uniformly along its length or around its circumference, the finished article will have an improper weight distribution and hence will have to rejected. Obviously rejects constitute waste which is expensive and should be minimized if not totally eliminated. Many methods and structural features are provided in the parison heating oven to achieve this required uniformity. For example the airflow through the oven is carefully controlled and the parisons are rotated about their axes. However, these procedures designed to enhance heating uniformity presume in the first instance that the parison is at a specified position relative to its carrier member, i.e. that it is properly positioned on its carrier member. However, it has been found that with the present technique of loading the parisons onto their carrier members by dropping them vertically thereonto, many of the parisons have not in fact moved downwardly onto the intended, proper position on their respective holders. Moreover, with the presently known apparatus there is no further means for positively positioning a parison which did not achieve the proper position at the loading station. Consequently, many of the parisons remain in an improper position as they travel through the oven. For example, a parison might not fall downwardly far enough, whereupon it would sit high on its carrier member and perhaps tilt to one side. Such improperly positioned parisons would then continue through the oven and be heated in an unintentional, undesirable non-uniform manner, whereupon that parison would be stretched and blow molded in a non-uniform manner, resulting in a reject. Such improper positioning might be caused for example if the parison is slightly out of round, as a result of which the inside would be slightly oval, resulting in at least one short inside diameter preventing the complete downward movement of the parison onto its carrier member. Previous attempt to assure proper positioning of parisons onto their respective carrier members have centered on tightening tolerances of the parison and the carrier member. However, the cost of very close tolerances are unreasonably high and they still cannot prevent an unreasonably high number of rejected parisons. Thus, there is a need for an improvement which will economically and reliably assure that the parisons are properly positioned on their carrier members. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thus, it is a purpose of the present invention to provide a new and improved arrangement for assuring proper positioning of parisons on their carrier members. This purpose of the present invention is achieved by providing a device located along the oven conveyor, preferably just downstream from the loading station, which engages a just loaded parison from above and exerts a downward force onto the parison so that a parison which was not properly positioned on its carrier member will be moved downwardly into the proper position. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a positioning cap mounted to move vertically down onto the parison while concurrently moving in a horizontal path with the conveyor for at least a portion of the travel of the conveyor. This positioning cap may be mounted on a rod adapted to move vertically, and this vertical movement can be controlled by a cam means engaged by follower means associated with the said rods. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the rods can have followers at their upper ends which engage a fixed cam, and in another embodiment the rods can be connected to horizontal arms which in turn engage the cam, said arms being further connected to means which permit the arms to slide vertically while spring biassing the said arms against the cam. In a parison heating oven, this positive placement means may be located at a turn in the conveyor, i.e. wherer the conveyor engages a sprocket wheel or the like for a 90° or 180° turn. The various rods and positioning caps can then be connected to a mounting means turnable with the sprocket while a circular cam may be fixedly connected with respect to the oven housing so as to cooperate with the various means rotating with the sprocket. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved device for centering and positioning a workpiece on its holder. It is still another object of this invention to provide an apparatus for properly positioning a parison on its carrier in a parison heating oven. It is still another object of this invention to provide for a parison heating oven an arrangement including a plurality of positioning caps which, under the action of suitable cam and follower means, are operable to move downwardly to exert a downward force on parisons which have just been gravity loaded onto their respective carrier members to assure proper positioning of these parisons on their carrier members. Other objects and the advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description to follow, together with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings which are provided solely for purposes of illustration and in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a parison heating oven which incorporates the features of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a parison positioning apparatus constructed in accordance with the features of the present invention, this view being taken generally in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG. 2 taken in the plane indicated by the line 3--3 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a parison positioning apparatus constructed in accordance with the features of the present invention, this figure illustrating the apparatus as viewed in a plane through the line B--B of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a reduced cross-sectional view taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a partial view illustrating a modification of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, like elements are represented by like numerals throughout the several views. FIG. 1 illustrates diagramatically a parison heating oven 10 having a conveyor means 11 preferably in the form of an endless chain conveyor having carrier members attached thereto for carrying the parisons through the oven 10 in an upright position to be heated therein to a forming temperature. The parisons are loaded onto the carrier members at a loading station 12. The carrier members are then carried through the oven along a path of sufficient length to assure that the parisons remain in the oven for a sufficient period of time. In practice, the endless conveyor may pass back and forth through the oven numerous times as shown for example in the said earlier patent. For purposes of the present invention, however, this extensive path through the oven is indicated simply by the dotted line portion 14. When the parisons have been heated to the proper forming temperature, they reach the discharge station 13 where suitable means are provided for grasping the upper end of the heated parison and removing it upwardly out of the oven and for then carrying the heated parison to a blow molding station. If a heated parison is to ultimately result in an acceptable finished article, it is important that the parison be heated uniformly along its length and about its circumference. (This disregards certain specialized situations wherein parisons are intentionally heated in a non-uniform manner to intentionally achieve non-uniform weight conditions in the finished article.) To achieve this uniformity the flow of heating air through the oven is carefully controlled and in accordance with one arrangement, the individual carrier members are rotated about their axes, thereby rotating the parisons carried thereon to achieve uniformity in the circumferential direction. In addition, the various means provided for controlling the juxtaposition of the heating means and the parisons assumes that the parisons are properly positioned on their respective carrier members. Hence, if a parison is not properly positioned on its carrier member, it will most likely be heated in an unintentional non-uniform manner resulting in scrap rather than an acceptable finished article. Indeed, even if an improperly positioned parison does get heated in a uniform manner as it travels through the oven, it will no doubt become defective at the discharge station where the gripping means which would be positioned to grasp a properly positioned parison would grasp the improperly positioned parison at the incorrect point thereon. Since this gripping means also holds the parisons during the subsequent stretching and blow molding operations, it will be immediately apparent that this improperly gripped parison will be positioned incorrectly at the stretching and molding stations, once again resulting in an unacceptable finished article, i.e. scrap. The difficulty can be best explained by referring to FIG. 3. The assumption has been that the cold parisons loaded vertically by gravity onto the carrier members at the loading station 12 have a precise inside diameter and are perfectly round. If this is the case, then the parisons will fall down over the carrier member 40 and rest on the flange surface 40a. However, the difficulty is that the parison inside diameter might be smaller than anticipated or it might be slightly oval rather than round. In either event the parison will not fall all the way to the flanged portion 40a. Indeed, if the carrier member 40 were provided with a uniform diameter throughout its length, the parison might simply hit the top thereof and fall off. However, to assure at least a temporary tentative positioning of the parison onto its respective carrier member, the carrier member 40 is provided with a reduced diameter portion 40b so that the parison will at least be retained by this portion 40b with the bottom of the parison resting on the shoulder 41. The present invention is particularly concerned with an apparatus for positively locating the parison onto its carrier member with the bottom of the parison resting on the flange 40a. This positive placement station is shown at 15 in FIG. 1. From a purely manipulative point of view, the only requirement is that this positive placement stage be located downstream from the loading station 12. However, it is preferred to allow the parisons to complete one or two passes through the oven before reaching the positive placement station. This will permit the parison to become somewhat softer and more pliable so that it will more easily conform to the size and shape of the lower portion of carrier member 40 while it is still stiff enough not to buckle under the forces that are now to be applied downwardly to it. Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is shown a first embodiment of a parison positioning apparatus. In this case the apparatus includes a central column 21 operatively fixed to the sprocket 20 of the endless conveyor 11 to rotate therewith. A plate member 22 is fixed to the column 21 so that it also rotates therewith. A cam 25 is located above the plate 22 and is fixed relative to the oven housing. This cam will preferably include a single "high" portion 25a with the cam progressing to a low point 180° removed therefrom (not shown in the figures). The plate 22 includes a plurality of vertical openings 23 spaced thereabout, each directly over a carrier member on the endless conveyor 11 as the latter passes about the axis of column 21. A rod 30 extends vertically through each of the openings 23. At its upper end, the rod is biforated at 31 and rotatably receives a cam follower 32. A flange 33 is fixed to the rod and extends outwardly therefrom. A spring 34 mounted between the upper surface of plate 22 and the lower surface of flange 33 urges the rod 30 and hence also the follower 32 into engagement with the surface of cam 25. At its lower end the rod 30 has slidably mounted thereon a positioning cap 35. The downward limit of this cap is formed by a nut 37 attached to the rod 30. The cap is movable upwardly opposing the downward force of spring 36. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the positioning cap 35 includes a downwardly convex, i.e. essentially conical surface with the lower portion thereof having a diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the parison. This will permit the bottom of positioning cap 35 to easily enter the parison and then properly center it on the carrier member 40 while urging it downwardly against flange 40a. The lower surface of the positioning cap can also be constructed with a rather wide conical surface so that the same cap will be applicable to parisons with different inside diameters. Although the dimensions of the various elements will depend on specific operating conditions and will be apparent to one skilled in the art, it might be noted that the cam surface 25 should be constructed so that the positioning cap 35 is sufficiently high for a parison to pass beneath it as the positioning cap and its respective parison move into vertical alignment with each other. The rod 30 then must be moved downwardly a sufficient distance to enter the parison and urge it downwardly onto the flange 40a. Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown a further embodiment of the present invention. In some situations the vertical height within the oven might be too limited to permit the type of arrangement shown in FIG. 2. In this case it might be necessary to somewhat "compact" in a vertical direction the overall positioning apparatus, and especially the cam and follower means. Such an arrangement is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and is referred to generally by the numeral 15a. Referring now to these figures there is shown a central column 50 which is fixedly connected to the sprocket 20 by any suitable means. A weld 54 is diagramatically indicated in FIG. 4. The column 50 is mounted for rotation with the sprocket 20 by any suitable means. Suitable upper and lower bearings 52 and 53 are indicated schematically in FIG. 4, the bearings 52 being located adjacent the low ceiling 51. A cam 55 is fixed with respect to the ceiling 51 and includes a high point and a low point 55a and 55b, respectively, as shown in FIG. 4. In this sense the cam 55 is similar to the cam 25. However, to preserve space this cam is essentially a hollow cylinder above its lower operative surface. Upper circular flanges 60 and 61 are fixed with respect the column 50 to rotate therewith. A rod 62 is provided for each positioning cap and this rod extends vertically and is fixed to the flanges 60 and 61 by suitable means such as nuts 62a. Surrounding the rod 62 is a cylindrical housing 63 which operatively engages the rod 62 for sliding movement therealong by means of upper and lower bushings 64 and 65. An arm 66 is fixed with respect to the housing 63 and extends outwardly therefrom. A rod 67 is fixedly secured to the arm 66 by suitable means such as threading 67a. At the lower end of the rod 67 there is provided a positioning cap 68, the lower limit of which is limited by nut 69 on the rod 67, this positioning cap being urged downwardly by a spring 70 acting between the bottom of arm 66 and the top of positioning cap 68. This cap 68 is of course similar to the positioning cap 35 in the embodiment of FIG. 2. As will be evident from FIG. 4, the upper surface of the arms 66 engage the operative lower surface of cam 55. As the arm 66 moves to the high point 55a of the cam 55 this arm 66 is moved downwardly against the force of a spring 71 acting between the bottom of housing 63 and the upper surface of the lower flange 61. The operation of the embodiment of FIG. 4 is identical to that of FIG. 2, i.e. a separate positioning cap 68 is provided in vertical alignment with each parison passing therebeneath on the endless conveyor 11 and the cam, the positioning caps and the spring means are so constructed and arranged that the positioning caps will easily move over improperly positioned parisons as they move into vertical alignment therewith and will then move downwardly a sufficient distance to urge the respective parison against its respective base flange 40a. In both of the illustrated embodiments the positioning cap is not rigidly secured to its respective rod, but rather it is slidable thereon urged downwardly by a spring means. This is to provide some resilience between the positioning cap and the parison so that the positioning cap will not damage the parison when the latter offers some resistence to the downward force applied to it. As mentioned above, a main advantage of the FIG. 4 embodiment is that it saves space in the vertical direction. It might also be necessary to conserve space in the radial direction. Consequently, and referring to FIG. 5, rather than have the arms 66 extend radially relative to the axis of column 50, it might be preferable to have these arms extend at an angle to the radius as shown for example in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 illustrates a modification of the positioning cap as shown in either of the illustrated embodiments. In this case the positioning cap is constructed so as to be downwardly concave rather than downwardly convex. Although the invention has been described in considerable detail with respect to a preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that the invention is capable of numerous modifications and variations apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
A device for positively positioning a tubular workpiece on a carrier, and in particular for positioning a tubular parison on a carrier of a conveyor within a parison heating oven. The parisons are engaged by a cam operated positioning cap which exerts a downward force on the top of the parison to position the parison on its carrier member.
1
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to dye tube carriers for dyeing yarn wound thereon. STATEMENT OF PRIOR ART The art is already aware, inter alia, of the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,465,984; 4,181,274. This background disclosure is restricted to those patents above listed, which are believed most relevant. Very basic is U.S. Pat. No. 3,465,984 which discloses a lap carrier resiliently compressible in its axial direction and defining a surface area comprising end rings and intermediate rings. A number of carrier elements are disposed between these end rings and have outer edges oriented toward the surface area of the lap carrier, these carrier elements comprising elastically bendable stays equally distributed along the periphery of the lap carrier and inclined for at least a part of their length to the longitudinal axis of the lap carrier. These stays are rigidly secured to the rings. U.S. Pat. No. 4,181,274 is relevant for describing a dye tube consisting of a molded tubular element that is initially rigid but which is capable of axial compression upon contact with a predetermined axial force. Structurally the reference dye tube comprises a pair of annular end flanges and an intermediate structure located between these annular flanges. The intermediate structure comprises at least one member extending generally transversely to the length of the tube and a plurality of rigid members extending generally axially with respect to the length of the tube. These members are secured together to initially define a rigid structure having an open network wherein at least certain rigid axially extending members are deformable upon urging by an axial force of a predetermined amount to cause axial compression of the tube. These tubes are made of various thermoplastic polymeric materials and are disposable. The above noted prior art patents disclose dye tubes which have a drawback in that sufficient buckling stability in the axial and radial direction is lacking leading to the danger of damage of the yarn winding layers. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a molded tubular element serving as a core for textile yarn and received on a dye spindle or the like in a pressurized vessel where dye stuff passes upwardly through the inside of the core and diffuses outwardly through the yarn wound thereon. Another object of the invention is to provide a substantially rigid dye tube on which textile yarn is wound for dyeing and which is disposable and that, after the element has been wound with yarn and the yarn dyed, can be wound off the tube and the tube discarded. Still another object of the invention is to provide a dye tube which can be used on all types of winders. Another object of the present invention is to provide a dye tube of the character described having on the surface thereof carrier elements in the form of stays inclined to the longitudinal axis of the tube, with the first and last stays of a given group being arranged oppositely from the end stays of an adjourning group of stays. It is another object of the invention to provide a tube of the character described having at each end thereof a region of substantial noncompressibility terminating in an outwardly projecting peripheral rim adapted to fit against an end rim of an adjoining tube placed on the same or another winder. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a dye tube which comprises intermediate rings concentrically disposed relative to each other and connected to each other by mean of oppositely extending shaped stays, in order to enhance the inner stability of the structure; the stays being adapted to collapse in the direction of the rings upon severe impact. A further object of the present invention is to provide a tube carrier whose stability against radial and axial buckling is appreciably increased. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a dye tube in accordance with the present invention showing a particular embodiment of the longitudinal stays therein. FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the tube shown in FIG. 1; and FIG. 3 is a partial side elevational view of the tube according to the present invention and showing details of the end section and of the winding surface. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring descriptively to the drawing there is shown and illustrated a molded dye tube constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention and designated by reference character 10, which comprises several interrelated major portions; namely, end rings 12 and 14 concentrically disposed with respect to each other and intermediate rings 16 and 16' also disposed concentrically relative to each other and relative to end rings 12 and 14. Carrier elements in the form of zig-zagged ribs 18 extend between the end rings 12 and 14 are supported in the median range by intermediate rings 16'. The ribs 18 can be distributed in groups of equal or unequal numbers along the periphery of the tube 10. The ribs are substantially of the same height as the concentric rings 16 and 16'. It is preferred that alternate rings 16' have the same cross section as end rings 12 and 14 which have a cross section of substantially twice the linear dimensions of rings 16. Ribs 18, as shown more clearly in FIGS. 2 and 3 are about as thick as the thinner rings 16. As shown in FIG. 3, the generally axial ribs 18 are arranged in parallel planes and are of generally wave form in a grouping of four ribs labelled Group A in the upper lefthand part of FIG. 3 (other embodiments may group the ribs in numbers other than four). Ribs 18 are of generally rectangular cross-section. Advantageously, segment 20 of each rib is so dimensioned with respect to portions 26 of the rings as to be able to fold or collapse in that direction upon load or impact. The last longitudinal rib 22 of Group "A" is spaced from the first longitudinal rib of the next group of ribs labelled "B" in FIG. 3. Ribs in Group "B" also are parallel to one another. It is seen in FIG. 3 that the last rib 22 of Group "A" forms a hexagon (other embodiments may include different polygons other than a hexagon) with the first rib 24 of Group "B". The hexagons are interrupted midway thereof by the portion 26 of the various peripheral rings 16 and 16'. In Group "B" three parallel longitudinal ribs are provided. In the next group of ribs labelled "C" six parallel ribs are provided. It is seen that the last rib 28 of Group B is aligned oppositely from the first rib 30 of Group C and forms therebetween a hexagon separated by portion 26 of the rings 16 or 16'. This arrangement is repeated about the periphery of the tube 10. Thus part of another group denominated "D" is shown in the lower part of FIG. 3 with its first rib 32 forming a hexagon with the last rib 34 of Group "C", these ribs being aligned oppositely with respect to the last rib of the preceding group of ribs. In an important feature of the invention, nondeformable torque-resistant zones labelled "E" and "F" (FIG. 1) are provided at each end of the tube 10. These zones "E" and "F" include end rims 36 and 38 which extend outwardly from rings 40 and 42 respectively. The inner end of rings 40 and 42 are connected to the outer end of end rings 12 and 14 respectively by a plurality of parallel, substantially straight, longitudinal ribs 44. These ribs 44 have substantially the same diameter and thickness as the rings 16, but have a triangular cross section with the apex on top. Other embodiments may modify the cross section. Ribs 18 can be V- or inverted V-shape, with ends of the V-shaped legs in FIG. 3 are connected to adjoining rings 16 and 16'. The upper and lower apex zones of all the ribs 18 are disposed in the same cross-sectional plane and are connected with each other by the rings 16 and 16'. It will be appreciated that the outer peripheries of all the rings 16 and 16', and rims 36, 38, lie substantially in the same plane. In this manner a large number of tubes 10 can be placed over a winder with rim to rim contact between each tube and the next one without any element thereof protruding beyond that of the next tube. In zones "E" and "F" the straight ribs 44 connecting rim elements with the last rings are very rigid to provide a zone of substantial noncompressibility. It is envisioned that the tubular elements of the present invention are disposable. Consequently, in the preferred embodiment they are fabricated by injection molding of a thermoplastic polymeric plastic composition such as, by way of example, polypropylene, "Lexan" carbonate resin or polyethylene. Preferably the length of segments 20 of the ribs should be about the same as that of portions 26 of rings 16 and 16'. Thus dimensioned, segments 20 can collapse in the direction of portions 26 on impact against the tube and provide added rigidity. In a successful embodiment of the invention a tube 10 measuring 11 inches was integrally molded from Polypropylene material Its diameter was about 3 inches; Groups A, B, C, D comprised each 3 longitudinal ribs extending for about 9 inches between zones "E" and "F". Rings 16 were about 1/16 inch thick while rings 12, 14 and 16' were about 1/8 inch thick. Zones "E" and "F" were about 1 inch wide. Ribs 44 were about 1/16 inch thick. While the elements shown have resulted in a tubular structure, those skilled in the art will know that structures of other shapes also can be made by following the concepts of this invention. The operation and use of the invention herein above described will be evident to those skilled in the art to which it relates from a consideration of the foregoing. Having described the present invention in detail, it is obvious that one skilled in the art will be able to make variations and modification thereto without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Accordingly the scope of the present invention should be determined only by the claims appended hereto.
A dye tube has a pair of end rings and at least one support ring intermediate these rings and concentric therewith. A plurality of alternate, rigid V-shaped and inverted V-shaped ribs are integrally formed with the rings and defined therewith an initially rigid network of winding yarn to be dyed through which dye can flow. The ribs are arranged in separate spaced groups so as to tend to collapse axially in opposite directions upon the application of a predetermined force thereon. A non-collapsible torque resistant section extends from each end ring to strengthen the structure and prevent it from buckling.
3
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to air conveyors, and more specifically pertains to a uniquely structured backless air pad for use in conjunction with the inclined floor of a barge or the like, for furnishing effective transferring of any cement laden thereon towards a flow trough for unloading. The usage of air conveyors for transferring granular or bulky material has long been available in the art. And, the use of such conveyors for unloading bulk cargo such as cement has also been known, with such being seen from the previous United States patents to Ostberg, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,375,042, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,409,333. But, as can be so clearly seen from the descriptive matter of these aforesaid patents, the formation of the air pads for their shown cement cargo carriers are fabricated from a pair of sheet material, comprising upper and lower sheets, wherein the upper sheet may be air pervious and the lower sheet being normally constructed of rather expensive and difficult to handle type of a neoprene liner that is impervious to any pressurized air injected intermediate these two said sheets. In addition, and in order to form segmented air pockets along the length of the shown prior art pads, this upper aeration pad and its lower impervious pad were stitched together, and after some degree of usage, this stitching would normally break, tear the sheet liner materials, resulting in the need for total replacement of these expensively formed prior art pads. Such has been found to be not only extremely expensive in the frequent replacement of these pads, but their continuing maintenance makes them almost prohibitive of usage. Furthermore, the type of neoprene or impervious rubberized backing material, forming the lower sheet of these prior art devices, is quite costly, and in addition, the installation of the entirely stitched pad is substantially time consuming, since the double liner pad, having this neoprene coated backing, is quite heavy in construction, necessitating the help of many maintenance men in their installation and maintenance. Contrary to the foregoing, the current invention obviates the need or necessity for the second or lower impervious rubberized or plasticized liner as used in the prior art, thereby substantially diminishing the weight of the pad during installation, and only requires the layout of a singular light-weight and air pervious aeration pad upon the metal incline floor of the barge during its installation. Stitching of the type previously defined as needed for fabricating the prior type of pads has been eliminated, and in fact, no on-site stitching of any sort is now needed during installation and usage of this current invention. It is, therefore, the principal object of this invention to provide a backless and singular layered aeration pad for use in forming the air pad for a granular material air conveyor, and more specifically, for a cement conveying barge. Another object of this invention is to provide an air pad for a cement barge or other cargo transporter that eliminates the need for forming air pockets from fabric material, since this aeration pad is backless, and dispenses with the need for any backing material. Another object of this invention is to provide an aeration pad for a cement barge that forms its segmental air cushions or chambers through the usage of a series of prearranged channels that firmly locate said pad upon the inclined structured floor of the barge or the like. Yet another object of this invention is to provide an air distributor for an aeration pad that uniformly directs its pressurized air laterally of the pad before such enters into the segmental air chambers of the formed pad. Yet a further object of this invention is to provide an air distributor for an air conveyor that is structurally of low profile. Still another object of this invention is to provide an aeration pad for an air conveyor that is reinforced through the application of multiarranged loop stitching horizontally acreoss the fabricated pad. Still another object of this invention is to provide an aeration pad for a cargo barge that is inexpensive to manufacture, easily installed, due to its light weight, by a minimum of maintenance men, and yet functions just as effectively if not more so than aeration pads available in the prior art. These and other objects will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the summary of this invention, and upon undertaking a study of its perferred embodiment, in view of the drawings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention contemplates the formation of a backless aeration pad for a bulk cargo conveying barge, and more specifically a type of air pad that is formed of a singular layer of material that functions in cooperation with the structured floor of the barge, for furnishing all the necessary force needed for providing air conveyance of granular material, such as cement, or the like. It might be stated herein that the invention may be used in conjunction with the structured floor for a barge, as previously alluded to, or it is just as likely that the combination of elements forming the air conveyor of this development could be used for also furnishing air conveyance within railroad cars, trucks, storage silos, and any other structured floor that is normally intended to be utilized for supporting fine granular material, but which periodically must be unloaded from the same. It is the fluidizing effect upon such granular material through the effort of conducting pressurized air through the air permeable aeration pad, in this particular instance being only a singular pad necessary to fulfill all requirements for air conveyance. The granular cargo then flows by way of gravity, and turbulent blowing, to a discharge pipe or any other means that will evacuate the shifted material, such as cement, after it has been air conveyed through the usage of this invention to a localized and usually lowermost point. The cement is then completely removed from its location of storage, as during transportation, upon the structured flooring and air pad of this invention. More specifically, and where the concept of this invention is used in a barge, usually a series of inclined floor structures are provided above the bottom or base of the barge, with these inclined floors being oriented generally in a direction towards each other, and emptying into a flow trough normally arranged longitudinally centrally along the center line of the barge. At particular central segments, where the flow troughs converge together at a lowermost point in the barge, it is at this point where the cement is usually evacuated from the barge as by a suction or pumping process into discharge pipes. In the specific construction of each of the inclined structured floors, and with the air pad being arranged thereupon, the normal air receiving pocket as used in conveyors of this type, in this instance, is formed from only a singular layer of permeable material that is arranged contiguously upon almost all of the surface of the said inclined floors. The perimeter or margin of the pad is structured to include some formed bulk, at these locations, generally through the introduction of a rope within a marginal seam around the periphery of the pad, so that when perimeter channel means are bolted into place upon the floor, they straddle these marginal ropes in order to assure that the pad remains in place even when functioning as an air conveyor during the admission of pressurized air intermediate the said pad and the structured floor. In addition, and as previously alluded to, in order to eliminate the substantial problems encountered by the prior art of having stitching constantly breaking at those locations where an upper and lower pad are secured together to form the elongated air pockets, the current invention reinforces the singular pad at those locations where supplemental or divisional type channel means are arranged for tight fastening against the floor, and therein structurally form these elongated and reinforced air pockets up along the incline of the structured floor. But, the length of these divisional channels fall short of the entire heighth of the now arranged inclined pad, so that clearance is provided along the upper edge of the pad, entirely along its length, in order to form a distribution conduit for the pressurized air therethrough so that the air may be evenly distributed downwardly into each of the formed pocket segments arranged between the divisional channel means and the side margin channel means that tightly bind the pad to the inclined structured floor for the barge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, FIG. 1 provides an isometric view of an opened barge disclosing the location of the structured floors and aeration pads of this particular invention; FIG. 2 provides a segmental view of one of the inclined floors of this invention, with the aeration pad being secured by means of the channels thereon, and further disclosing the flow trough into which some of the cement is being diverted through the efforts of the pressurized air that permeates up through the aeration pad and the laden cement; FIG. 3 provides a sectional view across a pair of the divisional channel means and one of the formed air pockets essentially taken along the line 3--3 of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 provides a sectional view showing the upper part of one of the air pockets, and the formed air conduit space arranged along the upper margin of the inclined floor, essentially taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 2; FIG. 5 provides a plan schematic view of one of the pads, in its entirety, prior to its locating upon the structured floor for the barge; FIG. 6 discloses a sectional view showing how two adjacent pads may be bound together against the structured floor through the use of one of the marginal holding channel means of this invention; and FIG. 7 shows a sectional view of the lower end of the inclined floor, where it forms into the flow trough for the barge, essentially taken along the line 7--7 of FIG. 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In referring to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1, there is shown an opened barge 1 which has been constructed for use for the purposes of this invention, and that is incorporating the inclined structured floors 2 having a series of aeration pads 3 of this invention secured thereupon. Arranged intermediate these floors and pads are the flow troughs 4 which, after the cement has been turbulently forced by means of pressurized air to flow by way of gravity down the incline of the barge floors, enters into these troughs and is moved by air slides to flow towards central locations, as at 5, where the cement is evacuated through discharge pipes by pumps for transfer to other locations normally on land for storage. Generally, the barges are constructed into two segments, that being the segments 6 and 7, as shown. Each of these segments is formed having at least four of the structured floors and accompanying air pads of this invention arranged in converging formations, with each of these floors and accompanying air pads of this invention arranged in converging formations, with each of these floors being directed upon incline towards each other, not only in a direction towards the centralized flow troughs 4, but in addition, adjacent floors arranged lengthwise with respect to each other are also inclined longitudinally of the shown vessel. For example, the four floor constructions for the barge segment 6 may be identified at 8 through 11, and not only do the segments 8 and 9 incline in a direction towards the centralized trough 4, but likewise the segment 10 and 11 also incline downwardly towards the same trough. But in addition, the segments 8 and 10 may also incline lengthwise, from their back end towards the mid-point of the segment 6, with the segment 9 and 11 likewise inclining from the location of the bulkhead 12 and towards the low points between the segments 8 and 10, where they all join together. Hence, and as can be understood, the central locations 5 for each of the segments 6 and 7 are the lowermost points for the barge, so that when the air conveyor to be hereinafter described is properly working, all of the cement will gradually flow by means of gravity, and through the influence of the pressure and slope of the fluidizing air conveyor towards these lowermost locations 5 of the barge where discharge pipes and suction pumps will substantially draw out most of the cement or other granular material that has been conveyed on the barge. In referring to FIG. 2, which may comprise one of the floor segments 8 through 11, as previously identified, it can be seen that the structured floor 2 is arranged upon an incline, leading from its uppermost point of attachment to the sidewall 13 of the barge, and down to where the lowermost point of the floor 2 empties into the identified flow trough 4. Also shown within this figure is the singular layered aeration pad 3 of this invention, and as can be seen, it is arranged for providing substantial covering over most of the inclined floor 2, being held in position by a series of channels, as to be hereinafter defined. The combination of perimeter channels 14 and 15 rigidly secure the side edges of the pad to the floor 2, while the upper perimeter channel means 16 obviously secures at this location to the same floor 2. At its lowermost edge, the channel means 17 secures the downward edge of the aeration pad to the floor 2, and as can be seen, its location is desirably around the bend of the structured floor and where it integrally extends into the flow trough 4 for the barge. Another channel means 18 may be provided within the trough and act as a retainer for the air slide arranged therein. Such air slides are conventional in the art. Hence, as can be seen, the entire pad is secured completely around its perimeter to the inclined floor 2, and in this relationship, forms a pocket with the floor and into which pressurized air may flow during functioning of the air conveyor of this development. It is desirable, for aeration pads of this type, that individual segments or pockets in the pad be formed partially upwardly along the heighth of the inclined floor, and its pad, and as can be seen for this invention, a series of divisional channel means 19 are provided, and these extend from the lowermost edge of the inclined floor to and upwardly along the heighth of the floor but terminate short of its upper edge. The reason for this is to leave an air conduit or space, as at 20, along the upper margin of the air pad, and it is through this air space, which is formed intermediate the upper ends of the divisional channels 19, and the upper perimeter channel 16, that the pressurized air emanating from the distributor 21 may flow laterally of the aeration pad, so that it may be evenly distributed into the various air pockets formed intermediate the divisional channels 19, as shown. The singular layered aeration pad of this invention, as previously explained, is generally constructed as a woven fabric, having miniscule air passages through it so that the pad is totally pervious to air under pressure delivered intermediate it and the structured floor 2 of the barge. Usually air pressure in the vicinity of 5 to 10 psi or more is used in installations of this type. And, the fabric of this invention is the type that may be acquired from H. W. Carlsen, Ltd. of Malmo, Sweden. In referring to FIG. 5, it can be seen that the pad is fabricated from a series of sections of the fabric material, as at 22 through 25, and which are quad-stitched together, or through any other form of securement, as along each of its four rows of loop stitched seams, as at 26, and which seams generally provide sufficient reinforcement in a horizontal direction for the formed pad. Obviously, if the bolt of material from which the pad is formed could be fabricated to dimensions equivalent to the heighth of the pad, then such seams would be obviated but the inclusion of the seams therein are thus done so for the sake of convenience to adhere sections of the fabric together, and for the further reason of providing horizontal reinforcement across the pad as shown. Extending upwardly along the pad are a series of reinforcing tapes 27, and these tapes are provided for adding reinforcement to the pad at those locations where the divisional channels 19 are emplaced. In addition, and as previously briefly alluded to, around the perimeter of the pad there is formed an additional seam, as at 28, and stitched within these marginal seams is some rope material, such as at 29 in FIGS. 2 and 4, so as to furnish some raised portion around the periphery of the pad and add sufficient bulk that can be straddled by the perimeter channel means 14 through 19 as the latter connect to the structured floor 2 during the installation of one of these pads. Such bulk producing means may comprise a rope, such as sisal rope, and assure that the margins of the pad will remain firmly in place, particularly when air under pressure is being delivered between it and its contiguous floor. As can be seen in FIG. 3, when the aeration means is properly operating, a quantity of cement, as at C, will be resting upon the pad, with the pad being firmly secured in place for forming its arranged air pockets, as at P, between the pad 3 and the floor 2 of the vessel. The air pockets P are formed intermediate the divisional channels 19, or between one of the channels 19 and its adjacent marginal channel 14 or 15. See also FIG. 2. The pad 3 is reinforced, as previously explained, through the arrangement of the tapes 27, to prevent the flanges of the said channels 19 from cutting the pad canvas at these locations. In addition, and to provide means for fastening of said channels 19, and also the channels 14 through 18 to the floor structure, or the trough, a series or fasteners, such as the bolts generally shown at 30, are secured to the floor structure, as by means of welding, or any other method of fastening, and extend upwardly through slits provided through the pad 3, its attached tapes 27, and further upwardly through aligned apertures, as at 31, provided through the base of each of the identified channel means. In addition, fasteners, such as the nuts 32 are shown, are provided for securing onto the bolts 30, or tightened in place, thereby rigidly securing the channel means on the aeration pad at all locations as shown directly to the structured floor 2, or th the walls or base of the flow trough 4. As can also be seen in FIG. 4, the divisional channels 19 terminate short of the upper marginal edge of the aeration pad 3, thereby forming a spacing between the channel terminus 33 and the upper marginal channel 16 that secures the upper end of the pad in place. Thus, and as previously explained, a lateral conduit, as at 20, is naturally formed along the upper area of the pad, so that air under pressure admitted through the distributor 21 is free to pass laterally along the entire length of the upper part of the pad, and be distributed down into the various formed air pockets P that are arranged between each of the divisional channels 19 and the perimeter channels 14 and 15. Each divisional channel is contoured, and closed as at its ends 33, to seal and prevent tearing of the contiguous pad at these locations. See FIGS. 4 and 7. As shown in FIG. 7, the lower ends of the divisional channels 19 terminate approximate the lower edge of the structure floor 2, but the canvas aeration pad 3 may be turned at this location and extend partially down the side wall 34 of the flow trough, where it may be fixed into position by means of the lower marginal channel 17. Obviously, this channel is held in place by means of additional fasteners 30 with their threadedly attaching nuts 32 rigidly securing such channel in place. The rope 29 assures retention of this lower end of the pad by the retention channel 17. The air slide provided at the bottom of the trough has its canvas and rope secured by means of the channel 18. Once again the fasteners 30 and 32 affix the perimeter channel 18 in place, and in a manner that straddles the seam located rope 29a thereby preventing it from ever coming loosened from the channel flanges as shown. Where a pair of the aeration pads come together along the juncture between floor segments 8 and 9, or 10 and 11, as previously explained, it may be desirable to provide an additional channel that may embrace both of the juxtaposed marginal edges of these adjacent pads. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the pad 3 associated with, for example, the floor segment 10 may have its embraced cord 29 secured by means of the channel means flange 36, while the cord 29 of the adjacent pad 3 associated with the floor segment 11 may be embraced by the opposite integral flange 39 of the same channel means 15. Once again, the fasteners 30 and 32, the former being welded to the structured floor 2, are arranged for tight securement of the channel means 18 for embracing these identified marginal edges of the shown air slide. It may be desirable, but perhaps not necessary, to provide additional reinforcement to the pad at those locations where the divisional channels 19 secure it, and it can be seen, as in FIGS. 3 and 4, that in addition to providing a reinforcing tape 27 upon the upper surface of the pad, just under each of the identified channels, it may be in the best interests for pad reinforcement to include another such reinforcing tape 27a to its underside thereof. In operation, the air under pressure from a pump or source (not shown) enters through the pipe 40 through the spur line 41 and into the distributor 21. Air is discharged laterally from either end of the distributor 21 (See FIG. 2 and the air flow line arrows, as shown) with the air traversing immediately downward the adjacent air pockets P formed intermediate the divisional channel means 19, with other air passing laterally down the air passage 20 for eventual entrance into the more remote air pockets particularly those located between the marginal channel means 14 and 15 and their next adjacent division channels 19. When this occurs, the air permeates upwardly through the aeration pad 3, and causes a turbulent uplifting of the cement resting upon the pad, at least of sufficient turbulence to cause the cement to commence to flow under the influence of gravity towards the shown floor trough 4. At this location, once the cement flows into the flow trough, it is conveyed towards its centralized segments 5, as previously explained, by methods that are known in the art. This uplifting of the cement can be seen in FIG. 2, by the shown schematic directional air flow arrows 1a, so that as the cement is gradually uplifted, to some degree, from the aeration pad, it is then caused to avalanche off of the inclined structured floor 2 and into the trough, as shown at B. When all of the cement has been blown from and moved into the trough 4 and while the pressurized air source is still operating, the pad undertakes the rather ballooned appearance at the vicinity of its formed air pockets, and along its lateral air passage 20, in the manner as shown in these FIGS. 2 through 4. Various modifications or changes to the fabrication of this air pad, or the structure of its inclined floor as identified herein, or for that matter, any aspects of this invention, may occur to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the subject matter of this invention. Any such variations or modifications if within the spirit of this invention are intended to be encompassed by the scope of any claims to patent protection issuing upon this invention. The description of the preferred embodiment set forth herein is analyzed for illustrative purposes only.
An aeration pad for use contiguously upon a structured and inclined floor of a cargo transporting barge, railroad car, or other transporter, a combination of this pad and the floor are disposed for accommodating air under pressure intermediate thereof, and functioning as an air conveyor for stimulating the movement of the bulk granulated material, such as cement, for flow downwardly along the incline of the floor and towards a conveying or floor trough also provided within the structure of such transporters. A series of such aeration pads substantially cover the inclined floor of the barge, and around each pad's perimeter a series of channels cooperate with a seam located rope for holding the pads firmly in place, while an additional series of dividing channels secures each pad also to the floor to delineate elongated segments between channels and wherein air pockets may form as pressurized air is directed underneath the pads, with the perviousness of the pads allowing the air to effect shifting of this cementitious material towards the arranged lower conveying trough for discharge.
1
TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates generally to equipment using one tool member to collect and a second tool member cooperatively positioned to assist in collecting, and more particularly, to hydraulic powered tools mountable on a boom of a vehicle or stationary platform. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Assemblies such as large grapples or buckets with a bucket extension or a lid have been employed in the past for collection and sorting of large and small objects or quantities of material. Many of these collection assemblies have two members such as a bucket and a bucket extension which are selectively operable to work together. The collection assembly is generally attached to a boom arm of a platform such as a vehicle. The two members of the collector assembly are positioned to cooperatively engage each other to assist in the collection operation. One member assists the other member by providing a complimentary function such as in the case of the bucket lid or extension providing the bucket with enlarged capacity extension in one position, or grasping therebetween materials scooped up by the bucket. In the case of a grapple, the two members grasp items therebetween. [0003] Generally, means are provided to separately supply rotational torque to one or both members in order to move one member relative to the other member. The operational limitation of a particular collection assembly is directly dependent upon the maximum amount of torque that can be supplied to the members. If the torque is not sufficient, the object size or the quantity of the material collected is limited. [0004] It will therefore be appreciated that there has long been a significant need for an improved collection assembly. It should include a torque-transmitting member which is able to reliably supply sufficient torque to perform rough work such as tearing down a building and more delicate work such as sorting bricks from wood for recycling. The present invention fulfills these needs and further provides other related advantages. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] The present invention resides in a fluid-powered tool assembly usable with a stationary or movable support platform having an arm. The tool assembly includes an arm connection member pivotably connectable to the arm for rotation about a first axis. It also includes a first tool member, and a second tool member positioned to cooperate with the first tool member. The assembly includes a body having a longitudinal axis and one of the first and second members attached thereto for movement with the body. A shaft is rotatably disposed within the body in general alignment with the body axis for rotation about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis. The shaft has the other of the first and second tool members attached thereto for movement with the shaft. A linear-to-rotary torque transmission member is mounted for longitudinal movement within the body in response to selective application of pressurized fluid thereto. The torque-transmitting member engages the body and the shaft to translate longitudinal movement of the torque-transmitting member into rotational movement of the shaft relative to the body. The first and second tool members are rotatable relative to each other about the second axis by operation of the torque-transmitting member. The pivotal connection of the arm connection member to the arm allows rotation of the tool assembly as a unit about the first axis. [0006] In some embodiments, the tool assembly includes a support housing sized to receive and support the body therein. In one embodiment the body has first and second end portions, and the first body end portion is attached to the support housing and the second body end portion is engaged by the support housing to restrict transverse movement of the second body end portion. The one of the first or second tool members attached to the body is indirectly attached to the body through the support housing in one embodiment. [0007] In another embodiment, the tool assembly includes a lateral tilt assembly having an actuator operable to laterally tilt the first and second tool members relative to the arm. The arm connection member is attached to the lateral assembly. This embodiment may also include a rotation assembly to selectively rotate the tool assembly about a transverse axis. A disclosed embodiment uses a turntable bearing. [0008] In certain embodiments, the shaft has first and second opposite shaft end portions with the other of the first and second tool members attached to both the first and second shaft end portions for movement with the shaft. [0009] One embodiment of the invention further includes a vehicle frame to which the arm of the support platform is attached. The tool assembly is preferably attached to the arm. [0010] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] [0011]FIG. 1 is a left side elevational view of a backhoe vehicle shown with a tool assembly embodying the present invention having a bucket and a bucket extension for a collection operation. [0012] [0012]FIGS. 2 a - 2 d are enlarged, left side elevational views of the boom arm and the tool assembly of FIG. 1 removed from the vehicle, with the bucket shown in various rotational positions relative to the boom arm and the bucket extension shown in various rotational positions relative to the bucket. [0013] [0013]FIG. 3 is an enlarged, front elevational, sectional view of the fluid-powered rotary actuator of FIG. 1 used to rotate the bucket extension relative to the bucket shown without attachment members for the boom arm. [0014] [0014]FIG. 4 is an enlarged, front elevational, sectional view of the tool assembly of FIG. 1 shown removed from the boom arm using an alternative manner of attaching the bucket to the actuator body. [0015] [0015]FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the tool assembly of FIG. 4. [0016] [0016]FIG. 6 is a left side elevational view of the tool assembly of FIG. 5. [0017] [0017]FIG. 7 is a front elevational, sectional view of a first alternative embodiment of the tool assembly of FIG. 1. [0018] [0018]FIG. 8 is a left side elevational view of the tool assembly of FIG. 7. [0019] [0019]FIG. 9 is a front elevational, sectional view of a second alternative embodiment of the tool assembly of FIG. 1. [0020] [0020]FIG. 10 a is a left side fragmentary, elevational view of the boom arm modified for use with a third alternative embodiment of the tool assembly of FIG. 1 showing only the rotary actuator thereof. [0021] [0021]FIG. 10 b is a right side fragmentary, elevational view of the third alternative embodiment of the tool assembly mounted to the boom arm coaxial with the bucket. [0022] [0022]FIG. 10 c is an enlarged, fragmentary, front view of the third alternative embodiment of the tool assembly shown in FIG. 10 b . [0023] [0023]FIG. 11 a is a left side elevational view of the boom arm and a fourth alternative embodiment of the tool assembly of FIG. 1 also providing lateral tilting and rotation of the tool assembly relative to the plane swept out by the boom arm. [0024] [0024]FIG. 11 b is a left side elevational view of the fourth alternative embodiment of the tool assembly of FIG. 11 a with the bucket rotated 90°. [0025] [0025]FIG. 11 c is a left side elevational view of the fourth alternative embodiment of the tool assembly of FIG. 11 a with the bucket rotated 180°. [0026] [0026]FIG. 11 d is a front elevational view of the fourth alternative embodiment of the tool assembly of FIG. 11 a with the bucket laterally tilted. [0027] [0027]FIG. 11 e is a front elevational view of the fourth alternative embodiment of the tool assembly of FIG. 11 a in the rotational position of FIG. 11 b. [0028] [0028]FIG. 11 f is a front elevational view of the fourth alternative embodiment of the tool assembly of FIG. 11 a in the rotational position of FIG. 11 b and with the bucket laterally tilted. [0029] [0029]FIGS. 12 a and 12 b are left side elevational views of the boom arm and an alternative tool assembly embodying the present invention having first and second grapple members, with the first grapple member shown in various rotational positions relative to the boom arm and the second grapple member shown in various rotational positions relative to the first grapple member. [0030] [0030]FIG. 13 is an enlarged, front elevational, sectional view of the alternative tool assembly of FIGS. 12 a and 12 b shown removed from the boom arm. [0031] [0031]FIG. 14 is a left side elevational view of the alternative tool assembly of FIGS. 12 a and 12 b shown removed from the boom area. [0032] [0032]FIG. 15 a is a front elevational view of the first grapple member of the alternative tool assembly of FIGS. 12 a and 12 b. [0033] [0033]FIG. 15 b is a left side elevational view of the first grapple member of FIG. 15 a. [0034] [0034]FIG. 15 c is a front elevational view of the second grapple member of the alternative tool assembly of FIGS. 12 a and 12 b. [0035] [0035]FIG. 15 d is a left side elevational view of the second grapple member of FIG. 15 c. [0036] [0036]FIG. 16 a is a left side elevational view of the boom arm and a first alternative embodiment of the alternative tool assembly of FIGS. 12 a and 12 b providing lateral tilting and rotation of the alternative tool assembly relative to the plane swept out by the boom arm. [0037] [0037]FIG. 16 b is a front elevational view of the first alternative embodiment of the alternative tool assembly of FIG. 16 a with the tool assembly rotated 90°. [0038] [0038]FIG. 16 c is a front elevational view of the first alternative embodiment of the alternative tool assembly of FIG. 16 a in the rotational position of FIG. 16 b and with the alternative tool assembly laterally tilted. [0039] [0039]FIG. 17 is a left side elevational view of the boom arm and a second alternative embodiment of the alternative tool assembly of FIGS. 12 a and 12 b also providing lateral tilting and rotation to the alternative tool assembly relative to the plane swept out by the boom arm. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0040] As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention is embodied in a fluid-powered tool assembly, indicated generally by reference numeral 10 . As shown in FIG. 1, the tool assembly 10 is usable with a support platform shown as a vehicle 12 . The support platform may also be a stationary platform. The vehicle 12 has a first boom arm 14 which is pivotally connected by one end to a base member 16 . A pair of hydraulic cylinders 18 (only one being shown in FIG. 1) is provided for raising and lowering the first arm 14 in a generally vertical arm rotation plane with respect to the base member 16 . A second boom arm 20 is pivotally connected by one end to an end of the first arm 14 remote from base member 16 . A hydraulic cylinder 22 is provided for rotation of the second arm 20 relative to the first arm 14 in the same vertical arm rotation plane as the first arm operates. [0041] The base member 16 is pivotally attached to the vehicle 12 for pivotal movement about a vertical axis so as to permit movement of the first and second arms 14 and 20 in unison to the left or right, with the first and second arms always being maintained in the arm rotation plane. It is noted that while the arm rotation plane is forwardly extending as shown in FIG. 1, as the base member 16 is pivoted the arm rotation plane turns about the vertical pivot axis of the base member and thus loses its forward-to rearward orientation, with the plane actually extending laterally should the base member be sufficiently rotated. When the tool assembly 10 is used by an excavator with a cab unit mounted by a turntable bearing to a tracked carriage, the cab and hence the arm rotation plane of the first and second arms 14 and 20 can rotate 360° relative to the carriage. [0042] A rotation link 24 is pivotally connected through an interconnecting link 26 to an end portion 28 of the second arm 20 remote from the point of attachment of the second arm to the first arm 14 . A hydraulic cylinder 30 is provided for selective movement of the rotation link 24 relative to the second arm 20 . [0043] As is conventional, a free end portion 31 of the second arm 20 and a free end portion 32 of the rotation link 24 each has a transverse aperture therethrough for connection of the second arm and the rotation link to a tool using selectively removable attachment pins 33 a and 33 b , respectively. The attachment pins 33 a and 33 b are insertable in the apertures to pivotally connect a conventional tool to the second arm and the rotation link. When using a conventional tool, this permits the tool to be rotated about the attachment pin 33 of the second arm 20 upon movement of the rotation link 24 relative to the second arm as a result of extension or retraction of the hydraulic cylinder 30 to rotate the tool in the arm rotation plane defined by the first and second arms 14 and 20 . A quick coupler or other mounting means may be used to connect the tool to the second arm 20 and the rotation link 24 . In an alternative embodiment not shown, the links 24 and 26 are not used and the hydraulic cylinder 30 is directly attached to the tool to be rotated. [0044] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the tool assembly 10 comprises a first tool which in the case of the illustrated embodiment is a bucket 34 . The bucket 34 has a forward working edge 35 extending laterally, generally transverse to the arm rotation plane. The bucket 34 further includes a first clevis 36 and a second clevis 38 . The first clevis 36 is located toward the bucket working edge 35 and is attached to the free end portion 31 of the second arm 20 with the attachment pin 33 a . The second clevis 38 is located rearwardly away from the first clevis 36 and is attached to the free end portion 32 of the rotation link 24 with the attachment pin 33 b . The first and second devises 36 and 38 are in general parallel alignment with the arm rotation plane of the bucket 34 . It should be understood the present invention may be practiced using other tools as work implements, and is not limited to buckets or other collection tools and devices. [0045] The tool assembly 10 also includes a second tool which in the case of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 is a lid or bucket extension 39 . As part of the tool assembly 10 , both the bucket 34 and the bucket extension 39 are connected to a rotary actuator 40 for pivotal movement relative to each other. This allows for the bucket extension 39 to rotate relative to the bucket 34 about an axis of rotation 41 of the rotary actuator 40 (see FIG. 3). The rotary actuator 40 provides rotational torque which causes the bucket extension 39 to rotate about the axis 41 of the rotary actuator 40 relative to the bucket 34 . [0046] [0046]FIGS. 2 a - 2 d illustrate four positions of the bucket 34 relative to the second arm 20 . In operation, the movement of the rotation link 24 relative to the second arm 20 causes the bucket 34 to be selectively rotated through the arm rotation plane about the attachment pin 33 a of the second arm 20 as the rotation link is moved relative to the second arm 20 by the hydraulic cylinder 30 . FIGS. 2 a and 2 c show the bucket 34 rotated in a fully counterclockwise position relative to the second arm 20 with the hydraulic cylinder 30 in a fully retracted state. FIG. 2 b shows the bucket 34 in a midway position relative to the second arm 20 with the hydraulic cylinder in a semi-extended state. FIG. 2 d shows the bucket 34 rotated in a fully clockwise position relative to the second arm 20 with the hydraulic cylinder 30 in a fully extended state. [0047] [0047]FIGS. 2 a - 2 d also illustrate possible positions of the bucket extension 39 relative to the bucket 34 resulting from operation of the rotary actuator 40 causing the bucket extension to rotate about the axis 41 of the rotary actuator. The position of the bucket extension 39 relative to the bucket 34 produced by operation of the rotary actuator 40 is independent of the position of the bucket 34 relative to the second arm 20 produced by operation of the hydraulic cylinder 30 , although in certain positions of the bucket the presence of the second arm blocks full movement of the bucket extension through its full range of movement. FIG. 2 a shows the bucket extension 39 in a fully counterclockwise closed position relative to the bucket 34 . FIG. 2 c shows the bucket extension 39 in a fully clockwise open position relative to the bucket 34 . FIGS. 2 b and 2 d show the bucket extension 39 in a midway position relative to the bucket 34 with the bucket 34 and bucket extension grasping therebetween an object such as a large rock (FIG. 2 b ) or a culvert pipe (FIG. 2 d ). The bucket extension may also be selectively and delicately used to grasp chosen articles in cleanup or sorting processes. [0048] The construction of the rotary actuator 40 is best shown in FIG. 3. The rotary actuator 40 has an elongated housing or body 42 with a cylindrical sidewall 44 and first and second ends 46 and 48 , respectively. An elongated rotary drive or output shaft 50 is coaxially positioned within the body 42 and supported for rotation relative to the body 42 . The shaft 50 extends the full length of the body 42 , and has a flange portion 52 at the first body end 46 . The shaft 50 has an annular shaft nut 58 threadably attached thereto at the second body end 48 . The shaft nut 58 has a threaded interior portion threadably attached to a correspondingly threaded perimeter portion 60 of the shaft 50 and the shaft nut rotates with the shaft. The shaft nut 58 is generally locked in place against rotation relative to the shaft 50 . [0049] Seals 62 are disposed between the shaft nut 58 and the shaft 50 , and between the shaft nut and the body sidewall 44 to provide a fluid-tight seal therebetween. Seals 64 are disposed between the shaft flange portion 52 and the body sidewall 44 to provide a fluid-tight seal therebetween. Radial bearings 66 and thrust bearings 68 are disposed between the shaft flange portion 52 and the body sidewall 44 , and between the shaft nut 58 and the body sidewall 44 to support the shaft 50 against radial and longitudinal thrust loads and to secure the shaft 50 in the body 42 . [0050] The exterior end surfaces of the shaft flange portion 52 and the shaft nut 58 are flat and each have a plurality of apertures 70 and 72 , respectively, which threadably receive attachment bolts 74 (shown in FIGS. 2 a - 2 d ) to attach the bucket extension 39 to the shaft 50 for movement therewith relative to the body 42 . The first body end 46 also has a flange portion 76 with apertures 78 which receive attachment bolts 80 (shown in FIGS. 2 a - 2 d ) for attaching the body 42 of the rotary actuator 40 to the bucket 34 . [0051] As shown in FIG. 3, an annular piston sleeve 82 is coaxially and reciprocally mounted within the body 42 coaxially about the shaft 50 . The piston sleeve 82 has outer splines, grooves or threads 84 over a portion of its length which mesh with inner splines, grooves or threads 86 of a splined intermediate interior ring gear portion 87 of the body sidewall 44 . The piston sleeve 82 is also provided with inner splines, grooves or threads 88 which mesh with outer splines, grooves or threads 90 provided on a portion of the shaft 50 toward the first body end 46 . It should be understood that while helical splines are shown in the drawings and described herein, the principle of the invention is equally applicable to any form of linear-to-rotary motion conversion means, such as balls or rollers. At least one pair of meshing splines, grooves or threads are helical to convert axial motion of the piston sleeve 82 to rotary motion of the shaft 50 . Alternatively, all the splines, grooves or threads can be helical and/or can be threaded in the same direction (e.g., left-handed or right-handed) or different directions, depending on the desired direction and amount of shaft rotation per unit of axial motion the piston sleeve 82 . It should be understood that while splines are shown in the drawings and described herein, the principle of the invention is equally applicable to any form of linear-to-rotary motion conversion arrangement, such as balls or rollers, and that the splines can include any type of groove or channel suitable for such motion conversion. [0052] In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the piston sleeve 82 has an annular piston head member 92 which has a threaded exterior portion 94 threadably attached to a second annular piston head member 96 by a correspondingly threaded interior portion 98 of the second annular piston head member 96 . The two piston head members 92 and 96 are thus joined to form a common piston head 99 . Seals 100 are disposed between the piston head member 92 and a smooth exterior wall shaft of the shaft 50 to provide a fluid-tight seal therebetween. Seals 102 are disposed between the piston head member 96 and the interior wall surface of the body-sidewall 44 to provide a fluid tight seal therebetween. A seal 104 is disposed between the piston head member 92 and piston head member 96 to provide a fluid tight seal therebetween. [0053] As will be readily understood, reciprocation of the common piston head 99 within the body 42 occurs when hydraulic oil, air or any other suitable fluid under pressure selectively enters through one or the other of a first port P 1 which is in fluid communication with a fluid-tight compartment within the body to a side of the piston head toward the first body end 46 or through a second port P 2 which is in fluid communication with a fluid-tight compartment within the body to a side of the piston head toward the second body end 48 . As the piston head 99 and the piston sleeve 82 , of which the common piston head is a part, linearly reciprocates in an axial direction within the body 42 , the outer splines, grooves or threads 84 of the piston sleeve engage or mesh with the inner splines, grooves or threads 86 of the body sidewall 44 to cause rotation of the piston sleeve, where both the outer splines 84 and the inner splines 86 are helical. The linear and rotational movement of the piston sleeve 82 is transmitted through the inner splines, grooves or threads 88 of the piston sleeve to the outer splines, grooves or threads 90 of the shaft 50 to cause the shaft to rotate. The smooth wall surface of the shaft 50 and the smooth wall surface of the body sidewall 44 have sufficient axial length to accommodate the full end-to-end reciprocating stroke travel of the piston sleeve 82 within the body 42 . Longitudinal movement of the shaft 50 is restricted, thus most movement of the piston sleeve 82 is converted into rotational movement of the shaft 50 . Depending on the slope and direction of turn of the various splines, grooves or threads, there may be provided a multiplication of the rotary output of the shaft 50 and a high level of torque may also be provided. [0054] The application of fluid pressure to the first port P 1 produces axial movement of the piston sleeve 82 toward the second body end 48 . The application of fluid pressure to the second body port P 2 produces axial movement of the piston sleeve 82 toward the body first end 46 . The rotary actuator 40 provides relative rotational movement between the body 42 and shaft 50 through the conversion of linear movement of the piston sleeve 82 into rotational movement of the shaft, in a manner well known in the art. The shaft 50 is selectively rotated by the application of fluid pressure, and the rotation is transmitted to the bucket extension 39 or other tool attached thereto through the flange portion 52 of the shaft 50 to selectively rotate the bucket extension about the axis 41 of the rotary actuator 40 relative to the bucket 34 . It is noted that operation of the rotary actuator 40 to move the bucket extension 39 relative to the bucket 34 is not only independent of the rotation of the bucket 34 relative to the second arm 20 by operation of the hydraulic cylinder 30 , but is also about the axis 41 which is different and spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the bucket about the attachment pin 33 a. [0055] FIGS. 4 - 6 show the tool assembly 10 having an alternative manner of attaching the bucket 34 to the body 42 of the rotary actuator 40 . In particular, the opposing side walls 34 a and 34 b of the bucket 34 each have an aperture 34 c therein which receives a corresponding one of the first and second body ends 46 and 48 of the body 42 therein. The first and second body ends 46 and 48 are welded to the corresponding side walls 34 a and 34 b of the bucket 34 by welds W. Thus, the attachment apertures 78 in the flange portion 76 of the first body end are not necessary. [0056] [0056]FIGS. 7 and 8 depict a first alternative embodiment of the tool assembly 10 in which the rotary actuator 40 is removably positioned within a support housing or tube 105 . In this embodiment, the flange portion 76 of the first body end 46 uses the attachment bolts 80 to attach the actuator body 42 to a flange portion 106 of the support tube 105 . The second body end 48 of the rotary actuator 40 is snugly received in the support tube 105 in engagement with a cylindrical wall 108 thereof, but is not attached thereto. This limits transverse movement of the second body end 48 during operation of the tool assembly 10 . The support tube 105 also allows the actuator 40 to be slidably received coaxially within the support tube and protected from damage by the cylindrical wall 108 of the support tube. The support tube 105 further adds structural rigidity to the assembly 10 . The rotary actuator 40 is slidably removable from the support tube 105 for servicing of the actuator. In this embodiment, the bucket side walls 34 a and 34 b are welded to the support tube 105 by welds W, rather than to the first and second body ends 46 and 48 . [0057] [0057]FIG. 9 depicts a second alternative embodiment of the tool assembly 10 in which the rotary actuator 40 does not extend the entire length of the support tube 105 . Like the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, in the embodiment of FIG. 9, the actuator body 42 is attached to the support tube 105 only at the first body end 46 of the actuator and is slidably received in the support tube with the second body end 48 snugly received by the cylindrical wall 108 . In an alternative design, to improve alignment, rather than bolting the bucket extension 39 to the shaft 50 , the shaft may be terminated with straight splines which project axially outward and drivingly engage corresponding straight splines of a recess in the bucket extension coaxially aligned with the shaft of the rotary actuator 40 . Because the rotary actuator 40 used in FIG. 9 is shorter than the bucket 34 is wide, the bucket extension 39 is not attached directly to the shaft nut 58 as in the previously described embodiments. Instead, a pivot pin 109 is used to rotatably mount the bucket extension 39 to an end plate 110 closing the end of the tube support 105 at the end opposite the end to which the flange portion 76 of the first body end 46 is attached. The pivot pin 109 provides an axis of rotation aligned with the axis 41 of the rotary actuator 40 . [0058] A third alternative embodiment of the tool assembly 10 is shown in FIGS. 10 a - 10 c using a bucket lid 39 ′ instead of a bucket extension. In this embodiment the rotary actuator 40 is mounted to the second arm 20 in coaxial arrangement with the bucket 34 and the bucket lid 39 ′ for both rotation of the bucket relative to the second arm and rotation of the bucket lid relative to the bucket about the axis 41 of the rotary actuator. It is noted that with this arrangement the bucket lid 39 ′ is located laterally inward of the sidewalls 34 a and 34 b of the bucket 34 . [0059] In this third alternative embodiment, the body 42 of the rotary actuator 40 has a pair of attachment flanges 43 by which the actuator body is securely attached to a pair of attachment flanges 21 projecting from the free end portion 31 of the second arm 20 . The attachment flanges 43 of the actuator body 42 and the attachment flanges 21 of the second arm 20 each have two transverse apertures therethrough. The one set of apertures of the attachment flanges 21 and 43 are aligned to accept a first pin 111 a and the other set of apertures of the attachment flanges 21 and 43 are aligned to accept a second pin 111 b to securely attach the rotary actuator 40 to the second arm 20 for movement therewith and to prevent rotation of the actuator body 42 relative to the second arm. To provide pivotal movement of the bucket 34 relative to the second arm 20 by operation of the hydraulic cylinder 30 using the links 24 and 26 , in the manner describe above, the attachment pin 33 a is rotatably received in an aperture 50 a extending longitudinally fully through the shaft 50 of the rotary actuator 40 . As before, the first clevis 36 of the bucket 34 receives the attachment pin 33 a for rotation of the bucket thereabout in response to operation of the hydraulic cylinder 30 . To facilitate independent rotation of the bucket 34 on the attachment pin 33 a from rotation of the shaft 50 of the rotary actuator 40 , the attachment pin 33 a is rotatably supported in the shaft aperture 50 a by bearings 50 b . To rotate the bucket lid 39 ′ relative to the second arm 20 attached to the actuator body 42 , and hence also the bucket 34 , the bucket lid is attached to the shaft flange portion 52 and shaft nut 58 of the shaft 50 , as described above, and rotates with the shaft in response to the linear reciprocation of the piston sleeve 82 . In this embodiment, the relative rotational movement of the bucket lid 39 ′ and the bucket 34 depends upon the operation of both the hydraulic actuator 30 and the rotary actuator 40 . [0060] FIGS 11 a - 11 f show a fourth alternative embodiment of the tool assembly 10 which allows the bucket 34 , bucket extension 39 and rotary actuator 40 to be tilted and rotated relative to the arm rotation plane defined by the first and second arms 14 and 20 . The rotary actuator based tiltable feature is fully disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,230, Tool Actuator With Adjustable Attachment Mount, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. The first and second celvises 36 and 38 are used to removably attach the rotary actuator 40 and bucket 34 to a turntable bearing assembly 113 . The turntable bearing assembly 113 is also attached to a rotary actuator assembly 112 having a rotary actuator constructed generally as described above for rotary actuator 40 and arranged transverse to the rotary actuator 40 . The rotary actuator assembly 112 has a pair of clevis 112 b which are attached to the free end portion 31 of the second arm 20 and to the free end portion 32 of the rotation link 24 . [0061] The bucket 34 , bucket extension 39 and rotary actuator 40 can be selectively rotated or tilted about an axis of rotation 112 a of the rotary actuator assembly 112 and selectively rotated about an axis of rotation 113 a of the turntable bearing assembly 113 . The turntable bearing assembly 113 includes a turntable bearing with a first member 113 b thereof to which the tool assembly 10 is attached using the first and second devises 36 and 38 for rotation therewith. The first turntable member 113 b has a ring gear with internal teeth. A second turntable member 113 c rotatably supports the first turntable member 113 b therebelow and supports a hydraulic motor and brake unit 113 d with a bull gear drivingly engaging the ring gear to selectively rotate the first turntable member 113 b relative to the second turntable member 113 c when the hydraulic motor 113 d is powered. This provides 360° of continuous rotation. [0062] The axis of rotation 112 a of the rotary actuator assembly 112 is transverse to the axis of rotation 41 of the rotary actuator 40 , and the axis of rotation 113 a of the turntable bearing assembly 113 is transverse to the axis of rotation 41 of the rotary actuator 40 . Further, the axis of rotation 112 a of the rotary actuator assembly 112 is transverse to the axis of rotation 113 a of the turntable bearing assembly 113 , to provide an orthogonal arrangement of axes of rotation 41 , 112 a and 113 a , and provide a degree of movement of the bucket 34 and bucket extension that significantly increases the efficiency and effectiveness of operation. The bucket 34 , bucket extension 39 and rotary actuator 40 are shown in the side view of FIG. 11 b rotated as a unit by 90° about the turntable bearing axis of rotation 113 a from the position shown in the side view of FIG. 11 a by operation of the turntable bearing assembly 113 . In the side view of FIG. 11 c the rotation is 180° from the position in FIG. 11 a . In the front view of FIG. 11 d , the bucket 34 , bucket extension 39 and rotary actuator 40 are shown in the same rotational position as shown in FIG. 11 a , but tilted laterally relative to the arm rotation plane by rotation about the rotational axis 112 a of the rotary actuator assembly 112 by operation of the rotary actuator assembly 112 . [0063] In the front views of FIGS. 11 e and 11 f , the bucket 34 , bucket extension 39 and rotary actuator 40 are shown in the same rotational position as shown in FIG. 11 b , but in FIG. 11 f they are tilted laterally relative to the arm rotation plane by rotation about the rotational axis 112 a of the rotary actuator assembly 112 by operation of the rotary actuator assembly 112 . [0064] [0064]FIGS. 12 a and 12 b show an alternative tool assembly 10 ′ which comprises a brush rake or grapple having a first grapple member 120 and an opposing second grapple member 122 . The first grapple member 120 is attached to the actuator body 42 by the attachment bolts 80 and the second grapple member 122 is attached to the shaft flange portion 52 by the attachment bolts 74 , much as described above for the embodiment of FIGS. 1 - 3 . FIG. 12 a shows the tool assembly 10 ′ in a fully open position and FIG. 12 b shows the tool assembly in a closed position grasping a pipe. As viewed in FIGS. 12 a and 12 b , the rotary actuator 40 rotates the second grapple member 122 in a counterclockwise direction relative to the first grapple member 120 when moving from an open position (FIG. 12 a ) to a closed position (FIG. 12 b ). [0065] [0065]FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the tool assembly 10 ′ of FIGS. 12 a and 12 b as having a similar construction to the tool assembly 10 of FIG. 7 with the rotary actuator 40 slidably received into the support tube 105 and with the several fingers comprising the first grapple member 120 fixedly attached to the support tube. Two of the fingers comprising the second grapple member 122 are attached to the shaft flange portion 52 and shaft nut 58 of the rotary actuator 40 by the attachment bolts 74 for rotation with the shaft 50 . [0066] [0066]FIGS. 15 a and 15 b illustrate the first grappling member 120 as having four grappling prongs or fingers 128 and cross members 130 extending through transverse apertures 132 in the grappling fingers and fixedly attached thereto. FIGS. 15 c and 15 d illustrate the second grappling member 122 as having grappling prongs or fingers 134 and cross members 136 extending through transverse apertures 138 in the grappling fingers and fixedly attached thereto. Two of the fingers 134 each have at one end a flange 140 and are spaced about to receive the rotary actuator 40 therebetween. The flanges 140 are attached to the flange portion 52 and the shaft nut 58 of the shaft 50 by the attachment bolts 74 . [0067] [0067]FIGS. 16 a - 16 c show a first alternative of the tool assembly 10 ′ of FIGS. 12 a and 12 b which allow the first and second grapple members 120 and 122 , and the rotary actuator 40 to be tilted and rotated relative to the arm rotation plane defined by the first and second arms 14 and 20 , much as in the embodiments of the tool assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 11 a - 11 f . As described above, the rotary actuator assembly 112 has a rotary actuator constructed generally as described above for rotary actuator 40 and is arranged transverse to the rotary actuator 40 . The first and second grapple members 120 and 122 and the rotary actuator 40 can be selectively rotated or tilted about the axis of rotation 112 a of the rotary assembly 112 and selectively rotated about the axis of rotation 113 a of the turntable bearing assembly 113 , as described above for the fourth alternative embodiment of the tool assembly 10 of FIGS. 11 a - 11 f . As described above, the rotary actuator 40 , the rotary actuator assembly 112 and the turntable bearing assembly 113 have an orthogonal arrangement of axes of rotation 41 , 112 a , and 113 a to provide a high degree of movement for the first and second grapple members 120 and 122 as a unit. [0068] [0068]FIG. 17 shows a second alternative of the tool assembly 10 ′ of FIGS. 12 a and 12 b of a similar construction as shown in FIGS. 16 a - 16 c but with the first grapple member 120 and the rotary actuator 40 fixedly attached to the first turntable member 113 b whereas FIGS. 16 a - 16 c depict attachment using the devises 36 and 38 . [0069] It will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims. [0070] All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.
A tool assembly using a fluid-powered actuator and including first and second tool members. The first tool member is pivotably connectable to a boom arm of a vehicle or stationary support platform for rotation about a first axis. The first tool member is also attached to a body of the actuator and the second tool members is attached to a shaft of the actuator so that operation of the actuator rotates the second tool member relative to the first tool member about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis and independent of rotation of the first tool member about the first axis. The second tool member is positioned to cooperatively engage the first tool member to assist in collection operations. The actuator has a generally cylindrical body with an output shaft rotatably disposed therein for rotation about the second axis. A linear-to-rotary transmission device disposed within the actuator body produces selective rotational movement of the shaft relative to the body and hence the second tool member relative to the first tool member. As the actuator goes through a range of motion the tool assembly moves between fully open and fully closed positions. In one embodiment, the actuator body is disposed in and attached to a protective support tube having the first tool member attached thereto. Other embodiments have further rotation and tilting assemblies to provide three orthogonal axes of rotation. Another attaches the tool members so that the first and second axes are coaxial.
4
FIELD [0001] This invention relates generally to computer services, more particularly, to systems and methods for providing a contact service. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART [0002] The businesses of the Fortune 500 spend large sums of money on their information technology (IT) infrastructure. The investment in IT can improve efficiency and productivity of a business in sales, accounting, financial support, research, etc. [0003] Although these businesses often purchase large amounts of hardware and software, they also have the financial wherewithal to hire staff to maintain their IT infrastructure. The IT departments of these businesses can assist the users with software and user errors as well as tending to any broken hardware. The IT department can also plan for future improvements in the software and hardware. The IT department can also be responsible for training of the users in the IT system, which includes supported software applications and underlying hardware. Most importantly, the IT department can recover the IT infrastructure in the event of a catastrophic event. [0004] Small businesses typically do not have the financial resources to afford an IT department. However, small businesses need the services that an IT department of a Fortune 500 company can provide: technical support in the event of a hardware and/or software failures, training of new employees in the existing system, integrate new technologies (software/hardware), etc. [0005] Since small businesses cannot typically afford a full-time IT staff, a typical small business can hire consultants or go to a computer services company to implement and support their IT infrastructure. However, this is typically an unsatisfactory solution because the small business has to take the time to search for the consultants and/or services company and to verify their credentials. Moreover, the small business may not initially know where to look for the appropriate help and how to contact a person who can provide help. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0006] Various features of the embodiments can be more fully appreciated, as the same become better understood with reference to the following detailed description of the embodiments when considered in connection with the accompanying figures, in which: [0007] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary system in accordance with an embodiment; [0008] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary service portal of the system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with another embodiment; [0009] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary user profile accordance with yet another embodiment; [0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed block diagram of the contact service shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with yet another embodiment; [0011] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary connection option graphical user interface in accordance with yet another embodiment; [0012] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary post in accordance with yet another embodiment; [0013] FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary flow diagram implemented by contact manager module in accordance with yet another embodiment; [0014] FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary flow diagram implemented by the contact manager module in accordance with yet another embodiment; and [0015] FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary computer system in accordance with yet another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0016] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the principles of the present invention are described by referring mainly to exemplary embodiments thereof. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would readily recognize that the same principles are equally applicable to, and can be implemented in, all types of information portals, and that any such variations do not depart from the true spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, in the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying figures, which illustrate specific embodiments. Electrical, mechanical, logical and structural changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [0017] Embodiments pertain generally to systems and methods for matchmaking between technical and business resources. More particularly, a contact service can be configured to provide introduction services for a user that is seeking assistance in a technical issue, i.e., a seeking user, with another user that can provide that technical support, i.e., a support user, on a service portal. The contact service can be configured to provide a presence detection of support users that are closest to the seeking user. The presence detection can be implemented in several ways. [0018] In some embodiments, a support user can register as a technical expert in at least one field with the contact service. The seeking user can then search the contact service for support users in a specific field. The contact service can then return a list of support users by closest geographic proximity to the seeking user. Each entry on the list of support users can be configured to provide multiple ways (e.g., electronic mail, instant messaging, chat service, VoIP, etc.) to contact the respective support user. Each entry can also provide a rating of the support user. [0019] In other embodiments, the contact service can also provide presence detection of users who provide answers in the forums of the service portal. The service portal can be configured to provide community forums for users to ask questions and post answers. The community forums can be organized around products, services or any topic of interest to a user community. A seeking user can search a forum for a particular issue. If the seeking user finds a post, the seeking user can use the contact service to determine whether the posting user is on-line and available to be contacted. More specifically, a user can right click (or an equivalent action such as a macro, keyboard combination, etc.) on the posting user to activate the contact service. The contact service can then determine the status of the posting user. If the posting user in on-line, the contact service can provide the seeking user electronic means to contact (e.g., electronic mail, IM, chat session, etc.) the posting user, determine a geographic proximity between the users, and a community rating of the posting user. [0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system 100 in accordance with an embodiment. It should be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the system 100 depicted in FIG. 1 represents a generalized schematic illustration and that other components may be added or existing components may be removed or modified. Moreover, the system 100 may be implemented using software components, hardware components, or combinations thereof. [0021] As shown in FIG. 1 , the system 100 includes users 105 , a network 110 and a service portal 115 . The users 105 can be private individuals, employees of private business or public entities or other persons interested in accessing the service portal 115 . The users 105 can access the service portal 115 using personal computers, personal mobile devices, workstations or other networked computing platforms. [0022] The network 110 can be a combination of wide area and local area networks such as the Internet. The network 110 can be configured to provide a communication channel between the users 105 and the service portal 115 . The network 110 can implement a variety of network protocols to provide the communication channel such as Internet Protocol (“IP”) Vx, ATM, SONET, or other similar network protocols. [0023] The service portal 115 can be configured to provide products and services to the user 105 as well as provisioning, installation services, updates to software and hardware products and technical support. The service portal 115 can, among other functions, provide a list of products such as software applications and/or hardware devices as well as services such as installation, configuration, maintenance, etc., for users to purchase. As a non-limiting example, the service portal 115 can also provide information for users to research, compare and purchase software, hardware and consulting services in support of those software and/or hardware purchases. The service portal 115 can also be configured to provide support services by subscription to those same software, service, and/or hardware purchases. [0024] In accordance with several embodiments, the service portal 115 can also provide a contact service 120 as one of the services. The contact service 120 can be configured to provide introduction services for a user that is seeking assistance in a technical issue, i.e., a seeking user, with another user that can provide that technical support, i.e., a support user, on the service portal 115 perhaps as an alternative to contacting a help desk of the service portal 115 . [0025] The contact service 120 can be configured to provide a presence detection of support users that are closest to the seeking user. The presence detection can be implemented in several ways. In some embodiments, a support user can register as a technical expert in at least one field with the contact service 120 . The seeking user can then search the contact service 120 for support users in a specific field. The contact service 120 can then return a list of support users ordered by closest geographic proximity to the seeking user. Each entry on the list of support users can be configured to provide multiple mechanisms (e.g., electronic mail, instant messaging, chat service, VoIP, etc.) to contact the respective support user. Each entry can also provide a rating of the support user. [0026] In other embodiments, the contact service can also provide presence detection of users who provide posts in forums of the service portal 115 . The service portal 115 can be configured to provide a knowledge library that includes community forums for users to ask questions and post answers. The community forums can be organized around products, services or any thing of interest to a user community. A seeking user can search a forum for a particular issue. If the seeking user finds a post particularly interesting, the seeking user can use the contact service 120 find the posting user. The contact service 120 can determine whether the posting user is on-line and available to be contacted. More specifically, a user can maneuver the cursor over a posting user on a post and “right click” (or an equivalent action such as macro, keyboard combination, a menu option, etc.) to activate the contact service 120 . The contact service 120 can then determine the status of the posting user and geographic proximity between the requesting user and posting user. If the posting user in on-line, the contact service can provide the seeking user a list of connection options to contact the posting user, the geographic proximity between the users, and a community rating of the posting user. [0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a more detailed block diagram of the service portal 115 in accordance with another embodiment. It should be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the service portal 115 depicted in FIG. 2 represents a generalized schematic illustration and that other components may be added or existing components may be removed or modified. [0028] As shown in FIG. 2 , the service portal 115 can include a web store module 205 that a user can interface with the service portal. The web store module 205 can provide the graphical user interfaces (“GUIs”) and associated functions and/or services for the service portal 115 . As a non-limiting example, the web store module 205 can generate a log-in GUI for a user to authenticate and enter the service portal 115 . [0029] The web store module 205 can couple with an application program interface (“API”) module 210 . The API module 210 can be configured to provide an interface between the functions and/or services provided by the web store module 205 and to the appropriate module of the service portal 115 . More particularly, the API module 210 can call or direct a requested function or service from the user to the respective module that provides that requested function or service. For example, a user may request a price of a product, e.g., an electronic mail program, the API module 210 can direct the request to a get price function in a support tools module 215 . [0030] The API module 210 can also be configured to interface with the support tools module 215 . The support tools module 215 can be configured to provide the supporting software and hardware to implement the functionality of the service portal 115 . The support tools module 215 can contain and provide access to databases that contain information such as products lines, services providers, on-line self-help (e.g., knowledgebase), etc. The support tools module 215 can also provide services like instant messaging sessions, chat services, a help desk, installation, provisioning, etc. [0031] The API module 210 can be further configured to couple with an identification (“ID”) module 220 . The ID module 220 can be configured to provide identification management services for the service portal 115 . The ID module 220 can also store information related to users such as purchase history, user profile, usage history of the user, and entitlement data. An exemplary user profile is shown in FIG. 3 . [0032] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary user profile 300 in accordance with yet another embodiment. It should be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the user profile depicted in FIG. 3 represents a generalized illustration and that other fields may be added or existing fields may be removed or modified. [0033] As shown in FIG. 3 , the user profile 300 can comprise of a username field 305 , an address field 310 , a user rank field 315 , a qualification field 320 , a rating field 325 , a review field 330 , and a user status field 335 . The username field 305 can indicate the name that the user has selected to be known as in the system 115 . Optionally, the user profile 300 can contain fields for the legal name of the user. The address field 310 can represent the street address of the user. The user rank field 315 can represent a category of user such as ordinary user, technical support, technical expert, employee, vendor, etc., for the service portal 115 . [0034] The qualification field 320 can represent a technical resume of the user. For example, this field 320 can comprise of a description of the user's experience in Unix or Java programming, certifications, or years of consulting for various information technology companies. [0035] The rating field 325 can represent a rating of the user given by the user community. In some embodiments of the service portal 115 , users can be given a rating based on their participation in the service portal 115 . For example, the user may participate in several forums, posting answers or blogging. As a result of the participation, the other users can evaluate the postings/participation and place this rating in this field 325 . [0036] The review field 330 can represent a commentary of the user given by the user community. Similar to the rating field 325 , the users of the user community may provide commentary of the user such as authenticating the user's qualification based on the user's participation/postings within the service portal 115 . [0037] The user status field 335 can represent an availability of the user. More particularly, if the user is busy assisting another user or logged-out, the user status field 335 can be set to indicate that this user is unavailable. If the user is available and/or logged-in, the user status field 335 can be cleared to indicate availability. [0038] Returning to FIG. 2 , the API module 210 can be further configured to couple with a universal messaging module 225 . The universal messaging module 225 can be configured to provide a messaging application that unifies messages. More specifically, electronic mail (“email”), documents, and instant messaging can be linked in a single application. The universal messaging module 225 can also provide a mechanism for a user to view all the related documents for the user from email to Wiki pages. [0039] An installer tools 230 can be coupled to the API module 210 . One of the services provided by the service portal 115 can be the purchase of software applications provided by independent software vendors (“ISVs”). As part of the delivery of the software applications, the ISV can be required to maintain and update the installation tools to install their respective software applications. Accordingly, the installer tools 230 can be a repository where independent software vendors can deposit their respective installation tools. [0040] The API module 210 can be further coupled to the communication layer 235 (labeled as COMM layer in FIG. 2 ). The communication layer 235 can be configured to provide the underlying services for the modules of the service portal 115 to communicate. For example, the communication layer 235 can contain middleware for a product database to communicate with a graphical user interface requesting product description. [0041] The API module 210 can be further coupled to an application management module 240 (labeled as APP MGMT in FIG. 2 ). The application management module 240 can be configured to manage applications as requested by users. More specifically, a user may purchase a prepackaged software application pack (e.g., an operating system, electronic mail program and data mining program) from the service portal 115 , which is stored in an application stack module 245 . The application management module 240 can then deliver the purchased software stack, install, and configure the software application stack at a third party site such as server farm 250 or store the software application stack in a storage farm 255 for the user to retrieve. [0042] The server farm 250 can be configured to provide computing platforms for users to lease. Accordingly, users can have a backup version of their systems, a testing platform to perform quality assurance tests on new applications, execute a program requiring excess MIPS, or any other similar computing task. [0043] The storage farm 255 can be configured to provide storage space for users to lease. Accordingly, users can lease disk storage space to back up data, provide a hot data swap, or other storage intensive tasks. [0044] In some embodiments, the contact service 120 can be configured to be executed in the support tools module 215 . In other embodiments, the contact service 120 can be a module of the ID module 220 . In yet other embodiments, the contact service 120 can be executed as a standalone module. [0045] FIG. 4 illustrates a more detailed block diagram of the contact service 120 in accordance with another embodiment. It should be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the contact service 120 depicted in FIG. 4 represents a generalized schematic illustration and that other components may be added or existing components may be removed or modified. [0046] As shown in FIG. 4 , the contact service 120 can comprise at least a contact manger module 405 , an application program interface (labeled as “API” in FIG. 4 ) 410 , a registry 415 , and a search engine 420 . It should be readily obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the modules 405 - 420 can be implemented as software applications (programmed in C, C++, JAVA, PHP, etc.), hardware components (EEPROM, application specific integrated circuit, microprocessor, etc.) or combinations thereof. [0047] The contact manager module 405 can be configured to manage and to interface with the other modules 410 - 420 to provide the functionality of the contact service 120 as described above and further described herein below. [0048] The API 410 can be configured to generate graphical user interfaces (“GUIs”, e.g., web pages) as required by the contact manager module 405 . For example, the API 410 can generate a search result page 425 that displays a list of support users ordered by geographic proximity to a requesting user. The API 410 can also be configured to receive requests from users to detect the presence of a selected users as well as to return the responses to the requests. In some embodiments, the API 410 can be considered an application program interface module which provides the necessary tools and interfaces to communicate with other modules of the contact service 120 and the other modules of the service portal 115 . [0049] The contact manager module 405 can also be coupled with the registry 415 . The registry 415 can store the users of the user community of the service portal 115 that desire to be recognized as a technical expert in a selected technical field and are willing to assist other users, i.e., a technical support user. The registry 415 can store the username of the registering technical support user. The contact manager module 405 can then request additional information regarding a support user in the registry 415 from the associated user profile 300 stored in the ID module 220 . The registry 415 can be implemented using a database as known to those skilled in the art. [0050] The registry 415 can be coupled to the search engine 420 . The search engine 420 can be configured to allow users to search for support users in the registry 415 in a selected technical area. The search engine 420 can be configured to return the search results from a received query to the contact manager module 405 for further processing. More particularly, the contact manager module 405 can be configured to determine the geographic location of the requesting user. For each entry on the search result, the contact manager module 410 can determine the geographic location of each listed support user. In some embodiments, the contact manager module 405 can convert the street address of a user to latitude/longitude (“lat/long”) coordinates. From the lat/long coordinates, the contact manager module 405 can determine the distance between the requesting user to each listed support user. The contact manager module 405 can then re-order the search results based on closest proximity to the requesting user as a ordered search result page. [0051] The contact manager module 405 can also provide a list of connection options for each entry on the ordered search result. More particularly, each entry on the ordered search result can be an active link. The requesting user can “right-click” with a cursor over a selected entry on the ordered search result and display a GUI widget, i.e., a dialog box which provides, among other things, connection options to contact the selected support user as depicted in FIG. 5 . [0052] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary connection option GUI 500 in accordance with yet another embodiment. It should be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the connection option GUI 500 depicted in FIG. 5 represents a generalized schematic illustration and that other components may be added or existing components may be removed or modified. Moreover, the connection option GUI 500 can be implemented using languages such as VisualBasic, Visual C++, Extensible Markup Language, PHP, Java, or other similar languages. [0053] As shown in FIG. 5 , the connection option GUI 500 can include a username field 505 , a status field 510 , a geographic proximity field 515 , a rating field 520 , and a connection list 525 . The username field 505 can be configured to display the legal name of the selected user, which can be obtained from associated user profile 300 of the selected user. [0054] The status field 510 can indicate whether the selected user is logged in or out as well as whether the selected user is busy. The geographic proximity field 515 can indicate the geographic proximity of the selected user is to the requesting user. In some embodiments, the unit of measure can be in miles. The rating field 520 can display the current rating of the user from the associated user profile of the selected user. [0055] The connection list 525 can comprise a electronic mail link 530 , a chat link 535 , and an instant message link 540 . When a user activates the electronic mail link 530 , an electronic mail message can be instantiated with the selected user as the addressee. When a user activates the chat link 535 , a chat session can be instantiated with the selected support user. Finally, when a user activates the instant message link 540 , an instant message session can be instantiated to the selected support user. The chat and instant messaging services can be provided by the support tools module 215 . In some embodiments, if the selected user is offline, the chat link 535 and instant message link 540 can be de-activated, i.e., grayed out, to indicate that the selected user can be contacted by electronic mail at current point. [0056] Returning to FIG. 4 , the search engine 420 is depicted as a separate module. However, the functions of the search engine 420 can be incorporated into contact manager module 405 or the registry 415 without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments of the present invention. [0057] In accordance with various embodiments, the API module 410 can also interface with a knowledge library 430 of the service portal 115 . The knowledge library 430 can be configured to provide a self-help library for users of the service portal 115 . The knowledge library 430 can comprise a knowledgebase 435 which can contain Wiki-style articles regarding products, known issues, and solutions. The knowledgebase 435 can also contain frequently asked questions. [0058] The knowledge library 430 can further comprise a forum module 440 to manage and monitor the forums 445 . A forum can be regarded as essentially a website composed of a number of member-written threads. Each thread entails a discussion or conversation in the form of a series of user-member written posts. These threads remain saved on the forum website for future reading indefinitely or until deletion by a moderator. [0059] Software packages that implement forum websites are generally well known. These software packages are widely available on the Internet in a variety of programming languages such as HypeterText Preprocess (“PHP”), Perl, Java, and active server pages (“ASP”). The configuration and records of posts can be stored in text files or in a database. [0060] Accordingly, the forums 445 can be formed by their respective user communities around a selected topic. The topics can involve a product or service provided by the service portal 115 . The user community can then post their issues in these forums 445 and attempt to get resolution from the user community. The forums 445 provide an alternative method of receiving technical assistance as well as discussing the pros and cons of a selected product or service. [0061] In accordance with some embodiments, a user 105 can search a selected forum 445 for a selected issue. If the user 105 comes across a post of interest, the contact service 120 can provide a mechanism to contact the posting user as depicted in FIG. 6 . [0062] As shown in FIG. 6 , the user 105 can view a post 605 in a forum 445 . The post 605 can include a text field 610 , which includes the body of the post along with any previous posts on the same topic. The post 605 can include a posting user field 615 . The user 105 can maneuver the cursor over the posting user field 615 and “right-click” or an equivalent action on the posting user field 615 to generate a contact request widget 620 . The user 105 can activate the contact request widget 620 to generate a request to determine the location and status of the posting user to the contact manager module 405 . [0063] Returning to FIG. 4 , when the user 105 “right-clicks” on the posting user field 615 , a request 450 to determine the location and status of the posting user is generated. The request 450 is received by the contact manager module 405 through the API 410 . The contact manager module 405 can then determine the lat/long coordinate of the requesting user and the posting user from their respective user profiles. The contact manager module 405 can also determine the on-line status of the posting user. Subsequently, the contact manager module 405 can respond with a contact message 455 that includes the connection option GUI 500 as described previously filled with the respective information from the user profile 300 of the posting user. Accordingly, the user 105 can then be provided with the status of the posting user and geographic proximity as well as connection options to contact the posting user. [0064] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary search results flow diagram 700 in accordance with yet another embodiment. It should be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the flow diagram 700 depicted in FIG. 7 represents a generalized schematic illustration and that other steps may be added or existing steps may be removed or modified. [0065] As shown in FIG. 7 , the search engine 420 can be configured to receive a query for support users in a technical field, in step 705 . The search engine 420 can then search the registry 415 and compile any matching support users in a search result list, in step 710 . The completed list is then forwarded to the contact manager module 405 , which is then temporarily buffered. [0066] In step 715 , the contact manager module 405 can be configured to retrieve the street address of the requesting user from the associated user profile 300 of the requesting user and convert the address to lat/long coordinates. More specifically, in some embodiments, the contact manager module 405 can use a geographic services such as MapQuest™ or Navteq™ to convert a street address to lat/long coordinates. The contact manager module 405 can temporarily buffer the lat/long coordinates of the requesting user. [0067] In step 720 , the contact manager module 405 can be configured to determine the status and location, i.e., lat/long coordinates, of each support user listed in the received search results list based on the associated user profiles 300 of each listed support user. The contact manager module 405 can then determine the geographic proximity, i.e., distance, between the requesting user and each user, which is then buffered temporarily. [0068] In step 725 , the contact manager module 405 can reorder the search results list based on closest geographic proximity as an ordered search result. In step 725 , the contact manager module 405 can provide the ordered search result with each entry linked with a respective connection option GUI 500 . [0069] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary request flow diagram 800 in accordance with yet another embodiment. It should be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the flow diagram 800 depicted in FIG. 8 represents a generalized schematic illustration and that other steps may be added or existing steps may be removed or modified. [0070] As shown in FIG. 8 , the contact manager module 405 can be configured to receive a request 450 from a requesting user viewing a post in a forum 445 , in step 805 . In step 810 , the contact manager module 405 can be configured to retrieve the street address of the requesting user from the associated user profile 300 of the requesting user and convert the address to lat/long coordinates. The contact manager module 405 can temporarily buffer the lat/long coordinates of the requesting user. [0071] In step 815 , the contact manager module 405 can be configured to determine the status and location, i.e., lat/long coordinates, of the posting user. The contact manager module 405 can then determine the geographic proximity, i.e., distance, between the requesting user and the posting user. [0072] In step 820 , the contact manager module 405 can generate a connection option GUI 500 with the posting user information based on the user profile of the posting user and forward the GUI to the requesting user as the contact message 455 . [0073] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computing platform 900 where an embodiment may be practiced. The functions of the contact service 120 may be implemented in program code and executed by the computing platform 900 . The contact service 120 may be implemented in computer languages such as PASCAL, C, C++, JAVA, etc. [0074] As shown in FIG. 9 , the computer system 900 includes one or more processors, such as processor 02 that provide an execution platform for embodiments of the contact service 120 . Commands and data from the processor 902 are communicated over a communication bus 904 . The computer system 900 also includes a main memory 906 , such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), where the contact service 120 may be executed during runtime, and a secondary memory 908 . The secondary memory 908 includes, for example, a hard disk drive 910 and/or a removable storage drive 912 , representing a floppy diskette drive, a magnetic tape drive, a compact disk drive, etc., where a copy of a computer program embodiment for the contact service 120 may be stored. The removable storage drive 912 reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit 914 in a well-known manner. A user interfaces with the contact service 120 with a keyboard 916 , a mouse 918 , and a display 920 . The display adapter 922 interfaces with the communication bus 904 and the display 920 . A display adapter 922 also receives display data from the processor 902 and converts the display data into display commands for the display 920 . [0075] Certain embodiments may be performed as a computer program. The computer program may exist in a variety of forms both active and inactive. For example, the computer program can exist as software program(s) comprised of program instructions in source code, object code, executable code or other formats; firmware program(s); or hardware description language (HDL) files. Any of the above can be embodied on a computer readable medium, which include storage devices and signals, in compressed or uncompressed form. Exemplary computer readable storage devices include conventional computer system RAM (random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EPROM (erasable, programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable, programmable ROM), and magnetic or optical disks or tapes. Exemplary computer readable signals, whether modulated using a carrier or not, are signals that a computer system hosting or running the present invention can be configured to access, including signals downloaded through the Internet or other networks. Concrete examples of the foregoing include distribution of executable software program(s) of the computer program on a CD-ROM or via Internet download. In a sense, the Internet itself, as an abstract entity, is a computer readable medium. The same is true of computer networks in general. [0076] While the invention has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications to the described embodiments without departing from the true spirit and scope. The terms and descriptions used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. In particular, although the method has been described by examples, the steps of the method may be performed in a different order than illustrated or simultaneously. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these and other variations are possible within the spirit and scope as defined in the following claims and their equivalents.
An embodiment relates generally to a method of providing a service. The method includes receiving a request to determine a status of a user and determining an on-line status of the user. The method also includes providing a geographic proximity of the user in response to the on-line status of the user being on-line.
7
This application is a division of application Ser. No. 082,203, filed Aug. 6, 1987. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to soft, absorbent and bulky cellulosic fibrous webs which have been treated so that they impart a soothing or emollient effect to the human skin when used for wiping or drying while essentially retaining their water-absorbent property and strength. The agent used in the present is a condensation product of an amino acid with a reducing sugar. 2. History of the Prior Art It has heretofore been suggested to treat cellulosic fibrous webs with lanolin to impart a feeling of softness to the webs. See, for example, Wemyss, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 2,877,115 and Yang, U.S. Pat. No. 2,944,931 or with other fatty solids, see Britt, U.S. Pat. No. 3,305,392 However, such a treatment has the disadvantage that the water absorbency of the cellulosic web is dramatically reduced by the application of these fatty-type materials, so that the web can no longer satisfactorily perform a wiping or drying function in reference to moist skin. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has as its object rather than imparting the feeling of softness to cellulosic webs, the imparting to the human skin an emollient or soothing effect through wiping with a cellulosic web while retaining the drying and strength characteristics of the untreated web. In many environments such as hospitals and clinics, persons are required to frequently wash and dry their hands. This can produce skin irritation, particularly in cold weather. Also, persons suffering from the common cold must frequently apply facial tissues. Also people suffering from diarrhea must use large quantities of toilet tissue. Repeated wipings with treated toilet tissue has been found to condition the perineal region so that it maintains a non-irritating condition. Likewise, a soft feeling is achieved after using facial treatment in the manner of this invention so that the nasal skin is left with a velvety soft feeling even after repeated wipes. The present inventors have found that the water absorbency can essentially be retained while imparting a skin soothing character to webs for drying or wiping the skin by treating soft absorbent cellulosic webs with glucose glutamate. Products made from such webs exhibit the ability to transfer chemicals from the cellulosic fibrous web to the skin generating emollient benefits while concomitantly successfully executing the previous function of the product which is to wipe or dry the skin. Webs treated with lanolin, by contrast, are markedly inferior in producing the desired benefits and are even perceived in some cases as irritating or to cause itching. This may be attributable, not only to the fact that some people are allergic to lanolin, but also as observed by Jacobi, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,231,472 dry skin is not caused by the loss of fat material in skin but by the loss of the water soluble constituents therein. In accordance with the present invention, a glucose glutamate condensation product of an amino acid with a reducing sugar is applied to a web of cellulosic fibers in an amount from 0.1 to 2% by weight of the web. The presence of small residual amounts of glucose glutamate on the skin, after hand drying, materially aids in restoring and maintaining the moisture balance necessary for healthy skin. This condensation product is disclosed and described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 3,231,472, incorporated herein by reference. As will be readily appreciated, the fact that the polymers of the present invention are water-soluble totally distinguishes the treatment of the present invention from that of the lanolin treatments of the prior art. The high molecular weight polymers of the present invention are commercially available from Wickhen Products, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dow Corning, under the brane name WICKENOL. DETAILED DESCRIPTION For the purpose of illustrating the present invention, paper webs having a basis weight of 54 g/m 2 (32 rounds per ream of 2,880 square feet) were treated in the finishing process at a point after the paper has been unwound from the parent roll and embossed, but before the slitting, folding, cut off stacking and wrapping processes. The treating fluid, comprising the active ingredients dissolved in water, is applied at a rate to yield the addition of between 0.034 to 1.086 g/m 2 (0.02 to 0.64 pounds per ream) of the WICKHEN compound or 0.1 to 2.0% by weight of the web. For toilet tissue such as Scott COTTONELLE or 2-ply facial, another example illustrating the present invention could be paper webs having basis weight of 27 g/m 2 (16 lbs. per ream) of 2,880 square feet were treated at location similar to that disclosed above. The treating fluid comprising the active ingredients dissolved in water is applied at a rate to yield an addition of between 0.017 to 0.543 g/m 2 (0.01 to 0.32 lbs./ream of the compound or 0.1 to 2% by weight of web. Any application technique known in the art which does not unduly compact the web and which evenly distributes the fluid at the desired rate onto the paper web may be employed. These application techniques include spraying, transfer roll coating and gravure printing. If compaction caused by gravure printing is considered too great to the finished product, this step may be carried out prior to the step of bulking by embossing. The amount of compaction which can be suffered is influenced by numerous variables such as the original bulk of the web, consumer expectations regarding bulk and the perceived need for patterned printing which can be achieved by gravure roll methods. The present inventors have found that the benefits perceived by users are best achieved by spraying the treating fluid onto the web. Two sheets were prepared as follows: EXAMPLE 1 A paper web having a basis weight of 31.2 pounds per ream of 2880 square feet (52.9 grams per square meter) was sprayed on one side of the sheet with a Wickenol formulation containing 3.75% glucose glutamate in solution to yield a lotionized sheet containing 0.27% glucose glutamate by weight of the web. EAMPLE 2 A paper web having a basis weight of 33.1 pounds per ream of 2880 square feet (56.2 grams per square meter) was sprayed on one side of the sheet with Alcolac lanolin (RRT-1-200A) containing 5% lanolin in solution to yield a lotionized sheet containing 0.27% lanolin by weight of web. Towels fabricated from sheets made in accordance with the preceding examples 1 and 2 and a control towel were tested by a panel of nurses to evaluate the condition of their hands after repeated drying of their hands. Sensory perceptions are, of course, subjective; however, the results, it is believed, validly rank the towels in relation to one another. The testing procedure asked participants to compare the condition of their hands after four dryings with a control towel against four dryings with a test towel. The control towel consisted of untreated paper towels, commercially available as SCOTT Brand 150 C-fold towels. All test towels were kinder to participants' hands than the control towel, as evidenced by the percentage stating their hands felt the same or better after the dryings. The length of time it took to dry hands with the control towel and the test towels was the same. On average, the drying time was sixteen seconds. The testing procedure comprised a wash and dry sequence as follows: one wash and dry with control towel, followed by one with test towel; four wash and dry sequences with control towel followed by four with test towel; and finally five with test towel. In the test of towels made in accordance with Example 1 (Wickenol), at the end of the test 58% of the participants said their hands felt better, 17% said they felt the same and 25% said their hands felt worse. In the test of towels made in accordance with Example 2 (lanolin) at the end of the test, 27% of the participants said their hands felt better, 9% said they felt the same and 64% said their hands felt worse.
Disclosed are soft, absorbent and bulky cellulosic fibrous webs which have been treated so that they impart a soothing or emollient effect to the human skin when used for wiping or drying while essentially retaining their water-absorbent property and strength. The agent used in the present invention is a condensation product of an amino acid with a reducing sugar.
3
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION Reference is made to and priority claimed from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/003,280, filed 10 Aug. 1995, entitled DEVICE AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING DISCRETE ROLLS OF CHILLED SOLUTIONS OR DISPERSIONS. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method and device for intermittently distributing a solution or dispersion to a drum chiller to form roll products in the manufacture of food, plastics, chemicals, paper and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and device for processing emulsions, dispersions and gelatin solutions into rolls and sheets, such as used in photography. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Drum chillers are well-known in the art, sometimes also referred to as Chilled Rolls or Flakers and are widely used in the food and chemical industries to manufacture food, plastics, chemicals and a variety of other products. In the food industry the drum chillers are used in the manufacture of cereals, such as corn flakes. Corn mesh is continuously distributed to the drum surface by a pipe. The mesh is distributed across the surface of the drum and is dried. The dried mesh is then flaked off the drum by a doctor blade in the form of small, rigid corn flakes that are easy to handle and package. Packaged cheese slices are also produced on drum chilling equipment. Molten cheese is continuously pumped to the drum surface and thinned out between the drum and an auxiliary roller to form an approximately 1/16 inch thick sheet. The sheet of cheese is chilled, then peeled from the drum surface by a doctor blade. After peeling, the sheet is passed through chopping and slitting equipment to form square cheese slices which are then packaged. In the chemical industry, molten plastic is chilled on the drum then flaked similarly to that of cereal in the food industry, or the molten plastic is chilled on the drum to produce continuous sheets of plastic for later coating or other applications. U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,576,137; 2,123,596 and 3,936,549 pertain to steps, parts, constructions, arrangements and combinations for coating moving surfaces on a drum chiller and separating the so-produced material by a scraper blade. In the processing of emulsions, dispersions and gelatin solutions for the production of rolls and sheets used in photography, we have found the above-referred to devices and methods less than satisfactory. Our experiments with photographic gelatin solutions showed that although it is possible to produce flaked products by chilling the coating on the drum similarly to that of food and plastic flakes, the so-produced flaked product lacked enough rigidity and proved impossible to handle without excessive waste. Also, when the gelatin solution was chilled on the drum to form a sheet and peeled from the drum surface by a doctor blade, the chilled product did not exhibit sufficient strength to maintain sheet integrity as it passed through the chopping equipment. When continuous sheets were produced, they could not be handled conveniently and packaged for later use. It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a method and a device for producing discrete rolls of chilled material that can be easily handled in the feeding, packaging, storage and melting processes. Other objects of the present invention include the production of uniform rolls, the provision of a continuous automatic process to produce the rolls, and minimization of waste during the process. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These objectives are accomplished by a device comprising: supply means to deposit an amount of a solution or dispersion or dispersion onto the external surface of a continuously rotating drum chiller to form a solid coating thereon by the action of a refrigerating medium, said amount of solution or dispersion being sufficient to form one chilled roll of coating; means for removing said coating from the external surface of the drum chiller to form said coating into a roll; and means for having a time gap before the next roll formation begins so that the rolls are separated. These and other objectives are accomplished by a method comprising the steps of: depositing an amount of a solution or dispersion onto the external surface of a continuously rotating drum chiller to form a solid coating thereon by the action of a refrigerating medium, said amount of solution or dispersion being sufficient to form one chilled roll of coating; continuously removing said coating from the external surface of the drum chiller to form said coating into a roll; providing means for having a time gap before the next roll formation begins so that the rolls are separated. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, we have discovered that uniform, discrete rolls of solid material may be formed from a continuous-feed of a solution or dispersion in the form of an emulsion, dispersion or gelatin solution, said solution having a viscosity of at least 25 cp at a flow rate of from about 20 to about 100 kg/min, said discrete rolls of said solid material being produced on a device which comprises: (a) a supply pump which receives said solution or dispersion from a supply vessel; (b) an auxiliary weir hopper having a top edge; (c) a level sensor located in the bottom of said weir hopper designed to measure the volume of said solution or dispersion delivered into said auxiliary weir hopper from a distribution bar; (d) means to tip said auxiliary weir hopper 90 degrees relative to its horizontal position to empty a predetermined volume of solution or dispersion from said weir hopper into a puddle hopper; (e) a distribution bar located flush with the top edge of the auxiliary weir hopper said distribution bar comprising: a tubing having open ends to receive said solution or dispersion through said open ends thereof from said supply pump and having a slot at the top of a bar to allow distribution of said solution or dispersion into said auxiliary weir hopper; (f) a rotating drum chiller to receive and cool the solution or dispersion into a solid material delivered onto its surface from a puddle hopper; (g) a puddle hopper located at about 290 degrees from the top of said drum chiller and spaced therefrom and also spaced below said auxiliary weir hopper to receive the solution or dispersion from said auxiliary weir hopper; and (h) a doctor blade located between 290-300 degrees from the top of said drum chiller and in slight contact therewith, said doctor blade having an angle of from about 90 to about 115 degrees to the tangent of the drum surface and is designed to remove said solid material from said drum chiller and to form said solid material into a roll. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention we have discovered a method of producing discrete rolls of solid material formed from a continuous feed of a solution or dispersion in the form of an emulsion, dispersion or gelatin solution, said solution having a viscosity of at least about 25 cp at a flow rate of from about 20 to about 100 kg/min comprises the steps of: (a) delivering said solution or dispersion continuously to an auxiliary weir hopper located above a puddle hopper; (b) filling said auxiliary weir hopper to a predetermined level with said solution or dispersion equivalent to one roll diameter of product; (c) dumping said solution or dispersion from the auxiliary weir hopper into the puddle hopper; (d) depositing said solution or dispersion from said puddle hopper onto a drum chiller to form a coating thereon equivalent to one chilled roll, said drum chiller being rotated continuously; (e) removing said coating from said drum chiller by a doctor blade and forming said coating into a roll; and (f) introducing a gap before the next cycle of roll formation by allowing time for the filling of said auxiliary hopper with said solution or dispersion to a predetermined volume before said solution or dispersion from said auxiliary hopper is dumped into said puddle hopper. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side schematic view of the drum chiller, distribution bar, weir hopper, puddle hopper, doctor blade and supply pump assembly; FIG. 2 is a side schematic view of the weir hopper, distribution bar, lip located on the end of the weir hopper pipe, and sensor fitting; FIG. 3 is a side schematic view of the drum chiller and doctor blade showing optimum doctor blade angle; and FIG. 4 is a side schematic view of the chilled product/roll formation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, which schematically illustrate the major components of the assembly used in the practice of the present invention, the assembly 10 comprises: a supply pump 20; drum chiller 15; distribution bar 30; auxiliary weir hopper 40; puddle hopper 50; and doctor blade 60. Spacial orientation and operation of the assembly are as follows. A solution or dispersion is delivered continuously by supply pump 20 from a supply vessel to distribution bar 30 located at the top of weir hopper 40. The distribution bar 30 contains a small slot to provide for uniform distribution of the solution or dispersion across weir hopper 40 over a wide range of flow and viscosity. The solution or dispersion then flows from the slot into weir hopper 40 and is monitored by level sensor 47 located in the bottom of weir hopper 40. When the level of the solution or dispersion reaches a pre-set point, weir hopper 40 tips 90 degrees and dumps the solution or dispersion into puddle hopper 50. When the solution or dispersion is emptied from weir hopper 40, the weir hopper tips back 90 degrees to the fill position and again begins the cycle. The solution or dispersion flow through distribution bar 30 is continuous throughout this process. The solution or dispersion dumped into puddle hopper 50 immediately begins to coat drum chiller 15 which runs continuously. Since the solution or dispersion is uniformly distributed across puddle hopper 50, the starting edge of the chilled product is even. The solution or dispersion continues to coat drum chiller 15 until puddle hopper 50 is emptied. The chilled product ends with an even edge across the chilled product sheet 68. The chilled product 68 travels around the drum chiller and is cooled to the pre-set temperature point. The product is then removed from the drum chiller by rolling up on the doctor blade 60. When the chilled product is completely rolled up in the form of product roll 70, it drops from the doctor blade onto material handling equipment. A suitable drum chiller commonly used in the food and chemical industries for a variety of applications, such as for example, as a drier to make corn flakes, as a chiller to make plastic flakes and continuous sheets of plastic, is of about 8 feet in diameter, 14 feet wide and has about 326 square feet of cooling capacity. It operates at 1-4 RPM and is cooled with a brine solution of about 32° F. Product inlet temperatures range from about 130° to 95° F. Products produced by the use of the drum chiller are cooled to a final temperature of between 45° to 60° F. The distribution bar comprises of a one inch tubing having a length of between 4 to 7 feet and is fed from both ends. A slot having about 3/32 inch diameter is cut in the top of the distribution bar to allow even distribution of the solution or dispersion. The top of the bar is located flush with the top edge of the weir hopper. While more than one distribution bar may be used with a particular drum chiller, we prefer to use two or three distribution bars. The weir hopper is located directly above the puddle hopper having a minimum clearance of about 4 to 8 inches therefrom to allow space for the level sensor, and comprises a half-round pipe, such as a schedule 40 pipe having an outside diameter of about 4.5 inches, and about 4 to 7 feet in length. The openings of the pipe are capped on both ends. A level sensor is located in the middle bottom of the weir hopper and measures level corresponding to the volume of a solution or dispersion, dispersion or suspension introduced into the weir hopper through the distribution bar. The end caps of the weir are mounted to bearings allowing the weir and the distribution bar to be rotated by an actuator which is positioned 90 degrees to dump. It is critical that the weir hopper produces a clean dump into the puddle hopper without any drips that would lead to waste coated into the gaps. To prevent dripping, a lip was added to the dumping edge of the weir hopper consisting of about 1/16 inch thick by 1/4 inch wide piece of metal located parallel to the radius of the weir hopper. The puddle hopper is located 290 degrees from the top of the drum chiller. Depending on its design it can hold up to about four liters of solution per linear foot of the product. The doctor blade is located adjacent to the bottom of the puddle hopper and is used to remove the product from the drum chiller and to form rolls of the product. It is necessary to provide the doctor blade with a sharp edge in contact with the drum chiller so that the product can be removed efficiently from the drum chiller. The doctor blade is located between 290 and 300 degrees from the top of the drum with an angle of from about 90 to about 110 degrees to a tangent to the drum surface for processing emulsions and with an angle of from about 105 to about 115 degrees to a tangent to the drum surface for dispersion. The solution or dispersion is delivered to the distribution bar, and in turn to the weir hopper and puddle hopper by a supply pump, such as a Waukesha lobe pump through a 1.5 inch ID pipe at a rate of between 20 to 100 kg/min. The process of the present invention is applicable to emulsions, dispersions, and gelatin solutions for producing products for the food and chemical industries. It is important, however, that the viscosity of such emulsions, dispersions and gelatin solutions do not fall below about 25 cp. The use of emulsions, dispersions and gelatin solutions having a viscosity of less than about 25 cp do not produce satisfactory product. It is preferred that the emulsions, dispersions and gelatin solutions have a viscosity of from about 25 to about 500 cp at a flow rate between 20 and 100 kg/min. Experiments were conducted with the device of the present invention and comparable devices of the prior art along with processes of using the same to produce discrete product rolls. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1 A puddle hopper and doctor blade were made into one unit and used in a process wherein the puddle hopper was fed continuously with a solution having a viscosity of about 20 cp to produce a chilled coating of product on the drum. The chilled product rolled up on the doctor blade and broke off under its own weight. Instead of rolls, sheets and strips were primarily produced because the rolls pulled away from the drum surface before they broke off. These forms of product involved high waste and the process was found to be unreliable. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 2 In order to produce discrete and consistent rolls of chilled product, a chopping device was developed to cut the chilled product (referred to in Example 1) across the face of the drum just before the product rolled up on the doctor blade. The method proved complex and inconsistent. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 3 During experiments with the cross cut chopper (referred to in Example 2), it was observed that when the chopper was rotated at a high RPM, it removed a strip of product from the drum surface. If this strip was wide enough, it allowed the rolls to fall off. If the strip was too narrow, the rolls rolled into each other and created the problems previously described. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 4 Orientation of the doctor blade outside at 70 degrees to a tangent to the surface of the drum chiller resulted in poor quality rolls. Experiments on the drum chiller have shown an optimum doctor blade of 90 degrees between the blade surface and the tangent to the drum surface. Angles below 80 degrees produced cracked and small rolls. Angles about 115 degrees did not produce rolls. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 5 Interval coating development on the pilot drum was successful by actually stopping the pump to produce a gap between rolls. Based on a scale up factor and the pump location above the drum, it was reasoned that it is impractical to try and stop flow to the hopper by turning off the pump. A number of alternative methods were then evaluated. Pump Bypass: A pressure relief bypass valve was installed in the down line around the product pump. To stop flow, a valve at the drum was closed to dead head the pump and stop flow to the drum. This caused pressure to build up and open the bypass. When the valve was opened to start filling the hopper again, the pressure blew product across the drum. Attempts to reduce the pressure by adjusting the bypass did not produce a significant improvement in the operation. Divert Flow: The bypass valve was removed from the down line and the pump was allowed to run continuously. A three-way valve located above the hopper was diverted between the hopper and drain to fill the hopper and produce a space between coatings. This method clearly produced discrete rolls, but because product continued to drain from line after the valve the end of the coating was not uniformly distributed and the material did not roll consistently. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 6 Product characteristics (type, viscosity, gelatin concentration) have a major impact on the chillability of products. Pilot experiments have shown that dispersions tend to be more difficult to drum chill than comparable emulsions. The dispersions crack and break apart after chilling. Results have also shown that products below 25 cp (8% gel) do not drum chill well because they are very thin and tend to break up after rolling. The following products were evaluated: Gelatin solutions: 22 cp, 50 cp, 500 cp Emulsions: 9 cp, 76 cp Dispersion: 80 cp, 485 cp, 109 cp, 100 cp. Full scale experiments confirmed and showed that dispersions had a tendency to crack or break after chilling and that optimization of conditions was important. Emulsion and gelatin solutions were very robust. Products below 25 cp were very difficult to handle after chilling and are not recommended for the full scale or pilot drum chilling process. Solution or dispersions as high as 500 cp viscosity have been successfully drum chilled. The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.
A device for producing discrete rolls of chilled solutions or dispersions wherein the combination of a distribution bar, an auxiliary weir hopper and a puddle hopper allows for continuous coating of a rotating chiller drum in producing discrete rolls separated from each other by a time gap built into the deposition of the solutions or dispersions from the hopper to the rotating chilled drum.
1
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to the field of retainers for retaining a safety razor and with shaving blade cartridge attached to the handler so that the safety razor is in condition for immediate shaving use when it is removed from the container. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] The following ten patents and published patent applications are relevant to the present invention. [0005] 1. U.S. Pat. No. 2,551,859 issued to Marcus C. Thompson on May 8, 1951 for “Razor Supporting Means” (hereafter the “Thompson Patent”); [0006] 2. U.S. Pat. No. 3,346,952 issued to Theodore J. Harris on Oct. 17, 1967 for “Safety Razor Holder and Case” (hereafter the “Harris Patent”); [0007] 3. U.S. Pat. No. 3,352,630 issued to George A. Fischer et al. on Nov. 14, 1967 for “Razor Sterilizer” (hereafter the “Fischer Patent”); [0008] 4. U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,858 issued to Gerald A. Sferruzza, Jr. on Apr. 1, 1997 for “Holder for Shaver” (hereafter the “Sferruzza Patent”); [0009] 5. U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,657 issued to Jerry Cox on Nov. 14, 2000 for “Storage Device For A Shaving Razor” (hereafter the “Cox Patent”); [0010] 6. United States Published Patent Application No. 2009/0056151 to Douglas Robert Kohring et al. published on Mar. 5, 2009 for “Razor Storage Case Having Cartridge Securing Supports” (hereafter the “'005615 Kohring Published Patent Application”); [0011] 7. United States Published Patent Application No. 2009/0057170 to Douglas Robert Kohring et al. published on Mar. 5, 2009 for “Razor Storage Case Having Mating Closure Members” (hereafter the “'0057170 Kohring Published Patent Application”); [0012] 8. United States Published Patent Application No. 2009/0172958 to John Prudden, Jr. et al. published on Jul. 9, 2009 for “Pivot Inhibiting Razor Storage Case” (hereafter the “Prudden Published Patent Application”); [0013] 9. United States Published Patent Application No. 2009/0183379 to Ryan Lawrence Johnson published on Jul. 23, 2009 for “Self Cleaning Blade Razor Holder” (hereafter the “Lawrence Published Patent Application”); [0014] 10. United States Published Patent Application No. 2009/0188816 to Ankur Purohit published on Jul. 30, 2009 for “Wet Razor Storage System and Container” (hereafter the “Purohit Published Patent Application”). [0015] The Thompson Patent discloses a container for retaining a safety razor entirely within the container. This invention discloses the concept of having a spring biased container where the entire safety razor is entirely in the container as. [0016] The Harris Patent discloses a safety razor holder and case. The device essentially is designed to retain the razor as best shown in FIG. 1. The outer corner 7 of the cavity is rounded to correspond generally with the forward surface of the razor head; while each inner corner 18 defines a shoulder 19 for engaging the corresponding inner surface 20 of the razor head. [0017] The Fischer Patent discloses the concept of a case which entirely contains a safety razor within the case. Specifically, the patent discloses: “A receptacle for storing a razor head in a vertical position with the blade mounting head immersed in a sterilizing solution. The receptacle is placed in a horizontal position for removal of the razor therefrom by opening a lid. The sterilizing solution is stored within an internal pocket when the receptacle is in the horizontal position to avoid leakage.” [0019] The Sferruzza Patent discloses a wall holder for an arced and handled shaving device. The device essentially has a cup as best illustrated in FIG. 1 which can be mounted on a wall with a safety razor retained within the cup. [0020] The Cox Patent discloses a storage device for a shaving razor. In this respect the device is a container and the safety razor is within the container with a handle extending out of the container. A handle slot 6 capable of receiving a razor handle is formed in roof 27. In the preferred embodiment, the handle slot 6 is a centered slot as shown in FIG. 1. [0021] The '0056151 Kohring Published Patent Application discloses: “A wet shaving razor case suitable for storage of a razor wherein the razor includes a cartridge and adjoining handle and wherein the case comprises an upper portion comprising a handle-receiving recess and a lower portion joined to the upper portion wherein the lower portion comprises a lower spacing member disposed between a forward leverage support and a rear leverage support wherein the cartridge engages with the forward leverage support upon insertion of a leading front surface of the razor into the case.” [0023] The '0057170 Kohring Published Patent Application discloses a razor storage case having mating closure members. The patent discloses: “A wet shaving razor case suitable for storage of a razor having a cartridge and adjoining handle, the case comprises an upper portion comprising a cartridge hold down member disposed at a periphery of said upper portion and a handle-receiving recess; a lower portion joined to the upper portion wherein the lower portion comprises a engagement member positioned along a periphery of the lower portion; and wherein upon closure of the upper portion onto the lower portion the hold down member both secures the cartridge within the case and engages with the engagement member to maintain closure of the upper portion on the lower portion.” [0025] The Prudden Published Patent Application discloses: “A wet shaving razor case suitable for storage of a razor having a cartridge and adjoining handle. The cartridge is pivotal about a pivot axis with respect to the handle. The case includes a lower portion and an upper portion. The upper portion includes a handle-receiving recess and is removably secured to the lower portion between an open position and a closed position. When in the closed position the cartridge is positioned within the case, the handle extends from the case and the case inhibits the cartridge from pivoting with respect to the handle.” [0027] The Johnson Published Patent Application discloses a self-cleaning razor blade holder. Specifically, the patent application discloses: “The present invention includes two main types of razor holders: a self cleaning blade razor hanger, and a self cleaning blade razor stand. The self cleaning blade razor hanger has a hook adapted to hang on a horizontal object including but not limited to a rod, shelf, basket, or plumbing item; a cup shaped container for the purpose of: (a) holding a cleaning and sanitizing agent, such as but not limited to: (1) rubbing alcohol, (2) barbershop/salon disinfectant, or (3) shaving oil; and (b) holding and submersing the entire razor head, including the blade(s), in said cleaning and sanitizing agent; a hinged lid or cover on top of said cup shaped container, having a notch or slot in said lid or cover to allow the razor handle to protrude up through said lid or cover; and a cradle affixed to said hook for the purpose of supporting the handle of said razor in an upright position.” [0029] The Purohit Published Patent Application discloses a wet razor storage system and container. Specifically, the patent application discloses: “A storage vessel for holding between shaves a wet razor with its head and cutting blade submerged in a liquid and its handle held out of the liquid and dry. The vessel liquid is comprised of a mixture of hydrophobic and hygroscopic materials and of anti-viral and anti-bacterial materials, effective to reduce cutting blade oxidation due to exposure to water and air during nonuse storage and to maintain the blade sharp and sanitary for shaving comfort. These materials specifically might be mineral oil and calcium chloride (CaCl.sub.2), and nano-gold or nano-silver.” SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0031] The present invention is a container that retains a razor blade cartridge within the container with a handle attached to the razor blade cartridge with the handle partially within the container and partially extending out of the container on an arcuate handle support base. [0032] The container is a spring biased container to keep it closed and it is necessary to provide a force that overcomes the spring force and opens the container so that the handle and attached razor blade cartridge can be removed from the container which then snaps shut due to the closing spring force, the safety razor with razor blade cartridge and handle are ready for immediate use. [0033] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a spring biased closed sealed container which contains a spring biased mechanism on its rear to close the container. The container has an interior chamber in which is retained at least one razor blade cartridge attached to a handle which is partially within the container and partially extend out of the container, the safety razor retained in a manner so that the safety razor is ready for immediate use when the container is opened by a force which overcomes the closing spring force. The innovation is two-fold. First, the container is spring biased closed so that a handle for a multiplicity of safety razor blade cartridges can be retained with the pointed end of the blades facing downwardly and securely retained and remain in a sharp condition. Through overcoming the spring biasing force by pressing on the back of the container, the back of the cartridge is exposed and the a handle of a safety razor which is attached to the razor blade cartridge can then be removed so that the container can be closed after the razor blade cartridge and attached handle have been removed. [0034] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a container which retains the razor blade cartridge and attached handle in an in use condition, so that the safety razor can be used for shaving purposes without having to hand touch the razor blades or the cartridges and accidently cut a finger. [0035] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an antiseptic pill container within the chamber so that the razor blade is kept free of germs and in a sanitary condition. [0036] Further novel features and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, discussion and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0037] Referring particularly to the drawings for the purpose of illustration only and not limitation, there is illustrated: [0038] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the present invention safety razor container without the safety razor cartridge retained therein; [0039] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the present invention safety razor container without the safety razor cartridge retained therein; [0040] FIG. 3 is a top view of the present invention safety razor container without the safety razor cartridge retained therein; [0041] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the present invention safety razor container without the safety razor cartridge retained therein; [0042] FIG. 5 is a right side view of the present invention safety razor container without the safety razor cartridge retained therein; [0043] FIG. 6 is a left side view of the present invention safety razor container without the safety razor cartridge retained therein; [0044] FIG. 7 is a front view of the present invention safety razor container without the safety razor cartridge retained therein; [0045] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the present invention safety razor container without the safety razor cartridge retained therein; [0046] FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the present invention safety razor container in the opened condition without the safety razor cartridge retained therein; [0047] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the present invention safety razor container in the opened condition with the safety razor cartridge retained therein and an attached handle partially retained within the container and partially extending out of the container; and [0048] FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of the present invention safety razor container in the closed condition with the safety razor cartridge retained therein and an attached handle partially retained within the container and partially extending out of the container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0049] Although specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that such embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative of but a small number of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent applications of the principles of the present invention. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the present invention as further defined in the appended claims. [0050] The first eight figures illustrate the present invention retainer 10 in the closed condition without a safety razor blade cartridge and handle. FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the present invention safety razor container 10 without the safety razor cartridge retained therein. FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the present invention safety razor container 10 without the safety razor cartridge retained therein. FIG. 3 is a top view of the present invention safety razor container 10 without the safety razor cartridge retained therein. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the present invention safety razor container 10 without the safety razor cartridge retained therein. FIG. 5 is a right side view of the present invention safety razor container 10 without the safety razor cartridge retained therein. FIG. 6 is a left side view of the present invention safety razor container 10 without the safety razor cartridge retained therein. FIG. 7 is a front view of the present invention safety razor container 10 without the safety razor cartridge retained therein. FIG. 8 is a rear view of the present invention safety razor container without the safety razor cartridge retained therein. [0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 8 , the components of the present invention container will be described. The container 10 is generally egg-shaped, having a top section 20 , an exterior top surface 22 , a front end 24 with an opening 26 which constitutes a top-half of a total front opening 38 , a rear end 28 with a top opening 30 and a finger depression 32 on the exterior top surface 22 adjacent the rear end 28 . The top section 20 has a rear wall 34 extending downwardly from the top surface 22 . The top surface also has a lower circumferential rim 36 . [0052] The container further comprises a mating bottom section 40 which is a mirror image of the top section 20 , the bottom section including an exterior bottom surface 42 , a front end 44 with an opening 46 which constitutes a bottom half of a total front opening 38 , a finger depression 48 on the exterior bottom surface 42 adjacent a rear end 50 . The bottom section 40 has a rear wall 52 which extends upwardly from the bottom surface 42 . The rear walls 34 and 52 are aligned and come together. The bottom surface 42 has a top circumferential rim 54 . The top section 20 and bottom section 40 are aligned and conform in shape to form a total egg-shaped body with the top circumferential rim 36 and bottom circumferential rim 54 aligned. The front openings 26 an 46 are aligned to form a complete front opening 38 . Therefore, the top section 20 and bottom section 40 are aligned to surround an interior chamber 60 . [0053] A spring biased opening and closing assembly 70 is affixed adjacent to the rear walls 34 and 52 at a location between a lower surface 18 of the rear end 28 of top section 20 and an upper surface 56 of the rear end 50 of bottom section 40 . The lower surface 18 and upper surface 56 are aligned and are respectively at a location rearward from the rear walls 34 and 52 . While a spring is the preferred closing means, other biasing closing members are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention. [0054] The spring biased opening and closing assembly 70 comprises a first lower arcuate post 72 having a lower arcuate section 74 which is attached to the upper surface 56 of the rear end 50 of bottom section 40 . It further comprises a parallel spaced apart second lower arcuate post 76 having a lower arcuate section 78 which is attached to the upper surface 56 of the rear end 50 of bottom section 40 . First arcuate post 72 has an opening 80 and second arcuate post 76 has an opening 82 . A first upper arcuate post 86 is attached to and extends downwardly from lower surface 18 of the rear end 28 of top section 20 and has an opening aligned with opening 80 . A second parallel upper arcuate post 90 is attached to and extends downwardly from lower surface 18 of the rear end 28 of top section 20 and has an opening which is aligned with opening 82 . The two upper arcuate posts 86 and 90 respectively lie just inside of the two lower arcuate posts 72 and 76 . [0055] A dowel 100 extends through the four openings 80 , two other openings not shown and 82 and is supported by the four posts 72 . 86 , 90 , and 76 . A bias spring 110 is wound around dowel 100 and has spring ends, of which a first spring end 102 rests against upper surface 18 of the rear end 28 of top section 20 and the second spring end 104 rests against the upper surface 56 of the rear end 50 of bottom section 40 . [0056] The bias spring 110 forces the top section 20 and bottom section 40 of the container 10 together so that the container is in the closed position. A squeezing force on the finger depressions 32 and 48 overcomes the bias spring closing force and forces the top section 20 away from the bottom section 40 with the dowel 100 acting as the fulcrum about which the top section 20 and bottom section 40 rotate. [0057] Referring to FIG. 9 , the container 10 is shown in the opened condition with an interior chamber 60 which is surrounded by the top section 20 and bottom section 40 when closed. The interior chamber 60 further comprises a cavity 130 into which an antiseptic pill 120 can be inserted. [0058] Referring to FIG. 10 , a safety razor 200 is inserted into the interior chamber 60 , so that a razor blade cartridge 210 rests entirely within the interior chamber 60 and is retained by a portion of the interior lower wall 41 of the bottom section 40 and the raised wall 132 of the inferior cavity 130 . A razor blade 220 within the razor blade cartridge 210 faces into the interior chamber toward the interior surface 43 of bottom section 40 so that a person won't cut himself on the razor blade 220 . A safety razor handle 230 is attached to the razor blade cartridge 210 and rests partially within the interior chamber 120 and extends out of the opening 38 formed by partial openings 26 and 48 . [0059] Referring to FIG. 11 , the container 10 is illustrated in the closed position with a portion of the handle 230 extending out of the opening 38 formed by partial openings 26 and 46 . [0060] To use the safety razor, the container 10 is opened by a force to overcome the spring biasing closing force as previously described and when the container 10 is in the opened condition as illustrated in FIG. 10 , the safety razor 200 can be quickly removed and is ready for immediate use. The antiseptic pill assures that the razor blade 230 will remain free of germs. [0061] The container 10 can be made out of material selected from the group consisting of plastic polyethylene and metal. [0062] Of course the present invention is not intended to be restricted to any particular form or arrangement, or any specific embodiment, or any specific use, disclosed herein, since the same may be modified in various particulars or relations without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention hereinabove shown and described of which the apparatus or method shown is intended only for illustration and disclosure of an operative embodiment and not to show all of the various forms or modifications in which this invention might be embodied or operated.
A container that retains a razor blade cartridge within the container with a handle attached to the razor blade cartridge with the handle partially within the container and partially extending out of the container. The container is a spring biased container to keep it closed and it is necessary to provide a force that overcomes the spring force and open the container so that the handle and attached razor blade cartridge can be removed from the container which then snaps shut due to the closing spring force, the safety razor with razor blade cartridge and handle are ready for immediate use.
0
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a device for reducing wear between relatively movable parts within the combustion chamber assembly of an aircraft engine and for promoting improved fuel consumption for the engine. More particularly, the subject invention relates to a self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly having multiple degrees of freedom so as to maintain the alignment of the swirler and the fuel nozzle, while accommodating any relative displacements of the combustor liner, which contains the swirler, with respect to a combustor housing to which the fuel nozzle is fixedly secured. A gas turbine engine is essentially designed for the sole purpose of producing high velocity gases at a jet nozzle. These high velocity gases are produced in the engine by the ignition of a mixture of compressed air and fuel. The combustion of the fuel air mixture occurs within the combustion chamber assembly of the engine which basically includes a combustor housing and a thin metallic combustor liner disposed within the combustor housing and mounted thereto at one end in cantilevered fashion. The combustor liner includes an internal combustion chamber in which ignition of the compressed air and fuel takes place. The resulting post-combustion gases are expelled from the combustion chamber assembly, pass through the turbine, and are thence propelled through the jet nozzle to the atmosphere. The burner section of the engine should be designed so that combustion efficiency is maintained at a high level. More particularly, there should be no tendency for the engine to burn out, nor should burning occur after the gases leave the outlet, i.e., complete combustion should occur entirely within the burner section. Presently known methods for promoting complete combustion include introducing fuel into the airstream as it enters the combustion chamber by means of the fuel nozzle. The fuel nozzle employs a pressure atomizing principle to aspirate the fuel in a manner providing a uniform distribution of fine particles of fuel. Fuel in this form is suitable for rapid mixing with the incoming air for combustion. Often a swirler is used in conjunction with the nozzle to more evenly distribute large quantities of the fuel-air mixture within the combustion chamber to promote rapid burning. In these prior art burner sections, the fuel nozzle is fixedly mounted to the combustor housing and extends through the swirler which is fixedly mounted to the combustor liner. A problem with prior art swirler and fuel nozzle devices arises because typical burner sections are subject to rather extreme forces due to thermal displacements during operation of the engine. For example, the heat released per cubic foot of combustion space in the large turbojet engine is several thousand times as great as the heat released per cubic foot of burner space in an ordinary home-heating burner. At the same time, however, the burner section of the turbojet engine is also designed to deliver post combustion gases to the turbine at a temperature which does not exceed allowable limits. In most burner sections this is accomplished because only a small portion of the air entering the combustor housing from the compressor flows into the combustion chamber for ignition with the fuel, while a greater portion forms a cooling residual air flow at the outside of the combustor liner which tends to reduce the overall temperature of the total gases passing through the section. Large amounts of heat are released from the combustor liner to the residual air flow passing through the combustor housing, so that large thermal gradients are generated in the engine during use. In addition, the pressure within a 10,000 pound-thrust turbojet combustion chamber, which is enclosed by only a relatively thin thickness of steel wall, is approximately ten times as great as the pressure within the average industrial burner which is enclosed by very thick walls of fire brick and other materials. Further, very large noise levels are produced by the propulsion of large amounts of high velocity gases out of the jet nozzle. The latter, plus the movement of both the compressor and turbine vanes act to produce extensive vibrational effects throughout the engine. The thermal gradients, internal pressures, and vibrational forces act upon the various components within the burner section in a manner to cause displacements in their relative positions. Particularly troublesome is the fact that the thin steel wall combustor liner is very susceptible to these forces and as a result frequent displacements of the liner with respect to the combustor housing are experienced in normal operation of the engine. In prior art burner sections, when the combustor liner moves the swirler moves. However, the fuel nozzle extending within the swirler remains stationary, resisting the movement of the swirler, so that movement of the liner causes wear in both the swirler and the fuel nozzle parts. When the fuel nozzle is damaged, fuel tends to be splattered into the combustion chamber rather than being sprayed therein in uniform droplets, thereby decreasing the uniform mixing of fuel and air, and thus inhibiting complete combustion. In prior art aircraft engines, it has been known to provide a swirler with an interior having a series of ridges. The frequent displacement of the combustor liner causes the ridges to act as a knife against the fuel nozzle and in some cases to actually shear off the spray end of the nozzle. When wearing and damage occurs in the swirler, the fuel mixture entering the chamber is less enriched with air and less evenly distributed throughout the chamber, also leading to retarded or incomplete combustion. Also observed, is the fact that sometimes the combustor liner moves away from the fuel nozzle thereby partially dislodging it from the swirler. A problem arises if the liner then moves towards the nozzle again at an angle. The latter motion could jam the nozzle within the swirler in a misaligned position, leading to a permanent displacement of the liner relative to the combustor housing. In this instance, the combustion efficiency of the engine is reduced because the air enrichment of the fuel reaching the combustor chamber is poor and large amounts of fuel are misdirected and remain unburned. Accordingly, in order to overcome the shortcomings of prior art devices, it is an object of the subject invention to provide a device for maintaining the proper alignment of the swirler and fuel nozzle for any displacement of the combustor liner relative to the combustor housing during operation of the aircraft engine. It is another object of the subject invention to provide a device for reducing wear of the swirler and the fuel nozzle parts during operation of the engine. It is a further object of the subject invention to improve the fuel efficiency of an aircraft engine by providing a self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly capable of compensating for relative movement between a liner and a combustor housing in six degrees of freedom. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The new and improved self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly of the subject invention comprises a device having a plurality of degrees of freedom for mounting a swirler member within a combustor liner of a turbine engine in such manner that the swirler member and the fuel nozzle remain in an aligned position throughout various displacements of the combustor liner relative to the combustor housing during operation of the engine. The plurality of degrees of freedom are provided in the subject assembly by combining a ball and socket joint within a structure permitting displacement along the three main Cartesian directions of the rectangular axis system. As is well known, in a combustion chamber assembly a fuel nozzle is mounted on the combustor housing and extends into the combustion chamber formed by a combustor liner. A swirler element surrounds the nozzle and extends into the interior of the combustion chamber through an entrance opening in the combustor liner. The new and improved self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly of the subject invention comprises a swirler and socket housing assembly which includes a swirler member having a spherical ball portion extending from one end thereof. The ball portion is retained within an elongated socket housing having a complementary socket defined by its radially interior surface. Inner and outer mounting plates are disposed on either side of the combustor liner at the entrance opening and extend radially inward to form an annular slot between them. Each of the mounting plates has a central aperture therein, and the plates are fixed to the liner with their apertures in register. A tubular sleeve member is inserted through the apertures of the mounting plates, and includes a radially outward extending flange or lip portion having a diameter greater than the diameter of the registered apertures in the mounting plates. The flange is disposed in the annular slot formed between the inner and outer mounting plates such that the plates slidably retain the sleeve member in a manner permitting transverse motion of the sleeve member in the plane defined by the flange. The interior of the tubular sleeve member is adapted to slidably receive the swirler and socket housing assembly, with the socket housing extending through the sleeve member. A retention member, connected to the exterior end of the socket housing retains the swirler and socket housing assembly within the sleeve member at the entrance of the combustion chamber of the engine. An elongated fuel nozzle having an intermediate step portion is secured to the combustor housing of the engine, and slidably extends into the swirler member such that the swirler member rests against the step portion of the fuel nozzle. A spring biases the swirler member against the stepped portion of the fuel nozzle. During operation of the turbine engine, any excursions of the combustor liner with respect to the combustor housing are accommodated by the new and improved self-aligning assembly of the subject invention without altering the aligned engagement of the fuel nozzle and the swirler, thereby reducing wear of the swirler and fuel nozzle parts, and promoting improved fuel economy for the engine. Further objects and advantages of the subject invention will become apparent from a reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a combustor section of a turbine engine having the new and improved self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly of the subject invention installed therein. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the new and improved self-aligning fuel nozzle of the subject invention. FIG. 3 is an elevational, cross-sectional view of the new and improved self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly in its assembled form. FIG. 4 is an elevational view, in cross-section, of the new and improved self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly and showing a radial displacement of the combustor liner relative to the combustor housing. FIG. 5 is an elevational view, in cross-section, of the new and improved self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly and showing an axial displacement of the combustor liner relative to the combustor housing. FIG. 6 is an elevational view, in cross-section of the new and improved self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly and showing a rotational displacement of the combustor liner relative to the combustor housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, the combustion chamber assembly of a gas turbine engine is generally designated by the numeral 10 and includes combustor housing 12 disposed between the compressor/diffuser outlet 14 and the turbine inlet 16. A combustor liner 24 is constructed to form an interior combustion chamber 36 and is disposed wholly within enclosure 22. The combustor liner 24 is mounted in a cantilever fashion at the forward end of assembly 10, at its upper side to the compressor/diffuser outlet ducting at point 26, and at its lower side to combustor housing 12 at point 28. An entrance to the combustion chamber 36 is formed by an opening in the combustor liner 24 and a swirler assembly 34 is disposed within the entrance. A fuel nozzle 18 is mounted at one end wall 20 of the combustor housing 12, such that it extends within the enclosure 22 defined by combustor housing 12 and engages the swirler 30. The new and improved self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly 34 is disposed within combustor liner 24 and includes swirler 30 having a ball portion 44, socket housing 50 constructed to receive ball portion 44, tubular sleeve element 86 having a flange 90, and inner and outer plates 74 and 76 which form an annular slot to receive flange 90. The interior of combustor liner 24 defines the combustion chamber 36 where ignition of the fuel-compressed air mixture occurs. Incoming compressed air A flows from the compressor/diffuser section via outlet 14 into the enclosure 22 defined by combustor housing 12. The compressed air A surrounds combustor liner 24 and enters combustion chamber 36 at the opposed end 32 of combustor liner 24 and thence flows past the fuel nozzle 18. Fuel nozzle 18 mixes the compressed air with fine particles of fuel and directs the fuel air mixture through swirler member 30 to uniformly distribute the mixture within the combustion chamber 36. Compressed air A also enters combustion chamber 36 through side openings 38 within the walls of combustor liner 24. After the fuel air mixture is ignited, the post combustion gases exit the combustion chamber 36 via turbine inlet 16. Referring now to FIG. 1, 2, and 3, the new and improved self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly 34 of the subject invention comprises a plurality of components including swirler member 30. Swirler member 30 includes a radially extending swirler portion 42 extending from one end and a spherical ball portion 44 extending from the opposed end thereof. A plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures 46 are disposed in swirler member 30 at a point between swirler portion 42 and ball portion 44. In addition, swirler member 30 includes a longitudinally extending aperture 48 for slidably receiving the fuel nozzle 18. Self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly 34 also includes a tubular socket housing 50 designed to receive the ball portion 44 of swirler member 30. Socket housing 50 includes an anterior end 52 and a distal end 54, with the socket housing 50 being generally cylindrical. A radially extending edge 56 extends from the anterior end 52, while a generally rectangular groove 58 is disposed adjacent the distal end 54. Tubular socket housing 50 further includes a longitudinally extending internal opening 60 of irregular cross section. Internal opening 60 includes a first section 62 having a constant diameter extending from distal end 54 to a point 64 intermediate the length of socket housing 50. A spheroidal section 66 extends from intermediate point 64 to the anterior end 52 of socket housing 50 and defines a socket member for slidably receiving the ball portion 44 to form a ball and socket joint between the swirler member 30 and socket housing 50. Spheroidal section 66 further includes circumferentially spaced longitudinal grooves 68 which communicate with a rectangular recessed area 70. A plurality of longitudinally extending, circumferentially spaced apertures 72 extend between recessed area 70 and radially extending edge 56. Apertures 72 are arranged in alignment with grooves 68 to permit the passage of cool air through the grooves 68, into the recessed area 70 and out through peripheral apertures 72 for aiding in cooling of the swirler member 30. The cool air flowing from peripheral apertures 72 acts to cool swirler portion 42 from the base, along the flange to the outer edges of swirler portion 42. The cool air flow through the housing 50 is also effective to inhibit cracking of the swirler. As depicted in FIG. 2, tubular socket housing 50 is preferably formed of a pair of mirror image parts in order to facilitate the engagement and assembly of ball portion 44 therein. Self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly 34 also includes first and second mounting plates 74 and 76, respectively, which are disposed at the respective inner and outer surfaces of combustor liner 24. Both first mounting plate 74 and second mounting plate 76 contain centrally located apertures 78, 78. First mounting plate 74 is secured to second mounting plate 76 with their respective apertures in register, by rivets 80 in the preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, although a welded connection may be used. Further, first and second mounting plates 74 and 76 respectively, preferably include circumferentially spaced apertures 82 which communicate with central apertures 78 by means of radial slits 84, as shown in FIG. 2, for passage of cooling air to the hotter parts of the swirler which are in the bottom side of the swirler. A sleeve member 86 including elongated cylindridal portion 88 having a cross sectional diameter smaller than the cross sectional diameter of the apertures 78, 78 in the first and second mounting plates 74 and 76 respectively, extends through aperture 78 in second mounting plate 76. Sleeve member 86 also includes a radially extending lip portion 90 extending from one end thereof which has a cross sectional diameter larger than an aperture 78, 78, in the first and second mounting plates 74 and 76. Lip portion 90 is disposed intermediate and in slidable relation to the first and second mounting plates 74 and 76 such that the latter retain sleeve member 86 in a manner permitting freedom of motion of sleeve member 86 in two orthagonal directions in the plane defined intermediate the first and second mounting plates 74 and 76. Sleeve member 86 further includes a longitudinally extending aperture 92 which is adapted to slidably receive tubular socket housing 50. The distal end 54 of socket housing 50 extends through cylindrical portion 88. Although the preferred embodiment described herein includes two mounting plates disposed on opposite surfaces of the combustor liner 24, with the lip portion 90 of sleeve member 86 slidably disposed therebetween, an equivalent construction which allows the above mentioned two degrees of freedom of movement of the sleeve member may also be employed. For example, the combustor liner 24 itself could be reinforced so that only one mounting plate need be mounted thereto to define a structure for slidably retaining sleeve member 86, or two plates may be bonded to each other and mounted to one surface of the combustor liner 24. Self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly 32 additionally includes a washer 94 disposed adjacent second mounting plate 76. Washer 94 is of a size such that the elongated cylindrical portion 88 of sleeve member 86 extends through its central opening. One end of a helical spring 96 is disposed in a peripheral channel in washer 94, while the other end of the spring 96 bears against a spring retainer 98. The latter includes a peripheral channel portion 100 disposed at one side thereof for receiving the helical spring 96. The distal end 54 of socket housing 50 also extends centrally through the spring retaining member 98, and a split spring washer 102 is disposed within the rectangular groove 58 at the distal end 54 of socket housing 50. When assembled, spring washer 102 secures the two mirror image parts of socket housing 50 together. In addition, spring washer 102 includes two tab portions 104, 104 which are operative to retain the socket housing 50 in the sleeve member 86 thereby retaining the various components of self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly 34 as a single unit mounted to combustor liner 24. The new and improved fuel nozzle assembly 34 is shown fully assembled position in FIG. 3. As illustrated therein, swirler member 30 is slidably engaged within socket housing 50 which in turn is slidably engaged within sleeve member 86. The latter is slidably retained by first and second mounting plates 74 and 76, with radially extending lip portion 90 disposed therebetween. The combustor liner 24 is mounted within the combustor housing 12 such that the fuel nozzle 18 extends within the aperture 48 of the swirler member 30. Fuel nozzle 18 has an intermediate step portion 106 which is of greater diameter than aperture 48. The arrangement of aperture 48 and step 106 is operative to limit the extent of insertion of the fuel nozzle 18 within the swirler member 30. Further, the combustor liner 24 is installed in such manner that the swirler member 30 is biased against step portion 106 of fuel nozzle 18 by means of helical spring 94. The new and improved self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly 34 of the subject invention is operative to maintain the alignment of swirler member 30 and fuel nozzle 18 throughout the full range of differential displacements or relative movement of the combustor liner 24, relative to the combustor housing during operation of the engine. Combustor liner 24 is made of thin steel and displacements of the liner may occur because of the thermal expansions and/or vibrational forces resulting from operation of the engine. FIG. 4 illustrates the accommodation of a radial displacement ("Δ") of the liner 24 by the self-aligning assembly 34 of the subject invention. The accommodation of such radial motions is made possible by the slidable engagement of the sleeve member 86 between the first and second mounting plates 74 and 76, which extend from the liner 24. The condition depicted in FIG. 4 is one wherein the combustor liner 24 has moved downwardly relative to combustor housing 12. As described above, the elongated cylindrical portion 88 of the sleeve member 86 has a cross sectional diameter smaller than that of the central aperture 78 in second mounting plate 76 through which it extends. With the centers of elongated, cylindrical portion 88 and aperture 78 in a concentric position, the magnitude of radial displacements which may be accommodated by the new and improved assembly 34 of the subject invention is equal to the difference between their respective radii. In other words, either the sleeve member 86 is free to move within the first and second mounting plates 74 and 76, or the combustor liner 24 is free to move relative to the sleeve member until the elongated cylindrical portion 88 comes in contact or abuts a side of aperture 78 within second mounting plate 76. The mounting of combustor liner 24 within combustor housing 12 whereby the swirler member 30 is spring biased against fuel nozzle 18 is sufficient to retain the swirler member 30 and the fuel nozzle 18 in alignment so that when a radial displacement of the combustor liner 24 occurs, sleeve member 88 remains stationary while the liner 24 shifts around it. As shown in FIG. 4 the liner 24 has moved downward so that the top side of elongated, cylindrical portion 88 is abutting the top side of aperture 78 in second mounting plate 76, while at bottom sides thereof the distance between cylindrical portion 88 and aperture 78 has increased when compared with their respective positions as shown in FIG. 3. The magnitude of radial displacements of the liner which may be accommodated by the self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly 34 can be adjusted so that it is greater than or equal to any observed radial displacement in an engine by simply adjusting the relative cross-sectional diameters of the cylindrical portion 88 of sleeve member 86 and of the central aperture 78 in the second mounting plate 76. FIG. 5 illustrates axial displacement of the combustor liner 24 relative to the housing. As indicated by the arrows, combustor liner 24 has moved towards fuel nozzle 18. The self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly 34 accommodates this movement through the sliding of socket housing 50 within sleeve member 86. As combustor liner 24 moves toward the end wall 20 of combustor housing 12, sleeve member 86 slides forward around tubular socket housing 50, with such movement resulting in compression of helical spring 96. Fuel nozzle 18 and the swirler member 30 remain engaged during the displacement of the combustor liner 24. In the event combustor liner 24 is displaced in the opposite direction, i.e., away from end wall 20 and the fuel nozzle 18, the helical spring 96 will expand thereby drawing socket housing 50 through sleeve member 86 towards the fuel nozzle 18 such that swirler member 30 and fuel nozzle 18 remain engaged and aligned during an axial displacement in this direction also. Referring to FIG. 6, a rotational displacement ("α") of combustor liner 24 relative to fuel nozzle 18 is depicted. Rotational displacements of the combustor liner 24 are accommodated within the new and improved self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly 34 by means of the ball and socket joint between swirler member 30 and socket housing 50. When a rotational displacement of the combustor liner 24 occurs, the swirler member 30 remains biased against the fuel nozzle 18 in its aligned position, while socket housing 50 rotates around the ball portion 44 of swirler member 30. The plurality of degrees of freedom provided by the new and improved self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly accommodate displacements of the combustor liner relative to the housing, while maintaining the alignment of the swirler member and the fuel nozzle. For example, if a rotational excursion of the liner occurs, part of the compensation for such movement within the self-aligning assembly will be provided by the degrees of freedom in the radial directions and axial directions. Hence, the self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly of the subject invention reduces the development of local stresses between the swirler member and the fuel nozzle thereby minimizing wear and consequent failure of these parts. The subject self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly, by maintaining the alignment of the swirler member and the fuel nozzle, ensures a well distributed and highly enriched fuel air mixture within the combustion chamber thereby promoting increased fuel efficiency for the engine. While the subject invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment it is apparent that various modifications, alterations and changes may be made therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the subject invention as defined by the appended claims.
A self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly is provided for maintaining the alignment of a swirler member and a fuel nozzle upon displacement of the combustor liner relative to the combustor housing of a combustion chamber assembly in a turbine engine. The self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly mounts the swirler member to the combustor liner by a device having six degrees of freedom including a ball and socket joint which is placed within a structure so as to permit movement in the three main Cartesian directions of a rectangular axis system. The combustor liner is installed within the combustor housing in such manner that the fuel nozzle is slidably received within the swirler, with the swirler being biased against the fuel nozzle by a helical spring member forming part of the assembly. The self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly reduces the development of local stresses between the swirler and the fuel nozzle so that wearing between these parts is reduced. The swirler member and fuel nozzle are retained in aligned positions so that the self-aligning fuel nozzle assembly promotes improved fuel economy in the engine.
5
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to an improved process for the production of urea from ammonia and carbon dioxide via synthesis at adequate pressure and temperature. The urea formation takes place in a synthesis zone (or zones) where an excess of free ammonia is kept to favour high conversions. This improved process covers, in particular, a new treatment step to recover and recycle the unreacted materials (free ammonia and carbamate) from the reaction zone (or zones) in an optimal way to minimize energy consumption and investment costs. 2. Description of the Prior Art. It is known that high reaction yields are favoured by a high ammonia excess (compared with the stoichiometric ratio) which require however a high reactor operating pressure and, as a consequence, complex and energy consuming treatment sections downstream the reactor to remove and recycle said excess ammonia and the residual carbamate from the produced urea. Some processes have been recently studied to minimize energy and investment requirement for the treatment sections downstream the reactor, but they are still complex and still require considerable amount of energy. The U.S. Pat. No. 4,208,347 (Montedison), known as the IDR process (Isobaric Double Recycle), describes a two steps stripping treatment scheme where carbamate is removed with ammonia as stripping agent, in the first step, while free ammonia is removed with carbon dioxide as stripping agent, in the second step. A certain complexity of this scheme is evident. The U.S. Pat. No. 4,321,410 (Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals and Toyo Engineering) known as the ACES process (Advanced Process for Cost and Energy Saving) describes a two steps stripping treatment performed in a newly designed stripper where the urea reactor effluent is contacted with the gases (mainly NH 3 and CO 2 ) coming from a falling film exchanger in an adiabatic first treatment step where free ammonia is removed and successively treated in the falling film exchanger (second treatment step) counter-currently with carbon dioxide introduced as stripping agent to remove the residual carbamate. With this process the amount of free ammonia that can be removed from the reactor effluent is limited due to the presence of NH 3 in the gases contacting the urea solution in the adiabatic step, while a minimum content of free ammonia in the urea solution is desirable to obtain optimal carbamate removal in the subsequent CO 2 stripping step. The Italian patent application No. 24357A/80 (Snamprogetti) describes a process very similar to the Montedison one but with the two treatment steps at different pressure (non isobaric). None of the above mentioned new processes achieve the direct recycle to the reactor of the free ammonia separated form the reactor effluent, which is optimal to minimize investment and energy consumption. The indirect recycle of ammonia in the downstream sections is made via acqueous solutions with the recycle of water in the reactor, which is detrimental for reaction yields. The last generation processes, followed by the cited new generation ones, were dominated by the Stamicarbon CO 2 stripping and Snamprogetti NH 3 stripping processes both using only one high pressure treatment step. In the Stamicarbon CO 2 stripping process, the reactor effluent with a low free ammonia content is directly treated in the CO 2 stripper to remove the residual carbamate. The content of ammonia in the reactor is kept low to have optimal carbamate separation in the CO 2 stripper, but reaction yields are low with consequent high investment and energy consumption. In the Snamprogetti NH 3 stripping process the reactor effluent with a higher free ammonia content is also directly treated in a "self stripping" treatment step to remove carbamate. An important amount of free ammonia is still present in the urea solution leaving the stripper and is separately recycled to the reactor using pumps. This scheme implies the use of a rectifying column to separate pure ammonia with high costs and energy consumption. None of the last generation processes also achieves the direct recycle to the reactor of the free ammonia separated from the reactor effluents with minimum investment and energy consumption. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The direct recycle to the reaction zone of important amounts of ammonia is an optimal way of minimizing energy and investment costs which is the main objective of the present invention. It has been surprisingly discovered that important amounts of ammonia can be economically separated from the effluents of reactors operating with high excess ammonia and therefore with high conversion yields, obtaining minimal excess of ammonia content in the urea solution which can be subsequently treated with maximum efficiency in a falling film exchanger with a counter-current of CO 2 stripping stream to remove the residual carbamate. Knowingly the presence of ammonia is detrimental to CO 2 stripping efficiency. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The new process is described with reference to FIG. 1 which represents one of the possible embodiments of the invention. The urea solution obtained in the high conversion yield reactor (R) with the presence therefore of a consistant amount of ammonia excess over the stoichiometric amount, is treated in the adiabatic step (S) where the major part of the excess ammonia is removed thanks to the intimate contact of the solution with a small amount of fresh CO 2 fed to step (S) by line 1. Line 2 feeds the urea solution from the reactor (R), which can be of conventional design, to the step (S), while the direct recycle of the separated excess ammonia from step (S) is made through line 3. The urea solution with minimum excess ammonia from step (S) is then fed (line 4) to a CO 2 stripper (ST), also of conventional design, where carbamate is removed with maximum efficiency in a falling film exchanger with counter-current fresh CO 2 used as stripping agent introduced through line 5. The vapors (mainly NH 3 and CO 2 coming from carbamate decomposition) from stripper (ST) are fed through line 6 to the carbamate condenser (CC) where evolved heat is removed producing steam (line 7) utilized for the urea solution conventional treatment steps (not represented in the figure) downstream stripper (ST). The carbamate condenser (CC) receives also the carbamate solution (line 8) from the above-mentioned, not represented, treatment steps and the inerts introduced with the CO 2 which are vented from reactor (R) (line 9). Said inerts, after removal in the carbamate condenser (CC) of the residual NH 3 and CO 2 , are vented from the system (line 20). The feed ammonia (line 10) is partially sent (line 11) to the reactor after preheating, for reactor heat balance purposes, in preheater (P) and partially sent to the carbamate condenser (CC) (line 12). Line 13 feeds the fresh CO 2 , the major part of which is sent to the stripper (ST) (line 5) and a minor part is sent to step (S) (line 1). The urea solution (line 14) after treatment in stripper (ST), with optimal residual content of carbamate, is finally sent to the conventional treatment steps to obtain the desired final urea product. The carbamate solution from carbamate condenser (CC) is recycled to reactor by gravity (line 15). It is critical that an intimate contact of short duration (a few seconds) between the urea solution with excess ammonia and the introduced fresh CO 2 be obtained in the adiabatic ammonia separation step (S). FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, where an appropriate layer of mass transfer promoter (L) (for ex. rings or trays) is foreseen, represent different embodiments of the invention, where: in FIG. 1 the layer of appropriate mass transfer promoter (L) is installed in a separate equipment (E) the top part of which (T) functions as separator for the evolved ammonia collection. An appropriate liquid distributor (D) is also foreseen; in FIG. 2 the ammonia removal step (S) is located in the bottom part of the reactor (R) where the layer (L) of appropriate mass transfer promoter is installed in a reactor bottom empty space (ES); in FIG. 3 the ammonia removal step (S) is also located in the bottom part of the reactor (R), where the layer (L) of appropriate mass transfer promoter is installed in a reactor bottom empty space (ES) of reduced diameter. FIG. 4 represents the preferred embodiment of the invention. In the adiabatic ammonia separation step (S) the intimate contact between the urea solution with excess ammonia (stream 2) and the introduced fresh CO 2 (stream 1) is obtained in a very short time, achieving a very high mass transfer, in a Venturi type mixer (VM). The evolved ammonia vapor is then separated from the urea solution in the separator (SEP). The advantageous features of the invention can be evidenced by the following comparison of the energy consumption (steam consumption in the loop) of the above mentioned known processes (last and new generation processes) with those of the examples describing the present invention. The consumption figures of the known processes are taken from Dooyeweerd and Messen, Nitrogen issue n. 143 May 1983. ACES Process (MT/TEC): 474 kg of 22 bar steam for 1000 kg urea IDR Process (Montedison): 524 kg of 22 bar steam for 1000 kg urea CO 2 Stripping (Stamicarbon): 633 kg of 18 bar steam for 1000 kg urea EXAMPLES 1 and 2: 190 kg of 22 bar steam for 1000 kg urea EXAMPLE 3: 150 kg of 8 bar steam for 1000 kg urea The features of the invention will be better illustrated by the following examples, where isobaric loops are described. The same improved results can be obtained with schemes where the stripper (S) operates at lower pressure than the ammonia separation step (S). EXAMPLE 1 Reference is made to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 (isobaric loop) ______________________________________Reactor (R) operating conditionsNH.sub.3 /CO.sub.2 molar ratio 4.5H.sub.2 O/CO.sub.2 molar ratio 0.4temperature 188° C.pressure 180 barconversion rate (CO.sub.2 to urea) 74%Streams composition and quantitiesStream (13) Fresh CO.sub.2 45.833 kg (100° C.)Stream (1) Fresh CO.sub.2 to the 4.375 kg (100° C.)ammonia separation step (S)Stream (5) Fresh CO.sub.2 to the 41.458 kg (100° C.)stripper (ST)Stream (10) Fresh NH.sub.3 35.417 kg (25° C.)Stream (2) Urea solutionfrom reactor NH.sub.3 72.250 kg 40.19% CO.sub.2 16.125 kg 8.97% Urea 62.500 kg 34.77% H.sub.2 O 28.875 kg 16.07% 179.750 kg 100.00% Temperature 188° C.Stream (4) Urea solution from NH.sub.3 29.750 kg 21.17%the ammonia separation step (S) CO.sub.2 20.000 kg 14.24%to the stripper (ST) Urea 62.500 kg 44.48% H.sub.2 O 28.250 kg 20.11% 140.500 kg 100.00% Temperature: 191° C.Stream (3) Direct recycle of NH.sub.3 42.500 kg 97.42%ammonia to the reactor (R) CO.sub.2 500 kg 1.14% H.sub.2 O 625 kg 1.44% 43.625 kg 100.00% Temperature: 190° C.Stream (14) Urea solution from NH.sub.3 16.000 kg 12.98%the stripper (ST) CO.sub.2 17.250 kg 14.00% Urea 62.500 kg 51.71% H.sub.2 O 27.500 kg 22.31% 123.250 kg 100.00% Temperature: 175° C.Stream (6) NH.sub.3 + CO.sub.2 vapors NH.sub.3 13.750 kg 23.43%from the stripper (ST) CO.sub.2 44.208 kg 75.30% H.sub.2 O 750 kg 1.27% 58.708 kg 100.00% Temperature: 190° C.Stream (8) Carbamate solution NH.sub.3 16.000 kg 38.10%from downstream sections CO.sub.2 17.250 kg 41.07% H.sub.2 O 8.750 kg 20.83% 42.000 kg 100.00%Energy consumptionSteam consumption for stripper 190 kg 22 bar steam for 1000 of(ST) of urea______________________________________ In the downstream sections (not represented in the figure) for the removal and recycle of the residual NH 3 and CO 2 contained in the urea solution coming from the CO 2 stripper, before final urea solution vacuum concentration to obtain finished product, the 6 to 7 bar steam produced in the carbamate condenser (CC) can be used. By the use of the technique of process to process direct heat recovery (multiple effect system) no extra steam will have to be imported from the plant battery limits. EXAMPLE 2 Reference is made to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 (isobaric loop) ______________________________________Reactor (R) operating conditionsNH.sub.3 /CO.sub.2 Molar Ratio 4.5H.sub.2 O/CO.sub.2 Molar Ratio 0.4temperature 188° C.pressure 180 barconversion rate (CO.sub.2 to urea) 74%Streams composition and quantitiesStream (13) Fresh CO.sub.2 45.833 kg (100° C.)Stream (1) Fresh CO.sub.2 to the 1.744 kg (100° C.)ammonia separation step (S)Stream (5) Fresh CO.sub.2 to the 44.084 kg (100° C.)stripper (ST)Stream (10) Fresh NH.sub.3 35.417 kg (25° C.)Stream (2) Urea solution NH.sub.3 72.250 kg 40.19%from reactor (R) CO.sub.2 16.125 kg 8.97% Urea 62.500 kg 34.77% H.sub.2 O 28.875 kg 16.07% 179.750 kg 100.00% Temperature: 188° C.Stream (4) Urea solution from NH.sub.3 53.519 kg 32.96%the ammonia separation step (S) CO.sub.2 17.669 kg 10.88%to the stripper (ST) Urea 62.500 kg 38.49% H.sub.2 O 28.687 kg 17.67% 162.375 kg 100.00% Temperature: 191° C.Stream (3) Direct recycle of NH.sub.3 18.731 kg 97.97%ammonia to the reactor (R) CO.sub.2 200 kg 1.05% H.sub.2 O 188 kg 0.98% 19.119 kg 100.00% Temperature: 190° C.Stream (14) Urea solution from NH.sub.3 16.000 kg 12.98%the stripper (ST) CO.sub.2 17.250 kg 14.00% Urea 62.500 kg 50.71% H.sub.2 O 27.500 kg 22.31% 123.250 kg 100.00% Temperature: 175° C.Stream (6) NH.sub.3 + CO.sub.2 vapors NH.sub.3 37.519 kg 45.09%from the stripper (ST) CO.sub.2 44.508 kg 53.49% H.sub.2 O 1.187 kg 1.42% 83.214 kg 100.00% Temperature: 190° C.Stream (8) Carbamate solution NH.sub.3 16.000 kg 38.10%from downstream sections CO.sub.2 17.250 kg 41.07% H.sub.2 O 8.750 kg 20.83% 42.000 kg 100.00%Energy consumptionSee Example 1.______________________________________ EXAMPLE 3 Reference is made to FIGS. 1-2-3 and 4 (isobaric loop). Compared to example 2, operating conditions have been modified to have the stripper (ST) operating in adiabatic conditions. In this case the stripper (ST) could be an apparatus different from a tube exchanger (ex. trays column) but to minimize residence time a falling film type tubes apparatus might still be the best choice as indicated in the figures. ______________________________________Reactor (R) operating conditionsNH.sub.3 /CO.sub.2 molar ratio 5H.sub.2 O/CO.sub.2 molar ratio 0.5Temperature 190° C.Pressure 200 barConversion rate (CO.sub.2 to urea) 76%Streams composition and quantitiesStream (13) Fresh CO.sub.2 45.833 kg (100° C.)Stream (1) Fresh CO.sub.2 to the 4.875 kg (100° C.)ammonia separation step (S)Stream (5) Fresh CO.sub.2 to the 40.958 kg (100° C.)stripper (ST)Stream (10) Fresh NH.sub.3 35.417 kg (25° C.)Stream (2) Urea solution NH.sub.3 81.062 kg 42.86%from reactor CO.sub.2 14.500 kg 7.67% Urea 62.500 kg 33.05% H.sub.2 O 31.063 kg 16.42% 189.125 kg 100.00% Temperature 190° C.Stream (4) Urea solution from NH.sub.3 29.750 kg 21.03%the ammonia separation step (S) CO.sub.2 18.875 kg 13.35%to the stripper (ST) Urea 62.500 kg 44.19% H.sub.2 O 30.313 kg 21.43% 141.438 kg 100.00% Temperature 192° C.Stream (3) Direct recycle of NH.sub.3 51.312 kg 97.62%ammonia to the reactor (R) CO.sub.2 500 kg 0.95% H.sub.2 O 750 kg 1.43% 52.562 kg 100.00% Temperature 191° C.Stream (14) Urea solution from NH.sub.3 20.625 kg 15.24%the stripper (ST) CO.sub.2 22.500 kg 16.63% Urea 62.500 kg 46.19% H.sub.2 O 29.688 kg 21.94% 135.313 kg 100.00% Temperature 165° C.Stream (6) NH.sub.3 + CO.sub.2 vapors NH.sub.3 9.125 kg 19.38%from the stripper (ST) CO.sub.2 37.333 kg 79.29% H.sub.2 O 625 kg 1.33% 47.083 kg 100.00% Temperature 192° C.Energy consumptionSteam consumption for stripper (ST): zero______________________________________ In the downstream sections (not represented in the figure), for the removal and recycle of the higher residual NH 3 and CO 2 contained in the urea solution coming from the CO 2 stripper, before final urea solution vacuum concentration to obtain finished product, the 7 to 8 bar steam produced in the carbamate condenser (CC) can be used. By the use of the technique of process to process direct heat recovery (multiple effect system), a reduced amount of 150 kg for 1000 kg urea of 8 bar steam will have to be imported from the plant battery limits. EXAMPLE 4 This example refers to the last generation Stamicarbon CO 2 stripping process modified according to the invention (see FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4) in a case of a Stamicarbon CO 2 stripping plant modernization to reduce energy consumption. ______________________________________Reactor (R) operating conditionsNH.sub.3 /CO.sub.2 molar ratio 3.2H.sub.2 O/CO.sub.2 molar ratio 0.4Temperature 184° C.Pressure 145 barConversion rate (CO.sub.2 to urea) 62%Streams composition and quantitiesStream (13) Fresh CO.sub.2 45.833 kg (100° C.)Stream (1) Fresh CO.sub.2 to the 2.112 kg (100° C.)ammonia separation step (S)Stream (5) Fresh CO.sub.2 to the 43.721 kg (100° C.)stripper (ST)Stream (10) Fresh NH.sub.3 35.417 kg (25° C.)Stream (2) Urea solution from NH.sub.3 56.000 kg 31.55%reactor CO.sub.2 28.125 kg 15.84% Urea 62.500 kg 35.21% H.sub.2 O 30.875 kg 17.40% 177.500 kg 100.00% Temperature 184° C.Stream (4) Urea solution from NH.sub.3 44.250 kg 26.44%the ammonia separation step (S) CO.sub.2 30.037 kg 17.95%to the stripper (ST) Urea 62.500 kg 37.34% H.sub.2 O 30.575 kg 18.27% 167.362 kg 100.00% Temperature 185° C.Stream (5) Direct recycle of NH.sub.3 11.750 kg 95.92%ammonia to the reactor (R) CO.sub.2 200 kg 1.63% H.sub.2 O 300 kg 2.45% 12.250 kg 100.00% Temperature 185° C.Stream (14) Urea solution from NH.sub.3 9.133 kg 8.22%the stripper (ST) CO.sub.2 10.846 kg 9.77% Urea 62.500 kg 56.28% H.sub.2 O 28.575 kg 25.73% 111.054 kg 100.00% Temperature 170° C.Stream (6) NH.sub.3 + CO.sub.2 vapors NH.sub.3 35.117 kg 35.10%from the stripper (ST) CO.sub.2 62.919 kg 62.90% H.sub.2 O 2.000 kg 2.00% 100.036 kg 100.00% Temperature 185° C.Stream (8) Carbamate solution NH.sub.3 9.133 kg 30.64%from downstream sections CO.sub.2 10.846 kg 36.39% H.sub.2 O 9.825 kg 32.97% 29.804 kg 100.00%______________________________________ Energy Consumption The 22 bar steam consumption in the loop (CO 2 stripper) is reduced of 100 kg for 1000 kg urea with a modest investment for the installation of the ammonia separation step (S). EXAMPLE 5 This example refers to the use of the invention for the revamping of the total or partial recycle conventional non stripping processes (Montedison, Mitsui Toatsu, etc), to reduce energy consumption. With the use of the ammonia separation and direct ammonia recycle step (S), to treat the urea solution from the reactor, before the first decomposition step, a smaller quantity of ammonia and, as a consequence, of water, will have to be recycled in the downstream sections, improving reactor conversion yields with the reduction of water vaporization. For both the above mentioned reasons (higher conversion yields and, consequently, less carbamate to be recycled and less vaporised water) a reduction of the 8 to 15 bar battery limits steam, of 300 kg per 1000 kg urea can be obtained. EXAMPLE 6 This example refers to the use of the invention for the revamping of the Snamprogetti NH 3 stripping plants, to reduce energy consumption and maintenance and operating costs. With the use of the ammonia separation and recycle step (S), in this case located downstream the stripper, to remove the high excess ammonia content in the treated urea solution stream (the high excess ammonia of the urea solution from the reactor favours the NH 3 self-stripping carbamate separation in the stripper), a smaller quantity of ammonia will have to be recycled in the downstream sections. The use of the rectifying column to separate and recycle pure ammonia with high costs and energy consumption, is so avoided.
A process for the production of urea from ammonia and carbon dioxide via synthesis where the urea formation takes place in a synthesis zone (or zones) in which an excess of free ammonia is kept to favor high conversions, said synthesis zone (or zones) being followed by an ammonia separation and direct recycle to the reaction step, where the urea solution from said reaction zone (or zones) is intimately contacted for a short duration time with a minor portion of the fresh CO 2 . The separation step is followed by a CO 2 stripping step where the residual carbamate is removed using a countercurrent fresh CO 2 stream.
2
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/128,379, filed Mar. 4, 2015, and entitled “Perivascular Electroporation Device and Method for Extending Vascular Patency.” The entirety of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/128,379 is herein incorporated by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention comprises a device and method to extend vascular patency using perivascular electroporation. More particularly, the present invention relates to a set of electrodes for electroporating the outer wall of a vessel to extend said vessel's patency. BACKGROUND [0003] Blood vessels may experience diminished patency as a result of naturally occurring processes or from the body's response to introduced materials or devices. In many instances, diminished patency results at least in part from vascular cell proliferation in response to an injury caused by an intervention or open surgery involving vascular structures. Areas where two blood vessels come together (“anastomotic junctions”) and areas near anastomotic junctions are at an especially significant risk of occlusion, due to vascular cell proliferation, generally referred to as neointimal hyperplasia. [0004] Anastomotic junctions exist, for example, in vascular fistulas and grafts, which are used in a wide variety of circumstances to re-configure or re-establish vascular circulation in a patient. For example, fistulas and grafts are used to create access sites for blood withdrawal and return in patients undergoing periodic kidney dialysis, hemofiltration, and other extracorporeal blood treatments. Usually, either a native artery and vein are connected together via a side-to-side anastomosis, or a saphenous vein or synthetic graft is placed between an artery and a vein and attached at each end via an end-to-side anastomosis. Natural grafts (usually a vein harvested from the patient being treated) and synthetic grafts are also used in a number of open and minimally invasive surgical procedures for treating vascular disorders, such as coronary artery bypass grafting for treating heart disease, surgical graft introduction for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms, peripheral vasculature repair, and the like. In all cases, at least two anastomotic connections are required for implanting the graft. Neointimal hyperplasia will often occur as a response to the elevated hemodynamics in and around the anastomosis, causing patency issues for nearly 50% of patients undergoing these procedures at one year. [0005] At present, there are no effective treatments for hyperplasia near anastomotic junctions in any of the cases discussed above. When an arterio-venous (A-V) fistula or graft fails in a dialysis patient, it is necessary to create a new dialysis access site. After multiple A-V fistula sites have been tried on a patient and no additional sites are available, kidney dialysis is simply no longer available for that patient. While it is possible for heart bypass patients having failed grafts to redo the procedure, second and later procedures are seldom as effective in treating the disease as the initial bypass procedure. Moreover, the availability of autologous blood vessels for performing the procedure limits the number of procedures that can be performed. [0006] Unfortunately, no one method or approach appears to adequately address the challenges of vascular patency management. Accordingly, the need remains to identify an approach that enables mitigation of the host response to vascular procedures and/or implanted devices and thereby maintains patency of the vasculature at or near the site of such activities. Towards this end, continuous electric fields have been noted to affect the migration of certain vascular cell types in vitro, e.g. Bai, et al. (Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, Vol 24, pp 1234-39, 2004). Using a different approach, Burwell et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 7,730,894) teach that photonic irradiation may be employed to advantageously affect vascular tissue in photodynamic therapy. However, the method taught is not applicable for extended use in vivo and requires additional agents. Conventional thermal, chemical, and other ablation techniques have been employed for the treatment of a variety of undesirable tissue. High temperature thermal therapies have the advantage of ease of application. However, the disadvantage is that the extent of the treated area is difficult to control, because blood circulation has a strong local effect on the temperature field that develops in the tissue. Also, many of the current techniques are designed only for ablating an artery and not necessarily an artery/vein link. [0007] Therefore, it would be very desirable to have methods and systems for preventing stenosis near anastomotic junctions, such as those formed as part of an arterio-venous fistula, bypass graft or other graft in a patient's vasculature. It would be particularly desirable to provide methods and systems suitable for treating arterio-venous connections at the time they are created, to effectively inhibit hyperplasia prior to the start of the host response cascade. Preferably, the methods and systems for inhibiting hyperplasia would require little or no modification to the implantation techniques themselves and would be suitable for use in a wide variety of procedures that rely on the formation of arterio-venous attachments, including those described above. At least some of these objectives will be met by the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF SUMMARY [0008] The present application describes a method and system for decellularizing a blood vessel near an anastomosis, using a highly-specific, minimally invasive, surgical technique called perivascular electroporation. Electroporation is a technique used to make cell membranes permeable by exposing them to electric pulses. “Perivascular” refers to the placement of an electrical pulse generating device on the exterior of the blood vessel (perivascular). The application of electrical pulses causes permeabilization of cells making up a portion of the blood vessel, preferentially in the outer layers of the vessel and less preferentially in the inner layers of the vessel. The electrical pulses irreversibly permeate the vascular cell membranes, thereby invoking cell death through an apoptotic (non-necrotic) signaling pathway. The length of time for transmitting the electrical pulses, the voltage applied, and the resulting membrane permeability are all controlled within defined ranges. The irreversibly permeabilized cells may be left in situ and may be removed by natural processes, such as the body's own immune system. The amount of vascular decellularization achievable through the use of perivsacular electroporation in a portion of a blood vessel, without inducing thermal damage, may be considerable. [0009] Perivascular electroporation in blood vessels to decellularize a portion of the vessel is different from other forms of electrical therapies and treatments. An electrical pulse can either have no effect on the cell membrane, effect internal cell components, reversibly open the cell membrane, after which the cells can survive, or irreversibly open the cell membrane, after which the cells die. Perivascular electroporation is different from intracellular electro-manipulation, which substantially only affects the interior of the cell and does not cause cell membrane damage. Perivascular electroporation is not electrically induced thermal coagulation, which induces cell damage through thermal effects, but rather a more benign method to disrupt only the cell membrane of cells in a targeted region of a vessel wall. Perivascular electroporation that irreversibly disrupts the cell membrane is also different from electrochemotherapy, in which reversible electroporation pulses are used to introduce drugs into living cells. [0010] Perivascular electroporation uses electrical pulses to create vascular decellularization by disrupting or permeabilizing the cell membrane in the outer portions of a target vessel. Perivascular electroporation is different from perivascular ablation, which aims to destroy cells through thermal effects and create instantaneous necrosis. Perivascular ablation techniques are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,048,067 and U.S. Patent Application Pub. No 2012/0109023. In cases of perivascular ablation, the necrotic vessel stiffens and impairs future dilation under high-pressure hemodynamic states. Perivascular electroporation avoids tissue necrosis by opening the cellular membrane without lysing the cell, inducing cells to undergo an apoptotic rather than necrotic signaling pathway. The decellularized vessel retains the extracellular structure and compliance of the native vessel. [0011] To achieve electroporation of blood vessel cells, an electrical pulse may be delivered to a vessel via the vessel lumen (endovascular electroporation) or the exterior of the vessel (perivascular electroporation). Of these delivery paths, endovascular approaches have been generally preferred over perivascular approaches, because they could be performed using catheters passed through the blood vessels and thus avoid open surgical procedures. Endovascular approaches are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Pub. Nos. 2001/0044596, 2009/0247933 and 2010/0004623. These references describe endovascular electroporation techniques that apply a therapy originating from the vessel lumen and traveling transmurally to the outer layer of the vessel. Thus, the methods described in these references damage the endothelial layer as part of a transmural electroporation therapy. One of the challenges with methods that damage the endothelium is that this damage elicits a host immune response and increases the risk of thrombosis following an arterio-venous connection. Perivascular electroporation mitigates this risk by decellularizing the vessel preferentially in the outer layers of the vessel and preserving cells in the inner layers of the vessel, specifically the endothelial layer (intima). [0012] The embodiments described herein relate to a method and system for use on an outer surface of a blood vessel—in other words, a perivascular approach. The method and system may often be applied to an exposed vessel, such as one exposed during an open surgical procedure. Such surgical procedures include, but are not limited to, arteriovenous fistula creation, arteriovenous graft creation, peripheral vascular bypass, and coronary artery bypass grafting. [0013] A number of prior art methods seek to mitigate the host response to arterio-venous anastomoses by administering a therapy over an extended time period, for example with an implantable drug or device. For example, several implantable devices have been developed to mitigate host response by altering anastomosis shape (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,366,651 and 8,690,816 and U.S. Patent Application Pub. Nos. 2013/0197546 and 2014/0180191), modulating hemodynamics (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,025,741, 8,114,044 and 8,764,698), or releasing an anti-proliferative agent over time (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,807,191 and U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2014/0249618). Implantable devices, however, expose the blood vessel to high risk of infection and thrombosis. Perivascular electroporation, in contrast, is a one-time therapy performed at the time of arterio-venous anastomosis creation. Its effects are long lasting, and it does not require an implant, thus decreasing the risk of infection and thrombosis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective, schematic view of a perivascular electroporation system for a blood vessel, according to one embodiment; [0015] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a perivascular electroporation method for a blood vessel, according to one embodiment; [0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the perivascular electroporation system of FIG. 1 ; [0017] FIG. 4A is an end-on, schematic view of a blood vessel, indicating the various layers of the blood vessel wall; [0018] FIG. 4B is an end-on, schematic view of the blood vessel of FIG. 4A , with multiple electrodes and impedance modulators disposed around its circumference, according to one embodiment; [0019] FIG. 4C is an end-on, schematic view of a portion of the blood vessel of FIG. 4B , illustrating electrical pathways emanating from the electrodes, according to one embodiment; and [0020] FIGS. 5A-5C are perspective views of a tissue treatment portion of a perivascular electroporation system, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0021] The following description of various embodiments should not be used to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. The embodiment descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes only. Alternative embodiments, which may or may not be described below, may include different features or combinations of features, without departing from the scope of the invention. [0022] As discussed above, this disclosure describes various embodiments of a method and system for treating a blood vessel with perivascular electroporation, from the outside of the cell in, towards the cell lumen, in order to cause cell death, without harm to the blood vessel extracellular matrix, in order to prevent neointimal hyperplasia and reduce vascular stenosis and restenosis at the site of treatment. In various embodiments, any blood vessel or type of blood vessel—artery, vein, graft, fistula, etc.—may be treated, using the systems and methods described herein. [0023] Referring to FIG. 1 , one embodiment of a perivascular electroporation system 100 is illustrated schematically, attached to a portion of a blood vessel 106 . The blood vessel 106 is shown in partial cross section, so that the tunica adventitia 107 (or “outermost layer”) and the tunica media 115 of the blood vessel 106 are visible. The system 100 may include a tissue treatment portion 101 , a controller 102 (or “box”) and one or more connectors 111 , 113 connecting the tissue treatment portion 101 with the controller 102 . The tissue treatment portion 101 may include a substrate 105 (or “housing”), which may contain multiple electrodes, for example in an electrode array (not visible in FIG. 1 ), for delivering the electrical energy used in the electroporation procedure and impedance modulation electronics 103 , for modulating impedance during electroporation. The electrodes may be connected to the controller 102 via a first set of wires 113 , and the impedance modulation electronics 103 may be connected to the controller 102 via a second set of wires 111 . Any suitable number and type of wires may be used. [0024] The embodiment in FIG. 1 includes one controller 102 , but alternative embodiments may include separate controllers, for example one for electroporation therapy delivery and one for impedance modulation. The controller 102 in FIG. 1 is not drawn to scale, and in fact, any of the drawing figures may include features that are not drawn to scale. Generally, the controller 102 includes a pulse generator and an impedance modulator, both of which are used to deliver treatment via the tissue treatment portion 101 . The controller 102 may be pre-programmed to provide a set, predetermined pulse therapy. Alternatively, the controller 102 may in some embodiments be adjustable by a user. [0025] The tissue treatment portion 101 may be designed to wrap completely or partially around the outer surface of the tunica adventitia 107 of the blood vessel 106 . As such, the substrate 105 of the tissue treatment portion 101 , as well as any or all of the components attached to or housed within the substrate 105 , may be made of a material that makes it easy to wrap the tissue treatment portion 101 around the blood vessel 106 . For example, in some embodiments, the substrate 105 may be made of a shape memory material that may be stretched into an approximately flat shape for passing under or past the vessel, and that may then be released from constraint to assume its default shape and thus wrap around the vessel. In general, the tissue treatment portion 101 may have any suitable shape, size or configuration that might lend itself for contacting and at least partially surrounding a blood vessel 106 . [0026] Once the tissue treatment portion 101 is positioned around the blood vessel 106 , the perivascular electroporation system 100 may be used to deliver an electroporation pulse sequence generated by a pulse generator in the controller 102 . The pulse sequence will typically be preset in the controller 102 . However, in alternative embodiments, the pulse sequence may be adjustable by a user, such as a physician. The pulse sequence electroporation will result in target cell permeabilization, starting in the tunica adventitia 107 and extending to the tunica media 115 . Cell permeabilization may be modulated by the impedance modulation electronics 103 , which are connected to the pulse generator via wires 111 , and which are controlled by the controller 102 . The system 100 may use impedance modulation to modulate the impedance of the blood vessel wall tissue, in order to protect the tunica intima (the innermost layer) of the blood vessel wall. [0027] In general, the system 100 may be used to direct electroporation therapy from the outside of the vessel wall inward, toward the vessel lumen, but without reaching the innermost layer of the vessel wall. Perivascular electroporation therapy delivered by the system 100 will typically result in eventual cell death of the tunica adventitia and tunica media, without causing coagulative necrosis and while maintaining the cellularity of the tunica intima the extracellular structure of the blood vessel. [0028] Referring now to FIG. 2 , one embodiment of a method 200 for perivascular electroporation of a blood vessel is described. This embodiment involves perivascular electroporation during an open surgical procedure (e.g. arterio-venous fistula creation, arterio-venous grafting, coronary artery bypass grafting, peripheral arterial bypass grafting, etc), although in alternative embodiments, the method 200 or a variation thereon may be performed as part of a minimally invasive, less invasive or even transvascular procedure. In the embodiment of FIG. 2 , the method 200 begins by gaining access to the outside/peripheral wall of a blood vessel 201 , during an open surgical procedure. In some cases, the blood vessel wall will be dissected free of surrounding tissues and thus can be accessed circumferentially for a predetermined length. Once the blood vessel is accessed, an electrode array (or more generally the tissue treatment portion 101 ) of the treatment device may be placed around the blood vessel 203 , often in a predetermined orientation and configuration. The orientation will be indicated by the delivery system, and the configuration of the tissue treatment portion 101 may include, but is not limited to, a sleeve, a malleable sheet, an extended J-shape, two or more opposing rigid structures, the inner layer of a tube shaped inflatable structure, a single contiguous malleable filament, multiple malleable filaments, or an outer cylinder with internally radially directed filaments. [0029] Next, in some embodiments, tissue treatment portion 101 may be connected to the impedance modulation pulse generator 205 (or the controller 102 ). In alternative embodiments, however, the tissue treatment portion 101 may already be attached to the controller 102 . At this point, the user/operator may activate the pulse generator/impedance modulator 207 (i.e., the controller 102 ) to start a treatment. In various embodiments, the system 100 delivers a predetermined pulse sequence electric field 209 to the vessel wall, with or without impedance modulation, depending on the specific instance of therapy. After delivery of the pulsed electric field 209 , the target cells of the blood vessel will be permeabilized 211 , eventually resulting in cell death. After completion of the pulsed electric field, the tissue treatment portion 101 of the system 100 may be removed from the outside of the blood vessel wall 213 atraumatically, leaving the structure of the blood vessel completely intact. [0030] Referring now to FIG. 3 , a schematic diagram of the perivascular electroporation system 100 described above in relation to FIG. 1 is presented. In this embodiment, the controller 102 of the system 100 includes a power supply 302 , a pulse output circuit 304 (or “pulse generator”), and a tissue impedance modulator 306 . The tissue treatment portion 101 includes an electrode array 308 and an impedance modulator delivery device 310 , both of which are used together to deliver the electroporation electric energy to the blood vessel outer wall and control delivery of the energy. The pulse output circuit 304 may incorporate multiple parameters of electric field pulse generation, including but not limited to a pulse timer 312 , pulse sequence cycles 314 , and output amplitude 316 . These parameters 312 , 314 , 316 allow for refinement and control of the signal to the electrodes that deliver the pulsed electric fields to the target tissue. In some embodiments, the pulse timer 312 may have a range of about 0.5 Hz to about 10 Hz, the pulse sequence cycles 314 may number from about 1 to about 100, and the output amplitude may range from about 1 V/cm to about 10,000 V/cm. These parameters 312 , 314 , 316 are only provided as examples, and any other suitable parameters or combinations of parameters may be used. [0031] The tissue impedance modulator 306 may receive input in the form of tissue parameters 305 , such as but not limited to tissue depth, temperature, consistency, electrolyte levels, pH levels, and/or any other suitable tissue parameters that can be obtained previous to and/or during the perivascular electroporation procedure. The output of the tissue impedance modulator 306 is a signal that activates the impedance modulator delivery device 310 . This output may include, but is not limited to, electric fields, temperature regulation, pH regulation, and/or liquid or gaseous substance application to the site of therapy. In various alternative embodiments, the controller 102 and the tissue treatment portion 101 may be coupled to one another permanently or may be detachable from one another. [0032] FIG. 4A is an end-on, schematic representation of a blood vessel 400 , illustrating the various layers of the vessel wall. As described previously, the layers of the blood vessel wall generally include the tunica adventitia 401 (outermost layer), the tunica media 403 (middle layer) and the tunica intima 405 (inner layer). The interior of the blood vessel 400 is referred to as the lumen 407 , where liquid substances such as blood flow. Potential target cell types of the blood vessel wall for the perivascular electroporation method described herein include, but are not limited to, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, myofibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and other neointimal progenitor cells. [0033] FIG. 4B is the same end-on, schematic representation of the blood vessel 400 , but also shows components of a tissue treatment device applied circumferentially around the outer surface of the tunica adventitia 401 . In this embodiment, the tissue treatment device includes an electrode array with longitudinally disposed electrodes. The electrode array includes positive nodes 409 and negative nodes 411 . The tissue treatment device also includes longitudinally disposed impedance modulation electronics 413 , so the impedance modulation portion of the system and the electrode array delivering the pulsed electric field, which results in cell permeabilization of targeted tissues, are potentially but not exclusively interconnected. [0034] FIG. 4C is a magnified view of the circled portion of the blood vessel wall in FIG. 4B . FIG. 4C shows electric field lines 417 , 419 , 421 passing from positive nodes 409 to negative nodes 411 of the electrode array. The impedance modulation delivery device 413 acts to guide the electric fields, so that the tunica adventitia 401 and the tunica media 403 are treated, while the tunica intima 405 is protected from the electric fields during permeabilization. In other words, all the electric fields 419 , 421 , 423 are contained within the tunica adventitia 401 and tunica media 403 , to result in the permeabilization of cells starting from the tunica adventitia 401 and proceeding into the tunica media 403 , without affecting the tunica intima 405 . [0035] Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5C , another embodiment of a tissue treatment device 500 of a perivascular electroporation system is illustrated. The tissue treatment device 500 may also be referred to as a probe, a tissue contact device, an energy delivery device, or any other suitable terminology. In the illustrated embodiment, the tissue treatment device 500 includes a distal tissue contact portion 502 and a proximal shaft 508 . Although not illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C , the device 500 may also include a handle on the end of the shaft 508 that is opposite the tissue contact portion 502 . Generally, the tissue contact portion 502 may have a flat configuration, for easy positioning around a blood vessel 501 , and may also include a curved distal end for circling around the vessel 501 . In some embodiments, the tissue contact portion may also include a rigid, semi-circular support member 504 and a flexible electrode pad 505 , which holds multiple electrodes 506 disposed in an array. The flexible electrode pad 505 may fit around the support member 504 . The electrodes 506 may be exposed on the inner surface of the tissue contact portion 502 , so that they contact the blood vessel wall 501 . As illustrated in FIG. 5C , in one embodiment, the tissue contact portion 502 may plug into the shaft 508 via a plug portion 510 on the tissue contact portion 502 and a receptacle 510 on the shaft 508 . In other embodiments, the tissue contact portion 502 and the shaft 508 may be formed as a monolithic unit or may be permanently attached to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrodes 506 are disposed in a circumferential pattern on the electrode pad 505 and thus on the tissue contact portion 502 . In alternative embodiments, as mentioned above in relation to FIGS. 4B and 4C , electrodes 409 , 411 may be disposed in a longitudinal array, rather than a circumferential array. [0036] As with previously described embodiments, the embodiment of the tissue treatment device 500 illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C is only one possible embodiment, and many variations are contemplated. [0037] The above description is not intended to limit the meaning of the words used in the following claims that define the invention. Rather, it is contemplated that future modifications in structure, function or result will exist that are not substantial changes and that all such insubstantial changes in what is claimed are intended to be covered by the claims. Likewise, various changes, additions, omissions, and modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
A system for performing perivascular electroporation of a blood vessel may include a tissue treatment device configured to contact and surround at least part of a circumference of an outer surface of a blood vessel wall and a control device coupled with the tissue treatment device. The control device may include an electric pulse generator and a tissue impedance modulator. A method for performing perivascular electroporation of a blood vessel may involve coupling a tissue treatment device of a perivascular electroporation system with an outer surface of a wall of the blood vessel and delivering electric pulses to an outermost layer of the blood vessel wall, while limiting a depth of penetration of the electric pulses such that they do not reach an innermost layer of the blood vessel wall.
0
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to downhole drilling motor apparatus of the positive displacement type, and more particularly to an air motor operated drilling tool coupled with a control valve in the power fluid supply line which prevents fluid supply to the drilling tool until a desired line pressure is obtained. 2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART It is known in the art of drilling well bores to utilize a drill pipe or drill string which has attached at its lower end a downhole drilling tool utilizing a positive displacement motor, the drive section of which is connected to, and rotates, a drill bit. In such apparatus a fluid, e.g., air, foam, or a relatively incompressible liquid, is forced down the drill string and on passing through the fluidoperated motor, causes rotation of a shaft ultimately connected to the drilling bit. As the downhole drilling tool progress away from the drilling rig, more drill pipe is added between the motor (rotor/stator) and the drilling plateform or rig. As each joint of drill pipe is added to the drill string, air flow to the motor must be interrupted and the drill string emptied of air pressure. Once the connection of another joint of drill pipe is completed, the air flow to the downhole drilling tool can be initiated. Thus, the drill pipe is, in effect, forming an ever increasing expansion chamber as the drilling tool advances. Expansion of the compressed air entering the empty drill string drastically reduces the initial air pressure and energy potential available to start the tool in operation. This energy potential builds up slowly because of a limited or fixed capacity for generating compressed air entering the lengthened drill pipe. The time required to fill the pipe increases as the length and/or diameter of pipe increases. Conventional downhole air motor drilling tools are difficult to start when they are at the bottom of the hole due in part to the compressibility of air and the flow restrictions of the drill cause the air pressure at the bottom of the string (adjacent the motor) to build up slowly. The aforementioned motors are also subject to leak paths at low pressure in the rotor/stator section which progressively open and allow air to bypass through the motor. Another factor which causes difficult starting of the air motors is that they require a certain impulse of initial energy to initiate operation because of rotor/stator inertia, and internal friction and leakage. This may be further aggravated by ineffective lubrication or frost conditions from air expansion within the tool. In cold atmospheric conditions, an air motor may freeze moisture in the tight seal areas. Similar difficulties could occur from excessive drag on the drill bit. However, if pressure is applied to the motor in a substantially instantaneous manner, the motor will start and operate in a normal fashion. The present apparatus utilizes a control valve which allows an instantaneous, high-pressure blast of air to the down hole drilling tool motor to overcome the problem of difficult starting conditions such as those caused by long drill strings, a wet borehole, or freeze-up conditions. There are several patents which disclose various valves having pressure operated mechanisms, none of which are used in the power fluid supply line of positive displacement drilling motors of downhole drilling tools, or utilize the present mechanism to prevent fluid supply to the pneumatic positive displacement motor of a downhole drilling tool until a desired line pressure is obtained. Mason, U.S. Pat. No. 3,180,433 discloses a jar for drilling having a latch to prevent actuation of the tool until a predetermined velocity of the drive fluid is reached. Jacobi, U.S. Pat. No. 2,276,979 Edman, U.S. Pat. No. 2,844,166, and Tennis, U.S. Pat. No. 2,848,014 disclose valves having pressure operated latch mechanisms, but not for controlling an air-pressure-operated earth boring tool. Zinkiewicz, U.S. Pat. No. 3,137,483 discloses a ground burrowing device which utilizes a check valve rather than a pneumatic pressure operated valve. The Zinkiewicz valve operates by differential pressure or flow and would be opened by any small pressure difference between the front and back side of the valve. The valve is opened by application of pressure produces by movement of the hammer and not in response to air line pressure. Kostylev et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,629,008 discloses a percussive tool which utilizes a spring loaded valve but the valve is not responsive to air line pressure to prevent flow to the tool until air line pressure reaches a predetermined level. The cited prior art and any other prior art known to applicants does not show an air operated downhole drilling tool having a control valve which prevents flow of air pressure to the tool until the air-line pressure reaches a predetermined level adjacent to the tool. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a cost-effective system of apparatus for drilling straight or deviated bore holes in earth formations including an in-line control valve used adjacent to an air-operated downhole earth drilling tool that offers a repeatable and useful starting and operating response and which is compatible with existing boring equipment and methods. Another object of this invention is to provide a system of apparatus for downhole drilling including an in-line control valve used adjacent to an air-operated downhole earth drilling tool which will supply the motor of the tool with a high energy starting pulse of working fluid to facilitate initiation of the tool operation. Another object of this invention is to provide a system of apparatus for downhole drilling including an in-line control valve used adjacent to an air-operated downhole earth drilling tool wherein fluid is switched automatically at a pre-set pressure by fluid introduced from the opposite end of a drill string composed of multiple joints of pipe. Another object of this invention is to provide a system of apparatus for earth boring including an in-line control valve used adjacent to an air-operated downhole earth drilling tool wherein a valve piston is opened and held so by the fluid pressure while supplying working fluid to operate the drilling tool. Another object of this invention is to provide a system of apparatus for downhole drilling including an in-line control valve used adjacent to an air-operated downhole earth drilling tool which will automatically close after fluid flow to the valve has been interrupted by an upstream valve, thereby positioning the valve for another high energy pulse to restart the boring tool. Another object of this invention is to provide a system of apparatus for downhole drilling including an in-line control valve used adjacent to an air-operated downhole earth drilling tool in which the valve body is in the form of a sub which may be placed within a pipe string at any desired point and is not restricted as to the size or design of the tool joint being used and is applicable to a wide range of drill pipe. Another object of this invention is to provide a system of apparatus for downhole drilling including an in-line control valve used adjacent to an air-operated downhole earth drilling tool in which the valve body is in the form of a cartridge which may be installed inside the drill string at the threaded connection of two joints of drill pipe and may be quickly replaced by simply exchanging cartridges. A still further object of this invention is to provide a system of apparatus for downhole drilling including an in-line control valve used adjacent to an air-operated downhole earth drilling tool which is simple in design, economical to manufacture, and rugged and durable in use. Other objects of the invention will become apparent from time to time throughout the specification and claims as hereinafter related. The above noted objects and other objects of the invention are accomplished by a system of apparatus comprising an air motor operated downhole drilling tool with a control valve which prevents flow of air pressure to the motor of the tool until the air-line pressure reaches a predetermined level adjacent to the tool. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing showing a downhole drilling tool at the end of a drill string extending from a drilling rig on the surface with a control valve installed at the top end of the drill motor and modified versions of the valve are indicated in dotted line as installed in various sections of the drill string. FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing in longitudinal cross section of a positive displacement downhole drilling tool having a control valve in accordance with the present invention installed at the top end. FIG. 3 is a cross section through the rotor/stator section of the drilling tool of FIG. 2. FIGS. 4A and 4B are longitudinal sections in the closed and open positions respectively of an embodiment of the control valve of the present invention which may be installed in the tool above the motor section or in the drill pipe string at any desired point. FIGS. 5A and 5B are longitudinal sections in the closed and open positions respectively of a modification of the embodiment of the control valve of FIGS. 4A and 4B which may be installed inside a drill pipe connection. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown schematic views, in vertical section, of downhole drilling apparatus. In FIG. 1, there is shown a schematic view of a down-hole drilling tool 10 at the end of a drill string S extending from a drilling rig R on the surface with a control valve V alternatively installed at the top end of the drill motor and modified versions of the valve V1 and V2 are indicated in dotted line as installed in various sections of the drill string. The bore hole is shown straight, however, it should be understood, the the apparatus in accordance with the present invention may also be used in drilling deviated bore holes in earth formations. A more detailed view of a typical pneumatic positive displacement drilling tool of the prior art is shown in FIG. 2. Conventional positive displacement motors such as the "Moineau" type comprise three sections: the rotor/stator section 11 which contains an elastomeric stator 12 and a steel rotor 13, the universal section 14 which contains the universal joints or flexible connection 14a that convert the orbiting motion of the rotor to the concentric rotary motion of the bit B, and the bearing pack section 15 which contains radial and thrust bearings to absorb high loads applied to the bit. In such downhole drilling motors, a fluid, usually a relatively incompressible liquid is forced down the stationary drill pipe or drill string and on pasing through the fluid-operated motor causes the rotor 13 to rotate the drilling bit B. The drill string is normally held or suspended in such a manner that it does not rotate and therefore usually is held stationary. However, it is lowered in the well bore as drilling proceeds. Because of their simplicity and reliability, positive displacement motors of this type are also commonly used in pneumatic drilling utilizing air as the driving fluid. The drill pipe string S is hollow and connected to the source 16 of compressed air. Compressed air from compressed air source 16 is supplied through hollow drill pipe to the pneumatic motor, or rotor/stator section 11 in the drilling tool which rotates the drill bit B. In one embodiment, a "tool joint" control valve V is installed in the top of the drilling tool 10 above or rearwardly of the motor section 11. The "tool joint" valve V utilizes a sub as part of the valve assembly and may be placed within the drill string at any desired point, as shown at V1. A modified control valve or "cartridge" valve V2 may be installed inside the drill pipe at the threaded connection of two joints of drill pipe. Cartridge valve V2 eliminates the need for a sub with tool joints since the cartridge can be retro-fitted into a tool joint of the drill pipe. The cartridge valve V2 allows a quick change of the valve assembly by simply exchanging cartridges. The control valves will be shown and described in detail hereinafter. The control valve is positioned in the drill string to control the introduction of air into the tool and prevent tool operation until the air line pressure has reached a predetermined level, remain open at a lower level of pressure, and close when the pressure is substantially turned off. Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a "tool joint" control valve 20 is shown in the closed (FIG. 4A) and open (FIG. 4B) positions respectively. The "tool joint" valve assembly 20 comprises a cylindrical housing or valve body 21 having external male threads 22 on one end and female threads 23 on the opposed end and a smaller central longitudinal bore 24. An enlarged smooth bore 25 extends inwardly from the male threaded end of the body to define a flat shoulder 25a between the bores 24 and 25. A conical taper at the juncture of bore 24 with the flat shoulder forms a valve seat surface 26. The lower portion of the enlarged bore 25 is counterbored at 27 to define a shoulder 28. A snap ring groove 29 is provided in the side wall of counterbore 27 between the end of the body and the conical shoulder 28. Relief ports 30 extend through the side wall of the body 21 to communicate the enlarged bore 25 with atmosphere. A cylindrical spring retainer and valve guide 31 has a first exterior diameter 32 and an enlarged diameter 33 at one end defining a shoulder 34 and central longitudinal smooth bore 35. Guide member 31 has a sliding fit inside the enlarged bore 25 and counterbore 27 of the body with shoulder 28 abutting shoulder 34, and is releasably secured therein by means of snap ring 36. An annular groove 37 and O-ring seal 38 are provided on the first exterior diameter 32 forming a seal between bore 25 and guide member 31. An annular groove 39 and O-ring seal 40 on inner bore 35 seal a guide extension on a piston valve member as described below. A piston valve member 41 is positioned for sliding movement in the enlarged smooth bore 25. Piston valve member 41 comprises a hollow tubular body 42 enclosed at one end and having a larger exterior diameter 43 and reduced diameters 44 and 44a at opposite ends thereof defining a flat upper shoulder 45 and lower shoulder 46. A central longitudinal bore 47 extends inwardly from the open end and terminates at the closed end thereof. Reduced diameter 44a forms a valve guide extension having a sliding fit in bore 35 of guide member 31 for reciprocal guiding movement with O-ring 40 forming a seal therebetween. The larger diameter 43 of the piston body 42 has a sliding fit in enlarged bore 25 of the valve body 21 for reciprocal movement therein. An annular groove 48 and O-ring seal 49 on the larger diameter 43 forms a seal between the smooth enlarged bore 25 and the exterior of the piston body. Apertures 50 through the side wall of the piston body 42 communicate the interior of the piston with the valve body bore 25. The end of the piston is a conical valve 51 fitting against conical valve seat surface 26 in the closed position as shown in FIG. 4A. A coiled spring 52 surrounds the reduced diameter 44 of the piston body 42 and is compressed between the top end of guide member 31 and piston valve shoulder 46 to normally urge the conical valve 51 to closed position against the conical valve seat surface 26 of the valve body. Because the valve body of this embodiment is essentially a sub, it may be placed within a drill string at any desired point. This embodiment is not restricted as to the size or design of the tool joint being used and is applicable to a wide range of drill pipe. In FIGS. 9A and 9B, another embodiment of the control valve, referred to as the "cartridge" control valve is shown in the closed and open positions respectively. Some of the components of the "cartridge" valve are the same as those previously described and will be assigned the same numerals of reference. The proviously described "tool joint" embodiment utilizes the sub as part of the valve assembly where as the "cartridge" type is a removable valve assembly which is placed in a bore within the drill pipe at the threaded connection. The "cartridge" valve assembly 53 comprises a housing having hollow cylindrical upper portion 54 with an end wall 55 and a cylindrical guide sleeve 56 fitted in the opposed end. A central bore 57 extends through the top wall 55 and forms a valve port. An enlarged smooth bore 58 extends inwardly a distance from the open end of the upper member 54 to define a shoulder 55a between bores 57 and 58. A conical transition at the junction of bore 57 and the shoulder forms a valve seat 59. The exterior of the cylindrical guide sleeve 56 has a first diameter 60, a second intermediate diameter 61 larger than the first defining a flat shoulder 62 therebetween, and a third diameter 63 larger than the second defining a shoulder 64 therebetween. A central longitudinal smooth bore 65 extends through the sleeve 56. The first diameter 60 is slidably received in the enlarged bore 58 of the upper member 54. The second diameter 61 is substantially the same diameter as the outside diameter of the upper member 54 and shoulder 62 forms a stop against the open end of the upper member. Hollow removable dowel pins 66 in holes 67 in the side wall of the upper member 54 and aligned holes 68 in the sleeve side wall releasably secure the upper member 54 and sleeve 56 together. The second diameter 61 of sleeve 56 and the exterior diameter of the upper member 54 are both slightly smaller than the bore 69 of a standard tool joint 70 to be slidably received therein. The third diameter 63 of sleeve 54 is larger than the bore 69 of the tool joint and the shoulder 64 serves as a stop against the open male end of the standard tool joint. The "cartridge" or assembled sleeve 56 and upper member 54 fit inside the tool joint bore 69 and the third diameter 63 of the sleeve extends a short distance beyond the male end of the tool joint 70. The sleeve diameter 63 is slightly less than the diameter of the thread run-out of the female threads 71 of the tool joint into which the tool joint containing the cartridge valve is threaded. In this manner, the "cartridge" control valve embodiment is secured in the drill pipe at the threaded connection. A first seal comprising annular groove 72 and O-ring seal 73 on the exterior diameter of the upper member 54 and a second seal comprising annular groove 37 and O-ring seal 38 on the second diameter 61 of sleeve 56 form upper and lower fluid seals between the tool joint bore 69 and the exterior of the cartridge asembly. A third seal comprising annular groove 39 and O-ring seal 40 on the longitudinal bore 65 of the sleeve 56 seal against bore 69 of tool joint 70. Axially aligned relief ports 74 and 75 extend through the side wall of the tool joint 70 and the upper member 54 respectively to communicate the upper member bore 58 with atmosphere at a point intermediate the seals 38 and 49. A piston valve member 41 is positioned for sliding movement in the enlarged smooth bore 59. Piston valve member 41 comprises a hollow tubular body 42 closed at one end and having a larger exterior diameter 43 and reduced diameters 44 and 44a at opposite ends thereof defining a flat upper shoulder 45 and lower shoulder 46. A central longitudinal bore 47 extends inwardly from the open end and terminates at the closed end 48. Reduced diameter 44a forms a valve guide extension having a sliding fit in bore 65 of sleeve 56 for reciprocal guiding movement with O-ring 40 forming a seal therebetween. The larger diameter 43 of the piston body 42 has a sliding fit in enlarged bore 58 of the valve body 54 for reciprocal movement therein. An annular groove 48 and O-ring seal 49 on the larger diameter 43 forms a seal between the smooth enlarged bore 58 and the exterior of the piston body. Apertures 50 through the side wall of the piston body 42 communicate the interior of the piston with the valve body bore 58. The end of the piston is a conical valve 51 fitting against conical valve seat surface 26 in the closed position as shown in FIG. 9A. A coiled spring 52 surrounds the reduced diameter 44 of the piston body 42 and is compressed between the top end of guide sleeve 56 and piston valve shoulder 46 to normally urge the conical valve 51 to closed position against the conical valve seat surface 59 of valve body 54. The "cartridge" control valve embodiment eliminates the need for a sub with tool joints since the cartridge can be retro-fitted into a tool joint of the drill pipe. The cartridge model allows a quick change of the valve assembly by simply exchanging cartridges. OPERATION As the driling tool progresses away from the rig, more drill pipe is added between the drilling tool and the rig. As each joint of drill pipe is added to the drill string, air flow to the tool must be interrupted and the drill string emptied of air pressure. Once the connection of another joint of drill pipe is completed, the air flow to the downhole tool can be initiated. Thus, the drill pipe is, in effect, forming an ever increasing expansion chamber as the tool advances. Expansion of the compressed air entering the empty drill string drastically reduces the initial air pressure and energy potential available to start the tool motor in operation. This energy potential builds up slowly because of a limited or fixed capacity for generating compressed air entering the lengthened drill pipe. Since most air compressors have small air tanks, the time required to fill the pipe increases as the length and/or diameter of pipe increases. If pressure buildup inside the motor is slow, the pressure leaks across the rotor/stator and the tool will be difficult to start. The pneumatic drilling tool requires a certain impulse of energy to initiate operation because of inertia, internal friction and leakage, and excessive drag on the drill bit. This may be further aggravated by ineffective lubrication or frost conditions from air expansion within the tool. In cold atmospheric conditions, a pneumatic motor may freeze moisture in the tight seal areas. The control valve of the present invention is installed upstream of the tool motor, and generally adjacent thereto, in the drill string and allows the pressure to build-up before reaching the rotor/stator section. At a predetermined pressure, the valve opens and allows air at operating pressure to immediately blast the rotor/stator section. This prevents the pressure from equalizing across the rotor/stator and allows the tool to start. A high-pressure blast provided by the control valve will help break-up and remove the frozen moisture and allow the tool to operate. This technique also applies to borehole water that may have flowed into the tool. The valve provides an air blast which forces a majority of the water out and allows the tool to start. The forms of the downhole valve previously described in detail utilize the same basic components and operate in similar fashion. The embodiments of FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5A, 5B have basically one moving part, the piston valve. The following description is with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B but is applicable to the valve of FIGS. 5A and 5B, as well. The control valve 20 is installed in the drill string or top of the tool. The valve 20 is initially closed, at low or no pressure, and is subjected to line pressure as the air pressure is turned on. When the line pressure reaches a predetermined level the valve is opened by moving the valve piston 41 against the closing force of the coil spring 52 normally closing the valve. When the valve 51 is opened, the air flows through the open valve port 24 and the apertures 50 in the piston valve member 41 and on to the drilling tool. In the valve open position, the air pressure acting on the enlarged diameter portion, i.e. shoulder 45, of the valve piston 41 provides sufficient pressure differential relative to bore hole pressure to which it is exposed through the vent holes 30 in the valve body will hold the valve in the open position. The dual seal design, i.e. upper and lower seals 49 and 38, requires a relatively large opening pressure but, due to a seal area increase, requires a lower pressure to remain open. This compensates for unintentional pressure reductions in the supply line and allows the tool to keep running if the pressure should drop below the opening pressure yet remain above the closing pressure which is a function of spring strength and seal area. Typically the closing pressure is set to be approximately half the opening pressure. The valve is adjustable with respect to opening pressure. The opening pressure is altered by changing the coil spring 52. A higher opening pressure would require a stiffer spring, likewise a lower opening pressure would utilize a softer spring. The valve is also designed to minimize pressure drop and reductions in flow rate. This is accomplished by taking the pressure drop that opens the valve across the valve seat, while taking the pressure drop that holds the valve open from the bore of the valve to the hole annulus, instead of across the seal seat. This not only maintains working pressure for the tool but also maintains the flow rate and allows the valve to remain open with a minimum of pressure drop. The valve is self-cleaning in the vent hole due to the sealed cavity behind the vent opening. As the valve opens, the pressure build-up within the cavity escapes out the vent and forces out any solid matter which may have been trapped. Tests have been conducted on the inline control valve according to FIGS. 8-10 to determine operational characteristics such as cracking pressure, closing pressure, and pressure drop across the valve at maximum flow. The in-line valve assembly was placed directly behind the air motor. The valve will function well with low pressure rotary drills and also with high pressure drills operated by positive displacement Moineau motors. While this invention has been described fully and completely with special emphasis upon several preferred embodiments of the invention it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described above.
An earth drilling apparatus has a pneumatic motor operated earth drilling tool, a valve assembly connected to the motor, and a drill string connected to the valve and to a source of pneumatic fluid. The drilling tool has an earth drilling bit and a rotor/stator motor section to apply a rotational force to rotate the bit at the bottom of the string. The valve assembly is disposed between the drilling tool motor and the source of pneumatic fluid and controls the flow of pneumatic fluid to the tool. The valve assembly has a pneumatic pressure-operated valve which is operable in response to the pressure of pneumatic fluid in the drill string to be opened to permit flow of pneumatic fluid to the tool at a predetermined operating pressure to transmit an initial pulse of pneumatic fluid to initiate operation of the motor. The valve is kept open at a lower pressure than that required to open it. The valve is a pressure operated valve, spring-loaded toward closed position, which opens at a first predetermined pneumatic pressure permitting flow to said tool and closes at a second, substantially lower, pneumatic pressure.
4
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of China Application No. 200510081848.2 filed Jun. 29, 2005. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a radiography system, or more particularly, to a radiography system that is ranged on a subject using light prior to X-irradiation. Radiography systems are ranged on a subject using light prior to X-irradiation. After a radiography system is ranged, X-rays are irradiated. Consequently, an irradiated position to which X-rays that are an invisible radiation are irradiated can be checked in advance using a visible radiation (refer to, for example, Patent Document 1). [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 55-115001 (pp. 1, FIG. 1) In order to check a field of view (FOV) in an X-ray field in advance, light is irradiated through a collimator for X-rays. In this case, a light source must be accurately positioned with respect to a focal spot of X-rays. However, the light source may be displaced due to the effect of tolerances of components. In this case, an FOV in a light field disagrees with an FOV in an X-ray field. A radiography system cannot be ranged accurately. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a radiography system in which an FOV in a light field agrees with an FOV in an X-ray field irrespective of a displacement of a light source. In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a radiography system comprising: an X-ray tube; a collimator that forms an X-ray beam to be irradiated from the X-ray tube to an object of radiography; and a light source that irradiates light, which is used for ranging, to the object of radiography via the collimator. The radiography system further comprises a memory means in which the magnitude of a displacement of the light source calculated in advance is stored, and a control means that controls the opening of the collimator on the basis of the position of the light source, which is corrected based on the magnitude of a displacement read from the memory means, so that an FOV of light to be used for ranging will agree with a target value. Preferably, the magnitude of a displacement is the magnitude of a displacement of a ray axis in the light source, so that a light field can be agreed with an X-ray field irrespective of the displacement of the ray axis. Preferably, the magnitude of a displacement is the magnitude of a displacement of the light source on a ray axis, so that a light field can be agreed with an X-ray field irrespective of the displacement of the light source on the ray axis. Preferably, the magnitude of a displacement is calculated by solving an equation whose unknown is the magnitude of a displacement of a light source and whose known quantities are the other elements of the geometry of a light irradiating system and X-ray irradiating system, so that the magnitude of the displacement can be calculated correctly. Preferably, among the known quantities, the size of the opening of the collimator is a set value, and the size of an FOV is a measured value of an FOV in a light field defined by the collimator, so that the solution can be calculated easily. According to the present invention, a radiography system comprises an X-ray tube, a collimator that forms an X-ray beam to be irradiated from the X-ray tube to an object of radiography, and a light source that irradiates light, which is used for ranging, to the object of radiography via the collimator. The radiography system further comprises a memory means in which the magnitude of a displacement of the light source calculated in advance is stored, and a control means that controls the opening of the collimator on the basis of the position of the light source, which is corrected based on the magnitude of a displacement read from the memory means, so that an FOV of light to be used for ranging will agree with a target value. Consequently, the radiography system is realized as a modality in which an FOV in a light field will agree with an FOV in an X-ray field irrespective of a displacement of a light source. Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a radiography system that is an example of the best mode for implementing the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the geometry of the radiography system that is an example of the best mode for implementing the present invention. FIG. 3 shows the geometry of the radiography system that is an example of the best mode for implementing the present invention. FIG. 4 shows the geometry of the radiography system that is an example of the best mode for implementing the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to drawings, the best mode for implementing the present invention will be described below. Noted is that the present invention will not be limited to the best mode for implementing the present invention. FIG. 1 illustratively shows the configuration of a radiography system. The present system is an example of the best mode for implementing the present invention. The configuration of the present system is an example of the best mode for implementing the present invention in a radiography system. As shown in FIG. 1 , a radiography system is such that X-rays 13 radiated from an X-ray focal spot 11 in an X-ray tube 1 are collimated (into an X-ray beam) using a pair of blades 31 locked in a collimator box 3 , and irradiated to an object of radiography 7 , and that a detector 9 detects transmitted X-rays. In short, X-rays are collimated in order to define a desired field of view (FOV). The collimator box 3 has a light irradiator 5 incorporated therein. The light irradiator 5 is interposed between the X-ray focal spot 11 and the blades 31 . The light irradiator 5 includes a light source 51 and a reflecting mirror 53 . The reflecting mirror 53 is inserted into the middle of a path along which the X-rays 13 propagate, whereby the direction of a visible radiation generated from the light source 51 is bent to be irradiated in the same direction as a direction in which the X-rays 13 are irradiated. Consequently, the visible radiation can be used for ranging prior to X-irradiation. Since the spacing between the blades 31 can be varied, an FOV in an X-ray field is adjustable. A detection signal produced by the detector 9 is transferred to an operator console 30 . The operator console 30 includes a computer 302 . The computer 302 includes a memory 304 . The operator console 30 reconstructs a fluoroscopic image of the object of radiography 7 according to an input signal, and displays the fluoroscopic image on a display 32 . The detector 9 may be made of a photosensitive material that is sensitive to X-rays. In this case, the fluoroscopic image is visualized by performing development. The operator console 30 controls the X-ray tube 1 and collimator box 3 according to operator's manipulations. As for the X-ray tube 1 , the intensity of X-rays and the irradiation timing are controlled. As for the collimator box 3 , the spacing between the blades 31 is controlled. An FOV in an X-ray field on a receptor surface of the detector 9 is determined with the spacing between the blades 31 . An operator enters a set value of the FOV at the operator console 30 . FIG. 2 shows the geometry of an X-ray irradiating system and a light irradiating system that are formed in the present radiography system. Incidentally, the light irradiation system is shown with a light path held unbent by the reflecting mirror. The light source 51 is a planar light source whose sides extending in a direction perpendicular to a ray axis have a length a. The X-ray focal spot 11 is a point-like focal spot whose size can be ignored. In order to form the same FOV as the one of X-rays, which are radiated from the X-ray focal spot 11 , with light irradiated from the light source 51 , the light source 51 is located at a distance b from the X-ray focal spot 11 in a direction opposite to a direction in which light propagates. The distance from the X-ray focal spot 11 to the receptor surface (FOV plane) of the detector 9 is denoted by SID. The distance from the X-ray focal spot 11 to a plane containing the blades 31 (blade plane) is denoted by FD. The spacing between the blades 31 is denoted by BL. The spacing BL between the blades 31 may be referred to as a collimator opening. A field of a certain size in an X-ray field defined by the collimator opening BL is denoted by FOV. The above elements of the geometry have a relationship given by the following formula: FOV + a SID + b = BL + a FD + b ( 1 ) where FOV denotes a value arbitrarily set by an operator, BL denotes a value of the collimator opening that determines the FOV. The other elements assume fixed values. Consequently, once the FOV value is given, the opening BL of the collimator can be calculated according to the formula below. BL = ( FOV + a ) ⁢ ( FD + b ) SID + b - a ( 2 ) When the FOV set value is entered, the operator console 30 uses the set value and the elements of the geometry to calculate the collimator opening BL according to the formula (2). The operator console 30 controls the blades 31 so that the spacing between the blades 31 will agree with the BL value. The position of the light source 51 may be deviated from the normal position because of the effect of tolerances of parts. FIG. 3 shows an example of a displacement of the light source 51 . FIG. 3 shows a case where a ray axis in the light source 51 is deviated from the ray axis of X-rays. In this case, since the relationship expressed by the formula (1) is not established, even if the collimator opening is controlled according to the formula (2), the FOV of light disagrees with the FOV of X-rays. In the state shown in FIG. 3 , the relationships expressed below are established. FOVL + a / 2 + Δ SID + b = BLL + a / 2 + Δ FD + b ⁢ ⁢ FOVS + a / 2 - Δ SID + b = BLS + a / 2 - Δ FD + b ( 3 ) where FOVL and FOVS denote a half of an FOV defined on one side of the ray axis of X-rays and the other half thereof formed on the other side thereof. BLL and BLS denote the values of the collimator opening needed to define the FOVL and FOVS respectively. Δ denotes the magnitude of a displacement of the ray axis. The other elements assume fixed values. Consequently, the BLL and BLS values of the collimator opening determining the FOV (=FOVL+FOVS) value are given by the formulae below. BLL = ( FOVL + a / 2 + Δ ) ⁢ ( FD + b ) SID + b - ( a / 2 + Δ ) ⁢ ⁢ BLS = ( FOVS + a / 2 - Δ ) ⁢ ( FD + b ) SID + b - ( a / 2 - Δ ) ( 4 ) In the formulae (4), since the magnitude of a displacement of the ray axis, Δ, is an unknown, if the magnitude of a displacement Δ remains unknown, the collimator opening cannot be calculated. The magnitude of a displacement of the ray axis, Δ, is therefore specified as described below. First, the collimator opening is controlled so that the BLL and BLS values will be equal to each other. In this state, the FOVL and FOVS values are actually measured and a difference between them is calculated. The difference between the FOVL and FOVS values is given by the formula below. FOVL - FOVS = 2 ⁢ Δ ⁡ ( SID + b ) + ( BLL - BLS ) ⁢ ( SID + b ) FD + b - 2 ⁢ Δ = 2 ⁢ ⁢ Δ ⁡ ( SID + b ) FD + b - 2 ⁢ ⁢ Δ ( 5 ) The formula (5) is an equation whose unknown is the magnitude of a displacement, Δ, alone. By solving the equation, the magnitude of a displacement of the ray axis, Δ, is worked out as follows: Δ = ( FOVL - FOVS ) ⁢ ( FD + b ) 2 ⁢ ( SID - FD ) ( 6 ) The above calculation is performed by a computer 302 . The magnitude of a displacement of the ray axis is calculated by solving an equation whose unknown is the magnitude of a displacement of the ray axis and whose known quantities are the other elements of the geometry of a light irradiating system and X-ray irradiating system. Therefore, the magnitude of a displacement can be calculated correctly. Moreover, among the known quantities, the size of the collimator opening is a set value, and the size of an FOV is a measured value of the FOV in a light field defined by the collimator. Therefore, the solution of the equation can be worked out easily. The result of the calculation is stored in the memory 304 as one of the elements of the geometry. The value of the magnitude of a displacement of the ray axis, Δ, is specified at the time of, for example, installing the radiography system at an operation site or during maintenance performed periodically or at any time. When the radiography system is in operation, the thus specified value of the magnitude of a displacement of the ray axis, Δ, is used to calculate the BLL and BLS values of the collimator opening associated with the set values FOVL and FOVS of the FOV. The collimator opening is controlled based on the calculated values, whereby the FOV in a light field is agreed with the FOV in an X-ray field irrespective of a displacement of a ray axis. A set value of the FOV is given as the sum of the FOVL and FOVS values, and the FOVL and FOVS values are equal to each other. FIG. 4 shows another example of a displacement of the light source 51 . FIG. 4 shows a case where the light source 51 is displaced on a ray axis. The magnitude of the displacement is denoted by Δb. In this state, the relationship expressed by the formula (1) is not established. Therefore, even if the collimator opening is controlled according to the formula (2), the FOV of light disagrees with the FOV of X-rays. In the state shown in FIG. 4 , the relationship expressed by the formula below is established. FOV + a SID + b + Δ ⁢ ⁢ b = BL + a FD + b + Δ ⁢ ⁢ b ( 7 ) where Δb denotes the magnitude of a displacement of the light source, and the other elements assume fixed values. Consequently, the collimator opening BL associated with the FOV is given by the following formula: BL = ( FOVL + a ) ⁢ ( FD + b + Δ ⁢ ⁢ b ) SID + b + Δ ⁢ ⁢ b - a ( 8 ) In the formula (8), the magnitude of a displacement of the light source, Δb, is an unknown. As long as the Δb remains unknown, the collimator opening cannot be calculated. Therefore, the magnitude of a displacement of the light source, Δb, is specified as described below. First, an ideal value FOVi of the FOV is determined, and the value of the collimator opening BL associated with the value FOVi is calculated according to the formula (2). Namely, BL = ( FOVi + a ) ⁢ ( FD + b ) SID + b - a ( 9 ) The collimator opening is then controlled so that the size thereof will be equal to the value BL. In this state, the size of an FOV is measured in order to obtain an actually measured value FOVa. The value FOVa is affected by the magnitude of a displacement of the light source, Δb, and expressed by the formula below. FOVa = ( SID + b + Δ ⁢ ⁢ b ) ⁢ ( BL + a ) FD + b + Δ ⁢ ⁢ b - a ( 10 ) The formula (10) is an equation whose unknown is the magnitude of a displacement Δb alone. By solving the equation, the magnitude of a displacement of the light source, Δb, is calculated as follows: Δ ⁢ ⁢ b = SID ⁡ ( BL + a ) - FD ⁡ ( FOVa + a ) FOVa - BL - b ( 11 ) This calculation is performed by the computer 302 . Since the magnitude of a displacement of the light source is calculated by solving an equation whose unknown is the magnitude of a displacement of the light source and whose known quantities are the other elements of the geometry of a light irradiating system and X-ray irradiating system. Therefore, the magnitude of a displacement can be calculated accurately. Moreover, among the known quantities, the size of the collimator opening is a set value, and the size of an FOV is a measured value of the FOV in a light field defined by the collimator. The solution can be calculated easily. The result of the calculation is stored in the memory 304 as one of the elements of the geometry. The value of the magnitude of a displacement of the light source, Δb, is specified at the time of, for example, installing the radiography system at an operation site or during maintenance performed regularly or at any time. When the radiography system is in operation, the thus specified value of the magnitude of a displacement of the light source, Δb, is used to calculate the value of the collimator opening BL associated with a set value of an FOV according to the formula (8). The collimator opening is controlled based on the calculated value. Consequently, an FOV in a light field can be agreed with an FOV in an X-ray field irrespective of a displacement of the light source. Many widely different embodiments of the invention may be configured without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention. If should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described in the specification, except as defined in the appended claims.
An object of the present invention is to provide a radiography system in which an FOV in a light field agrees with an FOV in an X-ray field irrespective of a displacement of a light source. The radiography system comprises an X-ray tube, a collimator that forms an X-ray beam to be irradiated from the X-ray tube to an object of radiography, and a light source that irradiates light, which is used for ranging, to the object of radiography via the collimator. The radiography system further comprises a memory in which the magnitude of a displacement of the light source calculated in advance is stored, and a control unit that controls the opening of the collimator on the basis of the position of the light source, which is corrected based on the magnitude of a displacement read from the memory, so that an FOV of light to be used for ranging will agree with a target value.
0
[0001] This application is a divisional of pending application Ser. No. 11/208,168, which is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 11/104,006, filed Apr. 12, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,469,962, which was a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 10/816,530, filed Apr. 1, 2004, now abandoned. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates to the field of furniture coverings and, more particularly, pertains to sanitary and decorative table and chair covers, and kits containing the same. [0004] 2. Description of the Background Art [0005] Table and chair covers are often used to cover tables and chairs to protect them from dust, dirt, spills and the like. Also, it is common to cover tables and chairs with a cover that improves the aesthetic appearance of the table and chair. Table and chair covers are widely used in the hospitality industry such as at banquets, entertainment and special events. Table and chair covers are commonly constructed of cloth fabric material which can be removed and laundered. The expense in providing the cloth table and chair covers initially, and of transporting, laundering and storing such covers, has created a prohibitively expensive pricing for such covers such that many who would prefer to use covers at their special events do not. As a result, a significant demand goes unmet in the industry. [0006] Nevertheless, the use of covers for tables and chairs is highly desirable, as tables and chairs which are used by a great many people become worn and unsanitary as time passes. Therefore, there is a need to employ table and seat coverings which do not suffer from the economic limitations referenced above. [0007] The need exists, therefore, to provide affordable table and chair covers to limit users' contact with tables and chairs, to reduce wear and tear and the spread of germs and disease that may result from contact with the contaminated surfaces of the tables and chairs. [0008] The need also exists to provide an inexpensive way to alter the appearance of furniture. [0009] It is, therefore, a primary object of my invention to provide sanitary covers for banquet and/or folding tables and chairs and the like, which is made from an inexpensive, single-use material. [0010] It is also an object of this invention to provide such covers which eliminate the need and expense of cleaning the tables and chairs due to the fact that the covers provide a barrier to the transmission of contaminants between the table and seat and the users. [0011] It is a further object of my invention to provide a cover that may be easily replaced each time the table or chair is used for a different event. [0012] Applicant's work in the catering field led to the further development of a catering kit and supplies, which include table covers and table skirts, made of the same non-woven material as the chair covers she invented. Similar to the issue encountered with the chair covers, the expense of purchasing cloth table covers and table skirts, initially, and of transporting, laundering and storing same has created a prohibitively expensive pricing such that many caterers who continue to use cloth table covers and skirts charge the function sponsor for their use, adding significantly (and in many cases, prohibitively) to the cost of an event. Due to this problem, an industry of suppliers and cleaners of just these products has arisen. In other words, the expense and effort required for individual caterers to maintain their own table linens is not justifiable and rental suppliers of these products have emerged. [0013] There are many examples of plastic table covers in the prior art. U.S. Pat. App. Pub. 2004/0238087 to Ciapessoni teaches a disposable tablecloth that can be converted into a trash bag. No criticality of material is discussed by Ciapessoni and no disclosure of non-woven material is made. U.S. Pat. App. Pub. 2003/0031826 to Cleveland et al. teaches a laminated, waterproof table covering for outdoor use. Cleveland's table cover is disclosed to be preferably made of polyethylene laminate and is not disposable. [0014] Although maintenance of plastic table covers is less expensive than the maintenance of cloth table covers, there are still many detriments to the use of plastic. For example, everyone is familiar with the “sticky feel” associated with plastic table covers. If a plastic cover is made of a lightweight material, it may not stay on the table or may cause other lightweight items located thereupon to spill. If the plastic cover is of heavy gauge material, it very often does not conform to the shape of the table. If used on a buffet, a heavy gauge plastic table cover may be caught or pulled by event attendees, resulting in spillage or the like. Many of the lightweight or heavy gauge plastic covers are not disposable, requiring caterers to lug them around. To date, no one has employed non-woven material in connection with table covers and/or skirts. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0015] To address these and other needs, the present invention provides a disposable sanitary table and seat cover fabricated from inexpensive, non-woven, disposable fabric readily adapted for a wide variety of tables and chairs, such as, for example but not by way of limitation, banquet tables, round tables, folding tables, banquet chairs and/or folding chairs. [0016] The present invention also provides methods for adjusting the dimensions and contours of the pre-manufactured covers of this invention so that the covers fit over the tables and chairs snugly and neatly. [0017] The covers are made of a non-woven fabric which is inexpensive and may, therefore, be discarded after use. [0018] Caterers encounter a wide variety of table sizes and shapes. Therefore, the non-woven table covers and skirts of this invention, which may be offered in the form of a table-covering kit and include clips and other fastening structures for releasably affixing the cover and/or skirt to a table, provide one or more sheets of non-woven material, which optionally may be adjustable to a wide variety of table shapes and sizes by dashed or solid lines defining the terminal edges of a particular size cover or, alternatively, perforations or other easily-removable connection along which excess material may be removed. For example, the covers and skirts of the present invention may be made available for round, oblong, square, rectangular, or any shaped tables. Each kit may include one or more large sheets that either are pre-manufactured in a specific common table size or can be cut or torn along perforations to create a sheet of a smaller size, if necessary. Preferably, the printed pattern outlines, if used, are only visible on one side of the material, so that they are not visible to the guests. In an alternate embodiment, the table cover and skirt may not employ the aforementioned adjustability features. [0019] Most caterers employ a drape or skirt (“skirt”) along the edge of the catering table for cosmetic and safety reasons. Such skirts conceal the space below the table, providing a desirable visual effect. The catering kit of the present invention includes one or more sheets that can be used as a skirt. Once again, the sheet can include printed lines or markings, perforations or other easily-removable connections so that the height of the skirt can be adjusted to fit the table, and, preferably, if printed markings are used, they are only visible on one side of the fabric. [0020] The kit of the present invention includes one or more clips to secure a first sheet, the table cover, to the top of the table and to secure the second sheet, the skirt, along the edge of the table to cover the space below the table top. Once again, the kit can be prepared with certain tables in mind, such as banquet tables, polyethylene tables made by Lifetime Products, Inc., or even adjustable clips for tables of non-standard thickness. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0021] FIG. 1 shows a typical prior art banquet chair which a first embodiment of the cover of the instant invention is meant to partially encapsulate. [0022] FIG. 2 is a plan view of two sections of non-woven fabric which are adapted to be sewn together or otherwise attached to form the first embodiment of the instant invention. [0023] FIGS. 3 through 5 are rear perspective views showing an assembled chair cover of the first embodiment of instant invention being placed about a chair. [0024] FIG. 6 is a front orthogonal view of the first embodiment of the instant invention placed over a banquet chair. [0025] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the chair and cover shown in FIG. 6 . [0026] FIG. 8 is a right side elevational view of the chair and cover shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 . [0027] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the assembled chair cover of the first embodiment in its final position about a banquet chair. [0028] FIG. 10 shows a typical prior art folding chair which a second embodiment of the cover of the instant invention is meant to partially encapsulate. [0029] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of two sections of non-woven fabric which are adapted to be sewn together or otherwise attached to form the second embodiment of the instant invention. [0030] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the cover of the second embodiment of the invention in place about a folding chair. [0031] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the cover of the second embodiment of this invention placed about a folding chair. [0032] FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the cover of the second embodiment of this invention placed about a folding chair. [0033] FIG. 15 is a rear elevational view of the cover of the second embodiment of this invention in place about a folding chair, without showing the folding chair in phantom. [0034] FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the cover of the second embodiment of this invention being placed about a folding chair. [0035] FIG. 17 shows an exploded perspective view of a banquet table, table cover, table skirt, and clips. [0036] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of FIG. 1 , in an assembled state. [0037] FIG. 19 is an enlarged elevational view of section line 3 - 3 of FIG. 17 . [0038] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the banquet clip. [0039] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the clip utilized with a brand of polyethylene tables manufactured by Lifetime Products, Inc. [0040] FIG. 22 shows an exploded perspective view of a round table, table cover, table skirt and clips. [0041] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of FIG. 22 in an assembled state. [0042] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an adjustable clip. [0043] FIG. 25 provides a perspective view of one embodiment of an apron in accordance with the present invention. [0044] FIG. 26 provides a perspective view of a second embodiment of an apron in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0045] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a conventional banquet-type chair denoted by the letter “C” of the type commonly used at social functions such as weddings, birthday parties, concerts, etc. The type of chair shown here is merely to provide an example of one type of chair in connection with which the instant invention can be used. Any other chair, whether of the foldable or non-foldable variety, which is adaptable to receive a non-woven, disposable chair cover, is contemplated to be within the field of use of the instant invention. [0046] FIG. 2 shows a typical pattern layout for a first embodiment of the non-woven fabric chair cover of the instant invention prior to the fabric being sewn or otherwise attached together to form a form-fitting chair cover 10 . It will be appreciated that the shape of the fabric patterns will vary depending upon the particular chair to be covered. The material may be formed of two panels 12 , 14 which are to be sewn together in such a way as to form the cover shown in FIGS. 3 through 9 . The panels 12 , 14 may be attached through sewing/stitching, ultrasonic welding, adhesive, hook and loop fastener, snaps, buttons, or any other suitable connection structure. The cover 10 , as seen in FIGS. 3 through 9 , forms generally an upper pocket 20 adapted to at least partially envelope seat back section 4 , as well as a lower pocket 22 adapted to envelope seat portion 5 and front and rear legs 6 , 8 of chair “C”. In this way, a user of the chair will not through ordinary use be able to come into contact with chair “C” while cover 10 is in place. [0047] FIGS. 3 through 5 show the chair cover after being assembled. [0048] An additional feature may (but need not necessarily) be employed to permit adjustment of the height of cover 10 relative to chair “C”. In connection with this additional feature, upper pocket 20 of cover 10 includes a front panel 25 , a rear panel 26 and a flap 27 which is connected to lower pocket 22 and which is adapted to be folded over the top of seat back 4 and laid against rear panel 26 to form a natural height adjustment mechanism for cover 10 . Flap 27 may be held in place against rear panel 26 by any suitable means, such as the hook and loop fastener strips 24 , 28 attached to flaps 27 and 26 , respectively. [0049] It is to be appreciated that the adjustability feature embodied in flap 27 and fasteners 24 , 28 constitutes an option which is not necessary for the realization of the benefits of the instant invention, which is simply a non-woven, form fitting chair cover. [0050] FIGS. 4 and 5 show an additional adjustment feature which may or may not be employed with the instant invention. This additional feature is comprised of a tear away strip 40 attached to lower pocket 22 by a perforated or other frangible connection. Strip 40 may be removed from cover 10 in the event that the legs 6 , 8 are shorter than the height of lower pocket 22 . In this way, cover 10 will hang down to the bottom of legs 6 , 8 and not be too long and cause the material of cover 10 to buckle, which would be a potential tripping hazard as well as unsightly. [0051] Still in the alternative, as best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7 , a slit 50 may be provided in the front panel 22 ′ of lower cover section 22 . Slit 50 will accommodate a user's feet and legs if the user sitting in the chair attempts to tuck the user's legs up underneath the user. Slit 50 will alleviate undue tensile forces exerted on the material of cover 10 in the event of this occurring. Side edges “x” and “y” form the respective edges of slit 50 . [0052] The particular dimensions of cover 10 are not critical to the present invention. Cover 10 may be produced in a variety of different sizes to accommodate chairs of different configurations and dimensions. [0053] Panels 12 , 14 of cover 10 may be of a substantially planar material formed from a suitable non-woven fiber material or a composite or laminate thereof, which is widely used in the hygiene products industry. The term “non woven” material fabric refers generally to materials having a structure of individual fibers or threads that are interlaid, not necessarily in a regular, repetitive manner as in a knitted fabric. Non-wovens provide cloth-like aesthetics at a lower cost than typical knitted fabrics. Non-woven fabrics or webs may be formed from many processes such as, for example, meltblowing processes, spunbonding processes, hydroentangling processes, air laid processes, conforming processes, spunbonding/meltblowing/spunbonding processes and bonded carded web processes. These processes are all well known in the hygiene arts and non-woven materials are readily commercially available. For example, non-woven laminates have been available commercially for years from Kimberly Clark Corporation. [0054] Cover 10 may be substantially liquid impermeable, or may be liquid-permeable, depending upon the application to which the cover will be put. Alternatively, cover 10 may be made from a material that exhibits elastic properties, as such materials are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,207,237 to Haffner discloses an elastic non-woven web or film manufactured from a thermo-plastic polymer. U.S. Pat. No. 6,096,668 discloses an elastic liquid impermeable laminate. U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,460 discloses a laminate material formed of an elastomeric polymer sheet and a non-woven fabric sheet. Other suitable elastic sheet materials are known to those skilled in the art. [0055] FIG. 10 shows a conventional folding-type chair denoted by the letter “C 1 ” of the type commonly used at social functions such as weddings, birthday parties, concerts, etc. [0056] FIG. 11 shows a typical pattern layout for a second embodiment of the non-woven fabric chair cover 110 of the instant invention adapted to be used to cover the folding-type chair shown in FIG. 10 . The pattern layout for the cover 110 is shown in FIG. 11 prior to panels 112 , 114 being sewn or otherwise attached together to form a form-fitting chair cover 110 . The material may be formed of two panels 112 , 114 which are to be sewn together in such a way as to form the cover shown in FIGS. 12 through 16 . The panels 112 , 114 may be attached through sewing/stitching, ultrasonic welding, adhesive, hook and loop fastener, snaps, buttons, or any other suitable connection structure. The cover 110 , as seen in FIGS. 13 through 16 , forms generally an upper pocket 120 adapted to at least partially envelope seat back section 104 , as well as a lower pocket 122 adapted to envelope seat portion 105 and front and rear legs 106 , 108 of chair “C 1 ”. In this way, a user of the chair will not through ordinary use be able to come into contact with chair “C 1 ” while cover 110 is in place. [0057] FIGS. 12 through 16 show the chair cover after being assembled. [0058] In front panel 122 ′ of lower pocket 122 , a slit 150 is employed as in the first embodiment to permit a user seated in the chair to tuck his or her legs up underneath the chair without tearing the cover 110 . [0059] As best seen in FIGS. 14 through 16 , one or more pleats 130 or “tucks” may be employed to permit a certain amount of “give” in the upper pocket 120 so as to allow upper pocket 120 to fit snugly about the chair back 104 . [0060] It can be seen, therefore, the covers 10 and 110 of the first and second embodiments of my invention in the form of cover 110 fit easily and snugly about a standard folding-type chair to provide a protection cover for the chair as well as a beautiful ornamentation for an otherwise bland seating apparatus. [0061] Referring now to FIGS. 17-25 , in which like reference numerals designate like items, two modes of practicing the table cover and skirt embodiments of the present invention are disclosed. It is to be understood, however, that departures may be made in the specific structural assembly and use of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. [0062] As depicted in FIGS. 17-19 , 22 and 23 , the table cover 200 , 400 is placed on the table T, T 1 so as to substantially cover the top of the table and, in so doing, to act as a table-cloth. FIGS. 17-19 depict a rectangular table T which is covered by a rectangular table cover 200 . FIGS. 22 and 23 provide a round table T 1 which is covered by a round table cover 400 . [0063] If necessary, because tables are created in a variety of sizes, the table cover 200 , 400 may be made of one or more sheets of non-woven fabric which are to be joined together by sewing/stitching, ultrasonic welding, adhesive, hook and loop fastener, adhesive tapes, snaps, buttons, or any other suitable connection structure. In addition, and again because tables are created in a variety of sizes, table cover 200 , 400 may optionally include a size reduction feature 201 , 401 such as dashed or solid lines defining the terminal edges of a particular size cover or, alternatively, perforations or other easily-removable connection along which excess cover material may be removed. The size reduction feature 201 , 401 is visible in FIGS. 17 and 22 for demonstration purposes only. Preferably, the size reduction feature 201 , 401 is only visible on one side of the table cover 200 , 400 so that it does not affect the overall appearance of the final product. [0064] It will be appreciated that the size enlargement and size reduction features of the table cover 200 , 400 are not mutually exclusive. For example, a table may require two rectangular table covers 200 to cover a large table top, but may also need to utilize one of the size reduction features along one length of the table. [0065] The clips 210 , 310 , 410 , shown independently in FIGS. 20 , 21 and 24 , are then placed over the edge of the table 205 , 405 to removably secure the table cover 200 , 400 to the table top 204 , 404 . The clips 210 , 310 , 410 may include attachment material 211 , 311 , 411 with which to removably attach the skirt 220 , 420 along the edge of the table 205 , 405 . As depicted in FIGS. 19-21 and 24 , the attachment material 211 , 311 , 411 may comprise hook and loop fastener. However, any suitable attachment material 211 , 311 , 411 such as hook and loop fasteners, adhesive tapes, snaps, and buttons may be practiced in the present invention. [0066] In addition, and again because tables are created in a variety of sizes, table skirt 220 , 420 may optionally include a size reduction feature 221 , 421 such as dashed or solid lines defining the terminal edges of a particular size skirt or, alternatively, perforations or other easily-removable connection along which excess skirt material may be removed. Preferably, and as depicted in FIGS. 17 , 18 , 22 and 23 , the size reduction feature 221 , 421 is only visible on the side of the skirt 220 , 420 facing the table T, T 1 . [0067] The skirt 220 , 420 may also be provided with one or more lengths of attachment material 222 , 422 . Similar to the attachment material 211 , 311 , 411 of the clips, 210 , 310 , 410 , the attachment material 222 , 422 of the skirt 220 , 420 can include hook and loop fasteners, adhesive tapes, snaps, buttons, or any other suitable attachment material. As depicted in FIGS. 17 and 22 , the attachment material 222 , 422 is provided in a continuous strip. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the attachment material 222 , 422 may also be provided in intermittent lengths without departing from the scope of the present invention. To complete the table display, the attachment material 222 , 422 of the skirt 220 , 420 is attached to the attachment material 211 , 311 , 411 of the clip 210 , 310 , 410 . The resulting table T, T 1 is suitable for any event. [0068] In an alternate embodiment, it may be desirable to attach the skirt 220 , 420 to the table or other objects by means other than a clip 210 , 310 , 410 . For example, in creating a room of one theme, it may be necessary to place a skirt 220 , 420 around a wooden stage, a portable or stationary bar, countertop, table or fixed structure (not shown). In that case, a supply of attachment material (not shown), such as hook and loop fastener, may be included with the kit. The caterer could simply attach the attachment material directly to the edge of the object and then removably attach the corresponding attachment material 222 , 422 associated with the skirt 220 , 420 to the attachment material connected to the edge of the object. In another example, the hostess may wish to display a beautiful table top without a table cover 200 , 400 . In that embodiment, the skirt 220 , 420 can be attached directly to the table by attachment material (not shown) without the clip 210 , 310 , 410 . Some non-limiting examples of suitable attachment material include hook and loop fasteners, adhesive tapes, snaps, and buttons. [0069] To add to the visual appeal provided by the uniform display of the tables and chairs, the kit may also include one or more aprons 500 , 600 made of the same non-woven material as depicted in FIGS. 25 and 26 . [0070] Preferably, a kit according to the present invention will include one or more adjustable table covers, one or more adjustable skirts, a plurality of clips, and one or more aprons. However, the inventor recognizes that each caterer's needs are distinct and may also provide the kit components in individual packaging. For example, a caterer may have a chosen color scheme for his/her display and may wish to pair a blue adjustable skirt with a white table cover. The caterer would be able to purchase either the white table cover or the blue skirt separately. In addition, the caterer may be working an outdoor event and require additional clips to add holding strength to the cover and/or skirt due to the weather. [0071] A kit of the present invention may only include the table top and/or the table skirt and/or clips and/or any combination thereof. The components of the kit will be dictated by the needs of the consumer. [0072] In addition, the present invention is not limited to use by caterers. Kits to be used at home could include birthday-themed table covers and skirts or even in simple decorative patterns for normal day-to-day decoration. This invention is perfect for the person who likes to frequently alter the appearance of their rooms because it is low-cost and disposable. Therefore, a person could alter the appearance of a room every week, if desired. [0073] The invention has been shown and described herein in the form of preferred embodiments with alternative features. It is to be understood, however, that the scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments and additional features disclosed herein, and that the invention is intended to be limited only by the following claims.
Chair covers formed from disposable, polymeric non-woven fabric are disclosed. The covers are pre-formed in a variety of shapes to fit a variety of chair types. The covers are made from two pieces of non-woven material and pieced together by sewing, ultrasonic welding, heating or any other suitable fastening arrangement.
0
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Not Applicable FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH Not Applicable SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM Not Applicable FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the field of computer peripheral device drivers, and more particularly to installing and upgrading device drivers over a network. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Device drivers are generally known, including a printer driver. Typically, printing from a computer occurs through the use of a printer driver. Upon either an application launch or during a print command load time, the application will call an instance of the printer driver and provide the user with an interface to set the desired printer driver settings. Printer driver settings may also be called printer options, print settings, driver options, printer parameters, print selections, etc. The printer driver settings specify preferences on features of the printer. There has been a great increase in the types and varieties of peripheral devices available and connected by network to a computer. These devices include printers, scanners, keyboards, disk drives, video cameras, etc. When a new device is added, a corresponding device driver (“driver”) must exist in the computer's memory. If a device driver does not exist in the computer's memory, a new driver must be installed. Installing a new driver often involves forcing the user to make cumbersome choices using a installation Wizard GUI. One method for detecting newly added device to a network is polling, in which a periodic scanning/searching of the network for a newly added device by a computer is performed. However, the problem with the polling method is that this causes network traffic and processor workload. The present invention arose out of the above concerns associated with providing methods for seamlessly installing and upgrading device drivers over a network. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Methods, computer program products, computing and printing systems for seamlessly installing and upgrading device drivers over a network are described. Instead of a computer periodically searching or scanning the network, searching occurs when a user logs into a computer. Moreover, if a new device is found, driver installation is carried out in a seamless pop-up GUI which is integrated as a part of the OS, rather than by a Wizard-like GUI. Methods include providing at least one Domain Controller connected to the network; providing at least one User Computer connected to the network; searching the network for newly added devices when detecting a user login; and installing device drivers for the found newly added devices. Methods also include optionally-silent, seamless, pop-up GUI; use of scripts and WSH (Windows® Scripting Host), searching for unavailable devices and deleting drivers for them; use of deletion grace periods; use of TCP/IP and/or SNMP; automatically upgrading existing drivers if necessary; maintaining tables of currently installed, to-be-installed, and to-be-deleted devices; applying pre-defined device settings; getting information of a device and applying the information to the driver; and use on printer drivers. The invention will be more fully understood upon consideration of the detailed description below, taken together with the accompanying drawings. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram showing connection of a computing system to a printer. FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram showing Domain Controllers, Devices, and User Computers connected to a network, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an overview of the overall process of device driver installation, upgrading, and deletion, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing installation of a device, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing deletion of a device, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing comparing discovered devices and existing devices to make tables of to-be-installed and to-be-deleted devices, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing use of scripts, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be used to practice the present invention. In other instances, well known structures, interfaces, and processes have not been shown in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a general printing system setup 100 that includes a host computer 110 and a printer 150 . Here, the printer 150 may be any device that can act as a printer, e.g. an inkjet printer, a laser printer, a photo printer, or an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral or Multi-Functional Peripheral) that may incorporate additional functions such as faxing, facsimile transmission, scanning, and copying. The host computer 110 includes an application 120 and a printer driver 130 . The application 120 refers to any computer program that is capable of issuing any type of request, either directly or indirectly, to print information. Examples of an application include, but are not limited to, commonly used programs such as word processors, spreadsheets, browsers and imaging programs. Since the invention is not platform or machine specific, other examples of application 120 include any program written for any device, including personal computers, network appliance, handheld computer, personal digital assistant, handheld or multimedia devices that is capable of printing. The printer driver 130 is a software interfacing with the application 120 and the printer 150 . Printer drivers are generally known. They enable a processor, such as a personal computer, to configure an output data from an application that will be recognized and acted upon by a connected printer. The output data stream implements necessary synchronizing actions required to enable interaction between the processor and the connected printer. For a processor, such as a personal computer, to operate correctly, it requires an operating system such as DOS® (Disk Operating System) Windows®, Unix®, Linux®, Palm® OS, or Apple® OS. A printer I/O (Input/Output) interface connection 140 is provided and permits host computer 110 to communicate with a printer 150 . Printer 150 is configured to receive print commands from the host computer and, responsive thereto, render a printed media. Various exemplary printers include laser printers that are sold by the assignee of this invention. The connection 140 from the host computer 110 to the printer 150 may be a traditional printer cable through a parallel interface connection or any other method of connecting a computer to a printer used in the art, e.g., a serial interface connection, a remote network connection, a wireless connection, or an infrared connection. The varieties of processors, printing systems, and connection between them are well known. The present invention is suited for printer drivers, and it is also suited for other device drivers. The above explanations regarding FIG. 1 used a printer driver rather than a general device driver for concreteness of the explanations, but they also apply to other device drivers. Similarly, the following descriptions of the preferred embodiments may use examples pertaining to printer drivers, but they are to be understood as similarly applicable to other kinds of device drivers. FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram showing Domain Controllers, Devices, and User Computers connected to a network, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Connected by the network 210 are Domain Controllers 220 , devices 230 , printer devices 240 , and User Computers 250 . The network connection 210 may be a traditional printer cable through a parallel interface connection or any other method of connecting a computer to a printer used in the art, e.g., a serial interface connection, a remote network connection, a wireless connection, or an infrared connection. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an overview of the overall process of device driver installation, upgrading, and deletion, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In step 310 , a user login to a User Computer is detected. The methods for this and the other steps are described in more detail in conjunction with later figures. In step 320 a search of the network using TCP/IP and/or SNMP to discover IP addresses of all devices on the network, along with basic information of the devices. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a standard Internet protocol for managing software and devices on the network. The basic information of a discovered device is used to distinguish between two different devices that may be connected at the same IP address. In step 330 , a table of discovered devices is made, and it is compared with the table of existing devices. As a result of this comparison, tables of to-be-installed devices and to-be-deleted devices are made. The table of to-be-installed devices contain to-be-installed devices and to-be-updated devices. In step 340 , for each of the devices in the table of to-be-installed devices, installation (and updating) is performed. In the following descriptions, whenever installation is mentioned, it is to be understood that upgrading may be performed when the device driver needs to be upgraded. Thus, installation usually means installation (and upgrading) unless specifically noted otherwise. In step 350 , for each of the devices in the table of to-be-deleted devices, deletion is performed. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing installation of a device, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In step 410 , the installation (and upgrading) process of a device is started. In step 420 , if a confirmation is to be displayed, a seamless, popup dialog is displayed to confirm installation. This is a seamless dialog rather than a wizard. A wizard is made of various dialogs, each dialog displayed after another. A wizard is usually used to guide through a process of performing some action such as an installation. Each dialog in a wizard typically contains buttons such as Back, Next, Cancel and Finish. The seamless dialog is integrated into the operating system and appears as a part of the operating system. This popup dialog contains a checkbox, labeled “Do not show this message again”. If this checkbox is checked, the popup dialog will not be displayed next time, even if it would be displayed otherwise. In step 430 , if installation is not specified in the last step, then the installation process ends and goes no further. In step 440 , query is made for configuration (device settings) information, to obtain hardware setting information through SNMP. During installation, the installer obtains the hardware (device) setting through network SNMP and sets the hardware setting to the newly installed printer entry. In step 450 , profile (data structure) is made. Profile (data structure) comprises two parts, printer preferences and hardware (device) setting. In step 460 , installation and/or upgrade of the driver is performed from the INF location. In step 470 , a device entry is added. In step 480 , printing preferences and device settings are applied. Profile (defaults) is the default, predefined printer preferences, and the device setting is the hardware setting information obtained from a device. In step 490 , it is published to active directory queue. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing deletion of a device, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In step 510 , the deletion process of a device is started. In step 515 , if a delete grace period is set, and it is within the grace period, then the process ends and goes no further. A delete grace period is set by the user to specify that deletion should only occur if the device has been missing, unavailable, or undetected for some period of time. For example, if the delete grace period is set to three days and a device has been unavailable or undetected for two days, then the deletion of the device would not occur. It is also possible to specify the grace period using or combining the aspect of how many logins there have been while the device has been unavailable or undetected. In step 520 , if a confirmation is to be displayed, a seamless, popup dialog is displayed to confirm installation. This is a seamless dialog rather than a wizard. A wizard is made of various dialogs, each dialog displayed after another. A wizard is usually used to guide through a process of performing some action such as an installation. Each dialog in a wizard typically contains buttons such as Back, Next, Cancel and Finish. The seamless dialog is integrated into the operating system and appears as a part of the operating system. This popup dialog contains a checkbox, labeled “Do not show this message again”. If this checkbox is checked, the popup dialog will not be displayed next time, even if it would be displayed otherwise. In step 530 , if deletion is not specified in the last step, then the installation process ends and goes no further. Otherwise, if deletion is specified, the device entry is deleted. If this is the only device entry, then the device driver may also be deleted. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing comparing discovered devices and existing devices to make tables of to-be-installed and to-be-deleted devices, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In step 610 , comparison of discovered and currently existing devices is made. In step 620 , a table of to-be-installed (or to-be-upgraded) devices is made. This table comprises devices in the table of discovered devices that are not in the table of currently existing devices. In step 630 , a table of to-be-deleted devices is made. This table comprises devices in the table of currently existing devices that are not in the table of discovered devices. A device that is in the table of currently existing devices but not in the table of discovered devices may be removed or unavailable for some reason such as due to malfunction. In step 640 , for each of the devices in the table of to-be-installed devices, the installation process is performed. This is the process described in FIG. 4 . In step 650 , for each of the devices in the table of to-be-deleted devices, the deletion process is performed. This is the process described in FIG. 5 . FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing use of scripts, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In step 710 , parsing of the parameters in command line for script KMLogon.vbs is performed, including username and optionally password. In step 720 , the script KMPrintMgr.vbs is run with privilege of the username and password, passed as parameters. This privilege must be sufficient to install device drivers. In step 730 , IP addresses of all relevant devices are discovered by running KMDiscover.exe program, by searching the specified local network or IP address range. In step 740 , a list of installed device entries and assigned ports are obtained using WMI interface from Windows® Scripting Host. In step 750 , a comparison is made between the table of discovered devices and the table of currently existing devices. This is described in FIG. 5 . In step 760 , installation (or upgrade) is performed on all device drivers installed on the system by running “KMConsole.exe upgrade driver” program. Although this invention has been largely described using terminology pertaining to printer drivers, one skilled in this art could see how the disclosed methods can be used with other device drivers. The foregoing descriptions used printer drivers rather than general device drivers for concreteness of the explanations, but they also apply to other device drivers. Similarly, the foregoing descriptions of the preferred embodiments generally use examples pertaining to printer driver settings, but they are to be understood as similarly applicable to other kinds of device drivers. Although this invention has been largely described using Windows® terminology, one skilled in this art could see how the disclosed methods can be used with other operating systems, such as DOS®, Unix®, Linux®, Palm® OS, or Apple® OS, and in a variety of devices, including personal computers, network appliance, handheld computer, personal digital assistant, handheld and multimedia devices, etc. One skilled in this art could also see how the user could be provided with more choices, or how the invention could be automated to make one or more of the steps in the methods of the invention invisible to the end user. While this invention has been described in conjunction with its specific embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. There are changes that may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specific function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step(s) of” or “method step(s) of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.
A method seamlessly installs, upgrades, and deletes printer and other device drivers over a network. Instead of a computer periodically searching or scanning the network, searching occurs when a user logs into a computer. If a new device is found, driver installation is carried out using seamless pop-up GUI integrated into the OS, rather than by a wizard. The method includes providing a domain controller and a user computer connected to the network; searching the network for newly added devices when detecting a user login; and installing device drivers for the found newly added devices. The method also includes optionally-silent and seamless pop-up GUI; use of scripts and WSH (Windows Scripting Host); deletion grace periods; TCP/IP and/or SNMP; automatically upgrading existing drivers if necessary; maintaining tables of currently installed, to-be-installed, and to-be-deleted devices; applying pre-defined device settings; and obtaining information of a device and applying the information to the driver.
6
FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to polyamide elastomer having high flexibility and high heat resistance in addition to good physical characteristics of the known polyamide elastomers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is well known that polyamide elastomers comprising hard segments derived from polyamide and soft segments derived from polyethers has good physical characteristics such as high impact-recovery resilience, and low temperature flexibility. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,331,786 describes polyether-ester-amide block copolymer. However, the known polyamide elastomers having hard segments of polyamide and soft segment of polyether has disadvantageous characteristics such as low heat resistance and noticeable yellowing. Japanese Patent Provisional Publication 8-134210 describes polyamide elastomer comprising hard segments derived from aromatic amides and soft segments derived from aliphatic polyesters, aliphatic polycarbonates, aliphatic polyether carbonate, or polyorganosiloxane and having a weight average molecular weight of 30,000 to 1,000,000. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide a polyamide elastomer having high flexibility and high heat resistance in addition to good physical characteristics of the known polyamide elastomers. The present invention resides in polyamide elastomer comprising units derived from polyamide-forming monomers having no divalent aromatic group, units derived from polycarbonate diols, and units derived from dicarboxylic acids. The invention further resides in polyamide elastomer comprising units derived from aliphatic polyamides having a carboxylic acid group at each end thereof, and units derived from polycarbonate diols. The invention furthermore resides in polyamide elastomer comprising aliphatic polyamide units in an amount of 15 to 95 weight %, polycarbonate diol units, and dicarboxylic acid units. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The polyamide elastomer of the invention is prepared from (A) polyamide-forming monomers having no divalent aromatic group, (B) polycarbonate diols, and (C) dicarboxylic acids. The polyamide-forming monomer is preferably employed in an amount of 15 to 95 wt. %, more preferably 20 to 93 wt. %, more preferably 25 to 92 wt. %, and most preferably 30 to 90 wt. %. The polycarbonate diol is preferably employed in an amount of 15 to 90 weight %. The polycarbonate diol and dicarboxylic acid are preferably employed in such amounts that the amount of hydroxyl groups of the polycarbonate diol and the amount of carboxyl groups of the dicarboxylic acid are equal to each other with respect to molar amount. The polyamide-forming monomer having no divalent aromatic group, namely (A), preferably is an aliphatic polyamide-forming monomer. The aliphatic polyamide-forming monomer preferably has the following formula (1) or (4):  H 2 N—R 1 —COOH  (1) in which R 1 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 3 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 4 to 15 carbon atoms, most preferably 10 to 15 carbon atoms, and R 4 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 3 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 4 to 15 carbon atoms, most preferably 10 to 15 carbon atoms. It is specifically preferred that each of R 1 and R 4 has 11 carbon atoms. Examples of the preferred polyamide-forming monomers include ω-aminocarboxylic acid, lactam, reaction products of diamine and dicarboxylic acid, and reaction products of ω-aminocarboxylic acid and dicarboxylic acid. The diamine preferably is an aliphatic diamine or its derivative. The dicarboxylic acid preferably is an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid or its derivative. A molar ratio of diamine to dicarboxylic acid (diamine/dicarboxylic acid) preferably is in the range of 0.9 to 1.1, more preferably 0.93 to 1.07, more preferably 0.95 to 1.05, most preferably 0.97 to 1.03. The diamine preferably is an aliphatic diamine having 2 to 20 carbon atoms. Examples of the diamines include ethylene diamine, trimethylene diamine, tetramethylene diamine, hexamethylene diamine, heptamethylene diamine, octamethylene diamine, nonamethylene diamine, decamethylene diamine, undecamethylene diamine, dodecamethylene diamine, 2,2,4-trimethylhexamethylene diamine, 2,4,4-trimethylhexamethylene diamine, and 3-methylpentamethylene diamine. The dicarboxylic acid preferably is an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having 2 to 20 carbon atoms. Examples of the dicarboxylic acids include oxalic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, and dodecane diacid. The lactam preferably is an aliphatic lactam having 5 to 20 carbon atoms. Examples of the lactams include ε-caprolactam, ω-enantholactam, ω-undecalactam, ω-dodecalactam, and 2-pyrrolidone. The ω-aminocarboxylic acid preferably is an aliphatic ω-aminocarboxylic having 5 to 20 carbon atoms. Examples of the ω-aminocarboxylic acids include 6-aminocaproic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, 8-aminooctanoic acid, 10-aminocaprilic acid, 11-aminoundecanoic acid and 12-amino-dodecanoic acid. The polycarbonate diols (B) preferably has the following formula (2): HO—[—R 2 —OCOO—] n —R 2 —OH  (2) in which R 2 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having 2 to 12 carbon atoms or a molecular chain comprising an alicyclic group having 5 to 12 carbon atoms and an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 2 to 60 carbon atoms. Preferably, R 2 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having 3 to 12 carbon atoms (more preferably 4 to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably 4 to 10 carbon atoms, most preferably 5 to 8 carbon atoms), or a molecular chain comprising an alicyclic group having 5 to 12 carbon atoms and an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms (more preferably 4 to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably 4 to 10 carbon atoms, most preferably 5 to 8 carbon atoms). R 2 preferably is a saturated hydrocarbon chain. Preferably, n is a number of 3 to 30 (more preferably 4 to 20, most preferably 5 to 15). Examples of the polycarbonate diols include the following compounds: polycarbonate diol prepared by the transesterification reaction of an alkane diol with dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate or diphenyl carbonate; and polycarbonate diol prepared from an alkane diol and phosgene by surface polycondensation reaction. Examples of the alkane diols include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,7-heptanediol, 1,8-octanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, 1,10-decanediol, 1,11-undecanediol, 1,12-dodecanediol, and cyclohexane 1,4-dimethanol. The dicarboxylic acid (C) preferably has the following formula (3): HOOC—(R 3 ) m —COOH  (3) in which R 3 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having 1 to 25 carbon atoms or a molecular chain comprising an alicyclic group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms and an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 25 carbon atoms, and m is 0 or 1. Preferably m is 1. Preferably, R 3 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having 1 to 20 carbon atoms (more preferably 2 to 15 carbon atoms, most preferably 4 to 10 carbon atoms) or a molecular chain comprising an alicyclic group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms and an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms (more preferably 2 to 15 carbon atoms, most preferably 4 to 10 carbon atoms). It is preferred that the dicarboxylic acid (C) is an aliphatic or alicyclic dicarboxylic acid, or one of their derivatives. Preferably, the dicarboxylic acid is a linear aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having 2 to 25 carbon atoms. Examples of the dicarboxylic acids include oxalic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, and dodecane diacid. A dimerized aliphatic dicarboxylic acid (i.e., dimer acid) having 2 to 500 carbon atoms which is produced by dimerization of an unsaturated fatty acid obtainable by fractional distillation of triglyceride or its hydrogenated product (i.e., hydrogenated dimer acid) can be also employed. Moreover, an alicyclic dicarboxylic acid such as 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid is also employable. The dimer acids and hydrogenated dimer acid can be available on the market from Unichema Corporation under the tradenames of Pripol 1004, Pripol 1006, Pripol 1009, and Pripol 1013. The polyamide elastomer of the invention can be produced by melt polymerization of the polyamide-forming monomers having no divalent aromatic group, polycarbonate diols, and dicarboxylic acids. The melt polymerization is preferably carried out by a combination of a first melt polymerization under an atmospheric or increased pressure and a second melt polymerization under reduced pressure. The polyamide-forming monomer, polycarbonate diol, and dicarboxylic acid can be placed simultaneously in a reaction vessel. Otherwise, the polyamide-forming monomer and dicarboxylic acid are first reacted to prepare a polyamide having carboxylic acid group at its each end (or terminal), and subsequently the prepared polyamide is then reacted with the polycarbonate diol. The polymerization can be carried out at a temperature of 150 to 300° C., preferably 160 to 280° C., more preferably 170 to 260° C., most preferably 180 to 250° C. In the case that ω-aminocarboxylic acid (polyamide-forming monomer), polycarbonate diol and dicarboxylic acid are simultaneously placed in a reaction vessel, a successive process comprising a melting polymerization procedure under atmospheric pressure and a melt procedure under reduced pressure is performed. In the case that lactam or a combination of diamine and dicarboxylic acid or their salt (polyamide-forming monomer), polycarbonate diol and dicarboxylic acid are simultaneously placed in a reaction vessel, a successive process comprising a melting polymerization procedure under pressure (0.1 to 3 MPa) in the presence of an appropriate water and a melt procedure under reduced pressure is performed. In the case that ω-aminocarboxylic acid (polyamide-forming monomer) and dicarboxylic acid are first reacted to produce a polyamide or polyamide oligomer having a carboxyl group at each end, the reaction is performed under atmospheric pressure. In the case that lactam or a combination of diamine and dicarboxylic acid or their salt (polyamide-forming monomer) and dicarboxylic acid are first reacted to produce a polyamide or polyamide oligomer having a carboxyl group at each end, the reaction is performed under pressure. In the reaction procedure under atmospheric pressure or increased pressure, the amide-forming reaction mainly proceeds. Whereas, in the reaction procedure under reduced pressure, the esterification reaction mainly proceeds to give the desired polyamide elastomer. In the esterification reaction, a known esterification catalyst can be utilized. Examples of the esterification catalysts include lithium acetate, zinc acetate, magnesium acetate, magnesium oxide, titanium (IV) chloride, zirconium (IV) chloride, hafnium (IV) chloride, tin (IV) chloride, tetramethyl titanate, tetraethyl titanate, tetrapropyl titanate, tetraisopropyl titanate, tetrabutyl titanate, tetrabutyl zirconate, distanoxanes such as 1-hydroxy-3-isothiocyanate-1,1,3,3-tetrabutyldistanoxane, diphenylammonium trifurate, and hafnium (IV) chloride-tetrahydrofuran. The catalyst is preferably utilized in an amount of 10 to 10,000 ppm, based on the total amount of the starting materials. The reaction for producing the polyamide elastomer of the invention generally is performed for 0.5 to 30 hours. The above-mentioned reaction gives the desired polyamide elastomer having a relative viscosity of 1.2 to 3.5 (0.5 wt./vol. %, metacresol solution, 25° C.). If desired, a solid polymerization reaction is then performed for producing an elastomer having an increased viscosity. The solid polymerization reaction can be performed at a temperature of not lower than 100° C,. but not higher than the melting point of the resulting elastomer. The solid polymerization reaction is generally performed for 1 to 50 hours. The polyamide elastomer of the invention preferably has a relative viscosity (ηr) in the range of 1.2 to 3.5, preferably 1.3 to 3.0, more preferably 1.35 to 2.5, most preferably 1.4 to 2.2 (0.5 wt./vol. %, metacresol solution, 25° C.). The polyamide elastomer of the invention can be produced either by a batch system or by a continuous system. The reaction vessel can be a batch reaction vessel, a continuous single or multiple vessel reaction apparatus, or a continuous tubular reaction apparatus. These reaction vessels can be employed singly or in combination. If desired, the polymerization reaction can be carried out in the presence of a polymerization accelerator or an oxidation inhibitor such as an inorganic phosphate compound, for example, phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, hypophosphilic acid, pyrophosphoric acid, their alkali metal salts, or their alkaline earth metal salt, in an amount of 50 to 3,000 ppm, based on the total amount of the starting materials. A monoamine compound (e.g., lauryl amine or stearyl amine), a diamine compound (e.g., hexamethylene diamine or metaxylylenediamine), a monocarboxylic acid (e.g., benzoic acid or stearic acid), or a dicarboxylic acid (e.g., isophthalic acid or terephthalic acid) can be used for controlling the molecular weight of the resulting elastomer, or stabilizing the viscosity of melted elastomer in the molding procedure. The amount of the additive can be so adjusted that the resulting elastomer can have a relative viscosity in the aforementioned range. The polyamide elastomer of the invention can contain heat resistance-increasing agents, UV absorbers, photo-stabilizers, oxidation inhibitors, antistatic agents, lubricants, slipping agents, crystallization nucleus-forming agents, tackiness intensifiers, sealing improvers, anti-fogging agents, releasing agents, plasticizers, pigments, dyes, perfumers, flame retarders, or reinforcing agents. The polyamide elastomer of the invention can be easily molded to give a product having high flexibility, appropriate impact-recovery resilience, high heat resistance, and high yellowing resistance. Examples of the molded products include injected products, tubes, pipes, shaped sections, sheets, films, monofilaments, and fibers. The polyamide elastomer of the invention is well compatible with other polyamide resins. Accordingly, the polyamide elastomer can be blended with other polyamide resins or laminated on other polyamide resin sheets. For instance, the polyamide elastomer of the invention can be blended with other polyamide resin to give polyamide resins having improved impact resistance, elasticity and flexibility. The polyamide elastomer of the invention preferably has a stress relaxation just after molding of 2.5 or more, more preferably 2.8 or more, more preferably in the range of 2.8 to 12, and most preferably 3 to 8. The polyamide elastomer preferably shows a ratio of decrease of stress relaxation t b /t a (t a means a stress relaxation just after molding, and t b means a stress relaxation after 30 day storage at 100° C.) of 0.6 or more, more preferably 0.7 or more, more preferably in the range of 0.7 to 0.95, and most preferably in the range of 0.7 to 0.9. The polyamide elastomer of the invention preferably shows a value of Y a [yellowness index (YI) just after molding] of 9.5 or less, more preferably 9.2 or less, more preferably 9 or less, and most preferably 8.8 or less. The polyamide elastomer preferably shows a value of (Y b −Y a ) [Y b means a yellowness index (YI) after 60 day storage at 50° C.] of 25 or less, more preferably 20 or less, more preferably 18 or less, and most preferably 17 or less. The polyamide elastomer preferably shows a value of (Y c −Y a ) [Y c means a yellowness index (YI) after 60 day storage at 80° C.] of 80 or less, more preferably 60 or less, more preferably 50 or less, and most preferably 40 or less. The polyamide elastomer preferably shows a value of (Y c /Y a ) of 10 or less, more preferably 9 or less, more preferably 8 or less, and most preferably 7.5 or less. The polyamide elastomer of the invention preferably shows a coefficient of stretch recovery just after molding of 78% or more, more preferably 80% or more, more preferably 81% or more, and most preferably 82% or more. The polyamide elastomer of the invention preferably has an elasticity just after molding of 205 MPa or less, more preferably 202 MPa or less, more preferably 200 MPa or less, and most preferably in the range of 50 to 200 MPa. The polyamide elastomer of the invention preferably has a tensile stress at breakdown point just after molding of 18 MPa or less, more preferably 17 MPa or less, more preferably 16 MPa or less, and most preferably in the range of 5 to 15 MPa. The polyamide elastomer has a tensile stress at breakdown point after 30 day storage at 100° C. of 18 MPa or less, more preferably 17 MPa or less, more preferably 16 MPa or less, and most preferably in the range of 5 to 15 MPa. The polyamide elastomer of the invention preferably has a breakdown extension just after molding of 200% or more, more preferably 300% or more, more preferably 400% or more, and most preferably 450% or more. The polyamide elastomer of the invention preferably has a breakdown extension after 30 day storage at 100° C. of 200% or more, more preferably 300% or more, more preferably 350% or more, and most preferably 400% or more. The present invention is further described by the following non-limiting examples. The characteristics are determined by the following methods. 1) Relative viscosity (ηr), 0.5 wt./vol. %, metacresol solution, at 25° C.): measured at 25° C. by means of the Ostwald viscometer in m-cresol (guaranteed reagent) at 5 g/dm 3 concentration). 2) Terminal carboxyl group concentration ([COOH]): the elastomer (1 g) is dissolved in 40 mL of benzyl alcohol, by heating in nitrogen gas atmosphere, and the terminal carboxyl group concentration is measured by titration with N/20 potassium hydroxide-ethanol solution using phenolphthalein as indicator. 3) Terminal amino group concentration ([NH 2 ]): the elastomer (1 g) is dissolved in 40 mL of phenol/methanol mixture (9/1, volume ratio), and the terminal amino group concentration is measured by titration with N/20 hydrochloric acid using thymol blue as indicator. 4) Number average molecular weight (Mn): determined from the terminal carboxyl group concentration [COOH] and the terminal amino group concentration [NH 2 ] according to the following equation (1): Mn=2/{[NH 2 ]+[COOH]}  (1) 5) Melting point (Tm) and Temperature of crystallization (Tc): measured by means of a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC-50, available from Shimazu Seisakusho, Co., Ltd.) under nitrogen gas atmosphere. For the measurements, the elastomer is heated from room temperature to 230° C. at a rate of 10° C./min.,—first temperature increase run—, maintained at 230° C. for 10 min., cooled to −100° C. at a rate of 10° C./min.,—first temperature decrease run—, and then heated to 230° C. at a rate of 10° C./min.,—second temperature increase run. From the obtained DCS chart, Tc corresponding to the exothermic peak temperature in the first temperature decrease run and Tm corresponding to the endothermic peak temperature in the second temperature increase run are determined. 6) Composition: The elastomer is dissolved in heavy trifluoroacetate at a concentration of 4 wt. %. The elastomer solution is subjected to proton NMR spectroscopy at room temperature using JNM-EX 400 WB-type FT-NMR (available Japan Electronics Co., Ltd.). From the NMR spectrum, the composition of the constituting monomer components is determined. 7) Stress relaxation: The elastomer is molded under compression to prepare an elastomer film (thickness: approximately 100 μm). The elastomer film is cut out to give a dumb-bell type test specimen (corresponding to JIS No.3). The specimen is fitted in a pair of chucks of a tensile strength tester at a space of 50 mm. The specimen is then extended at a rate of 500 mm/min at 23° C. When the 0.4 mm long portion (2% of the total strength) at the center of the specimen is extended, the variation of relaxation is measured while maintaining the condition. A period of time required for varying a ratio of σ t /σ o [σ o means an initial stress at the 2% extension, and σ t means a stress at a lapse of time t] to reach 0.9 (t 0.9 ) is determined. A larger t 0.9 means that the relaxation is lower and the rubber elasticity is better. 8) Coefficient of extension recovery: The elastomer is molded under compression to prepare an elastomer film (thickness: approximately 100 μm). The elastomer film is cut out to give a dumb-bell type test specimen (corresponding to JIS No.3). The specimen is fitted in a pair of chucks of a tensile strength tester at a space of 50 mm. The specimen is then extended at a rate of 100 mm/min at 23° C. When the 4 mm long portion (20% of the total strength) at the center of the specimen is extended, the extension is relieved at the same rate to give the stress of zero (0). The distance between the chucks (r mm) is measured when the stress reaches zero. The coefficient of extension recovery is then calculated according to the following equation (1). Coefficient of extension recovery (%)=[4−( r− 50)]/4×100  (2) A larger coefficient of extension recovery corresponds to better rubber elasticity. 9) Extension properties: The elastomer is molded under compression to prepare an elastomer film (thickness: approximately 100 μm). The elastomer film is cut out to give a specimen (100 mm×10 mm). The specimen is subjected to extension test under the condition of a chuck distance of 50 mm and an extension rate of 500 mm/min. at 23° C., to cause breakdown. In this test, an elasticity, a tensile stress at breakdown point, and a breakdown extension. 10) Heat resistance: The elastomer is molded under compression to prepare an elastomer film (thickness: approximately 100 μm). The elastomer film is heated for 30 days in an over maintained at 100° C. After the heat treatment, the elastomer film is subjected to the measurements of t 0.9 , coefficient of extension recovery, and extension property, in the aforementioned manner. 11) Resistance to yellowing: The elastomer is molded under compression to prepare an elastomer film (thickness: approximately 100 μm). The elastomer film is heated for 60 days in an over maintained at 50° C. or 80° C. The heat treated film is subjected to measurement of a yellowness index (YI) using an SM-5-1S-2B (SM color computer available from Suga Test Machine Co., Ltd.). The value of YI is processed to express YI of 1 mm thick film. EXAMPLE 1 In a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer and a nitrogen gas inlet were placed 25.000 weight parts of 12-aminododecanoic acid and 3.190 weight parts of adipic acid. The inner space of the vessel was purged using nitrogen gas. The content of the vessel was heated to 200° C. for one hour under the condition that a nitrogen gas was passed at a flow rate of 50 mL/min. The temperature of the content was then increased to 240° C. for one hour, and the content was continuously heated at 240° C. for 4 hours. Thus, polymerization was complete. The polymerization product was a polyamide 12 oligomer having a carboxyl group at each end: end group concentrations [COOH]=167.28×10 −5 eq/g and [NH 2 ]=0 eq/g, number average molecular weight (Mn)=1195.6. In a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer and a nitrogen gas inlet were placed 16.316 weight parts of the polyamide 12 oligomer, 13.825 weight parts of polycarbonate diol (HO—(—(CH 2 ) 6 OCOO—) 6.1 —(CH 2 ) 6 OH, ETERNACOLL H100 available from Ube Industries, Ltd.), and 0.1 weight part of tetrabutyl titanate. The inner space of the vessel was purged using nitrogen gas. The content of the vessel was heated to 210° C. for 3 hrs. under the condition that a nitrogen gas was passed at a flow rate of 50 mL/min. The inner pressure of the vessel was gradually reduced for one hour to reach approximately 30 Pa. Under the condition, the content was subjected to polymerization for 2 hrs. The inner space of the vessel was then heated and evacuated for 30 minutes to reach 230° C. and approximately 10 Pa. The content was further subjected to reaction at the same temperature and pressure for 2 hours. Thus, reaction was complete. The polymerization product was a white flexible, tough polymer having ηr=1.50, Tm=151.1° C., and Tc=111.8° C. The polymer composition was expressed by PA12/PCD/AA=48.3/46.5/5.2 (wt. %, PA12 means a polyamide 12 unit, PCD means a polycarbonate diol unit, and AA means an adipic acid unit). The polymerization product was then mixed with 1,000 ppm of an oxidation inhibitor (Tominox 917, available from Yoshitomi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.). The mixture was molded under compression at 230° C. and 10 MPa, to produce a polyamide elastomer film having a thickness of approximately 100 μm. The polyimide elastomer film was subjected to measurements of t 0.9 , coefficient of extension recovery, extension properties, and yellowness index, just after molding and after heat treatment. The measurement data are set forth in Table 1. EXAMPLE 2 In a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer and a nitrogen gas inlet were placed 66.024 weight parts of 12-aminododecanoic acid and 4.483 weight parts of adipic acid. The inner space of the vessel was purged using nitrogen gas. The content of the vessel was heated to 200° C. for one hour under the condition that a nitrogen gas was passed at a flow rate of 50 mL/min. The temperature of the content was then increased to 240° C. for one hour, and the content was continuously heated at 240° C. for 3 hours. Thus, polymerization was complete. The polymerization product was a polyamide 12 oligomer having a carboxyl group at each end: end group concentrations [COOH]=105.66×10 −5 eq/g and [NH 2 ]=0.10×10 −5 eq/g, number average molecular weight (Mn)=1891.1. In a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer and a nitrogen gas inlet were placed 19.735 weight parts of the polyamide 12 oligomer, 10.542 weight parts of polycarbonate diol (HO—(—(CH 2 ) 6 OCOO—) 6.1 —(CH 2 ) 6 OH, ETERNACOLL H100), and 0.1 weight part of tetrabutyl titanate. The inner space of the vessel was purged using nitrogen gas. The content of the vessel was heated to 210° C. for 3 hrs. under the condition that a nitrogen gas was passed at a flow rate of 50 mL/min. The inner pressure of the vessel was gradually reduced for 30 minutes to reach approximately 10 Pa. Under the condition, the content was subjected to polymerization for 2.5 hrs. The inner space of the vessel was then heated and evacuated for 30 minutes to reach 230° C. and approximately 5 Pa. The content was further subjected to reaction at the same temperature and pressure for 1.25 hours. Thus, reaction was complete. The polymerization product was a white flexible, tough polymer having ηr=1.61, Tm=163.1° C., and Tc=130.5° C. The polymer composition was expressed by PA12/PCD/AA=54.9/40.6/4.5 (wt. %). The polymerization product was then mixed with 1,000 ppm of an oxidation inhibitor (Tominox 917). The mixture was molded under compression at 230° C. and 10 MPa, to produce a polyamide elastomer film having a thickness of approximately 100 μm. The polyimide elastomer film was subjected to measurements of T 0.9 , coefficient of extension recovery, extension properties, and yellowness index, just after molding and after heat treatment. The measurement data are set forth in Table 1. EXAMPLE 3 In a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer and a nitrogen gas inlet were placed 35.000 weight parts of 12-aminododecanoic acid and 3.422 weight parts of adipic acid. The inner space of the vessel was purged using nitrogen gas. The content of the vessel was heated to 200° C. for one hour under the condition that a nitrogen gas was passed at a flow rate of 50 mL/min. The temperature of the content was then increased to 240° C. for one hour, and the content was continuously heated at 240° C. for 4 hours. Thus, polymerization was complete. The polymerization product was a polyamide 12 oligomer having a carboxyl group at each end: end group concentrations [COOH]=132.00×10 −5 eq/g and [NH 2 ]=0 eq/g, number average molecular weight (Mn)=1515.2. In a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer and a nitrogen gas inlet were placed 18.003 weight parts of the polyamide 12 oligomer, 12.042 weight parts of polycarbonate diol (HO—(—(CH 2 ) 6 OCOO—) 6.1 —(CH 2 ) 6 OH, ETERNACOLL H100), and 0.1 weight part of tetrabutyl titanate. The inner space of the vessel was purged using nitrogen gas. The content of the vessel was heated to 200° C. for one hour under the condition that a nitrogen gas was passed at a flow rate of 50 mL/min. The content was further heated to 220° C. for 20 minutes, and further heated at the same temperature for one hour. The inner pressure of the vessel was reduced for 30 minutes to reach approximately 5 Pa. Under the condition, the content was subjected to polymerization for 2.5 hrs. The inner space of the vessel was then heated and evacuated for 30 minutes to reach 230° C. and approximately 5 Pa. The content was further subjected to reaction at the same temperature and pressure for 1.5 hours. Subsequently, the inner space of the reaction vessel was heated and evacuated to 230° C. and approx. 3 Pa. Under the condition, the reaction was carried out for 2.2 hours, and then the reaction was complete. The polymerization product was a white flexible, tough polymer having ηr=1.83. The polymer composition was expressed by PA12/PCD/AA=60.9/35.2/3.9 (wt. %). The polymerization product was then mixed with 1,000 ppm of an oxidation inhibitor (Tominox 917). The mixture was molded under compression at 230° C. and 10 MPa, to produce a polyamide elastomer film having a thickness of approximately 100 μm. The polyimide elastomer film was subjected to measurements of T 0.9 , coefficient of extension recovery, extension properties, and yellowness index, just after molding and after heat treatment. The measurement data are set forth in Table 1. EXAMPLE 4 In a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer and a nitrogen gas inlet were placed 15.006 weight parts of 12-aminododecanoic acid, 14.021 weight parts of polycarbonate diol (HO—(—(CH 2 ) 6 OCOO—) 13.1 —(CH 2 ) 6 OH, ETERNACOLL H200, available from Ube Industries, Ltd.), and 1.022 weight parts of adipic acid. The inner space of the vessel was purged using nitrogen gas. The content of the vessel was heated to 200° C. for 2 hrs. under the condition that a nitrogen gas was passed at a flow rate of 50 mL/min. The temperature of the content was then increased to 220° C. for one hour, and the content was continuously heated for 2 hours. The inner pressure of the vessel was reduced for 30 minutes to reach approximately 7 Pa. Under the condition, the content was subjected to polymerization for 1.5 hrs. The inner space of the vessel was then heated and evacuated for 30 minutes to reach 230° C. and approximately 5 Pa. The content was further subjected to reaction at the same temperature and pressure for 2 hrs. Thus, the reaction was complete. The polymerization product was a white flexible, tough polymer having ηr=1.60, Tm=162.9° C., and Tc=128.2° C. The polymer composition was expressed by PA12/PCD/AA=48.0/49.2/2.8 (wt. %). The polymerization product was then mixed with 1,000 ppm of an oxidation inhibitor (Tominox 917). The mixture was molded under compression at 230° C. and 10 MPa, to produce a polyamide elastomer film having a thickness of approximately 100 μm. The polyimide elastomer film was subjected to measurements of T 0.9 , coefficient of extension recovery, extension properties, and yellowness index, just after molding and after heat treatment. The measurement data are set forth in Table 1. EXAMPLE 5 In a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer, a nitrogen gas inlet, and a condensed water trap were placed 17.525 weight parts of the polyamide 12 oligomer having a carboxyl group at each end (Mn=1891.1, produced in Example 2), 6.271 weight parts of poly(1,6-hexanediol carbonate) [Mn=1010], 6.241 weight parts of poly(3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol carbonate) [Mn=2040], and 0.1 weight part of tetrabutyl titanate. The inner space of the vessel was purged using nitrogen gas. The content of the vessel was heated to 200° C. for one hour under the condition that a nitrogen gas was passed at a flow rate of 50 mL/min. The temperature of the content was then increased to 220° C. for 20 minutes, and the content was continuously heated for one hour. The inner pressure of the vessel was reduced for 10 minutes to reach approximately 8 Pa. Under the condition, the content was subjected to polymerization for 1.1 hrs. The inner space of the vessel was then heated and evacuated for 20 minutes to reach 230° C. and approximately 3 Pa. The content was further subjected to reaction at the same temperature and pressure for 2 hrs. Thus, the reaction was complete. The polymerization product was a white flexible, tough polymer having ηr=1.87. The polymer composition was expressed by PA12/UH/UHP/AA=54.4/21.1/21.0/3.5 (wt. %, UH means a poly(1,6-hexanediol carbonate) unit, and UHP means a poly(3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol carbonate) unit). The polymerization product was then mixed with 1,000 ppm of an oxidation inhibitor (Tominox 917). The mixture was molded under compression at 230° C. and 10 MPa, to produce a polyamide elastomer film having a thickness of approximately 100 μm. The polyimide elastomer film was subjected to measurements of T 0.9 , coefficient of extension recovery, extension properties, and yellowness index, just after molding and after heat treatment. The measurement data are set forth in Table 1. EXAMPLE 6 In a reaction vessel equipped with a pressure gauge, a nitrogen gas inlet, and a pressure releasing outlet were placed 25.002 weight parts of laurolactam, 4.758 weight parts of dodecane diacid, and 5 weight parts of water. The inner space of the vessel was purged using nitrogen gas. The content of the vessel was heated to 270° C. for 10 hrs., to carry out polymerization. The inner pressure of the vessel was 2 MPa. The polymerization product was a polyamide 12 oligomer having a carboxyl group at each end: end group concentrations [COOH]=139.43×10 −5 eq/g and [NH 2 ]=0.13 eq/g, number average molecular weight (Mn)=1433.1. In a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer, a nitrogen gas inlet, and a condensed water trap were placed 17.403 weight parts of the polyamide 12 oligomer obtained above, 12.253 weight parts of polycarbonate diol (ETERNACOLL H100), and 0.1 weight part of tetrabutyl titanate. The inner space of the vessel was purged using nitrogen gas. The content of the vessel was heated to 200° C. for one hour under the condition that a nitrogen gas was passed at a flow rate of 50 mL/min. The temperature of the content was then increased to 220° C. for 30 minutes, and the content was continuously heated for one hour. The inner pressure of the vessel was reduced for 30 min. to reach approximately 8 Pa. Under the condition, the content was subjected to polymerization for 1.5 hrs. The inner space of the vessel was then heated and evacuated for 20 minutes to reach 230° C. and approximately 5 Pa. The content was further subjected to reaction at the same temperature and pressure for 3 hrs. Thus, the reaction was complete. The polymerization product was a white flexible, tough polymer having ηr=1.78. The polymer composition was expressed by PA12/PCD/DDA=50.3/41.8/7.9 (wt. %, DDA means a dodecane diacid unit). The polymerization product was then mixed with 1,000 ppm of an oxidation inhibitor (Tominox 917). The mixture was molded under compression at 230° C. and 10 MPa, to produce a polyamide elastomer film having a thickness of approximately 100 μm. The polyimide elastomer film was subjected to measurements of T 0.9 , coefficient of extension recovery, extension properties, and yellowness index, just after molding and after heat treatment. The measurement data are set forth in Table 1. Comparison Example 1 In a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer and a nitrogen gas inlet was placed 30.000 weight parts of 12-aminododecanoic acid. The inner space of the vessel was purged using nitrogen gas. The content of the vessel was heated to 190° C. for one hour under the condition that a nitrogen gas was passed at a flow rate of 50 mL/min. The temperature of the content was then increased to 250° C. for one hour, and the content was continuously heated at 250° C. for 5 hours. Thus, polymerization was complete. The polymerization product was polyamide 12 having ηr=2.18. The polymerization product was then mixed with 1,000 ppm of an oxidation inhibitor (Tominox 917). The mixture was molded under compression at 230° C. and 10 MPa, to produce a polyamide elastomer film having a thickness of approximately 100 μm. The polyimide elastomer film was subjected to measurements of T 0.9 and coefficient of extension recovery, just after molding. The measurement data are set forth in Table 1. Comparison Example 2 In a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer and a nitrogen gas inlet were placed 25.000 weight parts of 12-aminododecanoic acid and 4.723 weight parts of dodecane diacid. The inner space of the vessel was purged using nitrogen gas. The content of the vessel was heated to 200° C. for one hour under the condition that a nitrogen gas was passed at a flow rate of 50 mL/min. The temperature of the content was then increased to 240° C. for one hour, and the content was continuously heated at 240° C. for 4 hours. Thus, polymerization was complete. The polymerization product was a polyamide 12 oligomer having a carboxyl group at each end: end group concentrations [COOH]=148.37×10 −5 eq/g and [NH 2 ]=0 eq/g, number average molecular weight (Mn)=1398.0. In a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer and a nitrogen gas inlet were placed 17.406 weight parts of the polyamide 12 oligomer, 12.768 weight parts of polytetramethylene glycol (Mn=989), and 0.1 weight part of tetrabutyl titanate. The inner space of the vessel was purged using nitrogen gas. The content of the vessel was heated to 240° C. for 3 hrs. under the condition that a nitrogen gas was passed at a flow rate of 50 mL/min. The inner space of the vessel was then heated and evacuated for one hour to reach 270° C. and 400 Pa. The content was further subjected to reaction at the same temperature and pressure for 4 hours. Thus, reaction was complete. The polymerization product was a white flexible, tough polymer having ηr=1.71, Tm=157.1° C., and Tc=122.3° C. The polymer composition was expressed by PA12/PTMG/DDA=54.9/40.6/4.5 (wt. %, PTMG means a polytetramethylene glycol unit). The polymerization product was then mixed with 1,000 ppm of an oxidation inhibitor (Tominox 917). The mixture was molded under compression at 230° C. and 10 MPa, to produce a polyamide elastomer film having a thickness of approximately 100 μm. The polyimide elastomer film was subjected to measurements of T 0.9 , coefficient of extension recovery, extension properties, and yellowness index, just after molding and after heat treatment. The measurement data are set forth in Table 1. Comparison Example 3 In a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer and a nitrogen gas inlet were placed 30.005 weight parts of 12-aminododecanoic acid and 2.485 weight parts of adipic acid. The inner space of the vessel was purged using nitrogen gas. The content of the vessel was heated to 200° C. for one hour under the condition that a nitrogen gas was passed at a flow rate of 50 mL/min. The temperature of the content was then increased to 240° C. for one hour, and the content was continuously heated at 240° C. for 4 hours. Thus, polymerization was complete. The polymerization product was a polyamide 12 oligomer having a carboxyl group at each end: end group concentrations [COOH]=113.41×10 −5 eq/g and [NH 2 ]=0 eg/g, number average molecular weight (Mn)=1763.5. In a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer and a nitrogen gas inlet were placed 19.600 weight parts of the polyamide 12 oligomer, 10.992 weight parts of polytetramethylene glycol (Mn=989), and 0.1 weight part of tetrabutyl titanate. The inner space of the vessel was purged using nitrogen gas. The content of the vessel was heated to 200° C. for 3 hrs. under the condition that a nitrogen gas was passed at a flow rate of 50 mL/min. The inner pressure was reduced to approximately 130 Pa, and the content was subjected to reaction for one hour. Subsequently, the inner pressure was reduced to approximately 10 Pa and the content was subjected to reaction for one hour. The content of the vessel was then heated for 20 minutes to reach 240° C. at approx. 10 Pa. The content was further subjected to reaction at the same temperature and pressure for 3 hours. Thus, reaction was complete. The polymerization product was a white flexible, tough polymer having ηr=2.07, Tm=160.2° C., and Tc=125.3° C. The polymer composition was expressed by PA12/PTMG/AA=59.6/36.3/4.1 (wt. %). The polymerization product was then mixed with 1,000 ppm of an oxidation inhibitor (Tominox 917). The mixture was molded under compression at 230° C. and 10 MPa, to produce a polyamide elastomer film having a thickness of approximately 100 μm. The polyimide elastomer film was subjected to measurements of T 0.9 , coefficient of extension recovery, extension properties, and yellowness index, just after molding and after heat treatment. The measurement data are set forth in Table 1. Comparison Example 4 In a pressure-resistant stainless steel vessel (volume: 80 mL) equipped with a nitrogen gas inlet and a pressure gauge were placed 15.000 weight parts of polyamide produced from isophthalic acid and hexamethylene diamine, 2.113 weight parts of isophthalic acid, 12.887 weight parts of polycarbonate diol (ETERNACOLL H100), and 3.75 weight parts of water. The inner space of the vessel was purged using nitrogen gas. The content of the vessel was heated to 230° C. for 6 hrs., to carry out polymerization. The vessel was then placed in a water tank at room temperature. Thus, the polymerization was complete. The polymerization product was opaque white viscous liquid. In a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer and a nitrogen gas inlet were placed 25.000 weight parts of the polymerization product and 0.025 weight part of tetrabutyl titanate. The inner space of the vessel was purged using nitrogen gas. The content of the vessel was heated to 210° C. for 3 hrs. under the condition that a nitrogen gas was passed at a flow rate of 50 mL/min. The inner pressure of the vessel was gradually reduced for one hour to reach approximately 30 Pa. Under the condition, the content was subjected to polymerization for 2 hrs. The inner space of the vessel was then heated and evacuated for 30 minutes to reach 230° C. and approximately 10 Pa. The content was further subjected to reaction at the same temperature and pressure for 2 hrs. Thus, the reaction was complete. The polymerization product was a colorless, tough polymer having ηr=1.60. The polymerization product was then mixed with 1,000 ppm of an oxidation inhibitor (Tominox 917). The mixture was molded under compression at 230° C. and 10 MPa, to produce a polyamide elastomer film having a thickness of approximately 100 μm. The polyimide elastomer film was subjected to measurements of T 0.9 , coefficient of extension recovery, extension properties, and yellowness index, just after molding and after heat treatment. The measurement data are set forth in Table 1. Comparison Example 5 In a pressure-resistant stainless steel vessel (volume: 80 mL) equipped with a nitrogen gas inlet and a pressure gauge were placed 15.000 weight parts of polyamide produced from metaxylylene diamine and adipic acid (equimolar amounts), 1.891 weight parts of adipic acid, 13.109 weight parts of polycarbonate diol (ETERNACOLL H100), and 3.75 weight parts of water. The inner space of the vessel was purged using nitrogen gas. The content of the vessel was heated to 230° C. for 6 hrs., to carry out polymerization. The vessel was then placed in a water tank at room temperature. Thus, the polymerization was complete. The polymerization product was opaque white viscous liquid. In a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer and a nitrogen gas inlet were placed 25.000 weight parts of the polymerization product and 0.02 weight part of tetrabutyl titanate. The inner space of the vessel was purged using nitrogen gas. The content of the vessel was heated to 210° C. for 3 hrs. under the condition that a nitrogen gas was passed at a flow rate of 50 mL/min. The inner pressure of the vessel was gradually reduced for one hour to reach approximately 30 Pa. Under the condition, the content was subjected to polymerization for 2 hrs. The inner space of the vessel was then heated and evacuated for 30 minutes to reach 230° C. and approximately 10 Pa. The content was further subjected to reaction at the same temperature and pressure for 2 hrs. Thus, the reaction was complete. The polymerization product was a colorless, tough polymer having ηr=1.71. The polymerization product was then mixed with 1,000 ppm of an oxidation inhibitor (Tominox 917). The mixture was molded under compression at 230° C. and 10 MPa, to produce a polyamide elastomer film having a thickness of approximately 100 μm. The polyimide elastomer film was subjected to measurements of T 0.9 , coefficient of extension recovery, extension properties, and yellowness index, just after molding and after heat treatment. The measurement data are set forth in Table 1. TABLE 1 Exten. Extension Properties Relax. Re- Exten. t 0.9 covery Elast. Break. (B) Yellow (s) (%) (MPa) (MPa) (%) Index Exam- ple 1 5.5/4.7 89/87 113/118 8.9/9.0 570/510 6/20/30 2 3.9/3.1 86/86 198/211 13.8/13.5 510/460 5/20/30 3 5.2/4.5 83/83 122/129 10.5/11.1 700/630 6/15/25 4 4.0/3.5 83/80 101/110 8.0/8.1 600/550 5/20/35 5 3.6/3.0 85/81 104/113 9.8/9.5 600/530 8/20/30 6 4.8/4.1 88/86 118/126 9.1/8.9 650/590 6/20/30 Com- parison Exam- ple 1 0.48/—   73/— —/— —/— —/— —/—/—  2 10.5/5.0  92/87 102/110 8.2/8.0 620/490 11/40/120 3 8.1/4.5 91/88 123/125 10.2/10.3 680/620 10/40/105 4 1.9/—  75/— 210/—  13.2/—   110/—  —/—/—  5 2.3/—  77/— 220/—  14.1/—   130/—  —/—/—  Remarks: “Relax. t 0.9 (s)” means “stress relaxation t 0.9 (in terms of second)”. The left numeral is a value measured just after molding, and the right numeral is a value measured after 30 day storage at 100° C. “Exten. Recovery (%)” means “coefficient of extension recovery in term of %”. The left numeral is a value measured just after molding, and the right numeral is a value measured after 30 day storage at 100° C. “Elast. (MPa)” means “modulus of elasticity in term of MPa”. The left numeral is a value measured just after molding, and the right numeral is a value measured after 30 day storage at 100° C. “Break. (MPa)” means “tensile stress at breakdown point in term of MPa”. The left numeral is a value measured just after molding, and the right numeral is a value measured after 30 day storage at 100° C. “Exten. (B) (%)” means “breakdown extension in term of %”. The left numeral is a value measured just after molding, and the right numeral is a value measured after 30 day storage at 100° C. In the column of Yellowness index (YI), the left numeral is a value measured just after molding, the center numeral is a value measured after 60 day storage at 50° C., and the right numeral is a value measured after 60 day storage at 80° C. The data set forth in Table 1, the polyamide elastomers according to the invention (Examples 1 to 5) show an appropriate stress relaxation, a high extension recovery, a high breakdown extension, a low yellowness index, and high heat resistance. Accordingly, the polyamide elastomer of the invention is satisfactorily employable specifically for producing various flexible molded products in the industrial use.
Polyamide elastomer comprising a hard segment derived from polyamide having no divalent aromatic group and a soft segment derived from polycarbonate diol having no divalent aromatic group has high flexibility and high heat resistance in addition to good physical characteristics of the known polyamide elastomers.
2
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of and priority to French Patent Application No. 1260840, filed Nov. 14, 2012 (now abandoned), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND The invention relates to “active implantable medical devices” as defined by the Directive 90/385/EEC of 20 Jun. 1990 the Council of the European Communities. This definition may include implants to continuously monitor heart rhythm and deliver, if necessary, electrical stimulation or resynchronization pulses. This invention relates more specifically to cardiac pacing leads to be implanted in the heart coronary network to allow the stimulation of a left or right cavity, a ventricle or an atrium. Unlike the right cavities, for which implanting endocardial leads via the right peripheral venous system is sufficient, the implantation of permanent leads in a cavity of the left heart involves significant risks, such as the risk of bubbles passing to the cerebral vasculature located downstream of the left ventricle. For this reason, when it is desirable to stimulate a left cavity, it is most often chosen not to introduce a lead into the cavity to pace, but rather in the coronary network, the lead being provided with an electrode that is applied against the epicardial wall of the left ventricle or of the left atrium. These leads thus stimulate the heart muscle via one or more point electrodes whose position is a function of the predefined trajectory of the cannulated vein. A lead of this type is, for example, the Situs LV model marketed by Sorin CRM (Clamart, France) and described in EP 0993840 A1 and its US counterpart U.S. Pat. No. 6,385,492 (Sorin CRM S.A.S., previously known as ELA Medical). The introduction of such a lead is via the coronary sinus, from its opening in the right atrium. The lead is then pushed and oriented along the network of coronary veins to the selected site. This procedure is very difficult due to the particularities of the venous system, including the gradual reduction in diameter of the veins as the lead progresses into the selected coronary vein. Once the target vein is reached, the surgeon is looking for a satisfying stimulation site, with a good electrical contact with the stimulation electrode against the epicardial tissue. Then, contact should be maintained despite various variations or stresses over time. A recent trend in the pacing of the left ventricle is the reduction of the diameter of the implantable portion in the coronary network, to a diameter of less than 4 French (1.33 mm), or even to less than 2 French (0.33 mm). The size of the lead body is indeed a factor directly related to the controlled guiding capacity of the lead in the coronary venous system in order to be able to select specific stimulation sites located in certain collateral veins. A lead is described in EP 2455131 A1 and US 20120130464 (Sorin CRM). It includes a lead body with a hollow sheath in which a microcable having a diameter of about 0.5 to 2 French (0.17 to 0.66 mm) slides. The micro cable can emerge to a length of 1 to 200 mm beyond the outlet of the lead body. This microcable, which forms the active part of the lead, has a plurality of exposed portions forming a succession of individual electrodes. The electrodes together form a network connected in series to increase the stimulation points in a deep area of the coronary network. Its very small diameter allows the introduction of the microcable in a first vein (“go” vein) and then to a second anastomosis vein (“back” vein) ascending therein. There is a very frequent presence of distal anastomosis in the coronary venous system. In other words, at the end of some veins there can be passage to another vein, with the possibility of communication between two separate veins at the anastomosis via their respective distal ends. It thus becomes possible, with a single lead, to simultaneously stimulate two relatively remote areas located in two separate veins. The double effect of both the distance of the two areas and of the multiplication of points of stimulation in each zone can provide a particularly beneficial effect for the resynchronization of the functioning of the heart. Another advantage of the small diameter of the active part of the lead is that it avoids the obstruction of a portion of the blood flow in the vein, which would lead to a deficiency of irrigation of the venous system downstream of the lead end. Reducing the diameter of the lead, however, is not without drawbacks. Indeed, when the diameter of the lead is significantly lower than that in the vein, it can be difficult to ensure continuous contact with the electrodes. The exposed portion of the microcable, which forms an electrode, can be located in an intermediate, “floating” position in the middle of the vein, resulting in the contact points between the microcable and the wall of the vein being made in electrically isolated areas. Moreover, even in case of actual contact between the electrodes and the vein wall, this configuration may not be stable, because of a permanent heartbeat. This may be particularly true in the case of microcables inserted through an anastomosis. If the veins are of small diameter in the region of the anastomosis, typically less than 1 French (0.33 mm), beyond the anastomosis they may join the coronary sinus after having passed the left ventricle, and the vein diameter increases. The very thin microcable, allowing to cross the anastomosis, may then move into a region of relatively large diameter, resulting in difficulty establishing a stable contact between the electrodes and the wall of the vein in the region. One problem of the invention is to propose a structure of microlead ensuring continuous contact of all electrodes with the coronary veins, fixing the position of the lead in order to sustain the effectiveness of the stimulation. Another problem is the risk of displacement of the active part of the lead after it was implanted. EP 2455131 A1 cited above provides for a retaining mechanism, such as a helical relief formed on the end of the lead body near the end thereof, near the outlet where the microcable emerges. The end of the lead body thus has a locally increased diameter of about 7 French (2.33 mm) for the mechanical holding of the lead body into the vein. FR 2801510 A1 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 6,549,812 B1) describes another mechanism for holding the lead in the target vein. However, this holding mechanism has the disadvantage of large size and may partially block the passage of blood flow in the vein. Moreover, although it can provide good retention of the lead body, it does not protect the portion of the lead inserted into the deep venous system. In such a case the telescopic microcable may be displaced by large movements of the patient. For example when a patient raises his arm, such movement tends to elongate the superior vena cava, with a risk of local traction applied to the lead, which traction is transmitted to the distal region implanted in the coronary network. These movements generated by the human body are thus an additional challenge relating to displacement of electrodes placed on the stimulation area. SUMMARY Embodiments of the invention relate to detection/stimulation microleads for implantation in a target vessel, including a vessel of the coronary venous system for the stimulation of a heart cavity. The microlead can include a distal portion formed by an electrically conductive active microcable (e.g., of a diameter at most equal to 2 French (0.66 mm)). The microcable can be coated with an insulation layer. The insulation can include, along said active part and remote from the distal end of the microlead, one or more exposed regions forming stimulation electrode(s), intended to come into contact with a wall of the target vessel. The microlead includes a stimulation zone on the distal end of the microcable, in a region including the electrodes, and a retention zone. The retention zone is configured to abut against the wall of the target vessel. The microlead can further include a stretching zone, located proximal to the retention zone (e.g., at a distance therefrom of between 5 and 150 mm). The zone is defined by a shaped region of the microlead adapted to render it elastically deformable in the longitudinal direction under the effect of an axial traction/compression stress exerted on the microlead in its proximal region relative to the elongation area. The axial traction/compression stiffness of the elongation area is less than the axial traction/compression stiffness of the retention and stimulation zones. Thus, the axial forces exerted on the proximal portion of the lead between the stretching zone and a connector mounted at the proximal end of the lead is absorbed by deformation of the stretching area. This deformation of the extension area takes place without displacements of the retention and stimulation areas, consequently without a corresponding change in the positioning of the electrodes. According to various advantageous embodiments: The distal active portion is free of internal central lumen; The stimulation zone is defined by a first curved preshape of the microcable at the distal end thereof; The length of the stretching zone is, in the free state of the microlead, between 10 and 50 mm and its overall dimensions in the radial direction are in the free state of the microlead, included in a casing of an apparent diameter between 5 and 20 mm; The axial traction/compression stiffness of the elongation zone is between 1 and 2.5 N/mm 2 , and that of the retention and stimulation zones is between 2.5 and 5 N/mm 2 ; and The length of the retention area is in the free state of the microlead, between 10 and 40 mm and its overall dimensions in the radial direction are in the free state of the microlead, included in a casing of an apparent diameter between 10 and 50 mm. According to an embodiment of the invention, a microlead includes a microcable ( 14 ) of a diameter not greater than 2 French (0.66 mm). The microlead includes, in a distal portion, exposed areas ( 30 ) forming stimulation electrodes, intended to come into contact with a wall of the target vessel. The microlead further includes a stimulation zone (ZS) defined by a first preshape of the microcable at the distal end thereof, in a region including the electrodes ( 30 ). The microlead further includes a retention zone (ZR) including a retainer shape adapted to abut against the wall of the target vessel, and a stretching zone (ZEL) proximal to the retention zone. The stretching zone may be defined by a shape adapted to make the region elastically deformable in the longitudinal direction under the effect of an axial traction/compression stress. The axial traction/compression stiffness in the elongation zone is lower than that in the retention and stimulation areas. In one embodiment, the elongation zone is defined by a second preshape of the microcable. The retention area and the stimulation area can be combined areas defined by a same region of the microcable. The microcable can advantageously include a layer of shape memory polymer permanently providing the first and second preshapes. In another embodiment, the microlead further includes a microcatheter of a diameter at most equal to 2 French (0.66 mm), from which the distal portion of the microcable emerges and the elongation zone is defined by a first preshape of the microcatheter. The retention area and the stimulation area may be separate areas, the retention zone being located proximal to the stimulation zone and the retention zone being defined by a second preshape of the microcatheter. One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a microlead. The microlead includes a distal portion formed by an active microcable. The microcable further includes a stimulation zone at the distal end of the microcable. The microcable further includes a retention zone including a shape formed to abut the wall of a target vessel. The microcable further includes a stretching zone defined by a shaped region to provide elastic deformability in the longitudinal direction under the effect of an axial tension/compression stress exerted on the microlead. The axial traction/compression stiffness of the stretching zone is less than the axial traction/compression stiffness of the retention and stimulation zones. Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a microlead. The microlead includes a stimulation zone defined by a first preshape of the microlead at a distal end thereof. The stimulation zone includes electrodes. The first preshape forms a part of a retainer zone in which at least two surfaces of the microlead abut the wall of the target vessel. The microlead further includes a stretching zone proximal to the retainer zone defined by a shape which provides elastic deformability in the longitudinal direction under the effect of an axial traction and compression stress. The axial traction/compression stiffness in the stretching zone is lower than that in the retainer and stimulation zones. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 generally illustrates the myocardium, with the main veins of the coronary network in which a lead according to the invention was introduced for the stimulation of the left ventricle. FIG. 2 shows an example of a prior art configuration in which an electrode of a microcable is locally in a region of a relatively large diameter of a vein of the coronary network. FIG. 3 illustrates a first embodiment of a microlead according to the invention. The embodiment includes a microcable on which a stretching area and a combined retention and stimulation area were formed. FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of a microlead according to the invention. The embodiment includes a microcable with a combined retention and stimulation area, and an elongation area formed in a region of a microcatheter housing the microcable. FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a microlead according to the invention. This embodiment includes a microcable on which a stimulation area was formed, and a microcatheter housing that microcable and on which a retention area and a distinct elongation area were formed. FIGS. 6-10 illustrate various configurations of preshapes used for elongation, retention and/or stimulation zones, of the microlead according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 generally illustrates the myocardium and the major vessels of the coronary network, in which a lead 10 to stimulate the left ventricle was introduced. The distal portion of the lead 10 , namely the part intended to penetrate into the vessels of the deep coronary network, includes in the illustrated example a microcatheter 12 constituting the distal portion of the lead body. The microcatheter 12 is able to penetrate into the deep network, therefore having a distal portion of very reduced diameter and, furthermore, is intended to be left in place after insertion of the microlead. This microcatheter includes a central lumen housing a microcable 14 of a diameter at most equal to 2 French (0.66 mm), typically about 0.5 to 2 French (0.16 to 0.66 mm), having in its active distal portion a plurality of detection/stimulation electrodes to stimulate the left ventricle from several sites in the coronary vein. Specifically, the lead 10 is shown as endocardially implanted in the coronary venous system via the superior vena cava 16 , the right atrium 18 and the input of the venous coronary sinus 20 . The coronary venous system then develops into several branches from the great cardiac vein 22 , these branches including the posterolateral vein 24 , the lateral vein 26 and the anterolateral vein 28 . If necessary, the microlead (that is to say the microcable or the microcable/microcatheter assembly) can reach and cross an anastomosis. An anastomosis is an existing passage at the end of certain veins of the coronary system to another vein, with the possibility of communication between two separate veins at the anastomosis via their respective distal ends. In this case, the microlead is cannulated into a first vein (“go” vein) and then through the anastomosis into a second vein (“return” vein) going up therein, thus placing the active end of microcable in veins of very small diameter. With this configuration, it is possible not only to stimulate the left ventricle from points located deeply in a vein in the coronary network, but also through the anastomosis in the proximal regions of veins in which it would have been difficult to stabilize or set conventional pacing leads of the left ventricle due to the large diameter of the mouth of these veins. FIG. 2 illustrates the microcatheter 12 , with an exposed zone 30 forming an electrode, extending into a vein 28 in a configuration wherein the electrode 30 is not in contact with the wall of the vein. Indeed, one of the difficulties with microcables having a diameter which is very small is to penetrate deep and even, if necessary, to cross through an anastomosis. This can be a disadvantage in a region wherein the vessel is relatively large. In this case, the reduced microcable undermines the stability of the position of the electrode zones, because the cable is “floating” inside the vein, with a significant impact on obtaining a good contact between the electrode and the wall, and thus on the effectiveness of the stimulation. FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention. In this illustration, a microcatheter (the hollow lead body) does not go beyond the great cardiac vein 22 . The microlead is thus formed by the microcable 14 , which in its distal portion emerges from the lead body 32 . The microcable 14 runs the length of the lead body 32 to a connector plug 34 which is integral with the body 36 of the lead body 32 and the pin 38 is mechanically and electrically connected to the microcable 14 . The microcable 14 may have a diameter at most equal to 2 French (0.66 mm), typically about 0.5 to 2 French (0.16 to 0.66 mm), and can carry a plurality of sensing/pacing electrodes 30 , with a two-or three-dimension preshape, for example in the form of corrugation, to favor the contact of the electrodes with the walls of veins and thus the electrical performance. The microcable 14 is provided with an insulation coating on its entire length, except for occasionally exposed areas forming the sensing/pacing electrodes. These areas are shown as punctually exposed areas 30 located at the top of both corrugations of the shown preshape. Regarding the structure of the microcable 14 , its core may be a stranded structure wherein each strand is made of nitinol (NiTi alloy) or MP35N-LT (35% Ni, 35% Co, 20% Cr and 10% Mo), materials whose main advantage is their extreme fatigue endurance. This core can be coated with a sheath of platinum-iridium or tantalum (for radiopacity and biostability). Such a structure may meet the requirements of corrosion resistance at the electrodes and endurance against cardiac movements. The core cable is coated with a thin insulation layer (e.g., of the order of 25 μm thick). The insulation layer can be formed by co-extrusion of the conductor or by heating a heat shrinkable tube. The insulation can be: A thin layer of parylene (for example of C type): in this case, windows of varying complexity are arranged along the microcable, for example by plasma ablation, to form the electrodes 30 ; to improve electrical performance, those areas may further be coated, for example, of titanium nitride; A polyurethane tube interrupted at the locations of electrodes 30 ; or One or more layers consisting of tubes of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), fluoropolymer, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PEEK (polyetheretherketone), polyimide or other suitable similar material. In an exemplary embodiment, the illustrated and described structure results in a very flexible character and floating (floppy) structure of the microcable, in that it provides excellent atraumaticity. Such microcable attacks few tissues and thus preserves the cells in the immediate vicinity of the electrodes. The microcable is shown as divided into three areas, namely: A stimulation zone ZS, which is the area supporting the electrodes; One or more retention zones ZR, whose role is to maintain the lead in place into the vessel, and A stretching area ZEL able to absorb the relative movements caused by the human body; its role is that of a buffer zone preventing any change in the stimulation and retention zones after the lead was implanted. The retention zones ZR and the stimulation zones ZS may be combined into a combined pacing and retention zone ZR/ZS (as in the case of FIGS. 3 and 4 ), the retention of the active portion of the lead in the vessel then resulting from the preshape given to the active part or stimulation zone ZS. In the embodiment of FIG. 3 , the elongation zone ZEL includes a corrugation of the microcable 14 in an area located proximally to the combined ZR/ZS stimulation and retention zone, separate from the latter and away therefrom by a distance e. In the illustrated example, the conformation of the elongation area ZEL is a helical conformation, and the dimensioning of this area and its position relative to the rest of the microlead are chosen so that the elongation area ZEL is in a region of relatively large diameter of coronary arteries, for example in the vicinity of the coronary sinus 20 , or even outside of the coronary system, for example, in the superior vena cava 16 or may also be any other vein located between the connector 34 and the proximal end and the retention and stimulation zone ZR/ZS to the distal end. The gap e between the elongation zone ZEL and the retention and stimulation zone ZR/ZS may thus be between 5 and 150 mm. The elongation zone may have a length of 10 to 50 mm, and its overall dimensions in the radial direction may be surrounded by a casing of an apparent diameter between 5 and 20 mm (here and in the following, all dimensions are the free state of the microlead, before implantation). Regarding the combined retention and stimulation zone ZR/ZS, this zone may have a length of 10 to 40 mm, with overall dimensions of the preshape in the radial direction of between 10 and 50 mm (again, in the free state of the microlead). Stiffness in axial tension/compression of the elongation area ZEL is less than that of the retention and stimulation area ZR/ZS. In other words, the axial force required to deform the stretching zone is less than the force exerted by the retention zone. This configuration can help ensure that there is no movement of the electrodes of the stimulation zone. Thus, even if the patient moves and executes large movements (lifting arm, etc.), the stresses exerted on the proximal part of the lead (between the elongation area ZEL and the connector area 34 ) are absorbed by deformation of the elongation area ZEL without moving the retention and stimulation areas ZR/ZS, therefore with no effect on the positioning of the electrodes. The axial traction/compression stiffness in the elongation area ZEL may be between 1 and 2.5 N/mm 2 , for stiffness in axial traction/compression of the retention and stimulation areas ZR/ZS between 2.5 and 5 N/mm 2 . These values can be used to make a lead according to the requirements of EN 45502-2-1, which set a maximum allowable tensile force of 5 N on the leads, comparable to an explant situation of the lead. FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the invention, wherein the lead body is terminated at its distal part by a microcatheter 12 from which the microcable 14 emerges. A microcatheter/microcable telescopic assembly is thus available within the coronary system, with possibility of relative axial movement between the microcatheter 12 and the microcable 14 allowing the surgeon to adjust during implantation the emergent length of the distal portion of the microcable. The microcatheter 12 (which is intended to be left in place after insertion of the microlead) may have a very small diameter (e.g., less than 2 French (0.33 mm)), to penetrate into the deep coronary system. This microcatheter is advantageously made by an extrusion technique with variable speed of two materials with, therein, a tube defining an inner lumen, such as a PTFE tube which receives a coating by extrusion of a material chosen for its properties of flexibility, mechanical strength, resistance to abrasion, ability to be extruded and biocompatibility. The coating material can be for example a polyurethane suitable for long term implantation, or a polyurethane copolymer, a copolymer of polyurethane and silicon, a polyether block amide (such as Pebax for example), or a polyamide. This material can be loaded with a opacifier to X rays (BaSO4 or TiO2 for example) to more easily visualize the microcatheter under fluoroscopy during surgery. A biocompatible coating improving the sliding against the vessel walls, for example a polyvinyl pyrrolidone hydrophilic coating (PVP), or a silicone, may be provided on the outer surface of the microcatheter. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 , the microlead, which is here formed by the association of the microcable 14 and of the microcatheter 12 includes a stretching area ZEL formed on a preshape of the microcatheter 12 , for example a preshape with corrugations, pre-formed by the properties of shape memory of the polyurethane of the microcatheter. The microcable 14 includes a distal combined retention and stimulation area ZR/ZS comparable to that of the embodiment of FIG. 3 . The different dimensions given for the embodiment of FIG. 3 may also be applicable to that of FIG. 4 . Outside of the retention and stimulation areas ZR/ZS, the microcable has a straight shape, merely embracing the curves of the microcatheter 12 particularly in the stretching area ZEL. FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment, which is a variant of the above, wherein the retention area ZR and the stimulation area ZS are distinct. The retention zone ZR is formed on the microcatheter 12 , while the stimulation zone ZS is formed on the microcable. The length of the retention zone ZR may be between 10 and 40 mm, and that of the stimulation zone ZS may be between 20 and 60 mm. Other dimensions may be the same as those given in the example of FIG. 3 . Again, the retention zone ZR of the microcatheter 12 has an axial traction/compression stiffness greater than that of the elongation area ZEL, so that the latter maintains the placement of the retention zone ZR, absorbing the axial stresses to which the proximal portion of the lead is subjected (between the stretching area ZEL and the connector 34 ). FIGS. 6-10 illustrate various configurations of two or three dimensional preshapes that can be used for the stretching area ZEL, the retention area ZR and/or the stimulation area ZS. If these preshapes are used for the stimulation zone ZS, the stimulation electrodes, which are symbolized by the stars 30 , may be appropriately placed to ensure contact with the tissues of the vessel. For good electrical performance, it is important that the stimulation electrodes 30 are as close as possible of the tissue to stimulate. The preshapes can play a dual retention and stimulation role according to the selected configuration, first by creating a contact force for the electrodes on the vein wall, and second by applying a retention force sufficient to block the microcable 14 in the coronary vessel. The different configurations shown are all intended to artificially increase the diameter of the implantable system (microcable alone or microcatheter/microcable assembly). It can thus be configured: In the form of an accordion ( FIG. 6 ); With a succession of corrugations ( FIG. 7 ), this configuration corresponding to that of FIGS. 3 , 4 and 5 for the retention and/or stimulation zones ZR/ZS, and to that of FIG. 5 also for the elongation area ZEL; In successive slots ( FIG. 8 ); In the form of an helix ( FIG. 9 ), this configuration corresponding to that of FIG. 3 for the elongation area ZEL. This configuration can also be advantageously applied to the stimulation area ZS, as a result of the helical shape that conforms to the vessel wall in most respects. The electrodes may be located anywhere and they are certainly nearly always in contact with the wall regardless of their location; or In the form of radial-shaped springs ( FIG. 10 ). In an exemplary embodiment, the elasticity of the microcable the preshapes are sufficiently deformable under radial stress during passage through the coronary veins network such that they do not create any obstacle during implantation.
A microlead includes exposed areas forming stimulation electrodes. The microlead further includes a stimulation zone (ZS) defined by a first preshape of the microcable at the distal end thereof, in a region including the electrodes ( 30 ). The microlead further includes a retention zone (ZR) including a retainer shape adapted to abut the wall of the target vessel. The microlead further includes a stretching zone (ZEL) proximal to the retention zone. The stretching zone may be defined by a shape adapted to make the region elastically deformable in the longitudinal direction under the effect of an axial traction/compression stress. The axial traction/compression stiffness in the elongation zone is lower than that in the retention and stimulation areas.
0
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a heating assembly for a heat treating furnace. More particularly, the invention relates to a heating assembly of the type in which an electrical resistance heating element such as a graphite rod is disposed within a radiant tube. To prevent detrimental oxidation of the heating element at high temperatures, the tube often is purged of oxygen and is filled with a protective gas such as nitrogen. Heating elements which are protected by a non-reactive gas are disclosed in Weinheimer et al. U.S. Pat. No. 2,147,071; Kerschbaum U.S. Pat. No. 2,215,587 and Peyches U.S. Pat No. 2,253,981. With prior arrangements, however, difficulty has been encountered in maintaining the gas at a proper pressure. The pressure of the gas changes in response to temperature fluctuations and, in addition, there may be some leakage of gas from the tube. If the pressure falls below a safe value, oxygen or other reactive gases may enter the tube and damage the heating element. On the other hand, an excessively high pressure may rupture the tube or the seals thereof. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The general aim of the present invention is to provide a new and improved heating assembly in which the pressure of the protective gas within the tube is automatically maintained within a predetermined range at all times and in which wasteful flow of gas through the tube is reduced. A more detailed object is to achieve the foregoing by sensing the pressure within the tube and by causing gas to intermittently flow into and out of the tube in response to changes in the pressure so as to maintain the pressure within a predetermined safe range. As long as the pressure remains within the safe range, no flow of gas occurs and thus the gas is not unnecessarily wasted. A further object of the invention is to provide means for producing a warning signal if a malfunction should cause the pressure either to exceed or fall below the safe range beyond a predetermined safe period of time. These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a transverse sectional view of an exemplary heat treating furnace equipped with new and improved heating assemblies incorporating the unique features of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view taken substantially along the line 2--2 of FIG. 1. FIGS. 3 and 4 are fragmentary cross-sections taken substantially along the lines 3--3 and 4--4, respectively, of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a diagram of an electrical circuit for controlling the flow of the protective gas. FIG. 6 is a diagram of the gas flow circuit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT For purposes of illustration, the invention is shown in the drawings in conjunction with a heat treating furnace 10 whose top, bottom and side walls 11, 12 and 13 define a chamber 14 in which workpieces (not shown) are placed for treatment. In furnaces of this type, the workpieces are disposed within a box-like muffle 15 which rests on blocks 16 on the bottom of the furnace. To heat the chanber 14, radiant tubes 17 of heating assemblies 18 are disposed between the side walls of the muffle 15 and the furnace side walls 13 and extend downwardly from the top wall 11. During heating of the workpieces, the atmosphere within the chamber 14 is circulated across the heating tubes and the workpieces by a fan 20 mounted on the lower end of a vertical shaft 21 which projects downwardly through the top wall 11 and which is adapted to be driven by a motor 23. Alternatively, the workpieces may be heated in a vacuum. In the present instance, each heating tube 17 is made of a refractory ceramic material and is formed with an open upper end and a closed lower end. The upper end portion of each tube projects loosely through an opening 24 (FIG. 3) in the top wall 11 of the furnace 10 and is insulated with respect to the top wall by ceramic wool 25 or the like which is packed into the opening. Extending around the upper end portion of each tube is a ceramic collar 26 (FIGS. 2 and 4) which is attached to the tube by a strong, heat-resistant cement. Angularly spaced studes 27 extend upwardly from the top wall 11 of the furnace and project through radially extending slots 29 formed in the collar 26, the collar being clamped against a gasket 30 on the top wall 11 by means of nuts 31 on the upper ends of the studs. Heating of each tube 17 is effected by a pair of electrical resistance heating elements 33 (FIG. 3) which herein are in the form of two graphite rods. The two rods 33 are disposed in side-by-side relation in the tube and are coupled at their lower end by a graphite block 34 which connects the rods electrically in series. At their upper ends, the rods 33 are threaded into two graphite connector rods 35 which are surrounded by a cylindrical, heat-resistant block 36 of electrical insulating material. The block 36 is spaced inwardly a slight distance from the inner side of the tube 17 and serves to prevent line-of-sight escape of heat from the rods 33 to the extreme upper end of the tube. Copper terminal studs 37 (FIG. 3) are threadably connected at their lower ends to the connector rods 35 and extend upwardly through a ceramic cap 39. The latter is sealed to the upper side of the collar 26 by an O-ring 40 and is clamped securely to the collar by bolts 41 which extend upwardly through the slots 29. Each terminal stud 37 is clamped against and is sealed to the cap 39 by a nut 45 and an O-ring 46, respectively, and each receives a terminal 47 on the end of an electrical lead 49. The terminals are clamped against the nuts 45 by additional nuts 50 on the studs 37 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). When the leads 49 are connected across a voltage source, current passes downwardly through one connector rod 35 and the connected heating rod 33, then across the connector block 34 and thence upwardly through the other heating rod 33 and the associated connector rod 35. Heat thus is produced in the heating rods and the connctor rods. The connector rods 35 are larger in diameter and shorter in length than the heating rods 33 and thus less heat is produced in the connector rods so as to provide a transitional temperature zone between the intense heat of the heating rods and the outside temperature of the cap 39. A system (not shown) for circulating water through the cap 39 may be provided for the purpose of cooling the cap and the terminal studs 37. If the heating rods 33 are raised to a high temperature (e.g., above 1,000 degrees F.) in the presence of an oxidizing gas, the graphite will rapidly deteriorate ir disintegrate and will experience an extremely short service life. It is conventional, therefore, to protect the heating rods with a non-oxidizing gas such as nitrogen. Herein, nitrogen is admitted into each tube 17 to purge the tube of other gases and to prevent oxidation of the heating rods 33. In accordance with the present invention, the pressure of the nitrogen in the tubes 17 is continuously monitored and is kept within a safe predetermined range so as to prevent leakage of outside atmosphere into the tubes and, at the same time, to keep the pressure in the tubes from rising to an excessively high level. Moreover, nitrogen is admitted into and exhausted from the tubes on an intermittent basis and only when necessary to keep the pressure within the safe range. Thus, the wasteful flow of nitrogen through the tubes is avoided. More specifically, the nitrogan is supplied to the tubes 17 from a pressurized source such as a cylinder 53 (FIG. 6) via a pressure reducer 54 and a main control valve 55. The latter is controlled by a solenoid 56 and is adapted to be opened when the solenoid is energized, the solenoid being adapted for connection across a voltage source by way of lines L-1 and L-2 (FIG. 5). A supply manifold 60 (FIG. 6) communicates with the valve 55 and includes branches 61 which lead to the various heating tubes 17. Each branch communicates with its respective tube by means of a gland 63 (FIG. 4) which extends through and is sealed to the cap 39 of the tube. While only two tubes have been shown in the drawings, it will be appreciated that the furnace 10 may include additional tubes which communicate with the manifold 60. The flow of gas to any given tube may be shut off by closing a manually operable valve 64 in the branch 61 for that tube. As shown in FIG. 6, an exhaust line 65 leads from the manifold 60 and is connected to a manually operable exhaust valve 66 which communicates with a vacuum pump 67. The exhaust line also communicated with another valve 69 whose outlet is vented to the atmosphere. The valve 69 is controlled by a solenoid 70 and is opened upon energization of the solenoid. The solenoid 70 also is adapted to be connected across the lines L-1 and L-2 and forms a parallel combination with the solenoid 56. In carrying out the invention, the pressure in the tubes 17 is monitored by a pressure-responsive switch 75 (FIGS. 5 and 6) which is adapted to detect the pressure in the manifold 60. The pressure switch is located immediately downstream of the inlet valve 55 and is shown schematically as including an arm 76 whose position varies in accordance with the pressure. The arm is connected in series with the parallel combination of the solenoids 56 and 70. If the pressure falls below a predetermined range, the arm swings against a switch contact 77 and connects the solenoid 56 across the lines L-1 and L-2. If the pressure rises above the range, the arm swings reversely against a contact 78 to energize the solenoid 70. As long as the pressure is within the range, the arm is located between the two contacts so that neither solenoid is energized. In this particular instance, the switch 75 is calibrated so that the arm 76 will close the contact 78 if the pressure should exceed atmospheric pressure by more than 25 inches water column and will close the contact 77 if the pressure drops below 3 inches water column above atmospheric. Upon initial start up of the furnace 10, the valves 64 and 66 are opened and a manually operable switch 80 (FIG. 5) which is in series with the pressure switch 75 is opened to de-energize both solenoids 56 and 70 and cause the valves 55 and 69 to be closed. The vacuum pump 67 then is started so that the atmosphere in the tubes 17 may be quickly exhausted through the manifold 60, the exhaust line 65 and the valve 66. The pump 67 then is shut off and the valve 66 is manually closed but, just prior thereto, the manual switch 81 is closed to energize the solenoid 56 by way of the arm 76 and the contact 77 of the pressure switch 75. Thus, the inlet valve 55 is opened so that the tubes 17 are flushed with nitrogen. Purging of the tubes may be effected during the time required to bring the heatin pad 33 up to a temperature of 700 degrees F. since no significant oxidation of the graphite occurs below that temperature. After the valve 66 has been closed, nitrogen continues to flow into the tubes 17 through the valve 55 until the pressure increases sufficiently to move the switch arm 76 away from the contact 77. As an incident thereto, the solenoid 56 is de-energized and closes the valve 55 to shut off the flow of nitrogen to the tubes. When the valve 55 closes, the pressure of the nitrogen in the tubes 17 is just slightly above atmospheric pressure and hence the outside atmosphere is prevented from entering the tubes. With the heating rods 33 thus being protected against oxidation, the rods may be raised to a high temperature to heat the furnace chamber 14. As the temperature within the tubes increases, the pressure of the nitrogen also increases. If the pressure exceeds the upper limit as established by the pressure switch 75, the arm 76 of the switch closes the contact 78 to energize the solenoid 70 and open the exhaust valve 69. Nitrogen this is vented from the tubes 17 through the exhaust line 65 so as to relieve the pressure in the tubes and thereby prevent the tubes and/or the O-rings 40 and 46 from being damaged. Once the pressure drops below the upper limit, the switch arm 76 moves away from the contact 78 to effect closing of the exhaust valve 69 and thereby avoid needless venting of the nitrogen. If nitrogen should leak from the tubes 17, the pressure ultimately will drop to a point where the switch arm 76 closes the contact 77. Under such circumstances, the inlet valve 55 again will be opened to admit additional nitrogen into the tubes and thereby prvent the outside atmosphere from entering the tubes and damaging the heating rods 33. It is important to not that additional nitrogen is admitted into the tubes 17 only in such quantity as is necessary to replenish nitrogen which might leak from the upper ends of the tubes. Accordingly, the flow of nitrogen into the tubes is only on an intermittent basis rather than on a continuous basis and thus only a relatively small quantity of nitrogen is required to protect the heating rods 33. Advantageously, means are provided for producing warning signals if the pressure in the tubes 17 remains at either the upper or lower limits beyond a predetermined period of time. Herein, these means comprise time delays CR1 and CR2 (FIG. 5), warning lights 83 and 84 and an alarm bell 85. The relays CR1 and CR2 are energized when the switch arm 76 closes the contacts 77 and 78, respectively. If the solenoid 56 is not de-energized to close the valve 55 within a predetermined time (e.g., 15 seconds) after the switch arm 76 first closes the contact 77 to open the valve, the relay CR1 times out and closes its contacts CR-1 to energize the warning light 83 and the alarm bell 85. The operator of the furnace 10 thus is alerted to the fact that more than an expected amount of time has elapsed without the nitrogen pressure being increased back to the safe range and that there may be excessive leakage in the system. If the relay CR2 remains energized beyond a predetermined time such as 15 seconds, it times out and closes its contacts CR2-1 to energize the warning light 84 and sound the alarm bell 85. The operator then is notified that the pressure in the tubes 17 has not been reduced and that the exhaust valve 69 or its solenoid 70 requires repair.
Graphite heating rods are disposed within a radiant tube which contains nitrogen under pressure to prevent oxidation of the rods. The pressure in the tube is sensed and nitrogen is admitted into or exhausted from the tube depending upon whether the pressure drops below or rises above a safe range. Only as much nitrogen is introduced into the tube as is necessary to replenish that which might be lost through normal leakage and thus only a comparatively small quantity of nitrogen is required to protect the graphite rods.
5
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to operator-propelled and directed land vehicles. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] There are a variety of operator propelled land vehicles. These include such things as bicycles, miniature automobiles, roller skates and scooters. None of these vehicles are intended to provide a variable walking or running exercise when carrying an individual from place to place. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] This four-wheeled, treadmill-driven vehicle provides an individual with a method of selecting a desired walking or running exercise level while traveling from place to place under his own propulsion. The vehicle has a rectangular shaped chassis with four corner mounted wheels. A treadmill drives the rear wheels trough a chain. A bicycle derailleur gear changer is used to change the ratio of the vehicle's forward motion versus the treadmill belt motion. [0006] A planar platform of essentially the same size and shape as the chassis is pivotably attached to the front of the chassis. The platform inclines upward from the rear of the chassis. The platform has three rotatably mounted shafts which extend transversely across the platform. A first and a second shaft are located across the front end, and a third shaft is located across the rear end. Front and rear rubber rollers enclose the first and third shafts within the outer lateral edges of the platform. The treadmill belt is wrapped lengthwise around the platform enclosing both rollers. A platen is attached to the upper surface of the platform to minimize friction between the belt and the platform. The front rubber roller is keyed to the first shaft to convert movement of the treadmill belt to rotation of the shaft. [0007] The first and second front shafts have gears mounted on corresponding ends which mesh with each other. This engagement transmits the rotation of the belt driven first shaft to the second front shaft and reverses the direction, relative to that of the first shaft, of the second shaft's rotation. The opposite end of the second shaft has a larger gear attached to its end. [0008] The third shaft has a number of different sized sprockets in successive sizes attached to the rear axle. These sprockets and the larger gear on the second front shaft are connected together by a chain. A derailleur engaging the chain is mounted between the sprockets and the front gear. This derailleur changes the ratio of the belt movement to movement over the ground by selecting successively different sized sprockets. [0009] The rear wheels are attached to the rear shaft to transmit rear shaft rotation, driven by the chain from the second front shaft, to movement over the ground. A control cable from the derailleur to the front of the vehicle provides ready operator gear changer control. With this arrangement a forward facing operator driving the upper run of the treadmill rearward will move the vehicle in a forward direction. [0010] An automatic parking braking apparatus is provided at the rear of the vehicle. The platform has a pair of rearward extensions which are supported by coil springs from the chassis. When there is no operator on the vehicle, the springs will be at their minimum compression and the rear of the platform will be elevated. A brake drum, in the form of a relatively large cylinder, is attached around the rear axle. A downward extension terminates in an inward curved extension which mates with the brake drum. The curved extension is positioned directly under the break drum. When there is no operator on the platform and the rear of the platform is elevated, the curved portion of the extension will engage the break drum thereby providing an automatic parking brake. [0011] The front wheels are pivotably connected to the front of the vehicle through an automotive type steering arrangement. The front wheels are steered by the operator by means of a steering bar extending generally across the vehicle front. The steering bar is attached to the automotive steering arrangement through a pivotably mounted vertical rod. The front wheels also have disk brakes which are controlled by a cable extending to the steering bar where it is attached to a lever for easy operator access. [0012] This operator propelled vehicle provides exercise for the user while simultaneously traveling from one location to another. Steering is readily accomplished by the steering bar at the front of the vehicle. The derailleur cable and break cables are attached to the steering bar for ready access. The automatic breaking system ensures that an unoccupied vehicle will remain in place even on a steep slope. The operator can disengage the rear axle from the drive train via a clutch mechanism attached to the rear axle assembly. The clutch is controlled by a cable which extends to the steering bar where it is attached to a lever for easy operator access. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] The objects and features of the present invention will become more manifest to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and wherein: [0014] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the vehicle; [0015] FIG. 2 is a top view of the vehicle; and [0016] FIG. 3 is a side view of the vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0017] FIGS. 1-3 show vehicle 10 . Vehicle 10 has an essentially rectangular shaped chassis 12 with a generally similar sized and shaped frame 14 mounted in an upwardly inclined attitude in a forward direction across the upper surface. Chassis 12 , it is envisioned, is formed from welded steel bars and frame 14 from a sheet of planar steel. The front end of frame 14 has pivot attachments 15 which pivotably attach downward extensions from each side of the front end of the frame 14 to opposite aligned upward extensions from each side of the front end of chassis 12 by means of a pin inserted through mating holes to enable the frame 14 to pivot about the front end of the chassis. The rear end of frame 14 is free. This freedom permits the frame 14 to pivot with respect to chassis 12 . [0018] Frame 14 has a front first shaft 14 A and an adjacent front second shaft 14 B. First shaft 14 A extends across the front end of the platform through ball bearings, not shown, in opposing holes in downward extensions from opposite sides. Front first shaft 14 A has a rubber roller 12 A 1 over that portion of the shaft which is within the limits of frame 14 . Rubber roller 12 A 1 is keyed to first shaft 14 A. Shaft 14 A has a first gear 14 A 2 attached to one end. Second shaft 14 B extends through ball bearings in a gearbox cover, and the shaft 14 B protrudes to the outside of the frame 14 . Second front shaft 14 B has a second gear 14 B 2 attached to the protruding end such that the gears, 14 A 2 and 14 B 2 , intermesh. A larger third gear 14 B 3 is attached to the end of second front shaft 14 B opposite to second gear 14 B 2 . A third rear shaft 14 C extends across the rear end of frame 14 through opposing holes in downward extensions from opposite sides at the rear of the platform. Third rear shaft 14 C has a rubber roller 14 C 1 over that portion of the shaft 14 C which is within the limits of the platform. [0019] A plastic planar platen 14 D overlies the upper surface of frame 14 . A treadmill belt 14 E is attached around rubber rollers 12 A 1 and 14 C 1 with the inner portion adjacent to the upper surface of platen 14 D. Platen 14 D minimizes friction between treadmill belt 14 E and frame 14 . The above apparatus provides a means of transferring force exerted on treadmill belt 14 E to third gear 14 B 3 . [0020] A rear axle 12 A is pivotably mounted across the rear of chassis 12 through holes in opposed downward projections from the rear of the chassis 12 . A number of different sized sprockets 13 A, arranged in successive sizes, are attached to the end of rear axle 12 A essentially aligned with second gear 14 B 3 on the end of second front shaft 14 B. Sprockets 13 A are part of a bicycle type derailleur gear changer. A chain 12 AC 2 connects sprockets 12 A 1 to third gear 14 B 3 . Derailleur 12 A 3 is attached to chain 12 A 2 between sprockets 13 A and third gear 14 B 3 arranged such that the derailleur can move the chain 12 A 2 from sprocket to sprocket and change the gear ratio. A control cable 12 A 5 extends from derailleur mechanism 12 A 3 to a control lever 12 A 6 for operator control of the derailleur 12 A 3 . Rear wheels 12 C are attached to opposite ends of rear axle 12 A. This arrangement effects transfer of power from third gear 14 B 3 to rear axle 12 A via sprockets 13 A and drives the attached rear wheels 12 C forward when the upper run of treadmill belt 14 E is moved rearward by an operator. The arrangement also provides a means to change the treadmill gear ratio. [0021] A clutch assembly 17 is mounted to a rear axle assembly and enables the operator to disengage the drive train from the treadmill assembly. This allows the operator to shift gears while the vehicle remains stationary or coasts. A clutch cable 17 A extends from clutch assembly 17 to a clutch lever 17 B for operator control of the clutch assembly 17 . [0022] An automatic parking breaking apparatus is provided by apparatus which includes horizontal planar projections 14 F which extend rearward from opposite sides of frame 14 . Gas shocks 14 G are mounted between projections 14 F and chassis 12 . A brake cylinder 16 is mounted around rear axle 12 A. Projection 18 has a first downward portion and a second inward portion with an upward concave surface to better conform to an outer surface of brake cylinder 16 . Projection 18 is sized and arranged such that the second portion is below brake cylinder 16 . Gas shocks 14 G are arranged such that, with no operator standing on frame 14 , the shocks 14 G will force the platform upward such that the second portion of projection 18 will bear against cylinder 16 and provide an automatic brake by locking the rotation of rear axle 12 A attached to the cylinder. Suitable breaking material can be applied to either or both of the mating break surfaces for a more positive brake connection. [0023] Two front wheels 20 are rotatably mounted on each side of the front of vehicle 10 through bearings (not shown). Each front wheel 20 has a disk brake 22 . The wheels 20 , disk brakes 22 and steering arms 24 are pivotably attached as a unit and arranged to pivot relative to a vertical axis from a bar 12 D attached to chassis 12 , which bar 12 D extends across the front of the chassis. Steering arms 24 are connected together by tie rods 26 arranged such that the pairs of steering arms 24 and wheels 20 will pivot together with the wheels remaining parallel to each other. A horizontally oriented steering hand bar 28 is attached to a cylindrically shaped vertical oriented steering tube assembly 30 . [0024] Steering tube assembly 30 is pivotably connected to chassis 12 by being extended through a quick release collar 33 pivotably connected to support stanchions and then into keyed tube 33 A where it is secured in place by spring-loaded pins 33 B, one protruding through a hole on either side of the keyed tube 33 A. The support stanchions have ball joints 37 at the ends where they connect to the frame so that they may move upward or downward about a hinge point to permit steering tube assembly 30 to fold flat to the surface of the tread belt. [0025] Steering tube assembly 30 is keyed to mate with keyed tube 33 A to take rotational stress off of spring-loaded pins 33 B. Keyed tube 33 A is pivotably connected to chassis 12 by being extended through a mating cylinder 32 with ball bearings (not shown) perpendicularly attached to chassis 12 near the center of the front. Steering tube assembly 30 is composed of an inner tube 30 A and an outer tube 30 B. Cylinder 32 is sized to allow rotation of steering rod 30 within the cylinder. An offset tab 34 , which is attached to the lower end of steering rod 30 , has an extension, the distal end thereof being pivotably attached to the end of each tie rod 26 through matching holes in the tie rod and extension. Tab 34 and tie rods 26 are secured by nuts and bolts. With this arrangement, moving steering bar 28 will cause front wheels 20 to train while remaining essentially parallel to one another to provide operator control of steering. A control cable 36 from both disk brakes 22 extends to a hand grip 38 mounted on steering bar 28 to provide operator braking control. Control cable 12 A 5 from derailleur 12 A 3 extends to control lever 12 A 6 . Control lever 12 A 6 is also mounted on steering bar 28 for operator gear changing control. [0026] While various parts of this invention have been described with specific embodiments a number of other arrangements would occur to one skilled in the art. A tensioner could be added to the chain apparatus. The treadmill belt could be slotted for additional friction between the operator and the belt. A brush could be added to the belt apparatus to provide automatic cleaning of the belt surface. A variety of other arrangements which transfer power from the treadmill belt to the rear wheels could be employed. The breaking apparatus both for parking and during transit could be changed as long as they provided the necessary breaking functions. The steering apparatus could be one of a number known in the art for steering the front wheels while keeping the front wheels essentially parallel with each other. Since the above are just a few examples of the modifications and changes that are possible, that would readily occur to one skilled in the art, it is contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments as fall with the true scope of the invention.
An operator-propelled, four-wheel vehicle uses a treadmill to drive two rear wheels through a bicycle type derailleur and sprocket gear shifter which provides gear changing capability. The front wheels, each of which have disk brakes, are steered by an automotive type steering apparatus. A vertical extension from the steering mechanism at the front of the vehicle mounts a horizontal steering bar to provide steering control. The steering bar also mounts control grips and cables for the front disk brakes and clutch assembly, as well as the gear shifter. An automatic breaking system ensures that an unmanned vehicle will remain in place.
1
RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/240,367, filed on Oct. 30, 2002, a 35 U.S.C. §371 National Stage of International Application Number PCT/GR01/00017 filed on Mar. 28, 2001. U.S. application Ser. No. 10/240,367 claims priority to Greek National Application Serial No. 20000100102, filed on Mar. 28, 2000 and to U.S. National application Ser. No. 09/739,089 filed on Dec. 15, 2000. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for the in vivo, non-invasive detection and mapping of the biochemical and/or functional pathologic alterations of human tissues. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Cancer precursor signs are the so-called pre-cancerous states, which are often curable if they are detected at an early stage. If left untreated, the pre-cancerous state can develop into invasive cancer, which can subsequently metastasize. At this stage, the possibilities of successful therapy are dramatically diminished. Consequently, the early detection and the objective identification of the severity of the pre-cancerous state are of crucial importance. [0004] Conventional methods that utilize optical instruments are very limited in their ability to detect cancerous and pre-cancerous tissue lesions. This is due to the fact that the structural and metabolic changes, which take place during the development of the disease, do not significantly and specifically alter the spectral characteristics of the pathological tissue. [0005] In order to obtain a more accurate diagnosis, biopsy samples are obtained from suspicious areas, which are submitted for histological examination. However, biopsies pose several problems, such as a) a risk for sampling errors associated with the visual limitations in detecting and localizing suspicious areas; b) a biopsy can alter the natural history of the intraepithelial lesion; c) mapping and monitoring of the lesion require multiple tissue sampling, which is subjected to several risks and limitations; and d) the diagnostic procedure performed with biopsy sampling and histologic evaluation is qualitative, subjective, time consuming, costly and labor intensive. [0006] In recent years, a few methods and systems have been developed to overcome the disadvantages of the conventional diagnostic procedures. These methods can be classified into two categories: a) methods which are based on the spectral analysis of tissues in vivo, in an attempt to improve the diagnostic information, and b) methods which are based on the chemical excitation of tissues with the aid of special agents, which can interact with pathologic tissue and alter its optical characteristics selectively, thus enhancing the contrast between lesion and healthy tissue. [0007] In the first case, the experimental use of spectroscopic techniques has been motivated by the ability of these techniques to detect alterations in the biochemical and/or the structural characteristics of tissue as the disease progresses. In particular, fluorescence spectroscopy has been extensively used in various tissues. With the aid of a light source (usually laser) of short wave length (blue-ultraviolet range), the tissue is first excited. Next, the intensity of the fluorescent light emitted by the tissue as a function of the wavelength of the light is measured. [0008] Garfield and Glassman in No. U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,857 and Ramanajum et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,339 have presented a method based on the use of fluorescence spectroscopy for the diagnosis of cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix. The main disadvantage of fluorescence spectroscopy is that the existing biochemical modifications associated with the progress of the disease are not manifested in a direct way as modifications in the measured fluorescence spectra. The fluorescence spectra contain limited diagnostic information for two basic reasons: a) Tissues contain non-fluorescent chromophores, such as hemoglobin. Absorption by such chromophores of the emitted light from fluorophores can result in artificial dips and peaks in the fluorescence spectra. In other words the spectra carry convoluted information for several components and therefore it is difficult assess alterations in tissue features of diagnostic importance; and b) The spectra are broad because a large number of tissue components are optically excited and contribute to the measured optical signal. As a result, the spectra do not carry specific information of the pathologic alterations and thus they are of limited diagnostic value. In short, the aforementioned fluorescent technique suffers from low sensitivity and specificity in the detection and classification of tissue lesions. [0009] Aiming to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of the preceding method, Ramanujan et al. in the Patent No. WO 98/24369 have presented a method based on the use of neural networks for the analysis of the spectral data. This method is based on the training of a computing system with a large number of spectral patterns, which have been taken from normal and from pathologic tissues. The spectrum that is measured each time is compared with the stored spectral data, facilitating in this way the identification of the tissue pathology. [0010] R. R. Kortun et al, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,373, seeking to improve the quality of the measured diagnostic information, have presented a method based on the combination of fluorescence spectroscopy and Raman scattering. The latter has the ability of providing more analytical information; however, Raman spectroscopy requires complex instrumentation and ideal experimental conditions, which substantially hinders the clinical use thereof. [0011] It is generally known that tissues are characterized by the lack of spatial homogeneity. Consequently the spectral analysis of distributed spatial points is insufficient for the characterization of their status. [0012] Dombrowski in U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,543, describes a multi-wavelength, imaging system, capable of capturing tissue images in several spectral bands. With the aid of such a system it is possible in general to map characteristics of diagnostic importance based on their particular spectral characteristics. However, due to the insignificance of the spectral differences between normal and pathologic tissue, which is in general the case, inspection in narrow spectral bands does not allow the highlighting of these characteristics and even more so, the identification and staging of the pathologic area. [0013] D. R. Sandison et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,920,399, describe an imaging system, developed for the in vivo investigation of cells, which combines multi-band imaging and light excitation of the tissue. The system also employs a dual fiber optic bundle for transmitting light from the source to the tissue, and then from the tissue to an optical detector. These bundles are placed in contact with the tissue, and various wavelengths of excitation and imaging are combined in attempt to enhance the spectral differentiation between normal and pathologic tissue. [0014] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,926, J. R. Delfyett et al. have presented a method for the diagnosis of diseases of the cervix, which is based on the combination of Spectral Interferometry and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). This system combines three-dimensional imaging and spectral analysis of the tissue. [0015] Moreover, several improved versions of colpo scopes have been presented, (D. R. Craine et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,346 and K. L. Blaiz U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,184) in most of which, electronic imaging systems have been integrated for image capturing, analysis of tissue images, including the quantitative assessment of lesion's size. [0016] For the enhancement of the optical differentiation between normal and pathologic tissue, special agents are used in various fields of biomedical diagnostics, which are administered topically or systematically. Such agents include acetic acid solution, toluidine blue, and various photosensitizers (porphyrines) (S. Anderson Engels, C. Klinteb erg, K. Svanberg, S. Svanberg, In vivo fluorescence imaging for tissue diagnostics, Phys Med. Biol. 42 (1997) 815-24). The selective staining of the pathologic tissue arises from the property of these agents to interact with the altered metabolic and structural characteristics of the pathologic area. This interaction enhances progressively and reversibly the differences in the spectral characteristics of reflection and/or fluorescence between normal and pathologic tissue. Despite the fact that the selective staining of the pathologic tissue is a dynamic phenomenon, in clinical practice the intensity and the extent of the staining are assessed qualitatively and statically. [0017] Furthermore, in several cases of early pathologic conditions, the phenomenon of temporary staining after administering the agent, is short-lasting and thus the examiner is not able to detect the alterations and even more so, to assess their intensity and extent. In other cases, the staining of the tissue progresses very slowly, resulting in patient discomfort and the creation of problems for the examiner in assessing the intensity and extent of the alterations, since they are continuously changing. The above have as direct consequence the downgrading of the diagnostic value of these diagnostic procedures. Thus, their usefulness is limited to facilitating the localization of suspected areas for obtaining biopsy samples. [0018] Summarizing the above, the following conclusions are drawn: [0019] a) Various conventional light dispersion spectroscopic techniques (fluorescence, elastic, non-elastic scattering, etc.) have been proposed and experimentally used for the in vivo detection of alterations in the structural characteristics of pathologic tissue. The main disadvantage of these techniques is that they provide point information, which is inadequate for the analysis of the spatially non-homogenous tissue. Multi-band imaging has the potential to solve this problem by providing spectral information, of lesser resolution as a rule, in any spatial point of the area under examination. These imaging and non-imaging techniques, however, provide information of limited diagnostic value because the structural tissue alterations, which accompany the development of the disease, are not manifested as significant and characteristic alterations in the measured spectra. Consequently, the captured spectral information cannot be directly correlated with the tissue pathology, a fact that limits the clinical usefulness of these techniques. [0020] b) The conventional (non-spectral) imaging techniques provide the capability of mapping characteristics of diagnostic importance in two or three dimensions. They are basically used for measuring morphological characteristics and as clinical documentation tools. [0021] c) The diagnostic methods that are based on the selective staining of pathologic tissue with special agents allow the enhancement of the optical contrast between normal and pathologic tissue. Nevertheless they provide limited information for the in vivo identification and staging of the disease. [0022] The selective interaction of pathologic tissue with the agents, which enhance the optical contrast with healthy tissue, is a dynamic phenomenon. It is therefore reasonable to suggest that the measurement and analysis of kinetic properties could provide important information for the in vivo detection, identification and staging of tissue lesions. In a previous publication, in which one of the inventors is a co-author, (C. Balas, A. Dimoka, E. Orfanoudalci, E. koumandakis, “In vivo assessment of acetic acid-cervical tissue interaction using quantitative imaging of back-scattered light: Its potential use for the in vivo cervical cancer detection grading and mapping”, SPIEOptical Biopsies and Microscopic Techniques, Vol. 3568 pp. 31-37, (1998)), measurements of the alterations in the characteristics of the back-scattered light as a function of wave-length and time are presented. These alterations occur in the cervix by the topical administration of acetic acid solution. In this particular case, a general-purpose multi-spectral imaging system built around a tunable liquid crystal monochromator was used for measuring the variations in intensity of the back-scattered light as a function of time and wavelength at selected spatial points. It was found that the lineshapes of curves of intensity of back-scattered light versus time provide advanced information for the direct identification and staging of tissue neoplasias. Unpublished results of the same research team indicate that similar results can also be obtained with other agents, which have the property of enhancing the optical contrast between normal and pathologic tissue. Nevertheless, the experimental method employed in the published paper is characterized by quite a few disadvantages, such as: The imaging monochromator requires time for changing the imaging wavelength and as a consequence it is inappropriate for multispectral imaging and analysis of dynamic phenomena. It does not constitute a method for the mapping of the grade of the tissue lesions, as the presented curves illustrate the temporal alterations of intensity of the back-scattered light in selected points. The lack of data modeling and parametric analysis of kinetics data in any spatial point of the area of interest restricts the usefulness of the method in experimental studies and hinders its clinical implementation. The optics used for the imaging of the area of interest is of general purpose and does not comply with the special technical requirements for the clinical implementation of the method. Clinical implementation of the presented system is also hindered by the fact that it does not integrate appropriate means for ensuring the stability of the relative position between the tissue surface and image capturing module during the snapshot imaging procedure. This is very important since small movements of the patient (i.e. breathing) are always present during the examination procedure. If, after the application of the agent, micro-movements occur while an image is being recorded, then the spatial features of the captured images may not be accurate. This may substantially reduce the accuracy of the calculation of the curves in any spatial point that express the kinetics of marker-tissue interaction. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0023] The present invention provides a method for monitoring the effects of a pathology-differentiating agent on a tissue sample. The method includes applying a pathology differentiating agent, e.g., acetic acid, on a tissue sample and measuring a spectral property, such as an emission spectrum, of the tissue sample over time, thereby monitoring the effects of a pathology differentiating agent on a tissue sample. The tissue may be a sample from: the cervix of the uterus, the vagina, the skin, the uterus, the gastrointestinal track or the respiratory track. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the pathology-differentiating agent induces transient alterations in the light scattering properties of the tissue, e.g, the abnormal epithelium. [0024] In another aspect, the present invention features a method for the in vivo diagnosis of a tissue abnormality, e.g., a tissue atypia, a tissue dysplasia, a tissue neoplasia (such as a cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, CINI, CINII, CINIII) condylomas or cancer, in a subject. The method includes applying a pathology differentiating agent, e.g., an acetic acid solution or a combination of solutions selected from a plurality of acidic and basic solutions, to a tissue. The method further includes exposing the tissue in the subject to optical radiation, and monitoring the intensity of light emitted from the tissue over time, thereby diagnosing a tissue abnormality in a subject. The optical radiation may be broad band optical radiation, preferably polarized optical radiation. [0025] The non-invasive methods of the present invention are useful for in vivo early detection of tissue abnormalities/alterations. The methods are also useful for mapping the grade of abnormalities/alterations in epithelial tissues during the development of tissue atypias, dysplasias, neoplasias and cancers. [0026] In one embodiment, the tissue area of interest is illuminated with a broad band optical radiation and contacted with a pathology differentiating agent, e.g., an agent or a combination of agents which interact with pathologic tissue areas characterized by an altered biochemical composition and/or cellular functionality and provoke a transient alteration in the characteristics of the light that is re-emitted from the tissue. The light that is re-emitted from the tissue may be in the form of reflection, diffuse scattering, fluorescence or combinations or subcombinations thereof. The intensity of the light emitted from the tissue may be measured, e.g., simultaneously, in every spatial point of the tissue area of interest, at a given time point or over time (e.g., for the duration of agent-tissue interaction). A diagnosis may be made based on the quantitative assessment of the spatial distribution of alterations in the characteristics of the light re-emitted from the tissue at given time points before and after the optical and chemical excitation of the tissue. The diagnosis may also be made based on the spatial distribution of parameters calculated from kinetics curves obtained from the light re-emitted from the tissue. These curves are simultaneously measured in every spatial point of the area under examination during the optical and chemical excitation of the tissue. [0027] In one embodiment of the invention, the step of tissue illumination comprises exposing the tissue area under analysis to optical radiation of narrower spectral width than the spectral width of the light emitted by the illumination source. In another embodiment, the step of measuring the intensity of light comprises measuring the intensity of the re-emitted light in a spectral band, the spectral width of which is narrower than the spectral width of the detector's sensitivity. In yet another embodiment, the step of measuring the intensity of light comprises measuring simultaneously the intensity of the re-emitted light in a plurality of spectral bands, the spectral widths of which are narrower than the spectral width of the detector's sensitivity. [0028] In yet another aspect, the present invention features an apparatus for the in vivo, non-invasive early detection of tissue abnormalities/alterations and mapping of the grade of these tissue abnormalities/alterations caused in the biochemical and/or in the functional characteristics of epithelial tissues, during the development of tissue atypias, dysplasias, neoplasias and cancers. The apparatus includes optics for collecting the light re-emitted by the area under analysis, selecting magnification and focusing the image of the area. The apparatus may also include optical imaging detector(s), means for the modulation, transfer, display and capturing of the image of the tissue area of interest. In addition, the apparatus can include a computer, which has data storage, processing and analysis means, a monitor for displaying images, curves and numerical data, optics for the optical multiplication of the image of the tissue area of interest, and a light source for illuminating the area of interest. The apparatus may also include optical filters for selecting the spectral band of imaging and illumination, means for transmitting light and illuminating the area of interest, control electronics, and optionally, software for the analysis and processing of data. The software can help with the tissue image capturing and storing in specific time points and for a plurality of time points, before and after administration of the pathology-differentiating agent. [0029] Using the foregoing apparatus, an image or a series of images may be created which express the spatial distribution of the characteristics of the kinetics of the induced alterations in the tissue's optical characteristics, before and after the administration of the agent. Pixel values of the image correspond to the spatial distribution of the alterations in the intensity of the light emitted from the tissue at given times, before and after the optical and chemical excitation of tissue. The spatial distribution of parameters may be associated with pixel gray values as a function of time. The foregoing function may be calculated from the measured and stored images and for each row of pixels with the same spatial coordinates. [0030] In one embodiment, the step of optical filtering the imaging detector comprises an optical filter that is placed in the optical path of the rays that form the image of the tissue, for the recording of temporally successive images in a selected spectral band, the spectral width of which is narrower than the spectral width of the detector's sensitivity. [0031] In yet another embodiment, the image multiplication optics includes light beam splitting optics that creates two identical images of the area of interest. The images are recorded by two imaging detectors, in front of which optical filters are placed. The filters are capable of transmitting light having a spectral width that is shorter than the spectral width of the detector's sensitivity, so that two groups of temporally successive images of the same tissue area are recorded simultaneously, each one corresponding to a different spectral band. [0032] In another embodiment, the image multiplication optics include more than one beam splitter for the creation of multiple identical images of the area of interest. The images are recorded by multiple imaging detectors, in front of which optical filters are placed. The filters have different transmission characteristics and are capable of transmitting light of spectral width shorter than the spectral width of the detector's sensitivity. Thus, multiple groups of temporally successive images of the same tissue area are recorded simultaneously, each one corresponding to a different spectral band. [0033] In a further embodiment, the image multiplication optics comprise one beam splitter for the creation of multiple identical images of the area of interest, which are recorded by multiple imaging detectors, in front of which optical filters are placed with, preferably, different transmission characteristics and capable of transmitting light of spectral width shorter than the spectral width of the detector's sensitivity, so that multiple groups of temporally successive images of the same tissue area are recorded simultaneously, each one corresponding to a different spectral band. [0034] In yet a further embodiment, the image multiplication optics include one beam splitter for the creation of multiple identical images of the area of interest, which are recorded in different sub-areas of the same detector. Optical filters having different transmission characteristics are placed in the path of the split beams. The filters are capable of transmitting light of spectral width shorter than the spectral width of the detector's sensitivity. Multiple groups of temporally successive images of the same tissue area are recorded simultaneously in the different areas of the detector, each one corresponding to a different spectral band. [0035] In another embodiment, the step of filtering the light source comprises an optical filter, which is placed in the optical path of an illumination light beam, and transmits light of spectral width shorter than the spectral width of sensitivity of the detector used. [0036] In a further embodiment, the step of filtering the light source includes providing a plurality of optical filters and a mechanism for selecting the filter that is disposed in the path of the illumination light, thus enabling the tuning of the center wavelength and the spectral width of the light illuminating the tissue. [0037] In another embodiment, the mapping of the grade of the alterations associated with the biochemical and/or functional characteristics of the tissue area of interest is based on the pixel values of one image from the group of the recorded temporally successive images of the tissue area of interest. [0038] In a further embodiment, this mapping is based on the pixel values belonging to a plurality of images, which are members of the group of the recorded temporally successive images of the tissue area of interest. [0039] In another embodiment, this mapping is based on numerical data derived from the pixel values belonging to a plurality of images, which are members of the group of the recorded temporally successive images of the tissue area of interest. [0040] In a further embodiment, a pseudo-color scale, which represents with different colors the different pixel values of the image or of the images used for the mapping of abnormal tissue areas, is used for the visualization of the mapping. [0041] In one embodiment, the image or images are used for the in vivo detection, and identification of the borders of epithelial lesions. [0042] In another embodiment, the pixel values of the image or of the images, which are determined for the mapping of the grade of alterations in biochemical and/or functional characteristics of tissue, are used as diagnostic indices for the in vivo identification and staging of epithelial lesions. [0043] In yet another embodiment, the image or the images can be superimposed on the color or black and white image of the same area of tissue under examination displayed on the monitor. Abnormal tissue areas are highlighted and their borders are demarcated, facilitating the selection of a representative area for taking a biopsy sample, the selective surgical removal of the abnormal area and the evaluation of the accuracy in selecting and removing the appropriate section of the tissue. [0044] In a further embodiment, the image or the images which are determined for the mapping of the grade of alterations in biochemical and/or functional characteristics of tissue are used for the evaluation of the effectiveness of various therapeutic modalities such as radiotherapy, nuclear medicine treatments, pharmacological therapy, and chemotherapy. [0045] In another embodiment, the optics for collecting the light re-emitted by the area under analysis includes optomechanical components employed in microscopes used in clinical diagnostic examinations, surgical microscopes, colposcopes and endoscopes. [0046] In one embodiment of the invention directed to colposcopy applications, the apparatus may comprise a speculum, an articulated arm onto which the optical head is attached. The optical head includes a refractive objective lens, focusing optics, a mechanism for selecting the magnification, an eyepiece, a mount for attaching a camera, and an illuminator. The speculurn is attached so that the central longitudinal axis of the speculum is perpendicular to the central area of the objective lens. Thus, when the speculum is inserted into the vagina and fixed in it, the relative position of the image-capturing optics and of the tissue area of interest remain unaltered, regardless of micro-movements of the cervix, which are taking place during the examination of the female subject. [0047] In a further embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise an atomizer for delivering the agent. The atomizer is attached to the articulated arm-optical head of the apparatus and in front of the vaginal opening, where the spraying of the tissue may be controlled and synchronized with a temporally successive image capturing procedure with the aid of electronic control means. [0048] In another embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, the image capturing detector means and image display means include a camera system. The camera system has a detector with a spatial resolution greater than 1000×1000 pixels and a monitor of at least 17 inches (diagonal), so that high magnification is ensured together with a large field of view while the image quality is maintained. [0049] In a further embodiment directed to microscopes used in clinical diagnostic examinations, surgical microscopes and colposcopes, a system includes an articulated arm onto which the optical head is attached. The optical head includes an objective lens, focusing optics, a mechanism for selecting the magnification, an eyepiece, a mount for attaching a camera, an illuminator and two linear polarizers. One linear polarizer is disposed in the optical path of the illuminating light beam and the other in the optical path of the rays that form the image of the tissue. The polarization planes of these polarizers may be rotated. When the planes are perpendicular to each other, the contribution of the tissue's surface reflection to the formed image is eliminated. [0050] In another embodiment directed to endoscopy, an endoscope may include optical means for transferring light from the light source to the tissue surface. The optical means may also allow the collection and transferring of rays along substantially the same axis. [0051] The optical means also allow the focusing of the rays that form the image of the tissue. The endoscope may also include two linear polarizers. One linear polarizer is disposed in the optical path of the illuminating light beam and the other in the optical path of the rays that form the image of the tissue. The polarization planes of these polarizers may be rotated. When the planes are perpendicular to each other, the contribution of the tissue's surface reflection to the formed image is eliminated. [0052] In another embodiment, microscopes used in clinical diagnostic examinations, surgical microscopes and colposcopes may include a reflective objective lens that replaces a refractive lens. The reflective objective lens is contracted so that a second reflection mirror is disposed in the central part of its optical front aperture. In the rear, non-reflective part of this mirror, illumination means are attached from which light is emitted toward the object. With or without illumination zooming and focusing optics, the central ray of the emitted light cone is coaxial with the central ray of the light beam that enters the imaging lens. With the aid of illumination zooming and focusing optics, which may be adjusted simultaneously and automatically with the mechanism for varying the magnification of the optical imaging system, the illuminated area and the field-of-view of the imaging system can vary simultaneously and proportionally. Any decrease in image brightness caused by increasing the magnification is compensated with the simultaneous zooming and focusing of the illumination beam. [0053] Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0054] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the present method's basic principle. [0055] FIG. 2 , illustrates an embodiment of the invention comprising a method for capturing in two spectral bands simultaneously and in any spatial point of the area under analysis, the kinetics of the alterations in the characteristics of the remitted from the tissue light, before and the after the administration of the contrast enhancing agent [0056] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the invention comprising a method for capturing in different spectral bands simultaneously and in any spatial point of the area under analysis, the kinetics of the alterations in the characteristics of the remitted from the tissue light, before and the after the administration of the contrast enhancing agent. [0057] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a medical microscope comprising a light source (LS), a magnification selection mechanism (MS), an eyepiece (EP) and a mount for attaching the image capturing module (CA), (detector(s), readout electronics etc). [0058] FIG. 5 illustrates an endoscope comprising an eyepiece (EP), which can be adapted to an electronic imaging system, optical fibers or crystals for the transmission of both illumination and image rays, optics for the linear polarization of light, one interposed to the optical path of the illumination rays (LE) and one to the path of the ray that form the optical image of the tissue (II). [0059] FIG. 6 depicts a colposcopic apparatus comprising an articulated arm (AA), onto which the optical head (OH) is affixed, which includes a light source (LS), an objective lens (0133), an eye-piece (EP) and optics for selecting the magnification (MS). [0060] FIG. 7 illustrates an optical imaging apparatus which comprises a light source located at the central part of its front-aperture. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0061] The present invention is directed to a method and system for the in vivo, noninvasive detection and mapping of the biochemical and or functional alterations of tissue, e.g., tissue within a subject. Upon selection of the appropriate pathology differentiating agent that enhances the optical contrast between normal and pathologic tissue (depending on the pathology of the tissue), this agent is administered, e.g., topically, to the tissue. [0062] As used herein a pathology differentiating agent is any agent capable of altering the optical property of a tissue, e.g., an agent capable of altering the reflection characteristics or the fluorescence characteristics of a tissue. The pathology differentiating agent may be an acidic solution, a basic solution, a porphyrine solution or a porphyrine precursor solution. Preferred examples of a pathology differentiating agent for use in the methods of the invention include an acetic acid solution, e.g., a weak acetic acid solution, or 5-amino luvelinic acid. [0063] In FIG. 1 , the tissue (T), is sprayed using an atomizer (A), which contains the agent, e.g., acetic acid. At the same time, the tissue is illuminated with a source that emits light having a frequency within a specific spectral band that depends on the optical characteristics of both the agent and the tissue. The characteristics of the light emitted from the source can be controlled by choosing particular sources (LS), and optical filters (OFS). Sources of light for illuminating the tissue include light emitting diodes, and lasers. [0064] For imaging the area of interest, light collection optics (L) may be used, which focus the image onto a two-dimensional optical detector (D). The output signal of the latter is amplified, modulated and digitized with the aid of appropriate electronics (EIS) and finally the image is displayed on a monitor (M) and stored in the data-storing means of a personal computer (PC). Between tissue (T) and detector (D), optical filters (OFI) can be interposed. The filter can be interposed for tissue (T) imaging in selected spectral bands, at which the maximum contrast is obtained between areas that are subjected to different grade of alterations in their optical characteristics after administering the appropriate agent. [0065] Before administration of the latter, images can be obtained and used as references. After the agent has been administered, the detector (D) helps to capture images of the tissue, in successive time instances, which are then stored in the computer's data-storage means. The measuring rate is proportional to the rate at which the tissue's optical characteristics are altered, following the administration of the agent. [0066] As used herein, an optical property, P, is a property that arises from the interaction of electromagnetic waves and a material sample, e.g., a tissue, such as a tissue within a subject. For example, the property can be the intensity of light after it interacts with matter, as manifested by an absorption, emission, or Raman spectrum. A dynamic optical property is a property that is obtained from a time-dependent optical property, P(t), and is determined from the measurement of P(t) at more than one time. For example, a dynamical optical property can be a relaxation time, or a time integral of P(t). [0067] In FIG. 1 , images of the same tissue area are schematically illustrated, which have been stored successively before and after administering the agent (STI). In these images, the black areas represent tissue areas that do not alter their optical characteristics (NAT), while the gray-white tones represent areas that alter their optical characteristics (AT), following the administration of the agent. The simultaneous capture of the intensity of the light re-emitted from every spatial point of the tissue area under analysis and in predetermined time instances, allows the calculation of the kinetics of the induced alterations. [0068] In FIG. 1 , two curves are illustrated: pixel value at position xy (Pvxy), versus time t. The curve ATC corresponds to an area where agent administration induced alterations (AT) in the tissue's optical characteristics. The curve (NATC) corresponds to an area where no alteration took place (NAT). [0069] Each pixel, (x,y), can be associated with a pixel value, such as intensity I, which generally depends on time. For example, at time ti and pixel (x,y), the pixel value can be denoted by PV xy (ti). One useful dynamical spectral property, which can be obtained by measuring pixel value versus time at a particular pixel (x,y), is the relaxation time t ret (x,y). Letting the maximum of a PV time curve be denoted by A, then t ret (x,y) satisfies PV xy (t ret )=A/e, where e is the base of the natural logarithm. For example, if the pixel value versus time curve can be approximated by an exponential with relaxation rate r, PV xy (t)=A exp(−rt), where r>0, then t rel (x,y)=1/r. [0070] The calculation of these parameters (P) at every spatial point of the area under analysis allows kinetic information (KI) to be obtained, with pixel values that are correlated with these parameters. These values can be represented with a scale of pseudocolors (P min , P max ), the spatial distribution of which allows for immediate optical evaluation of the intensity and extent of the induced alterations. Depending on the correlation degree between the intensity and the extent of the induced alterations with the pathology and the stage of the tissue lesion, the measured quantitative data and the derived parameters allow the mapping, the characterization and the border-lining of the lesion. The pseudocolor image of the phenomenon's kinetics (KI), which expresses the spatial distribution of one or more parameters, can be superimposed (after being calculated) on the tissue image, which is displayed in real-time on the monitor. Using the superimposed image as a guide facilitates the identification of the lesion's boundaries, for successful surgical removal of the entire lesion, or for locating suspicious areas to obtain a biopsy sample(s). Furthermore, based on the correlation of the phenomenon's kinetics with the pathology of the tissue, the measured quantitative data and the parameters that derive from them can provide quantitative clinical indices for the in vivo staging of the lesion or of sub-areas of the latter. [0071] In some cases it is necessary to capture the kinetics of the phenomenon in more than one spectral band. This can help in the in vivo determination of illumination and/or imaging spectral bands at which the maximum diagnostic signal is obtained. Furthermore, the simultaneous imaging in more than one spectral band can assist in minimizing the contribution of the unwanted endogenous scattering, fluorescence and reflection of the tissue, to the optical signal measured by the detector. The measured optical signal comprises the optical signal generated by the marker-tissue interaction and the light emitted from the endogenous components of the tissue. In many cases, the recorded response of the components of the tissue constitutes noise since it occludes the generated optical signal, which carries the diagnostic information. Therefore, separation of these signals, based on their particular spectral characteristics, results in the maximization of the signal-to-noise ratio and consequently in the improvement of the obtained diagnostic information. [0072] FIG. 2 illustrates a method for measuring in two spectral bands simultaneously and in any spatial point of the area under analysis, the kinetics of the alterations in the characteristics of the light emitted from the tissue, before and the after the administration of the contrast enhancing agent. The light emitted from the tissue is collected and focused by the optical imaging module (L) and allowed to pass through a beam splitting (BSP) optical element. Thus, two identical images of the tissue (T) are generated, which can be captured by two detectors (D 1 , D 2 ). In front of the detector, appropriate optical filters (Of λ1 ), (Of λ2 ) can be placed, so that images with different spectral characteristics are captured. Besides beam splitters, optical filters, dichroic mirrors, etc., can also be used for splitting the image of the object. The detectors (D 1 ), (D 2 ) are synchronized so that they capture simultaneously the corresponding spectral images of the tissue (Ti λ1 ), (Ti λ2 ) and in successive time-intervals, which are stored in the computer's data storage means. Generalizing, multiple spectral images can be captured simultaneously by combining multiple splitting elements, filters and sources. [0073] FIG. 3 illustrates another method for capturing in different spectral bands simultaneously and in any spatial point of the area under analysis, the kinetics of the alterations in the characteristics of the light emitted from the tissue, before and the after the administration of the contrast enhancing agent. With the aid of a special prism (MIP) and imaging optics, it is possible to form multiple copies of the same image onto the surface of the same detector (D). Various optical filters (OF λ1 ), (OF λ2 ), (OF λ3 ), and (OF λ4 ), can be interposed along the length of the optical path of the rays that form the copies of the object's image, so that the multiple images correspond to different spectral areas. [0074] For the clinical use of the methods of the invention, the different implementations of imaging described above can be integrated to conventional optical imaging diagnostic devises. Such devises arc the various medical microscopes, colposcopes and endoscopes, which are routinely used for the in vivo diagnostic inspection of tissues. Imaging of internal tissues of the human body requires in most cases the illumination and imaging rays to travel along the same optical path, through the cavities of the body. As a result, in the common optical diagnostic devices the tissue's surface reflection contributes substantially to the formed image. This limits the imaging information for the subsurface characteristics, which is in general of great diagnostic importance. This problem becomes especially serious in epithelial tissues such as the cervix, larynx, and oral cavity, which are covered by fluids such as mucus and saliva. Surface reflection also obstructs the detection and the measurement of the alterations in the tissue's optical properties, induced after the administration of agents, which enhance the optical contrast between normal and pathologic tissue. More specifically, when an agent alters selectively the scattering characteristics of the pathologic tissue, the strong surface reflection that takes place in both pathologic (agent responsive) and normal (agent non responsive) tissue areas, occludes the diagnostic signal that originates from the interaction of the agent with the subsurface features of the tissue. In other words, surface reflection constitutes optical noise in the diagnostic signal degrading substantially the perceived contrast between agent responsive and agent non-responsive tissue areas. [0075] For accurate diagnoses using the aforementioned imaging devices, appropriate optics can be used to eliminate noise arising from surface reflection. FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a medical microscope that includes a light source (LS), a magnification selection mechanism (MS), an eyepiece (EP) and a mount for attaching the image capturing module (CA), (detector(s), readout electronics etc). To eliminate surface reflection, a pair of linear polarizers is employed. Light from the source passes through a linear polarizer (LPO) with the resulting linearly polarized light (LS) then impinging on the tissue. The surface reflected light (TS) has the same polarization plane as the incident light (Fresnel reflection). By placing another linear polarizer (IPO), oriented at a right angle with respect to the first, in the path of the light emitted from the tissue, the contribution of the surface reflected light is eliminated. The light that is not surface reflected enters the tissue, where due to multiple scattering, light polarization is randomized. Thus, a portion of the re-emitted light passes through the imaging polarization optics, carrying improved information for the subsurface features. [0076] FIG. 5 illustrates an endoscope that includes an eyepiece (EP), which can be adapted to an electronic imaging system, and optical fibers or crystals for the transmission of both illumination and image rays. The endoscope also includes a first linear polarizer (LPO), disposed in the optical path of the illumination rays (LE), and a second polarizer (IPO), oriented at right angles to the first, disposed in the path of the light emitted by the tissue (II). The polarizer (LPO) can be disposed as shown in the figure, or, alternatively, where the light enters the endoscope (IL). In the latter case, the endoscope has to be constructed using polarization preserving crystals or fiber optics for transferring the light. If polarization preserving light transmission media are used, then the polarizers for the imaging rays can be disposed in their path, in front or in back of the eyepiece (EP). [0077] A problem for the effective clinical implementation of the method described above involves the micro-movements of the patient, which are present during the snapshot imaging of the same tissue area. This problem is eliminated when the patient is under anesthesia (open surgery). In most cases, however, the movements of the tissue relative to the image capturing module, occurring during the successive image capturing time-course, result in image pixels, with the same image coordinates, which do not correspond to exactly the same spatial point x,y of the tissue area under examination. [0078] This problem is typically encountered in colposcopy. A method for eliminating the influence to the measured temporal data of the relative movements between tissue and image capturing module is presented below. [0079] A colposcopic apparatus, illustrated in FIG. 6 , includes an articulated arm (AA), onto which the optical head (OH) is affixed. The head (OH) includes a light source (LS), an objective lens (OBJ), an eyepiece (EP) and optics for selecting the magnification (MS). The image-capturing module is attached to the optical head (OH), through an opto-mechanical adapter. A speculum (K.D), which is used to open-up the vaginal canal for the visualization of the cervix, is connected mechanically to the optical head (OH), so that its longitudinal symmetry axis (LA) is perpendicular to the central area of the objective lens (OBJ). The speculum enters the vagina and its blades are opened up compressing the side walls of the vagina. The speculum (I(D), being mechanically connected with the optical head (OH), transfers any micromovement of the patient to the optical head (OH), which, being mounted on an articulated arm (AA), follows these movements. Thus the relative position between tissue and optical head remains almost constant. [0080] An important issue that must also be addressed for the successful clinical implementation of the diagnostic method described herein is the synchronization of the application of the pathology differentiating agent with the initiation of the snapshot imaging procedure. FIG. 6 , illustrates an atomizer (A) attached to the optical head of the microscope. The unit (MIC) is comprised of electronics for controlling the agent sprayer and it can incorporate also the container for storing the agent. When the unit (MIC) receives the proper command from the computer, it sprays a predetermined amount of the agent onto the tissue surface, while the same or another command initiates the snapshot image capturing procedure. [0081] The diagnostic examination of non-directly accessible tissues located in cavities of the human body (ear, cervix, oral cavity, esophagus, colon, stomach) is performed with the aid of common clinical microscopes. In these devices, the illumination-imaging rays are near co-axial. More specifically, the line perpendicular to the exit point of light into the air, and the line perpendicular to the objective lens, form an angle of a few degrees. As a result, these microscopes operate at a specific distance from the subject (working distance), where the illuminated tissue area coincides with the field-of view of the imaging system. These microscopes are found to be inappropriate in cases where tissue imaging through human body cavities of small diameter and at short working distances is required. These technical limitations hinder the successful clinical implementation of the method described herein. As discussed above, elimination of surface reflection results in a substantial improvement of the diagnostic information obtained from the quantitative assessment of marker-tissue interaction kinetics. If a common clinical microscope is employed as the optical imaging module, then as a result of the above-mentioned illumination-imaging geometry, multiple reflections occur in the walls of the cavity before the light reaches the tissue under analysis. Multiple reflections are more numerous in colposcopy because of the highly reflective blades of the speculum, which is inserted into the vagina to facilitate the inspection of the cervix. [0082] If the illuminator of the imaging apparatus emits linearly polarized light, the multiple reflections randomize the polarization plane of the incident light. As discussed above, if the light impinging on the tissue is not linearly polarized, then the elimination of the contribution from the surface reflection to the image can not be effective. [0083] FIG. 7 illustrates an optical imaging apparatus that includes a light source located at the central part of its front-aperture. With this arrangement, the central ray of the emitted light cone is coaxial with the central ray of the light beam that enters the imaging apparatus. This enables illumination rays to directly reach the tissue surface under examination before multiple reflections occur with the wall of the cavity or speculum. A reflective-objective lens is used, which includes a first reflection (1RM) and a second reflection (2RM) mirror. A light source (LS) is disposed at the rear of the second reflection mirror (2RM), together with, if required, optics for light beam manipulation such as zooming and focusing (SO). The reflective-objective lens (RO), by replacing the common refractive-objective used in conventional microscopes, provides imaging capability in cavities of small diameter with the freedom of choosing the working distance. The zooming and focusing optics of the light beam can be adjusted simultaneously with the mechanism for varying the magnification of the optical imaging system so that the illumination area and the field-of-view of the imaging system vary simultaneously and proportionally. Thus, image brightness is preserved regardless of the magnification level of the lens. The imaging-illumination geometry embodied in this optical imaging apparatus, along with the light beam manipulation options, helps to eliminate the surface reflection contribution to the image and consequently helps to efficiently implement the method described herein. EQUIVALENTS [0084] Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for the in vivo, non-invasive, early detection of alterations and mapping of the grade of these alterations, causing in the biochemical and/or in the functional characteristics of the epithelial tissues during the development of tissue atypias, dysplasias, neoplasias and cancers. The method is based, at least in part, on the simultaneous measurement of the spatial, temporal and spectral alterations in the characteristics of the light that is re-emitted from the tissue under examination, as a result of a combined tissue excitation with light and special chemical agents. The topical or systematic administration of these agents result in an evanescent contrast enhancement between normal and abnormal areas of tissue. The apparatus enables the capturing of temporally successive imaging in one or more spectral bands simultaneously. Based on the measured data, the characteristic curves that express the agent-tissue interaction kinetics, as well as numerical parameters derived from these data, are determined in any spatial point of the examined area. Mapping and characterization of the lesion, are based on these parameters.
6
BACKGROUND [0001] The present disclosure relates to databases, and more specifically, to identifying database queries that are likely to have an adverse impact on performance and to handling these queries in a way that reduces a possible adverse impact on performance. [0002] Data is retrieved from a database with a database query. A database query is an expression that is evaluated by a database manager. A database query can be formulated in Structured Query Language (SQL). SQL defines a syntax for generating and processing queries that is independent of the actual structure and format of the database. When the database manager receives a query, it generally produces an access plan to execute the query in the database. A query optimizer or planner can be employed to evaluate expressions in a query, to optimize the query, and to generate the access plan. SUMMARY [0003] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented method for processing a database query includes receiving a database query to be executed according to a first processing profile. The method includes determining whether the database query is likely to be an ad hoc query. The determining of whether the database query is likely to be an ad hoc query is based on a factor. In addition, the method includes generating a second processing profile before executing the database query in response to determining that the database query is likely to be an ad hoc query. The factor can include a query originator factor, a job type factor, a run history factor, or a query quality factor. [0004] In various embodiments, the method can include executing the database query using the second processing profile. The first processing profile can include a first execution priority and the second processing profile can include a second execution priority. The second execution priority can be a lower priority than the first execution priority. [0005] In various embodiments, the method can include executing the database query using the second processing profile. The first processing profile can include a parameter that indicates that executing the database query using parallel database operations is allowed. The second processing profile can include this parameter, but the parameter indicates that executing the database query using parallel database operations is prohibited. [0006] In various embodiments, the method can include executing the database query using the second processing profile. The first processing profile can include a first memory allocation. The second processing profile can include a second memory allocation. The second memory allocation can be less than the first memory allocation. In an alternative, the first processing profile includes a first resource allocation. The second processing profile includes a second resource allocation. The second resource allocation can be less than the first resource allocation. [0007] In various embodiments, the method can include executing the database query using the second processing profile. The second processing profile can include a parameter that delays execution of the query. In an alternative, the second processing profile includes a parameter that blocks execution of the query. [0008] In various embodiments, the determining of whether the database query is likely to be an ad hoc query further can include determining a likelihood score. The second processing profile can be generated according to the likelihood score. [0009] In addition, various embodiments are directed to a computing device and a computer readable storage medium for processing a database query. [0010] The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] The drawings included in the present application are incorporated into, and form part of, the specification. They illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, along with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings are only illustrative of certain embodiments and do not limit the disclosure. [0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example network architecture for a database system according to various embodiments. [0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a computing device according to various embodiments. [0014] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of components and data that can reside in the memory of the computing device according to various embodiments. [0015] FIG. 4 is a flow chart diagram for a method for processing a database query according to various embodiments. [0016] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0017] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to databases, and more specifically, to identifying database queries that are likely to have an adverse impact on performance and to handling these queries in a way that reduces the predicted adverse impact on performance. While the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to such applications, various aspects of the disclosure may be appreciated through a discussion of various examples using this context. [0018] It is not uncommon for database queries written by inexperienced users to take high amounts of system resources on production machines. Inexperienced users can write queries that are poorly constructed, which require excessive resources to get the needed data from the database. In addition, inexperienced users can write queries that may not be precisely what the user intends. The queries extract too much, too little, or incorrect data, and the queries are typically revised, refined, and run several times. Poorly constructed queries that require significant resources are referred to herein as ad hoc queries. Ad hoc queries are predicted or expected to have an adverse impact on performance. According to various embodiments, database queries that are likely to be ad hoc queries are identified before the query is run. If it is determined that a query is likely to be an ad hoc query, a second processing profile for the query is generated and substituted for the original processing profile associated with the query. The second processing profile can implement various strategies for reducing a possible adverse impact on performance. [0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example network architecture for a database system 100 according to various embodiments. Any number of client computing devices 102 may be included in the architecture. In the figure, three client computing devices 102 A, 102 B, and 102 C are shown. The database system 100 is accessed in this example via a cluster of servers 104 A and 104 B, that may be referred to as a middle tier. A database management system runs on a computing device 106 . The database may be stored in a memory of the computing device 106 or may be spread across multiple storage devices. In the figure, storage devices 108 A, 108 B, and 108 C for storing a database are shown. Many more storage devices may be provided. Database objects may be spread across the storage devices 108 . The storage devices 108 are further described below with respect to FIG. 2 . [0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the computing device 106 according to various embodiments. The computing device 106 is one example of a context in which various embodiments may be implemented. The mechanisms and apparatus of the various embodiments disclosed herein apply equally to any appropriate computing device. The major components of the computing device 106 include one or more processors 202 , a memory 204 , a terminal interface 212 , a storage interface 214 , an Input/Output (“I/O”) device interface 216 , and a network interface 218 , all of which are communicatively coupled, directly or indirectly, for inter-component communication via a memory bus 206 , an I/O bus 208 , bus interface unit (“IF”) 209 , and an I/O bus interface unit 210 . [0021] The computing device 106 may contain one or more general-purpose programmable central processing units (CPUs) 202 A and 202 B, herein generically referred to as the processor 202 . In an embodiment, the computing device 106 may contain multiple processors; however, in another embodiment, the computing device 106 may alternatively be a single CPU device. Each processor 202 executes instructions stored in the memory 204 and may include one or more levels of on-board cache. [0022] In an embodiment, the memory 204 may include a random-access semiconductor memory, storage device, or storage medium (either volatile or non-volatile) for storing or encoding data and programs. In another embodiment, the memory 204 represents the entire virtual memory of the computing device 106 , and may also include the virtual memory of other computer systems coupled to the computing device 106 or connected via a network 120 . The memory 204 is conceptually a single monolithic entity, but in other embodiments the memory 204 is a more complex arrangement, such as a hierarchy of caches and other memory devices. For example, memory may exist in multiple levels of caches, and these caches may be further divided by function, so that one cache holds instructions while another holds non-instruction data, which is used by the processor or processors. Memory may be further distributed and associated with different CPUs or sets of CPUs, as is known in any of various so-called non-uniform memory access (NUMA) computer architectures. [0023] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of components and data that can reside in the memory 204 of FIG. 2 , according to various embodiments. The components and data shown in FIG. 3 are described in greater detail below. The memory 204 may store all or a portion of the components and data shown in FIG. 3 . These programs and data structures are illustrated in FIG. 3 as being included within the memory 204 in the computing device 106 , however, in other embodiments, some or all of them may be on different computer systems and may be accessed remotely, e.g., via a network 120 . The computing device 106 may use virtual addressing mechanisms that allow the programs of the computing device 106 to behave as if they only have access to a large, single storage entity instead of access to multiple, smaller storage entities. Thus, while the components and data shown in FIG. 3 are illustrated as being included within the memory 204 , these components and data are not necessarily all completely contained in the same storage device at the same time. Further, although the components and data shown in FIG. 3 are illustrated as being separate entities, in other embodiments some of them, portions of some of them, or all of them may be packaged together. [0024] In an embodiment, the components and data shown in FIG. 3 may include instructions or statements that execute on the processor 202 or instructions or statements that are interpreted by instructions or statements that execute on the processor 202 to carry out the functions as further described below. In another embodiment, the components shown in FIG. 3 may be implemented in hardware via semiconductor devices, chips, logical gates, circuits, circuit cards, and/or other physical hardware devices in lieu of, or in addition to, a processor-based system. In various embodiments, the components shown in FIG. 3 may include data in addition to instructions or statements. [0025] Referring to FIG. 2 , the computing device 106 may include a bus interface unit 209 to handle communications among the processor 202 , the memory 204 , a display system 224 , and the I/O bus interface unit 210 . The I/O bus interface unit 210 may be coupled with the I/O bus 208 for transferring data to and from the various I/O units. The I/O bus interface unit 210 communicates with multiple I/O interface units 212 , 214 , 216 , and 218 , which are also known as I/O processors (IOPs) or I/O adapters (IOAs), through the I/O bus 208 . The display system 224 may include a display controller, a display memory, or both. The display controller may provide video, audio, or both types of data to a display device 226 . The display memory may be a dedicated memory for buffering video data. The display system 224 may be coupled with a display device 226 , such as a standalone display screen, computer monitor, television, or a tablet or handheld device display. In an embodiment, the display device 226 may include one or more speakers for rendering audio. Alternatively, one or more speakers for rendering audio may be coupled with an I/O interface unit. In alternate embodiments, one or more of the functions provided by the display system 224 may be on board an integrated circuit that also includes the processor 202 . In addition, one or more of the functions provided by the bus interface unit 209 may be on board an integrated circuit that also includes the processor 202 . [0026] The I/O interface units support communication with a variety of storage and I/O devices. For example, the terminal interface unit 212 supports the attachment of one or more user I/O devices 220 , which may include user output devices (such as a video display device, speaker, and/or television set) and user input devices (such as a keyboard, mouse, keypad, touchpad, trackball, buttons, light pen, or other pointing device). A user may manipulate the user input devices using a user interface, in order to provide input data and commands to the user I/O device 220 and the computing device 106 , and may receive output data via the user output devices. For example, a user interface may be presented via the user I/O device 220 or display device 226 , such as displayed on a display device, played via a speaker, or printed via a printer. [0027] The storage interface 214 supports the attachment of one or more disk drives or direct access storage devices 108 (which are typically rotating magnetic disk drive storage devices, although they could alternatively be other storage devices, including arrays of disk drives configured to appear as a single large storage device to a host computer, or solid-state drives, such as flash memory). While only one storage interface 214 is shown in the figure, multiple storage interface units 214 may be provided. For example, one storage interface 214 may be provided for each of multiple storage devices, e.g., devices 108 A, 108 B, and 108 C, in order to provide a capability to access different portions of a database spread across the multiple storage devices in parallel. In another embodiment, the storage device 108 may be implemented via any type of secondary storage device. The contents of the memory 204 , or any portion thereof, may be stored to and retrieved from the storage device 108 as needed. The I/O device interface 216 provides an interface to any of various other I/O devices or devices of other types, such as printers or fax machines. The network interface 218 provides one or more communication paths from the computing device 106 to other digital devices and computer systems; these communication paths may include, e.g., one or more networks 120 . [0028] Although the computing device 106 shown in FIG. 2 illustrates a particular bus structure providing a direct communication path among the processors 202 , the memory 204 , the bus interface 209 , the display system 224 , and the I/O bus interface unit 210 , in alternative embodiments the computing device 106 may include different buses or communication paths, which may be arranged in any of various forms, such as point-to-point links in hierarchical, star or web configurations, multiple hierarchical buses, parallel and redundant paths, or any other appropriate type of configuration. Furthermore, while the I/O bus interface unit 210 and the I/O bus 208 are shown as single respective units, the computing device 106 may, in fact, contain multiple I/O bus interface units 210 and/or multiple I/O buses 208 . While multiple I/O interface units are shown, which separate the I/O bus 208 from various communications paths running to the various I/O devices, in other embodiments, some or all of the I/O devices are connected directly to one or more system I/O buses. [0029] In various embodiments, the computing device 106 is a multi-user mainframe computer system, a single-user system, or a server computer or similar device that has little or no direct user interface, but receives requests from other computer systems (clients). In other embodiments, the computing device 106 may be implemented as a desktop computer, portable computer, laptop or notebook computer, tablet computer, pocket computer, telephone, smart phone, or any other suitable type of electronic device. [0030] FIGS. 2 and 3 are intended to depict the representative major components of the computing device 106 . Individual components, however, may have greater complexity than represented in FIGS. 2 and 3 , components other than or in addition to those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 may be present, and the number, type, and configuration of such components may vary. Several particular examples of additional complexity or additional variations are disclosed herein; these are by way of example only and are not necessarily the only such variations. The various program components illustrated in FIG. 3 may be implemented, in various embodiments, in a number of different manners, including using various computer applications, routines, components, programs, objects, modules, data structures, etc., which may be referred to herein as “software,” “computer programs,” or simply “programs.” [0031] FIG. 3 depicts an example of some components and data that can reside in the memory 204 , according to various embodiments. In example memory 204 , the memory stores an operating system 330 . A database manager 302 and a database 304 can be stored in the memory 204 . Multiple indices for use in accessing the database 304 , such as index 305 , index 306 , and index 307 , can be stored in the memory 204 . According to various embodiments, the database manager 302 can include a query planner 320 , a query execution engine 312 , an ad hoc determiner 314 , and a processing profile generator 316 . The query planner 320 generates query execution strategies for performing database queries. The amount of time or resource required to perform a complex query on a large database can vary greatly, depending on various factors, such as the availability of an index, the amount of resources required to evaluate each condition, and the expected selectivity (i.e., number of records eliminated from consideration) of the various logical conditions. The query planner 320 determines an optimal execution strategy according to any optimizing algorithm, now known or hereafter developed, and generates an execution strategy, also known as an “access plan”, according to the determination. The execution strategy is a defined series of steps for performing the query, and thus is, in effect, a computer program. The query planner 320 which generates the execution strategy performs a function analogous to that of a compiler, although the execution strategy data is not necessarily executable-level code. It is, rather, a higher-level series of statements which are interpreted and executed by query engine 312 . [0032] A query can be saved as a persistent storage object in memory, and can be written to disk or other storage. Once created by query planner 320 , a query execution strategy (or access plan) can be saved with the query as part of the persistent storage object. For a given query, it is possible to generate and save one or multiple optimized execution strategies. The query can be invoked, and a saved query strategy re-used (re-executed), many times. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the memory 204 stores access plans 309 , 310 , and 311 . The query execution engine 312 executes logical queries of database 304 using an access plan generated by the query planner 320 . [0033] The memory 204 can include an ad hoc determiner 314 . According to various embodiments, a determination can be made as to whether a database query is likely to be an ad hoc query. This determination can be made by the ad hoc determiner 314 . [0034] An ad hoc database query can be a query that is made with no planning or minimal planning because of an immediate need or lack of user expertise. In addition, an ad hoc query can be a query that is made with no planning or minimal planning or a query that used one time for a particular purpose. An ad hoc query may have a negative impact on system performance. In contrast, a database query developed by an expert and which is run repeatedly on a periodic basis is one example of a query that is not ad hoc in nature. [0035] A determination as to whether a database query is likely to be an ad hoc database query can be made using one or more factors. Various factors that can be used to determine a likelihood that a particular query is ad hoc in nature include a query originator factor, a job type factor, a run history factor, or a query quality factor. In addition, other factors may be used. [0036] A query originator factor can be based on an internet protocol (IP) address or a user identification (ID). A database query generally originates from a particular source that is identifiable by IP address or user ID, or both IP address and user ID. A list or set of sources that are generally known not to be associated with queries that are ad hoc in nature can be provided. For example, a database system may be configured so that queries to a database server generally originate from a cluster of servers in a middle tier. There is typically a relatively small set of IP addresses and user IDs associated with the middle tier servers. The set of IP addresses and user IDs associated with the middle tier could be configured when the system is initially set up. The set can be updated periodically or when a node is added or removed. Alternatively, the set can be determined dynamically. When a query is received, it can be determined whether its IP address or user ID are in the set. A query associated with an IP address or user ID in the set is likely not to be an ad hoc query. A query associated with an IP address or user ID that is not in the set is more likely to be an ad hoc query than one associated with an IP address or user ID in the set. For example, a query associated with an IP address or user ID not on the list is a possible ad hoc query because it originates from a source other than the middle tier of servers. In another alternative, it can be determined whether a database query with a user ID that signs on using an interactive session. A database system may be configured so that queries to a database server are generally associated with a user ID that cannot sign on interactively. In this alternative, it can be determined that a query is a possible ad hoc query if the query is associated with a user ID that is signed on using an interactive session. [0037] A job type factor can be determined based on the type of job. A database query can be an interactive job, a scheduled job, or a batch job. A query in scheduled job or a batch job is likely not to be an ad hoc query. A query in an interactive job is more likely to be an ad hoc query than one in a scheduled or batch job. [0038] A run history factor can be determined from a file or database of queries run against the database. One example of a query history file or database is an SQL plan cache. An SQL plan cache contains plans for SQL queries that have been run against the data base. An SQL plan cache could contain all plans run since the database was created or large percentage of plans run against the database in a time period, such as the most recent 12 months. Accordingly, a plan cache can contain most if not all of the queries that have been run against the database. When a query is received, it can be determined whether a plan for the query is present in the run history database, e.g., plan cache. If a query is present in a run history database, the query is likely not to be an ad hoc query. If a query is not present in the run history database, the query is more likely to be an ad hoc query than one that is in the database. [0039] A query quality factor can be based on an automated evaluation of a query. When a query is received, it can be determined whether the query is able to use an index. A query that is able to use an index is less likely to be an ad hoc query than a query that is unable to use an index. In addition, the query can be parsed so that it can be determined whether the query includes a wild card or uses literals instead of parameter markers. A query that includes a wild card is more likely to be an ad hoc query than a query that does not include a wild card. Similarly, a query that includes literals instead of parameter markers is more likely to be an ad hoc query than a query that includes parameter markers. As another example, a query that is missing a join criteria could be flagged as likely to be an ad hoc query (unless one of the files has only one row). If a query includes invalid text or fails to run, it can be inferred that the query is more likely to be an ad hoc query than a query that does not include invalid text or that is able to run. Moreover, when a query is received, a query optimizer can be used to generate one or more query plans. The generated query plans can be compared with resource usage or execution time thresholds. In one embodiment, these thresholds are maximum values. The thresholds may be specified by a user or developer. The thresholds may be dynamically determined by a component based on a statistical analysis of historical data. For instance, an average or a standard deviation of resource usage or execution time. If metrics for all of the generated plans are over one or more of the various thresholds, the query is more likely to be an ad hoc query than a query for which the metrics for one or more of the generated plans are less than the thresholds. Accordingly, in various embodiments, it may be inferred that a query is an ad hoc query when the query optimizer is unable to generate a reasonable query plan. [0040] The query originator factor, job type factor, run history factor, or query quality factor and other factors can be assigned numeric values and combined to determine a likelihood score. The likelihood score can be compared to a numeric threshold. In various embodiments, a likelihood score over the threshold indicates a likelihood that a particular query is likely to be ad hoc in nature. In other embodiments, a magnitude of the likelihood score can serve as a confidence score in which the higher the score, the more likely the query is to be an ad hoc query. Table 1 below illustrates one example of different numeric values that could be assigned when a factor is found to be true. In this example, factors are generally assigned points that are positive values. However, points can be zero or negative. For example, the “Query Quality—Parameter Marker Used” factor could be assigned a negative value or zero. Alternatively, this factor could be replaced with a “Query Quality—Parameter Marker Not Used” factor having an assigned point value which is positive. [0000] TABLE 1 Factor Points Query Originator Outside of Set 5 Job Type = Interactive 4 Query Quality - No Index 4 Query Quality - Wild Card Present 2 Query Quality - Parameter Marker Used −1 or 0 Query Quality - Memory Usage 5 Query Quality - Resource Usage 5 [0041] Using the values in table 1, a first query that originates outside of a specified set of IP addresses that is contained in an interactive job would be determined to have a likelihood score of 9. As another example, a second query that originates outside of the specified set of IP addresses, does not use an index, includes a wild card, and uses a parameter marker would be determined to have a likelihood score of 10 or 11, depending on the point value associated with the “Query Quality—Parameter Marker Used” factor. [0042] In various embodiments, a query determined to be ad hoc in nature can be marked. If the same query is run again after it has been marked as ad hoc, the run history factor can be updated. In some embodiments, when a query is run a second time, the query can be determined not to be ad hoc and the marker may be removed. In some embodiments, a query may need to be run two or more times before the query is determined to be ad hoc. [0043] As mentioned above, the memory 204 can include a processing profile generator 316 . According to various embodiments, a database query can be associated with a processing profile. When a database query is received, it may be assigned a first processing profile, which may be a default processing profile. In some embodiments, the database query is received with a first processing profile included as part of the query. If a query is determined to be ad hoc in nature, the query can be assigned a second processing profile. In some embodiments, if a likelihood score for a database query exceeds a threshold, the query can be assigned a second processing profile. In other embodiments in which the magnitude of the likelihood score serves as a confidence score, the query can be assigned one of two or more processing profiles. For example, if the likelihood score for a query is x, the query would be assigned a second processing profile. If the likelihood score for a query is y, the query would be assigned a third processing profile. The y score indicates a greater confidence that the query is an ad hoc query than the x score. The third processing profile would incorporate more stringent restrictions on query execution (or include other measures to reduce the possible adverse impact on performance) than the second processing profile. The processing profile generator 316 generates a second (or third, fourth, or other) processing profile to substitute for the first processing profile when it is determined that a database query is likely to be an ad hoc query. [0044] A processing profile can include a priority parameter that specifies a priority or rank of a query with respect to other queries that may be run simultaneously or which are queued up to be run. Moreover, a priority parameter can specify that the execution of a query be blocked under conditions when a load on the system is above a threshold. The threshold may be set to correspond to conditions when the load on the system is high. In practice, when the priority parameter is a priority or rank, the query may be delayed until queries with a higher rank are completed. When the priority parameter requires a comparison of a load with a threshold, the query may be delayed until the load of the system falls below the threshold. In some embodiments, the threshold can be set to zero so that a priority parameter can block execution of the query without regard to the load on the system. [0045] In addition, a processing profile can include a multiprocessing parameter that indicates whether parallel database operations, which may be referred to as symmetric multiprocessing or SMP, are allowed to be performed. For example, in embodiments in which a database is spread across multiple storage devices, each associated with a distinct I/O adapter, it can be possible to access data on multiple storage devices in parallel. In addition, in embodiments in which multiple CPUs or processing cores are provided, the work involved in processing a query can be dispatched to two or more CPUs or cores in parallel. The processing profile can indicate whether these types of parallel operations are to be enabled. [0046] A processing profile can include a resource parameter that specifies an amount of a resource that can be allocated to execute the query. For example, a particular amount of main memory can be specified for storing intermediate or final results. Other examples include a particular number of CPU cycles, I/O device traffic, bus traffic, or network traffic can be specified. [0047] In various embodiments, the processing profile generator 316 can generate two or more processing profiles to be used with different ad hoc likelihood scores. For instance, a second processing profile can be generated for a first query determined to have a likelihood score of 6. The second processing profile may include a multiprocessing parameter that disables parallel processing. A third processing profile can be generated for a second query determined to have a likelihood score of 9. The third processing profile may include a multiprocessing parameter that disables parallel processing and a resource parameter that limits the amount of main memory the query can use. [0048] FIG. 4 is a flow chart diagram for a method 400 for processing a database query according to various embodiments. More specifically, the method 400 is a method for identifying database queries that may have an adverse impact on performance and for handling these queries in a way that reduces the possible adverse impact on performance. [0049] In operation 402 , a database query is received. The received query is associated with a first processing profile. The database query may be assigned a first processing profile after it is received. In some embodiments, the database query is received with a first processing profile included as part of the query. The first processing profile can be a default processing profile or a profile requested by the submitter. [0050] In operation 404 , it is determined whether the received query is likely to be ad hoc in nature. This determination can be made by the ad hoc determiner 314 . As more fully explained above, the determination as to whether a database query is likely to be an ad hoc database query can be made using one or more factors, including, but not limited to, a query originator factor, a job type factor, a run history factor, or a query quality factor. [0051] In operation 406 , the query may be processed according to the first processing profile if it is determined in operation 404 that the query is not likely to be ad hoc in nature. On the other hand, if it is determined in operation 404 that the query is likely to be an ad hoc query, a second processing profile is generated in operation 408 . [0052] The second processing profile generated in operation 408 can be generated by the processing profile generator 316 in various embodiments. While the operation 408 depicted in FIG. 4 refers to a “second” processing profile, it is intended to mean any processing profile other than the first processing profile. The second profile in operation 408 can refer to a third, fourth, fifth or other processing profile that is to be substituted for the first processing profile when it is determined that a database query is likely to be an ad hoc query. As described above, additional processing profiles can be generated to be used with different ad hoc likelihood scores. A processing profile can include priority, multiprocessing, and resource usage parameters. [0053] In operation 410 , the query may be processed according to the second or other processing profile generated in operation 408 . When the query is processed using the alternative processing profile, the possible adverse impact on performance associated with the query may be reduced. [0054] The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computer program product. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention. [0055] The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire. [0056] Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device. [0057] Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of embodiments of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of embodiments of the present invention. [0058] Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions. [0059] These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. [0060] The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. [0061] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. [0062] The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.
A method for processing a database query includes receiving a database query to be executed according to a first processing profile and determining whether the database query is likely to be an ad hoc query. The determining of whether the database query is likely to be an ad hoc query is based on a factor. The factor can include a query originator factor, a job type factor, a run history factor, or a query quality factor. A second processing profile is generated before executing the database query in response to determining that the database query is likely to be an ad hoc query. The second processing profile is configured to limit performance impacts, such as by providing a lower execution priority, prohibiting parallel database operations, limiting memory allocation, or delaying or blocking the query.
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a National Phase Patent Application of International Patent Application Number PCT/EP2014/060442, filed on May 21, 2014, which claims priority of German Patent Application Number 10 2013 209 593.7, filed on May 23 , 2013. BACKGROUND [0002] The present invention relates to an assembly for providing a long-term electrocardiogram (long-term ECG). [0003] It is known to record an electrocardiogram (ECG) over a longer period of time, for example, for 12 hours, 24 hours, or even seven days. Such a long-term ECG is employed, for example, to be able to improve the detection and evaluation of cardiac arrhythmia. It is known to use portable recording devices for recording a long-term ECG. For example, GETEMED Medizin—und Informationstechnik AG in 14513 Teltow, Germany, provides a recorder for recording long-term ECGs under the name of CardioMem CM 4000. This recorder includes a large color display which displays relevant information, including signal curves. SUMMARY [0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an assembly for providing a long-term ECG which is characterized by a simple and economical design. [0005] This object is achieved by an assembly for providing a long-term ECG as described herein and an application software program for an ECG device as described herein. [0006] The approach according to the present invention is accordingly characterized in that the assembly according to the present invention comprises two components; on the one hand, a portable ECG device which is designed and provided to record an ECG of a patient, who can be associated with the ECG device, for a defined or definable period of time, and on the other hand, an application software program for the ECG device which is executable on a mobile device or on a computer. It is provided that parameters of the ECG device may be set, and data recorded by the ECG device may be read out and displayed, via the application software program. Furthermore, it is provided that the application software program is designed to visually instruct an operator in the electrode placement for an ECG and in addition, to detect and evaluate parameters of the ECG device and/or of an ECG cable connected to the ECG device. [0007] The approach according to the present invention is thus based on the idea of no longer carrying out the operation of an ECG device on the device itself, but rather via an application software program which is executable on a mobile device or on a computer. Such an application software program is often referred to as an “app.” Since the operation and depiction of the data recorded by the ECG device is carried out via the application software program, the ECG device itself may be designed in a simple manner, in particular without its own display. The operation, the depiction of the signal curves of the recorded ECG data, and the attachment of an ECG cable to a patient are all controlled via the application software program. [0008] Thus, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the application software program is designed to set the duration of an ECG recording as a parameter of the ECG device. For example, the duration of an ECG recording may be set to a period of time of 12 hours, 24 hours, or seven days. Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides that the application software program is designed to set the type of the battery to be used for a recording, if the ECG device includes different battery types, for example, a rechargeable battery and a replaceable battery. [0009] In addition, according to one exemplary embodiment, the application software program is designed to detect parameters of the ECG device or of an ECG cable connected to the ECG device. Such parameters are, for example, the serial number of an ECG cable which is connected to the ECG device and which is used for an ECG recording, the type of an ECG cable connected to the ECG device (three-wire, five-wire, or seven-wire), the contact status of the electrodes of an ECG cable, the number of channels which are detected via an ECG recording, and the battery status of at least one battery. The detection of such parameters completes the information obtained while recording an ECG and makes it possible to detect sources of error if necessary. For example, knowledge of the serial number of an ECG cable used during an ECG recording makes it possible to locate the ECG cable in the event of erroneous data and to check whether it is possibly defective. The detection of the contact status of the electrodes of the ECG cable also makes it possible to identify causes of erroneous data and to provide instruction functions for correcting a possibly poor contact of the electrodes with the patient. [0010] In another exemplary embodiment, the application software program is also designed to transmit information to the ECG device which is not directly used for operating the ECG device, but which provides it with information which is important for an ECG recording. Such information, for example, includes patient data, i.e., data, for example, about the identity, gender, and age of a patient, and data about an operator who attaches an ECG cable to a patient. This data is of course also stored in the application software program or on the mobile device or computer on which the application software program is executed. Its additional provision in the ECG device allows linking the recorded ECG data already in the ECG device to such information. [0011] One advantageous embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention provides that different ECG cables may be connected to the ECG device, and that the ECG device automatically detects the type of the connected ECG cable and provides this information to the application software program. For example, the ECG device detects whether the connected ECG cable is a three-wire ECG cable, a five-wire ECG cable, or a seven-wire ECG cable. The automatic detection of a connected ECG cable and the transfer of this information to the application software program make it possible, for example, to provide instructions in the application software program for placing electrodes on a patient with respect to the specific ECG cable which is connected. [0012] Thus, in another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides that the application software program is designed to instruct an operator during the electrode placement for an ECG and in addition, to detect and evaluate parameters of the ECG device and/or of an ECG cable connected to the ECG device. It may be provided that with the aid of the application software program, the places on the human body at which electrodes of the detected ECG cable are to be attached to the human body are schematically indicated on a display (for example, the display of a mobile device or a computer screen). The depiction is preferably carried out using color coding corresponding to a color coding of the detected ECG cable. ECG cables generally have a color coding for facilitating the attachment and placement of the electrodes. [0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, it is provided that the application software program is designed to carry out a checking function with respect to a correct contacting of the electrodes of an ECG cable with the body of a patient. For this purpose, it may, for example, be provided that it is ascertained via an evaluation of electrical parameters, for example, the voltage drop across each electrode of an ECG cable, whether an electrode is correctly attached to the human body. If this is not the case, the application software program may generate a warning message to an operator that correct contacting of the electrodes with the patient has not yet been established. [0014] An additional aspect of the assembly according to the present invention provides that the application software program comprises a device management which allows the detection and possibly the management of multiple ECG devices. Such a device management makes it possible in particular to find and connect ECG devices, and to manage devices which have already been detected and to select them with respect to a measurement to be carried out. [0015] An additional aspect of the assembly according to the present invention provides that the application software program comprises a patient management which allows the detection of multiple patients. Such a patient management comprises, for example, a table of the recorded patients including suitable patient information such as the name, gender, age, and identification number, and the option of adding additional patients or deleting patients who have already been recorded. [0016] According to an additional aspect of the assembly according to the present invention, the application software program also comprises electrode placement instructions for an operator which provide for carrying out certain procedure steps in a defined sequence. For example, it is provided that the electrode placement instructions allow an operator to select a patient from a patient list and to associate the patient with an ECG device which is included in an ECG device list of the application software program. In addition, an electrode placement is instructed and an ECG recording is subsequently started. The instructions for the electrode placement may be carried out visually on the display screen of the mobile device or the computer on which the application software program is installed, for example, via a schematic representation of the upper body of the patient and the points at which the electrodes of an ECG cable are to be placed. [0017] Furthermore, it may be provided that the electrode placement instructions are designed in such a way that a patient on the patient list is deleted from the list as soon as an ECG recording is started for the patient. This enables an operator to ensure in a simple manner that all patients on a patient list are processed sequentially with respect to the attachment of an ECG cable and the start of an ECG recording. [0018] In one exemplary embodiment, the application software program is designed in such a way that it provides a graphical user interface which comprises multiple windows which provide functions for the device management, the patient management, and the electrode placement. [0019] As already mentioned, the approach according to the present invention is based on the idea that the operation of the ECG device is carried out via the application software program. Accordingly, it is advantageously provided that the ECG device itself has no display of its own, and recorded ECG data may be depicted only with the aid of the application software program. [0020] It may thus be provided that the ECG device has only a single control element, namely, an control element for switching the ECG device on and off. At least one additional function may be associated with the control element, for example, the setting of a marking in an ECG by a patient at a desired point in time during the recording of an ECG. Thus, if the patient subjectively senses an abnormality, he/she may operate the control element and thereby set a marking in the ECG, so that a physician may check at a later time whether the subjective sensation experienced by the patient correlates with actual abnormalities in the ECG at the observed point in time. [0021] According to one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the ECG device thus has only a single control element which is used for switching the ECG device on and off and which additionally, for example, enables the setting of a marking in the ECG by a patient. The other operator control functions are implemented via the application software program. [0022] The application software program may be an application software program for mobile devices, in particular for smartphones and tablet computers. [0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention, it is provided that the application software program communicates with the ECG device wirelessly, for example, via Bluetooth technology. For this purpose, corresponding Bluetooth modules are configured in the ECG device and in the mobile device or the computer on which the application software program is installed. [0024] It lies within the scope of the present invention that the application software program is designed to transmit data received by the ECG device and/or data derived from such data (i.e., data which have already been evaluated or pre-evaluated) to a telemedicine center and/or to an evaluation center for storing the data and further evaluating it as necessary. This may be carried out automatically. [0025] An additional embodiment of the present invention provides that the ECG device is a long-term ECG recorder and that the application software program is designed to retrieve all ECG information in streaming mode during the ECG recording and/or to be able to carry out at least one setting on the recorder. This makes it possible to depict the ECG in streaming mode during the ECG recording, for example, for diagnostic purposes or for checking the signal quality. [0026] In particular, it may be provided that all parameters of the recorder and the ongoing ECG recording may be displayed with the aid of the application software program and/or that all parameters of the recorder may be changed and/or corrected during the ongoing ECG recording using the application software program. According to one embodiment variant, the application software program may be designed to be able to interrupt the ECG recording at any time and to subsequently carry out a function and/or quality check of the recorder. [0027] An additional embodiment provides that error messages generated by the recorder (for example, a detached electrode or an empty battery) are displayed and indicated by the application software program. [0028] The present invention thus considers not only the so-called hookup, i.e., the procedure for preparing an ECG recording, but also provides additional options during an ECG recording. This is associated with several advantages: [0029] a) The signal quality may be checked during the recording, making it possible to detect malfunctions. It is also possible to detect detached electrodes. [0030] b) The ECG may be observed at all times. This is of great value particularly in the clinical setting in the case of acute symptoms. The disadvantage of a long-term ECG over one, two, or seven days is that acute cardiac arrhythmia which must be treated immediately is not detected. [0031] c) Checking the condition of the patient is possible even after interruption of the recording, for example, for performing an MRT. [0032] d) The parameters of the recorder may be corrected during the recording. [0033] e) A complete function check of the recording system is may be carried out. [0034] The present invention also relates to an application software program for an ECG device which is executable on a mobile device or on a computer, wherein the application software program is designed to be employed in an assembly for providing a long-term ECG according to claim 1 or to interact with a portable ECG device corresponding to the assembly of claim 1 . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0035] The present invention is described in greater detail below based on multiple exemplary embodiments, with reference to the figures. [0036] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an assembly for providing a long-term ECG which comprises a portable ECG device and an application software program, wherein the components of the ECG device are depicted in the block diagram. [0037] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable ECG device. [0038] FIG. 3 shows a display screen view provided by an application software program on a mobile device or computer depicting a first step for an electrode placement. [0039] FIG. 4 shows a display screen view provided by an application software program on a mobile device or computer depicting a second step for an electrode placement. [0040] FIG. 5 shows a display screen view provided by an application software program on a mobile device or computer depicting ECG signals, devices, and patient information, and a schematic representation of the electrodes of an ECG cable to be placed. [0041] FIG. 6 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 5 , wherein ECG signals are present for three channels and a query is made whether a recording is to be started. [0042] FIG. 7 shows a display screen view provided by an application software program on a mobile device or computer for an operator for instructing an electrode placement. [0043] FIG. 8 shows a display screen view provided by an application software program on a mobile device or computer depicting a first operator interface for the device management. [0044] FIG. 9 shows a display screen view provided by an application software program on a mobile device or computer depicting a second operator interface for the device management. [0045] FIG. 10 shows a display screen view provided by an application software program on a mobile device or computer depicting a third operator interface for the device management. [0046] FIG. 11 shows a display screen view provided by an application software program on a mobile device or computer depicting an operator interface for the patient management. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0047] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an assembly for providing a long-term ECG. The assembly comprises a portable ECG device 1 , to which various ECG cables 41 - 43 may be connected, and an application software program 2 . The application software program is executable on a device 3 which is a mobile device or a computer and which has a display screen 31 . The representation of FIG. 1 depicts the application software program 2 as an icon on the display screen 31 . When the application software program 2 is opened, the application software program 2 provides various user interfaces, which will be explained based on FIGS. 3 through 11 . [0048] In the depicted exemplary embodiment, the mobile device 3 is a tablet PC. However, the application software program 2 may also be installed and executed on any other mobile device, for example, a smartphone, or alternatively on a computer, in particular a desktop computer. [0049] The ECG device 1 comprises a microprocessor 101 , a data memory 102 , a real-time clock 103 , a Bluetooth interface 104 , two LEDs 105 , 106 , an amplifier 107 for ECG signals, a protocol converter 108 for USB, a piezoelectric element 109 , an on/off control element 5 , a receiving jack 7 , a battery 6 , and an energy management unit 61 which is associated with the battery 6 , as hardware components. [0050] The Bluetooth interface 104 is used for mobile communication with the mobile device or computer 3 or the application software program 2 installed on it. For this purpose, the device 3 also includes a Bluetooth interface (not separately depicted) in the conventional manner. [0051] The various ECG cables 41 , 42 , 43 may be connected to the receiving jack 7 . In addition, a USB cable 9 may alternatively also be connected, for example, in order to read out the information stored in the memory 102 in a manner other than via the Bluetooth interface 104 . [0052] The various connectable ECG cables 41 to 43 include a three-wire ECG cable 41 , a five-wire ECG cable 42 , and a seven-wire ECG cable 43 . The cables 41 to 43 each comprise electrodes 40 on their ends corresponding to the number of wires in each cable. The electrodes 40 are attached to a human body by an operator. The cables are preferably color-coded, as is known per se. [0053] After pre-amplification in the amplifier 107 , the signals provided by an ECG cable 41 to 43 are stored in the data memory 102 , and after a recording is completed, they are transmitted via the Bluetooth interface 104 to the device 3 for display and evaluation with the aid of the application software program 2 . The operation of the ECG device 1 is carried out via the application software 2 , as explained in detail below. [0054] The protocol converter 108 for USB is used if the USB cable 9 is connected. [0055] With respect to the function of the LEDs 105 , 106 , the on/off control element 5 , and the battery 6 , reference is also made to the perspective view of an ECG device 1 in FIG. 2 . [0056] The control element 5 is used for switching the device 1 on and off. For example, it may be provided that if the control element 5 is pressed for more than three seconds, the device is started, and if the control element 5 is pressed again for more than three seconds, the device is switched off. In addition, the control element 5 may be associated with at least one additional function, in particular, the generation of a marking in an ECG which is currently being recorded. For this purpose, it may, for example, be provided that by pressing the control element 5 for less than three seconds, such a marking is set and recorded in the ECG. It may also be provided that by pressing the control element 5 for, for example, more than three seconds during an ECG recording, a wireless data transmission via Bluetooth is activated, and that by pressing the control element 5 after ending an ECG recording, a download of the recorded data is activated. However, such a download may also be initiated via the application software program 2 . [0057] It is to be noted that the ECG device 1 includes only a single control element 5 . The control and operation of the ECG device 1 is carried out via the application software program 2 . [0058] The LED 105 constitutes a status LED. This LED may, for example, assume two different colors, for example, the colors green and yellow. The green color indicates, for example, that the device is ready for recording, and blinking during the recording indicates, for example, that the recording is proceeding correctly. A switch to the other color, for example, yellow, indicates, for example, that problems exist; for example, a previous ECG recording has not yet been deleted, or the battery must be replaced or charged. Other information may also be encoded by the LED 105 and its colors. For example, a slowly blinking yellow light indicates that the battery is weak, and/or blinking alternately between a green color and a yellow color indicates that there is a defect and that service is required. [0059] The LED 106 indicates the status of the electrode placement. It also has two colors, for example, green and yellow. If the electrodes of a connected ECG cable 41 to 43 are correctly attached to a patient, it illuminates green. If an electrode is not attached or is attached incorrectly, it illuminates yellow. In one embodiment variant, the LED 106 has no significance during the recording. Alternatively, this LED may indicate an error message during the recording; for example, blinking alternately between a green color and a yellow color indicates that a there is a defect and that service is required. [0060] In addition, a buzzer may be integrated into the LED device 1 which, for example, emits warning signals in the event of the occurrence of a problem. The buzzer may, for example, be provided by the piezoelectric element 109 of FIG. 1 . [0061] An additional feature of the present invention is an automatic pacemaker pulse detection, i.e., the device 1 automatically detects whether pacemaker pulses are present. These pulses are then stored in the ECG data stream as markers (and later evaluated) and depicted as a small dash on the tablet display (above the ECG curve). As a result, when attaching the electrodes, the operator is able to discern whether the pacemaker pulses were correctly detected. [0062] As is apparent from FIG. 2 , a battery compartment is provided for accommodating one or multiple batteries 6 , which may be closed via a latch 62 . It may thus be provided that the battery compartment includes both replaceable batteries and rechargeable batteries. In the case of rechargeable batteries, it may be provided that the ECG device 1 itself includes a connector for recharging a rechargeable battery (not shown). [0063] In the representation of FIG. 2 , an ECG cable is plugged into the receiving jack 7 , in which the protruding cable bundle 8 leading to the electrodes 40 is apparent. [0064] As shown in the above descriptions, the ECG device 1 includes no control elements which enable a direct operation of the ECG device 1 . In particular, the single control element 5 is not suitable for starting an ECG recording and determining the duration of an ECG recording. The ECG device 1 also includes no indication or display which would allow a representation of the recorded ECG data. [0065] Alternatively, it may be provided that the ECG recording is started without the tablet PC 3 . Thus, it may be provided that the ECG device has a reliability feature which it starts automatically after approximately eight minutes if the electrodes are attached to the body and the ECG memory is empty. The reason for this is that the operator may prepare the patient but forget to start the recording. [0066] It is provided that parameters of the ECG device 1 may be set via the application software program 2 , and data recorded by the ECG device 1 may be read out and displayed with the aid of the application software 2 . A data transmission between the ECG device 1 and the application software program 2 or the device 3 on which the application software program 2 is executed is carried out wirelessly, as described in the depicted exemplary embodiment, via Bluetooth technology. [0067] The application software program 2 provides a user interface on the display screen 31 of the device 3 on which it is executed, which provides information to an operator and which enables an interaction by the operator with the application software program. The user interface comprises various windows which an operator may select and which enable an interaction with an operator corresponding to different functionalities. [0068] These different functionalities, with which corresponding windows and sub-windows of the graphical user interface are associated, are electrode placement instructions for preparing and starting an ECG measurement on a patient, a patient management, and a device management. These three different functionalities are indicated in the graphical user interface by the “Attachment,” “Patients,” and “Devices” tabs, using corresponding windows. [0069] FIGS. 3 through 8 show windows of the functionality of an electrode placement for preparing and starting an ECG recording, indicated by the “Attachment” tab. [0070] For example, in the “Attachment” tab 21 in FIG. 3 , a window 201 of the application software program 2 is opened which contains a list of the patients on which an ECG recording is to be carried out. In the list, the name of the patient, an identification number (ID), the date of birth, and the gender are specified for each patient. There is also the option of adding an additional patient. An operator may select one of the patients by, for example, scrolling or touching the display screen. In the exemplary embodiment under consideration, the second patient in the depicted list is selected. [0071] After selecting a patient in the window 201 , a window 202 is provided in which a list of the available ECG devices is displayed. Another ECG device may be added as necessary. The operator may select one of the displayed devices for further action. [0072] A display screen 203 now opens in the “Attachment” tab or in the “Attachment” module, which depicts the measured ECG signal for one or multiple channels, and which displays information about the patient and the device, and which includes a schematic representation of a human upper body with a color-coded specification of the areas on the human body to which the electrodes of the ECG cable are to be connected. This representation thus provides the operator with a visual, color-coded guide for the electrode placement. [0073] The ECG device 1 automatically detects the type of cable 41 to 43 which is plugged into its receiving jack 7 . In particular, the device thus automatically detects whether the connected cable is a three-wire cable, a five-wire cable, or a seven-wire cable. This information is transferred to the application software program 2 . The representation on the display screen 303 varies with respect to the electrodes to be placed, depending on which type of cable is used for the current ECG measurement. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5 , instructions for a five-wire ECG cable are depicted. [0074] FIG. 6 shows a window 204 which essentially corresponds to the window 203 of FIG. 5 , but which differs from the window 203 of FIG. 5 in three respects. Firstly, the connected ECG cable is a three-wire cable; therefore, in the schematic representation of the upper body in the window 204 , only three contact points for contacting the electrodes are depicted. Secondly, in the embodiment variant according to FIG. 6 , three (interdependent) channels are recorded, instead of two. Thirdly, the attachment of the electrodes to a patient has already progressed far enough that ECG signals are present for each of the three channels. Accordingly, an ECG recording may now be started, as queried by the window depicted in FIG. 6 . [0075] In both windows 203 , 204 of FIGS. 5 and 6 , the duration of an ECG recording may be set by operating a graphical control element 22 . The duration is, for example, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, or seven days. [0076] If multiple battery types are available, a battery type may be selected via the graphical control element 23 . Since alkaline disposable batteries have a rated voltage of 1.5 V and rechargeable NiMH batteries have a rated voltage of only 1.2 V, this selection is important for correctly detecting when a battery is exhausted. [0077] Furthermore, it may be provided that the ECG device 1 and/or the application software program 2 or the device 3 checks, based on the battery voltage, whether the selected duration of an ECG recording is actually achievable. If not, a corresponding warning message is displayed on the PC/tablet 3 , preferably at the moment at which it is attempted to start a recording. [0078] In addition, in another variant, it is possible to set the number of channels with which the recording is to be carried out via control elements, which are not depicted. The visual instructions for placing electrodes are correspondingly adapted as a function of the number of channels and the detected type of the ECG cable. [0079] According to FIG. 7 , the operator may activate a window 205 which comprises only the visual instructions for the operator for attaching the electrodes of the ECG cable, the corresponding contact points being depicted in color on a schematically represented human upper body. [0080] After an ECG measurement has been started for a selected patient, the relevant person disappears from the list to be processed in the “Attachment” function group according to the window 201 of FIG. 1 , so that the operator sees only patients in the list who are still to be processed with respect to a correct electrode placement and the start of an ECG measurement. However, the patients do not disappear from the actual patient management, which may be retrieved via the “Patients” tab. [0081] FIG. 8 shows a window 206 which is associated with the functionality of the device management and accordingly with the “Devices” tab 24 . According to the window 206 , no device is currently registered in the device management; therefore, a device is searched for and made available for connection. Subsequently, according to FIG. 9 , a detected device is added to the device management, so that it is available in the event that the electrode placement function group is called. In the same manner, other devices may be added or deleted. FIG. 10 shows a corresponding window 208 , in which the device management comprises two devices, for each of which a name and a serial number have been specified. [0082] FIG. 11 shows a window 209 of the graphical user interface provided by the application software program 2 of the patient management functionality corresponding to the “Patients” tab 25 . The window 209 shows a list of the managed patients including the name and possibly the associated ECG device. Additional patients may be added or deleted. When a patient is selected, an additional window opens (not shown separately), into which personal data such as the name, age, gender, and identification number may be entered. [0083] It is to be noted that additional information windows and method substeps may be provided in particular with the functionality of the electrode placement instructions. Thus, for example, it may be provided that in the event that a check test, which is integrated into the ECG device 1 and/or which is carried out via the application software program 2 , demonstrates that not all electrodes 40 of a connected ECG cable 41 to 43 are correctly connected to the human body, this information is passed to the application software program 2 and displayed to the operator as part of a warning message, for example, in a window which opens. From among the electrodes in question, an electrode which is not correctly placed may also be depicted graphically, for example, via blinking of the relevant electrode. [0084] The embodiment of the present invention is not limited only to the presently depicted exemplary embodiments, which are to be understood only to be exemplary. It may thus be provided that the ECG device 1 is configured differently than described in FIGS. 1 and 2 . [0085] The design and content of the windows of the graphical user interface may also be designed in a different manner.
The invention relates to an assembly for providing a long-term ECG. The assembly comprises a portable ECG device ( 1 ), which is designed and intended to record, for a defined or definable time period, an ECG of a patient who can be associated with the ECG device ( 1 ), and an application software ( 2 ) for the ECG device ( 1 ) that can be executed on a mobile device ( 3 ) or on a computer. By means of the application software ( 2 ), parameters of the ECG device ( 1 ) can be set and data recorded by the ECG device ( 1 ) can be read out and displayed. Furthermore, the application software ( 2 ) is designed to visually instruct an operating person in the electrode placement for an ECG and to detect and evaluate parameters of the ECG device ( 1 ) and/or of an ECG cable ( 41 - 43 ) connected to the ECG device ( 1 ).
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RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/311,575, with a 371(c) date of Jun. 6, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,267,820, issued on Sep. 11, 2007, which is the U.S. National Stage of International Application No. PCT/GB01/02661, filed on Jun. 15, 2001, published in English, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 or 365 to Great Britain, Application No. GB 0014878.3, filed Jun. 16, 2000. The entire teachings of the above application(s) are incorporated herein by reference. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is concerned with neurotransmission disorders and, in particular, with a method of diagnosing such disorders in mammals. Also provided by the present invention are kits for use in said diagnosis. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of neuromuscular transmission resulting in muscle weakness. The key feature of weakness due to MG is its variability. Patients generally experience a waning of strength throughout the day with a tendency to fatigue later in the day or even towards the end of a particular task. A symptom of MG is often ocular weakness, causing ptosis (drooping eyelids) and/or diplopia (double vision). Other symptoms include leg weakness, dysphagia and slurred or nasal speech. Symptoms of weakness tend to worsen with various stressors, such as, exertion, heat and infection. In 1960 it was discovered that MG was caused by antibodies against the acetyl choline receptor (AChR) and that it is therefore autoimmune in origin. Today MG is one of the most characterized of neurological disorders which has consequently lead to treatments which vastly improve the length and quality of life of myasthenics. Approximately 10 people in every million of a population contract this disease in one year. There is no racial predominance and 75% of MG patients less than 40 years of age are female and 60% of those older than 40 years are male. Approximately 80% of patients with MG possess within their plasma autoantibodies that are immunoprecitipatable with radiolabeled AChR. The remaining 20% of MG patients do not, however, exhibit such antibodies in their plasma but do have similar symptoms and respond to the same therapies such as plasma exchange and immunosuppression. Accordingly, it has not been established whether these patients have the same or a distinct and separate MG condition (3,4). Autoantibodies are naturally occurring antibodies directed to an antigen which an individual's immune response recognizes as foreign even though that antigen actually originated in the individual. They may be present in the circulatory system as circulating free antibodies or in the form of circulating immune complexes bound to their target depending on the nature of the antigen concerned. Human plasma from patients who were anti-AChR autoantibodies negative (AAAN or previously known as sero-negative MG), were investigated for alternative autoantibodies and one candidate autoantibody was that one for the MuSK protein. The present inventors surprisingly found that many of the 20% of MG patients which do not exhibit any autoantibodies to AChR, instead have IgG antibodies directed against the extracellular N-terminal domains of MuSK, a receptor tyrosine kinase located on the cell. surface of neuromuscular junctions, indicating that they are afflicted with a form of MG which has a different etiology from MG characterised by circulating autoantibodies to AChR. The MuSK protein has been sequenced and the protein characterised recently by Valenzuela et al. (International patent application number PCT/US96/20696, published as W097/21811). It is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) located on the cell surface of muscle cells at the neuromuscular junction. Ligands bind to RTKs at the binding site on the extracellular side of the receptor, which induces transmission of a signal cascade to intracellular target proteins. RTKs are classified according to their function and members of these families share high homology in their amino acid sequence as well as functionality. At the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) where the motor nerve axon dendrites meet the muscle cell basal membrane, important physiological signals are exchanged between these adjacent cells. An example of this is the chemical transmitter acetyl choline which passes through the synaptic cleft from the nerve cell, and is then rapidly and specifically bound by the AChR at the muscle cell wall. This in turn begins a cascade of events which ultimately leads to contraction of the muscle cells. The post synaptic structure at the muscle cell wall is termed the motor endplate which is densely packed with protein and lipid, thereby giving an electron dense appearance when observed by electron microscopy. The muscle AChRs are present here, and it is believed that signaling gives rise to concentrations of proteins there by two mechanisms; one is altered distribution of pre-existing membrane proteins and the other is by induction of localized transcription of specific genes only by subsynaptic nuclei underlying the NMJ. Development of the neuromuscular junction is initiated through activation of MuSK. Agrin isoforms, released from the motorneuron, trigger MuSK and muscle acetylcholine receptor (AChR) phosphorylation resulting in clustering of AChRs and other proteins of the postsynaptic apparatus (1). Agrin's ability to cause AChR clustering in cultured myotubes has been shown to be inhibited by anti agrin antibodies. It is currently accepted that agrin does not bind directly to MuSK, but via a hypothetical agrin-binding component termed Myotubule Associated Specificity Component (MASC) (1,11). No disease associated with either MuSK, MASC, or agrins has been reported and their roles in adult muscle have not yet been elucidated. It has already been shown that anti AChR autoantibody negative MG is caused by humoral IgG antibodies: it can be successfully treated by plasma exchange and other immune therapies (5); transient neonatal MG was reported in the newborn infant of one of the patients with anti-MuSK antibodies (17); and injection of immunoglobulin or IgG preparations into mice caused defects in neuromuscular transmission (5). The present inventors have therefore now shown that anti-MuSK antibodies have functional effects on agrin-induced AChR clustering in vitro, and direct interference with this agrin/MuSK/AChR pathway may be an important disease mechanism in vivo. MuSK is a relatively new member of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family. With very few exceptions (for example, see 18), autoantibodies to RTKs have not been implicated in human disorders but the combination of large extracellular domains and functional activities make them attractive potential antigens in other autoimmune conditions. Other members of the RTK family are mutated in inherited diseases, and somatic mutations have been found in various tumors (19). MuSK may prove to be involved in congenital as well as acquired muscle disorders. Therefore, there is provided by a first aspect of the present invention a method of diagnosing neurotransmission disorders in a mammal comprising the step of detecting in a bodily fluid of said mammal autoantibodies to an epitope of the muscle specific tyrosine kinase, MuSK. More specifically the neurotransmission disorder will preferably be Myasthenia gravis and more particularly a subclass or subtype of MG which is generally found in patients who do not exhibit the ability to immunoprecipitate radiolabeled AChR with their bodily fluids. This aspect of the invention is particularly advantageous because the identification of this new subclass or subtype of MG patients will allow for more accurate and speedy diagnosis of individuals by medical practitioners. The method according to this aspect of the invention will allow for detection of neurotransmission abnormalities that are either congenital or acquired, for example, postnatally or prenatally from transmission from the mother to the fetus. As set out in more detail in the example provided, some mothers of babies with developmental disorders, such as paralysis and fixed joints were identified as having antibodies to MuSK, which were transferred placentally. Until now, MuSK has been studied primarily in NMJ development. The presence of antibodies to the extracellular domain of MuSK in an acquired disorder implies that MuSK is functional at the adult NMJ, and implicates MuSK as a novel target for pathogenic autoantibodies causing Myasthenia gravis. The isolation and purification of this anti-MUSK autoantibody will give rise to a useful product which may be exploitable as an indicator of neurotransmission diseases. Preferably, the method according to the first aspect of the invention, comprises the steps of a) contacting said bodily fluid with said MuSK or an antigenic determinant thereof; and b) detecting any antibody-antigen complexes formed between said MuSK or an antigenic fragment thereof and antibodies present in said bodily fluid, wherein the presence of said complexes is indicative of said mammal suffering from said neurotransmission disorders. The actual steps of detecting autoantibodies in a sample of bodily fluids may be performed in accordance with immunological assay techniques known per se in the art. Examples of suitable techniques include ELISA, radioimmunoassays and the like. In general terms, such assays use an antigen which may be immobilized on a solid support. A sample to be tested is brought into contact with the antigen and if autoantibodies specific to the protein are present in a sample they will immunologically react with the antigen to form autoantibody-antigen complexes which may then be detected or quantitatively measured. Detection of autoantibody-antigen complexes is preferably carried out using a secondary anti-human immunoglobulin antibody, typically anti-IgG or anti-human IgM, which recognizes general features common to all human IgGs or IgMs, respectively. The secondary antibody is usually conjugated to an enzyme such as, for example, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) so that detecting of autoantibody/antigen/secondary antibody complexes is achieved by addition of an enzyme substrate and subsequent calorimetric, chemiluminescent or fluorescent detection of the enzymatic reaction products. Thus, in one embodiment the antibody/antigen complex may be detected by a further antibody, such as an anti-IgG antibody. Complexes may alternatively be viewed by microscopy. Other labels or reporter molecules which may be used in a method according to the invention. Preferably, said reporter molecule or label includes any of a heavy metal, a fluorescent or luminescent molecule, radioactive or enzymatic tag. Preferably, the label or reporter molecule is such that the intensity of the signal from the anti-human IgG antibody is indicative of the relative amount of the anti-MuSK autoantibody in the bodily fluid when compared to a positive and negative control reading. An alternative method of detecting autoantibodies for MuSK or an epitope thereof relies upon the binding of a MuSK or its epitope, together with a revealing label, to the autoantibodies in the serum or bodily fluid. This method comprises contacting MuSK or an epitope or antigenic determinant thereof having a suitable label thereon, with said bodily fluid, immunoprecipitating any antibodies from said bodily fluid and monitoring for said label on any of said antibodies, wherein the presence of said label is indicative of said mammal suffering from said neurotransmission or developmental disorder. Preferably, the label is a radioactive label which may be I, or the like. Iodination and immunoprecipitation are standard techniques in the art, the details of which may be found in references (4 and 6). In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an assay kit for diagnosing neurotransmission disorders in mammals comprising an epitope of muscle specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) and means for contacting said MuSK with a bodily fluid from a mammal. Thus advantageously, an assay system for detecting neurotransmission disorders, and particularly Myasthenia gravis in patients who are anti-AChR autoantibody negative (AAAN) is provided. Prior to the present invention there was no basis for providing an immediate clinical diagnosis for such patients. Also provided by the invention is an isolated or purified autoantibody specific for MuSK. Such an antibody can be detected in bodily fluids of mammals and isolated or purified therefrom using techniques which would be known to the skilled practitioner, such as, immunoabsorption, or immunoaffinity chromatography or high pressure chromatography. In a further aspect the invention also comprises an isolated or purified antibody specific for an anti-MuSK autoantibody from bodily fluid of a mammal. Such a purified or isolated antibody which is specific for anti-MuSK autoantibody may advantageously be used as a medicament, or in the preparation of a medicament for treating neurotransmission disorders in a mammal, and preferably a human suffering from Myasthenia gravis. Such an antibody may also be included in a pharmaceutical composition together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient or diluent therefor. Antibodies, polyclonal or monoclonal may be prepared using techniques which are known in the art. For example, the technique described by Kohler & Milstein (1975, Nature 256: 495-497) for developing hybridomas capable of producing monoclonal antibodies may be used. Monoclonal antibodies for therapeutic use may be human monoclonal antibodies or chimeric human-mouse monoclonal antibodies. Chimeric antibody molecules may be prepared containing a mouse antigen binding domain with human constant regions (Morrison et al., 1984 , Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81: 6581, Takeda et al., 1985 , Nature 314: 452). For production of antibody various host animals can be immunized by injection with anti-MuSK autoantibody, or a fragment or derivative thereof, including but not limited to rabbits, mice, rats, etc. Various adjuvants may be used to increase the immunological response, depending on the host species, and including but not limited to Freund's (complete and incomplete), mineral gels such as aluminum hydroxide, surface active substances such as lysolecithin, pluronic polyols, polyanions, peptides, oil emulsions, keyhole limpet hemocyanins, dinitrophenol, and potentially useful human adjuvants such as BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin) and Corynebacterium parvum. The present invention includes not only complete antibody molecules but fragments thereof. Antibody fragments which contain the idiotype of the molecule can be generated by known techniques, for example, such fragments include but are not limited to the F (ab′) 2 fragment which can be produced by pepsin digestion of the antibody molecule; the Fab′ fragments which can be generated by reducing the disulfide bridges of the F (ab′) 2 fragments and the Fab fragments which can be generated by treating the antibody molecule with papain and a reducing agent. The antibody which is specific for anti-MuSK autoantibodies may also, advantageously, be used in a diagnostic kit for detecting neurotransmission disorders, such as Myasthenia gravis. As aforementioned any protein which binds to the autoantibody may also be used such as an epitope or fragment of the MuSK protein itself. Such a kit comprises an isolated or purified antibody specific for anti-MuSK autoantibody according to the invention and means for contacting said antibody with a bodily fluid of a said mammal. In accordance with the present invention a bodily fluid should be taken to mean plasma, serum, whole blood, urine, sweat, lymph, faeces, cerebrospinal fluid or nipple aspirate. In general, however, the methods of the invention will be performed on samples of serum or plasma. In the pharmaceutical composition of the invention, preferred compositions include pharmaceutically acceptable carriers including, for example, non-toxic salts, sterile water or the like. A suitable buffer may also be present allowing the compositions to be lyophilized and stored in sterile conditions prior to reconstitution by the addition of sterile water for subsequent administration. The carrier can also contain other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients for modifying other conditions such as pH, osmolarity, viscosity, sterility, lipophilicity, solubility or the like. Pharmaceutical compositions which permit sustained or delayed release following administration may also be used. The antibody or the MuSK protein or fragment thereof or the pharmaceutical composition of the invention may be administered orally. In this embodiment the antibody, MuSK or its eptopic fragment, or pharmaceutical composition of the invention may be encapsulated and/or combined with suitable carriers in solid dosage forms which would be well known to those of skill in the art. Furthermore, as would be appreciated by the skilled practitioner, the specific dosage regime may be calculated according to the body surface area of the patient or the volume of body space to be occupied, dependent on the particular route of administration to be used. The amount of the composition actually administered will, however, be determined by a medical practitioner based on the circumstances pertaining to the disorder to be treated, such as the severity of the symptoms, the age, weight and response of the individual. In a further aspect, the present invention comprises a method of treating a patient suffering from a neurotransmission disorder such as Myasthenia gravis comprising administering to said patient an effective amount of an antibody according to the invention or a MuSK protein or an epitope thereof. In an even further aspect, the invention comprises a method for making a pharmaceutical formulation for the treatment of neurotransmission disorders, comprising the steps of isolating or purifying an antibody or MuSK protein or fragment thereof according to the invention, manufacturing bulk quantities of said antibody and formulating the antibody in a compound including a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient therefor. In an even further aspect, the invention comprises a method of identifying compounds capable of alleviating or treating neurotransmission disorders, comprising the steps of contacting a candidate compound in the presence of MuSK or an epitope thereof and an antibody capable of binding MuSK, wherein a compound that prevents binding of said antibody to MuSK or an epitope thereof is a candidate for treating neurotransmission disorders. Such compounds may also be used in treating neurotransmission or developmental disorders or in the manufacture of a medicament for treating such disorders. The compounds identified may also, as would be appreciated by those of skill in the art, serve as lead compounds for the development of analogue compounds. The analogues should have a stabilized electronic configuration and molecular conformation that allows key functional groups to be presented to the polypeptides of the invention in-substantially the same way as the lead compound. In particular, the analogue compounds have spatial electronic properties which are comparable to the binding region, but can be smaller molecules than the lead compound, frequently having a molecular weight below about 2 kD and preferably below about 1 kD. Identification of analogue compounds can be performed through use of techniques such as self-consistent field (SCF) analysis, configuration interaction (CI) analysis, and normal mode dynamics analysis. Computer programs for implementing these techniques are available; e.g., Rein, Computer-Assisted Modeling of Receptor-Ligand Interactions (Alan Liss, New York, 1989). Methods for the preparation of chemical derivatives and analogues are well known to those skilled in the art and are described in, for example, Beilstein, Handbook of Organic Chemistry, Springer edition New York Inc., 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010 U.S.A. and Organic Synthesis, Wiley, New York, USA. Furthermore, said derivatives and analogues can be tested for their effects according to methods known in the art; see also supra. Furthermore, peptidomimetics and/or computer aided design of appropriate derivatives and analogues can be used. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention may be more clearly understood with reference to the following examples and accompanying Figures wherein: FIG. 1 is an illustration of the results obtained using antibodies from AAAN patients reacting with the extracellular domain of MuSK. Samples from AAAN patients are indicated as SNMG (sero-negative MG) as it was previously known. a) The MuSK constructs used are shown in FIG. 1 a. b) AAAN plasmas bound to COS-cells expressing full length MuSK (AAAN/MuSK). MuSK immunoreactivity appeared as a speckled pattern, similar to that seen previously with rabbit anti-MuSK antibodies (13). Non-transfected cells in the same field, demonstrated below by phase contrast microscopy (arrows), showed non-specific binding only. There was no specific binding of AAAN plasmas to cells expressing MuSK lacking the extracellular domains (MuSK D) or binding of healthy control plasma (HC/MuSK). c) Two AAAN plasmas, but not a healthy control plasma, immunoprecipitated MuSK from detergent extracts of COS-cells expressing MuSK, and C2C12 myotubes. MuSK was identified by binding of an affinity-purified rabbit anti-MuSK. It appears as a 110 kD band from COS-cells and as several bands representing different MuSK splice variants in the C2C12 cells. FIG. 2 is an illustration of results obtained by using IgG antibodies to the extracellular domains of MuSK in seronegative MG measured by ELISA. a, Anti-MuSK antibodies were found in 17/24 AAAN patients compared with 13 controls. Negative or borderline values only were found in 39 anti-AChR positive MG patients. Non-specific binding of IgG to the plates has been subtracted. b, Titration of one AAAN plasma against different domains of MuSK. The antibodies bound strongly to MuSK constructs expressing the distal immunoglobulin like domains, Igl-4 and Igl-2 (see FIG. 1 a ), but not to the Ig3-4 membrane-proximal domains. FIG. 3 is an illustration of the results that show that AAAN antibodies induce AChR clusters but inhibit agrin-induced AChR clustering. a) In the absence of agrin, a moderate number of AChR clusters (as demonstrated by rhodamine-a-bungarotoxin fluorescence) were induced in-the presence of AAAN plasma compared to that in control plasma (HC). Agrin-induced clusters were found in the presence of healthy control plasma but were inhibited in the presence of AAAN plasma. b), c) The AChR clusters without (b) or with (c) added agrin in plasma and IgG treated cultures. AAAN samples are labeled 1-6. Only the anti-MuSK positive plasmas and IgG preparations affected AChR clusters. FIG. 4 is an illustration of the results obtained from further tests to confirm the specificity of the test for Myasthenia gravis set out in the examples provided. FIG. 5 is an illustration of the results obtained from a test to detect MuSK antibodies in mothers of babies with development defects. FIG. 6 is an illustration of the results obtained using an ELISA assay to detect MuSK antibodies in sera sent for analysis. FIG. 7 is an illustration of the results obtained using an immunoprecipitation assay to detect MuSK antibodies in the sera of FIG. 6 . FIG. 8 is correlation of the results of ELISA and immunoprecipitation assays of FIGS. 6 and 7 for detection of MuSK antibodies. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A description of example embodiments of the invention follows. EXAMPLE Patient Identification Samples were obtained from 24 patients (18F, 6 M) with moderate or severe generalized MG, diagnosed by clinical electrophysiology, but in whom the standard radioimmunoprecipitation assay for anti-AChR antibodies (4) was negative on several occasions. The age at onset ranged between 2 and 68 years (median 24) and the duration of symptoms at sampling was between one month and 13 years (median 1.0 year). In 18 cases, plasma was obtained during therapeutic plasmapheresis which improved muscle strength. The remaining 6 samples were sera taken on first examination. Six of the patients had received corticosteroids for up to two months before sampling. Sera or plasmas were also obtained from healthy volunteers and from patients with anti-AChR antibody positive MG. IgG preparations were made using a Pierce ImmunoPureO (G) IgG purification kit. MuSK and Agrin Expression Constructs. Constructs encoding full length MuSK (13) and the soluble fragment s-agrin ( 4/19) (20) have been described previously. MuSK deletion fragments comprising the entire extracellular domain (Igl-4; aa 1-490, numbers according to ref (10)) or the first half encomprising two Ig-domains (Igl-2; aa 1-230) were generated by insertion of artificial stop signals at these positions. N-terminal fragments of MuSK comprising the membrane-proximal extracellular domains, including Ig-domains 3 and 4 (Ig3-4; aa 198-430), or the transmembrane region and intracellular domain (MuSK D, aa 491-869) were generated. The corresponding c-DNA-fragments, including a newly introduced SphI-site, were linked to a vector containing an artificial signal sequence followed by six histidines and a 10aa epitope-tag (20). All constructs were transiently transfected into COS7 cells (12). For the production of soluble agrin and MuSK constructs, cells were switched to serum-free medium the second day after transfection. Conditioned media, containing MuSK or agrin fragments were removed 24 hours later and analyzed by Western blotting to confirm expression. Immunostaining of MuSK-Transfected COS7 Cells. COS7 cells were plated onto chamber slides the day after transfection. Two days later, cells were fixed with 2% paraformaldehyde and stained as described (13). Plasmas of myasthenia gravis patients and controls were analyzed in various dilutions (between 1:20 and 1:5000). Bound antibodies were visualized with secondary antibodies conjugated to Cy3 (anti-human IgG, Dianova). In all experiments, expression of transfected MuSK constructs was confirmed by staining parallel slides with rabbit-anti MuSK antibodies (13). Immunoprecipitation Experiments. Detergent extracts were prepared from MuSK-transfected COS7 cells or from C2C12 myotubes that had been fused for five days. The immunoprecipitation was performed as described previously (12,13). AAAN and control plasmas incubated with the extracts at 1:20. Rabbit anti-MuSK serum was used at 1:100. MuSK in the immunoprecipitates was analysed by Western blotting using affinity-purified serum antibodies directed against the a MuSK cytoplasmic sequence (13). ELISA Detection of Anti-MuSK Antibodies. Conditioned medium from MuSK-transfected'COS-cells or from control cells mock-transfected with fish sperm DNA, was diluted 1:1 with 100 mM NaHC03-buffer, pH 9.5 and applied overnight to ELISA plates. Plasmas were first tested at 1:5 in triplicates and subsequently at 1:10 in duplicates. Bound antibodies were detected by horse radish peroxidase-protein A (Amersham) followed by o-phenylenediamine and measuring A492. For each sample, nonspecific immunoreactivity, determined by incubation of plates coated with conditioned medium from mock-transfected COS7 cells, was subtracted. AChR Aggregation Assay. The mouse muscle cell line, C2C12, was used to determine functional effects of antibodies. Cells were plated onto chamber slides, fused and treated with or without agrin and/or plasmas or IgGs for five hours 13 . After fixation, AChRs were visualized with rhodamine-a-bungarotoxin and the number of aggregates from more than 20 microscopic fields and at least two independent cultures were measured as described (20). Results We initially looked for IgG antibodies in five AAAN plasmas and three plasmas from healthy individuals using COS7 cells transfected with rat MuSK constructs ( FIG. 1 a ). The experiments were performed blind. All five AAAN plasmas (e.g., FIG. 1 b , AAAN), but none of the healthy control plasmas (e.g., HC), labeled MuSK aggregates on the cell surface at dilutions up to 1:1000. The pattern of immunoreactivity was indistinguishable from labeling observed with antibodies raised against recombinant MuSK in rabbits. (13) Each of the AAAN plasmas recognized the extracellular domains of MuSK, since no immunoreactivity was observed with COS7 cells expressing the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains only ( FIG. 1 b , MuSK D). Not all cells expressed MuSK (compare FIG. 1 b , AAAN/MuSK and Phase contrast, below), and these non-transfected cells and mock-transfected cells (not shown) did not bind the AAAN IgG antibodies. Immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed that IgG antibodies in the AAAN plasmas recognized the native MuSK protein. Detergent extracts from MuSK-expressing COS7 cells and from mouse C2C12 myotubes, that express functional MuSK, were incubated with plasmas from two AAAN patients and a healthy control. Antibodies from both AAAN patients, but not from the control, immunoprecipitated bands of 110 kDa that were identified as MuSK by binding of a specific anti-MuSK antibody ( FIG. 1 c ). With each extract, similar-sized bands were immunoprecipitated by a rabbit anti-MuSK serum from parallel extracts ( FIG. 1 c ). Sera and plasmas from AAAN, anti-AChR positive MG and healthy individuals were then tested in an ELISA. Fragments comprising only extracellular domains of MuSK were expressed in COS7 cells from which these soluble constructs are secreted, and the media were used as a source of the polypeptide antigen. IgG anti-MuSK antibodies, substantially greater than the mean+3SDs of the healthy control values (0.08 OD units) were found in 17/24 AAAN samples, whereas only borderline or negative values were found in the anti-AChR positive patients ( FIG. 2 a ). Four of the seven negative, compared with only two of the 17 positive samples, were from patients who had received corticosteroid therapy before sampling. Interestingly, in the 11 patients tested in both assays, the OD values for binding of antibodies to MuSK correlated (p<0.02) with IgG binding to the human TE671 cell line (which has features of human muscle) as measured previously (8). This suggests that MuSK is the target for AAAN IgG antibodies on the TE671 surface and that the negative values in seven samples are unlikely to be due to a lack of reactivity with rat MuSK Further results with four AAAN plasmas (e.g., FIG. 2 b ) indicated that the majority of antibodies are directed against the N-terminal sequences (construct Igl-2 in FIG. 1 a ) and there was little reactivity with the membrane proximal half (construct Ig3-4 in FIG. 1 a ). We found no evidence of IgM antibodies to MuSK (data not shown), suggesting that the target for the putative non-IgG antibodies reported previously in some of the AAAN patients (15) will still need to be defined. To investigate functional effects of the MuSK autoantibodies, we examined AChR clustering in myotubes derived from the mouse cell line, C2C12. In the absence of agrin ( FIG. 3 a upper panels), the control plasma produced very few clusters of AChRs (HC), whereas anti-MuSK positive plasma induced AChR aggregates along the surface of the myotubes (AAAN). A similar antibody-induced induction of AChR-clustering by artificial dimerization of the kinase has previously been reported for rabbit antibodies induced against purified MuSK (13). Strikingly, when agrin was added with the plasmas ( FIG. 3 a , lower panels), the marked agrin-induced clustering which occurred in the presence of control plasma (HC) was not seen in the presence of AAAN plasma indicating that the anti-MuSK antibodies had inhibited the agrin-induced AChR clustering. Both the clustering ( FIG. 3 b ) and the inhibitory activity ( FIG. 3 c ) were found with each anti-MuSK positive plasmas or IgGs but not with anti-MuSK negative preparations. Since it is currently accepted that agrin does not bind directly to MuSK, but via a hypothetical agrin-binding component called MASC (1,11), we speculate that the antibodies in AAAN patients bind to MuSK in such a manner as to prevent its interaction with MASC. This interaction is known to depend on the N-terminal half of the extracellular domain of MuSK (16) which we find to be the main target for the IgG antibodies in anti AChR autoantibody negative patients ( FIG. 2 b ). To confirm the specificity of the test for myasthenia gravis, we tested a new group of controls (OND's) from patients with other neurological disorders. ( FIG. 4 ). Only one serum was borderline positive. The relative incidence of MuSK antibodies in AAAN samples, was tested using a second cohort (Cohort 2) of Myasthenia gravis patients who were negative for acetylcholine receptor antibodies. All of these patients had generalized disease and 11/16 of them were positive for MuSK antibodies. Antibodies to the fetal isoform of the acetylcholine receptor are found in a few mothers who have had babies born with complete paralysis and fixed joints (22,23). This severe condition is relatively common, but maternal antibodies to fetal acetylcholine receptor are found in only about 1% (Vincent, Dalton, unpublished findings). We asked whether MuSK antibodies might be present in some of these mothers. FIG. 5 shows, in comparison with the previously described results, that six mothers of affected babies out of a total of 200 tested (only 60 shown here) have these antibodies in their serum. This indicates that each of these six mothers has made an autoimmune response to MuSK and suggests that, after transfer of these antibodies across the placenta, they might be involved in causing the babies' condition. Testing for antibodies to MuSK in mothers of babies with muscle paralysis and/or fixed joints might indicate a fetal condition due to maternal antibodies. To assess how the assay works out in practice, we have begun to compare results from patients with definite SNMG or a strong suspicion of SNMG with those in whom the diagnosis is questionable (? SNMG). FIG. 6 shows that among the first group, which includes cohort 1 and cohort 2, the assay is positive in 39/66 and among those with a questionable diagnosis the proportion is 6/25. The assay continues to be negative in healthy individuals. The ELISA assay used as identified in the above example is difficult to standardize and we have tested an alternative assay, using immunoprecipitation of 5I-MuSK. For this test, the purified extracellular domain of MuSK is iodinated using 125I (carrier free from Amersham as for bungarotoxin in Ref (4,6) or with chloramine T (standard conditions)). The iodinated MuSK is then separated from free 125I by gel filtration. The 125I-MUSK (approximately 50,000 cpm) is then added to 10 microlitres of the patient's serum over night. To immunoprecipitate the patients' antibodies and any 125I-MuSK that is bound by them, excess of a sheep antibody to human IgG is added. The precipitate is centrifuged to form a pellet, washed and counted for radioactivity. The results ( FIG. 7 ) show that healthy controls precipitated less than 1200 cpm, whereas 38/66 of the SNMG patients precipitated over 1200 cpm, the value rising to 7500 cpm which corresponds to approximately 1 nmole of MuSK precipitated per liter of serum. The assay was also positive in 5/25 patients with? SNMG. The results of the ELISA and immunoprecipitation assays were highly correlated ( FIG. 8 ). Most of the sera were positive with both assays or negative with both assays; there were three sera that gave negative results with the immunoprecipitation and positive with ELISA, and two sera that were negative with the ELISA and positive with the immunoprecipitation. REFERENCES 1. Sanes, J. R., Lichtman, J. W. Development of the vertebrate neuromuscular junction. Annual Review of Neuroscience 22: 389-442 (1999). 2. Drachman, D. B. Myasthenia gravis. New Engl J Med. 330: 1797-1810 (1994). 3. Saunders, D. B., Andrews, I., Howard, J. F., Massey, J. M. Seronegative myasthenia gravis. Neurology. 48: S40-S45 (1997). 4. Vincent, A., Newsom-Davis, J. Acetylcholine receptor antibody as a diagnostic test for myasthenia gravis: results in 153 validated cases and 2967 diagnostic assays. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 48: 1246-52 (1985). 5. Mossman, S., Vincent, A., Newsom-Davis, J. Myasthenia gravis without acetylcholine-receptor antibody: a distinct disease entity. Lancet. 1: 116-119 (1986). 6. Lindstrom, J., Seybold, M. E., Lennon, V. A., Whittingham, S., Duane, D. D., Antibody to acetylcholine receptor in myasthenia gravis: prevalence, clinical correlates and diagnostic values. Neurology, 26: 1054-1059 (1976). 7. Brooks, E. B., Pachner, A. R., Drachman, D. B., Kantor, F. S. A sensitive rosetting assay for detection of acetylcholine receptor antibodies using BC3H-1 cells: positive results in ‘antibody-negative’ myasthenia gravis. J Neuroimmunol. 28: 83-93 (1990). 8. Blaes, F., Beeson, D., Plested, P., Lang, B., Vincent, A. IgG from “seronegative” myasthenia gravis patients binds to a muscle cell line, TE671, but not to human acetylcholine receptor. Ann Neurol. 47: 504-10 (2000). 9. Vincent, A., Plested, P., Tang, T., Newsom-Davis, J. Serum factors from seronegative myasthenia gravis patients and acetylcholine receptor phosphorylation. Ann Neurol. 44: 439A (1998). 10. Valenzuela, D. M. et al. Receptor tyrosine kinase specific for the skeletal muscle lineage: expression in embryonic muscle, at the neuromuscular junction, and after injury. Neuron. 15: 573-584 (1995). 11. Glass, D. J. et al. Agrin acts via a MuSK receptor complex. Cell. 85: 513-523 (1996). 12. Hopf, C., Hoch, W. Tyrosine phosphorylation of the muscle-specific kinase is exclusively induced by acetylcholine receptor-aggregating agrin fragments. Eur J Biochem. 253: 382-389 (1998). 13. Hopf, C., Hoch, W. Dimerization of the muscle-specific kinase induces tyrosine phosphorylation of acetylcholine receptors and their aggregation on the surface of myotubes. J Biol Chem. 273: 6467-6473 (1998). 14. Hoch, W., Campanelli, J. T., Harrison, S., Scheller, R. H. Structural domains of agrin required for clustering of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. EMBO J. 13: 2814-2821 (1994). 15. Yamamoto, T. et al. Seronegative myasthenia gravis: a plasma factor inhibiting agonist-induced acetylcholine receptor function copurifies with IgM. Ann Neurol. 30: 550-557 (1991). 16. Zhou, H., Glass, D. J., Yancopoulos, G. D., Sanes, J. R. Distinct domains of MuSK mediate its ability to induce and to associate with postsynaptic specializations. J Cell Biol. 146: 1133-1146 (1999). 17. Miers, A. K., Havard, C. W. H. Diaphragmatic myasthenia in mother and child. Postgraduate Med J. 61: 725-727 (1985). 18. Taylor, S. I., Barbetti, F., Accili, D., Roth, J., Gorden, P. Syndromes of autoimmunity and hypoglycemia. Autoantibodies directed against insulin and its receptor. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 18: 123-43 (1989). 19. Robertson, S. C., Tynan, J. A., Donoghue, D. J. RTK mutations and human syndromes: when good receptors turn bad. Trends Genet 16: 265-271 (2000). 20. Hopf, C., Hoch, W. Heparin inhibits acetylcholine receptor aggregation at two distinct steps in the agrin-induced pathway. Eur J Neurosci, 9: 1170-1177 (1997). 21. Hoch W, McConville J, Helms S, Newsom-Davis J, Melms A, Vincent A. Autoantibodies to the receptor tyrosine kinase MuSK in patients with myasthenia gravis without acetylcholine receptor antibodies. Nat Med, 7: 365-368 (2001). 22. Vincent A, Newland C, Brueton L, Beeson D, Riemersma S, Huson S, Newsom-Davis J. Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita with maternal autoantibodies specific for a fetal antigen. Lancet 346: 24-25 (1995). 23. Riemersma S, Vincent A, Beeson D, Newland C, Brueton L, Huson S, Newsom-Davis J. Association of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita with maternal antibodies inhibiting fetal acetylcholine receptor function. J Clin Invest, 98: 2358-2363 (1996).
There is disclosed a method for diagnosing neurotransmission or developmental disorders in a mammal comprising the step of detecting in a bodily fluid of said mammal autoantibodies to an epitope of the muscle specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK). One such method comprises a) contacting said bodily fluid with said MuSK or an antigenic determinant thereof; and b) detecting any antibody-antigen complexes formed between said receptor tyrosine kinase or an antigenic fragment thereof and antibodies present in said bodily fluid, wherein the presence of said complexes is indicative of said mammal suffering from said neurotransmission or developmental disorders. Also disclosed are kits for use in the diagnosis of neurotransmission and subsequent developmental disorders.
6
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a running mechanism assembly for a sliding door, including a profile element with a hollow space on the upper edge of the sliding door and an upwardly opening guide groove for accommodating a running mechanism, which is constructed and adapted for engaging in a guide rail lying above it on a cabinet or on a ceiling and for guiding the sliding door suspended on running rollers. The running mechanisms which carry a sliding door and are guided in a rail arranged above the sliding door are usually screwed firmly on the upper edge of the sliding door and, in case the latter is closed off above with a profile, the running mechanism is inserted into the profile at the end and then held fast by a locking device. With sliding doors which are surrounded by an enclosing frame, the running mechanism cannot, for aesthetic reasons, be screwed on above or be inserted through an opening laterally penetrating the frame in the profile closing off the upper edge. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to create a running mechanism assembly in which insertion of the running carriage is possible without a lateral end penetration of the frame profile surrounding the sliding door. This objective is accomplished by a running mechanism assembly wherein a recess is provided in the profile element so as to partially expose the guide groove and the hollow space, which recess allows the insertion and fastening of the running mechanism horizontally from behind or from above into the guide groove. Owing to the recess exposing the guide groove on the back side of the sliding door or on its upper edge, the running mechanism can be introduced, without the use of tools, perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the guide groove into the latter and locked therein by longitudinal displacement. No further parts are necessary for locking the running mechanism. The recess is not visible from the outside of the cabinet, and therefore requires no subsequent covering. The running mechanism can be removed from the profile frame of the sliding door at any time for working on the sliding door or when changing it. The running mechanism as well as the recess in the profile element on the sliding door can be economically manufactured. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiment(s) which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise assemblys and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings: FIG. 1 depicts a cutaway side view of the upper edge and a side edge of a sliding door; FIG. 2 is a side view of a running mechanism; FIG. 3 is a cutaway side view as in FIG. 1 with inserted running mechanism; FIG. 4 is a cross section along line IV—IV in FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a top view of a sliding door with a recess in the profile element; and FIG. 6 is a cutaway side view of the upper edge and a side edge of a sliding door. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In FIG. 1 the left upper comer of a sliding door 1 is visible in cutaway. The edges of the sliding door 1 are enclosed by vertically and horizontally running profile elements 3 , 5 and joined with the latter. Drawn hollow aluminum profiles or plastic profiles can be used as profile elements 3 , 5 . The cross-section of the profile is preferably rectangular, and a box-shaped guide groove 9 is embedded in its upper edge 7 , which is closed off above by two guide projections bounding the guide groove 9 laterally. A further groove 13 (FIG. 4) is formed on the lower edge of the profile element 5 , into which the upper edge of the sliding door 1 is insertable and lockable. In the first embodiment in accordance with FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 , a recess 15 , laterally opening the groove 9 or the hollow space formed by groove 9 , is installed in the horizontally lying profile element 5 . The recess 15 extends down to the bottom of the groove and has a length L which corresponds to the length of the guide element 21 of a running running mechanism 19 , or is slightly larger. The recess 15 consequently lays bare the guide groove 9 and the hollow space 10 in profile 5 from the side and permits lateral insertion of the running mechanism 19 into the guide groove 9 perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the latter. The running mechanism 19 includes, in addition to guide element 21 , a pair of rollers 23 which is carried by an axle 25 , and a locking element 27 which extends at right angles to the axle 25 . The locking element 27 or its end 29 lies higher than the guide element 21 and is constructed tongue-like. Above the locking part 27 , a stopper element 31 can additionally be constructed for braking and holding the sliding door 1 firmly in the end position . The rollers 23 are guided in a guide rail 33 (FIG. 4 ), which is embedded in the ceiling of a cabinet or the ceiling of a room (not shown). The guide rail 33 includes a hollow profile with a groove 35 laying bare the hollow space below. At the sides of the groove 35 guide tracks 37 are provided, on which the rollers 23 can roll. The running mechanism 19 can be made of plastic or metal. During the manufacture of a cabinet, it is introduced at the end into the guide rail 33 and is held in the guide rail 33 during transport. For connecting the sliding door 1 with the running mechanism 19 (usually there are two of them per door plate), the sliding door 1 is introduced to the cabinet from the front and pushed under the running mechanism 19 . This is possible since the guide elements 21 of the running mechanism 19 can be inserted through the recesses 15 into the profile elements 5 on the sliding door 1 . After inserting the running mechanism 19 or its guide element 21 into the profile elements 5 , the running mechanisms 19 are pushed in the displacement direction of the sliding door so far to right, until the locking elements 27 or the ends 29 of the locking elements (which after insertion are at first suspended to the side of the recess 15 on the profile element 5 ) lock into the recess 15 (compare FIG. 3 ). The running mechanism 19 is now connected firmly with the sliding door 1 in all directions. If a sliding door 1 must subsequently be removed from the cabinet, the ends 29 of the locking device 27 must be lifted with a screw driver, which is introduced into the recess 15 , so that the running mechanism 19 is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the door, in the present case to the left, and is thereby removable from the sliding door 1 through the recess 15 perpendicular to the sliding direction. The second embodiment of the invention in accordance with FIG. 5 differs from the first one in that the recess 15 ′ does not lay bare the groove 9 from the side, but rather from above. The recess 15 ′ is thus rectangular and permits inserting the sliding door 1 from below into the running mechanism 19 , and afterward displacing the running mechanism 19 laterally, as described in the first embodiment, until locking of the locking element 27 takes place within the recess 15 ′. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiment(s) described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
A running mechanism assembly includes a profile element ( 5 ) whose hollow space ( 10 ) with the guide groove ( 9 ) is laid bare by a recess ( 15 ), which makes possible the perpendicular insertion of the running mechanism ( 19 ). The running mechanism ( 19 ) is locked within the guide grove ( 9 ) by displacement within the latter.
4
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Pipe protectors are tubular rubber members that surround pipe in downhole drilling operations. The rubber pipe protector contacts metal casing into which the pipe is introduced during the drilling operation. During drilling well completion fluids and drilling mud may be circulated in the annular space between the casing and the outside surface of the drill pipe. This annular space in the well also contains the pipe protector. Pipe protectors with a slick or smooth outer surface provide maximum wear surface contacting the well casing. During the drilling operation the pipe is rapidly rotated. Directional or deviated drilling is at an angle in a non-vertical direction. The smooth surface pipe protectors are suited to high wear applications in directional drilling, but smooth pipe protectors restrict flow in tight holes. Pipe protectors with fluted channels cut out of the outside surface provide fluid flow in tight holes. However, during rotation of the drill pipe the fluted configuration develop large vibration in tight holes especially during deviated drilling. Pipe protectors with the flutes cut in a spiral have been used. The spiral cut also produces large vibrations in deviated drilling. The improved drill pipe protector of this invention combines the benefits of sufficient surface area for good wear characteristics and channels for fluid flow with low rotational energy requirements and vibration suppression. The tubular rubber member is sized to a pre-selected inner diameter to the approximate outside diameter of a pipe. A pattern on the outside surface of the rubber tubular member is made of raised surfaces surrounded by communicating channels. The pattern is bilaterally asymmetrical when comparing the pattern on the approximate top half of the pipe protector to the pattern on the approximate bottom half of the pipe protector. In one embodiment the pattern uses the same geometric figure such as a diamond. The diamonds are not of the same size and configuration to provide the bilateral asymmetry at the midline of the pipe protector. A combination of geometric and irregular figures can be used to create the midline asymmetry. In order to provide for fluid flow the channels comprise from about 40% to about 70% of the pattern. The raised patterned surface is from 30% to 60% of the outside surface area to minimize wear during operation. The raised surfaces may have a rounded outer contour. The improved pipe protector can be adapted for use on pipe protectors known to those in the industry. A preferred design is a conventional split type pipe protector which has an opening the length of the tubular rubber member capable of separation at the opening to facilitate the installation on to a pipe. A closing means is provided to secure the tubular member around a pipe. Many split type pipe protectors have interlocking metal teeth covered by rubber and locked together with a key fastener inserted lengthwise through the teeth. The metal teeth are connected to a cylindrical metal insert inside the tubular rubber member. The metal insert may be smooth or corrugated metal. The split type pipe protector of the present invention has a pattern on the outside as described herein. Although the preferred embodiment of this invention is for a split type protector, the asymmetric pattern can also be used with a stretch-on type protector which is installed on the pipe by temporarily stretching or enlarging the inside diameter of the pipe protector to such a degree that the protector can be slipped over the end of the pipe. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view of a pipe protector with a diamond and channel pattern with midline asymmetry installed on to a pipe. FIG. 2 is a top view of the diamond and channel pipe protector of FIG. 1 not installed on to a pipe. FIG. 3 is a side view of a pipe protector with raised oval design and midline asymmetry installed on to a pipe. FIG. 4 is a top view of the raised oval pipe protector of FIG. 3 not installed on to a pipe. FIG. 5 is a side view of a pipe protector with a variety of figures installed on to a pipe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The pipe protectors of this invention can be made from polymers generally used for downhole drilling, and known to those skilled in the art. A preferred rubber is high acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer also known as nitrile base polymer. The range of durometer hardness for the tubular member is from about 50 Shore A to about 80 Shore A. The preferred range is from about 65-70 Shore A durometer hardness. The acrylonitrile copolymer rubber has oil and fuel resistance, high tensile and tear strength, abrasion and gas impermeability resistance and heat resistance. The acrylonitrile copolymer rubber can be compounded with other additives known to those skilled in the art to improve and enhance certain characteristics. A preferred polymer formula for a colored noncarbon reinforced rubber is shown in Table 1 below. TABLE 1______________________________________Colored Non Carbon Reinforced PolymerComponent Parts Per Hundred Polymer______________________________________NBR Polymer 100Zinc Oxide 4-9Silica 25-60Stearic Acid 1.0-1.5Antioxidants and 3.5-10.0AntiozonantsProcessing Oils 25-50Reinforcing Resin and 5-15Resin CurativeIron Oxide Colorant 3-8Sulfenamide Curative 2-5.5Thiuram Curative 1.5-4.5______________________________________ A preferred polymer formula for a carbon black reinforced polymer stock is shown in Table 2 below. TABLE 2______________________________________Black Carbon Reinforced PolymerComponent Parts Per Hundred Polymer______________________________________NBR Polymer 100Zinc Oxide 4-9Stearic Acid 1.0-1.5Carbon Black (N774) 30-70Antioxidant and 3.5-10.0AntiozonantsProcessing Oils 25-50Reinforcing Resin and 5-15Resin CurativeSulfenamide Curative 2-5.5Thiuram Curative 1.5-4.5______________________________________ The pattern on the pipe protector is created by channels in the rubber on the outer surface. The channels surround a geometrical or irregular figure that is raised relative to the channel. The channel may be formed in any manner so long as fluid may flow there through. The channel may be a smooth semicircular U-shaped cut, a V-shaped cut or square cut. This list is not intended to exclude any channel form that allows for fluid flow. The channels on one pipe protector can be a combination of a variety of cuts. The channels extend to the shoulder of a split type pipe protector to allow for fluid flow past the pipe protector. The shoulders slope toward the inner diameter of the tubular member. The channels can be from about 40% to about 70% of the outside surface area on the pipe protector. The pattern created by the channels has midline or bilateral asymmetry so that the pattern on the approximate top half of the pipe protector is asymmetrical when compared to the approximate bottom half. The same geometric or irregular shape may be used or a mixture of shape. Geometric shapes that can be formed by the channels are diamonds, ellipses, circles, ovals, rectangles, hemispheres, parallelograms, trapezoids, triangles, multi-sided figures and irregular sided figures. This list is not intended to exclude any shape or form but is intended to be illustrative of the numerous figures that can be used. The surface of the raised figures may be flat or rounded. FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the pipe protector of the present invention. The tubular rubber member 10 is shown installed on to pipe 12. Channels, one of which is illustrated at reference numeral 14, are cut or molded on the outside surface of tubular member 10. The channels extend to shoulders 16 and 18 on either end of tubular member 10 to allow fluid flow. The channels create raised surfaces, and in FIG. 1, are shown as diamonds one of which is illustrated at reference numeral 20. Line A-A' is the approximate midline of tubular member 10 and is drawn to illustrate the bilateral asymmetry when comparing the approximate top half to the approximate bottom half of the pipe protector. FIG. 2 is a top view of the pipe protector of FIG. 1 not installed on to a pipe. The channels that extend to shoulder 16 are shown as U-shaped or semicircular cuts. One of such channels is shown at reference numeral 22. The top view shows a typical split type pipe protector as described herein with opening 24 and key 26 used to close the protector around the pipe. FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternative embodiment that illustrates the use of a rounded contour on the raised surfaces with an asymmetric oval pattern. The pipe protector generally indicated at reference numeral 30 is installed on to pipe 32. A series of raised ovals, one of which is indicated at reference numeral 34, are arranged to provide bilateral asymmetry with the approximate top half and the bottom half of the pipe protector. Channels are provided around the raised, rounded oval pattern as indicated at reference numeral 36 for fluid flow as previously described herein. The channels extend to shoulders 38 and 40. FIG. 4 is a top view of the pipe protector shown in FIG. 3 that is not installed on to a pipe. The top view shows the typical split type pipe protector with opening 42 and key 44 used to close the protector around the pipe. The series of offset raised, rounded ovals are shown with the top row as illustrated at reference numeral 46 truncated and blended into the shoulder 38. A row of offset ovals illustrated at reference numeral 48 can be seen in this view. FIG. 5 is the side view of another embodiment of the pipe protector of the present invention with multiple designs as it is installed on pipe 50. The tubular member 52 has a variety of shapes such as hexagons, semi-circles, circles, diamonds, rectangles and truncated shapes making up a bilateral asymmetrical pattern on the outside surface. The figures are raised and channels can be the irregular spaces between the figures. The pipe protector of the present invention demonstrates low vibratory energy under drilling conditions. The diamond pattern pipe protector of a design similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 was tested and compared to slick and fluted pipe protectors. The pipe protectors were tested at actual loads encountered in the field. The height of the pipe protectors is 4 inches from shoulder to shoulder with an overall height of 6 inches. The pipe protectors were tested at 3000 and 6000 lbs/foot lateral load and 158 rpm. The vibratory energy measurement was derived by measuring the amplitude of the fundamental wave and adding to it the amplitude of the first, second, third and fourth harmonic. This sum is converted to energy units which are proportional to the amplitude measurement. The resulting number for vibratory energy is used for comparative purposes among the pipe protectors tested. The following Table 3 is a summary tests on vibratory energy for an asymmetrical diamond pattern, smooth and fluted pipe protector. TABLE 3______________________________________Vibratory EnergyLoad Pipe Protector Pattern(lbs/ft.) Diamond Smooth Fluted______________________________________3000 77.35 99.53 241.836000 67.22 100.34 265.45______________________________________ In a comparison of the asymmetrical diamond pattern to the conventional smooth and fluted pipe protectors, the value for the asymmetrical diamond pattern was assigned the value 1 with the other numbers adjusted proportionally. The following Table 4 illustrates the reduced vibratory energy of the pipe protector of the present invention. TABLE 4______________________________________Vibratory Energy RatioLoad Pipe Protector Pattern(lbs/ft.) Diamond Smooth Fluted______________________________________3000 1 1.28 3.126000 1 1.49 3.94______________________________________ The examples provided in this specification are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate additional embodiments and variations that can be practiced based in addition to those disclosed herein.
A pipe protector has been designed to provide free flow and low energy. The outside surface has a bilateral asymmetrical pattern when comparing the approximate top half of the pipe protector to the bottom half of the pipe protector. The pattern has raised figures surrounded by communicating channels.
4
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention is in the field of thermally powered heat transfer systems. In particular, the invention is an improvement to and an extension of the Thermally Powered Engine by Robert W. Clark, Jr., application Ser. No. 803,549 filed on Dec. 2, 1985, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,617,801. 2. Description of the Prior Art The thermally powered engine disclosed in the aforementioned application comprises one or more pairs of power cylinders, each power cylinder having associated with it a powered cylinder for converting thermal energy into useful heating, cooling, or mechanical work. Each of the power cylinders has a piston reciprocally mounted within, with each piston being rigidly connected to a piston mounted within the associated powered cylinder. Each of the pistons in the power cylinders divides its respective power cylinder into two portions, typically an upper and lower portion. A flexible diaphragm is mounted in the lower interior space or portion of each power cylinder. The space enclosed between the diaphragm and the lower end of the cylinder defines a power chamber. The power chambers of each pair of power cylinders are part of a closed heat transfer loop which includes a working fluid, an evaporator, and a condenser. The difference in temperature between the evaporator and the condenser produces a pressure differential between the evaporator and the condenser, and this pressure differential is used to exert a force on one of the power pistons. In addition, the upper portion of each power cylinder is filled with a second fluid. Connecting means is provided for connecting the upper portions of the power cylinders together, to allow the second, or control, fluid to act as a liquid piston, traveling between, or coupling, the two cylinders. Thus, when a piston in one of the power cylinders travels upwardly, the second, or control fluid in the upper portion of that cylinder is forced into the upper portion of the adjacent cylinder, which in turn causes the piston in the adjacent cylinder to travel downwardly. Thus, the pistons in the two power chambers move substantially 180° out of phase with one another. The downward motion of one of the pistons causes the diaphragm in the lower portion of the cylinder for that piston to flex downwardly, which in turn activates a switch for controlling electrically powered solenoid valves to regulate the flow of the working fluid into and out of the power chambers of the working fluid in the closed heat transfer loop. Each change in position of the valves causes a change in the flow path of the working fluid in the heat transfer loop, which in turn causes the pistons to alternately reciprocate and to generate power in a cyclical manner. The aforementioned thermal engine is capable of utilizing a relatively small temperature difference to perform a number of useful functions, such as heating water for a home, powering a refrigeration system or a heat pump, acting as a compressor for compressing gas, pumping liquids, or performing other kinds of mechanical work. A major advantage of this system is that it can be powered by naturally occurring temperature differences, by solar energy, or by any fuel including biomass. One drawback of the aforementioned thermal engine, however, is that a certain amount of electrical energy is required to power the solenoid valves which control the flow of the working fluid in the closed heat transfer loop into and out of the power chambers. Because the engine requires an electrical power source independent of the engines, it can not be easily utilized in developing nations or in other remote areas of the world where electric power is not readily available. A need therefore exists for a thermally powered engine which is not dependent on a source of electric power. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention eliminates the shortcomings of the aforementioned thermally powered engine by replacing the electric solenoid valves which control the flow of the working fluid in the closed heat transfer loop with thermally powered mechanical valves. A temperature difference of 20° F. or more between the evaporator and the condenser in the heat transfer loop produces a pressure differential which is used to alternately increase the pressure first on one side of the valve and then on the other side of the valve, causing the valve to reciprocate between two positions, or two states. The thermally powered valve of the present invention can be used as a two-way, three-way, or four-way valve depending on the number of inputs to the valve body. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a thermally powered engine with valves which do not require any electrical power to operate. Another object of the invention is to provide thermally powered valves for controlling the flow of working fluid in a closed loop heat transfer system with energy derived from the working fluid providing the power for moving the valves, or causing the valves to change state. Still another object of the invention is to provide pairs of thermally powered valves for a thermally powered engine in which a change in position, or state, of one of the valves causes a change in position, or state, of the other valve. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the following description of certain preferred embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings although variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure, in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a thermally powered engine utilizing thermally powered valves of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of a thermally powered engine utilizing thermally powered valves. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing still another embodiment of a thermally powered engine, in which the thermally powered valves change state when one set of power pistons are in midstroke. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The embodiments of the thermally powered engine and thermally powered valves illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 teach the use of thermally powered valves on the power side of the Clark engine. Thermally powered valve can also be used on the powered, or work, side of a Clark engine as is illustrated in FIG. 1. Valving such as that illustrated in FIG. 1 which is incorporated into the powered side of the Clark engine is used when a Clark engine produces power for air-conditioning or for heat pumps, but is not necessary when compressing air or pumping water. In the later cases check valves such as are illustrated in FIG. 3 can be used. In FIG. 1 thermally powered engine 10 has two power pistons 12 and 14, and two powered pistons 16 and 18. Power piston 12 is rigidly connected to powered piston 16 by piston rod 20, and power piston 14 is rigidly connected to powered piston 18 by piston rod 22. Piston rods 20 and 22 are each provided with circumscribed grooves 24, 25, 26, and 27 which together with conventional valve ports define thermally powered valve assembly 30. Another pair of thermally powered valve assemblies 32, and 34 are also provided. The function and structure of valve assemblies 30, 32, and 34 are described below. Each of the power pistons 12, and 14, is reciprocally mounted within its associated power cylinder 36, 38 with a piston dividing its respective power cylinder into upper portions 40, 41 and lower portions 42, 43. A fluid passage 44 connects the upper portion 40 of power cylinder 36 to the upper portion 41 of power cylinder 38. The upper portions 40, and 41 of the two cylinders 36, 38 and fluid passage 44 are filled with a fluid which is preferably a liquid such as polyethylene glycola. This fluid forms fluid piston 45 interconnecting the two portions 40, and 41. The lower portions 42, and 43 of cylinders 36, and 38 communicate with conduits 46, and 47 which are connectable with either a conventional evaporator 48 or condenser 49 depending on the position or location of thermally powered valve, or valve plug, 50 of valve assembly 32. When thermally powered pistons 12, and 14 and valve plug 50 are in the positions illustrated in FIG. 1, circumferential groove 51 of valve plug 50 and valve ports 52 and 53 are aligned with vapor pipe 54 which is in communication with evaporator 48, and with conduit 56 which is in communication with the first end 58 of thermally powered valve assembly 32 through circumferential groove 24 of valve assembly 30. Circumferential groove 66 of valve plug 50 is aligned with vapor pipes 47 which is connected to lower portion 43 of cylinder 38 and vapor pipe 60. Vapor pipe 60 is in communication with condenser 49. Circumferential groove 25 of valve assembly 30 is aligned with vapor pipe 60 which is connected to condenser 49 and conduit 55 which is connected to conduit 62 which is in communication with the second end 64 of valve assembly 32. Because of the pressure differential between evaporator 48 and condenser 49 with the pressure of the working fluid in evaporator 48 being higher than that in condenser 49 the pressure at the first end 58 of valve assembly 32 is higher than the pressure at its second end 64 which causes the valve plug 50 to remain in its right hand position as illustrated in FIG. 1. The pressure differential between the two chambers 42 and 43 causes piston 12 to move in an upwardly direction and causes the liquid piston 45 to move toward power cylinder 38, driving piston 14 toward the bottom of piston 38. When the thermally powered piston 14 has completed its power stroke, valve ports 26, and 27 of the other half of valve assembly 30 are aligned with vapor pipes 60 and 54 connecting condenser 49 to vapor pipe 61 which is connected to vapor pipe 56, and evaporator 48 to vapor pipe 55 which is in turn connected to conduit 62. Conduit 62 is connected to the second end 64 of valve assembly 32, and conduit 56 is connected to the first end 58 of valve assembly 32. The result is a pressure differential across valve plug 50 of valve assembly 32 which causes valve plug 50 to move from right to left. Groove 51 in valve plug 50 when valve plug 50 is in its leftmost position, which is not illustrated, is aligned with vapor pipe 60 leading to condenser 49 and conduit 46 leading to chamber 42 beneath piston 12. Groove 66 is aligned with vapor pipe 54 connected to evaporator 48 and conduit 47 which is connected to chamber 43 beneath piston 14. As a result the pressure in chamber 43 will be higher than the pressure in chamber 42. This pressure differential between chambers 42, and 43 will cause piston 14 to move upwardly forcing the liquid in the liquid piston 45 to move into chamber 40 of power cylinder 36 causing piston 12 to move downwardly. When pistons 14 and 12 return to the positions illustrated in FIG. 1, one cycle of the operation of thermal engine 10 has been completed so that the cycle is ready to begin again. Thermally powered valve 34 is part of the powered end of thermally powered engine 10 and its valve plug 68 moves in phase with the thermally powered valve plug 50 of valve assembly 32. Valve assembly 32 has two states which coincide with the positions, or states, of valve plug 50 in valve assembly 32. Valve assembly 32 controls the application of the higher pressure working fluid from evaporator 48 to one or the other of the power portions 42, 43 of power cylinders 36, 38 and connects the other power portion of condenser 49 so that useful work can be performed by thermally powered engine 10. The state of valve assembly 32 is changed by operation of valve assembly 30 which causes the pressure at the ends 58, 64 of valve assembly 32 to change at the completion of each power stroke by a power piston 12, or 14. The use of piston rods 20, 22 connected to powered pistons 12, and 14 synchronizes the changing of state of control valve means 32 and 34 with the operation of the power pistons 12, 14 of the engine 10. In FIG. 1, valve assembly 34, the powered cylinders in which powered pistons 16, 18 are reciprocally mounted, and powered pistons 16, 18 can function as the compressor of an air conditioning system or heat pump, with conduit 70 being connected to a second conventional condenser and conduit 71 being connected to a second conventional evaporator. Neither the second evaporator nor second condenser are illustrated in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2 another embodiment of thermally powered engine 210 is illustrated. Engine 210 has two thermally powered valves 212, and 214 and two pairs of power cylinders 216, 217, 219, 220. Each of the power cylinders has a power piston 222, 223, 225, and 226 reciprocally mounted within it, with each piston dividing the interior space of its associated power cylinder into an upper chamber 228, 229, 231, and 232 and a lower chamber 234, 235, 237, and 238. Thermally powered valve 212 is located in a passageway 240 connecting chamber 235 of power cylinder 217 to chamber 234 of power cylinder 216. Valve, or valve plug, 242 divides passageway 240 into two chambers 244, and 245, each of which is filled with a control fluid which preferably is a liquid such as polyethylene glycol. Similarly, thermally powered valve 214 is located in passageway 247 connecting lower chamber 237 of power cylinder 219 with lower chamber 238 of power cylinder 220. Valve, or valve plug 249 divides passageway 247 into two chambers 251, and 252. Each of the chambers 251, and 252 is filled with a control fluid. In addition, each power cylinder 216, 217, 219, and 220 has a plunger 254, 255, 256, and 257 located in its bottom surface in communication with passageways 240, and 247 in which the thermally powered valves 242, and 249 are located. Thus, when any of the power pistons 222, 223, 225, and 226 moves downwardly to the maximum extent or degree, it depresses its associated plunger 254, 255, 256 or 257, increasing the pressure of the control fluid on one side or the other of thermally powered valves 242, and 249, which causes that valve to shift from right to left, or left to right. When engine 210 has the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2, circumferential groove 259 of valve 249 is aligned with vapor pipe 261 connected to evaporator 263, and conduit 265 communicating with chamber 229 above piston 223 of power cylinder 217. Groove 267 of valve 249 is aligned with vapor pipe 269 leading to condenser 271 and conduit 273 leading to chamber 228 above piston 222. The pressure differential between chambers 228 and 229 causes piston 223 to move downwardly, pushing the liquid piston 275 connecting chambers 234 and 235 to the left, which pushes piston 222 upward. When piston 223 reaches the bottom, or end of its power stroke, as illustrated in FIG. 2, plunger 255 is pushed down, increasing the pressure of the fluid in chamber 245 which moves valve plug 242 from right to left and moves the fluid in chamber 244 to the left, which in turn moves plunger 254 upwardly. When valve 242 moves, it changes the flow of the working fluid to cylinders 219 and 220. In FIG. 2, groove 277 of valve 242 is aligned with conduit 261 leading from evaporator 263 and conduit 279 leading to chamber 232 above piston 226. Groove 281 is aligned with conduit 269 leading to condenser 271 and conduit 283 leading to chamber 231 above piston 225. The pressure differential between chambers 231 and 232 causes piston 226 to move down, pushing liquid piston 285 to the left and pushing piston 225 upwardly. When piston 226 reaches the bottom of its power stroke, it depresses plunger 257, increasing the pressure of the fluid in the chamber 252 which moves valve 249 from right to left, causing the fluid in chamber 251 to move plunger 256 upwardly. When thermally powered valve 249 moves as described above, it changes the flow of the working fluid in the heat transfer loop to cylinders 216, and 217. When valve 249 is moved to the left, circumferential groove 259 in valve 249 is aligned with vapor pipe 269 leading to condenser 271 and conduit 265 leading to chamber 229 above piston 223. Circumferential groove 267 is aligned with vapor pipe 261 leading to evaporator 263 and conduit 273 leading to chamber 228 above piston 222. The resulting pressure differential between chambers 229, and 228 causes piston 222 to move down, pushing the liquid piston 275 to the right and pushing piston 223 up. When piston 222 gets to the bottom of its stroke, or completes its power stroke, it depresses plunger 254, increasing the pressure of the fluid in chamber 244, which moves valve plug 242 from left to right, pushing the fluid in chamber 245 to the right and causing plunger 255 to move upwardly. When thermally powered valve 242 moves, it changes the flow of the working fluid to cylinders 219 and 220. Circumferential groove 281 of valve 242 when moved to the right is aligned with conduit 261 connected to evaporator 263 and conduit 283 leading to chamber 231 above piston 225. Circumferential groove 277 when valve 242 is in this state is aligned with vapor pipe 269 leading to condenser 271 and conduit 279 leading to chamber 232 above piston 226. The resulting pressure differential between chamber 231 and 232 causes piston 225 to move downward, pushing piston 226 upward. When piston 225 reaches the end of its power stroke, it depresses plunger 256 which decreases the pressure of the fluid in chamber 251, moving valve 249 from left to right which pushes the fluid in chamber 252 to the right and causes plunger 257 to move upwardly. At this point, one complete cycle of the operation of the power side of the thermally powered engine 210 has been completed and the cycle starts over again. In FIG. 2 only one pair of the four power pistons is moving at any given time. When one of the pistons of pair 219, 220, or pair 216, 217 finishes a power stroke, it actuates valve 212, or 214 and then one of the pistons of the other pair of power pistons executes a power stroke. In FIG. 3 there is illustrated an embodiment of a thermally powered engine 310 in which all four power pistons 312, 313, 315 and 316 of engine 310 are moving almost all the time and only stop long enough for thermally powered valve assemblies 318, 319 to change position, or state. Flow of working fluid through the power cylinders within which power pistons 312, 313, or 315, 316 are located is reversed when the other pair of power pistons is in mid-stroke. Thus each pair of power pistons is either a half stroke ahead or a half stroke behind the other pair. The valve, or valve plugs 320, 321 of thermally powered valves 318 and 319 move left to right and right to left at the middle of a power piston power stroke. Thermally powered valve 320 moves when piston 315 and 316 are in the middle of either their power or exhaust strokes to change the flow of working fluid to the cylinders of pistons 312 and 313. Thermally powered valve 321 moves when pistons 312 and 313 are in the middle of either their power or exhaust strokes. Valve assembly 319 controls the flow when pistons 312 and 313 reach the middle of their strokes, pistons 315 and 316 are at the end of their strokes. When pistons 312 and 313 are in the middle of the power, or exhaust strokes and piston 313 is moving upwardly, fluid in chamber 375 is forced through circumferential groove 377 in piston rod 379 to of working fluid to cylinders of pistons 315 and 316 so that when valve assembly 319 changes state, the flow of working fluid to the cylinders of pistons 315 and 316 changes or reverses. In FIG. 3, grooves 322 of valve plug 321 are aligned with vapor pipe 325 leading from condenser 326 and conduit 327 leading to chamber 328 below piston 315. Groove 329 is aligned with vapor pipe 331 from evaporator 333 and conduit 3 35 leading to chamber 337 below piston 316. The pressure differential between chambers 328 and 337 causes piston 316 to move upward, pushing liquid piston 339 to the left, which pushes piston 315 down. When pistons 315 and 316 reach the middle of a stroke as shown in FIG. 3, fluid in chamber 341 is forced through circumferential groove, or valve port, 343 in piston rod 345 to chamber 347, moving thermally powered valve, or valve plug, 349 from right to left, pushing the fluid in chamber 351 through circumscribed groove 353 in piston rod 355 to chamber 357. Groove 359 in valve plug 320 is now aligned with vapor pipe 331 leading to evaporator 333 and conduit 363 leading to chamber 365 beneath piston 313. Groove 367 is aligned with vapor pipe 325 leading to condenser 326 and conduit 369 leading to chamber 371 beneath piston 312. The resulting pressure differential between chamber 371 and 365 causes piston 313 to move up, pushing the liquid piston 373 to the left and pushing piston 312 down. chamber 381, pushing thermally powered valve 321 from right to left and moving the fluid in chamber 383 through circumscribed groove 385 in piston rod 387 into chamber 389 above piston 312. Groove 322 in valve plug 321 is now aligned with vapor pipe 331 leading from evaporator 333 and conduit 327 leading to chamber 328 below piston 315. Groove 329 is aligned with vapor pipe 325 leading from condenser 326 and conduit 335 leading to chamber 337 beneath piston 316. When piston 315 reaches the bottom of its stroke, the high pressure vapor from evaporator 333 is switched to chamber 328 pushing piston 315 upward and piston 316 downward. When piston 315 and 316 are at the middle of their strokes, piston 312 and 313 will be at the end of their strokes. With piston 315 moving upwardly, fluid in chamber 357 is moved through circumferential groove 353 in piston rod 355 to chamber 351 moving valve plug 320 from left to right, forcing the fluid in chamber 347 through circumferential groove 343 in piston rod 345 to chamber 341 above piston 316. Circumferential groove 367 in valve plug 320 is now aligned with conduit 331 leading from evaporator 333 and conduit 369 which communicates with chamber 371. Groove 359 is aligned with conduit 325 leading to condenser 326 and conduit 363 leading to chamber 365. This causes piston 312 which has now reached the bottom of its stroke to move upwardly. When pistons 312 and 313 are in the middle of their strokes, pistons 315 and 316 will be at the end of theirs. When piston 312 moves upward, fluid in chamber 389 is forced through circumferential groove 385 in piston rod 387 causing the control fluid in chamber 389 to push bottom of its stroke to move upwardly. When pistons 312 and 313 are in the middle of their strokes, pistons 315 and 316 will be at the end of theirs. When piston 312 moves upward, fluid in chamber 389 is forced through circumferential groove 385 in piston rod 387 causing the control fluid in chamber 389 to push thermally powered valve 321 from left to right moving the fluid in chamber 381 through circumferential groove 377 into chamber 375. At this point one complete cycle of the thermally powered engine 310 has been completed and the cycle then begins again. While the principles of the invention have been made clear in the illustrated embodiments, it will be immediately obvious to those skilled in the art that FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, show only some of the ways a thermally powered valve can be used with a thermally powered engine. Many modification of structure, arrangement, proportions, the elements, materials and components used in the practice of the invention may be made in order to adapt the engine and its control valves for specific environments and operation requirements, without departing from these principles. The appended claims are therefore intended to cover and embrace any such modifications within the limits only of the true spirit and scope of the invention.
A thermally powered engine has a pair of power cylinders with each power cylinder defining a closed interior space. A power pistin is reciprocally mounted in the interior space of each power cylinder with each piston dividing the interior of its cylinder into upper and lower portions. A liquid piston interconnects the upper portions of the two power cylinders. First mechanically powered valves having two states control the flow of the working fluid of a heat transfer loop through the lower portions of each power cylinder. A second mechanically powered valve causes the first mechanically powered valve to change state so that movement of the power pistons in the pair of power cylinders is substantially 180° out of phase.
5
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The field of invention relates to washing devices, and more particularly pertains to a new and improved shoe dryer bracket apparatus wherein the same attaches a shoe adjacent an interior surface of a washing drum of a washing machine organization to enhance cleaning of a shoe during a typical washing cycle. 2. Description of the Prior Art The advent of modern synthetic shoes and their ability to be washed in typical washing machines has an accompanying problem of a manner of positioning the shoes to avoid damage to the shoes and other clothing during agitation of the shoes and assorted clothing within a washing cycle of a washing machine. The instant invention attempts to present an organization to position the shoes to permit the shoes to be properly washed while preventing damage to the shoes and clothing within the washing drum. Examples of the prior art include U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,016 to Grigsby wherein a support plate mounts a plurality of magnets to enhance securement of the shoe within a washing drum of a washing machine. U.S. Pat. No. 4,091,548 to Daily sets forth a rack structure mounted to a door of a drying machine for positioning various articles of clothing therewithin. U.S. Pat. No. 4,813,641 to Wilson sets forth a support defined by a loop and a suction cup for attaching a shoe and the like to an interior surface of a rotating chamber. As such, it may be appreciated that there continues to be a need for a new and improved shoe dryer bracket apparatus as set forth by the instant invention which addresses both the problems of ease of use as well as effectiveness in construction in positioning a shoe pair within a washing or drying machine and in this respect, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of washing and drying apparatus now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a shoe dryer bracket apparatus wherein the same is arranged for mounting a shoe pair within a dryer structure. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved shoe dryer bracket apparatus which has all the advantages of the prior art dryer apparatus and none of the disadvantages. To attain this, the present invention provides a bracket structure including a tubular cylinder mounting a cylindrical piston therewithin, wherein the piston is biased exteriorly and coaxially of the cylinder, with a plurality of clamp members mounted at a spaced relationship about the tubular cylinder, with the tubular cylinder arranged for positioning within a wash drum of a washing machine organization. My invention resides not in any one of these features per se, but rather in the particular combination of all of them herein disclosed and claimed and it is distinguished from the prior art in this particular combination of all of its structures for the functions specified. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved shoe dryer bracket apparatus which has all the advantages of the prior art dryer apparatus and none of the disadvantages. It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved shoe dryer bracket apparatus which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved shoe dryer bracket apparatus which is of a durable and reliable construction. An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved shoe dryer bracket apparatus which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such shoe dryer bracket apparatus economically available to the buying public. Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved shoe dryer bracket apparatus which provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved shoe dryer bracket apparatus wherein the same is arranged for simultaneously mounting a shoe pair within a dryer or washer organization for simultaneous drying or washing of the shoe pair. These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: FIG. 1 is an orthographic side view of a prior art shoe dryer bracket apparatus. FIG. 2 is an orthographic top view of the shoe dryer bracket apparatus of FIG. 1 positioned within a drying device. FIG. 3 is an orthographic top view of the instant invention. FIG. 4 is an orthographic end view of the instant invention. FIG. 5 is an orthographic top view of the invention positioned within a drying machine. FIG. 6 is an isometric illustration of one of a plurality of shoe clamp members utilized by the instant invention. FIG. 7 is an orthographic top view, partially in section, of the modified clamp member as illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is an orthographic partial bottom view of the shoe clamp member. FIG. 9 is an orthographic view, taken along the lines 9--9 of FIG. 8 in the direction indicated by the arrows. FIG. 10 is an orthographic view, taken along the lines 10--10 of FIG. 8 in the direction indicated by the arrows. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 to 10 thereof, a new and improved shoe dryer bracket apparatus embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described. FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art shoe bracket structure 1, as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,016 and as illustrated in FIG. 2 positioned within and mounted to an interior surface of a dryer drum 2 adjacent dryer vanes 3 that are mounted radially about an interior surface of the dryer drum 2 projecting interiorly of the dryer drum, wherein the prior art utilizes magnets to secure the bracket to the interior wall of the dryer drum. More specifically, the shoe dryer bracket apparatus 10 of the instant invention essentially comprises tubular cylinder 11 slidably mounting a cylindrical piston 12 therewithin, wherein the cylindrical piston 12 is coaxially aligned with the tubular cylinder 11 and biased exteriorly thereof to an extended configuration relative to the tubular cylinder 11 utilizing a spring "S" mounted between the cylindrical piston 12 and the tubular cylinder 11. Accordingly, the cylinder 11 and the piston 12 are aligned along a central cylindrical axis 13. A respective first and second mounting link 14 and 15 are fixedly mounted to the tubular cylinder 11 and are orthogonally oriented relative to the central cylindrical axis 13 and define an obtuse included angle 16 therebetween (see FIG. 4). Each outer end of the links 14 and 15 mount a shoe clamp member 17 thereon in an orthogonal relationship relative to the link 14. Each shoe clamp member 17 includes a support plate 18 defined by a predetermined length formed with a first side 19 spaced from and parallel a second side 20. A rear wall 23 is spaced from and parallel a forward wall 23a. A side flange 21 is coextensively and integrally mounted to the support plate 18 to a top surface thereof coextensive to the support plate, wherein the side flange includes an exterior wall aligned with the second side 20 and a side wall interior wall 22 that defines an acute included angle between the side flange interior wall 22 and a top surface of the support plate 18. A modified support plate 18a, as illustrated in FIG. 6 for example, utilizes a rear wall flange 24 that extends along the rear end wall medially thereof, whose outer side is aligned with the rear end wall 23 to position a shoe within the side flange 21 and rear flange 24. A wedge shaped clamping flange 26 is provided, with the wedge shaped clamping flange 26 including a plurality of shanks 27 orthogonally mounted to a bottom surface thereof spaced apart a predetermined spacing, with each shank 27 received within a slot 25 of a plurality of spaced parallel slots spaced apart the predetermined spacing, and wherein a fastener 28 is mounted to each terminal end of each shank 27 projecting through a bottom surface of each support plate 18. Further, the support plate 18 and its top surface may be formed of a plurality of spaced parallel ribs, as illustrated in FIG. 9, cooperative with companion ribs formed within a bottom surface of the clamping flange 26 to enhance positioning and alignment of the clamping flange relative to the top surface of the support plate 18a, with the ribs accordingly arranged parallel to the first and second sides 19 and 20 of the support plate 18a. As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention, the same should be apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly no further discussion relative to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention shall be provided. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
A bracket structure including a tubular cylinder mounting a cylindrical piston therewithin, wherein the piston is biased exteriorly and coaxially of the cylinder, with a plurality of clamp members mounted at a spaced relationship about the tubular cylinder, with the tubular cylinder arranged for positioning within a wash drum of a washing machine organization.
3
CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/069,597, filed on Oct. 28, 2014; the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to a method and device for the controlled delivery of medical devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for controlling the percutaneous delivery of needles, fine wires, electrodes, trocars or cannulas to a target location in a patient. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Physicians like neurologists and urologists, physiatrists, physical therapists, chiropractors, and other medical providers have used nerve and muscle stimulation to treat a variety of ailments. These medical providers have used various methods of neurostimulation and neuromodulation such as implanted electrical and optical devices and external electrical, magnetic and ultrasonic devices for treatments such as deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease and electronic muscle stimulation (EMS) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for muscle and joint rehabilitation as well as chronic pain. Urologists and obstetrician/gynecologists have used a form of TENS for pelvic floor stimulation to treat urge incontinence, urinary frequency, non-obstructive urinary retention, interstitial cystitis, chronic pelvic pain, anal incontinence and other pelvic neuromuscular disorders. [0004] Transcutaneous stimulators, i.e., stimulators which do not physically penetrate the skin surface, are less invasive than percutaneous and implantable stimulators. However, transcutaneous stimulators often require higher current levels than percutaneous and implantable stimulators. Higher current levels can cause irritation and discomfort when used for extended periods. Also, since transcutaneous stimulators stimulate on the skin surface, their target site usually covers a large area. Thus, transcutaneous stimulators may not be highly effective for direct nerve stimulation. This is especially true for stimulation targets that are deep to the skin surface and that may be shielded by overlying hard tissue. [0005] More typically, providers use implantable stimulators when there is a need for direct nerve stimulation or continuous stimulation. Implantable stimulators can free a patient from the need for constant and frequent manual treatment. However, implantable stimulators can cause mild discomfort, and often cause more severe implant-site pain. [0006] Percutaneous stimulators provide direct nerve stimulation without the invasiveness of an implant. During treatment, a conducting needle is inserted to provide electrical stimulation to a target nerve. The needle is electrically connected to a controller by a series of leads, often bound together at one end as a cable that connects to the controller. When positioned properly, the needle (which includes a receiver/electrode assembly) stimulates the tibial nerve thereby modulating nerve activity in the sacral plexus. Modulation or interruption of sacral nerve activity is useful in the treatment of the pelvic heath disorders enumerated above. [0007] However, the needle must be precisely and accurately positioned to achieve the maximum heath benefit. There are currently no devices that facilitate or guide accurate percutaneous delivery of a needle, wire, trocar or cannula to a target spatial location on or within tissue that can be utilized by both medical personnel and patients. [0008] Therefore, what is needed is a device that uses an anatomic landmark or fiduciary point to establish a point of origin for device orientation in space. What is also needed is a device that can control the direction and depth of delivery of the needle, wire, trocar or cannula that is part of the diagnostic or therapeutic intervention. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] The problems associated with conventional means of delivering and guiding a needle to an anatomic site are addressed by the present invention. [0010] In certain aspects the present invention, precisely and accurately guides the percutaneous delivery of a needle, wire, trocar or cannula to a target spatial location on or within tissue. [0011] In other aspects, the delivery device uses an anatomic landmark or fiduciary point to establish a point of origin for device orientation in space. [0012] In other aspects the present invention controls the direction and depth of the delivery and placement of the needle, wire, trocar or cannula on or into tissue. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary delivery device in accordance with the invention. [0015] FIG. 2A is an exploded view of the exemplary device illustrated in FIG. 1 . [0016] FIGS. 2B through 2E show various aspects of the exemplary device illustrated in FIG. 2A and FIG. 1 . [0017] FIG. 3A is a side view of a needle advancement device in accordance with the invention. [0018] FIG. 3B is a side detailed view of the needle advancement device of FIG. 3A . [0019] FIG. 4 is a side view of one aspect of a needle advancement device in accordance with the invention. [0020] FIG. 5 is a side view of another aspect of a needle advancement device in accordance with the invention. [0021] FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of one aspect of a needle advancement device in accordance with the invention. [0022] FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of one aspect of a needle advancement device in accordance with the invention. [0023] FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of one aspect of a needle advancement device in accordance with the invention illustrating a wedged collar and a wedged pusher, respectively. [0024] FIGS. 9A through 9E are perspective views of one aspect of a needle advancement device in accordance with the invention illustrating the complete assembly of the device in FIG. 9A and the various component parts in FIGS. 9B through 9E . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0025] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which this invention belongs. [0026] Referring now to FIGS. 1-2E the delivery device 10 in accordance with the invention broadly includes circular positioning ring 12 , rotational element 14 , directional element 16 and coupling mechanism 18 . [0027] Circular positioning ring is configured to circumscribe the medial malleolus, the bony prominence on the inner side of the ankle formed by the lower end of the tibia, at a preferred height. Circular positioning ring 12 includes one or more vertical receiving channels 20 , 22 operably coupled to lower horizontal receiving channel 24 . Cone-shaped rotational element 14 includes one or more flanges 26 , 28 that are received by vertical receiving channels 20 , 22 in mating relationship and operably engage with lower horizontal receiving channel 24 . A manual rotational force applied to rotational element 14 will cause flanges 26 , 28 to travel in lower horizontal receiving channel 24 until a stop is encountered, causing the rotational element to cease rotation at that position, with the possible additional feature of being locked into the circular ring. Rotational element 14 includes a cap portion 38 having an internal threaded lumen 40 . [0028] Circular positioning ring includes a base 11 . Base 11 may incorporate the use of a sheet or ring of adhesive tape to removably secure the device 10 over the medial malleolus while in use. In alternative aspects of the invention a band or collar (not shown) may extend from the circular ring 12 and circumscribe the surface of the foot, ankle and heel such that the entire device 10 assembly is centered on the medial malleolus. The band or collar may be held in place by fastening means known to those of skill in the art such as Velcro, adhesives, mechanical fasteners and combinations thereof. [0029] Coupling mechanism 18 includes cone-shaped base 30 and shaft 32 . In operation, cone-shaped base 30 is configured to be positioned externally over the medial malleolus. Shaft 32 may be integrally formed with or threadably received by base 30 . If threadably received by base 30 , shaft may be dimensioned such that the outer diameter of shaft 32 is less that the inner diameter of threaded lumen 40 . Shaft 32 includes a needle, or needle guide and driver device, receiving lumen therethrough 34 and a threaded top portion 36 . In one aspect of the invention, threaded top portion 36 is threadably received by threaded cap 38 operably coupling rotational element 14 with coupling mechanism 18 . [0030] Directional element 16 broadly includes vertical shaft 42 , adjustable positioning arm 44 and needle guide assembly 48 . Vertical shaft includes a lumen 50 whose inner diameter is greater than the outer diameter of cap portion 38 . Lumen 50 is pivotably received by cap portion 38 . Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the lumen 50 may extend the length of shaft 42 or in other embodiments may be slightly greater than or equal to the vertical depth of cap portion 38 . [0031] Adjustable positioning arm 44 includes a right angle adjustable construction. To accommodate different patient anatomies, adjustable positioning arm 44 may be adjusted to a plurality of different acute angles, preferably from 30-60 degrees offset from the longitudinal axis of shaft 42 , by a ratcheting mechanism (not shown). [0032] Guide tube 48 is operably coupled to adjustable arm 44 . Guide tube 48 operates to position a thin gauge, non-hypodermic needle to the target location near the tibial nerve which enable the neurostimulation therapy to be delivered. Referring now to FIGS. 3-5 various aspects of guide tube geometry are illustrated. [0033] Guide tube 48 operably receives a PTNS needle advance device 60 as best seen in FIGS. 3A-5 . The PTNS needle advancement device enables the controlled advancement and delivery of a needle. In one aspect for the delivery of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) therapy, the PTNS needle advance device 60 is designed to linearly and controllably advance a PTNS needle electrode through the surface of the skin of the lower leg proximate the medial malleolus to a target depth within the tissue to enable the clinically effective delivery of tibial neuromodulation. [0034] As best seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B one aspect of a PTNS needle advancement device is illustrated. Needle advance device 60 broadly includes acupuncture needle 62 housed within cylindrical sheath 64 . The needle advance device 60 includes the ability to translate the acupuncture needle 62 linearly through the inner diameter (ID) of the sheath or tube. Cap 70 of the needle advance device 60 fits over the proximal end of the cylindrical sheath 64 . Cap 70 includes a double-headed piston with one piston head that has a diameter greater than the I.D. of the guide tube and another piston head that has a diameter that is less than the I.D. of the guide tube. The length of the piston shaft, which also has an O.D. smaller than the I.D. of the guide tube, between the two piston heads determines the maximum length of advancement of the piston through the I.D. or lumen of the guide tube. The piston is propelled within the cap by means of spring 72 . Those of skill in the art will appreciate that other means of propulsion may be incorporated into the device such as hydraulic, percussive, magnetic, electromagnetic, compressed fluids and the like. A locking mechanism 66 may be incorporated into the cap 70 or into the guide tube/needle holder element 48 to prevent undesired needle translation or movement within the cylindrical sheath 64 . Cap 70 is rotatably or threadably received on cylindrical sheath 64 . Spring 72 has a spring constant that allows spring to advance needle 62 as rotational or other force is applied by cap 70 . The locking mechanism 66 may be contained within a single component or may be contained in separate components of the controlled advancement and delivery device. Locking mechanism 66 may be a simple interference fit of a removable component that is insertable between the ID of the cap (or the guide tube/needle holder) and the OD of the needle. When the locking component is in place, the interference fit keeps the needle from moving freely. Once it is removed, the needle is free to move within the guide tube or cap plus guide tube construct. [0035] Referring now to FIG. 4 , with like elements being labeled with like reference numerals, one aspect of a controlled advancement and delivery device 80 for a PTNS needle electrode is illustrated. A 34 gauge acupuncture needle 62 is received in a cylindrical sheath 64 of uniform or varying cross section area. The cylindrical sheath 64 may be opaque and includes inner cross-sectional dimensions larger than the maximum outer cross-sectional dimension of the acupuncture needle along its entire length or along only a portion of its length. In one aspect of the controlled advancement and delivery device for a PTNS needle electrode 80 , the 34 gauge acupuncture needle 62 is placed in a cylindrical sheath 64 with a uniform circular cross-section. The sheath 64 has an inner diameter that is larger than the maximum outer diameter of the acupuncture needle. Tabs 84 are interposed between the outer surface of the acupuncture needle and the inner surface of the cylindrical sheath and serve to lock and/or controllably advance the position of the needle by means of a frictional or interference fit. Tabs 84 may be juxtaposed in a parallel relationship or may alternatively be staggered. Tabs 74 may be broken or retracted which in turn allows the acupuncture needle to advance freely within the cylindrical sheath 62 to the next set of tabs 74 . The tabs can be broken or retracted via the linear advance of a cap feature that progresses along the outside of the sheath/needle holder element. This is a feasible design but not our first choice due to cost reasons. [0036] Referring now to FIG. 5 another aspect of a controlled advancement and delivery device 90 for a PTNS needle electrode 92 is illustrated. Cap 70 including a controlled advancement mechanism 75 fits over one end of the cylindrical sheath 64 . Controlled advancement mechanism 75 broadly includes first and second piston heads 92 , 94 and spring 72 interposed therebetween or between cap 70 and first piston head 92 . First piston head 92 has a diameter greater than the I.D. of the cylindrical sheath 64 and second piston head 94 has a diameter that is less than the I.D. of the cylindrical sheath 64 . The length of the piston shaft, i.e. the length extending from the proximal tip of the first piston head 92 to the distal tip of the second piston head 94 , which also has an O.D. smaller than the I.D. of the cylindrical sheath 64 , between the first and second piston heads determines the maximum length of advancement of the piston through the I.D. or lumen of the cylindrical sheath 64 . The first and/or second piston head may be propelled within cap 70 by means of spring 72 . Those of skill in the art will appreciate that other means of propulsion may be employed such as hydraulic, percussive, magnetic, electromagnetic, compressed fluids and the like. In one aspect the double headed piston 92 , 94 may be propelled by compressing spring 72 , which is then allowed to elongate in stages, driving the second and or first and second piston heads forward in stages. The second and/or first and second piston heads thus advance in a controlled fashion until the outer diameter of the piston head cannot pass the point of interference or the smaller I.D. of the cylindrical sheath 64 . Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the piston is a unitary double headed construction, and both heads undergo movement under the action of the propulsive mechanism, which acts against the first piston head and causes the entire unit to move forward. The piston head with the diameter that is smaller than the I.D. of the cylindrical sheath 64 is in contact with the head of the acupuncture needle, ensuring that the movement of the double headed piston also results in linear and controlled advancement of the acupuncture needle to a desired depth. The cap or the outer telescoping head also incorporates a means to specify the maximum distance of advancement of the piston and, thus, of the needle electrode that is driven by the piston. The maximum distance of advancement required for the accurate positioning of the needle electrode for PTNS can be determined from anatomical measurements; for example, it can be based on the medio-lateral diameter of the lower calf of the human leg, just above the ankle. After the needle electrode 62 has reached the target tissue location, the cylindrical sheath 64 and the cap or telescoping outer tube 70 can be withdrawn, leaving the needle electrode accessible for making the electrical connections required to deliver PTNS. [0037] Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B perspective views of one aspect of a needle advancement device in accordance with the invention are illustrated. [0038] Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B perspective views of another aspect of a needle advancement device in accordance with the invention are illustrated. [0039] Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B perspective views of a further aspect of a needle advancement device in accordance with the invention illustrating a wedged collar and a wedged pusher, respectively, are illustrated. [0040] Referring now to FIGS. 9A through 9E perspective views of a further aspect of a needle advancement device in accordance with the invention are shown. Illustrated in FIG. 9A is the completed assembly of the device and the various component parts in FIGS. 9B through 9E . [0041] Although the present invention has been described with reference to certain aspects and embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
A device that uses an anatomic landmark or fiduciary point to establish a point of origin for device orientation in space is provided. The device controls the direction and depth of delivery of a needle, wire, trocar or cannula utilized for diagnostic or therapeutic intervention. The device guides the percutaneous delivery of a needle, wire, trocar or cannula to a target spatial location on or within tissue.
0
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to both method and apparatus for irradiating blood with ultraviolet radiation, and more particularly to such method and apparatus for in vitro radiation of blood from both humans and animals with stored blood or blood circulated outside the patient and returned to the patient after treatment. 2. Related Art The present status of blood irradiation treatment is exemplified by the following patents. (1) U.S. Pat. No. 1,200,940; Henri et al.; "Apparatus for treatment of Water and Other Liquids by Ultra Violet Rays: wherein water is sterilized by exposure to ultra-violet rays from a source above or within the water. (2) U.S. Pat. No. 1,683,877; Edblom et al.; "Means for Treating Blood Stream Infections", wherein the apparatus used is a veni-puncture needle inserted into the patient's vein and the butt end of the needle is attached to tubing into which a container of citrate or oxylate solution is connected. A transfusion pump is attached to the other end of the tubing and the outlet of the pump is connected to an exposure chamber covered by a quartz lens. The source generates rays between 1800-4000 Angstroms. (3) U.S. Pat. No. 2,074,909; Herzig et al.; "Activation Device for the Heliopyretic Treatment of Matter"; wherein a plurality of parallel radio-active penetrable tubes mounted in a frame are adapted to convey fluid to be exposed to the rays from quartz tubes and a reflector adjustable mounted in the frame to focus the rays. (4) U.S. Pat. No. 2,308,516; Knott; "Method and Means for Irradiating Blood"; wherein a quantity of blood is removed from the patient, passed through a chamber where the blood is exposed to ultra-violet radiation for a brief, accurately controlled time and returned to said circulatory system. (5) U.S. Pat. No. 2,309,124; Knott; "Ultra-Violet Exposure Chamber"; wherein a chambered receptacle having a series of passageways extending transversely of the chamber and a series of spirally twisted devices lie centrally of the transverse passageways to produce turbulence in the blood flow through the chambered receptacle. (6) U.S. Pat. No. 4,321,919; Edelson; "Method and Apparatus for Externally Treating Human Blood"; wherein in a method for reducing the lymphocyte population by withdrawing blood from the subject, flowing the blood stream through a treatment station transparent to UV radiation and irradiating the blood stream in the treatment station with UV radiation in the presence of about 1 nanogram to micrograms of a dissolved psoralen capable of bonding the psoralen and the lymphocytes. (7) U.S. Pat. No. 4,398,906; Edelson; "Method of Externally Treating the Blood"; wherein the functioning population of nucleated cells in the blood supply of a human subject by withdrawing blood from the subject and irradiating the withdrawn blood with UV radiation in the presence of an effective amount of a dissolved chemical agent having an affinity for the nucleic acid of the nucleated blood cells to form photo-adducts with DNA to thereby effect chemical bonding between the photoactive chemical agent and the nucleic acid of the nucleated cells. (8) U.S. Pat. No. 4,464,166; Edelson; "Method for Externally Treating the Blood"; wherein the functioning population of a nucleated cell in the blood supply of a human subject by withdrawing blood from the subject and irradiating the withdrawn blood with UV radiation in the presence of a dissolved photoactivated antibody specific for the nucleated blood cell to form photoadducts with the nucleated blood cells to thereby effect chemical bonding between the photoactivated antibody and the nucleated cells. (9) U.S. Pat. No. 4,612,007; Edelson; "Method and System for Externally Treating the Blood"; wherein the functioning population of a blood constituent in the blood supply of a human subject by irradiating withdrawn blood by UV radiation in the presence of an effective amount of a dissolved photoactive chemical agent specific for a receptor site in the blood constituent and capable when activated by UV radiation of forming photo-adducts with blood constituent receptor sites, to thereby effect chemical bonding between the photoactivated chemical agent and the receptor sites. (10) U.S. Pat. No. 4,613,322; Edelson; "Method and System for Externally Treating the Blood"; wherein the functioning population of a blood constituent in the blood supply of a human subject is reduced by treating withdrawn blood by subjecting it to a density gradient to effect a substantial separation of the red blood cells from the blood constituent sought to be reduced in population and irradiating the treated blood with UV radiation so that the radiation impinges upon the constituent in the presence of an effective amount of a dissolved photoactive chemical agent specific and capable when activated by the UV radiation of forming photo-adducts with blood constituent receptor sites, to thereby effect chemical bonding between the photoactivated chemical agent and the receptor sites. (11) U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,889; Edelson; "Method and System for Externally Treating the Blood"; wherein in a system for treating blood from a subject to reduce the functioning population of a blood constituent by associating and reacting the constituent with a photoactive agent including means for receiving blood and subjecting it to a density gradient for separating red blood cells from the blood constituents, and preferentially impinging UV radiation upon the blood constituent to react an associated photoactive agent with the blood constituent. (12) U.S. Pat. No. 4,684,521; Edelson; "Method and System for Externally Treating the Blood"; wherein a chemical agent that is useful for reducing the population of a selected blood constituent having receptor sites comprises a carrier having a strong affinity for the receptor sites on or in the selected blood constituents and a photoactive agent physically incorporated within or chemically bound to the carrier moiety to interfere with the metabolism of the selected blood constituent when activated with UV radiation. (13) U.S. Pat. No. 4,737,140; Lee et al.; "Irradiation Chamber for Photoactivation Patient Treatment System"; wherein a removable UV light ray assembly for use in a photoactivatable agent, patient treating system wherein photoactivatable agents in contact with patient blood cells are irradiated extracorporeally and then returned to the patient. (14) U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,705; Stinson; "Apparatus and Method for Irradiating Cells"; wherein an apparatus for irradiating cells with UV light includes a UV light source and an outer cylinder surrounding the UV light source with a hollow tubing wrapped around the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder whereby suspended cells are transported within the hollow tubing so that the cells can be irradiated by the UV light source. (15) U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,925; Gilmore, Jr. et al.; "Photopheresis Blood Treatment"; wherein portable apparatus is worn by the patient and blood circulating within a treatment station is irradiated with rays with continuous blood flow through the treatment station in a closed loop path. (16) U.S. Pat. No. 5,290,221; Wolf, Jr. et al.; "Systems for Eradicating Contaminants Using Photoactive Materials in Fluids Like Blood"; wherein the blood is constricted into a relatively narrow, arcuately shaped flow path into a radiation chamber that directs radiation from one or more sources into the blood. (17) U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,594; Castle; "Extra-Corporeal Blood Access, Sensing and Radiation Methods and Apparatuses"; wherein blood is treated with radiation in a system in which an apparatus includes one or more access ports in tubing through which blood flows with treatment and/or analysis windows disposed adjacent, within or over the ports. (18) U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,738; Stinson; "Method for Irradiating Cells"; wherein a method for irradiating cells with UV light includes a UV light source and an outer cylinder surrounding the UV light source with a hollow tubing wrapped around the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder whereby suspended cells are transported within the hollow tubing so that the cells can be irradiated by the UV light source. An inner cylinder can be positioned inside the outer cylinder between the UV light source and the outer cylinder and ventilating means may be employed to maintain a substantially constant temperature. Notwithstanding the advances made in blood irradiation as represented by the foregoing U.S. patents, there is a need for improvements in at least the cuvette employed in the irradiation stations, the manner of housing the pump and irradiation station and improving the availabe range of UV wavelength output to the irradiation station from the UV light source. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Ultraviolet (UV) blood irradiation (UBI) therapy may be administered by a device called a Knott HEMO-IRRADIATOR®, for example as disclosed in Knott's U.S. Pat. No. 2,308,516 identified above under paragraph (4). UBI therapy raises the resistance of the host and is therefore able to control many disease processes. A fundamental effect of UBI is to energize or enhance the biochemical and physiological defenses of the body by the introduction of UV energy into the blood stream. It is well known that UV radiation is used to purify water and treat sewage. It has been amply demonstrated, as evidenced by the above cited patents, that UV radiation can purify and clean the blood of contaminations in the form of viruses and bacteria. Such treatment is intravenously applied by irradiating blood with a controlled amount of UV energy in the accepted therapeutic band. This produces a rapid detoxifying effect with subsidence of toxic symptoms. Venous oxygen is increased in patients with depressed blood oxygen values. Of special interest is that a rapid rise in resistance to acute or chronic viral and bacterial infection occurs. No harmful affects have been observed with UBI therapy in thousands of cases of viral infections, hepatitis, bacterial infections, hypoxemia and many other illnesses, especially blood-related infections. The diseases successfully treated with UBI include: (1) Atypical pneumonia; (2) Poliomyelitis and polioencephalitis; (3) Hepatitis; infectious and serum; (4) Influenza; (5) common upper respiratory disease; (6) Herpes simplex; (7) Herpes zoster; (8) Mumps; (9) Mononucleosis; and (10) measles. Moreover, preliminary reports indicate that UBI may be useful in treating HIV and research is currently under way to evaluate the effects of UBI on eliminating HIV from blood and blood products. If this research is successful, it would have major implications in ensuring the safety of blood in blood banks. The Knott technique of blood irradiation (approved by the American Blood Irradiation Society) has achieved the following physiologic objectives: (1) increases the blood oxygen level; (2) increases phagocytosis; (3) relieves toxemia; (4) decreases edema; and (5) controls nausea and vomiting. Treatment generally consists of withdrawing from 1.0 to 1.5 cc of blood per pound of body weight from the patient, citrating it and, by use of the Knott HEMO-IRRADIATOR® exposing it to radiant energy between the wave lengths of 2,000 and 12,000 angstroms units as it passes through the irradiation unit at a predetermined flow rate. The blood is returned to the patient through the needle used for the initial venipuncture. Treatment requires from 30-45 minutes. Outpatients rest fifteen minutes, after which time they may resume whatever activity is permitted. The primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved blood irradiation method and apparatus based on the aforementioned Knott-HEMO-IRRADIATOR® device which has FDA approval. Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention are to: (1) provide a pump and UV light source interface that enables the UV light source to be changed without disassembling the pump; (2) provide solid state electronic circuitry thereby eliminating the use of vacuum tubes; (3) provide a counter to record the number of exposure sessions, thereby making available a usage history and assist in billing patients; (4) incorporate power circuitry to allow both international and domestic use; (5) use a UV radiation source which emits relatively little heat during usage, thus eliminating the need for a cooling system and also allowing the use of polymeric materials; (6) incorporate a self-diagnostic capability to monitor the pump, UV source and control system; (7) provide the ability to select the type of UV range, i.e. UVA, UVB or UVC; (6) incorporate a data output port for printer, floppy drive, hard drive, etc.; (9) significantly reduce the size and weight of the apparatus for easier portability of the apparatus; (10) use a clear polymeric irradiation chamber, preconnected to the disposable IV set; (11) provide use of a material for use as a cuvette for irradiating blood and which is equivalent to quartz crystal in the transfer of UV to the irradiated blood for inactivation of pathogens in the blood; (12) to provide disposable cuvettes; (13) provide total containment of the UV source and irradiation chamber to prevent leakage of UV energy into the environment and include a cover shield for shielding the eyes of the operator while enabling observation of the blood flow through the cuvette in the irradiation station; (14) a UV blood irradiation apparatus that fully complies with the safety regulations of OSHA and other government regulatory agencies and to incorporate sensors to monitor UV intensity motor speed, blood flow rate, etc.; (15) provide intermittent operation of the UV source coupled with providing turbulent blood flow within irradiation chamber; (16) to provide various wavelengths in the range from 2,000 to 12,000 Angstroms for the irradiation treatment of blood; (17) enable improved quality control of the control circuitry for controlling the pump and the UV light source; and (18) provide apparatus of the type specified herein that is user friendly to the average nurse or technician by providing standardized IV sets. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above objects, features and advantages of the invention are believed to be readily apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment representing the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of the UV blood irradiator apparatus of the preferred embodiment of the invention with the top cover closed as it would be during excitation of the UV light source or non-use of the irradiating apparatus; FIG. 2 illustrates the top perspective view of the invention of FIG. 1 with the cover, pump and irradiation station assembly in an exploded view, illustrating the inside of the irradiation apparatus housing; FIG. 3 is a cross section view taken along lines 3--3 of FIG. 2 and illustrating the mounting of the pump and irradiation station; FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the control circuitry for the pump and the UV light source; FIG. 5 is a block diagrammatic representation of the circuitry for sensing current flow to the UV light source and the pump; FIG. 6 shows a diagnostic monitor for receiving diagnostic inputs from the UV light source, pump control, UV light source, pump and control sensors and for providing control input signals to the control circuitry of FIG. 4; FIG. 7 shows the digital output ports for providing digitized UV light source, pump and blood flow signals as generated by A/D conversion of the respective outputs of the UV light source, pump and blood flow sensors; FIGS. 8A and 8B respectively illustrate front and rear perspective views of a first embodiment of an irradiation cuvette for irradiating blood flowing therethrough when the cuvette is inserted into the irradiation chamber and which is designed to create turbulence in the blood flow; and FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a second embodiment of an irradiation cuvette for irradiating blood flowing therethrough when the cuvette is inserted into the irradiation chamber and which is thin to prevent blockage of the UV irradiation by the blood flow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference to the perspective view of the irradiation apparatus of the invention as shown in FIG. 1, the blood irradiation apparatus 10 includes a front panel 12 with a display 13 and power control switches 14 comprising ON/OFF main power switch 15, ON/OFF pump control switch 16 and ON/OFF UV light control switch 17, thereby providing separate power control to the irradiation device 10 itself as well as separate power control of the pump and UV light source (both components not shown in FIG. 1). The housing 11 of the blood irradiation apparatus 10 further comprises a tubular housing 18 with a partially rotatable cover 19 opening to the rear of the housing 10 as shown in FIG. 2. Section 20 of housing 18 is secured in the body of housing 11 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Lip 21 of section 20 and lip 22 of rotatable cover 19 are closed on one another with cover 19 in a closed position as illustrated in FIG. 1. Rotatable cover 19 may be made of metal or, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, of UV plastic. UV plastic is lighter than metal, and enables the operator of the blood irradiator apparatus of the invention to observe the flow of blood through a cuvette (to be described with respect to FIG. 2) in an irradiation station 25 (FIG. 2) located beneath cover 19. Aperture 23a in section 20 provides egress for the conduit transporting the blood from the patient to the pump 24 (FIG. 2). Housing 10 and the various structural components described above are preferably made from metal similar to that used for storage cabinets. The exploded perspective view of the blood irradiator apparatus of FIG. 2 illustrates the relationship between the blood pump 24 and the irradiation station 25. A cover plate 26 (shown in FIG. 3) is removed in FIG. 2 to more clearly illustrate the pump and the irradiation station. Brackets 35a and 35b support respective opposite ends of the cover plate 26 as shown in FIG. 3. Blood from the patient is transported via a conduit (see FIG. 3) through aperture 23a to the pump 24 and thence to a cuvette (not shown) mounted in irradiation station 25 by brackets 26, 28, thereby enabling blood flowing through the cuvette to be irradiated by the UV light from UV light source 29. Blood from the cuvette is then transported via a conduit (see FIG. 3) through aperture 23b and returned to the patient by means well known to those skilled in the blood irradiation art. With cover 19 in the open position as illustrated in FIG. 2, access is provided to the pump 24 and the irradiation station for purposes of removing or servicing these components, for example to change the UV light source 29 or replace and position the cuvette in brackets 26, 28 of the irradiation station 25. The lower section 30 of housing 11 provides space for mounting the electrical components of the blood irradiation apparatus 10. Such components are illustrated by block components 31, 32 and 33. The manner in which such electrical components are stored in lower section 30 forms no part of the present invention as one of ordinary skill in the blood irradiation art would readily perceive the location of such components in order to carry out the invention. The cross section view of FIG. 3 shows the manner in which the pump 24 and the irradiation station 25 including UV light source 29 are mounted in lower section 20 of tubular housing 18. Shoulder 34 of pump 24 rests on cover plate 26 and is secured thereto by fastening means such as machine screws (not shown) and cover plate 26 in turn is secured to bracket 35a attached to the side of lower section 20. Cover plate 26 is similarly secured to bracket 35b at the other end of lower section 20. Cover plate 26 rests on support 37 which includes protrusion 38a for supporting support member 39a upon which is secured one end of bracket 26 of the irradiation station 25. Similarly the other end of cover plate 26 is supported on support member 39b which is secured to protrusion 38b. The other end of bracket 26 of the irradiation station is secured to support member 39b by fastening means 40 as shown in FIG. 3. UV light source 29 is removably retained at each end by respective holding elements 41a, 41b, each of which comprises a support 42a and 42b having respective sockets 43a and 43b. Electrical power is supplied to pump 24 via electrical conductors 44, 45. The electrical conductors for supplying power to the UV light source 29 are not shown in FIG. 3. Tube 46a conveys blood from the human or animal patient to the pump 24; tube 46b conveys blood from pump 24 to the cuvette in irradiation station 25; and tube 46c returns blood from the irradiation station 25 to the human or animal patient (not shown). The control circuitry 49 for controlling the UV light source 29 and the pump 24 is shown in block diagrammatic format in FIG. 4, wherein both the UV light source 29 and pump 24 receive power through respective ON/OFF power switches 16 and 17 from power source 40. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, UV light source 29 is one of several UV light sources, each one providing a UV light output having an appropriate bandwidth to cover the respective UVA, UVB and UVC wavelengths. Control input signals 41 from a diagnostic monitor (to be described with respect to FIG. 7) are input to UV control circuitry 42 so that the particular UV light source 29 maintains the proper light output amplitude (wattage). In a further modification of the present invention, a broad band UV light source such as a quartz lamp known to the art serves as the UV light source 29, and various filters each having a different light transmission bandwidth, for example for each of the UVA, UVB and UVC light bandwidths) are inserted within bracket 26 of irradiation station 25 (FIG. 2) to be positioned between the UV light source 29 and the cuvette through which the blood is pumped in the irradiation station. In this modified embodiment of the invention a select light source signal 43 from a control panel 44, having, for example, three selector switches 45, 46 and 47, on front panel 12 of the HEMO-IRRADIATOR® apparatus 11 of the invention (FIG. 1) provides a control input to UV control circuitry 42 to properly control the excitation to the UV light source to obtain the desired UV light output amplitude in accordance with the UV light source that is selected. In general it is possible to vary the light source intensity by changing either the voltage or current of a light source and thereby vary its radiant output. With incandescent sources such variation can extend over a wide range. With arc sources the range of variation is narrower since the arc can not be allowed to extinguish or the UV treatment will fail. The frequency output wavelengths can be adjusted by using filters or changing the UV light source. In a similar manner pump control circuitry 48 is powered from mains power source 40 and receives a select pump speed signal 49 from pump speed select switch 50 mounted on front panel 12 of the HEMO-IRRADIATOR® apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 2. Speed select switch may comprise a rotatable potentiometer switch to provide a continuum of pump speeds. It is known that it is desirable that the blood flow through the cuvette in the irradiator station 25 be varied in accordance with the type of cuvette being used and the UV light output amplitude from the UV light source. For various physiological and/or operational reasons it may be desirable to increase/decrease the blood flow rate. In the apparatus of the present invention this variation in the blood flow rate is provided as a manual operation (see FIG. 4) As illustrated therein, there are two inputs, namely light source 48 and pump speed 49. These inputs are reference inputs which are varied manually to obtain the desired blood flow rate and/or radiation level. Pump control circuitry also receives control input signals 51 from the diagnostic monitor 60 (to be more fully described with respect to FIG. 6). In HEMO-IRRADIATOR® apparatus of the type disclosed herein it is desirable to determine the usage of the pump 24 and UV light source 29 so that, for example the pump may be removed for necessary maintenance and the anticipated need for replacing the UV light source 29 anticipated as it approaches its specified life cycle. To that end FIG. 5 illustrates the use of counters 55 and 56 which are respectively sensing the current flow to UV light source 29 and pump 24. UV light source sensor 61 and pump sensor 62 each respectively sense the current and/or voltage of the UV light source 29 and the pump 24, respectively. These analog signals may be converted by A/D converters and then respectively compared with stored values in, for example a ROM, in diagnostic monitor 60. Differences between the sensed current and/or voltages and the stored values provide respective control signals 41 and 51 to the respective UV control circuitry 42 and the pump control circuitry 48 of FIG. 4. Thus, diagnostic monitor 60 senses the operation of the pump control circuit 48 and the UV control circuit 42 of FIG. 4 to determine if the control circuitry is working. This is important as improper operation of the control circuitry results in a failed UV blood irradiator treatment. FIG. 7 shows the digital output ports for providing digitized UV light source, pump and blood flow signals as generated by A/D conversion of the respective outputs of the UV light source, pump and blood flow sensors, which digitized data may be provided at suitable ports located on the back of the HEMO-IRRADIATOR® apparatus (not shown) for transmission via modems by telephone and/or cable to remote locations. Thus the respective outputs of UV light source sensor 61 and pump sensor 62 are converted by A/D converters 65 and 66 and their respective digital outputs are provided to digital output ports. In a similar manner, the output of blood flow sensor 69 is converted by A/D converter 70 and provided as a digitized output at digital port 71. FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of first embodiment of a cuvette 80 capable of being used in the irradiation station 25 (FIG. 2) of the blood irradiation apparatus of the subject invention and which requires a modification of the irradiation station to accommodate the cuvette therein, which modification will be described hereinafter. Cuvette 80 may have an elliptical or oval shape comprising a main body portion 81 and a lip 82 extending around the periphery of body portion 81. Lip 82 provides a means for fastening cuvette 80 in irradiation station 25 (described hereinafter). Blood flows into cuvette 80 via inlet 83 and flows from the cuvette via outlet 84 (see FIG. 8B). The interior of cuvette 80 comprises a number of parallely-spaced chambers 85, 86, 87, 88 and 89 through which blood successively flows in alternate directions (as indicated by the directional arrows in FIG. 8A) from inlet 83 and entry port 90 to outlet port 91 and then from cuvette 80 via outlet 84. The blood flows through chambers 85, 86, 87, 88 and 89 within respective channels 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96 and 97. Each of the channels includes a respective diverter 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 and 105 located at the end of each channel in the direction of the blood flow and each of which interrupts the flow of blood and causes it to drop onto an adjacent channel. The above-described construction of cuvette 80 causes the blood flow therein to be turbulent, thereby eliminating the tendency of the blood to coagulate and also providing an appropriate exposure of the blood from the UV source (not shown) but which irradiates the blood through a quartz or polymeric facing which covers the interior of the cuvette 80. The rear view of cuvette 80 shown in FIG. 8B illustrates back cover 106, main body portion 81, lip 82 and the spaced relationship of blood inlet 83 and blood outlet 84. The second embodiment of a cuvette illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B is a preferred embodiment of the invention and may be disposable to eliminate the contamination of blood from one blood sample to the next. Cuvette 110 is an elongated hollow tube 112 having an oval-shaped cross-section as illustrated in FIG. 9B and which includes a necked-down portion 113 and 114 at the blood inlet 115 and blood outlet 116, respectively, thereby diverting the blood flow into the respective upper and lower halves of hollow tube 112 as shown in FIG. 9A. The Hollow tube section A shown in FIG. 9A is approximately 5.0" long, 1.0" wide (Dimension C), and each of inlet 115 and outlet 116 (dimension B) is approximately 1.0". FIG. 9B is a sectional view of the cuvette 110 taken along lines 117--117 of FIG. 9A. As illustrated in FIG. 9B, hollow tube 112 has inner spacing (dimension D) of approximately 0.85", an inner width of 0.837" (dimension E) and an outer width of approximately 0.96". With the above dimensions, hollow tube 112 has a diameter of approximately 0.0615 inches (dimension F-dimension E) at the outer wall portions and a diameter of approximately 0.075" at the end portions 120, 121, 122 and 123 (dimension C-dimension D). It is desirable that the HEMO-IRRADIATOR® apparatus of the present invention be capable of wide usage in different countries world wide and therefore it is advantageous that the power supply of the apparatus be capable of accepting both 110 and 220 volt power supply inputs and transform that voltage input to 110 volts AC, the voltage required to operate the apparatus of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art of power supplies will readily recognize that such power transformers are available for use in the present invention, such that no further description of their operation is necessary for the present invention to be practiced. The above description serves only to describe exemplary embodiments of the best mode of making the HEMO-IRRADIATOR® apparatus of the invention and to demonstrate the features and advantages of its construction and operation. The invention is not intended to be limited thereby, as those skilled in the hemo-irradiator art will readily perceive modifications of the above-described embodiments. Thus the invention is intended to be limited only by the following claims and the equivalents to which the claimed components thereof are entitled.
Ultraviolet (UV) blood irradiation apparatus for the in vitro irradiation of blood wherein an irradiation station receives blood and irradiates blood passing through the station and a substantially planar, tube-like, elliptically-shaped body made of a material that transmits UV wavelengths in the range of 2,000 and 12,000 angstroms and an input and an output port at opposite ends thereof for respectively inputing and outputing blood, respectively; a UV source generating a low heat output whereby the irradiation station does not require cooling; a peristaltic pump receiving blood from an animal or human and pumping it through the irradiation station and returning the blood to the animal or human after passage through the irradiation station; power control switches for respectively turning power on/off from a source of electric power, and electrically connected to the pump and the source for activating/deactivating the pump and the UV source, respectively; a housing in which the irradiation station, pump and power control switches are mounted and including a movable cover for covering and uncovering the pump and the irradiation station; and sensors for monitoring the UV intensity, pump motor speed, blood flow rate and inputing data representative thereof for controlling the apparatus.
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS [0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/784,032, filed Mar. 14, 2013. FIELD [0002] This invention pertains to a natural fungicide for edible and ornamental crops of the Musaceae family and particularly for bananas and plantain crops. This natural fungicide is also believed to be useful generally as a fungicide for plants that thrive in warm and moist environments that are vulnerable to fungal diseases. BACKGROUND [0003] Bananas ( Mussa spp) are one of the most important export products in Central America and elsewhere in the world. In banana and other related crops, fungi and bacteria can cause severe losses. [0004] One of the main plant pathology problems that limit the banana production in Central America is Black Sigatoka which is caused by the fungus Mycospharella fijiensis Morelet. This disease of Black Sigatoka produces rapid deterioration of the plant leaves, affecting plant growth by decreasing photosynthetic capacity and reducing fruit quality. [0005] Black Sigatoka is caused by the Ascomycete fungus, Mycosphaerella fijiensis, which is sexually and asexually produced during its life cycle. The asexual phase occurs early in the disease, in which a low number of conidiophores emerge from the stomata. The sexual phase produces a large number of ascospores, which are responsible for the spread of the disease by the wind. It can cause significant reductions in leaf area, yield losses of 50% or more and premature ripening, resulting in significant crop losses. [0006] Currently, the most commonly used fungicides used in treating Black Sigatoka are dithiocarbamate and chlorothalonil. These products act on leaf surfaces to form a layer to impede fungi penetration. Systemic fungicides such as benzimidazoles and triazoles are also used. [0007] It is highly desirable to use natural fungicides where possible to control fungi growth in plants since the natural fungicides are more environmentally friendly than conventional chemical fungicides and are preferred by both farmers and consumers. Since crops raised in warm, moist tropical environments are particularly subject to fungal growth, they require the application of substantial amounts of fungicides making the use of natural fungicides even more desirable. [0008] While spices and herbs have been used in the past to inhibit bacteria, yeast and mold in crops, no natural composition has heretofore been discovered or disclosed which is as effective as conventional chemicals in controlling fungal growth in edible and ornamental crops of the Musaceae family or generally in plants that thrive in warm and moist environments that are vulnerable to fungal diseases. Therefore, if natural fungicides that are as effective as conventional chemicals in controlling fungal growth in edible and ornamental crops of the Musaceae family or generally in plants that thrive in warm and moist environments that are vulnerable to fungal diseases could be found this would bring important environmental and safety advantages. SUMMARY [0009] Embodiments comprise a composition containing spice essential oils and extracts dispersed in palm olein (or less preferably other vegetable oils), preferably containing antioxidants that prevent rancidity, and preferably also including an emulsifier to keep the product shelf stable and to aid in dispersion when it is diluted with water before application. [0010] Embodiments of the natural fungicide may contain the following components: garlic oil preferably obtained by steam distillation of bulbs of garlic Allium sativum L. rosemary oil obtained by steam distillation of rosemary leaves, Rosmarinus officinalis L. thyme oil extracted from thyme, Thymus vulgaris. cinammon oil distilled from the cinnamon bark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum. a blend of Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) and Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) as an antioxidant. Other appropriate antioxidants can be used. polysorbate as an emulsifier. Other appropriate emulsifiers such as propylene glycol alginate can be used. xanthan gum as a suspension agent and emulsifier. [0018] Concentration (% by weight) in natural fungicide composition (before dilution for application): palm olein: about 70.0-80.0% emulsifier: about 10.0-20.0% garlic oil: about 2.0-5.0% rosemary oil: about 0.5-2.5% thyme oil: about 0.5-2.5% cinnamon oil: about 0.5-2.5% xanthan gum: less than about 1% antioxidant blend: about 0-0.5%. [0027] Optional ingredients: spearmint oil or natural flavor at an appropriate level to give the composition a pleasant odor. mineral oil at an appropriate level to act as a fungistatic agent. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0030] The following examples further illustrate embodiments of the invention but should not be construed as in any way limiting its scope. Field Trials [0031] Generally, commercial application of the natural fungicide embodiments will be by aerial spraying using aircraft or helicopters. Therefore, in this example, a natural fungicide composition in accordance with embodiments was applied on a field by nebulization, simulating aerial application. The natural fungicide used as a concentrate in this example contained, in percentages by weight: palm olein: 74.500 emulsifier: 20.000 garlic oil: 2.000 rosemary oil: 0.500 thyme oil: 0.500 cinnamon oil: 0.500 xanthan gum: 0.500 antioxidant blend: 0.250 spearmint oil: 1.250. [0041] Hydraulic sprayers were used to convert the composition (natural fungicide+water) into aqueous droplets. The concentrate blend was diluted in mineral oil before spraying at different concentration levels to deliver from 2 to 4 liters of the natural fungicide composition (concentrate blend) per hectare of banana plantation or 3.7 kg of the natural fungicide composition (concentrate blend) per hectare. [0042] After different trials, the optimal application level was found to be 4 liters per hectare with approximately 32 applications per year. It is currently believed that the application level per hectare based on actives should be about 2 to 5 It (1.8 to 9 kg) of the natural fungicide and about 2 to 7 liters of mineral oil per hectare. And, results can be optimized through synergistic action with systemic treatments and modifications to standard soil fertilization routines. [0043] In this example, the application of 2 to 4 liters of the natural fungicide composition (concentrate blend) per hectare of banana plantation or 3.7 kg of the natural fungicide composition (concentrate blend) per hectare substantially prevented the formation of germinative tubes of Black Sigatoka (i.e., leaf damage according to the Stover scale). It is expected that the total number of applications necessary will vary depending weather conditions (rain amount, temperature, etc.), during the growing stage of the fruit. Field Trial Results [0044] Fungicidal results were obtained by measuring leaf damage according to the Stover leaf damage severity scale, modified by Gauhl, on a scale of 0 to 6 obtained by applying the following compositions in an experimental banana plantation during 15 weeks: Application of natural fungicide composition described above. Application of recognized chemical protectant fungicide. Application of mineral oil. No treatment applied. [0049] At a concentration of 4 liter/hectare, the natural fungicide composition had results against Black Sigatoka fungus commensurate with the results obtained with a trusted chemical protectant fungicide, Dithane® 60SC, which is available from Dow Agrosciences (generic name of the active ingredient is mancozeb). The results for mineral oil alone were substantially inferior to those obtained with the natural fungicide and, in the absence of any treatment, the level of leaf damage was yet worse. [0050] The results thus indicate that the experimental natural composition performs as a protectant fungicide as effectively as conventional chemical fungicides. [0051] All references are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. [0052] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the ranges, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. The illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.
A method for treating Black Sigatoka fungus in crops of the Musaceae family by applying a fungicidal composition comprising garlic oil, rosemary oil, thyme oil and cinnamon oil.
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This invention relates to a method of improving recovery from hydrocarbon reservoirs, particularly naturally fractured reservoirs or reservoirs of carbonate-type rock. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Hydrocarbon recovery in naturally fractured reservoirs is typically very low. In medium to high-permeability naturally fractured carbonate reservoirs, in particular, oil recovery is often less than 15% of the calculated oil-in-place. In this case it is generally difficult to recover the oil from the matrix due to the easier flow path offered to the oil in the naturally fractures. Water flooding is often used to displace oil from the carbonate reservoir but again this is generally only effective in the presence of the higher permeability natural fractures. As many carbonate oil reservoirs are mixed or oil-wet, spontaneous imbibition of the water from the water flood does not improve recovery from the bypassed natural fractures and matrix portion of the reservoir. One of the basic problems lies in increasing the sweep efficiency of water flooding. Injected water typically finds the production wells quickly due to the channeling of the water through the high permeability natural fracture system, leaving behind the bulk of the hydrocarbon in the matrix. Even in cases where the imbibition or water flooding is successful, the process is very slow and/or water production or cycling very high. The process is hampered for example by mixed wettabilities. The first use of semi-permeable membranes to create osmotic pressure for oilfield application has been previously described in the co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,069,118. The patent describes the use of a chemical potential gradient or osmotic pressure gradient to remove fracturing fluid from an artificially created fracture and thereby increasing the effective length of the created fracture. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention proposes a method to facilitate and speed up the recovery of hydrocarbon that would otherwise stay trapped in the matrix blocks of a naturally fractured reservoir. Accordingly it is an aspect of the invention to deploy special additives that are injected during water flood operations and that force water into the matrix blocks to extract hydrocarbon into the fissure system. This would improve hydrocarbon recovery and reduce water cut. According to another aspect, the invention proposes the utilization of the process of osmosis to create an osmotic pressure gradient so that fluids will be forced to flow with a purpose of displacing unrecovered or previously unrecoverable hydrocarbon and producing it through a wellbore. The invention is partly based on the realization that semi-permeable or permeable membranes as for example described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,069,118 can facilitate not only the clean-up of fractures but could also increase the recovery rate of hydrocarbons from carbonate formations and/or assist water-flooding applications in subterranean reservoirs. According to a preferred variant of the invention there are provided methods to establish a chemical potential or solute concentration gradient in the naturally fractured formation. The chemical potential (or solute concentration) gradient can be much greater than the hydrostatic pressure gradient created by the injection of fluid into the injection wellbore. This differential pressure is sufficiently large so that fluid displacement (in this case water displacing oil in the pore space of the matrix) will occur resulting in the increased recovery of oil. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of first determining the in-situ properties of the fluids naturally present in the reservoir. The next step is to pump a fluid containing a membrane-forming material into the injection wellbore. The volumes to be pumped can be determined in each individual case with knowledge of the swept volume between the injection well and the producing wells. The membrane will provide a barrier between the water swept, higher permeability natural fractures and the matrix of the reservoir immediately adjacent to the natural fracture system. The next fluid pumped is a fluid with a low solute concentration (compared to the formation water in the matrix) to displace the water in the natural fracture leaving the membrane in place. As the low solute fluid is injected, the natural process of osmosis will take place due to the chemical potential gradient that will occur because of the differences in solute concentration between the water in the natural fracture and the water in the matrix. Additional details of this physico-chemical process can be found in the U.S. patent listed above and the several reference documents provided in the patent. In a preferred embodiment of the above aspects of the invention, steps of the new methods may be repeated several times for example to refresh the low solute fluid or to replenish or reestablish the semi-permeable membrane. These and other features of the invention, preferred embodiments and variants thereof, possible applications and advantages will become appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1A is a schematic view of a cross-section of a carbonate reservoir between a producer well and a water injector; FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of a part of the formation during or after a treatment in accordance with an example of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing steps in accordance with an example of the present invention; and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a matrix block to demonstrate the effectiveness of the novel treatment methods. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In one particular example of the invention, a naturally fractured carbonate formation 100 is undergoing waterflood. More particularly it is assumed in this example that water breakthrough as indicated by horizontally dashed area 101 has occurred between a water injector 110 and a producer well 111 as shown in FIG. 1A . The formation is shown as being highly fractured by fractures 102 . Bedding boundaries are shown as horizontal lines 103 . After understanding or estimating the volumetric conditions between the injector 110 and the producer 111 and knowledge of the physical properties of the water in the matrix of the formation 100 , a fluid system containing a membrane-forming material is pumped into the injector well 110 . The membrane 120 is allowed to form at the interface 121 of the natural fractures and the formation matrix before or while the fluid is displaced as shown in FIG. 1B . In FIG. 1B , there is shown a cross-section of a part of the formation, e.g. as matrix block as described in more detail hereinbelow. As the fluid carrying the membrane-forming additives fills the fractures and void around the block 120 , a membrane 122 is formed on the exposed surface 121 of the block 120 . The membrane forming results in a film or skin-like substance that is semi-permeable to water moving between the natural fracture and the matrix. The fluid is displaced from the natural fracture system with a low solute fluid so that the maximum chemical potential gradient could be established across the semi-permeable membrane. An example of the low solute fluid is freshwater or water that is only slightly contaminated with other soluble parts such as salt. Once this fluid is in place the osmotic pressure phenomena will spontaneously occur. The result will be that the parts of the low solute fluid in the natural fracture system will move across the semi-permeable membrane and displace the oil in the pore space of the matrix into the natural fracture system until the chemical potential gradient reaches equilibrium. This process is indicated by the arrows in FIG. 1B . Depending of the membrane material as described below, the oil may migrate through a membrane that is permeable to hydrocarbons or may leak through holes in the membrane. Upon reestablishing water injection at the injector well the oil displaced from the matrix into the natural fracture system will be pushed to the producer and can be recovered. The process of pumping water with low soluble content may be able to be repeated several times before having to replenish/reestablish the semi-permeable membrane. The result of the above steps which are summarized in the flowchart of FIG. 2 is likely to increase the percentage of original oil-in-place that can be recovered. In another example, the fluid injection step can be continuous with the addition of membrane-forming additives or fluid at a given time, followed by the low solute fluid, and alternating back and forth at given times when needed to replenish the semi-permeable membrane and extract more hydrocarbon from the matrix blocks. Monitoring of the production effluents by measuring flow rates, additives concentrations and other measurable operational parameters can be used to define the above injection sequence. Unlike more conventional enhanced oil recovery (EOR) treatments, the process described here has the advantage of limiting the volume of fluids pumped to reasonable amounts. In a conventional EOR process applied to a matrix treatment, the total volume of fluid pumped is proportional to the total pore volume of the reservoir. For example a reservoir with a volume of 10 million cubic meters (e.g. 1 km×500 m×20 m) and with a porosity of 25% has a total pore volume of 2.5 million cubic meters. The total amount of treatment to be injected in the reservoir will be typically equal to that amount multiplied by a factor greater than 1. Using a factor 2 for the purpose of illustrating this effect would thus require pumping 5 million m3 of treatment fluid in the reservoir. The invention described here takes full advantage of the very low contribution of the fracture network to the total porosity of the reservoir. Typical fracture porosity in sediment rock reservoirs (Carbonates and Sandstone) is 0.01% and in most cases less than 0.1%. Completely filling the natural fracture network in a 10 million cubic meters reservoir requires to inject typically 100,000 m3 of treatment fluid. That is 50 times less than for a conventional EOR treatment. It is anticipated that the invention will apply mostly to naturally fractured sediment reservoirs as opposed to fractured basement reservoirs. In fractured basement reservoirs, such as granite reservoirs, the matrix porosity is generally negligible and the fluids are contained in the fractures. The effectiveness of the osmotic membrane placed on the surface of all fractures in a naturally fractured sediment reservoir will be a function of the matrix block size as described in FIG. 3 . The matrix blocks are, by definition, limited by near vertical natural fracture planes and by near horizontal bedding boundaries on top and bottom as shown in FIG. 3 . The height of the matrix blocks is typically equal to the bed thickness B containing the matrix block. The width of the matrix blocks depends of the fracture density. A typical situation is to find conjugate fracture sets, i.e. one fracture set that is oriented mainly parallel to the direction of maximum field stress, and one fracture set more or less perpendicular to that direction. The fractures parallel to the maximum stress are called the “main fracture set”. The other fracture set is called the “associate fracture set”. The fractures of the main set tend to be more conductive to the flow than the fractures of the associate set unless they are cemented or partially cemented. The average matrix block size in a horizontal section is equal to the average distance D m between fractures of the main set, and the average distance D a between fractures of the associate set. It has been observed that D m and D a are generally strongly correlated to the bed thickness B with a simple proportional law: D m ≈k m B D a ≈k a B   [1] where the coefficients k m and k a depend on the mechanical properties of the rock. These coefficients typically take values in the range 1 to 2. Here 1.5 will be used for illustration. The fracture density expressed as the average number of fracture per unit length is equal to 1/D m for the main set and to 1/D a for the associate set. The fracture density expressed as the average number of fractures per unit area is equal to 2/(D m D a ). The fracture density expressed as the average number of fractures per unit volume is equal to 2/(B D m D a ). A highly fractured reservoir will typically contain 1 fracture per meter 2 fractures per square meter, or 2 fractures per cubic meter) or more. The matrix block volume is equal to B D m D a . The total surface area of the interface between the fractures and the rock matrix in the matrix block is equal to 2 B (D m +D a ). The effectiveness of the osmotic process will depend on several factors among which the surface/volume ratio R: R = 2 ⁢ B ⁡ ( D m + D a ) / ( BD m ⁢ D a ) = 2 ⁢ ( 1 D m + 1 D a ) [ 2 ] The number R is equal to twice the sum of the fracture densities for the two fracture sets expressed in fracture per unit length. The other factors influencing the effectiveness of the osmotic process are microscopic factors involving the permeability of the rock matrix near the fractures surfaces, the wettability of the pores and the nature of the fluids present inside the pores. The osmotic process will result in accelerating fluid exchanges between the rock matrix and the fractures. The average thickness X of rock near the fractures in which these exchanges will take place is a function of time t, as well as temperature, and the differential pressure between the matrix block and the fractures. The recovery factor achieved by the osmotic process at time t will be directly proportional to the product R X(t). R X(t) is a dimensionless number. Assuming that recovery is mainly governed by diffusion type mechanisms here, it is expected that X(t) will vary proportionally to the square root of time, i.e. X ( t )≈ C√{square root over (t)}   [3] where the constant C will be indicative of the speed of the fluid exchanges. The function C can be increased by the use of a combination of chemicals. For example, prior to the placement of the osmotic membrane in the fracture network, an acid treatment of the fracture faces is contemplated in order to decrease the “skin” between the fractures and the rock matrix. Further, surfactants can be injected into the fracture network in order to change the wettability of the rock from oil-wet to water-wet. When injecting fluids in natural fracture networks most of the fluids will tend to flow in the most conductive fractures. This can result in a very poor coverage of the treatment. The placement of the treating fluids (acid, surfactant, chemicals for the osmotic membrane) inside the fracture network can be rendered more uniform by using “diverting” agents such as fibers, shear thickening or shear gelling fluids, and visco-elastic fluids. Suitable chemical species to establish the Osmotic barrier around matrix blocks as described above can be found for example in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 6,069,118 which describes osmotic barriers for a different purpose. As described in the '118 patent, the effect of the nature of the chemical species on osmotic pressure is, in theory, irrelevant. In practice, the size and electrostatic charge of the particular chemical species will of course affect osmotic flow. The list of possible materials that can form a membrane suitable for the present invention is long. Yet the person skilled in the art of membrane chemistry, working in concert with one skilled in the art of reservoir engineering can select suitable candidates for the membrane material by following the general guidance provided in the present specification, by following the teachings in the art, and by following these specific guidelines. The following references are helpful in this regard and are hereby incorporated by reference into the present Application. H. P. Gregor and C. D. Gregor, Synthetic-Membrane Technology 239, Scientific American 112 (1978); R. Durbin, Osmotic Flow and Water Across Permeable Cellulose Membranes, 44 J. General Physiol. 315 (1960). Preferred membranes of the present invention should possess the following attributes. First, the membrane must be water-wettable. Second, the membrane material once in place, should comprise pore spaces of sufficient size to yield acceptable capillary pressures. Naturally, the membrane should be easy and cost-effective to establish. And of course, numerous more specific considerations, known to the one skilled in the arts to which this invention is directed, will direct the engineer or well operator to the optimal membrane candidate. The ideal membrane is one that is freely permeable to water, but impermeable to all solutes, and even more preferably permeable to oil in a reverse direction to the water. Numerous materials can be to establish the membrane of the present invention. Several membrane compositions suitable upon modification for use in accordance with the present invention include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,041,225, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,851,395 (both incorporated herein). In particular, the U.S. Pat. No. 4,851,394 discloses membranes comprised of polyhydroxy compounds. Both of these patents are incorporated by reference herein. Galactomannans crosslinked with boric acid, and cellulose acetate (commonly used in dialysis) can also form membranes suitable for use in the present invention. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the membrane is comprised of polyhydroxy compounds; in one particularly preferred embodiment, it is comprised of poly ethylene glycol. Other types of materials are also particularly suitable: e.g., J100 consisting of colloids/polymers; J126 consisting of aluminosilicate and fatty acid; J478, a starch polymer; J84, which is silica flower; and J418, silica flour all sold by Schlumberger Dowell as conventional fluid-loss additives, originally designed for a separate purpose, but nonetheless suitable for the present invention. The membrane of the present invention can also be prepared from inorganic materials. A copper hexacyanoferrate membrane can be formed either by sequential injection of solutions, or by the injection of one solution followed by the diffusion of the solute from a second solution. Copper sulfate and potassium ferrocyanide are known to react on contact to form a copper hexacyanoferrate membrane. In addition silicates can form membranes suitable for the present invention. In the foregoing description, for the purposes of illustration, various methods and/or procedures were described in a particular order. It should be appreciated that in alternate embodiments, the methods and/or procedures may be performed in an order different than that described. Hence, while detailed descriptions of one or more embodiments of the invention have been given above, various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art without varying from the spirit of the invention. Moreover, except where clearly inappropriate or otherwise expressly noted, it should be assumed that the features, devices and/or components of different embodiments may be substituted and/or combined. Thus, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.
A method of increasing the recovery of hydrocarbons from a highly fractured reservoir uses the steps of injecting into the reservoir a membrane-forming fluid to form a membrane over the surface of at least part of exposed formation, injecting into the reservoir a fluid to establish a chemical potential gradient across the membrane and letting fluid enter the formation across the membrane to increase the pressure inside the formation and to force additional hydrocarbon from the formation.
2
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention is in the field of electronic reproduction technology and is directed to a method for calibration of an optoelectronic scanner element of a scanner device for point-by-point and line-by-line scanning of image originals. The a scanner device, also referred to as scanner, can be a black-and-white scanner for scanning black-and-white image originals, or can be a color scanner for scanning chromatic image originals. Given a black-and-white scanner, a black-white image original is illuminated pixel-by-pixel by a light source and the scan light modulated by the brightnesses of the scanned pixels is converted with an optoelectronic converter into an image signal that represents the brightness values of the scanned image original between “black” and “white”. Given a color scanner, the scan light coming from the image original is first resolved with dichroitic filters into red, green and blue parts and is supplied to the three color channels of a color scanner. The chromatic light parts are then converted with optoelectronic transducers into three color signals that represent the color parts “red”, “green” and “blue” of the pixels scanned in the color original. The image signals or, color signals are further-processed in signal editing stages. The signal editing stages have a defined signal input range of which one corner value is referred to as a white level. The total range of an image original to be scanned is matched to the defined signal input range of the signal editing stages by a calibration of a black-and-white scanner or color scanner before the beginning of scanning, in that the scan light coming from the brightest location of the image original, the white point, is converted into an image signal value or, into a color signal value per color channel that corresponds to the white level. DE-A-25 45 961 has already disclosed a method for the automatic calibration of scanners. In a calibration phase, the color scanner element of a black-and-white scanner is positioned to the respective white point of the image original, and the scan light coming from the targeted white point is converted in the optoelectronic transducer into an actual image signal value. The actual image signal value is compared in a control unit to a rated image signal value that corresponds to the white level. A control signal modifies the gain of the optoelectronic transducer and/or of a following amplifier until the repetitive error is zero. The control signal value required for this purpose is stored for the duration of the original's scanning that follows the calibration phase. The control unit is expanded to the three color channels for the white balance given color scanners. The known method has the disadvantage that a corresponding white point on the image original to be reproduced must always be approached with the color scanner element in the calibration, this time-consuming and, particularly given repetitions of the a white balancing, being imprecise. Added thereto is that a brightest image location suitable as white point is often not present in a chromatic image original. EP-A-0 281 659 recites a further method for the calibration of scanners, whereby the repeated approach of a white point with the color scanner element on an image original to be reproduced is avoided. For that purpose, a light attenuation factor is determined by optoelectronic scanning of the white point in the initial white balancing. Given repetitions of the white balancing, the scan light coming from the white point is simulated by the light of the light source attenuated corresponding to the identified light attenuation factor without renewed scanning of the white point in the image original, whereby the light attenuation is undertaken with a controlled iris diaphragm. The known method is complicated and is based on a color-neutral density simulation, which is not always established in practice, and can therefore occasionally lead to unsatisfactory results. Further, no density simulation in the scanning of opaque originals is possible given the known method since the iris diaphragm is required for the correct setting of the depth of field. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve a method for the calibration of an optoelectronic scanner element of a scanner device for point-by-point and line-by-line scanning of image originals such that a calibration that can be implemented simply and in a short time is enabled. This object is achieved according to the invention by providing a method for calibration of an optoelectronic scanner element of the scanner device for point-by-point and line-by-line scanning of the image, originals. The image original is illuminated and the scan light modulated with densities of the scanned image original is converted into image values with a light/voltage transducer unit. The white level is prescribed. The calibration of the scanner element is undertaken by changing a gain of the light/voltage transducer unit such that the image value generated when scanning the brightest location of the image original, the white point, corresponds to the predetermined white level. The light/voltage transducer unit is charged with a calibration light. The transducer densities as a criterion for attenuation of the calibration light respectively simulated by the different gains are measured from the measured image values given different gains of the light/voltage transducer unit. The identified transducer densities are allocated to the corresponding gains as a transducer density table. Diaphragm densities as a criterion for the attenuation of the calibration light achieved with the respective scanned diaphragms are determined from the image values that were measured given different scan diaphragms in the calibration light. The identified diaphragm densities are allocated to the corresponding scan diaphragms as a diaphragm density table. A reference diaphragm on the corresponding reference diaphragm density are determined from the diaphragm density table. Calibration is implemented with the identified reference diaphragm by setting the gain of the light/voltage transducer unit such that the image value acquired with the calibration light attenuated by the reference diaphragm corresponds to the predetermined white level. The reference transducer density belonging to the gain that has been set is determined from the transducer density table. The scan diaphragm for scanning the image original and the corresponding diaphragm density are determined from the diaphragm density table. An overall density is calculated from the reference diaphragm density, the reference transducer density, the diaphragm density of the scan diaphragm, and from the density of the white point of the image original. A gain of the light/voltage transducer unit that is allocated in the transducer density table to that transducer density that corresponds to the calculated overall density is determined. The gain that has been determined is set at the light/voltage transducer unit for scanning the image original. The calibration method of the invention is composed of device-specific and master-specific steps. In the device-specific steps, the characteristic of the light/voltage transducer unit is first registered, and the densities of the scan diaphragms and gray filters are identified and stored in the form of value tables. Subsequently, a device-specific, automatic calibration occurs. The device-specific steps need only be advantageously implemented at great time intervals or given a replacement of component parts in the scanner devices. In the master-specific steps, the required gain of the light/voltage transducer unit is automatically identified merely from the previously stored value tables and the respective white point density of the image master to be scanned and is set at the light/voltage transducer means. The preparation time for the originals' scanning is significantly shortened as a result of the calibration method and the operator is relieved of routine calibration jobs. The invention is explained in greater detail below with reference to the example of a black-and-white scanner on the basis of the drawing figure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The drawing FIGURE shows a schematic block circuit diagram of a black-and-white scanner with a calibration unit. An image original ( 2 ) in the form of an opaque or transparency image original that is scanner point-by-point and line-by-line by an optoelectronic scanner element ( 3 ) is mounted on a scanner drum ( 1 ) composed of transparent glass that is only shown excerpted. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS For point-by-point illumination of the transparency image original ( 23 ), a transparency illumination unit ( 4 ) having a light source ( 5 ) and a lens ( 6 ) is arranged in the inside of the scanner drum ( 2 ). For a point-by-point illumination of the opaque image original ( 2 ), an opaque illumination unit ( 7 ) having, for example, two light sources ( 8 ) and two lenses ( 9 ) is located in the optoelectronic scanner element ( 3 ). The scan light allowed to pass by the transparency image original ( 2 ) or reflected by the opaque image original ( 2 ), and which is modulated according to the brightnesses of the picture elements scanned in the image original ( 2 ), proceeds via lens 161 into the scanner element ( 3 ). Therein, the scan light is focused with a scanner objective ( 10 ) onto one of the scanner diaphragms ( 11 ) of a rotatable diaphragm wheel ( 12 ). The diaphragm wheel ( 12 ) comprises a plurality of scanner diaphragms ( 11 ) having different diameters. One criterion for the light attenuation achieved with a scanner diaphragm ( 11 ) is the diaphragm density D B . The diaphragm wheel ( 12 ) is followed by a rotatable filter wheel ( 13 ) having a plurality of gray filters ( 14 ) of different strength. One criterion for the light attenuation achieved with a gray filter ( 14 ) is the gray filter density D G . The diaphragm wheel ( 12 ) is positioned by a diaphragm wheel drive ( 15 ) and the filter wheel ( 13 ) is positioned by a filter wheel drive ( 16 ) such that a scanner diaphragm ( 11 ) of the diaphragm wheel ( 12 ) respectively selected according to the desired light attenuation and, potentially, a gray filter ( 14 ) of the filter wheel ( 13 ) in addition are positioned in the beam path of the scan light. Diaphragm wheel drive ( 15 ) and filter wheel drive ( 16 ) are driven by control signals S B and S G on lines ( 18 , 19 ). Via, for example, a collimation optics ( 17 ); the scan line proceeds onto a light/voltage transducer unit ( 20 , 21 , 22 ) that is composed of a photo multiplier ( 20 ), a following current/voltage converter ( 21 ) and a high-voltage generator ( 22 ) in the exemplary embodiment. The gain of the photo multiplier ( 20 ) is set via the high-voltage U H that is generated in the high-voltage generator ( 22 ). The high-voltage generator ( 22 ) is controlled by control signal values S H on a line ( 23 ) that, thus, determine the gain of the photo multiplier ( 20 ) via the high-voltage U H . The current/voltage converter ( 21 ) generates analog voltage values U B from the output current of the photo multiplier ( 20 ), said analog voltage values U B being converted in a following A/D converter ( 24 ) into digital voltage values U* B . The A/D converter ( 24 ) is followed by a switchover unit ( 25 ) having the switch positions “calibration” and “scanning”. During the calibration of the black-and-white scanner, the scanner element ( 3 ) is positioned outside the image original ( 2 ) on the transparent glass of the scanner drum ( 1 ). In this position of the scan element ( 3 ), the unmodulated light generated by the light source ( 5 ) of the transparency illumination unit ( 4 ) proceeds directly as calibration light into the scanner element ( 3 ). The calibration light is attenuated in the scanner element ( 3 ) by a selected scanner diaphragm ( 11 ) of the diaphragm wheel ( 12 ) and, potentially, is additionally attenuated by a selected gray filter ( 14 ) of the filter wheel ( 13 ). The digital voltage values U* B generated by the attenuated calibration light given different gains of the light/voltage transducer unit ( 20 , 21 , 22 ) are supplied to a calculating stage ( 27 ) in a calibration unit ( 28 ) via the switchover unit ( 25 ) in the switch position “calibration” and via a line ( 26 ). The calculating stage ( 27 ) has an interactive connection to a high-voltage density table memory ( 29 ), with a diaphragm density table memory ( 30 ) and with a gray filter density table memory ( 31 ). The calibration unit ( 28 ) also comprises a digital comparator ( 32 ) for comparing actual voltage values to a rated voltage value, comprises a control signal generator ( 33 ) with a following D/A converter ( 34 ) for generating the control signal values S H for the high-voltage generator ( 22 ) and also comprises a central controller ( 35 ). The central controller ( 35 ) has an interactive connection via a line ( 36 ) with the calculating stage ( 27 ) and with the control signal generator ( 33 ) via a line ( 37 ). The central controller ( 35 ) also generates the control signals S B and S G for the diaphragm wheel drive ( 15 ) and the filter wheel drive ( 16 ) on the lines ( 18 , 19 ). During the originals' scanning, the switchover means ( 25 ) is in the switch position “scan” in which the digital voltage values U* B acquired by point-by-point and line-by-line scanning of the image original ( 2 ) are stored in an image store ( 38 ) of an image processing stage ( 39 ) as digital image values for further-processing. The image processing stage ( 39 ) also comprises an originals' analysis unit ( 40 ) that communicates with the image store ( 38 ). The density D W of the white point, the brightest location in the image master ( 2 ), is determined in the originals' analysis unit ( 40 ) from the image values U* B of the image original ( 2 ) stored in the image store ( 38 ). The white point density D W , also called calibration value, is supplied to the calculating stage ( 27 ) in the calibration unit ( 28 ) via a line ( 41 ). Given a color scanner, a color splitter is additionally located in the scanner element, said color splitter resolving the chromatic scan light coming from the scanned, chromatic color original ( 2 ) into the three color parts “red” (R), “green” (G) and “blue” (B) and supplying them to three separate color channels. The three color channels each comprise a light/voltage transducer unit ( 20 , 21 , 22 ), an A/D converter ( 24 ) and a switchover means ( 25 ). The three color values R, G and B that are optionally supplied to the common image processing stage ( 39 ) or to a respective calibration unit ( 28 ) allocated to each and every color channel are generated as digital voltage values U* B in the three color channels. The inventive method for calibrating an optoelectronic scanner device is set forth in greater detail below, again with reference to the example of a black-and-white scanner on the basis of method steps [A] through [G]. Given a color scanner, the method is analogously applied to each of the three color channels. In a method step [A], a characteristic transducer characteristic D H =f (S H ) is determined for the light/voltage transducer unit ( 20 , 21 , 22 ) in that, first, the relationship between a plurality of control signal values S H for the high-voltage setting and the voltage values U* B measured at the output of the light/voltage transducer unit ( 20 , 21 , 22 ) is determined and then what is referred to as high-voltage densities D H are then calculated from the measured voltage values U* B . In a certain sense, the high-voltage densities D H are a criterion for a light attenuation simulated via the gain of the light/voltage transducer unit ( 20 , 21 , 22 ). For implementation of method step [A], the scanner element ( 3 ) is first positioned outside the image original ( 2 ) on the transparent glass of the scanner drum ( 1 ), so that the light of the light source ( 5 ) proceeds into the scanner element ( 3 ) as calibration light. Moreover, a suitable scan diaphragm ( 11 ) of the diaphragm wheel ( 12 ) is selected and pivoted into the beam path of the calibration light by turning the diaphragm wheel ( 12 ) with the diaphragm drive ( 15 ). The scan diaphragm ( 11 ) is selected such that the calibration light coming from the light source ( 5 ) and attenuated by the scan diaphragm ( 11 ) causes no over-modulation of the light/voltage transducer unit ( 20 , 21 , 22 ) or, respectively, of the following A/D converter ( 24 ). On the other hand, the light attenuation dare only be so strong that the measured voltage values U* B at the output of the light/voltage transducer unit ( 20 , 21 , 22 ) still allow an exact measured result. After this, the control signal generator ( 33 ) successively calls control signal values S H that decrease in graduated fashion and that are converted in the high-voltage generator ( 22 ) into a corresponding plurality of decreasing high-voltage values U H . For example, the control signal values S H from 4000 through 0 are called, these then being converted into the high-voltage values U H from 800 V through 300 V of the high-voltage range. The voltage values U* B measured for the individual high-voltage values U H are supplied via the line ( 26 ) to the calculating stage ( 27 ) wherein the corresponding high-voltage densities D H are then calculated for the transducer characteristic D H =f (S H ). In the calculation of the high-voltage densities D H , the high-voltage density D H allocated to the maximum control signal value S Hmax is set to zero, and the high-voltage densities D H for the decreasing control signal values S H are then calculated as a respective logarithmized quotient from a currently measured voltage value U* B(n+1) and from the previously measured voltage value U* B(n) , being calculated according to equation [1].   D H(n) =log U* B(n+1) /U* B(n)   [1] When the measured voltage values U* B nonetheless become to small in the determination of the high-voltage densities D h , the previously selected scan diaphragm ( 11 ) of the diaphragm wheel ( 12 ) can be enlarged during the ongoing calculations. In this case, the first high-voltage density D H calculated with the enlarged scan diaphragm ( 11 ) is again set to zero and one then proceeds as described. The offset that has arisen due to the renewed resetting must be compensated in the determination of the ultimate transducer characteristic D H =f(S H ). The high-voltage densities D H calculated in the calculating stage ( 27 ) are deposited in the high-voltage density table memory ( 29 ) of the calibration unit ( 28 ) as value table D H =f(S H ) for further employment, being addressable by the corresponding control signal values S H . An example of such a value table D H =f(S H ) for a black-and-white scanner or for one color channel of a color scanner is reproduced below. Control Signal High-Voltage Values S H Density D H 4000 0.00 3800 0.11 3600 0.21 3400 0.32 3200 0.42 3000 0.53 2800 0.63 2600 0.74 2400 0.84 2200 0.95 2000 1.05 1800 1.16 1600 1.26 1400 1.37 1200 1.47 1000 1.58 800 1.68 600 1.79 400 1.89 200 2.00 0 2.10 In a method step [B], the diaphragm density D B for each scan diaphragm ( 11 ) of the diaphragm wheel ( 12 ) is determined in the form of a diaphragm density table for the light attenuation achieved with the corresponding scan diaphragm ( 11 ). For implementation of method step [B], the scan element ( 3 ) is again positioned on the transparent glass of the scan drum ( 1 ), so that the light of the light source ( 5 ) again proceeds into the scanner element ( 3 ) as calibration light. Moreover, a high-voltage value U H that effect a gain of the light/voltage transducer unit ( 20 , 21 , 22 ) suitable for the acceptance of the diaphragm density table is set via a control signal value S A generated in the control signal generator ( 33 ). Subsequently, the individual scan diaphragms ( 11 ) of the diaphragm wheel ( 12 ) that are identified by diaphragm numbers are successively pivoted into the beam path of the calibration light by turning the diaphragm wheel ( 12 ) with the assistance of the diaphragm wheel drive ( 15 ). The gray filter ( 14 ) of the filter wheel ( 13 ) is selected such that no over-modulation of the light/voltage transducer unit ( 20 , 21 , 22 ) occurs. The calibration light attenuated in this way is converted in the light/voltage transducer unit ( 20 , 21 , 22 ) into voltage values U* B that are supplied via the line ( 26 ) to the calculating stage ( 27 ). The diaphragm density table is determined in the calculating stage ( 27 ). To that end, the diaphragm density D B of the scan diaphragm ( 11 ) having the largest diaphragm aperture is set to zero, and the other diaphragm densities D B are respectively calculated as a logarithmized quotient from the currently measured voltage value U* B(n+1) and from the previously measured voltage value U* B(n) , being calculated according to equation [2], and the diaphragm numbers of the corresponding scan diaphragms ( 11 ) are allocated to the calculated diaphragm densities D B. D B(n) =log U* B(n+1) /U* B(n)   [2] The diaphragm densities D B of the scan diaphragms ( 11 ) calculated in the calculating stage ( 27 ) are deposited for further employment in the diaphragm density table memory ( 30 ) of the calibration unit ( 28 ) as a diaphragm density table D B =f (diaphragm number) addressable by the corresponding diaphragm numbers of the scan diaphragms ( 11 ). An example of a diaphragm density table for a black-and-white scanner or for one color channel of a color scanner is reproduced below. Diaphragm No. Diaphragm Density D B 1 3.2041 2 3.0706 3 2.9371 4 2.8036 5 2.6701 6 2.5366 7 2,4031 8 2,2696 9 2.1361 10 2.0026 11 1.8691 13 1.6021 14 1.4686 15 1.3350 16 1.2015 17 1.0680 18 0.9345 19 0.8010 20 0.6675 21 0.5340 22 0.4005 23 0.2670 24 0.1335 25 0.0000 In a method step [C], the gray filter density D G is determined in the form of a gray filter density table for each gray filter ( 14 ) of the filter wheel ( 13 ) as a criterion for the light attenuation achieved with the corresponding gray filter ( 14 ). Method step [C] is executed fundamentally as described under method step [B]. The individual gray filters ( 14 ) of the filter wheel ( 13 ) identified by filter numbers are pivoted into the beam path of the calibration light by turning the filter wheel ( 13 ) with the assistance of the gray filter drive ( 16 ). The scan diaphragm ( 11 ) is selected such that no over-modulation of the light/voltage transducer unit ( 20 , 21 , 22 ) occurs. The calibration light attenuated in this way is converted in the light/voltage transducer unit ( 20 , 21 , 22 ) into voltage values U* B that are likewise supplied via the line ( 26 ) to the calculating stage ( 27 ). The gray filter density table is determined in the calculating stage ( 27 ). For that purpose the gray filter density D G of the gray filter ( 14 ) having the lowest light attenuation factor is set to zero, and the other gray filter densities D G are likewise respectively calculated as a logarithmized quotient from the currently measured voltage value U*8 B(n+1) and from the previously measured voltage value U* B(n) , being calculated according to equation [3], and the filter numbers of the corresponding gray filters ( 14 ) are allocated to the calculated gray filter densities D G . D G(n) =log U* B(n+1) /U* B(n)   [3] The gray filter densities D GF calculated in the calculating stage ( 27 ) are deposited for further employment in the gray filter density table memory ( 31 ) of the calibration unit ( 28 ) as gray filter table D G =f (filter number) addressable by the corresponding filter identification numbers of the gray filters ( 14 ). An example of a gray filter density table for a black-and-white scanner or for one color channel of a color scanner is reproduced below. Filter No. Gray Filter Density D G 1 0.0000 2 0.3000 3 0.6000 4 0.9000 5 1.2000 6 1.5000 7 1.8000 8 2.1000 After the calculation of the three density tables, a scan diaphragm ( 11 ) of the diaphragm wheel ( 12 ) to be employed as the reference diaphragm and the corresponding reference diaphragm density D RB of the reference diaphragm from the diaphragm density table for the device-specific calibration of the light/voltage transducer unit ( 20 , 21 , 22 ) are determined in a method step [D]. For the implementation of method step [D], a minimum high-voltage value U H that effects a gain of the light/voltage transducer unit ( 20 , 21 , 22 ) suitable for the determination of the reference diaphragm is set via a control signal value S H generated in the control signal generator ( 33 ). Moreover, it is also seen to that no gray filter ( 14 ) of the filter wheel ( 13 ) is positioned in the beam path of the calibration light. The individual scan diaphragms ( 11 ) of the diaphragm wheel ( 12 ) are then successively pivoted in with the diaphragm wheel drive ( 18 ), and the corresponding voltage values U* B are measured and evaluated. Given a black-and-white scanner, that scan diaphragm ( 11 ) having the largest diaphragm aperture that still just supplies a voltage value U* B lying below a limit voltage value U G is selected as a reference diaphragm. Expediently, the predetermined white level U W is selected as a limit voltage value U G . The reference diaphragm density D RB belonging to the selected reference diaphragm is taken from the diaphragm density table deposited in the diaphragm density table memory ( 30 ) and is correspondingly marked therein. When, for example, the scan diaphragm ( 11 ) having diaphragm number “8” is selected as the reference diaphragm, this has the reference diaphragm density D RB =2.2696. Given a color scanner, that scan diaphragm ( 11 ) that supplies a voltage value U* B lying below the limit voltage value U G in all three color channels is selected as the reference diaphragm. In a method step [E], the device-specific calibration of the light/voltage transducer unit ( 20 , 21 , 22 ) to a predetermined voltage level, preferably to the predetermined white level U W , given positioning of the scanner element ( 3 ) on the transparent glass of the scanner drum ( 1 ) is then implemented with the reference diaphragm ( 11 ) identified in method step [D] and without interposition of a gray filter ( 14 ). In the device-specific calibration, the calibration light attenuated by the reference diaphragm ( 11 ) that has been set proceeds onto the light/voltage transducer unit ( 20 , 21 , 22 ) that converts the attenuated calibration light into a voltage value U* B as current actual voltage value U IST for a control. The respective actual voltage value U IST proceeds via the switchover unit ( 25 ) in the switch position “calibration” and via the line ( 26 ) onto a first input of the digital comparator ( 32 ). The respectively current actual voltage value U IST is compared in the digital comparator ( 32 ) to the predetermined white level U W present at a second input of the digital comparator ( 21 ) as rated voltage value U SOLL . Dependent on the current comparison result achieved in the digital comparator ( 32 ), which is supplied via a line ( 42 ) to the control signal generator ( 33 ), the control signal generator ( 33 ) generates increasing or decreasing control signal values S H . The increasing or decreasing control signal values S H , increase or reduce the gain of the photo multiplier ( 20 ) via the high-voltage values U H and, thus, the actual voltage value U IST until this corresponds to the rated voltage value U SOLL and the control signal generator ( 33 ) is turned off. The gain of the photo multiplier ( 20 ) required for the coincidence between actual voltage value U IST and predetermined white level U W is kept constant by storing the corresponding reference control signal value S RH in the control signal generator ( 33 ). What the device-specific calibration achieves is that the predetermined white level U W is always achieved at the output of the light/voltage transducermeans ( 20 , 21 , 22 ) when scanning on the transparent glass of the scanner drum ( 1 ) with the reference diaphragm ( 11 ). At the end of the device-specific calibration, moreover, the reference high-voltage density D RH previously calculated for the stored reference control signal value S RH is also determined from the deposited high-voltage density table and, together with the corresponding reference control signal value S RH , is stored in the calculating stage ( 27 ) for further employment. When, for example, the identified reference control signal value S RH amounts to 400, the reference high-voltage density DRH=1.89 is taken from the high-voltage density table for this. The device-specific calibration according to method steps [A] through [E] need only be repeated at large time intervals or when components are replaced, for example given replacement of a light source or of the photo multiplier. The subsequent setting of the gain of the light/voltage transducer unit ( 20 , 21 , 22 ) according to method steps [F] and [G], by contrast, is dependent on the original and must therefore be implemented given every new image original ( 2 ) to be scanned. In method step [F], the required scan diaphragm ( 11 ) for scanning the image original ( 2 ) and the required control signal value S H for the high-voltage generator ( 22 ) are determined for a second, master-dependent calibration of the light/voltage transducer unit ( 20 , 21 , 22 ). The selection of the required scan diaphragm ( 11 ) of the diaphragm wheel ( 12 ) occurs according to the desired scan resolution in a fine scanning or a rough scanning of the image original ( 2 ). At the same time, the diaphragm density D B of the selected scan diaphragm ( 11 ) is taken from the stored diaphragm density table. Among other things, the density D W of the white point of the image original ( 2 ) to be respectively scanned is required for determining the required control signal value S H of the high-voltage generator ( 22 ) of the light/voltage transducer unit ( 20 , 21 , 22 ). The white point density D W can be previously determined with a separate job preparation device or with the scanner device. The white point density D W can be determined by manual, densimetric measuring of the white point of the image original ( 2 ) with the scanner element ( 3 ) or on the basis of an automatic analysis of the image scope of the image original ( 2 ) on the basis of the image values U* B acquired by point-by-point and line-by-line scanning of the image original ( 2 ). For automatic analysis of the image scope, the scanner element ( 3 ) first scans the image original ( 2 ) point-by-point and line-by-line. The image value is thereby acquired are stored in the image store ( 38 ) of the image processing means ( 39 ) via the switchover means ( 25 ) in the switch position “scan”. The white point density D W of the image original ( 2 ) is determined in the originals' analysis unit ( 40 ) on the basis of the image values U* B deposited in the image store ( 38 ) and is forwarded to the calculating stage ( 27 ) in the calibration unit ( 28 ) via the line ( 41 ). The originals' analysis can occur, for example, according to DE-A-43 09 879. The image values U* B for the originals' analysis can be acquired by a fine scanning (fine scan) or by a rough scanning (pre-scan or rough scan) of the image original ( 2 ). Given fine scanning, the image original ( 2 ) is scanned with the scan resolution required for the reproduction; in the rough scanning, it is scanned with a correspondingly coarser scan resolution and with a scan diaphragm that is enlarged compared to the normal scan diaphragm. The calculation of the control signal value S H to be set ensues as follows after the determination of the white point density D W of the image original ( 2 ). First, the diaphragm density difference ΔD B between the reference diaphragm density D RB of the reference diaphragm identified in method step [D] and the diaphragm density D B of the scan diaphragm selected for the rough scanning or fine scanning is determined according to equation [4]. Δ D B =( D RB −D B )  [4] An overall density D GS is calculated according to equation [5] from the identified diaphragm density difference ΔD B , the white point density D W , the reference high voltage density D RH determined in the first calibration in method step [E] and an offset density D O that takes potential fluctuations of the light intensity of the light source ( 5 ) into consideration. D GS =ΔD B +D RH −D W −D O   [5] Denoting in equation [5] are: D GS =overall density ΔD B =diaphragm density difference D RH =reference high-voltage density D W =white point density D O =offset density. The offset density D O , which is a criterion for the deviation of the light intensity of the light source ( 5 ) from a rated value, is determined, for example, via a control measurement on transparent glass and need be updated only at greater time intervals, for example when replacing the light source or the scanner drum. When the master-dependent gain setting is to be implemented for a fine scanning of the image original ( 2 ), the white point density D W determined in the analysis of the original is inserted into equation [5]. When the master-dependent gain setting is to be implemented for a rough scanning for the purpose of an analysis of the original, the white point density D W =0 is inserted into equation [5] since the white point density D W of the image original ( 2 ) is still unknown. After the calculation of the overall density D GS as calibration density for the master-related gain setting, the control signal value S H that is allocated to that high-voltage density D H that corresponds in terms of value to the calculated overall density D GS is marked in the deposited high-voltage density table D H =f(S H ). The marked control signal value S H is then employed for setting the gain of the a light/voltage transducer unit ( 20 , 21 , 22 ). When the calculated overall density D GS happens to lie outside the value range of the high-voltage densities D H of the high-voltage density table, a gray filter ( 14 ) of the filter wheel ( 13 ) is pivoted in in order to reduce the overall density D GS such that it lies within the value range of the high-voltage densities D H . The required minimum gray filter density D Gmin is calculated according to equation [6], being calculated from the diaphragm density difference ΔD B , the white point density D W of the image original ( 2 ) and from the maximum high-voltage density D Hmax in the high-voltage density table. D Gmin =D GS −D Hmax   [6] The gray filter density D G of a gray filter ( 14 ) coming closest to the calculated gray filter density D Gmin is taken from the gray filter density table and the corresponding filter number of the gray filter ( 14 ) to be employed is identified. The reduced overall density G* DS then derives according to equation [7]. D* GS =D GS −D G   [7] Denoting in equation [7] are: D* GS =reduced overall density D GS =calculated overall density D G =gray filter density of the employed gray filter. When the desired values cannot be directly taken from the value tables, they can be calculated from the values present in the value tables on the basis of a simple linear interpolation calculation. After the determination of the setting parameters, the master-related setting of the gain of the light/voltage transducer unit ( 20 , 21 , 22 ) occurs in the final method step [G], to which end, dependent on whether a fine scanning or a rough scanning of the image original ( 2 ) is to occur, the required scan diaphragm ( 11 ) and, potentially, the required gray filter ( 14 ) must be brought into the beam path of the scan light and the correspondingly calculated setting parameters must be set. In conclusion, the invention shall be illustrated with reference to two examples. EXAMPLE 1 When the scan diaphragm having the diaphragm number “5” is selected, the corresponding diaphragm density D B =2.6701 derives from the diaphragm density table. When the scan diaphragm having the diaphragm number “8” was determined as the reference diaphragm, the reference diaphragm density D RB =2.2696 derives from the diaphragm density table. The diaphragm density difference ΔD B =(D RB −D B )=2.2696−2.6701=−0.4005 is obtained from equation [4]. When it is also assumed that a reference control signal value S RH =400 is found in the device-specific calibration and the reference high-voltage density D RH =1.89 was taken therefor in the high-voltage density table and that a white point density D W =0.2000 and an offset density D O =0.0700 were found, the overall density results as D GS =ΔD B +D RH −D W −D O =−0.4005+1.8900−0.2000−0.0700=1.2195 according to equation [5]. The calculated overall density D GS lies within the value table, and no additional light attenuation is required, so that the gray filter ( 14 ) having the filter number “1 ” and the gray filter density D G −0.0000 is selected. The required control signal value S H =1681 is then determined for the calculated overall density D GS by interpolation from the high-voltage density table. EXAMPLE 2 When the scan diaphragm with the diaphragm number “15” is selected, the corresponding diaphragm density D B =1.3350 derives from the diaphragm density table. When the scan diaphragm having the diaphragm number “8” was again determined as the reference diaphragm, the referenced diaphragm density D RB =2.2696 derives from the diaphragm density table. The diaphragm density difference ΔD B =(D RB −D B )=2.2696−1.3350=0.9346 is obtained from equation [4]. When it is again assumed that a reference control signal value S RH =400 was identified in the device-specific calibration and the reference high-voltage density D RH =1.89 was taken therefor in the high-voltage density table and that a white point density D W =0.2000 and an offset density D O =0.0700 were identified, the overall density derives as D GS =ΔD B +D RH −D W −D O =0.9346+1.8900−0.0200−0.0700=2.5546 according to equation [5]. This time, the calculated overall density D GS =2.5546 lies outside the value range of the high-voltage density table, so that a gray filter must be employed for reducing the density. In this case, a minimum gray filter density D Gmin =D GS −D max =2.5546−2.1000=0.4546 is calculated according to equation [6] with D Hmax =2.1000. The gray filter having the filter number “3” and the gray filter density D G =0.6000 is then selected from the gray filter density table. According to equation [7], the reduced overall density then derives as D* GS =D GS −D G =2.5546−0.6000=1.9546 and the corresponding control signal value is approximately S H =283. Although various minor changes and modifications might be proposed by those skilled in the art, it will be understood that our wish is to include within the claims of the patent warranted hereon all such changes and modifications as reasonably come within our contribution to the art.
In a process for calibrating an optoelectronic scanning member of a scanner which scans an image point by point and line by line and converts the modulated scanning light into image values in a light/voltage converter, converter densities are first determined and stored as a converter density table depending on different degrees of amplification of the light/voltage converter. The densities of the scanning diaphragms and grey filters used are also determined and stored as diaphragm density and grey filter density tables. A scanner-specific calibration is carried out with a reference diaphragm by adjusting the degree of amplification so that the image value corresponds to a predetermined white level. When a document-specific calibration is later carried out, the required amplification is automatically determined from the stored density tables and the white point density of the document in question. The light/voltage converter is then adjusted accordingly. This calibrating process considerably shortens the time of preparation required for scanning a document and discharges the operator from routine calibration tasks.
7
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/326,516, filed on Apr. 22, 2016, and 62/376,656, filed on Aug. 18, 2016, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all that they disclose. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates to vehicle suspension systems in general and more specifically to modified vehicle suspension systems of the type commonly used in converting vehicles for wheelchair use. BACKGROUND [0003] Systems for converting vehicles for wheelchair use are well-known in the art and usually involve a wide range of additions and modifications to allow persons with limited mobility to more easily gain access to and/or operate such converted vehicles. For example, such vehicles are typically modified to include deployable ramp systems to allow persons in wheeled assistance devices, such as wheelchairs, scooters, and the like to enter the vehicles, either to operate the vehicles or to ride along. In addition, it is often necessary to modify the vehicle suspension systems to provide the additional space or clearance required by the deployable ramp systems. If carefully designed, the suspension system modifications may also allow for an increase in the flat floor area within the modified vehicles, thereby providing additional space with the modified vehicles for maneuvering the wheeled assistance devices. [0004] While a wide variety of suspension system modifications have been developed and used for such purposes, newer vehicle suspension systems continue to pose additional challenges in modifying the suspension systems to provide the desired benefits. Moreover, it is also desirable to reuse as many components of the stock suspension system as possible. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] One embodiment of a method of mounting to an A-arm suspension system a wheel spindle configured for use with a multi-link suspension system may involve the steps of: Removing at least one suspension link mount on the wheel spindle; mounting a ball joint bracket to the wheel spindle, the ball joint bracket being configured to mount to the A-arm suspension system, the removing and mounting steps producing a modified wheel spindle; and mounting the modified wheel spindle to the A-arm suspension system. [0006] Also disclosed is a ball joint bracket having a spindle plate with an upper end and a lower end. A ball joint plate extends generally outwardly from the lower end of the spindle plate. A gusset plate extends between the spindle plate and the ball joint plate. [0007] An A-arm suspension system according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a frame that defines respective left and right rear body mounting locations at about a rear end of the frame and respective left and right front body mounting locations at about a front end of the frame. A right side control arm is pivotally mounted to a right side of said frame so that at least a portion of the right side control arm is generally aligned with the right front body mounting location on the frame. A right side A-arm is pivotally mounted to the right side of the frame assembly in generally spaced-apart relation to the right side control arm so that the right side control arm and the right side A-arm define a right side ball joint axis. A left side control arm is pivotally mounted to a left side of the frame so that at least a portion of the left side control arm is generally aligned with the left front body mounting location on the frame. A left side A-arm is pivotally mounted to the left side of the frame in generally spaced-apart relation to the left side control arm so that the left side control arm and the left side A-arm define a left side ball joint axis. A right side wheel spindle assembly is mounted to the right side control arm and the right side A-arm. A left side wheel spindle assembly is mounted to the left side control arm and the left side A-arm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0008] Illustrative and presently preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings in which: [0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the right front of an A-arm suspension system and wheel spindle assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention; [0010] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an OEM multi-link suspension system showing the arrangement of a right-hand side wheel spindle suspension assembly; [0011] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view from the right front of the right-hand side wheel spindle suspension assembly illustrated in FIG. 2 ; [0012] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view from the front of a modified left side spindle and ball joint bracket assembly shown mounted to the lower A-arm and upper control arm of the A-arm suspension assembly; [0013] FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view in elevation of the modified left side spindle and ball joint bracket assembly illustrated in FIG. 4 showing the alignment of the relocated toe mount and ball joint axis; [0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an unmodified OEM left side wheel spindle assembly; [0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a left side wheel spindle assembly of FIG. 6 but with the lower suspension link mounts removed and also showing the relocated toe link mount; [0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a left side ball joint bracket; [0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view from the right rear of the A-arm suspension system illustrated in FIG. 1 ; [0018] FIG. 10 is a rear view in elevation of a portion of the A-arm suspension system illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 9 showing the left side suspension and spindle assembly; and [0019] FIG. 11 is a is a top view of a portion of the A-arm suspension system of FIG. 1 showing the right side suspension and spindle assembly and with overlain portions of the OEM suspension system illustrated in FIG. 2 to illustrate the differences between the two suspension systems and the increased space available for a flat floor area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0020] A wheel spindle assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown and described herein as it could be used in conjunction with an A-arm suspension system 12 , as best seen in FIG. 1 . The A-arm suspension system 12 may be used to replace a multi-link original equipment manufacturer (OEM) suspension system 14 , an example of which is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 . Such a replacement or substitution will allow a vehicle (not shown) designed to receive the multi-link OEM suspension system 14 to be more easily converted for wheelchair use. In addition, the replacement of the OEM suspension system 14 with the A-arm suspension system 12 will also allow the modified vehicle to have increased interior space and flat floor area, as best seen in FIG. 11 . Alternatively, other applications are possible. [0021] Because the A-arm suspension system 12 of FIG. 1 may be used to replace the multi-link OEM suspension system 14 of FIGS. 2 and 3 , it will be generally preferred, but not required, to use in the A-arm suspension system 12 as many components as possible from the OEM suspension system 14 . Such components may include, for example, various control arms, suspension links, struts, body support bushings, and ball joints. In addition, and in the embodiments shown and described herein, the OEM wheel spindle assemblies 10 ′ from the OEM suspension system 14 may be modified or adapted for use with the A-arm suspension system 12 . In such embodiments, then, the wheel spindle assemblies 10 of A-arm suspension system 12 will comprise modified versions of the OEM wheel spindle assemblies 10 ′. Stated somewhat differently, the OEM spindles 10 ′ may be modified as described herein so that they may used with or retrofitted to the A-arm suspension system 12 , but as wheel spindle assemblies 10 . [0022] Referring now to FIGS. 4-8 , the wheel spindle assembly 10 (illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 ) used in A-arm suspension system 12 may comprise a modified version of the OEM spindle assembly 10 ′ (illustrated in FIG. 6 ). In one embodiment, and as best seen in FIG. 6 , OEM spindle assembly 10 ′ may comprise one or more suspension link mounts 16 , such as first and second lower bushing mounts 18 and 20 . The first and second lower bushing mounts 18 and 20 are required for the OEM multi-link suspension system 14 , but are not required for A-arm suspension system 12 . As will be described in much greater detail herein, the first and second lower bushing mounts 18 and 20 may be removed to produce an intermediate modified spindle 10 ″ illustrated in FIG. 7 . A ball joint bracket 24 then may be mounted to the intermediate modified spindle 10 ″ of FIG. 7 to produce the spindle assembly 10 of FIGS. 4 and 5 . Ball joint bracket 24 is best seen in FIG. 8 and may comprise a spindle plate 26 , a ball joint plate 28 , and a gusset 30 . [0023] OEM spindle assembly 10 ′ may also comprise a toe link mount 22 ′, again as best seen in FIG. 6 . As will also be described in much greater detail herein, in many embodiments it will be necessary or desirable to move or relocate the toe link mount 22 ′ of OEM spindle assembly 10 ′ (illustrated in FIG. 6 ) to define a relocated toe link mount 22 (illustrated in FIG. 7 ). Relocated toe link mount 22 will allow the A-arm suspension system to retain OEM specifications relating to toe changes as a function of suspension travel. [0024] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 9-11 , the A-arm suspension system 12 utilizing the modified wheel spindles 10 may comprise a frame 32 . Frame 32 is sized and configured to receive the various elements and components of suspension system 12 and to allow the A-arm suspension system 12 to mount to a vehicle (not shown) originally configured for the multi-link OEM suspension system 14 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 . To this end, an upper or top member 34 of frame 32 may define a plurality of body or chassis mounting locations 36 , 38 , 40 , and 42 to allow the A-arm suspension system 12 to be mounted to the body or chassis of the vehicle (not shown). In one embodiment, the respective left and right rear body mounting locations 36 and 38 may be sized and spaced to correspond to the rear body mounting locations 36 ′ and 38 ′ provided on the OEM suspension assembly 14 . See also FIG. 2 . This will allow the left and right rear body mounting locations 36 and 38 provided on upper or top member 34 of frame 32 to be aligned with corresponding rear suspension mounts provided on the vehicle chassis. [0025] However, the respective left and right front body mounting locations 40 and 42 may be moved generally rearwardly i.e., in the directions indicated by respective arrows 41 and 43 in FIG. 11 , compared to the corresponding front body mounting locations 40 ′ and 42 ′ provided on the OEM suspension assembly 14 . While the relocated left and right front body mounting locations 40 and 42 provide increased clearance to allow a deployable ramp system to be installed on the vehicle (and also permits the vehicle to be provided with increased interior space and a flat floor area), the relocation of the left and right front body mounting locations 40 and 42 also necessitates many of the modifications structural features of the A-arm suspension system 12 described herein. Again, such modifications will allow the A-arm suspension system 12 to effectively substituted for the OEM suspension system 14 . [0026] Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5, and 10 , the left-hand side wheel spindle assembly 10 may be mounted to a left-hand side 44 of frame assembly 32 via a lower A-arm 46 and an upper control arm 48 . More specifically, the ball joint plate 28 of ball joint bracket 24 may be mounted to a lower ball joint 50 provided on lower A-arm 46 . Similarly, the upper ball joint mount 52 provided on wheel spindle assembly 10 may be mounted to an upper ball joint 54 provided on the upper control arm 48 . A toe link 56 is mounted between wheel spindle assembly 10 and left-hand side 44 of frame assembly 32 . Of course, the right-hand side wheel spindle assembly 10 may be mounted to a right-hand side 58 of frame assembly 32 in the same manner, i.e., via a lower A-arm 47 , an upper control arm 49 , and a toe link 57 . See FIGS. 1 and 9 . [0027] A significant advantage of the A-arm suspension system of present invention is that it may be used replace a multi-link rear suspension system, such as OEM suspension system 14 , while retaining key aspects of the OEM suspension system geometry and performance specifications, such as camber, caster, and toe. By eliminating the forward control link of the OEM multi-link suspension, the A-arm suspension system of the present invention provides the space required for a deployable ramp system. In addition, the re-location to a more rearward position of the forward body mounts of the A-arm suspension system increases passenger volume and allows for a substantial increase in the flat floor area within the converted vehicle. [0028] Still yet another advantage of the A-arm suspension system of the present invention is that it allows many components of the OEM multi-link suspension system, such as the upper control arms, ball joints, and body bushings, to be reused in the A-arm suspension system, thereby significantly reducing the costs associated with vehicle conversion. Still other advantages are associated with the ball joint brackets. For example, the ball joint brackets involve few components and are relatively easy to fabricate. Further, the ball joint brackets require only minimal modifications to the OEM wheel spindle assemblies, which again reduces the overall cost of the conversion system. [0029] Having briefly described one embodiment of the suspension system of present invention, as well as some of its more significant features and advantages, various embodiments and alternative configurations of the present invention will now be described in detail. However, before proceeding with the description, it should be noted that while various embodiments of the present invention are shown and described herein as they could be used to convert a vehicle for wheelchair use, the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention could also be used in conjunction with any of a wide range of vehicle types and for use in a wide range of applications. Consequently, the present invention should not be regarded as limited to the particular types of vehicles, applications, and circumstances shown and described herein. [0030] Referring back now to FIGS. 1-5 , one embodiment of a wheel spindle or ‘knuckle’ assembly 10 is shown and described herein as it could be used in conjunction with an A-arm suspension system 12 . The wheel spindle or knuckle assemblies 10 used on the left- and right-hand sides 44 and 58 of the suspension system 12 may comprise modified versions of the left- and right-hand side OEM wheel spindle assemblies 10 ′ from the OEM multi-link suspension system 14 . With reference now specifically to FIGS. 2, 3, and 6 , each OEM wheel spindle assembly 10 ′ may be provided with a plurality of suspension link mounts 16 to allow the OEM wheel spindle assembly 10 ′ to be attached to the OEM multi-link suspension system 14 . For example, in the particular embodiment shown and described herein, the OEM wheel spindle assembly 10 ′ may be provided with respective first and second bushing mounts 18 and 20 , as best seen in FIG. 6 . First bushing mount 18 is configured to receive a rear lower control link 60 on OEM suspension system 14 , as best seen in FIG. 2 . In this regard it should be noted that only the right-hand side rear lower control link 60 is illustrated in FIG. 2 , whereas the OEM wheel spindle assembly 10 ′ illustrated in FIG. 6 is for the left-hand side. Thus, the rear lower control link 60 that would mount to the first bushing mount 18 on left-hand side wheel spindle 10 ′ is not illustrated in FIG. 2 , but the arrangement is the same. Similarly, the second bushing mount 20 on OEM wheel spindle assembly 10 ′ is configured to receive a forward control link 62 , as also illustrated in FIG. 2 (again, only the right-hand side forward control link 62 is illustrated in FIG. 2 ). [0031] Each OEM wheel spindle 10 ′ also may be provided with a toe link mount 22 ′. Toe link mount 22 ′ is configured to receive a toe link 57 ′ on OEM multi-link suspension system 14 (the toe link 57 ′ illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 is for the right-hand side). The OEM wheel spindle assembly 10 ′ may also be provided with an upper ball joint mount 52 ′ sized to receive a ball joint (not visible in FIGS. 2 and 3 ) provided on an upper control arm 49 ′ of OEM multi-link suspension system 14 . [0032] If it is desired to use the OEM wheel spindle assemblies 10 ′ with the A-arm suspension system 12 , it will be necessary to modify or adapt the left and right wheel spindle assemblies 10 ′ to accommodate the various members associated with the A-arm suspension system 12 . More specifically, the OEM wheel spindle assembly 10 ′ will need to be provided with a mounting structure suitable for receiving the lower A-arm 46 of suspension system 12 . In the particular embodiment shown and described herein, ball joint bracket 24 allows the OEM wheel spindle assembly 10 ′ to be mounted to the lower A-arm of suspension system 12 . [0033] Referring now to FIG. 8 , ball joint bracket 24 may comprise a spindle plate 26 having an upper end 64 and a lower end 66 . Spindle plate 26 may be provided with a plurality of holes 68 therein to allow the spindle plate 26 to be mounted to OEM spindle 10 ′. In one embodiment, the holes 68 in spindle plate 26 are sized and spaced to align with corresponding hub assembly mounting holes 70 provided in OEM spindle assembly 10 ′. See also FIGS. 6 and 7 . This will allow the ball joint bracket 24 to be easily mounted to the spindle assembly. Spindle plate 26 may also be provided with a clearance opening 72 , if required, to provide clearance for a corresponding mounting boss 74 provided on OEM spindle assembly 10 ′. [0034] Ball joint bracket 24 may also comprise a ball joint plate 28 that extends generally outwardly from the lower end 66 of spindle plate 26 . Ball joint bracket 28 may be provided with a ball joint mount 76 sized to receive a mounting stud of lower ball joint 50 . See also FIGS. 4 and 5 . Ball joint bracket 24 may also comprise a gusset 30 mounted to the spindle plate 26 and ball joint plate 28 , as best seen in FIG. 8 . [0035] Ball joint bracket 24 may be fabricated from any of a wide range of materials, such as steel or aluminum alloy, that would be suitable for the intended application. Further, ball joint bracket 24 may be formed as a single unitary piece, e.g., by casting or by forging. Alternatively, ball joint bracket 24 may be built-up or assembled from individual metal plates that are then welded together. By way of example, in one embodiment, the ball joint bracket 24 is made from individual steel plates (e.g., for the spindle plate 26 , ball joint plate 28 , and gusset 30 ) that are then welded together. [0036] In the particular embodiments shown and described herein, it is necessary to modify the OEM wheel spindle assembly 10 ′ so that the ball joint bracket 24 may be mounted to it in the manner already described. More specifically, and with reference now to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the first and second lower bushing mounts 18 and must first be removed in order to provide the necessary clearance for ball joint bracket 24 . In one embodiment, the first and second bushing mounts 18 and 20 are removed by machining (e.g., by milling) in order to provide sufficient clearance for ball joint bracket 24 . The foregoing modifications result in the production or formation of an intermediate modified spindle 10 ″, as shown in FIG. 7 . Thereafter, ball joint bracket 24 may be mounted to the intermediate modified spindle 10 ″ to produce wheel spindle assembly 10 . See also FIGS. 4 and 5 . [0037] In addition, and as was briefly described above, in many embodiments it will be necessary or desirable to relocate the toe link mount 22 ′, shown in FIG. 6 , in order to define a relocated toe link mount 22 , shown in FIG. 7 . As will be described in further detail below, relocating the toe link mount may be required to allow the suspension system 12 to retain OEM specifications relating to toe angle as a function of suspension travel. If desired, the toe link mount 22 ′ may be relocated either prior to or after the first and second bushing mounts 18 and 20 have been removed. [0038] The wheel spindle assemblies 10 (e.g., modified versions of wheel spindles 10 ′) may be used in the A-arm suspension system 12 . As already described, the A-arm suspension system 12 represents a significant reconfiguration of the OEM suspension system 14 to provide for significantly increased space forward of the suspension system 12 . Such increased space will be particularly advantageous when converting vehicles for wheelchair use. [0039] For example and with reference now to FIGS. 2, 3, and 11 , the front body mounts 40 and 42 of A-arm suspension system 12 are located a considerable distance to the rear and somewhat inboard compared with the locations of the corresponding mounts 40 ′ and 42 ′ provided on OEM suspension system 14 , as indicated by arrows 41 and 43 in FIG. 11 . However, because the forward control links 62 of the OEM multi-link suspension system 14 were attached to the OEM suspension system 14 near the locations of the front body mounts 40 ′ and 42 ′, the relocation of the front body mounts requires the elimination of the forward control links 62 . The elimination of the forward control links 62 in turn requires the lower control link 60 of the OEM suspension system to be replaced by the lower A-arms 46 and 47 . When incorporated into the A-arm suspension system 12 , these changes result in a substantial increase in available space forward of the A-arm suspension system 12 , thereby providing sufficient space for the addition of a deployable ramp system and also increasing substantially the area available for a flat floor space within the vehicle. [0040] For example, the rearward extent of a flat floor area in a vehicle having the multi-link OEM suspension system 14 is indicated by broken line 78 in FIG. 11 . In contrast, the rearward extent of the area for a flat floor in a vehicle having the suspension system 12 is indicated by broken line 80 . The area between broken line 78 and broken line 80 represents a substantial increase in the area available for a flat floor in the converted vehicle. [0041] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 9-11 , the A-arm suspension system 12 may comprise a frame 32 to which may be mounted the various components of the A-arm suspension system 12 . In one embodiment, the frame 32 may comprise an upper or top member 34 and a lower or bottom member 82 that are positioned in generally parallel, spaced-apart relation. Upper and lower members 34 and 82 may be secured together by various cross-members 84 positioned on rear end 86 of frame 32 . A left-hand side control member support structure 88 may be used to secure together the left side 44 of upper and lower members 34 and 82 , whereas a right-hand side control member support structure 90 may be used to secure together the right side 58 of frame 32 . Thus, an upper front portion 92 of frame 32 (i.e., located above the lower or bottom member 82 ) will be generally open, thereby allowing an interior floor of the vehicle to be expanded into open front portion 92 . See also broken line 80 in FIG. 11 . [0042] The various elements and members comprising frame 32 may comprise any of a wide range of materials, such as aluminum alloy or steel, that would be suitable for the particular application. In one embodiment, the various members comprising frame 32 may be fabricated from tubular steel having a square cross-section, as depicted in the drawing figures. The left- and right-hand side control arm support structures 88 and 90 may be formed by castings, forgings, or may be built-up from individual components. However, because the construction of frame 32 and control arm support structures 88 and 90 are well within the level of ordinary skill in the art and could be readily provided by persons having ordinary skill in the art after having become familiar with the teachings provided herein, the particular components and construction processes that may be used to fabricate frame 32 and control arm supports 88 and 90 will not be described in further detail herein. [0043] As mentioned earlier, the upper or top member 34 of frame may also define a plurality of body or chassis mounting locations 36 , 38 , 40 , and 42 . Each mounting location 36 , 38 , 40 , and 42 may be sized to receive a corresponding body bushing 94 of the type well-known in the art. The body bushings 94 allow the A-arm suspension system 12 to be mounted to the body or chassis of the vehicle. Body bushings 94 may comprise corresponding body bushings from the OEM suspension system 14 or may comprise new components. [0044] The respective left and right rear body mounting locations 36 and 38 may be sized and spaced to correspond to the rear body mounting locations 36 ′ and 38 ′ provided on the OEM suspension assembly 14 . See FIG. 2 . Therefore the left and right rear body mounting locations 36 and 38 and corresponding body bushings 94 will be aligned with existing rear suspension mounts (not shown) provided on the vehicle chassis. In this regard it should be noted that in many embodiments it will be necessary or desirable to raise the vehicle chassis to provide additional ground clearance for the deployable ramp system. In such embodiments, suitable extended body mounts or spacers 93 may be used to further lift or elevate the vehicle chassis above the suspension system 12 . The extended body mounts or spacers 93 may be sized to mount to the existing rear suspension mounts provided on the vehicle chassis. They may also be additional secured to the vehicle chassis by welding. However, because such extended mounts or spacers 93 could be easily provided by persons having ordinary skill in the art after having become familiar with the teachings provided herein, the particular extended mounts 93 that may be used in conjunction with the present invention will not be described in further detail herein. [0045] The respective left and right front body mounting locations 40 and 42 are located generally rearwardly and slightly inboard of the positions of the corresponding front body mounting locations 40 ′ and 42 ′ provided on OEM suspension assembly 14 , as indicated by arrows 41 and 43 in FIG. 11 . The relocated left and right front body mounting locations 40 and 42 provide increased clearance to allow a deployable ramp system to be installed on the vehicle and also provide for an increased flat floor area, as already described. Of course, the chassis or body of the converted vehicle will have to be provided with new or relocated suspension mounts 95 sized and located to mate with the left and right front body mounting locations 40 and 42 . The new or relocated suspension mounts 95 may be mounted (e.g., by welding) to the vehicle chassis (not shown). Here again, however, because such relocated suspension mounts 95 could be easily provided by persons having ordinary skill in the art after having become familiar with the teachings provided herein, the relocated suspension mounts 95 that may be used in conjunction with the present invention will not be described in further detail herein. [0046] The left- and right-hand side wheel spindles 10 are mounted to the respective left and right sides 44 and 58 of frame assembly 32 by various control arms and linkages. More specifically, and with reference now to FIGS. 4, 5, and 10 , the left-hand side wheel spindle assembly 10 is mounted to a lower A-arm 46 and an upper control arm 48 . Lower A-arm 46 may comprise a generally A-shaped member that is pivotally mounted to the lower member 82 of frame 32 so that lower A-arm 46 may pivot about pivot axis 96 . If desired, eccentric mounting bolts 97 may be used to secure the lower A-arm 46 to the lower member 82 of frame 32 . Such eccentric mounting bolts 97 will allow the camber angle of the wheel spindle assembly 10 to be easily adjusted. Lower A-arm 46 may also be provided with a damper or strut mount 98 sized to receive a suitable damper or suspension strut (not shown). [0047] Lower A-arm 46 may be fabricated from any of a wide range of materials, such as steel or aluminum alloys, suitable for the intended application. Consequently, the present invention should not be regarded as limited to A-arms made of any particular material. Moreover, lower A-arm may comprise a single unitary piece, such as may be formed by casting or forging. Alternatively, A-arm 46 may be fabricated from individual pieces or elements that are welded together, as would become apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art after having become familiar with the teachings provided herein. [0048] Upper control arm 48 is pivotally mounted to the left side control arm support structure 88 so that upper control arm 48 may pivot about pivot axis 11 . See FIGS. 1 and 10 . In the particular embodiment shown and described herein, upper control arm 48 may comprise the corresponding upper control arm from the OEM suspension system 14 . Alternatively, upper control arm 48 could comprise a newly-fabricated part. [0049] The relative locations of the pivot axes 96 and 11 may be selected to provide A-arm the suspension system 12 with a camber curve (i.e., variation in wheel camber with suspension displacement) that is substantially identical to the camber curve associated with the OEM suspension system 14 . Alternatively, a different camber curve could be used, if desired. In an embodiment wherein the lower A-arm 46 is mounted to lower member 82 of frame 32 with eccentric mounting bolts 97 , the eccentric mounting bolts 97 may be used to provide the camber adjustment. [0050] The left-hand side wheel spindle assembly 10 may be mounted to the lower A-arm 46 and the upper control arm 48 by means of respective ball joints 50 and 52 , as best seen in FIG. 5 . More specifically, the ball joint plate 28 of ball joint bracket 24 may be mounted to the lower ball joint 50 provided on lower A-arm 46 . The existing upper ball joint mount 52 provided on wheel spindle assembly 10 may be mounted to upper ball joint 54 provided on the upper control arm 48 . The upper ball joint 54 may comprise the corresponding upper ball joint from the OEM suspension assembly 14 , if desired. The fore/aft location of the lower ball joint 50 with respect to the upper ball joint 54 should be selected so as to provide the wheel spindle assembly 10 with desired degree of caster. By way of example, the caster angle of wheel spindle assembly 10 may be selected to be substantially equal to the caster angle of the OEM suspension assembly 14 . [0051] Finally, a toe link 56 mounted to the wheel spindle assembly 10 and the control arm support structure 88 is used to control the toe angle of the wheel spindle assembly 10 . More specifically, and with reference to FIG. 5 , an outboard end 13 of toe link 56 should be mounted to the wheel spindle assembly 10 so that it is generally aligned with ball joint axis 15 defined by the lower and upper ball joints 50 and 56 . Depending on the location of the corresponding toe link mount 22 ′ on the OEM spindle assembly 10 ′ ( FIG. 6 ), it may be necessary or desirable to move or relocate the toe link mount 22 ′ to define a relocated toe link mount 22 ( FIG. 7 ) that is substantially aligned with ball joint axis 15 . See also FIG. 5 . [0052] In addition, and as best seen in FIG. 4 , a pivot axis 17 of the outboard end 13 of toe link 56 should be substantially parallel to lower A-arm axis 96 . Therefore, it may be necessary to drill or bore a hole in the relocated toe link mount 22 to provide this parallel orientation. Depending on the particular mounting arrangement desired, a mounting stud 19 may be mounted within the hole. The mounting stud 19 will then be aligned with pivot axis 17 , as best seen in FIG. 7 . If desired, mounting stud 19 may comprise the corresponding mounting stud 19 ′ from the OEM wheel spindle assembly 10 ′. See FIG. 6 . Alternatively, mounting stud 19 could comprise a new part. [0053] With reference now primarily to FIGS. 4 and 10 , an inboard end 21 of toe link 56 is pivotally mounted to the control arm support structure 88 so that inboard end 21 toe link 56 may pivot about axis 23 . Axis 23 should be substantially parallel to axis 17 . If desired, an eccentric mounting bolt 99 may be used to secure the inboard end 21 of toe link 56 to control arm support structure 88 . Use of an eccentric mounting bolt 99 will allow the toe angle of the wheel spindle assembly 10 to be easily adjusted. [0054] Finally, the right-hand side wheel spindle assembly may be mounted to the right-hand side 58 of frame assembly 32 in the same manner, i.e., via a lower A-arm 47 , an upper control arm 49 , and a toe link 57 . The particular structural elements and geometric configurations for the right-hand side may likewise be the same as those for the left-hand side. The completed A-arm suspension system 12 may then be mounted to the vehicle. [0055] Having herein set forth preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is anticipated that suitable modifications can be made thereto which will nonetheless remain within the scope of the invention. The invention shall therefore only be construed in accordance with the following claims:
A method of mounting to an A-arm suspension system a wheel spindle configured for use with a multi-link suspension system may involve the steps of: Removing at least one suspension link mount on the wheel spindle; mounting a ball joint bracket to the wheel spindle, the ball joint bracket being configured to mount to the A-arm suspension system, the removing and mounting steps producing a modified wheel spindle; and mounting the modified wheel spindle to the A-arm suspension system.
1
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is related to and claims priority from earlier filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/511,878, filed Oct. 16, 2003, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to modular sighting devices for weapons. More specifically, the present invention relates to a low profile configuration for a for providing a flip-up type sighting mechanism that folds down onto the firearm in a compact manner to prevent damage or snagging when not in use. [0003] Generally, sighting mechanisms for firearms are bulky and protrude outside the firearm's general contour. This construction creates a greater opportunity for the sighting mechanism to be caught on clothing or brush while the fire arm is being carried thereby knocking the sighting mechanism out of alignment. Prior art devices that have attempted to address this problem by allowing removal of the sighting mechanism or providing a hinged attachment of the sighting mechanism. Generally, however, the prior art devices require that each time the sighting mechanism is moved into the active position, the sighting mechanism must be re-aligned before it is ready for use. Although this re-alignment step may be acceptable when the firearm is used in a controlled environment such as a firing range, it is not acceptable for a firearm employed for field use, such as hunting or combat environments where immediate, fully aligned use of the sight is required. [0004] This is of particular concern in the field of combat firearms. A firearm that is used in the field requires a sighting mechanism that is located out of the way during times of non-use, thereby providing a streamlined profile that is not likely to be bumped or jarred out of alignment. Further, the sight must be quickly engageable when the firearm is urgently needed. The readiness time for the sighting mechanism to move from the non-use or down position to the use or up position must be minimized. Additionally, when moved from the down position to the up position, the sight must be fully and accurately aligned. It is critical that the sighting mechanism have the ability to be consistently and quickly engaged, and provide accurate aiming. Further, the sight must maintain as small profile as possible when in the retracted storage position to prevent bumping or jarring of the sight. [0005] In prior art devices such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,292, issued to Swan, a self-aligning flip-up sight is provided that provides a sighting mechanism that can be easily moved from a storage position to an active position without requiring re-alignment of the sights. However, this device has a relatively large vertical profile, even when it is in the retracted position. The large profile results from the use of two iron peep sights mounted fixedly at a 90° angle relative to one another. In order for the sighting mechanism to be moved into the storage position, the iron sight must be placed into a position that allows one of the legs of the iron sight assembly to lie parallel to the firearm with the other leg pointing upwardly. If the iron sight assembly is not in this position, the mechanism cannot be moved into the storage position. Further, when the iron sight assembly is in the proper storage position, one of the legs extends upwardly from the upper surface of the firearm thereby requiring that the protective shoulders of the sighting mechanism extend a sufficient distance to protect this protruding leg of the iron sight. In this manner, the sighting mechanism has a profile that is larger than desired to allow the mounting of additional accessories if desired. Specifically, if a user wished to mount an optical telescopic sight in addition to the retractable sight, an additional spacer would be necessary to allow the required clearance. [0006] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art devices, there is a need for a device that provides an improved method of compacting and activating optical and iron sight sighting device. There is a further need for a sighting mechanism that provides improved engagement method for firearms sighting devices which has the ability to consistently and quickly engage, and provide accurate aiming, while providing a reduced profile in the storage position thereby reducing potential interference with other ancillary aiming devices and attachments. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] In this regard, the present invention provides for a low-profile self-aligning flip-up sight. The present invention sighting device folds downwardly against a mounting rail either directly on the fire arm, onto a receiver sleeve mounting area or other desirable location, thereby keeping the sighting device within the firearm's contour during non-use and streamlining the profile of a weapon. The sighting device is spring-loaded and flips into an operational position with a simple movement of a finger or thumb. The device includes a pair of iron sights that are also pivotally mounted relative to one another allowing them to fold against one another in the retracted position while moving into a position wherein the two sighting elements are oriented at a substantially 90° angle in the deployed position. Further, the present invention sighting device self-aligns itself as it moves into an operational position, thereby providing accurate and consistent aiming while eliminating the need for re-alignment each time the sight is deployed. [0008] The present invention is particularly suited for iron sight type sighting devices. The sighting device includes two iron sight elements, one having a large aperture and one having a small aperture. In the prior art, when two iron sights were provided they were rigidly mounted perpendicular to one another. The sight was then selectibly positionable so that one or the other of the two iron sights was in the operative position while the other sight was positioned out of the way in a position that was substantially parallel to the barrel of the firearm. However as noted above, when utilized in a flip-up type sighting mechanism, if the sight was positioned in the wrong manner, one of the iron sight elements would prevent the sighting mechanism from closing. Even when positioned in the proper alignment, extended shoulders were required to protect the protruding top arm of the sight from impact. To resolve this issue the present invention provides that the two iron sights are mounted so as to be pivotably movable relative to one another. [0009] The present invention is a flip-up sight and is comprised of three major components namely, a base, an alignment member and a sight housing. The sight housing contains the actual aiming system in the form of collapsible iron sights. The aiming system is comprised of two independent legs pivotally mounted on a central sight adjustment screw positioned within the sight housing. The two legs cooperate to form a collapsible aiming system. Each leg includes a circular aiming peep sight, one sight being larger than the other. In the deployed position, the leg with the larger aperture is always in the upright position, the leg with the smaller aperture can be rotated approximately 90° around the sight adjustment screw and is configured to be retained in one of two selected positions. Accordingly, when the large aperture sight is desired the small aperture sight can be folded down out of the way of the large aperture. Further, when the sight housing is placed into the stored position, folded down against the base, the two legs of the aiming system can fold against one another allowing the sight housing to store tightly against the base while preventing one of the sighting elements from protruding outwardly from the firearm. [0010] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a sighting mechanism for a firearm that includes at least two aiming elements and has a compact profile when placed into a storage position. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sighting mechanism for a firearm that can be retracted to a low profile storage position against the contour of the firearm while being quickly and easily deployable to a fully aligned active position. It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a retractable sighting assembly for a firearm that includes at least two user selectable aiming elements that can be fully retracted into a low profile storage position against the contour of the firearm. [0011] These together with other objects of the invention, along with various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention: [0013] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the flip up sight of the present invention in the deployed position with the large aperture aiming element in the active position; [0014] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the flip up sight of the present invention in the deployed position with the small aperture aiming element in the active position; [0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3 - 3 of FIG. 1 ; [0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the flip up sight in the retracted position; [0017] FIG. 5 is a firearm with the flip up sight assembly in the retracted position mounted on the receiver thereof; [0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the flip up sight in the deployed position with the sighting elements reversed and the large aperture aiming element in the active position; and [0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the alignment member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0020] Now referring to the drawings, the retractable flip-up sighting device of the present invention is shown and generally illustrated in the figures as 10 . In particular, the present invention is a retractable flip-up sight 10 for a fire arm wherein the flip-up sight 10 has a reduced profile when in the retracted position. This feature allows improved shielding and protection of the aiming elements within the sighting device 10 when in the retracted storage position. Further, the sighting device 10 includes a self-aligning feature that ensures that the sighting elements remain in proper alignment with the firearm each time the sighting elements are deployed into the active position from the storage position. The flip-up sight assembly includes three major components: a base 12 , a sight housing 14 , and an aiming device 16 . Further, to facilitate the self-aligning feature, the sighting device 10 includes an alignment member 18 . The sight housing 14 serves to contain and support the actual aiming device 16 while also including features to protect the aiming device 16 . The sighting device 10 is designed to be mounted preferably on a Swan universal receiver sleeve, extended rigid frame receiver sleeve, or any other attachment device such as the receiver rail that is attached on the top of a firearm upper receiver. Additionally, the sighting device 10 may be used in place of or in conjunction with most conventional firearm sighting mechanisms. [0021] Turning now to FIG. 1 , the base 12 is formed to include an interface means 20 to allow the sighting mechanism 10 to be mounted onto a variety of firearms. The base has 12 an upper surface 22 and a lower surface 24 , wherein the lower surface 24 has a cross-sectional profile that is configured to interface with the dovetailed shape of a typical receiver sleeve. The base 12 also includes a right side 26 , a left side 28 , a front 30 and rear 32 wherein the right side 26 and left side 28 include lower interface members 20 for retaining the sighting mechanism 10 on a receiver sleeve. Two identical, vertical and parallel mounting tabs 34 extend perpendicularly upward from the base 12 upper surface 22 . The tabs 34 are thin, have a rectangular shape and lie in vertical parallel planes a predetermined distance apart. The tab 34 planes are parallel to the base 12 sides 26 , 28 . A spring trough resides between the tabs 34 . The width of the trough is defined by the separation between the tabs 34 . Each of the mounting tabs 34 includes a mounting pin hole with a common center on an aligned axis perpendicular to the axis of the base 12 . [0022] The sight housing 14 has two parallel side plates, a catch plate 36 and an adjustment plate 38 , positioned in vertical planes. The sight housing 14 is further defined by an upper support region 40 between the catch plate 36 and the adjustment plate 38 . The upper support region 40 is configured to retain and protect the aiming elements 16 a , 16 b . The sight housing 14 also includes a lower interface region 42 which includes an inside surface bounded by the catch plate 36 , the adjustment plate 38 and further may include alignment surfaces 44 to enable the self alignment feature of the present invention as will be described in detail below. The catch plate 36 and the adjustment plate 38 have holes 46 in the lower interface region 42 thereof, the holes 46 corresponding to the mounting pin holes in the tabs 32 on the base 12 . [0023] The aiming elements 16 a , 16 b include at least one sighting device such as for example an open iron type peep sight having an aperture therein. Similarly, the aiming elements 16 a , 16 b could include any conceivable aiming device such as a magnifying sight or an open sight. As shown in the Figs., the aiming elements include preferably two different aiming elements such as a large aperture iron sight 16 a and a small aperture iron sight 16 b . Similarly, the present invention may include 3 or more aiming elements 16 and fall within the scope of the present invention. The aiming elements 16 include a top aiming end and a bottom mounting end whereby the aiming elements 16 are mounted into the upper support region 40 of the sight housing 14 . The aiming elements 16 are mounted on and retained in the upper support region 40 of the sight housing 14 by the sight adjustment screw 48 that is positioned and attached between the catch plate 36 and the adjustment plate 38 . An arced spring 41 is attached along the bottom of the upper support region 40 and applies pressure against the bottom edge of the aiming elements 16 thereby allowing the elements 16 to rotate independently of one another approximately 90 degrees around the sight adjustment screw 48 and hold in the desired position by engaging one of two detents 43 . A sight adjustment knob 50 is attached to one end of the sight adjustment screw 48 wherein the aiming elements 16 are adapted to be moved laterally across the sight adjustment screw 48 as the sight adjustment knob 50 is turned allowing fine tune adjustment of the aiming elements 16 for compensation in alignment with the firearm as well as windage adjustment. [0024] As can be seen by viewing FIG. 1 in conjunction with FIG. 2 , multiple aiming elements 16 can be used in the sight housing 14 in conjunction with one another. In FIG. 1 , the active aiming element 16 a is a large aperture iron sight and is in the up or active position. The inactive element is a small aperture iron sight 16 b and is shown folded downwardly in the inactive position. In FIG. 2 , the small aperture iron sight 16 b is shown in the up position against the large aperture iron sight 16 a . In this position the small aperture iron sight 16 a is the active sight because when looking through the aiming elements 16 the only aperture through which the user can aim the firearm is the small aperture because the rest of the small aperture aiming element partially blocks the large aperture. Further, as will be more fully discussed later, both aiming elements 16 would be positioned in this manner when the sight housing 14 is placed into the retraced storage position. It should be also appreciated, as can be seen in FIG. 5 , that the relative positioning of the aiming elements 16 may be reversed placing the small aperture aiming element 16 b in the rear position closest to the user and the large aperture aiming element 16 a in the front position without departing from the disclosure of the present invention. Further, a third or more aiming elements 16 could be added as well and still reside within the present disclosure. [0025] Referring now to FIG. 6 , the U-shaped alignment member 18 has two vertical sides 52 , 54 and a front face 56 . The vertical sides 52 , 54 have inner surfaces that are parallel to one another and an outwardly chamfered top edge. The vertical sides 52 , 54 each have a mounting pin hole 58 located in their rearward upper quadrants perpendicular to the inner faces wherein when the alignment member 18 is installed onto the base member 12 , the mounting pin hole 58 in the vertical sides corresponds to the mounting pin holes in the tabs 34 on the base 12 . In this manner when the alignment member 18 is installed onto the base 12 the inner faces of the vertical sides 52 , 54 rest against the tabs 34 with the mounting pin holes in the tabs 34 being in alignment with the mounting pin holes 58 in the vertical sides 52 , 54 of the alignment member 18 . To further assist in retaining the alignment member 18 on the base 12 , additional holes 60 are provided in both the alignment member 18 and the tabs 34 on the base 12 where by a spring pin is installed through the common spring pin holes 60 to retain the alignment member 18 and the base 12 in assembled relation. Alternatively, other fasteners such as bolts or rivets could be used and still fall within the scope of the present invention. [0026] Turning back now to FIG. 1 , the sighting device 10 of the present invention is shown in the deployed or “open” position, the sight housing 14 lower interface region 42 is positioned over the outer faces of the vertical sides 52 , 54 of the U-shaped alignment member 18 such that the mounting pin holes in the in the side walls of the sight housing 14 share a common center with the mounting pin hole in the alignment member 18 and the mounting pin hole in the mounting tabs 34 . A mounting spring pin 70 is then inserted into the mounting pin hole thereby attaching the sight housing 14 , U-shaped alignment member 18 and the mounting tabs 34 together. Accordingly, the sight housing 14 is pivotally attached by the mounting spring pin 70 to the alignment member 18 and the mounting tabs 34 such that the sight housing 14 can rotate about the mounting spring pin 70 a predetermined amount. Alternatively, other fasteners such as bolts or rivets could be used in place of the mounting spring pin. [0027] As can best be seen in FIG. 3 , a finger release clamp 72 is provided to hold the sight housing 14 in a retracted or down position against the base 12 . The finger release clamp 14 engages a pin catch slot 74 formed in the catch plate 36 thereby holding the sight housing 14 in a normally closed first position. The finger release clamp 72 is mounted in a pin bore which is drilled into the base 12 . A tension spring is also mounted in the pin bore thereby providing resistive force against rotation of the finger release clamp 72 . A half-cylindrical notch is formed in the upper surface of the base 12 . The purpose of the notch is to provide a place in the base for the clamp 72 to fold into, out of the way, when it is not holding the sight housing 14 in a down position. Another notch is formed in the rear of the catch plate 36 . The purpose of this catch plate notch is to avoid damage to the sight housing 14 if it gets knocked down with great force into the clamp 72 which is partially protruding from the base notch. [0028] Rotating the finger release clamp 72 away from the sight housing 14 disengages the finger release clamp 72 from the pin catch slot 74 and allows rotation of the sight housing 14 from the normally closed first position to the open second position. A torsional spring 76 urges the sight housing 14 from the closed first position to a vertical open second position. The torsional spring 76 surrounds the mounting spring pin 70 in the lower aperture 42 between the mounting tabs 34 . [0029] In this embodiment as can best be seen in referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 , a self aligning feature is also provided within the aiming device 10 of the present invention. While the inclusion of this feature is not a critical component of the overall device of the present invention, its inclusion further enhances the overall performance of such a device. Accordingly, consistent vertical positioning of the sight housing 14 is accomplished with the aid of alignment chamfers 78 , formed on the top edges of the vertical sides 52 , 54 of the U-shaped alignment member 18 . In this embodiment of the invention, the chamfer 78 slopes are at a forty-five degree angle and the longitudinal axes of the alignment chamfers 78 are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base 12 . The sight housing 14 has corresponding alignment surfaces 44 . When the sight housing 14 is released to the open second position, the alignment surfaces 44 are wedged against the alignment chamfers 78 , respectively, bringing the sight housing 14 to rest in the same vertical position every time it is released. The slopes of the alignment surfaces 44 correspond to the slopes of the alignment chamfers 78 . Repeatability is further ensured by the “squeezing” action of the alignment surface 44 and catch plate 36 against the U-shaped alignment member 18 vertical side toward the base mounting tab 34 , and the corresponding “squeezing” action of the alignment surface 44 and adjustment plate 38 against the U-shaped alignment member 18 vertical side toward the base mounting tab 34 . This ensures repeated and accurate alignment of the U-shaped alignment member vertical sides during each movement of the sight housing 14 to the open, second position. It should also be appreciated that the alignment member 18 may be eliminated in favor of chamfering the tops of the tabs 34 thereby providing the same type of alignment action each time the sight housing 14 is deployed. [0030] It should also be noted that when the sight housing 14 is in the retracted position, both of the aiming elements 16 a and 16 b are folded flat against one another and rest flat against the profile of the firearm 84 . Further, the aiming elements 16 a and 16 b in this position are shielded by the catch plate 36 and the adjustment plate 38 . As can be seen in FIG. 4 , the sighting device 10 is shown as being integrated into a receiver rail 80 that is attached to the upper receiver 82 of a firearm 84 . It can be seen that the sighting device 10 has a small and compact profile when placed in the retracted position. This can be contrasted with the prior art devices that utilized an L-shapes aiming element. In the prior art when the sight housing was in the retracted position, one of the legs of the aiming element projected outwardly from the firearm. This projection necessitated that the side walls of the sight housing be wider to provide protection for the projecting leg of the aiming element. In the present invention, with both aiming elements 16 a and 16 b folded flat against the contour of the firearm 84 , the walls of the sight housing 14 can be narrower, providing a smaller overall profile depth allowing the sighting device 10 to reside in a more compact position against the firearm 84 . [0031] While the above-described embodiment uses a conventional firearm “iron” peep sight as the aiming elements 16 , the principles of the present invention are also applicable to the newer optics sights currently becoming available, i.e., compact single optic frames with lens projected beam optics. The newer optics sights have a radial axis parallel to the transverse plane of the weapon and a central axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the weapon. The newer optics sights have aiming optics which are quite flat along their central axis. The sights focus energy from illumination means on the flat aiming optics. The illumination means may be a laser, or other directed energy illuminator which directs energy onto the aiming lens. The present invention permits, for the first time, an ability to fold down aiming optics when not in use, and provides an ability to flip up the aiming optics to a preset configuration for actual use. Problems with the aiming optics being caught on clothing or brush when carried and knocked out of alignment from this contact or contact with other solid objects, are thereby eliminated. Accordingly, the basic sight apparatus is the same whether or not an “iron” aiming element is used or an optics sight is used. [0032] It can therefore be seen that the present invention provides an improved sighting device 10 that has a smaller and more compact profile when placed into a storage position as compared to the sighting devices in the prior art. Further, the present invention can be modified to accommodate a number of different aiming elements 16 and can be integrated onto a variety of different firearms to provide a highly accurate low profile flip up sight for use in actual field conditions typically associated with combat weaponry. For these reasons, the instant invention is believed to represent a significant advancement in the art, which has substantial commercial merit. [0033] While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.
A low profile, self-aligning, flip-up mechanism for aiming devices used with firearms. The mechanism folds the aiming device into the contour of the firearm during non-use. The mechanism is spring-loaded and flips into a vertical operational position with a simple movement of a finger or thumb. The mechanism includes at least two separate aiming elements that are mounted in a fashion that allows them to rotate relative to one another thereby facilitating a smaller storage profile. The mechanism also causes the aiming device to self-align itself as it moves into an operational position assuring vertical position repeatability.
5
This invention relates to toys, and more particularly relates to educational toys which test a child's ability to perform a certain task. It is an object of the present invention to provide a toy which tests a child's ability to select logically related symbols from among two sets of symbols, which emits a first signal if the child correctly chooses related symbols, and which emits a second, different signal if the child incorrectly chooses unrelated symbols. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a toy which is resistant to any efforts by the child to select related symbols by mere guesswork but which is inherently simple to operate, so that the only substantial difficulty in successfully operating the toy lies in the choice of the symbols themselves, rather than in the operation of the toy. A toy according to the present invention includes a housing and a first member mounted on the housing so that the first member is selectively moveable between a plurality of discrete positions on the housing. These positions constitute a first set of positions. The toy also includes a second member which is also mounted on the housing and which is selectively moveable between a plurality of discrete positions on the housing. The positions for the second member constitute a second set of positions. Each position of the second set is associated with a position of the first set according to a predetermined pattern of association. Means are provided for displaying a plurality of symbols of a first type and a plurality of symbols of a second type. Each symbol of the second type is logically related to one of the symbols of the first type. The symbols are displayed on the housing so that each one of the symbols of the first type is displayed on the housing in alignment with one of the positions of the first set, and each one of the symbols of the second set is displayed on the housing in alignment with one of the positions of the second set. Each symbol of the second type and the logically related one of the symbols of the first type are displayed in alignment with associated positions. Thus, if the child selects a symbol of the first type and a logically related symbol of the second type, and then moves the members into alignment with such symbols, the members will lie in associated positions. The toy also includes a switch which is manually actuable independently of the positions of the members, and detection and signalling means operatively associated with the switch. The detection and signalling means operate in an alignment testing mode to detect the positions of the first and second members. In response to actuation of the switch, the detection and signalling means emit a first operator perceivable signal if, at the time of such actuation, the first and second members are in associated positions, but emit a second operator perceivable signal different from the first signal if, at the time of such actuation, the first and second members are in non-associated positions. Because mere correct positioning of the members in alignment with associated symbols does not trigger the first or "correct answer" signal, the child cannot obtain the correct answer signal merely by moving the first and second members back and forth among their respective positions. Rather, the child is forced to select what he considers to be associated symbols, align the members with these symbols, and then actuate the switch to see if he has made a correct choice. This requirement that the child take the additional step of actuating the switch makes it substantially more difficult for a young child to guess his way to a correct answer, but does not materially increase the mechanical skill needed to operate the toy. Therefore the toy provides a fair test of the child's ability. Since the test is more challenging, the psychological reqard to receiving the first signal, indicative of a correct choice is increased, which makes it more rewarding for the child to recieve the correct answer signal. Therefore, the child is given greater encouragement to learn the correct association between symbols. In the preferred embodiment, the toy also includes output means operatively associated with the detection and signalling means. This output means emits a third operator perceivable signal in the event that the switch is actuated while the first and second members are in non-associated positions. This third signal is indicative of the position of the second set which should have been chosen for correct alignment. Thus, if the child chooses unrelated symbols, the toy will indicate which symbol of the second type should have been chosen. In the preferred embodiment, the symbols are displayed on interchangeable cards, and means are provided for holding such cards in to the housing so that the symbols lie in proper registration. This arrangement permits different symbols to be displayed on the same toy, so that the educational content of the toy can be varied simply by changing the cards. Preferably, the detection and signalling means within the toy is also operable in modes other than the "alignment testing" mode described above. Such modes may include a randomizing mode so that the toy can serve as the randomizing element of a game, or a count mode in which the toy tests the child's ability to count signals and select a numerical symbol symbolizing the number of such signals. If the detection and signalling means are arranged to emit some of the aforementioned signals in the form of audible tones, the detection and signalling means may also be operable in a music-generating mode to emit a series of audible tones which form a melody. If the detection and signalling means are operable in a number of different modes, manually operable control means are provided for causing the detection and signalling means to operate in the mode selected by the child. As can be appreciated, the detection and signalling means incorporate substantial mechanized logic. Preferably, the detection and signalling means includes an electonic microprocessor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toy in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of the toy depicted in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 but depicting the toy in a different position. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the toy depicted in FIG. 1 with the rear portion of the toy removed. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one of the cards depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view taken along the plane indicated by line 6--6 in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a schematic electrical circuit diagram of the toy depicted in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another one of the cards depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG. 9 is a representation of a program for the microprocessor depicted in FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a toy according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention has a housing 10 which includes a front piece 12 and a rear piece 14 fastened together by screws 15. These pieces are generally hollow, so that they define an interior cavity 16 (FIG. 4). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front piece 12 and the back piece 14 cooperatively define a slot 18 on a first side 19 of the housing and a slot 20 on a second, opposite side 21 of the housing. A first member 22 is movably mounted to the housing on the first side 19, and a second member 24 is movably mounted to the housing on the second side 21. As shown in FIG. 4, the second member 24 includes a portion 26 which extends into the housing through the second slot 20. This portion 26 holds the member 24 to the housing but allows it to slide along the side of the housing, upwardly and downwardly as shown in FIG. 4. The member 24 also includes a cantilever spring 28 which is constructed and arranged to engage any one of a plurality of depressions 30 formed in an interior surface of the front piece 12. Thus, the second member 24 can be moved between a plurality of discrete positions, each such position corresponding to the engagement of the cantilever spring 28 with one of the depressions 30. A similar arrangement is provided on the first side of the housing for the first member 22, so that it also may be moved into any one of a plurality of discrete positions. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the members 22 and 24 include respective pointer portions 32 and 34. As described above, the first member 22 is movable between the first set of positions and the second member 24 is movable between a second set of positions. In each position of the member 22, its pointer portion 32 is aligned with a corresponding portion of the front surface 35 of the housing. These portions are denominated in FIG. 3 by reference characters 36a through 36e. Likewise, in each position of the second member 24, its pointer portion 34 is in alignment with one of the portions 38a through 38e of the front surface 35. Throughout the remainder of this disclosure, the positions of each member during the operation of the device will be identified by identifying the surface portion with which the pointer portion of that member is aligned. For example, the member 22 may be said to be "in position 36c", and this should be understood to mean that the member 22 is in a position wherein its pointer portion 32 is aligned with the surface portion 36c of front surface 35. Each one of the positions 38 of the second set of positions is associated with one of the positions 36 of the first set according to a predetermined pattern. As will be described below, the pattern of association is determined by the arrangement of electrical elements within the housing 10. However, such pattern of association is fixed for any given toy. In the embodiment illustrated, the pattern of association is as shown by Table I, wherein each position of the second set is enumerated on the same line as the associated position of the first set. TABLE I______________________________________Position of First Set Position of Second Set______________________________________36a 38c36b 38e36c 38d36d 38a36e 38b______________________________________ As shown in FIG. 3, each position of the second set is aligned with a position of the first set which is not associated with that position of the second set, and each position of the second set is remote from the position of the first set which is associated with that position of the second set. For example, position 38c of the second set is physically aligned, on the front surface 35 of the housing, with position 36c of the first set, but position 36c is not associated with position 38c. Position 38c is physically remote from position 36b, which is associated with position 38c. The positions of the second set are arranged in pseudorandom order with respect to the associated positions of the first set. That is, there is no readily apparent order to the association of the positions. Therefore, the child cannot readily learn the correct association of positions and defeat the purpose of the toy by aligning the members in associated positions without relying on the symbols. A pattern of association may be considered to be pseudorandom, as the term is used in this disclosure, if an adult of average intelligence cannot discern the associations of all of the positions, without the use of any symbols to guide him, in less than five minutes of practice. As can be appreciated, a child will require considerably more time to discern such association. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the front piece 12 of the housing includes a central strip 40 which overlies a medial region of the front surface 35, but which is spaced therefrom to define a narrow channel 42 behind the central strip but in front of the front surface 35. The front piece 12 also includes a side rail 44 which projects forwardly of the front surface 35 adjacent to the first side 19 of the housing, and a similar side rail (not shown) adjacent to the second side 21 of the housing. As shown in FIG. 6 the front piece 12 also includes a bottom lip 49 which projects forwardly of the front surface at the bottom of that surface. Thus, cards 48 and 50 may be received in the slot 42. So long as the toy is held right side up (the position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3), the cards will remain affixed to the housing. The side rails will prevent the cards from moving sideways along the front surface, and the center strip 40 will prevent the cards from moving outwardly from the front surface. The bottom lip 49 (FIG. 6) supports the cards so that they cannot move vertically. Thus, the cards will be maintained in a predetermined relationship with the housing. However, as shown in FIG. 1, the cards project upwardly from the housing. Thus, they may be removed from the channel 42 merely by grasping the projecting portions and pulling upwardly on them. Once the cards have been removed from the channel 42, they may be interchanged or inverted so that their surface of any one of the cards can be exposed on the front surface of the housing. As shown in FIG. 1, the first surface 48a of card 48 is exposed. This surface has a plurality of symbols of a first type and a plurality of symbols of a second type on it. In the embodiment illustrated, each symbol of the first type is a single word, and each symbol of the second type is a picture illustrating the meaning of one of those words. Thus, each symbol of the second type is logically related to one of the symbols of the first type. For example, the picture of the kitten is logically related to the word "kitten". Of course, such logically related symbols can take almost any form. As shown in FIG. 5, the second surface 48b of card 48 has all pictorial symbols. The symbols of the first type are pictures, each one of which symbolizes a particular word. The symbols of the second type are also pictures. Each one of these pictures symbolizes a word which rhymes with the word symbolized by a particular one of the pictures of the first type. Thus, the picture of a house symbolizes the word "house" and the picture of a mouse symbolizes the word "mouse". Therefore, the picture of the mouse is logically related to the picture of the house. The first surface 50a of card 50 (FIG. 8) also has logically related symbols (not shown) printed thereon. As set forth above, each position 38 of the second set is associated, according to a predetermined pattern, with one of the positions 36 of the first set. The patterns in which the symbols are arranged on the cards are so selected that, whichever one of card surfaces having symbols of said first and second types is exposed, each symbol of the second type on such surface is displayed in alignment with one of the positions 38 of the second set and the logically related symbol of the first type is displayed in alignment with the position 36 of the first set which is associated with that position of the second set. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the picture of a kitten, which is a symbol of the second type, is displayed in alignment with the position 38d, while the word "kitten", which is the logically related symbol of the first type, is displayed in alignment with 36c of the first set. Position 36c is associated with position 38d. Therefore, if the child correctly associates the word "kitten" and the picture of a kitten, positions the first member 22 so that its pointer portion 32 points to the word "kitten", and positions the second member 24 so that its pointer portion 34 points to the picture of a kitten, the first and second members will be in associated positions. Thus, whenever the child operating the toy correctly picks the logically related symbols, the members will be in associated positions; when the child incorrectly picks symbols which are not logically related, the members 22 and 24 will be in non-associated positions. After the child has positioned the members 22 and 24 in what he considers to be associated positions, he may depress the pushbutton 92 on the top of the toy to actuate a switch. Upon such actuation, detection and signalling means within the toy will emit a first signal (preferably a first series of audible tones) indicative of correct association if the members are in associated positions, and will emit a second signal different from the first signal, to indicate incorrect association if the members are in non-associated positions. While the arrangement described above facilitates learning by informing the child as to whether or not he has correctly associated the symbols, it is desirable to further facilitate learning by providing a third signal to lead the child towards a correct association in the event that he makes an incorrect association. Output means for emitting this third signal are provided in the form of visual indicators or light emitting diodes 100. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 6, these light emitting diodes are mounted on the front piece 12 of housing 10. Each one of these light emitting diodes is mounted to the housing in alignment with one of the positions of the second set. Thus, diode 100a is mounted in alignment with position 38a, diode 100b is mounted in alignment with position 38b and so on. Although the cards 48 and 50 are positioned in front of the diodes 100, holes 118 and cut outs 120 in the cards 48 and 50 allow the diodes to be seen from the front of the device through lenses 122 mounted on the central strip 40. Because the holes and cutouts lie in the medial region of the cards, and each card is substantially symmetrical about an axis extending vertically through its medial region, the holes and cutouts will overlie the diodes even if the cards are reversed. As will be described below, in the event that the child depresses the pushbutton and actuates the switch while the members 22 and 24 are in non-associated positions, the detection and signalling means will actuate the appropriate diode to indicate the position of the second set which should have been chosen for correct association. For example, if the first member 22 is in position 36c so that it is aligned with the word "kitten" (FIG. 1) and the second member 24 is in a position other than position 38d, the members are in non-associated positions. If the switch is actuated while the members are so positioned, the detection and signalling means will actuate the diode 100d. Because this diode is aligned with position 38d, it will emit a pulse of light in alignment with position 38d. This will indicate to the child that he should have chosen the picture of the kitten, displayed at position 38d. The electronic components within the housing are arranged as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 7. As shown in FIG. 4, a printed circuit board 52 is mounted within the interior cavity 16 of the housing. This printed circuit board includes a multiple position switch 53 which has a printed common element or bus bar 54 and a plurality of printed contact pads 56 adjacent to the bus bar 54 but electrically insulated therefrom. An electrical contact element 58 is affixed to the second member 24, and is constructed and arranged to electrically connect one of the pads 56 to the bus bar 54. The particular pad which is connected to the bus bar will depend upon the position of the member 24. Thus, in the position illustrated, (wherein the member 24 is in position 38d) the electrical contact element 58 connects the pad 56d with the bus bar 54. If the member 24 were moved to the position 38b, the contact element 58 would connect the pad 56b with the bus bar 54. Thus, the multiple position switch 53 is operatively associated with the second member 24. A similar arrangement of common element or bus bar 60, contact pads 62, and contact element 64 constitutes another multiple position switch 59 which is operatively associated with the first member 22 in a like manner. When the first member 22 is in position 36a, the common element 60 is connected to contact pad 62a; when the first member 22 is in position 36b, the common element 60 is connected to the contact pad 62b, and so on. A third multiple position switch 65 is provided along the bottom of the circuit board 52. This switch includes bus bar 66, contact pads 68 and contact element 70. The contact element 70 is linked to an arm 72 which protrudes through the front surface of the housing, as shown in FIG. 1. The arm 72 is manually movable between any one of four positions. When the arm 72 is moved to any one of these positions, the contact element 70 will electrically connect a corresponding one of the contact pads 68 to the bus bar 66. A pair of momentary switches are provided at the top of the printed circuit board. Momentary switch 74 includes a pair of contact pads 76 and 78 and a contact element 80. Momentary switch 82 includes a pair of contact pads 84 and 86 and contact element 88. The contact elements 80 and 88 are both affixed to an electrically insulating element 90 which is slidably mounted to the front piece 12 of the housing. The slidable element 90 includes a push button 92, which protrudes upwardly through the top of the housing. This slidable element 90 is biased upwardly by a compression spring 94, which is mounted so that one of its ends bears on the underside of the slidable element and the other one of its ends bears on a boss 96 which is formed integrally with the front piece 12 of the housing. Therefore, the slidable element 90 will normally stay in the position depicted in FIG. 4. In this position, the contact elements 80 and 88 do not electrically connect the contact pads with which they are associated. However, when the operator depresses the push button 92, he can momentarily force the slidable element 90 downwardly until contact element 80 connects pad 76 with pad 78, and contact element 88 connects pad 84 with pad 86. Thus, the two momentary switches 74 and 82 are normally open, and are mechanically linked for simultaneous operation. The electrical components of the device, including the switches described above, are shown schematically in FIG. 7. These electrical components include a Texas Instruments Model TMS 1000 microprocessor 98, which is available commercially from Texas Instruments, Inc., P.O. Box 1443, Houston, Tex. 77001. Such microprocessors include a plurality of exposed terminals which are sequentially numbered, starting with the number "1", by the manufacturer. The connections of the various elements to these terminals are indicated by the letters on the block representing the microprocessor 98 in FIG. 7 and by Table II, below. Thus, for example, the contact pad 56a of multiple position switch 53 is schematically depicted as being connected to the microprocessor at letter "J". As indicated in Table II, the letter "J" signifies connection to the terminal of the microprocessor which bears the manufacturer's number "22". TABLE II______________________________________ TERMINALS(S) OF MICROPORCESSORSYMBOL IN (MANUFACTURER'SFIG. 7 DESIGNATION)______________________________________A 9 and 4*B 27C 28D 1E 2F 3G 10 through 17*H 7J 22K 23L 24M 25N 26P 20Q 9 and 18*R 5S 8T 4U 21V 6______________________________________ *Indicates terminals connected in common. The other electrical components include the light emitting diodes 100a through 100e, which are connected to the microprocessor 98 through a common resistor 102 and a loud speaker 104 which is connected to the microprocessor through a resistor 106. A damped resonant network consisting of a capacitor 108 and a resistor 110 is also connected to the microprocessor 98. These elements, along with the multiple position switches 53 and 59 are included in the "detection and signalling means" of the device; the function of this detection and signalling means will be described below. The momentary switch 82 is directly connected to the microprocessor. The battery 112, a power source means for supplying electrical energy, is connected to the microprocessor through the transistor 114. The base of this transistor is connected to the microprocessor through a resistor 116, and it may also be connected, through the resistor 116 and momentary switch 74, to the positive terminal of the battery 112. The multiple position switch 65, which is directly connected to the microprocessor 98, serves as a manually operable control means and controls the detection and signalling means so that it will operate, as described below, in the mode chosen by the operator. As will be appreciated, the action of the microprocessor will be controlled by the program which is written into its "read only memory" at the time of its manufacture. Such programs, which can be generated by those skilled in the art of microprocessor programming, are written in the so called "machine language" of the particular microprocessor utilized. For the Texas Instruments TMS 1000 microprocessor used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sequence of hexadecimal numbers set forth in FIG. 9 represents the correct machine language program to cause the microprocessor to perform the necessary functions and enable the detection and signalling means to operate in the manner described in this disclosure. It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the electronic arts that the exact program to be utilized in any microprocessor in the toy of the present invention will depend upon the internal structure of the microprocessor itself and the choice of connections for the various electronic elements of the toy. The function of the detection and signalling means will be described here only with reference to its so called "alignment testing" mode; other modes of operation will be described below. However, the detection and signalling means will operate in the alignment testing mode when the multiple position switch 65 is in the position shown in FIGS. 4 and 7; its common element 66 is connected to its contact pad 68a. When the detection and signalling means is operative in the alignment testing mode, and the battery is supplying electrical energy to the microprocessor through the transistor 114, logic means including the multiple position switches 59 and 53 and elements of the microprocessor 98, operating according to the program of the microprocessor, will detect the positions of the first and second members 22 and 24, and will determine whether they are in associated positions or in non-associated positions. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the first member 22 is in position 36c, so that the common element of multiple position switch 59 is connected to the contact pad 62c of that switch. The second member 24 is in position 38d, and the common element 54 of multiple position switch 53 is connected to the contact pad 56d of that switch. The microprocessor can therefore determine the positions of the elements by proceeding, according to its program, to check which one of its terminals are connected to each other through the multiple position switches. If the multiple position switches 53 and 59 are in the states shown in FIG. 7, or are in any other states characteristic of the members 22 and 24 being in associated positions and the child depresses the pushbutton 92 (FIG. 4) to close the momentary switch 82, the microprocessor will cooperate with the resistor 110 and the capacitor 108 to produce a first sequence of audio frequency electrical signals, and will route these audio frequency electrical signals to the loudspeaker 104. The loudspeaker will convert these signals into a first series of audible tones. Together, such audible tones constitute a first operator perceivable signal. Preferably, this signal is in the form of a sequence of pleasant, musical notes, which serve as a further reward to the child using the toy for having correctly associated symbols and positioned the members 22 and 24 accordingly, and for having the courage of his convictions to assert that he has chosen correctly associated symbols by pressing the push button 92 to close the momentary switch 82. If the members 22 and 24 are in non-associated positions, the logic means will detect such non-association in a similar manner. If the child depresses the push button 92 and thereby actuates the switch 82 while the members 22 and 24 are in non-associated positions, the microprocessor 98, capacitor 108 and resistor 110 will produce a second sequence of audio frequency signals different from those described above. The loudspeaker 104 will therefore produce a second series of audible tones, different from the first series of audible tones described above. This second series of audible tones will constitute a second operator perceivable signal different from the first operator perceivable signal. Preferably, this second operator perceivable signal consists of unpleasant tones. If the momentary switch 82 is actuated while the members 22 and 24 are in non-associated positions, the microprocessor will also proceed, according to its program, to select the appropriate one of the light emitting diodes 100 and actuate that diode by routing electrical energy to it. As described above, the appropriate one of the light emitting diodes to be actuated in such a situation is the diode which is aligned with the position of the second set which is associated with the position of the first set in which the first member 22 was positioned at the time the switch 82 was actuated. The battery or power source means 112 is connected to the microprocessor by way of the transistor 114. The transistor will only conduct electricity if a positive voltage is applied to its base lead 114a. When the pushbutton 92 (FIG. 4) is depressed, and the momentary switch 74 is closed, the positive voltage of the battery is momentarily applied to the base lead 114 of the transistor by way of the resistor 116. Therefore, the transistor will momentarily be in a conducting mode and will momentarily connect the battery 112 to the microprocessor 98 of the detection and signalling means. After the pushbutton is released and the momentary switch 74 opens, the transistor 114 will continue to conduct only for so long as positive voltage from the battery is applied to its base lead 114a by the microprocessor 98 through lead 117. The microprocessor is programmed to measure time by counting oscillations of the resonant circuit (the capacitor 108 and resistor 110) and continue applying such voltage to the transistor for a predetermined period of time after the momentary switch 74 opens. The microprocessor is also programmed to detect any actuation of the switch 82 and to detect any change in state of the switches 53 and 59 which would occur upon movement of the members 22 and 24 (FIG. 1), and to restart the predetermined period of time upon any such actuation or movement. Thus, the transistor will continue to connect the battery to the microprocessor for a predetermined period of time after: (a) the termination of the momentary connection by the opening of the switch 74, or (b) the last movement of one of the members 22 or 24, or the last actuation of the switch 82, whichever last occurs. At the end of such a predetermined period, the transistor will stop conducting and the microprocessor will be electrically isolated from the battery. Thus, if the child using the toy stops playing with it for too long a time, the toy will shut itself off and save its batteries. Aside from the "alignment-testing" mode of operation described above, the toy according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can also be utilized in a "count mode", which tests the child's ability to count audible signals. To utilize the toy in the count mode, the cards 48 and 50 (FIG. 1) are interchanged so that the second surface 50b (FIG. 8) of card 50 is exposed on the front surface of the housing 10. Thus, the predetermined numerical symbols on this surface will be displayed in alignment with the position 38 of the second set according to a predetermined pattern. For example, the symbol "1" will be displayed in alignment with the position 38a, the symbol "2" will be displayed in alignment with the position 38b, and so on. If the arm 72 (FIGS. 1 and 4) is positioned so that the common element 66 of the multiple-position switch 65 (FIGS. 4 and 7) is connected to the contact pad 68b, the microprocessor will operate in the count mode instead of in the alignment testing mode. In the count mode, the microprocessor will select a number from among those symbolized by the numerical symbols on the card and will "remember" which number it has selected. In response to a first actuation of switch 82, the microprocessor will cause the loudspeaker to emit the selected number of audible tones. The child counts the tones and selects the symbol corresponding to the number of tones. He then moves the second member 24 (FIG. 1) until its pointer portion points to the numerical symbol corresponding to this number. If the child correctly performs this task, the second member will be in a position aligned with the numerical symbol for the number originally selected by the microprocessor. If the child does not correctly perform these tasks, the second member will be in a position which is not so aligned. In response to a second actuation of the switch 82, the microprocessor will check and determine whether, at the time of such actuation, the second member 24 is in the correct position for the number previously selected. If it is, the microprocessor will cause the loudspeaker to emit the "first signal" indicative of correct performance and described above in connection with the alignment-testing mode of operation. If it is not, the "second signal", indicative of incorrect performance by the child will be emitted. In the event of incorrect performance by the child, the microprocessor will also actuate the one of the light-emitting diodes 100 which is aligned with the correct numerical symbol. The toy is also usable in a randomizing mode. When the arm 72 (FIG. 1) is positioned so that the element 66 of switch 65 (FIG. 7) is connected to the contact pad 68c, the microprocessor 98 will operate in the randomizing mode. Upon actuation of the switch 82, the microprocessor will select a random one of the light-emitting diodes or visual indicators 100 and actuate the indicator so selected. The microprocessor will repeat this sequence of random choice and actuation each time the switch 82 is actuated. Thus, the toy can be used as a randomizing element in a game. Preferably, when the toy is operated in the randomizing mode, a card surface (not shown) which includes a number of different symbols equal to the number of visual indicators is exposed on the front surface of the housing. Each one of these symbols is displayed in alignment with one of the visual indicators. Thus, the random selection and actuation of a visual indicator will signal the child to take action in accordance with the symbol which is aligned with the indicator so actuated. For example, each symbol may be a band of a particular color which corresponds to one of the colors on a multicolored game board. Actuation of the visual indicator or diode aligned with a particular color band on the card signals the child to advance a game piece to the next space of that color on the game board. The loudspeaker 104 may be used to provide musical entertainment for the child. If the arm 72 (FIG. 1) of the mode selector switch 65 (FIG. 7) is positioned so that the common element 66 is connected to the contact pad 68d, the microprocessor will produce a series of audio-frequency electrical signals each time the switch 82 is actuated. The program of the microprocessor is so selected that the audio-frequency signals so produced will correspond to the notes in a musical melody. The loudspeaker 104 will convert these signals into an audible melody. Preferably, the microprocessor is programmed to produce different patterns of signals, corresponding to different melodies depending on the position of the second member 24 at the time the switch 82 is actuated. To enable the child to choose the desired melody, a card (not shown) is provided which incorporates symbols representative of the various melodies. These symbols are so arranged that each one will be displayed in alignment with the appropriate one of the positions 38 of the second set on the surface of the housing. As described above, the child may choose the mode of operation of the toy by moving the arm 72 (FIG. 1) to an appropriate position, and by exposing an appropriate card face on the front of the housing. Preferably, each card face is marked with a mode symbol 124, and the positions of the arm are indicated on the housing by matching mode symbols 126. The symbols 124 and 126 are chosen so that the child can appropriately position the arm 72 by simply aligning it with a mode symbol 126 which matches the mode symbol 124 on the card surface which is exposed. For example, if the card surface 48a, appropriate to the alignment-testing mode, is exposed, mode symbol 124a (an S-shaped curve) will be visible. If the child moves arm 72 until it is aligned with matching mode symbol 126a (an S-shaped curve), the detection and signalling means within the toy will operate in the alignment-testing mode. By contrast, if the card surface 50b, (FIG. 8) appropriate to the count mode, is exposed, the mode symbol 124b (an asterisk) will be visible. The child would thus know to move the arm 72 into alignment with the mode symbol 126b on the housing (FIG. 1), and thereby cause the toy to operate in the count mode. Other symbols 126 are provided on the housing to indicate the appropriate arm positions for the randomizing mode and the music-generating mode. As will be apparent from FIG. 1, the housing 10 is in the form of a man-like robot, and the members 22 and 24 constitute the arms of the robot. The pushbutton 92 forms the top of the robot's head. This arrangement is especially appropriate for use by young children; the child "shakes hands" with the robot when he adjusts the positions of the first and second members, and "pats" the robot on the head to provoke a response when he actuates the pushbutton 92. The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment should be taken as merely illustrative, as numerous variations and combinations of the features described therein may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Merely by way of example, the detection and signalling means need not incorporate a microprocessor. As is well known to those skilled in the electronic arts, identical functions can be performed by discrete electronic components. Indeed, the detection and signalling means need not be electronically operated. Logically analagous mechanical or fluidic elements can replace the microprocessor, and mechanical or fluidic transducers can replace the loudspeaker and the light-emitting diodes. In any such arrangement, the switches referred to above would be replaced by appropriate clutches or valves, and the battery would be replaced by a source of mechanical energy. Of course, some of the features described above may be omitted. For example, it would be possible to build a toy which would operate only in the alignment-testing mode. In such a toy, the mode selector arm and switch could be omitted. Means for displaying symbols other than the interchangeable cards described above could be utilized. For example, the symbols could be simply marked on the front surface of the housing, or a liquid-crystal display could be provided. Although the first and second members of the embodiment described above are slidably mounted to the housing, they could also be rotatably mounted to the housing. Of course, in such an embodiment, the positions of the members would lie in arcuate arrays rather than in straight rows along the sides of the device. Therefore, the display means would have to be modified to display the symbols in corresponding arcuate arrays in any such embodiment. Further, the pointer portions of the members could be omitted, as long as the configuration of the members is such that their alignment with the symbols can be readily discerned.
An educational toy for testing a child's ability to properly associate logically related symbols and teaching proper associations. The toy includes an area for displaying two groups of symbols in a predetermined array on a housing and two members movably mounted to the housing so that the child may move each member into alignment with a symbol from one of the groups. In response to manual actuation of a switch, the toy emits a first signal, indicative of a correct performance, if the members are in alignment with logically related symbols at the time of such actuation and emits a second signal, indicative of incorrect performance, if the members are not so aligned at the time of such actuation. In a preferred embodiment, the toy includes electronic detection and signalling circuitry, a programmed microprocessor forms a part of the detection and signalling circuitry, and the microprocessor may be manually controlled to act in other play modes. The foregoing abstract should not be taken as a complete exposition of the present invention, or as a limitation of the present invention.
6
[0001] The present application claims benefit under 35 USC Section 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/971,749, filed on Sep. 12, 2007. The present application is based on and claims priority from this application, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to an improved energy generation method using kinetic water currents to increase the efficiency of kinetic hydro turbines. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The following patents are considered to be related to the general field of the present invention: Canadian Patents and/or Applications: 2,556,702; 2,460,479; and 2,868,717 and U.S. Pat. Nos.: 3,986,787; 4,095,918; 4,025,220; 4,163,904; 4,219,303; 4,613,279; 6,139,255; 6,406,251; 6,168,373; 6,531,788; 6,652,221; 7,105,942; and 7,291,936. [0004] Kinetic hydro turbines extract energy from the flow by installing a horizontal or vertical turbine in a fixed position. These turbines can suffer from low power densities as a result of the riverbed, ocean floor or channel boundary layer as the flow velocity is significantly reduced in that region and the power output is proportional to the velocity cubed. In addition, these turbines risk damage from debris and from large flow velocity as a result of their exposure to the flow and elements. In addition, ocean, river and channel kinetic hydro turbines require a method to secure them against the flow. One of the methods to anchor these turbines is to use a tethered system with a cable and an anchor as taught by CIPO2556702, U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,373 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,531,788. The cable can be directly attached to the turbine or to a pontoon floating on the top of the channel securing the turbine in place, as taught by U.S. Pat. No. 3,986,787, U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,918, U.S. Pat. No. 7,105,942 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,291,936. [0005] Anchoring blocks have been used to secure kinetic hydro turbines, however these blocks have only been used with the purpose of providing a means of anchoring the turbine. To increase the turbine efficiency, prior art teaches that inlet nozzles and outlet diffusers are fluid dynamic components that increase the power density for kinetic turbines, as taught by CIPO2556702, CIPO2460479, U.S. Pat. No. 3,986,787, U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,918 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,025,220. Prior art also teaches about ducted turbines in channels used to increase the power density. These methods are different from the method disclosed herein because they enclose the rotor, and are part of the kinetic turbine assembly. In the current disclosure the upstream object is installed independently of the kinetic hydro turbine. To protect the kinetic turbine against damage, prior art teaches that debris can be guarded against using screens, as taught by CIPO2460479 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,613,279. These methods differ from the method disclosed herein because screens or filters are not used. Prior art also teaches that the turbine can be designed to be moveable, allowing it to be lifted out of the flow when necessary, as taught by U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,221. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a method of increasing power density of a kinetic hydro turbine in a flow of fluid which flows along a boundary surface which contains the flow of fluid and which forms a boundary layer in the flow of fluid, the method comprising: [0007] disturbing the boundary layer of the flow of fluid by locating an object in the flow of fluid upstream from the turbine and shaping the object so as to move fluid in the flow away from the boundary surface upstream from the turbine. [0008] The disclosed method consists of an object placed on the ocean floor, riverbed or channel bottom upstream of the kinetic hydro turbine. The size and geometry of the object is optimized to disturb the boundary layer to increase the power density seen at the turbine. The object is also selected for its ability to form a large wake region to allow protecting the turbine when needed. Symmetrical shapes offer the added advantage to perform similarly in tidal applications where the flow changes direction periodically. [0009] Computational fluid dynamic analyses performed by the authors show that boundary layer disturbing shapes that produce the largest upward flow velocities exhibit the greatest power increase at the turbine. The results show that shapes designed to produce jet-like wake flows, such as that from nozzle, tend to exhibit the smallest power increases. Thus the size and geometry of the object is selected to produce a wake region sufficiently large to allow protecting the kinetic turbine during climatic events that could damage or destroy the turbine. The turbine can be positioned within this protective region whenever flow conditions are deemed unsafe, such as with debris-laden spring run-off, or when the velocities are above the design limits of the turbine. Furthermore, computational fluid dynamic analyses demonstrate that the geometries that increase energy-densities also produce large wake zones. That is, increases in the flow velocity above the shaped object also increase the wake region for protection. The modifying boundary layer object can be designed as an anchoring base for the ocean, river and channel kinetic hydro turbine. [0010] More particularly, the disclosed invention consists of placing a boundary layer disturbing object at the bottom of an ocean floor, riverbed and channel bottom to modify the boundary layer. The shape of the boundary layer disturbing object is optimized to provide a velocity increase above and downstream of the shaped object to increase the power density of the kinetic hydro turbine and to provide a wake region behind the shaped object to reduce the flow velocity and thereby avoid damage to the turbine when environmental elements like heavy logs, storms and spring ice breakup risk damaging or destroying the hydro kinetic turbine. [0011] Preferably the turbine is located in a region of the flow affected by the boundary layer prior to placement of the object in the flow. [0012] The method according to the present invention may further include disturbing the boundary layer of the flow by locating the object adjacent the boundary surface forming the boundary layer. [0013] When the flow of fluid is a river, the boundary surface preferably comprises a bed of the river. [0014] When the flow of fluid is an ocean current, the boundary surface preferably comprises a bed of the ocean. [0015] When the flow of fluid flows through a channel, the boundary surface preferably comprises channel walls defining the channel. [0016] The method may include arranging said object in the flow of fluid to produce a wake zone comprising a turbulent recirculation region downstream from the object and locating the turbine outside of the wake zone, but preferably adjacent to the wake zone. [0017] The turbine may be located farther from the boundary surface than the wake zone in a region of maximum flow in a direction of the flow extending generally parallel to the boundary surface. [0018] The method may include shaping said object to have a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the direction of the flow which is plural times greater than a cross-sectional area in the direction of the flow so as to maximize a cross-stream area of said object. [0019] A distance of the turbine from the boundary surface may be arranged to be near a maximum outward dimension of said object relative to the boundary surface. [0020] The turbine may also be located farther from the boundary surface than an outermost end of said object which is farthest from the boundary surface. [0021] The method may further comprise: arranging said object in the flow of fluid to produce a wake zone comprising a turbulent recirculation region downstream from the object; and protecting the turbine by locating the turbine in the wake zone of said object. In this instance, the turbine may be located fully in the wake zone. [0022] The distance of the turbine from the boundary surface may be arranged to be near a maximum outward dimension of said object relative to the boundary surface. [0023] The turbine may also be located nearer to the boundary surface than an outermost end of said object which is farthest from the boundary surface. [0024] Preferably the method also includes substantially wholly anchoring the turbine to said object. [0025] The object is preferably located in the flow to be fully separate and independent of the turbine. [0026] The object can be shaped to maximize outward flow velocity of the disturbed boundary layer away from the boundary surface. [0027] Further the trailing edge of said object may be shaped to maximize a wake zone produced by said object. [0028] Preferably the object is shaped to maximize an effect of the object on the boundary layer in the flow of fluid to redirect the boundary layer outward from the boundary surface. [0029] When a leading side of the object is arranged to span generally from an inner edge adjacent an inner end of the object adjacent the boundary surface to an outer edge adjacent an outer end of the object farthest from the boundary surface, preferably the outer edge is spaced in a direction of the flow towards a trailing edge of the object in relation to the inner edge. [0030] A leading side of the object may comprise a ramp surface extending generally outward from the boundary surface in a direction of the flow towards a trailing side of the object. The ramp surface may be generally concave in profile or generally inclined in profile. [0031] The object is preferably symmetrical about a plane oriented transversely to a direction of the flow of fluid. [0032] Locating the object in the flow of fluid may be accomplished by: locating a shaped membrane at a desired located of the object in the flow of fluid; injecting a fluid material into the shaped membrane; and arranging the fluid material to solidify in the form of the shaped membrane to form said object. [0033] When there is provided a plurality of kinetic hydro turbines, the method may include locating a plurality of objects in the flow of fluid and locating each of the plurality of kinetic hydro turbines in a region of disturbed boundary layer by a respective one of the plurality of shaped objects, or locating the plurality of kinetic hydro turbines in a common region of disturbed boundary layer by said object. [0034] The method may further comprise arranging said shaped object in the flow of fluid to produce a turbulent wake region downstream from the object; operating the turbine in a location outside of said turbulent wake region; and displacing the turbine from the location outside of said turbulent wake region to a location within the turbulent wake region responsive to determination of a debris condition. [0035] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of protecting a kinetic hydro turbine in a flow of fluid, the method comprising: [0036] locating an object in the flow of fluid upstream from the turbine so as to produce a wake zone; and [0037] locating the turbine in the wake zone. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0038] FIG. 1 shows numerical results showing the high velocity region and wake region in relation to the shaped object [0039] FIG. 2 a shows a typical arrangement of a preferred embodiment of the invention to increase the power density through the turbine by disturbing the flow boundary layer with a shaped object and provide a wake region for protection [0040] FIG. 2 b shows an alternative positioning of the turbine using a pontoon arrangement [0041] FIG. 3 a and FIG. 3 b show alternate placement of shaped objects [0042] FIG. 4 shows shaped objects with geometries labelled A to F [0043] FIG. 5 shows calculated flow streamlines around shaped objects A to F [0044] FIG. 6 a shows power profiles for shaped objects A to F with kinetic hydro turbine six metres from shaped objects [0045] FIG. 6 b shows power profiles for shaped anchors A to F with kinetic hydro turbine sixteen metres from shaped objects [0046] FIG. 6 c shows power profiles for shaped anchors A to F with kinetic hydro turbine thirty-six metres from shaped objects [0047] FIG. 7 peak power for shaped anchors A to F with kinetic turbine six metres from shaped objects at the water surface [0048] In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0049] Referring to the accompanying figures there is illustrated a boundary layer disturbing object generally indicated by reference numeral 10 . The device 10 is particularly suited for use in a fluid flow, for example a river, an ocean current or other flow bounded in a channel-like structure, to disturb a boundary layer in the flow caused by the flow flowing along a boundary surface 12 , thus increasing the power density of a turbine 14 situated in the flow. [0050] FIG. 1 shows flow streamlines 16 and velocity contours 17 from numerical flow modelling calculations with shaped object 10 and boundary surface 12 . Boundary line 32 separates the flow into high velocity region 31 located above shaped object 10 and wake region 30 located behind shaped object 10 . [0051] FIG. 2 a shows a preferred embodiment that increases the power density of kinetic hydro turbine 10 and offers protection to said turbine from the elements when required. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 a there is a section of an ocean, river or channel where water flows along boundary surface 12 . In this instance the boundary surface forms a floor above which the fluid flows. Kinetic hydro turbine 14 is situated in flow 13 at a location spaced upwardly from boundary surface 12 and below water surface 11 to capture kinetic energy from said flow. Shaped object 10 is a boundary layer disturbing object particularly suited for use in a fluid flow, for example, a river, an ocean current or other flow bounded in a channel-like structure, to disturb the boundary layer in the flow caused by the fluid flowing along boundary surface 12 , thus increasing the power density of tethered kinetic hydro turbine 14 . Shaped object 10 produces high flow velocity region 31 located above said shape anchor and wake region 30 located downstream and behind shaped object 10 . The size and velocity distribution of high flow velocity region 31 and of wake region 30 can be obtained from numerical modelling as shown previously in FIG. 1 or from experimental tests using dynamic similarity. [0052] The geometry of shaped object 10 is optimized so as to increase the power density of kinetic hydro turbine 10 by creating favourable flow streamlines 16 while considering the size of wake region 30 and the advantage offered by a symmetrical shape object for tidal applications. Kinetic hydro turbine 14 is tethered to shaped object 10 using cable 15 and can move within the vertical column to a location corresponding to the maximum power in high flow velocity region 31 and also move in wake region 30 to protect itself from damage form environmental elements. Kinetic hydro turbine 14 is either a horizontal turbine, a vertical turbine and can consist of a plurality of turbines optionally connected together. Swivel joint 20 is optional and used for tidal application where flow 13 changes direction periodically. [0053] FIG. 2 b shows another preferred embodiment where kinetic hydro turbine 14 is secured using floating pontoons 17 . In this arrangement kinetic hydro turbine 14 may not be able to dive and be protected by wake region 30 to avoid damage from environmental elements. [0054] FIG. 3 a and FIG. 3 b illustrate a frontal view of further embodiments of fluid flows which may be bounded by channel walls either on sides, at bottom and on top of the flow. Each of the channel walls 16 defines a boundary surface 12 which contains the flow and along which the fluid flows so that a resulting boundary layer is formed along said boundary surface. In an ocean, river or channel, the boundary layer can be of the same scale as the depth of the flow. Kinetic hydro turbine 14 is aligned in the flow direction and shaped object 10 is placed to one or adjacent one of boundary surfaces 12 that is close enough or near enough to the turbine that it forms a boundary layer which affects the turbine performance. Shaped object 10 serves to redirect the boundary layer flow around and over said object. That is shaped object 10 redirects the flow outward and away from the boundary surface so that the boundary layer flow reaching the turbine is affected when the object is appropriately spaced upstream from the turbine. [0055] Shaped object 10 also serves to form a wake region comprising a turbulent recirculation region extending downstream from the object. When it is desirable to achieve maximum power output from the turbine, the turbine is located approximately as shown in FIG. 2 a , FIG. 3 a and FIG. 3 b so as to be outside but adjacent the wake region in a region of maximum horizontal flow or maximum flow in flow direction. In this instance the turbine is typically located near or above a height of the shaped object 10 in relation to the relevant boundary surface 14 . That is the turbine is spaced outwardly from the boundary surface by a distance which is equal or generally exceeds spacing of the outer most end of the object in relation to the boundary surface. [0056] Alternatively when it is desirable to provide some protection to the turbine from storms and debris carried by the flow of fluid, the turbine is typically located fully within wake region 30 , but still spaced downstream from shaped object 10 . When locating kinetic hydro turbine 14 fully in wake region 30 , said turbine is typically located near or below a height of shaped object 10 dependent upon the distance of said turbine from the said shaped object in the flow direction. In this instance, kinetic hydro turbine 14 is typically located at a smaller outward distance from boundary surface 12 than an outer end of shaped object 10 . The turbine may be initially operated outside of the turbulent wake region and then displaced from outside the wake region to a location within the wake region only in response to detection or determination of debris in the flow which may indicate a temporary condition where increased protection of the turbine is desired. [0057] The shaped object 10 typically comprises a block which is cast of concrete or other suitable dense rigid material capable of being readily formed with sufficient mass or bottom protrusions to also anchor kinetic hydro turbine 14 against flow 13 . Methods of fabrication for the shaped object 10 include, for example, a precast mould where said shaped object after being manufactured is lowered into the water, and by injection of fluid material on location into a pre-shaped or pre-formed membrane in which the fluid material is capable of solidifying in the water. In the later instance, the membrane is first submerged into the flowing body of water. The membrane then holds the fluid material in a shape corresponding to the desired shape of the finished object until the fluid material cures or solidifies in situ to form the finished object. The shaped object 10 is fully independent from kinetic hydro turbine 14 being connected to the shaped object by suitable tethers to anchor the turbine. Shaped object 10 which disturbs the boundary layer typically wholly anchors kinetic hydro turbine 14 against the flow. [0058] In typical embodiments, when one or more turbines are provided, one boundary layer disturbing shaped object 10 is provided in association with each kinetic hydro turbine 14 respectively. In further arrangements however there may be provided a plurality of separate shaped objects 10 or separate blocks forming shaped object 10 which anchors a single kinetic hydro turbine 14 . In yet further embodiments there may be provided a single common boundary layer disturbing shape object 10 which anchors and disturbs the boundary layer in relation to a plurality of turbines 14 associated therewith. [0059] The particular shape and configuration of shaped object 10 may vary while still providing the proper function of disturbing the boundary layer to increase the power density of the flow at the turbine. Numerical test indicate that a ramped leading side at the front of shaped object 10 which faces into and confronts the flow is desirable. In particular the leading side of said shaped object is particularly effective when sloped or inclined upwardly away from relevant boundary surface 12 in the flow direction towards a rearward trailing side of the object. In this arrangement the leading side of the object acts to maximize the upward flow outward and away from relevant boundary surface 12 to maximize the vertical effect of outward disturbance of the flow relative to said boundary surface. [0060] Turning now to FIG. 4 and Label A, a first embodiment of shape object 10 is illustrated in which the object comprises a rectangular block which is positioned in the flow so as to have a greater extent in lateral direction perpendicular to the flow than in the flow direction. The leading and trailing sides are oriented perpendicularly to the flow. While this embodiment has some beneficial effect, other embodiments appear to have greater positive effect. [0061] FIG. 4 and Label B illustrates a second embodiment of shaped object 10 in which both the front leading side and rear trailing side of the object are sloped at a flat incline in profile. In particular the front leading side tapers at an incline outwardly from the boundary surface in the flow direction while meeting the rear trailing side at an outer apex such that the rear trailing side is inclined inwardly towards the boundary surface in the flow direction. [0062] A further embodiment is shown in FIG. 4 and Label C in which shape object 10 has the geometry of a section of a cylinder so that the laterally spaced apart ends, the rear trailing side, and the bottom side against boundary surface 12 are all generally flat and rectangular, but the front leading side and the top outer side farthest from the boundary surface form a continuous curving surface which is convex in profile so that the leading surface or leading side of shape object 10 again extends outwardly from the boundary surface at an incline in the flow direction from the front bottom edge to the rear top edge of said shaped object. [0063] FIG. 4 and Label D illustrates another alternative embodiment in which shaped object 10 forms an aggressive upwardly curving ramp in which the front leading side is concave in profile to sharply redirect the flow along a continuous curve. In this instance the lower portion of the leading side of the object nearest to the boundary surface is near parallel to the boundary surface and the flow direction before curving upwardly and outwardly to be near perpendicular to the boundary surface and the flow direction near the outer top end of the object farthest from the boundary surface. In this instance, shaped object 10 appears to maximize the upward and outward redirection of the boundary layer flow away and outward from the boundary surface to maximize the disturbance of the boundary layer of the flow away from the boundary surface and offer the most benefit to the turbine. [0064] Turning to FIG. 4 and Label E, a further embodiment of shaped object 10 is illustrated in which said object generally comprises a pair of laterally spaced cone shaped structures projecting upwardly and tapering to a narrower dimension as the cones extend away from boundary surface 12 . The cones are joined by a bridge section which connects the cones to form a continuous wall there between to a height which is partway, and typically greater than half the height thereof, in relation to the boundary surface. Shape object 10 in this instance defines a pair of end portions having the greatest height in relation to the boundary surface and a central portion spanning there between which is less in height in relation to the boundary surface so that the flow is concentrated between the end portions at the upper half of shaped object 10 above the central portion thereof. The end portions and the central portions together define the leading side of the object which again slopes upwardly and away from the boundary surface in the flow direction to maximize disturbance of the boundary layer flow away from boundary surface 12 . [0065] Turning to FIG. 4 and Label F, a further embodiment of shaped object 10 is illustrated in which the leading side of the object defines a partial cone shaped funnel which is generally concave in cross section. The leading side thus defines sides which are sloped from opposing lateral ends of the object towards a center of the object in the flow direction from the leading side to the trailing side. The funnel structured leading side also defines a bottom portion which slopes upwardly and away from the boundary surface from the leading side to the trailing side. The side portions and the bottom portion are all continuous with one another to form a generally U-shaped leading side which tapers upwardly and inwardly towards a center of the block at the rear trailing side thereof in the flow direction. This shape functions to concentrate the flow towards a center of the object 10 similarly to the embodiment of FIG. 4 and Label E. The majority of the surface of said shaped object again slopes away from the boundary surface in the flow direction to maximize the outward redirection of the boundary layer flow from boundary surface 12 . [0066] FIG. 5 shows flow streamlines 16 numerically calculated for the shaped objects Labelled A through F. In all these instances, the volume and the base footprint area of each of the shaped objects were kept constant during the numerical calculations. [0067] The performance obtained from numerical calculations of the various embodiments in FIG. 5 for Labels A through F are shown in FIG. 6 a , FIG. 6 b and FIG. 6 c for shaped objects located six meters, sixteen meters, and thirty-six metres, respectively, upstream of kinetic hydro turbine 14 . In these figures, Y*, is the non-dimensional height of the water column varying from 0 to 1 and, P*, is the non-dimensional power passing through a disk situated at the top of the channel when no boundary layer shaped object 10 is present. The numerical results shows that shaped object 10 Label D which maximizes the outward redirection of the boundary layer flow from boundary surface 10 achieves the greatest power increase. [0068] FIG. 7 compares shape objects Labels A through F. This figure shows peak power, P*, obtained as function of the frontal cross-sectional area perpendicular to the flow of the shape objects. For the numerical calculations the volume and footprint are kept constant. FIG. 6 shows that a 6% to 17% increase in power is possible using shape objects 10 Label A through F with Label D being most effective. [0069] Since various modifications can be made to the invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without department from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
Kinetic energy contained in oceans, rivers and channels can be converted to power using kinetic hydro turbines. These turbines can be tethered to the ocean floor, riverbed and channel bottom and their vertical position within the water column controlled. A method is disclosed that permits to increase the power extracted by the turbine by modifying the boundary layer using a shaped object located upstream of the turbine to increase the flow velocity through the turbine. The object also provides protection during climatic events like spring ice breakup, logs and storms that could damage the turbine. Additionally the shaped object can allow the turbine to be tethered to it. The shaped object can be made symmetric to allow operating in tidal conditions where the flow direction changes periodically. On site manufacturing can also alleviate overall costs.
5
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to semiconductor wafers and, more specifically, to a device for holding a plurality of semiconductor wafers taken from the group of Silicon Carbide, Sapphire, Germanium, Silicon and pattern wafers for polishing while having a fluid conducted over said wafers by means of a central inlet having a plurality of channels extending therefrom to each wafer pocket, where the slurry moves via centripetal force to a vacuum outlet for evacuation. While other wafer polishing devices may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described. SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Current industry polishing process provides slurry that flows from a tube in the center of the polishing head into the center of the polishing pad. From there, the slurry is spread throughout the polishing pad and templates with the wafers polished by the flowing slurry. Most of the slurry is swept off the polishing pad due to centripetal force of the spinning head. As an example, the current process of polishing wafers provides for a sample flow rate of 1000 millimeters onto the polishing table where 30% of the slurry acts upon a wafer while 70% goes to the drains. The present invention provides an environmentally green process template wafer holder for the semiconductor wafers polishing industry by creating a template having a center hole for initial slurry flow into the CIG (Chemical Inducing Grooves) channels with additional holes created around the template surface for more slurry channels into CIG. Escape holes are created approximate the periphery for slurry or water to escape the template to prevent overflow of slurry or water. The slurry and/or water are extracted out of these holes by a vacuum that can be controlled to prevent contamination. Slurry channels into the wafer pockets of the template by the CIG and escapes by centripetal force through the CIG channels at a controlled speed whereby controlling the flow of slurry within the channels of the template produces better wafer contact and flatness with less slurry waste and less processing time saving power and therefore saving time and money. A primary object of the present invention is to provide a template for polishing Silicon Carbide, Sapphire, Germanium, Silicon and pattern wafer. Another object of the present invention is to provide a template for polishing Silicon Carbide, Sapphire, Germanium, Silicon and pattern wafers utilizing the centripetal forces of the spinning template to induct flow of a fluid over the held wafers. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a template for holding Silicon Carbide, Sapphire, Germanium, Silicon and pattern wafers having a central inlet with a plurality of channels for inducting fluid over said wafers. Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a template for polishing Silicon Carbide, Sapphire, Germanium, Silicon and pattern wafers having an inlet to introduce a fluid, channels to guide it, and outlets to relieve said fluid and a vacuum to evacuate it. Another object of the present invention is to provide a template for polishing Silicon Carbide, Sapphire, Germanium, Silicon and pattern wafers having a plurality of channels designed specifically to produce maximum flow and efficiency. Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a template for polishing Silicon Carbide, Sapphire, Germanium, Silicon and pattern wafers having a slurry inlet, channels, outlets and pockets for holding said wafers terminating in peripheral vacuum ports in order to facilitate an efficient flow of slurry over the semiconductor wafers during a polishing process. The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawing, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawing, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of the present invention in use. FIG. 2 is an illustrative view of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an illustrative view of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an illustrative view of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a sectional perspective view of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a top view of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a top view of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a top view of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a top view of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the figures illustrate the Silicon Carbide, Sapphire, Germanium, Silicon and pattern wafer polishing template of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures. 10 Silicon Carbide, Sapphire, Germanium, Silicon and pattern wafer polishing template of the present invention 12 slurry inlet 14 channel 16 semiconductor wafer 18 wafer pocket 20 template surface 22 slurry port 24 vacuum port 26 housing 28 directional guide 30 slurry passage 32 fluid course 34 slurry DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention (and several variations of that embodiment). This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments, practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to appended claims. FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of the present invention in use. The present invention is a template for polishing Silicon Carbide, Sapphire, Germanium, Silicon and pattern wafers 10 for manufacture in the electronics industry. Stemming from the templates center is a slurry input 12 that introduce s water, fluid or slurry (hereinafter referred to as slurry) to a plurality of channels 14 formed on the top template surface 20 and directional guides 28 to deliver said slurry through a plurality of slurry passages 30 notched into the walls of said wafer pockets 18 and evenly distribute and disperse said slurry upon wafers 16 disposed therein. There are apertures disposed within the channels 14 forming slurry outlets 22 to prevent slurry overflow. Additionally shown is the template loaded with four wafers 16 with a fifth being inserted into its designated placement. The slurry moves via centripetal force to vacuum ports 24 for evacuation. FIG. 2 is an illustrative view of the present invention. The present invention is a template for polishing Silicon Carbide, Sapphire, Germanium, Silicon and pattern wafers 10 for manufacture in the electronics industry. The slurry enters the template through a centrally disposed inlet 12 into channels 14 with slurry outlets 22 to prevent overflow and the slurry enters the wafer pockets 18 to evenly distribute and disperse a polishing fluid upon its held wafers. The remaining slurry is then evacuated via centripetal force through vacuum ports 24 . FIG. 3 is an illustrative view of the present invention. Shown is the template for polishing Silicon Carbide, Sapphire, Germanium, Silicon and pattern wafers 10 having a housing 26 an inlet 12 in its center for receiving fluid therethrough with a plurality of outlets 22 that will allow excess fluid to centripetally drain through, along with a plurality of vacuum ports 24 for draining any remaining fluid out its periphery. FIG. 4 is an illustrative view of the present invention. The present invention is a template for polishing Silicon Carbide, Sapphire, Germanium, Silicon and pattern wafers 10 for manufacture in the electronics industry. Stemming from the slurry inlet 12 templates center and out to it's periphery are a plurality of channels 14 to direct the slurry to the overflow slurry outlets 22 and wafer pockets 18 and eventually to the vacuum ports 24 . FIG. 5 is a sectional perspective view of the template for polishing Silicon Carbide, Sapphire, Germanium, Silicon and pattern wafers 10 of the present invention. Shown is the fluid course 32 being used with the present invention, fluid is taken into the slurry inlet 12 , can bleed out of the outlets 22 due to centripetal force and is then removed via a vacuum port 24 . FIG. 6 is a top view of the present invention. The present invention is a template for polishing Silicon Carbide, Sapphire, Germanium, Silicon and pattern wafers 10 . Shown is the relationship between the slurry inlet 12 , channels 14 , slurry outlets 22 , wafer pockets 18 ant vacuum ports 24 . FIG. 7 is a top view of the template for polishing Silicon Carbide, Sapphire, Germanium, Silicon and pattern wafers 10 of the present invention. Shown is the coarse the slurry 34 takes while being used with the present invention, slurry 34 is taken in by the inlet 12 , can bleed out of the outlets 22 due to centripetal force and is then removed via vacuum ports 24 . FIG. 8 is a top view of the template for polishing Silicon Carbide, Sapphire, Germanium, Silicon and pattern wafers 10 of the present invention. Shown is the course of the slurry 34 takes while being used with the present invention. Slurry 34 is taken in by the inlet 12 , can bleed out of the outlets 22 due to centripetal force, enters the wafer pockets 18 to coat and polish the wafers 16 therein and is then removed via the vacuum ports 24 . FIG. 9 is a top view of the template for polishing Silicon Carbide, Sapphire, Germanium, Silicon and pattern wafers 10 of the present invention. Shown is the course the slurry 34 takes while being used with the present invention, Slurry 34 is taken in by the inlet 12 , can bleed out of the outlets 22 due to centripetal force, enters the wafer pockets 18 to coat and polish the wafers 16 therein and is then removed via the vacuum ports 24 . It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.
A template for polishing Silicon Carbide, Sapphire, Germanium, Silicon and pattern wafers having a slurry inlet, channels, outlets and pockets for holding said wafers terminating in peripheral vacuum ports in order to facilitate an efficient flow of slurry over the semiconductor wafers during a polishing process.
1
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This patent application is a continuation-in-part application of a copending application entitled "Motor for Driving a Magnetic Disk Having a Cup-Shaped Rotor", and having Ser. No. 106,626 with a Filing Date of Oct. 6, 1987, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,760,298. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a motor for rotating a magnetic disk. In particular, it relates to a motor which is used for an application in which center portions of a few magnetic disks, each normally formed with a magnetic layer on an aluminum disk, are secured to a rotor frame of the motor, and data is recorded on and reproduced from the magnetic disks by magnetic heads disposed near the upper and lower surfaces of each magnetic disk. In addition, the motor is suitable for rotating optical disks and magneto-optical disks. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a conventional structure of a motor for rotating and driving a magnetic disk. In FIG. 4, an upright hollow shaft 2 is formed in the center of a circular mounting frame 1 made by aluminum die casting or the like. A motor 3 has a hollow fixed shaft 4 that is pressed onto the upright hollow shaft 2. A laminated core 6 of an armature 5 is pressed and secured to an axial central portion of the hollow fixed shaft 4. Shoulders 7 are defined on both ends of the hollow fixed shaft 4 to form small diameter portions 8 and 9. Lower portion 8 is slightly longer in the axial direction than upper portion 9 in order to accommodate two Belleville springs 10 that are inserted onto the lower small diameter portion 8. Springs 10 exert force on a lower roller bearing 11 that is inserted on portion 8. An upper roller bearing 14 is pressed onto portion 9 and confined between the upper portion 9 and an end plate 13 of a rotor frame 12, so that the frame 12 may be rotatably supported by bearings 11 and 14 on the hollow fixed shaft 4. The rotor frame 12 is in the shape of a cup. An axial cylindrical side wall 54 covers an outer peripheral surface of the armature 5, and an outer end of the side wall 54 serves as a magnetic disk support 15 which is projected outwardly perpendicular to the motor axis. Support 15 is opposed to the mounting frame 1, thereby leaving a small clearance. An annular recess 16 formed at an inner corner of the magnetic disk support 15 is provided for a good contact between the magnetic disk support 15 and a magnetic disk placed thereon. An annular permanent magnet 17 having the desired number of poles is pressed and secured into the cylindrical side wall 54, after which an end plate 19 is pressed and secured to the roller bearing 11. The roller bearing 11 is then pressed and secured to shaft 4, and the end plate 19 is attached to the end of the side wall 54 to form a rotor 20. The rotor 20, the armature 5 and the hollow fixed shaft 4 comprise the motor 3. A set of lead wires 22 of an armature coil 21 is drawn out of a hole 23 provided in the hollow fixed shaft 4 and pulled into the hollow portion of shaft 4. The wires are then pulled outside of the motor through the hollow portion of the hollow shaft 2. FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a portion of the conventional magnetic disk drive motor having the structure described above. In FIG. 5, center holes of the magnetic disks 24 are fitted on the side wall 54 of the rotor frame 12, placed on the disk receiving base 15 in a predetermined spaced relation with spacers 25, and secured by means of a pressure plate 26 and a screw 27. In order to maintain a predetermined small clearance between the surface of each magnetic disk 24 and a radially moving magnetic head 28, vibrations resulting from rotation of the side wall 54 and magnetic external disk support 15 have to be minimized. Further, the width of vertical variation of the rotating disk support 15 should be 0.005 mm or less. However, in the aforementioned conventional construction, it is very difficult to make the lateral hole 23 through which the lead wires 22 pass in the hollow fixed shaft 4, and the number of parts is large, which increases the cost of the motor. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a motor having a cup shaped rotor, suitable for driving a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and a magnetooptical disk, which is designed so that the armature is secured to a mounting frame and a lead wire of the armature coil may be drawn out of a hole formed in the mounting frame, thereby reducing the cost of constructing the motor. In one embodiment of the present invention, an armature is secured concentrically to a center shaft secured integrally on a mounting frame. A rotor frame having a cylindrical side wall of uniform outside diameter is rotatably supported in a cantilever fashion on a free end of the center shaft by means of a pair of ball bearings which encircle the outer peripheral surface of the armature. A disk support projects from said side wall, and a permanent magnet is secured inside the side wall and opposed to the outer peripheral surface of the armature, leaving an air gap. In this embodiment of the invention, the rotor frame is supported rotatably and in a cantilever fashion on the center shaft to which is secured the armature by means of a pair of ball bearings. Therefore, even if the side wall of the rotor frame is extended so as to cover the outer periphery of the armature, no side run-out relative to the armature occurs and the rotor rotates freely. Accordingly, a disk mounted on the rotor frame may be rotated accurately without side runout or the like. In addition, since the motor is not provided with an end plate on the side of the mounting frame to encircle the armature, there are fewer parts, and the coil lead wire may be drawn outside the frame through a hole formed in the mounting frame, thus materially simplifying the construction of the whole motor. According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a cup-shaped rotor includes an armature secured concentrically to a center axial pipe secured to a mounting frame. A rotor frame having a cylindrical side wall of uniform outside diameter is rotatably supported in a cantilever fashion on a center shaft pressed and secured to a center hole of a free end of the center axial pipe by means of a pair of ball bearings. A disk support is secured to the side wall, and a permanent magnet is secured inside the side wall and opposed to the outer peripheral surface of the armature, leaving an air gap. In this embodiment of the invention, the structure is similar to that of the first embodiment except that the rotor center shaft is pressed on and secured to the central axial pipe on the mounting frame. If the pressed length is great and the pressing accuracy is good, this embodiment has the same advantages as the first embodiment. If the mounting frame and the center axial pipe are integrally formed by aluminum die casting, the manufacturing cost is less. In the disk drive motor of the prior art, as shown in FIG. 4, and in the embodiments of the invention which have been defined hereinabove, the armature is secured concentrically to a center shaft which is secured integrally on a mounting frame. That is to say, the motor must be mounted by means of the mounting frame onto the base frame on the disk drive apparatus. It is within the scope of the present invention to eliminate the mounting frame and provide a disk drive motor wherein the center shaft is secured integrally on the base frame of the disk drive apparatus itself. In such an embodiment, the motor has a frame having a planar bottom member with upstanding sidewalls. An upstanding shaft integral on the planar bottom member is spaced from the side walls a distance greater than the radius of the magnetic or optical disks. An aperture is provided in the planar bottom member adjacent the upstanding shaft. A core is mounted on the upstanding shaft proximate to the planar bottom member and a winding is mounted on the core to provide an armature which is energizable by receiving electrical energy from lead wires passing to the armature through the aperture. A pair of spaced apart bearings are mounted on the upstanding shaft above the armature and a cup-shaped rotor is mounted on the bearings. This allows the rotor to rotate about the upstanding shaft and the armature. The rotor has a cylindrical open bottom encompassing the armature and it includes a disk support means for mounting disks on the rotor in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the upstanding shaft. A plurality of permanent magnets is mounted within the cup-shaped rotor proximate to and spaced from the armature in magnetic engagement, whereby the rotor rotates about the upstanding shaft and the armature when the armature is electrically energized. In a further embodiment of the present invention the disk drive motor has an axial length which is highly foreshortened so that it can be used where space limitations require the use of a compact motor. This invention comprehends a motor having a frame with a planar bottom member, an upstanding shaft on the planar bottom member, and an aperture in the planar bottom member. Upper and lower spaced apart bearings are mounted on the upstanding shaft proximate the planar bottom member, and a cup-shaped rotor having a central hub is mounted on the bearings to allow the rotor to rotate about the upstanding shaft. The central hub includes a depending cylindrical wall portion which is mounted on the lower bearing. An upstanding cylindrical wall on the planar member is spaced from and encircles the depending cylindrical wall portion of the rotor central hub, and a core is mounted on the outside surface of this upstanding cylindrical wall. A winding is mounted on the core to provide an armature which is energizable by receiving electrical energy from lead wires passing to the armature through the aperture. The cup-shaped rotor also has a depending outer cylindrical wall which is spaced from and encircles the armature. A plurality of permanent magnets is mounted on the inside surface of this rotor outer cylindrical wall proximate to and spaced from the armature in magnetic engagement, whereby the rotor rotates about the upstanding shaft and the armature when the armature is energized. A clearer understanding of the present invention will be obtained from the disclosure which follows when read in light of the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken on line II--II of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a motor of the prior art. FIG. 5 is a partial sectional elevational view of a rotor of the prior art with magnetic disks mounted thereon. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a further alternate embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a portion of the structure FIG. 6 wherein an alternate form of the motor shaft is shown. FIG. 8 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a portion of FIG. 7 showing means for positioning the motor bearings in greater detail. FIG. 9 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view similar to FIG. 8, but showing alternate means for positioning the motor bearings. FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C are plan views of alternate embodiments of the bearing spacer for the inventive motor. FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a portion of the structure of FIG. 6 wherein another alternate form of the motor shaft is shown. FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a portion of the structure of FIG. 6 wherein a further alternate form of the motor shaft is shown. FIG. 13 is a repeat of FIG. 12, but showing an embodiment wherein the inner bearing races are formed in the surface of the motor shaft. FIG. 14 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a portion of FIG. 13, showing the bearings in greater detail. FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of a still further embodiment of the present invention wherein the motor has a very short axial length. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of the invention in which parts which are the same as those shown in FIG. 4 are indicated by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 1, a circular mounting frame 1a has a center shaft 31 in the center of a dished portion 30, and projecting outwardly from the dished portion 30 is a flange 29. The frame 1a is preferably formed of steel. A laminated core 6 of an armature 5 is pressed on and secured to a middle-diameter portion 33 which abuts a lower large-diameter portion 32 at the base of the center shaft 31. The core 6 is placed in contact with the large-diameter portion 32, and lead wires 22 connected to an armature coil 21 through a printed-circuit board 34 are taken through a hole 35 formed in the dished portion 30. The center shaft 31 is formed at its free end with a small-diameter portion 36, on which are pressed and glued or cemented the inner seats of a pair of ball bearings 37 and 38. The inner seat of the bearing 38 is brought into contact with the middle-diameter portion 33, leaving a small clearance between the bearings 37 and 38. A steel rotor frame 12a constituting a rotor 20a is formed into a cup shape. An outer seat of the bearing 38 is pressed into and glued or cemented to a center hole 40 of a thick-walled portion 39 corresponding to the bottom of the cup. The outer-seat of the bearing 37 is fitted loosely in the center hole 40. Two stacked Belleville springs 41 are compressed and interposed with appropriate pre-loading between the outer seats of the bearings 37 and 38 so that the outer seat of the bearing 37 is moved slightly in an axial direction to remove play in both axial and radial directions of the bearings 37 and 38. A cylindrical side wall 43, which is a uniform diameter extension of the thick-wall portion 39, is extended into a recess 44 of the dished portion 30 covering the outer peripheral surface of the core 6. An annular permanent magnet 17 is fitted on the inner surface of the side wall 43 in a face-to-face relation with an iron core 6 leaving an air gap. A magnetic disk support 15 is provided as a projection on the upper surface of the side wall 43 adjacent to the outer surface of the flange 29. The magnetic disk support 15 has an upper surface 45 perpendicular to the center shaft 31. An annular recess 16 is formed at the inner end of the surface 45. The armature 5 has a coil 21 wound within a slot 46 provided in the core 6, as shown in FIG. 2, that can be energized so as to generate rotating fields that interact with those of the permanent magnet 17 to produce torque, causing the rotor 20a to rotate in the same direction as that of the rotating field. The rotor 20ais closely supported on the center shaft 31 by the bearings 37 and 38, and the thick-wall portion 39 firmly supports rotational parts such as the side wall 43 extending therefrom, the permanent magnet 17, the disk support 15 and the magnetic disk fixed on the support 15, thus providing an accurate rotation without rotation runout. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the invention, in which parts indicated by the same reference numbers as those used in FIGS. 1 and 4 have the same construction as those shown therein, and parts different in construction from those shown in FIG. 4 are indicated by reference numerals with a letter "b" attached thereto. A circular dish-like mounting fame 1b is formed integral with a center axial pipe 2b projected in the central portion by aluminum die casting. A laminated core 6 of an armature 5 is placed in contact with a large-diameter portion 32b and is pressed and secured to a middle diameter portion 33b that abuts to a lower large-diameter portion 32b at the base of the center axial pipe 2b. A mechanism for bringing out lead wires of an armature coil 21 is similar to that shown in FIG. 1. A small-diameter portion 48 of a steel center shaft 47 is pressed and secured into a center hole formed in a free end of the center axial pipe 2b, and a large diameter portion 49 is brought into contact with the end of the center axial pipe 2b. The small-diameter portion 48 is long enough so that the small-diameter portion 48 maintains alignment of center shaft 47 with the center axial pipe 2b. The wall thickness of the center axial pipe 2b is great enough to withstand the force used to press fit the small diameter portion 48 and also to minimize rotational vibrations of the rotor 20a. The structure of the rotor 20a mounted on the large-diameter portion 49 is exactly the same as that shown in FIG. 1, and the ball bearings 37 and 38 are mounted in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 1. Although they are not shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, Hall elements to detect a rotational position of the permanent magnet 17 are mounted on the mounting frames 1a and 1b, and a detection signal therefrom controls the electrical energy supplied to the armature coil 21 to generate a rotating field. As described above, according to the present invention, two ball bearings are provided on one side of the rotor to support the rotor 20a in a cantilever fashion. Therefore, the lead wires of the armature coil may be brought out of the hole 35 of the circular mounting frame 1b directly without passing through the center shaft, thus making assembly of the motor simple as compared to the prior art. Also, an end plate for mounting one bearing can be eliminated to greatly reduce the cost. As noted hereinabove, the mounting frames 1a of FIG. 1 and 1b of FIG. 3 are intended to be secured to the base frame of the disk drive apparatus unit. In the embodiments which are presented in FIGS. 6-14, the mounting frames 1a and 1b are eliminated and the disk drive motor is mounted on an upstanding shaft which is an integral part of the base frame of the disk drive unit itself. Thus, the whole structure may be simplified, and the assembly work may be easier, since the motor may be assembled directly within the disk drive apparatus itself. Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown the basic motor which is disclosed in the embodiment of FIG. 1. This motor has a frame 1c which is the base frame of the entire disk drive apparatus unit. Frame 1c has a planar bottom member 66, side walls 67, and a cover plate 68. In this structure of the disk drive unit, the center shaft 31 is shown having the same construction as disclosed in FIG. 1. Shaft 31 has a small diameter upper portion 36, a middle diameter center portion 33, and a large diameter upper portion 32. The center shaft 31 is integrally mounted on the planar bottom member 66. The planar bottom member also has an aperture 71 through which lead wires 22 are passed to the armature 5. The planar bottom member additionally has a circular rib 69 which forms a dish-like pocket around the center shaft 31. Upper portion 36 of the center shaft 31 has a lower bearing 61 and an upper bearing 56 mounted thereon. The bearings are separated by Belleville springs 10. The cup-shaped rotor 20a is mounted on the bearings 56, 61 and is thereby rotatable on the center shaft. Projection 15 from the cup-shaped rotor frame 12a has a plurality of magnetic disks 24 mounted thereon. These magnetic disks are separated by the spacers 25 and they are read by the magnetic heads 28. Permanent magnets 17 are mounted on the inside surface of the rotor frame 12a in a position opposite to the armature 5 and spaced therefrom. Also mounted on the rotor frame 12a is a pressure plate or holddown plate 26 which secures the magnetic disks 24 and the spacers 25 on the cup shaped rotor. The holddown plate 26 is secured to the rotor frame 12a by means of plurality of screws 27, only one of which is shown. A cap 77 covers the center shaft 31 and the bearings in order to protect the bearings from atmospheric dust. FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 6. Elements which have been shown in FIG. 6 are also shown in FIG. 7. The difference between these two embodiments is that the embodiment of FIG. 7 has a center shaft 72 mounted on the planar member 66 which has a constant diameter. The armature 5, the lower bearing 61 and the upper bearing 56 are mounted on this constant diameter shaft and are separated appropriately by means of spacers. A bottom spacer 73 resting upon the upper surface of the planar member 66 provides the support of the armature 5. A spacer element 74 is mounted on the armature 5 and in turn supports the lower bearing 61. A spacer 75 is mounted on the top of the lower bearing 61 and in turn supports the upper bearing 56. FIG. 8 is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 7 wherein the bearings are shown more clearly. FIG. 8 shows the upper portion of the center spacers 74 supporting the inner race 62 of the lower bearing 61. The outer race 63 is mounted on the inner surface of the rotor frame 12a and the inner race 62 is mounted on the center shaft 72. These races are mounted on the center shaft and the rotor frame by a press fit or they may be adhesively secured. An epoxy cement is suitable for adhesively securing the races of the ball bearing. The upper ball bearing is supported by a spacer 75 confined between the lower ball bearing 61 and the upper ball bearing 56. It will be seen in FIG. 8 that the lower ball bearing 61 has its inner face 62 elevated slightly above the outer race 63. In a similar manner the upper bearing 56 has its inner face 57 depressed slightly below the outer race 58. This difference in the alignment of the inner and outer races causes the bearing balls 59 of upper bearing 56 and the bearing balls 64 of the lower bearing 61 to be more tightly held within the races. By thus reducing the play in the bearings, this preloading of the bearings minimizes vibration of the rotor when the motor is running. FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiments wherein the spacer 75 has been eliminated. In this embodiment a projection or stepped portion 76 on the inner surface of rotor frame 12a is used to separate the bearings 56 and 61. FIG. 9 also illustrates the means by which the bearings may be preloaded in order to minimize vibration. The bearings may be adhesively secured on the rotor surface 12a and on the center shaft 72. An epoxy resin adhesive is suitable. When the bearings have been placed in position, an external force F is applied to the inner race 57 of the upper bearing to misalign the inner race 57 from the outer race 58. This force is held while the adhesive cures to secure the races on the surface of the shaft 72 and the rotor 12a. When the adhesive has set, the external force is released and the permanent misalignment of the races has imparted a preloading to the upper bearing. Similarly, while external force F is being applied to the upper bearing 56, an internal reaction force is being responsively applied to the lower bearing 61 by the middle spacer 74 to thereby cause a permanent misalignment of the inner race 62 from the outer race 63 in the lower bearing. This provides the preloading of the lower bearing. The spacers 73, 74 and 75 are annular rings but they may be segmented annular rings. This concept is illustrated in FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C wherein the spacer 75 is shown for purposes of illustration. In FIG. 10A, spacer 75 is shown to have four segments 75a, each defining a quarter of a circle. In FIG. 10B, the spacer 75 is shown as having two segments 75b which are a half circle having a C-shape. In FIG. 10C, the spacer 75 is shown as having a single segment 75c which has a C-shape. This C-shaped segment has a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the inside surface of the cup-shaped rotor frame 12a, so that when the spacer 75 is inserted it will press tightly against the inner surface of the rotor frame. In a similar manner, the spacers 73 and 74 may be segmented. FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the motor structure of FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the shaft has a lower portion 79 which contains a central bore 80. The shaft also includes a supporting post 81 which is press fit into the central bore 80, and the upper and lower bearings 56 and 61 are mounted on this supporting post. This embodiment also shows that the rotor frame 12b has an inward step 83 which holds the outer race of the lower bearing 61. FIG. 12 illustrates an alternate embodiment of FIG. 11. In this embodiment the supporting post 85 has a small diameter lower portion 86 and a large diameter upper portion 87. The large diameter portion 87 rests upon the upper surface or end of the lower shaft portion 79 and the small diameter portion 86 is press fit within the bore 80. FIG. 13 shows an alternate embodiment of the motor of FIG. 12. In this embodiment, the inner race of the upper bearing 56 and the inner race of the lower bearing 61 have been eliminated. The bearing balls are supported in recesses which are contained in the surface of the support post upper portion 87. This is more clearly shown in FIG. 14. The bearing balls 59 of the upper bearing 56 are contained within an upper recess 88 in the large diameter portion 87 of the support post 85. Similarly, the bearing balls 64 of the lower bearing 61 are supported in recess 89 in the outer surface of the large diameter portion 87. Recesses 88, 89 are suitably misaligned in relation to outer races 58, 63 in order to preload the bearings. FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of the disk drive motor of the present invention wherein the motor has a very short axial length in order to provide for a compact structure. The motor has a bottom frame 1d which has a planar bottom member 90. The planar bottom member 90 contains an aperture 71 through which the lead wires 22 may pass to the armature 5. The shaft of the motor has a lower portion 91 having a central bore 92. The shaft also includes a supporting post 93 which is press fit or adhesively secured within the central bore 92. Lower ball bearing 61 and upper ball bearing 56 are secured to the surface of the supporting post 93. Lower bearing 61 sits upon the end of the shaft lower portion 91 and upper bearing 56 sits upon the spacer 75. A cup-shaped rotor 20c is mounted on the outer races of the bearings 56 and 61 by means of a hub 95 which includes a depending cylindrical wall portion 96. The rotor also has a depending outer cylindrical wall 97. An upstanding cylindrical wall 94 is provided on the planar bottom member 90. This wall 94 is spaced from and encircles the depending cylindrical wall portion 96 of the rotor hub. The armature 5 is mounted on the outer surface of the upstanding cylindrical wall 94. Depending outer cylindrical wall 97 of the rotor is spaced from and encircles the armature 5. A plurality of permanent magnets is mounted on the inside surface of the outer cylindrical wall 97. The magnets are proximate to and spaced from the armature in magnetic engagement, whereby the rotor 20c rotates about the upstanding shaft and the armature when the armature is electrically energized. Cup-shaped rotor 20c also has a surface 98 which is perpendicular to the motor axis. Surface 98 is adapted to hold a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk. Rotor 20c also has a plurality of threaded bores 99 for receiving screws 27 (not shown) for securing the holddown plate 26 (not shown) which secures a magnetic disk on surface 98. In light of the foregoing disclosure, further alternative embodiments of the inventive disk drive motor will undoubtedly suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. It is thus intended that the disclosure be taken as illustrative only, and that it not be construed in any limiting sense. Modifications and variations may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and t he scope of this invention, and such modifications and variations are considered to be within the purview and the scope of the appended claims.
A motor for rotating a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk comprises an armature concentrically secured to a center shaft affixed to the base frame of a disk drive unit. A rotor frame is rotatably supported in a cantilever fashion on a free end of the center shaft by a pair of bearings. The rotor frame is cup-shaped with a depending cylindrical sidewall encircling the outer peripheral surface of the armature. The sidewall includes a disk support that projects outwardly from the sidewall. A permanent magnet secured inside the sidewall interacts with magnetic fields produced by the armature. The cantilever support makes it easier to bring armature leads through a hole in the mounting frame as a part of the manufacturing process. In an alternate embodiment, the center shaft is shortened so that the lower bearing on the shaft rests upon the frame. The cup-shaped rotor is mounted on the bearings with a hub having a depending cylindrical wall mounted on the lower bearing. The frame has an upstanding cylindrical wall encircling the depending cylindrical wall of the hub. The armature is mounted on the outer surface of the upstanding wall so that it encircles the lower bearing. This embodiment has a short axial length which produces a compact motor.
5
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This document claims priority to and incorporates by reference all of the subject matter included in the provisional patent application docket number 4832.SMII.PR, having Ser. No. 61/69,934. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates generally to friction stir welding (FSW) and its variations including friction stir processing (FSP), friction stir spot welding (FSSW), friction stir spot joining (FSSJ) and friction stir mixing (FSM) (and hereinafter referred to collectively as “friction stir welding”). [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] Friction stir welding is a technology that has been developed for welding metals and metal alloys. Friction stir welding is generally a solid state process. Solid state processing is defined herein as a temporary transformation into a plasticized state that typically does not include a liquid phase. However, it is noted that some embodiments allow one or more elements to pass through a liquid phase, and still obtain the benefits of the present invention. [0006] The friction stir welding process often involves engaging the material of two adjoining workpieces on either side of a joint by a rotating stir pin. Force is exerted to urge the pin and the workpieces together and frictional heating caused by the interaction between the pin, shoulder and the workpieces results in plasticization of the material on either side of the joint. The pin and shoulder combination or “FSW tip” is traversed along the joint, plasticizing material as it advances, and the plasticized material left in the wake of the advancing FSW tip cools to form a weld. The FSW tip can also be a tool without a pin so that the shoulder is processing another material through FSP. [0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tool being used for friction stir welding that is characterized by a generally cylindrical tool 10 having a shank 8 , a shoulder 12 and a pin 14 extending outward from the shoulder. The pin 14 is rotated against a workpiece 16 until sufficent heat is generated, at which point the pin of the tool is plunged into the plasticized workpiece material. Typically, the pin 14 is plunged into the workpiece 16 until reaching the shoulder 12 which prevents further penetration into the workpiece. The workpiece 16 is often two sheets or plates of material that are butted together at a joint line 18 . In this example, the pin 14 is plunged into the workpiece 16 at the joint line 18 . [0008] Referring to FIG. 1 , the frictional heat caused by rotational motion of the pin 14 against the workpiece material 16 causes the workpiece material to soften without reaching a melting point. The tool 10 is moved transversely along the joint line 18 , thereby creating a weld as the plasticized material flows around the pin from a leading edge to a trailing edge along a tool path 20 . The result is a solid phase and at the joint line 18 along the to path 20 that may be generally indistinguishable from the workpiece material 16 , in contrast to the welds produced when using conventional noon-FSW welding technologies. [0009] It is observed that when the shoulder 12 contacts the surface of the workpieces, its rotation creates additional frictional heat that plasticizes a larger cylindrical column of material around the inserted pin 14 . The shoulder 12 provides a forging force that contains the upward metal flow caused by the tool pin 14 . [0010] During friction stir welding, the area to be welded and the tool are moved relative to each other such that the tool traverses a desired length of the weld joint at a tool/workpiece interface. The rotating friction stir welding tool 10 provides a continual hot working action, plasticizing metal within a narrow zone as it moves transversely along the base metal, while transporting metal from the leading edge of the pin 14 to its trailing edge. As the weld zone cools, there is typically no solidification as no liquid is created as the tool 10 passes. It is often the case, but not always, that the resulting weld is a defect-free, re-crystallized, fine grain microstructure formed in the area of the weld. [0011] Travel speeds are typically 10 to 500 mm/min with rotation rates of 200 to 2000 rpm. Temperatures reached are usually close to, but below, solidus temperatures. Friction stir welding parameters are a function of a material's thermal properties, high temperature flow stress and penetration depth. [0012] Previous patents have taught the benefits of being able to perform friction stir welding with materials that were previously considered to be functionally unweldable. Some of these materials are non-fusion weldable, or just difficult to weld at all. These materials include, for example, metal matrix composites, ferrous alloys such as steel and stainless steel, and non-ferrous materials. Another class of materials that were also able to take advantage of friction stir welding is the superalloys. Superalloys can be materials having a higher melting temperature bronze or aluminum, and may have other elements mixed in as well. Some examples of superalloys are nickel, iron-nickel, and cobalt-based alloys generally used at temperatures above 1000 degrees F. Additional elements commonly found in superalloys include, but are not limited to, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, niobium, tantalum, and rhenium. [0013] It is noted that titanium is also a desirable material to use for friction stir welding. Titanium is a non-ferrous material, but has a higher melting point than other nonferrous materials. The previous patents teach that a tool for friction stir welding of high temperature materials is made of a material or materials the have a higher melting temperature than the material being friction stir welded. In some embodiments, a superabrasive was used in the tool, sometimes as a coating. [0014] The most common methods for joining metals together either use mechanical fasteners or traditional welding methods. Typical welding methods include resistance welding, TIG welding, MIG welding, laser welding, electron beam welding and variations of these processes. In the automotive industry, one of the most common methods for welding is using resistance spot welding. These welds are typically used to join the frame components of a car or truck together. This is a significant and critical method used to manufacture cars. For example, a typical 4 door sedan will require over 4000 spot welds to create the frame and sub-components of the car. [0015] While the automotive industry is the most visible industry that uses resistance spot welding, there are many industries that utilize this joining method. For the sake of brevity, the automotive industry will be used to illustrate existing problems as well as the novelty of the inventions described within this document. [0016] Resistance spot welding is one of the most common methods used today in industry to join metal components, such as structural sheet metal together. It is the method of choice for joining steel components together. FSSJ is one of the more recent methods used to join aluminum structural components together. It should be noted that a very small percentage of the automotive industry uses structural aluminum components because of high material and joining costs. Therefore, aluminum is generally used only in expensive sports cars marketed to enthusiasts seeking a high power to weight ratio in the car. [0017] In the state of the art, FSSJ is a process that uses a FSW tool 30 made of hardened tool steel such as the one shown in FIG. 2 . [0018] As shown in FIG. 3A , the tool 30 is rotated above a lap joint 32 (overlapping aluminum workpieces) of a top sheet 34 and a bottom sheet 36 . In FIG. 3B , the tool 30 plunges through the top sheet 34 and part way into the bottom sheet 36 until the shoulder 38 of the tool makes contact with the top sheet. The materials being joined soften but do not melt, but instead flow around the pin 40 of the tool 30 to form a spot joint 42 . FIG. 4 is a close-up view of the finished FSSJ spot joint 42 in aluminum. [0019] An important aspect of the prior art is that in order for the material being joined to flow around the tool 30 during FSSJ, surface features are used. FIG. 5 shows some example of surface features which includes, but should not be considered limited to threads on the pin 40 and/or shoulder 38 , flats, and other features extending towards or extruding from the tool face profile. [0020] Experience has proven that there are two critical aspects in the FSSJ process used for joining aluminum workpieces. The first aspect is that the tool 30 is used at speeds lower than 4000 RPM. FSW literature is replete with tool RPM data showing that the tool is generally held around 400 to 600 RPM. [0021] The second aspect is that the tool 30 must have surface features to move material around the tool because these features have significant effects on material flow, material properties and any defects that may arise during FSW. [0022] Problems accompanying existing spot welding technology can be divided into two categories; problems with resistance spot welding of steel and problems with FSSJ of aluminum. For resistance spot welding of aluminum, it is not attempted since the aluminum does not bond weld to itself during the liquid and solidification steps of the process, and it has no appreciable strength. As for FSSJ of steel, it has not been successful because of tool material limitations and bulky expensive equipment costs. Problems with Resistance Spot Welding of Steel [0023] The automotive industry in particular is under strict government requirements to improve fuel efficiency of all vehicles in the United States, while other countries are implementing similar standards. One of the easiest ways to achieve this fuel efficiency goal is by reducing the weight of the vehicle. This has led steel producers to develop Advanced High Strength Steels (AHSS) so that lighter weight but stronger steel components can be used to construct the vehicle body while meeting federal safety crash requirements for each vehicle type. Unfortunately, these new AHSS are either extremely difficult to weld or not weldable at all. [0024] Resistance spot welding requires a relatively high degree of material consistency to maintain uniform spot Mint strength. The AHSS do not have this consistency because they are mechanically worked to produce the high strength values. Once the AHSS is melted during a welding process, these properties are severely degraded. Generally speaking, the higher the strength of steel the more difficult to weld, if it can be welded at all. This problem arises from the high alloy content required to achieve the high strength. High alloy content equates to greater hardenability, and greater levels of hardenability create brittle microstructures which can have poor impact strength, susceptibility to cracking, and reduced fatigue life. [0025] FSSJ of steels has also met with little success. Tool materials such as Polycrystalline Cubic Boron Nitride (PCBN) have had limited success joining the AHSS. Since the materials being joined have such high strength, the forces required to penetrate these materials with a PCBN tool are extremely high. This increases the head weight of a FSSJ device that would attach to the arm of a robot. It also decreases the throat size or reach of the head because of the deflection caused at such high loads. [0026] Simply put, the existing geometries of resistance spot welding heads cannot be used and more stout compact head designs would have very limited access to the applications. Along with the high spindle loads comes an increase in torque requirements needed to move the AHSS steel around the tool as the material softens. That means there are high axial tool forces along with high torsional forces about the tool axis that the equipment must accommodate in structure and motor horsepower. PCBN is an expensive diamond-like material that is now pushed to its ultimate material strength limits as a result of the high forces and cyclic temperatures during each FSSJ cycle. This results in early tool failure and eliminates any economic advantage. [0027] Accordingly, the automotive industry is quickly coming to an impasse between not being able to resistance spot weld AHSS and not having a cost effective and capable FSSJ process to manufacture vehicles required to meet mandated fuel efficiency standards. Problems with FSSJ of Aluminum [0028] Even with the small number of successful FSSJ applications in aluminum there are technical barriers that prevent the technology from being implemented further. Once the application has determined that aluminum is the best material to use, the high thermal conductivity of aluminum creates problems for the FSSJ process. As the FSSJ tool plunges into the aluminum, it is very difficult to build up heat to soften the material around the tool. This creates high loads that must be reacted by the equipment. Typically, a C frame FSSJ head is used to rotate the to and apply the loads and react the forces generated by the process. The high loads require equipment that will not deflect so the tool position can be maintained during the process. In addition, the horsepower requirements of the spindle motor are high in order to overcome the torsional loads experienced by the process. [0029] Accordingly, what is needed is a way to join AHSS that can be used in the automotive and other industries. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0030] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for using Friction Stir Spot Joining (FSSJ) to loin workplaces made of Advanced High Strength Steels (AHSS), wherein a first embodiment is a FSSJ tool that has no surface features, and wherein the rate of rotation of the FSSJ tool is much higher than is used in other FSW techniques to thereby reduce torque by causing plasticization of the AHSS on a small scale, and in a second embodiment, conventional FSSJ tools can be used at conventional FSSJ speeds if the FSSJ tool is manufactured from conductive tool materials having a high hardness, and heating of the FSSJ tool and/or the workpieces enhances the ability of the FSSJ tool to functionally weld the AHSS. [0031] These and other objects, features, advantages and alternative aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in combination with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS [0032] FIG. 1 is an illustration of the prior at showing friction stir welding of planar workpieces. [0033] FIG. 2 is a FSSJ spot welding tool made from hardened tool steel as found in the prior art. [0034] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the FSSJ spot welding tool of FIG. 2 hovering over the two aluminum workpieces at a lap joint. [0035] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the FSSJ spot welding tool of FIG. 2 that has been plunged into the two aluminum workpieces at a lap joint. [0036] FIG. 4 is a close-up perspective view of the friction stir spot Mint. [0037] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a FSSJ tool having surface features found in the prior art. [0038] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a FSSJ tool as taught in a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the FSSJ tool has no surface features. [0039] FIG. 7 is a close-up perspective view of a second embodiment of a pin and shoulder profile that can be used to perform FSSJ of AHSS. [0040] FIG. 8 is a third embodiment showing a perspective view of an induction coil for hybrid heat generation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0041] Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the various elements of the present invention will be given numerical designations and in which the invention will be discussed so as to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is to be understood that the following description is only exemplary of the principles of the present invention, and should not be viewed as narrowing the claims which follow. [0042] The present invention uses two different approaches to solve the problem of how to join AHSS workpieces. However, while a main motive for creation of the present invention is to enable FSSJ of AHSS used in vehicles in order to weld strong but lightweight materials in the construction of vehicles that will result in improved gas mileage, the principles of the present invention are applicable to many different materials, and not just AHSS. [0043] The first approach is a combination of tool features and operation of the FSSJ tool. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a FSSJ tool that can be used in this first embodiment of the present invention. In contrast to tools used in the prior art, as exemplified in FIGS. 2 through 5 , the present invention removes all surface features. As shown in FIG. 6 , the FSSJ tool 50 has a pin 52 , a shoulder 54 , and no surface features. The surface features that are eliminated are threads on the pin 52 and/or shoulder 54 , flats, and other features extending towards or extruding from the tool face profile. [0044] Once the surface features are removed from the pin 52 and the shoulder 54 , or lust the shoulder if no pin is present, the FSSJ tool 50 is rotated at high rates of speed relative to other FSSJ tools. To operate as desired, it has been determined that the FSSJ tool 50 needs to rotate at speeds above 4000 RPM. This is a dramatic shift from the FSW paradigm wherein “bulk” layer of material is moved around the tool during FSW by the surface features. [0045] At least two significant results occur when using a FSSJ tool 50 with no surface features and when rotating above 4000 RPMs. First, at higher RPMs, there is less torque on the FSSJ tool 50 . Second, the interface of the FSSJ tool and a workpiece (“tool/workpiece interface”) experiences rapid heating. When the FSSJ tool 50 is plunged into a workpiece, the workpiece is heated at this tool/workpiece interface and heat is transferred away from the tool/workpiece interface to heat bulk material around the tool profile. [0046] What is significant is that in effect, the high RPMs of the FSSJ tool 50 create softening on a microscopic scale rather than on a macroscopic scale which is typical of FSW. The result is that workpieces such as sheet metal used in automobile construction can be joined using a FSSJ tool in a tool assembly that can operate in the robotic arms of existing assembly robots. [0047] Another result of the first embodiment of the present invention is that there can be a radical departure from prior art FSW design paradigms used to develop and build FSSJ equipment. The equipment must be able to handle FSSJ tool RPMs as high as 50,000 RPMs. Furthermore, special precision balanced tool holding systems may be useful to hold the FSSJ tool precisely, spindle bearings must be designed for speeds above 4000 RPMs, and special spindle motors might also be needed. [0048] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, variations of this first embodiment include using dissimilar tool materials to construct the FSSJ tool 50 in order to have different frictional couples at different locations on the FSSJ tool. In other words, by using different materials or different areas of the FSSJ tool 50 , it is possible to cause some parts of the FSSJ tool to cause more heating with materials that the FSSJ tool comes into contact with than other parts of the FSSJ tool. [0049] While the present invention makes possible the FSSJ of AHSS, other materials can also be welded using the present invention. These materials include all those that are presently being used in the construction of vehicles, and should be considered to be within the scope of the claims. [0050] In a second embodiment of the present invention, another FSSJ tool 60 is provided which is related to the FSSJ tool 50 in FIG. 6 . In FIG. 7 , the FSSJ tool 60 can also be classified as “featureless”. However, unlike the FSSJ tool 50 of FIG. 6 which includes a shoulder 64 and a pin 52 having a frusto-conical shape with an edge 58 , the pin 62 of the second embodiment is a dome which does not have any edges. [0051] It is noted that the edge 58 of the FSSJ tool 50 of the first embodiment does not impede rotation of the FSSJ tool because it has no features that would inhibit the path of rotation of the FSSJ tool. [0052] Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is that any FSSJ tool 50 can be considered to be within the scope of the claims of the present invention which does not include surface features that can grab the workpiece material or cause increased flow around the tool. An important aspect, therefore, is to eliminate those features that might cause the FSSJ tool 50 to agitate the workplace material beyond what will occur when a featureless FSSJ tool will cause by rotating at a high rate of speed and plunging into the workpiece. In other words, by eliminating surface features, the FSSJ tool 50 can rotate as rapidly as possible with the least amount of torque on the FSSJ tool. [0053] In the first embodiment of the present invention, a “featureless” design is essentially a smooth pin and shoulder. However, in an alternative embodiment, it may be possible to include some features that do not prevent the FSSJ tool from rotating at speeds greater than 4000 RPMs. In other words, some features may be included which have a minimal impact on the rotational speed or the torque on the FSSJ tool. [0054] Accordingly, in one embodiment, no surface feature on the FSSJ tool would be greater than approximately 10% of the FSSJ tool diameter and still be within the scope of the present invention. [0055] In other aspects of the present invention, insulation is disposed between the FSSJ tool and the tool holder that is gripping and rotating the FSSJ tool. THE FSSJ tool can employ liquid cooling or gaseous flow to keep the FSSJ tool cool. The shoulder of the FSSJ tool is convex. An inert shielding gas can be used around the FSSJ tool to improve the workpiece flow during the FSSJ process. In addition, the tip of the pin should have a radius that is always greater than 1.1% of the FSSJ tool radius. [0056] In a second embodiment of the present invention, instead of increasing a rate of rotation of the FSSJ tool 30 and removing surface features, a conventional state of the art FSSJ tool is used, including any of the conventional surface features used to cause flow of the workpiece 70 . The key to using a conventional FSSJ tool 30 is to add heat to the workpiece 70 and thereby increase the ability of the workpiece to flow under conventional rotation rates and with conventional surface features. One method of applying heat is through a coil 72 . [0057] Specifically, a modified FSSJ tool 30 that enables the application of heat to the tool, to the workpiece 70 or to the tool and the workpiece can be used that will also enable the use of a FSSJ tool to be used to functionally weld steels and aluminum, while rotating at typical FSW speeds. In this second embodiment, the purpose of the heating is to improve the flow of the workpiece 70 material during the FSSJ process. Applying heat can be useful during different stages of the FSSJ process. Some of the factors that affect when and where the heat should be applied include the specific workpiece 70 materials being spot welded, the configuration of the FSSJ tool 30 , the user of a shieldinq gas, and the surface features that are on the FSSJ tool. [0058] The times and locations that heat can be applied include to the workpiece prior to FSSJ, during FSSJ and/or after FSSJ. Likewise, heat can be applied to the FSSJ tool itself in order to heat the workpiece through contact with the tool before, during and/or after FSSJ. [0059] Any means that can be employed to heat the FSSJ tool and/or the workpiece can be used and should be considered to be within the scope of the claims of the present invention. The heating methods include but should not be considered to be limited to induction heating and resistive heating. [0060] It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements.
A system and method for using Friction Stir Spot Joining (FSSJ) to join workpieces made of Advanced High Strength Steels (AHSS), wherein a first embodiment is a FSSJ tool that has no surface features, and wherein the rate of rotation of the FSSJ tool is much higher than is used in other FSW techniques to thereby reduce torque by causing plasticization of the AHSS on a small scale, and in a second embodiment, conventional FSSJ tools can be used at conventional FSSJ speeds if the FSSJ tool is manufactured from conductive tool materials having a high hardness, and heating of the FSSJ tool and/or the workpieces enhances the ability of the FSSJ tool to functionally weld the AHSS.
1
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to apparatus for electrolytically treating various electroactive species in solutions thereof, and, more particularly, to such apparatus for extracting small concentrations of metallic species from solutions, such as liquid waste waters and effluents from industrial processes, e.g., metal plating operations. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are, at present, a variety of so-called "electrochemical" apparatus and processes in which an input of electrical power is employed in order to bring about activity at a working electrode. These electrochemical processes and apparatus are generally employed to treat solutions, such as waste water and plant effluents, in order to reduce the concentration of metal contaminants to levels which are acceptable, particularly in view of the present stringent environmental regulations, and to recover these metal contaminants. There are two general categories of such electrochemical processes depending on their most significant limiting factor. The first group includes processes whose reaction rates are kinetically controlled, i.e., the reaction rates are limited by the speed of the reactions at a working electrode. In these processes, the solution or electrolyte being treated contains high concentrations of electro-active species. An example of one such process is the electro-refining of zinc, where there is inherently a high concentration of zinc in the electrolyte. The second group of electrochemical processes includes those in which the reaction rates are controlled by mass transfer considerations, rather than by kinetic requirements, i.e., the reaction rates are limited by how much of the contaminants can be brought into contact with a working electrode in a given time. In contrast to the electrodes used in kinetically controlled processes, the working electrodes used in these mass transfer controlled processes must exhibit characteristics which enhance the obtainable mass transfer rates. One such characteristic is a large surface area to volume ratio. Attempts have been made to achieve acceptable surface area to volume ratios by utilizing packed beds of fibrous or granular material (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,563,903; 3,450,622; 3,457,152; and 3,827,964), as well as active beds which can move in a flow of electrolyte. These attempts have suffered, however, from distinct disadvantages based primarily on the difficulty of providing a uniform and controlled electrical potential throughout the electrode to make full use of the surface area. The use of granular or fibrous beds is also disadvantageous because the electrolyte can channel around the granules or fibers, thereby bypassing the effective portion of the electrode and, consequently, deleteriously affecting the effectiveness of the electrode. Thus, two general disadvantages of the prior art mass transfer controlled processes are low current efficiency and low conversion completeness. As a result of these major drawbacks, none of the prior art mass transfer controlled processes has achieved significant acceptance. In both the kinetically controlled processes and the mass transfer controlled processes, one of the prime considerations is the method of recovering the electroactive material removed from the electrolyte and deposited on a working electrode. It is generally necessary to conduct a stripping operation to remove the deposited material from the working electrode prior to the subsequent use thereof. The working electrodes used in these processes are sometimes made from the same material that is to be stripped therefrom, so that the resulting product can be used directly. More commonly, however, these electrodes are designed for mechanical stripping. In addition, in other cases, the electrode must meet other requirements, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,953,312, where the prime consideration is that the electrode be combustible so that silver deposited on the electrode can be recovered by melting during combustion. More recently electrodes and reactors have been developed which employ carbon fibers in a manner so as to both provide a large surface area to volume ratio and at the same time limit fluctuations in the electrical potential throughout the electrode. Such electrodes and reactors are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,046,663; 4,046,664; 4,108,754; 4,108,755; and 4,108,757. These electrodes and reactors suffer, however, from the same channeling and bypass problems which plaque the granular or fibrous bed electrodes described above. Carbon fiber electrodes and reactors therefor have also been proposed, at least on a laboratory scale, by D. Yaniv and M. Ariel in an article appearing in the Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Volume 79 (1977), pages 159 to 167. The structure disclosed in this article includes an electrode of graphite cloth positioned in a frame defining an opening having an area of 2.4 cm 2 . The article states that the results obtained confirm the feasibility of exploiting graphite cloth as a practical electrode material suited for flow-through configurations. However, the article goes on to indicate that, although the laboratory reactor worked well, it would be necessary to undertake further work to optimize a reactor using a graphite cloth electrode. A more recent approach to an electrode for use in mass transfer controlled environments, such as in connection with dilute electrolyte solutions, is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 67267/76 which was published on June 10, 1976 and assigned to Mitsui Petrochemical Industries Ltd. This patent discloses the use of a porous carbon electrode in connection with an electrode base material which the patent discloses can be any one of a number of well-known electrode materials, such as platinum, iron, copper, nickel, silver, lead and certain alloys thereof. The patent also discloses the use of carbon fibers in various forms, such as cloths, fabrics, felts and carbon fiber papers, to cover a base material in the form of a plate, tube, mesh or plate with holes therein. Furthermore, in Example 1 of this patent, the cathode employed comprises a titanium plate which is plated with platinum and then covered with a layer of carbon fiber fabric. Thus, in effect, a platinum cathode is provided. This patent does not deal with the question of how metals can be recovered from such electrodes so that the concentration of metallic ions can be reduced to extremely low levels in real time in an economical manner. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, there is provided new and improved apparatus for waste treatment equipment. The apparatus are especially effective in practicing mass transfer controlled electrochemical processes. One aspect of the invention involves a thin porous electrode having a substantially uniform pore distribution which is unchanged by fluid flow through the electrode, thereby preventing fluid flowing through the electrode from making undesired channels therein. A support, such as a frame, positions the electrode across a fluid flow path. All edges of the electrode are sealed by the support so that fluid flowing along the flow path must pass through an effective portion of the electrode, thereby preventing the fluid from channeling around or bypassing the electrode. By such a construction, substantially all of the fluid flowing through the electrode can be forced to pass within a predetermined distance of its effective portion by properly selecting the size and distribution of the pores. The effectiveness of the electrode is dependent upon its ability to permit fluid to pass in close proximity, for example, 100 μm, to its effective portion. For a portion of the electrode to be effective, the electric potential difference between the effective portion of the electrode and electrolyte in the immediate vicinity of the effective portion must be greater than or at least equal to a measured value which varies from reaction to reaction. Competitive side-reactions, such as the kinetically controlled hydrogen or oxygen evolution reactions in aqueous media or the oxygen reduction reaction, can often occur in portions of the electrode which are ineffective in promoting the desired mass transfer controlled reactions. It has been found that a useful empirical effectiveness of the various portions of a porous electrode can be obtained by promoting a reaction which results in the reversible deposition of a reaction product at a reaction site of the electrode. In particular, reduction of copper ions to copper metal from a very dilute acidic copper sulphate solution is a good tracer for determining the relative effectiveness of various portions of an electrode constructed in accordance with the present invention. Space-time yields are standard indicators of the performance of a heterogeneous catalytic reactor. In electrochemical engineering a convenient parameter is the amount of current carried by an electrode at high current efficiencies per unit volume of that electrode. This comparative measure of electrode efficiency can be used with a given electroactive species having a known concentration and conductivity. For a copper solution having a concentration of 640 p.p.m. at a current efficiency of 52% the following space-time yields were obtained for the various electrodes shown below: ______________________________________ Space-TimeReactor Type yield mA/cm.sup.3______________________________________Restrained Packed Bed 57Fluidized Bed 4 to 60Filter Press, Capillary 1 or lessgap systems etc.Present electrode Greater than 1280______________________________________ It should also be noted that at increased flow velocities electrodes constructed in accordance with the present invention have demonstrated space-time yield results as high as 6800 mA/cm 3 and at very low flow rates space-time yields have been recorded in the range of 500 mA/cm 3 . Thus, the present electrode is much more effective than any of the prior electrodes, such as those disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,450,622; 3,457,152; 3,953,313; 4,046,663; and 4,108,755. Another aspect of the invention involves a cell which utilizes the above-described electrode as a first electrode. The cell may further include a second electrode, which is positioned on one side of the first electrode, and a third electrode positioned on the other side of the first electrode. A first inlet is in fluid communication with a first chamber positioned between the first and second electrodes, so that fluid can be supplied to the first chamber through the first inlet. A second chamber, positioned between the first and third electrodes, communicates with a first outlet, whereby fluid can be discharged from the second chamber through the first outlet. By this arrangement, fluid flowing from the first inlet to the first outlet flows through the first electrode in a first direction. A second outlet and a second inlet may be provided in fluid communication with the first and second chambers, respectively, so that fluid can flow through the first electrode in a second direction opposite the first direction. Thus, upon termination of flow of a first fluid, such as waste water, in the first direction, the first electrode can be back flushed, for stripping and cleaning purposes, by the reverse flow of a second fluid, such as a suitable stripping electrolyte, through the first electrode in the second direction. Inasmuch as the first electrode is preferably thin, e.g., about 1/4-15 millimeters thick, back flushing of the electrode can be especially effective in removing particulate matter, such as dirt, sand and insoluble foreign material, which has been previously deposited on the electrode. In thicker electrodes, such particulate matter becomes entrapped deep in the electrodes where back flushing is generally ineffective in dislodging and removing it. In one embodiment of the cell, the first and second inlets and the first and second outlets are formed in the support for the first electrode. The cell can be made more compact by forming these inlets and outlets in the support. The first chamber may be delimited by a first diaphragm disposed between the first and second electrodes and cooperating with the second electrode to delimit a third chamber. Similarly, a second diaphragm can be disposed between the second and third electrodes to delimit the second chamber and a fourth chamber, positioned between the second diaphragm and the third electrode. By this arrangement, a third fluid, such as a suitable anolyte, may be supplied to the third and fourth chambers through third and fourth inlets, respectively. Fluid supplied to the third and fourth chambers can be discharged therefrom through third and fourth outlets, respectively. The first electrode can be designed so that it normally operates as a cathode onto which metallic species are plated. The second and third electrodes normally operate as anodes. By changing the polarity of the first, second, and third electrodes, the second and third electrodes can operate as cathodes, while the first electrode operates as an anode for stripping the plated metallic species therefrom. When the first electrode operates as a cathode in the embodiment described in the preceding paragraph, waste water flowing from the first inlet to the first outlet flows through the first electrode, while anolyte flows through the third and fourth chambers. No electrolyte is permitted to flow into the second chamber through the second inlet as long as the waste water continues to be supplied to the first chamber and, hence, the second chamber. When the flow of the waste water through the first and second chambers ceases, the first electrode can operate as an anode by permitting the electrolyte to flow through the first and second chambers, while a catholyte flows through the third and fourth chambers, whereby the plated metallic ionic species is mechanically and electrochemically removed from the first electrode. A plurality of the above-described cells can be combined to form a reactor in accordance with the present invention. The reactor can, therefore, be adapted to receive three different fluids, all of which are transported through the reactor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference may be had to the following description of the exemplary embodiments, considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures of the drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a reactor produced from a number of electrochemical cells constructed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the reactor shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a partially broken away front perspective view of a flow divider employed in connection with the reactor of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a partial horizontal, cross-sectional view of the reactor illustrated in FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a process employing the reactor of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of results obtained employing the reactor of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of further results obtained employing the reactor of the present invention; and FIG. 8 is a graphical representation of still further results obtained using the reactor of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS By utilizing the present invention it is now possible, for example, to recycle all or a major portion of a treated solution continuously so as to effectively eliminate the need to discharge effluent, such as in plant processes, waste water treatment and the like. Because of the economics of the present invention, as well as its extreme reliability, it is possible to conduct such closed cycle treatments while, at the same time, substantially avoiding the need to suspend the process in order to service or repair the treatment facility. This can be accomplished in accordance with the present invention by using polarity reversal in such electrochemical processes. At the same time, it is also possible to now reduce the concentration of metal contamination in dilute streams to levels which are acceptable in terms of the most stringent environmental regulations presently in effect. Polarity reversal itself has primarily been used in various forms. No practical system has previously been developed, however, which lends itself both to continuous cyclic operation in a mass transfer controlled process and at the same time avoids significant electrode damage during the stripping cycle. In the past, when such processes employing polarity reversal have been contemplated, significant problems have arisen from the fact that during anodic operation the electrode itself becomes subject to attack and, in fact, can simply dissolve. Thus, with electrodes of the type disclosed in the aforementioned Japanese Patent No. 62767/76, for example, the electrode base material, or so-called "feeder", as well as the carbon fibers themselves, would be subject to such attack during the anodic stripping cycle. While the feeder or electrode base material can be made of platinum or metal coated with platinum (such as is disclosed in the aforesaid Japanese patent) to thus avoid degradation thereof, this approach is not only quite expensive but in no way solves the problem of anodic attack upon the carbon fibers themselves. This anodic attack is basically the result of the production of anodic gases during stripping. The metals employed in connection with a secondary electrode component of the present invention, however, have a number of unexpected advantages in this regard. For example, it has been discovered that during the stripping cycle when these electrodes are operating as anodes, nonconductive substances are formed before significant amounts of corrosive agents are produced. It is therefore possible to sense termination of the stripping operation and thus prevent attack on a primary electrode component or carbon fibers by sensing a drop in current in the anode caused by the presence of this nonconductive material. Even more significant, however, is the discovery that upon further reversal of the polarity of these electrodes so that they operate again as cathodes, the secondary electrode component again becomes conductive and normal cathodic operation can continue just as before. The exact nature of the nonconductive coatings formed in connection with the metals employed as the secondary electrode component of the present invention during their use as an anode is not entirely understood. In the case of titanium, for example, it appears that a resistive oxide coating is produced during anodic operation. However, chemically induced oxide coatings of titanium are sufficiently resistive so as to prevent their use as a cathode. These oxide coatings produced in accordance with the present invention, however, are quickly reduced during subsequent cathodic use, and it must therefore be presumed that although the electrochemically induced coatings which are formed on the titanium component are most probably oxides, they must nevertheless somehow be different from chemically induced titanium oxide coatings. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it appears that a hydrated form of titanium dioxide is formed in connection with the present invention, and that this is a reversible form of titanium dioxide which is reduced during subsequent cathodic operation. As for the primary electrode component of the present invention, this comprises a highly porous conductive material which is in electrical contact with the aforementioned secondary electrode component. Most preferred are the various forms of carbon fibers discussed above. These carbon fibers must meet certain requirements in order to be useful in mass transfer controlled processes. Thus, they must provide substantially continuous electrical conductivity throughout the electrode in order to minimize voltage and current variations. Further, the surface area of this porous conductive material should be available to the electrolyte and the material must thus have a maximum surface area to volume ratio so as to provide a high percentage of usable surface area. Preferably such ratio should exceed about 100 cm 2 /cm 3 . In addition, the overall flow path which exists within the porous conductive material is quite significant. There must be a minimum of blind or dead end passages in the flow through the electrode structure, again to provide contact for the solution being treated. In connection with carbon fibers, for example, ideally the pores between the fibers will define tortuous paths through the electrode in order to minimize laminar flow and to encourage the break-up of boundary layers around the surfaces. The average pore size, which is of course related to voidage, should be in the range of from about 0.1 to 3000 μm and the voidage should be in the range of from about 30 to 99% of the total volume of the electrode. These figures are also related to the pore size distribution, and it has been found that about 80% of the pores should lie within the range of from about 1 to 100 μm. When a fibrous material is used as the porous conductive material, it is necessary to restrain the fibers within the electrode. In some cases, the fibers are similar to yarn rather than thread, so that each fiber is made up of many smaller fibers. An example of a suitable material would be a woven cloth made up of carbon fiber yarn which is spun quite loosely but woven quite tightly. As a result, larger spaces between adjacent yarns will be minimized while the elements or fibers themselves which make up the yarn are free to move slightly in the flow of electrolyte while being restrained enough to maintain the pore size required as well as the necessary pore size distribution. Reference is next made to the drawings, in which FIG. 1 shows a reactor 20 which includes a plurality of individual cells 22 arranged for operation in parallel between a pair of end plates 24, 26. Bolts 28 restrain the cells 22 between the end plates 24, 26. The parts used to make up each of the cells are aligned by a pair of bolts 30, 32 which pass through the parts in a manner to be explained hereinbelow. For the purposes of this description the reactor 20 will be described in the position shown in FIG. 1, but it is understood that it can be used in a number of different orientations. Electrical connection to the individual cells 22 is made through electrically conductive bars 34 provided at both sides of the reactor (one side being shown in FIG. 1) and by electrically conductive bars 36 provided at the top of the reactor. As will be described more fully with reference to FIG. 2, an electrolyte solution to be treated, such as waste water, is fed from behind and at the bottom of the reactor as shown in FIG. 1 and exits by way of outlet 38. Anolyte is also fed from the bottom of the reactor, and exits through another outlet 40. These outlets are used during the plating or metal removing cycle. Afterwards, when deposits on a working electrode, which during any such plating operation acts as a cathode, are to be stripped, the flow of waste water ceases and is replaced by a flow of a suitable electrolyte, which again enters from the bottom and behind the reactor and, in this case, exits through outlet 42. As will become evident from the description below, the electrolyte is made to back flush through the working electrode, which during any such stripping operation acts as an anode, to provide some mechanical cleaning action as well as an electrochemical removal of the plated metal. Reference is next made to FIG. 2 to illustrate some of the mechanical details of the reactor shown in FIG. 1, and, in particular, parts which make up the individual cells. As seen in FIG. 2, a frame 44 is positioned for electrochemical action relative to adjacent sides of lead counter electrodes 46, 46'. In effect, a complete cell consists of the parts shown in FIG. 2, although only the sides of the counter electrodes 46, 46' facing the frame 44 are active in that cell. Opposite sides of the counter electrodes 46, 46' are active in adjacent cells, except at the ends of the reactor where sides of the corresponding counter electrodes adjacent the end plates 24, 26 (see FIG. 1) will be insulated from these end plates and have no electrochemical effect. The frame 44 is made from molded polyurethane and contains peripheral conductors 48 which grip a conductive mesh 50 made up of interwoven titanium wires as can best be seen in FIG. 4. The peripheral conductors 48 are attached to the bars 34 to ensure good electrical continuity from the bars 34 to the mesh 50. The mesh 50 forms a secondary electrode component of the working electrode, and two primary electrode components are attached to either side of the mesh 50 to form the working electrode. One primary electrode component can be seen in FIG. 2, and consists of a sheet 52 of carbon fiber cloth of the type known as Morganite 7401 G and sold by Morganite Modmor Ltd. of England. This sheet 52 is laid in surface-to-surface contact with the mesh 50, and is held in place by a series of titanium wire staples similar to those used in conventional stapling equipment. The staples are not shown in the drawings, but are distributed over the sheet 52 where needed to hold the sheet in place. As will be described more fully below, the edges of the sheets 52 are restrained by pressing them against the mesh 50. The working electrode can have a total thickness in the range of from about 1/4 mm to about 15 mm. In one particular embodiment, the mesh has a thickness of about 1 mm and each of the sheets 52 has a thickness in the range of from about 1 mm to about 2 mm. The frame 44 also includes a series of top and bottom openings to transport liquids as indicated with reference to the outlets 40, 42 and 38 shown in FIG. 1. For instance, waste water to be treated enters through central bottom opening 54, and a portion thereof is distributed by one of a number of inlets 56 into a space bordered on one side by an adjacent one of the sheets 52, so that the waste water flows through the working electrode to an opposite side thereof, from which it exits through one of a number of outlets 58 associated with central top opening 60, and eventually leaves the reactor through the outlet 38 (see FIG. 1). This flow takes place during the treatment of waste water (i.e., with the working electrode operating as a cathode) in order to remove metallic ionic species from the electrolyte solution. When it then becomes necessary to strip the deposited metal from the primay electrode components or sheets 52 of the working electrode, the flow of waste water is discontinued and a stripping electrolyte is made to flow through the working electrode (which will now operate as an anode by reversing the polarity of the working electrode and the counter electrodes). This electrolyte enters through bottom opening 62 and a number of inlets 64, and leaves by way of one of a number of top outlets 66 associated with top opening 68, before finally exiting from the outlet 42 (see FIG. 1). In this case, the flow is thus again through the working electrode, but in the opposite direction to that of the waste water during the preceding cathodic operation, so as to enhance the flushing action of the stripping electrolyte. The frame 44 further includes bottom opening 70 and top opening 72, both of which are used for anolyte. These openings simply provide passage through the frame 44. In addition, two small openings 71, 73 are provided for receiving the bolts 30, 32 (see FIG. 1) in order to align the parts. A flow chamber for the electrolyte solution, such as waste water, is defined on the inlet side of the working electrode by space within the frame 44 itself as well as by a neoprene gasket 74 adjacent the face of the frame 44, as can be seen in FIG. 4. Openings in the gasket 74 are provided in alignment with the openings described with reference to the frame 44, and spacer strips 76 are compressed between an adjacent surface of the gasket 74 and the face of an adjacent one of the sheets 52 at the periphery of the sheet. These strips 76 ensure that the edges of the sheets 52 are held tightly against the mesh 50. The inlet chamber is completed by a diaphragm 78 nipped between the gasket 74 and a further neoprene gasket 80, which has openings in alignment with the openings described with reference to the frame 44. A similar outlet chamber is provided by similar parts labelled correspondingly using primed reference numerals. The gasket 80 also provides access for anolyte into a flow chamber defined, in part, by the gasket 80, as well as by the diaphragm 78 and the counter electrode 46. The assembled arrangement is better seen in FIG. 4. The flow of anolyte is facilitated by a pair of molded flow diverters 82, 84 made of polyurethane and arranged to fit in the gasket 80. One such diverter is shown in FIG. 3. Diverters 82, 84 ensure access of anolyte into the flow chamber adjacent the counter electrode 46 so as to obtain electrochemical continuity between the adjacent surface of the anode 46 and the working electrode contained in the frame 44. A pair of small neoprene gaskets 86, 88 is positioned adjacent the counter electrode 46 in order to compensate for the thickness of the counter electrode 46 in the assembly, and to allow the flow of waste water and electrolyte therethrough. Openings in the counter electrode 46 permit the flow of anolyte therethrough. The parts described to the left of the frame 44 as shown in FIG. 2 are also duplicated to the right thereof, and as mentioned are indicated using primed reference numerals. Apart from the fact that the spacer strips 76' are slightly different because of the arrangement of inlets and outlets in the frame 44, the parts to the right are identical to those described on the left of the frame 44. It will be evident from the foregoing description that each working electrode is associated with two counter electrodes, and that the parts are arranged to define a housing having a waste water flow path through the working electrode. Also, during the stripping cycle, the flow passes through the working electrode in the opposite direction. Electrical distribution is maintained in the working electrode by a combination of the mesh 50 and the natural conductivity of the two sheets 52. Because the flow is through the working electrode, the mesh 50 should have sufficient strength to resist flow forces and to prevent any significant distortion. Also, to ensure electrical continuity, the staples used to locate the sheets on the screen should be tight enough to ensure surface-to-surface contact between the sheets 52 and the mesh 50. Reference is next made to FIG. 5, which shows the reactor in use in a typical installation. In practice, a number of these reactors could be used in parallel, or possibly in series, with as many reactors as may be necessary in order to accommodate the volume of effluent being treated. As seen in FIG. 5, the reactor 20 receives waste water from a pump 90 by way of inlet 92, and treated waste water leaves by the outlet 38. While waste water is being thus fed to the reactor, anolyte is being driven in a closed loop by pump 94 through inlet 96, to return from the reactor by way of the outlet 40. The flow of waste water and anolyte is controlled electrically by a pump control system 98 associated with a power supply control 100, which normally maintains the current at a predetermined level related to the voltage requirement. After the working electrode has been plated for some time, the pressure drop between the inlet 92 and the outlet 38 will change and this is monitored and a signal fed to the pump control system by way of transducer 102. Once the pressure drop reaches a predetermined value, the pump control system isolates power from the pump 90 and causes the power supply control 100 to reverse the polarity of the working electrode and the counter electrodes for stripping. At the same time, pump 104 is energized to feed stripping electrolyte into an inlet 106 in order to back flush the working electrode (now operating as an anode), and the stripping electrolyte exits by way of outlet 42, carrying with it a concentrated solution of the metal being stripped from the waste water. The stripping cycle continues until the voltage drop across the reactor increases significantly, as caused by the formation of the highly resistive coating on the secondary electrode component of the working electrode, as is discussed in detail above. The power supply control 100 senses this increase in voltage and again causes reversal of the polarity of the working electrode and the counter electrodes, at the same time causing the control system to re-energize the pump 90, and isolate pump 104. The coating on the secondary electrode component of the working electrode (again now operating as a cathode) is then electro-reduced, and the working electrode is again used to plate metal from the waste water. The cycle can be repeated continuously and automatically. The pump 94 which drives the anolyte is also connected to the pump control system. Consequently, in case of emergency, the pump control system can be used to switch off this and the other pumps, while at the same time disengaging the power used to drive the reactor. The apparatus shown diagrammatically in FIG. 5 is particularly useful in stripping nickel from waste water. When treating nickel, for example, the anolyte can be a mixture of sulphuric acid and sodium sulphate, with an additive of lactic acid. Although the anolyte will become contaminated, it has been found that significant working life can be achieved using this arrangement with a very small usage of anolyte. The power supply control described above can thus maintain a constant current and sense a significant rise in voltage when the secondary electrode component of the working electrode becomes coated. If preferred, a voltage control can be used, and a sudden decrease in the current required can thus be used as a trigger. The system can also be controlled by either setting the voltage and monitoring the current requirements or by setting the current and monitoring the voltage requirements. FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate some of the results obtainable with apparatus of the type described. FIG. 6 thus illustrates the results obtained using a working electrode having 79% voidage, an average pore size of 18 μm, a pore size distribution of 98% in the range of from 1 to 100 μm and a surface area to volume ratio of 5,600 cm 2 /cm 3 . As can be seen from FIG. 6, the initial nickel content of the waste water was 4,000 parts per million (p.p.m.). After twenty seconds, that concentration had diminished to about 2,000 p.p.m., and subsequently concentrations down to 1 p.p.m. were obtained in about 120 seconds. Such small residence times make the present process reasonably viable for use in a real time environment. This is an extremely important consideration in any commercial process, particularly where the treatment is made necessary by legislation and does not add to the quality of the finished product being made by a given commercial process. Comparable results to those shown in FIG. 6 are shown in FIG. 7 for the removal of copper from a solution thereof. In this case, it can be seen that for very short fixed residence times of 1.75, 3.45 and 5.15 seconds, the percentage of copper removed from solution approached 100% using current densities below about 50 mA/cm 2 . In all of these examples, the feed stream had a copper concentration of about 180 p.p.m. Further comparable results for the removal of zinc from solution are shown in FIG. 8. In this case, the feed contained 10 p.p.m. zinc, and the residence time was again very short, in this case 3 seconds. It can be seen that in this case the percentage of zinc removed approached 100% when current densities of below 75 mA/cm 2 were used. It has been found that this completeness conversion of almost 100% can only be obtained by preventing the solution from bypassing the electrode, either by passing around it or through a relatively ineffective portion thereof. FIGS. 6 to 8 thus demonstrate some of the results which can be achieved using the present reactor and cell therefor. After the materials have been removed from the waste water, they can thus be quickly stripped from the working electrode, using a suitable electrolyte. This yields an output containing a high concentration of the metal being removed. This output can be either used in other processes, or can itself be stripped electrochemically using a kinetically controlled system. Because the concentrations of this output can be very high, the efficiency of the kinetically controlled system provides no difficulty. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above-described embodiments are meant to be merely exemplary and that they are, therefore, susceptible to modification and variation without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For instance, the flow arrangement can be varied and in general, particularly if the effects of the secondary electrode component are of paramount importance, any suitable conductive medium can be used in place of a carbon fiber cloth. Also, the secondary electrode component can be a perforated sheet instead of the mesh shown in the apparatus illustrated in the figures. Thus, the invention is not deemed to be limited except as defined in the appended claims.
Apparatus usable in the electrolytic treatment of electroactive species in a solution include a porous electrode which is supported across a fluid flow path in such a manner that fluid flowing along the flow path must pass through an effective portion of the electrode.
2
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present patent application is continuation of our previous U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/565,613 filed on May 4, 2000, which is now pending. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to medical diagnostic instruments, in particular to a vaginal speculum for visual examination of the vaginal cavity, vaginal walls, and conditions of the cervix. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] A vaginal speculum is a diagnostic instrument for dilating the opening of the vagina cavity in order that the interior may be more easily visible for observation. A vaginal speculum has two expandable blades, which are inserted into the vagina in a closed state and then expanded, or moved apart for dilating the vaginal cavity. In particular, a vaginal speculum is an indispensable instrument not only for gynecologists but also for primary care physicians, geriatricians, urologists, and nurse practitioners for urological examination of patients suffering from urinary incontinence in order to exclude the presence of vaginal prolapses, such as rectocele, cystocele, enterocele, and uterine prolapse. Vaginal prolapses of the aforementioned type are protrusions or herniation of the urethra or other pelvic organs into the vagina. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART [0004] One typical vaginal speculum is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,716,047 issued in 1973 to W. C. Moore et al. The instrument consists of three parts of molded non-toxic plastic materials, i.e., a fixed member, a movable member, and a sliding member. The sliding member is slidingly installed in the fixed member and pivotally supports the movable member so that the movable member can be rotated around the pivot at the proximal end of the fixed member. As a result, the distal ends of the movable and fixed members, which form expandable blades insertable into the vagina, can dilate the vagina cavity and thus allow internal vaginal observations. The members are made from a transparent plastic and the blades form a thin-wall circular or oval cross-section, which allows the observation. In the context of the present invention, the term “distal” is used with regard to the end of the speculum remote from the user's hand, while the end on the side of the part 26 is referred to as a proximal end of the speculum. [0005] A procedure of examination of a vagina with the use of a speculum involves movements of the speculum in an expanded, i.e., an outwardly diverging state in the direction towards or away from the uterus. This is necessary for diagnosing aforementioned vaginal prolapses. However, since the opening of the vagina has a circular muscle, which is more resistant to dilations than the vaginal cavity, the aforementioned withdrawal of the expanded speculum may cause in patient discomfort and painful sensations. This is because in the course of the withdrawal of the speculum the diameter of its portion at the vaginal opening is stretched by the speculum. Furthermore, the conventional vaginal specula do not have features for measuring the length of vagina and for testing and measuring the severity of the prolapses without completely removing the entire speculum. Normally, the physician disassembles the speculum and inserts only one of the blades for pressing on one wall of the vagina for exposing and observing the opposite wall. In case of prolapses, a separate ruler is used for measuring the length and position of the prolapse or prolapses. The procedure is then repeated for expositing the opposite wall of the vagina cavity. In some cases, the physician uses a separate single metal blade for pressing on the anterior and posterior walls of the vagina cavity. Thus, the examination involves the use of several tools, as well as assembling and disassembling operations. Thus, it is impossible with conventional specula to conduct more concentrated and localized examination of one wall of the vaginal cavity without removing them from the vagina and reinserting other tools one at a time. Such multiple maneuvers are not only very inconvenient and time-consuming but also irritating and uncomfortable to the patient. [0006] Furthermore, the speculum of U.S. Pat. No. 3,716,047 does not allow for observation of the entire periphery of the vaginal cavity without rotating the speculum as a whole, which is undesired and inconvenient. [0007] An attempt to solve a problem associated with possibility of observing the entire periphery of the vaginal cavity is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,308 issued in 2000 to John Strong. The speculum described in this patent is provided with two additional blades insertable into the speculum housing for spreading apart in lateral direction required for observation of the side walls of the vaginal cavity. A disadvantage of this device is that it requires the use of two additional blades. These blades cannot be disconnected from the speculum without removing the latter from the vaginal cavity. [0008] An attempt to solve the problems regarding adjustability of the blades in a longitudinal direction is partially solved in a vaginal speculum described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,579,849 issued in 1951 to Louis Newman. The speculum described in the above patent has blades adjustable in the longitudinal direction by extending their distal ends. The adjustable blades are guided in pivotally interconnected parts and cannot be completely removed from the speculum but can only be shifted forward to increase the blades' length. Since during the procedure the step formed at the point of protrusion of the adjustable portion from the guiding portion is located inside the vagina, there is a danger of pinching a mucosa during withdrawal of the adjustable blade towards the guide portion. The speculum of U.S. Pat. No. 2,579,849 does not allow for observing side walls of the vaginal cavity without completely removing it from the vagina and replacing with another instrument. [0009] Furthermore, in examining the conditions of the cervix with the use of the aforementioned vaginal specula, it is difficult to diagnose cervical papilomas at the initial stage of their development. This is because such initial papilomas are very small. A papiloma is a growth pattern of epithelial tumors. [0010] U.S. Pat. No. 2,579,849 issued to L. B. Newman in 1951 describes a vaginal speculum with adjustable blades which during the procedure are completely insertable into the vagina and only small distal tips thereof are adjusted inside the vagina. In other words, the adjustable blades of Newman are first inserted into the vagina and then could be adjusted in length by moving forward the distal ends of the blades. The Newman device is first inserted into the vagina only with its constant length and then can be slightly extended forward within the vagina. It can be seen from FIG. 3 of Newman's patent that the guide portions for the adjustable tips of Newman are completely inserted into the vagina and thus constitute the blades themselves. [0011] The applicants made an attempt to solve the problems of the prior art by developing a vaginal speculum described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/565,613 filed on May 4, 2000, now pending. The vaginal speculum described in the aforementioned patent application consists of two parts pivotally interconnected through a fork-like member. Each part slidingly supports a blade moveable in the longitudinal direction of the speculum so that each blade can be shifted to a required position and fixed in this position for further use. The removeable blades can be withdrawn partially or completely for replacement with blades of other dimensions without withdrawing the entire speculum from the vagina. In a closed state, the distal ends of the blades form a bifocal lens, which can be used for visually detecting changes, associated with an earlier stage of cancer or erosion. Provision of retractable blades makes it possible for a physician to withdraw the blades in an alternating sequence for exposing one of the walls of the vagina cavity by pressing down with the longer blade on the opposite wall. The blades are provided with a scale for measuring the positions and dimensions of the prolapses. [0012] In spite of all the advantages, the vaginal speculum of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/565,613 still has some drawback. Though the removeable blades can be shifted to any required position and even completely removed or replaced, the pivotally connected parts that guide the blades are not disconnectable. In some cases, however, a procedure may require that the physician must use only one blade. To accomplish this task with any known vaginal speculum, including the one described in the last-mentioned patent application, the physician has to withdraw the entire speculum from the vagina and replace it with a single-blade instrument. Another disadvantage of the non-disconnectable speculum is that it is inconvenient for cleaning, storage, and packing. Furthermore, the blades can be moved only linearly in a longitudinal direction of the speculum and cannot be moved circumferentially for observation of side walls of the vaginal cavity without replacing, removing or rotating the entire speculum. [0013] Objects of the Invention [0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide a vaginal speculum, in which one of the blade guide parts can be disconnected or the blade can be removed from the speculum without interrupting the procedure. Another object is to provide a vaginal speculum which is convenient for cleaning, storage and packing and which allows observation of the vaginal walls over the entire perimeter of the vaginal cavity without withdrawing, replacing or rotating the entire speculum. Another object is to provide a vaginal speculum having blades moveable in axial as well as in circumferential direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] [0015]FIG. 1AA is a side sectional elevation view of the vaginal speculum of the invention. [0016] [0016]FIG. 1AB is a sectional view along line IB-IB of FIG. 1AA. [0017] [0017]FIG. 1AC is a sectional view along line IC-IC of FIG. 1AA. [0018] [0018]FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the speculum of FIG. 1A illustrating disassembling of main parts. [0019] [0019]FIG. 3 is a top view on a part of the vaginal speculum of FIG. 1A with the upper blade removed. [0020] [0020]FIG. 4 is a top view on one of the removeable blades of the speculum of FIG. 1A. [0021] [0021]FIG. 5 is a side view of a blade of FIG. 4. [0022] [0022]FIG. 6 is a view similar to the one of FIG. 3 with the upper blade inserted. [0023] [0023]FIG. 7 is a sectional view along line VII-VII of FIG. 6. [0024] [0024]FIG. 8 is a view similar to the one of FIG. 6 with the upper blade turned circumferentially from the position shown in FIG. 6. [0025] [0025]FIG. 9 is a sectional view along line IX-IX of FIG. 8. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0026] A vaginal speculum consisting of two pivotally interconnected disconnectable parts. Each part slidingly supports a blade moveable in the longitudinal direction of the speculum. In addition to longitudinal movement, one of the blades can be moved circumferentially. Each blade can be completely withdrawn from the speculum, even during the procedure, i.e., without removing the speculum from the vagina. As a result, the same speculum can be used in procedures requiring both as well as only one blade. Circumferential displacement of one of the blades in both directions makes it possible to observe the vaginal cavity over the entire periphery without rotating the entire speculum or replacing it with another tool. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0027] In general, a vaginal speculum of the present invention is similar to the one described in our U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/565,613 and is aimed at its improvement. Therefore some small details of the vaginal speculum of the present invention identical to those in the speculum of the previous patent application will be omitted from the description. [0028] As can be seen from FIG. 1A, which is a side elevation view of the speculum 20 of the invention, the speculum 20 consists of three main parts: a first part 22 (hereinafter referred to as an upper part), a second part 24 (hereinafter referred to as a lower part), and a third part 26 , hereinafter referred to as a sliding part, which can slide in guides 28 formed on the rear side of the lower part 24 in a transverse direction shown by the arrow A with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vaginal speculum shown by the arrow B. The sliding part 26 has pins 30 and 32 (only one of which, i.e., a pin 30 , is shown in FIG. 1A), which pivotally supports the upper part 22 . [0029] The upper part 22 has an L-shaped configuration with legs 34 and 36 . The leg 34 extends in the direction of aforementioned arrow B, and the leg 36 extends downward substantially perpendicular to the leg 34 . The leg 36 extends substantially in a downward transverse direction from the rear side of the leg 34 and is used for pushing on the upper part 22 when it is necessary to expand the speculum 20 inside the patient's vagina. The horizontal leg 34 of the upper part 22 has longitudinal guides 38 for an upper removable blade 40 . [0030] The lower part 24 also has an L-shaped configuration with a horizontal leg 42 and a downward vertical leg or handle portion 44 . The leg 42 extends in the direction of aforementioned arrow B. The leg 42 has longitudinal guides 46 for a lower removable blade 48 that can move in the aforementioned guides 46 in the direction of arrow B. The aforementioned guides 28 for the sliding part 26 are located on the rear end face of the handle 44 . [0031] The sliding part 26 has a rearward projection 52 , which is substantially perpendicular to the fork-like straight portion 54 and has teeth 56 on one of its sides. The teeth 56 engage a pawl 57 formed on the surface of the slot (not shown) formed in the leg 36 . The sliding part 26 also has a tail portion 58 with a pawl 60 for engagement with ratchet teeth 62 formed in the lower rear side of the straight portion 54 . [0032] As can be seen from FIG. 1B, which is a cross-sectional view along line IB-IB of FIG. 1A, the removable blades 40 and 48 have semicircular cross sections so that in a closed state of the speculum shown FIG. 1, both removable blades form a hollow tubular body having a complete round cross-section. [0033] Furthermore, as can be seen from FIG. 1C, which is a cross-sectional view along line IC-IC of FIG. 1A, the aforementioned horizontal leg portions 34 and 42 also have semicircular cross-sections. It is shown in the same FIG. 1C that the aforementioned guides 38 and 46 are formed by radial outward grooves in the inner surface at the edges of the guide 38 and by radial outward grooves in the inner surface at the mating edges of the guide 42 . On the other hand, the removable blades 40 and 48 have radial outward projections on the mating edges, i.e., projections 40 a , 40 b on the blade 40 and projections 48 a , 48 b on the blade 48 . The projections 40 a , 40 b , 48 a , 48 b are rounded so that the outer surfaces of the blades remain smooth. [0034] In order to provide rotation of the upper removable blade 40 by guiding in circumferential grooves described below, the guides 38 are formed on a part of length of the upper part 34 , so that for rotation the blade 40 should be first moved forward away from the proximal part until the projections 40 a and 40 b are freed from the guides 38 and then the blade 40 can be easily rotated. [0035] The proximal ends 40 c and 48 c of respective removable blades 40 and 48 are bent outward in the upper and lower directions, respectively, to form parts convenient for pushing on the respective blades 40 and 48 to move them forward or for pulling them away when it is required to withdraw or replace the respective blade. [0036] A distinguishing feature of the vaginal speculum 20 of the present invention consists in that the entire speculum 20 can be disassembled, i. e., all three main parts, i.e., the upper part 22 , the lower part 24 , the sliding part 26 , as well as the upper removable blade 40 and the lower removable blade 48 are disconnectable. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 2, which is a partial side view of the speculum of FIG. 1A with the lower part 24 disconnected from the upper part 22 , the upper end of the fork-like sliding part 26 has hook-like shape with bayonet slots 64 , 66 (the slot 66 is formed on the side of the fork-like part which is not seen in FIG. 2). The slots 64 and 66 serve for insertion of the pins 30 and 32 . The pin 32 is seen in FIG. 3 which is a top view on a part of the vaginal speculum 20 of FIG. 1A with the upper removable blade 40 and the sliding part 26 removed. Arrows C in FIG. 2 show directions of assembling-disassembling of parts 22 and 24 . [0037] Another unique feature of the vaginal speculum of the present invention consists in that in addition to movements in the axial direction shown by arrow B, at least one of the blades, e.g., the upper removable blade 40 , can be turned circumferentially around the longitudinal axis coinciding with the of arrow B (FIG. 1A) of the speculum 20 . This is achieved by forming a longitudinal slot and at least one circumferential slot in the upper surface in the rear side of the upper part 22 of the speculum (FIG. 3). Three such circumferential slots 70 a , 70 b , and 70 c , which intersect the longitudinal slot 68 , are formed in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. The upper removable blade 40 has a vertical guide pin 72 shown in FIG. 4 which is a top view on one of the removable blades of the speculum of FIG. 1A. FIG. 5 is a side view of a blade of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a view similar to the one of FIG. 3 with the upper blade inserted. The pin 72 can be guided in the longitudinal slot 68 and in the circumferential slots 70 a , 70 b , and 70 c , so that guiding in the longitudinal slot 68 defines axial movements of the upper blade 40 while guiding of the pin 72 in the circumferential slots 70 a , 70 b , and 70 c defines rotation of the upper blade 40 around the longitudinal axis. Position of the pin 72 in the longitudinal slot 68 is shown in FIG. 7, which is a sectional view along line VII-VII of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a view similar to the one of FIG. 6 with the upper blade turned circumferentially from the position shown in FIG. 6 by guiding the pin 72 in the circumferential slot 70 a , and FIG. 9 is a sectional view along line IX-IX of FIG. 8. Only upper guide part 22 and the upper removable blade 40 are shown in FIGS. 7 and 9. [0038] Similar to the vaginal speculum of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/565,613, the speculum 20 of the present invention can be provided with a scale 74 formed on the upper removable blade 40 (FIG. 6). Similarly, the scale (not shown) can be formed on the lower blade 48 . The scales can be used for measuring the positions and dimensions of the vaginal prolapses. [0039] As shown in FIG. 1A, similar to the vaginal speculum of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/565,613, in the speculum of the present invention the distal end of the upper removable blade 40 has a half-lens 76 , which is formed, e.g., molded, integrally with the remaining part of the blade 40 . The half-lens 76 , in fact, is a portion of a biconvex lens obtained by cutting a lens by half along an optical axis, which in this case coincides with longitudinal axis of the speculum. A similar half-lens 78 is formed at the distal end of the lower removable blade 48 . As a result, in a closed state of the speculum 20 , the blades 40 and 48 form a tubular body of a complete round or oval cross-section with a complete biconvex lens formed by two half-lenses 76 and 78 at the distal end of the speculum. [0040] The vaginal speculum of the present invention is used in a manner described below. [0041] Procedure for the Use of the Retractable Vaginal Speculum [0042] The procedure is started from inspection of the vaginal introitus to determine the status of the vaginal skin, the size of the vaginal outlet, and the presence or absence of pelvic organ prolapse. A vaginal speculum 20 of the invention having a required size is then chosen. [0043] Since this vaginal speculum 20 is normally a disposable instrument, which is sterilized and packed into a sealed package in the form of the upper part 22 , a lower part 24 , a sliding part 26 , and removable blades 40 and 48 , it is unpacked and removed from the package and is assembled from the aforementioned disconnectable part. More specifically, the sliding part 26 is inserted into the guides 28 formed on he rear side of the handle portion 44 of the lower part 24 of the speculum and is fixed on it be engaging the pawl 60 with the ratchet teeth 62 . The upper part 22 is then pivotally connected to the sliding portion 26 by inserting pins 30 and 32 (FIGS. 2 and 3) into the slots 64 , 66 . The removable blades 40 and 48 are inserted into their respective guides 38 and 46 (FIGS. 1A and 1C) and fixed in a required position with the use of dimples on the inner surface of the upper part and of a projection (not shown) on the outer surface in the proximal part of the removable blade 40 . [0044] The speculum 20 is closed so that the blades 40 and 48 assume positions shown in FIG. 1C by solid lines. This is achieved by pushing the leg 36 in a counterclockwise direction around the pins 30 and 36 as fulcrum points. The removable blades are then lubricated using a water-soluble lubricant and gently inserted into the vaginal canal in the aforementioned closed state of the speculum. The blades 40 and 48 are advanced all the way to the vaginal vault or at the level of the uterine cervix (not shown). [0045] The physician first visually observes the condition of the uterus cervix through the optical lens formed by semilenses 76 and 78 . [0046] The purpose of this observation is to detect initial changes on the cervix that could not be detected by a naked eye. Such changes may be initial erosion, papilomas, etc. [0047] The speculum 20 is then opened by moving the blades 40 and 48 apart to further visualize the vaginal vault or the cervix. This is done by pushing on the trigger portion 36 to turn it in a clockwise direction around pins 30 and 32 so that the pawl 57 slides in a ratchet manner over the teeth 56 of the leg 36 . As a result, the blade members 40 and 48 of the speculum 20 assume the positions shown in FIG. 1A by broken lines and thus expand the vaginal cavity (not shown in the drawings). [0048] The physician can then observe the appearance of the vaginal mucosa at the level of the vault, or observe the appearance of the cervix. If necessary, the length of the vaginal canal is measured from the vaginal vault or the posterior aspect of the cervico-vaginal junction to the level of the hymenal line. This is achieved by pushing down on the tab 40 c of the removable blade 40 for disengaging the dent from the respective indent (not shown) and by moving the blade 40 to a required position. Measurement is made by reading the numbers of the scale 74 with regard to the hymeneal line, as is described in our previous U.S patent application Ser. No. 09/565,613. The speculum of the present invention can be provided with the same measurement system as the speculum of our aforementioned patent application and allows all the measurements described in detail in that application. As the measurement system and method are beyond the scope of the present patent application, their description is omitted. [0049] If necessary, the physician performs paps smear and/or collection of fluids for culture and or cytology as indicated. Slight thickening of the curved end walls on the distal ends of the blades 20 and 22 caused by the formation of semilenses does not create any obstacles for this operation. [0050] For separate observation of the condition of one of the walls of the vagina, the removable blade, e.g. blade 40 (FIGS. 1 and 5) is then retracted halfway so that only the blade 48 of the speculum 20 remains in the initial position. Since another blade 40 is partially withdrawn (these positions are not shown in the drawings), the physician may observe the condition of the exposed part of the vagina wall and thus to see prolapses on the exposed wall. This would be unattainable for the conventional speculum without completely withdrawing the entire speculum, disassembling it, and using only one part as a spade for pressing on one wall of the vagina in order to expose the opposite wall for observation. If necessary, both removable blades 40 and 48 can be withdrawn in alternating sequence, or can be retracted both together to see if the uterus or the vaginal vault (dome) will drop further down. The degree of the drop of the uterus or the vaginal vault (dome)(if the uterus is gone) in relation to the hymeneal line can be measured with the calibrated retractable blade. This is easily done by positioning the tip of the sliding blade to the lowest edge of the prolapsing organ, i.e. cervix or vaginal vault or cystocele or rectocele and measuring from that distance to the level of the hymeneal line. [0051] Some procedures may required that the physician must use only one blade. To accomplish this task, the physician may completely disconnect the entire upper part 22 , from the lower part 24 sliding portion 26 by disengaging the projections 30 and 32 from respective slots 64 and 66 of the hook-like projection on the upper end of the fork-like sliding part 26 . The upper part 22 can be disconnected from the speculum without removing the latter from the vagina or when the speculum is removed from the vagina. [0052] When it is necessary to observe the vagina wall covered with the blade, then, without removing the speculum 20 from and without rotating it inside the vaginal cavity, the physician will slide the pin 72 along the longitudinal slot 68 to a position of a require circumferential slot, e.g., the slot 70 a (FIG. 8) and is then turned in the circumferential slot 70 a to a lateral position (FIGS. 8 and 9) for exposing the area of interest. [0053] All manipulations described above, i.e., partial or complete withdrawal of the removable blades 40 , 48 , dilation of the vaginal cavity, complete disconnection of one of the guide parts of the speculum, etc., can be fulfilled without removing the speculum from the vaginal cavity. [0054] If the speculum is intended for multiple use, complete disconnection of its parts facilitates its cleaning and storage. [0055] Thus it has been shown that the vaginal speculum of the present invention allows complete disconnection of one of the blade guide parts or removal of the removable blade from the speculum without interrupting the procedure. The proposed vaginal speculum is convenient for cleaning, storage and packing and allows observation of the vaginal walls over the entire perimeter of the vaginal cavity without withdrawing, replacing or rotating the entire speculum. The vaginal speculum has blades moveable in axial as well as in circumferential direction. [0056] Although the vaginal speculum of invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments and drawings, it is understood that these embodiments do not limit the field of application of the invention and that any changes and modifications are possible, provided they do not go beyond the scope of the patent claims. For example, the hook and pin connection can be different from the one shown in the drawings and may be fulfilled, e.g., as a pin and sleeve connection with a sliding fit. The number of circumferential groove can vary from 1 to several. Both guide portions or only one of them may have replaceable removable blades.
A vaginal speculum consists of two pivotally interconnected disconnectable parts. Each part slidingly supports a movable blade moveable in the longitudinal direction of the speculum. In addition to longitudinal movement, one of the blades can be moved circumferentially. Each blade can be completely withdrawn from the speculum, even during the procedure, i.e., without removing the speculum from the vagina. As a result, the same speculum can be used in procedures requiring both as well as only one blade. Furthermore, the entire upper part of the speculum, i.e., the guide portion together with the removable blade, can be completely disconnected from the speculum without removing the latter from the vagina. The remaining lower part can be used as a spatula. Circumferential displacement of one of the blades in both directions makes it possible to observe the vaginal cavity over the entire periphery without rotating the entire speculum or replacing it with another tool.
0
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US02/02425 filed Jan. 30, 2002, which claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/264,906 filed Jan. 30, 2001. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the art of machines for high speed depositing of viscous flowable food materials. More particularly, the present invention relates to depositing machines having a peristaltic device for depositing viscous materials in repetitive singular quantities. 2. Description of the Related Art Many prior devices have been developed for the transportation and control of viscous flowable materials. For example, Beshaw, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,195 sets forth a dough and batter dispenser having a hopper and rotatable valve unit to dispense dough and batter in a controlled manner. According to Beshaw, the dough maintains direct contact with a number of intricate moving parts. The direct contact with moving parts presents a significant burden, inter alia, for cleaning of the machine and for maintaining sanitary conditions. A number of additional devices have been developed to control flowable materials through the elastic deformation of a flexible tube. Malbec, U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,679 relates to a peristaltic pump wherein a plurality of rollers cooperate to continuously and repetitively deform sections of a flexible tube. The rollers rotate about a fixed shaft to alternately deform sections of the flexible tube to and provide a pumping action to the interior liquid. The action of Malbec provides a continuous pumping action for non-viscous liquids, such as windshield wiper fluid. Ledebuhr, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,061 relates to a peristaltic metering pump for dispensing liquid materials. A flexible tube encircles a rotor assembly having three rollers. As the rollers rotate about a fixed pin, the tube flexes to provide a pumping action to the liquid. Penstermacher, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,696 relates to a peristaltic pump having a plurality of flexible tubes that are repetitively deformed by six rotating rollers. Each of the rollers rotates with respect to a central stationary axis point. Huegerich, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,935 relates to a viscous food dispensing assembly incorporating a rotating pump head. A deformable tube encircles a portion of the rotating pump head and is repetitively deformed during rotation of the pump head. As set forth above, prior peristaltic pumps incorporating rollers and flexible tubes generally deform the tubes through rotation of a plurality of rollers about an arcuate surface. However, the rotating action of the rollers is generally directed to a pumping action to force output of a material or a so-called metering action to control a rate of streaming output. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other features, objects, and benefits of the invention will be recognized by one having ordinary skill in the art and by those who practice the invention, from the specification, the claims, and the drawing figures. A peristaltic depositing machine sequentially and repetitively outputs individual quantities of viscous material onto a movable sheet. The peristaltic depositing machine is also adjustable to vary an output quantity of viscous material. Reverse motion of viscous material within the depositing machine is produced at the end of each deposit cycle to break off individual deposits of material. The peristaltic machine is easily disassembled to facilitate cleaning. A peristaltic machine includes a hopper to store viscous material. A flexibly deformable tubing section is connected to the hopper for receiving the viscous material. A pair of rollers then cooperating to compress the tubing section and, thereafter, move forwardly along the tubing section such that the viscous material is forwardly propagated. A manifold is connected between the hopper and the tubing section to transmit the viscous material there between. A flow control unit is also connected to a portion of the tubing section forward of the pair of rollers. The flow control unit alternately constricts and unconstricts the portion of the tubing section in synchronism with the forward movement by the pair of rollers. A nozzle is connected to an output end of said tubing section to shape the viscous material upon output. A carriage is connected to an output end of the tubing section, wherein the carriage is controlled to move about a predetermined travel path to thereby direct an output location of the viscous material. The predetermined travel path of the carriage is executed in synchronism with the forward movement by the plurality of rollers. A plurality of additional flexibly deformable tubing sections are connected to the manifold for receiving the viscous material. The pair of rollers cooperate to simultaneously compress all tubing sections and, thereafter to move forwardly along each of the tubing sections to propagate the viscous material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a viscous material depositing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a viscous material depositing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a viscous material depositing machine according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a viscous material depositing machine incorporating a backflow constriction unit. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a viscous material depositing machine incorporating a backflow constriction unit in combination with a pump assembly. FIG. 6 is side sectional view of a viscous material depositing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an elevated perspective view of a viscous material depositing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of the viscous material depositing machine of FIG. 7 . FIG. 9 is another side sectional view of the viscous material depositing machine of FIG. 7 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of a peristaltic machine for depositing viscous materials according to the invention is generally shown in the drawing figures and discussed below. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a viscous material depositing machine 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A viscous material 22 is continuously placed into hopper 24 and is thereby fed into flexible tubing 26 . Roller 28 follows travel path 30 to continuously deform flexible tubing 26 with respect to travel platen 32 . Viscous material 22 is then output from nozzle 34 as individual deposits 36 onto movable sheet 38 in accordance with travel path 30 . During a peristaltic cycle of depositing machine 20 , roller 28 provides a number of operations on the viscous material 22 . At the beginning of the peristaltic cycle of travel path 30 , peristaltic unit 27 compresses flexible tubing 26 by way of downward contact of roller 28 with travel platen 32 . Material 22 in tubing 26 then exerts pressure in both forward and rearward directions such that a small portion of material begins to be output from nozzle 34 . Roller 28 next begins to travel forward in a direction toward nozzle 34 , while deforming the tubing 26 with respect to travel platen 32 . This action forces a deposit of material out of nozzle 34 and onto movable sheet 38 . Roller 28 then continues in a forward direction toward nozzle 34 along travel path 30 . At the end of forward travel, roller 28 is moved upwardly with respect to travel platen 32 . Tubing 26 then elastically returns to its original, non-deformed state. As tubing 26 returns to its non-deformed state, the enclosed material 22 within the tubing is subjected to a suction force, which thereby draws more material from hoper 24 and also draws some material in a reverse direction from nozzle 24 . The reverse movement of material at nozzle 24 provides a break in the material, which thereby separates the material into individual deposits 36 . Hopper 24 is an open, gravity type hopper having vertical or slanted sides, thereby encouraging material flow downward into connected tubing 26 . Tubing 26 is flexible to allow repeated compression to the point of closure of the inner tubing passage. Tubing materials include PVC, vinyl, silicone, and polyurethane. A preferred tubing material is norprene A60F, manufactured by Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics of Wayne, N.J. Nozzle 34 provides an orifice of a size and shape appropriate for a desired material deposit. As discussed in further detail below, a plurality of different nozzle sizes may be used and the amount of travel of roller 28 may be adjusted depending upon the type of material and the quantity of a desired deposit. Peristaltic unit 27 provides a traveling constriction of tubing 26 by way of roller 28 . At the beginning of a peristaltic cycle, roller 28 is pressed towards a centerline of tubing 26 such that the tubing is constricted towards platen 32 . In this position, which by adjustment can provide a constriction or a complete closure of an interior tubing passage, the roller 28 is then made to travel in a direction toward nozzle 34 . This forces material 22 to flow in wave-like fashion towards the nozzle 34 . At the same time, natural expansion of the tubing 26 behind roller 28 causes suction, thereby resulting in more material being drawn from hopper 24 . At or near the end of the forward stroke of roller 28 , roller 28 is released from compression of tubing 26 , and returned to its original position along illustrated travel path 30 . During return of roller 28 in the peristaltic cycle, material 22 rests inside tubing 26 . According to an alternative embodiment, roller 28 remains stationary while the platen 32 follows a contoured travel path (not shown). FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a viscous material depositing machine 40 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Viscous material 42 is first input into hopper 44 and travels through flexible tubing 46 . Peristaltic unit 47 then compresses flexible tubing 46 to thereby exert pressure on the enclosed material. As illustrated, a pair of rollers 48 and 50 cooperate to simultaneously compress tubing 46 . Roller 48 then travels forward along travel path 52 toward nozzle 56 . Roller 50 also travels forward along travel path 54 toward nozzle 56 . The simultaneous compression and forward movement of rollers 48 and 50 force material 42 along tubing 46 and out through nozzle 56 . As rollers 48 and 50 travel forward toward nozzle 46 , the tubing immediately rearward of the rollers tends to expand, thereby causing suction of additional viscous material 42 from hopper 44 into the tubing 46 . Rollers 48 and 50 are then removed from constriction of tubing 46 and return to their original position along respective travel paths 52 and 54 . The action of the rollers along the respective travel paths forces output of individual material deposits 58 out from nozzle 56 . According to an alternate embodiment, roller 50 does not follow travel path 54 , but merely moves forward toward nozzle 56 and rearward away from nozzle 56 . In this embodiment, peristaltic action on the tubing 46 is provided by motion of roller 48 along travel path 52 . This embodiment is preferable because the assembly required to move roller 50 in the forward and rearward directions is less complicated than the assembly required to move roller 50 along the illustrated travel path 54 . FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a viscous material depositing machine 50 according to yet another embodiment. Viscous material 52 is deposited into hopper 54 and travels into flexible tubing 56 . According to this embodiment, peristaltic unit 57 is formed from swing lever 58 , roller 60 , and curved travel platen 62 . In response to peristaltic action of peristaltic unit 57 , material deposits 68 are sequentially ejected from nozzle 70 . Swing lever 58 rotates with respect to pivot point 64 such that roller 60 travels about travel path 66 . According to one embodiment of the invention, roller 60 moves upwardly with respect to swing lever 58 to complete a peristaltic cycle along travel path 66 . According to an alternate embodiment, swing arm 58 itself is raised and lowered to effectuate movement of roller 60 along travel path 66 . The above embodiments are appropriate for use with flowable materials that are of a viscosity low enough to allow suction action from a hopper, while high enough to prevent gravity flow out from the nozzle during a roller return cycle. However, for materials having a lower viscosity, a second constriction unit placed between the peristaltic unit and the nozzle is preferably employed. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of viscous material depositing machine 72 for depositing individual material deposits 90 . As illustrated, depositing machine 72 includes hopper 74 for receiving viscous material 76 . Material 76 travels through flexible tubing 78 to peristaltic unit 80 , for repetitive peristaltic action in a direction towards nozzle 82 . Flow control unit 84 provides secondary constriction to tubing 78 to control output of lower viscosity materials. Flow control unit 84 includes flow bar 86 , which is controlled to repetitively compress and decompress tubing 78 in response to actuation by cylinder 88 . As illustrated, flow bar 86 compresses tubing 78 with respect to compression platen 87 . According to an embodiment, flow control unit 84 maintains partial constriction of tubing 78 while peristaltic unit 80 propagates material 76 out of nozzle 82 . Natural expansion of tubing 78 during the peristaltic action draws material 76 into the tubing. When peristaltic unit 80 completes forward propagation of the material, flow control unit 84 also releases compression of tubing 78 , thereby permitting elastic expansion of tubing 78 . This elastic expansion of tubing 78 , while material is not being propagated forward by peristaltic unit 80 , draws material 76 backwards within tubing 78 in a reverse direction from nozzle 82 . Accordingly, viscous material 76 cleanly breaks from the tip of nozzle 82 to define individual material deposits 90 . According to an alternate embodiment, flow control unit 84 complete constricts tubing 78 at the end of forward material motion by peristaltic unit 80 , thereby halting primary and/or secondary flow of material 76 through flexible tubing 78 . FIG. 5 is a schematic view of material depositing machine 94 for depositing individual material deposits 106 . Depositing machine 94 includes a main pump assembly 96 instead of a hopper to push pressurized material toward manifold unit 98 . Manifold unit 98 supplies material to a plurality of separate pieces of flexible tubing. By way of example, flexible tubing 100 is connected to manifold unit 98 , and is then fed through peristaltic unit 102 and flow control unit 104 . Each piece of flexible tubing, exemplified by tubing 100 , outputs individual material deposits 106 onto movable sheet 108 . According to this embodiment, peristaltic unit 102 controls movement of the material within tubing 100 . The pressure provided by pump assembly 96 is not high enough to force the material through the tubing until initiation of a subsequent peristaltic cycle by peristaltic unit 102 . According to an embodiment of the invention, main pump assembly 96 cooperates with a hopper to provide pressurized material to tubing 100 . Pump assembly 96 provides continuous pressure, by way of feed or forcing rolls, as commonly used in dough extruding machines. By way of example, an open hopper is mounted directly above one or a pair of feed rolls. The feed rolls then force dough into individual tubes through pressurized manifold 98 . Alternatively, augers may be used to draw material from a hopper into pressurized manifold 98 . According to an embodiment of the invention, the roller or rollers in the above peristaltic units revolve as a consequence of friction contact with flexible tubing. In a more preferred embodiment, the rollers are driven by a motor at a rotational speed that results in a speed corresponding to the linear travel speed of the roller or rollers along the tubing in a direction of the nozzle. External drive of the rollers results in lowered stress on the tubing. Operation of the above flow control units may seek to constrict the tubing by way of a roller. In a more preferred embodiment, the flow control units constrict the tubing by way of a rigid bar. The flow control units are preferably operated by an air or hydraulic cylinder. According to an alternate embodiment, the flow control units are operated by way of a servo motor. The above schematic figures illustrate a single flexible tubing section to deliver viscous flowable material through a single nozzle. However, a single hopper or pump assembly is preferably connected to a plurality of flexible tubing sections through a manifold. A common peristaltic unit and common flow control unit simultaneously provide peristaltic action and constriction to all flexible tubing sections to control material flow with respect to a plurality of separate and corresponding nozzles. The peristaltic rollers, platen, and flow control unit members are of sufficient width to allow the plurality of flexible tubing sections to be disposed side by side, as set forth in greater detail below. FIG. 6 is side sectional view of a viscous material depositing machine 110 according to an embodiment of the invention. Depositing machine 110 includes a body structure 111 supporting a hopper 112 for receiving viscous material and supporting a plurality of machine plates 113 for supporting machine components. Hopper 112 connects to manifold assembly 114 , which in turn connects to a plurality of flexible tubing sections 116 . Each of the plurality of tubing sections 116 are simultaneously constricted and released by peristaltic unit 118 . After the viscous material is pushed through tubing sections 116 by peristaltic unit 118 , the material flows through flow control unit 120 . The material is finally discharged through a plurality of nozzles 122 that respectively connect to each of the flexible tubing sections 116 . As illustrated, nozzles 122 and flow control unit 120 move simultaneously in the horizontal and vertical directions by way of movable carriage 123 about travel path 141 . Peristaltic unit 118 is powered by a servo motor (not shown) connected to rollers 124 and 126 by way of a plurality of belts (not shown). Peristaltic unit 118 includes primary roller 124 that travels along oval travel path 125 and secondary roller 126 that travels along linear travel path 127 . Each of the rollers 124 and 126 are powered to rotate with a rotational speed synchronous with a linear travel speed along the respective travel paths. Primary roller 124 and secondary roller 126 cooperate to compress tubing sections 116 in a direction toward nozzles 122 . Primary roller 124 and secondary roller 126 follow linear slide shaft 135 in horizontal directions toward and away from nozzles 122 . Movement of the rollers 124 and 126 along linear slide shaft 135 is controlled by a belt and pulley attachment to a servo motor (not shown). The servo motor sequentially changes direction to thereby effect motion of the rollers 124 and 126 in both linear directions with respect to linear slide shaft 135 . However, primary roller 124 is further connected to dogleg member 128 , such that primary roller 124 is controlled to follow the arcuate portions of travel path 125 by actuation of compression cylinder 129 about pivot points 131 and 133 . Thus, primary roller 124 cooperates with secondary roller 126 to compresses tubing sections 116 in a direction toward nozzles 122 . Then, primary roller 124 is lifted by dogleg member 128 , and rollers 124 and 126 move in a reverse direction away from nozzles 122 with respect to linear slide shaft 135 . The lifting of primary roller 124 allows elastic expansion of tubing sections 116 thereby drawing additional material from hopper 112 . For the next peristaltic cycle, primary roller 124 compresses tubing 116 with respect to secondary roller 126 in response to actuation of compression cylinder 129 . The amount of compression applied to tubing sections 116 is controlled by adjusting primary roller 124 with adjusting unit 130 . Quick release knob 115 is provided to easily remove primary roller 124 for servicing and cleaning of the machine. According to the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6 , flow control unit 120 includes a first pair of constriction arms, 132 and 134 , which function as a flow control gate. Constriction arms 132 and 134 completely constrict tubing sections 116 to stop material flow in synchronism with the end of a forward peristaltic cycle. A second pair of constriction arms 136 and 138 function as a draw back control unit. Constriction arms 136 and 138 maintain partial constriction of tubing sections 116 during forward movement of the viscous material. Once forward movement is stopped by way of the flow control gate (constriction arms 132 and 134 ), the draw back control unit (constriction arms 136 and 138 ) functions to unconstrict tubing sections 116 . The unconstriction permits elastic expansion of tubing sections 116 to thereby draw the viscous material in a reverse direction from nozzles 122 . Accordingly, clean deposits of material are output from each of the nozzles 122 . Movable carriage 123 supports flow control unit 120 , and is controlled to move horizontally and vertically about travel path 141 by way of carriage control assembly 140 . The movement of carriage 123 is timed to coincide with material deposit from the plurality of nozzles 122 onto a movable sheet (not shown). The carriage 123 moves away from body structure 111 along travel path 141 during material release, and the speed of carriage 123 is set to coincide with the speed of the movable sheet. Thus, the material output from each of the nozzles 122 does not slide on the movable sheet during the depositing operation. After the material is ejected from the nozzles 122 , the carriage 123 is lifted by carriage control assembly 140 along travel path 141 and returned towards body structure 111 for the next depositing operation. The closeness of the nozzles 122 to the movable sheet during deposition of the material is important for proper product formation. Accordingly, adjusting wheel 142 is provided to fine tune the distance between the lowest point of nozzles 122 and the movable sheet. FIG. 7 is an elevated perspective view of a viscous material depositing machine 150 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Depositing machine 150 is configured as a plurality of components attached to body structure 152 . The body structure 152 includes machine mounting plate 151 and machine mounting plate 153 . In practice, body structure 152 resides above a movable sheet (not shown). Depositing machine 150 is illustrated without a hopper or pressurized pump assembly to enhance visualization of interior components. During operation, viscous material is supplied in a continuous fashion to manifold assembly 154 . Material is then divided by manifold assembly 154 into a plurality of flexible tubing sections 156 . The tubing sections 156 are elastically deformable and may be made from a variety of materials set forth above. Tubing sections 156 are preferably made from food grade norprene A60F, manufactured by Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics of Wayne, N.J. Peristaltic unit 158 is formed by way of a combination of primary roller 160 , secondary roller 161 and connecting hardware. Each roller follows a respective travel path, as set forth in greater detail above, to provide peristaltic action to tubing sections 156 . At the beginning of the travel path, primary roller 160 is moved in a direction toward secondary roller 161 by way of a pivoting rotation of dogleg member 163 . Rollers 160 and 161 cooperate to simultaneously constrict all tubing sections 156 . Both rollers 160 and 161 are then moved in a forward direction away from manifold assembly 154 . At the end of forward travel, dogleg member 163 pivots upwardly to move primary roller 160 in a direction away from secondary roller 161 . This allows tubing sections 156 to elastically return to their original shape. Rollers 160 and 161 then move in a reverse direction toward manifold assembly 154 to begin a subsequent peristaltic cycle. According to the illustrated embodiment, flow control gate 162 is embodied as a bar that completely constricts tubing sections 156 to halt the flow of material. Flow control gate 162 is pivotally attached to machine plates 151 and 153 , and control of flow control gate 162 is provided by way of pneumatic actuators (not shown). According to this embodiment, flow control gate 162 is configured as part of body structure 152 and provides an advantage over the embodiment of FIG. 6 in that movable carriage 166 supports less weight. During forward motion of the viscous material through tubing sections 156 , the material flows through draw back control unit 164 and out through a plurality of nozzles (not shown). Draw back control unit 164 includes a pair of constricting arms, which function in accordance with the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6 . However, for ease of illustration in FIG. 7 , only a single constricting arm 165 is shown. The constricting arms of draw back control unit 164 are operated by way of pneumatic cylinders (not shown). Control of peristaltic unit 158 is provided by way of peristaltic transmission unit 170 . The peristaltic transmission unit 170 includes servo motor 172 , sprocket 175 , exterior belt 174 and exterior belt 176 . Exterior belt 174 drives sprocket 175 and in turn drives a drive shaft that traverses the interior of body structure 152 . Linear drive of peristaltic unit 158 is described in greater detail below with regard to FIGS. 8 and 9 . Primary roller 160 and secondary roller 161 not only contact tubing sections 156 during forward linear travel, but are also forced to rotate in synchronism with the forward linear travel. Primary roller 160 is driven for rotation by a corresponding primary drive belt, set forth in greater detail below. Secondary roller 161 is driven for rotation by secondary drive belt 165 . The secondary drive belt 165 is non-continuous and functions as a flexible rack in a rack and pinion system. Secondary drive belt 165 wraps around secondary roller 161 at a first end thereof and is attached at a second end to body structure 152 by way of a tensioner sprocket (not shown). This tensioner sprocket maintains friction contact of secondary drive belt 165 with secondary roller 161 . Accordingly, as the peristaltic unit 158 is forced to move linearly in the forward direction, secondary drive belt 165 forces rotation of secondary roller 161 . Moreover, the rotational speed of secondary roller 161 is controlled to be in synchronism with the linear travel speed of peristaltic unit 158 . FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of viscous material depositing machine 150 of FIG. 7 . The operation of peristaltic unit 158 is controlled by way of servo motor 172 . The servo motor is directly connected to primary belt transmission unit 190 , which includes primary sprocket 192 , belt 194 and secondary sprocket 196 . Primary belt transmission unit 190 connects servo motor 172 to peristaltic unit 158 . The primary belt transmission unit 190 rotates secondary sprocket 196 in a back and forth fashion, that is, forward then reverse in accordance with each peristaltic deposit cycle. Belt 200 is a continuous belt that wraps around secondary sprocket 196 and support sprocket 201 . Belt 200 , in turn, is connected to peristaltic unit 158 by way of first travel member 216 and second travel member 218 . Accordingly, linear motion of peristaltic unit 158 is controlled along slide shaft 220 during each peristaltic cycle. Forced rotation of primary roller 160 presents additional considerations over and above the forced rotation of secondary roller 161 because primary roller 160 pivots. Primary roller 160 is connected to idler sprocket 199 by way of a continuous belt (not shown). Idler sprocket 199 itself is connected to a fixed stud within the peristaltic unit 158 . Idler sprocket 199 therefore moves along linear slide rack 220 along with primary roller 160 and secondary roller 161 . Idler sprocket 199 is forced to rotate by way of friction contact with belt 198 . Belt 198 is non-continuous and is connected at both ends to body structure 152 . Belt 198 is in friction contact with idler sprocket 199 to provide rotation thereof during movement of peristaltic unit 158 . Belt 198 therefore functions as a flexible rack in a rack and pinion system. As peristaltic unit 158 is forced to linearly travel with respect to linear slide rack 220 , idler sprocket 199 also linearly travels and is forced to rotated by way of friction contact with belt 198 . As set forth above, idler sprocket 199 applies rotational drive to primary roller 160 by way of a continuous belt (not shown). Carriage 166 moves in horizontal forward and reverse directions by way of linear carriage assembly 180 . The linear carriage assembly 180 is controlled by servo motor 182 , which is connected to carriage 166 by way of pulley 184 , belt 186 and pulley 188 ( FIG. 7 ). Servo motor 182 is operated to control forward motion of carriage 166 in synchronism with deposit of viscous material onto a movable sheet (not shown). At the end of the depositing cycle, carriage 166 is moved rearwardly by servo motor 182 into position for the next depositing operation. FIGS. 7 , 8 and 9 particularly illustrates linear carriage assembly 180 for controlling movable carriage 166 . Movable carriage 166 is controlled to move in forward and reverse horizontal directions by way of linear carriage assembly 180 and servo motor 182 . Moveable carriage 166 moves with respect to linear slide shaft 212 . Nozzles 214 follow travel path 210 by way of horizontal travel of movable carriage 166 . Vertical travel of nozzles 214 is provided on carriage 166 itself in response to movement of a pair of pneumatic actuators (not shown). The lowest point of nozzles 214 about travel path 210 is fine tuned by way of adjustment wheel 168 . Thus, the fixed vertical height of carriage 166 with respect to the body structure 152 is finely adjusted by adjustment wheel 168 . Adjustment is required to accommodate materials of differing viscosities and nozzles of differing sizes. Moreover, adjustment may also be fine tuned during operation of depositing machine 150 once the product depositing operation has begun. FIG. 9 is another side sectional view of viscous material depositing machine 150 of FIG. 7 . As particularly illustrated, manifold assembly 154 is fed viscous material by way of pressurized supply tube 220 . Compression cylinder 230 is connected to dogleg member 232 by way of pivot points 234 and 236 . Primary roller 160 cooperates with secondary roller 161 to form peristaltic unit 158 and to compresses tubing sections 156 during each peristaltic cycle. Peristaltic unit 158 then travels in a forward direction with respect to linear slide shaft 220 . At the end of forward linear travel, primary roller 160 is lifted from tubing sections 156 by dogleg member 232 . Peristaltic unit 158 , including rollers 160 and 161 , then moves in a reverse direction with respect to linear slide shaft 220 . The lifting of primary roller 160 allows elastic expansion of tubing sections 156 thereby drawing additional material from manifold assembly 154 . For the next peristaltic cycle, primary roller 160 compresses tubing sections 156 with respect to secondary roller 161 in response to actuation of compression cylinder 230 . The amount of constriction applied to tubing sections 156 is controlled by adjusting primary roller 160 with adjusting unit 240 . Quick release knob 241 is provided for manual removal of primary roller 160 for removal and cleaning of tubing sections 156 . It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art and by those who practice the invention, that various modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosed concept. Various relational terms, including left, right, front, back, top, and bottom, for example, are used in the detailed description of the invention and in the claims only to convey relative positioning of various elements of the claimed invention. The scope of protection afforded is to be determined by the claims and by the breadth of interpretation allowed by law.
A peristaltic depositing machine includes a hopper to store viscous material. A flexibly deformable tubing section is connected to the hopper for receiving the viscous material. A pair of rollers cooperate to compress tubing section and thereafter move forwardly along the tubing section such that the viscous material is forwardly propagated. A manifold is connected between the hopper and the tubing section to transmit the viscous material there between. A flow control unit is connected to a portion of the tubing section forward of the pair of rollers. The flow control unit alternately constricts and unconstricts the portion of the tubing section in synchronism with the forward movement by the pair of rollers. A nozzle is connected to an output end of said tubing section to shape the viscous material upon output. A carriage is also connected to an output end of the tubing section and moves about a predetermined travel path to thereby direct an output location of the viscous material.
5
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional application of Ser. No. 14/124,491 filed 7 Jun. 2012, which in turn is a National Phase entry of PCT/AU2012/000651, filed 7 Jun. 2012 which claims the priority of Australian Patent Application No. 2011902285 filed 9 Jun. 2011, Australian patent Application No. 2011904866 filed 22 Nov. 2011, Australian Patent Application No. 2011905244 filed 16 Dec. 2011, Australian Patent Application No. 2011905290 filed 19 Dec. 2011, and Australian Patent Application No. 2012901066 filed 16 Mar. 2012, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention relates to trampolines. The invention has particular application to recreational trampolines of the type used in playgrounds and homes but it may have application to sporting trampolines as well. BACKGROUND [0003] For many years recreational trampolines have typically included a tubular steel frame which is supported on spaced legs with a flexible jumping mat secured to the frame by a large number of spaced apart extension springs which extend and contract as a person jumps on the mat in order to give “bounce.” The springs are usually connected to the tubular steel frame at one end via radial slots provided therein and to the mat via hooks or the like at the other end. Although trampolines can be made in many shapes, circular is probably the most popular in which case the frame is generally constructed of arcuate segments of round tube which are joined together in a spigot and socket arrangement with the end portion of one segment sliding into the end portion of the adjacent segment. [0004] It will be appreciated that the space between the jumping mat and the frame creates some difficulties for users in getting onto the mat, and when jumping on the mat the springs and the spaces therebetween can present some danger for anyone jumping too close to the edge of the mat. Consequently, modern recreational trampolines typically include a padded safety barrier (or “padding”) extending about the mat and covering the springs and the spaces therebetween. The padding is typically tied to the mat and/or the frame by ribbon ties or the like. Such trampolines typically include a safety barrier (or “net”) extending about the mat frame and attached to posts upstanding therefrom to prevent users from falling off the trampoline. [0005] Other forms of trampolines known as “soft edged trampolines” which do not require a frame about the edge of the jumping mat and do not use extension springs to support the mat have been developed in recent years. In such trampolines, the mat is typically supported on a large number of circumferentially spaced fibreglass rods which extend upwards, outwards and forwards around the mat from a frame under the mat and are connected to the edge of the mat at their upper ends. The rods are flexible and resilient so as to bend downwards and inwards as a person's weight comes onto the mat during jumping and to return to the original position as the weight comes off the mat causing a back and forth twisting motion of the mat. Such twisting action gives a different performance feel to users. [0006] The present invention is aimed at providing another type of trampoline which is reliable and efficient in use and which does not require extension springs to secure the jumping mat to the frame. The invention is also aimed at providing a trampoline which maintains the traditional feel of a trampoline more satisfactorily than presently known soft edged trampolines. The invention is also aimed at providing a trampoline which can be efficiently manufactured. SUMMARY [0007] With the foregoing in view, the invention in one aspect resides broadly in a trampoline including: [0008] a frame adapted to rest on the ground or be mounted on a plurality of spaced apart legs; [0009] a plurality of spaced apart flexible and resilient plates extending upwards from said frame and connected thereto against relative movement therebetween; and [0010] a jumping mat operatively connected to said plates above said frame for movement with said plates upon a person jumping thereon. [0011] In one form of the invention a flexible and resilient rod or tube extends about the periphery of the jumping mat and is connected thereto for movement therewith and is also operatively connected to said plates for movement therewith. Such rod or tube may be in the form of connected or unconnected (or disconnected) segments in which form it is preferred that the segments be connected to the plates at about their mid-points so that each segment extends the same distance beyond both sides of the plate to which it is connected. When in the form of connected segments, the connection ideally allows for relative movement between segments as the mat moves up and down while a user is jumping thereon. In one such form, the mat is connected to a plurality of unconnected rod segments extending about its periphery so as to more or less form a circle and those rod segments are in turn connected to adjacent rod segments forming another circle outside the first circle and those segments are in turn connected to said-flexible and resilient plates. In one preferred form, the connection between the adjacent segments is via rigid coupling members while in another form they are via semi-rigid coupling members adapted to accommodate relative up and down and in and out relative movement between adjacent segments as well as some relative twisting movement. [0012] In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a trampoline including: [0013] a frame adapted to rest on the ground or be mounted on a plurality of spaced apart legs; [0014] a plurality of spaced apart flexible and resilient plates extending upwards from said frame and connected thereto against relative movement therebetween; [0015] a jumping mat operatively connected to said plates about its perimeter above said frame, said plates being arranged for movement inwards and outwards towards and away from the opposite side of said mat in response to a user jumping on said mat. [0016] Preferably, said plates are sized so as to bend generally in only one direction, for example, in the case of a circular mat, the plates would only bend radially inwards and outwards, while in the case of a square mat the plates would bend directly towards the opposite side of the mat. In a preferred form, the plates each comprise laminated elongate layers of spring steel over a substantial portion of its length. In one such form selected to meet desired rebound characteristics for the mat the plate comprises different numbers of layers at different places along the length of the plate. [0017] Preferably, said spaced apart plates are connected to said frame by passing through spaced apart slots formed in said frame, the slots being suitably sized to form a tight fit about the lower end portions of the plates so as to prevent any significant relative movement therebetween. In such form, it is preferred that retaining means be provided to retain the plates in the slots. [0018] In this form of the invention it is preferred that the mat be connected to the plates adjacent their upper ends by connector assemblies incorporating a hook and a load bearing fitting mounted in a pocket formed in the mat adjacent its periphery. In such form, it is preferred that the hook be connected at one end to the mat via the load bearing fitting and to the plates at the other and via one or more hook openings formed in the plate adjacent its upper end. [0019] Preferably, the flexible and resilient plates are spaced apart by a predetermined distance selected to achieve a desired mat performance. In a preferred form the distance “L” between adjacent plates at the point of connection of the mat is about 200 mm or less in the case of square or rectangular trampolines and the same for the chord distance between adjacent points of connection for circular, elliptical or ovaloid trampolines. In the case of circular trampolines, the distance L is taken to be the chord distance between adjacent connection points and can be calculated according to the equation L=nD/n where n is the number of plates or connection points, D is the Diameter of the trampoline mat and n is the ratio of the circumference to its diameter and is usually rounded to 3.1428. [0020] Preferably, the frame comprises a plurality of interconnected tubular segments suitably sized for transport of the trampoline in knock-down form. Advantageously, such segments are connected in a manner so as to prevent relative rotational or pivoting movement therebetween. In that respect, it is preferred that the frame segments include keying means for keying them together against relative rotational movement. In a preferred form, the keying means is achieved by constructing the frame segments of square hollow section tube and having the and portions of adjacent segments drawn so that the end portion of one segment fits into the end portion of an adjacent segment. [0021] In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a trampoline including: [0022] a frame adapted to rest on the ground or be mounted on spaced apart legs; [0023] a plurality of spaced apart flexible and resilient plates mounted to said frame against relative movement therebetween and extending upwards therefrom; [0024] a jumping mat operatively connected to said plates about its perimeter above said frame, said plates being arranged for movement inwards and outwards towards and away from the opposite side of said mat respectively, in response to a user jumping on said mat, and [0025] wherein said frame is a hollow section tube of rectangular cross section with a plurality of spaced apart slots therein and the lower end portions of said plates are mounted in respective slots. [0026] In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in the combination of a frame for a trampoline and a plurality of elongate flexible and resilient plates adapted to support a jumping mat connected thereto at their upper ends, the frame including a hollow section tube of rectangular cross section with a plurality of spaced apart slots therein and wherein the lower end portions of said plates are mounted in respective slots. [0027] Preferably, at least some of the plates include a foot or root portion at their lower ends, the foot including a toe portion adapted to engage an inside corner of the hollow section tube. It is also preferred that the foot or foot portion include stop means adapted to engage with the inside face of the upper wall of the tube to prevent the leaf spring escaping therefrom. In a preferred form, the foot is a steel angle bend secured to the lower end portion of the leaf spring. [0028] In such form, it is preferred that the slots be slightly wider than the thickness of the plate near the lower end so that the end portion can be fitted to the frame through the slot by firstly placing the toe portion into the slot and then rotating the leaf spring about the outer edge of the slot. [0029] In still yet another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a trampoline including: [0030] a frame forming a substantially continuous horizontal ring adapted to rest on the ground or above the ground on spaced apart legs; [0031] a plurality of spaced apart flexible and resilient plates mounted to said frame against undesired relative movement therebetween and extending upwardly therefrom; [0032] a jumping mat operatively connected to said plates about its perimeter above said frame, each of said plates being arranged for movement inwards and outwards towards and away from the opposite side of said mat respectively in response to a user jumping on said mat, and [0033] wherein said frame comprises a plurality of segments of hollow section tube with adjacent segments connected end to end by separate segment connectors adapted to engage therein. [0034] Preferably, said segment connectors are adapted to support the frame immediately above the ground (or other suitable foundation on which the trampoline is to be placed). For that purpose it is preferred that each segment connector include a frame support portion adapted to engage the ground and two opposed frame engagement portions extending sideways therefrom for engagement in the hollow of the opposed adjacent frame segments. In a particularly preferred form, the frame support portion is symmetrical about a vertical axis through the centre of the frame support portion. It is also preferred that the frame engagement portions include means for fastening the adjacent frame segments thereto. In a preferred form, such means include threaded bores adapted to screwthreadedly receive therein bolts extending through aligned holes formed in the adjacent frame segments. In a particularly preferred form, each frame engagement portion includes at least two vertically spaced threaded bores adjacent the outer ends thereof. In one embodiment in which the segment connector is formed from cast aluminium alloy, the bores are provided in inserts formed of a stronger metal such as steel which are fitted in suitable recesses provided in the cast alloy. However, in other embodiments where the connectors are made of cast iron or steel, the threaded borers can be formed directly therein. Advantageously, the threaded connectors provides for the bolts to extend through only one wall of the frame segments so that the bolt heads will be exposed on only the inner side of the frame. It is also preferred that the frame engagement portions have slots or recesses for accommodating therein the lower ends of the flexible and resilient plates adjacent the ends of the respective frame segments connected thereto. [0035] Preferably, said segment connectors include pole mounting means for mounting thereto poles adapted to support a safety net about the trampoline. In a preferred form, such pole mounting means includes a cavity in the segment connector adapted to slidably receive therein a net pole from above whereby a net pole can be pushed into the cavity from about so that it stands up from the frame. In a preferred form the cavity is arranged such that an elongate tubular net pole extends upwardly and slightly outwardly away from the jumping mat so that the safety net can be connected to the net pole above and outwardly beyond the mat. [0036] Preferably, said hollow section tube is of rectangular cross section with the major axis vertical and the minor axis horizontal with a plurality of spaced apart slots therein provided in the upper wall of the tube and the lower end portions of said plates mounted in respective ones of the slots. In such form of the invention it is preferred that the frame engagement portions be of a complementary cross section adapted to slide neatly into the end portions of the frame segments. [0037] In still yet another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a frame segment connector including: [0038] a frame support portion adapted to engage the ground; [0039] two opposed frame segment engagement portions extending sideways from said frame support portion for engagement in the hollow of opposed adjacent frame segments and including means for fastening adjacent frame segments thereto said means including threaded bores adapted to screwthreadedly receive therein bolts extending through aligned holes formed in the adjacent frame segments. [0040] Preferably, the frame segment connector is symmetrical about a vertical axis through the centre of the frame support portion. [0041] Preferably, each frame segment engagement portion includes at least two vertically spaced threaded bores adjacent the outer ends thereof. [0042] Preferably, the frame segment engagement portions have slots or recesses for accommodating therein the lower ends of the flexible and resilient plates adjacent the ends of the respective frame segments connected thereto. [0043] Preferably, the frame support portion has a cavity adapted to slidably receive therein a net pole from above. [0044] Terms such as “horizontal”, “vertical”, “upwards”, “downwards”, “above”, “below” and similar terms as used herein are for the purpose of describing the invention in its normal in-use orientation and are not intended to limit the invention to any particular orientation. [0045] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0046] FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a trampoline according to the invention; [0047] FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of the trampoline of FIG. 1 with the mat removed for clarity; [0048] FIG. 3 is a front elevation of the trampoline of FIG. 1 ; [0049] FIG. 4 is a top plan of the trampoline of FIG. 1 ; [0050] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan of the trampoline of FIG. 1 ; [0051] FIG. 6 is a plan of the trampoline of FIG. 1 with the net removed for clarity; [0052] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan of the trampoline of FIG. 1 with net and legs removed; [0053] FIG. 8 is an elevation of the trampoline of FIG. 1 with net and legs removed; [0054] FIG. 9 is a plan of a section of the edge of the mat; [0055] FIG. 10 is a pictorial representation of a leaf spring component of the trampoline of FIG. 1 ; [0056] FIG. 11 is an end elevation of the leaf spring component of FIG. 10 ; [0057] FIG. 12 is a front elevation of the leaf spring component of FIG. 10 ; [0058] FIG. 13 is a rear elevation of the leaf spring component of FIG. 10 ; [0059] FIG. 14 is a pictorial representation of another trampoline according to the invention resting on a floor with a safety enclosure fitted; [0060] FIG. 15 is a pictorial representation of the trampoline of FIG. 14 tilted to show the underside; [0061] FIG. 16 is a front elevation of the trampoline of FIG. 14 : [0062] FIG. 17 is a pictorial representation of the trampoline of FIG. 14 with the safety not removed; [0063] FIG. 18 is a plan of the trampoline of FIG. 14 with the safety net removed; [0064] FIG. 19 is a blown up view of a peripheral portion of the trampoline of FIG. 14 with the safety net removed; [0065] FIG. 20 is a top plan of the trampoline of FIG. 14 with the safety enclosure removed; [0066] FIG. 21 is a blown up top plan of a portion of the trampoline shown in FIG. 20 as Detail A; [0067] FIG. 22 is a pictorial representation of the bottom frame of the trampoline of FIG. 14 ; [0068] FIG. 23 is a blown up view of a portion of the trampoline shown in FIG. 22 as Detail B; [0069] FIG. 24 is a plan of a segment of the bottom frame shown in FIG. 22 ; [0070] FIG. 25 is a sectional representation of the segment shown in FIG. 24 along Line 25 - 25 ; [0071] FIG. 26 is a pictorial representation of the segment shown in FIG. 24 ; [0072] FIG. 27 is a pictorial representation of the mat connector of the trampoline of FIG. 14 ; [0073] FIG. 28 is a plan of the mat connector shown in FIG. 27 ; [0074] FIG. 29 is a sectional elevation of the mat connector shown in FIG. 27 along line 29 - 29 ; [0075] FIG. 30 is a pictorial representation of the mat hook of the trampoline of FIG. 14 ; [0076] FIG. 31 is a side elevation of the mat hook shown in FIG. 30 ; [0077] FIG. 32 is a pictorial representation of the mat hook of FIG. 30 and mat connector of FIG. 27 connected together for operation from above; [0078] FIG. 33 is a pictorial representation of the mat hook of FIG. 30 and mat connector of FIG. 27 connected together for operation from below; [0079] FIG. 34 is a front elevation of the leaf spring components of the trampoline shown in FIG. 14 ; [0080] FIG. 35 is a blown up view of the upper end of the leaf spring shown in FIG. 34 ; [0081] FIG. 36 is a side elevation of the leaf spring component of FIG. 12 along line 36 - 36 ; [0082] FIG. 37 is a blown up view of a portion of the mat connector component of the trampoline shown in FIG. 14 and its connection to the leaf spring shown as Detail C in FIG. 36 ; [0083] FIG. 38 is a blown up view of a portion of the mat connector component of the trampoline shown in FIG. 14 and its connection to the leaf spring shown as Detail C in FIG. 36 in a sectional pictorial view; [0084] FIG. 39 is a blown up view of a portion of the leaf spring shown in FIG. 36 as Detail D; [0085] FIG. 40 is a blown up view of a portion of the leaf spring shown in FIG. 34 and its connection to the bottom frame shown as Detail E in FIG. 36 ; [0086] FIG. 41 is a pictorial representation of another trampoline according to the invention resting on a floor with a safety enclosure fitted; [0087] FIG. 42 is a blown up portion of part of the trampoline shown in FIG. 41 as Detail F; [0088] FIG. 43 is a pictorial representation of the trampoline of FIG. 41 with the safety enclosure and mat removed for Clarity; [0089] FIG. 44 is a front elevation of the trampoline of FIG. 1 with the safety enclosure and mat removed for clarity; [0090] FIG. 45 is a sectional side elevation of the trampoline of FIG. 41 with the safety enclosure and mat removed for clarity; [0091] FIG. 46 is a blown up portion of part of the trampoline shown in FIG. 41 as Detail G; [0092] FIG. 47 is a pictorial representation of a segment of the bottom frame of the trampoline of FIG. 41 with a leaf spring mounted thereto; [0093] FIG. 48 is a sectional end elevation of the segment of the bottom frame shown in FIG. 7 ; [0094] FIG. 49 is a blown up portion of part of the segment shown in FIG. 47 through the leaf spring marked as Detail H; [0095] FIG. 50 is a pictorial representation of another trampoline according to the invention resting on a floor with a safety enclosure fitted; [0096] FIG. 51 is a blown up drawing of part of the trampoline shown in FIG. 50 as Detail J; [0097] FIG. 52 is a pictorial representation of one of the frame segment connector which connect the base frame segments of the trampoline of FIG. 50 from the outside; [0098] FIG. 53 is a pictorial representation of the frame segment connector of FIG. 50 from the inside; [0099] FIG. 54 is a plan of the connector of FIG. 52 ; [0100] FIG. 55 is an outside elevation of the connector of FIG. 52 : [0101] FIG. 56 is an inside elevation of the connector of FIG. 52 ; [0102] FIG. 57 is a pictorial representation of the frame segment connector of rig. 52 disassembled; [0103] FIG. 58 is a bottom plan of the frame segment connector of FIG. 52 ; and [0104] FIG. 59 is an end elevation of the frame segment connector of FIG. 52 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0105] The trampoline 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes an elevated circular bottom, frame 11 constructed of 65 mm round steel tube which is supported on eight angularly spaced legs 12 each of which is connected to the frame by opposed leg mounts 13 and pairs of adjacent legs are connected by a horizontal member at their lower ends. Suitably, a jumping mat 14 is operatively connected to the frame 11 via sixteen equally angularly spaced leaf springs 21 which extend upwardly and curve outwardly from the frame. [0106] The leaf springs 21 are rigidly secured to the frame by three bolts 22 which pass through suitable bolt holes formed in the frame. As can be seen in FIG. 11 , the upper end of the leaf spring is folded back on itself to form a saddle clamp 23 which wraps around a short steel tube 24 in which a segment of fibreglass rod 26 is fitted and secured therein by a suitable flexible adhesive as can be seen in FIGS. 10 to 13 . [0107] As can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 9 , the sixteen fibreglass segments 26 together form an outer disconnected ring 27 about the mat with the ends of adjacent segment being slightly spaced apart. In other embodiments, the segments are slidably connected by plastic sleeves which allow sufficient relative movement towards and away from other to accommodate changes in diameter of the disconnected ring while a user is jumping on the mat. [0108] A second disconnected ring 31 within ring 27 (previously described) is formed by another sixteen fibreglass rod segments 32 which are connected to the periphery of the mat 14 by wire hooks 33 in a manner similar to that in which the extension springs are connected to the mat in the known trampolines. The two rings are secured together by loop ties 34 formed of rubber or other suitable flexible and resilient material to form two generally concentric rings which at rest lie generally in the horizontal plane containing the mat. [0109] A safety net 41 extends fully about the net 14 as can be seen in FIG. 1 and is secured to the mat at its lower edge 42 by circumferentially spaced “D” hooks which connect to the loops 33 provided at the periphery of the mat. The net is connected at its upper edge 46 to the upper end of circumferentially spaced posts 44 . Advantageously, the safety net has a vinyl plastic border strip 47 along its lower edge with circumferentially spaced slits 48 provided therein and respective D hooks pass through the slits so as to secure the net thereto. [0110] The posts 44 are formed of steel tube and a post is coupled to each leg mount by a pivot pin 51 for limited in and out pivoting movement relative to the mat about a horizontal axis against a leaf spring 52 . The net posts are connected to the net at their upper ends by a packet 53 . If desired, the safety net may be coupled to the posts intermediate the upper and lower edges by rubber straps or similar flexible and resilient ties and also may be connected to each other by a fibreglass ring of the same diameter as the mat. [0111] The trampoline 110 is similar to the trampoline 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 in many respects and accordingly, the corresponding reference numbers will be used to reference corresponding components where possible except prefaced by a “1”. The trampoline 110 illustrated in FIG. 14 includes a circular bottom frame 111 constructed of 65 mm round steel tube which is supported on eight short angularly spaced legs 112 each of which is connected to the frame by opposed leg mounts 113 . In this example, the legs are not connected in pairs as with the trampoline of FIG. 1 . While the bottom frame in the embodiment shown is circular in cross section, other shapes may also be used, for example, the cross sectional shape shown in FIG. 39 as 111 a . Suitably, a jumping mat 114 is operatively connected to the frame 111 via forty equally angularly spaced plate like leaf springs 121 which extend upwardly and curve inwardly from the frame. [0112] The leaf springs 121 pass through spaced apart slots 122 respectively which are formed in the bottom frame 111 and parallel to the curved longitudinal axis of the frame and are rigidly secured therein by virtue of a tight fit. The leaf springs are held in the slots by bolts or rivets 123 passing through the leaf springs immediately above and below the bottom frame respectively. However, if desired, the leaf springs could have a bend at their lower ends to prevent them lifting out of the slots under the jumping action of a user although it is believed that such an occurrence would be unlikely if not impossible. [0113] The mat 114 is connected at its periphery to the leaf springs 121 adjacent their upper ends by connector assemblies 131 as can be seen more clearly in FIGS. 32 and 33 . Each connector assembly comprises a load bearing connector block 132 and a hook 133 . The connector block 132 is adapted to engage in a circumferential pocket 134 formed at the periphery of the mat in a manner suitable for carrying the tensile load of the stretched mat. The hook 133 is a twin ended loop hook with the loop 136 hooking to the connector block and the free ends 137 both hooking to the leaf spring in side by side relation through two spaced apart holes 138 in the leaf spring as can be seen more clearly in FIG. 35 . [0114] The peripheral pocket is formed by folding the edge portion 114 a of the mat under and stitching the folded portion to the underside of the mat 14 in known manner. Suitably, angularly spaced slots 139 are formed in the underside of the pocket to align with the leaf springs 121 respectively so that each leaf spring can extend into the pocket where it is connected to the mat via the hooks 133 and connector blocks 132 . [0115] As can be more clearly seen in FIGS. 32 and 33 , the connector block is moulded from a plastics material and has a curved outer face 141 which is engaged by the mat and bears the tensile load of the mat thereagainst. A passage 142 is provided in the block and a recessed bridge 144 adjacent the passage forms a mount for attachment of the loop end 136 of the hook 133 . Suitably, the passage 142 is adapted to accommodate the end portion of the leaf spring therein thus protecting the mat and users of the trampoline from injury. [0116] A safety net 151 extends fully about the mat 114 as can be seen in FIG. 14 and is secured to the mat at its lower edge 152 by circumferentially spaced “D” hooks which connect to the hooks 133 at the periphery of the mat. The net is connected at its upper edge 156 to a circular ring 155 of approximately the same diameter as the bottom frame and is supported by spaced apart posts 154 via clamps 158 . [0117] The posts 154 are formed of steel tube and the posts are slidably engaged in sleeves 161 which in turn are rigidly connected to the legs 112 thereby forming a rigid safety frame to which the safety net can be flexibly connected. If desired, the safety net may be coupled to the posts intermediate the upper and lower edges by rubber straps or similar flexible and resilient ties and also may be connected to each other by a fibreglass ring of the same diameter as the mat. [0118] As can be seen more clearly in FIGS. 23 to 26 , the bottom frame comprises interconnected tubular segments 124 of generally circular cross section. However, the end portions of the segments are formed with a generally square cross section shown at 162 and have keying recesses 163 formed therein. Advantageously, the end portions are shaped to tightly engage in the square cross sectioned leg mounts 113 thereby inhibiting relative rotation between frame segments. As can be seen in FIG. 23 adjacent frame segments are bolted to the leg mounts 113 by bolts 164 . [0119] The trampoline 210 illustrated in FIG. 41 is also similar to the trampolines 10 and 110 illustrated in earlier drawings in many respects. Accordingly, the same reference numbers will be used to reference corresponding components as far as possible except prefaced by a “2”. [0120] The trampoline 210 also includes a circular bottom frame 211 comprising eight arcuate segments 212 as in the earlier drawings but in this embodiment the segments are constructed of rectangular hollow section steel tube. The segments are supported on eight short angularly spaced legs or feet 213 . Each leg 213 includes opposed outwardly extending stub tubes 214 which are suitably sized to receive thereover the end portions of tubular frame segments 215 which slide thereon and are secured by vertical bolts 216 . [0121] The bottom frame in this embodiment is rectangular in cross section comprising outside wall 212 a , bottom wall 212 b , inside wall 212 c and bottom wall 212 d with the short sides horizontal and the long sides vertical. However, square section tube would also be satisfactory and perhaps even polygonal shaped tubes. [0122] Suitably, a jumping mat 217 (hidden) is operatively connected to the bottom frame 11 via forty equally angularly spaced leaf springs 221 which extend upwardly and curve inwardly from the frame in much the same manner as for trampoline 110 illustrated in earlier drawings. Advantageously, spaced apart slots 218 are cut or punched in the upper wall 212 b of the bottom frame for mounting the leaf springs thereto as will be described below. [0123] Each leaf spring comprises three laminated spring steel plates of equal thickness with three layers, 221 a , 221 b and 221 c at the bottom end reducing to two layers, 221 a and 221 b in the mid-section and only one layer 221 a nearer the top. At the bottom end, a foot 222 formed or unequal flange angle iron is welded to layer 221 c so that its long flange 222 a rests against the outer face of layer 221 c and its short flange 222 b is under the bottom end of the leaf spring providing a toe 222 c which is arranged to engage the inside bottom corner 212 e of the steel tube adjacent its outer wall 212 a while the tip 222 d of the long flange engages the inner face of the top wall 212 d of the steel tube adjacent slot 218 thereby preventing the leaf spring from escaping from the slot when in operation because the tension applied by the mat to the upper end of the leaf spring holds the toe in engagement with the tube and that in turn holds the tip under the upper wall of the tube. [0124] A safety net 251 extends fully about the mat as can be seen in FIG. 41 and is secured in the same manner as described in relation to trampoline 110 as shown in FIG. 14 . [0125] The trampoline 310 illustrated in FIG. 50 is similar to the trampolines 10 , 110 and 210 previously described in many respects and accordingly the same reference numbers will be used to reference corresponding components where possible except prefaced by a “3”. The trampoline 310 includes a circular bottom frame 11 comprising eight arcuate segments 312 constructed of rectangular hollow section steel tube which are connected to each other by cast alloy segment connectors 313 each of which has a foot portion arranged to support the connector and the frame immediately above the ground as will be described in more detail later. Each connector 313 includes opposed outwardly extending arm like members 314 which are suitably sized to receive thereover the end portions of tubular frame segments 312 which slide thereon and are secured by pairs of vertically spaced apart horizontal bolts 316 which extend radially outwards. [0126] The bottom frame in the embodiment shown is rectangular in cross section comprising outside wall 312 a , bottom wall 312 b , inside wall 312 c (not visible) and bottom wall 312 d with the short sides horizontal and the long sides vertical. A jumping mat 317 is operatively connected to the bottom frame 311 via fifty-four equally angularly spaced leaf springs 321 which extend upwardly and curve inwardly from the frame 311 , each leaf spring being securely engaged in respective slots provided in the upper wall of the bottom frame in much the same manner as for the trampoline 210 illustrated in FIG. 41 and a safety net 351 extends fully about the mat in the same manner and is secured to the mat at its lower edge 352 by circumferentially spaced “D” hooks which connect to the hooks 333 at the periphery of the mat. The net is connected at its upper edge 356 to a circular ring 355 of approximately the same diameter as the bottom frame and is supported by spaced apart posts 354 . [0127] In this embodiment, the segment connectors 313 are formed of cast aluminium alloy but in other embodiments they are formed of cast iron or cast steel but any other suitable material capable of withstanding the torsion applied thereto by the leaf springs 321 could be used if desired. Suitably, each leg connector has a centre portion 371 which is shaped to provide a foot 372 having a bottom face 372 a adapted to rest on the ground. Advantageously, the bottom face is curved slightly in the in-use radial direction (shown as arrows A and B) to accommodate slight twisting of the frame segments 312 during operation of the jumping mat. [0128] As can be seen more clearly in FIG. 52 , the connector 313 has a solid front wall 373 having a front face 373 a and a rear face 373 b from which a plurality of interconnected ribs or webs 375 extend rearwards (radially inwards in use) to terminate in an open face 375 a the centre portion of which is closed by a cast alloy clip on cover 374 . [0129] Advantageously, an elongate cavity 376 of generally elliptical cross section is provided in the centre portion 371 for receiving therein the lower end portion of a safety net pole 354 . Suitably, a grub screw is screwthreadedly mounted in the webbed centre portion and arranged to engage with the pole to secure it in the cavity and is covered from view by the clip-on cover 374 . In order to prevent accumulation of water in the cavity, the passage is drained via an opening 375 formed in the rib on which the pole rests and a flexible plastics cover 376 a is provided to substantially close the gap about the pole to inhibit ingress of rain. Suitably, the ribbed open face of the two opposed arms 314 are covered by the adjacent frame segments when secured in position. [0130] A recess 377 is formed in each arm for accommodating the bottom end portion of a leaf spring 321 which extends through the slot 318 formed in the upper wall 312 b of the adjacent frame segment as described in relation to trampoline 210 and into the recess slot 377 . Suitably, the recess 377 allows for a loose fit so that the leaf spring can be fitted to its desired position. [0131] The frame segment on each side of the connector is secured to the connector by two bolts 316 as previously mentioned with each bolt being screwed into a threaded bush 381 which is tapered and adapted to engage in a complementary tapered bore 382 . [0132] Advantageously, the connector 313 provides an efficient and effective means of connecting frame segments so as to inhibit undesirable twisting while at the same time providing a suitable mount for the safety net. The connector also provides a means of cost effectively connecting shorter segments with a foot member so that twisting of frame segments can be reduced. [0133] While the invention has been described in detail in respect of a circular trampoline base frame, it will be appreciated that it could be used for trampolines of other shapes such as ovaloid, elliptical, polygonal particularly square and rectangular [0134] The foregoing description has been given by way of illustrative example of the invention and many modifications and variations which will be apparent to persons skilled in the art may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claim.
A trampoline including: a frame adapted to rest on the ground or be mounted on a plurality of spaced apart legs; a plurality of spaced apart flexible and resilient plates extending upwards from said frame and connected thereto against relative movement therebetween; and a jumping mat operatively connected to said plates above said frame for movement with said plates upon a person jumping thereon.
0
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/354,972, filed on Dec. 13, 1994, now abandoned. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the storage of perishable foodstuffs and relates particularly, but not exclusively, to the generation and use of cryogenic atmospheres for said storage. Presently know cryogenic storage arrangements comprise a source of liquid nitrogen which, in operation, is introduced in a vaporised or liquid state into a container in which perishable foodstuff is stored. The liquid/vapour acts to chill the contents of the container and is used in conjunction with a suitable control circuit to maintain the foodstuff within an acceptable temperature range during storage, transportation or freezing. One of the problems associated with the use of nitrogen to generate a chilling atmosphere resides in its non breathable nature. Operators can only enter the container after the introduction of oxygen therein often by opening the doors and waiting several minutes so that air penetrates the container or after donning a breathing apparatus. Clearly, both these steps are inconvenient, time consuming and can be expensive. If an operator enters the container without firstly implementing one of the safety steps, he is likely to be overcome by the lack of oxygen and could die if he is not quickly removed to a normal atmosphere. Other cryogenic storage arrangements are known in which a combination of liquid nitrogen and liquid oxygen are used to create a cold `breathable` atmosphere within a storage container. Such systems, however, require the use of two separate storage tanks and the provision of separate metering and control systems so as to ensure the oxygen content within the container remains sufficiently high as to enable an operator to survive therein and also sufficiently low as to ensure it does not create a fire hazard. It is an object of the present invention to provide a safe cryogenic gas and an apparatus for dispensing the same which reduces and possibly overcomes the problems associated with the above mentioned arrangements. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides a liquefied gas for use in temperature control, the liquefied gas comprising a combined mixture of liquefied oxygen and nitrogen for storage in the same container, said liquefied gas when totally vaporised having an oxygen concentration of between 15% and 22% by volume, the remaining concentration being substantially of nitrogen. Preferably, the liquefied gas, when totally vaporised, has an oxygen concentration of between 16 percent and 21 percent by volume. In a particularly advantageous arrangement, the liquid gas comprises substantially 15 percent oxygen by volume which when fully vaporised has an oxygen concentration of substantially 18 percent by volume. The gas may be used in temperature control of perishable food product and may be used in a road transportable chilling apparatus. In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for the storage of the liquefied gas as detailed above, the apparatus comprising a storage container for storing said gas in liquid form, one or more spray nozzles for vaporising said liquid gas so as to produce a breathable gas having an oxygen concentration of between 18% and 22% and means for directing the atmosphere into the storage container. A preferred aspect of the invention is a process comprising the following steps. (a) forming an oxygen- and nitrogen-containing liquid mixture comprising between 15 and 18 mole percent oxygen, i.e. greater than 15 but less than 18 mole percent oxygen; (b) subjecting the liquid mixture to conditions which cause oxygen enrichment of the mixture; (c) refrigerating a perishable goods storage compartment by vaporizing the liquid mixture thereinto while the oxygen concentration of the liquid mixture is less than 22 mole percent. Events that may cause oxygen enrichment of the gas mixture include activities which cause boiling of the mixture. Oxygen enrichment may occur continuously, as during storage in a vented vessel, or it may occur in stages, for example, when it is moved from one location to another. Also, refrigeration of the perishable goods may occur continuously or intermittently. Typically the liquid mixture is formed and contained in a closed vessel. The vessel may be unvented or vented, either on a continuous basis or periodically, for example, when necessary to prevent conditions in the vessel from reaching a critical state. A critical state may be, for example, when the pressure in the vessel reaches the point at which rupture of the vessel is imminent. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the liquid mixture is nitrogen-enriched liquefied air. In another preferred embodiment of the invention the liquid mixture is disposed of before the oxygen concentration of the mixture reaches 22 mole percent. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention the liquid mixture, when initially prepared, comprises at least 16 mole percent oxygen. In another preferred embodiment, the liquid mixture is disposed of before the oxygen concentration of said mixture reaches 21 mole percent. Upon disposal of the liquid mixture the process may be repeated by formation of an new oxygen- and nitrogen-containing liquid mixture having the above composition. By starting the process when the oxygen concentration of the liquid mixture in the vessel is between 15 and 18 mole percent, i.e. volume percent at normal temperature and pressure (0° C. and one atmosphere, absolute) on a fully vaporized basis, the vaporized liquid mixture will support human life in closed refrigeration compartments but will not support, or will, at best, weakly support combustion in the closed compartment. By terminating use of the liquid mixture to refrigerate the compartment before the oxygen concentration of the liquid mixture reaches 22 mole percent, and preferably before the oxygen concentration of the liquid mixture reaches 21 mole percent, use of a mixture which produces an atmosphere which highly supports combustion is avoided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be more particularly described by way of example on with reference to the following drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a general view of a vehicle trailer having a cryogenic refrigeration system in accordance with various aspects of the present invention; and FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the cryogenic liquid storage tank shown in FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings in general but particularly to FIG. 1, a container 10 for use in, for example, the transportation of perishable food products is provided with a cryogenic refrigeration system shown generally at 12. Components of the refrigeration system include a vacuum insulated storage tank 14, pipeline 16 and a plurality of spraybars 18 situated towards the roof 20 of the container 10. The container may be divided into a number of compartments 10a-10b by movable partitions in which case at least one spraybar 18 is provided per compartment. A control system 22 comprising a plurality of heat sensors 24, thermostats 26 and liquid cryogen flow control means 28 is provided to ensure the interior of the container 10 remains within desired temperature limitations. Thusfar, the refrigeration system 12 is conventional. The present invention, however, makes use of further, non standard, components including an atmosphere composition analyser 30 for monitoring and analysing at least the oxygen content within the container. The analyser 30 may be linked to the control system to facilitate the automatic closedown of the refrigeration process should the oxygen content of the container rise above a predetermined safe limit. Alternatively, the analyser 30 may be linked to a simple warning device so as to warn the operator of the necessity to close the system down. The cryogenic storage tank 14 shown in cross section in FIG. 2 comprises an inner and an outer skin 32, 34 spaced from one another by a vacuum insulating region 36. An outlet 38 communicates with pipeline 16 for the passage of liquid cryogen thereto. In operation, tank 14 is filled with a mixture of liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen the initial proportions of which are selected so as to produce a gas having an oxygen content of between above 18% and 22% when fully vaporised. Whilst the actual ratio of the mixture required will very much depend on the magnitude of any `enrichment` during storage, transfer and transportation, it has been found that a mixture containing approximately 15% by weight or 20% by volume of liquid oxygen will result in an oxygen content of approximately 18% within the container after enrichment has been taken into account. Enrichment of the cryogenic mixture will only occur when the liquid boils and is therefore a function of storage tank heating. Any heating of the tank 14 will result in the more volatile nitrogen boiling off (Arrow V) and vaporising within any headspace 40 in the tank. Such vaporisation will result in the remaining liquid becoming slightly enriched in the less volatile oxygen. Providing the tank 14 does not overpressurise and vent the vaporised atmosphere, the enrichment will be negligible. However, if in practice the liquid in the tank 14 does become excessively enriched then the remaining gas should be vented off and the tank refilled. It will be appreciated that the magnitude of vaporisation is very much dependent upon the volume of any headspace available within the tank and hence it would be good design practice to avoid excessive headspace. Liquid cryogen is drawn from the tank in the conventional manner and directed to spraybars 18 for release as and when desired then from in a liquid state. The control system 22 is set to maintain the interior of the container with a predetermined temperature range. Analyser 30 is set to monitor the oxygen control of the container and react so as to either shut down the chilling system or warn the operator of the impending dangers. The percentage of oxygen present in the final vaporised form should be sufficient to enable the vehicle operator to breath when entering the container 10 but should not be so high as to present a fire hazard. In practice an oxygen concentration of between 15 and 22 percent by volume in the fully vaporised state has been found to provide sufficient oxygen to support life whist still being below that of natural air and therefore not sufficient to present an unacceptable fire hazard. Clearly, it would be desirable to provide some degree of `safety factor` and hence an oxygen concentration of between 16 and 21 percent by volume is preferable. Most systems could be operated so as to produce an oxygen concentration of about 18 percent within the container and could use the 16 and 22 percent limits or 15 and 22 as the safety limits beyond which the atmosphere should not pass without warning signals being given from the oxygen monitor. The following calculations are provided by way of illustrating how to determine the percentage oxygen by volume required in the liquid phase for a given percentage oxygen desired in the vapour phase. ______________________________________BASIC DATA AT BOILING POINT AT 0° C.______________________________________Density of Oxygen 1140 kg/m.sup.3 (at-183° C.) 1.429 kg/m.sup.3Density of Nitrogen 808.1 kg/m.sup.3 (at-196° C.) 1.2505 kg/m.sup.3______________________________________ Whilst mixed liquids will boil at an intermediate temperature (at one atmosphere) these figures are sufficiently accurate for the present calculations. EXAMPLE 1 Atmosphere Required=15% Oxygen by volume at 0° C. in Container (Remainder=N 2 ) Assuming 100 m 3 Volume Mass of O 2 Required=15×1.429=21.438 kg Mass of N 2 Required=85×1.2505=106.293 kg Therefore percentage O 2 by weight=16.783% Therefore the liquid will need this proportion of its mass as O 2 Hence, assuming a liquid load of 100 kg The 16.783 kg of O 2 equates to a liquid volume of 14.722 liters and the 83.217 kg of N 2 equates to a liquid volume of 102.878 liters Therefore volume % of liquid O 2 is ##EQU1## Hence a liquid mix containing 12.508% O 2 by volume and the remainder being N 2 will produce an atmosphere containing 15% O 2 at 0° C. when fully vaporised, the remaining 85% being N 2 . EXAMPLE 2 Requiring 16% O 2 by Volume at 0° C. Mass O 2 per 100 m 3 =22.864 kg Mass N 2 per 100 m 3 =105.042 kg Therefore % O 2 by weight=17.88% O 2 The liquid will require this proportion if is mass as O 2 . Assuming a 100 kg load 17.88 kg O 2 =15.684 liters 82.12 kg N=101.62 liters Therefore volume % of liquid O 2 is 13.37% EXAMPLE 3 Requiring 18% O 2 by Volume at 0° C. Mass of O 2 per 100 m 3 =25.722 kg Mass of N 2 per 100 m 3 =102.541 Therefore % O 2 by weight=20.054% Assuming a 100 kg load 20.054 kg O 2 =17.59 liters 79.946 kg N 2 =98.931 liters Therefore Volume % of liquid O 2 =15.09% EXAMPLE 4 Requiring 21% O 2 by Volume at 0° C. Mass of O 2 per 100 m 3 =30.009 kg Mass of N 2 per 100 m 3 =98.789 kg Therefore % O 2 by weight=23.30% Assuming a liquid load of 100 kg 23.30 kg O 2 =20.439 liters 76.70 kg N 2 =94.91 liters Therefore Volume % of liquid O 2 =17.72% EXAMPLE 5 Requiring 22% O 2 by Volume at 0° C. Mass of O 2 per 100 m 3 =31.438 kg Mass of N 2 per 100 m 3 =97.539 kg Therefore % O 2 by weight=24.37% Assuming a liquid load of 100 kg 24.37 kg O 2 =21.38 liters O 2 75.63 kg N 2 =93.59 liters N 2 Therefore Volume % of liquid O 2 =18.60%
A container (10) for the storage of perishable foodstuffs is chilled by means of a liquefied gas comprising a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen which when totally vaporised has an oxygen concentration of between 15 and 22%, the remaining concentration being substantially of nitrogen. Such an atmosphere is breathable, and hence avoids the problems associated with non breathable chilling atmospheres.
5
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to portable ladder stands, for use by outdoor enthusiasts in climbing to an elevated position. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable ladder stand including a ladder and a pivotally movable seat portion. Optionally, the ladder stand may include at least one adjustable implement rest. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are many known climbing and elevated support devices for elevating the position of a hunter or naturalist in the field. The known support devices vary greatly in terms of their function and ability. For example, some of the known devices include: (a) tree stands, which encompass two general varieties, climbing and non-climbing, both of which suspend the hunter or naturalist at a desired height, and secure solely to a tree; (b) ladder stands, which elevate the hunter or naturalist to a maximum height relative to the length of the ladder, and which require the assistance of a tree for support and securement; and (c) tripods, which do not require the assistance of a tree for support, yet which elevate the hunter or naturalist relative to the ground. While any device within the above three general categories will elevate the location of a hunter or naturalist on many types of terrain, each will perform better than the others given certain field conditions. By way of example, a hunter or naturalist would opt for a tree stand when the forest or vegetation canopy is high; thereby enabling the hunter or naturalist to position himself at or near the top of the canopy, for optimum concealment. Alternatively, when ground cover or brush is high, a hunter or naturalist may opt for a ladder stand to position himself slightly above the ground cover for maximum concealment and optimal visibility. As another option, a hunter of naturalist may choose a self-supporting tripod when the terrain does not include trees of suitable girth for securing a tree stand or ladder stand. As a result, there exists a demand for each of the three general categories of elevated stands. Like all of the general categories, within the category of ladder stands there exist many variations on the general concept, which include an array of methods for attachment to the tree, seating and platform configurations, portability/collapsibility, etc. Some known devices that depict ladder stands with various seating and platform configurations are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos., 4,782,918, 4,905,792, 5,009,283, 5,279,390, 5,368,127, 5,465,933, 5,518,083, 5,791,436, and 5,839,538. Brunner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,918, entitled, “Portable Collapsible Tree Stand,” discloses a foldably collapsible tree stand, which does not include a ladder. Part of the structure disclosed in the Brunner reference includes a seat which is pivotally attached to a seat mounting extension, for pivotal movement between extended and retracted positions thereof. Prejean, U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,283, entitled, “Hunting Stand System,” discloses a foldably collapsible hunting stand, which may include a ladder. The hunting stand of Prejean includes a movable seat which is pivotally mounted on a central post. Blennert, U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,083, entitled, “Swing Arm Tree Stand,” discloses a portable tree stand including a base for attaching to a tree, and a platform pivotally connected to the base by a swing arm. The base is held to a tree by chains or the like. A pair of lugs, secured to the base, pivotally support the swing arm therebetween. A seat is fastened to the distal end of the swing arm. While the aforementioned inventions provide a variety of climbing devices to assist the hunter or naturalist who wishes to stand or sit in an elevated position, a need still exists in the art for a ladder stand which enables the hunter or naturalist to easily, comfortably, and quietly switch between standing and seated positions, and which also provides an adjustable implement rest for supporting an accessory, such as a gun barrel or camera lens. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been developed to overcome many of the limitations and disadvantages of known ladder stands, and to generally fulfill a need in the art for an improved ladder stand. The ladder stand according to the present invention enables the hunter or naturalist to easily, comfortably and quietly change from a seated position to a standing position, or vice-versa, with minimal effort and movement. The ladder stand hereof alleviates problems associated with other known ladder stands, while also providing an adjustable implement rest for an accessory such as a gun, bow, telescope, or camera lens. A ladder stand in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, generally includes a ladder for enabling travel from the ground to the platform, an upper frame assembly attachable to the top of the ladder, a standing platform for supporting a hunter or naturalist thereon, a movable seat which is pivotally connected to the upper frame assembly, and a plurality of securing members for attaching the ladder stand to a vertical support. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the ladder stand hereof includes at least one implement rest, attached to the upper frame assembly, for supporting an implement thereon. Accordingly, in a first embodiment thereof, the present invention provides a ladder stand including a ladder section, as a way for the hunter or naturalist to traverse from a ground position to an elevated position. When the ladder stand is set up in the field, the ladder section extends vertically upward from the earth at an angle less than 90° for a predetermined span. The ladder section may be made to disassemble into sections, or alternatively, it may be foldable and collapsible onto itself to provide a more compact and convenient mode for transportation. The ladder stand according to the first embodiment also includes a standing platform, operatively attached to the ladder section, for extending outwardly therefrom toward a tree or pole to which the upper frame assembly is attached. The standing platform includes a substantially rectangular or U-shaped perimeter, with a plurality of cross members spanning across the interior portion of said perimeter. The upper surface of the standing platform may be covered with a vented or grate-like material, suitable for both improved grip and minimal water retention/collection. Also in the first embodiment, the apparatus hereof further includes multiple securing straps for placement extending downwardly from the standing platform and wrapping around a vertical support such as a tree or pole, and for re-attaching to a predetermined area of the ladder section. These securing straps are equipped with a tightening mechanism. The ladder stand according to the first embodiment also includes a seat assembly with a pivotally movable seat. The seat assembly includes a seat, first and second side rails, securing members for pivotally connecting the seat to said support members, a removable securing strap and a grooved angular plate for attachment to a vertical support. Optionally, the apparatus may further include a plurality of downwardly extending cables interconnecting the standing platform and the side rails, in such a manner that the standing platform is not required to engage the tree or pole. The ladder stand may also include at least one adjustment brace extending outwardly from a side rail of the upper frame assembly. The side rails may further contain additional adjustment braces and/or extension arms for an implement support, such as a gun rest or camera lens. Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description which, in conjunction with the annexed drawings, describes the presently contemplated embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ladder stand according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a top section of the ladder stand of FIG. 1 , focusing on the standing platform, pivotally attached seat, and implement rests. FIG. 3 is a detail perspective view of a seating platform and upper frame assembly, which is a component of the apparatus of FIGS. 1–2 , showing the seating platform in a flipped-up position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , a ladder stand according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown generally at 10 . The ladder stand 10 generally includes a ladder 11 , a standing platform 12 , and an upper frame assembly 45 supporting a pivotally movable seat 21 . The ladder stand 10 is provided to be used with a vertical support 40 . It will be understood that the vertical support 40 does not form a part of the ladder stand 10 according to the present invention, but instead, the ladder stand is intended to be used in conjunction with a free standing vertical support, which will usually be a tree. Throughout the present specification, relative positional terms like ‘upper’, ‘lower’, ‘front’, ‘rear’, ‘top’, ‘bottom’, ‘horizontal’, ‘vertical’, and the like are used to refer to the orientation of the apparatus as shown in the drawings. These terms are used in an illustrative sense to describe the depicted embodiments, and are not meant to be limitative. It will be understood that the depicted apparatus may be placed at an orientation different from that shown in the drawings, such as inverted 180 degrees or transverse to that shown, and in such a case, the above-identified relative positional terms will no longer be accurate. These relative positional terms are used herein to describe components the ladder stand in the installed configuration thereof, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . Specifically referring to FIG. 1 , the ladder 11 , in the depicted embodiment, is a multi-rung ladder, extending to a predetermined height, and constructed of a strong, lightweight material such as aluminum, steel, metal alloy, or high-strength plastic. The ladder 11 may be formed from hollow tubing to minimize the weight thereof. As shown in FIG. 1 , the ladder 11 may be made up of several interlocking ladder segments 36 which fit nestingly together, and which are joined at the ends 2 thereof. The number of ladder segments 36 used may vary, depending on the application, thereby enabling the hunter or naturalist to either increase or decrease the height of the seating platform 21 and the standing platform 12 , by adding or removing segments. The interconnecting ladder segments 36 also may be disassembled to provide for a more convenient mode of storing and/or transporting the apparatus 10 . Alternatively, the individual segments 36 may be pivotally hinged at the segment ends 2 thereof, enabling the ladder 11 to be collapsibly folded to facilitate storage and transportation of the apparatus 10 . Further referring to FIG. 1 , the apparatus 10 incorporates a plurality of securing members 5 , 7 , and 18 , for removably attaching the ladder stand 10 to a tree or pole. As an optional feature, the apparatus 10 according to the present invention may include a substantially Y-shaped anchor arm 3 , situated below the standing platform 12 at an intermediate portion of the ladder 11 , for abutting placement against a vertical support 40 such as a tree or pole. Where used, the anchor arm 3 may be made removably attachable to the ladder 11 at a predetermined point 6 . Alternatively, the anchor arm 3 may be pivotally attached to the ladder 11 at the predetermined point 6 , so as to be foldable thereon. The anchor arm 3 , where used, is constructed of similar material to that of the ladder 11 . The anchor arm 3 may include a substantially Y-shaped end opposite the end secured to the ladder 11 , for removable attachment to a vertical support 40 by way of a first securing strap 5 . According to a preferred embodiment, the first securing strap 5 is constructed of a strong woven cloth material, and tightens to the tree or pole by way of a conventional ratcheting system 4 . Alternatively, the first securing strap 5 may be constructed of chain, braided wire, leather, or other flexible material capable of being securely fastened. Further as an alternative to the ratcheting system 4 , another mechanism may be implemented such as one or more buckles or a draw-tight assembly. Additionally in FIG. 1 , the apparatus 10 includes relatively long stabilizing straps 7 , which are constructed of material similar in kind to that of the first securing strap 5 , and are tightened by way of a ratcheting system 4 , or other tightening mechanism as discussed in connection with the first securing strap 5 . A first end of each of the stabilizing straps 7 may be attached to a free end of the standing platform 12 , as shown. When the apparatus 10 is assembled and connected to a vertical support 40 , as shown, the stabilizing straps 7 extend downward from either side of the standing platform 12 , traverse around the vertical support 40 , and reattach to the ladder 11 at a predetermined location. In the depicted embodiment, the stabilizing straps 7 may be reattached to the ladder 11 at an area substantially near the anchor arm 3 . The stabilizing straps 7 reduce sway or twisting of the apparatus 10 , thereby providing increased stability. However, in an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 10 , the stabilizing straps 7 may be removed or may solely secure around the vertical support 40 near the standing platform 12 . Referring to FIG. 2 , the upper section of the apparatus 10 is shown in greater detail. The standing platform 12 may be pivotally attached to an upper ladder section, with one or more stop members such as the suspension cables 13 limiting downward movement of the free end thereof, relative to the upper frame assembly 45 . Alternatively, rather than being pivotally attached, the standing platform 12 may be rigidly affixed to the upper section of the ladder 11 . Extending outwardly from the ladder 11 , the standing platform 12 includes a rectangular or substantially U-shaped perimeter 17 , a plurality of cross members 16 and a grate-like top surface 15 . The perimeter 17 and the cross members 16 are constructed from the same material as the ladder 10 . The top surface 15 of the standing platform 12 may be composed of a metal grate or heavy-gauge screen which provides a number of advantages, namely drainage of rain and debris, non-skid surface for the user, and increased strength of the platform 12 . Alternatively, another material such as vented aluminum, high-strength plastic or wood may provide similar advantages. While the standing platform 12 is secured to the ladder 11 by rivets, bolts or other conventional fasteners, it is preferred that the standing platform 12 is adapted to be further secured to a vertical support 40 by way of the stabilizing straps 7 (as previously discussed with reference to FIG. 1 ), when the apparatus 10 is fully assembled and deployed in the field. Additionally, the standing platform 12 may be further supported by suspension cables 13 , which may interconnect the standing platform to an upper frame assembly 45 attached to the top of the ladder 11 . Where used, the suspension cables 13 secure the free end of the standing platform 12 to the reinforcing rails 20 of the upper frame assembly 45 . The suspension cables 13 may be made of a plastic-coated braided wire. Alternatively, the suspension cables 13 may be constructed from a single strand of flexible elongate material of sufficient gauge to ensure safe operation. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the standing platform 12 may be truncated so that the free end thereof does not directly engage the vertical support 40 , save the contact between the additional support straps 7 and the vertical support. Alternatively, dual contact may be established with the vertical support 40 from both the seat section and the standing platform 12 , if desired. As an alternative to the use of the cables 13 , equivalent structure could be provided by solid tubular members (not shown) substituted in place of the cables. Further referring to FIG. 2 , in the installed position thereof, the ladder 11 leans inwardly toward the vertical support 40 , and connects with an upper frame assembly 45 at the uppermost portion of the apparatus 10 . The upper frame assembly 45 is disposed substantially parallel to the ground. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1–3 , the upper frame assembly includes a pair of spaced apart L-shaped reinforcing rails 20 , which nestingly engage the ladder ends. The upper frame assembly 45 also includes an adjustment brace 23 secured to the reinforcing rails 20 , as shown. The adjustment brace 23 is substantially U-shaped and having a pair of parallel legs interconnected be a web at a closed end thereof, similar in scale to that of the reinforcing rails 20 and constructed of similar material. Also in the embodiment of FIGS. 1–3 , a pair of spaced apart, integrally formed support studs 46 ( FIG. 3 ) are provided extending outwardly at the corners of the adjustment brace 23 , to support the ends of an angular blade 14 . The saw-toothed, angular blade 14 and a securing strap 18 with ratcheting system 4 and hooks 31 are located along the rearmost section of the adjustment brace 23 . The angular blade 14 and securing strap 18 are provided to removably attach the upper frame section 45 of the apparatus 10 to a vertical support 40 such as a tree or pole. The angular blade 14 is attached to the support studs 46 using strong fasteners, such as nuts and bolts. The securing strap 18 and ratcheting system 4 are of similar construction and function to those previously discussed, and incorporate similar alternative embodiments. The saw-toothed, angular blade 14 is constructed of rigid material such as aluminum, steel alloy metal, or other material suitable for engaging the exterior surface of a tree or wooden pole, while the hooks 31 are constructed of similar material, but may, as an alternative embodiment, be replaced by a durable clip or carabiner (not shown) of material suitable to handle the stress incurred as a result of tightening the securing strap 18 and supporting the weight of the hunter or naturalist. Referring now to FIG. 3 , it will be seen that a substantially C-shaped limit bar 47 is fixedly attached to the adjustment brace 23 , to limit downward movement of the seat platform 21 . Most preferably, the limit bar 47 is welded or otherwise fixedly attached to the adjustment brace 23 . The ends of the limit bar 47 may take the form of outwardly extending anchor plates 49 , having openings formed therein to receive hooks 31 of the securing strap 18 . The seat 21 is securely pivotally attached to the adjustment brace 23 , and is pivotally movable relative thereto, so as to enable the hunter or naturalist to sit on the seat 21 or, alternatively, to lift the seat 21 up and stand on the standing platform 12 , leaning comfortably against the vertical support 40 . The seat 21 is constructed of material similar to that of the standing platform 12 (although smaller in scale) in that the seat 21 includes an outer perimeter 50 , a plurality of cross members 52 , and a grate-like upper panel. The seat 21 is preferred to also include a pair of connector bars 19 , extending outwardly from the perimeter 50 , for facilitating pivotal attachment of the seat to the adjustment brace 23 . The connector bars 19 may also extend across the central portion of the seat 21 , as shown, for added strength and reinforcement. The connector bars 19 allow the seat 21 to be pivotally attached to the upper frame 45 at two spaced apart connections, for superior strength as compared to a single attachment point. Additionally, in accordance with an alternative embodiment, the seat 21 may optionally include a fabric or cushioned top surface (not shown). As further illustrated in FIG. 2 , the apparatus 10 , in accordance with the preferred embodiment, includes one or more adjustable extension arms. Examples of suitable extension arms are shown at 25 and 26 , which fit telescopically inside of and extend outwardly from spaced-apart side segments of the adjustment brace 23 . The extension arms 25 and 26 are constructed of material similar to that of the adjustment brace 23 , although slightly smaller in cross-section. As noted, the end portions of the extension arms 25 and 26 slide telescopically in and out of the open ends of the adjustment brace, providing for a plurality of extendable positions. The extension arms 25 and 26 are adjustably secured to the adjustment brace 23 by way of tension knobs 22 and 24 . The tension knobs 22 , 24 include threaded shafts extending downwardly, which fit into corresponding threaded bosses on the brace 23 . The tension knobs 22 , 24 are able to be manipulated by the hunter or naturalist in either the seated or standing position. While the preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10 , depicts the general shape of the adjustment brace 23 and the extension arms 25 and 26 to be substantially box-like, for which tension knobs 22 and 24 are suitable for adjustment; an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 10 may include a substantially cylindrical tube-like configuration for said brace 23 and arms 25 & 26 , whereby alternative structures other than tension knobs 22 & 24 may be used, such as tension clamps or pressure twist grips. Located on the upper portion of the extension arm 26 is an adjustable first implement rest 30 , which may be used to support a hunting bow or pack. Although the first implement rest 30 is fixably attached to the extension arm 26 , the mounting bracket 28 permits the rest 30 to rotate, thereby enabling a hunter to rest a bow at any desired angle. While, according to the preferred embodiment, the first implement rest 30 is substantially wishbone-shaped and constructed of plastic-coated metal, alternative embodiments may include a cradle-shaped rest (not shown). The first implement rest 30 may alternatively be constructed from a strong plastic or polymer. The other extension arm 25 is substantially L-shaped and includes additional components such as tension knobs 33 and 35 , a height-adjustable elongate member 27 , a swivel arm 29 , rotatable mounting bracket 37 and a second implement rest 48 . The height-adjustable elongate member 27 engages the extension arm 25 similar to that of the engagement between the extension arm 25 and the adjustment brace 23 , and incorporates similar construction as well as similar alternative embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 2 , in the depicted embodiment, the extension arm 25 is substantially L-shaped; however, as an alternative embodiment, the extension arm 25 may be constructed of another varying shape such as a substantially J or S-shaped member, or may be angled upwardly from the adjustment brace 23 . The swivel arm 29 is rotatably attached to the height-adjustable elongate member 27 by a tension knob 35 , which permits fore and aft rotation relative to the hunter or naturalist. The swivel arm 29 is constructed of material in kind to that of the aforementioned ladder 11 and adjustment brace 23 . The swivel arm 29 is substantially L-shaped and engages a mounting bracket 37 which rotatably secures a second implement rest 48 , for supporting part of a gun or camera lens thereon. The mounting bracket 37 is similar to that of the mounting bracket 28 secured to the extension arm 26 . The second implement rest 48 is preferably constructed of metal, a strong plastic, or plastic-coated metal. The rest 48 is substantially V-shaped, and is rotatably mounted to the swivel arm 29 , to permit the hunter or naturalist to rotatably adjust the rest 48 , through a full range of 360 degrees. Although the present invention has been described herein with respect to a specific embodiment thereof, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art will realize that many modifications of the preferred embodiment could be made which would be operable. All such modifications, which are within the scope of the appended claims, are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
A portable ladder stand for outdoor use, which provides a hunter or naturalist with an elevated vantage point for viewing or harvesting game. The stand includes a pivotally attached seat to permit the hunter or naturalist to change from a seated position to a standing position or vice versa in a comfortable and secure manner. The stand further includes a plurality of adjustable rests, capable of being manipulated by the hunter or naturalist in either the seated or standing position, for convenient placement of various objects, such as a bow, pack, camera or gun.
4
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/662,951, filed Mar. 17, 2005, entitled “Broadcast Monitoring System and Method,” to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/571,668, filed May 14, 2004, entitled “Broadcast Monitoring System and Method,” and to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed May 16, 2005, entitled “Broadcast Monitoring System And Method For Intelligent Optimization,” which applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein as if set forth in their entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to broadcasting, and more particularly to the use of a communication system for developing plays of media content. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Many broadcasters and advertisers struggle with managing broadcast and advertising campaigns, and try to identify which broadcasting and advertising is effective and, perhaps more importantly, which is not. For example, advertisers may spend thousand of dollars and dedicate countless hours producing advertising campaigns, and subsequently monitoring and managing those campaigns, in an attempt to capture the attention of and maximize the response from a selected or targeted audience. Advertisers try to target advertising to particular groups of consumers by tailoring the advertising campaign media, the frequency of the campaign, the nature of the advertisements, and many other variables. Advertisers may place advertisements in newspapers, magazines, trade journals, direct mailings, yellow pages, radio, and television. Unfortunately, advertisers do not presently have an accurate and timely mechanism for monitoring and tracking the delivery or broadcast of their campaigns, let alone the response to their campaigns. This problem may be exacerbated in broadcast radio, where advertisers may not receive verification of delivery or broadcast of advertising campaigns for up to weeks after the scheduled run of campaigns. An automated system that is capable of providing the advertiser with real-time, tailored and accurate reports on which radio advertising campaigns and programs are and were delivered, and on which station, and when, has thus far eluded those skilled in the art. [0004] Attempts to identify and track where and when select radio advertising campaigns and radio broadcast programming are broadcast over the air have, to date, included using computer automated or manual listening posts deployed in geographic markets to record, log and analyze radio broadcasts over the air to identify songs, advertisements, and selected programming. Advertisers may contract with broadcast monitoring firms to receive reports on what advertising and radio programming was broadcast. Such a mechanism is error-prone, inefficient, and untimely. Marketers and advertisers, who often focus on increasing sales and driving product and service demand, do not have the time to wait for reports to be generated, particularly when, even after waiting for a report, the report may include discrepancies and errors. [0005] Advertisers may be conducting costly advertising campaigns on a very tight schedule, and may need to act on a failed delivery or broadcast, either on a certain station or across a certain market, by finding alternative advertising opportunities. Such a method might come to be if the advertiser could verify immediately whether the campaign had been delivered. Monthly affidavits or reports are often inadequate to service the needs of advertisers. Reporting often does not capture crucial information to the advertiser, at least in that such reports generally fail to report the aggregate audience size, segmented by demographics and geography, at the time of advertising delivery. Such information is usually not available through any existing radio advertising and programming auditing or reporting services. However, such information may be valuable and crucial to an advertiser. An advertiser may prefer to identify the audience and those potential consumers who listened to the advertising, and directly compare those metrics against response and sales numbers. [0006] An effective mechanism for an advertiser to monitor and track radio advertising delivery has, to date, eluded those skilled in the art. Accordingly, a need exists for a system and method for providing the broadcaster/advertiser with real-time, tailored and accurate reports on which broadcast and advertising campaigns and programs were delivered, including station information, such that the broadcaster/advertiser may identify the audience and those potential consumers who listened to the broadcast or advertising, and may directly compare those metrics against response and sales numbers. [0007] Additionally, radio stations often operate with daily unsold advertising inventory, such as public service advertisements, bonus advertisements, unsold and/or remnant advertisements and preemptible advertisements, for example, resulting from market demand factors, poor ratings, station inefficiencies, trafficking logistics, programming logistics, and 3 rd party variables. This daily unsold advertising inventory may account, on average, for up to 30% of the advertising on a daily basis. [0008] Specifically, a local station may load advertising orders into the traffic system and when these advertisements are scheduled against the schedule log gaps and holes may result. This may be caused by not having an advertisement to schedule during a certain time slot. Generally systems fill these gaps with public service advertisements, bonus advertisements and/or low-priority advertisements in order to fill in the schedule. [0009] An effective mechanism to monitor and monetize unsold inventory has, to date, eluded those skilled in the art. Accordingly, a need exists for a system and method for monetizing unsold inventory using the schedule file and replace unsold inventory with paid advertising. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] The present invention is directed to a system for optimizing play of media content, said system comprising, a hub that is at least partially remote from a media content play point, for accessing and instructing a forwarding of the media content for play, at least one output associated with the hub that contributes non-play content, and at least one module at the media content play point for the parsing of the non-play content, wherein the parsed non-play content enables the hub to instruct a preemption of a first of the media play content with an accessing and insertion of a second of the media play content to the media content play point. [0011] The present invention also includes a method for optimizing play of media content, siad method comprising, accessing and instructing a forwarding of media content for play by a hub that is at least partially remote from a media content play point, contributing non-play content from at least one output associated with the hub, and parsing the non-play content by at least one module at the media content play point, wherein the parsed non-play content enables the hub to instruct a preemption of a first of the media play content with an accesssing and insertion of a second of the media play conent to the media content play point. [0012] It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminiating, for the purposes of clarity, many other elements found in a typical inventory tracking system. Those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art will recognize that other elements are desirable and/or required in order to implement the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0013] Understanding of the present invention will be facilitated by consideration of the following detailed description of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts, and wherein: [0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an architecture of a communication system 100 according to an aspect of the present invention; [0015] FIG. 2 further illustrates the system of FIG. 1 ; [0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a local proxy according to an aspect of the present invention; [0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a direct connection according to an aspect of the present invention; [0018] FIG. 5 is an illustration of an advertising buying environment in the present invention; [0019] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a radio play environment; [0020] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a radio play environment; and [0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of the flow of information within the communication system of FIGS. 1 and 2 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0022] It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity, many other elements found in typical communication system and method of using the same. Those of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that other elements and/or steps are desirable and/or required in implementing the present invention. However, because such elements and steps are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements and steps is not provided herein. The disclosure herein is directed to all such variations and modifications to such elements and methods known to those skilled in the art. [0023] The present invention enables the monetizing of unsold inventory. Specifically, the present invention utilizes a schedule file to identify unsold inventory, unsold avails, and files these slots with paid advertisements. [0024] The present invention provides a system and method for accurately and timely identifying where and when a radio advertisement or radio program is broadcast. The present invention may provide a communication environment configured to monitor, track, and report on radio verification of broadcast information related to a specific advertisement or program. This broadcast information may be transmitted via a network-accessible server and formatted for retrieval over a network. The present invention may be designed to permit a reporting-service subscriber to connect, such as via a network, to a server and request a report, which may be based on the verification of broadcast information, for a selected advertising campaign or radio program. [0025] Referring now to FIG. 1 , there is shown an architecture of a communication system 100 according to an aspect of the present invention. System 100 may include a networked environment 110 communicatively coupling party data 120 , subscriber 130 , at least one regional broadcast studio 140 , and a broadcasting hub 150 . At least one regional studio 140 may be further communicatively coupled to at least one radio transmitter 160 . [0026] Communication system 100 may include a broadcasting hub 150 configured to store and forward verification of broadcast information of radio advertising and radio programming from at least one regional broadcast studio 140 . This verified information may be forwarded to a data recorder for recordation of a sample of the information. Further, the recorded verified information may be parsed into campaign information and remainder of the broadcast information, wherein the campaign information may include radio advertising or radio programming information associated with a broadcast event. The data recorder may make accessible the verified information to networked environment 110 such that a myriad of verified information may be accumulated as necessary. Networked environment may forward the verified information to a subscriber 130 and/or broadcasting hub 150 responsive to a request for the verified information. [0027] According to an aspect of the present invention, the identification of when a radio advertisement or radio program was broadcast may be achieved. This identification may be performed within the broadcasting hub 150 . Within hub 150 a data collector may identify verification of broadcast information related to an audio file associated with an advertising campaign or radio program, and may forward that information to networked environment 110 . Hub 150 may include software for tabulating and formatting the information into a serviceable report, such as in response to a request by subscriber 130 . The information in, for example, such a report, may be presented based on many different criteria, such as, for example, the total number of advertising or programming broadcasts per campaign, a listing of which stations the radio advertisement or program was broadcast over, an hourly breakdown of the broadcasts, the demographics of the broadcast audience, the geography of the broadcast audience, and/or the format of the radio stations, for example. [0028] According to an aspect of the present invention, the reports available to subscriber 130 may reflect the latest information available. The verification of broadcast information may be forwarded from the data collector to networked environment 110 , such as when the verification of broadcast information becomes available from broadcast hub 150 . Such a substantially real-time report may provide subscriber 130 with substantially real-time data regarding the delivery of radio advertisements and radio programs. [0029] According to an aspect of the present invention, the verification of broadcast information associated with advertising campaigns or programs may be combined with other information, and may be stored in additional databases either resident on or accessible by networked environment 110 , to produce reports of demographic information about the audience of the advertising campaign or program. Such other information for combination with the verification information may be obtained, for example, from relevant internet or intranet sites, either automatically in response to an instruction included with the submission of the program to be broadcast, or manually upon receipt of a subscriber request. [0030] In order to more fully describe the interconnectivity, an exemplary embodiment is set forth herein below. Referring now also to FIG. 2 , there is shown a system according to an aspect of the present invention. Subscriber 130 may conduct one or more broadcast or advertising campaigns by purchasing radio advertisements across several local and regional radio stations. Subscriber 130 may distribute audio commercials to the radio stations for scheduling by a regional broadcast studio 140 . Subscriber 130 may verify the delivery and track the broadcast of each of the one or more advertising campaigns and associated audio commercials. It may be beneficial for subscriber 130 to engineer the one or more advertising campaigns with a unique and corresponding file name. In this regard, each audio commercial digital file may have a subscriber 130 —associated, unique file name. The audio commercial digital files associated with the advertising campaigns are referred to in this discussion as “campaign creatives.” [0031] Regional broadcast studio 140 may broadcast a campaign creative for subscriber 130 . Regional broadcast studio 140 may initiate a broadcast of the campaign creative by scheduling broadcast delivery within its trafficking system 210 or programming system 220 . The campaign creative may be loaded onto radio automation software 230 of station 140 . Radio automation software 230 may include the scheduling and/or “flight” information as provided by trafficking system 210 and programming system 220 . Broadcast hub 150 may forward scheduling information regarding the campaign creative, captured from radio automation software 230 , to data collector. At the scheduled time, radio automation software 230 may stream the campaign creative to a station transmitter 160 for subsequent broadcast over the air. Broadcast hub 150 may forward verification of broadcast information regarding the campaign creative, captured from radio automation software 230 , to data collector. The data collector may accumulate and/or store the information passed from broadcast hub 150 . [0032] According to an aspect of the present invention, data collector may isolate the verification of broadcast information related to campaign identifiers, for example, by including a table identifying the campaign identifiers. When verification of broadcast information arrives regarding one of the campaign identifiers in the campaign identifier table, the data collector may forward that verification of broadcast information (“campaign information”) to hub 150 . The data collector may forward the campaign information as it arrives, or on a timed basis, such as in fifteen minute increments, one-hour increments, several-hour increments, or other increment known to those skilled in the pertinent arts. The rate at which the campaign information is passed from the data collector to hub 150 may limit how current, or real-time, a report may be. In this regard, the data collector according to an aspect of the present invention may be configured to provide the campaign information to hub 150 in real-time, such as not later than a few hours after the campaign information becomes available at the data collector. A portion of hub 150 may include a web server that receives the verification of broadcast information associated with each campaign identifier (the campaign information) from the data collector and stores that information on a permanent storage medium, such as a hard disk drive. The web server may tabulate the campaign information based on each campaign identifier. The table containing the campaign information may be as current as the rate at which the data collector provides the campaign information to the web server. Consequently, hub 150 via the web server may be able to generate reports of the broadcast of radio advertisements and radio programming in substantially real-time. [0033] Hub 150 may provide access to the tabulated data over internet 110 . Although internet 110 may be described as a wide area network for making the reports available to subscribers, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the system and method of the present invention encompasses any wide area network that allows access by subscribers to data stored on hub 150 . Subscriber 130 may access hub 150 via a connection to internet 110 . The connection to internet 110 may be any conventional connection that allows access to hub 150 . For example, subscriber 130 may access hub 150 using TCP/IP and a conventional dial-up connection over a modem, or a dedicated connection that provides constant access. Hub 150 may have a unique HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) address, a unique FTP address, or any other addressing scheme that allows subscriber 130 to identify hub 150 . [0034] Hub 150 may include server software, such as within a web server, that may allow subscriber 130 to request a report of a particular radio advertisement broadcast or radio program broadcast at any time. For example, subscriber 130 may connect to internet 110 in the middle of the day on a Tuesday. At that time, subscriber 130 may log on to hub 150 using a secure access protocol and issue a request to the web server to provide a report. The issued request identifies the particular radio advertisement or radio program of interest by campaign identifier. Hub 150 may respond to the request by reading the data stored in the table of campaign information associated with the campaign identifier provided by subscriber 130 . Software resident on the web server may tabulate the report in accordance with the request. Finally, the web server publishes, such as in HTML or XML format, for example, the report to subscriber 130 . In this manner, subscriber 130 may access and query the web server as frequently as desired to determine the broadcast of a particular advertising campaign or radio program. [0035] Hub 150 and the web server may be configured to transmit reports to subscriber 130 at predetermined intervals, such as immediately, hourly, daily, weekly, or other time frame. For instance, software may be configured to simulate a subscriber request and cause the web server to generate and transmit the report to subscriber 130 . Alternative means of delivery may also be employed, such as via electronic mail. These and other alternatives will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a study of the disclosed embodiments. [0036] Hub 150 and the web server may be configured to generate the report in response to a triggering event. Examples of such a triggering event may be a confirmation of broadcast for a select advertisement or program, or of a situation wherein an advertisement or program was scheduled to broadcast, but failed to deliver, or of an advertising campaign reaching a dollar cap value, for example. For instance, the web server may be configured to analyze the campaign information as it is received from the data collector. If the campaign information reflects that an advertisement with a specified campaign identifier was scheduled to broadcast at a certain time, but failed to broadcast, the web server may respond by issuing a flag to subscriber 130 . According to an aspect of the present invention, the web server may be configured to extract from the campaign information the advertising client's telephone number, email, fax, or the like associated with the campaign identifier and transmit the broadcast information directly to subscriber 130 or someone associated with the subscriber, such as to follow up on the failed broadcast. The campaign information may be transmitted by digital or voice pager, by e-mail message, by human interaction, or by any other mechanism for alerting subscriber 130 . In that manner, subscriber 130 may be substantially immediately notified that an advertisement failed to broadcast, and be provided with the radio station's contact information and advertising client information. Those skilled in the art will see the enormous benefits created by this aspect of the invention over existing technologies. [0037] As may be evident to those possessing an ordinary skill in the pertinent arts, a myriad of reports may be created. By way of non-limiting example only, such reports may include campaign delivery by station, campaign delivery by market, campaign delivery by date, campaign delivery by hour, broadcast failure, and demographic reports. A campaign delivery by station report may identify upon which station a selected radio advertisement or radio program was broadcast. This report may enable subscriber 130 to verify delivery across a certain station, or within an associated geographic region. A campaign delivery by market report may identify the geographic market across which the campaign was broadcast. This report may enable subscriber 130 to verify delivery and coverage within a certain market. A campaign delivery by date report may provide subscriber 130 with per-day totals of broadcasts associated with a specified campaign. Subscriber 130 may use this type of report to easily identify those days with the heaviest advertising and programming response, such as for support planning purposes. A campaign delivery by hour report may provide subscriber 130 with per-hour totals of broadcasts associated with a specified campaign. Subscriber 130 may use this type of report to identify those day parts with the heaviest advertising and programming response for support planning purposes. A broadcast failure report may provide subscriber 130 with a listing of the campaigns that were scheduled but failed to broadcast. This information allows subscriber 130 to attempt to manage sales support, and take action to remedy failure. A demographic report may be provided. For example, the advertising campaign, broadcast across a specific market, may be mapped to area code or zip code to provide subscriber 130 with a broad overview of geographic locations of the receiving broadcast audience. Additional databases, such as those available from Census information, may be employed to generate financial, ethnic, and age-related demographic information which may be of use to subscriber 130 . [0038] Stations may desire and may be able to isolate themselves from the internet for a myriad of reasons. According to an aspect of the present invention and pursuant to what is currently deemed best practice for radio stations, stations may isolate mission critical on-air work stations from the public internet. Specifically, the present system may enable on-air workstations to connect securely to a data center over the internet without the on-air workstation being connected directly to the internet. Such a configuration may be achieved and optimized by using encryption and secure protocols, including, but not limited to outbound-only protocols. [0039] In addition, networking models may be designed to minimize the impact on existing network configurations. For example, currently there are two prevalent equipments set: Scott Studios and Maestro found in the industry. Connection to each of these legacy systems without necessitating the redesign of either system may be beneficial. [0040] Any networking model may be used such as a local proxy or local connection for example. Connecting using a local proxy need not require internet connectivity, and instead may require only connection to a local area network (LAN). One computer on the LAN may have two network cards, one of which communicates with the local proxy which in turn communicates with the data center via an encrypted outbound only connection. On the other hand a direct connection may require on-air workstations to have internet connectivity and may provide an outbound only connection to the data center. [0041] As may be seen in FIG. 3 , a local proxy may provide an encrypted connection to the data center and a reduction in the overall network traffic. Local proxy may use the Scott Studios and Maestro along with the local proxy to create an encrypted and secure connection to the data center. For this to happen, Scott Studios or Maestro may be present on each of the on-air automation workstations along with a local proxy module within the network. To establish the encrypted connection with the data center, the modules may rely on the station to have a dedicated internal automation system LAN and a separate corporate LAN with internet connectivity. There may also be one machine that is multi-homed, meaning it has two network cards and is aware of both networks. In most installations, the multi-homed machine is usually the dispatch or a server. This configuration has been and continues to be a hardware deployment by Scott Studios with both modules and hardware/network configuration in place, the Scott Studios and Maestro will automatically attempt to connect to the local proxy. Local proxy may, in turn, attempt to establish an encrypted connection with the data center. Local proxy may be designed to make use of the default network settings of the multi-homed machine for both the automation system LAN and the corporate LAN. Therefore, these network settings may remain largely unchanged. Additionally, the local proxy need not rely on Host name to connect to the data center but rather uses an IP address, therefore no DNS configuration should be necessary. Local proxy network settings may be modified if any of the default settings have been changed to block outbound internet traffic from the multi-homed machine over the corporate LAN or if inbound traffic from the automation system LAN has been blocked to the multi-homed computer. If these defaults have been modified, additional changes may be needed, such as: the multi-homed computer connecting outbound to the internet over the corporate LAN, such as on port 443 (HTTPS), for example; the multi-homed computer connecting outbound to the internet over the corporate LAN, such as on port 10,000, for example; the multi-homed computer connecting outbound to the internet over the corporate LAN, such as on port 80, for example; on-air workstations connecting outbound over the internal automation system LAN to the multi-homed computer, such as on port 10,000, for example; multi-homed computer accepting inbound traffic from the internal automation system LAN, such as on port 10,000, for example. Under such a configuration local proxy module may use specific ports to direct encrypted outbound-only traffic over the internet. For example, ports 443 (HTTPS) and 10,000 may be used for transmitting encrypted station information and module control traffic. Selection between these ports may be optimized to preserve system resources. Port 80 may be used for downloading unencrypted media files from the data center. After configuring a station's network, the on-air automation workstations may connect to the data center through the local proxy module automatically. [0042] As may be seen in FIG. 4 , direct connection may be used for stations and station clusters that do not follow the automation system hardware deployment recommended for Scott Studios and Maestro equipment, stations that already have internet connectivity at each on-air workstation, or for stations that either cannot or chose not to deploy the local proxy model. Direct connection may use the Scott Studios and Maestro Modules on each on-air work station to create a secure connection to the data center. To establish the secure connection with the data center, each on-air automation workstation may have access to a network with a direct connection to the internet. With the proper communication modules installed and an internet connection present, the modules may automatically attempt to connect out to the data center. Direct connection may be designed to make use of the default network settings of the on-air workstations and instead of relying on host names to connect to the data center may use an IP address. As would be evident to those possessing an ordinary skill in the pertinent arts, using an IP address may prevent the need for a DNS configuration. On-air workstations may connect outbound to the internet over the corporate LAN, such as on port 10,000, for example. On-air workstations may connect outbound to the internet over the corporate LAN, such as on port 80, for example. Direct connection may use these specific ports to direct unencrypted outbound-only traffic over the internet. For example, HTTP traffic may be sent on port 80 and may be used for transmitting station information and for downloading media files from the data center. Port 10,000 may be used for transmitting communications information. Once the station's network has been configured, the on-air automation workstations may connect directly to the data center automatically. [0043] FIG. 5 is an illustration of an advertising buying environment in the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates a local, a national, and a network advertising buyer. Of note, the local buyer buys individual ads on particular stations. The national buyer can pinpoint specific buys within a particular group of affiliate radio stations. The network buyer buys advertising for all affiliates within a network, such as in a radio syndication show environment. In the illustrated embodiment, an advertising buyer buys an insertion order, and the advertiser request correspondent to the purchase order goes into “traffic”. Radio traffic is scheduled by trafficking software. For example, based on an advertiser request, traffic software may schedule the play of a particular ad in three slots at three assigned times each day during the weekdays of Monday through Friday. Obviously, once advertising inventory builds, such as during rush hour or high desirability playtimes, conflicts arise between advertising requests. [0044] To address these conflicts, the traffic software shuffles the requested advertising to maximize the revenue generated from particular ads at particular times (of course, advertising at premium times and on premium days brings premium revenue). The traffic software compiles a list of items to be played, wherein each item on the list is assigned a cut number that links the plays on the list together. In a typical embodiment, a text file consisting of the traffic log is manually reconciled at least once per day. [0045] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a radio play environment. The environment of FIG. 6 includes a traffic log such as that discussed above, a program log, a merge application, an automation for play, a master schedule, a tracking log, and may include remote applications, including external inputs such as voice tracking, satellite, and FTP, for example. The traffic log, the program log, and the master schedule as illustrated preferably include identifications of the plays that are to occur in accordance with each. [0046] The traffic log is such as that handled by the traffic software as discussed hereinabove. The program log may include programs, such as songs, that are to be played over the air. The master schedule may include a validation of the media to be played, such as verification that the identification numbers included in the traffic log and program log are valid play items. In a typical embodiment, the merge application merges the traffic log, the program log, and the filling of any holes, such as by the automation, to create the master schedule. The master schedule is directed to the automation, and the automation monitors the inputs and outputs to and from the radio station for play over airwaves. The play log is generated based on the output of the automation as that output is generated over the airwaves. The output of the play log may be monitored before billing to advertisers to ensure that ads have properly been played by the automation. [0047] In the embodiment discussed above, the automation controls the final output over the airwaves of a radio play. The automation may switch for example from a satellite channel to a local channel, or to an internet channel, and back again to obtain play from various locations for incorporation into the automation play. Such plays, as received by the automation, may include a metadata channel that does not include the radio plays, but rather includes information regarding the radio plays in the traffic log. For example, a metadata channel may infer that a remote radio feed is about to have a “hard break” or a “soft break”. A soft break is one which is at the option of, for example, a radio personality, and a hard break is non-optional. As such, in an exemplary embodiment, a syndicated radio show may arrive for local play in the form of a compact disc, or may arrive by a satellite to the automation and may include a metadata channel including the information regarding the satellite play. Consequently, in an embodiment wherein the play originates from a remote point, the metadata channel may allow for a local station to insert particular items for an otherwise remotely generated play. In such an embodiment, the automation may switch back to the local play generation point for a limited set time, during which the local play point may generate local play items into the otherwise remotely generated play. Upon completion of the metadata instructed local play period, the automation may switch back to, for example, the satellite channel for a renewal of the remote play. As such, in the most frequent embodiments of present radio applications, all plays, from all locations, are controlled by the automation, and further, the automation provides validation, via the play log, that all plays have properly occurred. [0048] In certain embodiments, the traffic log fed to the automation may include one or more “dummy” files. Such “dummy” file positions can include the place holders that allow for mapping of information, such as mapping of remote information over the internet and/or via FTP. Such a mapping may include the bundling of remote files and/or local files into a mapped position. Such mapped positions are not held as open, but rather are held as closed play positions in spite of the fact that it is unknown to the local automation precisely what plays will occur in the position of the “dummy” file. [0049] Further, ads may be inserted via channel switching instructions fed over one or more metadata channels. For example, a plurality of regional ads, each dedicated to specific one or more regions of the country, may be simultaneously playing on a series of channels incoming to the automation, such as channels 4 through 8. A syndicated radio program may be playing simultaneously on, for example, channel 3 incoming to the automation. Upon the occurrence of a break, in accordance with the traffic log and metadata channels, on channel 3, the metadata channel may include instructions for each region to switch during the break to its correspondent incoming regionalized advertising channel. For example, a station playing the syndicated program on channel 3 in Philadelphia, Pa. may be instructed to switch, via the metadata channel, to channel 4 during a break in the program of channel 3 in order to play a regionalized ad on channel 4. Simultaneously, and during the same break on the program of channel 3, a station in Los Angeles, Calif. may be instructed, via the metadata, to switch to channel 8 in order to play regionalized advertising for that region then playing on channel 8. In such an embodiment, upon completion of a break on channel 3, all stations then participating in a syndicated play of channel 3 are instructed via the metadata to have the automation switch back to channel 3 for continuation of the syndicated play. Similarly, advertising may be cashed on a particular channel to play in a particular order, and, when a break occurs on the channel then playing, a switch may be made to the cashed advertising channel to allow for whatever numbers of cashed ads to play that are capable of play during an allotted break window on the play channel. Upon closure of the break on the play channel, the automation may be instructed to switch from a cashed advertising channel back to the play channel, and may pick up on the next switch to the advertising channel with the next keyed cashed advertisement. [0050] In an embodiment, metadata may be shipped on a particular channel, and programming may be shipped on a plurality of other channels. In such an embodiment, the metadata channel may be keyed to the play occurring on another channel and the metadata itself may call for insertion of data on the metadata channel or another channel onto the current play channel when a break, such as a soft break, occurs according to the metadata channel. Upon the occurrence of such a break in accordance with the metadata channel, a local feed may, for example, insert local advertising onto the current play channel, such as via switching to a local channel for the duration of the break according to the metadata channel. [0051] Switching of the automation in accordance with the switching policies described hereinabove, allows for a preemption of a radio play. In existing play embodiments, if a break is called for at a particular time, such as at noon on a Friday, the channel on which the break is to occur must be continuously monitored, and the metadata of the channel on which the break is to occur must be continuously monitored, to ensure that the break occurs at the prescribed time. In embodiments described herein, a monitoring of, for example, channels such as the metadata channel may occur in real time, and as such assigned time plays, particularly of advertising or information spots, are no longer necessary. In particular, a monitoring of the metadata channel, even during a play incoming remotely on a separate channel, provides sufficient information to switch to an advertising or alternative play channel in accordance with the incoming metadata. Thus, in prior embodiments, the knowledge of the occurrence of a break must be pre-existent, and any movement of that break must be monitored. However, in embodiments discussed herein, no pre-existent knowledge of breaks is necessary. Rather, in embodiments discussed herein, the system of the present invention learns and gains knowledge of when preemption is to occur, and elects the proper preemption in real time based on the break then occurring as it occurs during the play. As such, the prior art merely inserts at a defined time, while the present invention preempts in real time based on a learning from the programming as it is playing. [0052] In order to allow for a proper learning and preemption, the present invention may include a learning module and a preemption module, which modules may be placed at any of a plurality of points within the radio play system discussed hereinabove. For example, the modules may be placed at the traffic log, at the master log, at the merge, or at the automation. However, because the goal of the use of the modules is to replace unsold or underpaid advertising spots with more lucrative advertising spots, the operation of a rule set from within the modules must be available at the point of placement of the modules. Consequently, although the modules may be placed within the traffic log or master log, advertising payment rate data is not typically available at either location, and cannot be used to operate at either location without being affected by the merge. Further, placement of the modules at the merge might allow the rules of the merge to replace certain unsold or otherwise empty play spots with songs, or other information, thus eliminating the ability of the modules to replace the unsold or otherwise empty spots with more lucrative advertising. Consequently, it may be highly useful to place the modules within or in association with the automation, in order to allow the automation to follow a series of metadata rules on the replacement and reevaluation of a merged traffic log. [0053] Modules placed within the automation may allow for a remote viewing of the real time automated play, in order to allow for real time reevaluation of the current play, and a comparison of the evaluation of the current play with a locally or remotely located rate and rate time chart, for modification, or replacement, via preemption, of information in the real time play list. Such preemptions may be based on cost rules or other rules applied through the ad-in module or modules to the automation. [0054] However, since estimated times for plays as assessed at the merge may vary in accordance with the delays inherent in a radio play, the modules cannot use time estimates, or play identification estimates to assess proper preemption locations. Therefore, the modules may preferably have available a secondary feed showing real time output data of the plays occurring on a radio location then being monitored by the modules. As such, the modules may estimate a proper play location for preemption, and may then monitor to ensure that the preemption location receives preemption at the proper point. This secondary feed showing real time plays may be received from a variety of locations. For example, the play output log may be monitored in real time to assess the plays then occurring. However, even the output log may be subject to certain delays or flaws, and as such may not give a true illustration of real time plays. Alternatively, the modules may view, from within the automation itself, real time play inventory requests as they occur. For example, the automation may call a particular play from a given location at a given time and that location and time may be viewed by the modules and compared with the play list in order to assess, precisely and in real time, the comparison of the play list with the play then occurring, and any preemptions may be modified according to any delays or improprieties assessed. [0055] In an additional embodiment, because the merge may eliminate much of any available unsold or empty play slots, it may be preferable to insert the modules at the merge, rather than waiting for the automation to occur. However, in such an embodiment, the merge would still require availability of, among other things, rate listings and the rates of currently assigned plays. Further, because play does not occur from the merge but rather occurs from the automation, a built-in delay would need to be assessed from the automation back to the merge, in order to allow a real time monitoring of inventory requests at the automation to be applied to the modules performing preemption back at the merge. Further, the modules, whether at the merge or at the automation, may be subject to any number of local or remote rules. The availability of such rules at the merge may allow for the variation of preemption rates at the merge, thereby allowing the merge to vary the amount of unsold or empty slots filled by the merge, such as by dependence on the time or day. For example, it may be more cost effective to a given station to fill more unsold or empty slots during rush hour than during the remainder of the day, because rush hour may bring higher premium rates from advertisers. As such, the amount of unsold or empty slots desired to be filled during rush hour at the merge may be higher from the radio station viewpoint, or may be lower from an advertiser's viewpoint, based on the controller of the modules performing preemption at the merge. [0056] FIG. 7 illustrates an additional embodiment of media play capabilities, wherein the media played is varied based on the actions of one or more receivers of media that was played immediately proceeding. As used herein, the terms radio content and broadcast or broadcast content include any type of media that may be presented via audio, visual, or computerized output to one or more receivers of the output, and that is presently programmed or preprogrammed for media play. As used herein, the terms nonradio content, or nonbroadcast or broadcast nonspecific content, include any media that may be presented via audio, visual, or computerized output to one or more receivers of the content, and that is not presently programmed or preprogrammed for media play. [0057] As illustrated in FIG. 7 , a hub may also have accessible thereto a variety of content, including nonradio and radio content. Such content may be local to the hub, or may be available to the hub from any of a variety of sources, including but not limited to intranet, internet, satellite channel, FTP or zipped files that may be accessed by the hub in accordance with one or more commands associated with the hub directing media play. The hub may have multiple portions, more specifically the hub may be any number of modules resident at any number of locations, so long as all such locations are accessible by at least one module resident at the location from which the media play is to occur. [0058] Further, the hub may have accessible thereto a plurality of secondary information, certain of which information may be available in real time, indicative of the success or failure, in accordance with predetermined criteria, of a media play. As such, subsequent media plays may be varied in accordance with the success or failure of proceeding radio plays. [0059] In a specific exemplary embodiment, the hub has accessible thereto a play list for at least one radio studio in at least one marketing region. Multiple radio stations may be available to a single hub, and a marketing region may be any geographic region including but not limited to a city, a county, or state, for example. In this embodiment, the hub may, in part, direct the play list of the one or more radio stations, such as by preempting that which was to be played by the radio station in accordance with the play list with an intelligent insertion that is more likely to bring success in accordance with the predetermined criteria then would preempted play on the play list. [0060] In this example, the play list of a radio station may generally include advertising plays and music plays. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, listenership generally decreases when ads begin to play and increases during a continuous music play on a radio station. There are exceptions, of course, such as wherein listenership falls for a radio station during play of an unpopular song, for example. Further, listenership even during advertising may not fall if the advertising is popular, such as wherein the advertisement is amusing or of significant interest to listeners. Likewise, listeners to a radio station may respond to certain advertising by undertaking the activity advised by the advertisement, such as by stopping for food at a food establishment or shopping at a particular retail establishment. [0061] In light of all this information, and additional available information, such as real time audio monitoring of what radio station listeners are listening to, such as audio monitoring of vehicles at a heavy intersection, as is known to thise skilled in the art, the hub may modify the radio station play list in real time according to certain predetermined criteria. For example, if listenership of the particular radio station begins to fall, the hub may decide to preempt certain advertising that was to play with popular music. Consequently, listenership for that radio station will rise. When listenership reaches a particular level, premium advertising rates may become available for advertisers, due to the vastness of the audience, and the hub may at that stage preempt the music play with premium advertising in order to maximize advertising revenues. Thus, when demand for advertising spots and advertising rates are high, a radio station may create more advertising spots to thusly increase advertising revenues. Further, advertisers willing to pay only lower rates will be able to place ads during times when the advertising can best be afforded by that advertiser. [0062] By way of non-limiting example only, an advertiser may desire to have their advertisment run only when listenership is above 100,000, regardless of the time of day. Using certain predetermined criteria, the hub may modify the radio station play list in real time to intelligently preempt music play, for example, once the 100,000 listener threshhold set by the advertiser has been met or exceeded. Once the advertisment has run, the hub may return to music play or continue with running advertisements. [0063] It will be apparent in light of the description hereinabove that various sources may be mined in order to access any desirable variation in the play list. For example, popular music downloads, as assessed by certain internet sites, may give excellent guidance on what would be the most popular radio music plays at a given time. Obviously, playing not simply music but the most popular music at a given time will have the greatest return in increasing listenership to the radio station at that given time. Further, such an embodiment of intelligent preemption and insertion can make available to the hub even more refined decisions. For example, greater advertising rates can be charged for advertising that plays immediately adjacent to the most popular songs available for play by the radio station. The hub may also limit certain content to control the price of advertising by, for example, playing only a limited amount of the most popular music in a given time period. By way of further example, advertising rates may be set according to actual listenership either measured in real time or estimated based on broadcast content. [0064] Per the present invention, intelligent insertion may be performed in any media play context, including any radio source. For example, insertion may be made in a cellular telephone context, an SMS context, a WiMax context, a radio station context, an iPod context, or the like. The media play insertion may include a song, a message, a news, traffic, sports, or weather update, one or more coupons, or an instant message, for example. [0065] The feedback provided and the information available in order to make decisions on preemptions and/or insertions to the play list also allow for the creation of templates for items to be placed on the media play list. For example, responses to certain media plays on the play list may be tracked, and in fact may be tracked in numerous different circumstances. For example, responses to advertising placed on radio stations having a particular format may be better than advertising placed on radio stations having different format. In such an instance, for example, responses to advertising placed for spring break vacation trips may be better on top 40 stations than on oldies-formatted stations. Further, responses to certain types of advertising may be better in certain environments, such as in certain weather or in certain traffic instances. As such, certain advertisers may wish their ads to play only during certain types of weather, such as when it's raining, or only in certain traffic patterns, such as during traffic jams. [0066] In light of the above, using responsiveness feedback, in certain existing environmental conditions present at the time of a media play, targeted templates can be developed for certain types of media play. For example, targeting templates can be created for advertisers desiring advertising success with a particular group of people. These targeting templates can, for example, be used to maximize return on advertising and marketing dollars, and can be used to assess, for example, targeted cost per minute that provide the best return on advertising expenditures. Such templates may then be sold to advertisers in order to enable those advertisers to best create targeted advertising. [0067] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a parallel architecture for media play. In the illustration, media play may be available from any of a number of locations at the same time, and likewise, directives for media play may be available at those same or other multiple locations at the same time. As such, such as in a radio station environment, wherein radio plays occur based on a play list, a media play list may include tokens, tags, or reference points within a media play list that refer to locations other than the output location from which the media play occurs. [0068] The locating reference may be to any point other than the play output, such as to a location that streams content, such as songs or advertising, or a location that includes rules for subsequent play or that serves as an intermediary to go to a second external location to obtain a media play. The referral to the external reference point may be provided in any manner known to those skilled in the art, such as an external reference provided in metatag data that accompanies a media play, such as an HTML, FTP or VXML link, that may be used as a hot tag to guide the media play output to a desired location. For example, a reference may be made in the play list to one or more portions of the hub, and the hub may serve as the accessor for a subsequent media play. The reference may also facilitate an insertion, for example, as disclosed above. Thereby, although the play list location appears to be filled to a merge or automation application at the media play output point, the filler is actually a reference point to the hub whereat the decision may be made as to what content may be obtained and played in that reference point location on the play list. [0069] Individual references points may, for example, be generated for multiple locations and be provided to multiple media play or non-media play locations. For example, meta tag data may incorporate a reference point generated at multiple locations and may be then distributed to any location. By way of non-limiting example only, the meta tag data may include information that includes real time listenership and may be directed to one hub to control media play and to a second hub to create information directed to market share and/or advertising rates, for example. [0070] By way of non-limiting example only, a locating reference may be generated by the actions taken by a listener of the media play. Such a listener may, for example, place a cell phone call in response to the media, such call creating an external reference which may be communicated to the point of play output via a VXML server. Other action examples may include the use of a smartcard to purchase goods, the tuning in of broadcast media play by a listener, and the use of an SMS to enter a contest. [0071] Referring now to FIG. 9 , there is shown a schematic diagram of the flow of information within the communication system of FIGS. 1 and 2 . FIG. 9 shows information flow 300 . Information flow 300 includes two principle regions, RAS 230 and flow 310 . RAS 230 may include schedule file 320 and audio file 330 . Flow 310 may include audio advertisement files 340 , publisher 350 , and master controller 360 . The flow of information will be described with reference to the numerals labeling the arrows representing the flow of information. [0072] RAS 230 may include a flow of information for a new schedule file 1 . New schedule file may originate with schedule file 320 and be transmitted to a first chain agent 370 . This transmission may occur by an external software that publishes a new schedule file to the RAS 230 file system. A first chain agent 370 , via a directory watcher process, detects new schedule file 320 , and reads it off of disk. This new schedule file 320 may originate or be taken from several systems within the radio station and or from a location outside the studio itself (in the case of remote network programming). Eventually, schedule file 320 may be created while remaining unpublished to RAD 230 . The filling algorithm may be local, and the rules for filing the inventory may not be dynamic nor take into consideration a revenue maximization function. For example, 3rd party groups today will “buy” unsold inventory in advance and give the station 1-N ads, that the station can “fill” unsold inventory. The station in this case is selling unsolds in advance without a guaranteed schedule. [0073] First chain agent 370 residing in RAS 230 may pass information to a flow 310 . This retrieval of a new schedule file 320 may be seen in FIG. 8 as link 4 . This information may be passed to a parse and store step located within flow 310 . As the RAS chain agent 370 reads schedule file 320 , the file may be transmitted to flow 310 . The dD preemptable ad avails (dD Avails) may be parsed from schedule file 320 and stored for further processing. The original schedule file 320 may be stored for billing, accounting, and auditing purposes. This parsing and storing, shown and described to occur within flow 310 , may be achieved at studio 140 . [0074] After parsing and storing the schedule file, the information is transmitted to the IMS where the campaign is assigned to schedule file 320 . This transmission is shown by label 5 and may occur within flow 310 . This represents the delivery of the dD Avails to IMS. Rather than collecting the unsold inventory report in a central location, the central location, which tracks ad effectiveness, may publish results to each station and the local station software may use this information to make “intelligent” insertion over unsold inventory. The available ads may need to be published or delivered to station 140 and station 140 may need to receive performance data on those campaigns, so that the local engine may make decisions. [0075] Similarly, after parsing and storing the schedule file, a validator checks for possible scheduling errors. The transmission of information to the validator is shown by label 6 . The validator may input this information and analyze schedule file 320 for errors in tag structure, frequency of tags, station contractual obligations, such as minimum number of spots per period, and other errors known to those possessing an ordinary skill in the pertinent arts. This validation, while shown to occur within flow 310 , may occur local to hub 150 . The validator may output information to IMS on whether the schedule file 320 is validated. This validity feedback is shown by label 23 . Once IMS receives an appropriate response from the validator, IMS may process the new dD Avails, by assigning dD advertisements and specific creatives to specific dB Avails. This IMS, while shown to occur within flow 310 , may occur local to hub 150 . [0076] After the IMS assigns campaigns to the schedule file, the processing may be complete, and the information in the schedule transmitted to a publisher as shown by label 25 . The result of the processing of dB avails is a dB Schedule, which is specific to each station. This creation, while shown to occur within flow 310 , may occur local to hub 150 . [0077] After publishing the schedule, information may be transmitted to the master controller as shown by label 7 . The master controller may operate as the brains behind “trafficking” the unsold spots slated for preemption within the dB schedule file. The master controller receives the song feed, including ads, as to what is being played currently on a station. The master controller uses this feed to determine where in the current schedule file a station is. The master controller manages the replacement of the ads, and the swapping back of the original ad, once the spot has run. The master controller, while shown to occur within flow 310 , may occur local to hub 150 . [0078] A feedback system may be created for creating new schedules as shown by labels 8 , 9 , and 2 . This transmission path may transfer information from the master controller to the publisher, label 8 , from the publisher to the second chain agent 380 , label 9 , and from the second chain agent 380 to the first chain agent 370 . Thus, there is a schedule for a given station, master controller instruction to pre-empt a spot, and master controller instructions to restore the preempted spot after it has played. The master controller interrogates the dB Schedule file for a given station, identifying the names of all of the creatives that are scheduled to run, and publishes these creatives to the station via the 8-9-2 pathway. The chain agent examines a cache of previously stored ads to determine that it has stored all creatives. The master controller, if it determines that a spot is ready to be pre-empted, may send a notification via the 8-9-2 pathway, to instruct the chain agent to swap creative one for creative two. The chain agent may confirm receipt of this message via the 2-30 pathway. [0079] The chain agent may manage the physical preemption process. Instructions to preempt an ad may be delivered via path 18 to audio files 330 . The chain agent may preserve the original audio file X by either renaming it or moving it to a different directory on the file system. The original file, the dD spot and the slated pre-emption may be copied into a directory of the same file name. The header information within the file, used to populate the RAS screen, may be different and reflects the actual ad that will run even though the file name is the same. The header information may identify what is written to the RAS log files for billing purposes and the station may be aware that the preemption occurred. Once this preemption has been completed or failed due to some error, status may be published via pathway ( 2 - 30 ). The chain agent, which may be responsible for sending the song feed, known as the log, of what is actually playing on the station, such as by pathway labeled 22 , may monitor the feed to see the pre-empted spot run. Once it has run, the chain agent may swap the original ad back and notifies the master controller. [0080] The feedback pathway labeled 2 , 31 may enable the chain agent to determine if the audio file is available. The chain agent may request the publisher, via pathway 30 , to send it a specific creative. The publisher responds by sending the file along with a checksum to confirm the file was not corrupted in transmission via pathway 9 , 2 . [0081] The chain agent 370 may also prompt the song feed across pathway 22 . The chain agent, depending on the RAS configuration, may either watch the log file on the RAS to determine what is being played over the air, or may receive a data feed from the RAS directly containing play history. The chain agent may scrub the feed and publish it to FLOW. The song feed may be exported directly over the WAN to FLOW and a local agent may not be required. [0082] In the event that the validator determines there to be an error, information may be transmitted across pathway 16 in order for notification of an error to occur. If errors are found in the schedule file, such as a result of a contractual breach or a technical issue, a set of rules may be setup dependent upon the type or error and the station the error occurred on, to notify both systems and people that are tasked to resolve the errors. [0083] The event ad may be played. As shown in pathways 19 , 20 , 21 the information derived hereinabove may be transmitted to the gateway. The information may be transmitted to a radio tower across pathway 19 . Radio tower broadcasts to an audience across channel 20 . As the audience responds to the pre-empted ad, by calling a telephone number, FLOW traps the caller ID or is notified from the call center, in substantially real time, or on a daily basis, for example. [0084] New calls may be logged, and the information may be provided to IMS across paths 13 , 12 . As calls are logged, the calls may be tracked against the dB schedule file. Revenues and performance metrics may be tracked given audience size, Arbitron data, and other factors. This information may be used by IMS to optimize ad targeting. [0085] Campaign performance, in addition to being transmitted to IMS, may be transmitted across pathway 14 to a forecaster. Forecaster may compare actual performance with predicted performance and revenues. The IMS algorithms may be evaluated based upon the accuracy of the predications. Over time, the forecaster may project future revenues based on inventory flow and ad campaigns scheduled in the system. The forecaster may provide automated notification to station traffic managers that the present invention may result in income. [0086] A verification may occur. The pathway labeled 40 , 42 may demonstrate the availability of verification. The master control, in addition, may instruct the local chain agent at the station to pre-empt a spot and, responsive to the notification, may notify a digital radio that can receive the broadcast of the station to record the ad scheduled by the master controller, such as by sending a schedule or a real time notification to start/stop recording. The audio may be streamed over the WAN and recorded within the FLOW environment. Verification may occur across transmission path 41 demonstrating an ad spot recorded off the air. Once the file is recorded, it may be transmitted to FLOW to verify. The verify process may compare the audio file recorded to the audio file that was shipped to the station. If there is a match, then the ad spot may be logged as verified. If no match exists, the file may be routed to a human capable of listening to the original and the recorded file to determine if the spot matches. If no match still exists, further action may be taken. Subscriber 130 may option to listen to the recorded spots and the original in one of several verification reports. This audio may be streamed over the WAN and recorded within the FLOW environment. [0087] Those of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many modifications and variations of the present invention may be implemented without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
A system for developing plays of media content is disclosed. The system for developing plays of media content includes a hub that is at least partially remote from a media content play point that at least partially controls the plays of the media content, at least one input associated with the hub that recieves non-play content indicative of a response to the plays of the media content, at least one module communicatively connected to said hub that parses the non-play content, wherein the parsed non-play content enables the hub to create at least one template for development of subsequent ones of the plays of the media content, and wherein the subsequent ones of the plays of the media content created in accordance with the template are returned to the hub for insertion to that portion of the plays of the media content controlled by the hub.
7
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method and a device for controlling the opening of at least one intake valve of a combustion chamber of a periodically operating piston engine, at least one intake valve of the combustion chamber being opened during a first partial period of a working period of the piston engine for charging the combustion chamber, and at least one intake valve of the combustion chamber being opened during a second partial period of the operating period. BACKGROUND INFORMATION European Patent document no. 473 258 A2 refers to an intake valve that is opened twice during one working period. The first opening begins in the range of the top dead center of a piston and ends in the intake stroke during the downward movement of the piston. The second opening begins at or after the lower dead center of the piston, at the beginning of the compression stroke, and ends before the end of the compression stroke. The exemplary method is used at low loads of the internal combustion engine, which are distinguished by a low charge of the combustion chamber with combustible mixture. This slight quantity may be sucked in already using a relatively short first opening of the intake valve. Therefore, the intake valve may be closed before the end of the intake stroke. Because of the piston running further in the direction of the bottom dead center while the intake valve is closed, a decreasing pressure is generated in the combustion chamber, whose absolute value undershoots the intake manifold pressure. Because of this pressure drop, upon the second opening of the intake valve in the bottom dead center or after the bottom dead center, additional air or additional mixture flows into the combustion chamber. The flow brought on by the pressure drop causes a desired turbulence in the combustion chamber, which improves the preparation of the mixture for the subsequent combustion. To the extent that this involves the heating of a catalytic converter in the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine, this document suggests an earlier opening of the exhaust valve in the combustion stroke, because in this way less energy would be converted to mechanical work, and as a result, the exhaust gases would be hotter. In order to heat up a catalytic converter and to reduce hydrocarbon emissions after a cold start of an internal combustion engine, frequently so-called secondary air is blown in after the exhaust valves of the internal combustion engine. The secondary air is blown in as fresh air via an electric pump, and it allows for the oxidation of uncombusted hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas that is still hot. In this context, the internal combustion engine may be operated using excess fuel, so as to supply hydrocarbons as reaction partner for the secondary air blown in. The post-oxidation of the hydrocarbons not combusted in the combustion chamber using the blown-in secondary air generates an exothermic reaction in the exhaust gas system and allows for a rapid heating up of the catalytic converter. In this context, one may differentiate between a reaction in the exhaust manifold and a reaction in the catalytic converter. If a reaction is desired in the manifold, the exhaust gas has to come together with the secondary air as early as possible after the combustion of the combustion chamber charge. Therefore, the location of introduction of the secondary air often lies directly at the exhaust valves of the internal combustion engine. Besides the classical injection of secondary air with the aid of an electric pump, one may operate individual cylinders of an internal combustion engine alternatingly using excess fuel and excess oxygen, in order to achieve a secondary air effect upon guiding together the exhaust gas from the combustion with excess fuel with the exhaust gas from the combustion with excess air. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the exemplary method and/or embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method and a device for a combustion engine having fully variable valve control, which allows for the supply of secondary air to the exhaust gas without using a secondary air pump or a secondary air valve. In this context, the quantity of secondary air is to be variable. This object may be attained by the above method described herein in which the second partial period begins after combustion of the combustion chamber charge, and does not overlap with the first partial period. With the aid of the exemplary method according to the present invention, post-oxidation of uncombusted hydrocarbons may be achieved directly in the combustion chamber. For this purpose, the intake valve is opened in the expansion phase at the point in time at which the pressure in the combustion chamber has approximately reached the manifold pressure or undershot it. The fresh air flowing, in this case, into the still very hot exhaust gas takes care of a post-oxidation of uncombusted hydrocarbons. The quantity of secondary air may be varied by the selection of the valve lift and/or the closing time of the intake valve. Thereby one may save a secondary air pump and a secondary air valve. The only assumption is that the fully variable valve control provides for opening the intake valve twice per operating period. In this context, the first opening is used to fill the combustion chamber with air for generating the combustion chamber charge required for the torque demanded, and the second opening is used for secondary air metering. An exemplary method provides that the second partial period begins before a bottom dead center of the piston appertaining to the combustion chamber. The pressure in the combustion chamber decreases with the approach of the piston to the bottom dead center. Therefore one may conclude what the pressure in the cylinder is, from the position of the piston. The triggering of the second partial period as a function of the piston position thereby may have the advantage that the point in time at which the inner pressure of the cylinder or the inner pressure of the combustion chamber undershoots the intake manifold pressure may be given without a special combustion chamber pressure sensor. Another exemplary embodiment provides that the second partial period begins at that point when the pressure on the side of the intake valve that faces the combustion chamber has sunk to the value of the pressure on the side of the intake valve facing away from the combustion chamber, or has even undershot it. Another exemplary embodiment provides that the length of the second partial period and/or the degree of the opening of the intake valve is a function of operating parameters of the piston engine. Another exemplary embodiment provides that the charge of the combustion chamber is limited by an early closing of the intake valve, and that the exemplary method is carried out at the highest possible intake manifold air pressure. Another exemplary embodiment provides that the exemplary method is carried out only below a threshold value for the combustion chamber charge. The reason is that, at large combustion chamber charges, at the end of the expansion stroke, the low absolute pressure in the combustion chamber/cylinder required for drawing in secondary air from the intake manifold is not achieved. Another exemplary embodiment provides that, in the case of a combustion chamber having a plurality of intake valves, at least one first intake valve is opened during the first partial period, and at least one second intake valve is opened during a second partial period. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention also provides a control device for implementing at least one of the abovementioned methods, embodiments and measures. One embodiment of this control unit provides that the control unit will increase the idling speed of the piston engine if one of the abovementioned methods, embodiments or measures is carried out. An increased idling speed lowers the fresh air charge required for the idling. Therefore, by having an elevated idling speed, the abovementioned threshold value for the combustion chamber charge may be undershot. For, it has been shown that the exemplary method runs in a satisfactory manner only for fresh air charges of the combustion chamber up to approximately 35% of the maximum combustion chambers charges. At higher charges, the final expansion charge is not less than the intake manifold pressure. The hydrocarbon emissions then have to be lowered in a different manner. At higher fresh air charges, the lean-mixture drivability of the piston engine is better. Therefore, at combustion chamber charges above 35% of the maximum charge, the internal combustion engine may be operated in an increasingly lean manner. Another exemplary embodiment provides, also for decreasing the charge, that the control unit transfers the shifting points of an automatic transmission towards greater rotary speeds if a method for blowing in secondary air through an opening of an intake valve is to be carried out at the end of the expansion stroke. Therefore, the exemplary method and/or embodiment of the present invention also relates to a control unit that is distinguished by operating the piston engine in an increasingly lean manner with increasing combustion chamber charge, i.e. using fuel/air mixture poorer in fuel, in the case of carrying out the blowing in of secondary air by opening an intake valve at the end of the expansion stroke. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows the technical environment in which the exemplary method and/or embodiment of the present invention shows its effect. FIG. 2 shows schematically an exemplary embodiment of a fully variable valve control. FIG. 3 shows an exemplary method according to the present invention in the form of a flow chart. FIG. 4 shows a modification of the subject matter of FIG. 3 . FIG. 5 shows the curve of a variable(s) plotted over time or plotted against the crankshaft angle, as it may appear during the execution of the exemplary method of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows the curves of a variable(s) plotted over time or plotted against the crankshaft angle, as it may appear during the execution of the exemplary method of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows the curve of a variable(s) plotted over time or plotted against the crankshaft angle, as it may appear during the execution of the exemplary method of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows the curves of a variable(s) plotted over time or plotted against the crankshaft angle, as it may appear during the execution of the exemplary method of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The number 10 in FIG. 1 denotes a piston engine having a combustion chamber 12 which is movably sealed by a piston 14 . Combustion chamber 12 is filled with air from an intake manifold 16 via an intake valve 18 when the piston moves downwards. To the combustion chamber air charge, fuel is supplied via a fuel injector 20 , and the fuel/air mixture thus created is ignited with the aid of a spark plug 22 . The force on piston 14 created by the combustion is converted to a rotary motion of a crankshaft via a crankshaft drive 24 . A pulse-generating wheel 26 is rotatably fixed to the crankshaft, and it bears ferromagnetic markings 28 . During the rotating motion of the pulse-generating wheel 26 , the ferromagnetic markings 28 brush past an inductive pickup 30 , which forms from this a periodic electrical signal which it supplies to an engine control unit 32 and to a valve control unit 34 . Both engine control unit 32 and valve control unit 34 are able to derive the position of the piston from this, and are able to control the injection of fuel, the triggering of the ignition as well as the operation of intake valves 18 and exhaust valves 36 in a phase-synchronized manner with the movement of piston 14 . Thus, for example, exhaust valve 36 is opened when piston 14 is running upwards again, for expelling the combusted gases from combustion chamber 12 . An exhaust gas sensor 38 , such as an oxygen-sensitive lambda probe or an NOx sensor or an HC sensor, supplies a signal to engine control unit 32 , so as to control, for example, the lean operation desired in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The combusted gases run through a catalytic converter 40 , which converts NOx, CO and HC to nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide and water, when it is in the hot operating state. FIG. 1 also shows a transmission control unit 42 and an automatic transmission 44 . The three control units 32 , 34 and 42 are connected via a bus system 46 , such as a CAN bus. It should be understood that the subdivision of the functions to three control units that communicate with one another by a bus is not essential, and that the required functional scope could also be covered by a single control unit having the equivalent capabilities. The function of the transmission control unit relates to another aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The control unit composite consisting of the engine control unit and the valve control unit consequently represents an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the present invention. Besides the signals of inductive pickup 30 and exhaust gas sensor 38 , additional variables are supplied to engine control unit 32 , especially the signal of an air mass flow sensor 48 which records the mass of the air aspirated by piston engine 10 , and an accelerator sensor 50 which, to an extent, supplies information concerning the torque demand by the driver. Valve control unit 34 controls an intake valve actuator 52 and an exhaust valve actuator 54 . Intake valve actuator 52 and exhaust valve actuator 54 may be implemented as electrohydraulic actuating elements which are connected to a high-pressure accumulator 56 , which contains hydraulic fluid. FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of an intake valve actuator 52 or an exhaust valve actuator 54 . Hydraulic fluid from high-pressure accumulator 56 flows via a first magnetic valve 58 into chamber 60 , opens intake valve 18 or exhaust valve 36 and displaces the hydraulic fluid in chamber 62 . When the desired valve lift has been achieved, first magnetic valve 58 is closed by valve control unit 34 . In order to close intake valve 18 or exhaust valve 36 , second magnetic valve 64 is opened. In this context, first magnetic valve 58 remains closed. The pressure of the hydraulic fluid that is constantly present at chamber 62 closes intake valve 18 or exhaust valve 36 . Hydraulic fluid flowing out of chamber 62 is collected in a reservoir 66 . With the aid of the valve actuator shown, individual control may be provided for each valve. In this context, the charge of the combustion chamber with fresh air may be set by the duration of being open and/or the lift of intake valve 18 . At least at low rotary speeds, an intake valve may be opened several times per operating period. FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram as an exemplary method of the present invention, the way it may proceed in the composite of control units 32 , 34 and 42 that communicate via bus system 46 . In this context, block 3 . 1 represents a main program for controlling the piston engine, as it runs with respect to control, injection and ignition in engine control unit 32 , and as it runs with respect to control of intake valve 18 and exhaust valve 36 in valve control unit 34 . In a step 3 . 2 it is checked whether the triggering conditions for blowing in secondary air are satisfied. The triggering conditions are satisfied typically when piston engine 10 has been started in the cold state. If this is not the case, the program branches back to main program 3 . 1 . If, however, the blowing in of secondary air is to take place, then via marks A and B a step 3 . 5 is reached in which the relative charge of the combustion chamber or the combustion chambers is compared to a threshold value. The threshold value must be constituted in such a way that relative combustion chamber charges, which undershoot the threshold value, lead to a relatively low final combustion pressure in combustion chamber 12 . It has been shown that a threshold value of ca. 35% of the maximum combustion chamber charge, achieved under normal conditions, supplies this property. If this threshold value is exceeded in step 3 . 5 , the blowing in of secondary air according to the exemplary method and/or embodiment of the present invention cannot be carried out via an opening of the intake valve in the range of bottom dead center of the piston after combustion. In this case, alternatively the program may branch to an engine control program module in a step 3 . 6 , which operates the piston engine using a lean mixture to minimize hydrocarbon emissions. In order to be able to carry out or performing the blowing in of secondary air using the exemplary method and/or embodiment of the present invention, piston engine 10 should be operated using low combustion chamber charges. This may be promoted by the sequence of steps 3 . 3 and 3 . 4 in FIG. 4 . Therefore, these steps may be carried out in FIG. 3 between marks A and B that were mentioned. For example, in a step 3 . 3 the idling speed may be lifted. An increased idling speed lowers the fresh air charge required for idling. In vehicles having automatic transmissions 44 , in step 3 . 4 the transmission switching program in control unit 42 may additionally be changed in such a way that piston engine 10 is operated on the average with a higher rotary speed. Just as during idling, it is true in this case that the increased rotary speed goes along with a reduced charge, which simplifies or allows for the triggering of the blowing in of secondary air according to the exemplary method and/or embodiment of the present invention. If the combustion chamber charge is small enough, then in step 3 . 7 there takes place a determination of the piston position by evaluating inductive pickup 30 . If the charge in the combustion chamber is known, one may conclude what the combustion chamber pressure is from the position of the piston. The closer the piston approaches bottom dead center in the combustion stroke, the larger becomes the combustion chamber volume above the piston, and the lower becomes the pressure in the combustion chamber. In explaining the remaining steps 3 . 8 to 3 . 12 , we first of all explain below various signal patterns. FIG. 5 shows the curve of combustion chamber pressure for various crankshaft angle degrees, which correspond to various settings of piston 14 . The section marked 5 . 1 corresponds to a falling of the combustion chamber pressure during and after combustion. At the moment at which the combustion pressure undershoots intake manifold pressure PS, a pressure drop is created at intake valve 18 , which may be used to have secondary air flow in. FIG. 6 shows the valve lift of an intake valve 18 . In this context, the tips correspond to a fully open valve. The left valve opening in FIG. 6 here corresponds to a second partial period. When intake valve 18 is open, air flows from the intake manifold into combustion chamber 12 , which permits the pressure in the combustion chamber to rise to the value of the intake manifold pressure. This shows in the curve of section 5 . 2 in FIG. 5 . The opening of intake valve 18 appertaining to the second partial period is denoted in FIG. 6 by the number 6 . 1 . This opening lasts for only a relatively short time, since for oxidizing the residual gas resulting from the preceding combustion of the combustion chamber charge, no new charge of the combustion chamber is necessary. The new charge of the combustion chamber with fresh gas takes place by the wider valve opening pulse 6 . 2 in FIG. 6 . This opening pulse 6 . 2 corresponds, in this context, to the abovementioned first partial period. Approximately between the two openings of intake valve 18 , exhaust valve 36 is opened for expelling the residual gases that have been combusted and post-oxidized by the secondary air. The opening pulse for exhaust valve 36 is shown by curve 7 . 1 in FIG. 7 . For this reason, the internal cylinder pressure remains within the range of the exhaust gas back pressure even after the closing of the intake valve. In this context, it is assumed that the exhaust gas back pressure corresponds approximately to the environmental pressure, which also prevails in the intake manifold. At point t 3 , exhaust gas valve 36 is closed, and at time t 2 the intake process is also ended by closing intake valve 18 . On the assumption that the combustion chamber charge is set via the intake valve and that the desired charge is relatively small, even a part of the downwards movement of piston 14 is sufficient for drawing in the desired charge. In this context, a pressure that is as high as possible in the intake manifold is advantageous. In a naturally aspirated engine this is approximately the environmental pressure. Therefore, at time t 2 , piston 14 has not yet arrived at its bottom dead center. The further movement of piston 14 in the direction of its bottom dead center enlarges combustion chamber 12 if valves 18 , 36 are closed, and thereby leads to an additional reduction in the pressure in the combustion chamber. Thereafter, the piston runs again in the direction of its top dead center, which permits the pressure in the combustion chamber to rise correspondingly. This rise after the temporary additional falling off is illustrated in FIG. 5 , in curve section 5 . 3 . The solid line in FIG. 8 shows the corresponding residual gas content in combustion chamber 12 , and the dashed line in FIG. 8 shows the corresponding fresh air proportion. First of all, left of t 1 , there is only residual gas from the combustion in the combustion chamber. At time t 1 , intake valve 18 is opened at low final combustion pressure. As a result, no residual gas flows out of the combustion chamber, but fresh gas flow into the combustion chamber. The two gas components react with each other, which leads to a slight rise in the residual gas proportion at falling fresh gas proportion. Further along on the curve, both components fall off to a low value with exhaust valve 36 open, before the fresh gas proportion rises to its final value as a result of the opening intake valve 18 . At time t 2 , this rise is closed off when intake valve 18 is closed. In FIG. 3 , steps 3 . 8 to 3 . 12 correspond to the signal curves described. If the query in 3 . 8 is answered yes, i.e. if the cylinder pressure undershoots the intake manifold pressure at the end of the combustion stroke, in the second partial period the intake valve is activated to open in step 3 . 9 . Step 3 . 10 represents the opening of the exhaust valve corresponding to curve 7 . 1 in FIG. 7 , and step 3 . 11 represents the opening of the intake valve in the first partial period corresponding to curve path 6 . 2 in FIG. 6 . Step 3 . 12 represents a return to the main program. The exemplary method according to the present invention is able to be used both for naturally aspirated engines and for pressure-charged engines. In turbocharged engines secondary air metering may be provided, according to the exemplary method of the present invention presented here, even in the case of larger cylinder charges, since the pressure in the intake manifold is greater for turbocharged engines, and the secondary air supply, according to the exemplary method and/or embodiment of the present invention, via an opened intake valve at the end of the combustion stroke presupposes a certain pressure drop at the intake valve. The exemplary method according to the present invention is particularly suitable for internal combustion engines/piston engines having direct gasoline injection, as shown in FIG. 1 . In the case of manifold injection, the wall-applied fuel film on the inside wall of the intake manifold could prove to have a disruptive effect.
A method for controlling the opening of at least one intake valve of a combustion chamber in a periodically working piston engine, at least one intake valve of the combustion chamber being opened during a first partial period of a working period of the piston engine for charging the combustion chamber; and at least one intake valve of the combustion chamber being opened during a second partial period of the working period, wherein the second partial period begins after the combustion of the combustion chamber charge and has no overlap with the first partial period.
8
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an improved device for successfully sealing the inside space of the spinning rotor from the atmosphere in a conventional open-end spinning apparatus. In an open-end spinning apparatus of a typical form, a bundle of fibers supplied by a feed roller 1 is separated into individual fibers by combing action of a combing roller 2, and such individual fibers are then carried by said combing roller 2 through a fibers delivery aperture 3 to the spinning rotor 4. The individual fibers thus separated and supplied to the rotor 4 are collected in the form of a ring onto the collecting surface 5 of said spinning rotor 4, from which a yarn is formed and then drawn off the rotor 4. In such an arrangement of the open-end spinning apparatus, its spinning rotor 4 has therein outwardly-extending air-discharge apertures 6 formed as shown in FIG. 1 through which a flow of air stream is produced by vacuum created within the rotor 4 under the influence of centrifugal force which is developed by high-speed rotation of rotor 4 and causes the inside air to be flown out by such suctioning vacuum, thereby the individual fibers separated can be carried forwardly into the spinning rotor 4 by being entrained on such a flow of air stream. In an attempt to permit the vacuum thus created in the spinning rotor 4 by air discharging out through said apertures 6 to act only on the space in said fibers delivery aperture 3, it has been so arranged that the opening 7 formed in the rotor 4 is constructed in a labyrinth configuration or is provided with a suitable sealing member. U.S. Pat. No. 3,874,751 is an example of prior art which teaches the use of such a labyrinth configuration of the rotor's opening 7. However, a sealing device using such a labyrinth structure is complicated in construction and satisfactory sealing performance cannot be expected therefrom. In particular, a spinning apparatus which uses resiliently-yieldable member to support the bearing for its spinning rotor does pose a serious problem because deflecting motion of the rotor due to the use of such resiliently-yieldable member may cause the rotating rotor to be brought into contact with any one of the adjacent component parts comprising the labyrinth structure, thus damaging the spinning apparatus. To avoid such a danger, various methods using a sealing member such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 have been used extensively. These conventional sealing means merely comprise a sealing member 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, which is affixed on the body member 9 containing therein fibers delivery aperture 3, etc. and is set simply in contact with the front face 8' of another body member 8 surrounding and housing the rotor 4, furthermore said sealing member 10 usually being made of elastic form materials, thereby having various disadvantages, which are described below. The front face 8' of body member 8 adjacent to the above-mentioned rotor opening 7 is so arranged as to press against the sealing member 10 which is attached to another face 9' of the body member 9, said face 9' being located in opposed relation to said front face 8' of the body member 8, whereby a space "a" (best shown in FIG. 2) is formed between the rotor opening 7 and the face 9' located opposite thereto. This space "a", providing a space large enough for accumulation of harmful amount of minute fibers, tends to trap into this space such fiber pieces which are difficult to be caught on the collecting surface 5 of rotor 4, because said space is hardly put under the direct influence of air being discharged through air discharge aperture 3 in body member 9 into the spinning rotor 4, and therefore, the result will be dwelling of such minute fiber pieces in said space "a". To make matters worse, because the sealing member 10 made of elastic form materials has rough outer surfaces, minute fiber pieces attached to such surfaces will be extremely difficult to be detached therefrom, which will result in further promotion of dwelling or accumulation of such pieces. In this way, the space "a" has a fear of becoming a dwelling section for minute fiber pieces, or so-called fly, and furthermore with an increase of fly trapped into this space "a" the deposit of fly will be then placed under the influence of vacuum effect, which will force such fly to be drawn out of the space and be deposited or collected on the collecting surface 5 of the rotor 4 for being formed into a yarn, thereby inducing yarn breakage trouble during spinning operation and inviting degraded yarn quality which are due to ingress of such fly into the yarn to be spinned. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention intends to eliminate the afore-said disadvantages of conventional sealing devices, generally, by arranging the above-mentioned space "a" as small as possible, and more specifically, by making a provision that a member which is supported by the body member 9, at least, by means of an elastic or resilient member may be inserted into the space "a" formed between the rotor opening 7 and said body member 9 located in opposed relation thereto, thus partly filling or stuffing the space with a portion of said sealing member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a sectional plan view showing a general form of an open-end spinning apparatus, as well as a conventional rotor sealing device used on said apparatus. FIG. 2 is a section view showing the details of the rotor sealing device of FIG. 1. FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B) are sections illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) are sections illustrating another embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) are sections illustrating still another embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, firstly to FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), a rubber-made sealing member 10 is shown which is attached to the face 9' of body member 9 and is so arranged that it can extend not only outwardly over the entire front face 8' of body member 8 with which it is put in contact, but also inwardly all the way to the position of said face 9' facing the rotor opening 7. To describe this more concretely, a ring-shaped sealing member 11 is attached to the face 9' of body member 9 in such a way that the inner side of said sealing member 11 is set in snug contact with the outer peripheral side of the projection 12 which projects from the body member 9 towards the rotor 4. In so arranging, the space "a" which faces the rotor opening 7 can be stuffed with the inner side portion of the sealing member 11 to reduce the volume of the space formed there, thereby making it difficult for this space to serve as a dwelling section for minute fiber pieces or fly. For the configuration of the sealing member 11, rectangular shape in section is avoided, instead, a form similar to an inverted channel or an inverted "U", as shown in FIG. 3(A), is employed, so that when said member 11 is compressed between the body members 8 and 9 it will firstly change its original form in such a way as to fill or stuff the hollow section, as shown in FIG. 3(B), and said member 11 then deformed elastically by further compression. As a result of such a manner of deformation of the sealing member 11, the amount of the elastic deformation can be very small but enough to accomplish successful airtight sealing effect, thus making it difficult for the interference between the sealing member 11 and spinning rotor 4, which usually results from excessive deformation of the elastic sealing member and also results in serious damage of the apparatus, to take place. In addition, the rubber-made sealing member 11 can provide smooth surfaces which serve to prevent fly from being attached to such surfaces. In the second preferred embodiment represented in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), a sealing member 11 in the form of a ring is used, the inner side of which is slipped over and in snug contact with the projection 12, while the outer side of which is turned away from the face 9' of body member 9, or turned toward the front face 8' of body member 8, thus forming a cupped-shape configuration as shown in FIG. 4(A). With use of such a sealing member 11, the inner side portion of said member 11 can be inserted into the space which faces the rotor opening 7 and, therefore, the volume of the space can be minimized as clearly seen in FIG. 4(B). Compression of this sealing member 11 by the front face 8' of body member 8 will cause said sealing member to change its original cupped shape into a flattened section with the outer side portion straightened, and further compression will then cause elastic deformation of the sealing member 11. Though the use of a resilient or elastic material for the sealing member 11 is essential for accomplishing air-tight sealing performance, insertion of a member to fill or stuff the space "a" facing the rotor opening 7 does not necessarily call for the use of such material. In the above two preferred embodiments represented by FIGS. 3(A), 3(B) and FIGS. 4(A), 4(B), respectively, the resilient or elastic member itself used to serve as a sealing member 11 is inserted in such a way that it can extend as far as to the space "a"; while, FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) show somewhat different arrangement according to the third embodiment of the invention, wherein a plate, e.g. a plastic plate in the form of a ring, also serving as a sealing member 11, is slipped and fitted over the projection 12 and is attached to the face 9' of body member 9 via an elastic or resilient member 13 interposed between said face 9' and said sealing member 11. In so arranging the sealing member 11 of plastic plate, it can be pressed tightly against the front face 8' of body member 8 by the resilient reaction exerted by the resilient member 13, thereby, to ensure satisfactory sealing effect, as well as to make the space "a" facing the rotor opening 7 as small as possible. Furthermore, the plastic sealing member 11 can provide smooth surfaces to prevent harmful accumulation or dwelling of fly in the space section. Still further, should the resilient member 13 by elastically deformed to a large extent in this embodiment, the resilient member 13, of course, and the sealing member 11, as well, are kept quite free from any contact with the spinning rotor 4. The device according to the present invention as illustrated in the above embodiments, though being made of a simple structure wherein a portion of a sealing member supported by a body member which closes the rotor opening is simply inserted into the space formed between said rotor opening and said body member to reduce the volume of said space, is not only capable of improving the effect of rotor inside sealing over devices heretofore, but also, because the space can be thus reduced, it can prevent fly from dwelling in the space section which is located in opposite relation to said rotor opening and also placed where the influence of air discharging by rotation of the spinning rotor hardly acts. Therefore, disadvantages such as yarn breakage during spinning operation, degraded yarn quality, etc. which are due to "spinning" of fly can be prevented with a success.
This invention provides a rotor sealing device used on an open-end spinning apparatus having a spinning rotor which forms therein air-discharge apertures, the opening in said spinning rotor being openably closed by a body member which has a fibers delivery aperture formed therein; said rotor sealing device being characterized in that a sealing member is inserted into the space located between said rotor opening and said body member positioned in opposite relation thereto. This device, though being of such a simple construction, is capable of improving the effect of rotor inside sealing over devices heretofore.
3
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to wireless communication equipment. 2. Description of the Related Art Medium-size (e.g., 10-50 cm) radio antennas are often used for wireless communication and various broadband applications. Such an antenna may be installed outside (e.g., on the roof) of a home or commercial building. During installation, the antenna is typically aligned, e.g., by manually pointing the antenna, for optimal signal strength. The antenna is then fixed in an optimal orientation. Special equipment and a qualified technician are often needed to properly align the antenna. In addition, it is not unusual that the alignment of the antenna needs to be adjusted weeks or months after the installation. This typically occurs due to changes in the surroundings (e.g., a new building) and/or changes in the network configuration (e.g., an added or moved base station). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems in the prior art are addressed in accordance with the principles of the present invention by a system having a steerable antenna coupled to a temperature-dependent driver. The driver has a shape-memory element fabricated using a shape-memory alloy (SMA) and having the ability to change its shape as a function of temperature. The element is adapted to steer the antenna to improve signal reception and is controlled by a control circuit, which resistively heats the element while using the strength of the electrical signal generated by the antenna in response to a received radio-frequency signal as a feedback signal. The temperature of the element is adjusted to optimize the signal strength. Systems of the invention may enable customer-performed antenna alignment and are relatively simple and inexpensive to implement. According to one embodiment, the present invention is an apparatus for controlling orientation of an antenna, comprising: a shape-memory element mechanically coupled between the antenna and a mounting structure; and a control circuit electrically coupled to the shape-memory element, wherein: the control circuit is designed to control temperature of the shape-memory element; and in response to a change in the temperature, the shape-memory element changes shape, which changes the orientation of the antenna relative to the mounting structure. According to another embodiment, the present invention is a communication system, comprising: a steerable antenna; a shape-memory element mechanically coupled between the antenna and a mounting structure; and a control circuit electrically coupled to the shape-memory element, wherein: the control circuit is designed to control temperature of the shape-memory element; and in response to a change in the temperature, the shape-memory element changes shape, which changes the orientation of the antenna relative to the mounting structure. According to yet another embodiment, the present invention is a method of controlling orientation of an antenna, comprising changing temperature of a shape-memory element, wherein: the shape-memory element is mechanically coupled between the antenna and a mounting structure; and in response to a change in the temperature, the shape-memory element changes shape, which changes the orientation of the antenna relative to the mounting structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other aspects, features, and benefits of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional perspective view of a representative communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 shows an enlarged perspective view of the driver/antenna assembly used in the system of FIG. 1 ; FIGS. 3A-B schematically illustrate antenna rotation in the assembly of FIG. 2 ; FIG. 4 schematically shows a perspective view of a driver/antenna assembly that can be used in a communication system similar to the system of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. 5A-B schematically illustrate antenna rotation in the assembly of FIG. 4 ; FIG. 6 schematically shows a temperature-dependent driver that can be used in the driver/antenna assembly of FIG. 4 according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. 7A-B schematically show perspective and side views of a driver/antenna assembly that can be used in a communication system similar to the system of FIG. 1 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; and FIGS. 8-11 schematically show various shape-memory elements that can be used in the driver/antenna assembly of FIG. 7 according to certain embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Reference herein to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional perspective view of a representative communication system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. System 100 includes a steerable antenna 102 rotatably mounted on a frame 104 and connected to a signal processor (e.g., a local area network transceiver, not shown) by a cable 110 . Antenna 102 is coupled to a temperature-dependent driver 106 , which is configured to rotate the antenna about a vertical axis as indicated by the double-headed arrow in FIG. 1 . The angle of rotation (i.e., the azimuth angle) is determined by the temperature of a shape-memory element 108 in driver 106 , the principle of operation of which will be described in more detail below. The temperature of shape-memory element 108 is controlled by a control circuit 114 , which resistively heats the element by passing current through it while using the strength of the signal received from antenna 102 as a feedback signal. Circuit 114 is designed to control the azimuth angle of antenna 102 to increase the signal strength by adjusting the current passing through element 108 . FIG. 2 shows an enlarged perspective view of the driver/antenna ( 106 / 102 ) assembly in system 100 of FIG. 1 . Driver 106 is configured to rotate antenna 102 about axis AB and includes shape-memory element 108 , a bias spring 218 , and a pivot 220 . Shape-memory element 108 is a twisting strip-element connected between frame 104 ( FIG. 1 ) and antenna 102 . Bias spring 218 is a helical spring connected between pivot 220 (which is rigidly connected to frame 104 ) and antenna 102 and configured to oppose the shape-restoring force generated by shape-memory element 108 . As a result, antenna 102 adopts an orientation in which the forces generated by element 108 and spring 218 compensate each other. In one embodiment, driver 106 includes an orientation-locking mechanism (not shown), e.g., a friction lock, that can be engaged to lock antenna 102 in position, e.g., to fix the antenna at a present azimuth angle. Control circuit 114 may include appropriate circuitry for controlling (i.e., engaging/disengaging) the orientation-locking mechanism. In one embodiment, shape-memory element 108 is fabricated using a shape-memory alloy (SMA), e.g., a nickel titanium alloy, available from Shape Memory Applications, Inc., of San Jose, Calif. SMA alloys belong to a group of materials characterized by the ability to return to a predetermined shape when heated. This ability is usually referred to as a shape-memory effect. The shape-memory effect occurs due to a phase transition in the SMA alloy between a weaker low-temperature (Martensite) phase and a stronger high-temperature (Austenite) phase. When an SMA alloy is in its Martensite phase, it is relatively easily deformed into a new shape. However, when the alloy is heated and transformed into its Austenite phase, it recovers its initial shape with relatively great force. The Martensite/Austenite phase transition occurs over a temperature range, within which the two phases coexist. Within this transition temperature range, the phase ratio and therefore the shape-restoring force generated by a shape-memory element are functions of temperature. In addition, the Martensite/Austenite phase transition exhibits a hysteresis, that is, the phase ratio and the force are functions of the transition direction, i.e., Martensite to Austenite or Austenite to Martensite. The upper and lower temperature bounds of the transition temperature range can themselves depend on the transition direction. For example, a first set of temperature bounds may characterize the Martensite-to-Austenite transition while a second set of temperature bounds, different from the first set, characterizes the Austenite-to-Martensite transition. The upper and lower temperature bounds can be selected during manufacture of the SMA alloy, e.g., based on the SMA composition and/or special heat treatment. In one implementation, shape-memory element 108 is fabricated using an SMA alloy having the transition temperature range of 95° C. to 100° C. In another implementation, element 108 is fabricated such that the corresponding transition temperature range is separated from the highest expected environment temperature for element 108 by about 10 degrees. FIGS. 3A-B schematically illustrate rotation of antenna 102 by driver 106 in system 100 . More specifically, FIGS. 3A-B show positions of antenna 102 , when shape-memory element 108 is at temperatures below and above, respectively, the SMA transition temperature range. Shape-memory element 108 is fabricated such that it has a twisted-strip shape in its high-temperature (Austenite) phase. When the temperature of shape-memory element 108 is lowered, e.g., below the lower transition temperature bound, shape-memory element 108 is untwisted by the action of bias spring 218 as illustrated in FIG. 3A , which rotates antenna 102 clockwise as viewed from the top of FIG. 3 A. Similarly, when the temperature of shape-memory element 108 is elevated, e.g., above the upper transition temperature bound, element 108 overcomes the force of bias spring 218 to return to its original twisted shape as illustrated by FIG. 3B , which rotates antenna 102 counterclockwise as viewed from the top of FIG. 3 B. Intermediate rotation angles (e.g., between the angles shown in FIGS. 3A-B ) can be obtained by appropriately selecting the temperature of shape-memory element 108 . The following describes a representative alignment procedure for antenna 102 ( FIGS. 1-3 ) according to one embodiment of the present invention. When shape-memory element 108 is at a temperature below the SMA transition temperature range (e.g., ambient temperature) and the orientation-locking mechanism (not shown) is disengaged, the action of bias spring 218 deforms shape-memory element 108 and moves antenna 102 into a first terminal position, e.g., shown in FIG. 3 A. Next, control circuit 114 is turned on and begins to pass current through and increase the temperature of shape-memory element 108 . When the temperature reaches the lower transition temperature bound, shape-memory element 108 begins to recover its original shape and thereby rotate antenna 102 toward a second terminal position, e.g., shown in FIG. 3B , which position corresponds to the original shape of shape-memory element 108 . In a preferred implementation, the second terminal position corresponds to a 360° turn of antenna 102 with respect to the first terminal position. During the rotation, control circuit 114 monitors the signal strength from antenna 102 and adjusts the temperature of shape-memory element 108 accordingly to find an azimuth angle corresponding to optimal signal reception. Control circuit 114 is preferably designed to implement one or more side-lobe avoiding techniques, as known in the art, to ascertain that antenna 102 is steered into an orientation corresponding to the main lobe and not to a side lobe. When an optimal azimuth angle is found, control circuit 114 engages the orientation-locking mechanism to fix that azimuth angle for antenna 102 , after which control circuit 114 may be turned off until the antenna needs to be realigned. FIG. 4 schematically shows a perspective view of a driver/antenna assembly 400 that can be used in a communication system similar to system 100 of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Assembly 400 includes a steerable antenna 402 mounted on two pivots 420 a-b . Antenna 402 is coupled to a temperature-dependent driver 406 configured to rotate the antenna about the axis defined by pivots 420 a-b . Driver 406 includes a shape-memory coil-element 408 and a bias coil-spring 418 . Each of element 408 and spring 418 is connected between antenna 402 and a housing (not shown) such that the shape-restoring force generated by element 408 opposes the spring force generated by spring 418 . Similar to shape-memory element 108 (FIGS. 1 - 3 ), shape-memory element 408 is fabricated using an SMA alloy and can be resistively heated, e.g., using a control circuit similar to circuit 114 of system 100 . FIGS. 5A-B schematically illustrate rotation of antenna 402 using driver 406 in assembly 400 . More specifically, FIGS. 5A-B show positions of antenna 402 , when shape-memory element 408 is at temperatures below and above, respectively, the SMA transition-temperature range. Shape-memory element 408 is fabricated such that it has a tightly coiled shape in the high-temperature (Austenite) phase. At a low temperature illustrated by FIG. 5A , shape-memory element 408 is deformed into a loosely coiled shape by the action of bias spring 418 . However, as the temperature of shape-memory element 408 is elevated, element 408 begins to recover the original tightly coiled shape due to the above-described shape-memory effect. As a result, antenna 402 will rotate counterclockwise as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 5 B. Antenna 402 will return to the position shown in FIG. 5A when the temperature is lowered. FIG. 6 schematically shows a temperature-dependent driver 606 that can be used in driver/antenna assembly 400 of FIG. 4 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Driver 606 is similar to driver 406 except that, instead of coil spring 418 of driver 406 , driver 606 has a U-shaped strip spring 618 . As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, in different embodiments, differently shaped and configured shape-memory elements and/or bias springs can be used. FIGS. 7A-B schematically show a driver/antenna assembly 700 that can be used in a communication system similar to system 100 of FIG. 1 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of assembly 700 , and FIG. 7B shows a side view of that assembly. Assembly 700 is designed to provide a capability to adjust both the azimuth angle and the tilt angle of a steerable antenna 702 . Antenna 702 is mounted on a movable support plate 704 , which is coupled to a first temperature-dependent driver 706 . Driver 706 has a shape-memory element 708 and a bias spring 718 and is similar to driver 106 of FIGS. 1-3 . A second temperature-dependent driver 726 is coupled between support plate 704 and antenna 702 . Driver 726 has a shape-memory element 728 and a bias spring 738 and is similar to driver 606 of FIG. 6 . Driver 706 is configured to rotate support plate 704 (and therefore antenna 702 ) about axis AB as indicated in FIG. 7 A. Similarly, driver 726 is configured to rotate antenna 702 with respect to support plate 704 about axis CD. Therefore, by independently controlling the temperatures of shape-memory elements 708 and 728 , one can adjust both azimuth and tilt angles of antenna 702 . In one configuration, elements 708 and 728 are controlled by a control circuit analogous to control circuit 114 of FIG. 1 . FIG. 8 schematically shows a sectional shape-memory element 808 that can be used as element 708 in antenna assembly 700 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Sectional shape-memory element 808 is a twisting strip-element comprising n sections 810 - 1 - 810 -n. Each section 810 has a specific SMA composition and therefore specific properties such as, for example, the transition temperature range and value of spring constant. By appropriately choosing the SMA composition for each segment, shape-memory element 808 can be designed to have a linear temperature-force or current-force behavior. In addition or alternatively, element 808 may be designed to exhibit reduced hysteresis. Element 808 can be fabricated, for example, by mechanically fastening segments 810 together or by a controlled alloying process. FIGS. 9-11 schematically show various shape-memory elements, each of which can be used in antenna assemblies (e.g., assembly 700 ) according to certain embodiments of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 9 shows a multi-strip (two or more) shape-memory element 908 . Illustratively, element 908 is shown as comprising three twisting strip-elements 910 - 1 , 910 - 2 , and 910 - 3 bundled together. Each element 910 is similar to shape-memory element 108 (FIGS. 1 - 3 ). However, different elements 910 can have different SMA compositions and mechanical properties. FIG. 10 shows a sectional shape-memory coil-element 1008 comprising four coil sections 1010 - 1 - 1010 - 4 , each having a different SMA composition and mechanical properties. FIG. 11 shows a multi-coil shape-memory element 1108 illustratively comprising two shape-memory coil-elements 1110 - 1 and 1110 - 2 , one inside the other and each having a different SMA composition and mechanical properties. Different modes of operation may be implemented for communication systems employing driver/antenna assemblies of the present invention. For example, system 100 of FIG. 1 can be configured to operate in a continuous feedback mode, during which the azimuth angle of antenna 102 is continuously adjusted in real time to maintain optimal signal strength. This mode may be useful, for example, when antenna 102 is employed for communication with a mobile station. Depending on the location of (direction to) the mobile station, system 100 dynamically adjusts the azimuth angle of antenna 102 for optimal signal reception. Alternatively, system 100 can be configured to operate in an open-loop mode, during which control circuit 114 steers antenna 102 independent of the received signal strength. This feature may be useful, for example, if it is desired to reduce the number of remote stations accessing a particular base station that is over capacity by temporarily diverting part of the communication traffic to a different base station. In one embodiment, a temperature-dependent driver of the present invention is configured with an element similar to one of elements 808 , 908 , 1008 , and 1108 , which element is designed to have a substantially linear dependence of the shape-restoring force on the current passing through the element within specified current and ambient temperature ranges. As a result, the angle of rotation of the corresponding steerable antenna becomes a linear function of the current. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, this linearity significantly simplifies the circuitry for the corresponding control circuit (analogous to control circuit 114 of system 100 ), e.g., for implementing the above-mentioned open-loop mode. In addition, orientation of the antenna coupled to such a linear shape-memory element can be determined (monitored) very straightforwardly by observing the current. In another embodiment, a temperature-dependent driver of the present invention is configured with a two-state shape-memory element. As known in the art, material (typically an SMA alloy) of the two-state shape-memory element is formulated and treated to “remember” two different shapes (states), a low-temperature shape and a high-temperature shape. As a result, the two-state shape-memory element adopts the low-temperature shape upon cooling and the high-temperature shape upon heating, thereby providing a bi-directional actuator even without the use of a bias spring. Consequently, in a temperature-dependent driver having a two-state shape-memory element, a bias spring is optional. While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Differently shaped and configured shape-memory elements and/or bias springs can be used without departing from the principle of the invention. In certain embodiments, instead of a bias spring, a second, separately controlled shape-memory element can be used, e.g., spring 418 of FIG. 4 may be a second shape-memory element, where the memorized shape of shape-memory element 418 corresponds to the antenna orientation shown in FIG. 5 A. In operation, only one of the shape memory elements might be heated at a time. Although the present invention was described in reference to shape-memory elements fabricated using SMA alloys, different shape-memory materials, e.g., shape-memory polymers may also be used. A different heater may be used for temperature regulation of a shape-memory element in addition to or instead of resistive heating. A control circuit analogous to control circuit 114 may be implemented in an integrated circuit and combined with an antenna package, e.g., mounted on support plate 704 or included into antenna 702 . Various modifications of the described embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, which are apparent to persons skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to lie within the principle and scope of the invention as expressed in the following claims.
A system having a steerable antenna coupled to a temperature-dependent driver. The driver has a shape-memory element fabricated using a shape-memory alloy (SMA) and having the ability to change its shape as a function of temperature. The element is adapted to steer the antenna to improve signal reception and is controlled by a control circuit, which resistively heats the element while using the strength of the electrical signal generated by the antenna in response to a received radio-frequency signal as a feedback signal. The temperature of the element is adjusted to optimize the signal strength. Systems of the invention may enable customer-performed antenna alignment and are relatively simple and inexpensive to implement.
7
TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention is directed to a mechanism which facilitates the propelling of a wheelchair up an incline or ramp. When a wheelchair occupant propels a wheelchair up a ramp there is a tendency of the wheelchair to roll back down the ramp each time the occupant releases the handwheels attached to the main wheels. The present invention relates to a mechanism which can be selectively operated by a wheelchair occupant to insure that the wheelchair will not roll backwards when on an upsloping ramp. The mechanism of the subject invention is such that the wheelchair occupant can release both hands from the driving wheels without any concern that the wheelchair will roll backward down an incline or ramp structure. It is a particular object of the present invention to provide a greatly simplified anti-roll back mechanism which can either be incorporated in a new wheelchair or easily added to an existing wheelchair. BACKGROUND ART The problem of preventing the undesired rolling movement of a wheelchair has been previously addressed as is illustrated in the following U.S. patents: ______________________________________ 3,104,112 Crail 3,191,953 Aysta 3,226,129 McKinley 3,227,465 Massie 4,045,047 Buckley 4,453,729 Lucken______________________________________ While all of the foregoing patents deal with the problem of undesired or uncontrolled movement of a wheelchair, they tend to be difficult or awkward to operate, are part of other wheelchair operating mechanisms and are, therefore, either complicated or difficult to install in a conventional wheelchair. Applicant has focused on the concept of a simply installed and easily operated mechanism for incorporation in standard type wheelchairs as they exist today. In addition to being simple and therefore easily installed, the mechanism of the present invention is also designed in such a way as to be conveniently and quickly operable by the wheelchair applicant. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to wheelchairs of the type which include a pair of large driving wheels secured to the side frames of a wheelchair and a pair of smaller non-driving wheels also mounted on the side frames forwardly of the main driving wheels. The wheelchair frame also includes a seat portion disposed between the side frames and a back supporting portion also disposed between said side frames. The side frames also include arm rests disposed above the driving wheels as well as a pair of foot supports to enable the occupant's feet to be supported forwardly of the two smaller stabilizing wheels. The conventional wheelchair includes a pair of hand propelling rims respectively fixed to each of the driving wheels and mounted in an outwardly spaced relationship thereto to enable the occupant to grasp the rim and propel the wheelchair either forwardly or rearwardly. Today it is common, indeed frequently required by law, that public buildings include ramp structures as an alternative to stairs for wheelchair confined individuals. In addition and as shown in my U.S. Pat. No. 4,131,209, buses are now available with ramp structures to facilitate boarding by passengers in wheelchairs. The problem encountered by an occupant in propelling a wheelchair up an incline or ramp is the tendency of the wheelchair to roll back down the ramp when the driving wheel is released by the occupant. Even if only one of the driving wheels is released while the other is firmly held by the occupant, the wheelchair still tends to rotate backwardly about the wheel that is being held. The problem is currently alleviated by most wheelchair occupants by either having someone assist them up the ramp or in propelling themselves by making a series of very quick grasps and releases of the wheel driving rims which can result in very erratic and occupant tiring movement up the ramp or incline structure. While this problem of unwanted rolling movement of a wheelchair has been recognized, as illustrated in the aforementioned United States patents, no practical and simply installed anti-rolling mechanism is presently available to wheelchair operators. The overwhelming type of wheelchairs in use today is propelled by the wheelchair occupant in grasping and releasing hand rims attached to the driving wheels which are usually simultaneously grasped to impart a rotation to the driving wheels, released to reposition the occupant's hands and again grasped to continue the rotational action. It is the operation of this type of wheelchair which applicant seeks to improve through the addition of an anti-rolling mechanism. Applicant had two basic objectives in designing his mechanism. First, the anti-roll mechanism must be simply and easily adapted to both new and old wheelchairs. Second, the anti-roll mechanism must be easily actuated from a location where the occupant would normally find or position his hands. It is most important to note that no modification of the basic wheelchair structure is necessary to incorporate the subject anti-roll mechanism. The anti-roll mechanism may be provided as a kit and installed either on a new wheelchair at the factory, the selling dealers or installed in an already existing wheelchair. The anti-roll mechanism of the subject invention includes a pair of identical devices located in conjunction with each driving wheel. Accordingly, only one of such devices will be described in detail. Each device includes a slotted plate member adapted to be disposed over the wheel hub adjacent the inner set of wheel spokes. A ratchet gear member is mounted inboard of the wheel and between the wheel and the adjacent side frame so that both the plate and the gear are concentrically disposed about the wheel axis. The plate and gear are secured together through suitable bolt means thereby clamping the gear and plate to an inner wheel spoke flange. A pawl member is pivotally supported to the wheelchair side frame in alignment with the ratchet gear member. The gear member and pawl are so constructed that when the pawl is moved into engagement with the gear, the associated wheel cannot move in a rearward direction. A pawl operating handle is mounted forwardly of the arm rest so as to be easily reached and actuated by the wheelchair occupant. A motion transmitting device, such as a flexible cable, interconnects the pawl operating handle and the pawl whereby the occupant can selectively move the pawl into or out of engagement with the ratchet gear. As with normal pawl and ratchet mechanisms, even when the occupant operates the pawl controlling lever to its anti-rearwardly rolling position, the occupant can propel wheels in a forwardly direction in which case the pawl will simply ratchet or cam over each gear tooth as the wheel is moving in a forwardly direction while engaging the tooth to prevent rearward rotation of the wheel. The details of the invention will be clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof which is shown in the drawings wherein: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wheelchair incorporating the subject invention. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the details of the anti-roll mechanism including the pawl being shown both in a disengaged as well as an engaged position with respect to the driving wheel mounted ratchet gear. FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the wheel mounted portions of the anti-roll mechanism. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view through the wheel taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 4. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Except for the anti-roll mechanism which constitutes the subject of the present invention, a conventional wheelchair (10) is shown in FIG. 1. The wheelchair illustrated is of the collapsible type for easy storage or transportation and includes a pair of side frames indicated generally at (12). In as much as the side frames are of identical design only one will be described in detail. The corresponding elements of the other side frame will be indicated with prime numbers. Side frame (12) includes a first element (16) to which one end of a flexible seat member (18) is secured. Element (16) is secured at its rearward end to a generally vertically or upwardly extending element (20) the upper end of which extends rearwardly to provide a handle (22) to enable the wheelchair to be pushed by a second party. The side frame also includes an inverted U-shaped element (24) upon the upper portion (26) of which is mounted an armrest (28). A flexible back supporting element (30) is disposed between the generally vertically extending side frame elements (20). Elements (20) also extend downwardly and includes an axle (32) outwardly cantilevered therefrom and upon which driving wheel (34) is rotatably supported. Side frame (12) also includes a forwardly and downwardly extending element (36) to the lower end of which is supported a small guide wheel (38) which is freely rotatable about vertical and horizontal axes. Driving wheel (34) includes a hand ring (40) fixedly mounted thereto and laterally spaced outboard of the wheel. Ring (40) is used by the wheelchair occupant to propel the wheelchair forwardly or rearwardly. As best seen in FIG. 5, wheel (34) includes a hub (42) having a pair of laterally spaced hub flanges (44) and (46). Each wheel (34) includes inner and outer sets of spokes (48) and (50) respectively secured at their inner ends to hub flanges (44) and (46) and at their outer ends to the wheel rim (52). ANTI-ROLL MECHANISM An anti-rearward rolling mechanism is provided for each wheel and is indicated generally at (56). Mechanism (56) includes a plate (58) having a radial slot (60) adapted to slide over wheel hub (42). As best seen in FIG. 5, plate (58) is adapted to abut against inner hub flange (44) and the inner set of spokes (48). A ratchet gear element (62) is coaxially mounted on wheel axle (32) inboard of wheel (34). Ratchet gear element (62) includes flat radial spoke members (64) also adapted to abut against inner hub flange (44). A plurality of bolt members (66) extend through suitable openings in plate member (58) and ratchet gear element spokes (64) and are engaged by suitable nut members (68) to secure the plate and ratchet gear element together and in abutting relationship with inner hub flange (44). A pawl device is indicated generally at (70) and includes a bracket member (72) clampingly engaged to vertically extending side frame member (20) and vertically disposed above the ratchet gear element (62). A pawl element (74) includes first and second outwardly projecting arms (76) and (78). Arm (76) is pivotally secured to bracket (72) such that a pawl element tooth (80) may be moved into and out of engagement with the teeth (82) of ratchet gear element (62). As indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3, pall arm (78) is disposed generally normal to pawl arm (76) and is connected at its upper end to an actuating cable member (84). A pair of clamping screw elements (86) secures operating cable (84) to pawl arm (78). Cable (84) is slidably disposed in a suitable flexible casing (86). The inner most end of casing (86) is suitably secured to side frame element (20). A pawl or detent operating mechanism is indicated generally at (88) and is suitably mounted on side frame member (36) forwardly of arm rest (28) and within easy reach of the wheelchair occupant's hands. The pawl operating mechanism includes a bracket (90) clamped or otherwise suitably secured to side frame member (36). The forward end of flexible casing (86) is fixed to bracket (90). A lever (92) is pivotally secured to bracket (90) through a suitable pin member (94). Lever (92) includes an offset portion (96) to which the forward end of the flexible cable (84) is secured through a clamping device (98). With lever (92) in its upward position, as shown in FIG. 2, flexible cable (84) is moved forwardly to rotate the pawl element (74) in a counterclockwise direction away from ratchet gear element teeth (82). In this position the wheelchair may be freely propelled forwardly or rearwardly. In the event the wheelchair occupant wishes to prevent the wheelchair from moving in a rearwardly direction, as when being propelled up a ramp or incline surface, lever (92) is moved to its downward position, shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2, to rotate the pawl element tooth (80) into meshing engagement with the ratchet gear element as shown in FIG. 3. In this position, the wheelchair may be propelled forwardly and in which case the rearwardly sloping teeth (82) of the ratchet gear element will cause the forwardly sloping tooth (80) of the pawl element to be cammed in a counterclockwise direction and out of engagement with the rearwardly adjacent tooth. This counterclockwise or ratcheting movement of pawl element (74) during the forward movement of the wheelchair will not cause lever (92) to be moved from its downward position to its upward position, rather, such ratcheting movement of the pawl element will simply cause flexible cable (84) and casing (86) to bow between its respective ends. Such bowing of the casing and cable is indicated by the dash lines in FIG. 2. While the wheelchair may be propelled forwardly with lever (92) in its downward position, the pawl element tooth engagement with the flat backsides of the ratchet gear element teeth (82) prevents any rearward movement of the wheelchair. Thus, the wheelchair occupant can release both hands from the hand rings (40) and the wheelchair will automatically hold its position on an incline or ramp. This operation then enables the wheelchair occupant to easily and leisurely reposition his or her hands on the wheel driving rings to continue the forward propelling movement of the wheels up the ramp or incline. It is to be understood that both operating levers (92--92') on either side of the wheelchair side frames should be operated in unison for the normal operation of the wheelchair. In other words, if only one of the operating levers was moved to its downward or anti-rolling position, while the other lever remained in its upward or disengaged position, the disengaged wheel would roll backwardly causing the wheelchair to pivot about the locked wheel. It is to be understood that other variations of the subject invention are possible within the scope of the hereinafter appended claims.
The invention relates to a mechanism which can be selectively operated by a wheelchair occupant to insure that the wheelchair will not roll backwards when on an upsloping ramp when the occupant releases both hands from the driving wheels and which mechanism can either be incorporated in a new wheelchair or easily added to an existing wheelchair.
0
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a metallic sheath used for prestressed concrete structures, and more specifically, to a metallic sheath for a posttensioning method, which is provided with a means for decreasing frictional resistance between a tendon and a metallic sheath when the tendon is subjected to a tensioning operation. Generally, when a prestressed concrete structure is executed by a posttensioning method, metallic sheathes are normally used because a tendon is arranged. The metallic sheath has a function as a cover for the tendon so that the tendon is insulated from concrete. After the concrete is cured the tendon is tensioned. The metallic sheath allow the tendon to be arranged smoothly, and have strength enough to withstand a collapse thereof or formation of holes therein when the concrete is placed. Frictional resistance resistance must be small when the arranged tendon is prestressed. In particular, the frictional resistance between the tendon and the metallic sheath, when the tendon is prestressed, ought to be zero unless both the metallic sheath and tendon are arranged in straight and come into contact each other. However, if it is difficult to arrange the tendon and metallic sheath, and in actual practice they have a slight wave or bend, thus producing an unavoidable frictional resistance therebetween. Moreover, when the metallic sheath and tendon are arranged in a curved fashion, a frictional resistance proportional to the bend-up angle is applied thereto, resulting in a greater frictional resistance therebetween. Furthermore, if the internal peripheral surfaces of the metallic sheath and/or tendon are rusted, a greater frictional resistance therebetween results. Since the frictional resistance produced when the tendon is prestressed appears as a frictional loss in the prestressing force introduced into the tendon, when a predetermined prestress (which is a prestress contemplated in design) is introduced into a concrete structure, the frictional resistance influences thereon as a decrease in said introduced prestressing force. That is, if the frictional resistance is small, a difference between the prestressing force at the end of the tendon and the prestressing force introduced into the tendon decreases, whereby a predetermined prestress may be provided. Conversely, if the frictional force is great, the difference between the prestressing force at the end of the tendon and the prestressing force introduced into the tendon increases, whereby the prestressing force at the end of the tendon must be made greater to provide a predetermined prestress. Decreasing the frictional resistance is very important as the following effects are caused: (1) the prestressing force effective to the tendon may be introduced over the full length thereof, (2) the number of tendons used may be reduced, (3) the diameter of the tendons used may be reduced, and (4) the limit in length over which the prestressing force is effective to the tendon may be extended. In view of the foregoing, means for reducing the frictional resistance (for example, water-soluble oil or soapy water is poured into the sheath, and the like) have been heretofore proposed. However, the previously used methods suffer from various disadvantages. The effect of lowering friction is small (in case of water-soluble oil, the coefficient of friction is 0.29), and is immediately lost. Moreover, the characteristics of the metallic sheath itself (flexibility, hardness or the like) are impaired, and the work required is time consuming. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION From the results of various studies, the present invention has been developed. In a prestressed concrete structure executed by a posttensioning method, a solid lubricating coating such as polytetrafluoroethylene is applied to an inner peripheral surface of a metallic sheath in sliding contact with a tendon when the tendon is prestressed, whereby a frictional resistance produced between the tendon and the metallic sheath may be materially decreased to minimize the difference between a prestressing force at the end of the tendon and a prestressing force introduced into the tendon. That is, the present invention provides a metallic sheath for a posttensioning method wherein a solid lubricating coating including polytetrafluoroethylene resin is applied to an inner peripheral surface in sliding contact with the tendon when the latter is prestressed. The aforesaid solid lubricating coating is applied in the form of a thin film between the metallic sheath and the tendon inserted into said metallic sheath to decrease the frictional resistance produced therebetween when the tendon is prestressed. In the present invention, the solid lubricating coating applied in the form of a thin film to the inner peripheral surface of the metallic sheath, said coating comprising a mixture of polytetrafluoroethylene resin (hereinafter referred to as PTFE) and soft metal and (or) metal sulfide, greatly decreasing the frictional resistance therebetween when the tendon is prestressed. The simplest method employed for applying the solid lubricating coating in the form of a thin film to the inner peripheral surface of the metallic sheath comprises adding a binder to PTFE or a mixture of PTFE and soft metal and (or) metal sulfide, suspending the same into a volatile solvent to make a suspension, and applying said suspension in a spray system. The metallic sheath for posttensioning in accordance with the present invention has various excellent effects as follows: (1) In accordance with the present metallic sheath, the sliding frictional resistance produced between the metallic sheath and the tendon when the latter is subjected to a tensioning operation may be decreased considerably to an extent not expected with previously used methods. (2) In accordance with the present metallic sheath, the prestressing force introduced into the structure is hardly lowered, and the prestressing force is introduced substantially uniformly. In addition, the longer the length of the tendon, the more this tendency is conspicuous. (3) In accordance with the present metallic sheath, as the solid lubricating coating applied to the inner peripheral surface is extremely thin, the flexibility of the metallic sheath itself is not impaired. The coating has good contact properties and is difficult to peel off, and therefore, the metallic sheath can be coated by a coating having good coating characteristics. (4) The solid lubricating coating for the present metallic sheath has the rust-proofing effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood from the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawing in which like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts and wherein: The single FIGURE is a partly longitudinal section view of a testing device for measuring the coefficient of friction of a metallic sheath, showing an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION PTFE which forms a solid lubricating coating must be a fine powder as fine as possible, with an average grain size of which is preferably smaller than 5 microns. In particular good fine powder products are Fluon (name of goods) of ICI in England, or Hostaflon (name of goods) of Hoechst in West Germany. These PTFE fine powders have an apparent density of 0.3-0.5 gr/cm 3 , a specific gravity of 2.10-2.29 and a dry coefficient of friction of 0.02-0.10. They have some of the flocculating properties of powder which are manifested in said powder and can be dispersed well in a dispersant medium, unlike general PTFE powder. This PTFE may be used independently or as a mixture to be described. Soft metals which may be used include lead (Pb), tin (Sn), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd). One or two or more may be mixed with said PTFE. Metal sulfides which may be used include molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) and tungsten disulfide (WS 2 ). One or both may be mixed with said PTFE or PTFE and soft metal. The aforesaid soft metal and metal sulfide must be a fine powder as fine as possible as must be the PTFE. The soft metal preferably comprises a fine powder which passes through approximately 250 mesh, and the metal sulfide preferably comprises a fine powder having an average grain size of approximately 5-8 microns. These soft metal and metal sulfide may be individually or simultaneously mixed with PTFE and are coated on the contact portion between the tendon and metallic sheath. The soft metal and metal sulfide have an extremely great rupture strength and being present on the sliding contact surface they prevent direct contact between metals. The soft metal and metal sulfide also serve as a carrier for holding the PTFE fine powder on the frictional sliding contact surface to render the low coefficient of friction of PTFE more effective. PTFE and soft metal and/or metal sulfide exhibit a geometrical effect, and it has been found by experiment that the ratio of amounts used may be determined approximately by using the equalized amount in capacity ratio as a standard. The aforementioned binder of a mixture of PTFE or PTFE and soft metal and/or metal sulfide includes alkyd resin, particularly, Styresol (name of the goods) of Dai Nippon Ink & Chemical Inc., which is a styrenated alkyd in which styrene is grafted into an unsaturated group of said alkyd. This material is quick-drying and has a high adhesive ability, and in use, it can be dried at normal temperature or can be printed. Solvents for said styrenated alkyd normally include xylene, or mineral turpentine, however xylene, dichloroethane, trichloroethylene, trichloroethane or a mixture of these are preferred. The compounding ratio in volume (VOL%) of components except solvent is (1) 50-70% of PTFE fine powder and 30-50% of styrenated alkyd, and (2) 20-60% of PTFE fine powder, 10-50% of soft metal and/or metal sulfide and 30-70% of styrenated alkyd. It has been determined by experiments that said materials are preferably added to the solvent and agitated and mixed, and then applied as a coating of 20-100 microns thickness to the inner peripheral surface of a metallic sheath by a spray system. This provides good contact with the inner peripheral surface of the metallic sheath and decreases the frictional resistance between the metallic sheath and tendon. The present invention will be further illustrated by certain examples and references which are provided for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the present invention. EXAMPLE I PTFE fine powder (Hoechst: Hostaflon NLP29F) having an apparent density of 0.3-0.5 gr/cm 3 (true specific gravity: 2.25-2.29) and an average grain size of 5 microns or less is added to and agitated in a styrenated alkyd--trichloroethane solution, which is then applied uniformly in the form of a solid lubricating coating of 20 microns thickness to the inner peripheral surface of the metallic sheath by the spray system. EXAMPLE II PTFE fine powder similar to Example I and soft metal which passes through 250 meshes are added to and agitated in a styrenated alkyd--trichloroethane solution, which is then applied uniformly in the form of a solid lubricating coating of 20 microns thickness to the inner peripheral surface of the metallic sheath by the spray system in a manner similar to that of Example I. EXAMPLE III PTFE fine powder similar to Example I and metal sulfide of average grain size 5-8 microns are added to and agitated in a styrenated alkyd--trichloroethane solution, which is then applied uniformly in the form of a solid lubricating coating of 20 microns thickness to the inner peripheral surface of the metallic sheath by the spray system in a manner similar to that of Example I. EXAMPLE IV PTFE fine powder, soft metal and metal sulfide similar to Example I, Example II and Example III are added to and agitated in a styrenated alkyd--trichloroethane solution, which is then applied uniformly in the form of a solid lubricating coating of 20 microns thickness to the inner peripheral surface of the metallic sheath by the spray system in a manner similar to that of Example I. One illustration of the components except solvent of the solid lubricating coatings obtained by the aforementioned Examples is provided in Table 1. TABLE 1______________________________________ (Volume %) Component composition Metal Soft Metal Sulfide StyrenateExample PTFE Pb Sn Zn Cd MoS.sub.2 WS.sub.2 alkyd______________________________________I 1 50 -- -- -- -- -- -- 50 2 70 -- -- -- -- -- -- 30II 1 40 30 -- -- -- -- -- 30 2 40 20 -- 10 -- -- -- 30 3 40 -- 15 -- 15 -- -- 30 4 30 40 -- -- -- -- -- 30III 1 40 -- -- -- -- 30 -- 30 2 40 -- -- -- -- -- 30 30 3 40 -- -- -- -- 15 15 30 4 30 -- -- -- -- 40 -- 30IV 1 40 15 -- -- -- 15 -- 30 2 30 20 -- -- -- 20 -- 30 3 15 -- -- -- -- -- 15 30 4 30 20 -- -- -- -- 20 30______________________________________ The testing method used to measure the frictional resistance between the metallic sheath having the inner peripheral surface coated with the solid lubricating coating having the aforementioned composition of components and the tendon inserted into said metallic sheath, and the results thereby obtained will now be described. SAMPLES USED 1. A spiral Sheath (Kogen Kizai: name of goods) having an inside diameter of 35 mm and a wall thickness 0.23 mm was used, as the metallic sheat, and a solid lubricating coating of 20 microns thickness having the composition of components in said Example I--1, Example II--1, Example II--4, Example III--1, Example III--3, Example IV--1, and Example IV--4 was applied to the inner peripheral surface of said metallic sheath. 2. A tendon twisted wire consisting of 19 wires having a diameter 21.8 mm was used as the tendon. TESTING METHOD A testing apparatus as shown in the single FIGURE was used to conduct the testing method. A sheath 1 of length 10 cm was prepared and divided into two sections in a longitudinal direction, which were arranged in steel mold frames 2, 2, respectively. Thereafter, concrete 3, 3 was poured into said mold frames 2, 2 to secure the sheathes 1, 1 to said mold frames 2, 2. The steel mold frames 2, 2 having the sheathes 1, 1 secured thereto were opposed to each other and secured to upper board 4 and lower board 5 of an Amsler universal testing machine, and a tendon twisted wire 7 having a fixture 6 fastened to an end thereof was inserted between said sheathes 1 and 1 with the tendon twisted wire 7 held between the sheathes 1 and 1. Fitted and arranged on the tendon twisted wire 7 and projected from the steel mold frames 2, 2 were a load cell 8 in abutment with the ends of the mold frames 2, 2 and a jack 9 between the load cell 8 and the fixture 6 of the tendon twisted wire 7. A cylinder 10 of the jack 9 is brought into abutment with the fixture 6. With this arrangement, perpendicular loads P (1300 kg) were loaded on the sheathes 1, 1 and the steel tendon twisted wire 7 held between said sheathes and thereafter the jack 9 was actuated to press the fixture 6 by the cylinder 10 of the jack 9 and a horizontal force F was loaded on the steel tendon twisted wire 7. This horizontal force F was turned into a sliding frictional resistance between the steel tendon twisted wire 7 and the inner peripheral surfaces of the sheathes 1, 1 with respect to the perpendicular load P, which resistance was detected by the load cell 8 and recorded in a recorder, and the coefficient of friction between the sheathes and the tendon twisted wire was obtained from said resistance and perpendicular load. It was noted that the perpendicular load P (1300 kg) was such that the bending radius of steel material in case the tendon is arranged in a curved fashion must be more than 100 times that of the inside diameter of the sheath. Such a bending radius could also be determined from the allowable tensile stress of the tendon used for testing. The sheath was arranged in a curved fashion with the radius of curvature being 100 times (3500 mm) the inside diameter 35 mm of the sheath used for testing. The 19-wire tendon twisted wire of diameter 21.8 mm was inserted into the sheath. Then, the perpendicular load per unit length of the sheath produced when the tendon twisted wire was tensioned by the allowable tensile stress 45450 kg was obtained from theoretical calculation. The coefficient of friction between the sheath and the tendon twisted wire obtained by the aforesaid testing method is given by Table 2. TABLE 2______________________________________ Perpendicular load kgSample 1.300______________________________________Examples I-1 0.14 II-1 0.12 II-4 0.11 III-1 0.13 III-3 0.13 IV-1 0.12 IV-4 0.13Comparision I 0.40Example II 0.50______________________________________ In Table 2, Comparison Example I indicates the coefficient of friction between Spiral Sheath (name of goods) with the inner peripheral surface not coated with the solid lubricating coating and the tendon twisted wire, and Comparison Example II indicates the coefficient of friction between said sheath with the inner peripheral surface not coated with the solid lubricating coating and the tendon twisted wire with rust produced (the tendon twisted wire is left in the atmosphere to produce rust). It is found from the test results that the sheath with the inner peripheral surface coated with the solid lubricating coating has considerably decreased frictional resistance (coefficient of friction) as compared to the sheath not coated with the solid lubricating coating. The magnitude of the frictional resistance between the metallic sheath and the tendon is important as being influenced by the prestressing force introduced into the tendon, which will be described hereinafter. In designing the prestressed concrete structure, the prestressing force introduced into the tendon is calculated in design value by the following equation. ##EQU1## In the above equation, Pi: prestressing force of the end of the tendon Pj: prestressing force introduced into the tendon in the center of span γ: internal coefficient of friction between the tendon and the fixture, and the jack for tensioning the tendon or pump λ: coefficient of friction per length 1 m produced when the tendon and metallic sheath are arranged in straight and the tendon is tensioned μ: coefficient of friction proportional to the bend-up angle of the tendon α: bend-up angle (radian) of the tendon l: length of tendon from the center of span to the front of the fixture In the above equation, γ and ##EQU2## can be generally considered having the constant values of γ=0.04, ##EQU3## Here, the coefficient of friction (corresponding to μ in the above equation) obtained from the aforementioned test result was substituted for the above equation, and the loss introduction ratio due to the frictional resistance of the prestressing force Pj introduced into the tendon in the center of span with respect to the prestressing force Pi of the end of the tendon was obtained by varying the bend-up angle of the tendon. The results are given in Table 3 with ##EQU4## When the frictional loss between the aforesaid tendon and metallic sheath is taken into consideration, the effective tensile stress .sup.α pe acting on the tendon in the using state of the structure was obtained by the following calculation. The effective tensile stress .sup.σ pe is calculated from the following equation. ##EQU5## where η: effective factor of the prestressing force when the relaxation of tendon (when tension is imparted to the tendon to maintain strain at constant, a decrease in stress which occurs as the time passes) and creep and drying and shrinkage are taken into consideration .sup.σ pa: maximum tensile stress exerted on the end of the tendon during the prestressing In the above equation, the coefficient of effective prestress introduction η was set to 0.8, and the maximum tensile stress .sup.σ pa was set to 0.9 .sup.σ py because the allowable value of tension of the tendon which is temporarily acting can be increased to whichever smaller value, 0.8 .sup.σ py (tensile stress of tendon) or 0.9 .sup.σ py (yield point stress of tendon). If .sup.σ py=0.86 .sup.σ pu, the above equation may be rewritten by ##EQU6## It may be seen from the above formula that if ##EQU7## that is, if no frictional loss is present, the effective tensile stress .sup.σ pe exerted on the tendon after completion of fixation has 62% of tensile strength .sup.σ pu of the tendon. Accordingly, if ##EQU8## is close to 1, in other words, if the frictional resistance (coefficient of friction) between the tendon and the metallic sheath when the tendon is prestressed is smaller, the effective tensile stress .sup.σ pe may be increased. The results obtained when the metallic sheath of the present invention is used with the above formula are shown in Table 3 with .sup.σ pe. It may be seen from the above-described results that the metallic sheath with the inner peripheral surface coated with the solid lubricating coating rarely lowers the prestressing force introduced into the end of the tendon in the center of the span and can even introduce a substantial prestressing force. Accordingly, when a predetermined prestress is imparted to the concrete structure, the use of the metallic sheath having the inner peripheral surface thereof coated with the solid lubricating coating permits a reduction in the number of tendons used, the use of tendons which are smaller in diameter, and an extension of the length which is capable of tensioning the tendon. The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiment is 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 of the claims, and are equivalent thereto, are therefore intended to be embraced therein. TABLE 3__________________________________________________________________________ Length of TendonCoefficient Bend-up 60 m 100 m μof friction α(radian)angle ##STR1## .sup.σ pe ##STR2## .sup.σ pe__________________________________________________________________________0.14 0.087(5°) 90 0.56 × .sup.σ pu 87 0.54 × .sup.σ pu 0.349(20°) 87 0.54 × .sup.σ pu 83 0.51 × .sup.σ pu 0.524(30°) 84 0.52 × .sup.σ pu 81 0.50 × .sup.σ pu 0.873(50°) 80 0.50 × .sup.σ pu 78 0.48 × .sup.σ pu 1.745(100°) 71 0.44 × .sup.σ pu 69 0.43 × .sup.σ pu0.11 0.087(5°) 91 0.56 × .sup.σ pu 89 0.55 × .sup.σ pu 0.349(20°) 89 0.55 × .sup.σ pu 86 0.53 × .sup.σ pu 0.524(30°) 87 0.54 × .sup.σ pu 84 0.52 × .sup.σ pu 0.873(50°) 84 0.52 × .sup.σ pu 81 0.50 × .sup.σ pu 1.745(100°) 76 0.47 × .sup.σ pu 74 0.46 × .sup.σ pu0.40 0.087(5°) 79 0.49 × .sup.σ pu 71 0.44 × .sup.σ pu 0.349(20°) 71 0.44 × .sup.σ pu 64 0.40 × .sup.σ pu 0.524(30°) 66 0.41 × .sup.σ pu 60 0.37 × .sup.σ pu 0.873(50°) 58 0.36 × .sup.σ pu 52 0.32 × .sup.σ pu 1.745(100°) 41 0.25 × .sup.σ pu 37 0.23 × .sup.σ pu__________________________________________________________________________
In a prestressed concrete structure executed by posttensioning method, a metallic sheath having an inner peripheral surface thereof in sliding contact with a tendon coated with a solid lubricating coating including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). By the use of this metallic sheath, the sliding frictional resistance produced between the metallic sheath and tendon when the tendon is subjected to tensioning operation is considerably decreased to increase the prestressing force introduced into the structure accordingly. The solid lubricating coating is excellent in flexibility and contact properties, and good characteristics of coating are imparted to the sheath.
4
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to an automatic clothes washing machine and more particularly to such machines where it is intended that a first treating agent may be introduced prior to beginning of a washing operation and a second treating agent may be automatically introduced into the machine subsequent to the washing cycle in a manner which precludes contact with the clothes being washed. Automatic clothes washing machines customarily proceed through a sequence of operations in order to wash, rinse and dry clothes. The sequence ordinarily includes a washing operation, a rinsing operation in which the clothes are rinsed in clean water, and a final extraction operation in which the rinse water is removed from the clothes. Additive dispensers have been provided so that the operator may introduce a measured amount of detergent or soap prior to the start of the operation. In the same manner, appropriate water softeners and fabric softeners may be automatically added to the rinse water even though put in the machine prior to the start of the cycle. In addition to detergents, soap and softening agents, it will readily occur that a suitable liquid bleach or bleaching agent are among the more important additives required by many operators for a large part of their washing operations. The dispensing of bleach raises peculiar problems in that it is imperative that the bleach not directly contact the clothes before they are submerged in water or until the bleach is diluted in water. Also, due to the difficulties created by the highly corrosive nature of most of the commercially available bleaches provided for clothes washing purposes, it is necessary that great care be taken in the storage of bleach. To this end, some prior art attempts at dispensing bleach has been to provide a separate dispenser means for bleach which enables the operator to place the bleach directly into the outer tub where it may be diluted during the water fill operation. While this solves the problem of dispensing bleach, it does require a dispenser separate from the dispenser used for dispensing other additives and is therefore somewhat inconvenient. Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an additive dispenser adapted to be mounted on the oscillatory agitator which is adapted to deliver a charge of liquid rinse additive into the basket following a sequence of operations which include a washing operation and a high speed centrifugal extraction of the wash water, which extraction immediately precedes the operation in which the liquid rinse addition is to be utilized, and is further adapted to permit a liquid bleach to be dispensed directly into the outer tub prior to the washing cycle where it will be diluted by the water entering during the initial fill operation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a clothes washing appliance of the vertical axis type having an imperforate outer tub for retaining washing liquid and a basket mounted in the tub for containing clothes to be washed. The basket has a perforate side wall and a bottom wall including liquid circulating openings which slopes downwardly from a position adjacent the vertical axis to a lower portion at the outer circumference of the side wall. Mounted in the basket on the vertical axis for rotation with said basket is an agitator for imparting washing action to the clothes. The washing operation is carried out by drive means that effect a relatively low rotational speed oscillation of the agitator during a washing action of the clothes and a high spin speed rotation of the basket during a high spin extraction action. The agitator includes a central housing means in the form of a hollow centerpost defining a conduit extending through the hollow centerpost between an open upper end to its lower end adjacent the bottom wall of said basket. An additive dispensing means is arranged in the upper end of the centerpost defining an outer housing and a cavity having its lower end portion positioned in the hollow centerpost for receiving additive to be dispensed. The cavity is spaced from the outer housing to provide a passageway therebetween so that the additive being discharged from the cavity by centrifugal force during the extraction action will flow through the passageway and the conduit in the hollow centerpost to a position on the bottom wall of the basket below the agitator. Included in the dispenser is a passageway arranged to bypass the cavity and to communicate directly with the hollow centerpost for introducing treating agent to a position on the bottom wall below the agitator for dilution by liquid entering the outer tub during a subsequent fill operation. An additive diverting means including a body portion is positioned on at least a portion of the sloping bottom wall of the basket which includes openings aligned with the liquid circulating openings in the bottom wall of the basket for conducting additive therethrough into the outer tub to insure that the additive will be diluted in the liquid introduced into the outer tub prior to a subsequent washing action. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a vertical axis clothes washing machine including one embodiment of the additive dispensing system of the present invention, the view being partially broken away in order to illustrate details; FIG. 2 is a plan view partially broken away showing certain details of the dispensing system of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a plan view of the additive diverter employed in the dispensing system of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the additive dispenser employed in the dispensing system of the present invention; and FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of still another embodiment of the additive dispenser. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a vertical axis washing machine 10 of the vertical axis type which includes a cabinet 12. Within the cabinet 12 is disposed an imperforate stationary outer tub 14. Within the imperforate tub 14 there is disposed a basket or receptacle 16 for receiving fabric articles, such as clothing, to be washed. The basket side wall 18 includes a plurality of apertures 20 for discharge of water during a centrifugal extraction or fast spinning portion of the operating cycle of the machine. The bottom wall 22 of the basket 16 slopes downwardly from the center axis to a lower portion at the outer circumference of the side wall 18. A plurality of openings 24 (FIGS. 1 and 3) are formed in the bottom wall 22 which, as will be explained hereinafter, function in recirculating liquid between the basket 16 and tub 14 during the wash operation. The tub 14 is comprised of an imperforate side wall 26 and a generally imperforate and substantially horizontally disposed bottom wall 28 having a single drain opening 30 formed in a sump portion 32 of the bottom wall 28. The tub is mounted on a stationary support flange 29 arranged on the vertical axis. At the center of the basket 16 there is positioned a vertical axis agitator 34 which includes a vertical hollow centerpost 36 defining a passageway 37, a base or skirt portion 35 spaced from the bottom wall 22 and a plurality of vanes 38 extending outwardly from the vertical post 36 thereof. The agitator hollow centerpost 36 is concentrically mounted about a centerpost 42, and is driven by an oscillatory agitator drive shaft 44 by means of a drive motor 46. The agitator is mounted on the shaft 44 through a centering means 39 which drivingly engages the inner wall of passageway 37. The centering means 39 is formed with a plurality of apertures 41 which provide means of communication between the upper portion of passageway 37 and the lower portion which communicates with basket bottom wall 22 beneath the skirt portion 35 of agitator 34. The basket 16 is mounted on a flange 47 of a rotatable spin hub 49, and is driven by a sleeve 51 by means of the motor 46. The skirt portion 35 of the agitator 34 extends outwardly and downwardly in spaced relationship with the bottom wall 22 of basket 16. The area between the skirt 35 and wall 22 forms an agitator driven pump through which liquid is pumped radially outwardly by pumping vanes 52 formed on the skirt 35. During the washing portion of the cycle, the vanes drain liquid from the lower portion of tub 14 through openings 24 and flows outwardly by the centrifugal force imparted by the agitator 34. Liquid then flows through the holes 20 and downwardly into the tub sump area 32 and then returned to the interior of the basket through openings 24. Hot and cold water may be supplied to the machine through conduits 51 and 53 which are adapted to be connected respectively to sources of hot and cold water (not shown). Conduits 51 and 53 extend into a conventional mixing valve structure 54 having solenoids 56 and 58 and being connected to a hose 60 which is positioned to discharge water into the basket 16. In a conventional manner selective or concurrent energization of the solenoids 56 and 58 will provide the passage of hot, cold or warm water from the mixing valve 54 through hose 60 to discharge water into the basket 16 and tub 14. During operation of the machine in the washing cycle, the agitator 34 driven by shaft 44 through centering means 39 is first oscillated back and forth within the basket 16 to wash clothes therein. Then, after a predetermined period of this washing action, the basket 16 is driven by spin hub 49, and then rotated at high speed to extract centrifugally the washing liquid and discharge it into the outer tub 14 for draining from the machine through the drain openings 30. Liquid from the drain 30 is carried from the machine by a pump 31 which may be energized during the extraction operation or a selected portion thereof. In accordance with the present invention and as clearly illustrated in the drawings, the hollow centerpost 36 of the agitator serves to house and support the dispenser device generally indicated at 62. The dispenser device 62 of one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is adapted to deliver additive which when dispensed at full strength should normally not come into direct contact with clothes being washed. The additives contemplated by the present invention are, for example, rinse agents which have a tendency to spot clothes and liquid bleach which will damage cloth if allowed to contact cloth at full strength. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawing, the dispensing device 62 comprises an outer bowl-shaped housing 64 that extends above the centerpost and radially outwardly therefrom. Arranged concentrically in the outer housing 64 is a cone-shaped cavity 66 having its lower narrow end 67 concentrically arranged within the dimensions of the hollow passageway 37 of centerpost 36 and its larger upper open end 69 positioned within the housing 64. The cavity 66 is spaced from inner walls of passageway 37 and housing 64 by a plurality of radial spokes 68 which provide a passageway 71 in communication with the interior of the housing 64 and the passageway 37. Means are provided for allowing additive, such as a rinse agent, to be inserted into the dispenser device 62. To this end, a cover portion 70 is arranged on the housing 64. The cover as shown in FIG. 2 is formed with a first arcuate additive-receiving channel or depression 76. The arcuate channel 76 is dimensioned so that the downwardly extending side walls thereof are positioned within the upper open end 69 of cavity 66, as shown in FIG. 1. A dispensing opening 78 is provided in the bottom wall of the channel 76 to facilitate the introduction of rinse agent to the cavity 66. The opening 78 is shown in FIG. 2 as being a single arcuate opening; however, a plurality of spaced openings may be effectively employed. Rinse agent additive to be introduced into cavity 66 is placed in the channel 76 and allowed to flow through opening 78 into the cavity 66 to be dispensed therefrom. In operation, the rinse agent placed in cavity 66 prior to the washing operation is held in cavity 66 during oscillation or washing action of the agitator. During the ensuing high spin extraction cycle, the rinse agent is centrifugally thrown out over the top open end 69 of cavity 66 and into an area designated "A" (FIG. 1) in the upper portion of the inner peripheral wall of the housing 64. At the completion of the extraction cycle, the rinse agent as indicated by arrows will then flow downwardly from the area "A" of housing 64 through passageway 71 and into passageway 37, aperture 41, to the bottom wall 22 of the basket 16 in a position below the skirt portion 35 where it then flows downwardly toward openings 24 and into the bottom of tub 14. The rinse agent according to the invention has therefore been inserted into the washing machine in a manner that precludes its coming into contact with the clothes being washed in the basket. In dispensing liquid bleach, the cover portion 70 (FIG. 2) is provided with a second arcuate bleach-receiving channel or depression 80 having its side walls extending downwardly to a position above the upper open end 69 of cavity 66. The channel 80 is further formed with a funnel-shaped sump 82 which extends downwardly from channel 80. The sump is formed to include a discharge opening 84. It is imperative, as mentioned above, that the bleach not come in contact with clothes being washed. However, it is also imperative that the bleach not mix with the rinse agent since the chemical reaction between the two is not desirable. Accordingly, while the sump 82 extends below the upper edge of the cavity 66 it is positioned outside of cavity 66. To this end, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a passageway is provided in the form of a detent or depression 86 formed in the side wall of cavity 66. The sump 82 is positioned within the dimensions of the passageway 86. Accordingly, the sump 82 including opening 84 communicates with the passageway 37 through the passageway provided by depression 86 and passageway 71. In operation, the liquid bleach is inserted into channel 80 prior to the washing operation. The bleach introduced into channel 80 flows directly through depression 86 and passageway 37 of centerpost 36 to the bottom wall 22 of basket 16 and toward openings 24 to the bottom of tub 14 prior to the washing cycle in the same manner as the rinse agent is introduced into tub 14 subsequent to the extraction cycle following the wash cycle. The liquid bleach so directed to the outer tub is then in a position to be diluted by the wash water as it enters the outer tub 14 prior to the washing cycle. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, there are shown means provided by the present invention to insure that all of the rinse agent and liquid bleach flowing through passageway 37 of centerpost 36 flows through openings 24 and into the outer tub 14. To this end, a dish-shaped diverter member 88 (FIG. 3) is provided which is shaped comlementary to the bottom wall 22. The diverter member 88 arranged on the wall 22 is dimensioned to be located completely below the skirt 35 of agitator 34 as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the member 88 is formed with a central collar portion which is positioned on the centerpost 42. Also formed on member 88 are a plurality of openings 90 which match in number and shape the openings 24 in bottom wall 22. Extending downwardly along the peripheral edge portion of the openings 90 is a wall portion 92 which acts to index member 88 relative to wall 22 and to align openings 90 thereof with openings 24 in wall 22. An upwardly extending circumferential wall 94 is formed so as to be tangent with the outer radial edge portion of the openings 90. The wall 94 is impervious to insure that all of the rinse agent and liquid bleach flowing through centerpost 36 and downwardly on wall 22 is directed through the opening 90 and, accordingly, opening 24. Referring now to FIG. 4 of the drawings, there is shown another embodiment of the invention wherein similar parts are designated by the same reference characters employed in describing the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. The cover 70 in this embodiment is formed with an annular channel 100 for receiving the rinse agent to be dispensed in cavity 66, and a central funnel-shaped channel 102 for receiving the bleach to be dispensed into the passageway 37 of centerpost 36. The channel 100 has its lower annular wall positioned within and below the peripheral upper end 69 of the cavity. Formed in the lower wall of channel 100 are a plurality of circumferentially disposed openings 104 communicating with the cavity 66. Rinse agent introduced into the cavity 66 through openings 104 is delivered to the tub 14 in the same manner described in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. In this embodiment, bleach is delivered into passageway 37 through a central conduit 106 extending vertically through and isolated from cavity 66. The channel 102 has its lower open end 108 positioned in the upper open end of conduit 106 so that bleach introduced into central channel 102 bypasses cavity 66 and flows directly through the passageway 37 in centerpost 36 in the same manner described in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown still another embodiment of the invention wherein similar parts are designated by the reference characters employed in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. The cover portion 70 in this embodiment is formed to include an annular channel 110 for receiving liquid bleach. Formed in the lower wall of channel 110 are a plurality of openings 112 which are located radially outwardly of the outer upper end 69 of cavity 66 so that liquid bleach introduced into channel 110 is received directly into the passageway 37 of centerpost 36 through passageway 71 and therethrough in the same manner described in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. Rinse agent in this embodiment is introduced into the cavity 66 through a central funnel-shaped channel 114 formed in the cover 70 which has its lower open end 116 arranged over the cavity 66. In summary, by the present invention a dispenser system has been provided wherein additive may be introduced into the machine without coming directly into contact with the clothes being washed. In the case of dispensing liquid bleach, it is inserted into the washing machine in a manner which precludes its coming into contact with clothes to be washed and in a position wherein the initial liquid fill cycle will dilute the bleach prior to the start of the wash cycle, while in the case of dispensing rinse agent, it will be delivered into the washing machine after the initial wash cycle and extraction cycle in a manner which also precludes its coming into contact with the clothes to be washed. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiment described heretofore is considered to be the presently preferred form of this invention. In accordance with the Patent Statutes, changes may be made in the disclosed apparatus and the manner in which it is used without actually departing from the true spirit and scope of this invention.
The present invention relates to improvements in clothes washing machines of the type having an inner clothes wash basket and an outer water-retaining tub, and more particularly to an additive dispenser system mounted on the hollow post type agitator and including an additive diverter on the basket bottom wall for introducing additive to the outer water-retaining tub free of contact with the clothes being washed.
3
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field Of The Invention The present invention pertains to internal combustion engines and particularly engines of the rotary type. 2. Description Of The Prior Art And Objectives Of The Invention Various conventional rotary engines utilize two or more internal pistons mounted within a revolving rotor. However, due to the design and operation of the prior art devices they are relatively inefficient and are somewhat costly to operate. With the increase in prices for petroleum products over the last several years, and with expected additional increases in the future, the present invention was conceived and one of its objectives is to provide an internal combustion engine of the rotary type including a pair of opposingly mounted pistons within a rotor which is less costly to operate than conventional rotary engines and can be made smaller which provides increased horsepower. It is another objective of the present invention to provide a rotary engine having an oil cooling system whereby the oil flows into the rotor shaft channel which communicates with a fluid conduit within a piston rod for circulation through the pistons prior to exiting from the shaft through a return channel. It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a rotary engine having a combustion chamber with a single-acting air inlet valve and a double-acting outlet valve. It is also another objective of the present invention to provide a rotary engine having a combustion chamber which has a teardrop-like configuration. It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a rotary engine which provides a relatively long torque stroke and which has two fuel combustions per rotor revolution. Various other objectives and advantages of the present invention become apparent to those skilled in the art as a more detailed explanation is presented below. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention herein demonstrates the components and operation of a rotary type internal combustion engines having a pair of slidable pistons positioned in an eccentrically mounted rotor within the rotor cavity of the engine block. The disk-shaped rotor is sealed within the engine block and a combustion chamber is positioned in the top of the block whereby fuel such as gasoline is ignited therein. The air inlet valve is positioned on the entry side of the combustion chamber and a double-acting outlet valve is positioned at the exit end of the combustion chamber which has a teardrop-like dome shape. The periphery of the rotor disk and piston exposed ends are machined to match the contour of the block rotor cavity to maintain compression and operating efficiency. An oil cooling system passing through the pistons prevents the engine from overheating during running. The method of operation comprises turning the rotor whereby a first piston approaches the combustion chamber with the inlet valve open and the outlet valve closed. When piston rotation places the first piston almost beneath the inlet valve, the inlet valve closes. The piston continues to move past the center of the combustion chamber and as the piston moves past the outlet valve the outlet valve moves upwardly or opens. Immediately before, fuel has been injected into the combustion chamber and ignition now takes place. The first piston is thus driven forward by the combustion and upon continued rotation the second piston which is opposingly mounted to the first forces air towards the inlet valve. As the first piston moves past the exhaust port, the inlet valve opens forcing air into the combustion chamber towards the inlet valve by the second piston. The outlet valve remains open for approximately two degrees rotation whereby the combustion chamber is purged. The outlet valve then closes as the outlet valve enters the combustion chamber floor port 52, and the cycle repeats. The engine is turbocharged under approximately eight pounds pressure per cubic inch thus providing the inlet port with a constant air supply. Air is constantly moving from the inlet port out of the exhaust port with the exception of the rotation cycle when a piston is between the ports. As the second piston is driven forward towards the exhaust port the forward motion purges the exhaust from the combustion chamber and exhaust gases from the previous combustion are forced out the exhaust port as the piston continues its rotation past the inlet port towards the combustion chamber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 provides a front elevational view of the rotary engine of the invention with the front block plate substantially removed showing the combustion chamber, turbocharger, valves, pistons, inlet and exit ports; FIG. 2 demonstrates a side cut-away view of the single cylinder rotary engine as shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 shows the valve operation relative to the rotor movement in FIGS. 3A through 3D; FIG. 4 pictures the oil cooling system of a single cylinder rotary engine; and FIG. 5 depicts in schematic fashion a second embodiment of a rotary engine having a pair of independent rotor cylinders. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The preferred form of the invention is shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 while the preferred method of operation is illustrated in FIGS. 3A through 3D. As seen therein, the disk-like rotor contains a pair of opposingly mounted pistons which are joined to a pair of piston rods. The piston rods include fluid conduits for oil flow therethrough to cool the engine during operation. A teardrop shaped firing or combustion chamber is shown at the top of the engine as featured in FIG. 1. The sequential valve and rotor movements of the engine as seen in FIGS. 3A through 3D are explained in more detail below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND OPERATION OF THE INVENTION Turning now to the drawings, rotary engine 10 is shown in FIG. 1 having engine block 11 formed from a conventional cast metal such as aluminum, steel or other suitable materials. Rotor cavity 12 which is shown fully exposed as front end plate 13, which is held in place by block bolts 14 has been cut-away. During rotor 16 rotation, pistons 15, 15' turn with rotor 16 which is eccentrically mounted as seen within rotor cavity 12. Combustion chamber 17 is positioned at the top of engine block 11 and is equipped with air inlet valve 18 and outlet valve 19. Spark plug 20 provides a means to ignite the combustible fuel used, such as gasoline. Outlet valve 19 is of the double-acting type having an upper seat rest surface 49 and a lower seat rest surface 50 which will seat against the lower part or floor 48 of chamber 17 as shown in FIG. 1 or when raised, will close the outlet valve opening 21 in the dome ceiling 47 of combustion chamber 17. As further seen in FIG. 1, combustion chamber 17 has a somewhat teardrop configuration which allows for a substantially larger volume of gases in the left cavity side beyond spark plug 20 and a lesser volume for gases in the entry or right side of chamber 17. Rotor 16 revolves with rotor shaft 22 which comprises fluid conduits 23, 24 for oil or other engine coolants as shown in more detail in FIG. 4. Turbocharger 60 provides an approximate eight pounds per cubic inch air supply to rotor cavity 12. Oil cooling system 39 of rotary engine 10 is shown in FIG. 4 and includes pump 26 and cooler 27. As would be understood, oil is forced by pump 26 through cooler 27 where it circulates through oil line 28 into fluid inlet channel 23 of rotor shaft 22 which communicates with lower piston rod 29. Piston rod 29 includes a slotted opening 30 which allows fluid to flow between fluid line 28 into lower piston rod conduit 38. As also understood, oil or other coolants flowing through fluid line 28 are forced through lower piston rod 29 into pistons 15, 15' and into upper piston rod conduit 37 where the oil exits through slot 31 in rod 32, through fluid exit channel 24, through return fluid line 33 and into storage tank 25. As seen, pistons 15, 15' are rigidly joined to piston rods 29, 32 and move laterally through shaft 22. Thus, a fluid such as oil circulating through pistons 15, 15' fills cavities 40, 40' within pistons 15, 15' respectively thus helping to keep the pistons relatively cool during operation. Rotor 16 includes an oil fill spout 42 for supplying oil to rotor sump 44 therebeneath within rotor 16. In FIG. 2 a cross-sectional view is presented of rotary engine 10 as shown in FIG. 1 without the fluid channels within rotor shaft 22 for brevity. FIG. 5 likewise shows a similar cross-sectional view, but of another embodiment, namely a two cylinder engine 80 which could be expanded to include three, four or more cylinders as required, depending on the particular power needed. Rotary engine 80 has two rotor cylinders 81, 82 aligned on shaft 85 with pistons 83, 83' and 84, 84', respectively. In FIGS. 3A through 3D, the firing sequence and valve operation of rotary engine 10 is shown. In FIG. 3A, rotor 16 turns in a counter-clockwise direction as piston 15 is beneath closed inlet valve 18. In FIG. 3B the counter-clockwise rotation of rotor 16 has continued until fuel injection and ignition. Double-acting outlet valve 19 is closed in its downward position as shown in FIG. 3A. In FIGS. 3B and 3C, outlet valve 19 is open, thereby closing outlet valve opening 21 in ceiling 47 of combustion chamber 17. As spark plug 20 fires in FIG. 3B, outlet valve 19 is open (raised) to allow the compressed gases to drive piston 15 in a counter-clockwise direction within rotor cavity 12. In FIGS. 3A through 3D, the firing of piston 15 is shown. In FIGS. 3C and 3D, a very slight rotor movement of approximately 2° causes outlet valve 19 to go from an upward position in 3C to a downward position in FIG. 3D, thus allowing gases to escape upwardly through dome ceiling 47 prior to fuel injection and combustion. Exhaust gases within cavity 12 are pushed forward (counter-clockwise) by piston 15 as shown in FIG. 3B for exit through exhaust port 35. Exhaust port 35 is positioned approximately 135° from the top center of rotor cavity 12, beneath spark plug 20 as shown in FIGS. 3A through 3H. This 135° placement provides a long torque stroke of rotor 16 and allows for increased power of engine 10. Air inlet port 36 is shown in FIGS. 3A through 3D at approximately 200° from the top center of block 11 or rotor cavity 12 in a counter-clockwise measure. Oil seals, rings, electrical components such as timing devices and other electrical circuitry which are conventional in the art are not shown in the drawings presented. Also, the drawings and illustrations do not illustrate a water cooled block which could be provided if desired. Engine 10 is believed functional as both an air cooled and water cooled engine depending on the particular dimensions and size requirements for its intended use and the drawings herein are merely schematic for clarity and the details omitted would be understood as conventional by those skilled in the art since the illustrations and examples provided herein are for explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.
An internal combustion engine of the rotary type has a pair of connected pistons and provides increased power and fuel economy. The fuel combustion chamber includes a single-acting air inlet valve and a double-acting outlet valve. The oil cooling system delivers air through each of the pistons whereby the oil is recirculated after cooling.
5
This invention relates to tape applicators in general and in particular to devices for applying lengths of adhesive tape to outside corners. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Copending Canadian Patent Application No. 485,809 filed June 28, 1986 and assigned to the same assignee as the present application discloses a device for applying tape, preferably of the pressure-sensitive adhesive variety, to joints between abutting lengths of drywall panels or other material. The device of that application has a head which holds a roll of tape and also carries appropriate means for cutting the tape when the joint has been covered. A handle is attachable to the head and is used to control movement of the device as it is drawn along the joint whereby tape is drawn from the roll and applied to the joint. The handle carries a trigger mechanism for activating the cutting means. The head of the device is also provided with an assembly that includes a tape guiding roller and a tape applying roller, the assembly being pivotally attached to the head so that the two rollers will always be adjacent the panels as the device is drawn along the joint. Two different interchangeable assemblies have been disclosed, one including cylindrical guide and applicator rollers for planar joints, the other including a cylindrical guide roller and an inverted V-shaped applicator roller for inside corner joints. In the latter assembly the guide roller is about one-half the width of the applicator roller and serves to preform the tape before it is applied to the joint. Both assemblies work very well at their intended functions. In the drywall industry most exterior corners are formed by an exterior "bead" which is metallic and is nailed or screwed to the corner and is covered by drywall compound. This bead protects the corner from damage and ensures a straight edge at the corner. In an analagous situation, but relating to exterior construction, it is common practice to cover the outside of a building with sheathing panels before a decorative siding is applied. The sheathing panels may have insulative properties and it is desirable to prevent air intrusion as much as possible. This means that joints between abutting panels should be sealed, including exterior corners. The most common sealing material is an adhesive tape, typically of about 21/2 inches in width. Such tape is also applied to exterior corners since there are no requirements that would necessitate the use of a metal bead. To date there has been nothing available which would adequately enhance the task of applying adhesive tape to outside or exterior corners, whether of drywall or exterior sheating. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes the deficiency outlined above by providing an assembly of guide and applicator rollers which can be used with a device such as that described in the above-identified application and which can be used to apply adhesive tape to exterior or outside corner joints. The assembly includes a pair of frame members of a triangular configuration connected together at one apex thereof by means, such as an axle, for pivotable connection to the head member of the tape applicator device. A pair of guide rollers is mounted between the second apices of the frame members, the guide rollers being cylindrical and axially spaced apart. A pair of applicator rollers is mounted between the third apices of the frame members, the applicator rollers being frustoconical in shape and defined a generally V-shaped space therebetween. All of the rollers have a generally hard core and a generally soft outer portion defining the running surface thereof. As the tape applicator is drawn along an outside joint the tape will be drawn from its roll and will be preformed about the outside corner by the guide rollers with the adjacent inside circumferential edges thereof contacting the tape on each side of the corner and establishing initial contact between the tape and the underlying material. As the applicator moves along the joint the applicator rollers, having a high coefficient of friction, contact the tape over most of its surface and smooth and stretch it into place. At the end of the joint the tape will be cut and the applicator will be ready for another joint. In its broadest form the present invention may be considered as providing a roller assembly for use with a device for applying tape, taken from a roll of tape mounted in the device, to an elongated, exterior corner, the assembly comprising: a pair of generally triangular frame members; a pivot shaft extending between the frame members at one apex thereof and adapted for removable pivotable connection to the device; a pair of mounting shafts extending between the frame members, one at each of the other apices; a pair of cylindrical guide rollers mounted for rotation on one of the mounting shafts with a space therebetween; and a pair of frustoconical applicator rollers mounted for rotation on the other of the mounting shafts, the frustoconical surfaces of the applicator rollers defining a generally V-shaped zone therebetween. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show side, bottom and top views respectively of the device of this invention, absent the tape cutting means for the sake of clarity. FIGS. 4 and 5 shows enlarged partial elevational and plan views of the head, including the roller assembly of the invention. FIGS. 6 and 7 show enlarged side and end views of the roller assembly of this invention. FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 show details of the tape cutting mechanism used with the applicator. FIG. 11 shows in perspective the shaping of the tape as it is applied to the outside corner. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The applicator of the present invention is shown by the reference number 10 and includes two main components, namely the handle 12 and the head 14. Each of these components will be described in greater detail below. The handle 12 is cylindrical, elongated and of tubular material, such as extruded aluminum. At its free end the handle is provided with an angled portion 16 which has a resilient grip similar to a bicycle hand grip. The angled portion is connected to a cylindrical tube 18 which is slotted along its bottom and has a pair of depending lugs 19. The tube 18 will slide onto the end of the handle and can be clamped thereto by way of a nut and bolt connecting the lugs 19 together. Below the tube 18 there is a short slot 20 which communicates with the hollow interior of the handle. A slider 22, whose purpose will become apparent hereinafter, is slidably contained within the handle 12 and is connected through the slot 20 with a circular ring or trigger portion 24. The ring 24 may be covered by a resilient elastomeric material, such as neoprene tubing. A collar 26 is provided for sliding and rotating movement on the main part of the handle 12. The collar 26 includes an enlarged portion 28 having a radially directed through bore. Within the bore and resting against the outer surface of the handle 12 is a brass plug or bearing member. A cylindrical auxiliary handle 30 has a resilient grip 32 thereon and has, as well, a threaded rod or bolt 34 projecting from one end for threaded reception in the bore of collar 26. When the auxiliary handle 30 is rotated to engage the rod 34 with the bore, the end of the rod 34 will press against the plug in the bore to force it against the handle 12, and to pull the collar so that the other side thereof also bears against the handle 12. By loosening the auxiliary handle 30, the collar can be slid or rotated on the handle for positioning in any desired location to provide comfort and improve ease of use for the person using the applicator. The head 14 is attached to the handle 12 at the end thereof opposite the angled portion 16. Preferably the body of the head 14 is a unitary aluminum casting, including a pair of side walls 36,36, end section 38 and webs 40,42 interconnecting the side walls. As illustrated in the drawings each side wall is bowed outwardly as at 44 adjacent the end section 38. At the area of maximum width each side wall has a through bore which receives a stub shaft 46 of a tape roll-holding disc member 48 such as is described in the aforementioned pending application. One of the disc members 48 (the upper one in FIG. 2) is at a fixed distance from side wall 36 due to spacer 50, while the other disc member can be moved towards its side wall 36 against the bias of spring 52 by pulling on ring 54 attached to the appropriate shaft 46. As shown in FIG. 3 it is possible to accomodate tapes of different widths, either by using spacers 50 of different lengths or by spring mounting both of the disc members 48. The spring mounting arrangement makes it very easy to load or unload rolls of tape from the applicator 10. Further details of the disc mounting arrangement can be found in the aforementioned Canadian patent application, as well as in commonly assigned Canadian Application Ser. No. 476,103 filed Mar. 8, 1985. A pair of lugs or ears 56,58 are integrally cast with the side walls so as to extend downwardly therefrom in the vicinity of the webs 40,42 respectively. Each ear has a bore therethrough to receive the shaft 60 of a tape guide Broller, to be described hereinbelow. At the free end of the head member is a pair of longitudinally offset ears or lugs 62,64, the former extending below the side wall and the latter extending above the side wall. Each ear 62,64 has a bore extending therethrough to receive the shaft 66 of a tape guide roller. FIGS. 4 and 5 show the free end of the head member 14 and illustrate the manner in which tape guide and applicator rollers 68 and 70 are mounted to the head member. The rollers 68,70 are each mounted on a respective shaft 72 which shafts are located at two apices of a triangular carrier frame member 74. A pivot shaft 76 connects the frame members 74 at the other apex. Preferably, the frame members 74 are permanently affixed to the three shafts 72,72,76 with the rollers 68,70 journaled on their respective shafts 72 for independent rotation thereon. Alternatively the rollers could be affixed to the respective shaft 72 which in turn could be journaled for rotation in appropriate bores in the frame members 74. The frame members 74, rollers 68,70 and the appropriate shafts define a roller carrier assembly 78. The roller carrier is supported above and forwardly of the free end of the head member 14 by a carrier support 80. The carrier support may be an integrally cast unit which may then be bolted or otherwise secured to the upper edge of the head member. The carrier support 80 includes a pair of elongated foot portions 82 spaced apart by an amount sufficient to permit each to rest on the top of a respective side wall 36. A forwardly inclined leg portion 84 projects upwardly from each base portion 82 and is offset inwardly from its base portion by a connecting portion 86. At their uppermost ends the arm extend forwardly, beyond the ears 64 and parallel to the side walls 36, the extensions of the arms being laterially interconnected by a web 88. A pair of enlarged lugs 90 are integrally formed at the forward edge of the web 88, each lug projecting above the web and forwardly thereof. The front vertical face of each lug has a transversely extending semi-circular bearing recess 92 therein, adapted to receive a portion of the pivot shaft 76 of the roller carrier therein. The shaft 76 is held in the recesses 92 by clips 94, there being one on each lug 90. Each clip 94 includes a flat portion 96 which lies against the front face of the lug and through which a machine screw or bolt 98 passes to connect the clip 94 to the lug 90. The clip also has a sprung, curved portion 100 which passes over the shaft 76 and applies an inwardly directed force thereagainst. The clip provides two main functions: (1) it holds the shaft 76 in the recess 92 thereby securing the carrier frame 78 to the applicator; and (2) it applies a frictional retention force to the shaft such that the force prevents unwanted pivotting movement of the carrier frame. The frictional force applied by the clips is not sufficient to prevent pivotting movement of the carrier frame when the applicator is in use. FIG. 4 also shows the path taken by the tape T as it is fed from a roll of tape (not shown) held between the side walls 36 by the disc members 48. The tape T is taken from the roll and passes under a first guide roller 102 which extends between the ears 56 and is journaled on the shaft 60 supported by the ears 56. The tape then passes over a second guide roller 104 which extends between the ears 58, under a third guide roller 106 which extends between the ears 62 and over a fourth guide roller 108 which extends between the ears 64. The tape is then brought forwardly to pass around the guide roller 68 to the applicator roller 70. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate in greater detail the guide and applicator rollers 68 and 70 of this invention. As seen therein, the guide roller 68 is actually a pair of cylindrical rollers 110 mounted on shaft 72 between frame members 74 and spaced apart thereon by a spacer 112. Typically the rollers 110 could have a diameter of about 4.3 cm, a length of about 3 cm and a spacing therebetween of about 1.2 cm. Each roller 110 is actually a composite roller having a central core 114 which is harder (say 80+ durometer) than the outer rolling surface 116 (say 30 durometer). The applicator roller 70 is actually a pair of frustoconical rollers 118 mounted on shaft 72 between frame members 74 and spaced apart by a short distance of, say, 0.3 cm. Typically the rollers 118 could have a diameter of about 7 cm and a length of about 3.4 cm. Each applicator roller includes a frustoconical surface portion 120 which faces the frustoconical portion of the other roller 118 thereby defining a generally V-shaped space therebetween. As with the guide rollers 110, each applicator roller 118 includes a central core 122 which is harder (say 80+ durometer) than the outer rolling surface 124 (say 30 durometer). With both the guide and the applicator rollers the soft outer portions would be formed from a soft urethane material and the angle (α) between the frustoconical surfaces 120 of the adjacent applicator rollers would be about 90°. FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 show the cutter assembly 126 as used with this invention. The mechanism of this embodiment may be considered as being "passive", requiring the operator to provide the necessary cutting motion, as will be seen hereinafter. With reference first of all to FIG. 10 it will be seen that the interconnecting web 42 is provided with a central groove 128 located in the upper portion thereof. The groove 128 is intended to guide and support a cutting blade shank 130 which has a main body section received in the groove 128 and a laterally enlarged head portion 132, seen in FIG. 8. The forward end of the shank is recessed on the bottom as at 134 to receive a cutting blade 136. The blade 136 has angled cutting edges 138 and extends the width of the opening between side walls 36. The blade may be attached to the shank by machine screws 140, thereby facilitating replacement of the blade when it becomes dull. The shank is secured within the groove 128 by a top plate 142 which is bolted to the web 42 by bolts 144,146. The plate overlies the front and rear edges of the web, to thereby guide the shank more effectively and, at the front, to cover the sharp edges 138 of the blade 136 and thus protect an operator from inadvertently cutting himself as he grasps the tape T at the free end of the head. At the rear end of the shank 130 a central bolt 148 secures one end of a tension spring 150 to the shank 130. The other end of the spring 150 is attached to the intermediate web 40 by a bolt 152. The bolt 146 which is used to attach the plate 142 to the web 42 also carries a pulley 154 which can rotate thereon. The pulley 154 is located parallel to and just above the plate 142. A flexible cable 156 is attached at one end to the bolt 148 at the rear end of the shank, passes around the pulley 154 and then extends back along the head member and the handle to be connected at its other end to the slider 22. Suitable guides, not shown, may be used to ensure that the cable 156 passes from one end of the applicator to the other without interference. The cable may be of any suitable construction as long as it is flexible and exhibits negligible stretch under tension. For example aircraft wire may be used as may braided or woven cords such as might be used on drafting tables. Operation of the cutting mechanism is readily apparent from FIGS. 8 and 9. During the application of tape to a joint the tape T is fed as shown in FIG. 9, running from left to right in the figure. When the operator approaches the end of the joint he pulls on the trigger 24, thereby pulling on the cable 156 (arrow A, FIG. 9). That pull is transmitted around the pulley 156 to the rear end of the shank 130 and the shank is moved to the right, against the spring 150 (arrow B, FIG. 9). As the shank 130 moves to the right the blade edges 138 will encounter, and cut, the tape T between the guide rollers 106,108. The released free end of the tape may then be applied to the joint through continued movement of the applicator and the operator can simultaneously release the trigger so that the spring 150 retracts the shank 130 and the attached blade 136 to its retracted or safety position. When the tape has been cut as described above the free end of the supply roll will hang loosely between the guide rollers 104,106. The operator can then pull the tape and thread it around the rollers 106,108 and then around the guide and applicator rollers 68,70 so that he can start to apply tape to another joint. In the event that the operator wishes to apply tape to a flat joint or to an interior corner after having applied tape to a number of exterior corners, or vice versa, he can undo the screws 98 holding the clips 94 to the carrier frame 80 to thereafter remove the frame assembly 74 carrying the guide and applicators rollers he has been using. He can replace that assembly with another assembly carrying the guide and applicator rollers appropriate to the style of joint to be taped, such as the rollers described in aforementioned Canadian Application No. 485,809. Thus, a single applicator can be used to tape both flat and interior or exterior corner joints. FIG. 11 is intended to illustrate the path of the tape in the vicinity of the roller assembly 78. The tape T is running in the direction of the arrow C as the applicator 10 and roller assembly 78 are moving downwards in the direction of the arrow D. As the applicator is moved to bring the tape into contact with a vertical exterior corner (not shown), the soft inside corners 158 of the guide rollers 110 will push the tape T to locate it on the corner and to initially preform the tape to the angle of the corner. Additional pressure on the rollers 110 as the applicator descends will cause the softer outer surface 116 to deform by collapsing thereby applying, through frictional contact with the tape, a slight stretch to the tape so that it conforms more closely to the contour of the corner. As the applicator descends further, the applicator rollers will contact that portion of the tape T which has been initially set in place by the guide rollers 110. The soft outer surface 124 will apply a greater frictional force to the tape causing it to stretch even more and to conform very closely to the contour of the exterior corner. Since the tape T has a pressure sensitive adhesive thereon it will adhere and closely conform to the exterior corner making any further setting step unnecessary. By using a soft urethane material as the outer surface of the guide and applicator rollers it is possible to stretch the tape around the corner through frictional contact of the soft material with the tape and it is also possible to apply tape to corners that ae not exactly 90°. For example the present invention has been used to tape corners that vary from about 80° to about 100° and this is attributable to the soft, conforming nature of the outer surface material of the rollers. The present invention meets a specific need in the construction industry and represents a significant advance in the art of applying tape. The preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed herein but, undoubtedly, skilled persons could alter the structure of the invention without departing from the spirit thereof. Thus the protection to be afforded this invention is to be determined from the scope of the claims appended hereto.
A device for applying tape to an elongated exterior corner has a unitary head and a handle attached to one end thereof, the head being adapted to releasably and rotatably mount a roll of tape therein. A roller assembly at the other end of the head includes a triangular frame pivotally attachable to the head, and guide and applicator rollers rotatably mounted therein. The guide rollers are cylindrical and spaced apart on one shaft. The applicator rollers are frustoconical and are mounted on another shaft to define a V-shaped zone therebetween. During use, tape taken from the roll is preformed about the corner by the guide rollers and is stretched against the corner by the applicator rollers. The outer surface of each roller is softer than an inner core thereof to facilitate stretching of the tape and the ultimate conformance thereof to the corner.
4
TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to magnetic components and, more specifically, to an improved method of calculating or selecting desired magnetic winding parameters including winding layer thickness, number of winding layers and number of turns per winding layer, and an improved wound magnetic component such as a coil, inductor, transformer or motor having reduced power dissipation. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Magnetic and inductive components and devices such as coils, inductors, transformers, motors and others (referred to herein as magnetic components) include a winding of one or more of a variety of conductors. Such magnetic components utilize a variety of conductor types including round, square, or rectangular wire; thin conductor strips or foil; multiple wires twisted together or wound in parallel; various Litz or woven magnet wire braids (to increase uniformity of current sharing between elementary conductors); and various combinations of such conductor types. Conventional solenoidal magnetic components comprise winding layers which form cylinders around a core. In contrast, planar magnetic components utilize conductors and combinations of conductors in an annular configuration. Round, square or rectangular wire, for example, may be wound in annular configurations. In addition, thin conductor strips or foil may be implemented in annular configurations using printed circuit boards, flex circuits, or discrete conductors fabricated from sheet stock, for example, and in other configurations known to those skilled in the art. In comparison to solenoidal magnetic components, the thickness of winding layers and the number of turns per layer in planar magnetic components, such as those on printed circuit boards, may be varied easily and inexpensively. FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-section of a winding region or portion in a typical magnetic component having n layers. In FIG. 1 , the winding length of each layer is designated l. The thickness of each winding layer is designated T 1 through T n and each layer has N i turns, designated N 1 through N n . The magnetic surface field intensities at the inner and outer boundaries of the ith winding layer are designated as H i-1 and H i respectively. The current in the ith winding is designated I i and points out of the plane of the paper. When the winding length l is much greater than the winding layer thickness, the magnetic field distribution is largely parallel to the plane of the conductor in each winding layer. The magnitude ratio of peak magnetic surface field intensities for each conductor layer is defined as follows: R n =H n /H n-1 for each of n layers. Phase shift or phase displacement of magnetic surface field intensities for each conductor layer is defined as: Φ n =φ n −φ n-1 . The turns in FIG. 1 are illustrated by way of vertical lines in each of the winding layers. Unless otherwise stated, the following additional definitions with implied units are used herein: H: Magnetic Field Intensity: units of Ampere-Turn Meter ρ: Resistivity: units of ohm—meter μ 0 : Permeability  constant = 4 ⁢ π × 10 - 7 ⁢ Henry Meter f: Excitation frequency: units of Hertz δ: Skin  Depth = ρ πμ 0 ⁢ f Magnetic components always incur some power dissipation in the winding(s) and core, which decreases efficiency and increases temperature. It is generally known that alternating current (AC) conduction generates eddy currents within the conductors of magnetic components. Such eddy currents are significant at high frequencies and/or for large conductor thicknesses. These eddy currents do not contribute to the macroscopic current of the device, but produce a field which tends to cancel the external magnetic field produced by the AC current. However, the resultant power dissipation, or loss, and energy storage associated with such eddy currents can have a significant impact on the performance of a magnetic component in an electrical circuit. In particular, dissipation from eddy currents can markedly reduce the electrical efficiency of a system and increase the temperature rise of the component. This is due to the well known skin and proximity effects. Skin effect is the tendency of the current density in a wire to increase at and near the surface of the wire. In other words, skin effect is the tendency of current in a conductor to flow more toward the surface of the conductor as frequency is increased. Current density decays exponentially inside the conductor, reaching a value at the skin depth (δ) of 1/e times the current density at the surface. Proximity effect occurs when one conductor is placed in an external field generated by one or more other conductors in close proximity. In that case, eddy currents are induced in the conductor which oppose the penetration of the external field. The two eddy current effects occur simultaneously in a conductor carrying an AC current when the conductor is exposed to an external magnetic field. Such eddy currents cause power dissipation in the windings of magnetic components which increase with frequency and/or at large conductor thicknesses. Heretofore, designers of wound magnetic components have utilized analytical methods to limit or reduce power dissipation based upon mathematical derivations by P. L. Dowell in 1966 (P. L. Dowell, “Effects of Eddy Currents in Transformer Windings,” Proceedings of the IEEE, Vol. 113, No. 8, August 1966 [incorporated herein by reference]). P. L. Dowell, as with most prior art, assumes a constant layer thickness or height and does not consider current phase displacement. High frequency analysis of coil regions has been analyzed using a classical equivalent foil representation of a winding layer. This approach facilitates an understanding of physics and determination of conductor boundary conditions. However, this method neglects stray field effects at edges and other asymmetries. Indeed, stray effects can also arise from unpredictable manufacturing variables such as insulation build up and winding terminations which can cause irregular conductor geometries. Increased computing power has facilitated iterative approaches to determine winding configurations that yield acceptable dissipation. For example, Finite Element Analysis has improved mathematical consideration of asymmetries and specific device geometries. Finite Element Analysis is frequently used to determine whether a specific component design is acceptable. It is less valuable, however, in generating or suggesting all potential design parameters and determining an optimal or desired solution. Finite Element Analysis software may examine the impact of various configuration parameters such as core type, conductor type and size and the configuration of terms without the need to build and test a physical device. Prior to the present invention, the minimum loss configurations for the individual winding layers of a magnetic component having more than one layer was not analytically derived for the general case. M. P. Perry, “Multiple Layer Series Connected Winding Design for Minimal Losses,” IEEE Transactions on Power Apparatus and Systems, Vol. PAS-98, No. 1, January/February 1979, pp. 116-123, discloses an analysis for minimized power dissipation by choosing specific radial thicknesses for each winding layer in a magnetic component. M. P. Perry's analysis is based on general field solutions for current density distributions in winding layers of an infinitely long, cylindrical current sheet. Also, Perry's analysis assumes a fixed number of turns per layer and zero phase displacement. The analysis, therefore, has limited applicability. In addition, the stated twelve percent reduction in power dissipation in the M. P. Perry paper has subsequently been considered too small a benefit when increased manufacturing costs are considered. Since prior art methods have focused on the equivalent AC resistance of a complete winding portion or region, the optimization or minimization of loss in discrete winding layers within a magnetic component has not been implemented. As a result, configurations of minimum winding dissipation have been elusive and magnetic components have been less efficient and larger or hotter in comparison to results for an optimized configuration. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,455,971 and 6,758,430 (Palma et al.) disclose a non-random winding technique to reduce proximity losses in motors and other electric machines. U.S. Pat. No. 6,617,665 (Farcy et al.) discloses an optimized width for inductive windings on an integrated circuit, the width being twice the “skin thickness” corresponding to the maximum frequency of a high frequency current running through the winding. U.S. Pat. No. 6,650,217 (Wolf et al.) discloses a low profile planar magnetic component having a stacked winding configuration and specifying a minimum distance between winding layers and an air gap. U.S. Pat. No. 6,661,326 (Yeh et al.) discloses a wire-winding structure and method to improve transformer power which consists of a method of winding wire from a pin on a bobbin around a plurality of slots. U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,701 (Fulton et al.) discloses the use of an improved former for winding electrical coils. None of these patents discloses a device or method having improved winding parameters as in the present invention. Generally, the prior art assumes uniform conductor thickness; approximates dissipation in terms of an equivalent AC/DC resistance ratio for the entire winding portion; and suggests that the best way to reduce winding eddy current loss in a magnetic component is to reduce the number of layers. In addition, none of the prior art accounts for phase displacement in determining preferred winding parameters. There is a need, therefore, for an improved magnetic component having desired or optimal winding parameters including winding layer thickness, number of winding layers and considering variable turns per winding layer. There is also a need for a cost-effective method of designing and/or manufacturing such magnetic components to reduce power dissipation. Since multiple transformer secondaries, for example, can have loads with unequal power factors, or differing nonlinear loads (e.g. independent secondary regulators), and since significant magnetization currents can occur in primary windings, the harmonic components of winding currents can have significant relative phase displacement. It is desirable, therefore, to provide a single method of designing or calculating winding parameters which may be applied to general boundary conditions, including consideration for relative phase displacement of winding currents. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION With reference to the corresponding steps, parts, portions or surfaces of the disclosed embodiment, merely for purposes of illustration and not by way of limitation, the present invention provides an improved method of determining, calculating and/or designing winding parameters for use in a magnetic component, such as the desired thickness of a winding layer, the desired number of winding layers and the desired number of turns in each winding layer. The novel method may be applied to a single winding layer in one-layer or multi-layer components, or to any number, or all, of the winding layers in such components. The method can also be applied to separate and distinct windings that are placed on a given layer. The selection of a desired winding parameter, such as winding layer thickness, turns per layer, or number of layers, in accordance with this invention, may result in optimal power dissipation and/or desired power dissipation given manufacturing constraints such as size, cost, minimum/maximum leakage inductance or minimum/maximum capacitance, or other factors. By improving and/or optimizing conductor thicknesses in all or selected layers of a winding, for example, winding dissipation is significantly reduced, yielding higher efficiency and a corresponding opportunity for size or temperature rise reduction. As a result, coils, inductors, transformers, motors and various other magnetic components, and the systems which incorporate them can be made smaller and more efficient in accordance with the present invention, without undue complexity or expensive component materials. As described above, FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a winding region of a magnetic component. AC current within the conductors creates gradients of AC magnetic field within the winding region. These AC magnetic field gradients apply corresponding magnetic field boundary conditions to the conductor elements which induce eddy currents which can significantly increase dissipation. In certain aspects of the invention, desired or optimal conductor geometry is determined as a function of ratio(s) of magnetic field boundary conditions such as peak magnetic surface field intensities. In other aspects, conductor/winding geometry is determined as a function of relative phase displacement between the magnetic fields at the winding layer boundaries. In one aspect, the present invention utilizes a determination of optimum or desired conductor thickness which minimizes winding layer dissipation. In another aspect, this invention specifies the optimum conductor thickness for each layer of the inductive device. Optimum conductor thickness can be implemented, however, on each layer or in selected layers based upon preferences (or limitations) in component material and manufacturing processes. One aspect of the invention provides the following method of calculating the desired thickness of a winding layer for use in a magnetic component: determining the magnetic field intensity at the inner boundary or surface of a first winding layer; determining the magnetic field intensity at the outer boundary of the first winding layer; calculating a ratio of the magnetic field intensities; and calculating the desired thickness of the first winding layer as a function of this ratio. In certain aspects of the invention, the calculation of a desired thickness minimizes the normalized power loss function, f(H,R,B,Φ), defined in FIG. 3 , wherein B is a ratio of the desired thickness to the skin depth (δ) of a winding layer, R is the ratio of the magnitudes of opposing peak magnetic surface field intensities, and Φ is the relative phase displacement between the phases of the magnetic fields at the inner and corresponding outer boundaries or surfaces of a given winding layer. FIG. 2 illustrates such opposing magnetic surface field intensities for an example winding layer ( 10 ). The normalized loss function was generated by finding the general solution of the magnetic diffusion equation. A conductor layer is represented as a semi-infinite current sheet having magnetic field boundary conditions that are parallel to the conductor surface. This assumption is valid at least when winding width, l in FIG. 1 , is much larger than winding layer thickness. The application of Maxwell's equations generates the diffusion equation which has been classically solved using imaginary representations of magnetic field intensity and current density. True results are given by the real components of the imaginary solutions. The present invention is based in part upon a further derivation of P. L. Dowell's loss expressions to enable effective determination of the optimization function for desired reduced loss configuration(s) for zero phase disparity. Assumed boundary conditions were expanded to encompass phase disparity of magnetic fields and new loss expression(s) and their corresponding optimization functions derived, whose solutions define desired reduced or minimized loss configurations. In certain aspects of the invention, when phase displacement is zero and winding current is sinusoidal (and R>1), the desired thickness of a winding layer may be calculated in accordance with the expression, cos h(B)=R*cos(B). In another aspect, the calculation of desired thickness comprises: computing power dissipation for a plurality of predetermined thicknesses (e.g. for a selected range, thickness may be varied by a selected increment), which may be limited by manufacturing constraints or otherwise; and selecting a desired thickness having a desired power dissipation. In other aspects of the invention, the method contemplates that various winding parameters be varied in the same manner. In other aspects of the invention, the calculation of a desired thickness of a winding layer comprises: plotting the power loss function, f(H,R,B,Φ), for a plurality of predetermined thicknesses; and selecting a desired thickness having a desired power dissipation. Such predetermined thicknesses may be generated by a computer or determined manually, for example. Another aspect of the invention provides the following: determining the magnetic field intensity at the inner and outer boundaries of a second winding layer; calculating a ratio of those magnetic field intensities; and calculating the desired thickness of the second winding layer as a function of that ratio. The same determinations and calculations may be made for any number of winding layers and for one, some or all layers in a given component. The desired thickness may minimize the normalized loss function, f(H,R,B,Φ). In another aspect, the desired thickness of a second winding layer is calculated in accordance with the expression: cos h(B)=R*cos(B) as defined above. As in a single layer computation, power dissipation may be computed for a plurality of predetermined thicknesses; and a desired thickness may be selected which has a desired power dissipation. Similarly, another aspect of the invention provides a method by which the power loss function, f(H,R,B,Φ), is plotted for a plurality of predetermined thicknesses of a second (or greater) layer; and a desired thickness is selected which has a desired power dissipation. In other aspects, the desired thickness calculated or selected pursuant to the invention is the optimal thickness of the winding layer(s). In one aspect, the method of this invention includes: manufacturing a magnetic component having such desired thickness. Another aspect provides a magnetic component having a magnetic winding or windings made according to the method(s) described above. In certain aspects, for sinusoidal winding current corresponding to a situation in which the ratio R=0, the desired thickness of the winding layer(s) may be calculated in accordance with the expression: B=π/2. When R=−1 and phase displacement is zero, the desired thickness(es) may be calculated in accordance with the expression: B=π. In one aspect of the invention, the desired thickness of the first and/or second winding layer in a winding in a magnetic component is calculated as a function of the relative phase displacement between the phases of the magnetic fields at the inner and corresponding outer boundary of individual winding layers. One aspect of the invention provides the following method of calculating the desired thickness of a winding layer for use in a magnetic component: determining the magnetic field intensity at the inner surface or boundary of a first winding layer; determining the phase of the magnetic field at the same inner boundary; determining the magnetic field intensity at the outer boundary or surface of the first winding layer; determining the phase of the magnetic field at the same outer boundary; calculating a ratio of the magnetic field intensities determined and the relative phase displacement between the phases of the magnetic fields determined; and calculating the desired thickness of the first winding layer as a function of the ratio and the relative phase displacement. In one aspect, for sinusoidal winding current and cos(Φ)>0, the desired thickness of a winding layer may be calculated in accordance with the expression: [ R 2 +1 ]/R =[cos( B )/cos h ( B )+cos h ( B )/cos( B )]*cos(Φ) For the general case with sinusoidal winding current, the desired thickness of a winding layer may be calculated in accordance with the expression: R cos(Φ) sin( B )[sin h ( B )[4 cos 2 ( B )+1]+sin h (3 B )]−[ R 2 +1]sin(2 B )sin h (2 B )=0 Each of the foregoing steps may be undertaken, in accordance with the present invention, for a second winding layer or any number of winding layers in the winding of the magnetic component. In certain aspects, power dissipation is computed in accordance with the power loss function, and the power loss function may be plotted for a plurality of potential winding thicknesses, and a desired thickness selected based on the plot. The conductor which comprises the winding layer in each aspect of the invention may be round wire, square wire, foil sheet, conductive tape or multiple-strand wire. The thickness of round wires can be taken as π 4 * diameter so that equivalent cross-sectional areas are established for the purpose of analysis. The invention also includes the step of manufacturing a magnetic component (having a magnetic winding) in accordance with the foregoing steps. A magnetic component which is manufactured in accordance with the foregoing steps/methods is also part of the present invention. For nonsinusoidal winding current (which may include a DC component), the invention provides for the determination, through Fourier decomposition or another method known to those skilled in the art, of one or more of the harmonic components of the winding current. For one or more of the harmonic components, calculations may be made of H, the ratio R and the relative phase displacement for the inner and outer boundaries of each considered winding layer; and a desired thickness determined from such calculations. Dissipation may be determined as a function of H, R, B and Φ in accordance with the power loss function. In another aspect of the invention, potential winding layer thicknesses are iteratively generated (by computer or otherwise), and a desired thickness may be selected which has a desired harmonic dissipation. In certain aspects, similar to the sinusoidal case, the power loss function is plotted and a desired thickness is selected by computer or by inspection. The foregoing steps may be followed for one, some or all considered winding layers. The present invention also provides for a determination of the following additional winding parameters: number of winding layers and number of turns per layer. In one aspect, the invention provides the following method for calculating such parameters: determining the harmonic components of the winding current; iteratively generating a plurality of combinations of one or more of the winding parameters (including winding layer thickness); for one or more of the harmonic components, computing power dissipation for a plurality of the generated combinations as a function of the relative phase displacement and/or as a function of the ratio of magnetic surface field intensities between the inner boundary and the outer boundary of each of the iteratively generated winding layers; comparing the resulting power dissipations; and selecting a desired combination of winding parameters having desired power dissipation. The combinations selected may be limited by manufacturing constraints or specification constraints. As in other aspects of the invention, power dissipation may be determined in accordance with the power loss function, f(H,R,B,Φ), and the comparison of resulting dissipations done by plotting the function. These steps may be undertaken for one, some or all considered winding parameters. In another aspect, the present invention provides for a determination of winding thickness, number of winding layers and number of turns per layer as follows: varying one or more of the winding parameters; determining boundary conditions at the inner boundary and the outer boundary of one or more winding layers for a plurality of combinations of the varied winding parameters; comparing the boundary conditions at the inner and outer boundaries; and computing power dissipation as a function of the relationships between the compared boundary conditions. Each of the foregoing steps and methods may be implemented through a computer readable medium having computer executable instructions. Such computer readable mediums include without limitation floppy and hard disks, CD-ROM, flash ROM, nonvolatile ROM, DVD, and RAM, for example. The general object of the invention is to provide a magnetic component (and magnetic winding) having improved, desired or optimal power dissipation. This improvement can be made in consideration of imposed specification or manufacturing constraints. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for determining winding parameters (winding layer thickness, number of layers, number of turns per layer) for a wound magnetic component having a desired or optimal winding loss. This desired loss can be achieved in consideration of imposed specification or manufacturing constraints. Another object is to provide a method of winding design which is applicable to any type of component geometry, such as planar transformers, solenoidal transformers, and motor geometries. Still another object is to provide a method which may be applied to general boundary conditions, including consideration for relative phase displacement of winding currents. These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the foregoing and ongoing written specification, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a winding region of a magnetic component. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a winding layer of a magnetic component. FIG. 3 is an expression for normalized power loss. FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating the application of the invention to a magnetic component with three windings. FIG. 5 is a chart illustrating the application of another embodiment of the invention to a magnetic component with two windings. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as such elements, portions or surfaces may be further described or explained by the entire written specification, of which this detailed description is an integral part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “inner”, “outer”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), or similar terms, simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate. In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to AC sinusoidal excitation of a magnetic component having a fixed number of winding layers and a fixed number of turns per winding layer, one or more of the following steps are performed to calculate or determine a desired winding layer thickness in one or more magnetic windings: a. Identify the current magnitude and phase for each winding in the magnetic component. b. Using Ampere's Law, calculate the boundary conditions of peak magnetic surface field intensity and phase at each winding layer boundary. c. For each winding layer, determine the ratio of opposing peak magnetic surface field magnitudes (R n ) and the relative phase displacement, Φ n =φ n −φ n-1 . d. For each winding layer, determine the value of B (B optimum ) which minimizes the loss function, f(H,R,B,Φ), set forth in FIG. 3 . After applying the loss function, optimum or desired conductor thickness is then equal to B optimum *δ (skin depth). e. Use one or more of the following methods to find the minimum or desired values of the loss function: i. Plot f(H,R,B,Φ) as a function of B and find the minimum by inspection. ii. Use a computer program to calculate the loss function for a range of potential conductor thicknesses, and select the conductor thickness which yields minimum or desired loss function value. iii. For the case of R=0, B optimum =π/2. iv. For the case of R=−1 and Φ=0, B optimum =π. v. For the case of R=1 and Φ=0, B optimum =0 (no incremental macroscopic current in the conductor layer). vi. For the case of R>1 and Φ=0, determine B using the equation: cos h(B)=R*cos(B). vii. For the case of R>1 and cos(Φ)>0, determine B using the equation: [R 2 +1]/R=[cos(B)/cos h(B)+cos h(B)/cos(B)]*cos(Φ). viii. For the general case, determine B using the function: R cos(Φ)sin(B)[sin h(B)[4 cos 2 (B)+1]+sin h(3B)]−[R 2 +1]sin(2B) sin h(2B)=0. B optimum is given by the first positive zero of this function. In each case, physical and/or manufacturing constraints, among other things, may affect the selection of B, and, therefore, winding layer thickness. FIG. 4 is a chart representing an example of the application of this embodiment to determine winding layer thickness in a magnetic component having three windings. More specifically, this example relates to a transformer having one primary (Winding 3 ) and two secondary (Winding 1 and Winding 2 ) windings, with an assumed load current in each secondary winding of 1 Amp; an assumed primary excitation current at no load of 1 Amp; a winding length in each winding of 0.1 m (corresponding to element 1 in FIG. 1 ); six winding layers; and six turns per winding layer. Current phase in Windings 1 , 2 and 3 is −1.3, 0.5 and 2.23 radians, respectively, with the phase in Winding 3 derived from assumed values in Windings 1 and 2 in consideration of the no load primary excitation current. From the secondary load currents, the magnitude of the current in the primary winding (Winding 3 ), 1.88 Amps, is calculated using the condition of load Ampere-Turn equivalence to determine the primary load current component. The total primary current is the vector sum of the primary load current component and the primary no load excitation current component. B, the ratio between winding layer thickness and skin depth, is initially assumed to be 2. The magnitude and phase of peak magnetic surface field intensities below and above each layer (H below and H above in FIG. 4 ) are determined from the following expressions: H → n = H → n - 1 - N n l ⁢ I → n H → 0 = ∑ i = 1 n ⁢ ⁢ N i ⁢ I → i 2 ⁢ l wherein {right arrow over (H)} n equals H n cos(ωt+φ n ) and {right arrow over (I)} n equals I n cos(ωt+Θ n ), ω is the radial frequency and φ n and Θ n are phase values. FIG. 2 illustrates {right arrow over (H)} n for an example winding layer 10 . Notably, in FIG. 4 , the magnitude and phase of the magnetic surface field intensity above Layer Number 1 , for example, is equal to the intensity below Layer Number 2 , as expected. The ratio of opposing magnetic surface field intensities (H above /H below in the example) is then computed as well as phase shift. In the example of FIG. 4 , normalized dissipation values are then computed for each winding layer. These normalized values are determined from the power loss function, f(H,R,B,Φ), defined in FIG. 4 . The dissipation of each element is referenced to a common value. Therefore, in this example, the normalized dissipation has a value of 100%. To determine the desired winding layer configuration, the expression in step e.vii. above, for the general case, was plotted. The improved (desired or optimum) value for B was then determined as the value for B which caused the first positive zero of the expression. The bottom portion of the chart in FIG. 4 sets forth the winding layer thicknesses (in terms of B) and related boundary conditions for the improved magnetic component. Notably, each winding layer has a different thickness and the power dissipation is reduced by 16.7 percent. In this example, number of layers and turns per layer were held fixed so boundary conditions are unchanged. Further, no specific skin depth was presented since the utilized expression is not dependent upon skin depth, only B. Although true power is indeed a function of skin depth, actual skin depth is irrelevant because the results in this example are displayed in a normalized comparison. In another preferred embodiment, corresponding to nonsinusoidal excitation having Fourier harmonic components (which may include DC) and fixed winding layers and a fixed number of turns per winding layer, one or more of the following steps are performed to determine a desired winding layer thickness: a. Identify the current waveform for each winding in the magnetic component. b. Using Fourier decomposition, evaluate the harmonic components of each current waveform, noting magnitude and phase for each harmonic component. c. Using computer iteration, vary the thickness of each winding layer to determine the conductor thickness which minimizes total harmonic dissipation in each layer. i. Using the respective harmonic components of each winding current, apply Ampere's Law to evaluate the peak magnetic surface field intensity and phase at each winding layer boundary for each harmonic frequency. ii. For each layer, and at each harmonic frequency, determine the ratio of opposing magnetic surface field magnitudes and the relative phase displacement. iii. For each layer, calculate the respective harmonic dissipations using the loss function, f(H,R,B,Φ), applied to each harmonic boundary condition. For a DC component of current, I DC , in a winding layer of N turns and winding thickness T, the normalized DC power loss function is: f DC = 1 T ⁢ ( N + I DC l ) 2 iv. Calculate the total harmonic dissipation in each layer by summing the dissipations for each harmonic frequency. v. For each layer, determine the thickness which minimizes the total harmonic dissipation. Each of these steps (as with the steps in the other disclosed embodiments) may be performed with the aid of a computer, or through computer software or code, and may be performed manually. In another preferred embodiment, corresponding to nonsinusoidal excitation having Fourier harmonic components (including DC) and a variable number of winding layers and a variable number of turns per winding layer, one or more of the following steps are performed to determine desired winding parameters comprising winding layer thickness, the number of winding layers and the number of turns per winding layer: a. Identify the current waveform for each winding in the magnetic component. b. Using Fourier decomposition, evaluate the harmonic components of each current waveform, noting magnitude and phase for each harmonic component. c. Using computer iteration, vary the number of layers, the number of turns per layer, and the conductor thickness of each winding layer to determine the configuration which minimizes total winding dissipation. i. For each considered combination of winding layer(s) and number(s) of turns per layer, apply Ampere's Law to evaluate the magnetic surface field intensity and phase at each conductor layer boundary for each harmonic frequency, using the respective harmonic components of each winding current. ii. For each considered winding layer(s) and number(s) of turns per layer, and at each harmonic frequency, determine the ratio of opposing surface field magnitudes and the relative phase displacement. iii. For each considered combination of winding layer(s) and number(s) of turns per layer, calculate the respective harmonic dissipations using the loss function, f(H,R,B,Φ), applied to each harmonic boundary condition. For a DC component of current, the normalized power loss function is expressed as f DC above. iv. For each considered combination of layer(s) and number(s) of turns per layer, calculate the total harmonic dissipation by summing the dissipations for each harmonic frequency. v. For each considered combination of layer(s) and number(s) of turns per layer, determine the thickness which minimizes the total harmonic dissipation. vi. Evaluate the minimum dissipation for all other considered combinations of winding layers and number of turns per layer using this method. vii. Determine the particular winding configuration (number of layers, respective turns per layer, and respective conductor layer thicknesses) which yields minimum total loss. As in each embodiment, the winding parameters selected may be limited by cost, manufacturing or physical constraints, or by a specification such as leakage inductance or capacitance. FIG. 5 is a chart representing an example of the application of this embodiment to determine a desired number of winding layers, turns per layer and winding layer thickness for a transformer having one primary (Winding 2 ) and one secondary (Winding 1 ) winding. This problem assumed a variable number of winding layers and turns per winding layer. The example also assumed a load current of 1 Amp and a corresponding current in the primary winding of 1.41 Amps considering an assumed primary no load current of 1 Amp. Winding length l is 0.1 meters. The current phase in Windings 1 and 2 is 0.0 and 2.36 radians, respectively. In this example, the method of this embodiment was applied to only one winding (Winding 2 ). B was initially assumed to be 1.57 for each of two winding layers. The desired configuration was determined as follows: A specific configuration of number of layers and turns per layer was selected. For the resultant corresponding boundary conditions of R and Φ, the desired winding layer thickness was determined by plotting the expression in step e.vii. The improved (desired or optimum) value for B was determined as the value for B which caused the first positive zero of the expression. The bottom portion of the chart in FIG. 5 , labeled “After Improvement,” sets forth the winding layer parameters and related boundary conditions for the improved magnetic component, after applying the method of this embodiment. In this example, power dissipation is improved by 55 percent. One significant aspect of the resulting improved configuration is that the number of turns per layer differs in the three resulting layers, and dissipation is significantly improved. This alone distinguishes from the prior art. While there has been described what is believed to be the preferred embodiment of the present invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the method of the present invention may be applied irrespective of conductor geometry and manufacturing or other physical or cost constraints. Further, all or portions of the inventive method may be applied to all or portions of a magnetic component. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, persons skilled in this art will readily appreciate that various additional changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention, as defined and differentiated by the following claims. In addition, the terminology and phraseology used herein is for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The present invention provides an improved magnetic winding and method of calculating desired winding parameters (winding layer thickness, number of winding layers and number of turns per winding layer) for a winding in a magnetic component. The invention may be applied to general boundary conditions in a magnetic winding or component and considers relative phase displacement for sinusoidal and nonsinusoidal winding currents. Ratios of magnetic surface field intensities at corresponding inner and outer boundaries of one or more winding layer(s) are calculated, and considered with relative phase displacement to select magnetic winding configurations having desired or optimal power dissipation. In certain aspects, a normalized loss function f(H,R,B,Φ) is utilized to determine a preferred construction among a plurality of iteratively generated selections.
8
FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to the mixing of a plurality of electronically controlled light sources which are filtered to produce specific colours and then mixed to make any one of a range of colours including, with appropriate filtering, any colour in the visual spectrum. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Systems for mixing red, green and blue coloured light to produce other colours has long been used to produce colour television pictures. However, in the area of direct lighting the larger the light sources and high powers involved have made it difficult to produce beams of light with homogenous colour. This difficulty arises because of the relatively large size of light sources and the fact that a compromise has to be made between effective colour mixing and efficient beams of light. Colour mixing can be best achieved by diffusing the light whilst efficient beams of light are produced by focusing the light. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A preferred embodiment of the present invention overcomes these problems by creating a wide angle mixing beam in one plane of illumination whilst maintaining a narrow beam in a substantially perpendicular plane. Using such a system makes it possible to illuminate a surface with uniformly colored light of any colour in the spectrum using apparatus containing only three suitably filtered light sources. A further preferred embodiment of the invention uses semi specular or linear prismatic reflectors combined with small viewing shields to minimize the colour mixing zone and obscure it from view. This allows lighting units embodying the invention to be mounted within low height ceiling voids thus greatly enhancing the number of applications to which they can be put. In a further preferred embodiment the surface being illuminated has its base inclined towards the viewer. Preferably, a single action user interface is incorporated which may be a rotary knob or a slider with a purpose made colour scale that defines a set number of colours or change cycles to enable the user to turn the knob or slide the slider to a given colour and that colour will appear. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is defined in the appended claims to which reference should now be made. A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described in detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings which: FIGS. 1 and 2 show schematic block diagrams of systems embodying the invention; FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a lighting unit embodying the invention; FIG. 4 is a side view of a lighting unit for use at the top of a wall to be illuminated; FIG. 5 is a front view of a similar unit. FIGS. 6A through 6F show a variety of mounting arrangements for the lighting unit; and FIGS. 7 and 8 show plan and side views of an embodiment of the invention to be used behind e.g., a picture hung on the wall. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The schematic diagram of FIG. 1 shows a lighting unit 2 containing three light sources. A red source 4 , a green source 6 , and a blue source 8 . Each of these is connected to a voltage transformer device 10 which supplies voltage to operate each of the light sources. The human interface 12 with a rotary knob 14 supplies control signals to a power controller 16 which in turn supplies power to the voltage transformers 10 in proportions dependent upon the position of the rotary knob 14 . The human interface 12 is able to supply control signals to supply power to the voltage transformers 10 and thus to the light sources 4 , 6 , 8 in desired proportions so that any desired colour can be obtained. Alternatively in FIG. 2, the schematic diagram shows a lighting unit 2 containing three light sources, as above, which are connected to a three channel combined dimmer/transformer 15 which supplies power to operate each of the light sources. The human interface 12 with a rotary knob 14 supplies control signals direct to the transformation device 15 which in turn supplies power to the lamps in proportion dependent upon the position of rotary knob 14 . The human interface 12 is able to supply control signals to supply power to the light sources 4 , 6 , 8 in desired proportions so that any desired colour can be obtained. The light sources 4 , 6 and 8 are positioned adjacent to each other and if a wider field of illumination is required then additional banks of red, green and blue light sources can be provided next to the lighting unit to give whatever width of illumination is required. The lighting unit is illustrated in more detail in FIG. 3 . Each of the light sources 4 , 6 and 8 comprises a lamp 20 positioned at the end of a reflector 22 which reflects light through colour filters red 5 , green 7 , and blue 9 from the lamp into a columniation tube 24 . The columniation tube focus the light into a substantially column-shaped beam. At the end of each columniation tube is a diffuser 26 which diffuses the light from the light sources and transmits it to a spread lens 28 which covers the whole of the front of the lighting unit. This comprises a set of parallel semi-specular or linear prismatic reflectors which are perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 3 and which cause the light to be diffused further up and down the plane of FIG. 3 as shown by the ray lines 30 . As seen in this figure, the light is thus diffused in the plane along which the axes of the light beams emitted from the columniation tubes 24 are oriented. Thus, the lighting unit produces a wide beam up and down the plane of FIG. 3 whilst maintaining a narrow beam in a plane perpendicular to FIG. 3 . This gives a very good mixing of the three colours and enables a surface such as a wall to be washed with the colour. This may be further enhanced by an auxiliary reflector of either semi-specular or prismatic material which further mixes the colour and turns the beam through an appropriate angle. FIG. 4 shows a side view of a unit in which the lighting unit 2 of FIG. 3 can be mounted. The unit is thus perpendicular to its position in FIG. 3 and the wide beam of the unit is therefore perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 4 . Usually unit 2 is mounted so that its primary direction of illumination is perpendicular to a wall 32 . A reflector 34 reflects the narrow beam of mixed light 36 downwards onto the wall 32 . A shield 38 is provided to stop a viewer seeing the mixing zone. As can be seen, the wall 32 has its base inclined towards the viewing side. This improves the uniformity of illumination of the wall. Additionally, a mirror placed at the base of the wall will reflect the beam back up the wall and double the effect. Alternatively, unit 2 can be mounted in the following positions relative to the wall with the noted different arrangements of lens and reflector and thus achieving the effects described as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6 F. 1. Mounted to ceiling at an appropriate angle. Unit shall have linear refractor and no reflector achieving a soft spread of light to the ceiling (FIG. 6 A). 2. Mounted in a ceiling at right angles to wall. Unit shall have a linear refractor lens and reflector 82 achieving a soft spread of coloured light on the wall (FIG. 6 B). 3. Mounted to the ceiling at right angles to the floor using linear refractor and no reflector achieving a soft spread of light on the wall. Effect can be doubled by return mirror 80 (FIG. 6 C). 4. Mounted from the ceiling at right angles to wall. Unit shall have a linear refractor lens and reflector 82 achieving a soft spread of coloured light on the wall. Effect can be doubled by return mirror 80 (FIG. 6 D). 5. Mounted in the floor at right angles to wall. Unit shall have a linear refractor lens and reflector 82 achieving a soft spread of coloured light on the wall. Effect can be doubled by ceiling mounted return mirror 80 (FIG. 6 E). 6. Mounted to the floor at right angles to ceiling, using linear refractor and no reflector achieving a soft spread of light on the wall and ceiling. Effect can be doubled by ceiling mounted return mirror 80 (FIG. 6 F). 7. (Not shown) Mounted to ceiling at right angles to floor. Unit shall have diffuser and calumniating lens in place of linear refractor achieving a clearly defined circular area of light. A front view of the lighting unit 2 is shown in FIG. 5 . As can be seen the lighting unit is terminated by an end of unit cut-off shield 40 to prevent any light escaping to the side of the unit. The unit 2 is adjacent to a further unit 2 and additional units may be fixed adjacent to this according to the width of illumination required. Using units as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 enables lighting units embodying the invention to be mounted within low height ceiling voids. Alternatively, with a different arrangement of reflector and cut-off shields the unit could be mounted at the base of a wall shining light towards it. The knob 14 on the human interface 12 is a single action knob and has a colour scale around it such that control sequences are sent to the power controller to send power to the voltage transformers 10 in desired proportions to ensure that a desired colour is produced by the lighting unit. This is intended to simplify the three separate controls which would usually be provided for the red, green and blue light sources. The embodiment described above shows the use of red, green and blue light sources which will enable any colour in the spectrum to be produced with appropriate control signals. However, the invention could also be used with only two light sources, thus giving a narrower range of available colours. The unit need not be used to produce only a wash of light. Using a suitable arrangement of lenses, the unit could be used to produce e.g., a focused beam of light. Such an application is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 which shows a diagram of the invention arranged as a “Picture Light” as it is mounted behind e.g., a picture hung on the wall. Lamps 50 , connected to transformers as described above, project a narrow beam of light through dichroic filters in red 52 , green 54 , and blue 56 this coloured light passes along tubes 58 and is diffused by diffuser 60 and spread by refractor 62 , the three beams mix into a single colour with the help of a diffusing dome 64 which reflects and mixes the diffused light. The groups of three lamps and optical system are repeated around the dome 64 to form a continuous ring. The assembly is hung a small distance from a surface with the course surface of the dome towards the surface, and illuminates the surface with whatever colour the user sets with the control system described above. This happens as light is reflected and mixed by the course surface of the dome onto the surface to be illuminated.
A lighting system comprises a plurality of adjacent light sources of different colors. Each light source has a wide angle beam in a first plane and a narrower angled beam in a substantial perpendicular second plane. As a result, efficient mixing of light is achieved in the first plane.
5
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention concerns a device for supplying weft threads on weaving machines, in particular shuttleless weaving machines, such as for example rapier weaving machines or airjet weaving machines. As is known, devices for supplying weft threads generally include thread supplies formed by yarn packages or bobbins; thread preparation mechanisms such as prewinders for unwinding a certain quantity of weft thread from the supply packages and holding it in readiness on a drum; and insertion means in order to take particular lengths of weft thread one by one from the respective thread preparation mechanisms and insert them into the shed. The yarn packages are usually mounted on a package frame. In order to be able to reach the yarn packages easily, it is known for the package frame to be rotatable. From U.S. Pat. No. 3,526,253 it is known for the weft threads to be led to the axis of rotation of the package frame and to the respective thread preparation mechanisms via a number of thread guides and bending points. Such package frames have the disadvantage that the weft threads have to follow a relatively long path before they reach the thread preparation mechanisms, passing through various guides, so that the chance of thread breaks is greatly increased. Another important disadvantage is that whenever such a package frame is turned, in order to replace a yarn package or to carry out a repair, the different weft threads get tangled in one another even at a small angle of rotation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has as its aim a device for supplying weft threads which does not have the above-mentioned disadvantages. To this end the weft threads are led via a minimum number of bending points. According to the invention, the package frame can be rotated through such a large angle that all the yarn packages mounted on it can be presented at the same point, for example the point where a repair unit is positioned, without the weft threads getting tangled in one another. For this purpose the invention concerns a device for supplying weft threads on weaving machines, including at least one rotatable set of thread supplies; one set of thread preparation mechanisms per set of thread supplies, where the set of thread preparation mechanisms can rotate together with the set of thread supplies, and where said thread preparation mechanisms operate with the respective thread supplies; and insertion means for inserting weft threads into a shed of the weaving machine. The fact that both the thread preparation mechanisms and the thread supplies are rotatably mounted makes possible a particularly compact construction. Rotating the thread supplies and the thread preparation mechanisms can be done manually or automatically, according to different variants. Rotating the assembly formed by the thread supplies and the corresponding thread preparation mechanisms normally results in the length of the path followed by the weft threads to the first fixed mounted thread guide elements being increased, so that when said rotatable assembly is returned to its original position the weft threads sag, which in certain circumstances can have unfavourable consequences, such as the weft threads becoming entangled. In order to avoid this disadvantage, the device according to the invention has in a particular embodiment a special thread guide which limits the sagging of the weft threads as a result of lengthening when said rotatable assembly is rotated. This particular thread guide also ensures that the weft threads between the thread preparation mechanisms and the insertion means do not come in contact with each other anywhere when said rotatable assembly is rotated, even if it is rotated through a relatively large angle. To this end, said thread guide includes: first thread guide devices formed by thread guide points arranged in a ring and which rotate with said rotatable assembly, the weft threads leaving said assembly via the first thread guide devices; second fixedly-mounted; thread guide devices via which the weft threads are led to the insertion means; and third fixedly-mounted thread guide devices mounted between the above-mentioned first and second thread guide devices, consisting essentially of a number of thread guide slots arranged in a ring and which operate with the respective weft threads. According to another particular embodiment, the device according to the invention has a means which converts the rotational motion of the above-mentioned rotatable assembly into a translational motion essentially in the direction of the axis around which said assembly turns. By a suitable choice of said device, the lengthening of the threads described above can be fully compensated for by the translational motion of the thread supplies and of the corresponding thread preparation mechanisms. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to describe the characteristics of the invention, the following embodiments are described, by way of example only and without being limitative in any way, with reference to the drawings, where: FIG. 1 is perspective view, including a schematic depiction of a control unit of the device according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a side view in the direction of arrow F2 in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of variant of the device according to the invention; FIG. 4 is a side view of a another variant of the invention; FIG. 5 is an end view in the direction of arrow F5 in FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 of a particular embodiment of the invention; FIG. 7 is a front elevation of the part indicated in FIGS. 1 and 6 by F7, to a greater scale; FIGS. 8 to 11 show a cross-section along line VIII--VIII in FIG. 6, for various positions; FIG. 12 is a front elevation of a variant of the part indicated in FIG. 7; FIG. 13 shows schematically a particular embodiment of the device according to the invention; FIG. 14 is a side view in the direction of arrow F14 in FIG. 13; FIG. 15 shows the part indicated in FIG. 14 by F15, to a greater scale; FIG. 16 is a side view similar to that of FIGS. 14 and 15 showing a variant of the part represented in FIG. 15; FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the part indicated in FIGS. 15 and 16 by arrow F17, to a greater scale; FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a variant of the device according to the invention; FIG. 19 is a side view in the direction of arrow F19 in FIG. 18, to a greater scale; FIG. 20 is a side view of a variant of the part shown in FIG. 19. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As shown in FIG. 1 the device according to the invention includes at least one rotatable set of thread supplies 1, at least one set of thread preparation mechanisms 2 which can rotate with said set of thread supplies 1, and insertion means 3. The thread supplies consist of yarn packages 4. The thread preparation mechanisms 5 of said set 2 are formed by conventional prewinders which consist in the known way of fixed prewinder drums 6 and rotating winding tubes 7, by means of which the weft threads 8 can be drawn from the yarn packages 4 and wound on the prewinder drums 6. Each of the thread supplies operates in conjunction with one thread preparation mechanism. The set of thread supplies 1 and the set of thread preparation mechanisms 2 can preferably rotate about a common horizontal axis of rotation 9, and for this purpose are mounted on the same rotating frame 10. Each thread supply, that is each yarn package 4, is mounted in line with its corresponding thread preparation mechanism 5. The yarn packages 4 and the thread preparation mechanisms 5 are mounted at different points around the axis of rotation 9 and are positioned concentrically around it, such that they extend along the surface of a cone whose apex is towards the insertion means 3. In the case where there is only one yarn package 4 per thread preparation mechanism 5, the different components are preferably arranged relative to each other such that the respective axes through each yarn package 4 and the corresponding thread preparation device 5 are the generatrixes of the surface of a cone 11, as shown in FIG. 2. The above-mentioned insertion means 3 can, as is known, be of various types, depending on the kind of weaving machine. FIG. 1 illustrates the case of a rapier weaving machine, where the insertion means 3 consists essentially of a thread presentation mechanism 12 and the rapiers 13 by means of which the weft thread 8 after it has been presented can be brought into the shed 14, whereupon said weft thread 8 is beaten up against the fell line 16 of the cloth 17 by the reed 15 in the known way. Clearly, in the case of an airjet weaving machine, the insertion means 3 would be the auxiliary main nozzles and the main nozzles. The device according to the invention offers the advantage that when the set of thread supplies 1 rotates, the set of thread preparation mechanisms 2 rotates with it, so that no tangling of the weft threads between the yarn packages 4 and the thread preparation mechanisms 5 can occur. This simultaneous rotation also enables the yarn packages 4 and the thread preparation mechanisms 5 to be brought to the same point P1 by a suitable angular displacement of the frame 10. This offers the advantage that as shown in FIG. 1, peripheral equipment can be positioned at this point, for example a repair unit 18 or the like, in order to repair a broken weft thread 8 and/or to rethread the corresponding thread preparation mechanism. Clearly, the rotation of the set of thread supplies 1 and the set of thread preparation mechanisms 2 can be done manually or by means of a drive mechanism, such as a motor 19. The motor 19 can for example be activated by means of a push-button control 20 or the like and/or by means of an automatic control unit 21. In the latter case, said control unit 21 can be coupled to a number of detection devices, such as detectors 22 positioned at the entrances of the thread preparation mechanisms 5, in order to detect faults, including breaks, in the course of the weft thread 8. If a thread break is detected, a suitable signal is supplied to the control unit 21, with the result that, for example, the thread presentation mechanism 12 is commanded not to insert the broken weft thread any further and the motor 19 is activated until the yarn package 4 and the thread preparation mechanism 5 in which the fault has occurred has been brought automatically in front of the repair unit 18. An automatic repair can then be carried out, after which the device can be returned to its original position. While the yarn packages 4 and the thread preparation mechanisms 5 are being displaced automatically and the broken weft thread 8 is being repaired, a signalling device 23 can be operated by the control unit 21. As shown in FIG. 3, each of the above-mentioned thread supplies can of course also consist of two yarn packages 4A and 4B, where the trailing end of the weft thread 8 of the yarn package 4A in use is connected to the leading end of the weft thread of the second yarn package 4B. As soon as one yarn package 4A runs out, there is automatic switch-over over to yarn package 4B. The present invention enables the device to be rotated without any danger of entanglement of the threads of the set of thread supplies 1, and thus also of the set of thread preparation mechanisms 2. As a result, the point where the empty package is located can be moved to a fixed point P2, where for example there can be an apparatus 24 which automatically replaces the empty reel with a full package, which is then tied to the above-mentioned yarn package 4B, such that a continuous supply of weft thread 8 is ensured. Such package replacement apparatuses are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,856 and Belgian patent publication No. 1.000.768. The weaving process does not have to be interrupted while this is going on. FIGS. 4 and 5 show a variant in which the device consists of a double version of the assembly shown in FIG. 1, where the respective sets of thread supplies 1 and sets of thread preparation mechanisms 2 are mounted next to each other. The above-mentioned cone shape 11 here occurs twice. The cones 11 are preferably positioned relative to each other so that the generatrixes V and W closest to the repair unit 18, which is located between the cones 11, are parallel to each other. This enables said repair unit 18 to be used for either of the one part 25 or the other part 26 of the device, without any further provision. Clearly, the repair unit 18 shown in FIG. 5 can also be replaced by another apparatus, for example an apparatus for changing empty yarn packages 4. In order to be able to continue weaving without interruption using the unbroken weft threads 8 while a repair or the like is being carried out as mentioned above, the device according to the invention preferably also has a guide which permits the assembly 27 formed by the set of thread supplies 1 and the set of thread preparation mechanisms 2 to be rotated through an angle of at least 180 degrees without the weft threads 8 between said assembly 27 and the insertion means 3 becoming entangled. As shown in FIG. 6, said thread guide mechanism includes: a first thread guide device 28 formed by thread guide points arranged in a ring, which rotate together with the above-mentioned rotatable assembly 27, and via which the weft threads 8A to 8D leaving said assembly 27 via the thread guide points; a second, fixedly-mounted thread guide device 29 by way of which the weft threads 8A to 8D are led to the insertion means 3; and a third, fixedly-mounted thread guide device 30 positioned between the first and second thread guide devices 28 and 29, with the special characteristic that the thread guide devices include a number of thread guide slots 31 arranged in a ring, which operate in conjunction with the respective weft threads 8A to 8D. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 the thread guide points arranged in a ring of the first thread guide device 28 are formed by the thread eyes 32 of the outputs of the thread preparation mechanisms 5, where said thread eyes 32 describe a common rotational motion as a result of the rotation of the assembly 27. The above-mentioned second thread guide device 29 preferably includes an element, for example in the form of a plate 33, in which are thread eyes 34 which form fixed thread guide points. The weft threads 8A to 8D are led from the second thread guide device 29 to the insertion means 3, possibly as shown in FIG. 6 via a fixed-mounted weft detector 35 which itself is common technology and which, as is known, on rapier weaving machines consists of a series of motion detectors in the form of thread eyes 36 mounted next to each other, which monitor the presence and the motion of their respective weft threads 8A to 8D, and which for this purpose are connected to the control unit 21. The special feature of the thread guide is the third thread guide device 30, which as already mentioned has thread guide slots 31 which are essentially arranged in a ring and which as a result of their specific shape offer the advantage that when the assembly 27 rotates the risk of the weft threads 8A to 8D becoming entangled is reduced to a minimum, and that during the rotation the lengthening of the threads 8A to 8D between the first and second thread guide devices, i.e. in the case illustrated in FIG. 6 between thread eyes 32 and 34, is also kept to a minimum. The thread guide slots 31 preferably consist of openings in a fixed mounted plate 37. As shown to a greater scale in FIG. 7, in the simplest embodiment use is made of straight thread guide slots 31 arranged in a ring as to form the edges of a square 38. The thread guide slots 31 offer the advantage that the assembly 27 can be rotated while the weaving machine is operating, for example in order to rethread a thread preparation mechanism 5 or to replace an empty yarn package 4 with a full one, without any danger of interrupting the weft thread supply. The operation of the thread guide is illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 11, which show different positions of the assembly 27, as cross-sections along the line VIII--VIII in FIG. 6. They show in particular how the yarn packages 4 and the thread preparation mechanisms 5 can all be simply presented at the same point P1 where they either can be reached easily by the weaver or can be presented to a repair unit 18 or any other desired typed of peripheral apparatus, such as a device for rethreading a prewinder, an apparatus for automatically replacing empty yarn packages, etc. In its normal position, the rotatable assembly 27 is preferably positioned such that one of the yarn packages 4 and the corresponding thread preparation devices 5 are located precisely at the point of the peripheral apparatus, in this case the repair unit 18. In FIG. 8, the supply of weft thread 8A is provided by the yarn package 4 and the thread preparation device 5. The fact that the assembly 27 is positioned such that one yarn package 4 and the corresponding thread preparation device 5 are located at the point of the peripheral apparatus 18 offers the advantage that no further rotation is needed whenever the peripheral apparatus 18 has to intervene in order to carry out an operation on the weft thread 8A. Only if something occurs to weft threads 8B, 8C or 8D does a rotation have to be carried out. FIG. 9 shows the position when the supply of weft thread 8B has to be presented to the peripheral apparatus 18. In this case the rotatable assembly 27 must be rotated through 90 degrees in the direction of arrow E, as shown in FIG. 8. Here it should be noted that in FIG. 6 the device is shown during this rotation in the direction of arrow E. FIGS. 10 and 11 show the positions in which the thread supply paths of the weft threads 8C and 8D respectively have to be presented to the peripheral apparatus 18. From the drawings it is clear that lengthening of the threads as a result of the rotation of the assembly 27 is kept to a minimum by the displacement of the weft threads 8A to 8D in the thread guide slots 31. As shown in FIG. 12, the thread guide slots 31 can also be curved, preferably in the form of arcs of circles, where the angles which they subtend overlap. In order to achieve the best effect, the thread eyes 32 are preferably located centrally in front of the third thread guide device 30 and in a plane parallel to the plane in which the thread guide slots 31 are situated. Furthermore, the thread eyes 34 of the second thread guide device 29 are preferably situated opposite the centres of the thread guide slots 31. Clearly, the second thread guide device 29 does not necessarily have to consist of the above-mentioned plate 33 and the thread eyes 34. In a simpler embodiment, the second thread guide device 29 can also be formed by the thread eyes 36 of the weft detector 35, as shown in FIG. 1. However, it is recommendable for an arrangement as shown in FIG. 6 to be used, since the distribution of the weft threads 8A to 8D between the first and second thread guide devices 28 and 29 is then always symmetrical. FIGS. 13 to 18 show embodiments in which, as indicated in the preamble, arrangements are made to compensate fully for the lengthening of the path followed by the weft threads 8 which normally occurs when the assembly 27 rotates, such that no sagging of the weft threads 8 occurs when the assembly 27 rotates back into its original position. The particular feature of this arrangement is that the device includes a means 39 which converts the rotation motion R of the assembly 27 into a translation motion T, essentially in the direction of the axis of rotation 9. For this purpose, the above-mentioned frame 10 is constructed so that it can not only rotate but also be displaced, for example along the shaft 40 extending in the direction of the axis of rotation 9. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the above-mentioned means 39 includes a cam follower mechanism having a cam 41 and a cam follower 42 which operates with the cam 41. One of these elements is mounted on the fixed shaft 40, while the other element is mounted on the rotatable frame 10. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, use is made of a frame 10 with a core in the form of a tube 43 which is mounted so that it can both rotate and slide on the shaft 40. The cam 41 consists of a cylindrical element 44 with a profiled head and 45. The cylindrical element 44 is mounted concentrically round the shaft 40, while the cam follower 42 consists of a pin which extends radially from the inside wall of the tube 43. The rotatable assembly 27 is mounted at an angle A such that it slides downwards along the shaft 40 under its own weight, thereby ensuring permanent contact between the cam follower 42 and the cam 41. In this arrangement the weft threads leave the rotatable assembly 27 via thread guides which rotate with it, such as the above-mentioned thread eyes 32, and then pass along fixed-mounted thread guides which in the non-rotated position of the assembly 27 are preferably situated opposite the thread eyes 32 and which for example include thread eyes 46 in a small plate 47 which is preferably mounted perpendicularly on the above-mentioned shaft 40. It is clear from FIGS. 14 and 15 that as a result of the rotation of the assembly 27, for example by means of a motor 19 and the accompanying transmission, the cam 41 will follow the profiled shape of the head end 45, so that the assembly 27 will carry out a displacement. The profile of the cam 41 is chosen such that when the assembly 27 rotates a displacement occurs such that the distances between the thread eyes 32 which rotate with the assembly 27 and the respective fixed-mounted thread eyes 46 remain unaltered in length; in other words, the translation motion provides length compensation. As shown in FIG. 16, the cam follower 42 can for example also consist of a small wheel. In order to ensure permanent contact between the cam follower 42 and the cam 41, an elastic device can be used, such as a pressure spring 48, mounted between a support 49 on the shaft 40 and a collar 50 in the tube 43. This embodiment offers the advantage that the assembly 27 need not be oriented slanting upwards. In a variant in which the slanting arrangement is not necessary, the means 39 consists of a cam follower mechanism which uses a slot cam. Such a slot cam can for example be obtained by mounting a second element 51 on the shaft 40 in the embodiment in FIG. 15, as shown by the dot-dash line. FIG. 17 illustrates the form of cam 41, including cylindrical element 44 and profiled head and 45, as described above. The embodiment just described with the cam follower mechanism has the advantage that the latter does not cause any obstacle, either to the weft threads or to the accessibility of other parts of the machine. Preferably, the rotatable assembly 27 is mounted on a separate movable frame 52, which can be placed next to the weaving machine. In such an embodiment, the preference is for the thread guides formed by the thread eyes 46 also to be mounted on the frame 52, for example as already described on the front end of the fixed shaft 40. However, it is clear that the rotatable assembly 27 can also form part of the weaving machine. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the means 39 which converts the rotation motion R of the assembly 27 into a translation motion includes at least one link 53 extending in the direction or more or less in the direction of the shaft 40, between a fixed attachment point 54 and an attachment point 55 mounted on the rotating frame 10. The link 53 is folding and/or hinge mounted at the attachment points 54 and 55. As shown in FIG. 18 the above-mentioned thread guides or eyes 46 and the fixed attachment point 54 are preferably situated on the same descriptive circle 56, for example with the link 53 attached to the plate 47. The thread guides or eyes 32 and the above-mentioned attachment point 55 which rotate with the assembly 27 are also situated on the same circle 57, for example with the link 53 attached to a support 58 mounted radially on the frame 10. The attachment points 54 and 55 are located opposite each other in a similar manner to the complementary thread eyes 32 and 46. Since the link 53 is situated in the same circles 56 and 57 as the thread eyes and lies at exactly the same angle as the weft threads 8, the length of this link is equal to the length of thread between the thread eyes 32 and 46. This has the advantage that precise compensation is obtained when the rotating assembly 27 rotates. FIG. 19 shows an embodiment in which the link 53 consists of a cable or flexible tie. In this case the necessary arrangements must be made to ensure that the link 53 remains taut when the assembly 27 rotates back to its original position. This can be done, in a similar way to the first embodiment mentioned, by mounting the assembly 27 at an angle so that its weight keeps the link 53 taut. In a variant, this can also be achieved by means of an elastic device, such as a pressure spring 48, in a similar way as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 16. In FIG. 20 the link 53 consists of a bar hinge-mounted at each end at the attachment points 54 and 55 by means of ball-and-socket joints 59 and 60. A separate return device such as an elastic device 48 or suchlike is not then required. Clearly, instead of one single link 53 there can be several links 53 mounted in a similar way, for example between all the corresponding thread eyes 32 and 46. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described by way of example and shown in the figures; on the contrary, such a device for supplying weft threads on weaving machines can be made in different forms and dimensions while still remaining within the scope of the invention.
A device for supplying weft threads in weaving machines with minimal twisting includes at least one rotatable set of thread supplies and one rotatable set of thread preparation mechanisms per set of thread supplies. The sets of thread preparation mechanisms are rotatable together with corresponding sets of thread supplies forming a rotatable assembly to prevent the weft threads from becoming tangled with one another as the sets rotate, for example to bring one of the thread preparation mechanisms adjacent a repair mechanism, or to change threads. A mechanism is further included which converts the rotational motion of the rotatable assembly into a translational motion essentially in the direction of the axis around which the assembly turns. By a suitable choice of the mechanism, lengthening of the thread after rotation can be fully compensated for by the translational motion of the thread supplies and of the corresponding thread preparation mechanisms.
3
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 890,427, filed July 28, 1986 now abandoned. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to photoresists having high thermal stability in terms of plastic flow. The photoresists are comprised of structures having recurrent acid labile or photolabile groups, such that in the deprotected state (with the acid labile or photolabile group removed) they have a hydrogen bond donor and a free hydrogen bond acceptor. Thus, a hydrogen-bonded network is generated upon deprotection which requires energy to break. The recurrent acid labile or photolabile groups are typically pendant to the polymeric backbone. 2. Background Art Processing of semiconductor devices frequently requires the use of temperatures as high as 200° C.; as a result, it is important to have resist materials which can withstand such temperatures without the occurrence of plastic flow which distorts the dimensions of the resist structure. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,779,778, Smith et al. disclosed novel photosolubilizable compositions comprising (1) a water-insoluble compound containing one or more acid-degradable groups, and (2) a photoinitiator comprising a photolyzable acid progenitor. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,491,628, resists sensitive to UV, electron beam and X-ray radiation with positive or negative tone upon proper choice of a developer are formulated from a polymer having recurrent pendant groups such as tert-butyl ester or tert-butyl carbonates that undergo efficient acidolysis with concomitant changes in polarity (solubility) together with a photoinitiator which generates acid upon radiolysis. A sensitizer component that alters wavelength sensitivity may also be added. The preferred acid labile pendant groups are tert-butyl esters of carboxylic acids and tert-butyl carbonates of phenols but, it is understood that a wide range of acid labile groups are operative in the invention. These include trityl, benzyl, benzhydryl modifications as well as others well known in the art. Developed resist structures generated from the above, previously disclosed, preferred t-butyl carbonates of phenols such as poly(p-tert-butoxycarbonyloxy-methylstyrene), poly(p-tert-butoxycarbonyloxystyrene), or poly(tert-butyl p-isoprophenylphenyloxyacetate) exhibit a thermal stability (in terms of plastic flow) of less than about 160° C. as measured by T g (determined by TGA at a heating rate of about 10° C./min). The previously disclosed, preferred t-butyl ester of a carboxylic acid, poly(t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate) demonstrates a high opacity below about 280 nm, and thus is not useful for a single layer processes utilizing imaging via deep UV radiation; deep UV imaging being preferred for numerous reasons known in the art of lithography. Developed resist structures generated from the previously disclosed, preferred t-butyl esters of carboxylic acids such as poly(tert-butyl methacrylate) form anhydride linkages which can crosslink upon heating so that the resist becomes insoluble in the common lithographic developers and strippers. Thus, it may not be possible to develop the latent image in the resist layer, or, if subsequent to developing, processing temperatures rise above about 160° C., the developed resist structure may not be removable from the underlaying substrate. Thus, it would be desirable to have a resist material which is sufficiently transparent to deep UV (wavelengths below about 280 nm) prior to imaging, to permit deep UV imaging; which is thermally stable after imaging to processing temperatures greater than 160° C.; and, which does not crosslink upon heating to these same processing temperatures, to become insoluble in the common lithographic developers or strippers. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, there are particular polymeric materials having acid labile or photolabile groups pendant to the polymer backbone which can be used to produce photoresist structures having thermal stability in terms of plastic flow at temperatures greater than about 160° C. Thermal stability of the polymeric material is provided for by selecting the polymeric material from polymeric structures which, in the deprotected state (after removal of the acid labile or photo labile group), have a hydrogen bond donor and a free hydrogen bond acceptor, such that a hydrogen bonded network is generated upon deprotection of the polymeric structure, and wherein the hydrogen bonded network requires energy to break. Examples of these types of structures include, but are not limited to, substituted polyvinylbenzoates, substituted maleimide-comprising polymers and similar polymeric congeners such as polymers comprising substituted 1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione, substituted styrene-maleimide copolymers and terpolymers, substituted styrene-acrylate copolymers and terpolymers, and other copolymers or terpolymers comprising styrene and containing functionalities capable of hydrogen bonding, wherein oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen moieties within the polymeric structure are substituted with an acid labile functional group or a photolabile functional group. In accordance with the present invention, there are particular polymeric materials having acid labile or photolabile groups pendant to the polymer backbone which are sufficiently transparent to deep UV radiation to permit deep UV imaging, which can be used to produce resist structures having thermal stability at temperatures greater than about 160° C., and which do not crosslink significantly when heated to temperatures ranging from about 160° C. to about 250° C. The resist compositions comprising acid labile groups pendant to the polymer backbone are sensitive to deep UV, electron beam, or X-ray radiation. The resist compositions comprising photo labile groups pendant to the polymer backbone are sensitive to deep UV and may be sensitive to electron beam or X-ray radiation. All of the resist compositions can be processed to form positive tone or negative tone images. The resist compositions are comprised of at least one polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer having recurrent acid labile groups pendant to the polymer backbone in combination with a photoactive compound capable of generating an acid upon exposure to radiation, or at least one polymer, copolymer or terpolymer having recurrent photolabile groups pendant to the polymer backbone. The thermal stability (in terms of plastic flow) of the polymer comprising the resist is provided for by selecting the polymer from polymeric structures which, in the deprotected state (after removal of the acid labile or photo labile group) have a hydrogen bond donor and a free hydrogen bond acceptor, such that a hydrogen bonded network is generated upon deprotection of the polymeric structure, wherein the hydrogen bonded network requires energy to break. Examples of these types of structures include, but are not limited to, substituted maleimide-comprising polymers and similar polymeric congeners such as polymers comprising substituted 1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione, substituted sytrene-maleimide copolymers and terpolymers, substituted styrene-acrylate copolymers and terpolymers, and other copolymers or terpolymers comprising styrene and containing functionalities capable of hydrogen bonding, wherein oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen moieties within the polymeric structure are substituted with an acid labile functional group or a photolabile functional group. The acid labile functional group may comprise, for example, a carboxylic acid ester, a carbonic acid ester, a carbamate, a triamide, or other isosteric functionalities. Esters, carbamates, and triamides which undergo acid catalyzed S 1 -1 cleavage or hydrolysis may be useful. Esters, carbamates, and triamides which undergo A AL -1 type cleavage and which have an available proton adjacent to the carbonium ion forming during clevage or which undergo rearrangement such that a carbonium ion is generated with an adjacent α proton, are preferred. The photo labile functional group comprises, for example, esters of N-hydroxy amides or esters of N-hydroxy imides, wherein irradiation of a photolyzable bond results in a cleavage reaction. Esters of N-hydroxy imides which undergo a Norrish type cleavage and which undergo minimal recombination of photolyzed groups are useful. Esters of N-hydroxy imides wherein differential solubility in lithographic developers is unaffected by recombination of photolyzed fragments are preferred. In addition to selecting the resist polymer to meet the above thermal plastic flow criteria, it is necessary to keep in mind the requirements of substantial deep UV transparency. The types of polymers described above typically should have sufficient transparency to deep UV radiation to permit imaging. However, one skilled in the art can determine with minimal experimentation whether sufficient transparency exists. The types of polymers described above typically should not significantly crosslink at temperatures below 250° C. Thus, pendant groups selected for use in the present invention should be those which after deprotection do not easily crosslink with other polymeric structures. In a discovery related to the above-described invention, applicants discovered that resists comprising substituted polyvinyl benzoates, which are converted to poly(vinylbenzoic acid) upon exposure to radiation, exhibit unexpectedly high thermal stability in the range of about 250° C. to about 280° C. These resists cannot be imaged using deep UV because both the polyvinyl benzoates and the poly(vinylbenzoic acid) exhibit such a high degree of opacity below 280 nm. However, resists comprising substituted polyvinyl benzoates combined with a photoactive compound capable of generating an acid upon exposure to radiation can be imaged using mid UV (about 300 nm to about 400 nm), electron beam, or X-ray radiation. The addition of dyes and other additives to the resist formulation permits imaging using near UV (about 400 nm-450 nm). Thus, although the resists comprising substituted polyvinyl benzoates cannot be used for single layer resist processes utilizing deep UV imaging, they can be used for single layer resist processes using the above imaging radiation sources. In addition, these resists can be used as the top, imaging layer in a bilayer structure wherein the top layer acts as a mask during deep UV exposure of the bottom layer (a portable conformable mask process). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows the DSC trace for poly(p-vinylbenzoic acid), which was produced in the irradiated areas of the poly(t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate; sensitized resist, wherein melting of the resist does not occur below 250° C. FIG. 2 shows the DSC trace of poly(t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate) including the temperature at which crystallization of the poly(p-vinylbenzoic acid) occurs and the temperature at which melting of the poly(p-vinylbenzoic acid) occurs. FIGS. 3A and 3B show SEMs of the negative images created using the poly(t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate) comprised resist after heating of the resists at about 230° C. for a period of about 30 minutes. FIG. 4A shows the structure of poly(styrene-co-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-maleimide. FIG. 4B shows the structure of poly(styrene-co-N-(4-t-butyloxycarbonyloxyphenyl)-maleimide. FIG. 5 shows the structure of poly(stilbene-co-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-maleimide). FIG. 6 shows the structure of poly(ethylacrylate-co-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl-maleimide). FIG. 7A shows a SEM of a positive tone single layer resist structure created using a poly(styrene-co-N-(4-t-butyloxycarbonyloxy-phenyl)-maleimide polymer comprised photoresist, wherein the photoresist was imaged and developed directly over a silicon wafer substrate. FIG. 7B shows a SEM of a negative tone single layer resist structure created using the polymer of FIG. 7A, wherein the resist was imaged and developed directly over a silicon water substrate. FIG. 8 shows the structure of poly(styrene-co-O-t-butyloxycarbonyl-N-hydroxy)-maleimide. FIG. 9 shows the structure of poly(styrene-co-N-(formyloxy)-maleimide). FIG. 10 shows the structure of poly(4-t-butyloxycarbonyloxystyrene-co-N-methyl-maleimide). FIG. 11 shows the structure of poly(4-t-butyloxycarbonyloxystyrene-co-N-methylmaleimide-co-maleimide). FIG. 12 shows the structure of poly(3-butadi-1-ene-(1-(4-(t-butyloxycarbonyl)-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione))). FIG. 13 shows the structure of poly(N-(4-t-butyloxycarbonyloxyphenyl) maleimide). DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The syntheses of several of the polymers which can be used in the present invention are well documented in the literature. In cases wherein the synthesis of a particular polymer is not documented, or wherein the particular polymer is not commercially available, the method of synthesis is included in the description of the particular preferred embodiment. The first two of the preferred embodiments described below are for the resists comprising substituted polyvinylbenzoates, wherein the imaged resists have exhibited the unexpected thermal stability as previously described: EXAMPLE 1 Polyvinylbenzoate sensitized with a photoactive compound such as an onium salt has been imaged and developed to form a patterned resist. In the case of a negative tone resist (the portion of the resist remaining after development is the portion of the resist exposed to patterned radiation prior to development), the developed resist is thermally stable up to about 250° C. In the case of a positive tone resist (the portion of the resist remaining after development is the portion of the resist which was not exposed to the patterned radiation), the developed resist is blanket exposed to radiation in order to obtain the approximately 250° C. thermal stability. Specifically, poly(t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate) was dissolved in cyclohexanone at a concentration of about 13.2% by weight, to which was added 4-thiophenoxyphenyl (diphenyl)sulfonium hexafluoroantimonate sensitizer at a concentration of about 10.0% by weight of the vinylbenzoate polymer. The resist film was spin-cast onto one inch diameter silicon wafers at about 3000 rpm and prebaked at about 130° C. for about 5 minutes, resulting in a cast film thickness of about 0.65 micrometers. The resist film was exposed through a mask to about 20 mJ/cm 2 of 313 nm radiation, was postbaked at about 130° C. for about 2 minutes, and was developed with anisole solvent and spray development techniques known in the art. The resulting high resolution image was heated at 230° C. for about 30 minutes on a hot plate in air. No deformation due to thermal flow or outgassing was observed. The T g of unexposed poly(t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate) is about 160° C. The high thermal stability of the developed photoresist results from the fact that exposure of the sensitized resist, followed by heat treatment (to react the photoaltered sensitizer with the vinylbenzoate polymer) generates poly(p-vinylbenzoic acid). The poly(p-vinylbenzoic acid) produced does not melt below 250° C., as indicated by DSC and shown in FIG. 1. The acid polymer appears to crystallize at about 280° C. and the onset of melting is observed at about 300°-320° C. FIG. 2 shows a comparison of the heat flow characteristics of the poly(t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate) as compared to the heat flow characterisitics of the poly(p-vinylbenzoic acid). A developed positive tone resist does not have the thermal stability because the alteration from poly(t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate) to poly(p-vinylbenzoic acid) has not occurred in the non-irradiated (unexposed) areas of the resist. Thus, it is necessary to blanket expose the developed positive tone resist to the radiation at about 313 nm, followed by heat treatment as described above in order to obtain the thermally stability in the positive tone resist. This blanket exposure requires only about 20 mJ/cm 2 or even less, and differs from the so-called UV hardening. FIGS. 3A and 3B show SEMs of the negative images after heating at 230° C. for a period of about 30 minutes. EXAMPLE 2 Polyvinylbenzoate sensitized with a photoactive compound such as an onium salt has also been used as a portable conformable mask (PCM) for deep UV pattern transfer to an underlying planarizing layer. The polyvinylbenzoate, sensitized with an onium salt, has been imaged in either positive or negative tone by exposure to mid UV, electron beam, or X-ray radiation. The imaged resist film serves as a very effective PCM mask for deep UV exposure of underlaying layers (such as PMMA, methacrylate terpolymers such as methyl methacrylate/methacrylic acid/methacrylic anhydride, polyglutarimides such as polydimethylglutarimide, substituted maleimide-comprised photoresist, substituted styrene-maleimide-comprised copolymer photoresist, etc.) due the extremely high absorbance of the polyvinylbenzoate and the poly(vinylbenzoic acid) in the deep UV region, allowing a high resolution pattern transfer. In particular, we found that poly(t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate) sensitized with 4-thiophenoxyphenyl (diphenyl)sulfonium metal halide can be imaged in either positive or negative tone by exposure to 313 nm UV radiation; followed by heat treatment at about 100° C.; and development by the developer capable of yielding the tone of image desired. The poly(t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate polymer is so opaque below about 280 nm that the imaged resist serves as an excellent mask for the underlaying planarizing layer in the PCM process. When 313 nm radiation is used for imaging, exposure to less than 20 mJ/cm 2 is adequate to provide, high resolution positive or negative patterns in the sensitized poly(t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate) photoresist described above. The poly(t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate) polymer has also been sensitized to the 400 nm spectral region with use of a dye such as perylene, or a phenothizaine. Because the polyvinyl benzoate resins themselves (before and after exposure to radiation) are very opaque to radiation below 280 nm, the thickness of the imaging resist film can be reduced to 0.4 micrometers without increasing the sensitizer loading; this provides more flexibility in optimization of the sensitizer loading. For example, a 0.65 micrometer thick film of poly(t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate) containing about 10% by weight of 4-thiophenoxyphenyl(diphenyl) sulfonium hexafluoroantimonate has demonstrated an optical density of about 3.0 at 254 nm, and a 1.0 micrometer thick film of the poly(p-vinylbenzoic acid) polymer formed after irradiation and heat treatment has demonstrated an optical density of 3.5 at 254 nm. The poly(t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate) was prepared by radical initiated polymerization of t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate which was synthesized by converting 4-carboxybenzaldehyde to t-butyl ester, and the C═C double bond was introduced by the Wittig reaction. An alternative route to the desired polymer is the radical polymerization of commercially available p-vinylbenzoic acid followed by a reaction in which t-butyl replaces the H on the benzoic acid moiety, to create the ester. In a demonstration of the PCM process, commercially available poly(methylmethacrylate) was dissolved in chlorobenzene at a concentration of about 11% by weight and spin-cast on one inch diameter silicon wafers. The cast film was heat treated at about 160° C. for about one hour to provide films about 2 micrometers thick. Poly(t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate) was dissolved in cyclohexanone at a concentration of about 13 weight %, to which was added 4-thiophenoxyphenyl(diphenyl) sulfonium hexafluoroantimonate at a loading of about 10.0% by weight based on the polymer. The poly(t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate solution was spin-cast upon the surface of the poly(methylmethacrylate) film and the structure was then heat treated to provide a poly(t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate) film thickness of about 0.65 micrometer. The poly(t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate resist was then exposed through a mask to about 30 mJ/cm 2 dosage of 313 nm radiation, heat treated at about 130° C. for a period of about 2 minutes, and developed in tetramethylammoniumhydroxide aqueous base developer for a period of about 15 seconds, to provide a positive tone resist pattern in the poly(t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate) resist layer. The processed resist structure was then blanket-exposed to about 1.6 J/cm 2 (measured at 220 nm) of unfiltered UV light. The latent image thus created in the poly(methylmethacrylate) resist layer was developed using an acetone/isopropanol (2/1) developer and a development time of about 195 seconds. This procedure generated an uncapped resist structure in which the poly(t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate) patterned resist layer was removed during development. Alternatively, the processed resist structure was blanket exposed to about 30 mJ/cm 2 of 313 nm radiation, followed by heat treatment at about 130° C. for a period of about 2 minutes, to convert the ester to the acid polymer (thus rendering the polymer insoluble in butyl acetate). This procedure was followed by blanket exposure of the resist structure to about 1.6 J/cm 2 (measured at 220 nm) of unfiltered UV light. The latent image in the poly(methylmethacrylate) resist layer was subsequently developed in butyl acetate using about a 5 minute development time period. This procedure resulted in the formation of a capped resist structure in which both patterned polymeric layers remained after development. Note that the order of blanket exposure to radiation (313 nm and 220 nm) does not appear to be critical in this alternative method of use of the polyvinylbenzoate photoresist. In another alternative, the exposed and heat treated poly(t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate) was developed into a negative tone pattern using anisole and spray development techniques as known in the art. This processed resist structure was then blanket exposed to about 1.6 J/cm 2 (measured at 220 nm) of unfiltered UV light. The latent image thus created in the layer of poly(methylmethacrylate) was then developed in 3-heptanone for a period of about 10 minures to provide a negative tone capped structure. The upper or capping layer of poly(p-vinylbenzoic acid) (formed upon exposure of the poly(t-butyl p-vinylbenzoate) to the 313 nm radiation followed by heat treatment) can be removed, if desired, via a brief dipping of the resist structure in aqueous base developer such as the tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide. The remaining preferred embodiments are typical of the present invention wherein the resist material is sufficiently transparent to deep UV prior to imaging to permit deep UV imaging, is thermally stable at temperatures greater than about 160° C., and does not crosslink on exposure to the imaging radiation or upon heating to temperatures ranging between about 160° C. and about 250° C. EXAMPLE 3 Three different maleimide-comprised polymers obtained from Eastman Kodak company were converted to polymers comprising acid labile functional groups of the type which meet the thermal stability requirements of and can be used in applications of the present invention. The three maleimide-comprised polymers included: poly(styrene-co-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-maleimide (FIG. 4A), poly(stilbene-co-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-maleimide) (FIG. 5), and poly(ethylacrylate-co-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl-maleimide) (FIG. 6). In a typical example of the conversion of one of the above polymers to a polymer comprising acid labile functional group, the poly(styrene-co-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-maleimide was converted to poly(styrene-co-N-(4-t-butyloxycarbonyloxyphenyl)-maleimide (FIG. 4B) by a reaction between the poly(styrene-co-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-maleimide, 4-dimethylaminopyridine, di-t-butyl pyrocarbonate, and triethylamine in tetrahydrofuran solution. Specifically, a typical synthesis is as follows: the di-t-butyl pyrocarbonate was added to a solution of the above-described reactants and stirred for about 18 hours at about 20° C. After removal of the solvent, the residue was dissolved in methylene chloride, treated with sodium bicarbonate solution, and the polymer was precipitated by addition to ethyl ether. Spectral analysis of reaction products indicates a typical conversion of hydroxyl moieties to carbonate in excess of 99%. The negatively imaged resist exhibits a T g of about 220° C. Resist structures imaged in the positive mode can be processed to increase thermal stability to about 220° C. by a short exposure to deep UV radiation followed by subsequent heat treatment at about 130° C. The poly(styrene-co-N-(4-t-butyloxycarbonyloxyphenyl)-maleimide can be used in a lithographic application as follows: a photoresist comprising the maleimide-comprised polymer and a triphenylsulfonium hexafluoroantimonate sensitizer, with a sensitizer concentration of about 4% to about 10% by weight was prepared. A typical solution comprised about 15% to 25% by weight polymer and sensitizer combined in gamma butyrolactone solvent. The photoresist was spin applied to a silicon wafer surface, and then dried in a convection oven to provide a film thickness between 0.7 and 2.2 micrometers. The wafer was then patternwise exposed to UV radiation using wavelengths between about 200 and about 300 nm at a typical dose of about 3 mJ/cm 2 , followed by heating to about 130° C. for a period of about two minutes. The exposed areas of the maleimide-comprised photoresist were developed using a solution of about 0.1 normal to about 0.2 normal potassium hydroxide in water and isopropyl alcohol to provide a single layer 1.5 micrometer positive tone resist structure. A SEM showing this positive tone resist structure is shown in FIG. 7A. A one micrometer negative tone resist structure was formed by treating the latent imaged resist structure with an anisole developer. a SEM showing this negative tone resist structure is shown in FIG. 7B. Multilayered resist structures have also been produced from the above-described maleimide-comprised resist using a PCM technique. After application of the maleimide-comprised resist to a substrate, a conventional imaging resist, in this case a novolak resin with a diazoquinone photosensitizer in ethyl cellosolve acetate/butyl acetate, was spin applied and soft baked to dryness over the underlayer film comprising the maleimide-comprised photoresist described above. The novolak photoresist was then imaged and developed, using known in the art techniques. Either near UV or mid UV irradiation can be used to image the novolak photoresist. The wafer was then flood exposed to deep UV radiation as described above, thermally treated to about 130° C., and developed as described above for positive tone resist structures. Resist structures having dimensions of about 1.5 micrometers were obtained. EXAMPLE 4 Other polymeric resist materials which meet the requirements of the present invention, including thermal stability regarding plastic flow, sufficient deep UV transparency to permit deep UV imaging, and resistance to excessive crosslinking (which results in insolubility in common developers or strippers), include poly(styrene-co-O-t-butyloxycarbonyl-N-hydroxymaleimide) and derivatives thereof. EXAMPLE 4A The synthesis of poly(styrene-co-O-t-butyloxycarbonyl-N-hydroxy-maleimide, shown in FIG. 8, was carried out via the free radical copolymerization of styrene and N-(t-butyloxycarbonyloxy)-maleimide in dimethylacetamide or dioxane solution at about 40° C. over about 5 to about 24 hours using about 3% by weight azoisobutylnitrile (AIBN) as a polymerization initiator. The t-butyloxycarbonyl-N-hydroxymaleimide monomer was obtained from the insitu thermal cracking of the furan Diels Alder adduct during the polymerization. The Diels Alder adduct was prepared by known-in-the-art procedures using furan, maleimide, and di-t-butyl pyrocarbonate. EXAMPLE 4B A closely related polymeric structure not having the t-butyl side chain, poly(styrene-co-N-(formyloxy)-maleimide), shown in FIG. 9, was prepared by the free radical copolymerization of styrene and N-formyloxymaleimide, other conditions similar to those described for EXAMPLE 4A. The N-formyloxymaleimide was obtained from the insitu thermal cracking of a N-formyloxymaleimide/furan Diels Alder adduct, as described above. Polymers of the type described in EXAMPLES 4A AND 4B comprise deep UV photolabile groups and can be imaged without the addition of a sensitizer. A sensitizer can be added to decrease the radiation dosage required for imaging or to extend the sensitivity of the resist into the mid UV range. EXAMPLE 5 Other polymeric photoresists which meet the requirements of the present invention include poly(4-t-butyloxycarbonyloxystyrene-co-N-methylmaleimide) and various derivatives thereof. EXAMPLE 5A Poly(4-t-butyloxycarbonyloxystyrene-co-N-methylalmaleimide) was synthesized using free radical copolymerization of N-methylmaleimide and 4-t-butyloxycarbonyloxystyrene with azeisobutylnitrile in toluene at 70° C. over about 16 hours. The A 1:1 alternating copolymer was isolated. The structure obtained is shown in FIG. 10. The phenolic polymer which results on deprotection or removal of the acid labile t-butyl carbonate moiety exhibits a T g of about 250° C. as measured by DSC. EXAMPLE 5B A terpolymer related to the copolymer of EXAMPLE 5A, containing up to 15% by weight non-alkylated maleimide, has also been prepared in a manner similar to EXAMPLE 5A. The product of the reaction was a polymer with a backbone of 1:1 alternating maleimide/styrene residues. The methyl and hydrogen substituents are randomly distributed on the maleimide nitrogens. This is poly(4-t-butyloxycarbonyloxy-styrene-co-N-methylmaleimide-co-maleimide) which is illustrated in FIG. 11. Thermal performance is essentially similar to that of the copolymer of EXAMPLE 5A. The resist polymers described above can be used for single layer microlithography in either the positive or negative imaging mode, and are also useful for deep UV sensitive positive tone PCM underlayer applications. A typical resist comprises the polymer and an onium salt photosensitizer, wherein the concentration of the sensitizer ranges from about 2.5% to about 8% by weight based on the polymer. The resist is typically applied to a substrate using standard spin coating techniques, wherein the resist is placed into solution at concentrations of up to about 25% in a solvent such as 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, n-methylmorpholine, or gammabutyrolactone, or solvent mixtures containing any of these solvents. Resist solutions of this type have been spin coat applied onto silicon wafers to provide high quality films with low defect levels and film thicknesses ranging from about 0.7 to 2.5 micrometer in thickness. Such films provide high contrast during imaging; for example, the polymers described in EXAMPLES 5A AND 5B exhibit a contrast value ratio (gamma) greater than 3.8. The polymers of this example have been used in a PCM process for producing bilayer resist structures as follows: A substrate such as a silicon wafer surface was first treated with an adhesion promoter such as hexamethyldisilazane. The polymer of the type described in EXAMPLES 5A-5B, in combination with a photosensitizer of the type previously described, was spin applied to the wafer and heat treated to dry the film. Subsequently, a diazoquinone sensitized novolak photoresist in an appropriate solvent such as dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether was applied over the surface of the resist polymer of the type described in this example. The novolak photoresist was imagewise exposed to near or mid UV radiation, and developed in aqueous base using standard techniques, to create a patterned layer overlaying the resist layer comprising one of the polymers of the type described in this example of the present invention. The resist structure was then exposed to radiation of wavelength ranging from about 200 nm to about 300 nm so that exposed portions of the underlaying resist layer comprising the polymer of the present invention was exposed to radiation in areas wherein the novolak resist is not present. The resist structure was heat treated to obtain chemical reaction in the exposed portions of the underlaying resist layer, and the underlaying layer was then developed in an aqueous alkaline solution containing an alcohol such as isopropyl alcohol. Bilayer resist structures with lithographic features about one micron in size were produced using this method. EXAMPLE 6 Poly(3-butadi-1-ene-(1-(4-(t-butyloxycarbonyl)-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione))) of the structure shown in FIG. 12 was prepared by the reaction of polybutadiene with 4-(t-butyloxycarbonyl)-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione. The condensation procedure followed the method of Butler and Williams for the reaction of simple alkyl substituted triazolinediones with various polymers. See G. B. Butler, A. G. Williams, J. Polymer Sci., Poly. Chem. Ed., 17, 1117, 1979. The triazolinedione was isolated from the NO 2 oxidation of the corresponding triazolidinedione, which was, in turn, isolated from the base catalyzed condensation of N-(t-butyloxycarbonyl)-N'-(O-(trifluoromethanesulfonylcarbamido)-urea. The T g of the decarboxyalkylated (deprotected) polymer after imaging as previously described for the sensitized photoresist comprising the polymer was 233° C. EXAMPLE 7 Other polymeric materials suitable for use as resists which meet the requirements of the present invention include poly(N-(4-tert-butyloxycarbonyloxyphenyl)maleimide) as shown in FIG. 13. The poly(N-(4-tert-butyloxycarbonyloxyphenyl) maleimide is synthesized according to the following scheme. Di-t-butylpyrocarbonate is reacted with p-aminophenol to give p-(t-butyloxycarbonyloxy) aniline, I. Reaction of I with maleic anhydride then affords N-(p-t-butyloxycarbonyloxyphenyl)maleamic acid, II. Monomer II is modified by treatment with sodium acetate and acetic anhydride to yield monomer III, N-(p-t-butyloxycarbonyloxyphenyl)maleimide. Monomer III is polymerized in the presence of azoisobutylnitrile (AIBN) to yield poly-N-(4-tert-butyloxycarbonyloxyphenyl) maleimide. Preparation of p-(t-butyloxycarbonyloxyaniline), I To a suspension of 16.4 gm (0.15 mole) of p-aminophenol in 350 ml of THF in an ice-water bath were added 16.8 gm (0.15 mole) of potassium t-butoxide, then the dull suspension was stirred for 15 min. at the low temperature under nitrogen atmosphere. Di-t-butylpyrocarbonate, 34.9 gm (0.16 mole) was added slowly to the suspension, then the brown jelly-like mixture was further reacted at room temperature for 3 hours. The mixture was precipitated into large amounts of water, filtered and dried to yield 26.8 gm of p-(t-butyloxycarbonyloxyaniline), I, in 86% yield. Preparation of N-(p-t-butyloxycarbonyloxyphenyl)-maleamic acid, II N-(p-t-butyloxycarbonyloxyphenyl)maleamic acid, II To a solution of 25.2 gm (0.12 mole) of I in 350 ml of toluene was added 11.8 gm (0.12 mole) of maleic anhydride, then the instantaneously formed slurry was refluxed for 15 hours. The mixture was filtered and washed with toluene. A crude tinged powdery product, II, was obtained in a yield of 29.1 gm (79%). Preparation of N-(p-t-butyloxycarbonyloxyphenyl)-maleimide, III In a one-liter flask was charged 18.5 gm (0.06 mole) of II, 5.0 gm (0.06 mole) of sodium acetate, 40 ml of acetic anhydride, 0.05 gm of t-butylcatechol inhibitor, and 220 ml of dichloromethane. The mixture became a clear solution with heating and the solution was refluxed for 3 hours. After the reaction, sodium acetate was filtered off and volatiles were stripped from the dark brown filtrate. The residual liquid was treated with ethanol and tinged powdery crude III was obtained in a yield of 13.3 gm (77%), mp. 128°-130° C. Recrystallization was performed in 100 ml of acetone/methanol/ethanol (1:1:10 v/v) to provide colorless needles, 8.3 gm (48% yield) of III, mp. 142°-143° C. Radical polymerization of III In a stopcocked flask, 5.8 gm (0.02 mole) of the monomer III was placed with 64 mg of a radical initiator AIBN (2 mole %) and the mixture was dissolved with 12 ml of dioxane. The polymerization was carried out at 60° C. for 9 hours under nitrogen atmosphere. After precipitation into methanol, filtration, and drying overnight yielded 4.5 gm (78% conversion) of poly-N-(4-tert-butyloxycarbonyloxyphenyl)maleimide. The resist polymer described above can be used for single layer microlithography in either the positive or negative imaging mode and may also be useful for deep UV sensitive positive tone PCM underlayer applications. A typical resist solution comprises the polymer and an onium salt photosensitizer in cyclohexanone solution wherein the concentration of the sensitizer is about 14% by weight based on polymer. In a typical lithographic process, resist solutions of this type have been spin coated onto silicon wafers and then dried on a hot plate at about 130° C. for about 5 minutes to provide about 0.7 um films. A latent image was created within the resist film by patternwise exposure to about 3 to 5 mJ/cm 2 of 254 nm radiation passed through a narrow band width filter, followed by heat treatment at about 140° C. for a period of about 2 minutes. Positive tone imaged resist was produced by developing the latent image within the resist film in an alcoholic aqueous base developer consisting of about 0.1 molar tetramethylamoniumhydroxide dissolved in about 2:1 (v/v) H 2 O/methanol. Negative tone imaged resist was produced by developing the latent image within the resist film in a solution of methyl ethyl ketone/anisole (2:1 v/v) developer. Imaged resists with resolution of about 1 micrometer can be obtained using the above processes. Thermally induced plastic flow was not observed in the above imaged resist structures after heat treatment at about 250° C. for about one hour. While only the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described above, many potential modifications which fall within the generic concept of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the present disclosure. Such modifications in terms of polymer structure, resist composition, and use of the resist composition to produce submicron patterned resist structures are intended to be within the scope of the present invention, as indicated by the claims which follow.
The present invention discloses particular lithographic polymeric materials and methods of using these materials, wherein the polymeric materials have acid labile or photolabile groups pendant to the polymer backbone. The polymeric materials are sufficiently transparent to deep UV radiation to permit deep UV imaging, can be used to produce resist structures having thermal stability at temperatures greater than about 160° C., and are sufficiently resistant to excessive crosslinking when heated to temperatures ranging from about 160° C. to about 250° C. that they remain soluble in common lithographic developers and strippers. The present invention also discloses resists comprising substituted polyvinyl benzoates which, after imaging, exhibit unexpectedly high thermal stability, in terms of plastic flow. These resists cannot be imaged using deep UV because they exhibit such a high degree of opacity below 280 nm; however, they are useful as the top, imaging layer in a bilayer resist process wherein the top layer acts as a mask during deep UV exposure of the bottom layer.
8
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to amonitoring device for sensing and controlling the passage of slubbing or fiber roving in the drawing frame of a textile spinning machine. A known spinning machine is provided with a drawing frame having at least a set of inlet rollers for receiving the slubbing from a source, and a set of exit rollers spaced therefrom and between which the slubbing is drawn. The exit rollers, feed the drawn material, as thread or yarn to a bobbin or cop on which it is wound. The sets of rollers each comprise a driven lower and a pair of axial spaced (double) upper rollers permitting the drawing of two slubbings side by side. The upper rollers are journalled in ranked pairs on a common supporting arm extending in the direction of drawing. Such a machine is disclosed in DE-OS No. 22 57 323 and which also provides means for sensing the proper winding of the drawn thread. In DE-OS No. 22 57 323 a light source and a photo-light receiving cell is mounted on a carriage which moves alongside the machine in such a way that the light sensitive cell can be struck by the reflected part of the light current directed to the thread from the front of the machine. When the reflected beam is not received, a blowing device arranged on the carriage is switched on so that its air current strikes a baffle mounted swivable on the machine which arrests the slubbing with the swivel motion imparted to it by the air current. The slubbing claimping device is therefore activated only after a yarn break has occurred and when the carriage has reached the respective spinning site in the course of its travel. During the interim, the slubbing, which has continued its run up to the point of arrest, has wound itself by that time around the draw frame rollers. If one were to assign to every spinning site a stationary thread monitor designed and arranged in this manner for the purpose of eliminating this shortcoming, it would have the result that its components would create an obstruction precisely at the site where piecing of the thread or slubbing must be performed. An arrangement wherein the light source and light-sensitive cell are placed laterally to the path of movement of the thread, which would grant better accessability, is not easily obtained because the thread running from the delivery end of the draw frame to the bobbin runs over a thread guide arranged on a rail so as to move up and down within such a large angular area that reliable control by beam reflection is not possible. Obstruction to the delivery end of the draw frame would result also if a thread monitor were used which did not work according to the reflection principle but according to the method of transmitted light, as suggested in (DE-OS No. 21 23 641) since the thread would run between components arranged in close proximity to each other (light source and light-sensitive cell). In all cases where stationary thread monitors must be arranged at the delivery end of the draw frame and an associated slubbing clamping device at the entry point to the draw frame, the connecting of these two devices causes problems. A cable serving for the connection between the parts and for power supply can, as a rule, not be laid directly in the shortest way possible because of moving or adjustable components of the draw frame. It is for this reason necessary to connect the thread monitor with the switching element of the slubbing clamping device, for instance a solenoid (DE-OS No. 22 23 638) by way of a cable laid along the front of the machine and then back again around its one front side on the inside of the machine. With the multitude of linkages and connections to be made on the machine, this results in a corresponding multiwire harness and high assembly costs, particularly if a machine is to be equipped subsequently with electric thread monitors and slubbing clamping devices. It is an object of the present invention to provide a thread or yarn monitor and accompanying slubbing clamping device for a draw frame of the type aforedescribed which eliminates the disadvantages and difficulties of the prior devices. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a thread or yarn monitor and clamping device which may be arranged in association with each thread being drawn by the draw frame but which will not interfere with the normal operation of the frame or with the necessary manual functions necessary to fee, re-piece, cleanse or otherwise handle the draw frame. These objects as well as other objects and advantages are set forth and will be apparent from the following disclosure of the present invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, the draw frame of the type described earlier is provided with a bearing rail, extending along each side of the frame and spaced latterally from the outer edges of the respective double rollers. At the end of each rail, in the area when the thread exits from the exit rollers, each rail is provided with two carriers, one of which is provided with a light source and the other which with a light receiving photo-cell. The light source on one side of the drawing frame is arranged in association with the thread being drawn adjacent the photo-cell on the other side so that the light source causes this remote thread to cast a shadow on the photo-cell. Similarly the light source on the other side, the thread remote from it and the photo-cell opposite it are also aligned. The shadow on each photo-cell produces an alternating current which is then independently fed to a circuit and switch means, housed at the inlet end of the bearing rail. The switch means, such as a solenoid operates a clamping or arresting device which is movable between the lower inlet roller and the associated upper inlet roller, to clamp the slubbing between it and the upper roller thus preventing its continued feed into the draw frame. Through the arrangement of the carriers containing the components of the sensor on both sides of a pair of threads associated with a supporting arm, the draw frame exit, in particular the space between the pair of threads, is kept freely accessible. In spite of this, it is possible by the manner in which the light source and light-sensitive cell are mutually assigned, to carry out the monitoring of the thread with the transmitted light method which works reliably within a large angle area as well as with relative large movements of the thread. The bearing rail units the carrier and the switching member for the slubbing clamping device into one structural group, which can be attached ready assembled to the machine. The normal support rod which extends over the length of the machine and serves for the mounting of the supporting arms, is particularly suited for its fastening. The separate mounting of the thread sensors and the switch elements on the machine and the requirement for having them connected by a cable laid on the machine, can then be dispensed with. This connection can be established by a cable running inside or on the bearing rail. The power can be supplied simply by laying a power cable alongside the machine, to which the individual bearing rails are connected by plug-in connections. Further, the invention makes it possible to align the associated light source and light-sensitive cells in a simple manner with each other and with the path of movement of the thread to be monitored, and also to adapt them to draw frames of variable design and length of the total draft zone. Full details of the present invention are set forth in the following description and are illustrated in the accompanying drawing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING In the drawing: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a draw frame equipped with double upper rollers, in simplified representation, whereby thread monitors are assigned to the two outgoing threads and clamping devices to the associated slubbings; and FIG. 2 is a plan view of a thread monitor. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As seen in FIG. 1 a support rod 1 runs the length of the draw frame machine and accommodates a plurality of support arms indicated by the dot-dash line 2. Mounted on the support arm 2, by their respective common axles are a pair of entry rollers 3, a pair of belt rollers 4, and a pair of exit rollers 5. The individual rollers 30, 30', and 40, 40', and 50, 50' of the pairs 3, 4, and 5 are freely rotatable and as illustrated in FIG. 1 rest in their operating position, under the load given to them by the supporting arm 2 on associated lower rollers 6 and, respectively, 7 and 8 which extends the length of the frame. The lower rollers 6, 7, and 8 are driven through conventional drive means, not illustrated. The slubbing 9 to be stretched or drawn is fed between the upper rollers 30, and the lower roller 6 passing through the assorted rollers 40 and 7, and 50 and 8 passing outwardly as a thread 10. Similarly a slubbing 9' is drawn to a thread 10' through the rollers 30', 40', 50'. Each of the threads 10, 10' are wound on a cop each seated on a spindle, also not illustrated in the drawings. Each of the exiting threads is provided with means for monitoring its continuity and for activating a clamping device, in case of breakage. The clamping device is conventional and is associated with the slubbing at the entrance to the draw frame, as a result of which the continued running of the slubbing may be arrested, loss of material eliminated and lapping of the slubbing on the running rollers may be prevented. The monitoring device assigned to the two slubbings and threads are identical, and the one assigned to the slubbing 9 and the thread 10, hereafter, is described and the parts of the arrangement assigned to the slubbing 9' and the thread 10' are denoted by the identical reference numbers supplemented by the symbol '. A supporting bracket 12 is mounted on the rod 1 and held in fixed position by a screw 11. A bearing rail 14 is inserted in a bore formed in the bracket 12 so as to be movable lengthwise and is tightly clamped by a screw 13. The supporting bracket 12 is thus adjustably securable on the support rod 1 so as to selectively pivotable about and movable along the axis of the rod. The bearing rail 14 extends laterally to the upper rollers 30, 40, 50, and parallel to the supporting arm 2, permitting unobstructed swivel movement of the supporting arm 2 for the lifting off of the upper rollers from and, respectively, the placing of same on the lower rollers. A carrier generally denoted by 15, on which the parts forming the sensor are aroused, is fastened to the end of the bearing rail 14. The sensor comprises a light source 16 which is supplied by direct current, and a light-sensitive cell 17. The source 16 and the cell 17 are arranged adjacent to one another on the carrier 15. The carrier 15 is provided with openings in the shape for receiving and positioning the light source 16, and cell 17, so that they can then be selectively inserted into the carrier in such a way that they are positioned to operate on one or other of its sides. In this way it is possible, as is shown in FIG. 1, to arrange the carriers 15, 15' in pairs, with their light sources and light-sensitive cells facing each other. The cell 17 can be a single cell, or it can also consist of individual partial cells connected in parallel to one another, for instance, as shown, of three partial cells. The openings provided in the carrier 15 can contain resilient contact studs plugs, etc. coupling the parts 16 and 17, which are provided with respective external contacts, with a power and connection cable 18 laid inside of (as illustrated) or on the bearing rail 14. The contact studs hold the parts at the same time firmly mechanically in the openings. The parts 16 and 17 can also be fastened in other ways and be directly connected with the cable 18. The cable 18 ends in a plug 19 which is to be connected to a power line. The cable 18 also includes a line connecting the cell 17 with switch means located in a housing 20 on the bearing rail 14 for activating the slubbing clamping device. As shown in FIG. 1, the light sources 16 and 16' mounted on the carriers 15 and 15', respectively, and the light-sensitive cells 17 and 17' which face each other in pairs, result in path of rays 116 which emanate from the light source 16 striking the path of movement of the thread 10' passing near the light-sensitive cell 17 and a path of rays 116' which strike the path of movement of the thread 10. The cell 17 therefore receives the shadow of the thread 10, generating an althernative current corresponding to the vibration of the running thread, whereas the cell 17' generates an alternating current corresponding to the shadow of the vibrating thread 10' received by it. These alternating current signals indicate the continuous and perfect running of the threads 10, 10'. Because the thread 10 is at a relatively great distance from the cell 17' and similarly the thread 10' is at a relatively great distance from the cell 17, the fact that they seem close to the respective light source for each cell, does not create or result in any undue interference or shadow on the respective cells. At most, a slight decrease in brightness may occur, which has no influence on the generation of the alternating current by the assigned thread. Conversely, incident daylight also will cause an increase in brightness which remains without any effect on the generation of a useable alternating current. Incident light coming from alternating current sources of artificial light can be damped and made ineffective within the electrical circuit, connected downstream, by suitable known electrical circuit members attuned to this frequency. In any event, the frequency, which has to be made ineffective, lies outside the utilized frequency range provided by the thread vibration. The type of detachable fastening of the bearing rail 14 in the support bracket 12 as described in the foregoing permits the selective alignment of the light sources 16 and 16' with the threads 10' and 10 assigned to them and with the cells 17' and 17, respectively, even though the carrier 15 is firmly connected with the bearing rail 14. To simplify this alignment, the carrier 15 can also be fastened in an adjustable manner to the bearing rail 14. The possibilities for selective adjustment is enhanced if, as shown in the drawing, the carrier 15 is divided into a partial carrier 15a for the light source 16 and a partial carrier 15b for the light sensitive cell 17. The partial carrier 15b is mounted with a sleevelike neck 115a on the cylinder-shaped end piece of the bearing rail 14 and is thus held, adjustable in length and rotatable on the latter, and may be fixed in position on it by a clamping screw 21. Placed over the neck 115a so as to be movable lengthwise and rotatable about it is a sleeve 23 capable of being fixed in position by a clamping screw 22. The partial carrier 15b is fastened to the flattened lateral surface of the sleeve 23 by means of a screw 24 so that it is swivable about the axis of the screw. This adjustability of the partial carrier 15b is relative to the partial carrier 15a and its adjustability on the bearing rail 14 provides infinite possibilities for aligning the paths of rays 116 and 116' with the assigned threads and cells and for the alignment of the cells with the area in which the movement of the threads occur. In FIG. 2, the dot-dash lines 110' mark the angular spread within which the thread runs from the pair of final delivery rollers, to a thread guide movable up and down on the machine before winding on the cop. As seen with regard to thread 10' the partial carrier 15b' for the light-sensitive cell 17' and the partial carrier 15a for the light source 16 are adjusted in such a way that the cell 17' receives during all runs of the thread 10' within the angular spread 110' a shadow of the thread 10' generated by the path of rays 116. In the same way, the partial carriers 15b and 15a' are aligned with each other and the thread 10 so that the shadow of the thread 10 generated by the path of rays 116' falls on the cell 17. By using more than one light-sensitive cell, it is possible to so dimension the light-receiving angle of the individual cell, as for example by the use of an optical member such as a lens or prism so that it is smaller than the normal receiving angle, thus reducing or even preventing outside light incidence on the cell. The clamping device actuated by the switch means located in housing 20 may be of any form of construction. One such clamping device is illustrated and described in DE-OS No. 20 48 579. As applied here it may comprise a blocking shell or partial sleeve 25 placed on the lower entry roller 6, encompassing the circumference of the lower roller by slightly more than one half, and having about the same length axially as the upper roller 30. By means of a coupling-lug provided on its marginal surface, the sleeve 25 is connected to a projection 26 formed on a slide rod 27 which is movable lengthwise along the bearing rail 14. The slide 27 extends all the way into the housing 20 and is connected to a solenoid arranged in the latter which forms the switch. The solenoid engages the slide 27 with its movable piston or with a pawl or the like actuated by the piston holding the slide in the position as illustrated, in which the sleeve 25 is outside the contact area between the entry rolls 30 and 6. In the event that the thread 10 should break, the alternating current generated by the cell 17 is absent and the electrical circuit accommodated in the housing 20, connected with the cell 17 by means of the cable 18, transmits a switching pulse for the solenoid, the anchor of which releases the barrier holding the slide 27. As a result, the sleeve 25 is caused to rotate about the lower roller 6 so that it penetrates with its wedge-shaped longitudinal edge between the incoming slubbing 9 and the lower roller 6 and afterwards into a full clamping position between the pair of entry rollers 30, 6. The continued rotation of the sleeve 25 is prevented by limiting the movement of the slide 27. Thus the slubbing 9, which is removed from the still rotating lower roller 6, rests on the outer surface of the sleeve 25. The upper roller 30 rests on the sleeve 25 and is now at a standstill, holding the slubbing 9 against any movement by clamping it to the sleeve 25. Loss of slubbing and lapping of the slubbing around the draw frame rollers after yarn breakage is thereby prevented. A resetting of the clamping members into the normally operating position for the draw frame is possible by manual actuation of a handle formed on the sleeve 25 or slide 27. The manipulations required for repiecing the thread or yarn at the draw frame exit can be performed without interference from the thread monitor components because the latter are located laterally, to the side of the area of manipulation. During manipulation of the thread or other maintenance procedures at the running spinning site, short-term interruption of the ray paths 116, 116' may occur. This is especially so when piecing is performed at a spinning site adjacent to one still in operation. When the path of rays is interrupted, just as with yarn breakage, the alternating current generated by the affected cell is absent. This absence occurs also if the thread runs vibration-free for a brief period. To prevent, in such cases, the clamping device from being unnecessarily actuated by the switching part, a time delay member is inserted into the electric circuitry effective between the light-sensitive cell and the switching part, so that delivery of a switching pulse is delayed for a determinable time after omission of the alternating current, e.g., within a time range of a few seconds, (e.g. 5 seconds). In circumstances of actual yarn breakage this delay produces no disadvantage since the loss of material in this short period is negligible and the continued running of the slubbing for so short a time cannot lead to lapping. The thread monitor with the clamping device is a self-contained structural group which can be assembled separately from the machine itself and may also be mounted subsequently in a simple manner on a machine which is already in operation. The simple assembly, the adjustability to the machine, and the manifold possibilities of adjustment of the thread monitor components make it possible to use the device with draw frames of variable design and total length of the draft zone operating with double upper rollers. Various modifications, changes and alternative embodiments have been disclosed here, others will be obvious to those skilled in this art. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative only and not limiting of its scope, which is defined only by the appended claims.
A bearing rail is provided extending along each side of the draw frame and spaced laterally from the outer edges of the double upper rollers. At the end of the each rail, in the area when the thread exits from the exit rollers, each rail is provided with two carriers, one of which is provided with a light source and the other which with a light receiving photo-cell. The light source on one side of the drawing frame is arranged in association with the thread being drawn adjacent the photo-cell on the other side so that the light source causes this remote thread to cast a shadow on the photo-cell adjacent to it. Similarly the light source on the other side, the thread remote from it and the photo-cell opposite it are also aligned. The shadow on each photo-cell produces an alternating current which is then independently fed to a circuit and switch means, housed at the inlet end of the bearing rail. The switch means, such as a solenoid operates a clamping or arresting device which is movable between the lower inlet roller and the associated upper inlet roller, to clamp the slubbing between it and the upper roller thus preventing its continued feed into the draw frame.
3
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to automobile seats and more specifically to latching mechanisms for establishing a plurality of positions for such seats between an elevated operative seating position and a folded down position. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART It is known in the vehicle seating arts to provide various mechanisms for adjustably positioning the height of a seat cushion with respect to the floor of a vehicle upon which it is mounted. One type of mechanism in use is the type that employs pairs of parallel links to support the seat cushion above the vehicle floor and provide for pivoting parallelogram movement of the cushion forwardly and downwardly. Bilancia, U.S. Pat. No. 3,189,312, is exemplary of such designs. A contemporaneous example of such design is that shown in the copending application of Applicant and Robert W. Martienssen assigned to the assignee of the present invention. Latch mechanisms have been provided with seats of this type which employ detents for receiving retractable pins to stop movement of the seat cushion during the pivoting travel of the parallel links. Other latching mechanisms are known for adjustably positioning relatively movable components in the seating arts. For example, seat backs may be fixed to seat cushions through agency of ring ear and pinion arrangements for adjustable positioning and through latch pawl and detent connections for inertia responsive positioning Croft et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,707,010, is examplary of the latter of such designs. The prior art latching devices suffer from the disadvantage that the positioning of the retractable pins with respect to the latched detents requires a certain amount of dexterity in handling that can be greater than is desirable. A further disadvantage lies in the fact that as variable positioning devices, the latches of the prior art do not cooperate with or provide for easing the return of the seat cushion from a fully lowered position to the upright operative position. For heavy seat cushion frames utilized in some vehicle applications, this can result in particularly cumbersome operation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Responsive to the deficiencies in the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a stowable seat assembly of the type in which first and second pairs of longitudinally spaced parallel links are used to support a seat cushion for parallelogram movement between an elevated operative seating position and a stowed position proximate the vehicle floor, which includes an economically producible and easily operable means for latching the seat cushion in a plurality of positions with respect to the floor of the vehicle. According to another object of the present invention, the seat assembly linkage mechanism embodies an assist mechanism for facilitating movement of the linkage from the stowed position to the operative detent locations. According to a feature of the present invention, a resiliently biased latch assembly is provided which consists of a latch link pivotally mounted on the seat cushion and biased into engagement with the detent. According to another feature of the present invention, an assist mechanism is provided to include a gas spring operatively connected between the linkage mechanism and a fixed portion of the latch assembly. According to still another feature of the present invention, linkage means is provided pivotally connected between the latch mechanism and a vehicle occupant restraint component to control movement of the component between upright and stowed positions consistent with corresponding positions of the stowable seat assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other objects and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the vehicle seating arts upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stowable seat assembly for a vehicle according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the seat assembly of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a side view of the seat of FIG. 1 in the operative seating position; and FIG. 4 is a side view similar to FIG. 3 with the seat illustrated in partially lowered and fully stowed positions. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A stowable vehicle seat assembly 10 adapted to be mounted on the floor 12 of a vehicle is illustrated as comprising a seat cushion assembly 14, a support frame 16, a pivoting link assembly 18 and a latch link assembly 20 operatively connected between the seat cushion assembly 14 and the support frame 16. It will be understood that a seat back assembly illustrated as 22 in FIG. 4 is pivotally mounted adjacent the rear end of the seat cushion assembly 14 in a conventional fashion. In the preferred embodiment shown, a seat belt component assembly 24 is also mounted on the support frame 16 adjacent the rear end of the seat cushion assembly 14. The seat cushion assembly 14 comprises essentially a conventional padded cushion member 26 and a generally rectangular horizontal frame 28 defining the lower periphery of the seat cushion assembly 14. A handle 30 may be provided for facilitating manual movement of the seat cushion assembly by operation of the pivoting link assembly 18. The support frame 16 is illustrated as comprising a base plate 32 adapted to be secured to the floor 12 of the vehicle and an upstanding side plate 34. Laterally inwardly spaced trunnion mounts 36, 38 extend upwardly from the base plate 32 for pivotally mounting the pivoting link assembly 18. The upper surfaces 40 of the side plate 34 are formed in arcuately arrayed curvilinear fashion and have first and second canted detents 42, 44, respectively, and a locking detent notch 46 formed extending inwardly therefrom. The arrangment and operation of the components of the pivoting link assembly 18 can be best appreciated by references to FIGS. 2-4. It will be understood that while components on the left side (as facing forward) of the seat assembly 10 are described with respect to the pivoting link assembly 18, construction of the seat assembly 10 according to the present invention contemplates the symmetrical positioning of identical components on the other side of the seat. In addition, the latch link assembly 20 and the seat belt component assembly 24 illustrated on the left side in the drawing figures may be positioned on either or both sides of the seat assembly 10. The pivoting link assembly 18 includes forward and rear links 48, 50, respectively, which may be of equal length and are pivotally mounted between the seat cushion assembly 14 and the support frame 16. The forward link 48 is pivotally mounted to the trunnion 38 as through the pin indicated at 52 and to the seat cushion frame 28 as through a pivot pin 54. The rear link 50 is also mounted to the seat cushion frame 28 through a pivot pin 56. The lower end of the rear link 50 is pivotally mounted to the outer trunnion mount 36 of the support frame 16 through a pivot pin 58. This linkage arrangement allows for pivotal movement of the seat cushion assembly 14 from the fully upright operative position shown in FIG. 3 in which the seat cushion assembly 14 is well elevated above the floor 12 of the vehicle to the intermediate and fully stowed positions of FIG. 4 by permitting movement in parallelogram fashion, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The latch link assembly 20 consists of a link member 60 having an operating handle 62 at its lower end and having its upper end mounted for pivotal movement about the pin 56. A coil spring 64 is operatively connected between the rear link 50 of pivoting link assembly 18 and the latch link 60 to resiliently bias the link 60 toward abutting engagement against the upper surfaces 40 of the side plate 34. A reduced diameter portion of the handle 62, such as indicated by a pin 66, as may best be seen in FIG. 2, is sized to be engagable with the detents 42, 44, 46 of the side plate 34, the coil spring 64 drawing the link 60 toward positions in which the pin 64 engages the detents 42, 44, 46. The rear surface 43 of the first detent 42 may be canted to facilitate entry by the pin 66 moving forwardly and to resist inadvertent withdrawal of the pin 66 to establish a stable upward position as shown in FIG. 3. Manipulation of the link 60 to turn counterclockwise as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 4 will withdraw the pin 66 from the detent 42. If the handle is released, the link will be drawn into engagement with a portion of upper surface 40 as the seat cushion assembly is moved forwardly and downwardly. The pin 66 then slidingly engages the surface 40 into a position abutting the detent 44. The seat cushion assembly 14 may be returned to the FIG. 3 position from this intermediate position by simply pushing the seat backwardly without manipulation of the link 60. The pin 66 will again slidingly engage portions of the upper surface 40 of the side plate 34 until dropped into engagement with the first detent 42 by operation of the spring 64. Forward and downward movement to the fully stowed position shown in the solid line of FIG. 4 may continue from the position in which the pin 66 engages the second detent 44 by again manipulating the latch link 60 to swing in counterclockwise fashion to a position abutting forward portions of the upper surface 40 of the side plate 34, continuing sliding engagement until the pin 66 registers with the locking detent 46. In some vehicle applications, provision of this locking detent may be highly desirable so that the load floor defined by the pivoting movement of the seat back 22 into the horizontal confronting relationship shown in the solid line in FIG. 4 with the seat cushion assembly 14 in the fully downward position makes it desirable to lockingly establish this downward position. The trailing edge 47 of the detent 46 in this configuration is preferably arranged substantially normal to the adjacent portion of the upper surface 40 of the side plate 34 as contrasted to the general curvilinear slope of the trailing edge 45 of the second detent 44 configured to facilitiate rearward movement. Counterclockwise rotation of the link 60 to disengage the pin 66 from the locking detent 46 is accordingly necessary to return the seat assembly 10 to the operative position of FIG. 3. To facilitate the clockwise movement, as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the pivoting link assembly 18, the stowable seat assembly 10 of the present invention preferably includes a position responsive actuator, such as a gas spring 68, indicated diagrammatically in FIGS. 3 and 4. The gas spring 68 is pivotally mounted at one end on the side plate 34, as indicated at 70, and on the other end, on a support bracket 72, as indicated at 74, secured proximate the lower end of the rear link 50. No further description of the gas spring 68 is deemed necessary since many such devices are commercially available, and their detailed construction does not form a part of the present invention. Necessarily, however, the gas spring 68 includes a cylinder portion 76 and a telescopically engaged rod portion 78 received within it. The gas spring 68 is arranged so that it is substantially fully extended in the operative seating position of FIG. 3 and does not exert significant force tending to rotate the pivoting link assembly 18 clockwise. Movement of the pivoting link assembly 18 to the fully stowed position shown in the solid line in FIG. 4, however, shortens the gas spring 68 to a position in which energy is stored in a conventional manner through the compression of gas within the gas spring 68. Release of the latch link 60 from the FIG. 4 position indicating engagement with the locking detent 46 permits the gas spring 68 to operate to assist in pivoting the movement of the rear link 50 in clockwise fashion owing to the offset between the pivot pin 58 of rear link 50 and the pivot pin 74 of the gas spring 68. The seat belt component assembly 24 is illustrated as including a retractor body 80 pivotally mounted as by pin 82 to the side plate 34. A seat belt 84 extends outwardly from the retractor body 80 and terminates in a buckle tongue 86. It is desirable to arrange a seat belt component assembly of the type shown to position the buckle tongue 86 in a position similar to that shown in FIG. 3 readily accessible to an occupant of the stowable seat assembly 10. It is also desirable that the seat belt component assembly 24 not remain in the upwardly canted orientation shown during movement of the seat cushion assembly 14 to the stowed position of FIG. 4 to assure that the seat belt component 24 does not protrude upwardly into the space provided for the seat back assembly 22 in its folded down position. The stowable seat assembly 10 of the present invention, therefore, provides for movement of the seat belt component assembly 24 controlled by the motion of the pivoting link assembly 18 by providing a positioning link 88 pivotally mounted as by an upper pin 90 to the retractor body 80 and through a lower pin 92 to a lower portion of the rear link 50. As may be seen in FIG. 4, this arrangement provides for the pivotally mounted seat belt component assembly 24 being drawn in counterclockwise fashion downwardly in concert with the motion of the rear link 50. While only certain embodiments of the stowable seat assembly of the present invention have been described, others are possible without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
A stowable seat assembly is provide with a simple latch link cooperating with the seat cushion frame to adjustably position the seat as it folds to a stowed position controlled by a parallel link arrangement. A gas spring assist is also provided for returning the seat cushion to its normal elevated position after stowing and an auxiliary linkage is provided for coordinating the motion of seat belt componentry mounted on the seat with the stowing motion of the seat cushion.
1
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus and process improving the properties of braided fibers, more particularly an apparatus and process for hot stretching braided surgical ligatures. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Multifilament sutures are generally made by braiding yarns into a braided structure. Appropriate braided constructions for surgical sutures have been described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,019,093; 4,959,069 and 5,059,213 (all incorporated by reference herein). After the braided construction has been made the braid is cleaned by scouring and generally compacted by hot stretching the braid multifilament. One suitable means for hot stretching braided constructions is illustrated in FIG. 1. A spool of braided multifilament is attached to a tensioning device. The braided multifilament is then wound around feed rolls ( 4 and 6 respectively) and threaded through heated plates 8 . The braided multifilament is then drawn by draw rolls 10 and 12 and collected on take up spool 14 . The drawing is accomplished by rotating the draw rolls faster than the feed rolls to stretch the braided multifilament. Generally the braided multifilament are drawn in the range of from about 10 to about 20 percent. The amount that the suture is to be drawn depends on the size of the suture, the material the suture is made of and the braid construction. Similarly the temperature and residence time for the braided multifilament would have between the heated plates would also depend on these same factors. Unfortunately, this process and apparatus although effective in providing a hot stretched braided suture resulted in two potential defects being introduced into the braided multifilament sutures. The first defect is slight increase in the number of sutures that do not pass quality assurance strength tests. The second defect is a tendency for the braid to have irregular bunching in the braid. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for hot stretching braided multifilament sutures that results in little or no strength loss associated with hot stretching. Alternatively, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and process for hot stretching braided multifilament sutures which reduces or eliminates bunching in braided multifilament sutures. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an improved process for hot stretching braided multifilaments. This process comprising advancing a braided multifilament to a first heating zone, then drawing the braided multifilament while heating the braided multifilament thereafter heat setting the braided multifilament to provided a braided suture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art apparatus for hot stretching braided multifilament ligatures. FIG. 2 illustrates the improved hot stretching apparatus, which both draws and relaxes the multifilament sutures and which is described in the Detailed Description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention is illustrated in FIG. 2 . As shown in FIG. 2, a braided ligature 200 is taken from feed roll 202 by take-off device 205 . The feed roll 202 may have a functional brake to facilitate even feeding of the braid to the take-off rolls. Take-off device 205 is not heated and generally will be comprised of one or more rolls, which have multiple wraps of the braided ligature 200 wrapped around the rolls to avoid slippage. The braided ligature 200 is advanced by take-off device 205 which, in a preferred embodiment of this invention, is composed of one or more rolls (i.e., take-off rolls 204 and 206 ) to a first heating zone, which includes as illustrated, a first set of heated rolls 208 and 210 which are run at substantially the same speed as take-off device (i.e., 204 and 206 ). Preferably, the braided ligature will be wrapped around heated 208 and 210 to avoid slippage and improve heat transfer. The braided ligature 200 is then advanced to a third heated roll 212 which is rotated a speed faster than the first two heated rolls ( 208 , 210 ). The second set of heated roll 212 and 213 stretches the ligature 200 . The braided ligature is preferably wrapped several times around the third heat roll to avoid slippage and improve heat transfer. The stretched braided ligature 200 is then advanced to the third set of heated rolls. The third set of heated rolls preferably comprises a fifth and sixth heated rolls 214 , 216 that are rotated at a speed slower than the second set of heated roll 212 and 213 to control the relaxation of the braided ligature 200 . Alternatively the heated rolls 214 and 216 can be rotated at a higher rate of speed to stretch the braided suture a second time. The braided ligatures will preferably be wrapped multiple times around the fifth and sixth heated rolls in a FIG. 8 pattern. The braided ligature 200 is then advanced to tensioning device 218 and proceeds to take up roll 220 . The speed at which the braided ligature travels through the rolls and temperature which the rolls are heated, depends on the size of the braid, braid construction, number of wraps per roll and materials which the braid ligature is made. Generally the overall stretch (i.e., the approximate percent difference in the initial length of the braid as compared to the final length of the braid after the process is finished) will be in the range of from about 3 percent to about 25 percent greater than the initial length of the braid, preferably from about 6 percent to about 20 percent and more preferably from about 10 percent to about 16 percent greater than the initial length of the braid. These percentages are based on the relative speeds between the heated rolls, therefore, are approximate values. The temperature at which the first three heated rolls are maintained at will be sufficient to facilitate the stretching of the braided ligature. This temperature will generally be in the range of about 150° F. to about 50° F. below the melting temperature of the braided ligature material. As an example, for ligatures made from polyethylene terephthalate, the temperatures will be in the range of from about 150° F. to about 50° F., preferably in the range of from about 125° F. to about 50° F. and most preferably from 100° F. to about 50° F. After stretching, the braided ligature will then be heat set (and optionally relaxed) by the fifth and sixth heated rolls. The relaxation may be accomplished by matching the speed of the second set of heated rollers ( 212 and 213 ), the speeds of the fifth and sixth heated rolls 214 and 216 will be in the range of from about 0 percent to about 15 percent slower than the speed of the second set of heated roller and preferably will be in the range of from about 5 percent to about 15 percent slower than the speed of the second set of heated roller. The percent of relaxation will be approximately the same as the percent reduction in relative speed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the individual braided yarns may not be capable of relaxing to the maximum amount specified, in which case the upper limit of the relaxation should be viewed as being the maximum amount that the braid will relax or shrink under the specified conditions or 15 percent whichever is less. Alternatively, the fifth and sixth heated rolls can perform a heat set and second stretch. The second stretch may be accomplished by increasing the speed of the fifth and sixth heated rollers relative to the speed of the second set of heated roller ( 212 and 213 ). For example, for sizes 4/0 through size 2 (USP suture sizes) the hot stretch process could be performed in two or more separate stretching operation as described in the table provided below. DOUBLE DRAW CONDITIONS % STRETCH USP RANGE PREFERRED MORE PREFERRED SUTURE SIZE DRAW 1 DRAW 2 DRAW 1 DRAW 2 DRAW 1 DRAW 2 4/0 - 2 about 2 about 2 about 6 about 4 about 8 about 4 to about to about to about to about to about to about 14% 10% 12% 8% 12% 8% As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art the process of the present invention could be conducted by placing unheated rolls inside an oven or using a heat transfer medium (such as steam) to elevate the temperature of the braided multifilament as it stretched and subsequently heat set using draw rolls. This process can be used with a variety of biocompatible multifilament braided sutures. Suitable biocompatible multifilament braided sutures may be made from a biocompatible nonabsorbable polymers selected from the group consisting of but not limited to polyethylene, polypropylene homopolymers and copolymers and polymer blends containing polypropylene (such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,359,983, 4,520,822, 4,557,264, 4,620,542, 4,621,638 and 4,911,165 hereby incorporated by reference), polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyamides (i.e. nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 610 and nylon 4) and combinations thereof. Suitable absorbable materials for the manufacture of multifilament braided sutures may be selected from the group consisting of but are not limited to lactic acid, lactide (including L-, D-, meso and D,L mixtures), glycolic acid, glycolide, caprolactone, p-dioxanone (1,4-dioxan-2-one), trimethylene carbonate (1,3-dioxan-2-one), delta-valerolactone, beta-butyrolactone, epsilon-decalactone, 2,5-diketomorpholine, pivalolactone, alpha, alpha-diethylpropiolactone, ethylene carbonate, ethylene oxalate, 3-methyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione, 3,3-diethyl-1,4-dioxan-2,5-dione, gamma-butyrolactone, 1,4-dioxepan-2-one, 1,5-dioxepan-2-one, 6,6-dimethyl-dioxepan-2-one, 6,8-dioxabicycloctane-7-one and combinations thereof. Additionally, the braids can be made up of combinations of absorbable and non-absorbable yarns, as well as, from yarns that are combinations of different absorbable and/or different non-absorbable filaments. Following heat stretching the braided ligatures can be annealed, scoured, coated (i.e. with lubricants, drugs etc.), tipped, attached to needles (or other surgical devices), sterilized and/or packaged using conventional technology. The following non-limiting examples are illustrative of the principles and practice of this invention. Numerous additional embodiments within the scope and spirit of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art. EXAMPLE 1 This example describes a comparative test between the hot stretch machines depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. A size 2/0 braided polyester suture was braided using a 16 carrier New England Butt braider. The carrier yarn was nominally 55 denier (2.3 denier per filament polyester fibers) which had been twisted to a nominal level of 8 twists per inch (tpi), and dyed. The yarn used was Trevira™, type 712 from Hoechst Celanese or Hoechst AG. A single core yarn of a nominal 110 denier also twisted to about 8 tpi which was also dyed. The core fiber is threaded in to the braider using a tensioning control device. After the braid was made the braid was taken up on a spool. The braid was then doffed and wound onto a flexible spring dyer tube for scouring. The braid was scoured in a pressurized vessel with an aqueous detergent under acidic conditions at elevated temperature (165-270° F.) for about three hours. After scouring the braid was dried and a coating was applied to the braid, then the braid was hot stretched. The braided polyester was hot stretched on the machines described in FIGS. 1 and 2 under the conditions described below in Table 1. TABLE 1 2-PLATEN HEATED ROLL AVG./S.D. AVG./S.D. IN PROCESS TENSILE(lbs) 13.84/0.389 13.86/0.202 ELONGATION % 13.28/0.747 17.105/0.341 KNOT (lbs) 7.643/0.188 7.21/0.188 FINISHED TENSILE (lbs) 14.72/0.27 14.59/0.27 ELONGATION % 12.45/0.99 17.4/0.39 KNOT (lbs) 7.64/0.33 7.54/0.43 BUNCH 5 failures 0 failures from 200 lots from 60 lots As can be seen from the data the number of suture failures per lots because of bunching was reduced.
The present invention provides an apparatus and process for improving the properties of braided ligature by hot stretching the braid.
3
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to provisional U.S. application Ser. No. 61/645,870 filed May 11, 2012, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the field of sports and wide-area lighting, manufacturers are attempting to find ways to make the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) competitive where high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting has traditionally been dominant. LEDs can be made more competitive by increasing their lumen output, improving efficacy (lumens per watt), increasing longevity, and reducing cost. Thus, any technology that has the potential to improve on one or more of these factors is desirable in the lighting industry. Certain techniques for improving individual factors are well known in the industry; however, improving one factor may diminish other factors. For example, LEDs are typically rated for lumen output @ 25° C. and 350 mA. Increasing current increases lumen output, but lowers efficacy at the same temperature; still worse, when temperature increases as is typical with increased power input, efficacy and lumen output decrease. Likewise, LEDs can have a much longer average life than other types of lighting (e.g., on the order of 50,000 hours versus 5,000 hours); however, average life is reduced significantly as the LEDs are operated at higher temperatures and currents. LED life can be reduced by one or two orders of magnitude by operating at higher currents and temperatures that are still considered to be within viable operating parameters (e.g., 1000 mA and 125° C.). This can reduce their usability for lighting applications requiring thousands of hours per year of ON time, but is not necessarily a liability for lower usage applications such as some types of sports lighting (which may require as little as 250 hours of ON time per year). The cost for fixtures and support structures is a very significant part of LED lighting cost. Reducing the number of LEDs required per fixture to achieve a given light level on a target area can significantly lower overall costs; however, reduction of the number of LEDs requires increasing light output per LED, which results in reduced average life due to higher currents and operating temperatures. Therefore, managing LED temperature is important to optimizing efficiency, efficacy, and cost. Thus, there is room for improvement in the art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION While the use of LEDs in wide-area or other lighting applications typically employing HID or other traditional light sources seems promising (e.g., due to the longevity of LEDs), one must consider an issue previously unaddressed (in many cases) for lighting systems using traditional light sources: heat management. It is therefore a principle object, feature, advantage, or aspect of the present invention to improve over the state of the art and/or address problems, issues, or deficiencies in the art. According to an aspect of the present invention, an elevating structure of a lighting system is utilized as a way to route pressurized air to high-intensity LED lighting fixtures elevated on that elevating structure. In one aspect, a continuous pathway that exists naturally in the interior of the elevating structure is taken advantage of as an air conduit or duct from a source of pressurized air traveling from well below the fixtures up to the fixtures. As one option, any mounting structures (such as cross arms), fixture mounting knuckles, and the like that have continuous internal pathways can also be taken advantage of by putting them in fluid communication with the pathway through the elevating structure. Another aspect of the present invention relates to designing LED high-intensity lighting systems by determining the amount of and uniformity of illumination needed at a target area, determining potential placement of lighting fixtures relative the target area (including elevation and distance away), and determining a conventional set of LED lighting fixtures that will meet or exceed intensity and uniformity levels for the target area over a conventional or desired amount of normal operating life. Then, a determination will be made of whether or not the cost of an air cooling subsystem is justified. Some considerations include, but are not limited to, establishing a source of pressurized air mounted below the fixtures on an elevating structure, creating air pathways to the fixtures elevated on the structure, and capital and operating costs for such a subsystem over its normal operating life. In some instances, the elevating structure has original built-in continuous pathways that can be taken advantage of for airflow pathways from the pressurized source to the fixtures to eliminate the need for separate air conduits or ducts. A designer can evaluate capital costs and operation costs based on a certain airflow capacity relative to amount of additional efficacy of the fixtures for such air cooling, to determine such things as how much airflow capacity would be added, whether or not capital costs could be reduced by reducing the number of LEDs or even fixtures for a given application, and including in some instances whether entire elevating structures and fixtures could be eliminated by an increase in efficacy from air cooling. One embodiment according to the present invention uses air cooling to reduce the temperature of wide-area lighting fixtures. A small blower or fan (e.g., on the order of ⅓ horsepower) is installed with its output directed into a hollow lighting support pole. Air distribution is through the pole and either coaxially through the fixture mounts, or through appropriate ducting from the pole to the fixtures. Air is directed through the fixtures or to the heat sink on the back side of fixtures. Power usage for the blower would be calculated and energy cost for the blower versus potential power savings for the fixtures compared, with optimum values calculated based on the needs of the project. For the example of model XP-G LEDs, available from Cree, Durham, N.C., USA, efficacy increases on the order of 10-15% should be achievable, resulting in cost savings of tens or hundreds of dollars. This method would ideally be applied to sports lighting applications, which typically have many high wattage fixtures mounted on each pole. This allows the cost of the blower and its energy draw to be allocated to many fixtures. Further, since increasing total light output per fixture is very beneficial for sports lighting, and since a major limiting factor in using LEDs in sports lighting is temperature rise due to increased power, significant cost savings might result. Conversely, for other wide-area lighting (e.g., parking lot lighting, street lighting, etc.), while the cost savings resulting from the increased energy efficiency attributed to air cooling might not in itself be enough to make air cooling economically advantageous, air cooling might increase expected LED life enough to make air cooling economically feasible as well. These and other objects, features, advantages, or aspects of the present invention will become more apparent with reference to the accompanying specification and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS From time-to-time in this description reference will be taken to the drawings which are identified by figure number and are summarized below. FIGS. 1 , 2 , 3 A and B illustrate a cooling system for lighting fixtures according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment according to aspects of the invention. FIG. 5 illustrates a method for design and installation of LED lighting systems according to aspects of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS A. Background As indicated above, the context of the invention relates to improvements in efficacy of high-intensity LED fixtures which are elevated for wide-area lighting; specifically, via air cooling of one or more components of the fixtures. It is to be understood that the following detailed description is to assist in a better understanding of the invention and its aspects. It is not intended to be exclusive or inclusive of all forms and embodiments the greater invention can take. As envisioned, air cooling can reduce the operating temperature of LED fixtures down to near-ambient with a relatively simple apparatus. Such a cooling system may generally be described as including a small blower or fan, on the order of ⅓ horsepower, installed with its output directed into a hollow lighting support pole. Air distribution flows through the pole, through hollow cross arms, and through channels or pathways in the fixture mounts with the air being directed to the heat sink on the back side of the fixtures; the use of heat sinks to dissipate heat from LEDs is well known in the art. Power usage for the blower is calculated and the energy cost for the blower versus potential power savings for the fixtures compared, with optimum values calculated based on the needs of the project. Factors to consider when evaluating the benefit of such a system include, but are not limited to: a. kW-hr cost of electricity; b. efficacy versus temperature curve for LEDs; c. cost for blower and controls; d. costs for additional ducts and tubing, if required; e. costs for air sealing any pole or fixture openings, if required; and/or f. maintenance costs for blowing equipment. Table 1 below illustrates test results from air cooling a 24-LED fixture of the type disclosed in U.S. published patent application 2010/0195326, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,449,144, incorporated by reference herein and commonly owned by the assignee of the present application. LEDs were model XP-G available from Cree, Durham, N.C., USA. The fixture was operated at near-constant power but, as can be seen, temperature declined with increased air speed. In these tests, air cooling was achieved by directing air at the approximate speeds indicated in Table 1 across the fixture. This air was generally enclosed and directed onto the heat sink (and not generally disbursed). Thus, it is believed that such airflow fairly uniformly impacted the entire fixture (as opposed to being simply focused on one localized part). As can be seen from Table 1, the percent lumen increase is not linear relative to air speed. This discovery can be beneficially used by designers in weighing the various and sometimes antagonistic factors between capital and operating costs of adding such a cooling system and light efficacy improvements or benefits for the lighting system. TABLE 1 Lumen Power Temperature Air Speed Lumens Increase Test (W) (° C.) (mph) (lm) (%) 1 222.5 123 0 13640 (base) 2 230.1 87 9.5 15822 16 3 238.6 82 18 16170 18.5 B. Exemplary Method and Apparatus Embodiment 1 In a first embodiment, pole 15 , FIG. 1 elevates light fixtures 40 some distance in the air, on the order of (for example) 50 feet or more. One example of light fixtures 40 are model STR-LWY-15-HT available commercially from BetaLED, Sturtevant, Wis., USA. Another example of light fixtures 40 are those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/626,095, incorporated by reference herein and commonly owned by the assignee of the present application. An example of pole 15 is model LSS50A available from Musco Sports Lighting, Oskaloosa, Iowa, USA, which is essentially a hollow galvanized steel tapered pole of either one piece or multiple slip-fit sections. Pole 15 presents a continuous air pathway from its bottom to top. A typical fifty foot tall pole of this nature has a largest outside diameter of approximately 10 inches at its bottom (approximately 79 square inches cross-sectional area), and approximately 6 inches smallest outside diameter at its top (approximately 28 inches square cross-sectional area). Whether one piece or several slip-fit sections, pole 15 is substantially air tight. It would represent an overall interior volume of approximately 27,000 cubic inches. There may be handles or other openings for the introduction of electrical wirings that could also occupy some of the interior volume of the pole. As mentioned, said openings can be substantially sealed off, or at least sealed or blocked enough that at a pressurization or airflow level selected, airflow would not be significantly diverted from being delivered up to the light fixtures for cooling. Pole 15 is hollow, but essentially sealed. With this particular pole, the bottom of the metal, tubular pole is slip-fit for several feet over a mating concrete stub to support the pole in a vertical position. Thus, several feet of the bottom of the pole would be occupied by that interference-fit concrete stub. Additionally, the top of such a pole would normally have a cap and/or could have what is called a pole top fitter. A pole top fitter could comprise a hollow tubular section to which cross arms and a top closing cap can be slip-fit, with the fitter slip-fit on the top tapered end of the main pole. In any case, introduction of pressurized air into the pole and routing up through the pole to a location at or near the fixtures would take into account such features. Blower or fan 20 is installed on the pole, with the outlet of the blower directed into an opening 30 in pole 15 . As indicated in FIGS. 1 , 2 , and 4 , blower 20 could be mounted at or near pole 15 along its length such that its output is introduced into the hollow interior of pole 15 . In the illustrated examples, a separate mounting platform or structure 10 , FIG. 1 can first be attached by appropriate fastening devices along the pole at the appropriate location. Blower 20 would then be mounted or supported on that platform. An appropriate opening into pole 15 would be formed and the intersection of the blower and pole at least substantially sealed by any of a variety of appropriate means. Alternatively, blower 20 might have mounting hardware to mount it to pole 15 , or otherwise sufficiently be supported at its interface with pole 15 so to no longer require a separate platform. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the type and operation of blower 20 can vary according to desire and need. Factors could include the amount of airflow and speed delivered to the fixtures suspended at or near the top of pole 15 . Factors could further include the internal volume defined by pole 15 and any subsequent conduits to fixtures 40 , the leakiness or lack thereof of air (caused by, for example, other items attached along the pole, pole joints, joints between such things as cross arms and fixture mounts, etc.), whether other components occupy the interior space of pole 15 , and the like. In this embodiment, one example of blower 20 is described below. Any other openings into pole 15 may be sealed, or may present a small enough air leak such that it does not matter to the desired cooling function. As indicated in Table 1, the designer can select a blower output capacity by referring to a derived empirical relationship between air speed relative to percent lumen increase. For example, substantial leakiness in the air pathway from blower 20 to fixtures 40 may result in a substantial drop in air speed as measured at the fixtures. But, as indicated at Table 1, even a substantial drop between the two can result in a substantial percent lumen increase if enough air speed can be generated at the fixtures. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the ultimate outlet of pressurized air at the fixtures will represent the least restrictive path for pressurized air. In other words, by known fluid dynamics, the designer can encourage the pressurized air from the output of the blower to move with the least airflow resistance to an outlet at the fixtures so to minimize losses or leakiness. As such, U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/626,095 and 12/623,875, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,651,704, both of which are incorporated by reference herein and commonly owned by the assignee of the present application, may be referenced for details regarding how airflow from a pressurized air source can be effectively directed to an LED or solid-state light source fixture for effecting cooling during operation. U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/626,095 and 12/623,875, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,651,704, provide a variety of different embodiments; some direct air from an airflow pathway directly onto the LED fixture heat sink. Others are directed into a housing around the heat sink. The aforementioned references are intended to provide several examples of a feature the figures and description herein illustrate; namely, that the elevating structure itself can originally and naturally have a continuous internal pathway which can be used for or converted into an air duct from a pressurized air source such as blower 20 up through the elevating structure to the fixtures of a lighting system. Airflow from the blower travels up through the pole and escapes out opening 50 and is directed by tubes 80 to individual fixtures 40 (see FIG. 3B ). As can be appreciated, tubes 80 can be of any number of materials and configurations. Ideal examples would be materials that could withstand outdoor environmental conditions for decades (e.g., 24 gauge galvanized pipe). Other examples might include a number of UV-stable thermal plastics. Another suitable material could comprise a metal flexible hose such as available from Air Handling Systems, Woodbridge, Conn., USA; such tubing has some flexibility to allow for thermal expansion and contraction and some relative movement between fixtures and their cross arm 60 or pole 15 . The terminal outlet end of said tubing could have a fitting (e.g., such as also available from Air Handling Systems) or could simply have an open end. Air could be simply outlet from that open end or there could be some sort of distribution fitting like a manifold also available from Air Handling Systems, Woodbridge, Conn. Openings 30 and 50 (see FIGS. 2 and 3B , respectively) may be tightly sealed to the blower and air ducts, or may allow for some air leakage as long as air flow is sufficient to provide cooling to the fixtures. According to the present embodiment, air flow may be directed to the heat sinks of LED lights contained in fixtures 40 , or to the bases or envelopes of other types of lighting elements that may be contained in fixtures 40 . Alternatively, air may be directed into cross arm 60 , and through mounting knuckles 70 (see FIG. 3A ). From there air may be directed to LED heat sinks or bases or envelopes of other types of lighting elements. In this embodiment, cross arms 60 have a 6 foot span, a tubular interior constant cross-sectional area of approximately 6 square inches, and a volume of approximately 4400 cubic inches, and are available from Musco Sports Lighting. Mounting knuckles 70 could be like those described in published U.S. patent application 2011/0149582, incorporated by reference herein and commonly owned by the assignee of the present application. Such knuckles are intentionally made to mount underneath cross arm 60 where there would be an opening into a first half of knuckle 70 with an air path that would extend to a second half attached to a fixture 40 . An air path would extend all the way through knuckle 70 even though there is a pivotable joint between the two halves. An opening into the back of fixture 40 would then provide a complete air pathway from cross arm 60 to the interior of fixture 40 . Air could then leave through ventilation openings in 40 such that airflow would be encouraged from blower 20 through the hollow interior of pole 15 , the hollow interior of cross arm 60 , through knuckle 70 , and into each fixture 40 , at an air speed and volume per unit time to effectuate a percent lumen increase on the level desired or needed for a given design. Of course the designer would likely take into account how many fixtures were installed on each pole 15 (in this example, there could be many or just a few) when calculating a necessary air speed and volume. A blower that could be used to provide airflow is the Peerless ⅓ HP Pressure Blower PW-8, which operates at 3500 RPM and delivers 256 CFM at 1 inch static pressure, available from Global Equipment Company, Port Washington, N.Y., USA. But as previously mentioned, the type and output of the component which produces the pressurized air source or airflow can vary according to need and desire. Ideally, the component would be suitable for use in outside environments for decades. Said component could utilize the same electric power source that is used to power the light fixtures. Optionally, the blower could be enclosed by some covering or housing. FIG. 2 illustrates a larger view of the blower installation. As can be appreciated, blower 20 can have its own mount or no mount (and just rely upon some mounting interface to the side of pole 15 ). Alternatively, blower 20 might be mounted on other pole-mounted components. For example, it might be mounted on top of an electrical enclosure box 35 , FIG. 1 above ground level but well below fixture level, as are conventional on many light poles. FIGS. 3A-B illustrate a larger view of the components at the top of the pole. FIG. 3B shows supply of airflow via tubes 80 directly from pole 15 . FIG. 3A shows in dashed line arrows the flow path from pole 15 into the interior of cross arm 60 and then through a continuous air pathway through mounting knuckles 70 to fixtures 40 . As can be appreciated, there could be more fixed or rigid air conduits instead of hoses or instead of using the existing structure of pole, cross arm, and knuckles. For example, there could be rigid metal air ducts from pole 15 or cross arm 60 to fixture 40 . However, in the embodiments in FIGS. 3A and 3B , the routing of air via tubes 80 or directly through the mounting structures allows freedom of adjustment of fixtures 40 relative cross arm 60 without requiring customized conduits for airflow. C. Exemplary Method and Apparatus Embodiment 2 FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment having a pole 15 , blower 20 , opening 30 , and LED fixture with heat sink 90 . Arrows 25 indicate airflow through the pole and fixture. As is illustrated in FIG. 4 , airflow through pole 15 , and then across a mounting interface 45 (e.g., as may be appropriate for a non-adjustable or static mounting situation), can provide a direct, continuous air path to the inside of a fixture and the proximate edge of heat sink 90 . That air can be directed through and across heat sink 90 and out some type of vent at the distal edge of heat sink 90 so to provide an exhaust for the airflow. U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/626,095 and 12/623,875, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,651,704, provide some examples of airflow paths. D. Options & Alternatives As can be appreciated, the foregoing detailed description gives but a few examples of apparatus and methods according to the present invention. Variations obvious to those skilled in the art will be included within the invention. It will also be appreciated that the discoveries of the inventor also engender methodologies that can be useful for design and installation of LED lighting systems. One method may generally be described according to process 1000 illustrated in FIG. 5 . As indicated above, a method can include as a first step (reference no. 1010 ), deriving by methods known in the art a desired or required light level and uniformity for a target area. As a second step (reference no. 1020 ), the designer can then utilize computer programs (reference no. 1040 ) such as are routinely used in the industry and by manufacturers, or empirical testing (reference no. 1030 ) of LED fixtures that are candidates for the installation, to determine a baseline light output when a fixture is operated normally without any auxiliary air cooling. Then it can be determined, via empirical testing (reference no. 1050 ), how such candidate fixtures would react to air cooling during operation (e.g., as in Table 1). Having these data, a comparison (reference no. 1060 ) of estimated (or measured) percent lumen increase at a given power level (i.e., efficacy increase) can be made to the capital cost and operating cost of candidate air cooling systems. The designer, either alone or with an end user or customer, can then determine (reference no. 1070 ) whether a given candidate air cooling sub-system should be added. Some variables that may affect whether or not to add a cooling sub-system include, but are not limited to: different airflow volume and speed at the fixtures, where/how many air pathways exist, cost of electrical power to operate the LEDs and the air cooling system, whether or not the LEDs would be overdriven or under-driven relative to recommended or rated operating wattage by the manufacturer of the LEDs, and whether or not the number of LED fixtures can be reduced for an installation (which could reduce capital and operating costs) and/or eliminating a whole pole or elevating structure with a number of fixtures because of the cumulative increase in light output from other poles and fixture arrays with the cooling system.
A high-intensity LED lighting system is presented whereby one or more LED lighting fixtures are affixed to an elevating structure, the elevating structure having a substantially continuous internal pathway. Said pathway can be used as a conduit or duct for pressurized air which is introduced at or near the bottom of the elevating structure and forced upwardly toward the lighting fixtures so to provide cooling of one or more components of the lighting fixtures so to, ultimately, improve the efficacy of the LEDs contained therein. A method of designing lighting systems, including analysis of whether or not to add air cooling to increase light source efficiency is also disclosed.
5
This invention relates generally to composite metal strips and sheets and to methods and apparatus for making the same. More particularly, the invention concerns casting molten metal between two adjacent moving cold-rolled strips of metal and fusing said metal and said strips to form a composite structure. In optimal practice, a light metal coating may be applied to one or both sides of the composite metal member. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Current best commercial practice in manufacturing steel strip and sheet is the continuous casting of thin slabs. These slabs are then hot-rolled to a thickness which can be coiled, so-called "Hot Band". Hot Band is subsequently de-scaled of its oxidized surfaces by pickling in an acid bath or by shot blasting. Following this operation, the de-scaled band is cold-rolled to usable commercial gauges. Non-ferrous metals are processed in similar fashion from slab or billet without the need for de-scaling. Efforts to avoid the hot-mill portion of the above procedure have led to thin strip casting processes. These processes, in general, have cast surfaces which lack the fine quality required by the manufactured products in which they are used even after further rolling. Steel sheet, in particular, not only needs a fine surface but in many final uses must also be protected -from destructive corrosion by coating or plating the surfaces with protective metal coatings. The current commercial practice of hot-rolling and then cold-rolling to final usable gauge, in addition to hot-mill costs, gives rise to an additional problem. This problem is known as "shape". The many rolling passes required to reduce the slab to final usable gauge results in distortions to the surface caused by variations in thickness across and along the length of the strip. These variations are caused by roll deflection and temperature variations during processing. The present invention resolves the problem of surface quality by casting molten metal between two moving bands of cold-rolled strip which already possess the requisite surface quality. Fears by the steel industry that their cast strip would have large grain which could not be reduced sufficiently by the few roll passes required to reach usable gauges have proven to be without foundation. The cast grain size in thin cast strip has proven to be much smaller than anticipated and capable of being reduced to the fine grain necessary for strength and formability. Shape problems are minimized by reducing the number of roll passes required to obtain usable cold-rolled gauges. Inherent in the casting process of this invention is the ability to coat or plate the cast strip directly with other metals. Thus, the final rolled product is ready for use in corrosive applications without further coating or plating. Current methods for coating or plating involve hot dipping the rolled product in molten metal or electro-plating it with other metals. The coating made possible by this invention is of uniform thickness and variable to meet the required specification for type and thickness of the final product coating. The current hot dip process results in a variable coating thickness. Electro-plating is generally not economic for thicker coatings. Approximately 10% of finished cold-rolled product is used in producing the cast product in this invention. This is a very small process cost to pay to eliminate the hot-mill and de-scaling necessary in current production of cold-rolled strip and sheet. The ability to coat while casting and the improved quality of that coating provides a welcome bonus for the industry. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The method of the present invention comprises feeding thin metal strips by means of one or more rollers into the opposite sides of a cooled mold. The cooled molds may optionally be comprised of one or more cooled drum molds. In the single drum case, the opposite mold may be curved to conform generally with the circumference of the drum mold. The molten metal is poured between the metal strips as the strips enter the cooled mold in a continuous fashion, thereby casting the molten metal between the strips and bonding it to the adjacent metal strips to form a composite member. In one embodiment of this invention, this composite member may be additionally coated with a fine layer of another metal by delivering onto the surface of the composite member a coating metal as a dry powder or from a slurry in which the powdered metal is mixed, the metal having a melting point which is not necassarily the same as; the molten casting metal. The cooled mold is of sufficient length to allow the molten metal to fully solidify at which point the strip is passed through a pair of pinch rollers and then rolled to the final thickness. Accordingly, the principal object of the present invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for the continuous casting of composite metal strips. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for casting metal which results in an improved light gauge product. A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel and unique method of producing composite metal strips using a casting process. Still an additional object of the present invention is to provide a relatively simple and cost effective method of producing a composite metal strip without hot-rolling and subsequent pickling or shot blasting to remove scale before cold-rolling. Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and unique substitute method for electro-plating or hot dipping in a molten metal to provide a protective coating. These and still further objects as shall hereinafter appear are readily fulfilled by the present invention in a remarkably unexpected manner as will be readily discerned from the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment thereof especially when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which like parts bear like numerals throughout the several views. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a schematic of the basic apparatus for directly casting molten metal directly between two moving strips of metal to form a composite metal structure in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the composite metal structure is coated in accordance with the present invention; and FIG. 3 is a schematic of an alternative embodiment of the invention showing a different cooled mold system. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, a casting system embodying the present invention is identified by the general reference numeral 10. Molten metal 12 is supplied to casting system 10 from tundish 14. Pour spout 16 of tundish 14 is positioned between dams 13, a first coil 17 which supplies a left strip of metal 18 and a second coil 19 which supplies a right strip of metal 20. Metal strips, 18 and 20, are fed from coils, 17 and 19, into cooled mold system 21 in spaced relationship to each other and coact with dams 13 to form a channel 22 therebetween. Cooled mold system 21 comprises a left portion 23 and a right portion 24, each portion being roughly rectangular but having curved edges 25 and 26 at the entry point 27 of cooled mold system 21. Cooled mold system 21 is of sufficient length and temperature so that the sandwich 28 produced thereby is solid at the point of exit 29. Molten metal 12 is allowed to flow at design rate and reacts upon contact with metal strips, 18 and 20, heating the interior portion of cold-rolled metal strips, 18 and 20, sufficiently to bond at the interfaces. Sandwich 28 is then passed through pinch rollers 30 and to the rolling mill which may reduce it to 10% of cast thickness. The suitable side dams 13, (shown in phantom) are disposed transversely at each edge of strips 18, 20 in operative relationship to pour spout 16 and mold entry point 27 to guide molten metal 12 into channel 22 without spillage. The placement of dams 13 is controlled by the width of strips 18, 20. During original start-up, the leading edges of coils 17, 19 are bent inwardly into substantial contact with each other to arrest the initial flow of molten metal 12 therebetween and facilitate the filling of channel 22 between strips 18, 20. As a further precaution, graphite will be deposited between dams 13 and mold system 21 to prevent leakage therebetween. Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 2 and comprises casting system 10 in which molten metal 12 is supplied by tundish 14. First coil 17 of cold-rolled metal is disposed to the left (relative to the drawing) of tundish 14 while second coil 19 is disposed to the right of tundish 14 and coact with dams 13 to define channel 22. First coil 17 provides left strip of metal 18 which is fed into cooled mold system 21. Second coil 19 provides a right strip of metal 20 which is fed through a series of feed rollers which comprises at least one right preliminary feed roller 34 and a right final feed roller 35. Right strip of metal 20 is then fed into cooled mold system 21. As shown in FIG. 2, cooled mold system 21 comprises a left portion 23 and a right portion 24. Left portion 23 comprises a cooled drum 38 and a cooled mold 39 which is disposed in a near adjacent operative relationship to cooled drum 38 and further comprises a first surface 40 which is shaped to conform generally to the contour of cooled drum 38. Right portion 24 is contoured so as to form uniform channel 22 between left portion 23 and right portion 24. Channel 22 is provided with a substantially uniform width from mold entry point 27 where molten metal 12 enters channel 22 to the point of exit 29. Additionally, right portion 24 has a leading edge 41 which is shaped to conform to the contour of right final feed roller 35. In one practice of the present invention, a plating or thin coating system 42 is disposed in tangential linear alignment with cooled drum 38 and operates in the following fashion. Plating system 42 comprises a bin 43 having a lip 44 formed on the upper edge thereof and containing powdered metal slurry 45 of a suitable coating material 46, a first plating roller 47 mounted on axle 48 and a second plating roller 49. Coating material 46 adheres to the outer surface of first plating roller 47 which, in operation, is partially submerged within slurry 45 until axle 48 is positioned just above lip 44 of bin 43. First plating roller 47 is disposed in tangential linear relationship to second plating roller 49 which in turn is disposed in tangential linear relationship with cooled drum 38. In operation, first plating roller 47 rotates in the same direction as does cooled drum 38. As rotating first plating roller 47 passes through powdered metal slurry 45, coating material 46 adheres to the surface of first plating roller 47 and is transported into contact with second plating roller 49 which rotates in the opposite direction. Upon contact with second plating roller 49, coating material 46 is transferred from first plating roller 47 to the surface of second plating roller 49 and is carried to the point of tangency with cooled drum 38 whereupon coating material 46 is further transferred to cooled drum 38. Cooled drum 38 then carries coating material 46 towards left strip of metal 18 until coating material 46 is deposited between left strip of metal 18 and cooled drum 38. When molten metal 12 is permitted to flow between left metal strip 18 and right metal strip 20, molten metal 12 heats the metal strips, 18 and 20, sufficiently to evaporate the slurry carrier and cause coating material 46 to bind to the outer surface of left metal strip 18 while simultaneously causing metal strips 18, 20, to bind with molten metal 12 to form a composite or "sandwich"-like structure 28. Sandwich 28 passes on through channel 22 as defined by cooled mold system 21. Cooled mold system 21 is of sufficient length and temperature so that when sandwich 28 reaches exit point 29 it is a solid composite structure. Sandwich 28 thus produced is then passed through a pair of pinch rollers 30 to the rolling mill to provide a finished composite structure plated on one surface. When it is desired to provide a protective coating on both strips 18, 20, coating system 42 described above relative to strip 18 can be duplicated (in mirror image) adjacent strip 20. Another embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically in FIG. 3 and comprises casting system 10 in which molten metal 12 is supplied between dams 13 by tundish 14. First coil 17 of metal is disposed to the left of tundish 14 between dams 13 while a second coil 19 is disposed to the right of tundish 14 between dams 13. First coil 17 provides a left strip of metal 18 and second coil 19 provides a right strip of metal 20. Strips of metal, 18 and 20, are fed into opposite sides of cooled mold system 21 and define channel 22 therebetween. The leading edges of strips 18, 20 are folded inwardly toward each other to define an obstruction to arrest the flow of molten metal 12 therepast during start up. Cooled mold system 21 comprises a left portion 23 and a right portion 24. Left portion 23 further comprises cooled drum 38, a series of cooled rollers 50 which become smaller as sandwich 28 progresses through cooled mold system 21, and a series of cooled molds 51 operatively interposed between said cooled drum 38 and each of the series of cooled rollers 50. Right portion 24 of cooled mold system 21 comprises cooled drum 52, a series of cooled rollers 53 which become smaller as sandwich 28 progresses through cooled mold system 21 and a series of cooled molds 54 operatively interposed between said cooled drum 52 and each of the series of cooled rollers 53. Cooled drum 52 and cooled drum 38 are disposed on opposite sides of channel 22 and are in horizontal alignment with each other. The sequence of right and left cooled rollers, 50 and 53, respectively, are also aligned in pairs on opposite sides of channel 22. Between each pair of rollers 50, 53, channel 22 becomes narrower so that the composite strip formed by casting system 10 is approximately one-half the thickness at exit point 29 than it was at entry point 27. As composite sandwich 28 becomes thinner, its relative speed through the rollers is proportionately increased. Additionally, when desired, cladding or coating material may be introduced at each level of the casting process. This is achieved by disposing a plating, cladding or thin coating system 42 in tangential linear orientation with any or all of the series of cooled rollers, 50, 53, and cooled drum 38 or cooled drum 52. Plating system 42, as described above, comprises a bin 43 having a lip 44 and a powdered metal slurry 45 of coating material 46 contained therein, a first plating roller 47 having an axle 48 and a second plating roller 49. Coating material 46 adheres to first plating roller 47 which is partially submerged therewithin so that axle 48 is positioned above lip 44 of bin 43. First plating roller 47 is disposed in tangential linear relationship with second plating roller 49 which in turn is disposed in tangential linear relationship to the next unit chosen. For example, if cooled drum 38 is chosen as the only position from which coating material 46 is applied, first plating roller 47 will rotate in the same direction as does cooled drum 38 through powdered metal slurry 45. Coating material 46 adheres to first plating roller 47 until it encounters second plating roller 49 which is rotating in the opposite direction. Upon contact with second plating roller 49, coating material 46 is transferred to second plating roller 49 and is carried to the point of tangency with cooled drum 38 whereupon coating material 46 is transferred to cooled drum 38. Cooled drum 38 then carries coating material 46 towards left strip of metal 18 until coating material 46 is disposed between left strip of metal 18 and cooled drum 38. When molten metal 12 is permitted to flow between left metal strip 18 and right metal strip 20, the molten metal 12 heats metal strips, 18 and 20, sufficiently to evaparate the slurry carriers and cause coating material 46 to be bound to the outer portion of left metal strip 18 while also causing metal strips 18 and 20, to react and bind with molten metal 12. The action of coating material 46 with either or both strips 18, 20 will result in either an alloyed or a sintered strip surface depending on whether the coating metal melts at, below or above the surface temperature of the base or clad metal surface being coated. A second embodiment of casting system 10 is shown schematically in FIG. 2 and comprises molten metal 12 supplied by tundish 14. First coil 17 of metal is disposed between dams 13 to the left of tundish 14 while second coil 19 is disposed disposed between dams 13 to the right of tundish 14. Additionally, a third and/or fourth coil of metal 31 may also be disposed on the right and left side as is shown in FIG. 2. First coil 17 provides a left strip of metal 18 which is fed through a series of feed rollers which comprises at least one left preliminary feed roller 32 and a left final feed roller 33 which applies pressure to left strip of metal 18 into the cooled mold system 21 in an even fashion. Second coil 19 provides a right strip of metal 20 which is fed through a series of feed rollers which comprises at least one right preliminary feed roller 34 and a right final feed roller 35. Right strip of metal 20 is then fed into cooled mold system 21. The third and/or fourth coil 31 provides a right secondary strip of metal 36. Right secondary strip of metal 36 is also fed through a series of feed rollers which comprises at least one right secondary feed roller 37 and a right final feed roller 35 and is then fed into cooled mold system 21. As shown in the drawing, the feeding of the several strips 18, 20, 36 off of coils 17, 19, 31, respectively, into cooled mold system 21 is both facilitated by pressure applied by rollers 32, 33, 34, 35, 37 and 38 and oriented relative to cooled mold system 21. Cooled mold system 21 in this embodiment comprises a left portion 23 and a right portion 24. Left portion 23 further comprises a cooled drum 38 and a cooled mold 39 which is disposed in a near adjacent relationship to cooled drum 38 and further comprises a first surface 40 which is shaped to conform generally with cooled drum 38. Right portion 24 is shaped so as to form a channel 22 between left portion 23 and right portion 24, said channel 22 having a uniform width from the entry point 27 to the point of exit 29. Additionally, right portion 24 is disposed in a near adjacent relationship to right final feed tension roller 35 and has a leading edge 41 which is shaped to conform with right final tension roller 35. When molten metal 12 is allowed to flow between left metal strip 18 and right metal strip 20, molten metal 12 reacts upon contact with metal strips, 18 and 20, on either side and heats the interior portion of metal strips, 18 and 20, sufficiently to bond at the interfaces therewith forming a sandwich 28. The sandwich 28 thus formed passes through the channel 22. Cooled mold system 21 is of sufficient length and temperature so that sandwich 28 is solid at exit point 29. Sandwich 28 is then passed through pinch rollers 30 and then to the rolling mill for reduction to final thickness. While the coating described herein is predicated upon the delivery from a slurry of particulate metal, it is understood that a simple dry powder may work equally well under selected circumstances. In addition, a further modification when the economics warrant, would involve the incorporation of one or more coils of strip material outboard of coils 17, 19 and using the same principles as are herein described to overlay strips 18, 20 with still another strip of the special finish material desired without departing from the spirit of this invention. From the foregoing it becomes readily apparent a new and useful continuous strip casting methods and apparatus have been herein described and illustrated which fulfill all of the aforestated objectives in a remarkably unexpected fashion. It is, of course, understood that many possible embodiments may be made of the various features of the methods and apparatus herein described and that such modifications, alterations and adaptations as will readily occur to the artisan confronted with this disclosure are intended within the spirit of the present invention which is limited only by the scope of the claims appended hereto.
A method and apparatus for the continuous casting of composite metal members wherein molten metal is directly cast between two spaced generally parallel metal strips to form a composite member having enhanced surface qualities, formability, and strength. The method comprises feeding at least two strips of metal into a cooled mold system while pouring a molten stream of metal therebetween and forming a composite member by cooling in the cooled mold system until the composite is solidified at the exit point, removing the composite from the cooled mold system and rolling the cooled composite to obtain a desired final thickness. Multiple strip and thin coating methods and apparatus are also disclosed.
2
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a device for forming contraction joints in wet concrete. Contraction joints are formed in concrete to allow for controlled cracking of the concrete during curing. Conventional methods of forming joints include hand tooling, sawing, and mechanical inclusion. The methods are expensive, time consuming and sometimes inefficient. The device of this invention teaches a novel method of forming a contraction joint in wet concrete. The device includes a quantity of ribbon which is fed through a housing channel part into the wet concrete at a selected depth. The ribbon forms a thin joint within the concrete, permitting proper cracking during curing. The method is fast, efficient, and highly economical. Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a novel device for forming contraction joints in concrete. Another object of this invention is to provide a contraction joint installer which is efficient, rapid and economical. Another object of this invention is to provide a novel method of forming contraction joints in concrete. Other objects will become apparent upon a reading of the following descriptions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the ribbon joint installer of this invention. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the installer in use with a part of the cover and blade broken away for purposes of illustration. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of that portion of the installer shown within broken line circle 3. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the joint installer being supported in a towing pan. FIG. 5 is a portion sectional view taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 4 showing the installer in use, and with portions of the pan shown in fragmented form. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the installer with the cover raised and portions of the housing cut away for purpose of illustration. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The preferred embodiments herein described are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. They are chosen and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to thereby enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The contraction joint installer shown in the drawings is used to produce weakened plain joints in wet concrete. The joint installer 8 shown in FIGS. 1-2 is adapted to be pushed along the surface of wet concrete 12 to form the joint. Installer 8 includes a metal base plate 14 and a depending central U-shaped flange portion 16 or blade. Flange portion 16 is formed to provide a rearwardly inclined longitudinal channel 18 or guide which extends from the upper face 15 of plate 14. Resting upon plate 14 is a housing 20 having a side wall 21 and a lower wall 22 which includes an upright post 24. Housing 20 is attached to plate 14 and includes a slit 26 in its lower wall 22 which is aligned with channel 18. A mounting bracket 34 is attached to plate 14 at its upper face 15. A cover 36 is pivotally connected at 38 to bracket 34 and serves to enclose housing 20 by overlying its side wall 21 as shown in FIG. 1. Cover 36 includes a transparent window 40 which extends radially over post 24 and allows viewing of the contents inside housing 20 without lifting cover 36. An elongated handle 42 is connected at its lower end to mounting bracket 34 and extends upwardly and rearwardly from housing 20 to provide a means for manually propelling joint installer 8 across the surface of concrete 12. A roll 27 of ribbon 28 is placed about post 24 within housing 20. The leading end of ribbon 28 extends through slit 26 in housing wall 22 and channel 18 where it protrudes through exit opening 30 of flange portion 16 at the rear of plate 14. Window 40 in cover 36 allows the user to observe the amount of ribbon remaining upon the roll 27. Joint installer 8 is utilized as follows. With the leading end of ribbon 28 extending slightly from channel 18, the plate 14 is set upon the surface 13 of moist concrete 12 with flange portion 16 being inserted into the concrete. The user then pushes installer 8 by handle 42 across the concrete with flange portion 16 forming a furrow into which ribbon 28 is fed as it is pulled from roll 27, as seen in FIG. 2 The wet concrete closes about the inserted ribbon as installer 8 progresses across the floor to allow the ribbon to be pulled through installer flange portion 16. When the strike off is completed, the user or operator cuts the ribbon 28 adjacent exit opening 30 of the flange portion. The concrete can then be finished over if desired to cover the installed ribbon which forms a stress relief in the concrete. Joint installer 8 may also be utilized with a tray such as pan 50, allowing the formation of longer joints. Pan 50 has a slotted opening 51 in its lower wall 53. Flange portion 16 carried by plate 14 extends through opening 51 to insure proper operation of the joint installer 8. Wing nuts 54 tightened upon screws 55, which extend through pan wall 53, serve to hold joint installer 8 firmly within pan 50. To utilize installer 8 and attached pan 50, a tow rope 56 is connected to the pan. Pan 50 is placed upon concrete surface 13 with the leading end of ribbon 28 set as described before. The operator then pulls on tow rope 56, drawing the pan and installer towards himself to cause ribbon 28 to form the joint as mentioned previously for the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3. Joint installer 8 includes a ribbon depth-setter 58 which takes the form of a feeler pivotally connected to flange portion 16 of the installer near the level of the plate at its exit opening 51. By varying the position of depth-setter 58, such as seen in dotted lines in FIG. 5, the operator can control the depth at which the ribbon exits plate channel 28 due to the feeler pusing the ribbon further below the surface 13 of the concrete. In this manner, the depth of the formed stress joint can be varied. It is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to the above description, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims.
A manually operable device which is for forming contraction joints in wet concrete and which includes a quantity of ribbon held within an enclosed housing. The ribbon is fed through a channel part in the device housing and into the wet concrete.
4
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to German Patent Application DE-10 2016 200 568.5, filed on Jan. 18, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates to a multipart plastic housing, preferably for a use in a vehicle. BACKGROUND [0003] Usually a housing comprises a housing interior in order to protect components accommodated therein. Such a housing can be configured to be multipart so that at least a first housing part and a second housing part are present which can be fastened to one another. As a result of the multipart nature of the housing, the housing interior is accessible as long as the housing parts are not fastened to one another. This can be used to accommodate the components in the housing. If these components are maintenance-free, the housing parts can be permanently and undetachably fastened to one another. However, if there is the risk that such a component must be replaced, it is expedient to fasten the housing parts detachably to one another. To this end there exist suitable fastening devices with the aid of which a detachable fastening of the two housing parts to one another can be achieved. Purely as an example, screw connections and clamp connections are mentioned here. Screw connections are characterized by being able to be achieved inexpensively so that they are particularly suitable for mass production. For inexpensive manufacture a suitable screw boss into which the respective screw can be screwed can be moulded on the relevant housing part made of plastic for the respective screw. However, such a screw boss is only suitable for screw connections which need to be opened relatively infrequently since the screw boss made of plastic is subjected to a high wear during each screwing process. Thus, a screw connection is only suitable for plastic housings when the plastic housing need not be opened or need only be opened very infrequently. In contrast to this, clamp connections can be released almost arbitrarily frequently and re-closed again. However, clamp connections have significantly higher manufacturing costs. Accordingly clamp connections are rather unsuitable for plastic housings which only infrequently need to be opened multiple times in order to produce these in large numbers. SUMMARY [0004] The present invention is concerned with the problem of providing a simplified or at least a different embodiment for a plastic housing of the type described previously which is characterized by being inexpensive to manufacture and by an improved utility value. In particular, a method for an inexpensive manufacture should be indicated when the plastic housing need be opened multiple times only in relatively infrequent cases of application whereas in the vast majority of cases of application it need not be opened or need only be opened very infrequently. [0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims. [0006] The invention is based on the general idea of forming in each case integrally a first bracket on the first housing part and a second bracket on the second housing part to implement a fastening device. Furthermore, the first bracket and the second bracket are configured both for implementing a screw connection and also for implementing a clamp connection so that the two housing parts can be detachably fastened to one another by means of the respective fastening device with a screw connection or with a clamp connection as desired. In principle, it is also feasible to match the brackets to one another so that a screw connection and a clamp connection can even be implemented simultaneously. Since the housing parts and therefore the brackets formed integrally thereon consist of plastic, the housing parts with integrated brackets can be manufactured inexpensively by means of injection moulding. The housing presented here is therefore particularly suitable for mass production. If only an infrequent opening of the housing is now required for a first case of application or standard case, for example, in order to be able to replace the component in the event of a failure of a component accommodated in the housing, the housing can be provided with at least one screw connection in order to detachably fastened the housing parts to one another. This standard case can thus be implemented inexpensively in large numbers. If on the other hand the housing is to be configured for a second case of application or exceptional case such that it can be frequently, in particular arbitrarily frequently, opened and closed again, for example, in order to be able to carry out regular maintenance work for the components accommodated therein, the housing can be fitted with at least one clamp closure. Since the brackets are prepared both for implementing such a screw connection and also for such a clamp connection, this variant can also be implemented comparatively inexpensively for the exceptional case. Furthermore, it can even be provided that the clamp connection can be retrofitted so that each standard case can be retrofitted or converted into an exceptional case. In this case, for the first opening of the housing the respective screw connection is released whereas for the subsequent closure the clamp connection is then attached. For each further opening and closing process the clamp closure is then available. Likewise, in order to simplify the mass production it is feasible to initially fit all the housings with the screw connection in order to then additionally provide a clamp connection for the exceptional cases. During the first opening of the housing, the screw connection must then be released in addition to the clamp connection. During the renewed closing of the housing, however, the screw connection can then already be omitted so that during the subsequent opening of the housing only the clamp connection must be released. [0007] In detail the invention proposes that the first bracket comprises a screw boss for screwing in a screw and a clamp engaging member on which a clamp of a clamp closure can engage. In contrast to this, the second bracket comprises a screw counter-bearing on which a head of the screw screwed into the screw boss can be supported axially and a lever bearing on which a lever of the clamp closure can be supported, the clamp being pivotably mounted on this lever. A variant in which the first bracket has the screw boss and the lever bearing whereas the second bracket has the screw counter-bearing and the clamp engaging member has the same effect and is equivalent to this. This variant can also be implemented similarly with the embodiments described hereinafter. [0008] According to an advantageous embodiment, the screw counter-bearing has a through-opening for a shank of the screw which is in alignment with a screw opening of the screw boss when the first housing part is attached to the second housing part. Thus, a particularly efficient screw connection can be achieved. [0009] It is preferably provided that the lever bearing is arranged on the second bracket on a side facing away from the first bracket. Additionally or alternatively the lever bearing can be externally concavely curved and defines a lever pivot axis about which the lever in the lever bearing is pivotably mounted when the clamp closure is mounted on the housing, in particular independently of whether the clamp closure is used for fixing the two housing parts to one another or not. Thus, the lever bearing defines a pivot bearing in which the lever can be rotated or pivoted about said pivot axis. [0010] Expediently the screw counter-bearing can be arranged in the lever bearing. As a result, the second bracket has an extremely compact structure and requires little installation space on the second housing part. Particularly advantageous is a further development in which the screw counter-bearing is arranged recessed in the lever bearing. As a result of the recessed arrangement of the screw counter-bearing it is in particular possible to implement both the screw connection and the clamp connection on the same fastening device since the screw head recessed in the screw counter-bearing does not impede the pivotability of the lever in the lever bearing. [0011] In another embodiment, a bearing end of the lever inserted in the lever bearing can cover the screw counter-bearing. This has the result that when the lever is inserted in the lever bearing, the screw head is no longer accessible. If both a screw connection and also a clamp connection are provided, the clamp closure thereby brings about a securing of the screw connection. Of primary importance however is the advantage that as a result of this design, the second bracket can have an extremely compact structure so that the second bracket requires little installation space on the second housing part. [0012] It can advantageously be provided that the clamp engaging member defines a recess in the first bracket on a side facing away from the second bracket in which the clamp can engage positively when the clamp closure is attached to the housing and is used for fastening the two housing parts to one another. [0013] In another embodiment a clip end of the clamp engaging in the clamp engaging member overlaps the screw boss. In particular the screw boss can in this case form at least a part of the clamp engaging member and be used for positive securing of the clip end. This measure also results in a compact design of the first bracket so that the first bracket also only requires a little installation space on the first housing part. [0014] An embodiment is advantageous in which the screw boss is arranged centrally with respect to the clamp engaging member in relation to a lever pivot axis about which the lever is pivotally mounted in the lever bearing. This results in an extremely compact structure for the first bracket. [0015] Additionally or alternatively, the screw counter-bearing can be arranged centrally with respect to the lever bearing in relation to a lever pivot axis about which the lever is pivotally mounted in the lever bearing. This results in an extremely compact design for the second bracket. [0016] According to another advantageous embodiment, the second bracket can have a latching device which secures the lever on the second bracket and which engages during insertion of a bearing end of the lever into the lever bearing. By attaching the lever to the second bracket, i.e. during insertion of the bearing end into the lever bearing, the latching device brings about a locking or an engagement of the bearing end in the lever bearing. Consequently, the lever can then no longer be withdrawn from the lever bearing or only with significantly increased force transversely to the lever pivot axis. Thus, the lever and therefore the entire clamp closure is held captively on the second bracket. The clamp closure can thus be attached captively on the housing independently of whether it is used for fastening the two housing parts to one another or not. In particular, in this way it can be provided quasi-redundantly on the housing as long as the fastening of the two housing parts to one another is made with the respective screw. It can then be used additionally to the screw or alternatively to the screw for fastening the two housing parts to one another if the screw is lost or the thread in the screw boss has become unusable. [0017] In another advantageous embodiment, the first bracket has a preferably flat first stop facing the second bracket. Additionally or alternatively the second bracket can have an, in particular flat, second stop facing the first bracket. Expediently it can now be provided that when the second housing part is fastened on the first housing part, the first stop is supported on the second stop where in particular a flat abutment of the two stops against one another is obtained. As a result of this direct contact of the two brackets against one another, comparatively high forces can be transmitted between the brackets within the respective fastening device in order to ensure an efficient fastening of the two housing parts on one another. [0018] In an advantageous further development, the first stop and the second stop can lie in a parting plane in which the first housing part and the second housing part abut against one another. This design makes assembly easier. [0019] In another embodiment which in particular assumes that the fastening device is fitted with the clamp closure, the lever can comprise a manually actuatable grip end and a bearing end mounted pivotably about a lever pivot axis in the lever bearing where the clamp is mounted pivotably about a clamp pivot axis which extends parallel to the lever pivot axis between the bearing end and the grip end. Thus, the clamp closure preferably only consists of two components, namely of the lever and the clamp mounted thereon. Thus, the clamp connection which can be achieved here is characterized by a particularly simple structure which is therefore inexpensive to implement. It is worth noting that the clamp connection is formed by the clamp engaging member, the lever bearing and the clamp closure where the clamp closure comprises the lever and the clamp for this purpose. The screw connection is formed by the screw boss, the screw counter-bearing and the screw. [0020] In another embodiment which in particular assumes that the fastening device is fitted with the clamp closure, the clamp closure can be adjustable between a closed position and an open position by pivoting the lever about a lever pivot axis in the lever bearing, wherein the individual components of the clamp connection are matched to one another so that the clamp closure adopts a dead centre position in the closed position. This secures the clamp closure against independent opening. The dead centre position is characterized in that a plane in which a clamp pivot axis and a clip axis lie, extends between a lever pivot axis and a housing interior. The clamp pivot axis is thereby formed by the axis about which the clamp is pivotably mounted on the lever. The clip axis is thereby formed by that axis in which a clip end of the clamp engaging in the clamp engaging member extends. The lever pivot axis is formed by that axis about which the lever inserted in the lever bearing is pivotably mounted. The housing interior is that space which is enclosed by the housing in the region of the brackets. In other words, in the dead point position the lever pivot axis is located on a side of the said plane facing away from the housing interior. During pivoting of the lever, the clamp pivot axis is pivoted about the lever pivot axis. At the same time, the aforesaid plane thus pivots about the clip axis. Consequently the lever pivot axis traverses the said plane and then lies in the open position of the clamp closure on the side of the said plane facing the housing interior. This kinematics has the result that for transferring the clamp closure from the closed position into the open position, the clamp must be stretched resiliently so that a closing force of the clamp by means of which the clamp biases the lever into the closed position must be overcome. [0021] In another advantageous embodiment, the first housing part can have an opening edge which borders a housing opening which is closed by the second housing part when the second housing part is attached to the first housing part. Expediently the first housing part can now have a groove in this opening edge in which a tongue complementary thereto, formed integrally on the second housing part engages when the second housing part is attached to the first housing part. This results in a predetermined positioning between the two housing parts when these are attached to one another in order to simplify the fastening of the two housing parts to one another with the aid of the respective fastening device. At the same time, such a groove-tongue connection brings about a certain sealing of the housing, i.e. a sealing of the housing interior with respect to a housing environment. It is clear that in principle in an alternative embodiment the second housing part can have an opening edge with a groove whereas the first housing part then has a complementary tongue engaging therein. [0022] According to another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that when the second housing part is attached to the first housing part in the respective fastening device, the screw is screwed into the screw boss of the first bracket and is supported with its head on the screw counter-bearing of the second bracket. Additionally or alternatively when the second housing part is fastened to the first housing part, the clamp closure is adjusted into its closed position in which the clamp engages in the clamp engaging member of the first bracket and the lever is supported on the lever bearing of the second bracket. In other words, when the fastening device is active for fastening the two housing parts to one another, either the screw connection or the clamp connection is used. Likewise it can be provided that both the screw connection and also the clamp connection are used. Accordingly the respective fastening device is fitted with the screw and/or with the clamp closure. [0023] Further important features and advantages of the invention are obtained from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the relevant description of the figures by reference to the drawings. [0024] It is understood that the aforesaid features and those still to be explained can be used not only in the respectively given combination but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the framework of the present invention. [0025] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are presented in the drawings and will be explained in detail in the following description where the same reference numbers relate to the same or similar or functionally the same components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0026] In the figures, in each case schematically, [0027] FIG. 1 shows an exploded isometric view of a plastic housing with a plurality of fastening devices, [0028] FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of the plastic housing in the region of a fastening device with a clamp connection, [0029] FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of the fastening device with a screw connection, [0030] FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of a clamp closure of the clamp connection, [0031] FIG. 5A shows a highly simplified schematic view of the clamp closure to illustrate a closed position, [0032] FIG. 5B shows a highly simplified schematic view of the clamp closure to illustrate an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0033] According to FIG. 1 , a multipart plastic housing 1 comprises a first housing part 2 and a second housing part 3 . First housing part 2 and second housing part 3 are each made of plastic, for example by means of injection moulding. In the example shown, the plastic housing 1 consists of these two housing parts 2 , 3 . The housing 1 encloses a housing interior 4 in which at least one, quasi-arbitrary component can be accommodated. The housing interior 4 is closed by fastening the two housing parts 2 , 3 to one another. It is usually no longer accessible as a result. The housing interior 4 is only accessible again when the housing 1 is opened. Opening of the housing 1 is accomplished by removing the second housing part 3 from the first housing part 2 and/or conversely. [0034] The housing 1 additionally has at least one fastening device 5 with the aid of which the two housing parts 2 , 3 can be detachably fastened to one another. In the example of FIG. 1 precisely four such fastening devices 5 are provided which are arranged distributed on four sides of the overall quadrangular housing 1 . [0035] The respective fastening device 5 comprises according to FIGS. 1 to 3 in each case a first bracket 6 and a second bracket 7 . The first bracket 6 is integrally formed on the first housing part 2 , is therefore already formed thereon during the injection moulding of the first housing part 2 . The second bracket 7 is formed integrally on the second housing part 3 and is accordingly formed in one piece or composed of a single material thereon during manufacture of the second housing part 3 . [0036] The first bracket 6 has a screw boss 8 into which a screw 9 identifiable in FIGS. 1 and 3 can be screwed. In so doing, a shank 10 of the screw 9 engages in a screw opening 11 which is formed in the screw boss 8 . Furthermore, the first bracket 6 has a clamp engaging member 12 on which a clamp 13 of a clamp closure 14 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 can engage. To this end the clamp 13 has a clip end 15 which cooperates with the clamp engaging member 12 to fix the clamp 13 on the first bracket 6 . It can be seen that the clamp engaging member 12 can define a recess in the first bracket 6 on a side facing away from the second bracket 7 , in which the clamp 13 can engage positively. [0037] The second bracket 7 has a screw counter-bearing 16 on which a head 17 of the screw 9 can be supported axially. Furthermore, the second bracket 7 has a lever bearing 18 in which a lever 19 of the clamp closure 14 can be supported pivotably about a lever pivot axis 20 . On this lever 19 the clamp 13 is mounted pivotably about a clamp pivot axis 21 . Expediently the lever bearing 18 is curved concavely outwards for this purpose in such a manner that it defines the lever pivot axis 20 about which the lever 19 inserted therein is pivotably mounted in the lever bearing 18 . [0038] The screw counter-bearing 16 has a through-opening 22 for the shank 10 of the screw 9 , which is covered in the figures. This through opening 22 is aligned axially to the screw opening 11 of the screw boss 8 when the first housing part 2 and the second housing part 3 are placed correctly on one another. For screwing the screw 9 with its shank 10 is passed through the through opening 22 and screwed into the screw opening 11 . [0039] The screw counter-bearing 16 is arranged in the lever bearing 18 and specifically recessed, which can be deduced in particular from FIG. 3 . The recessed arrangement of the screw counter-bearing 16 in the lever bearing 18 can be designed according to FIG. 3 so that the screw head 17 is arranged completely recessed in the lever bearing 18 . Consequently the lever 19 can then also be attached to the second bracket 7 when the screw 9 is inserted. A bearing end 23 of the lever 19 inserted in the lever bearing 18 then covers the screw counter-bearing 16 and optionally the screw head 17 . The clamp engaging member 12 is arranged on a side of the screw boss 8 facing the housing interior 4 so that the clip end 15 of the clamp 13 overlaps the screw boss 8 when this is in engagement with the clamp engaging member 12 . In particular, the screw boss 8 can thereby form a component of the clamp engaging member 12 on its side facing the housing interior 4 . [0040] As can be deduced from FIGS. 1 to 3 in particular, the screw boss 8 is arranged centrally to the clamp engaging member 12 on the first bracket 6 in relation to the lever pivot axis 20 . Furthermore the screw counter-bearing 16 is arranged centrally to the lever bearing 18 on the second bracket 7 in relation to the lever pivot axis 20 . This results in a compact integration of the elements required to implement a screw connection within the elements required to implement a clamp connection. [0041] The second bracket 7 can additionally be fitted with a latching device 24 which secures the lever 19 on the second bracket 7 . To this end the latching device 24 cooperates with the bearing end 23 . The latching device 24 is thereby configured and matched to the bearing end 23 so that the latching connection is made when inserting the bearing end 23 into the lever bearing 18 . In other words, locking takes place when inserting the bearing end 23 into the lever bearing 18 . The lever 19 and therefore the entire clamp closure 14 is thus held captive on the second bracket 7 . [0042] According to FIGS. 1 to 3 , the first bracket 6 has a flat first stop 25 facing the second bracket 7 . The second bracket 7 has a flat second stop 26 facing the first bracket 6 . The stops 25 , 26 are matched to one another so that the first stop 25 is supported flat on the second stop 26 when the two housing parts 2 , 3 abut against one another or are fastened to one another. In particular, it can thereby be provided that the two stops 25 , 26 in the assembled state lie in a parting plane 27 indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3 in which the two housing parts 2 , 3 abut against one another. [0043] As can be deduced from FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 , the lever 19 has a manually actuatable grip end 28 and the bearing end 23 cooperating with the lever bearing 18 . The clamp 13 is now mounted pivotably about the clamp pivot axis 21 between the bearing end 23 and the grip end 28 on the lever 19 . The clamp pivot axis 21 thereby extends parallel to the lever pivot axis 20 . The clamp closure 14 is adjustable by pivoting the lever 19 about the lever pivot axis 20 between a closed position S indicated in FIG. 5A and an open position O indicated in FIG. 5B . In the closed position S the clamp closure 14 adopts a dead point position. In FIGS. 5A and 5B the lever pivot axis 20 , the clamp pivot axis 21 and the clip axis 29 are reproduced in a simplified manner. The clip axis 29 is defined by the clip end 15 of the clamp 13 cooperating with the clamp engaging member 12 . This clip end 15 extends in the clamp engaging member 12 in said clip axis 29 . The clamp pivot axis 21 and the clip axis 29 define a plane 30 in which the clamp pivot axis 21 and the clip axis 29 run. The dead point position of the closed position S is characterized in that this plane 30 in which the clamp pivot axis 21 and the clip axis 29 lie extends between the lever pivot axis 20 and the housing interior 4 . In the open position O according to FIG. 5B on the other hand, the lever pivot axis 20 is arranged between the housing interior 4 and said plane 30 . The dead point position is stable since in order to move the clamp closure 14 from the dead point position, i.e. out from the closed position S the distance between clamp pivot axis 21 and clip axis 29 must be increased. This can only be accomplished against the spring force of the clamp 13 . The spring force of the clamp 13 is here produced by a bent spring section 31 of the clamp 13 . [0044] In the example in FIG. 1 the first housing part 2 has an opening edge 32 which borders a housing opening 33 through which the housing interior 4 , at least the area of the housing interior 4 lying in the first housing part 2 is accessible. When the second housing part 3 is attached to the first housing part 2 , the housing opening 33 is closed by the second housing part 3 . In the example in FIG. 1 the first housing part 2 is now fitted with a closed circumferential groove 34 in its opening edge 32 . Complementary to this, the second housing part 3 has a closed circumferential tongue 35 which is formed integrally on the second housing part 3 . When the second housing part 3 is placed on the first housing part 2 , the tongue 35 engages positively in the groove 34 . According to an advantageous embodiment, the tongue 35 can be made of a sealing material. It can be foamed or injection moulded onto the plastic of the second housing part 3 . Alternatively to this a separate seal can be inserted in the groove 34 . It is also feasible to inject or foam a seal into the groove 34 . [0045] The two housing parts 2 , 3 can be fastened detachably to one another with the aid of the respective fastening device 5 therefore either with the aid of the respective screw 9 or with the aid of the respective clamp closure 14 . Whereas the screw connection can only be opened a few times, the clamp connection can be opened and closed frequently. In the example shown here the clamp connection can be retrofitted since the clamp closure 14 can easily be attached subsequently to the second bracket 7 . In principle, an embodiment is also feasible in which both the screw 9 and also the clamp closure 14 are used. For example, in the course of a mass production all the housings 1 can be closed by means of screws 9 in order to provide these for the usual cases of application where only a small number of the housings 1 produced is additionally fitted with the clamp closures 14 in order to provide these for special cases of application.
A multipart plastic housing may include a first plastic housing part and a second plastic housing part detachably securable to one another via at least one fastening device. The at least one fastening device may include a first bracket disposed integrally on the first housing part and a second bracket disposed integrally on the second housing part. The first bracket may include a boss for receiving a fastener and a clamp engaging member on which a clamp of a clamp closure is engageable. The second bracket may include a counter-bearing on which a head of the fastener is supported axially when the fastener is received in the boss and a lever bearing on which a lever of the clamp closure is supported when the clamp is engaged with the clamp engaging member. The clamp may be pivotably mounted on the lever.
1
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This Application is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 12/655,121, filed Dec. 24, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,656,884 which is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 12/455,407 filed Jun. 3, 2009 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,703,430, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 12/221,869, filed Aug. 6, 2008 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,730,868, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 11/702,381 filed Feb. 6, 2008 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,424,886, and is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 12/655,144 filed Dec. 24, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,874,275 which is a continuation of Ser. No. 12/455,790 filed Jun. 8, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,739,996, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 12/221,869, filed Aug. 6, 2008 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,730,868, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 11/702,381 filed Feb. 6, 2008 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,424,886. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a gas powered internal combustion engine which may be utilized to drive a variety of devices and may be utilized in one application as an emergency power source for generating electrical power. As utilized herein the term “gas” refers to a fluid in the gas state as a product which is emitted from a fluid in the liquid state which is stored under pressure and as contained, for example, in an LPG: Liquefied Petroleum Gas, commonly known as propane, container, or butane or the like. As utilized herein, the terms gas state, liquid state and fluid are used in the technical sense. That is, fluid is defined to mean a substance that can fill the volume of the container in which it is placed and includes both gas state and liquid state of the substance. “Gasoline” is used herein to define the liquid hydrocarbon based fuels generally used to power the engines of automobiles, trucks and the like. 2. Description of the Prior Art There are many applications where a portable source of power is desired. These applications include the operation of many rotary devices such as portable gardening tools including hedge trimmers, weed cutters, small chain, reciprocating or rotating saws, and the like. Such devices are used while the user thereof is mobile. These devices are often driven by a small internal combustion engine using gasoline as the energy source and having a small tank for the gasoline as part of the equipment and providing a rotary output through a rotating drive shaft driven by the internal combustion engine to drive the particular device. As such, they require the storage of gasoline for the continued operation thereof in order to periodically refill the small gasoline tank. However, the storage of gasoline is highly restricted as to the type of container in which it may be stored, the places where it may be stored, the amount that may be stored and the environmental conditions under which it may be stored. Another application of portable sources of power is in the field of devices that, while portable, are generally stationary during use. This field of devices includes portable electric generators utilized for emergency power or to provide electrical energy in locations where other electrical energy is not available. Many of these portable electrical power generators are driven by an internal combustion engine. The larger types of these portable electric power generators as carried in emergency vehicles of various types utilize gasoline or diesel powered engines with comparatively large storage supplies of the gasoline or diesel oil. Such devices are, of course, large and cumbersome and not adapted to be a readily portable device that may be easily carried by one person and transported from location to location. However, there is a demand for an electric power generator that is small and light enough to be moved by one person from location to location and still provide a moderate amount of electrical power. These small electrical power generators are often driven by a small, light weight internal combustion engine. In this class of small, light weight internal combustion engine driven electrical generators it is often desired to store such device, either permanently or temporarily in the home, garage, vehicle or other location and also to store a comparatively large amount of fuel for use therein. In the situation of an electrical power outage in a residence, a small electrical power generator may be utilized to power a radio, recharge a cell phone or other such device, power a hot plate for cooking, provide illumination or for other desired activities. Other uses of a small internal combustion engine drive electrical generator are in campsites, on boats which do not have any other type of electrical power, and may other purposes. The internal combustion engine that have heretofore been proposed for these small internal combustion engine driven electrical generators have been single cylinder, two cycle, engines in which the compression has been in the cylinder located in the crankcase thereof. To meet these desiderata it is necessary that the fuel to power the internal combustion engine be of the type and in the condition that it may be stored in virtually any desired amount at the storage location of the engine powered electrical generator. The use of LPG is one type of fuel that may be utilized in an internal combustion engine in place of the gasoline or diesel to power the internal combustion engine that is utilized to drive the electrical generator, or other engine driven device. The LPG containers are pressurized so that the gas therein is converted to the liquid state and, as such, has an amount of fluid in the gas state above the vertically top level of the fluid in the liquid state. One type of LPG storage bottle that has been proposed to provide power for these small internal combustion engine driven devices is a small container holding approximately 1 to 2 pounds of LPG contained in the bottle. These bottles have heretofore been utilized in various camping applications and are widely available. In some of the prior art configurations, an LPG container was utilized and the LPG container required a particular rotational orientation about the long axis thereof in order to feed the gas therefrom because of a generally right angle bended feed tube in the container through which the gas flows to regions external the LPG container. Such a configuration limits the utility of such a device. One very well known brand of such LPG bottles is the small LPG containers which are generally known to the public as Coleman Bottles. The Coleman Bottles are on the order of three and one half inches in diameter and on the order of seven and one half inches in axial length and contain about one to two pounds of the LPG. The Coleman Bottles come equipped with a standard threaded adapter for ready threading into a utilizing device and do not have any preferred orientation of rotation about the long axis thereof with respect to the device into which it is threaded. The adapter has an internal disconnect coupling for appropriate connection into a matching disconnect coupling which allows the flow of gas from the bottle when connected and prevents the flow of gas therefrom when disconnected. The Coleman Bottles are also provided with a built in pressure relief valve for safety in the event of over pressurization. The Coleman Bottles contain such a limited amount of LPG that a plurality of such bottles generally may, within the present laws and regulations, be stored in the home, in the garage or carried in a vehicle thus making them attractive as a substitute for use in many gasoline or diesel oil powered applications. However, the gas flow rate of the gas from the LPG in a Coleman Bottle is limited because of the comparatively small surface area of the LPG from which the gas is generated. In the event that too high a gas flow rate is demanded from the LPG in a Coleman Bottle, the LPG will freeze and thus effectively end the generation of the gas at usable flow rates from the LPG. Consequently, despite the attractiveness of the Coleman Bottles for use in many devices, the use of the Coleman Bottles has generally been limited to very low power requirement applications and have not been adapted for use in providing the energy for powering an internal combustion engine utilized to drive an electrical generator or other portable engine driven devices. Thus, there has long been a need for a suitable arrangement in which a standard, readily available Coleman Bottle is utilized in an application in which power sufficient to drive a small electrical generator or other small portable engine driven devices is demanded. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved portable internal combustion engine driven device in which the engine is powered by LPG. It is another object of the present device to provide an improved portable internal combustion engine driven device in which the engine is powered by LPG and the LPG is in a container having a comparatively small amount of LPG. It is another object of the present device to provide an improved portable internal combustion engine driven device in which the engine is powered by LPG and the LPG is in a container having a comparatively small amount of LPG and the LPG container may be rotated about its axis to any desired position for operation and does not require a particular rotational position about its axis for operation. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved portable internal combustion engine driven device in which the engine is powered by LPG and the LPG is in a container having a comparatively small amount of LPG and in which a comparatively large and continuous flow of gas from the LPG in the container is obtainable. It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved portable internal combustion engine driven device in which the engine is powered by LPG and the LPG is in a container having a comparatively small amount of LPG and the mounting of the LPG container with respect to the internal combustion engine allows a comparatively large and continuous flow of gas from the LPG in the container It is another object of the present invention to provide mounting structure for the components of an improved portable internal combustion engine driven device that will minimize or eliminate deleterious effects of differential vibrations between the components thereof. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above and other objects of the present invention are achieved, in a preferred embodiment thereof, in an internal combustion engine driven device which for purposes of describing this embodiment may be an electrical energy generator. The internal combustion engine may be a four stroke, two stroke with appropriate oil injection, single cylinder air or liquid cooled engine, though larger types of engines may be utilized as desired for particular applications. The internal combustion engine may have an inertial or pull type starter to initiate operation thereof and such engines are readily available. The cylinder of the internal combustion engine is contained in a crankcase and the movement of the piston in the cylinder drives a crankshaft which is connected to the device to be driven such as the electrical generator. The combustion of the gas-air mixture in the cylinder of the internal combustion engine generates heat which heats the cylinder and crankcase of the engine. Further, the operation of the engine also vibrates the engine and all the structure associated with therewith. The engine has a carburetor in which the gas is mixed with air to provide the explosive mixture that is introduced into the cylinder. The engine is provided with a spark plug to initiate the combustion of the gas-air mixture in the cylinder. In accordance with the principals of the present invention a mounting plate is adjacent the crankcase of the engine and is coupled thereto. The mounting plate receives both heat from the crankcase and is vibrated by the vibration of the engine. The gas provided to the carburetor is gas from the LPG contained in a Coleman Bottle arrangement of one or more Coleman Bottles. The Coleman Bottle type LPG container (whether called a Coleman Bottles or sold under any other brand name) in the arrangement is mounted on the mounting plate connected to the crankcase of the internal combustion engine to be in heat transfer and vibration transfer relationship thereto in a preferred orientation with respect to the horizontal. The Coleman Bottle may be of the configuration illustrated in U.S. design patent D295886. The Coleman Bottles may contain, in the smaller versions thereof, liquified petroleum gas on the order of 14 to 16 ounces. Such size LPG containers are the general type preferred for usage in the embodiments of the present invention. The preferred orientation is with the long axis of the Coleman Bottle LPG container at an angle of between 14° and 16°, with 15° being desired, for the present configuration of the Coleman Bottles. This angular orientation provides the very unusual and unexpected result of maximizing the gas flow and preventing the flow of liquid LPG from the Coleman Bottles. Since the Coleman Bottles are not filled to the top of the bottle with the LPG but have a predetermined and generally uniform from bottle to bottle volume of gas above the top surface of the LPG The selected angular orientation of the Coleman Bottles with respect to the horizontal is such that the surface area of the LPG is maximized but the outlet of the Coleman Bottles is vertically above the top surface of the LPG. Such orientation of the Coleman Bottles not only maximizes the usable surface area of the LPG from which the gas state is generated but also prevent the flow of LPG in the liquid state therefrom. The preferred angular orientation with respect to the horizontal may be selected for other LPG containers which may be utilized in other applications to achieve the unusual and novel configuration for evaporation of the gas from the liquid LPG. The Coleman Bottles have the additional advantage of being free from any requirement for a particular rotational position about its long axis for operation. That is, for the Coleman Bottles mounted as described herein, the Coleman Bottles may be in any rotational position about its axis and still provide operation. The above described mounting of the Coleman Bottles on the mounting plate to be in thermal transfer relationship thereto for receiving heat as generated in the cylinder of the internal combustion engine as well as receiving vibration therefrom uniquely allows the continuous flow of larger amounts of gas from the LPG to thereby allow the powering of larger internal combustion engines and demand devices. The heat transferred to the Coleman Bottles heats the LPG contained therein to increase the evaporation of gas therefrom. The heat thus transferred to the LPG tends to keep the temperature of the liquid LPG above the freezing point even though comparatively larger amounts of gas are evaporated therefrom. The direct transfer of heat from the engine to the Coleman bottle and thus to the LPG therein has a dual benefit: the heat keeps the LPG from freezing and aids in cooling the internal combustion engine during the operation thereof. The transmittal of vibration of the Coleman Bottle by the operation of the engine also agitates the LPG to thus increase the effective surface area thereof thereby allowing even greater flow of gas therefrom and the agitation also helps in preventing the LPG from freezing. The internal combustion engine has a rotating crankshaft that is driven by the operation of the piston in the cylinder and the crankshaft is connected to any desired device that is to be powered. For purposes of explanation of the principles of the present invention, the preferred embodiment of the invention is described and shown herein as having an electric generator driven by the internal combustion engine. However, many other devices may be driven by the internal combustion engine in structure incorporating the principles of the present invention. The generator is driven by the internal combustion engine and provides electrical power. The electrical power may be alternating current and/or may also be direct current. Suitable receptacles for allowing plug in connection at the receptacles to electric powered devices are provided. In order to provide even greater flow of gas, two or more Coleman Bottles may be mounted on the internal combustion engine and connected together to provide a single gas flow outlet therefrom. In some applications of the preferred embodiment of the present invention it may be desired to utilize other gas powered devices of the type commonly used in many outdoor camping applications and the like. Such gas operated illumination, cooking, heating and similar devices generally have a built in pressure or flow regulator. A separate gas flow outlet tube may be provided from the Coleman Bottle to allow attachment and operation of these devices either independently or simultaneously with the operation of the electric generator. In other applications of the present invention, gas powered internal combustion engine may be utilized to power such diverse implements as various gardening tools such as leaf blowers, edge trimmers, mowers, and the like as well as other devices where a safe, portable source of power is required. In some applications of the present invention it has been found that the vibration to which the liquified petroleum gas container is exposed during operation of the internal combustion engine may cause damage to the liquified petroleum gas container to which a rigid hose is utilized for connecting the liquified petroleum gas container to the pressure regulator or to any other component of the system. In an embodiment of the present invention that overcomes the problem of vibration induced damage to the liquified petroleum gas container and/or the hose connection at the output thereof, there is provided in this embodiment a flexible hose for conducting the liquified petroleum gas from the liquified petroleum gas container to the a component of the system. In one variation of this embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an outlet conduit which is a flexible hose having a first end thereof connected to a connector on the outlet of the liquified petroleum gas container to minimize the damaging effect of vibration and the second end of the outlet conduit flexible hose may be connected to, for example, a pressure regulator which is mounted on the internal combustion engine, for example on the carburetor thereof. In another variation of this embodiment of the present invention, the pressure regulator is not mounted directly on the internal combustion engine. In this variation of the embodiment an outlet conduit, which may be a flexible hose is connected between the connector on the outlet connection of the liquified petroleum gas container and the pressure regulator and a delivery conduit is connected between the pressure regulator and the internal combustion engine. The pressure regulator in this embodiment is considered to be “line mounted” since the pressure regulator may, if desired, only be connected to the outlet conduit and the delivery conduit. For the embodiment where the outlet conduit is a flexible hose, the delivery conduit may be a rigid tube. Alternatively, if the outlet conduit is a rigid tube, the delivery conduit may be a flexible hose. In another variation of this embodiment, both the outlet conduit and the delivery conduit may be a flexible hose. If the pressure regulator were to be connected directly to the connector at the outlet connection of the liquified petroleum gas container, only a delivery conduit which may be a flexible hose is connected between the pressure regulator and the internal combustion engine for example to the carburetor thereof. According to the principles of the present invention, there are three basic variations on the location of the pressure regulator in relation to the liquified petroleum gas bottle and the carburetor, or other gas input on the engine: 1. The pressure regulator is mounted on or very closely coupled to the connector attached to the outlet connection of the liquified petroleum gas bottle; 2. The pressure regulator is mounted on or closely coupled to the internal combustion engine, for example to the carburetor thereof; and, 3. The pressure regulator is line mounted between the internal combustion engine and the liquified petroleum gas bottle. The selection of the use of flexible hoses between the pressure regulator and the internal combustion engine and/or between the pressure regulator and the liquified petroleum gas bottle for each variation as above set forth depends on the characteristics of the overall system and the vibration produced in the various components during the operation of the internal combustion engine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The above and other embodiments of the present invention may be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawing wherein similar reference characters refer to similar elements throughout and in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a semi-schematic sectional illustration of a Coleman Bottle useful in the practice of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an LPG arrangement having three individual LPG containers connected together which is useful in the practice of the present invention; FIG. 4 is an exploded diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the mounting of the internal combustion engine to the LPG container; FIG. 4A is an exploded diagram of an alternate LPG container and mounting; FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of the LPG bottle of the present invention as installed in a structure according to the principles hereof; FIG. 6 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention for an engine driven portable emergency electric power generator; FIG. 7 is a left side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 6 ; FIG. 8 is a right side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 6 ; FIG. 9 is rear view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 6 ; FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention as utilized in a trimmer; FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention as utilized in a blower; FIG. 12 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the present invention, and, FIG. 14 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawing and in particular FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a block diagram of a preferred embodiment, generally designated 10 , of a portable gas powered internal combustion engine arrangement and in FIG. 2 there is illustrated a semi schematic representation of a preferred LPG container 12 as utilized in the embodiment 10 . In the LPG container 12 shown in FIG. 2 , which in preferred embodiments of the present invention is a Coleman Bottle or similar storage container, there is a liquefied gas under pressure indicated at 14 and also gas phase 16 as evaporated from the liquified gas 14 . The gas 16 flows from the LPG container 12 through a conduit indicated at 18 . Since the pressure of the gas 16 in the LPG container 12 is much greater than is desired for use in the embodiment 10 , the gas flow through conduit 18 is directed to a pressure regulator 20 . The pressure regulator 20 regulates the pressure of the gas 16 flowing therethrough to a value on the order of 0.217 psi to 0.365 psi which is the range of pressures that can be utilized for the internal combustion engine 22 as described below, though higher or lower pressures of the gas may be utilized as desired for particular applications. The gas 16 may also be directed to flow from the conduit 18 through conduit 19 to an auxiliary gas powered device 21 such as an illumination device, cooking device or the like. Such devices are well known and in general have a built in pressure regulator or flow control to regulate the pressure or flow of the gas 16 to a value that compatible with the device 21 . The gas 16 flowing from the pressure regulator 20 is directed through a delivery conduit 23 into a carburetor 24 that is part of the internal combustion engine 22 . The carburetor 24 has an air intake as indicated at 26 . The carburetor 24 mixes the gas 16 with the air and provides the mixture to the cylinder 28 of the internal combustion engine 22 in a manner well known. The internal combustion engine 22 has a rotating output shaft 30 . In the embodiment 10 the rotating output shaft drives an electric generator 32 . The electric generator 32 provides electric energy as indicated at 34 and may be, for example in the power range of 300 to 1000 watts though larger power generators may be utilized in other applications. The electric energy may, if desired, be directed to provide 12 volt DC current as indicted at 36 or may be passed into an invertor 38 for conversion to 120 volts AC, 60 cycle as indicted at 40 . As noted above, the internal combustion engine 22 may be a four stroke, or two stroke with appropriate oil injection, air or liquid cooled engine, though in other applications a larger engine may utilized as desired. During the operation of the internal combustion engine 22 , the combustion of the gas 16 and air mixture therein in the cylinder thereof generates heat and also vibrates the engine 22 . As described below in greater detail, these two factors which are always occurring during the operation of an internal combustion engine are uniquely and advantageously utilized in the operation of the various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates in schematic representation, a typical LPG container 12 such as a Coleman Bottle. The LPG container 12 may be of the type manufactured by various entities and may come in a variety of sizes. In general, such LPG containers are provided with a built in safety pressure relief valve 42 to allow the venting of the gas 16 in the event that the pressure thereof exceeds a predetermined value. In the embodiment 10 the LPG container 12 as shown schematically in FIG. 1 may be comprised of a plurality of individual LPG containers joined together to discharge gas 16 through a single outlet such as conduit 18 . FIG. 3 schematically shows three LPG containers 12 a , 12 b and 12 c joined together by a manifold 18 ′ to discharge gas 16 through the single conduit 18 . FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the assembly of the LPG bottle 12 and the internal combustion engine 22 . The carburetor 24 is mounted on the side of the cylinder 28 atop the crankcase 44 . There is provided a spark plug 46 which provides the spark required to ignite the gas/air mixture that is received in the cylinder 28 from the carburetor 24 to drive the output shaft 30 . An inertia or recoil type starter 48 is provided to start the operation of the internal combustion engine 22 . A front plate 50 is mounted on the crankcase 44 by bolts 52 a , 52 b , 52 c and 52 d . The front plate 50 is provided with a connector 56 that is adapted to engage the output connection 12 ′ of the LPG tank 12 . A mounting bracket 58 is rigidly connected to the crankcase 44 of the internal combustion engine 22 and to the front plate 50 by bolts 60 a , 60 b , 60 c and 60 d to be in heat receiving and vibration receiving relationship to the internal combustion engine 22 . The mounting bracket 58 has a strap 62 which is provided with an over center fastener 64 and the strap 62 is adapted to receive the LPG container 12 therein for snug retention in the cavity 66 when the over center fastener 64 is closed. As noted above, when the LPG container 12 is mounted in the cavity 66 the connector 56 of front plate 50 engages the output connection 12 ′ to allow the flow of gas 16 through the conduit 18 and/or 19 . Since there may be some variation in the size of LPG containers depending on the amount of LPG stored therein and the size desired by a particular manufacturer thereof, FIG. 4A shows an LPG container 12 A that may be utilized in the embodiment 10 as shown in FIG. 4 . An adapter 70 is provided which has a cavity 72 therein and the walls 72 ′ of the cavity 72 are adapted to provide a snug fit on the LPG container 12 A. The outer walls 74 of the adapter 70 are substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of the LPG tank 12 so that there is a tight fit in the cavity 66 of the mounting bracket 58 . The output shaft 30 , in the embodiment 10 is, as described above in connection with FIG. 1 , connected to the electric generator 32 . However, as described below in connection with other embodiments of the present invention, the output shaft 30 may be connected to any desired type of device that requires a drive engine for operation. FIG. 5 illustrates the mounting of the LPG tank 12 in preferred embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 5 , the arrow 74 represents the direction of gravity and the horizontal direction as indicated by the line 76 is perpendicular to the direction of gravity 74 . As is well known, the latent heat of vaporization of the gas 16 from the liquified gas 14 tends to cool the liquified gas 14 and if too much gas 16 is produced, the liquified gas 14 will freeze to a solid state. Further, the gas 16 is evaporated from the surface 14 ′ of the liquified gas 14 . Therefore, it is desired to tend to maximize the surface area of the liquefied gas 14 so that the maximum amount of gas 16 may be provided from a given size LPG container. However, the more gas 16 that is evaporated from the liquified gas 14 , the greater is the chance that the liquified gas 14 will freeze to the solid state and thus end the evaporation of significant amounts of gas 16 . In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5 , the LPG container 12 is mounted at an angle A to the horizontal and the angle A has been found to be on the order of 12° to 16° with a preferred angle of 15° for the conventional Coleman Bottle LPG container and provides in the angular range that will prevent any liquified gas 14 from entering the conduit 18 even when the container 12 is full. The mounting bracket 58 is preferably fabricated from a high heat transfer material such as aluminum so that the maximum amount of heat is transferred by conduction from the engine 22 through the mounting bracket 58 to the wall of the LPG container 12 and thus to the liquified gas 14 because of the direct rigid mounting of the mounting bracket 58 on the internal combustion engine 22 . The heat thus transferred to the LPG container 12 from the engine 22 counteracts the latent heat of vaporization and tends to prevent the freezing of the liquified gas 14 . Further, the vibration of the internal combustion engine 22 agitates the surface 14 ′ of the liquified gas 14 thereby increasing the surface area to an amount greater than would occur without the vibration. Such agitation increases the surface area 14 ′ of the liquified gas 14 and the conduction of heat to the liquified gas 14 tends to increase the amount of gas 16 that may be generated from the liquified gas 14 for a given size and configuration of the LPG. However, for LPG containers of a different configuration than the Coleman Bottles, a different angular relationship of the LPG container may be required to maximize the surface area of the liquified gas 14 but still prevent the discharge of liquid into the conduit 18 even when the LPG container is full. The use of conductive heat transfer from the engine 22 to the mounting bracket 50 also helps cool the internal combustion engine. As noted above, in the embodiment 10 the output shaft 30 of the internal combustion engine 22 is connected to an electric generator 32 . FIGS. 6 through 9 illustrate the configuration of an embodiment 10 that is small and convenient to carry. As shown on FIG. 6 which is a front view of the embodiment 10 there is a case 80 , partially broken away for clarity, in which the internal combustion engine 22 and electric generator are contained. The recoil starter 44 is provided with a pull 44 ′ for operation thereof in a well known manner. As shown in FIG. 6 there is provided a handle 82 , partially broken away, for convenient lifting and carrying of the embodiment 10 . Feet 84 may be provided on the bottom portion 82 ′ of handle 82 for the support of the embodiment 10 on any desired surface. As shown most clearly on FIG. 7 , the output electrical energy generated by the electrical generator 32 is provided in both 120 volt AC at dual socket 90 and two 12 volt DC outlets as indicated at 92 . FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment 100 of the present invention as utilized to power an trimmer 102 . As shown on FIG. 10 , there is provided an internal combustion engine 22 powered by gas from an LPG container 12 and the internal combustion engine 22 rotates an output shaft 30 ′ to rotate the trimmer. Thus, the internal combustion engine and LPG container replace the gasoline powered engine and gasoline tank often utilized in such applications. FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment 110 of the present invention in which an internal combustion engine 22 powered by the gas from an LPG container 12 drives a fan 112 to provide a leaf blower 114 . In embodiment 110 the internal combustion engine 22 and LPG bottle 12 replace the gasoline powered internal combustion engine and gasoline storage tank often utilized in such applications. In some applications of the principles of the present invention, it has been found that excessive vibration generated by some engines and/or usage of the device over long periods of time and/or the relative movement between the internal combustion engine and the LPG bottle may cause a crack or other damage to the liquified gas storage bottle due to relative movement between the liquified gas storage bottle and the internal combustion engine. As noted above, the front plate 50 of the embodiment 10 as shown on FIG. 4 , is rigidly mounted on the internal combustion engine 22 and the front plate 50 has a connector 56 that engages the output connection 12 ′ of the liquified petroleum gas tank 12 . In order to eliminate the cracking or other damage to the LPG bottle 12 caused by the relative movement and the excessive vibration/long usage, the rigid mounting of the LPG tank 12 to the connector 56 on the front plate 50 may be eliminated and the LPG tank 12 may be rigidly supported, as described above, on the mounting plate 58 . FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment 140 of this arrangement. As shown thereon, there is a liquified gas storage bottle 112 which may be the same as the LPG bottle 12 described above and is provided with an output connection 112 ′ similar to the outlet connection 12 ′ that engages a connector 156 which may be similar to the connector 56 described above. In the embodiment 100 , the connector 156 is only connected to the outlet connection 112 ′ and is not mounted on any other structure. An outlet conduit 118 is connected to the connector 156 to direct the flow of gas away from the LPG bottle 112 to a pressure regulator 120 for ultimate use in an internal combustion engine 122 . In the embodiment 140 , pressure regulator 120 is mounted on the internal combustion engine 122 . The outlet conduit 118 is a flexible hose such as metal flex hose, rubber hose, plastic reinforced hose or other material that will prevent damage from relevant movement between the LPG bottle 112 ′ and the internal combustion engine 122 . A delivery conduit 123 is connected between the pressure regulator 120 and the engine 122 to direct the flow of gas into the internal combustion engine 122 and may be fabricated from a rigid conduit or a flexible hose as desired for any particular application. The delivery conduit 123 may be a flexible hose or a rigid tube depending on the particular application. The flexible delivery conduit 123 and/or the outlet conduit 118 prevents damage due to relative movement between the LPG bottle 112 and the internal combustion engine 122 . In a variation of the embodiment 140 , the pressure regulator 120 may be line mounted between the LPG bottle and the internal combustion engine 122 . In such an arrangement either the outlet conduit 118 or the delivery conduit 123 , or both, may be flexible hose and the other conduit may be a rigid tube as may be selected for particular applications. The flexible delivery conduit 123 and/or the flexible outlet conduit prevents damage due to relative movement between the LPG bottle 112 and the internal combustion engine 122 . In another embodiment of the present invention 160 shown in block diagram form on FIG. 13 , the LPG bottle 112 has the output connector 112 ′ engaging the connector 156 and the pressure regulator 120 is connected to the connector 156 and is free of connection to other structure. In this embodiment 160 , the delivery conduit 123 between the pressure regulator 120 and the internal combustion engine 122 is a flexible conduit such as the flexible conduit 118 described above. The flexible delivery conduit 123 prevents damage due to relative movement between the LPG bottle 112 and the internal combustion engine 122 . In another embodiment 180 of the present invention shown in FIG. 14 , the pressure regulator is mounted on or closely coupled to the internal combustion engine 122 , for example at the carburetor thereof, so that there is no relative movement between the pressure regulator 120 and the internal combustion engine 122 but the pressure regulator 120 is spaced from the liquified petroleum gas bottle 112 . In this embodiment, the outlet conduit 118 is preferably a flexible hose. The flexible outlet conduit 118 prevents damage due to relative movement between the LPG bottle 112 and the internal combustion engine 122 . As described above, there is provided by the present invention a convenient and safe internal combustion engine driven by the gas generated from the liquefied gas in an LPG container and in which the amount of gas to be drawn from the liquefied gas in the LPG is maximized by having the LPG container rigidly connected to the internal combustion engine for both direct conductive heat transfer from the internal combustion engine to the LPG to overcome the cooling due to the latent heat of evaporation of the liquefied gas and to have the internal combustion engine vibrate the LPG container to increase the effective surface area of the liquefied gas. The liquefied gas may be, for example, propane, butane or the like as packaged by many manufactures in various shapes and sizes of LPG containers. The preferred embodiments of the present invention utilize a flexible hose to connect various components such as the pressure regulator to the liquified petroleum gas bottle and/or the pressure regulator to the internal combustion engine depending upon the particular application, so as to prevent damage to the components due to relative movement therebetween caused by operation of the internal combustion engine or other factors. Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the various Figures of the drawing, it should be understood that such embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative of but a small number of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent applications of the principles of the present invention. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the present invention as further defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, those skilled in this art will appreciate that the embodiments discussed above are exemplary of the present invention and they are not, however, intended to limit the scope of the claims herein. Many other substances and techniques, different from those discussed above, can be used as equivalents of the structural components disclosed to provide an equivalent function.
A gas powered internal combustion engine in which the gas is provided from the gas phase of a pressurized liquid gas in an liquified petroleum gas container and in which the liquified petroleum gas container is rigidly mounted adjacent to the internal combustion engine at a preselected angle to be in conductive heat transfer relationship to the internal combustion engine and in vibration receiving relationship to the internal combustion engine whereby the liquified gas in the liquified petroleum gas container is heated and vibrated and the effective surface area thereof is thereby increased. A pressure regulator is provided for receiving the gas from the liquid petroleum gas bottle regulating the pressure of the gas transmitted to the internal combustion engine and at least one flexible hose is connected to the pressure regulator for transmitting the gas therethrough.
8
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to Josephson junction devices and more particularly to a single-crystal, silicon barrier, Josephson junction and method of making same. Heretofore various processes have attempted to make Josephson junctions by use of semiconductors. A number of these processes have made use of deposited semiconductor films which have resulted in devices with very low current density and nonreproducible properties. Deposited films usually end up with pinholes in the deposited barrier and since the films are either amorphous or polycrystalline, doping cannot be adequately controlled. Josephson junctions with good electrical performance have been processed by use of bulk silicon barriers. One such configuration is made from a silicon wafer which has been heavily doped on one surface. The silicon is etched away except in the boron doped area and then superconducting films are deposited onto each surface of the boror doped silicon which forms the barrier. This structure has the disadvantage that a large wafer area is used for each junction and the junction contacts are on opposite sides of the wafer which makes it almost impossible to fabricate superconducting integrated circuits or Josephson junction detector arrays. In another configuration, a strip of superconducting film is deposited onto a silicon substrate. A break is then formed across the superconducting film so that the only conduction path across the break is through the silicon substrate; therefore, the tunneling barrier is single-crystal silicon. This configuration is compact and planar so that integrated circuits and detector arrays are feasible. However, the break in the superconducting film must have a very narrow width approximating 1000 A to 3000 A and these line widths require electron beam or other high-resolution lithography. Solutions suitable for etching silicon have been set forth in an article "The Etching of Deep Vertical-walled Patterns in Silicon", by A. T. Stoller, RCA Review, pp. 271-275, June 1970. This article also sets forth that vertical walls may be formed by properly oriented single-crystal silicon. Another article, "Ethylene Diamine-Pyrocatechol-Water Mixture Shows Etching Anomaly in Boron-Doped Silicon", by A. Bohg, J. Electrochemical Society, Vol. 118, No. 2, pages 401-402, 1971, reports another solution for etching silicon. The latter article sets forth that silicon doped with a concentration of boron greater than 7×10 19 cm -3 resisted etching by the solution. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention provides a simple inexpensive method for forming structures which are suitable for superconducting integrated circuits or Josephson junction detector arrays. A single crystal of silicon is used to fabricate the structure by an etch-oxidation method by which the desired configuration is developed. Superconducting films deposited on the shaped single-crystal silicon completes the basic structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGS. 1a through 1b illustrates the steps of one method used to fabricate a planar, silicon barrier, Josephson junction. FIGS. 2a through 2e illustrate the steps of a second method used to fabricate a planar, silicon barrier, Josephson junction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION One method of carrying out this invention is illustrated by use of FIGS. 1a-h which illustrate the various steps of the method. A thermal oxide 10 of SiO 2 having a thickness of about 1μ is grown on one surface of a silicon wafer 11 with a (110) planar surface 12. Alternatively, a layer of silicon nitride (Si 3 H 4 ) having a thickness of about 0.1μ is deposited on the surface of the silicon wafer. As shown in FIG. 1a, an etch-pattern 13 having a width in the range 2-100μ (this width is arbitrary and can be designed to be the desired width of the junction) is formed in the oxide layer to expose the silicon surface 12 by any well known photolithographic process which leaves a central strip 14 of SiO 2 having a width of about 2μ or less. The edges of the etch pattern 13 must be aligned along the directions 15, FIG. 1b, in which (111) crystal planes intersect at right angles with the (110) crystal surface 12. These two directions are separated by an angle of 70.53 degrees, as shown in FIG. 1b which is a top view of the silicon surface. Using the oxide pattern as an etch mask, the silicon is etched with an orientation-dependent etch such as KOH and water, which leaves separate channels with smooth vertical walls of from 3-5μ (an arbitrary value) depth with smooth bottom surfaces as shown in FIG. 1c. The smooth vertical walls are (111) planes. The exposed silicon is then carefully oxidized 16 by controlling the oxidation time and temperature in order to leave a final thickness of the silicon barrier 17 of <0.2μ, as shown in FIG. 1d. For every 1μ of SiO 2 which is thermally grown, 0.443μ of silicon is consumed from the exposed surfaces. Thus, if the barrier 17 thickness before oxidation is 2μ, growing 2.1μ of thermal oxide would consume 2.1μ×0.443=0.930μ of silicon from each side of the barrier so that the barrier 17 thickness would be reduced to 0.14μ. Thermal oxidation times and temperatures for silicon are well known and previously tabulated. For example, at a temperature of 1100° C. it takes 80 minutes to grow about 0.78μ of SiO 2 in steam on the (111) silicon surface. (The sides of the barrier 17 are (111) surfaces). Subsequent to oxidizing the previously etched silicon surfaces, the SiO 2 layer and the oxidized surfaces are etched away with an etching solution such as buffered HF that does not attack the silicon. The resulting structure is shown in FIG. 1e. At this stage a p- or n-type impurity can be diffused into the silicon in order to achieve a desired doping level. Alternatively, since the Josephson junction performance is affected significantly only by impurities diffused into the barrier region 17, it may be desirable to do the diffusion process on the structure shown by FIG. 1c rather than the FIG. 1e structure. In this case, the protecting oxide film 10 prevents diffusion of impurities into the (110) surface 12. The doping level will be modified only in the region which has been etched by the orientation-dependent etch. If the layer 10 is Si 3 N 4 rather than SiO 2 , the etch used to remove the thermal oxide 16 does not attack the nitride. In this case, following the oxide etch the structure will look like FIG. 1f which includes a nitride shelf 19 extending beyond the vertical silicon walls. The barrier diffusion can be done on this structure; the nitride layer 10 prevents diffusion of impurities into the (110) surface 12. It is possible to remove the nitride layer with an etching solution such as hot phosphoric acid that does not attack the silicon. After the nitride layer has been removed, the structure looks like FIG. 1e. The silicon surface is then cleaned to remove all silicon oxide by one of several well known techniques, such as: heating the wafer to approximately 1200° C. in vacuum, bombarding the wafer surface in vacuum with a low energy ion beam, and annealing at approximately 900° C. to remove the damage caused by the ion bombardment, or chemically etching the surface and immediately placing the wafer in vacuum. These cleaning procedures insure that no more than about 6 A of oxide grows on the exposed silicon surfaces. A super conducting film 18 such as lead, indium, tin, niobium or any other suitable superconductor material of a thickness nominally less than about 1μ is then deposited on the silicon surface (of the FIG. 1e structure) including the top of the barrier as shown in FIG. 1g. The superconducting film is not continuous across the thin silicon barrier 17 since the barrier sides are vertical. The thickness of the deposited film is much less than the height of the barrier and the film is not deposited on the vertical surfaces. Alternatively, the superconducting film may be depostied onto the surface of the structure shown by FIG. 1f. The nitride shelf 19 insures that the superconducting film will not be continuous across the barrier, even for sputtered films such as niobium, since no film will be deposited on the underside of the shelf. After depositing the superconductor, a pattern is defined by any well-known photolithographic process and the superconducting film 18 is etched off the silicon surface 12 leaving the superconductor film only along the bottom of the etched channel 20. The superconducting film on top of the barrier may or may not be removed since it serves no beneficial purpose. Thus, the finished configuration is as shown in FIG. 1h. A strip of superconducting film in the channels is broken by the vertical silicon barrier. The barrier is sufficiently thin that Josephson tunneling will take place through the thin region of single crystal silicon from one side of the superconducting strip to the other. The fragment of superconductor on top of the barrier does not affect the electrical properties of the Josephson junction. It can be removed if desired by etching briefly using an etchant which attacks silicon but not the superconductor. An alternative method may be used to fabricate a single crystal silicon barrier Josephson junction which makes use of boron doping, as shown by FIGS. 2-2e. An oxide layer 21 of SiO 2 is formed on the (110) plane surface 22 of a single crystal silicon wafer 23. Alternatively, a layer of silicon nitride may be deposited on the surface of the silicon wafer. An etch pattern 24 is formed in the oxide layer to expose the silicon surface 22 as shown in FIG. 2a. The silicon surface exposed by the pattern is etched with an orientation-dependent etch such as KOH and water to form a step 25 in one side of the silicon wafer as shown in FIG. 2b. The straight lines of the pattern across the silicon wafer are oriented parallel to the two sets of (111) planes that intersect the (110) surfaces vertically, as explained in the discussion of FIG. 1b. In this orientation the sides of the step will be straight, smooth, and vertical. Subsequent to forming the step in the silicon wafer, the exposed silicon of step 25 is doped 26 heavily with boron using any well-known method, as shown in FIG. 2c. The boron is diffused to a desired depth 0.2μ and has a concentration greater than 7×10 19 cm -3 , which is sufficient to resist etching by an ethylene diamine-pyrocatechol-water silicon etchant. After the silicon step 25 has been doped with boron, the SiO 2 layer 21 is patterned as shown by dotted lines 27 (FIG. 2c) and etched away to expose the silicon surface 22, as shown in FIG. 2d. The silicon outlined by pattern 27 is then etched down to a level which is even with the step surface 25 to form a second step 25 as shown in FIG. 2c. Since the silicon etch does not attach the boron doped areas of the single crystal wafer, the central upright boron doped section 28 forms the Josephson junction barrier. The silicon doping can be modified, if desired, prior to depositing the superconducting film as set forth for Example 1. The SiO 2 layer 21 is then etched away leaving the structure shown in FIG. 2e. The remaining fabrication is the same as previously mentioned in the example set forth for FIG. 1. After deposition of the superconductor film, the structure looks like FIG. 1 g, and after defining and etching a pattern in the superconductor film the structure looks like FIG. 1h. The two different methods of forming a silicon-barrier Josephson junction produce the same end structure. Obviously many modification and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
A planar, silicon barrier, Josephson junction and method of forming the jtion which does not require expensive high-resolution, lithography techniques such as electron beam or x-ray. The method includes an etching mask-etch process which forms the basic structure configuration using a (110)-cut silicon wafer. Subsequent to the etching process the mask is removed and a superconducting film is deposited on the previously formed silicon surface to produce a single crystal silicon barrier with good electrical properties.
7
This application is a division of Ser. No. 452,077 filed Mar. 18, 1974. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to an improvement in easy-open containers provided with a severable tear strip in one end wall thereof and a pull device for initiating severance thereof. The invention particularly relates to lever-type pull devices having both rigidity and flexing endurance. It additionally relates to clad sheet materials having both bending strength and folding endurance and especially relates to aluminum alloy-clad aluminum alloys wherein such bending strength and folding endurance are created and/or enhanced by a selected solution heat treatment and/or aging to a selected temper. It specifically relates to use of such aluminum alloy-clad aluminum alloys for such lever-type pull devices in easy-open containers having means for retaining both the tear strip and the pull tab after severance and means for refastening a retained pull tab to the end wall of the container. 2. Review of the Prior Art It is common knowledge that beverage containers and the like having an easy-open end wall have become extremely popular, and it is a frequent experience that the rupture-initiating devices therefor, such as sheet-metal rings and elongated tabs, often break when initially bent or when unusual effort is made in order to initiate rupture of an end-wall panel. A solution for such premature tab failure is proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,401,823, comprising a reinforced sheet-metal tab formed as a double layer that becomes a three-layer laminate with the can end, whereby the tab is greatly stiffened in its forward portion and the radius of bending is increased. As a part of the ubiquitous ecological furor, the wide-spread litter and safety problems created by these sharp-edged pull rings, tabs, and the like have been the subject of much adverse comment. As a solution for the throwaway tab problem, a non-detachable tab, having three hingeably attached components, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,744,662, preferred materials for this tab being resilient plastic materials such as polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, and the like. As another solution therefor, a co-pending application, Ser. No. 378,448, filed July 12, 1973, discloses a practical easy-open container having a rupture-initiating device which remains attached to the end wall thereof and which is refastenable to the end wall after use, thereby requiring high bending strength and folding endurance. However, this device tends to run squarely into an important practical problem. The problem arises because tabs requiring high bending strength and bending endurance have customarily been manufactured of steel or other metallic but non-aluminum materials. As a result, if an attempt is made to recycle the entire can, the non-aluminum tab must be removed. The costs of tab removal can readily inhibit recycling for pollution control and raw material conservation. If an all aluminum-alloy tab could be non-detachably fastened to the end wall of an easy-open can, recycling of the entire can without tab removal would be feasible and economically practicable. However, manufacture of such tabs wholly of aluminum alloys has previously not seemed to be practicable because their low strength and brittleness would greatly aggravate the problem of premature tab failures. Clad aluminum alloys have been suggested for solving many prior art problems requiring high strength, but none are known to have been considered for making rupture-initiating tabs. Improving the strength of aluminum alloys by heat treatment, cold working, and the like is also well known, and such heat and work treatments have been proposed for creating differential strength properties in some clad aluminum alloys, examples being treatment of aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloys to obtain improved creep resistance at desired static tensile properties in U.S. Pat. No. 3,310,389, manufacture of high-luster aluminum hub caps having high mechanical strength after treating a composite of commercial aluminum alloy clad with high-purity aluminum in U.S. Pat. No. 3,093,459, and fabricating a composite sheet metal panel having layers of different yield strength in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,354,531 and 3,108,361. However, the art does not teach the treatment of a composite aluminum alloy for increasing both strength and bending endurance thereof. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of this invention is to provide an all aluminum-alloy tab stock for an easy-open aluminum can. An additional object is to provide a treatment method capable of creating selected properties in the interior and exterior portions of all aluminum-alloy tabs. In accordance with these objects and the spirit of this invention, a composite sheet-metal tab stock is herein provided which is made of a heat treatable core aluminum alloy and a nonheat treatable cladding aluminum alloy, and treatment methods are also herein provided which create selected properties in the core and in the cladding whereby high bending strength and flexing endurance are obtained. Essentially, this invention provides a composite having a cladding which is very soft and ductile and a core which is very strong, whereby both bending strength and bending endurance of tabs made therefrom approach those of steel. Specific processes for heating, hot rolling, solution heating, quenching, cold rolling, and aging to a selected temper are disclosed herein for various aluminum alloy composites whereby the necessary differentials in properties between core and claddings is selectively produced. This invention generally comprises processes for forming a clad tab stock from a core aluminum alloy and a cladding aluminum alloy by arranging the alloys as suitable layers in a composite or sandwich, heating the composite, hot-rolling the hot composite to a thickness reduction that is sufficient for adequate bonding of the layers by pressure welding, rolling the bonded composite (while cold or after reheating) to the final tab thickness, solution heat treating the thinned composite, and rapidly cooling the heat-treated stock, followed by a selected tempering sequence, such as either T4 tempering under ambient conditions for at least seven days or T6 tempering at an elevated temperature for 4-24 hours to create a T6 temper in the core, whereby both stiffness and bending endurance are simultaneously imparted to a sufficient degree that the clad tab stock is useful to make tabs for all-aluminum cans whose construction requires tabs having high bending strength for puncturing the can top wall and high flexing endurance for refastening the tab to the can top wall. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS For experimental manufacture of composite tab stocks according to this invention, a four-high breakdown mill and a Stanat rolling mill, as the finishing mill, were used. The core stocks were rolled on the breakdown mill to a thickness of 0.250 inches as 8-inch × 8-inch specimens, and the cladding stocks were rolled on the breakdown mill to a suitable thickness for obtaining the desired proportion of clad material in the composite. In each example except No. 4, the core and cladding stocks were assembled into a three-layer composite after wire brushing all surfaces to be bonded. The composite or sandwich was heated for 20 minutes at about 900°F. and then hot rolled immediately in order to bond the layers together. In some instances, the unbonded composite was hot-rolled to obtain a reduction of 20-40% at a thickness of 0.220-0.250 inch, reheated at 850°F., again hot-rolled to obtain a total reduction of 70- 90% at a thickness of about 0.050 inch, and finally cold-rolled on the finishing mill to the final thickness of about 0.018 inch, accomplishing an additional reduction of 60-70% from the hot-rolled thickness. In other instances, the unbonded composite was hot-rolled to the intermediate thickness of about 0.050 inch without reheating and similarly cold-rolled to the final thickness of about 0.018 inch. However, the presence of an additional reheating step, which was adopted whenever work input became excessive, is believed to have been made immaterial by the subsequent solution heat treatment. As reported in the accompanying table, the clad tab stocks were tested for Tensile Strength in accordance with ASTM-B557 testing procedure, for Yield Strength in accordance with ASTM-B557 testing procedure (both tests furnishing test results as 1000 pounds per square inch, KSI), for Elongation in accordance with ASTM-B557, for bending endurance in a Transverse Lab Vise Bend Test (hereinafter TLVBT) as described hereinafter, and for bending endurance in a Bend Fixture Test (hereinafter BFT) as described hereinafter, both bending tests being reported as the average number of bends from and to the starting position on five replicate samples. Most of the composites were aged to T4 temper, but some were aged to T6 temper and are designated in the table by the suffix "A". For the Transverse Lab Vise Bend Test (TLVBT), 1/4-inch wide coupons are sheared from the material, parallel to the rolling direction of the material. The coupon is then clamped between the jaws of a standard 31/2 inch shop vise. Clamping is done such that the jaws are perpendicular to the rolling direction of the material. After clamping, the coupon is bent to a 90° angle against one of the jaws. The axis of bend is perpendicular to rolling direction. After bending to a 90° angle, the sample is restraightened on the same axis. The bending and restraightening constitutes one cycle. This flexing continues until the sample fractures, with the number of cycles to fracture being counted. __________________________________________________________________________ Clad, SHT Core Tem- Mechanical Tests % of Time, Temp, per Treat- Tensile, Yield, Elon- TLVBT, BFT, Performance on CanEx. Stocks Com- min. °F. ment, T- KSI KSI gation No. No. Break FlexNo. Core Clad posite % Top Test, per side No.__________________________________________________________________________ 1 2036 -- 0 15 925 4 51.6 28.8 20.5 2.6 3.5 yes 11A 2036 -- 0 15 925 6 55.6 48.1 8.8 1.9 2.0 yes 1 2 2048 1235 25 12 920 4 37.7 23.4 21.0 7.7 8.3 yes 4.0 3 2048 1235 25 20 920 4 40.9 24.3 18.0 7.4 7.4 yes 4.5 4 2048 1235 50 12 920 4 40.4 24.9 22.0 5.4 4.6 yes 2.75 5 2048 1235 0 20 920 4 65.3 38.7 21.5 2.2 3.0 yes 2.5 6 2048 1235 5 20 920 4 59.1 35.5 18.3 3.2 4.2 yes 2.75 7 2048 1235 10 20 920 4 54.5 32.4 18.3 3.9 4.5 yes 3.0 8 2048 1235 15 20 920 4 51.0 30.1 20.3 4.3 5.3 yes 3.25 9 2048 1235 20 20 920 4 44.8 26.4 19.0 5.8 6.5 yes 3.7510 2048 1235 30 20 920 4 34.8 20.7 17.0 8.2 11.6 yes 5.2511 2048 1235 35 20 920 4 29.6 17.1 18.8 12.9 12.2 yes 6.7512 2048 1235 40 20 920 4 23.7 13.0 18.8 10.5 15.0 no --13 6060 -- 0 20 1000 4 39.7 20.9 19.8 2.8 3.2 yes 2.014 6061 1235 25 20 1000 4 23.9 13.4 20.5 6.7 6.7 no --15 2036 1235 10 20 920 4 44.5 23.7 21.0 5.0 5.3 yes 2.816 2024 1235 25 20 920 4 43.9 27.0 14.8 5.5 7.4 -- --17 2036 3003 20 920 4 39.6 21.9 14.5 4.4 4.7 yes 2.518 7075 1235 25 20 880 6 51.1 39.9 11.0 3.4 5.7 -- --19 2036 1235 20 20 920 4 35.4 18.2 21.0 4.8 8.6 yes 3.2 19A 2036 1235 20 20 920 6 35.7 28.9 9.3 -- -- yes 4.520 2036 8079 10 20 920 4 42.4 22.6 20.5 3.1 5.1 yes 2.521 2036 8079 15 20 920 4 40.0 21.4 21.3 4.0 6.3 yes 2.722 2036 8079 20 20 920 4 35.9 18.7 21.8 4.5 8.8 yes 4.523 2036 8079 25 20 920 4 32.2 17.4 19.0 5.2 8.7 yes 4.0 23A 2036 8079 25 20 920 6 30.9 24.0 9.0 -- -- yes 4.524 2036 6201 10 20 920 4 45.6 24.5 19.0 2.6 3.8 yes 2.225 2036 6201 15 20 920 4 44.6 24.6 20.3 2.9 4.0 yes 2.526 2036 6201 20 20 920 4 42.0 22.0 20.0 3.0 4.7 yes 2.527 2036 8079 30 20 920 4 28.1 14.6 20.0 5.7 9.4 -- -- 27A 2036 8079 30 20 920 6 26.1 19.4 7.3 7.2 8.7 -- --28 2036 1100 25 20 920 4 34.0 19.0 13.0 5.2 6.4 -- 4.7 28A 2036 1100 25 20 920 6 35.7 26.2 11.0 5.6 5.7 -- 4.729 2036 1100 30 20 920 4 30.8 16.8 21.5 5.2 7.3 -- 3.7 29A 2036 1100 30 20 920 6 29.6 21.6 13.0 6.0 6.9 -- 4.8__________________________________________________________________________ For the Bend Fixture Test (BFT), 1/4-inch wide coupons are sheared parallel to the rolling direction of the metal. The coupon is clamped in the bend test fixture such that the axis of bend is perpendicular to the rolling direction of the coupon. A 10 pound weight is clamped onto the free end of the coupon below the test fixture. By moving the handle of the bend test fixture, the coupon is flexed through a 90° angle and returned to the start. All bending is done across a zero T radius. The bending and restraightening constitutes a cycle. The flexing continues until the sample fractures, with the number of cycles to fracture being counted. The clad tab stocks were fabricated into non-detachable tabs fastened to a top wall of an aluminum can having a partially severable panel adapted to be broken inwardly by the forward portion of the tab when the rear portion of the tab is lifted to urge the forward portion against the panel, both tabs and can being made according to the teaching of the co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 378,448. These tabs were tested at least in duplicate by bending, puncturing the can top wall, and refastening the tab thereto. Results are reported in the accompanying table as to capacity to break the top wall and as to the number of flexes, each flex being an upward and a downward sequence, that the tab could endure before breaking. The minimum yield requirement is 20 KSI, and the minimum number of flexes for a non-detachable tab is approximately 6.0 in order to equal the flexing endurance expected of a steel tab. EXAMPLES 2-12 Composites having 2048 aluminum alloy as the core and 1235 aluminum alloy as the cladding demonstrated that a doubly clad tab (Examples 2 and 3) was superior to a singly clad tab (Example 4), that both Mechanical Tensile and Yield values were linearly and inversely related to cladding percentage, and that the values for all three of the flexing tests were directly and increasingly greater with greater cladding percentages. The clad tab of Example 11 bent excessively while breaking the top wall, thus indicating that 35% double cladding was too much for this combination of alloys. EXAMPLES 1, 1A, 19, and 19A Composites having 2036 aluminum alloy as the core and 1235 aluminum alloy as the cladding demonstrated that a tab made out of core material alone was much too brittle and that a 20% doubly-clad tab with T4 temper was marginally strong but with T6 temper was adequately strong and had more flexing endurance (Example 19A as compared to Example 19). EXAMPLES 20-23A, 27, 27A Composites having 2036 aluminum alloy as the core and 8079 alloy as cladding demonstrated that doubly cladding 2036 aluminum alloy with 8079 aluminum alloy imparted yield-versus-bending-endurance properties which correlated with approximately the same negative slope but lesser intercept values for increased cladding as for the tabs having a core of 2048 alloy. Tempering to T6 significantly increased yield values with uncertain effect upon bending endurance (Examples 23A and 27A as compared to Examples 23 and 27). Moreover, the breaking strength of Example 23, after T4 tempering, was merely marginal, but the breaking strength of Example 23A, after T6 tempering, was adequate. EXAMPLES 24, 25, and 26 Composites having 2036 aluminum alloy as the core and 6201 aluminum alloy as cladding produced results similar to those for the 8079 cladded tabs but showed that this combination of alloys produced low bending endurance. EXAMPLES 28-29A Composites having 2036 aluminum alloy as the core and 1100 aluminum alloy as the cladding showed that this combination of alloys was unworkable at either 25% or 30% levels and at either T4 or T6 temper. Bonds broke between layers, for example, as evidenced by blisters. EXAMPLES 13, 14, and 16- 18 These composites containing various aluminum alloys as core and cladding materials revealed that many alloy combinations were not workable. Both of the tab stocks produced from the composites of Examples 16 and 18 were severely edge cracked after rolling and producing a tab therefrom was impossible. The tab stock of Example 17 was re-rolled from plant-produced material at T6 temper. Variations from the invention herein described will be apparent to one skilled in the art, but the invention is to be construed only according to the claims when broadly construed.
An aluminum-alloy tab stock, useful for non-detachable tabs having high yield strength and high bending endurance, and a process for manufacture thereof from a heat treatable core aluminum alloy and a non-heat treatable cladding aluminum alloy by arranging the alloys as layers of a composite, bonding the layers by hot-rolling the composite to a thickness reduction of 75-90%, cold-rolling the thinned composite to an additional thickness reduction of 60-70% to form the tab stock, solution heat treating the tab stock and rapidly cooling the tab stock. Optionally, aging to a selected temper may additionally be used.
8
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a cable adjustment mechanism and particularly to one used as a part of a motor vehicle gear selector indicator assembly. Conventional motor vehicles having automatic transmissions provide a means of visually indicating to the operator the gear shift position. For motor vehicles having conventional column mounted transmission shift levers, the indicator is frequently merely a pointer that moves with a sleeve fitting around the steering column shaft which is rotated by the shift lever. A transparent screen is positioned in front of the pointer with indicia printed on it such that the operator sees the pointer behind one of the indicator marks. In many motor vehicle designs, however, the gear selector indicator cannot be simply mounted to the steering column, due to packaging and styling considerations. It is therefore often necessary to provide a remote control device, typically in the form of a cable, which extends between the gear shift and a transmission selector indicator mounted within the vehicle's instrument panel or console. Numerous prior art designs for remote control indicator devices of the above type are presently known. In one prior art design exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 3,695,215, a flexible cable is affixed to the shift lever on the steering column with its opposite end engaging an indicator pointer. Due to manufacturing and assembly tolerance variations in the various components making up the indicator system, some means for properly calibrating the indicated gear position must provided. In the case of the aforementioned U.S. patent, a sliding bracket is employed which enables the position of the cable end with respect to the gear selector to be adjusted. Although this adjustment system operates generally satisfactorily, it requires a degree of operator skill for adjustment and the process is somewhat time consuming. One approach in simplifying the adjustment process is described by U.S. Pat. No. 3,830,192, which discloses an automatic slip clutch arrangement for adjusting the shift position indicator. Such automatic adjustment systems are fairly complex and cannot fully compensate for tolerance variations in all the components influencing the indicated shift position. The shift selection indicator assemblies in accordance with the present invention improve over prior art devices in that they provide a simplified mechanism which enables accurate and rapid adjustment of the indicated shift position. The present systems include a cable assembly having a cable core which slides through a sheath. The adjustment mechanism has a threaded shaft meshing with a threaded adjustment wheel which changes the effective length of the outer sheath, thus changing the position of the gear selector indicator. A detent is provided so that the adjustment mechanism will remain in a set adjusted condition until an external force is applied to change the adjustment. Additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates from the subsequent description of the preferred embodiments and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a frontal view of the shift selection indicator assembly according to a first embodiment of this invention shown affixed to an illustrative motor vehicle steering column and instrument panel. FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view showing the manner in which the shift selection indicator assembly according to this invention provides changes in the shift selection indication. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through the adjustment mechanism of the shift selection indicator assembly according to this invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4--4 of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a shift selection indicator assembly according to a second embodiment of this invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 illustrates a shift selection indicator assembly according to a first embodiment of this invention which is generally designated by reference number 10. Indicator assembly 10 is shown attached to a motor vehicle having a steering column 12 with an outer column housing 14, a central steering shaft 16, and a shifter housing 18 carried by the column which is rotated through actuation of an external shift lever (not shown ). Linkages (not shown) couple shifter housing 18 to the vehicle's automatic transmission to effectuate shift changes. Instrument panel 22 includes a visual gear selector display 26. As previously mentioned, indicator assembly 10 is provided to communicate the motion of shifter housing 18 to display 26. Shift selection indicator assembly 10 principally comprises outer cable sheath 30, having cable core 32 passing therethrough. One end of cable core 32 is affixed to shifter housing 18 by threaded fastener 34 passing through clip 36. The opposite end of cable core 32 engages display pointer or flag 38 which is movable within display 26 to designate one of the gear selection indicia 40 shown. Pointer or flag 38 exerts tension on cable core 32 through spring 42. Outer sheath 30 has one end affixed to display housing 46 through the use of an insert molded, adhesive or thermal bonded bracket 44. Outer sheath 30 may also be applied directly to the display housing 46 by insert molding, adhesive or thermal bonding thus eliminating the need for bracket 44. The strength of these joints may or may not be enhanced with the addition of a shrink tube 47. The opposite end of cable outer sheath 30 engages adjustment mechanism 50 which is best described with reference to FIGS. 3 through 5 and comprises a principal feature of this invention. Adjustment mechanism 50 includes mounting bracket 52 having baseplate 54, with a pair of extending generally parallel plates 56 and 58 extending therefrom. Plates 56 and 58 form aligned smooth bores 60 and 62, respectively. An externally threaded adjustment tube 66 is disposed to pass through bores 60 and 62 and has a hollow inside surface 68. Outer cable sheath 30 is inserted inside surf 68, and affixed therein through, for example, insert molding, adhesive or thermal bonding. An inwardly projecting key 70 formed by one or both of plates 56 and 58 engages with a longitudinal slot 72 formed along the threaded external surface of adjuster tube 66. With this arrangement, key 70 and slot 72 allow adjuster tube 66 to move longitudinally but prevents it from rotating. Adjustment wheel 76 is positioned between plates 56 and 58 and has a threaded inside bore 78 which meshes with the external threads of adjuster tube 66. Adjustment wheel 76 preferably has a knurled or ribbed external surface 80 for convenient manual grasping and rotation. A detent mechanism is provided which restrains adjustment wheel 76 from rotating until an external force is applied. The detent mechanism includes a plurality of angularly spaced depressions 82 formed by face 84 of adjustment wheel 76. Plate 58 forms projection 86 which is shaped to engage depressions 82, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. Upon rotation of adjustment wheel 76, slight deformation of plate 58 occurs, which allows projection 86 to move out of engagement with one of depressions 82, and re-engages another of depressions 82 upon rotation. In operation, rotation of adjustment wheel 76 causes longitudinal movement of adjustment tube 66. FIG. 2 provides a graphical illustration of the result of such longitudinal position changes. Rotation of adjustment wheel 76 changes the effective length of outer sheath 30, as illustrated by the full and phantom line positions of the outer sheath shown in FIG. 2. Such changes in the effective length of outer sheath 30 cause minor adjustments in the position of display pointer or flag 38, as shown in FIG. 2. Accordingly, once indicator assembly 10 is installed, an assembly worker can calibrate the system by reaching under the instrument panel, and rotating adjustment wheel 76 while observing the position of pointer 38. Such adjustments can also be made during the life of the motor vehicle. FIG. 6 illustrates a shift selection indicator assembly according to a second embodiment of this invention which is generally designated by reference 110. For this embodiment, elements which correspond to those of the first embodiment are designated by like reference numbers with 100 added. Shift indicator assembly 110 is adapted to be installed in-line along a cable such that it does not need to be mounted to a fixed mounting structure. For this embodiment, a pair of outer sheaths 130 and 131 join the device. Adjustment tube 166 is received within housing 152 having end 188 which receives sheath 131. Adjustment wheel 176 meshes with tube 166 and a detent is provided through the interaction between depressions and projection 186 on housing surface 158 and adjustment wheel 176, respectively. In order to enhance rigidity, a collar of heat shrink tubing (not shown ) can be placed at the connection of outer sheath portions 130 and 131 with adjustment tube 166 and housing end 188. A cut-out sight opening 190 is provided for assembly 110 to provide a visual indication of the adjusted position and range of adjustment of the device. In operation, shift selection assembly 110 operates like the first embodiment except that it provides a greater range of selection of positioning since it can be located at any easily accessed portion along the cable assembly. While the above described embodiments according to this invention are discussed in connection with a shift indicator assembly, the principals and design features of the present invention can equally be applied to other applications where cable adjustments are necessary, such as bicycle brake and gear change cables. While the above description constitutes the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope and fair meaning of the accompanying claims.
A shift selection indicator assembly for motor vehicles which includes a cable sheath with a cable core passing therethrough having one end coupled to a transmission shifter and another end coupled to a display mechanism. An adjustment assembly is positioned at one end or in-line of the cable sheath and includes a threaded shaft and an adjustment thumbwheel for changing the effective length of the cable sheath and therefore changing the indicated shift position. A detent is provided for maintaining a set adjusted position.
8
PRIORITY CLAIM [0001] This application claims priority to German Application No. 102007019365.5 filed Apr. 23, 2007, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to a method and device for analyzing the effects of a vehicle vibrating acting on a person. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] There is a method known for analyzing the effects of a vehicle seat fluctuating on a person, whereby the person is using a vehicle seat in the vehicle, for example from DE 10 2004 061 574 A1. The method described therein uses a sensor to record vibration which is designed as an acceleration sensor and is arranged centrally in a casing. An electronic unit for analyzing the measured signals is integrated in the casing. Analyzing the measured signals from the sensor unit is not described in more detail. [0004] It is known that, under an EU directive, vibrations which act on the driver of a commercial vehicle while using that commercial vehicle during a working day must be recorded, and must not exceed permitted limits. This can generally be done by recording acceleration values emanating from those vibrations, the acceleration values being cumulated, giving a constantly rising acceleration value over a working shift. As the driver was unable before to determine during a working shift whether he could expect to reach the maximum permitted value of the cumulative acceleration values by the end of the shift, the driver could not take appropriate countermeasures ahead of time by taking a break or initiating and implementing another or a different driving pattern. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] The present invention provides a method or device for analyzing the effects of a vehicle vibrating acting on a person, whereby the person is using a sprung, cushioned vehicle seat, which can enable them to alter their driving pattern or driving conditions to avoid reaching a vibration limit prematurely. [0006] One of the main points of the invention is that, in a method for analyzing the effects of a vehicle vibrating acting on a person, whereby the person is using a preferably sprung vehicle seat and acceleration values are detected via a detection unit fitted to the vehicle seat in the x-, y- and z-axes at present intervals of time, an increase over time of the cumulated acceleration values is determined and used as the basis for calculating when a pre-determinable permitted maximum value of the cumulative acceleration values can be expected to be reached. This makes it possible to determine whether a permitted maximum will be reached prematurely, that is, before the end of a working shift of, say, eight hours, based on the vehicle's current vibration pattern. Should it be possible that this will be achieved prematurely on account of the estimated increase, an appropriate warning signal can be displayed or given audibly or shown in its course via a display screen to give the driver the opportunity to change his driving pattern ahead of time, change his route or take a break in good time. [0007] In a preferred embodiment, a residual running time is calculated from the time when the increase is determined to the time when the maximum is expected to be reached. This makes it possible, by comparing the estimated residual running time with the remaining running time of a predetermined minimum time within which the permitted maximum of the cumulated acceleration values will not be reached to be compared and hence determine whether the permitted maximum will not be achieved until after the minimum period of time has elapsed. This can be done, for example, by a suitably designed comparison device which does its work via software design and which is connected to additional memory devices in which the estimated and specified time and acceleration values are saved. Likewise, such a comparison unit can be read out and printed at any time, to enter new values or change the permitted maximum and minimum values, as the case may be. [0008] To determine the increase in the cumulative acceleration values over time, a first cumulative acceleration value at a first point in time and a second, subsequent, acceleration value at a second point in time are calculated and a difference between the second and first acceleration values and a difference between the second and first points in time calculated to determine the rise of a section of curve of the cumulated acceleration values, which are recorded in a diagram over time. This makes it easily possible to determine the foreseeable residual running time until the permitted maximum is reached. Such a calculation may be made either on demand or automatically, preferably repeatedly, such that a forecast based on this as to whether a maximum will be achieved prematurely can be revised or replaced at any time. This gives a constantly updated outcome of the estimated increase values and hence adjusts activating the audible and/or visual warning signal. [0009] Activating such a warning signal can also be done via a number of LEDs or a single diode, in that an LED lights up as soon as there is a risk of reaching the maximum prematurely. Likewise, a selected LED out of a number of LEDs can be tripped in accordance with the gradient of the rise in the curve section, such that the driver can determine quickly and easily from which LEDs are lit how great the risk and approximately how fast this condition will arise, namely reaching the maximum before the end of the working shift which may be eight hours, for example. [0010] Each acceleration value detected is multiplied by a weighting factor as a function of its frequency, giving it a different frequency weighting in its subsequently cumulative calculated state. [0011] Each acceleration value detected can, if necessary, be multiplied by a correction factor to be calculated to correct the acceleration value to assign it to one or more of the x-, y- and z-axes. This is particularly necessary of the device is not arranged on the vehicle seat or the like precisely in the x-, y- and z-axes, so that it must first be corrected and hence the acceleration values running in the x-, y- and z-direction determined. [0012] If a cumulated acceleration value is determined and exceeds the maximum value, a stop display will be made. This can be done by activating a red LED display and/or an audible signal. The driver thus knows that the maximum value which the EU directive permits for vibration patterns has actually been achieved and that he must stop the vehicle and switch off the engine immediately, otherwise he would be in breach of the existing rules on the maximum permitted vibration values in such vehicles, and commercial vehicles particularly. [0013] A device for implementing a method as described above has advantageously at least a casing and an acceleration sensor fitted in it which can record acceleration values in the x-, y- and z-axes, and an associated analysis device which is arranged either directly in the casing or in an internal casing or a PC to which the device casing can be connected. Such device also advantageously has memory devices for saving acceleration values which are measured or specified and a control device for controlling the different components within the device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] The advantages and suitabilities can be taken from the specification below in conjunction with the drawings, which show as follows: [0015] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side presentation of a vehicle seat with a device indicated as in the invention and a person sitting on the vehicle seat; [0016] FIGS. 2 a , 2 b are a working sequence diagram of the method as in the invention in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; [0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing measured and cumulated acceleration values as a function of time and at constant working intensity, and [0018] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing measured and cumulated acceleration values as a function of time at a fluctuating working intensity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0019] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a vehicle seat 1 with a person 6 sitting on it, whereby the vehicle seat 1 has a seat back 2 and a seat cushion 3 with a seat cushion surface 3 a on which person 6 is sitting. A vehicle seat frame 4 serves to support the seat back cushion 2 and seat cushion 3 . [0020] The vehicle seat frame 4 is sprung-mounted on a preferably sprung vehicle seat base 5 . A vehicle floor 7 shown indicatively on which the base 5 is mounted is arranged inside a vehicle which is experiencing vibration from the road on which it is traveling, which is not shown in more detail here. [0021] A device 8 for analyzing and recording such vibrations is mounted on the vehicle seat frame 4 , allowing for the vibrations (translation error) deriving from the sprung base 5 . An armrest 9 is also mounted on the vehicle seat 1 . [0022] Vibrations are measured by an acceleration sensor in the device 8 , not shown, in the three main axes, that is, in the x-axis 10 a , the y-axis 10 b and z-axis 10 c. [0023] FIGS. 2 a and 2 b are a working procedural sequence showing an example method of the present invention. From this working procedural diagram, it can be seen that, in a first step 11 , the vibrations acting on device 8 and/or the operator are recorded at intervals of time Δt. Such recordings are therefore made regularly. [0024] In a step 12 , a frequency correction is made and a correction factor applied to the vibration values detected or recorded and hence to the acceleration values. The individual acceleration values a WIC as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are recorded in chronological sequence. [0025] In a step 13 , a so-called momentary utilization A(T i ) of the maximum permitted exposure value A( 8 ) of the current shift is determined using the formula: [0000] A  ( T i ) = i · Δ   t 8   h · ∑ i = I N  ( a wi ) 2 [0026] where: [0027] N is the number of acceleration values measured; [0028] a wi are the acceleration values detected; [0029] Δt are the intervals of time after which the acceleration value is measured; and [0030] 8 h represents a working shift of eight hours. [0031] In a step 14 , it is determined whether the momentary utilization A(T i ) exceeds a permitted exposure value of A( 8 ). If this is the case, a stop display is made using indicators 15 . If this is not the case, however, step 16 determines the momentary increase ΔA of the utilization from A(T i ) and A(T i-1 ). [0032] Step 17 then forecasts the residual running time t max , representing the maximum residual running time still possible until the permitted maximum exposure value A( 8 ) is reached, determined from the increase in ΔA, utilization A(T i ) and limit A( 8 ). [0033] Step 18 asks whether a shift end will be reached within the estimated residual running time t max . If this is so, step 19 illuminates a green display which reads, ‘at the present level of working, you can continue working until the end of your shift’. [0034] If the shift will not end within the estimated residual running time t max , a yellow display will appear as in step 20 , saying that ‘at the present level of working, you will exceed your exposure limit before your shift ends’. [0035] FIG. 3 shows a diagram with acceleration values entered on an ordinate 21 and times on abscissa 22 . The acceleration values shown in FIG. 3 are measured acceleration values a WID 23 at a constant level of working which is approx. 1.4 m/s 2 . The resulting acceleration values a w0 to be accumulated give a curve 24 as shown in FIG. 3 . [0036] FIG. 4 shows the acceleration values a WID detected at a varying level of working, that is, with differing strengths of vibrations acting via base waves and the like on the commercial vehicle and hence on the person using the driver's seat, see ordinate 25 as a function of time (abscissa 26 ). The time intervals are 10 min at a time per unit of time shown, giving a total time of eight hours. [0037] The individual acceleration values a WID detected may be above or below a permitted maximum 29 , the decisive factor being that this maximum 29 is not achieved by the cumulated acceleration values a w0 , reference 28 . For this, the individual acceleration values 27 detected are cumulated with one another on an ongoing basis to give an accumulated acceleration value curve 28 . [0038] In a curve section, a measurement is carried out to determine the increase in the cumulative acceleration values, represented by a rise section 30 which is averaged. For this, a first cumulative acceleration value 32 a is determined at a first point in time 31 a . A second acceleration value 32 b is determined at a second point in time 31 b . Then differences 31 and 32 are calculated from the acceleration values and times to give the rise 30 between the two points in each case. This rise makes it possible to determine whether, if this rise at this slope ( 30 ) continues, the permitted maximum 29 will be exceeded ahead of time unintentionally before eight hours have elapsed. This can be displayed and/or indicated audibly via warning signals. [0039] All the characteristics disclosed in the application documents are claimed as essential to the invention insofar as they are new compared with the state of the art, individually or in combination. KEY TO DRAWINGS [0000] 1 Vehicle seat 2 Seat back 3 Seat cushion 3 a Seat cushion surface 4 Vehicle seat frame 5 Vehicle seat foot 6 Person 7 Vehicle floor 8 Device 9 Armrest 10 a x-axis 10 b y-axis 10 c z-axis 11 - 14 Step 15 Stop display 16 - 20 Step 21 Ordinate 22 Abscissa 23 Acceleration value a WID 24 Curve 25 Ordinate 26 Abscissa 27 Detected acceleration values 28 Acceleration values a w0 29 Maximum 30 Rise section 31 a,b Time 32 a First acceleration value 32 b Second acceleration value 31 , 32 Difference Δt Time interval a WID Detected acceleration value a w0 Cumulative acceleration value A(T i ), A(T i-1 ) Utilization values A( 8 ) Exposure values ΔA Momentary increase in utilization [0076] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.
Methods and systems for analyzing vibrations of a vehicle acting on a person. The person uses a sprung vehicle seat. A detection unit detects acceleration values fitted to the vehicle seat in the x-, y- and z-axes at preset intervals of time. An increase over time of the acceleration values cumulated with one another is determined and a time calculated from this when a pre-determinable permitted maximum of the cumulated acceleration values will foreseeably be reached.
6
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a steel plate, having a strength of about 40 to 55 kgf/mm 2 , excellent carbon dioxide gas resistance and excellent sulfide stress cracking resistance, to be mainly used for line pipe applications in an environment containing carbon dioxide gas and a very small amount of hydrogen sulfide. 2. Description of the Prior Art In recent years, natural gas resources containing carbon dioxide gas have been developed. The application of oil-well pipes and line pipes of conventional carbon steels and low-alloy steels to the development of the above resources has shown a lack of corrosion resistance in the pipes. Further, in recent years, natural gas resources containing a very small amount of hydrogen sulfide in addition to carbon dioxide gas have been developed. When the partial pressures of carbon dioxide gas and hydrogen sulfide are high, high alloy materials, such as stainless steels, are used, whereas when the partial pressures of carbon dioxide gas and hydrogen sulfide are low, steels having corrosion resistance and low alloy steels may be used. In a natural gas environment containing carbon dioxide gas alone as the associated gas with hydrogen sulfide being absent, the form of corrosion is general corrosion and the occurrence of sulfide stress cracking is not observed. On the other hand, in an environment containing carbon dioxide gas in combination with hydrogen sulfide, the form of corrosion is general corrosion in combination with sulfide stress cracking. Many techniques have already been disclosed with respect to low alloy line pipes for the purpose of imparting sulfide stress cracking resistance. For example, steels have been disclosed which have their sulfide stress cracking resistance improved by controlling the Mn, P, and C contents (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 58-6961), by adding Cu to regulate the hardness of a central segregated structure (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 63-47352), and by adding Ca or the like to control the morphology of inclusions (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 55-128536). Further, it is known that the addition of Cr is effective in reducing the rate of general corrosion in a carbon dioxide gas environment, and Japanese Examined Patent Publication (Kokoku) No. 53-18663 discloses the constituents of a Cr-containing steel, for an oil well, having excellent carbon dioxide gas resistance. These existing techniques are either effective in improving the sulfide stress cracking resistance but ineffective against general corrosion caused by carbon dioxide gas, or effective against general corrosion caused by carbon dioxide gas but ineffective in improving the sulfide stress cracking resistance. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a steel having properties sufficient to cope with the above problems of the prior art associated with the use of a steel in an environment containing a very small amount of hydrogen sulfide together with carbon dioxide gas. Another object of the present invention is to provide a steel having properties which can solve the above problems of the prior art in an environment containing, together with carbon dioxide gas, hydrogen sulfide in an amount of, for example, not more than 1×10 -2 atm. The present inventors have made various studies on surface properties of steels, such as general corrosion, hydrogen-induced cracking and sulfide stress cracking, in an environment containing, together with carbon dioxide gas, a very small amount of hydrogen sulfide. As a result, they have found that, in the above environment, the addition of a large amount of Cr as a constituent element of a steel results in increased general corrosion and deteriorated sulfide stress cracking resistance. They have further made studies on means for solving the above problem and, as a result, have found that, in order to lower the general corrosion in the above environment, the Cr content should fall within a particular range, that, in order to improve the sulfide stress cracking resistance, Cu should be added in a given amount range, and that, in order to improve the hydrogen-induced cracking resistance and the sulfide stress cracking resistance, the contents of Mn, S, and O should be regulated so as to satisfy a requirement that the value of Mn×(S+O) is a given value or less. This has led to the completion of the present invention directed to a steel which has excellent general corrosion resistance, hydrogen-induced cracking resistance and sulfide stress cracking resistance in an environment containing, together with carbon dioxide gas, a very small amount of hydrogen sulfide. Specifically, the present invention provides a steel having the following composition. The steel of the present invention comprises by weight C: 0.01 to 0.1%, Si: 0.02 to 0.5%, Mn: 0.6 to 2.0%, P<0.020%, S<0.010%, O<0.005%, Cr: 0.1 to 0.5%, Cu: 0.1 to 1.0%, Al: 0.005 to 0.05%, and Ca: 0.0005 to 0.005%, Mn, S, and O having respective contents regulated to satisfy a requirement represented by the formula Mn×(S+O)≦1.5×10 -2 , and 0.01 to 0.1% in total of at least one member selected from the group consisting of Nb, V, and Ti with the balance consisting of Fe and unavoidable impurities. The steel having the above composition has excellent corrosion resistance and sulfide stress cracking resistance in an environment containing carbon dioxide gas and hydrogen sulfide. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the effect of Cr content on the corrosion rate of a steel in an environment containing carbon dioxide gas and a very small amount of hydrogen sulfide; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the effect of Mn and (S +O) contents of a steel on the hydrogen-induced cracking resistance; and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the effect of the addition of Cu on the sulfide stress cracking resistance of a steel. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As a result of detailed studies on general corrosion and cracking phenomena, such as hydrogen-induced cracking and sulfide stress cracking, in an environment containing carbon dioxide gas and a very small amount of hydrogen sulfide, the present inventors have found that, in order to reduce the corrosion rate of a steel plate in the above environment, the optimal amount of Cr added in a Cu-containing steel is in the range of from 0.1 to 0.5%. This is shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows the relationship between the corrosion rate and the Cr content in the case where test materials prepared using steels having compositions of 0.05C--0.2Cu--Mn--Nb--Fe with Cr added in varied amounts were held for 168 hr in an atmosphere of a test vessel containing an 8% NaCl solution of 70° C. with an atmosphere controlled so as to have a CO 2 pressure of 1 atm and an H 2 S pressure of 1×10 -2 atom, and the corrosion rate of the test materials was determined. From the drawing, it is apparent that the corrosion rate increases both when the Cr content is high and when the Cr content is low, with the optimal amount of Cr added being in the range of from 0.1 to 0.5%. Next, experiments (the results of which are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) were carried out to reduce the hydrogen-induced cracking and sulfide stress cracking in the above environment. FIG. 2 shows the results of tests on the evaluation for the effect of Mn, S, and O contents on hydrogen-induced cracking in a hydrogen sulfide environment. As can be seen from the drawing, when the product of the Mn content and the (S+O) content, Mn×(S+O), exceeds the threshold value 1.5×10 -2 , giant elongated inclusions are formed and hydrogen-induced cracks occur from these inclusions. As is apparent from FIG. 2, the optimal value of Mn×(S+O) is 1.5×10 -2 or less. The above test was carried out on a test material having a steel composition of 0.07C--0.12Cu--0.13C--Mn--Nb--Fe according to a hydrogen-induced cracking test specification NACE TM 0284. The test results demonstrate that the Mn content and the (S+O) content greatly influence the hydrogen-induced cracking. FIG. 3 shows the results of experiments on the evaluation of the effect of Cu content on the threshold stress which creates sulfide stress cracking in a hydrogen sulfide environment for steels having a value of Mn×(S+O) of not more than 1.5×10 -2 . The above experiment was carried out on a test material having a steel composition of 0.04C--0.3Cr--1.0Mn--Cu--Nb--Fe in the same atmosphere as in FIG. 2 to determine the relationship between the threshold stress and the Cu content. When the Cu content is in the range of from 0.1 to 1.0%, the test stress ratio which creates sulfide stress cracking (expressed in the ratio of test stress to yield stress) exceeds the threshold stress ratio 0.8, indicating good sulfide stress cracking resistance. More specifically, the above experiment demonstrates that in order to impart corrosion sulfide stress cracking and hydrogen-induced cracking resistance to the steel plate in an environment containing carbon dioxide gas and a very small amount of hydrogen sulfide, it is necessary to incorporate as steel constituents 0.1 to 0.5% of Cr and 0.1 to 1.0% of Cu and, at the same time, to regulate the value of Mn×(S+O) to not more than 1.5×10 -2 . The reason for the limitation of constituents of a steel having excellent corrosion resistance and sulfide stress cracking in an environment containing carbon dioxide gas and hydrogen sulfide according to the present invention will now be described. The amounts of the following constituents are expressed in % by weight. C: C is an element that is indispensable for ensuring strength and should be added in an amount of not less than 0.01%. When C is added in an amount exceeding 0.1% in order to accelerate the segregation of Mn in the stage of casting of the steel, there is a possibility that a fine low temperature transformed structure is formed. The formed low temperature transformed structure is likely to create hydrogen-induced cracking. For the above reason, the C content is in the range of from 0.01 to 0.1%. Si: Si is added as a deoxidizer. When the Si content is less than 0.02%, the contemplated effect cannot be attained. On the other hand, when it exceeds 0.5%, the effect is saturated. For this reason, the Si content is limited to 0.02 to 0.5%. Mn: Mn is an element that is indispensable for ensuring strength and toughness. When the Mn content is less than 0.6%, it is difficult to ensure the strength. On the other hand, as can be seen from FIG. 2, excess Mn, together with S and O, forms elongated inclusions during rolling, deteriorating the sulfide stress cracking. In order to prevent a deterioration in sulfide stress cracking, the requirement Mn×(S+O)≦1.5×10 -2 should be satisfied in view of FIG. 2. On the other hand, the addition of Mn in an amount exceeding 2.0% accelerates the formation of elongated inclusions, deteriorating the sulfide stress cracking resistance. For the above reason, the Mn content is limited to 0.6 to 2.0%. P: P segregates at a site where Mn has segregated, particularly in the interface of the elongated inclusion and the matrix, deteriorating the sulfide stress cracking. Therefore, the P content should be limited. When the P content exceeds 0.02%, the deterioration in sulfide stress cracking is significant. For this reason, the P content is limited to not more than 0.02%. S: S, together with Mn and O, forms elongated inclusions, deteriorating the sulfide stress cracking resistance. For this reason, as described above, the S content, as with the Mn and O contents, should be limited. When the S content exceeds 0.010%, the formation of elongated inclusions becomes significant. For this reason, the S content is limited to not more than 0.010%. O: O, together with S and Mn, forms elongated inclusions, deteriorating sulfide stress cracking. Therefore, as described above, the O content, as with the Mn and S contents, should be limited. When the O content exceeds 0.005%, the formation of elongated inclusions becomes significant. For this reason, the O content is limited to not more than 0.005%. Cr: Cr is a constituent element that is useful for inhibiting general corrosion in an environment containing carbon dioxide gas and hydrogen sulfide in which the steel of the present invention is to be used. It is, however, ineffective in ensuring the sulfide stress cracking resistance. The threshold corrosion rate of materials to be applied to the above environment is 0.5 mm/y, and, as shown in FIG. 1, the effect of inhibiting the general corrosion can be attained when the Cr content is less than 0.1%. On the other hand, in the case of a steel containing a combination of Cu with Cr, the addition of a large amount of Cr unfavorably increases the corrosion rate, and when the Cr content exceeds 0.5%, the corrosion rate exceeds the threshold corrosion rate. Therefore, the upper limit of the Cr content is 0.5%. For the above reason, the Cr content is limited to 0.1 to 0.5%. Cu: Cu is an additive element that, as shown in FIG. 3, is useful for ensuring sulfide stress cracking resistance. The addition of a large amount of Cu results in deteriorated hot workability and weldability. Therefore, the upper limit of the Cu content is 1.0%. On the other hand, when the amount of Cu added is less than 0.1%, the contemplated effect cannot be attained. For this reason, the lower limit of the Cu content is 0.1%. Al: Al is added as a deoxidizer. When the amount of Al added is less than 0.005%, the contemplated effect cannot be attained. On the other hand, when it exceeds 0.05%, the effect is saturated. For this reason, the amount of Al added is limited to 0.005 to 0.05%. Ca: Ca is added in combination with Al to serve as a deoxidizer and, at the same time, as a desulfurizer. When the amount of Ca added is less than 0.0005%, the contemplated effect cannot be attained, while the addition of Ca in an amount exceeding 0.005% results in the formation of a giant oxide, deteriorating the sulfide stress cracking resistance. For this reason, the amount of Ca added is in the range of from 0.0005 to 0.005%. Nb, V, Ti: Nb, V, and Ti are added alone or in combination of two or more for the purpose of ensuring the mechanical strength through precipitation hardening. When the total amount of these elements added is less than 0.01%, the contemplated effect cannot be attained, while the addition of these elements in a total amount exceeding 0.1% results in the formation of a giant oxide, deteriorating the sulfide stress cracking resistance. For this reason, the total amount of these elements is limited to 0.01 to 0.1%. The steel plate of the present invention may be produced by casting a slab of the alloy of the present invention by the conventional process comprising a combination of preparation of a steel by the melt process with casting and then hot-rolling the slab. A line pipe may be prepared from this steel plate by forming the above steel plate into a pipe using, for example, a UO press, and welding the joint to form a pipe. If necessary, the above pipe may be heat-treated to impart a strength of about 40 to 55 kgf/mm 2 to the pipe. Oil-well pipes, line pipes, and the like produced from the resultant steel plates have excellent corrosion resistance and sulfide stress cracking resistance and, hence, can be used for natural gas resources containing a very small amount of hydrogen sulfide together with carbon dioxide gas. This renders the present invention very advantageous from the standpoint of industry. EXAMPLE Alloys of the present invention and comparative alloys having chemical compositions specified in Table 1 were tested for general corrosion, hydrogen-induced cracking, and hydrogen sulfide stress cracking by the same methods as in the tests shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. TABLE 1__________________________________________________________________________Clas- Chemical ingredients (wt%) Corro- Hydrogen- sulfidesifi- Mnx sion induced stressca- (S + (1) cracking crack-tion No. C Si Mn P S Cr Cu Nb V Ti Al Ca O O) (mm/y) (2) ing(3)__________________________________________________________________________Steel 1 0.04 0.30 1.1 0.008 0.006 0.25 0.23 0.06 -- -- 0.03 0.001 0.0021 8.9 × 0.18 Not Notof 10.sup.-3 cracked crackedinv. 2 0.07 0.22 0.8 0.007 0.007 0.42 0.33 0.03 0.03 -- 0.02 0.002 0.0020 7.2 × 0.38 Not Not 10.sup.-3 cracked cracked 3 0.02 0.22 1.6 0.007 0.002 0.18 0.68 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.001 0.0019 6.2 × 0.34 Not Not 10.sup.-3 cracked cracked 4 0.05 0.27 1.4 0.006 0.005 0.28 0.18 -- 0.07 0.02 0.03 0.002 0.0022 1.0 × 0.20 Not Not 10.sup.-2 cracked cracked 5 0.04 0.23 1.2 0.008 0.009 0.13 0.18 0.05 -- -- 0.02 0.001 0.0024 1.3 × 0.33 Not Not 10.sup.-2 cracked cracked 6 0.03 0.21 1.2 0.007 0.005 0.27 0.42 -- 0.06 -- 0.03 0.002 0.0017 8.0 × 0.27 Not Not 10.sup.-3 cracked cracked 7 0.04 0.22 0.9 0.007 0.004 0.32 0.23 -- -- 0.04 0.03 0.002 0.0016 5.0 × 0.15 Not Not 10.sup.-3 cracked crackedComp. 8 0.08 0.21 1.8 0.008 0.007 --* --* 0.04 0.03 -- 0.03 0.001 0.0019 1.6 × 1.32 Somewhat Crackedsteel 10.sup.-2* cracked 9 0.19* 0.18 1.9 0.007 0.015* --* 0.13 -- -- -- 0.03 -- 0.0045 3.7 × 1.88 Cracked " 10.sup.-2* 10 0.15* 0.20 1.6 0.008 0.012* 0.34 0.25 0.05 -- -- 0.02 -- 0.0032 2.4 × 0.86 " " 10.sup.-2* 11 0.06 0.22 1.7 0.007 0.008 0.8* --* 0.04 -- -- 0.03 0.001 0.0022 1.7 × 0.60 Somewhat " 10.sup.-2* cracked__________________________________________________________________________ (1)8% NaCl solution, 70° C/CO.sub.2 : 1 atm, H.sub.2 S: 1 × 10.sup.-2 atm (2)NACE TM 0284 H.sub.2 S: 1 atm (3)NACE TM 0284 test stress/yield stress = 0.8 (4)*outside the scope of the present invention As is apparent from FIG. 1, the steels of the present invention had a low corrosion rate and suffered neither hydrogen-induced cracking nor sulfide stress cracking. By contrast, steel No. 8 among the comparative steels was free from Cr and, hence, had much higher corrosion rate than the steels of the present invention. Further, since it had a value of Mn×(S+O) somewhat higher than the upper limit specified in the present invention, some materials under test suffered from hydrogen-induced cracking. Furthermore, since it contained Cu, sulfide stress cracking occurred. For steel No. 9, the contents of C and S are high and, consequently, the value of Mn×(S+O) is high. Further, Cr was not added. These resulted in a remarkably high corrosion rate and, at the same time, hydrogen-induced cracking and sulfide stress cracking. For steel No. 10, the Cr and Cu contents fall within the respective content ranges specified in the present invention. However, the C and S contents are high and, consequently, the value of Mn×(S+O) is also high. This resulted in high corrosion rate and, at the same time, both hydrogen-induced cracking and sulfide stress cracking. For steel No. 11, the Cr content is high, and Cu was not added. This resulted in high corrosion rate and, at the same time, sulfide stress cracking. Further, since the value of Mn×(P+O) somewhat exceeded the upper limit of the value range specified in the present invention, some materials under test gave rise to hydrogen-induced cracking. According to the present invention, it has become possible to provide a steel having excellent corrosion resistance, hydrogen-induced cracking resistance, and sulfide cracking resistance in an carbon dioxide gas environment containing a very small amount of hydrogen sulfide.
A steel plate comprising by weight C: 0.01 to 0.1%, Si: 0.02 to 0.5%, Mn: 0.6 to 2.0%, P<0.020%, S<0.010%, O<0.005%, Cr: 0.1 to 0.5%, Cu: 0.1 to 1.0%, Al: 0.005 to 0.05%, and Ca: 0.0005 to 0.005%, Mn, S, and O having respective contents regulated to satisfy a requirement represented by the formula Mn×(S+O)≦1.5 ×10 -2 , and 0.01 to 0.1% in total of at least one member selected from the group consisting of Nb, V, and Ti with the balance consisting of Fe and unavoidable impurities. This steel plate has excellent corrosion resistance and sulfide stress cracking resistance in an environment containing carbon dioxide gas and hydrogen sulfide.
2
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of provisional application Ser. No. 60/371,115, filed Apr. 10, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field of protein crystallization analysis and in particular to a process and apparatus for capturing, indexing, analyzing and storing images of protein crystallization samples. Protein crystallization is a technique used to analyze the molecular structure of proteins. In this technique, varying controlled ratios and combinations of certain chemical reactants or catalysts are added to a protein sample or “drop” to induce the protein to crystallize so that its structure may be analyzed for use in biochemical research applications. As shown in FIG. 1 , one type of crystallization plate 2 includes a number of cells, each cell 4 having a number of satellite wells (three in the example). The cells are identified by row and column number, such as Al, B 10 , etc., and each satellite well is identified by its position number in the cell (such as 1, 2 or 3). A quantity of a protein is placed into each of the satellite wells, and a different experimental amount of a crystallization catalyst is added to each satellite well in an attempt to induce crystallization of the protein. The mixture is given a sufficient time to react, and then the satellite wells must be viewed under a microscope to determine if sufficient crystallization has occurred. The particular amounts and/or ratios of crystallization catalyst material and protein placed in each satellite well must be recorded in order to determine which ratios and combinations are successful in producing crystallizations. Typically, one protein will be used for each plate, and different catalysts and ratios of catalysts will be added to the protein drops in each satellite well. Achieving successful protein crystallization is very time consuming and tedious, as only a very small number of crystallizations of a protein occur for many tens or hundreds of thousands of experimental reactant ratios and combinations. Additionally, the contents of a well may be more complex than a simple crystal structure. Specifically, the protein sample (drop) may be turbid as opposed to clear, there may be micro-crystal fields in the sample, protein may be aggregated, and crystals may be embedded in a precipitate field. Since each of these possibilities requires specialized lighting conditions in order to be detected, it is necessary to take many different pictures of the same well under different lighting and focus conditions, thus adding even more complexity to the analysis process. Accordingly, there is a need for improvement in obtaining, analyzing, and storing protein crystallization experiment images whereby all potential information in an experiment well can be captured quickly and efficiently, and stored together with all experimental parameters and conditions associated with the well. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an apparatus is provided that automatically captures, stores and analyzes images of crystallization experiments contained in a plurality of crystallization plates, the apparatus including a plate nest capable of accommodating protein crystallization plates of a plurality of different types, the plates each including a plurality of crystallization wells each including a particular crystallization experiment, image acquisition optics, including an objective lens and an image capturing device, for focusing an image of a crystallization well positioned under the objective lens and electronically capturing the focused image, a light source including a bright field illumination device and a dark field illumination device, each of the bright field and dark field illumination devices being independently energized to introduce light into a crystal image well to enable capture of separate bright field and dark field images of the crystal image well by the image acquisition optics, a nest positioning controller for moving the position of the plate nest with respect to the image acquisition optics to align various selected wells with the objective lens for imaging of the content of the wells, a database for storing experiment information associated with each of the plurality of crystallization plates, the experiment information including identification of specific crystal forming parameter values, and wherein each of the plurality of crystallization plates is identified in the database by a unique identification code, and a crystallization imaging controller for controlling crystallization imaging by retrieving the information for each crystallization plate inserted into the apparatus, and controlling the nest positioning controller and the image acquisition optics in accordance with the retrieved experiment information. According to another aspect of the invention, the imager apparatus obtains and stores multiple images of each desired crystallization well under a number of different lighting and/or focusing conditions, and processes the multiple images to form a fused image containing all available information pertaining to a crystal image well. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram of a protein crystallization plate for use in an imager according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a diagram of a combination imaging light source according to one embodiment of the invention using LEDs; FIG. 3 is a diagram of a combination imaging light source according to another embodiment of the invention using an external halogen light source; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the use of polarization filters in combination with a light source according to another aspect of the invention; FIG. 5 a shows a series of narrow focus images of a protein crystal taken at different focus depths, and FIG. 5 b shows a composite extended focus image obtained by combining the narrow focus images of FIG. 5 a , according to another aspect of the invention; FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a process for obtaining the merged extended focus image of FIG. 5 b according to the present invention; FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a process for detection of protein drops on a “hanging drop” plate according to the present invention; FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an imager housing showing a plate inserted into a plate nest holder according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the plate nest holder showing cut outs to accommodate a robot plate gripper; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the imager light source configurations according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGS. 11 and 12 are respective views of a light polarizer filter in a disengaged position and an engaged position; FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the imaging optics components according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGS. 14 and 15 are perspective views showing accommodation of different imaging plate types by the plate nesting holder according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an XY servo stage connected to the plate nest to enable precise well positioning control with respect to the imaging optics; FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing plate accommodation details of a plate nesting holder according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing plate centering cams integrated into the plate nesting holder according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGS. 19 and 20 are views showing the operation of the plate centering cams to automatically center a misaligned portrait oriented plate in the nesting holder; FIGS. 21 and 22 are views showing the operation of the plate centering cams to automatically center a misaligned landscape oriented plate in the nesting holder; FIGS. 23 and 24 are views showing the operation of a Z-axis pressure sensor to detect pressure exerted on an imaging plate as it is engaged with the imaging optics, to prevent damage to the imaging plate; and FIG. 25 is a screen shot of a viewing and scoring computer application according to one embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it will be understood that the following detailed description is for purposes of providing an explanation and disclosure of the concepts of the invention only, and is not intended to define the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims. The imager has a plate nest or holder, as shown in FIG. 8 , which extends to a load/unload position via a servo controller as shown, to permit an imaging plate to be loaded into the nest for imaging, and to be removed from the nest after image processing is completed. The loading and unloading of the plates may be performed manually, or via robotics from a plate storage area. Each plate is labeled with a bar code label containing a unique identification code, which allows automatic identification of each plate through scanning of the bar code label by a bar code scanner. After a plate is loaded, the nest is retracted into the imager for image processing. The imager has the ability to be run in one of three modes: automatic, semi-automatic, or manual. In automatic mode, each plate is imaged predicated on the image mask parameters selected by the user on a GUI (graphical user interface, see FIG. 25 ) during a plate setup phase. An image mask is the marking of the wells from which images are desired. In the example plate shown in FIG. 1 , cells Al, B 10 , D 4 and F 9 are marked by the user to be imaged. Each cell of the plate contains three satellite wells. The satellite or sitting drop well is selected based on its position (1, 2, and/or 3 in this example). Depending on which satellite well setting is desired, the imager will automatically acquire images for the selected wells per the preselected satellite well selection. Once all images have been captured the nest is extended to the load/unload position located outside of the main housing, as shown in FIG. 8 . In a semi-automatic mode, each plate is associated with an image mask as in the automatic mode, but the operator is allowed to make adjustments to the image acquisition process such as contrast, magnification, focus, light configuration, etc., for each image position. After the plate has been positioned to acquire an image, a real-time image is displayed on the operator's interface as shown in FIG. 25 and the operator may adjust the settings as desired. Once the operator is satisfied with the image settings, the image is captured and the operator then can either acquire additional images of the same well, or may choose to move to the next image location that has been preselected in the mask settings. Once all image sites per the mask have been processed, the plate nest is extended to the load/unload position where the plate is removed. In the manual mode, the plate is loaded manually, and there is no image mask associated with it. The operator manually selects the desired satellite wells or positions to image and is able to set the same imager configuration settings as those mentioned in the semi-automatic mode. The operator controls plate loading and unloading before and after image processing is performed. The imager accommodates all presently known protein crystallization plate formats. The imager plate nest supports all SBS (Society for Biomolecular Screening) format plates 302 with heights ranging from the thinnest glass slide capable of supporting drops (approximately 0.1 inch) to 1.6 inches as shown in FIG. 15 . The nest also supports large-well Linbro/VDX plate sizes 300 as shown in FIG. 14 . As shown in FIG. 14 , the linbro plate format 300 is loaded in portrait format. The imager stage, shown in FIG. 16 , is a three axis servo-controlled device (XY Servo Stage 320 ) which allows motion in the plate horizontal plane (X and Y axes) and in the camera vertical plane (Z axis). Control of each axis is independent of the other axes, allowing an infinite range of positions, which is necessary to accommodate all of the various plate formats that are commercially available. The stage positioning resolution allows the smallest well format to be accurately positioned for imaging. It has been found that by linking the camera auto focus routine to the Z axis via a mathematical algorithm focus compensation during zoom operations is accelerated. In addition to the plate nest 322 stage, the variable transmitting polarizer and the lens focus mechanism also are servo controlled. The imager nest 330 is shown in detail in FIG. 17 . The nest is designed to handle SBS and large-well Linbro formatted plates as explained above. As shown, the nest is designed to have a relief to allow the maximum amount of light to pass through the wells located on the edge of the plate. The plates are held in the nest by a number of nest fingers as shown, such that the plates “ride” above the nest platform. It has been found that the relieved nest mitigates shadowing effects on the wells located near the edge of the plate, thereby dramatically improving image quality. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing plate centering cams 340 integrated into the plate nesting holder according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 15 , the nest includes an active plate orienting system. This system uses a multiple cam mechanism which forces the plate into the correct orientation regardless of plate placement in the nest. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 , the caroming mechanism automatically centers plates inserted in a portrait orientation, and as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 , the camming mechanism also automatically centers plates inserted into the nest in a landscape orientation. The cam locating pins are opened as the plate nest is extended into the load position and are then closed when the nest is retracted into the main housing of the imager. Correct plate orientation is necessary to provide the required accuracy to locate and image the plate at high magnifications. The active cam mechanism provides an automated methodology to correctly orient all plate types. In a manual loading mode, the imager nest is fully extended with the cam centering devices open. A plate is placed in the nest either in portrait and landscape fashion depending on the plate type by hand. The operator instructs the imager via the GUI to begin imaging. Once the image operation is completed for that plate the nest is extended so that the plate is presented to the operator as shown in FIG. 8 with the plate centering cams open. The operator removes the plate by hand completing the manual loading and unloading process. In the automatic and semi-automatic modes, the imager may be loaded via robotics. The nest is commanded to extend via a series of communications from a high level robot controller. Once extended the imager reports back to the controller that it is ready to load and the robot then places the plate in the imager in either portrait or landscape orientation depending on the plate type. As shown in FIG. 9 , the nest has cut outs specifically located to allow the robot grippers 90 to move down into the nest while still gripping the plate. The plate is placed in the nest and the grippers are opened. The robot retracts and sends a signal to the imager that it is clear of the nest and that the plate is located in the nest. The imager retracts the nest, which causes the plate centering cams to engage the plate and center the plate. Once the plate imaging operation has been completed, the nest is extended and the imager signals the robot controller that the plate is ready for retrieval. The plate cams are opened as the plate is extended The robot retrieves the plate in the same manner as it loaded it by dropping into the nest along the relieved cut-out portions. The imager has the ability to acquire multiple high-resolution images of each well position using multiple various well lighting techniques. The multiple image data is then fused to obtain a more complete and accurate understanding of the well contents. Thus, the imager is a true multi-mode device that can analyze a well and determine more information about the well than is possible from a single image event. Specifically the imager can determine crystal presence, clear versus turbid drop contents, micro-crystal field, crystals embedded in a precipitate field, and protein aggregation. Using bright field backlighting crystal detection is enhanced, while dark field lighting enhances precipitate detection, and polarized light can be used to enhance micro-crystal detection. Additionally, due to the properties of the various fluids used in protein crystallization, the drops in sitting well experiments can form a convex or concave shape, which diverts light either away or toward the imaging microscope objective lens, causing undesirable shadowing effects. The dark field light mitigates these shadowing effects by changing the incidence angle of the light on the well. The dark field light will illuminate areas of the well that were not illuminated by the bright field light due to this shadowing effect. Thus the combination of these two lights will mitigate the shadowing effects. The imager also provides for the means to oversize the backlight and thus floods the imaging area with light of various vectors, which has been found to also mitigate this shadowing effect. It has been found that no one single image can fully represent the artifacts of a protein crystallization drop in all cases and therefore a multimode image process is required to produce accurate results in optical protein crystallization analysis. As shown in FIG. 10 , the imager uses three distinct lighting techniques: bright field illumination (bright field light source 22 ), dark field illumination (dark field light source 24 ), and variable angle polarized light illumination (polarizer variable angle transmitter 102 ). Each light source has a distinct purpose as discussed above. FIG. 10 shows the orientation of each lighting component in the imager. Each lighting technique is controlled separately and can be energized independent of the other sources by a processing controller. This eliminates multiple light effects when collecting multimode data. The imager housing enclosure shown in FIG. 8 provides a light tight environment as well, which eliminates or substantially reduces undesired effects of ambient light entering the imaging plate wells. The bright field illuminating technique is used as a backlight and illuminates the drop using a transmitted light approach. When employing this technique the polarizing filter transmitter is disengaged as shown in FIG. 11 as shown in reference 110 , by rotating the polarizing filter so that a notch in the filter aligns with the bright field light source. The light is a special high-intensity low heat generation light. The heat load generated by transmitted and reflected light sources is mitigated through various techniques, including the use of air cooling provided by a fan in the enclosure housing, as well as through the use of heat sink technology incorporated into the light housing, and most importantly by controlling the activation of light sources independently, thereby allowing the light sources to be energized only when acquiring an image. The independent control of the light sources also provides for the ability to vary intensity as well as to energize and de-energize each light source without impacting other light sources in the imager. The bright field light or back light is built using LUMI-LED technology which offers longer lasting life, has the ability to be energized and de-energized many times without shortening the expected life and burns very cool as compared to a standard halogen source. The LUMI-LED technology offers a great increase in intensity over standard LED technology making the LUMI-LED a significant improvement over standard lighting techniques. It has been found that LUMI-LED technology provides a more stable back light source for protein crystallization imaging with improved control and longer lasting life. The dark field technique utilizes a standard dark field light source, which has been found to enhance certain aspects of a protein drop image by changing the angle of incidence of the light with respect to the protein crystal drop. The dark field source can be either an LED source with independent control or a standard halogen source using a dark field adapter. The imager provides a means to use either type of lighting. As shown in FIG. 2 , the bright field 22 and dark field light sources 24 can be implemented using LED or LUMI-LED technology, and controlled by a dual-light controller 26 via LED control cables 28 . The LED dark field source provides a stable long life illumination source for protein crystallization with the added benefit of being able to independently control the light (e.g. vary intensity, energize and de-energize the source without effecting other light sources). This allows the dark-field light to be de-energized during back light operations and energized for dark field operations exclusively (i.e., the bright field light is not energized). This arrangement allows for a clear and distinct light combination to be used in the multi-mode approach prescribed by the imager, which is advantageous in producing higher quality protein crystal drop images. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3 an external halogen light source 32 can be used in concert with a fiber optic dark field adapter 34 . The benefit of this combination is the generation of very uniform and intense dark field illumination without the addition of the halogen light heat source internal to the imaging enclosure and the resulting negative impact to the protein crystallization experiment, which requires a very uniform environment during the storage and time-lapsed imaging process. The external halogen light source may remain on during all operational modes, including bright field and polarized light illumination. In protein crystallography polarized light in concert with transmitted white light and a color camera can provide details that are not always discernable to the human eye even with the aide of magnification. Because a property of most protein crystals is bi-refringence, polarized light can be used to find crystals that are either to small to be distinguished by normal processing methods or crystals that may have become occluded in a precipitate field. As shown in FIG. 4 and also in FIGS. 11 and 12 , a rotating transmitter polarizing filter 44 is provided between the light source 42 and the imaging plate 46 , and an analyzer polarizing filter 48 is placed between the imaging plate 46 and the imaging optics. The physics of light travel is such that if a polarizer transmitter and analyzer are set to extinction angles that no light will pass; therefore, it has been found that if a protein crystal is not perfectly aligned with either the transmitter or analyzer axes then the light rays will be redirected by the presence of a protein crystal so that light will pass to the imaging optics with the analyzer and transmitter set at extinction, provided that the well is not bi-refringent. In this condition only crystals will be seen; however because many protein crystal plates are composed of materials that during formation also exhibit bi-refringent properties a clean image is not returned during imaging with the analyzer and transmitter at extinction. Instead the plate itself will redirect the light as it passes through the plate by changing the angle of the light to a myriad of axes other than that of the transmitter. The result is a distinct diffuse light signature at the analyzer. In order to mitigate these plate effects, it has been found that by varying the transmitter polarizing angles by rotation of the filter and acquiring multiple images at these various angles and then by transforming the negative of the image and performing image subtraction on the resulting set of images, the polarized composite result displays a higher level of crystal confidence and shape than is possible with a fixed polarizer transmitter/analyzer angle. The orientation of the filters with respect to the object under inspection is critical and must be set so that the transmitter is on the light source side of the plate and the analyzer is on the objective or camera side of the plate as depicted in FIG. 4 and also shown in FIG. 13 . In order to completely filter out light, a technique of employing two polarizers set at 90 degrees with respect to each other is used. This first polarizer filter passes light in only one direction or axis with respect to the angle of the polarizer, this filter is referred to as the transmitter. Therefore with the imager setup shown in FIG. 12 , when the transmitter filter is engaged (i.e. inserted between the light source and the imaging plate) as shown in reference 120 , light is passed in one axis. This light passes through the crystal plate and then travels to the microscope objective. Prior to entering the objective the light passes through the analyzer polarizing filter, which in the case of the imager doubles as a color filter. In order to accommodate the requirement of variable position based on user desires the transmitter is attached to a servomotor via a non-slip belt and pulley assembly. This arrangement provides complete positional control of the transmitter angle with respect to the protein drop to be imaged. The filter is built by laser etching it into an optically transparent disk and then notching out a portion of the disk so that it can be disengaged when bright field and dark field imaging are desired, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 . The position-controlled transmitter polarizing filter enhances image processing and data collection in protein crystallization drop analysis. As described above, a complete polarizing solution requires a transmitter polarizer (or polarizer transmitter) 170 and an analyzer polarizer (or polarizer analyzer) 140 . The imager accomplishes this by utilizing the polarizing filter aspect of a color filter 140 , which is located between the microscope objective (optics) 150 and the camera 130 as shown in FIG. 13 . It has been found that an LCD color filter has the correct optical characteristics to act as an analyzing polarizer filter for protein crystallization imaging. In addition to functioning as the analyzer filter of the polarizing system, the color filter provides the capability to acquire true color images without requiring a multiple CCD (charge-coupled device) camera. The color filter allows three images to be taken with a single CCD array digital camera 130 as shown in FIG. 13 , and then combined to form a composite true color image. While other single CCD color cameras without the use of a color filter employ a mosaic approach known as the Bayer Pattern to simulate a color image, the Bayer Pattern does not accurately define a true color image because of the redundant green pixel pattern used. Turbidity Analysis The imager supports the ability to conduct light scattering analysis to calculate turbidity of the protein crystallization drop. The is achieved by measuring the amount of light collected over an extended time frame and then filtering the data set to determine light scattering patterns. It has been found that early stages, prior to crystal formation of protein aggregation can be detected using this methodology. The analysis can be conducted using a variety of standard algorithms such as Discrete Fourier Transform, Fast Fourier Transform, Neural Net Filter, and Statistical Filters (such as LQE, LQR, LMS, etc.). The turbidity detection methodology uses a light scattering or collection technique to determine a turbidity measure of the well. The imager can utilize different approaches to conducting this methodology. Two such methods are described below for completeness; however, by changing the light source and collection device the imager can support other approaches to turbidity analysis. According to one embodiment, the imager can utilize a laser, which is tuned to the appropriate wavelength and mimics the approximate size of the object under analysis (in the case of the imager, a protein crystal drop). The laser beam is transmitted through the drop and a collector on the opposing side of the drop measures the transmitted light level. The more turbid the drop, the greater the resulting light attenuation. This measurement is taken over a period of time and is coupled with the image data in order to show in clear to semi-clear drops early stages of protein aggregation as previously explained. The laser light passed through the crystal plate well is measured for intensity over a period of time so that any deviation can be mapped over the sampling period and correlated with corresponding image data in order to detect early stages of protein aggregation. The imager also can employ the ability of a digital camera to measure light intensity while employing bright field, dark field, or laser lighting techniques. The premise is identical to that stated above using a laser emitter collector approach. Thus, according to an alternate embodiment, the light intensity focused through a well can be measured over a period of time using the CCD array of the digital camera to capture the light intensity variations. As shown in FIG. 13 , the imager 200 uses a true microscope objective 150 to enhance image depth of field (DOF) and provide the ability to focus through a very large range of field of views (FOV). The result of this type of optics provides a large range of magnifications that can be used by the imager. The imager 200 also includes light sources 180 . It has been found that this approach allows for more dynamic range of FOV, DOF and magnification than a standard set of optics with a variable magnification lens. The imager employs a digital camera to capture a high resolution image and to allow digital image processing to occur. The camera employs a high speed data transfer ability to move the data from the camera to the associated user computer (not shown). The camera has the capability to merge three single color images of the same object into one composite true color image. The camera produces images which can vary in resolution dependent on user desires. The higher the resolution of the image, the increased likelihood of small object detection; however, the image data size also increases with resolution. It has been found that lossy compressed data images can be manually scored, but a lossless compression is required for automatic scoring accuracy. Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment, the imager saves a lossy version of the image for rapid manual scoring and a lossless version for automated scoring in various image formats which are user selectable. The imager has the ability to acquire full color or monochrome images at a high resolution. The imager allows the operator to select the mode and resolution of the images to be taken in semi-auto mode or ahead of time for the entire image set run in auto mode. In FIG. 13 a Z Axis pressure sensor 160 is shown mounted at the end of the microscope objective (optics) 150 . This sensor 160 is used to detect the presence of the top of a plate contained in the nest without applying a force to the plate. The sensor has a compliant ring that rests below the horizontal plane of the microscope objective (lens) as shown in FIG. 23 . As the sensor comes in contact with a plate as shown in FIG. 21 , the sensor ring is pushed upward. As the sensor is displaced, a focused beam of light to a optical detector that produces a signal when the light beam is obstructed. This detector sends a digital signal to the imager servo control system indicating an anomaly in the Z position of the lens. The z-axis servo travel in the positive or down direction is then blocked to avoid a crash scenario, thus protecting the plate and the objective. The imager also utilizes a vibration damped baseplate that is constructed using a honeycomb composite. This plate design is lighter than Granite damping plates and affords a ready methodology to mount the imager components to the baseplate without requiring special purpose tools and fasteners. The vibration damped baseplate provides real time platform stability isolating stage movement during image acquisition of protein crystallization plates and therefore mitigates settling periods required for image capture after plate movement is complete. Software Components The imager utilizes a sophisticated set of software components to control, acquire, and analyze the protein crystallization imaging process. The imager control system reads specific instruction sets for each plate via a database (not shown). The instructions are associated with the plate barcode so that each plate has a macro associated with the experiment analysis set to be run for that particular plate. This methodology allows for unique experimental analysis steps to be followed on each plate independent of other plates in the system at that or any previous time. The following is an explanation of the various software modules that are utilized in the imager. The imager acquires images digitally and transfers the images from the camera via a high speed data transfer medium such as IEEE 1394, Fast SCSI, or a camera proprietary portal to an image processing PC. The images are associated with the plate barcode and well identification code (e.g. Al) in the database by having the control system identify the plate barcode either robotically or manually depending on the operation and then associating the well ID from the servo positioning software with the acquired image or multiple images of each well. All of this information is saved together with the actual image location in the database. The imager uses an image mask to acquire the designated images for a particular plate as described previously, which image mask also is stored in the database. The camera is triggered to acquire the image from the imager control system software once the plate is correctly positioned under the lens, which information is fed back to the controller from the servo positioning algorithms (which are well known and therefore will not be further described herein). The images are either concatenated in the digital camera before being transmitted to the control system computer or are sent to the controller and are processed and merged into a high resolution composite image at that point. The image processing and system control algorithms used by the imager are described below. The imager has the ability to automatically merge multiple images of narrow depth of field as shown in FIG. 5A , into a single extended focus image as shown in FIG. 5B . In this example four images of a protein drop with crystal growth are merged into one extended focused image. The process to create the merged image requires four steps, which are described in FIG. 6 . As each image 62 is acquired, a median filter 64 is applied to a copy of the image 62 to remove any noise in the image 62 . The median-filtered image is then processed with a two dimensional edge detector (Sobel detector) 66 to create an edge image that is placed in a local maximum map 68 . After all desired images have been acquired and processed, each edge image is searched on a pixel-by-pixel basis within a variable neighborhood to determine which image has the greatest edge value. The image with the greatest edge value then contributes its original image pixel to the final merged image 70 . The final merged image 70 is then constructed pixel-by-pixel using the process described above. The imager also has the ability to automatically focus the image currently in the view. This is a two step process. When the user actuates the auto focus capability the imager begins a search routine using standard deviation of the image as a measure. A second order curve fit is used to predict the position corresponding to the maximum standard deviation of the image. A second search is performed using a smaller range and step size and using a Tenengrad measure in place of the standard deviation. The maximum Tenengrad value is used as the focused position. In addition the auto focus routine can use a region of interest to determine the optimum focused position allowing the user to focus on a specific region of the image. The imager further has the ability to automatically find the optimum exposure for the image. The camera has an integral capability to rapidly sample a range of exposure levels and select the value for the image with the lowest saturation level. By default auto exposure works with the entire image but a region of interest can be specified. The imager also has the ability to automatically set the white balance for the image. The camera has an integral capability to sample a user selected pixel in the image and adjust the individual color balance to force that pixel to be white. To determine whether polarization is to be used the imager control system software reads the database using the plate barcode and determines the necessary experiment setting to analyze the plate. Once the plate is loaded in the imager the polarizer is positioned to the desired angle and an image is acquired. Multiple images at various polarizer angles can be taken if the user has requested this in the experiment setup. Each polarized image is saved and associated with a single image event for the plate and the well in the database. These images can be used to provide a more comprehensive view of the well contents based on the various polarization effects. As discussed previously most protein plates have a bi-refringent property and therefore multiple polarization angles can provide more data to enhance accuracy. The imager can save images in any format where a defined codec is available under the Windows Operating System. Such known codecs include JPG, BMP, PNG, and TIF. Any other image encoding formats that provide similar quality and capability also can be used according to the invention. The imager may use uncompressed BMP format against which to conduct automated scoring (image processing) techniques. The user selects the format to be used for images to be saved for manual viewing. These formats may employ an image compression algorithm that will greatly accelerate the annotation and manual viewing process. For turbidity analysis, the imager associates the results with the plates and well positions in the database. The time lapsed results for a single well are then passed through a filter which estimates and predicts light scattering or absorption by the well and its contents. The algorithm takes the data points for a well for each image event and passes the values into a statistical filter to calculate the deviation of the measured light intensity over the course of the recorded image events. In addition the values are statistical predicted for future events as well as predicted using a neural net estimator. These values are used to predict early stages of protein aggregation. The data related to a particular well on an imaging plate is stored in the database, and the stored data then is collated or fused by an engine which performs a series of statistical and rule-based processes to more accurately discern well contents and predict future well conditions. These results become the final score associated to the well in the database while all of the original well data is still maintained. By fusing the data sets associated with a well and applying basic statistical methods, adaptive filtering techniques and custom rule-based processes, a more accurate assessment of the well contents can be made. The imager can use image processing algorithms to automatically find crystals and precipitate in well images. These algorithms coupled with the various images taken in the various different modes can be used to more accurately characterize the well contents for protein crystallization. The image processing algorithms utilize “blob” finding techniques, morphological techniques, edge, and centroid detection techniques to fully qualify the well contents from a digital image processing approach. By using standard advanced image processing software algorithms clear drop discernment, precipitate recognition, and crystal recognition can be achieved. Furthermore early stages of protein aggregation can be modeled and identified using advanced statistical methods such as digital filter and adaptive filter methods. Such statistical and filtering algorithms are well known in the art and therefore will not be further described herein. The imager supports manual annotation and viewing of the images taken by the system in one of two modes: offline post-image acquisition and online real-time annotation during the acquisition cycle. FIG. 25 depicts one of the interfaces 400 supported by the manual image annotation software. In this FIG. 25 , the image viewing area 402 allows a detailed look at the complete image as well as the ability to zoom to a region of interest either digitally (post image acquisition) or zoom and acquire a new image (real-time during the image acquisition process). The viewing window also supports measurement tools that are associated with rulers that encompass the viewing window or by defining a region of interest on the screen via a pointing device such as a mouse, using standard practices adhering to the Windows Operating System Style Guide. The imaging area can also be changed to view multiple images at one time in a thumbnail format. These images can be either time lapse views of a single well on a particular plate or images from a common plate that were taken during a single image event (i.e., at the same relative time). The location of each image in its perspective well is shown in the plate map 404 . Furthermore the plate map 404 also shows all of the previous image events for a particular plate across the top of the plate map in the form of a tabs which show the date and time of the image event. The previous image events can be viewed in detail mode by selecting the desired tab on this interface. The images can also be annotated via this interface in either offline or online modes. The annotation field 406 shown in FIG. 25 is user configurable and is established from the database to which the users have access in order to modify via another application. The annotation names and modifiers can therefore be customized by each user. The user can select the desired annotation and modifier to associate with a particular image, and also has the option to describe the image in a narrative format. The resulting annotations are associated with the image in the database via the plate barcode and well location fields. The imager also supports the use of an automated scoring routine which utilizes adjective annotation parameters defined in the database and associates a numerical score to the appropriate adjective annotation. The scoring routine first assigns a set of numerical values to the fused data component of the image in question. These values are then related or mapped back to the adjective scoring system customized by the user. The adjective scoring system consists of a noun description and an adjective modifier (e.g., crystal/needles), which are related back to the numerical score by a map maintained in the database. Thus the automated scoring system can return numerical scores as well as associated adjective scores. The imager has the ability automatically find drops on hanging drop-type plates. When a hanging drop image is acquired, the steps shown in FIG. 7 are performed to determine the bounding box of a drop. This allows the imager automation to zoom in and maximize the size of the drop in the image. In particular, after an image 72 is acquired, an Eigen process is performed on it to generate an eigen image 74 . The eigen image is masked 76 and edge-detected 78 . The edge image is filtered through a median filter 80 to remove noise and the filtered image is compared 82 with the edge image to determine a boundary of a drop in accordance with a predetermined threshold 84 . The image in the determined boundary is then despeckled 86 to form a bounding box drop image 88 . The imager database allows the tracking of all interactions of the imager with crystal plates. The first time a plate type is loaded into the imager by a user, the user will define it for subsequent use by other plates of similar construction. Physical geometry information such as number of wells along each axis, well pitch of each axis, number of satellite positions, offsets to satellite positions, plate height, and plate style (Linbro/SBS) is stored in the database. In addition, certain camera settings related to exposure, gain, focus, and polarization are associated with each satellite well defined on the plate type and stored in the database. Once plate types are defined, the system can accept any plates of that plate type for imaging. Plates are identified by a unique label or barcode in the database. After loading and either scanning or entering a plate label or barcode, the imager will look up the plate in the database. If it exists, it will load the plate type information that this plate is based on. Entry of new plates will cause the imager to prompt the user to select an existing plate type or define a new plate type. After the plate is associated with an existing plate type, the user can begin imaging it. Each time that a user initiates the imaging process, a new image event record is created in the system. Image events group images of satellite positions on plates by the date they were acquired. The database records the path to the satellite position, image event, image file path on disk, millimeters/pixel, polarization angle, image type (Bright Field, Dark Field, or Polarized), and image formats (JPG, BMP, PNG, TIF). Multiple images of the same or differing types may be acquired for a particular satellite during the same image event. Once image acquisition is complete, the resulting images may be annotated with notes or scored via a set of descriptors and modifiers that each customer defines. Annotations occur on a per image event satellite position basis-taking all images acquired during that event on that satellite position into account. The database allows multiple descriptors and modifiers to be selected for each annotation. In addition, multiple scoring methods are supported (manual, automatic, light scatter) by the database. The user has the option to store either all images, non-clear images, images with crystal detection hits or any combination thereof. The settings for image storage are stored in the database and can be filtered by the user to obtain the desired results for that particular user. The images themselves are not stored in the database, but rather only the image locations. This allows the database size to remain small and manageable while still providing a link to the image via a single interface for future reference and possible scoring. The images for a plate for a particular event are located in the same directory that is named for the image event. The file path is recorded and maintained in the database. It has been found that maintaining the images external to the protein crystallization database allows the database size to be managed to a smaller size increasing efficiency of search and query algorithms. The imager also supports an automated plate scheduling algorithm. The plate schedules are associated with the plate barcode in the database. The imager scans the database to register the next plate scheduled to run in the imager. The plate schedules can be superceded by manually introducing a new plate to image at which time the plate scheduled to run will be delayed and run after the manual plate is completed. The scheduling algorithm also supports multiple resource management when more than one imager resource is available to run a plate and multiple plates are vying for imager time. When more than one plate is scheduled to run on the imager at a single time the scheduling system supports a conflict resolution management system that arbitrates conflicts and reorders schedules dependent on user derived rules. The imager has the ability to support all common format experiments used in protein crystallization today. The results are all stored in a common database regardless of the experiment type. The imager requires no definition of experiment type. The imager only requires plate type to run all experiment types. Various experiment types are handled automatically without requiring user intervention to setup the imager to accommodate each type. The following protein crystallization experiment types are supported: Hanging Drop These experiments can be conducted on a variety of plate type (Linbro ( 300 ), VDX, and Neuroprobe to a name a few). The imager allows for multiple drops per deep well and supports automated drop finding for fully automated image acquisition. Sitting Drop The imager will support any sitting drop plate on the market today with any well and satellite well configuration that can be made on an SBS format plate. It can support very dense experiment plates 384 and 1536 as well as large format 24 , 48 and 96 well plates. Microbatch The imager will support all common microbatch plate setup formats without requiring any special purpose fixturing or user intervention to automatically image. Alternative Formats The imager also can support sandwich drop experiment types and has provisions built into the nest to accommodate adapter plates necessary to support future experiment types such as chip and micro slide based experiments. Temperature Range (0° to 40° C.) The imager can operate across a wide range of environmental conditions that are common to protein crystallization environments in labs today such as fixed humidity, low temperature, and overpressure conditions. The temperature range supported by the imager is 0° to 40° C. The invention having been thus described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same may be varied in many ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in conjunction with protein crystallization experiments, the imager of the invention can be used with any type of crystallization or precipitation experiment wherein many different conditions must be configured in order to discover optimal parameter values for crystal or precipitate formation. In the claims which follow, “crystallization” will refer to crystallization or precipitation. Any and all such modifications as would be apparent to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.
An apparatus that automatically captures, stores and analyzes images of crystallization experiments contained in a number of crystallization plates. The apparatus includes a plate nest capable of accommodating protein crystallization plates of a plurality of different types, image acquisition optics, including an objective lens and an image capturing device, for focusing an image of a crystallization well, a light source including a bright field illumination device and a dark field illumination device, a nest positioning controller for moving the position of the plate nest with respect to the image acquisition optics to align various selected wells with said objective lens for imaging of the content of the wells. A database stores experiment information associated with each of the crystallization plates, the experiment information including identification of specific crystal forming parameter values, each of the crystallization plates is identified in said database by a unique identification code. A crystallization imaging controller controls crystallization imaging by retrieving the experiment information for each crystallization plate inserted into the apparatus, and controlling the nest positioning controller and the image acquisition optics in accordance with the retrieved experiment information. The apparatus captures multiple images of each crystal site using different light source and polarization conditions, and processes the multiple images to form extended fused images of each crystal site.
6
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/871,510 filed Aug. 29, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention generally relates to several improved processes for the preparation of N,N-dicyclopropyl-4-(1,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-3-ylamino)-6-ethyl-1-methyl-1,6-dihydroimidazo[4,5-d]pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-7-carboxamide, a JAK2 inhibitor currently in clinical trials for the treatment of myeloproliferative disorders, which include polycythaemia vera, thrombocythaemia and primary myelofibrosis. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] There are disclosed significantly improved processes for the preparation of N,N-dicyclopropyl-4-(1,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-3-ylamino)-6-ethyl-1-methyl-1,6-dihydroimidazo[4,5-d]pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-7-carboxamide, of formula I: [0000] [0004] Compound I, compositions comprising Compound I, and methods of using Compound I are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,202,881 B2, which is assigned to the present assignee and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] In a first aspect, the invention provides a process for preparing Compound I of the formula: [0000] [0000] comprising the steps of a) reacting Compound 1 of the formula [0000] [0000] with a halogenating agent, such as NBS, in a suitable solvent to afford Compound 2 of the formula [0000] [0000] wherein X is Cl, Br or I; b) reacting Compound 2 with an alcohol, and optionally a base, to afford Compound 3 of the formula [0000] [0000] wherein R is Me, Et, i-Pr, n-Pr, n-Bu, sec-Bu or t-Bu; and X is as defined above; c) subsequently reacting Compound 3 with a nitrating agent to afford Compound 4 of the formula [0000] [0000] d) reacting Compound 4, first, with an ethylating agent to afford Compound 5 of the formula [0000] [0000] wherein R and X are as previously defined and, subsequently with a suitably substituted imidazole of the formula, [0000] [0000] wherein Y is H, Cl, Br, I or —B(OR′) 2 ; [0006] R′ is Me, Et, i-Pr, n-Pr, n-Bu, sec-Bu, t-Bu, —(CH 2 ) n or —C(Me) 2 C(Me) 2 -; and n is 2, 3, 4 or 5; in the presence of a suitable catalytic metal, a ligand, an inorganic salt and optionally an organic base, to afford Compound 6 of the formula [0000] [0000] wherein R is as previously defined; e) which is then reacted with hydrogen in the presence of a suitable catalytic metal and optionally a base, to afford Compound 7 of the formula [0000] [0000] wherein R is as defined above; f) which is reacted with the Compound 24 of the formula [0000] [0000] wherein Z is Cl, Br, I, —OP(O)(OR″) 2 or —OS(O)CF 3 ; in the presence of a suitable metal, a ligand, and base, to afford Compound 26 of the formula [0000] [0000] wherein R″ is Ph or t-Bu and M is Li, Na, K, Cs, Rb, Mg or Ca; g) which is reacted with Compound 27 of the formula [0000] [0000] in a the presence of a suitable activator, a suitable solvent, such as DCM, and optionally a base, to afford Compound I. [0008] The term “ligand” as used herein refers to a phosphine derivative that ligates palladium such as a mono or bi-dentate aryl or alkyl phosphine, which is capable of complexing a palladium atom. The term is well known to one skilled in the particular art. [0009] In a second aspect, there is provided a process for the preparation of Compound 7 of the formula: [0000] [0000] which comprises: a) reacting Compound 1 of the formula [0000] [0000] with a halogenating agent, such as NBS, in a suitable solvent to afford Compound 2 of the formula [0000] [0000] b) reacting Compound 2 with base and an alcohol to afford Compound 3 of the formula [0000] [0000] c) reacting Compound 3 with an ethylating agent to afford Compound 14 [0000] [0000] d) reacting Compound 14 with an appropriate diboron reagent, in the presence of a catalytic metal, ligand and base to afford Compound 15 [0000] [0000] e) reacting Compound 15 with Compound 33 of the formula, [0000] [0000] in the presence of a catalytic metal, ligand and an appropriate base, to afford Compound 16 [0000] [0000] f) reacting Compound 16 with a suitable hydroxylamine derivative to afford Compound 17 [0000] [0000] g) and, reacting Compound 17 with a suitable metal, hydrogen and, optionally, an activating group, to afford Compound 7 [0000] [0000] wherein: [0010] R, R′ and X are as previously defined. [0011] In a preferred embodiment, R′ is —C(Me) 2 C(Me) 2 -. [0012] In a third aspect, the invention provides another process for preparing Compound 7 of the formula: [0000] [0013] which comprises [0000] a) reacting Compound 1 of the formula [0000] [0000] with a halogenating agent, such as NBS, in a suitable solvent, to afford Compound 2 of the formula [0000] [0000] b) reacting Compound 2 with base and an alcohol to afford Compound 3 of the formula [0000] [0000] c) reacting Compound 3 with a nitrating agent to afford Compound 4 of the formula [0000] [0000] d) reacting Compound 4, first, with an ethylating agent to afford Compound 5 of the formula [0000] [0000] And, subsequently with Compound 33 of the formula, [0000] [0000] in the presence of an appropriate ligand and an appropriate base to afford Compound 6 [0000] [0000] e) and, reacting Compound 6 with hydrogen, a metal catalyst and optionally a base, to afford Compound 7 [0000] [0000] wherein R, X and Y are as previously defined. [0014] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a process for the preparation of Compound 26 of the formula [0000] [0000] which comprises: [0015] a) reacting Compound 7 of the formula [0000] [0000] with Compound 24 of the formula [0000] [0000] to provide Compound 25, [0000] [0000] b) reacting Compound 25 with an aqueous inorganic base in a suitable solvent to prepare Compound 26 [0000] [0016] wherein R and M are as previously defined; and Z is Cl, Br, I, —OP(O)(OR′) 2 or —OS(O)CF 3 . [0017] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a process for the preparation of Compound 26 [0000] [0018] which comprises [0000] a) reacting Compound 7 of the formula [0000] [0000] with a suitable strong base in water, a metal catalyst, a ligand and Compound 24 (or salt forms thereof) of the formula [0000] [0000] and subsequently treating the solution with a metal salt to provide Compound 26, wherein R, Z and M are as previously defined. [0019] A further aspect of the invention provides a compound of formula I by reacting Compound 26 [0000] [0020] where M is as defined above, [0021] with an activator, optionally a catalyst, in the presence of base and dicyclopropylamine (optionally as its hydrochloride salt) to prepare Compound I. [0022] A further aspect of the invention provides basic salt forms of the pyrrole derivative with amine derivatives [0000] [0000] wherein [0023] R and X are as previously defined, A is H, NH 2 , OH or R 1 ; [0024] R 1 and R 2 are independently C 1 -C 5 alkyl, benzyl, allyl, —(CH 2 CH 2 ) 2 O, —(CH 2 CH 2 ) 3 N, and other simple amine bases such as, TEA, DBU, DIPEA, DABCO, DCHA, tetramethyl guanidine, ammonia, hydrazine, morpholine, DMAP, tetramethyl piperidine and dibenzylamine. [0025] In a preferred embodiment, R is Et, A is H, X is Br and R 1 and R 2 are both benzyl. [0026] Another aspect of the invention provides Compound 10a of the formula [0000] [0000] Another aspect of the invention provides Compound 5 of the formula [0000] [0000] wherein R and X are as previously defined. [0027] Another aspect of the invention provides Compound 13 of the formula as its free base, or acidic salt which is [0000] [0028] Another aspect of the invention provides acidic salt forms of Compound 29 [0000] [0000] where X″ is Cl, Br or CF 3 SO 3 . [0029] Another aspect of the invention provides compound 31 of the formula as its free form, hydrate or hydrated ethanol solvate [0000] [0030] Another aspect of the invention provides a method for nitrating Compound 9 of the formula [0000] [0000] which comprises combining a metal salt of nitric acid selected from NaNO 3 , KNO 3 or LiNO 3 , with SO 3 .pyridine complex, in the presence of the respective metal sulfate salt selected from Na 2 SO 4 , Li 2 SO 4 or K 2 SO 4 , and metal bisulfate salt selected from NaHSO 4 , LiHSO 4 or KHSO 4 , in a suitable solvent, such as MeCN, to afford Compound 10 of the formula [0000] [0031] Another aspect of the invention provides a method for coupling Compound 11 [0000] [0000] to Compound 28 of the formula [0000] [0000] which comprises treating Compound 11 with a suitable palladium source such as PdCl 2 (or a pre-ligated version), a phosphine ligand such as Xantphos and a suitable potassium source such as potassium pivalate (PivOK) and optionally an organic base such as Hunig's base, to afford Compound 12 of the formula [0000] [0032] Another aspect of the invention provides a method for coupling amine derivative Compound 7 of the formula [0000] [0033] to Compound 29 of the formula [0000] [0034] in the presence of a suitable palladium source, a ligand and a base in a suitable solvent (such as tAmylOH). [0035] Another aspect of the invention provides a method of coupling Compound 31 of the formula [0000] [0000] to Compound 27 of the formula [0000] [0000] which comprises treating Compound 31 with DPPCl in the presence of base, then reacting Compound 27 in the presence of DMAP to afford Compound I. [0036] Another aspect of the invention provides a method of coupling Compound 31 to Compound 27 of the formula by treating Compound 31 with DMC, followed by treatment with Compound 27 in the presence of base DMAP, to afford Compound I. [0037] Another aspect of the invention provides Compound I prepared by the processes described herein. [0038] A final aspect of the invention provides a method for treating a myeloproliferative disorder, comprising administering to a mammalian species, preferably a human, in need thereof, a therapeutically effective amount of Compound I, wherein Compound I is prepared utilizing the novel process steps of the invention. [0039] The processes of the invention have several important advantages over prior syntheses of Compound I. In particular, due to the short sequence of chemical steps, high yields and process improvement, the throughput, cycle-time and overall yield have been dramatically improved. Additionally, the process consistently provides Compound I in high quality for use as a pharmaceutical API. [0040] What is now needed in the art are new methods of making the pyrrolopyridine compound, which is useful against myeloproliferative diseases, both in terms of overall yield and material throughput. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0041] The following schemes illustrate the improved synthetic steps of the invention. These Schemes are illustrative and are not meant to limit the possible techniques one skilled in the art may use to manufacture compounds disclosed herein. [0042] As shown below in Scheme 1, the general preparation of compound 7 is described. Trichloroacetyl pyrrole (Compound 1) is reacted with a halogenating agent to give the C4-bromo pyrrole (Compound 2). Alcoholysis occurs in the presence of an alcohol and base to generate ester (Compound 3), which can be selectively nitrated through contact with an appropriate nitrating agent (defined as a species that generates NO 2 + ), yielding C5-nitro pyrrole (Compound 4). Compound 4 can be isolated as its free form, or optionally as a salt with an appropriate base. Ethylation with an appropriate alkylating agent generates the N-ethyl pyrrole (Compound 5), which in the presence of an imidazole, base, palladium and an appropriate phosphine ligand, will undergo a coupling process to form Compound 6. Reduction of the nitro-group of Compound 6 in the presence of hydrogen, a metal catalyst and optionally a base will produce Compound 7. [0000] [0043] As shown below in Scheme 2, the preparation of Compound 13 is described. Trichloroacetyl pyrrole is treated with NBS in acetonitrile to produce Compound 8. Treatment with sodium ethoxide in EtOH yields the ethyl ester Compound 9. This may be treated with a range of nitrating systems, in this example, NaNO 3 /SO 3 .Py, to generate nitro-pyrrole Compound 10, which can be isolated directly or as a salt form with an appropriate base, preferably dibenzylamine. Ethylation with ethyl iodide generates Compound 11 which may be isolated, or optionally telescoped directly into the arylation with Compound 32. Arylation proceeds in the presence of palladium, Xantphos, potassium pivylate and Hunig's base to generate Compound 12. Hydrogenation in the presence of Pt/C followed by cyclization with NaOEt yields Compound 13. [0000] [0044] Another process of the invention is disclosed in Scheme 3 shown below. Compound 14 is prepared from Compound 3 in the presence of an alkylating agent. Treatment with a suitable diboron reagent produces Compound 15, which can then be coupled with a suitably functionalized imidazole derivative to yield Compound 16. Aminolysis with a suitable nitrogen donor produces Compound 17, which can cyclize under appropriate conditions to produce Compound 7. [0000] [0045] As shown below in Scheme 4, ethylation of Compound 9 with ethyl iodide produces Compound 18. This may be directly reacted with dipinacol-diboron in the presence of Pd(OAc) 2 and tricyclohexylphosphin hexafluorophosphate and tetramethylammonium acetate to yield Compound 19. Subsequent coupling with 5-Br-imidazole derivative yields Compound 20. Treatment with hydroxylamine hydrochloride in the presence of triethylamine yields the Compound 21. Subsequent cyclization with Piv 2 O in the presence of PRICAT™ and hydrogen yields Compound 13. [0000] [0046] As shown below in Scheme 5, Compound 23 may be converted to Compound 26 by two pathways. In one option, Compound 23 can be treated with palladium, ligand and a mild base to prepare Compound 25. Reaction of Compound 25 with a metal hydroxide produces Compound 26. [0047] Alternately, Compound 23 can be treated with palladium and ligand in the presence of a soluble hydroxide base, followed by treatment with the metal counter-ion to prepare Compound 26 directly. Once Compound 26 is formed, it can be coupled to Compound 27 to form compound I. [0000] EXAMPLES [0048] The invention will now be further described by the following working example(s), which are preferred embodiments of the invention. All temperatures are in degrees Celsius (° C.) unless otherwise indicated. These examples are illustrative rather than limiting and it is to be understood that there may be other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto. [0049] For ease of reference, the following abbreviations may be used herein. ABBREVIATIONS [0050] [0000] ACN acetonitrile AcOH acetic acid Ac 2 O acetic anhydride ADDP 1,1′-(azodicarbonyl)dipiperidine aq. aqueous Bn benzyl Boc t-butyl carbamate Boc 2 O di-t-butyl dicarbonate Bu butyl Cbz benzyl carbamate conc. concentrated DCE dichloroethane DCM dichloromethane DIAD diisopropyl azodicarboxylate DIEA diisopropylethylamine DIPEA N,N-diisopropylethylamine DMAP 4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine DMF dimethyl formamide DMSO dimethyl sulfoxide DMT-MM 4-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-4- methylmorpholinium chloride EDC 1-(dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride eq. equivalents Et ethyl EtOAc ethyl acetate EtOH ethanol Et 2 O diethyl ether Et 3 N triethylamine Fmoc 9-fluorenylmethyl carbamate h hour(s) HATU O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′- tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate HOAt 1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole HPLC high pressure liquid chromatography i-PrOH isopropanol KOAc potassium acetate LAH Lithium aluminum hydride LR Limiting reagent min minute(s) Me methyl MeCN acetonitrile MeOH methanol Me 2 NH dimethyl amine NaHMDS sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide Na(OAc) 3 BH sodium triacetoxyborohydride n-BuLi n-butyl lithium NCS N-chlorosuccinimide NMM N-methylmorpholine NMP n-methylpyrrolidinone NMR nuclear magnetic resonance OTf trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy Pd/C palladium on carbon Pd(dppf) 2 Cl 2 [1,1′- bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]dichloropalladium(II) Pd(OAc) 2 palladium acetate Pd(PPh 3 ) 4 tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium Pd 2 (dba) 3 tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) Ph phenyl PhMe toluene Ph 2 TfN 1,1,1-trifluoro-N-phenyl-N-(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl methanesulfonamide PPh 3 triphenyl phosphorus rt/RT room temperature sat. saturated t-Bu tertiary butyl t-BuOH tertiary butanol TFA trifluoroacetic acid Tf 2 O trifluoromethylsulfonic anhydride THF tetrahydrofuran TMAA tetra-methyl ammonium acetate TMS trimethylsilyl TsO p-toluenesulfonyl Xantphos 4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthane Example 1 [0051] [0052] A solution of Compound 1 in acetonitrile (1238.0 kg, 264.9 kg after correction) was charged into a 5000 L glass-lined reactor at a temperature of 20-30° C. The mixture was added with stirring over about 2 h and then cooled to 0° C. NBS (221.8 kg) was charged into the mixture at intervals of 20-30 min at 0-20° C. The mixture was cooled to 0-5° C. and reacted until the content of Compound 8 was ≦1.0%. Additional NBS (4.0 kg) was charged into the mixture at 0-20° C. The mixture was reacted over 3 h until the content of Compound 8 was ≦1.0%. Purified water (2650.0 kg) was added over about 1.5-2.5 h at 0-20° C. The mixture was cooled to 0-5° C. and then stirred for about 1 h for crystallization. The mixture was filtered and the filter cake was rinsed with water. Example 2 [0053] [0054] While maintaining the temperature at 20-30° C., anhydrous ethanol (950.0 kg) was charged into a 3000 L glass-lined reactor followed by Compound 8 (342.7 kg). The mixture was cooled to 0-5° C. over about 2 h. Sodium alcoholate solution in ethanol (21%, 36.4 kg) was added dropwise over about 1-1.5 h at 0-5° C. The reaction mixture was then heated to about 25-30° C. and tested until the content of Compounds 8/9 was ≦1.0%. The reaction mixture was concentrated at a temperature ≦50° C. until about 1.3-1.4 volume of Compound 8 was left. The concentrated mixture was cooled at 25-30° C. The mixture was quenched into cooled water (3427.0 kg) over about 2 h. After addition, the mixture was stirred at 0-5° C. over about 2 h for crystallization. The mixture was filtered and the filter cake was rinsed. The solid was dried at 30-40° C. over 40-45 h to afford 234.3 kg of Compound 9, 99.9% purity and 91.3% yield. Example 3 [0055] [0056] A mixture of NaNO 3 , NaHSO 4 , and Na 2 SO 4 in CH 3 CN is wet-milled to constant particle size of ˜50 micron. To the slurry of inorganic salts is added SO 3 .pyridine and Compound 9. The reaction mixture is agitated at 25° C. until 90-95% conversion is achieved. The reaction is quenched with aqueous sodium hydroxide and the spent inorganic salts are removed by filtration. The filtrate is passed through a carbon pad and distilled under constant volume distillation and diluted with water to a target 15 volumes/kg of Compound 9 and a target ratio 1.0:2.0 vol/vol MeCN to water. The resulting solids are deliquored, washed, and dried to afford Compound 10. Example 4 [0057] [0058] Compound 10 (1.0 eq) and TBABr (1.0 eq) were added to a biphasic mixture of toluene (8 L/kg 10) and potassium carbonate (1.5 eq) in water (5 L/kg 10). The batch temperature was held at 25° C. The resulting triphasic slurry was heated to 60-65° C. and diethylsulfate (1.5 eq, in a solution of toluene 2 L/kg 10) was slowly added over ˜1 h. The reaction was aged until less than 1 RAP of Compound 10 (10:11) remained. The resulting homogeneous biphasic mixture was cooled to 20° C. and the lean aq. phase was removed. The rich organic phase was washed with water (2×7 L/kg 10) and concentrated to 6 mL/g 10. The concentrated stream was dried via azeotropic, constant volume distillation with toluene until the water content of the stream was <0.1 wt %. The resulting stream was telescoped into the subsequent direct arylation reaction. Example 5 [0059] [0060] To the toluene stream of Compound 11, with potassium pivalate (1.5 equiv.) was charged, followed by DIPEA (3 eq.), Compound 28 (3 eq.) and Pd(Xantphos)Cl 2 (0.04 eq.). The vessel was evacuated to <200 torr and backfilled with nitrogen (3×) followed by heating to 95° C. until residual Compound 11 was less than 1 RAP (11:12). The reaction mixture was cooled to 25° C. and diluted with ethyl acetate (15 mL/g vs input pyrrole) and aq. N-acetylcysteine (0.2 eq., 5 wt % solution, 1.8 mL/g vs. input pyrrole) and heated to 50° C. for 1 h. The biphasic mixture was cooled to 25° C. The lower aqueous layer was removed. The ethyl acetate stream was washed with water (2×7 mL/g vs. input pyrrole). The rich organic phase was polish filtered followed by a vessel/polish filter rinse with ethyl acetate (2 mL/g vs. input pyrrole). The rich organic stream was concentrated to 4 mL/g vs. input pyrrole via vacuum distillation, while maintaining the batch temperature above 50° C. If spontaneous nucleation did not occur, Compound 12 seeds (1 wt %) were charged, followed by aging for 30 min at temperature. MTBE (5 mL/g vs. 11) was charged to the slurry over 1 hour while maintaining the batch temperature above 40° C., followed by aging at 40° C. for 1 h. The slurry was cooled to 0° C. over 6 h and aged at 0° C. for 6 h. The slurry was filtered and washed with EtOAc:Toluene:MTBE (1.5:1.0:1.5, 2 mL/g vs. input 11). The wet cake was dried (50° C., 100 torr) until LOD was <1 wt %. Example 6 [0061] [0062] Compound 12 (1 eq., limiting reagent (LR)) is dissolved in THF/NMP (20 Vol wrt LR, 9/1 ratio) and submitted to hydrogenation using 10 wt % (wrt LR) Pt/C (5 wt %) at 25 to 40° C. for 5-10 h. The reaction containing the corresponding amine is filtered. The rich organic stream is concentrated to Compound 12 Vol (wrt LR) and subjected to 0.1 eq of 21 wt % NaOEt/EtOH for 5 h at 20-25° C., upon which Compound 13 forms. The stream is cooled to 0-10° C., and water (5 L/Kg, wrt to LR) is added and then filtered to isolate Compound 13. The product is dried at 50° C. under vacuum. Example 7 [0063] [0064] Compound 18 was prepared by treating the pyrrole with ethyl iodide and pulverized potassium carbonate in DMF at 25-30° C. under inert atmosphere. After the reaction was completed, the batch mass was cooled to 15° C. to 20° C. and quenched by slow addition of water then MTBE. The MTBE layer was separated and washed with water. The MTBE layer was distilled to 4 Vol and solvent swapped with toluene. The toluene stream was then taken into the next step. Example 8 [0065] [0066] Tetra-methyl ammonium acetate in toluene slurry was heated to 75-80° C. to get a clear solution. The mass was cooled to below 30° C. and pyrrole in toluene and bis (pinacolato) diborane were added. The reactor was inerted by nitrogen purging then the reaction was heated to 75-80° C. A freshly prepared catalyst/ligand complex (0.01 eq of palladium acetate, 0.025 eq of tricyclohexyl phosphino hexafluoroborate and 0.2 eq of tetra methyl ammonium acetate in toluene) was charged under nitrogen atmosphere at RT and stirred for 2 h. The mass was then stirred at 75-80° C. under nitrogen atmosphere. After the reaction was completed, the mixture was cooled below 30° C. and quenched with aq. sodium bisulphate solution. The organic layer was polish filtered through a Celite bed and the filtrate was washed with water. The solvent swapped to ethanol until the toluene content became less than 0.5%. The solution was cooled to 0-5° C. and water was added for crystallization. The product was then isolated by filtration. Example 9 [0067] [0068] Compound 20 was prepared by treating Compound 19 with Compound 34 in the presence of palladium acetate, triphenyl phosphine and potassium carbonate in dimethyl acetamide with the water mixture as the solvent. Dimethyl acetamide, water, potassium carbonate and the two starting materials were charged into the reactor. The mixture was made inert with nitrogen for 30 min and then charged with freshly prepared catalyst mixture (palladium acetate, triphenyl phosphine and potassium carbonate in dimethyl acetamide). The temperature was raised to 78-83° C. then the mass was stirred at this temperature. After the reaction was completed, the reaction mass was cooled to ambient temperature and purified water was added slowly into the mass for product crystallization. The mass was stirred for a period of 3 h and filtered. The wet cake was washed with purified water and dried in VTD at 50-55° C. under vacuum. Example 10 [0069] [0070] Compound 21 was prepared by treating Compound 20 with hydroxylamine hydrochloride and triethyl amine using ethanol as the solvent. Compound 20 was added into ethanol (15 Vol) and the reaction mass was heated to 38-40° C. Hydroxylamine hydrochloride was charged and stirred for 10 min, then triethyl amine was added slowly at 38-40° C. over a period of 1 h. The above mass was stirred at 38-40° C. until Compound 20 becomes less than 5.0%, typically in about 15 h. After the reaction was completed, the above reaction mass was cooled to ambient temperature (below 30° C.) and filtered. The wet cake was washed with purified water (4 Vol) and dried under vacuum in VTD at 55-60° C. Example 11 [0071] [0072] Initially Compound 21 was treated with pivalic anhydride using toluene and acetic acid mixture as solvent under inert atmosphere until Compound 21 becomes less than 3.0% with respect to Compound 21, typically in about 30 min. PRICAT Nickel was then added under nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mass was inerted with nitrogen for three cycle times and then degassed with hydrogen gas for three cycle times. Following this, 3.0 kg/cm 2 hydrogen pressure was applied to the reaction mass which was stirred for about 12 h. After the reaction was completed, the reaction mixture was filtered through a sparkler filter. The filtrate was distilled and the solvent exchanged with toluene until the ratio of acetic acid & toluene reaches 1:20. At this time, n-Heptane was charged and cooled to 15° C. Then the product was filtered and the wet cake was dried in VTD at 50-55° C. under vacuum. Example 12 [0073] [0074] Compound 30 was prepared by the coupling of Compound 22 with Compound 29, 3-bromo-1,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole in the presence of Tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium chloroform adduct, t-Brettphos and potassium phosphate in tert-amyl alcohol at 98-103° C. under inert atmosphere. After completion of the reaction (typical level of Int. 9-5% & typical reaction hrs 20 h), the mass was cooled to ambient temperature and t-amyl alcohol (4 Vol) and 20 Vol of water were charged into the reaction mass. The reaction mass was stirred for 15 min. and then phase split. The organic layer was diluted with 10 Vol of MTBE and product was extracted with 20 Vol of 1M methane sulphonic acid. The MSA stream was treated with 15 wt % charcoal to reduce the residual palladium numbers. The filtrate was cooled to below 20° C. and the pH was adjusted to 1.7-1.9 using 1N NaOH for product crystallization and then filtered. The wet cake was washed with purified water (3×5 Vol), followed by methanol (5 Vol). The cake was vacuum dried for 3 h. then the wet cake and dimethyl sulfoxide (20 Vol) were charged into a reactor. The mass was heated to 120-125° C. to get clear solution then the mass was cooled to ambient temperature and stirred for 2 h, then filtered. The wet cake was washed with methanol (3×4.0 Vol) and vacuum dried for 2 h. The wet cake was dried in VTD at below 55° C. under vacuum. Example 13 [0075] [0076] Compound 30, ethanol (16.5 Vol), water and aq sodium hydroxide solution were charged into a reactor then the mass was heated to 70-75° C. and stirred until Compound 30 becomes less than 1.0%. After the reaction was completed, the mass was diluted with ethanol for complete product precipitation at 65-75° C. Then the mass was cooled to 50° C. for a period of 1 h and stirred for 1 h at 50° C. The mass was further cooled to 20° C. and stirred for 1 h at 20° C. and then filtered. The wet cake was washed with 5 Vol of 15% aqueous ethanolic solution followed by THF. The wet cake was dried under vacuum at 70-75° C. till LOD comes to less than 5.0%, typically in about 40 h. Example 14 [0077] [0078] In a vessel 36.5 mmol (˜42.6 mL) of Compound 29 solution in 2-methyl-2-butanol was combined with 30.7 g (65.1 mmol) tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (55 wt % in water), 8.01 g (27.0 mmol) Compound 13, and 10 mL 2-methyl-2-butanol. The mixture was heated at 70° C. until hydrolysis of Compound 13 was complete (full dissolution, <15 min). The solution was cooled to 60° C. and 1.12 g (2.22 mmol) of tBu-BippyPhos followed by 384 mg (1.028 mmol) allylpalladium chloride dimer (L:Pd=1:1) was added. The mixture was heated to 80° C. and was aged at this temperature for 20 h before cooling to 22° C. [0079] Water was added and the mixture concentrated, a constant volume distillation was then performed to swap to ethanol (40-55° C., 150 mbar). The resulting solution was passed through a 5 micron filter to remove any particulates. The solution was heated to 55° C. and 8.10 mL (40.52 mmol, 1.5 equiv) 5N NaOH (aq) was added dropwise over a 3 h period. Crystals of Compound 31 began to form, and after aging for an additional 1 h, the mixture was cooled to 20° C. over 3 h. After an additional 6 h of aging, crystals were collected on a frit and the cake was washed with 40 mL of 90:10 ethanol: water, followed by 48 mL acetone. After drying at 80° C. in a vacu-oven for 16 h, Compound 31 was collected as an off-white solid (8.89 g, 85%). Example 15 [0080] [0081] Compound 31 was added into dichloromethane (20 Vol) and cooled to 15-20° C. The reaction mass was charged with DMC in DCM solution (1.4 eq of DMC in 5.0 Vol of DCM). The mixture was stirred until Compound 31 becomes less than 2.0% with respect to the corresponding acid chloride, typically in about 1 h. After completion of the reaction, Compound 27 (1.4 eq) and N,N-diisopropylethyleneamine (3.0 eq) were charged and the mixture was stirred. After completion of the reaction, the mass was quenched with 12 Vol of water then the layers were separated. The organic layer was washed with water and filtered through a celite bed. The filtrate was concentrated to ˜6.0 vol and then the mass was cooled to 35° C. To the resulting solution was added THF, followed by seeds of product, then stirred for 3 h. The solvent was swapped with THF until dichloromethane becomes less than 2 wt % (wrt THF). The mass was cooled to ˜5 to 0° C. over a period of 2 h and stirred for 2 h. The reaction mass was then filtered under a nitrogen atmosphere. The material was slurried with pre-cooled THF (2*2 Vol) and filtered. The wet cake was dried in VTD at 60° C. under vacuum till LOD becomes <1%, typically in about 20 h. Example 16 [0082] [0083] To a slurry of Compound 31 (15.00 g, 40.0 mmol) in dichloromethane (300 ml) was added diphenylphosphinic chloride (12.29 g, 51.9 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h and N,N-diisopropylethylamine (16.53 g, 127.9 mmol) was then added and stirred for another 30 min. Compound 27 (6.94 g, 51.9 mmol) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (0.49 g, 4.0 mmol) were subsequently added and stirred for 16 h until the reaction was completed. The reaction mixture was treated with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (3.26 g, 20.0 mmol) and citric acid (10.10 g, 48.0 mmol) in deionized water (180 ml) for 2 h. After phase split, the dichloromethane phase was washed once with 0.42 N NaOH solution (180 ml) and washed twice with deionized water (180 ml each). The final dichloromethane phase was concentrated (to 90 ml) and acetone (30 ml) was added. The solution was cooled to 35° C. and N-2 form seed of Compound I (150 mg) was added and aged for 1 h. The resulting slurry was solvent-swapped to acetone (DCM<10% v/v), and cooled to 0° C. The solid was filtered and washed with cold acetone and dried to afford 14.69 g (85%) of Compound I (HPLC AP 99.8) as off-white crystals.
The invention relates to an improved process for synthesizing N,N-dicyclopropyl-4-(1,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-3-ylamino)-6-ethyl-1-methyl-1,6-dihydroimidazo[4,5-d]pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-7-carboxamide of the formula: (I) Compound (I) is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of myeloproliferative disorders, such as polycythaemia vera, thrombocythaemia and primary myelofibrosis.
2
FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to food processing equipment and more particularly to cooling systems for can and similar food containers. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Since man first began preserving foods in can type containers, the rapid cooling of these containers after heating to preserve the contents thereof has been a problem. If the cans are not cooled evenly, hot spots will develop which can cause spoilage. Long cooling conveyors have traditionally been used with liquid coolants such as water being used to speed up the cooling process. The above systems are usually linear thus requiring large amounts of space for installation of the same. They also do not usually include any recirculation means since once the water is heated during the cooling process, it will cost more to cool it for recycling than it would to use additional fresh water while dumping the hot water. Thus large space requirements and large volumes of water have been required to effectively operate these prior known systems. Although attempts have been made to reduce the floor space required by normal can cooling systems as well as means for reducing the water consumption thereof, up until now no completely suitable system has been developed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION After much research and study into the above-mentioned problems, the present invention has been developed to provide a can cooling system which takes up a minimum of floor space and recirculates its cooling liquid thus greatly reducing the volume of such liquid required for any given number of units processed. The above is accomplished through the utilization of multiple lanes in stacked configuration with the hot cans being introduced at the bottom and the cool cans being removed from the top. This combination additionally is less expensive to produce and maintain. In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cooling system for can type containers requiring a minimum of floor space. Another object of the present invention is to provide a can type cooling system so constructed that the path followed by each can is a stacked zig-zag pattern. Another object of the present invention is to provide a stacked path can type cooling system wherein the cans enter the lower portion thereof and exit the upper portion thereof. Another object of the present invention is to provide a cooling system wherein the cooling liquid is applied to the cooler cans and then sequentially to the hotter cans. Another object of the present invention is to provide a stacked conveyor can cooling system which imparts a spinning motion to the can as it is cooled thereby evenly cooling the interior contents thereof. Another object of the present invention is to provide a stacked can cooling system including a cooling liquid recirculation means. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and obvious from a study of the following description and the accompanying drawings which are merely illustrative of such invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the improved cooling system of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the track assembly and pusher bars of the present invention; FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the track portion of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a somewhat schematic representation of the pusher bar drive system of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a somewhat schematic representation of the track paths of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the pusher bar drive system; and FIG. 7 is a somewhat schematic view of the cooling portion of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With further reference to the drawings, the improved cooling system of the present invention, indicated generally at 10, includes a plurality of upright frames 11 which in turn support a plurality of horizontal frames 12. A plurality of track support frames 13 extend across the cooler system and are supported by horizontal frames 12 on opposite ends of such support frames Track rails 14 are mounted on track support frames 13 and are parallely disposed to each other as can clearly be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. The horizontal portion of these rails form four tiers indicated generally from top to bottom as 15, 16, 17, and 18. The track rails 14 on the top three tiers 15, 16, and 17 are all disposed parallel to each other and parallel to the horizontal frames 12. The track rails on the bottom tier 18 are disposed parallel to each other but at slight angle to the horizontal frames 12, said angle exactly equaling the distance between two of the rails from one end thereof to the other. This angulation of the lower tier of track rails effectively forms a cross-over or lane change so that cans entering the lower tier from the tier and lane directly above will be one lane over when they are again moved back up to tier 17. This lane switch is shown in dotted lanes in FIG. 5 and will hereinafter be described in greater detail. Disposed between the two upper tiers 15 and 16 at opposite ends thereof, as seen clearly in FIG. 4, are idler sprockets 19 and 20. These idler sprockets are paired with one being on each side of the tiers and are mounted on shafts 19' and 20°, respectively. Second pairs of idler sprockets 21 and 22 are disposed at opposite ends of the lower two tiers 17 and 18 and are paired as are idler sprockets 19 and 20. These last mentioned sprockets are rotatively mounted on their respective idler shafts 21' and 22'. A pair of drive sprockets 23 are disposed on opposite sides of intermediate tiers 16 and 17 adjacent idler sprockets 19 and 21. This pair of chain drive sprockets 23 are fixedly mounted on drive shaft 24. One end of this drive shaft projects outwardly from the side of the cooling system 10 and has fixedly mounted thereon large drive sprocket 25. Drive chain 26 is trained over large drive sprocket 25 as well as over small drive sprocket 27 as can clearly be seen in FIG. 6. This last mentioned drive sprocket is driven by reducer 28 which in turn is driven by motor 29 in the normal manner of such devices. A pusher bar chain 30 is trained about each pair of sprockets from drive sprocket 23, over idler sprockets 19, 20, 21, and 22, and back to drive sprocket 23 as seen clearly in FIG. 4. Extending between and secured to the pairs of pusher bar chains 30 are a plurality of spaced pusher bars 31. The spacing between these pusher bars is such that without internal adjustments the cooler 10 of the present invention will accommodate a wide range of different size containers. The track rails forming the upper tier 15 are curved downwardly approximately 90 degrees adjacent idler sprocket 20 at one end and are curved downwardly adjacent idler sprocket 19 to a point just above bottom tier 18 at the other end as can clearly be seen in FIG. 4. The track rails forming tier 16 begin immediately above top tier 15 at the end of idler sprockets 20 and extend downwardly a little over 90 degrees at the end adjacent drive sprockets 23. The track rails forming tier 17 begin immediately above tier 16 adjacent the end of drive sprockets 23 and extend downwardly slightly over 90 degrees slightly at the end adjacent idler sprockets 22. Finally the track rails of tier 18 begin immediately above tier 17 adjacent the end of sprockets 22 and extend upwardly on the outside of the pusher bars 31 to a point adjacent upper tier 15 at the end adjacent idler sprockets 21, again all this can clearly be seen in FIG. 4. The top 32 of the cooling system 10 is formed from sheet metal and is air tight. Air impervious side panels 33 are provided between the upright frames 11 and the horizontal frames 12. These side panels are removable for maintenance of the system but are otherwise left in place. Ventilator panels 34 have fixed louvers 35 formed therein and are removably mounted immediately below side panels 33. Air impervious end panels 35 are provided and are removably mounted for maintenance purposes. The bottom 26 of the cooling system 10, along with side walls 37 and end walls 38 form a tank like structure. An internal wall or dam 39 runs longitudinally the length of the system thus forming sumps 40 and 41. Although only one wall or dam is shown forming only two sumps, it is to be understood that additional walls could be provided thus forming three or more sump areas in the lower portion of the system 10 of the present invention. The purpose of dividing the lower portion of the system into different sumps will hereinafter be discussed in greater detail. At one end of the cooling system 10 of the present invention is provided a twist chute 42 which takes a can or other container 43 from an inlet conveyor 44 and orients it from vertical to horizontal prior to entering the system at tier 17 as can clearly been seen in FIG. 1. Conversely an outlet twist chute 44 is provided adjacent upper tier 15 and is adapted to operatively carry the cooled product from the cooling system 10 and deposit the same in correct orientation on outlet conveyor 45. Communicating through top 32 is an exhaust hood 46 operatively connected to exhaust stack 47 which includes a forced air drive means as indicated by dotted lines 48. At least one pump means is provided for each of the sumps 40 and 41 and are designated at 49 and 50. These pumps are connected to their respective sumps by sump lines 51 and 52. Outlet lines 53 and 54 lead to headers 55 and 56 which are attached to spray tubes 57 and 58. These spray tubes operatively mount spray nozzles 59. These spray tubes and spray nozzles cover almost the entire area immediately below top 32. A fresh water inlet line 60 comes from a standard water supply, passes through a controlling means 61 and into sump 40 as can be seen clearly in FIG. 7. A waste water line 62 is provided in sump 41 and leads to a disposal area such as the municipal sewer. The various lanes formed between the track rails 14 within the cooling system 10 of the present invention are illustrated schematically in FIG. 5. The inlet indicated by arrow 66 comes into lane one, indicated by arrow 67 on tier 17. The cans are moved along such tier by pusher bars 31 and at the end of such tier move upwardly adjacent sprockets 23 between the curved track rails to tier 16. The cans continue to move as indicated by arrow 16' in FIG. 4 until they approach idler sprockets 20 where the track rails carry such cans up to tier 15. They continue to move as indicated by arrow 15' to the area adjacent idler sprockets 19 where such cans move downwardly between the track rails to the area adjacent idler sprockets 21. Here they enter tier 18 and continue to move as indicated by arrow 18'. The track rails forming the various lanes on tier 18 are offset one lane from the point the cans enter tier 18 to the point where they exit such tier. These shift lanes are indicated by broken lines 68 in the lane schematic shown in FIG. 5. Thus as the cans 43 move upwardly between the curved track rails adjacent idler sprockets 22, they will move into lane two 69 of tier 17. The cans 43 continue to move through the system 10 of the present invention as described above, each time shifting one lane as they come pass tier 18, i.e., from one lane two 69, to lane three 70, to lane four 71, and finally to lane five 72. From lane five of upper tier 15 the cans automatically discharge as indicated by arrow 73. Because of the multi-tiered, multi-laned track system of the present invention, a can will travel for, example, up to twelve hundred linear feet in a cooling system taking up only 30 linear feet. Thus a forty to one space reduction is achieved over conventional in-line cooling conveyors. The cooling system 10 of the present invention includes the two sumps 40 and 41 described above which, through sump line 51 and pump 49, delivers water to header 55 and to spray tubes 57. It should be noted that these spray tubes are located directly over sump 40 while spray tubes 58 discharge water from sump 41 and are located directly thereabove. Make-up water, which is supplied in limited amounts, can be controlled by any suitable means such as controller 61 which can be a float valve or other similar means. As make-up water is added, any overflow moves across dam 39 top sump 41 where the access is removed by discharge through overflow pipe 62. The reason for this arrangement is that sump 40, which receives the cool make-up water, sprays on the last two lanes 71 and 72 which are the coolest containers. Thus it can clearly be seen that water from each of the individual sumps removes the maximum amount of heat from the cans being processed under the respective spray tubes. Although the spray tubes are only located at the top of the cooling system of the present invention, water therefrom moves down between the openings in the track rails 14 thereby cooling all of the tiers or levels of the conveying system. The exhaust fan 48 located adjacent exhaust hood 46 on the top 32 of the cooler 10 draws outside air in through louvered panels 34 at the bottom of each cooler and sucks it through the water spray thus absorbing heat therefrom. As the heat saturated air leaves the cooler through the exhaust stack, a major part of the heat load is removed therewith. The balance of the heat load is removed through the water overflow in the sumps as hereinabove described. It has been found that when the circulating pumps 49 and 50 use headers of 11/2 and 2 inch diameters, respectively, with the spray nozzles 59 being on eight inch centers in spray tubes 57, adequate cooling can be accomplished. The spray nozzles preferably have 13/64 inch orifices and the two headers deliver 1.1 gallons per minute at 10 psi in spray tubes 57 and 2.1 gallons per minute at 20 psi in spray tubes 58. The pusher bars 31 are driven by a 11/2 horsepower motor 21 with a variable speed drive 28 which allows the drive chains 30 to move at any selected speed between twenty-five and seventy-five feet per minute. Since the cans 43 propelled by the pusher bars 31 roll along the track rails 14, they will rotate or spin in one direction on one tier and will roll or spin in the opposite direction on the next tier thus changing direction some twenty times in a four tier, five lane system described herein. This spinning and changing of spin direction agitates the interior contents of the product being cooled thus greatly enhancing the efficiency of heat transfer from the product. Although for simplicity in description, only a single inlet, single discharge system has been described, it is to be understood that additional lanes could be added with crossovers moving in opposite directions so that a dual or twin system could be operated from the same drive means. Also the present invention is intended to be a modular system wherein additional sections of track rails can be added to extend the length of the cooler and thereby multiplying the travel distance for any given container to be cooled. Finally mild vertical vibrations can be added when viscous products are being processed. Vibrations of two cycles per second at an amplitude one-fourth inch have been found to reduce the cooling time of light sauces and soups by approximately thirty percent. From the above it can be seen that the present invention has been developed to provide a very compact and yet highly efficient cooling system which can be extended or reduced in size as need dictates. The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other specific ways than there herein set forth without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claim are intended to be embraced therein.
This invention is a cooling device for cans and similar containers and is specifically designed for installation where floor space is either limited or at a premium. Additionally, there is a unique liquid circulation system which is extremely effective in cooling and yet low in energy consumption.
5
This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 07/857,259, filed Mar. 25, 1992, now abandoned. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of forming a diamond or diamond containing carbon film, under a lower pressure region. More specifically the present invention is directed to a particular selection of reactive gases for forming the carbon layer by CVD method, and further relates to an improvement of an introducing method of reactive gases into CVD apparatuses. 2. Description of the Prior Art Up to the present time, as a method of forming a diamond film or a diamond containing carbon film, a thermal CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) method has been most frequently utilized. This is a method, as shown for example in FIG. 1, to form a diamond film or a diamond containing carbon film on a substrate, by causing a reactive gas introduced into a quartz reaction vessel 1 through a gas inlet 2 and outlet 5 to chemically react on the substrate 4, which is heated at 400°-1300° C. by releasing thermoelectrons from a metallic tungsten or tantalum filament S heated by electric current at 1500°-3000° C. At this time, the pressure in the reaction vessel is kept at 1-350 Torr. Therefore, it is cheap and easy to handle the thermal CVD method. As another method of forming a diamond film or a diamond containing carbon film, it has been known to use a microwave plasma CVD method. This is, as shown for example in FIG. 2, to introduce a reactive gas through an upper part of a quartz reaction tube 1 which is inserted into one part of a microwave guide 6, and to effect a vacuum exhausting through a lower portion of the quartz reaction tube. In this method, the microwave having 2.45 GHz frequency is regularly employed, and the pressure in the reaction tube is kept at 10-200 Torr. Further, it has been known for forming a diamond film or a diamond containing carbon film to use a mutual action between microwave and magnetic field. There are two ways in this type of the CVD methods, one is called a magnetic field-microwave plasma CVD method utilizing MCR (Mixed Cyclotron Resonance) which occurs when the pressure is 0.1 Torr or higher as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,494, having Ser. No. 329,877 issued to Yamazaki, and the other is the ECR plasma method using ECR (Electron Cyclotron Resonance), the phenomenon arising in case of such very low reaction pressure as less than 0.1 Torr. FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus used for the magnetic field-microwave plasma CVD applying MCR, in which a reactive gas introduced into a reaction chamber through a gas inlet 2 will be effectively excited by using a mutual action between a magnetic field induced by a electromagnetic coil 7 and a microwave introduced into the reaction chamber from a microwave guide 8, resulting in that a diamond film or a diamond containing carbon film will be formed on a substrate 4. The substrate is under the control of temperature, by heating the substrate holder, and also it is possible to add a floating field 8 to the substrate. Such a CVD method as explained above, has a drawback that it is inevitably inefficient to form a large area film, and the film-formation is at most limited to φ100 mm substrate, being caused by the mass and the operational nature of the reaction chamber. On the other hand, the shape of an ECR plasma CVD apparatus is almost the same as the above stated magnetic field-microwave plasma CVD apparatus. But according to the ECR plasma apparatus, the plasma can spread more as compared with the magnetic field-microwave CVD apparatus, arising from such a very low reaction pressure as less than 0.1 Torr, thus making it possible to form a film on a larger substrate. For this reason, almost all of the ECR plasma CVD apparatuses are a type of the "Deposition-Down" as illustrated in FIG. 4. In general, a reactive gas is inputted to the apparatus through a gas inlet 2. Alternatively, a dilution gas is inputted through the gas inlet 2, and to input a raw material gas through a gas inlet 9 or 10. By the ECR plasma CVD method, only the carbon film containing less proportion of diamond can be formed. Still the diamond film can not be formed. Further, in case where a mixed gas of a raw material gas and a dilution gas is introduced through the gas inlet 2, it is impossible to provide a sufficient amount of active particles containing carbon around the substrate, since the active particles happen to recombine before they reach to the substrate, the result being that the deposition rate will be inferior to that of the magnetic field-microwave plasma CVD method. Also in case where a raw material gas is inputted through the gas inlet 9 and a dilution gas is inputted through the gas inlet 2, it is impossible to supply the substrate with sufficient raw material gas, as a boundary will be made at the verge of the spread plasma. Still further, in case where a raw material gas through gas inlet 10 and a dilution gas through gas inlet 2 are inputted respectively, while it can be attained that the deposition rate is maintained at 0.3 μm/hour which is regarded as the maximum value by ECR plasma CVD method, the uniformity of the formed film is not very good, for example, there exists a portion in the film at which the thickness thereof is only 30% of the maximum thickness thereof. We understand this is because the plasma is interrupted by the gas introducing conduit. As a gas utilized in the formation, a raw material which is in a gas phase or a liquid phase at normal temperature and pressure (i.e. room temperature and atmospheric pressure) is utilized. The raw material which is gaseous at normal temperature and pressure has an advantage that it is easy to control its flowing amount. For instance, methane, ethylene, carbon monoxide, acetylene, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and argon are used. On the other hand, as to the raw material which is in liquid state at normal temperature and pressure, there are two kinds of gases which are usable or not, depending upon their vapor pressure curve and upon a reaction pressure during the formation. For example, methanol, ethanol, acetone, and water are utilized as a liquid raw material for forming diamond. In general, the deposition rate is not higher than 1 μm/hour in the case of the magnetic field-microwave plasma CVD method using the MCR, and not higher than 0.3 μm/hour in the case of the ECR CVD method. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel method of forming a diamond film or a diamond containing carbon film with a high deposition rate and a high uniformity. It is further object of the present invention to provide a novel method of forming a diamond film at lower temperatures on a material such as a metal having a low melting point which is easily damaged by heat. In order to achieve the above objects, considerations have been made by the present inventors with respect to reactive gases for the formation of diamond, and have found that the film formation rate and the quality of the film can be improved by utilizing a gas made of a material having the same molecular structure as the diamond, i.e. the stereostructure with SP 3 hybridized orbital. In accordance with the present invention, for that purpose, such organic compounds having a diamond structure in their molecular constitution as adamantane, diamantane, and triamantane, the constitutional formulae of which are indicated in FIGS. 5A-C are used. Further in accordance with the present invention, such organic compounds having both diamond structure and OH radical in their molecular constitution as 1-adamantanol, and 2-adamantanol, the constitutional formulae of which are shown in FIGS. 5D and 5E, are used. In this case, the deposition rate can be still more improved. The adamantane is a condensation product of alicyclic hydrocarbon which is represented as C 10 H 16 , and has a cage-form structure obtained by the condensation of chair-form cyclohexane rings. It has 268° C. of melting point and is stable at normal temperature and pressure. But it is convenient to get adamantane vapor, since it begins to sublimate at normal temperature under reduced pressure. That is, the adamantane gas can be prepared, by putting a solid adamantane in a container and reducing the pressure in the container to effect sublimation of adamantane. At this time, it is required to previously cool the adamantane in a container with a liquid nitrogen, so as to prevent atmospheric gas from being contaminated in the adamantane gas. This comes from the fact that the cooling causes the vapor pressure of adamantane to be reduced so that adamantane does not sublimate, thus making it possible to exhaust in advance only the atmospheric gas contained in the container. Then, the pure adamantane gas can be prepared, by putting the temperature back to before the cooling or by further heating the container. The basic frame of adamantane belongs to the cage type, which can be seen in the minimum unit of diamond. Adamantane molecules will combine each other to form a diamond structure, as it has a SP 3 hybridized orbital. Namely, adamantane or adamantane compounds have a diamond structure in their molecular constitution, and also it is considered that these have a structure which plays an important part in the process of homoepitaxial growth on the crystal face (111) of diamond. Further, in accordance with the present invention, the method of gas introduction has been improved in order to make the film formation more uniform. FIG. 8 indicates a schematic diagram of an apparatus used in the formation of diamond or diamond containing carbon. It has no remarkable difference in an external appearance compared with conventional ECR plasma CVD apparatus, however, it is different in the way of gas introduction from the conventional apparatus. The gas containing hydrogen atom, oxygen atom or both of them will be introduced into a plasma generating chamber 21 kept at a reduced pressure through a gas inlet 2, and a magnetic field and a microwave power will be applied from outside to the gas, to generate a high density plasma by mutual action of the magnetic field and the microwave. Then, the excited ion particles and activated particles in the gas containing hydrogen, oxygen or both of them will be directed to a substrate surface held in a reaction chamber. And also a film-forming gas containing carbon will be inputted through the gas inlet 11 located under part of the center of a substrate holder which is being rotated, thereby forming a diamond film or a diamond containing carbon film on the above substrate surface. In this way, it is possible to introduce the raw material gas containing carbon around the substrate without an interruption of plasma with a gas inlet pipe. But it is needed to think out some idea so as to form a film on the large area, as the arrangement of the substrate is changed. FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the substrate holder. The processed area of each substrate 4 is small, however, the total processed area is enough large. In other words, there is no problem about the area, since a lot of substrates can be processed at one time. And if each substrate is desired to be made large, it can be attained by preparing a large reaction chamber and plasma generating chamber in accordance with the size of the substrate. At lower temperatures, the deposition rate of a diamond containing carbon tends to increase while that of a diamond tends to decrease. Like this, the formation depends upon the formation temperatures so that the temperature of the substrate is controlled up to 1000° C. in order to maximize the formation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a heat-filament CVD apparatus of prior art; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a microwave plasma CVD apparatus of prior art; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic field-microwave CVD of prior art; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an ECR plasma CVD apparatus of prior art; FIGS. 5 is a diagram showing the constitutional formulae of (A) adamantane, (B) diamantane, (C) triamantane, (D) 1-adamantanol, and (E) 2-adamantanol; FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a plasma CVD apparatus utilized in the present invention; FIG. 7 is a top perspective view outlining the substrate holder utilized in Example 1 of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a graph showing a distribution of the film-thickness obtained in Example 1 of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a Raman spectrum graph of the diamond film formed by using adamantane in Example 1 of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a Raman spectrum graph of the diamond film formed by co-using oxygen in Example 2 of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a Raman spectrum graph of the diamond film formed by using diamantane in Example 3 of the present invention; FIG. 12 is a graph showing a distribution of the film-thickness obtained in Example 4 of the present invention; FIG. 13 is a Raman spectrum graph of the diamond film formed by using adamantane in Example 4 of the present invention; FIG. 14 is a Raman spectrum graph of the diamond film formed by mixing oxygen in Example 5 of the present invention; FIG. 15 is a Raman spectrum graph of the diamond film formed by using adamantane in Example 6 of the present invention; FIG. 16 is a Raman spectrum graph of the diamond film formed by heat-filament method using adamantane in Example 7 of the present invention; FIG. 17 is a Raman spectrum graph of the diamond film formed by microwave plasma CVD method using adamantane in Example 8 of the present invention; and FIG. 18 is a Raman spectrum graph of the diamond film formed by microwave plasma CVD method using adamantane in Example 9 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be explained in more detail by reference to the following examples in connection with the drawings. In Examples 1-6, the plasma CVD apparatus applying microwave and magnetic field which is shown in FIG. 6 was used. [EXAMPLE 1] The film formation condition of this experiment is shown below. As shown in FIG. 7, four silicon wafers 4 having a diameter 100 mm were placed on the substrate support. In this example, a raw material gas of adamantane and a dilution gas of hydrogen were utilized at a flow rate 10 sccm and 100 sccm, respectively. As set forth before, before adamantane vapor was introduced in the reaction chamber, the solid adamantane was cooled by liquid nitrogen in order to exhaust unnecessary air. Other process conditions are as follows: ______________________________________Pressure: 2.0 × 10.sup.-2 TorrSubstrate Temperature: 500° C.Treating Time: 1 hourMicrowave (2.45 GHz) Output: 3 kWMagnetic Field: 2 kgauss (max)______________________________________ The film-thickness was measured by the step difference between a portion which was formed with the film and a portion which was not formed with a film, which portion had been covered by a dummy Si wafer as a mask. In the experiment conducted under the above conditions, the carbon film was deposited to the thickness of about 6 μm. Therefore, the deposition rate was about 6 μm. The assessment of a film-thickness uniformity i.e. the distribution of film-thickness formed on the φ100 mm Si wafer is indicated in FIG. 8. It can be said that the film has a good uniformity, as even the thinnest part has more than 90% of the maximum film-thickness, though the film nearby the raw material gas inlet is relatively thick. The film quality was evaluated by Raman spectroscopy to examine the crystal structure of the formed film. The result obtained by Raman spectroscopy on the film quality of the formed film at the center part of φ100 mm Si wafer was shown in FIG. 9. There exists a broad peak of the amorphous carbon film, neighboring 1550 cm -1 , and a sharp peak of diamond can be confirmed at 1332 cm -1 . It is analyzed that the deposited carbon film includes a considerable lots of diamond constituents in it, taking into account that the Raman spectroscopy has a sharp sensitivity to amorphous carbon but not to diamond. Namely, it can be concluded that the diamond film was formed. [EXAMPLE 2] The formation condition in this experiment is as follows. The same substrates with those of Example 1 was used, As a raw material gas, 10 sccm of diamantane, and as a dilution gas, 100 sccm of hydrogen or hydrogen added with 25 sccm of oxygen was used. Other conditions are entirely the same with those of Example 1 so that redundant descriptions will be omitted. Film-thickness was measured by the same way as in the Example 1. Under the above condition, the film-thickness was approximately 3 μm. Therefore, the deposition rate was 3 μm/hour. It can be said that the film has a good film uniformity, as a film-thickness distribution of the film formed on φ100 mm Si-wafer shows more than 90% of the maximum film-thickness at even the thinnest part. The film quality was evaluated by using Raman spectroscopy, the result of which is shown in FIG. 10. A sharp peak of diamond exists at 1332 cm -1 , and a broad peak of amorphous carbon film at 1550 cm -1 can not be found at least. Accordingly, the film formed in this experiment is the very diamond film. It is evident from the Examples 1 and 2 that the film quality will be improved by adding oxygen to the dilution gas. [EXAMPLE 3] The film-forming condition in the experiment is described below. The same substrate with that of Example 1 was used. 10 sccm diamantane as a raw material gas, and 100 sccm hydrogen as a dilution gas were used. Diamantane is needed to be treated like Example 1 since it is a subliming solid as well as adamantane. The other conditions are the same as those in Example 1. As a result, the film-thickness was about 10 μm/hour, therefore, the deposition rate was calculated to be about 10 μm/hr. A film-thickness distribution of the film formed on φ100 mm Si wafer shows more than 90% of the maximum film thickness at even the thinnest part of the film, so that the film has a fine uniformity. The measurement result of film quality for the film formed at the center part of φ100 mm Si wafer by Raman spectroscopy is shown in FIG. 11. A broad peak of an amorphous carbon film appears near 1550 cm -1 . A sharp peak of diamond can be confirmed at 1332 cm -1 , and the film quality is almost the same as Example 1. In accordance with the present example, it is understood that the deposition rate can be improved by changing the gas from adamantane to diamantane while the film quality is not changed. As shown in the foregoing Examples 1-3, it was possible to enhance the formation speed of a diamond or a diamond containing carbon film to more than 10 times by the use of adamantane and diamantane. [EXAMPLE 4] In this example, a 1-adamantanol gas at a flow rate 20 sccm and a hydrogen gas at a flow rate 100 sccm were utilized. The formation conditions were the same as those in Example 1. The deposition rate in this example was 14 μm/hour. FIG. 12 shows a thickness distribution of the film formed on a φ100 mm Si wafer for the evaluation of film-thickness uniformity. From FIG. 12, it is observed that the uniformity of the film was good as the film-thickness has more than 90% of the maximum thickness at even the thinnest part of the film, though it is thick nearby the gas inlet. FIG. 13 shows the result of Raman spectroscopy on the center portion of the film. A broad peak appeared near 1550 cm -1 showing the existence of amorphous carbon, and a sharp peak appeared at 1332 cm -1 showing the existence of diamond. It is analyzed that the deposited carbon film includes a considerable lots of diamond constituents in it, taking into account that the Raman spectroscopy has a sharp sensitivity to amorphous carbon but not to diamond. Namely, it can be regarded that the diamond film was formed. [EXAMPLE 5] In this example, a raw material gas of 1-adamantanol, a dilution gas of hydrogen and oxygen were utilized at a flow rate of 50 sccm, 100 sccm and 25 sccm, respectively. The other process parameters were the same as those of Example 1. As a result, the deposition rate was 8 μm/hour. The uniformity of the film thickness was good as the thickness even at the thinnest part of the film is not less than 90% of the maximum film thickness. FIG. 14 shows a result of a Raman spectroscopy on the center portion of the φ100 mm Si wafer. There exists a sharp peak at 1332 cm -1 showing the existence of diamond. A broad peak is not seen around 1550 cm -1 of amorphous carbon. Therefore, the film obtained in this example was diamond. It is apparent from Examples 4 and 5 that while the deposition rate was decreased by the addition of oxygen, the film quality was improved. [EXAMPLE 6] In this example, a raw material gas of 2-adamantanol at 20 sccm and a dilution gas of hydrogen at 100 sccm were utilized. Other conditions in this example were the same as those of Example 1. As a result, the deposition rate was 9 μm/hour. The uniformity of the film thickness .was good as the thickness even at the thinnest part of the film is not less than 90% of the maximum film thickness on the φ100 mm Si wafer. FIG. 15 shows a result of a Raman spectroscopy on the center portion of φ100 mm Si wafer. There exists a sharp peak at 1332 cm -1 showing the existence of diamond while a broad peak is seen around 1550 cm -1 which shows the existence of amorphous carbon. It can be estimated that the deposited film was diamond which is almost the same as that obtained in Example 4. It is concluded from Examples 4-8 that the deposition rate of diamond or diamond containing carbon can be increased more than 20 times higher than that of conventional method by the use of admantanol. [EXAMPLE 7] The diamond film was formed on a 10 mm×10 mm silicon substrate by thermal CVD in this example. The substrate was pretreated in advance by disposing the surface of the substrate in a liquid having diamond powders of 30-40 μm diameters using an ultrasonic vibration in order to give the surface fine scratches. The mean substrate temperature was maintained at 800° C. The filament temperature was maintained at 2000° C. by controlling the electric current passing therethrough. The substrate temperature could be controlled by setting the distance between the filament and the substrate at 8 mm. A mixture of adamantane 1 sccm and hydrogen 100 sccm was utilized as a reactive gas. The pressure was 10 Torr. For comparison, the deposition was conducted using methane 1 sccm and hydrogen 100 sccm. The deposition rate in the case of using the mixed gas of methane and hydrogen was 0.8-0.9 μm/hour. To the contrary, the deposition rate in the case of using the mixed gas of adamantane and hydrogen was 4-5 μm/hour, which was about 5 times higher than that in the case of using the mixed gas of methane and hydrogen. The Raman spectrum of the diamond film formed using the mixed gas of adamantane and hydrogen is shown in FIG. 18. At 1332 cm -1 a sharp peak of diamond can be confirmed, and a peak of an amorphous diamond nearby 1550 cm -1 is hardly noticed. It is evident that the high purity diamond film can be formed. It is also recognized by Raman spectroscopy that a diamond film can be formed even at 800°-700° C. of the substrate temperature by using adamantane as a raw material while the deposition rate tends to slow down. Also, when the temperature is less than 300° C., the proportion of non-diamond structures tends to increase in the deposited film. [EXAMPLE 8] In this example, the diamond was formed by using a microwave plasma CVD apparatus. As a substrate, a 10 mm×10 mm silicon wafer was used. The substrate was given fine scratches on its surface by 30-40 μm diamond powders using an ultrasonic cleaner in advance of the formation of diamond. The substrate temperature was controlled with a heater and a cooling water inside the substrate support. The substrate temperature was set at approximately 700° C., which was measured by using a thermocouple located inside the substrate support and a pyrometer outside the reaction chamber. The output of microwave (2.45 GHz) was 400 W, and the reaction pressure was 400 Torr. As a reactive gas, the mixed gas of 1 sccm of adamantane and 100 sccm of hydrogen was used. The film formation was implemented without application of bias voltage to the substrate. For a comparison, the experiment using a mixed gas of 1 sccm of methane and 100 sccm of hydrogen was carried out. The film formation speed, in case of using the mixed gas of methane and hydrogen as a reactive gas, was 0.3-0.4 μm/hour. On the other hand, the formation speed in the case of using the mixed gas of adamantane and hydrogen was 1.8-2.2 μm/hour, which was about 5 times higher than in the case of using the mixed gas of methane and hydrogen. FIG. 17 shows the Raman spectrum of the diamond film formed, using the mixed gas of adamantane and hydrogen. A sharp peak of diamond at 1332 cm -1 can be noticed, but a peak of an amorphous diamond nearby 1550 cm -1 can scarcely be confirmed. Therefore, it is understood that the high purity diamond film can be formed. It is also apparent to get 3-8 times of the film formation speed as high as that of a current method of using the mixed gas of methane and hydrogen, by means of changing such film-forming conditions as the film forming temperature, the reaction pressure, and the adamantane concentration. [EXAMPLE 9] In the experiment of the present invention, the diamond film was prepared by a microwave plasma CVD using a magnetic field. A φ100 mm Si wafer was used as a substrate. The substrate was in advance treated to be provided with scratches on the surface, with diamond powders having 30-40 μm of particle size by using an ultrasonic washing machine. The substrate temperature was adjusted to be able to rise up to 800° C., with a heater inside a substrate support. But the minimum temperature of the substrate was dependent upon the output of microwave by which the substrate is naturally heated. The substrate temperature was measured with a thermocouple installed in the back of the substrate support, and the temperature was set at 800° C. The output of microwave (2.45 GHz) was 4 kW, and the reaction pressure was 0.3 Torr. A DC bias, in this example, 50 volt of positive electric potential was applied to the substrate. Helmholtz coils were used for inducing a magnetic field of 2 kgauss at maximum. The strength of the magnetic field in the vicinity of the substrate is about 875 gauss. As a reactive gas, the mixed gas of 50 sccm of adamantane and 100 sccm of hydrogen was used. For comparison, the experiment was conducted using a mixed gas of 50 sccm of methanol and 100 sccm of hydrogen as a reaction gas. The deposition rate in the case of using the mixture of methane and hydrogen was 0.4 μm/hour, on the other hand, the deposition rate was 1.2-1.7 μm/hour in the case of using the mixture of adamantane and hydrogen, which is four times faster than in the case of using methane and hydrogen. A Raman spectrum is shown in FIG. 18, which was conducted on the diamond film formed from adamantane and hydrogen. A sharp peak is seen at 1332 cm -1 which shows the existence of diamond. Also, there is no peak observed near 1550 cm -1 of amorphous carbon. It is possible to obtain 3-7 times of the deposition rate as high as that of a current method using the mixed gas of methane and hydrogen, by means of changing such film-forming condition as the substrate temperature, reaction pressure, and adamantane concentration. Also it is confirmed using the Raman spectrum that the diamond film can be formed in the range of 500°-700° C. of the substrate temperature, by using adamantane as a raw material. But the deposition rate tends to decrease as the substrate temperature decreases. Also, the constituents other than diamond tend to increase under such low temperature as less than 300° C. The present invention should not be limited to the above particular examples and only limited to the appended claims.
A CVD method for forming a diamond or diamond containing carbon film comprises the step of inputting a reactive gas, supplying energy to the reactive gas, and depositing the carbon film on a substrate. The reactive gas includes a carbon compound material which has a diamond structure in its molecular structure. The representative material is adamantane. Oxygen or hydroxyl group is also added in order to improve the crystallinity of the deposited carbon film.
2
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling and regulating machines of a textile fiber processing line which prepares textile fiber for spinning. The control and regulation affects, for example, the fiber quantity to be supplied to an opener and/or a textile fiber cleaner. For example, a measuring value representing the fiber quantity is taken from a feed chute connected to and downstream of a fiber processing machine, as viewed in the direction of material advance; then the measuring value is converted to an electric signal applied to a setting member which varies the fiber quantity to be supplied to the downstream-connected machine as a function of the signal. In practice, an opener and cleaner arranged in line have heretofore been controlled such that the material feeding roller is rotated in a "stop-and-go" operation dependent upon the demand of the fiber processing machine. The downstream-located machines are, as a rule, storage devices (feed chutes) or contain such devices. The height level of the material in the feed chute is conventionally detected by sensors with a "yes-no" function such as photocells or electronic pressure responsive switches to sense the counterpressure which is a measure for the height level of the material. The sensors, corresponding to a yes-or-no determination, cause an energization or de-energization of the material feed drive. The above-outlined conventional method has the disadvantage that during the pause periods no opening or cleaning work takes place while during the operative periods an increased amount of work has to be performed relative to the average flow rate of material. Since the cleaning and opening quality improves as the material flow rate decreases, the quality deteriorates as the idle periods increase. In case of an idle-to-operation period ratio of, for example, 50:50, during the work phase twice the average quantity has to be processed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide an improved method and apparatus of the above-outlined type from which the noted disadvantages are eliminated and with which improved textile cleaning and opening results may be achieved. These objects and others to become apparent as the specification progresses, are accomplished by the invention, according to which, briefly stated, an electric analog signal is generated from the measuring magnitude representing the fiber quantities and is applied to a regulatable setting member for the continuous operation of at least one feed roller of the fiber processing machine such as an opener and/or a cleaner. It is an important aspect of the invention to maintain the material feed drive in operation during work periods of the opener and the cleaner. For this purpose, the level (quantity) of the material in the downstream-located apparatus is sensed in an analog manner and, dependent from the signal generated as a function of the sensed magnitude, the material advancing mechanism is driven slower or faster. Such an operation may be effected automatically by a regulator. The actual value is formed by the height level of the fiber tuft column in the downstream-located feed chute or the pressure in the downstream-located system. The setting member constitutes an rpm setter for the material feeding device serving the opener or the cleaner. This regulation may be exclusively analog and stepless or may operate in steps. The short-period, batch-like (intermittent) rate of, for example, 500 kg/hour of fiber material experienced in the conventional process (stop-and-go drive) is, when the method according to the invention is practiced, reduced to a continuous rate of 250 kg/hour in case of a 50:50 ratio. In this manner, the cleaning effect is significantly improved. In order to achieve a uniform opening quality--as viewed over time--the fiber tuft weight per opening tooth or opening pin in the opening roller should remain constant. For this purpose, according to a further feature of the invention, the regulating signal varies the rpm's of the drives for the feed roller and for at least one opening roller in proportion to one another. Thus, the faster the material feed drive delivers, the faster should the opening roller rotate. This result can be economically achieved by means of a common drive. The rpm-controllable drive motor drives the opening roller by means of a reduction gear. By means of a gearing, the motor rpm, or opener rpm or an intermediate rpm is lowered to a very low feed roller rpm. In the apparatus according to the invention, signals from the measuring member for the fiber quantity are applied to a regulator which, in turn, is connected with the regulatable drive (motor regulation, drive motor) of at least one material feed roller. According to a particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the regulator is connected with the regulatable drive of at least one opening roller. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevational view, with block diagram, of a fiber cleaning and fiber opening line incorporating a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are schematic side elevational views of three different preferred embodiments of one part of the invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the electric interconnection of a control and regulator system of a fiber processing line preparing material for spinning. FIG. 6 is a schematic side elevational view, with block diagram, illustrating the electric interconnection of an opening and cleaning line associated with a carding machine. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the electric interconnection of a fiber processing line with a guiding computer. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Turning now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a known cleaning and opening line formed, for example, of a cleaner 1, a condenser 2, a fine opener 3, a fiber transport fan 4, a pneumatic fiber tuft feed chute 5 and a carding machine 6. The cleaner 1 is supplied with fiber material by a feed chute 7 from which the material is drawn by two delivery rollers 8 and 9 and is advanced to a feeding device which is formed of a conveyor belt 10 and two feed rollers 11 and 12. The latter advance the fiber material to an opening roller 13 from which the material is further advanced in a duct 14 to the screen drum of the condenser 2 and therefrom to the feed chute 15 of a fine opener 3. With the feed chute 15 there is associated a measuring device 16 which comprises several photocells 16a and which senses the height of the fiber tuft column in the feed chute 15. The measuring device 16 is connected with a regulator 17 including a desired value setter 18. The regulator 17 is connected with a motor regulator 19a of a drive motor 19 which rotates at least one of the feed rollers 11 and 12. An analog electric signal is generated from the measuring value of the fiber quantity in the downstream-located feed chute 15 and applied to the motor regulator 19a for continuously operating the drive motor 19 of at least one of the feed rollers 11 or 12 of the cleaner 1. From the feed chute 15 the fiber material is advanced by two delivery rollers 20 and 21 and a guide element 22 to two feed rollers 23 and 24 which, in turn, forward the fiber material to the opening roller 25 of the fine opener 3. From the fine opener 3 the fiber material is driven by means of the transport fan 4 through a pneumatic conveying duct 26 into an upper reserve chute 27 of a tuft feeding apparatus 5. From the upper reserve chute 27 the fiber material is advanced by a feed roller 27a to an opening roller 27b and therefrom the material is received in a lower feed chute 28 of a fiber tuft feeding apparatus 5. On one wall of the feed chute 28 there is mounted an electronic pressure responsive switch 29 which transmits analog signals to a regulator 30, having a desired value setter 31. The regulator 30, in turn, is connected to a motor regulator 32a of a drive motor 32 which rotates at least one of the feed rollers 23 or 24. Turning now to FIG. 2, there is shown a fiber feeding device including a feed roller 33 and a feed table 34 for advancing the fiber material to the opening roller 13 (beater). From the regulator 17 an analog electric signal is applied to a tandem potentiometer 35 which, in turn, is connected to two motor regulators 36 and 37 such as Model SIMOREG regulators manufactured by Siemens AG, Munich, Federal Republic of Germany. The motor regulators 36 and 37 are connected to respective drive motors 38 and 39 which rotate the feed roller 33 and the opening roller 13, respectively. Turning now to FIG. 3, the motor regulator 36 is connected to a drive motor 38 which is directly rotating the opening roller 13 and is also rotating the feed roller 33 with the intermediary of a reduction gear 40. Turning now to FIG. 4, in the embodiment shown therein, the motor 38 is connected to a reduction gear 41 which, with different gear ratios, is connected to the opening roller 13 and to the feed roller 33. The control affects not only the fiber storing devices, openers and cleaners but every machine or machine group forming part of the fiber processing line which prepares the fiber for a subsequent spinning operation. Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, there is shown a cleaning line formed of a plurality of serially connected machines or machine groups such as a bale opener 46, a group formed of a condenser 45, a supply chute 7 and a cleaner 1, a group formed of a condenser 2, a feed chute 15 and a fine opener 3, joined by a feed chute 5 and a carding machine 6, supplied by the feed chute 5. The electric interconnection between the machines or machine groups is shown schematically. For example, in the machine group formed of components 2, 15 and 3, with the feed chute 15 there is associated a measuring device 16 and with the fine opener 3 there is associated a setting member (drive motor) 32. Further, as indicated in FIG. 6, the regulating devices are associated with separate desired value setters. Turning once again to FIG. 6, the carding machine 6 has, at its web delivery drive (card output), a generator 50 whose voltage represents the web delivery rpm, that is, the production rate of the card. The voltage appearing at the output of the generator 50 is applied to a regulator 51 including a desired value setter 52. The regulator 51 is connected with a motor regulator 53a which, in turn, is connected with the drive motor 53 of the feed roller 27a of the fiber tuft feed chute 5. In this manner, it is feasible to influence the operation of the feed rollers 27a (basic setting) as a function of the production rate predetermined for the carding machine 6. Further, the production rate of the carding machine 6 may be used as a measure for the material quantities to be taken by the bale opener 46. For this purpose, the signal from the generator 50, representing the production rate of the carding machine 6, is applied to a control 47 of the bale opener 46 and is evaluated there. Further, with the aid of the measuring device 16 it is feasible to correct the basic setting (obtained from the carding machine 6), for the material removal by the bale opener 46, as a function of the column height in the feed chute 15. It is further feasible to correct the desired value for the production rate at the carding machine 6, obtained from the control 47 of the bale opener 46. Such an arrangement is considered in particular when in the control 47 it is determined that the opener component 46a working on the fiber bales 48 is continuously overloaded because of excessive requirements. The control device 47 is electrically connected with the drive motor 46b (travel drive) of the bale opener 46. Further, the control device 47 is electrically connected with a drive motor (not shown) for the height adjustment of the opener component 46a. It is further feasible to provide the regulating devices 17, 30 and 51 with desired values predetermined by a guide computer. If the measuring device 16 determines that in the feed chute 15, despite requirements placed on the upstream-located machines such as, for example, the cleaner 1 or the bale opener 46, consistently insufficient quantity of material is available, this state is reported to the carding machine 6 and accordingly, a decreased output rate therefor can be set. Turning now to FIG. 7, blocks 60 through 65 symbolize the individual machines or machine groups which together form a fiber processing (opening, cleaning and carding) line preparing the fiber for a spinning operation. Block 60 represents a bale opener with control, such as earlier-described components 46 and 47, block 61 represents a cleaner, block 62 represents a fiber mixer and a transport fan, block 63 symbolizes a condenser, a feed chute and a cleaner, block 64 represents a condenser, a feeding unit, a step cleaner and a cleaner and box 65 represents a card feed chute and a carding machine. FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the mutual interaction between individual machine controls and machine group controls. These may cooperate to achieve a continuous material flow without central control or, on the contrary, may be influenced by a master computer (guide computer) 49. When such a master control is used, the entire line may be programmed at a service panel for the particular intended purpose. If, for example, one machine line operates alternatingly with different fiber lots (for example, cotton or synthetic wool), the guide computer 49 can determine how the material should be routed, that is, certain cleaning stations or the like may be bypassed or automatically added dependent upon the lot specific data, particularly on fiber characteristics relating to the machine processing. Such data are determined once, then stored and recalled at will. Further, the number of carding machines can be preselected to thus control the production rate. It is also feasible to have the guide computer 49 make suggestions to the operating personnel concerning optimal processing conditions, based on predetermined data. The guide computer 49 may be, for example, a model 8032 computer manufactured by the firm Commodore, 6078 Neu-Isenburg, Federal Republic of Germany. The various textile machines noted in the foregoing description as forming part of the fiber processing line may be, for example, the following models marketed by Trutzschler GmbH & Co. KG, Monchengladbach, Federal Republic of Germany: ______________________________________Machine noted in Trutzschlerthe Description Model______________________________________Cleaner 1 RV or RK or RS or RNFeed chute 7 or 15 BSCondenser 2 or 45 LVSFine opener 3 FOElectronic pressure EDSswitch 29Bale opener 46 BLENDOMAT BDTCard feed chute 5 EXACTAFEED FBKTransport fan 4 MTVCarding machine 6 DKCleaner AXI-FLO AFA(forming part ofthe FIG. 7 line)Feeding unit BE(forming part ofthe FIG. 7 line)Fiber mixer MPM(forming part ofthe FIG. 7 line)Step cleaner SRS(forming part ofthe FIG. 7 line)______________________________________ 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 method of regulating fiber quantities supplied to a fiber processing machine of a fiber processing line. The latter includes a fiber storing apparatus connected downstream of the fiber processing machine and receives processed fiber therefrom. The fiber processing machine includes a feed roller supplying fiber thereto. The method comprises the following steps: continuously rotating the feed roller by a regulatable drive during operation of the fiber processing line; generating a measuring value representing momentary fiber quantities in the storing apparatus; generating an analog electric signal representing the measuring value; and applying the analog electric signal to the regulatable drive of the feed roller for varying the rpm thereof as a function of the fiber quantity in the storing apparatus.
3
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This non-provisional application claims the benefit of provisional application No. 61/657,013 filed on Jun. 7, 2012, entitled “Systems and Methods for Screening and Proffering Providers of an Urgent Goods or Service”, which application is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. [0002] This non-provisional application also claims the benefit of provisional application No. 61/657,015 filed on Jun. 7, 2012, entitled “Systems and Methods for Matching a Seeker with a Proffered Provider of an Urgent Goods or Service”, which application is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. [0003] Additionally, this non-provisional application claims the benefit of provisional application No. 61/657,018 filed on Jun. 7, 2012, entitled “Systems and Methods for Facilitating Transactions Between a Seeker and a Proffered Provider of an Urgent Goods or Service”, which application and is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. BACKGROUND [0004] The present invention relates to systems and methods for selecting a proffered provider from a plurality of providers of an urgent goods or service requested by a seeker. [0005] There are times when we travel—or even when we are close to home—that we have a near-emergency need for services and/or goods. Let's call such “really-need-to-have-now” services and goods: Urgently Required Goods and/or Services (URGS). [0006] When we travel near home, much is familiar and URGS can be easy and quick to access—especially when we have located and acquired them previously or know someone who can give us pointers. But even in an age of standardization and globalization, traveling further from home is much more of an isolating experience where any services and goods are harder to locate and harder to acquire—especially URGS. [0007] In some instances, we can pay for the convenience of having URGS brought to us. But due to cost-driven centralization and the separation of commercial, office and residential districts, we often need to locate, select, contact and travel to a remote locale to get the specific URGS we need. [0008] Finding URGS can be a more critical and difficult problem than it might seem on first flush. Because time is of the essence, attempts that don't succeed are much harder to tolerate. Such missteps can cost us time, money, suffering and distress. Perhaps worse in a business situation, such time-wasting foul-ups can result in lost business opportunities; and in some instances, result in being punished or even fired. [0009] While we might have had the help of relatives, subordinate coworkers, in-house specialists, or outside professional facilitators to help secure URGS, in today's personal and business environments, nearly everyone is expected to be self-reliant and calling on others for help is often viewed and treated negatively. [0010] So given today's do-it-yourself environment, how might we accomplish acquiring URGS efficiently and effectively? First of all, based on our need, we need to figure out what the URGS are, and who—if anyone—provides the URGS we need. This search process is typically a repetitive one—where poking around, piecing together, weeding through, and then finally settling on an URGS provider based on partial information and our intuition is—at best—hit and miss. Often, we find we've made a less than optimal selection and end up lamenting: “if only I'd known”. [0011] Although the mobile cellular telephone and the Internet make finding a variety of services and goods somewhat easier than print, billboard, Radio and TV ads lodged in our memory and yellow page telephone business directories, and landline telephones were the primary aids for locating URGS. Nonetheless, the process of locating and acquiring URGS can be a time-consuming and frustratingly complex process that is still largely fragmented, manual and ad hoc. [0012] For example, one may live in Dallas Tex., but we have traveled on business to California's San Francisco Bay Area. Using an on-line travel and booking service, we pre-book a seemingly bargain-priced hotel in Fremont. Our flight into San Jose and subsequent car rental are uneventful, but what had been a twinge in our lower back before the flight has become an ominously painful cramping knot. We know where this is headed and it isn't good. [0013] By the time we've gathered up the luggage, picked up the rental car, and driven to our hotel in Fremont, its 8 PM and we know we are in trouble. The pain is definitely getting worse. Thankfully, we have a smart phone that provides us Internet access nearly anywhere. The screen is ill suited to the vast majority of “full screen” web sites, but by “hunting and zooming”, we can navigate most any web site. [0014] We Google “Emergency Chiropractor Fremont Calif.”, although the backache is not quite life threatening . . . yet. The pain slowly ramps up from agonizing to excruciating. [0015] The first search result link title is “Emergency Chiropractor: $37”. The second is “$49 Chiropractic Emergency”. We cringe at the thought of going to a “bargain chiropractor”. The third result is “Fremont Emergency Back Care”, but tapping the link leads to the web site of a family osteopath with an unpronounceable name and nowhere is there mention of emergency services. Also, there are no patient ratings shown on the site. We call the number on the site and get an after-hours answering service. We ask for a number for the doctor and they decline. They take our number and say we'll get a call back. We don't get a call back until the next morning when the office opens. [0016] The fourth search result is a Google map with seven red “map pins” shown in the vicinity of Fremont. Below it are the links corresponding to the red pins. The first is the unpronounceable osteopath again. Next is “Fremont Bones”. The web site has the motto “get crackin' . . . ”, and no mention of chiropractic emergencies. The third link is My Autism Team (huh ???). The fourth link is Dr. Paul Chiropractic Care—with lots of Google reviews. The Dr. Paul Dental Group apparently does Family and Herbal Wellness from four locations with 12 Doctors of Chiropractic mostly with exotic last names. We pull up the Google reviews—the hours are listed 9 AM-5 PM. The first reviews are glowing, but no mention of urgent treatment. Going deeper, there are a number of very negative reviews. One says “This doctor cannot fix my back problem. I visited another chiropractor, who was amazed by the workmanship of Dr. Paul's work.” Which reviews should we trust? [0017] We decide on a brute force approach and just start dialing. We encounter answering machines, voice mail, disconnected numbers and answering services. Eventually, we get some return calls, and the confusion begins over insurance coverage. In exasperation, we decide to pay directly, but then the issue becomes non-cash payment. Finally, we set an appointment with a chiropractor who: 1) can be contacted, 2) is available, 3) is reasonably nearby, 4) seems acceptably qualified, and 5) agrees on payment. In the end, even with the aid of the Internet and a search engine, a great deal of time is consumed in a trial-and-error winnowing process. [0018] Hence there is clearly is an unmet need for a service that assembles and pre-qualifies providers of URGS and pre-vets them for seekers of URGS requirements—meeting the criteria of both the seeker and of the potential providers—so as to offer the seeker a limited but highly-qualified set of URGS providers from which to choose. SUMMARY [0019] To achieve the foregoing and in accordance with the present invention, systems and methods for matching seekers to providers of urgent goods and services is provided. In particular the systems and methods for screening and proffering a plurality of providers of an urgent service or goods requested by a seeker is provided. [0020] In one embodiment, a computerized urgent goods and services fulfillment system is configured to vet a plurality of providers of an urgent service or goods requested by a seeker. The fulfillment system includes an urgent goods and services (URGS) fulfillment server and an URGS database configured to store provider profiles associated with the plurality of providers. [0021] The fulfillment server is configured to receive a request for an urgent service or goods requested by a seeker and to screen the providers capable of providing the urgent service or goods requested by the seeker. The providers and seeker may be pre-registered. [0022] The provider screening includes analyzing the provider profiles, the seeker profile, proximal data and temporal data associated with the plurality providers. The server then proffers at least one screened provider to the seeker, wherein the screened provider(s) are selected from the plurality of providers. The screened provider(s) can be ranked using one or more provider criteria. [0023] The provider profiles can include at least one of professional qualifications, service territory, work addresses, their phone number, email address, specializations, education and training, credentials and licenses, professional memberships and associations, career histories, work philosophies, and languages spoken. The seeker profile can include at least one of preferred service area, creditworthiness, recent purchases, health condition, physical address, phone number, email address and language spoken. [0024] In some embodiments, the fulfillment server is further configured to facilitate communications between the seeker and the proffered provider(s). The server may also protect the privacy of at least one of the seeker and the proffered provider(s) during the communications. [0025] Note that the various features of the present invention described above may be practiced alone or in combination. These and other features of the present invention will be described in more detail below in the detailed description of the invention and in conjunction with the following figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0026] In order that the present invention may be more clearly ascertained, some embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0027] FIG. 1 is a System Level Block Diagram of one embodiment of an URGS Fulfillment System in accordance with the present invention; [0028] FIG. 2 is an exemplary Top Level Logic Flow Diagram for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0029] FIG. 3 is a Logic Flow Diagram that further decomposes Step 230 of the Flow Diagram of FIG. 2 ; [0030] FIG. 4 is a Logic Flow Diagram that further decomposes Step 340 of the Flow Diagram of FIG. 3 ; [0031] FIG. 5 is a Logic Flow Diagram that further decomposes Step 240 of the Flow Diagram of FIG. 2 ; [0032] FIGS. 6 , 7 and 8 are exemplary screen images illustrating the Seeker experience in three different scenarios for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0033] FIG. 9 is an exemplary screen image illustrating the Seeker experience wherein the Seeker selects from a icon-based list of URGS for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0034] FIG. 10A is an exemplary screen image wherein the Seeker is proffered a set of proximate Providers as displayed as icons on a map for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0035] FIG. 10B is an exemplary screen image wherein the Seeker is proffered a set of proximate Providers as displayed as icons on a map and wherein one Provider is described by a pop-up sub-screen display for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0036] FIG. 11 is an exemplary screen image wherein the Seeker is offered two choices to contact the selected Provider—either phoning or texting—directly from the Seeker's terminal device for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0037] FIG. 12 is an exemplary screen image wherein a Provider is alerted of selection and likely contact by a new Seeker for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0038] FIG. 13A is an exemplary screen image wherein a map displays to a Provider the most recently determined Locales of Seekers who have selected that Provider for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0039] FIG. 13B is an exemplary screen image wherein a map displays to a Provider the most recently determined Locales of Seekers who have selected that Provider, wherein Seeker Locales have changed from FIG. 13A , for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0040] FIG. 14 is an exemplary screen image wherein the Seeker is proffered a set of proximate Providers as displayed as icons on a map for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0041] FIG. 15 is an exemplary screen image wherein the Seeker is offered two choices to contact the selected Provider—either phoning or texting—directly from the Seeker's terminal device for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0042] FIG. 16 is an exemplary screen image wherein a Provider is alerted of selection and likely contact by a new Seeker for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0043] FIG. 17A is an exemplary screen image wherein a map displays to a Provider the most recently determined Locale of a Seeker who has selected that Provider for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0044] FIG. 17B is an exemplary screen image wherein a map displays to a Provider the most recently determined Locale of a Seeker who has selected that Provider, wherein the Provider Locale has changed from FIG. 17A , for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0045] FIG. 18 is an exemplary screen image wherein the Seeker is proffered a set of proximate Providers as displayed as icons on a map, and wherein a location is displayed for a rendezvous, for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0046] FIG. 19 is an exemplary screen image wherein the Seeker is offered one choice to contact the selected Provider—by phoning—directly from the Seeker's terminal device for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0047] FIG. 20 is an exemplary screen image wherein a Provider is alerted of selection and likely contact by a new Seeker for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0048] FIG. 21 is an exemplary screen image wherein a map displays to a Provider the most recently determined Locale of a Seeker who has selected that Provider, and wherein the most recently determined Locale of the Provider is also displayed, for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0049] FIG. 22A is an exemplary screen image wherein the Seeker is proffered a set of proximate Providers as displayed as icons on a map for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0050] FIG. 22B is an exemplary screen image wherein the Seeker is proffered a set of proximate Providers as displayed as icons on a map, wherein the Provider Locales have changed from those in FIG. 22A , for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0051] FIG. 23A is an exemplary screen image wherein the Seeker is offered one choice to contact the selected Provider—by texting—directly from the Seeker's terminal device for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0052] FIG. 23B is an exemplary screen image wherein the Seeker is offered two choices to contact the selected Provider—either phoning or texting—directly from the Seeker's terminal device, wherein the Provider is different than the Provider in FIG. 23A , for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0053] FIG. 24 is an exemplary screen image wherein a Provider is alerted of selection and likely contact by a new Seeker for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0054] FIG. 25A is an exemplary screen image wherein a map displays to a Provider the most recently determined Locale of a Seeker who has selected that Provider, and wherein the most recently determined Locale of the Provider is also displayed, for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0055] FIG. 25B is an exemplary screen image wherein a map displays to a Provider the most recently determined Locale of a Seeker who has selected that Provider, and wherein the most recently determined Locale of the Provider is also displayed, and wherein the Locales of both the Seeker and the Provider have changed from FIG. 25A for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; and [0056] FIG. 26 is an exemplary screen image wherein a map displays to a Seeker the most recently determined Locales of both the Seeker the Provider that the Seeker has selected for the embodiment of FIG. 1 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0057] The present invention is described in detail with reference to selected preferred embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It is apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known technologies—such as World Wide Web operation, functionality of Internet-enabled mobile communication devices such as “smart phones”, and/or device-centric graphic user display techniques—have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. The features and advantages of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and discussions that follow. [0058] The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for manipulating and utilizing data in a database or databases accessed over wide area networks (WANs) via any of a wide assortment of electronic network terminal devices. In particular, the present invention is directed to novel methods and systems to enable consumers with urgent needs (“Seekers”) to expeditiously locate, evaluate and acquire services and goods using devices such as, but not limited to, mobile communication devices; and for the vendors (“Providers”) of such urgently required good(s) and/or service(s) (“URGS”) to electronically offer them through a centralized enhanced automated directory service and to respond to Seekers requests for URGS via any of a wide assortment of electronic network terminal devices. [0059] Of note is that, in the remainder of this application, particular attention is placed upon visual displays on a mobile communication device. It is important to realize that the present invention may apply equally well to operation with all manner of consumer electronic network terminal devices including, but not limited to, computers, tablet computer systems, e-reader devices, and virtually any electronic device which includes WAN access and a user interface. In addition, while examples of a visual interface are described in great detail, the present invention is entirely capable of operation with a wide range of interface types, including any combination of a visual display, tactile and audio output and a visual, tactile or acoustic user interface (UI). And although the present invention may utilize the PSTN for communication between Seeker and Provider, it may equally well utilize equivalent communication over other WANs using services such as, but not limited to, VoIP and Skype. [0060] The present application for letters patent describes a directory, request processing and fulfillment agent system which interposes between database(s) and the user interfaces of electronic network terminal devices in such a way as to bring Seekers and Providers of URGS together virtually and/or physically in a timely fashion. [0061] The present invention enables a Provider to adaptably conduct commercial activities such as: to advertise and offer URGS, detail the type of URGS provided, accumulate independent third-party assessments and reviews, display credentials, leverage the draw of a centralized need-targeted electronic directory, offer informative mini-tutorials and FAQs, update and display availability status, prequalify prospective Seeker customers, provide repeatable direct Seeker-Provider communication, arrange for commercial transactions, facilitate and track progress towards consummating commercial transactions, consummate commercial transactions for URGS and possibly other service(s) and/or good(s) with Seekers, follow-up post-transaction with Seekers to encourage and enhance good-will, and measure and evaluate the effectiveness of the foregoing and make adjustments and refinements. [0062] Additionally, the present invention enables a unified adaptable facility for a Seeker to prequalify, locate, evaluate, make repeatable contact with, and acquire URGS from, one or several Providers. [0063] Although at first consideration, the present invention may have some resemblance to generic search engines such as Google, it is much different in operation, function and result. Unlike a generic search engine, it uses a great deal of specificity—including Seeker- and Provider-sourced Profiles—in selecting a usably small set of well qualified results. Furthermore, it provides a much richer service that is tailored to urgent requirement fulfillment. When using a generic search engine, a user is generally anonymous and the user's motivations not apparent, and therefore the results provided are often voluminous, non-applicable, poorly differentiated, commonly misranked and generally of little or no use. The present invention on the other hand—based in part on information provided by a given Seeker specifically for this purpose—may pre-authenticate, validate, rank and otherwise screen Providers before responding with a vetted set of Providers in reply to that Seeker's specific request. I. Urgent Requirement Fulfillment System and Methods Thereof [0064] FIG. 1 provides a structural block diagram for an example of an Urgent Requirement Fulfillment System in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Such a Fulfillment System 150 may be accessed using a mobile communication device or any other electronic network terminal device with a user interface. For brevity, an electronic network terminal device may be referred to as a “terminal”, which can either be a dedicated purpose-built device or a suitable general purpose device. [0065] The services of the Fulfillment System 150 are provided by the Fulfillment Server(s) 155 , which utilize one or more Database(s) 158 containing information about users who can utilize the Fulfillment System 150 either as a Seeker or as a Provider. This distinction of two separate types of users does not prevent a user who is a Provider from also separately using the System 150 as a Seeker; nor does it prevent a Seeker from separately using the System 150 as a Provider. When describing use of the Fulfillment System 150 that is equivalent whether by a Seeker or by a Provider, the term “User” is used to mean either of these two types of users. [0066] Seeker terminal choices, 110 through 119 , represent the multiplicity of devices that can support access to the Fulfillment System 150 . Often these terminals are mobile communication devices—i.e., devices that can be carried easily from place to place by the Seeker—typically with Wi-Fi or cellular data or other wireless connectivity and in numerous instances with built-in mobile telephone capability. However, less portable or fixed installation terminals may also support access to the Fulfillment System 150 . [0067] Provider terminal choices, 190 through 199 , mirror the choices available to a Seeker. They differ specifically in the role of the User, i.e., Provider rather than Seeker, and the specific device chosen by each individual User. So for instance a given Seeker may use a “smart phone” mobile communication device, 110 , whereas a Provider may use a desktop computer, 199 . [0068] In some embodiments, a Seeker or Provider's use of the Fulfillment System 150 is not bound to a specific terminal device, so for instance a Seeker could initially access the Fulfillment System 150 using a laptop computer, say from home, and subsequently use the Fulfillment System 150 with a tablet computer, while traveling in a car. [0069] In some instances, a User's electronic network terminal device that is dedicated to providing data access, e.g., a desktop computer, 119 / 199 , may be augmented for telephone communication by a separate telephony device (not shown) and/or third party telephony software (not shown) running on the terminal device. Such separate telephony devices may include, but not be limited to: a mobile cellular phone or a landline telephone, or a headset paired with third party telephony software running on the terminal device, e.g., Skype. [0070] At the level of network connectivity, a Seeker's terminal and a Provider's terminal operate in equivalent ways, therefore for simplicity: the terms “User's” device or “User's” terminal is used when operation of a Fulfillment System 150 feature applies in the same fashion to either a Seeker's terminal or a Provider's terminal device. [0071] Inter-communication between a User's terminal device and the Fulfillment System 150 may use a Wide Area Network (WAN), 140 , such as the Internet. Communication between a User and the Fulfillment System 150 , or between a Seeker and a Provider, may involve traversing more than one WAN (not shown). In some embodiments, Fulfillment System-facilitated communication between a Seeker and a Provider may also involve a WAN or WANs such as the PSTN and/or the Internet. [0072] The Database(s) 158 used by the Fulfillment System 150 may be centralized or distributed. In some embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 is coupled to one or more external database(s) 170 via WAN 140 . [0073] Generally, the Database 158 used by the Fulfillment System 150 is remote from the User's terminal; however in some embodiments, portions of database(s) used by the System 150 may reside on the User's electronic terminal device (not shown). [0074] Depending on the embodiment, the Fulfillment System 150 may use one or several models of connectivity including, but not limited to: client/server and peer-to-peer. Client/server connectivity may use a WAN such as the Internet for access between the User's terminal device and the Fulfillment System's server(s) 155 . Peer-to-peer connectivity, such as a Fulfillment System-facilitated telephone call or text message exchange between a Seeker and a Provider, may typically also use a WAN such as the PSTN or the Internet. [0075] In some embodiments, communication between a Seeker and a Provider may be intermediated by the Fulfillment System 150 . In such intermediation—sometimes referred to as “proxying”—the System 150 may source, receive, reroute, multicast, broadcast or otherwise initiate or respond to and/or terminate communication: from a Seeker (or on a Seeker's behalf) intended for a Provider, and/or; from a Provider (or on a Provider's behalf) intended for a Seeker. In addition, the System 150 , may translate, clarify, expand, simplify, repeat, and/or generally modify or enhance the content communicated between Users in such a way as to improve or enhance comprehension or to increase the likelihood of successful completion of the communication. Such intermediation services may have varying mixes of automation and/or direct human participation depending on the embodiment. [0076] Additionally, the Fulfillment System 150 may translate, clarify, expand, simplify and otherwise modify or enhance what is communicated. At a signal content level, the System 150 may amplify, filter, encode, decode, transcode, compress, expand, error correct and generally process the signal corresponding to the communication in ways well understood to one well versed in the art. [0077] In some embodiments, voice communication may be intermediated by the Fulfillment System 150 in such a way that the telephone number(s) nominally routed directly to a User are actually directed to and/or are routed by the System 150 . For example, the Fulfillment System 150 may provide additional services to a Provider or on a Provider's behalf including, but not limited to: PBX services including call routing/forwarding, call attendance, voice mail, call center and client notifications by outgoing call. [0078] In some embodiments, data communication may be intermediated by the Fulfillment System 150 in such a way that logical network addresses—e.g., web site URLs and email addresses—nominally routed directly to a User are actually routed to and/or sourced from and/or redirected by the System 150 . For example, the Fulfillment System 150 may provide additional services to a Provider or on a Provider's behalf including, but not limited to: Web site, email, blog, on-line forum/social network posts, electronic newsletters, and push notifications to clients. [0079] In some embodiments, text messaging communication may be intermediated by the Fulfillment System 150 in such a way that logical texting addresses—e.g., Universal Resource Identifiers—nominally routed directly to a User are actually routed to and/or sourced by and/or redirected by and/or translated by the System 150 . For example, the Fulfillment System 150 may provide additional services to a Provider or on a Provider's behalf including, but not limited to: text-email translation, text-voice translation, system-to-system gateway (e.g., between SMS and IM) and push text messaging notifications to clients. [0080] A number of third parties, such as Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, professional/trade organizations and consumer rating sites—e.g., Angie's List and 1800Dentist—maintain large databases describing service vendors. In some embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 may use data from such third party databases and/or from Users' terminal devices. Hence, Seekers have access to a very wide variety of Providers listed in a virtual aggregate database or virtual composite database comprised of Database 158 plus data accessed or acquired from third parties plus data stored on or acquired from Users' terminal devices. For simplicity in the following description, we refer to representative Database 158 . [0081] A large number of third parties, such as telephone companies, business journals, professional associations, and business directory companies—e.g., yp.com—maintain directories of service vendors as a business. In some embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 may redirect certain Seekers to third party directory sites; or the System 150 may display contents from third party sites to Seekers. Motivations to do so may include, but not be limited to: Seeker requires non-urgent service, the third party pays for referrals, no suitable Providers are found in the Database 158 for the URGS the Seeker requires. [0082] Elemental to the operation of the Fulfillment System 150 is User-descriptive data entered into the Database 158 voluntarily by Seekers and Providers themselves. In some embodiments, this data may be augmented with data from third parties, which may be copied or simply utilized on a one-time basis. Such User-descriptive data for a given User may be referred to as a “Profile” or for multiple Users or in aggregate—“Profiles”. [0083] Profiles may be stored in Database 158 and can be organized, portioned, sorted, encrypted, firewalled, access-restricted, backed-up, transaction logged and otherwise managed, maintained and protected using techniques familiar to one skilled in the art. [0084] In general, industry best practices are applied so as to comply with any legal mandates, regulatory requirements, or industry consensus on the protection of private, sensitive and proprietary information or otherwise privileged information. So for instance when a Profile includes or the System 150 accesses a User's medical records, appropriate HIPPA standards are complied with. Encryption may be applied to protect information in the Database 158 and also protect information communicated between Users and the System 150 and/or third parties and the System 150 . In many embodiments, encryption may occur as appropriate using technologies familiar to one well versed in the art, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Virtual Private Network (VPN). [0085] In some embodiments, Seekers' Profiles may describe things such as their creditworthiness, their employment, their recent purchases, their property, their health, their physical and work addresses, their phone number(s), their email address(es), and similar descriptive information that may assist in determining whether a given Seeker is someone a given Provider might want to do business with. The Fulfillment System 150 may automatically and transparently vet some Seekers so as to preempt a potential match with a Provider. In other instances, portions of a Seeker's Profile may be viewable to a Provider to assist that Provider in deciding whether to do business with a given Seeker. [0086] In the case of Providers, their Profiles may describe details such as their qualifications and specializations, their education and training, their credentials and licenses, their professional memberships and associations, their career histories, their work philosophies, languages they may speak, as well as more prosaic information such as a business address, telephone number and email address. [0087] In a typical embodiment, a User's Profile may specify requirements that User has for transacting commerce with their counterpart User—i.e., a Seeker with a given Provider; and a Provider with a given Seeker. So for instance, a Seeker may indicate what form of payment they wish to have accepted, what awards programs they wish to have credited, what language they prefer to be spoken to them, and other details of how they prefer or require a transaction to be conducted. Similarly, a Provider may indicate what form of payment they are willing to accepted, what awards programs they support, what language(s) they speak, and other details of how they prefer or require a transaction to be conducted. [0088] Sources for information in a User's Profile may include, but are not limited to: the User directly, private records from third parties (possibly with the User's permission), and publicly accessible records. Some Profile information may be placed into the Database 158 and not be updated for indeterminate periods of time. Other Profile information may have a specific “time to live” after which it is either updated or simply deleted. The shortest such “time to live” may be per access. Other Profile information may be sourced from a User or a third party on a per use basis. This may be done for instance because the sources prohibit retaining copies of it, or because there is a need to get the most up-to-date information, e.g., checking criminal records. [0089] Information in a User's Profile may be beneficial or derogatory. The information in a Provider's Profile is generally there for the use of Seekers. Similarly, the information in a Seeker's Profile is generally there for the use of Providers. Consequently, even if a User can enter or view an item of information in their Profile, they may not necessarily be able to alter or delete it. [0090] Some information in a Provider's Profile may be entered by Seekers—typically in the form of ratings. Similarly, a Seeker's Profile may contain information entered by Providers. Additionally, third parties may source some information in a User's Profile. In some instances, such ratings or characterizations may be unsolicited or gathered as part of a follow-up instigated by the Fulfillment System 150 . [0091] Profiles for Seekers contain generally different information than, and are commonly kept separate from, Profiles for Providers. In the instance where a User is both a Seeker and (separately) a Provider, the contents of the User's Seeker and Provider Profiles are typically not intermingled. Of course, some User information may be duplicated in both Profiles, for example the User's name. [0092] Some portions of a User's Profile may be used strictly internal to the Fulfillment System 150 or for the purposes of operators of the Fulfillment System and never be visible to any Users—Seeker or Provider—nor utilized on their behalf by the System 150 . [0093] Some Seeker Profile information may be visible to a Provider or to the Fulfillment System 150 on a Provider's behalf, but not visible to that Seeker. Similarly, some Provider Profile information may be visible to a Seeker or to the System 150 on a Seeker's behalf, but not visible to that Provider. [0094] Some of the Profile information of a Seeker may be visible to other Seekers. For example, in some embodiments limited Profile information may be viewable via an on-line user forum that is part of the Fulfillment System 150 . [0095] A User who is a Provider may conceivably offer several different types of URGS as separate businesses. The Fulfillment System 150 may allow multiple Provider Profiles for such a User, where some of the information in the Profiles is duplicated in each Profile and other information is unique to a Profile specific to the corresponding URGS provided. In some embodiments, such Profiles may be accessed using separate unique accounts. [0096] Referring to FIG. 2 , the Fulfillment System 150 may serve to fulfill a Seeker's need for URGS using a winnowing and matching process that commonly results in the Seeker being paired with a well suited Provider that the Seeker selects from a list of qualified potential Providers. FIG. 2 illustrates the process used in some embodiments. Steps appearing in FIG. 2 are illustrated by several different examples in the discussions that follow. [0097] In step 230 , the Fulfillment System 150 prepares to proffer a set of potential Providers to the Seeker. Substantial amounts of information about the Seeker and about potential Providers may be retrieved from the Database 158 and utilized by the System 150 to either validate or reject potential pairings of the Seeker to proximate Providers. [0098] As mentioned above, both the Profiles of the Seeker and potential Providers may contain requirements that are mandatory qualifiers as well as other requirements that reflect non-mandatory preferences. Accordingly, some embodiments may apply weightings to Profile preferences and instantiate rankings of potential Providers based on the degree of “acceptability” or “goodness” of a given Provider as determined algorithmically based on Seeker and Provider Profiles, third party ratings, and other external data. In some embodiments, the ranking of potential Providers may be displayed for the Seeker's use (not shown herein) prior to selecting a Provider. A given Provider's ranking may be represented by a color code, icon size, some number of stars, a ranking number, or any of a multiplicity of indicators of relative rank familiar to one skilled in the art. In some embodiments and some instances, there may be more potential Providers than is practical to proffer. In some embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 may limit the number of potential Providers proffered to a number lower than the total available. In such instances, the ranking of a given Provider—relative to other potential Providers—may determine whether or not that Provider is proffered. [0099] Some of the Profile information of a User may affect other aspects of Fulfillment System 150 operation and use. For example, language preference may cause the System 150 to generate displays in a language suited to the User. A “zooming” feature and/or audio dialog may support the visually impaired. A multiplicity of behaviors—System 150 operation in general and display operation specifically—may be influenced by User Profile preference settings. [0100] FIG. 3 shows step 230 in greater detail. Referring to step 310 , the Fulfillment System 150 determines the URGS sought by the Seeker. In some embodiments, this is accomplished by offering a list of the URGS to select from. In some embodiments, such a list may be in the form of graphic icons—as in FIG. 9 . Other embodiments, which may support substantial numbers of URGS, may provide various facilities to allow a Seeker to locate and select the URGS sought—for instance, key word search. [0101] As shown in step 320 of FIG. 3 , the Fulfillment System 150 determines the Seeker's Locale. The Seeker's Locale may be determined in a multiplicity of ways depending on a variety of factors including but not limited to: the type of URGS sought by the Seeker; whether the Seeker is required to travel to a rendezvous location to acquire the URGS; whether the Seeker can not or does not want to travel. The Seeker's Locale may be determined around the time that the Seeker utilizes the System 150 to seek URGS or it may be previously determined. So for instance, the Seeker's Locale may be taken to be the Seeker's home or place of work as defined by the Seeker's Profile in the Database 158 . Or the Seeker's Locale may be taken to be the expected location of the Seeker based on a schedule defined by the Seeker's Profile in the Database 158 . Or the Seeker's Locale may be taken as a geo-location provided by the Seeker or by a mobile communication device in the Seeker's possession or by a third party geo-location service such as a telephone service company, a security surveillance company, or other organizations that utilize or commerce in the geo-location of individuals to conduct their own business and/or facilitate the businesses of others. [0102] Information from the Seeker's Profile may include preferences that affect how the Seeker's Locale is determined. In many embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 displays information reflecting the Fulfillment System 150 's calculation of the Seeker's Locale (not shown)—allowing the Seeker to determine if the Fulfillment System 150 has made a mistake in attempting to establish a Locale for the Seeker. [0103] Having ascribed a Locale to the Seeker, in Step 330 the Fulfillment System 150 processes the Database 158 to identify proximate Provider(s) of the URGS sought by the Seeker. Proximity typically involves measuring between locations. As relates to URGS fulfillment, those locations commonly correspond to the Seeker's Locale and to the Provider's Locale. Where the Seeker's Locale or a given Provider's Locale may be ascertained to be—for the purpose of determining proximity—can depend on a number of factors. In some instances, determination of proximity may be affected by preferences in the Seeker's Profile in the Database 158 and/or in a given Provider's Profile in the Database 158 . For example, a given Provider's Profile preference may require the rendezvous location and/or the Seeker's Locale to lie within a specific region or territory based on the strictures of a License or Certificate or third party permission issued to that Provider. If that preference is not met, the Provider is determined by the Fulfillment System 150 to not be proximate to the Seeker. [0104] Proximity may also have temporal determining factors. For instance, a potential Provider may be relatively near a Seeker, but have prior commitments that must be seen to first. Or for example, bad traffic may slow the time it takes to travel to a rendezvous location. In an urgent situation, temporal proximity may be more important than physical proximity. In many embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 may ascribe proximity to a given Provider based on a multiplicity of temporal-related factors including, but not limited to: projected travel route, third party traffic congestion and weather reports, historical traffic patterns and records, and Provider promptness ratings. In some instances, factors impacting temporal proximity may not be apparent to the System 150 such that communication between the Seeker and a Potential Provider may indicate a different—perhaps less attractive—temporal proximity. [0105] For the purposes of Step 330 , the Provider's Locale may be ascribed in a number of different ways depending on numerous factors including but not limited to: the type of URGS provided; whether the acquisition of the URGS requires the actual physical presence of the Provider and/or of the Seeker; whether the Provider operates from a fixed business location; and/or whether it is necessary for the Provider to travel to provide the URGS. So for instance, the Provider's Locale may be taken to be the Provider's place of business as defined by the Provider's Profile in the Database 158 . Or the Provider's Locale may be taken to be the expected location of the Provider based on a schedule defined by the Provider's Profile in the Database 158 . Or the Provider's Locale may be taken as a geo-location provided by the Provider or by a mobile communication device in the Provider's possession. Information from the Provider's Profile may include preferences that affect how the Provider's Locale is determined. [0106] In many embodiments, the information: URGS sought, Seeker's Locale, and each Provider's availability and Locale is deemed sufficient to allow the Fulfillment System 150 to process the Database 158 to identify proximate Provider(s) of the sought after URGS—see 330 . [0107] In many embodiments, additional winnowing of the set of potential Provider's may occur based on additional preferences a Seeker has indicated in their Profile and/or additional preferences a given Provider has in theirs—reference 340 . FIG. 4 provides instances of some additional Seeker and Provider criteria— 430 and 460 , respectively—that in some embodiments may serve to further cull the set of potential Providers. [0108] In some embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 may attempt to winnow down the set of potential Providers. In 350 , the Fulfillment System 150 may present the resulting set of potential Providers to the Seeker. In some embodiments, the System 150 may modulate the winnowing process so as to proffer at least two potential Providers. [0109] In some embodiments, the set of potential Providers is displayed on a map that shows their approximate Locales and their relative proximity to the Seeker—see FIG. 10A for an example. In some embodiments, a Seeker may further open a pop-up subscreen to view additional Provider details—see 1020 in FIG. 10B . [0110] Referring to 240 —the Seeker typically selects one of the Providers proffered by the Fulfillment System 150 . [0111] The response by the Fulfillment System 150 to the Seeker's selection of a URGS Provider may vary between embodiments, but also in some instances, within a given embodiment based on the Provider's Profile. FIG. 5 provides an example of one such embodiment. [0112] A Seeker's selection of an URGS Provider—see 510 —may be acknowledged by the Fulfillment System 150 —reference 520 —so the Seeker knows the Fulfillment System 150 has recorded the correct selection. [0113] Referring to 525 , a confirmation ID may be assigned that may be used subsequently to look up a record of the Seeker-Provider match that is stored in the Transaction Log—see 530 . [0114] In some embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 may attempt—on behalf of the Provider—to pre-qualify the Seeker's ability to pay by running a test charge for a pre-set amount—typically a minimum payment—against the Seeker's payment card, insurance payer, or other payment source—see 535 . Referencing 540 , the Fulfillment System 150 may query the payment source for pre-approval. [0115] In such embodiments, if the test charge is rejected by the payer, the Provider's Profile may be checked to see if the Provider accepts Seekers with potential payment problems—see 550 . If not, the Fulfillment System 150 may inform the Seeker of denial—see 590 —typically causing the Seeker to select a different potential Provider. [0116] If on the other hand, the Seeker's payment source can pay, or the Provider accepts Seekers with potential payment problems, appropriate data about the Seeker—see 560 —may be made available for the Provider and notification of the selection sent to the Provider—see 570 —and a corresponding confirmation to the Seeker—see 580 . [0117] In some embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 offers the Seeker the opportunity to initiate contact with the selected Provider immediately— FIG. 11 . In other embodiments the Fulfillment System 150 may act on the Provider's behalf to arrange the details of providing the URGS to the Seeker. [0118] In most embodiments, particularly those where the Seeker contacts the Provider to complete the transaction, the Fulfillment System 150 acts to notify the Provider promptly of the selection— FIG. 12 . [0119] To assist both the Seeker and the Provider, the Fulfillment System 150 may provide a tracking service—see 260 —and corresponding map-based display mechanism that periodically updates, substantially in real-time, the geo-location of the traveler(s)—be it the Seeker, the Provider, or both—relative to the rendezvous location where the Seeker and Provider intend to transact the acquisition of the URGS. In some embodiments, tracking maps are made available for both the Seeker— FIG. 10A , and the Provider— FIG. 13A . [0120] In some instances, where the URGS are a good or goods, it may be the good(s) traveling and the tracking map reflecting the current Locale of the good(s). In some instances, the URGS may be provided by ways that are not well suited to tracking on a map, e.g., funds may be wired electronically with seeming instantaneous travel. [0121] The Fulfillment System 150 may utilize an internal set of identifiers and transaction records in the process of matching Seekers to Providers for the purpose of acquiring URGS. In a typical embodiment, a stored set of records is retained in the Database 158 (“Transaction Log”) that records the details of each such process. [0122] Operators of the Fulfillment System may derive revenue or other recompense—from Seekers and/or Providers and/or third parties—for use of the System 150 and/or use of information accumulated in the Database 158 . Information stored in the Transaction Log may serve to determine what recompense is appropriate and from whom. It may be used for instance, to provide details that may appear in an invoice. Such details may for example include transaction information representing a “billable moment”—e.g., when a valued service—such as facilitating a Seeker to contact a Provider—instantiated and correspondingly recorded in the Transaction Log. [0123] In addition to maintaining Transaction Logs, in some embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 may maintain in its Database 158 algorithmic manipulations of various log data (“Metrics”) for a single User or several Users individually or a set of Users as an aggregate—where a given User may be a Provider, or a Seeker, or both a Provider and a Seeker (dual use of Fulfillment System 150 ). Such data may be measurements, statistics, and correlations for an individual Provider, or Providers as individuals, or Providers as an aggregate, and/or Multiple Providers. [0124] In addition to maintaining Transaction Logs, and Metrics, in some embodiments the Fulfillment System 150 may keep stored copies (as permissible) or aggregations of any information—from or about Users or third parties—that enters the Fulfillment System 150 . This information may at some time be manipulated to derive useful data that may be of value to operators of the Fulfillment System, Fulfillment System Users, or third parties. [0125] For most Providers, a key goal of providing URGS is to be compensated. In many instances a Seeker may contemplate using the Provider again, and therefore want the Provider to be pleased with being compensated. Also—for both a Seeker and a Provider—having a record of having transacted the requisite compensation is useful in case of a dispute, or more in general, to maintain good credit histories. [0126] The Fulfillment System 150 may facilitate the compensation of Providers— 270 . In some embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 provides a basic service to the Provider—access to a reproduction of the Transaction Log record reflecting the pairing of the Provider and the Seeker. [0127] In some embodiments, the Provider may enter additional information into the Transaction Log to record the status of the transaction with the Seeker and the status of the corresponding compensation by the Seeker. Such information may include third party confirmation of compensation of the Provider by the Seeker. In some instances, such information may be provided to the Fulfillment System 150 directly from authoritative third parties. [0128] Some embodiments may provide broader facilitation to a Provider such as Appointments, Billing and Accounting. [0129] In some embodiments, a Seeker has access to a record of Provider searches and pairings conducted by the Fulfillment System 150 on behalf of the Seeker. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a Seeker may have access to a record of other related transactions conducted by the Fulfillment System 150 on behalf of the Seeker. [0130] Facilitating follow-up between Seekers and their Providers—see 280 —is another utilization of the Transaction Log. For instance, the Fulfillment System 150 may communicate instructions from a selected Provider to the corresponding Seeker. In the opposite direction, the System 150 may communicate feedback from a Seeker to a Provider selected by that Seeker. Additionally, in some embodiments, the System 150 may obtain Provider ratings from Seekers and Seeker ratings from Providers and add these to User metrics in the Database 158 . In some embodiments, positive or negative ratings may cause the System 150 to increase or decrease a given Provider's ranking, which may in turn impact the frequency of that Provider being proffered. [0131] Follow-up with Seekers may be a key component of a Provider's client loyalty program. In some instances, it may generate immediate follow-on transactions. In other instances, it may generate good-will. By facilitating follow-ups, the Fulfillment System 150 may gain access to the Seeker's opinions, and help increase the Seeker's loyalty to the Provider. A side benefit may be increased loyalty of both the Seeker and the Provider to the Fulfillment System 150 . [0132] In addition to direct follow-up, the System 150 , may provide, support, be affiliated with, link to, direct Users to, or otherwise facilitate follow-up via user forums/social media. Many consumers use social media such as Yelp, Facebook and Twitter to express their praise and/or criticisms regarding a vendor. [0133] The Fulfillment System 150 facilitates Loyaltization—i.e., creating, maintaining, promoting and expanding User loyalty to the Fulfillment System 150 —focused on both Providers and Seekers—see 290 . Loyaltization may play an important role in the commercial acceptance and success of the Fulfillment System 150 . [0134] Loyalty may be created as a byproduct of the inherent usefulness of the Fulfillment System 150 , but in some embodiments loyalty may be actively sought—using additional features and incentives—to make Providers and Seekers want to recommend the Fulfillment System 150 to others and continue using it themselves. For example, the System 150 may increase the ranking of a valued Provider and thereby increase the likelihood and frequency of that Provider being proffered. Additionally, in some embodiments, the System 150 may improve other metrics associated with a valued Seeker or Provider. Such metrics might be shared for instance with other Users and/or third parties. [0135] In some embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 may administer loyalty programs on the behalf of individual Providers. Additionally, the Fulfillment System 150 may operate loyalty programs on behalf of an aggregate of multiple Providers and offer incentives to Seekers based on desired behavior relative to any Provider within said aggregation. Such loyalty programs conducted on behalf of Providers also have the benefit of Loyaltization of Providers to the Fulfillment System 150 . Similarly, in some embodiments, the System 150 may administer loyalty programs—on behalf of individual Seekers or Seekers in aggregate—that reward Providers and increase good-will between Providers and Seekers and perhaps the System 150 as well. Loyalty programs, whether on behalf of Seekers or Providers, may award benefits to Users—for example discounts for future URGS acquired using the System 150 or rewards such as goods and/or services from Providers and/or third parties. For instance, rewards may include airline frequent flier miles or hotel stay points. Also, in some embodiments, the System 150 may offer enrollment in third party loyalty programs [0136] In many urgent situations, a Seeker may have need for more than one URGS. For example, a vacationer with a broken down car may need a place to stay overnight in addition to automotive repair. If the car is seriously damaged, a rental vehicle may be needed. In typical embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 may proactively facilitate the proffering of a set of related URGS based on Seeker-provided information and/or inference by the System 150 . In some embodiments, the System 150 may facilitate the proffering of non-urgent services and goods that might be useful in the context of the Seeker's circumstances. For instance, the stranded traveler might like a book or newspaper to read or perhaps some comfort food—once the car and a place to stay have been taken care of. A Seeker's Profile may determine whether and how the System 150 proffers, suggests or recommends additional services and goods. [0137] In addition to directly facilitating the Seeker's acquisition of a set of circumstance-related URGS and non-urgent services and goods—in some embodiments—the Fulfillment System 150 , may suggest, recommend or otherwise prompt a Provider to proffer additional URGS and other non-urgent services and goods to a Seeker. II. Exemplary Scenarios [0138] The following discussions and references to figures are provided to illustrate a set of exemplary scenarios for some embodiments of the Fulfillment System 150 . The examples may include particular limitations which are unique to the given example and are not intended to extend to the invention as a whole. Likewise, some examples may have been simplified in order to aid in clarity. It is understood that while the foregoing examples aid in explanation and clarification of the present invention, these examples do not limit the scope or function of the present invention. [0139] In some instances, graphic representations with the appearance of screenshots from mobile communication devices are provided by way of example to aid in the illustration of some embodiments. This is not intended to imply that mobile communication devices are preferred to the exclusion of other terminal device types. [0140] Several different fulfillment scenarios may occur when a Seeker and Provider are not situated at the same place. Such scenarios include, but are not necessarily limited to: A. The Seeker travels to a rendezvous location that is the Provider's Locale, B. The Provider travels to a rendezvous location that is the Seeker's Locale, C. The Seeker and the Provider both travel to a fixed rendezvous location. D. The Seeker and the Provider both travel towards each other without a fixed rendezvous location until they converge. [0145] The scenario descriptions that follow detail the individual Scenarios—A, B, C and D—by stepping through the logic flow diagrams— FIGS. 2 , 3 , 4 and 5 —and by providing corresponding exemplary screen shots to illustrate the User experience. FIGS. 6 , 7 and 8 —corresponding to Scenarios A, B and C, respectively—illustrate the process of selecting and contacting a Provider from the Seeker's perspective. In each instance, the Seeker actuates a virtual button on each of a sequence of three screens: button actuation 1—Select URGS; button actuation 2—Select a Provider; and button actuation 3—Contact that Provider. Scenario A—Seeker Travels to Provider's Locale [0146] To illustrate the scenario of a Seeker traveling to the Provider's Locale, the Seeker is imagined to be a business traveler from Spain—Mirabella Sanchez—who has a severe toothache; the URGS is urgent dental care; and the URGS Providers are dentists. Referring back to FIG. 6 , it is possible for the Seeker to use a small number of virtual button actuations to: 1) select URGS Services (dental)— 610 ; 2) select a Provider (dentist)— 620 ; and 3) contact that Provider (dentist)— 630 . [0147] Referring to FIG. 2 step 230 , the Fulfillment System 150 works to proffer Providers of the type sought by the Seeker. FIG. 3 details an embodiment of step 230 . In step 310 , the Fulfillment System 150 determines from the Seeker the type of URGS sought—in this example: urgent dental care. [0148] In step 320 , the Fulfillment System 150 determines the Seeker's Locale. In this example, the Seeker is imagined to use a “smart phone” mobile communication device, which allows the Fulfillment System 150 to use GPS to geo-locate the Seeker, who at the time is in San Ramon, Calif. [0149] Referencing step 330 , the Fulfillment System 150 examines its Database 158 and determines that the corresponding type of Provider sought is: a dentist. In this example, the Fulfillment System 150 uses the dentist office location specified in each Provider's Profile in the Database 158 as that Provider's Locale. Each Provider's Locale, so determined, is compared to the Seeker's Locale—San Ramon in this example—to determine if a given Provider is proximate. A set of proximate Providers is accumulated in this fashion by the Fulfillment System 150 . In this example, the Fulfillment System 150 examines the Database 158 for dentists and identifies eight Providers proximate to San Ramon. [0150] In Step 340 , the Fulfillment System 150 further vets the potential Providers. FIG. 4 details an embodiment of the vetting process. In Step 430 each of the potential Providers is vetted based on a comparison of preferences—preset by the Seeker in the Seeker's Profile in the Database 158 —against a Provider's characteristics found in the Provider's Profile. Mirabella's Seeker Profile in the Database 158 indicates that she requires a Spanish-speaking Provider. Three of the potential Providers are rejected by the Fulfillment System 150 because their Profiles in the Database 158 do not have Spanish selected as one of the languages they speak. [0151] In Step 460 , for each potential Provider, the Provider is vetted based on the Provider's willingness to accept the Seeker based in turn on a comparison of preferences—preset by the Provider in the Provider's Profile in the Database 158 —against the Seeker's characteristics found in the Seeker's Profile in the Database 158 . Two potential Providers have indicated preferences for payment specifically in cash or by pre-approved insurance organization. Mirabella's Seeker Profile indicates that she desires to pay either with V-Pay debit card or by check. Mirabella's Spanish dental insurance does not match the pre-approved insurance payers in these two Provider's Profiles. Therefore, these additional two potential Providers are rejected by the Fulfillment System 150 . Three other Providers do accept checks and therefore pass the vetting process. [0152] Referring to step 350 , the Fulfillment System 150 has three potential Providers to display to Mirabella, so she can select one from them. One Provider has an office in Berkeley, one has an office in Vallejo, and the third has an office in Walnut Creek. FIG. 10A provides an example of what the display may look like on Mirabella's mobile communication device. Shown there are four icons. The human head and shoulders silhouette icon 1050 represents Mirabella's Locale in San Ramon. The three tooth outline icons represent the three potential URGS Providers—the dentists in Vallejo 1010 , Walnut Creek 1020 , and Berkeley 1030 , respectively. [0153] Referring to FIG. 2 step 240 , the Seeker selects an URGS Provider from the three potential Providers proffered by the Fulfillment System 150 . In this example, the Seeker Mirabella selects the Provider in Walnut Creek by tapping on the icon 1020 in FIG. 10A . In this example, the Provider—Dr. Keith White—has preset his preferences in his Provider Profile in the Database 158 such that the Fulfillment System 150 prompts the Seeker—Mirabella—to contact Dr. White, as shown in FIG. 11 , by the actuating virtual button 1110 to phone or the virtual button 1120 to text directly from her mobile communication device. At the same time, the Fulfillment System 150 , sends Dr. White a notice to his mobile communication device—see FIG. 12 —alerting him to expect to be contacted by a Seeker—Mirabella Sanchez. [0154] The Fulfillment System 150 can facilitate communication between Seeker and Provider, by either providing contact information for the Provider or—as in this example—providing a facility to contact the Provider directly. In this instance, Mirabella telephones Dr. White by actuating the virtual button 1110 which causes her mobile communication device to place the phone call directly. The Fulfillment System 150 is not a party in the conversation between the Seeker Mirabella and the URGS Provider Dr. White, DDS. [0155] Referring to FIG. 12 , the Provider—having been alerted to expect to be contacted by a new Seeker—can view the Locale of the new Seeker by actuating the virtual button 1210 , which Dr. White does. In this example, the Fulfillment System 150 responds by displaying FIG. 13A , a tracking map on which Provider Dr. White can look to see what information the Fulfillment System 150 has on the geo-location of any URGS Seekers who may be coming to his Locale. The tracking map includes a new icon— 1310 —representing the Locale of the new Seeker, Mirabella Sanchez, that the Fulfillment System 150 determines to be in San Ramon. [0156] Dr. White's mobile communication device rings with the call from Mirabella—Dr. White answers. They discuss Mirabella's tooth and her dental history; go over compensation and any final details necessary to decide whether to meet; and agreeing to do so, set up an appointment for Mirabella. [0157] In step 260 , the Fulfillment System 150 initiates ongoing tracking of the progress of the Seeker traveling to meet the Provider. Referring to FIG. 13B , the Fulfillment System 150 periodically updates the a tracking map—as it may appear on Provider Dr. White's mobile communication device—to reflect changes in the Locale of Seekers traveling to the Provider's Locale. In the example, Mirabella's icon 1310 has not moved, because Mirabella needs to arrange transport to travel to Dr. White's Locale. Meanwhile, icon 1320 and icon 1330 —representing two other Seekers traveling to Provider Dr. White's Locale—have both moved. [0158] In step 270 , the Fulfillment System 150 facilitates compensation by logging the transaction that has just occurred whereby Seeker Mirabella Sanchez selected Provider Dr. White. Both Dr. White and Mirabella Sanchez can subsequently look up the Transaction Log record. [0159] Referring to step 280 —in this example, Dr. White's Provider Profile in the Database 158 is preset for the Fulfillment System 150 to facilitate follow-ups by alerting Dr. White at a future time to follow-up with a Seeker who has selected him—in this instance with Mirabella Sanchez. [0160] The Fulfillment System 150 facilitates Loyaltization—step 290 —as described above. Scenario B—Provider Travels to Seeker's Locale [0161] To illustrate the scenario of a Provider traveling to the Seeker's Locale, the Seeker is imagined to be a high-powered corporate executive just arrived at a major airport and running late for a critically important business meeting—Lee Nelson; the URGS is transportation to meeting location in time for his presentation; and the URGS Providers are helicopter operators. Referring back to FIG. 7 , it is possible for the Seeker to use a small number of virtual button actuations to: 1) select URGS Service (helicopter)— 710 ; 2) select a Provider (helicopter operator)— 720 ; and 3) contact that Provider (helicopter operator)— 730 . [0162] Referring to step 230 —the Fulfillment System 150 works to proffer Providers of the type sought by the Seeker. [0163] Referring to FIG. 3 step 310 , the Fulfillment System 150 determines from the Seeker the type of URGS sought—in this example: urgent helicopter commuter service. [0164] In step 320 , the Fulfillment System 150 determines the Seeker's Locale. In this example, the Seeker's Locale is determined by the System 150 via GPS support in his “smart phone” to be Alameda, Calif. [0165] In Step 330 , the Fulfillment System 150 examines its Database 158 and determines that the corresponding type of Provider sought is: a helicopter operator. In this example, the Fulfillment System 150 uses the Provider's heliport location specified in each Provider's Profile in the Database 158 as that Provider's Locale. Each Provider's Locale, so determined, is compared to the Seeker's Locale—Alameda—to determine if a given Provider is proximate. A set of proximate Providers is accumulated in this fashion by the Fulfillment System 150 . The System 150 examines the Database 158 for helicopter operators and identifies four Providers proximate to Alameda. [0166] Referring to step 340 , the Fulfillment System 150 further vets the potential Providers. FIG. 4 shows step 340 in greater detail. Referring to step 430 , each of the potential Providers is vetted based on a comparison of preferences—preset by the Seeker in the Seeker's Profile in the Database 158 —against a Provider's characteristics found in the Provider's Profile. One helicopter operator is found to be currently unavailable and is vetted accordingly. This leaves three potential Providers. [0167] In step 460 , for each potential Provider, the Provider is vetted based on the Provider's willingness to accept the Seeker. Such willingness is determined by a comparison of preferences—preset by the Provider in the Provider's Profile in the Database 158 —against the Seeker's characteristics found in the Seeker's Profile in the Database 158 . Lee has sterling credit and five major credit cards. He is acceptable to all of the Providers. [0168] Referring to FIG. 3 step 350 —the Fulfillment System 150 has three potential Providers to display to Lee, so he can select one from them—one in Brisbane, the second in San Carlos, and the third in Santa Clara. FIG. 14 provides an example of what the display may look like on Seeker Lee Nelson's mobile communication device. Shown there are four icons. The human head and shoulders silhouette icon 1410 represents Lee's Locale in Alameda. The three helicopter outline icons represent the three potential URGS Providers—the helicopter operators in Brisbane 1420 , San Carlos 1430 , and Santa Clara 1440 , respectively. [0169] In FIG. 2 step 240 , the Seeker selects an URGS Provider from the three potential Providers proffered by the Fulfillment System 150 . In this example, the Seeker Lee selects the closest Provider—based in Brisbane—by actuating the virtual button represented by the icon 1420 in FIG. 14 . In this instance, the Helicopter operator—Chris Kelley—has preset her preferences in her Provider Profile in the Database 158 such that the System 150 prompts the Seeker—Lee—to contact Ms. Kelley, as shown in FIG. 15 , by the actuating the virtual button 1510 to phone or the virtual button 1520 to text directly from his mobile communication device. At the same time, the Fulfillment System 150 sends Ms. Kelley a notice to her mobile communication device—see FIG. 16-alerting her to expect to be contacted by a Seeker—Lee Nelson. [0170] The Fulfillment System 150 can facilitate communication between Seeker and Provider, by either providing contact information for the Provider or—as in this example—providing a facility to contact the Provider directly. In this instance, Lee telephones Ms. Kelley by actuating the virtual button 1510 which causes his mobile communication device to place the phone call directly. The Fulfillment System 150 is not a party in the conversation between the Seeker Mr. Lee Nelson and the URGS Provider Ms. Chris Kelley—helicopter operator. [0171] Referring to FIG. 16 , the Provider—having been alerted to expect to be contacted by a new Seeker—can view the Locale of the new Seeker by actuating the virtual button 1610 , which Ms. Kelley does. In this example, the Fulfillment System 150 responds by displaying FIG. 17A , which Provider Ms. Kelley can examine to see geo-location information the System 150 has on URGS Seekers she may intend to travel to—in this instance, only Mr. Nelson. The tracking map includes a single head and shoulders silhouette icon— 1710 —representing the new Seeker—Lee Nelson—whose Locale the Fulfillment System 150 displays in Alameda. [0172] Ms. Kelley's mobile communication device rings with the call from Lee Nelson—Ms. Kelley answers. They discuss Lee's urgent need for an immediate helicopter ride to Palo Alto; go over compensation and any final details necessary to be certain that Mr. Nelson is at the correct location at the airport in Alameda; and agreeing to the fare, set up to meet at Lee Nelson's Locale in Alameda. [0173] In step 260 , the Fulfillment System 150 starts ongoing tracking of the Provider as the Seeker awaits the Provider's arrival. Referring to FIG. 17B , the Fulfillment System 150 periodically updates a tracking map—as it may appear on Provider Chris Kelley's mobile communication device—to reflect changes in the Locale of the Seeker and/or Provider. In the example, Lee Nelson's icon 1710 has not moved, but Ms. Kelley's icon 1720 is now substantially closer to Seeker Lee Nelson's Locale in Alameda. [0174] In step 270 , the Fulfillment System 150 facilitates compensation by logging the transaction that has just occurred whereby Seeker Lee Nelson selected Provider Ms. Kelley—the helicopter operator. Both Ms. Kelley and Lee Nelson may subsequently look up the Transaction Log record. [0175] Referring to step 280 —in this example, Ms. Kelley's Provider Profile in the Database 158 is not preset for the Fulfillment System 150 to facilitate follow-ups. However because the Transaction Log record is available to Ms. Kelley, she can follow-up with Lee Nelson if she chooses to do so. In this case she does follow up promptly—step 280 —because she would like referrals and hopefully a repeat customer. She subsequently revises her Provider Profile to facilitate follow-ups. [0176] The Fulfillment System 150 facilitates Loyaltization—step 290 —as described above. Scenario C—the Seeker and the Provider Both Travel to a Rendezvous Location. [0177] To illustrate the scenario of a Seeker and a Provider both traveling to a rendezvous location, the Seeker is imagined to be a landlord—Rick Sawyer—who has a leaking pipe at a rental home; the URGS is urgent plumbing repair; and the URGS Providers are plumbers. Referring back to FIG. 8 , it is possible for the Seeker to use a small number of virtual button actuations to: 1) select URGS (plumbing services)— 810 ; 2) select a Provider (plumber)— 820 ; and 3) contact that Provider (plumber)— 830 . [0178] FIG. 2 , step 230 , the Fulfillment System 150 works to proffer Providers of the type the Seeker requires. FIG. 3 details an embodiment of step 230 . [0179] Referring to FIG. 3 , step 310 , the Fulfillment System 150 determines from the Seeker the type of URGS sought—in this example: urgent plumbing. [0180] Referring to step 320 , the Fulfillment System 150 determines the Seeker's Locale. In this example, the Seeker is not at the location where the URGS need to be provided—i.e., the rental home with the leaking pipe. Rick Sawyer, the Seeker, enters the address of the rental home—located in Cotati, Calif.—into the Fulfillment System 150 . The Fulfillment System 150 processes the address to derive a geo-location and puts both the address and the corresponding geo-location into the Database 158 to set the rendezvous location. [0181] At Step 330 , the Fulfillment System 150 examines its Database 158 and determines that the corresponding type of Provider sought is: a plumber. In this example, the System 150 uses the plumber business location specified in each Provider's Profile in the Database 158 as that Provider's Locale. Each Provider's Locale is compared to the rendezvous location—Cotati—to determine if a given Provider is proximate. A set of proximate Providers is figured accordingly by the Fulfillment System 150 . Processing plumbers in the Database 158 , the System 150 identifies ten Providers proximate to Cotati. [0182] Referring to Step 340 , the Fulfillment System 150 further vets the potential Providers. FIG. 4 details an embodiment of the vetting process. [0183] In Step 430 , each of the potential Providers is vetted based on a comparison of preferences set by the Seeker in the Seeker's Profile in the Database 158 —against a Provider's characteristics set in the Provider's Profile. Rick Sawyer's Seeker Profile indicates that he requires a English-speaking Provider. The Fulfillment System 150 rejects one of the potential Providers because their Profile in the Database 158 does not include English as one of the languages spoken by that plumber. Rick also requires licensed and bonded contractors—all potential Providers comply. Additionally, Rick's Seeker Profile contains a preference for a work guarantee. Two of the potential Providers do not have “work guaranteed” selected in their Profiles, and as a result are rejected by the System 150 . [0184] In Step 460 , for each potential Provider, the Provider is vetted based on the Provider's willingness to accept the Seeker. That willingness is determined based on a comparison of preferences—the Provider's preferences expressed in the Provider's Profile in the Database 158 —against the Seeker's characteristics preset in the Seeker's Profile in the Database. Three potential Providers have indicated preferences for payment specifically in cash. Rick's Seeker Profile reflects his preference to pay by check or credit card—but not cash. Therefore, the Fulfillment System 150 rejects these three additional potential Providers. Four remaining Providers accept check or credit payment—so they pass the vetting process. [0185] Referring to FIG. 3 , step 350 , the Fulfillment System 150 has four potential Providers to display to Rick, to allow him to select one of them. One Provider has an office in Sebastopol, the second is based in Santa Rosa, the third works from Rohnert Park, and the fourth has a storefront in Petaluma. FIG. 18 shows a display of proffered Providers as it may appear on Rick's mobile communication device. There are six icons shown. The human head and shoulders silhouette icon 1810 represents Seeker Rick Sawyer's Locale—currently at work in Windsor, where he received the distressed call from his tenant. The four wrench-outline icons represent the potential URGS Providers—the plumbers—in Santa Rosa 1820 , Sebastopol 1840 , Rohnert Park 1830 , and Petaluma 1860 . The water drop icon 1850 denotes the rendezvous location in Cotati where the leak is. [0186] In FIG. 2 , at step 240 , the Seeker selects a Provider from the four choices proffered by the Fulfillment System 150 in this example. Rick selects the Provider in Petaluma by tapping on the icon 1860 in FIG. 18 . The Provider (plumber) in this example—Mark Walsh—has set up his preferences in his Provider's Profile in the Database 158 so that the System 150 prompts the Seeker—Rick—to contact Mark, as shown in FIG. 19 . Actuating the virtual button 1910 telephones from Rick's mobile communication device to Mark's. Mark's Provider Profile does not indicate an address for texting, so that option is not offered to Rick. The Fulfillment System 150 , sends the Provider Mark a notice to his mobile communication device—see FIG. 20-alerting him to expect to be contacted by a Seeker—Rick Sawyer. [0187] The Fulfillment System 150 can facilitate communication between Seeker and Provider, by either providing contact information for the Provider or—as in this example—providing a facility to contact the Provider directly. In this instance, Rick telephones Mark by actuating the virtual button 1910 which causes his mobile communication device to place the phone call directly. The Fulfillment System 150 is not a party in the conversation between the Seeker Rick and the URGS Provider Mark Walsh. [0188] Referring to FIG. 20 , the Provider—having been alerted to expect to be contacted by a new Seeker—can view the Locale of the new Seeker by actuating the virtual button 2010 , which Mark Walsh chooses not to do. Instead, he waits for the Seeker to phone. Mark's mobile communication device rings with the call from Rick Sawyer—Mark answers. They discuss the leaking pipe problem and also other work Rick would like done. They discuss Mark's availability, how he guarantees his work, and what his labor rate is. They agree to the work, and arrange to rendezvous at the rental home in Cotati. [0189] In step 260 , the Fulfillment System 150 starts ongoing tracking of the progress of the Provider and/or the Seeker both traveling to meet at the rendezvous location. Referring to FIG. 21 , the Fulfillment System 150 periodically updates a tracking map—as it may appear on Seeker Rick Sawyer's mobile communication device—displaying the updated Locales of both the Seeker and Provider. [0190] Referring to step 270 , the Fulfillment System 150 facilitates compensation by logging the transaction whereby Seeker Rick Sawyer selected Provider Mark Walsh. Both Seeker and Provider can subsequently look up the Transaction Log record. Each can separately associate additional annotation with the Transaction Log. The Seeker and Provider annotations are separate and private to Seeker and Provider, respectively. They have no indication of, or access to, each other's annotations. In this example, Rick makes notes on the verbal guarantee he received from the Provider Mark. Separately, Mark records the details of the work done including time and materials and the amount charged to the Seeker's credit card. [0191] In step 280 , the Fulfillment System 150 facilitates follow-up. Mark's Provider Profile in the Database 158 indicates that the Fulfillment System 150 may, at a set number of days subsequent to a given transaction, prompt him to follow-up with the Seeker—in this case Rick Sawyer. The corresponding annotated Transaction Log reminds him of details of his work for the Seeker that are useful in conducting the follow-up. Mark may add further annotation to the Transaction Log to record the results of a given follow-up. [0192] The Fulfillment System 150 facilitates Loyaltization—step 290 . Mark has handled a large number of Seeker's URGS requests and has gotten consistently high ratings for quality and promptness. Accordingly, the Fulfillment System 150 improves the weighting in Mark's Provider Profile so as to increase his ranking and therefore likelihood of selection in the future. In some embodiments, the System 150 notifies the Provider of such improvement in weighting/ranking [0000] Scenario D—Seeker and Provider's Both Travel Until they Converge [0193] To illustrate the scenario of a Seeker and a Provider both traveling towards each other—without a fixed rendezvous location—until they converge, the Seeker is imagined to be a baseball fan—Judy Piper—who has arrived at the stadium with her son Bobby on his birthday, but has tickets for the wrong day; the URGS are two tickets for today's baseball game; and the URGS Providers are same-day ticket sellers. [0194] FIG. 2 , step 230 , the Fulfillment System 150 works to proffer Providers of the type the Seeker requires. FIG. 3 details an embodiment of step 230 . [0195] Referring to FIG. 3 , step 310 , the Fulfillment System 150 determines from the Seeker the type of URGS sought—in this example: two same-day baseball tickets. [0196] Referring to step 320 , the Fulfillment System 150 determines the Seeker's Locale. In this example, the Seeker is in the North parking lot of the baseball stadium as geo-located by her “smart phone.” [0197] At Step 330 , the Fulfillment System 150 examines its Database 158 and determines that the corresponding type of Provider sought is: a same-day ticket seller. In this example, the Fulfillment System 150 uses the geo-location determined from a given Provider's “smart phone” to determine that Provider's Locale. [0198] Each Provider's Locale is compared to the Seeker's Locale to determine if a given Provider is proximate. A set of proximate Providers is figured accordingly by the Fulfillment System 150 . Processing same-day ticket sellers in the Database 158 , the System 150 identifies twelve Providers proximate to Judy's Locale at the baseball stadium. [0199] Referring to Step 340 , the Fulfillment System 150 further vets the potential Providers. FIG. 4 details an embodiment of the vetting process. [0200] In Step 430 , each of the potential Providers is vetted based on a comparison of preferences set by the Seeker in the Seeker's Profile in the Database 158 —against a Provider's characteristics set in the Provider's Profile. Judy Piper's Seeker Profile indicates that she requires a positive proof of identification. Six of the potential Providers do not have “will prove identity” selected in their Profiles, and as a result are rejected by the Fulfillment System 150 . [0201] In Step 460 , for each potential Provider, the Provider is vetted by the Fulfillment System 150 based on the Provider's willingness to accept the Seeker. That willingness is determined based on a comparison of preferences—the Provider's preferences expressed in the Provider's Profile in the Database 158 —against the Seeker's characteristics preset in the Seeker's Profile in the Database 158 . Four potential Providers have indicated preferences for payment specifically in either cash or by credit card. Judy's Seeker Profile reflects her need to pay by check—not credit card nor cash. Judy assumes she isn't carrying sufficient cash and is not about to give out her credit card info to a stranger in a stadium parking lot. The System 150 rejects these four additional potential Providers. Two remaining Providers accept checks—so they pass the vetting process. [0202] Referring to FIG. 3 , step 350 , the Fulfillment System 150 has two potential Providers to display to Judy, to allow her to select one of them. One Provider is in the West parking lot of the baseball stadium. The other Provider is caught in traffic a few blocks from the stadium. FIG. 22A shows a display of proffered Providers as it may appear on Judy's mobile communication device. There are three icons shown. The blue human head and shoulders silhouette icon 2210 represents Judy's Locale in the North parking lot. The yellow human head and shoulders silhouette icon 2220 represents the Locale of the Provider in the West parking lot. The violet human head and shoulders silhouette icon 2230 represents the Locale of the other Provider—still approaching the stadium. [0203] In FIG. 2 , at step 240 , the Seeker selects a Provider proffered by the Fulfillment System 150 —one of two choices in this example. Judy selects the “yellow” ticket seller by tapping on the icon 2220 in FIG. 22A . The Provider in this example—Jack Craig—has set up his preferences in his Provider's Profile in the Database 158 so that the Fulfillment System 150 prompts the Seeker—Judy—to contact Jack, as shown in FIG. 23A . Jack's Provider Profile does not indicate a phone number—only an address for texting. Judy's Profile could—but does not—indicate “no texting”. [0204] When Judy sees that Jack can not be phoned, she immediately actuates the “back” virtual button 2310 that returns her to an updated Provider proffer display—FIG. 22 B—where she taps the violet icon 2230 . The fall back Provider in this example—Linda Rogers—has set up her preferences in her Provider's Profile in the Database 158 so that the Fulfillment System 150 prompts the Seeker—Judy—to contact Linda, as shown in FIG. 23B . Linda's Provider Profile provides both a phone number and a texting address. The System 150 sends Linda the ticket seller a notice to her mobile communication device—see FIG. 24-alerting her to expect to be contacted by a Seeker—Judy Piper. [0205] The Fulfillment System 150 can facilitate communication between Seeker and Provider, by either providing contact information for the Provider or—as in this example—providing a facility to contact the Provider directly. In this instance, Judy telephones Linda by actuating virtual button 2320 which causes her mobile communication device to place the phone call directly. The Fulfillment System 150 is not a party in the conversation between the Seeker Judy and the URGS Ticket Seller Linda Rogers. [0206] The Provider—see FIG. 24 —having been alerted to expect to be contacted by a new Seeker—can view the Locale of the new Seeker by actuating the virtual button 2410 , which Linda Rogers chooses to do. This displays a tracking map showing Seeker Judy's Locale as she walks toward the main gate of the stadium and Provider Linda's Locale as she is just pulling into the stadium parking lot—see FIG. 25A . [0207] Linda's mobile communication device rings with the call from Judy Piper—Linda pulls over, parks, and then answers. Judy immediately explains her situation including limited cash. They negotiate a total sale amount—partially to be paid in cash and partially by check. Neither Judy nor Linda are familiar with stadium land marks, but they agree to walk in each other's direction as they both can see on instances of tracking maps on their respective mobile communication devices. [0208] In step 260 , the Fulfillment System 150 starts ongoing tracking of the progress of the Provider and/or the Seeker both traveling to meet at an ad hoc rendezvous location. Referring to FIG. 26 , the System 150 periodically updates a tracking map as it may appear on Seeker Judy Piper's mobile communication device. [0209] The Seeker and Provider continue walking roughly towards each other—each looking around and at their respective tracking map screens. Referring to FIG. 25B , the System 150 periodically updates a tracking map as it may appear on Provider Linda Roger's mobile communication device. As their geo-locations converge both “smart phones” send a loud audible alert. As they near, Linda sees a woman walking away from the stadium with a worried looking young boy in tow—both staring at a loudly sounding phone. Linda calls out to Judy. They walk towards each other, speak greetings, and then turn to head toward the stadium gate as they finish transacting their business. [0210] Referring to step 270 , the Fulfillment System 150 facilitates compensation by logging the transaction whereby the Seeker—Judy Piper—selected the Provider—Linda Rogers. Both Seeker and Provider can subsequently look up the Transaction Log record. Each can separately associate additional annotation with the Transaction Log. In this example, Judy will make a note of Linda's driver license number. [0211] In step 280 , the Fulfillment System 150 facilitates follow-up. Linda's Provider Profile in the Database 158 indicates “no follow-up”. Judy's Seeker Profile is set for a next day follow-up, which will turn out to be a brief but heartfelt thank you call. [0212] The Fulfillment System 150 facilitates Loyaltization—step 290 —as described above. [0213] While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, modifications, permutations, and substitute equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. Although sub-section titles have been provided to aid in the description of the invention, these titles are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. [0214] It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, modifications, permutations, and substitute equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.
A computerized urgent goods and services fulfillment system vets a plurality of providers of an urgent service or goods (URGS) requested by a seeker. The fulfillment system includes a server and a database for storing provider profiles. Upon seeker request, the server screens the providers capable of providing requested URGS. Screening can include analysis of provider profiles, the seeker profile, proximal data and temporal data associated with the plurality providers. The server then proffers at least one screened provider selected from the plurality of providers.
6
This is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 238,976, filed Aug. 25, 1988, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 885,426, filed Jul. 14, 1986, both now abandoned. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an electroless plating process and formulations and, more particularly, to an electroless plating process for depositing gold on a substrate with a formulation that has such stability that spontaneous deposition cannot occur. In the processing of electronic components, electroless gold has been used to achieve uniform metal distribution as well as deposition onto areas that are not in contact electrically. Much has been described in literature comparing immersion (or displacement) processes with electroless (or autocatalytic) techniques. In summary, immersion systems will produce a maximum coating thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 micrometer whereas electroless systems have no limit to thickness except that which is practical--for gold, about 2 to 4 micrometers. The prior art discloses many processes for the production of gold coatings to appreciable thicknesses; the outstanding two are: 1) U.S. Pat. No. 3,396,042--catalytic reduction and 2) U.S. Pat. No. 3,798,056--borohydride reduction. Although these processes can produce satisfactory gold deposits, they are unstable for long term production in high volume manufacturing operations. The stability of the gold complex is lowered by the chemistry utilized and total system decomposition occurs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention describes a chemical process which, when used in accordance with the prescribed operating parameters, will produce a gold coating to any practical thickness for use in the electronics industry. The process has such stability that spontaneous decomposition cannot occur. DESCRIPTION This invention is based on the fact that gold is a highly electronegative element and wishes to remain in the reduced state of elemental gold rather than staying in an ionic form. Because it is easily reduced, strong reducing agents such as hypophosphites, hydrazines, borohydrides, boranes will and do cause rapid deterioration and decomposition of the gold compound used. Elimination of these harsh reducers and the substitution for them with mild reducers/complexers has produced a system which is extremely stable and which still yields a controlled reduction of gold for functional use within the electronics industry. The solution of the invention is made with potassium gold cyanide, potassium cyanide, potassium hydroxide and the potassium salts of weak stable organic or amino acids. At times, additions of pH stabilizers will be needed as buffers to maintain correct pH control. The examples given below will give some further detail as to chemical and physical operation of the solution. EXAMPLE 1 A solution was made with the following materials: ______________________________________Gold as potassium gold cyanide 5 g/LPotassium hydroxide 100 g/LPotassium cyanide 0.5 g/LNitrilotriacetic acid 80 g/L______________________________________ Operating parameters for the above are: ______________________________________ pH 13.5 Temperature 100° C. Agitation vigorous______________________________________ Tribasic potassium phosphate was added to maintain the pH at or about 13.5. A ceramic substrate metallized with tungsten was activated and placed in the above solution for 40 min. A coating thickness of 2.5 micrometers of gold resulted. At a lower temperature, i.e. 70° C., only 1/2 micrometer of gold was deposited in 40 minutes. EXAMPLE 2 A solution was made of the following materials: ______________________________________Gold as potassium gold cyanide 8 g/LPotassium hydroxide 150 g/LPotassium cyanide 2 g/LEthylenediammine tetraacetic acid 60 g/L______________________________________ Operating parameters for the above are: ______________________________________ pH 13.0 Temperature 102° C. Agitation vigorous______________________________________ Cyclohexylamine was added as a pH stabilizer. A multi-layer printed wiring board which had been copper thru-hole plated and then coated with electroless nickel was activated and placed in the above solution for 30 minutes. Gold thickness obtained was 2 micrometers. EXAMPLE 3 A solution was made of the following materials: ______________________________________Gold as potassium gold cyanide 10 g/LPotassium hydroxide 120 g/LPotassium cyanide 5 g/LCitric acid 50 g/L______________________________________ Operating parameters for the above are: ______________________________________ pH 13.5 Temperature 101° C. Agitation vigorous______________________________________ Cyclohexylamine was added as a pH stabilizer. Five hundred diode bases with 2 inch nickel-iron leads were cleaned and activated and then immersed in the above solution for 15 minutes. A gold thickness of one micrometer was obtained. EXAMPLE 4 A solution was made of the following material: ______________________________________Gold as potassium gold cyanide 4 g/LPotassium hydroxide 20 g/LPotassium cyanide 1 g/LNitrilotriacetic acid 80 g/L______________________________________ Operating parameters for the above are: ______________________________________pH 4.0Temperature 100° C.Agitation moderate______________________________________ Potassium phosphate was added as a pH stabilizer. Five hundred diode bases with 2 inch nickel-iron leads were cleaned and activated and immersed in the above solution for 5 minutes. A gold coating of about 1/4 micrometer was obtained. These parts were then immersed into the solution described in Example (3) for 15 minutes. An additional 1 micrometer of gold thickness was deposited. EXAMPLE 5 A solution was made of the following materials: ______________________________________Gold as potassium gold cyanide 2 g/LPotassium hydroxide 100 g/LPotassium cyanide 2 g/LHexaethylenepentamine triacetic acid 40 g/L______________________________________ Operating parameters for the above are: ______________________________________ pH 13.5 Temperature 102° C. Agitation vigorous______________________________________ Cyclohexylamine was added as a pH stabilizer. Ceramic substrates metallized with molybdenum-manganese were activated and immersed in the above solution for 1 hour. The gold thickness obtained was 2.8 micrometers. Please note that in the foregoing examples the amounts of "gold, as potassium gold cyanider" refer to the amount of gold, not the amount of potassium gold cyanide. Summarizing, the present invention concerns a process and examples of aqueous solutions for electroless plating of gold on a substrate. Two features constitute the key attributes of the present invention. First, the aqueous solution of the present invention does not contain strong reducing agents, e.g., hypophosphites, hydrazines, borohydrides, borides and the like. The reason for this deliberate avoidance of strong reducing agents is that the presence of such agents in an aqueous solution would rapidly deteriorate and decompose this gold compound and thus interfere with the desire of the inventors herein to obtain a "controlled", consistently reproducible releasing of the gold. Second, the invention provides an aqueous solution which contains potassium cyanide and thus provides an excess amount of free cyanide ions. That is, there are always enough cyanide ions left over to assure the continuous availability thereof in the solution. The inventors have found that this second attribute obtains a system which is extremely stable and which results in a very controlled gold reduction rate. Actually, the provision of an excess amount of free cyanide ions improves the reaction mechanism in that it provides a constant deposition rate of the gold on the substrate and obtains more uniform and better adhering coats of gold. Also, the free cyanide ions act as a complexing agent for base metal contaminants which are present in the solution during use. This allows the process and formulations of the present invention to deliver to the trade a method and an aqueous solution which provides very consistent and highly efficient electroless plating of gold. The conventional approach was to provide an excess amount of free cyanide ions only in solutions containing strong reducing agents to prevent the previously mentioned deleterious and spontaneous, uncontrolled decomposition of gold. But the prior art never deemed it necessary or worthwhile to provide potassium cyanide, i.e. an excess amount of free cyanide ions, in solutions which are free of strong reducing agents. Again, the potassium cyanide is maintained in the solution of the present invention in an amount which assures the continuous availability of an excess amount of free cyanide ions in the solution during the immersion of the substrate, whereby the solution is effective to deposit gold on the substrate at a controllable rate. As would be readily apparent to one examining the examples given above, the potassium cyanide does not react chemically and therefore, inherently, free potassium cyanide ions will be available in the solution. It should also be apparent at a glance from examples 1, 2, 3 and 5 that the solutions are alkaline, each having a pH equal or greater than 13.0. The one example of an acid solution (example 4) produces an unacceptably thin gold coating of about 1/4 micrometer and requires that the parts be subsequently immersed into the solution of example 3 to obtain the benefits of the present invention. In the alkaline solutions of the present invention, even a minimum of 0.1 g/L potassium cyanide concentration will not deplete spontaneously. Tests have shown that, to obtain commercially satisfactory releasing of gold on a substrate at a controllable rate, at least about 0.5 g/L of excess free cyanide ions should be in the solution. The lowest limit of potassium cyanide of about 0.1 g/L represents an absolute minimum concentration of free cyanide ions. At this minimum concentration of cyanide ions, the operation of the bath is quite marginal and, practically speaking, unsuited for industrial applications. However, a concentration of less than about 0.1 g/L would be totally unworkable for the purposes of obtaining "controlled" releasing of gold on the substrate with the solutions of the present invention. By way of general background, it is worth noting that there are several methods of applying a metallic coating to a substrate which do not require the application of an outside source of electric current and which are closely enough related to be classified together. These are contact plating, immersion plating and autocatalytic or "electroless" plating. Contact plating locates within the work an internal galvanic couple, which provides the required flow of electrons. It is an old art, seldom used anymore. In immersion plating (also called displacement deposition) the work is less noble than the metal in solution; the dissolved metal deposits on the work. The third technique is the technique of the present invention which involves autocatalytic or electroless plating, in which the deposited metal is reduced from its ionic state in solution by means of a chemical reducing agent rather than by an electric current. Autocatalytic plating as used herein may be defined as "deposition of a metallic coating by controlled chemical reduction that is catalyzed by the metal or alloy being deposited". The process provides a continuous buildup of the metal or alloy coating on a suitable substrate by simple immersion in an appropriate aqueous solution; a chemical reducing agent in the solution supplying the electrons for the underlying reaction. The reaction takes place only on a "catalytic" surface. The auto catalytic plating process differs in both its mechanism and its result from: 1. Immersion or displacement plating, which requires no reducing agent in the solution. The electrons are furnished by the substrate itself. The immersion deposition ceases as soon as the substrate is completely covered by the coating, whereas auto catalytic plating knows no limit to the thickness of deposits obtainable. 2. Homogenous chemical reduction processes such as silvering, where deposition occurs indiscriminately over all objects in contact with the solution, and often in the body of the solution itself. Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.
Deposition of gold without the use of electric current is described. The system produces thick gold films without the use of strong reducing agents. Discontinuous land areas on high reliability printed wiring boards or ceramic circuits can be readily coated with gold to any desired thickness. Long lead glass-to-metal seals can be uniformly plated without distortion of the leads.
2
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to holographic elements, and more particularly to the manufacture of holographic elements that are highly efficient and have a large bandwidth. These holographic elements are especially well suited to be used as solar concentrators and are most effective as part of solar concentrating systems. Holography is a technique for recording and later reconstructing the amplitude and phase distribution of a coherent wave disturbance. Generally, the technique utilized for producing a holographic element is accomplished by recording the pattern of interference between two optical beams or waves. These waves, one for example, reflected from an object, usually called the object wave, and the other which by-passes the object, usually called the reference wave, strike a light-sensitive recording medium such as a holographic film or plate. Thus incident on the recording medium is the sum of the light from the object and the mutually coherent reference wave. While all light sensitive recording media respond only to light intensity, in the pattern of the interference between the two waves there is preserved a complete record of the amplitude and also the phase distribution of one of the waves with respect to the other. Amplitude information is preserved as a degree of modulation or in the depth of the interference fringes, while phase information is preserved as variations of the positions or pattern of the fringes. Although a holographic element is recorded utilizing one wavelength (created by a laser) it can diffract either a narrow or broad bandwidth depending upon the fabrication parameters of the holographic element. In the case of a broad bandwidth holographic element on playback, other wavelengths will form a spectrum of wavelengths around the recorded wavelength. Unfortunately, when utilizing conventional holographic elements for concentrating visible light (where the wavelengths differ by a factor of 2) much of the original light is lost. In fact, it is typical for conventional holographic elements to have expected efficiencies of only 10% when diffracting or concentrating across a broad bandwidth. This presents particular problems when attempting to utilize holographic elements for solar concentrators. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes the problems encountered in the past by providing an improved method of manufacturing a volume holographic element (a holographic element where the fringes are in the bulk of the light sensitive recording media rather than on the surface) which is highly efficient over a broad bandwidth. The unique method defined by this invention accomplishes the above by fabricating the holographic plate at extremely high humidity levels preferably in excess of 95% relative humidity, then slowly reducing humidity levels during the process. In fact, the photographic plate must be exposed when it is at 50-60% relative humidity. Although it is known in the art that some humidity during the fabrication of the holographic plate can have a positive effect on the efficiency of a holographic element, previous work in this area has shown that extremely high humidity levels tend to negatively effect the production of an efficient holographic element. Changing other fabrication parameters allows the high humidity regime to be exploited with the resultant high efficiency, high bandwidth holographic elements. Another factor which is important in creating high-efficiency, broad bandwidth holographic elements is having a very thin coating of holographic gelatin on the holographic plate. In addition to the above mentioned humidity factor and the thickness of the holographic gelatin on the holographic plate, during exposure, with the present invention the relative angle of the recording beams is crucial for maximizing the bandwidth and efficiency of the holographic element. It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved method of manufacturing holographic elements, which are both highly efficient and can diffract a broad bandwidth of light. It is another object of this invention to manufacture these holographic elements with additional optical attributes which would allow them to be effective as solar concentrators/diffractors. These holographic elements would be capable of concentrating light at a ratio of at least 100:1 and could disperse electromagnetic radiation into its component wavelengths and direct the light to solar cells optimized for a particular band of wavelengths. Additionally, far infrared light would be directed away from the solar cells to prevent the solar cells from being heated. Heat causes the solar cells to be less efficient. For a better understanding of the present invention, together with other and further objects thereof, reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 is a pictorial, schematic representation of the technique of this invention for manufacturing the holographic plate of high efficiency broad bandwidth holographic elements; FIG. 2(a) is a schematic representation of the technique of this invention for manufacturing a high efficiency, broad bandwidth holographic element; FIG. 2(b) is a close-up schematic representation of the relative angles between the diverging beam, collimated beam, and the holographic plate; FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a holographic solar concentrating system utilizing a holographic element made with the method of this invention; FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a solar concentrating system utilizing reflecting means; FIG. 5 is a side view of several holographic elements working as tiled pairs as part of a solar concentrating system; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED METHOD AND EMBODIMENTS In order to fully understand the embodiments of this invention, it is first necessary to describe the technique of this invention for producing a holographic element including how to fabricate the holographic plate utilized to produce the holographic element. In producing the holographic element of this invention, it is first necessary to produce a sensitized gelatin. This gelatin can be manufactured in a number of conventional ways including the preferred method described below. Deionized water is combined with chromium aluminum (1%) and Kodak Photoflo in the proportion of 49:1 of deionized water to chromium aluminum. One drop of Kodak photoflo is added for each 50 mL of deionized water-chromium aluminum solution. This solution is gradually added to and mixed with holographic grade gelatin (such as Kind & Knox holographic grade gelatin). 14 mL of the deionized water-chromium solution is added for each gram of gelatin. The deionized water-chromium solution is added to the gel in three doses and allowed to sit for 20 to 30 minutes between each dose. To sensitize the gelatin add 0.473 grams of Ammonium Dichromate for every gram of the gelatin and then heat to 40 degrees centigrade. The mixture is filtered through course paper to produce gelatin 106. Reference is now made to FIG. 1 to describe how a holographic plate 1 of this invention is fabricated. The sensitized gelatin 106 is rolled onto a clean flat glass plate 102 of 20th wave quality in a clean room 100 with at greater than 90% (preferably greater than 95%) relative humidity. The humidity of clean room 100 is controlled by a conventional humidity controlling device 104. The sensitized gelatin 106 is rolled onto the glass plate 102 with, for example, a Mayer Rod 103. The gel thickness on plate 102 must be between 2 to 4 microns. Once plate 102 is coated it must remain in an environment of at least 90% (preferably at least 95%) relative humidity for at least 24 hours. Then the humidity should be slowly decreased to about 25% to 40% (preferably 30% to 35%) relative humidity over the next 24 hours, thereby producing a holographic plate 1. Reference is now made to FIG. 2(a) in order to fully describe one of the techniques which may be utilized to expose the holographic plate 1 and fabricate a high efficiency broad bandwidth holographic element. Still in the room 100, a laser 3, preferably argon and tuned to 488 nm, is used to generate a beam of laser light 14 that is reflected by mirror 4 to beam splitter 8. Beam splitter 8 splits the beam into beam 12 and beam 13. Mirror 5 reflects beam 12 to mirror 6. Mirror 6 reflects beam 12 into spatial filter 10. Spatial filter 10 causes beam 12 to diverge and directs it to holographic plate 1, which is mounted on black diffusing plate 2. Mirror 7 reflects beam 13 into spatial filter 9. Spatial filter 9 causes beam 13 to diverge. Lens 11 collimates beam 13 and directs it to holographic plate 1 at a 90 degree angle. Reference is now made to FIG. 2(b). Angle 15 between diverging beam 12 and holographic plate 1 must be between 60 and 75 degrees to fabricate a holographic element for use with most conventional solar cells. Angle 16 between the collimated beam 13 and the diverging beam 12 must be between 15 and 80 degrees in order to create the broad bandwidth, high efficiency holographic element of this invention. Although specific components are set forth above, it should be realized that equivalent components can be substituted therefore within the scope of this invention. It is, however, essential that during the process of exposing the holographic plate 1 room 100 must be at between 50-60% relative humidity. In addition, laser 3 is controlled to produce beam 12 and beam 13 at 0.2 milliwatts/cm 2 . Exposures of 100 seconds lead to exposures of 40 mJ/cm 2 . After holographic plate 1 is exposed it is detached from diffusing plate 2, fixed, cleaned with warm water, and dried using alcohol baths. The holographic plate 1 can be protected by covering it with another glass plate in a conventional manner to form holographic element 45 using a UV curing adhesive (not shown). FIG. 3 will be referred to for illustrating the operation of the solar concentrator 25 which incorporates holographic element 45 therein. Solar radiation 50 is spectrally divided into red light 20, green light 22, blue light 24, near infrared 26, and far infrared 28 by holographic element 45. In fact, holographic element 45 works across a bandwidth where wavelengths differ by a factor of at least 1.5. Holographic element 45 diffracts green light 22 and blue light 24 to a conventional solar cell 30 optimized for converting blue-green light into electricity. Holographic element 45 diffracts red light 20 and near infrared 26 to a conventional solar cell 32 optimized for converting red and near infrared light into electricity. Holographic element 45 diffracts far infrared 28 far enough away from solar cells 30, 32 so that they are not heated by the far infrared light. Solar cells 30 and 32 can be either moved to the left or right as indicated by arrow A within FIG. 3 so that the red light 20, green light 22, and blue light 24 do not converge directly on the solar cells. This prevents the light from being excessively concentrated as it reaches the solar cells. Also different arrangements of the cell-holographic element geometry effect junction 33 and the purity of the light near junction 33. By choosing the parameters correctly minimum wavelength mixing occurs at the edge between solar cell 30 and solar cell 32 is optimal. FIG. 4 will be referred to for illustrating the operation of solar concentrator 25 in combination with reflecting means 68. Solar radiation 60 is spectrally divided into red light 70, green light 72, blue light 74, near infrared 76, and far infrared 78 by holographic element 62 made by the method of this invention. Holographic element 62 diffracts red light 70 and near infrared 76 to a solar cell 64 optimized for converting red and near infrared light into electricity. Holographic element 62 diffracts green light 72 and blue light 74 to reflecting means 68. Reflecting means 68 reflects green light 72 and blue light 74 to solar cell 66, which is optimized for converting blue and green light into electricity. Holographic element 62 diffracts far infrared 78 far enough away from solar cells 30, 32 so that they are not heated by the far infrared light. The reflecting means 68 is utilized to save material in the manufacture of the solar cells and therefore reduce overall cost of manufacture. FIG. 5 will be referred to for describing how to utilize holographic elements 82 and 84 in tiled pairs. Solar radiation 80 is spectrally divided into red-infrared light 90, green-blue light 92 by holographic element 82. Red-infrared light 90 is diffracted to solar cell 96 that is optimized for converting red and near infrared light into electricity. Green-blue light 92 is diffracted to solar cell 98 that is optimized for converting green-blue light into electricity. Solar cells 96 and 98 are affixed to a support or post 95 at an appropriate distance so that they will each receive the radiation that they are optimized for. Solar radiation 80 is spectrally divided into red-infrared light 90, green-blue light 92 by holographic element 84. Red-infrared light 90 is diffracted to solar cell 86 that is optimized for converting red and near infrared light into electricity. Green-blue light 92 is diffracted to solar cell 88 that is optimized for converting green-blue light into electricity. Solar cells 86 and 88 are affixed to post 93 at the same points that solar cells 96 and 98 are affixed to post 95. The distance from post 93 to 95 is chosen so that the holographic elements 82 and 84 can direct the appropriate light to the appropriate solar cell. Furthermore, holographic elements 82 and 84 are constructed with an angle of diffraction that will direct the diffracted light to the appropriate solar cell, without necessitating space between the holographic elements 82 and 84 to achieve this affect. The proper angles of diffraction and distance between posts 93 and 95 make it possible to completely tile an area with holographic elements 82 and 84 without necessitating any space between holographic elements 82 and 84. Although this invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood to those skilled in the art that this invention is also capable of a variety of further embodiments within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
An improved method of manufacturing holographic elements for solar concentrator, which is a necessity for the future of viable low cost solar power. Utilizing extremely high relative humidity levels during the fabrication of holographic plates, exposing the holographic plate to electromagnetic radiation at particular humidity levels, and having a relative angle between recording beams during exposure makes it possible to fabricate high efficiency holographic elements that diffract over a broad bandwidth. These high efficiency, broad bandwidth holographic elements are most effective in certain solar concentrating systems.
5
This invention relates to an improved drive arrangement for concrete mixers, more particularly of the mobile or barrow type mixer where the barrow mixer is wheeled to the place where the concrete is desired and then tipped in order to discharge the concrete from the bowl of the mixer. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Such concrete mixers are usually hand operated by there being a handle on the bowl so that it is manually turned, the bowl being mounted on a framework similar to a wheel barrow having one or more wheels at the front and a pair of handles at the rear. The concrete is thus hand mixed, and then the mixer is wheeled to the point of discharge for discharging the concrete by lifting the mixer by the handles so that the concrete discharges in front of the wheel. There are also available power driven mixers, either driven by electric motors or internal combustion engines, but these mixers are designed to be stationary during operation, and the bowl is mounted on pivotal supports, so that the bowl can be pivoted from mixing position to a discharge position, the pivoting being such that the drive continues during this action, the mix discharging into a wheel barrow which is then wheeled to the area of placement of the concrete. However there is a need for a smaller power driven mixer, and thus it is an object of this invention to provide a drive arrangement for a mixer, preferably the drive arrangement being such that it can be fitted to a barrow type mixer to convert a hand driven mixer to a power driven mixer. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is also an object of this invention to provide a drive arrangement which can be fitted to a mixer for sale with the mixer, or can be purchased separately from the mixer to be fitted at a later stage. Thus there is provided according to the invention a drive arrangement between a driving motor and a shaft adapted to drive a concrete mixer, said drive arrangement comprising a multiple stage reduction between the driving motor shaft and the drive shaft, said drive reductions being provided by a plurality of belts acting directly between the two shafts and respective fast and loose pulleys. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mixer having the drive arrangement of the invention with the protective cover removed. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the drive arrangement. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the drive, and FIG. 4 is a view of the mounting of the motor. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In a preferred form of the invention the driving motor is an electric motor 1 mounted on a framework 2, and the drive shaft 3 is a shaft rotatably mounted in bearings 4 supported by the framework 2, one end of the drive shaft being provided with a bevel gear 6 to engage the bevel gear ring 7 provided on the bowl of the concrete mixer. The drive shaft 3 and the motor shaft 8 are arranged parallel to each other, with the motor 1 being pivotally mounted on brackets 5 on the framework on one side of the motor, and on the other side of the motor there is provided adjustment acting between the motor 1 and the framework 2 to adjust the motor 1 away from the drive shaft 3 to provide the tension required for the driving belts. On the motor shaft 8 there is firstly provided a small V-belt pulley 9, fixed fast by a key 10 to the motor shaft 8 which is adapted to drive via the belt 11 a larger diameter pulley 12 freely rotatable on the drive shaft 3. This large diameter pulley 12 is provided either integrally therewith, or has attached thereto a smaller V-belt pulley 13 also rotatable on the drive shaft, which in turn drives by a V-belt 14 a large V-pulley 15 on the electric motor shaft 8, this larger V-pulley on the electric motor shaft being freely rotatable thereon. Attached to the freely rotatable pulley 15 on the electric motor shaft is a further pulley 16, this preferably being of small diameter, which drives a larger pulley 18 fixed fast to the drive shaft 3 by a key 10. Pulley 18 is driven by belt 17. Thus it will be seen that there is a three stage reduction, each by the V-belts acting between the two shafts. The adjustment of the belt 17 is by a jockey pulley 19 biased by spring 20 to maintain the tension in this belt, which is required as this is the low speed belt. The electric motor 1 is pivoted on one side of the motor on a bracket 5, and on the opposite side of the motor 1 an adjusting screw 21 mounted on the framework 2 screws in a socket 22 on the motor, so that by adjusting the screw 21 the tension in the belts can be adjusted. This is sufficient for the fast belts 11 and 14 while the pulley 19 assists in the adjustment of the low speed belt 17. The framework 2 carries also a clamp 23 positioned such that the clamp is adapted to be fitted over a member of the barrow frame, this preferably being the housing 24 holding the stub shaft of the bowl. The clamp 23 includes four bolts clamping the two portions of the clamp onto the housing 24, the clamp being of sufficient width to support the motor and drive. The electric motor thus is supported and hangs downwardly between and forwardly of the legs of the barrow, with the drive arrangement being at the lower end of the motor. The drive shaft 3 thus passes back upwardly parallel to the motor 1 to engage on the ring gear 7 on the base of the mixer bowl. As shown in the drawings, the concrete mixer comprises the bowl 25 supported by the housing 24, a shaft (not shown) attached to the base of the bowl being housed in the housing. The housing is rigidly mounted in the mixer frame which is of wheel barrow configuration. The wheel 26 is mounted between the extended arms 27 of the handle 28, the extended arms 27 being joined at 29 to form a nose or rest used when the mixer is tipped to discharge the concrete mix from the bowl 25. The mixer is supported toward the rear by legs 30 attached to the handles 28, with the housing 24 being rigidly attached to the handles and legs at this locality, a shaped supporting arm 31 on each side being attached to the housing 24 and the legs 30 to rigidly support the housing 24. The motor and drive unit is thus suspended from the housing 24 and extends downwardly between the legs 30, this being a compact drive unit which can be incorporated in new mixers, or added to existing mixers of this type. A suitable cover is provided to extend over the upper portion of the motor, and the framework also carries means to connect an electrical power cord to the motor, this preferably being a three pin plug so that a corresponding three pin socket on the end of the power cord can be readily attached thereto. A suitable switch can if desired be incorporated between the plug and the motor, and alternatively the power can be controlled by the conventional switch on the outlet to which the extension cord is plugged. It will be seen by this invention that there is provided a compact drive arrangement giving the desired speed reduction between the electrical motor and the drive shaft which meshes by means of a bevel pinion with the ring gear on the base of the mixer bowl, this drive arrangement being light, silent and virtually maintenance free. By providing the drive arrangement on a small mixer barrow, the output capacity of the barrow is greatly increased with all the advantages of a power driven mixer together with the versatility and manoeuvrability of a barrow mixer. Although one form of the invention has been described in some detail it is to be realized that the invention is not to be limited thereto but can include various modifications falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.
A concrete mixer drive for a hand wheeled barrow type of mixer, the drive comprising an electric motor mounted on the main supporting bearing of the mixer bowl, and a multiple reduction belt drive from the motor to a pinion driving the main bowl.
1
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 60/105,389, filed on Oct. 23, 1998 (now abandoned). FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to compositions containing one or more agents that recognize the active conformation of human von Willebrand and that inhibit the interaction between this factor and platelets. The compositions can be used either therapeutically or prophylactically to prevent thrombus formation in patients. Compositions may also be used diagnostically to detect sites where thrombosis is likely to occur. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Thrombosis occurring at atherosclerotic plaques is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. The initial event in thrombus formation is the adhesion of platelets to an injured or diseased arterial wall. Adhesion is enhanced and stabilized by a plasma protein, the von Willebrand Factor, which forms a bridge between components of the vessel wall and receptors on the platelet surface, primarily the glycoprotein Ib/IX/V complex. There are two unique features of this interaction that set it apart from adhesive events involving other cells and plasma proteins. First, the interaction of vWF with platelets is the only reaction that permits platelets to remain attached to vessel walls under the high shear/high flow conditions present in arteries, arterioles, and capillaries. Second, vWF is the only plasma adhesive protein which must undergo a conformation change before it is able to bind to its platelet receptor. Attempts have been made to prevent thrombus formation by introducing either antibodies (see, e.g., EP 747,060; WO 96/17078; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,336,618) or peptides (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,912; U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,007; U.S. Pat No. 5,114,842; WO 93/16712; and EP 319,315) that bind to platelet receptors. One problem with the use of such agents is that they are nonselective—interfering with the function of all circulating platelets. The development of an agent that acts specifically at sites of thrombosis to inhibit platelet adhesion would represent a clear advance in the treatment and prevention of stroke, myocardial infarction, and related conditions. Equally important, such an agent might be used diagnostically to identify sites where blood vessels are at risk of becoming occluded. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Using recombinant DNA and phage display technology, murine anti-human vWF antibodies have been made which specifically recognize activated vWF and interfere with its ability to promote platelet adhesion. The antibodies act at sites of thrombus formation but do not bind to circulating, unactivated forms of vWF. This results in antithrombotic agents that are both safer and more efficacious. In its first aspect, the invention is directed to a composition comprising an antibody that binds selectively to the active conformation of human vWF, thereby inhibiting its ability to interact with platelets. As used herein, “selective binding” means that an antibody has at least a tenfold, and preferably at least a hundredfold, greater affinity for vWF when it is in its active conformation compared to when it is unactivated. Relative affinity can be determined using standard binding assays in which vWF is examined both in the presence and absence of an activating agent such as Ristocetin. Unless otherwise indicated, the term “antibody” refers both to intact antibodies as well as to fragments, particularly to recombinantly engineered fragments, that retain their ability to bind to antigen. Inhibition of platelet binding occurs whenever there is a statistically significant reduction in the amount of vWF-induced platelet aggregation in the presence of antibody. In the most preferred embodiment, compositions contain recombinantly produced single chain variable region (ScFv) fragments of immunoglobulins directed against a vWF-A1 epitope. Typically, the ScFv fragment will be derived from the mouse and compositions designed for therapeutic administration will contain a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In a second aspect, the invention is directed to a method of identifying an ScFv fragment that binds selectively to the active conformation of human vWF. The method involves immunizing an animal, preferably a mouse, with an immunogen (either a peptide or a nucleic acid encoding a peptide) derived from the A1 region of human vWF. After immunization, mRNA is isolated from the animal and used to produce an ScFv cDNA library in a bacteriophage capable of displaying the fragments. The library is then screened to identify phage expressing a fragment that binds selectively to the active conformation of vWF. Binding may be determined directly, in the presence and absence of an agent inducing vWF to assume an active conformation, or by examining the inhibition of vWF-induced platelet aggregation. Once an appropriate phage has been identified, the DNA encoding the ScFv fragment may be recovered and subcloned in an expression vector. Finally, recombinant ScFv is produced in a host cell transformed with the vector and purified. The ScFv fragments obtained in this manner are part of the invention. The present invention is also directed to a method for preventing thrombus formation in a patient by administering a pharmaceutical composition containing an antibody of the type discussed above, i.e., an antibody binding selectively to the active conformation of human vWF. The pharmaceutical composition should be administered at a dosage sufficient to prevent the binding of activated vWF to platelets and may be administered either therapeutically or prophylactically. Therapeutically, the composition may be administered to a patient with an occluded blood vessel either alone or in conjunction with thrombolytic agents such as tissue plasminogen activator or streptokinase. Prophylactically, the compositon may be administered to patients at risk of thrombosis due to atherosclerosis or during medical procedures that carry a risk of vessel occlusion, e.g., angioplasty, stent placement, or graft insertion. Antibodies may also be detectably labeled and used in conjunction with imaging techniques to determine sites within the vasculature where thrombosis is likely to occur, e.g., where there has been plaque rupture or blood vessel damage. Because ScFv fragments are missing regions of antibodies that are often responsible for nonspecific binding, these fragments are preferred for all in vivo diagnostic procedures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to antibodies that specifically recognize the activated conformation of vWF and prevent it from interacting with platelets. It encompasses methods for making ScFv conformation-specific fragments and methods for using such antibodies diagnostically, therapeutically and prophylactically. A. Antibodies Selectively Binding to the Active Conformation of vWF Methods for making and detecting antibodies have been described in numerous standard reference works such as: Harlow et al., Antibodies, A Laboratory Manual , Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, N.Y. (1988); Klein, Immunology: The Science of Self - Nonself Discrimination (1982); Kennett et al., Monoclonal Antibodies and Hybridomas: A New Dimension in Biological Analyses (1980); and Campbell, “Monoclonal Antibody Technology,” in Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (1984). The process for producing conformation-specific antibodies may involve either injecting the intact vWF protein into an appropriate animal or, preferably, injecting short peptides made to correspond to regions of vWF that are believed to interact with platelets, i.e., peptides from the A1 domain. As an alternative, nucleic acids encoding vWF or portions of vWF may be administered to animals (see, U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,466; U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,859; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,703,055). The preferred animal for immunization is the mouse. The term “antibody” refers to monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies and to fragments of these antibodies that continue to bind to antigen. Polyclonal antibodies are derived from the sera of animals immunized with the antigen. Monoclonal antibodies can be prepared using hybridoma technology (Kohler et al., Nature 256:495 (1975); Hammerling et al., in Monoclonal Antibodies and T - Cell Hybridomas , Elsevier, N.Y. pp. 563-681 (1981)). In general, this technology involves immunizing an animal (usually a mouse) with antigen, extracting splenocytes from the immunized animal and then fusing the splenocytes with myeloma cells, e.g., SP 2 O cells. After fusion, the resulting hybridoma cells are selectively maintained in HAT medium and then cloned by limiting dilution (Wands et al., Gastroenterology 80:225-232 (1981)). The cells obtained through such selection are then assayed to identify clones which secrete antibodies capable of binding specifically to the active conformation of vWF. Antigen-binding fragments may be produced by proteolytically cleaving intact antibodies using enzymes such as papain (to produce Fab fragments) or pepsin (to produced F(ab′) 2 fragments). Assays appropriate for measuring the binding of antibody to vWF are well known in the art. For example, radioimmunoassays or immunometric assays, also known as “two-site” or “sandwich” assays, may be used (see Chard, “An Introduction to Radioimmune Assay and Related Techniques,” in Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , North Holland Publishing Co., N.Y. (1978)). In one variety of such assays, the antibody to be tested is immobilized on a solid support and then incubated with a solution containing detectably labeled vWF in the presence and absence of an activator such as Ristocetin. Nonspecific binding may be determined by carrying out parallel incubations in the presence of an excess quantity of unlabeled vWF and activator. This should be subtracted from total binding, i.e., binding in the absence of unlabeled vWF, to arrive at the specific binding for each sample tested. Other steps such as washing, stirring, shaking, filtering, and the like may be included in the assays as necessary. Typically, wash steps are included after the separation of bound ligand from ligand remaining in solution and prior to the quantitation of binding, e.g., by counting radioactive isotope. As an alternative, assays examining the ability of antibodies to inhibit the aggregation of platelets in the presence of activated vWF may be used. It is highly desirable that antibodies identified as binding to the active conformation of vWF be reexamined in a concentration range sufficient to perform a Scatchard analysis on the results. This type of analysis is well known in the art and can be used for determining the affinity of an antibody for an antigen (see, e.g., Ausubel et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology , pp. 11.2.1-11.2.19 (1993); Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Work et al., N.Y. (1978)). Computer programs may be used to help in the analysis of results (see, e.g., Munson, P., Methods Eenzymol. 92:543-577 (1983); McPherson, “Kinetic, EBDA Ligand, Lowry—A Collection of Radioligand Binding Analysis Programs,” Elsevier-Biosoft, U.K. (19985)). B. ScFv Fragments ScFv fragments are proteins consisting of the V L and V H antibody polypeptide chains synthesized as a single chain with the carboxyl terminus of V L linked by a peptide bridge to the amino terminus of V H . Methods for recombinantly producing these peptides in E. coli are well known in the art (see Bird et al., Science 242:423-426 (1988); Huston et al., Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 85:5879-5883 (1988); and de Kruif et al., J. Mol. Biol. 248:97-105 (1995)). Although any method for generating these fragments is compatible with the present invention, the preferred method consists of immunizing mice with peptides derived from the A1 region of vWF. After immunization, splenic mRNA is harvested from the mice and used to produce a cDNA library in a bacteriophage which displays the ScFv fragments. Phage are then screened to determine those that interact specifically with the activated form of vWF. ScFv segments are recovered from these phage, incorporated into an expression vector, and cloned in E. coli . The recombinant ScFv fragments produced by the bacteria may be purified and further tested for binding affinity to both activated and unactivated vWF. Using this procedure, recombinant antibody fragments have been obtained that have three important characteristics: 1) they only bind to vWF that has been activated by prior immobilization or by exposure to an activating agent like Ristocetin; 2) they inhibit the binding of vWF to platelets as measured using a Ristocetin-induced platelet agglutination assay; and 3) they inhibit flow-dependent platelet adhesion to immobilize vWF. The selectivity of these fragments makes them suitable for use in pharmaceutical compositions designed for administration to patients as antithrombotic agents. C. Therapeutic and Diagnostic Use of Antibodies Pharmaceutical compositions containing antibodies specific for the active conformation of vWF may be used to treat or prevent coronary arterial ischemic syndromes, including unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction, as well as to treat cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular ischemia. The compositions may also be used in conjunction with therapeutic interventions such as stent placement, balloon angioplasty, or graft insertion. Any route of administration and dosage form is compatible with the present invention and conformation-specific antibodies may be administered as either the sole activate agent or in combination with other therapeutically active drugs such as thrombolytics. In general, parenteral delivery using the intravenous, intraarterial, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intracutaneous, or subcutaneous routes is preferred. Dosage forms may be prepared using methods that are standard in the art (see, e.g., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 16th ed., A. Oslo ed., Easton, Pa. (1980)). Active agents may be used in combination with any of the vehicles and excipients commonly employed in pharmaceutical preparations, e.g., talc, gum arabic, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, cocoa butter, aqueous or non-aqueous solvents, oils, paraffin derivatives, glycols, etc. Solutions can be prepared using water or physiologically compatible buffers, or organic solvents such as ethanol, 1,2-propylene glycol, polyglycols, dimethyl sulfoxide, fatty alcohols, triglycerides, partial esters of glycerine, and the like. Preferred parenteral compositions may be prepared using conventional techniques and include sterile isotonic saline, water, 1,3-butanediol, ethanol, 1,2-propylene glycol, polyglycols mixed with water, Ringer's solution, etc. The dosage of active agent to be administered to a patient will be determined using methods well known in the art and will depend upon a wide variety of clinical factors. By way of example, a typical pharmaceutical composition for injection may comprise 1 ml of sterile buffered water and 10 mg of antibody. A typical composition for intravenous infusion may comprise 250 ml of sterile Ringer's solution and 10 mg of protein. The compositions may be administered either prophylactically or therapeutically. In therapeutic applications, compositions are administered to a patient suffering from a disease or condition in an amount sufficient to produce a positive therapeutic effect. For example, in the case of angina, dosage should be adjusted to the point where pain is alleviated. For occluded vessels, it is expected that antibodies will be used in conjunction with one or more thrombolytic agents and dosage should be sufficient to achieve, at least partial, reperfusion. Prophylactically, pharmaceutical compositions containing the conformation-specific antibodies are administered to a patient in order to prevent the onset of an unwanted disease or condition. Thus, compositions may be administered to a patient with atherosclerotic plaques to prevent thrombosis or to patients undergoing therapeutic procedures such as angioplasty to reduce the chance of vessel occlusion. Antibodies may also be used diagnostically to identify sites of potential thrombus formation. This may be accomplished by labeling antibodies with an agent that is detectable by imaging techniques such as NMR, MRI, or CAT scans. ScFv fragments should be especially useful in this regard in that the portions of antibodies that are primarily responsible for nonspecific in vivo binding are not present in these molecules. All references cited herein are fully incorporated by reference. Having now fully described the invention, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that the invention may be performed within a wide and equivalent range of conditions, parameters and the like, without affecting the spirit or scope of the invention or embodiment thereof.
The present invention is directed to antibodies and antibody fragments that bind specifically to the active conformation of human von Willebrand factor. Most preferred are recombinantly produced single chain variable immunoglobulin fragments. Because the antibodies or antibody fragments act only at the sites of thrombus formation and do not interfere with the normal activity of circulating platelets, they are particularly well suited for use as antithrombotic agents in a wide variety of applications.
2
This is a division of application Ser. No. 07/127,138, filed 12/1/87, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,845,537. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a vertical type MOS transistor, a plurality of which may be arranged on a surface of a semiconductor chip so as to yield high density. Such a transistor may be used, for example, as part of a cross-point memory cell in a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). Until now, very large scale integration (VLSI) in semiconductor devices has been carried out by microscopic techniques. However, recently the limit of these microscopic techniques has been reached. Accordingly, lithography techniques have been implemented in hopes not only of surpassing this limit, but also of improving the structure of semiconductor devices. FIGS. 1 and 2 are a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a cross-point cell proposed as a basic cell of a DRAM in accordance with what has just been discussed. The cross-point cell has been disclosed in an article entitled "FAM 19.5: A 4Mb DRAM with Cross-Point Trench Transistor Cell", by Ashwin H. Shah et al., ISSCC 86. Feb. 21. 1986, pp. 268-269 and also in an article entitled "A Trench Transistor Cross-Point DRAM Cell" by W. F. Richardson et al., IEDM 85, pp. 714-717. In FIG. 1, an n+ diffused region 1 and a poly-Si layer 2 are disposed orthogonally with respect to each other in a plane. A trench 3 is located at a cross-point between the diffused region 1 and the layer 2, and a cross-point memory cell is formed in the trench. The portion of the diffused region 1 in the vicinity of the memory cell functions as the drain region of a MOS transistor, and the portion of the diffused region 1 located between the drain regions functions as a bit line. The portion of the layer 2 located in the vicinity of the memory cell functions as a gate electrode of the transistor, and the portions of the layers 2 located between the gate electrodes function as a word line. In FIG. 2, a semiconductor substrate 11 comprises a p+ type substrate 11a and a p type epitaxial layer 11b. The trench 3 is formed through the major surface of the epitaxial layer 11b and into the substrate 11a. A storage dielectric layer 9 is formed along the side walls and the bottom of the trench 3. A poly-Si storage node 8 is put in a bottom portion of the trench 3 and is insulated from the semiconductor substrate 11 by the storage dielectric layer 9. The storage node 8, the dielectric layer 9, and the substrate 11a together constitute the capacitor of the cross-point DRAM cell. An n-type buried lateral contact 7 is diffused in the epitaxial layer 11b and connected to the upper end of the storage node 8. The buried lateral contact 7 functions as the source of MOS transistor in the cross-point cell. A gate insulator 6 is formed on the top of the storage node 8, along the side wall of the epitaxial layer 11b facing the trench 3, and on the major surface of the epitaxial layer 11b surrounding the trench 3. A gate electrode 10 is formed on the gate insulator 6 located on top of the storage node 8, along the side wall of the epitaxial layer 11b. and over the gate insulator 6 surrounding the trench 3. The gate electrode 10 is the part of the poly-Si layer 2. A diffused region 1 is formed in the major surface of the epitaxial layer 11b surrounding the trench 3. Part of the region 1 contacts the gate insulator 6. A channel region 5 is formed along the sidewall of the epitaxial layer 11b facing the trench 3 between the diffused region 1 and the buried electrical contact 7. A field insulator 4 is formed on the major surface of the epitaxial layer 11b surrounding the diffused layer 1 and part of it contacts the diffused region 1. In the above constructed cross-point memory cell, the lengths W 1 and W 2 , as shown in FIG. 1, are 2.6 μm and 3.4 μm. Next, the process of the above-described conventional semiconductor memory device with a plurality of cross-point cells will be explained. As shown in FIG. 3(a). the trench 15 is formed through the major surface of the epitaxial layer 11b and into the substrate 11a for each memory cell region by RIE. The field insulator 14 is formed in the major surface of the epitaxial layer 11b surrounding and separating the trenches 15. The diffused region 13 is formed by ion injection in the major surface of the epitaxial layer 11b surrounding the trench 15. One side of the diffused region 13 contacts the sidewall of the trench 15 and other side contacts a end of the field insulator 14. A thin insulating layer 16 is formed on the sidewalls and bottom of the trench 15 and the major surface of the epitaxial layer 11b between the trench 15 and the field insulator 14. In FIG. 3(b), a n+ poly-Si layer 17 is put in the trench so as to fill all of the trench 15 within the substrate 11a and part of the trench extending through the epitaxial layer 11b, and then the upper portions of the insulating layer 16 are etched to a point below the level of the poly-Si layer 17. As a result, a gap 18 is formed between the poly-Si layer 16 and the epitaxial layer 11b. In FIG. 3(c). a thin poly-Si layer is deposited on the poly-Si layer 17 to fill the gap 18. The remaining thin poly-Si other than that in the gap 18 is removed by an appropriate directional etching method. As a result, a buried lateral contact is formed. Thus, the capacitor is formed by the poly-Si layer 17, the insulating layer 16 and the substrate 11b. In FIG. 3(d). a gate insulator 19 is formed on top of the poly-Si layer 17, along the sidewall of the trench 15 within the epitaxial layer 11b, and over the diffused region 13. A gate electrode 20 is formed on the gate insulator 19. The gate electrode 20 and the word line are formed at the same time, the gate electrode 20 being part of the word line. Thus, the MOS transistor is formed by the diffused region 13, the buried lateral contact 21 formed in the previous step, the gate insulator 19 and the gate electrode 20. In the above constructed semiconductor memory device, the distance between the top of the poly-Si layer 17 and the diffused region 13 constitutes the channel length of MOS transistor. Thus, the etching of the poly-Si layer 17 has to be controlled very accurately. Further, the doping of the channel region is remarkably influenced by auto-doping from the under layer during epitaxial growth and diffusion from the under layer during thermal treatment. As a result, the uniformity and reproduction of the proper characteristics of the MOS transistor are influenced considerably. As the channel region is formed in the wall surface which faces in a different direction, non-uniformity of the threshold voltage of the MOS transistor results. Further, as the gap between the poly-Si layer and the epitaxial layer results from the formation of the additional thin poly-Si layer and then the removal of unnecessary portions of the thin poly-Si layer by plasma etching using CF 4 , crystal defects result in the semiconductor surface forming the channel region. As a result, the overall characteristic of the MOS transistor is degraded. In view of the structure, when the distance between memory cells is shortened in the above semiconductor memory device, the transistor of one cross-point cell may cause charging of the capacitor of an adjacent cross-point cell, resulting in improper operation of the memory. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the foregoing disadvantages, it is one object of the present invention to provide a vertical type MOS transistor having the correct channel length. It is a further object of the invention to provide a vertical MOS transistor providing uniformity and reproduction of the appropriate characteristics. It is another object of this invention to provide a vertical type MOS transistor which can be formed in a substrate with high density. In order to accomplish these and other objects, the vertical type MOS transistor of the invention has a first source-drain region formed selectively in a semiconductor substrate, an insulating layer formed on the major surface of the substrate, a second semiconductor layer formed along the side walls and bottom wall of a trench region which is formed through the major surface of the insulating layer to at least the major surface of the first region, a third semiconductor layer, as a second source-drain region, formed continuously from the upper end of the second layer on the major surface of the insulating layer, a gate insulator formed on the surface of the second layer and third layer and facing at least the trench region, and a gate electrode formed on the gate insulator disposed in at least the trench region. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention now will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a plan view of a conventional cross-point cell; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II--II in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing each formation step of the conventional cross-point cell; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a vertical MOS transistor in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing each step of formation of the vertical MOS transistor in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cross-point cell in accordance with the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another vertical MOS transistor in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 4 shows a p-type Si monocrystalline semiconductor substrate 21 having a major surface of the (1,0,0) type. A first source-drain region 22 is formed selectively in the major surface of the semiconductor substrate 21 by high density doping of arsenic. A 1 μm thick insulating SiO 2 layer 23 also is formed on the major surface of the substrate 21. A trench 20 is formed through the major surface of the insulating layer 23 and into the substrate 21 through the center of the first source-drain region 22 by reactive ion etching (RIE). The side walls of the trench 20 form a 60° to 90° angle with the major surface of the substrate 21. A second monocrystalline Si layer 24 is formed along the side walls and bottom of the trench 20. The second layer 24 is grown epitaxially by annealing the amorphous Si layer at about 600° C. A third semiconductor layer 25 is formed by high-density ion implantation of As continuously from the upper end of the second layer 24 on the major surface of the insulating layer 23. At this time, the layer 25 is used as a mask. On the other hand, during this heat treatment appropriate impurities are diffused in the region 25a just underlying where the gate electrode will be, and so the region 25a becomes a part of a second source-drain region. An n-type region 28 is simultaneously formed by diffusing impurities from the first source-drain region 22, so that the region 28 becomes a part of the first source-drain region. The part of the second semiconductor layer 24 between the regions 25a and 28 functions as a channel region, and the length of the channel region is the same as the thickness of the insulating layer 23. An SiO 2 gate insulator 26 is formed on the second and third layers 24 and 25. A poly-Si or silicide gate electrode 27 is formed on the gate insulator disposed in and near the trench 20. Next, the steps for producing the above described vertical MOS transistor will be explained. First, as shown in FIG. 5(a). As is ion-implanted selectively in the major surface of the semiconductor substrate 21 to a concentration of 2×10 5 /cm 2 at 50 keV by a photo-lithographic method, and then the diffused region 22 which is used as the first source-drain region, is formed by heat-treatment. The 1 μm thick SiO 2 insulating layer 23 is formed on the major surface of the semiconductor substrate 21 by low pressure chemical vapor deposition (CVD). as shown in FIG. 5(b). The insulator 23 and the diffused region 22 are simultaneously etched to form the trench 20 having a vertical side wall, as shown in FIG. 5(c). The poly-Si layer 29, which constitutes the second and third semiconductor layers, is deposited on all of the major surface of the insulator 23 by low pressure CVD to a thickness of 2000Å, and then Si is ion implanted obliquely in the layer 29 to a concentration of 5×10 15 /cm 2 at 50 keV. As a result, the layer 29 is changed to an amorphous-Si layer. The heat-treatment is continuously done at 600° C. for 8 hours. As a result, the amorphous. Si layer 29 located near the side wall of the insulator 23 facing the trench 20 is changed to a monocrystalline Si layer 24, as shown in FIG. 5(d), as the layer 29 grows epitaxially up along the side wall of the insulator 23 to pick up the crystallization of the monocrystalline Si in the diffused region 22. Next, as shown in FIG. 5(e). material is oxidized in the presence of dry O 2 at 100° C. to form a 200Å thick gate insulation 26 on the layer 29. A poly-Si layer which is phosphorous-doped, is deposited on the gate insulator 26 and in the trench 20, and pattern-etched to form a gate electrode 27 on the gate insulator 26 and disposed at least in the trench 20, as shown in FIG. 5(f). Arsenic (As) ions are continuously implanted in the semiconductor layer 29 over the gate insulator 26, as shown in FIG. 5(f), so that the surface layer of the semiconductor layer is changed to an n type layer 25. As ions, implanted in the layer 25, are diffused in the upper end of the monocrystalline Si layer 24 by heat-treating, and the resulting diffused region 25a becomes a part of second source-drain region. Arsenic ions, which are in the first source-drain region 22, similarly, are diffused in the bottom of the monocrystalline Si layer 24 by this heat-treating and the resulting diffused region 28 also becomes a part of the first source-drain region 22. As a result, the channel region of the MOS transistor is the layer 24 between the diffused regions 25a and 28, and the length of the channel region is the same as the thickness of the insulator 23. In the vertical MOS transistor thus produced, the length of the channel is determined by the thickness of the insulator 23, and is not influenced by the depth of the trench 20. Accordingly, the characteristic of the transistor is not influenced by any unevenness of etching in formation of the trench 20. For example, when the transistor as shown in FIG. 4 and the transistor as shown in FIG. 5(f) are compared, the trenches have different depths, but if the thicknesses of both insulators are the same, the length of both channels are the same and the characteristics of both transistors are the same without being influenced by the depth of the trench. In other words, since the characteristic of the transistor is not influenced by the depth of the trench, and it is easier to control the thickness of the insulator 23, the uniformity and reproducibility of the characteristics of the vertical MOS transistor are most satisfactory. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5(f), the vertical MOS transistor in accordance with the invention is the kind of SOI (silicon on insulator) device which makes the under face of the transistor the side wall of the insulator 23 facing the trench 20. Accordingly, the vertical MOS transistor in accordance with the invention has a characteristic that the electric isolation between the adjoining transistors is certain because of the isolation provided by the insulator 23. And if the vertical MOS transistor in accordance with the invention is used as a switching transistor of memory cell of dynamic RAM (Random Access Memory), a high density DRAM is possible. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the memory cell of a DRAM comprising a plurality of vertical MOS transistors in accordance with the invention. In FIG. 6, similar elements are similarly numbered as in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 6, a semiconductor substrate 21 has a P+ type substrate 21a and P- type epitaxial layer 21b. A capacitor of a cross-point memory cell is mainly formed in the substrate 21a, and the first source-drain region 22 is formed in the epitaxial layer 21b just on the capacitor region. One electrode of the capacitor includes the substrate 21a, and the other electrode of the capacitor includes n+ type poly-Si which is buried in the trench formed in the semiconductor substrate 21. The dielectric layer 16 is formed along the side walls and bottom of the trench between the substrate 21a and the poly-Si 17. FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of another vertical MOS transistor in accordance with the invention. In FIG. 7, similar elements are similarly numbered as in FIG. 4. The only difference between both embodiments as shown in FIG. 4 and 7 is whether the region in which the transistor is formed is all or part of the wall of the trench. In the above embodiments, the trench 20 is a hole, but it may be a groove. Also, the angle which the side walls of this trench make with the substrate 21 may be 60° to 90°. Also, the gate electrode 27 may be silicide instead of poly-Si. Thus, what is specifically described as presently preferred is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Rather, the invention is to be measured by the appended claims which follow immediately.
A vertical MOS transistor having its channel length determined by the thickness of an insulating layer provided over a semiconductor substrate, rather than by the depth of a trench in which the transistor is formed. As a result, the characteristics of the transistor as relatively unaffected by doping and heat-treatment steps which are performed during formation. Also, the transistor may be formed so as to occupy very little surface area, making it suitable for application in high-density DRAMs.
7
This is a divisional application of Ser. No. 09/546,740, filed Apr. 11, 2000, pending. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention This invention relates to a system for draining the valleys formed between the boards forming the surface of a deck, thereby providing a dry, rain-free area below the deck. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART INCLUDING INFORMATION DISCLOSED UNDER 37 CFR 1.97 AND 37 CFR 1.98 Waterproofing an outside unroofed deck, and thereby obtaining dry useful roofed space at minimal expense, has been an unsolved problem for some time. Part of the appeal of an outside deck is its rustic appearance, and approaches to waterproofing which disrupts the appearance are not acceptable. It is also desirable that the waterproofing system be fire retardant to minimize the hazard from carelessly discarded smoking, cooking materials and fire starting fluids such as charcoal lighter fluid. U.S. Pat. No. 4,065,883 discloses a system for waterproofing the area below a deck constructed of spaced boards. The system consists of elongated channels with flanges which overlap on the top of spaced joists. The channels are installed before the boards which cover the deck are fixed in place. A cap is formed at one end of the channel, and the channel walls gradually increase in length along the length of the channel, providing a gradient for the water flow. There are no provisions for connecting multiple channels to accommodate wide decks. U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,281 discloses a deck trough mounted between the joists with lips which overlap over the top of the joists. The trough has a shallow enclosed end and a deep-end with an outlet, which may consist of a cut-out to allow water to flow from the trough or may be a closed end with a pipe outlet. U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,351 discloses a drainage system for decks which uses sheets of waterproof material to drape between adjoining joists. The overlap between sheets is sealed using a bead of waterproof caulking. The system may be installed after the deck is constructed. The slope necessary for the conduct of water through the system is obtained by mounting one end of the channeling members higher on the joists than the other end, except in cases where local building codes require that the surface of the deck itself have an incline. In the latter case, a trim molding is attached to the bottom of the joists, thereby covering the seam between adjacent sheets. U.S. Pat. No. 4,860,502 discloses a deck gutter system for installation after the deck has been constructed. In this system, gutter hanger strips are mounted on adjacent deck joists with the strips sloping from the back of the deck to the front. An elongated deck gutter with a uniform cross section along its entire length is supported by the gutter hanger strips. The deck gutters have Z shaped extension bands along their entire lengths to accommodate variations in the spacing of the joists. None of the prior meets the objectives of the present invention, that of providing a modular deck drainage system which can accommodate a deck of any width yet uses only components of modest length. The present invention has five embodiments, two of which are installed during deck construction, and three of which are added to existing decks. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION. This invention is a modular drainage system for decks attached to structures such has houses, which collects and carries away for disposal water resulting from rain or snow on the surface of an unroofed deck. Deck boards made of wood or composite materials are typically spaced apart to accommodate swelling of the boards and to drain a deck. This invention waterproofs the deck without affecting the desirable rustic appearance of the top of the deck. A large area below each deck thus becomes much more useful than when the area was subject to drainage from the top of the deck. The first two embodiments of the invention include two types of panels, the first panel includes a dam which closes the end which is adjacent to the structure. The other end of the first panel is open so water may freely flow from it and it has connectors for attaching to a second panel. The second panel is open at either end and has connectors for attaching to a first panel and to additional second panels, if necessary. By the use of the first and second panels of the first two embodiments, decks of a wide variety of widths may be waterproofed with this invention. If the deck width is not an even multiple of the length of the modules, a second panel may be cut to the desired length. The third and fourth embodiments of the invention are in the form of flexible panels which are precut to a length adequate to span the width of the deck. The fifth embodiment is in the form of flexible panels which are installed on an existing deck. A gutter and down spout system can be mounted to receive the water at the edge of the deck or it can be simply allowed to drain from the panels. Five embodiments of the invention are disclosed. The first embodiment is designed for installation during deck construction. The panels fit between the joists and the panel lips overlap the joists. The panels are secured in place by nails or screws which also may secure in place the deck boards. The second embodiment of the invention is designed for addition to an existing deck. A clip strip is attached along the length of the joists and the panels are attached to the clip strip. A trim piece may be used to cover the joint between adjacent panels and to give the underside of the deck a uniform appearance. The third embodiment is designed for installation during deck construction. The panel material is flexible fire retardant rubber, plastic, or other elastomer which may contain fiberglass. The panel is in the shape of a keystone or trapezoid and is installed between the joists with panel lips overlapping the joists. A diversion flange is installed over the panel lips. The fall of the panel which allows water to flow down the panel is provided by the shape of the panel, with two parallel ends, a wide and a narrow end, and straight sides connecting the ends. The panel is installed with the narrow end adjacent to the structure. The fourth embodiment provides an additional attachment strip for use in installing third embodiment panels on an existing deck. The attachment strip extends along the interior sides of the joists and the third embodiment panels are attached to the strip. The fall is provided by the panels. The fifth embodiment is identical to the third embodiment except that it is installed under the joists of an existing deck and may be installed by the homeowner. The object of this invention is to waterproof an unroofed deck. Another object is to collect and drain water from a deck. Another object is to upgrade the space under a deck by protecting it from water which drains from the deck. Another object is to provide a deck drainage system for installation at the time of deck construction. Another object is to provide a deck drainage system which is installed on a previously constructed deck. Another object is to provide a fire retardant deck drainage system. Another object is to provide a modular deck drainage system which can accommodate decks of any width. Another object is to provide a modular deck drainage system comprised of practical and simple components which can be handled, carried, manipulated, transported, stored and installed easily and safely and without suffering damage to the product during these activities. Another object is to provide a deck drainage system constructed of materials which withstand ultraviolet light and ozone degradation, salt water in direct spray and in the air, incidental contact and abuse, rough jobsite handling, caustic accumulations of debris and acid rain, snow and ice build up, and retain resilience during extreme temperature changes. Another object is to provide a modular deck drainage system adaptable to the widest deck yet made up of components which can be packaged and shipped by commercial shipping services within the normal shipping standards. Another object is to provide a deck drainage system which does not distract from the rustic appearance of a deck. Another object is to provide a deck drainage system which has an attractive appearance when viewed from the underside of the deck. Another object is to protect the framing and joists of a deck from water damage. Another object is to provide a modular drainage system which is effective and easy to install by the ordinary handyman such as the typical homeowner using tools usual to the average household. Another object is to provide a deck drainage system which is easily constructed, inexpensive, and without adverse impact on the environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1A is a top view of a deck showing the first embodiment deck drainage system. FIG. 1B is a cross-section view of the attachment of joists to the building showing the headwater flashing. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment panel. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment panel. FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment panel. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment deck drainage system of FIG. 1 taken along line 3 — 3 . FIG. 4 is a side view of a joist with the first embodiment deck drainage system installed. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a deck with the second embodiment deck drainage system installed. FIG. 6 is a side view of a joist with the second embodiment deck drainage system installed. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment clip strip used to attach the second embodiment deck drainage system to the deck. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment clip strip used to attach the second embodiment deck drainage system to the deck. FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the trim strip used with the second embodiment deck drainage system. FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a first and a second panel interlocked by the U-shaped interlock. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of a first and a second panel interlocked by the Z-shaped interlock. FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of a first and a second panel interlocked by the spiral interlock. FIG. 9 is a top view of a third embodiment system panel. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a deck with a third embodiment system installed. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment system including the panel, mounting flange, attachment clips, and joiner strip. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an installed fourth embodiment system. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an installed fifth embodiment system. FIG. 14 is a side view of an installed fifth embodiment system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1A shows a top view of the first embodiment or original construction embodiment of the invention showing the relationships between the modular components of the deck drainage system and the elements of the deck. The structure is a house or other structure with an attached unroofed deck. The side 60 of the structure is shown in FIG. 1 A. Joists 20 , 22 , 24 , and 26 extend out from and may be attached to the side of the structure 60 . The joists may be supported at one end by attachment to the structure and are also supported by a post and beam system under and supporting the joists (posts and beams not shown in FIG. 1 A). The joists typically have nominal dimensions of 2″×8″×16′ and extend from the structure to the edge of the deck. Deck boards 27 , 28 are attached, typically by nails or screws, to the joists at right angles to the joists. The deck boards provide the walking surface of the deck. Deck boards are separated from each other by a space of ⅛″ to ¼″ to provide for deck drainage of rain and snow and to accommodate the swelling and shrinkage of the deck boards. A headwater flashing is installed with all new construction embodiments of the deck drainage system. The headwater flashing aids in insuring that water does not infiltrate between the side of the building and the ends of the deck drainage system panels which are nearest to the building. FIG. 1B shows the side of the building 60 . In typical deck construction a ledger board 63 of width approximately the same as the width of the joists is attached to the building 60 by fasteners 61 . Ledger board 63 is installed horizontal to the ground and extends the length of the deck. Joist hangers 64 are attached to the ledger board 63 and one joist 20 is attached to each joist hanger. Of course, other methods for attaching the joists to ledger board may be used. The headwater flashing 66 is a strip of flexible impervious membrane such as EPDM or TPO of a length approximating the length of the deck and approximately 10 ″ in width. The flashing 66 is installed between the building 60 and the ledger board 63 by stapling the flashing 66 to the ledger board 63 with approximately 1½″ 69 of flashing 66 extending below the top of the ledger board. A bead of construction adhesive or caulk 68 is placed between the flashing 66 and building 60 to protect against water infiltration. Alternatively, rubber screen bead may be used instead of caulk 68 . After the joist 22 , deck drainage panels, 306 and 326 , and diversion flange 360 are installed, the portion 67 of the flashing extending above the ledger board is folded down covering the panels and diversion flange for a distance of about 7″ from the building. The deck boards 27 are then installed and construction of the deck proceeds. It is recommended several of the deck boards nearest the ledger board be secured by screws or other fasteners which will allow periodic removal of the boards so the deck drainage system may be flushed with water from a garden hose. This will insure removal of leaves and other debris which may have fallen between the deck boards and have become retained by the drainage system. FIG. 1A shows the first embodiment deck drainage system consists of a varying number of modules which are placed between the joists during construction of the deck and which are overlaid by the deck boards and are held in place by the fasteners which attach the deck boards to the deck. Here the modules or panels, first panel 10 , second panel 30 and third panel, 39 are attached to joists 20 and 22 and are overlaid by deck boards 27 and 28 . Another first panel 25 is shown attached to joists 22 and 24 in order to show the relationship between first panel 10 and the adjacent similar first panel 25 . First panel 10 has a dam 17 which closes the end of the first panel at the end nearest the structure 60 . The second panel 30 is attached to the other end of the first panel 10 by the first panel interlock 18 and the second panel interlock 32 . At the other end of the second panel 30 is the second panel interlock 34 . There are only two types of panels, a first and a second type. First type panels have a dam at one end and an interlock at the other end. Second type panels have an interlock at either end. Additional length is obtained by using additional panels of the second type, here called a third panel 39 , although it will be seen that third and additional panels also require modifications in the side walls. Any number of second type panels may be used to accommodate decks of varying widths. In addition, a panel may be cut to accommodate a deck whose width is not an even multiple of the panel length. A conventional gutter 23 is shown running perpendicular to the deck drainage modules or panels. This gutter collects water from the panels and conveys it away from the deck for disposal. Alternatively, the modules may be allowed to drain water directly onto the ground. A convenient length for a panel is 8 feet. This length is easily handled and may be shipped by commercial shipping services. The panels are structured to fit between joists which are 16″ center to center. As will be described below, provisions to accommodate variations in the distance between joists are provided. FIG. 2A is a cross-section through the middle of a first embodiment module. Both first and second panels have the same cross-section through the middle. First and second panels differ primarily in that a first panel has a dam at one end, while both ends are open in second panels. As will be seen later, there also are differences in the heights of the side walls between first and second panels. FIG. 2A shows the bottom 11 of the panel, the left side wall 12 and right side wall 13 . In a preferred embodiment the side walls are attached to the bottom at an angle about 10° in order to facilitate the stacking of panels for shipping and storage. A left horizontal lip 14 is attached to the left wall 12 and a right horizontal lip 16 is attached to the right wall 13 . A downwardly inclined flange 15 is attached to the left horizontal lip 14 to facilitate water diversion and prevent backflow. FIG. 3 is a cross section of the deck of FIG. 1 taken along the line 3 — 3 . The house or structure 60 is visible at the back of the figure. Joists 20 , 22 , 24 , and 26 extend perpendicularly from the side of the structure 60 and are visible in cross section. The first panel 10 is shown in cross section, and is also shown in FIG. 2 A. The dam 17 at end of the first panel 10 and adjacent to the structure 60 is visible. Also shown is the bottom 11 , left wall 12 , right wall 13 , right horizontal lip 16 , left horizontal lip 14 , and left panel flange 15 . The left horizontal lip 14 extends over the width of the joist 20 and the left panel flange 15 extends downwardly on the left side of joist 20 . The right horizontal lip 16 approximately covers the width of the joist 22 . It is important to note that this cross-section structure, which is common to all of the panels of the first embodiment or original construction embodiment deck drain, common to the first, second and third or subsequent panels, has provisions for accommodating joists with varying distances between the joists. Although the distance between joists is nominally fixed, and constant, in fact there is considerable variation in the distance between joists. This variation is accommodated by varying the amount of overlap between the right horizontal rib and the joist upon which it rests. If the joists 20 and 22 are closer together than normal, the right horizontal web 16 overlaps the entire joist 22 width. If the joists are further apart than normal, the right horizontal web 16 overlaps less than the entire joist 22 width, perhaps only ¼th or ⅓rd of the width. In addition, the left horizontal rib 14 is wide enough that additional variation can be accommodated by the distance between the left wall 12 and joist. Of course, only a reasonable amount of variation in distance between joists can be accommodated. If joists are too far apart the right horizontal rib 16 will not reach joist 22 even if the left panel flange is up against the left side of joist 20 . FIG. 3 shows an adjacent first panel 25 . Panel 25 is identical to panel 10 . FIG. 3 shows the dam 217 at end of the first panel 25 and adjacent to the structure 60 . Also shown is the bottom 211 , left wall 212 , right wall 213 , right horizontal lip 216 , left horizontal lip 214 , and left panel flange 215 . The left horizontal lip 214 extends over the width of the joist 22 and the left panel flange 215 extends downwardly on the left side of joist 22 . The right horizontal lip 216 approximately covers the width of thejoist 24 . Note the left horizontal rib 214 covers the right horizontal rib 16 of adjacent panel 10 . The left panel flange 215 overlaps the right wall 13 of panel 10 and effectively seals the joint between adjacent panels 10 and 25 against leakage of water and backflow. FIG. 3 also shows a deck board 27 . Fasteners such as nails or screws used to secure the deck boards to the joists also penetrate the horizontal ribs of panels 10 and 25 and secure the panels in place. Obviously, the panels of this first embodiment must be put in place during construction of the deck. FIG. 4 is a side view along the length of a joist 22 showing the installation of the first embodiment or original installation deck drainage system. Joist 22 extends from the structure 60 out to the edge of the deck. The first panel 10 is closest to the structure, with the dam adjacent to the structure 60 . The first panel 10 is attached by an interlock to the second panel 30 which, in turn, is attached by an interlock to the third panel 39 . Details on the interlocks is shown in FIGS. 8A-C. It is important that the bottom of the panels slope downwardly from the structure to the edge, to allow for drainage from the deck. In a preferred embodiment the slope is a minimum of ⅛″ for every linear foot of panel length. In a preferred first panel, the side walls at the dam 17 are 2″ high, and at the open end 21 which is 8 feet from the dam, the walls are 3″ high. In the second panel, the walls at the end 33 which is attached to the first panel are 3″ high and the walls at the other end 35 are 4″ high. In the third panel, the walls at the end 36 attached to the second panel are 4″ high and at the other end the walls are 5″ high. Of course, the dimensions given here are illustrative only of a preferred example and do not limit the claims of this application. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a deck with the second embodiment or the after market embodiment deck drainage system installed. In FIG. 5, the side of the house or structure 60 to which the deck is attached is visible, the joists 20 , 22 , and 24 which extend perpendicular from the side of the structure 60 are shown in cross section. Outside embodiment clip strips 120 are shown attached to joists 20 , 22 , 24 . The clip strips run along the length of the joists. Each clip strip 120 is comprised of a clip strip horizontal member 121 which covers the bottom edges of the joists. The horizontal members have a left diversion flange 122 attached at one edge and inclined downwardly. A right diversion flange 123 is attached at the other edge and inclined downwardly. The diversion flanges function to divert water away from the clip strip to the panels, thereby helping to prevent leaks through the deck drainage system. A vertical web 125 is attached perpendicularly to the horizontal member 121 . The vertical web runs along the bottom of each joist. The panels 111 and trim strip 141 are attached to the vertical web. There are two embodiments of panel connectors. The “outside” embodiment panel connectors are shown in FIG. 5, left V-shaped connector 127 connected to the web by left leg with the other leg extended upwardly, and right V-shaped connector 128 , connected to the web by one leg with the other leg extended upwardly. Details of the V-shaped connectors are in FIG. 7 A. FIG. 5 and FIG. 2B shows the “outside” embodiment panel 110 . The left side wall 112 and right side wall 113 are attached to the bottom 111 . A left wall flange 115 extends outside the left side wall 112 and is inclined downwardly. A right wall flange 116 extends outside the right side wall 113 and is inclined downwardly. A left finger flange 118 is attached at the intersection of the bottom 111 and left wall 112 . A right finger flange 119 is attached at the intersection of the bottom 111 and right wall 113 . The outside embodiment panel is installed to the outside embodiment clip strip by overlapping the left wall flange 115 over the outer leg of the right V-shaped connector 128 and the right wall flange 116 over the outer leg of the left V-shaped connector 127 . Two upwardly-inclined flanges are attached to the clip strip below the V-shaped connectors, the left trim piece flange 130 and the right trim piece flange 131 . The trim piece 141 is made up of a trim piece horizontal web 138 and trim piece left vertical web 139 and trim piece right vertical web 142 . Additional trim piece detail is in FIG. 7 C. The ends of the trim piece horizontal web 138 overlap the adjacent panel bottom so that a smooth and attractive appearance on the bottom of the panels is presented. The trim piece 141 attaches to the clip strip 120 by pressing upward on the trim strip 141 so that the flanges on the trim strip vertical webs 139 and 142 overlap the left trim piece flange 130 and right trim piece flange 131 , respectively. FIG. 7A shows the outside embodiment clip strip 120 in cross-sectional view. The clip strip 120 is attached to the bottom of joist 22 by screws 150 . Also visible is the clip strip horizontal web 121 with left diversion flange 122 and right diversion flange 123 . The clip strip vertical web 125 is shown along with the left trim piece flange 130 and right trim piece flange 131 which are used to attach the trim piece to the clip strip. The outside embodiment clip strip is characterized by the structure of the left V-shaped connector 127 and the right V-shaped connector 128 . The left V-shaped connector 127 consists of a left attached flange 152 which runs along the length of the clip strip and is attached on one end to the vertical web 125 , and a left free flange 153 which is attached at one end to the left attached flange 152 and is inclined upwardly. The right V-shaped connector 128 consists of a right attached flange 154 which runs along the length of the clip strip and is attached on one end to the vertical web 125 , and a right free flange 155 which is attached at one end to the right attached flange 154 and is inclined upwardly. FIG. 7B shows the inside embodiment clip strip 133 in cross-sectional view. The clip strip 133 is attached to the bottom of joist 24 by screws or nails 151 . Also visible is the clip strip horizontal web 121 with left diversion flange 122 and right diversion flange 123 . The clip strip vertical web 125 is shown along with the left trim piece flange 130 and right trim piece flange 131 which are used to attach the trim piece to the clip strip. The inside embodiment clip strip is characterized by the structure of the left lazy V-shaped connector 135 and the right lazy V-shaped connector 136 . The left lazy V-shaped connector 135 consists of a left downward attached flange 160 which runs along the length of the clip strip and is attached on one end to the vertical web 125 and is inclined downwardly, and a left upward free flange 162 which is attached at one end to the left downward attached flange 160 and is inclined upwardly. The right lazy V-shaped connector 136 consists of a right downward attached flange 161 which runs along the length of the clip strip and is attached on one end to the vertical web 125 , and a right upward free flange 163 which is attached at one end to the right downward attached flange 161 and is inclined upwardly. FIG. 7C shows a cross-sectional view of the trim piece 141 . The trim piece horizontal web 138 has attached perpendicular to it a trim piece left vertical web 139 and a parallel trim piece right vertical web 142 . A the end of the trim piece left vertical web 139 there is the trim piece left vertical web flange 140 , which is inclined downwardly and toward the parallel trim piece right vertical web 142 . A the end of the trim piece right vertical web 142 there is the trim piece right vertical web flange 143 , which is inclined downwardly and toward the parallel trim piece left vertical web 139 . FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the inside embodiment panel 100 . The inside embodiment is like the outside embodiment of FIG. 2B with respect to the bottom 111 , left wall 112 right wall 113 , left finger flange 118 and right finger flange 119 . The difference between the inside and outside embodiment is in the location of the flanges at the end of the walls. In FIG. 2C, the inside embodiment, the left wall flange 195 is attached to the left wall 112 and extends downwardly toward the inside of the panel and the right wall flange 196 is attached to the right wall 113 and extends downwardly toward the inside of the panel. The attachment of an inside embodiment panel 100 in FIG. 2C to the inside embodiment clip strip 133 in FIG. 7B is achieved by pressing the panel up so that the right lazy V-shaped connector of one clip strip engages the left wall flange of a panel, so that the left wall flange 195 overlaps the right upward free flange 163 . The left lazy V-shaped connector of the other adjacent strip engages a panel at the right wall flange 196 which overlaps the left upward free flange 162 of the adjacent clip strip. FIG. 8A shows the first embodiment interlock design, the U-shaped interlock. The bottom of first panel 101 is shown. A U-shaped interlock 40 extends downward from the bottom of first panel 101 . The bottom of second panel 105 is shown with an upwardly extending U-shaped interlock 42 at one end and a downwardly extending U-shaped interlock 43 at the other end. A waterproof interconnection between panel bottoms 101 and 105 is formed by the interaction of interlocks 40 and 42 . Optionally, caulk or silicone sealant can be added to the interlock to insure a waterproof connection. Although not depicted in FIG. 8A, similar U-shaped interlocks are located on the walls of the first and second panels in order to secure a waterproof connection between the first and second panel bottoms and walls. FIG. 8B shows the second embodiment interlock design, the Z-shaped interlock. The bottom of first panel 102 is shown. A Z-shaped interlock 45 extends downward from the bottom of first panel 102 . The bottom of second panel 106 is shown with an upwardly extending Z-shaped interlock 47 at one end and a downwardly extending Z-shaped interlock 48 at the other end. A waterproof interconnection between panel bottoms 102 and 106 is formed by the interaction of interlocks 45 and 47 . Optionally, caulk or silicone sealant can be added to the interlock to insure a waterproof connection. Although not depicted in FIG. 8B, similar Z-shaped interlocks are located on the walls of the first and second panels in order to secure a waterproof connection between the first and second panel bottoms and walls. FIG. 8C shows the third embodiment interlock design, the rolled interlock. The bottom of first panel 103 is shown. A rolled interlock 50 extends downward from the bottom of first panel 103 . The bottom of second panel 107 is shown with an upwardly extending rolled interlock 52 at one end and a downwardly extending rolled interlock 53 at the other end. A waterproof interconnection between panel bottoms 103 and 107 is formed by the interaction of interlocks 50 and 52 . Optionally, caulk or silicone sealant can be added to the interlock to insure a waterproof connection. Although not depicted in FIG. 8C, similar U-shaped interlocks are located on the walls of the first and second panels in order to secure a waterproof connection between the first and second panel bottoms and walls. FIG. 6 is a side view along the length of a joist 22 showing the installation of the second embodiment or after market deck drainage system. Joist 22 extends from the surface of the structure wall 60 out to the edge of the deck. Two deck boards 27 and 28 are shown. The first panel 120 is closest to the structure wall, with the dam adjacent to the structure wall 60 . The first panel 120 is attached by an interlock to the second panel 133 which, in turn, is attached by an interlock to the third panel 145 . Details on the interlocks is shown in FIGS. 8A-C. It is important that the bottoms of the panels slope downwardly from the structure wall to the edge of the deck, to allow for drainage from the deck. In a preferred embodiment the slope is approximately ⅛″ for every linear foot of panel length. In this embodiment, the side walls are 2″ in height throughout all the panels. The slope is provided by an ever increasing web in the clip strip. In a preferred first panel, the web at the dam is 2″ high, and at the open end 126 , which is 8 feet from the dam, the web is 3″ high. In the second panel, the web at the end 134 which is attached to the first panel is 3″ high and the web at the other end 137 is 4″ high. In the third panel, the web at the end 146 attached to the second panel is 4″ high and at the other end the web is 5″ high. Of course, the dimensions given here are illustrative only of a preferred example and do not limit the claims of this application. Any suitable strong, resilient, light, corrosion-resistant, waterproof material, such as aluminum, plastic, EPDM, TPO, construction thermoplastics, fiberglass, rubber or galvanized steel, may be used to construct the deck drainage system embodiments of this invention. A preferred material for the first embodiment system is aluminum or galvanized steel, because of relatively low cost and ease of construction. Such a system can be painted on the lower surface or can remain unpainted, because it is relatively concealed by the joists. A preferred material for the second embodiment is thermoplastic such as polyurethane or high density polyethylene. Such materials have the desirable properties of easy and inexpensive construction through a molding process or extrusion and may be produced in various colors. A preferred material for the third embodiment is polymer comprised of ethylene, propylene, and diene monomer (EPDM). EPDM membranes may include various colors including black. They may or may not be reinforced by polyester or fiberglass. Another suitable thermoset membrane is comprised of neoprene. Another preferred material for the third embodiment is polymer comprised of polypropylene and ethylene propylene rubber, termed TPO, for thermoplastic polyolefin. Most of these materials are available in fire retardant formulations, which is preferred. The first embodiment deck drainage system is installed during construction of the deck. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, after the joists 20 , 22 , and 24 are installed and before the deck boards 27 are installed, the panel 10 is placed between joists 20 and 22 . Similarly, panel 25 is placed between joists 22 and 24 . The horizontal ribs, 14 and 16 of panel 10 , rest on the tops of the joists 20 and 22 , respectively. The horizontal rib 216 of panel 25 , rests on the top of the joist 24 . The intersection between adjacent panels 10 and 25 is overlapped and sealed against water leakage by the left horizontal rib 214 and left panel flange 215 of panel 25 which overlaps the right horizontal rib 16 of panel 10 . The first embodiment panels are held in place by nail, staple, or screw fasteners, in FIG. 3, nails 29 which are driven through the deck boards into the joists. The first embodiment panels are therefore installed permanently. A similar arrangement is used to add the second and additional panels to the first embodiment system. The second embodiment system is an add-on system which is added to an existing deck. FIG. 5 shows the clip strips 120 are installed by fastening by screws or nail fasteners 151 which fasten the clip strips to the bottom of the joists 20 , 22 , 24 . A second embodiment panel 110 is attached to two adjacent clip strips 120 by pressing the panel up between two adjacent joists 20 , 22 with attached clip strips until the fastening flanges 115 , 116 on the panel are over the corresponding fastening flanges 127 , 128 , respectively, attached to the clip strip. The finger flanges 118 , 119 are grasped and pulled down in order to seat the panel in the fasteners. After the panels are installed, the trim strip 141 is installed by pushing the trim strip 141 up between adjacent panels until the clip strip 120 left and right fastener flanges, 130 and 131 , respectively, engage with the left and right trim strip flanges 140 and 143 , respectively. Additional trim strip details are shown in FIG. 7C. A similar arrangement is used to add the second and additional panels to the second embodiment system. Although the second embodiment deck drainage system can be removed if desired, in normal anticipated usage the installation is permanent. The third embodiment system is constructed of flexible, flame retardant rubber or polymeric material which optionally has fiberglass embedded therein. The panel is trapezoid shaped so that when it is installed with a consistent overlap over adjacent and parallel joists, the panel will form a trough and provide a fall or pitch from the portion nearest the structure (inside end) to the end nearer to the edge of the deck (outside end) of from ⅛ inch per foot to ¼ inch per foot. In cross section the installed panel forms a hemisphere. For example, if the panel is 8 foot long, and a fall of ¼ inch per foot is desired, the outside end would be 2 inches wider than the inside end. FIG. 9 shows the third embodiment system panel 300 with inside end 302 parallel to outside end 304 and left side 306 equal in length to right side 308 . The third embodiment panel is provided in rolls of sufficient length to span the deck from the building to the edge of the deck. There is no need to connect individual panels of the third embodiment system in order to span a wide deck. The third embodiment deck drainage system panels are made of flexible material of gauge 0.010-0.060, (10 mil-60 mil). This gauge has been found to be flexible enough to allow development of the necessary fall yet resilient enough to resist the development of pooling of water on the panels. In addition, third embodiment panels are resilient enough to resist puncturing by debris falling from the deck or incidental contact from below the deck. The panels are supplied precut and rolled for convenience in handling. Suitable materials for the third embodiment panel fall into three categories, thermoset, thermoplastic, and modified bitumen membranes, all commonly used for single-ply roofing. Thermoset membranes are comprised of rubber polymers. A preferred polymer is comprised of ethylene, propylene, and diene monomer (EPDM). EPDM membranes may include various colors including black. They may or may not be reinforced by polyester or fiberglass. Another suitable thermoset membrane is comprised of neoprene. Thermoplastic membranes are based on plastic polymers, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and include plasticizers to maintain flexibility. They may optionally be reinforced by polyester or fiberglass. PVC membranes are highly fire resistant and retardant. Thermoplastic polyoelfins (TPO) are based on polypropylene and ethylene propylene rubber and may include EPDM in the blend. Fire resistance and retardance in TPO is obtained by including in the formulation brominated compounds or hydrated mineral salts. Reinforced TPO membranes can be produced by calendering with lamination, extrusion with lamination or extrusion-coating. Reinforcement may be with polyester, fiberglass, or other reinforcements. Modified bitumen membranes are factor fabricated with layers of asphalt modified with a rubber or plastic ingredient for increased flexibility and with reinforcement by polyester or other plastic material or fiberglass for added strength. Commonly added modifiers include atactic polypropylene and styrene butadiene styrene. The preferred materials as described above withstand ultraviolet light and ozone, saltwater in direct spray and in the air, incidental contact and abuse, rough jobsite handling, caustic accumulation of debris, acid rain, snow and ice build up, and remain resilient during extreme temperature changes. A preferred membrane for the third embodiment system is EPDM Roofing Membrane obtainable from Firestone Building Products Company of Carmel, Indiana. Another preferred membrane is ULTRAPLY TPO obtainable from Firestone Building Products Company of Carmel, Ind. FIG. 10 shows the third embodiment deck drainage system which is installed during construction of the deck. Specifically, after the joists 20 , 22 , and 24 are installed and before the deck boards 27 are installed, the panel 300 is placed between joists 20 and 22 . Similarly, panel 320 is placed betweenjoists 22 and 24 . The left edge 306 , of panel 300 , rest on the top of joist 20 . The right edge 308 rests on the top of joist 22 . The left edge 326 of panel 320 rests on top of right edge 308 of panel 300 on top of joist 22 . The right edge 328 rests on top of joist 24 . Since each panel overlaps each joist by an equal amount, approximately 1½ inch, the progressively increasing width of the panel provides the fall necessary to assure that water will run off of the panel and not pool or collect in the length of the panel. The intersection between adjacent panels 300 and 320 is overlapped and sealed against water leakage by diversion flanges 360 . The diversion flanges 360 serve to divert water from the deck into the panels and prevents backflow of water and seepage into the joint formed by the overlapping panels. The diversion flanges are constructed of light, impervious, fire retardant material such as fire retardant plastic, galvanized steel, aluminum, or EPDM. . The third embodiment panels are held in place by nail, staple, or screw fasteners. In FIG. 10, nails 29 which are driven through the deck boards into the joists secure the panels. The third embodiment panels are therefore installed permanently. A soap pencil line is drawn on the center of the diversion flange along the length of the diversion flange. This line aids in insuring that the nails or other fasteners used are properly seated in the joist. The amount of fall in the panel is determined by the length of run and by the width of the outside end of the panel. The fourth embodiment system is an add-on system which is added to an existing deck. The fourth embodiment uses a panel from the third embodiment which has been modified by the attachment of a metal or plastic hanger clip 370 in FIG. 11 which is attached to and runs parallel to the sides of the panel. The hanger clips attach to the mounting flanges 380 which are attached along the top inner surfaces of the joists and run parallel to the top of the joists. The fall in the third embodiment system panel is developed by the progressive widening of that panel and is therefore expressed in the fourth embodiment system and provides the necessary fall in the fourth embodiment system. FIG. 11 is a cross section of the fourth embodiment system which is installed on existing decks. The panel 360 of the fourth embodiment system is comprised of a third embodiment system panel 300 to which is attached a hanger clip 370 on each side of the panel. The hanger clip 370 is constructed of a flexible, resilient material such as aluminum or plastic and consists of a web 374 with a hook 372 at the top of the web and a connecting overlap 376 at the bottom of the hanger clip. About one and one-half inch of the left edge 306 of the panel 360 is overlapped by about one and one-half inch of the hanger clip 370 . The overlap is secured by adhesive or mechanical fasteners and the seal is reinforced by a binder bar 378 . The binder bar is a long strut-like member constructed of wood or plastic which extends the length of the panel and insures a strong connection between the edge of the panel 360 and the hanger clip 370 . The panel is attached to the underside of the deck by a mounting bracket 380 which runs along the sides of the joists below the deck from building 60 to the end of the joists. The mounting bracket 380 is constructed of strong resilient material such as aluminum, steel, or plastic. A preferred material is fire retardant plastic. The mounting bracket 380 consists of a web 384 , and a hook 386 on the bottom of the web. In use, the hook 386 interacts with the hook 372 on the panel 360 . A bead 381 of construction adhesive or caulk is placed between the top portion of the mounting bracket 380 and the joist to which the mounting bracket is attached in order to seal against the infiltration of water. It should be noted that the hook 386 on the mounting bracket may be shorter than the hook 372 on the top of the hanger clip 370 . This insures that any moisture which should seep behind the mounting bracket 380 is conveyed by the hook 386 into the panel. This insures such seepage does not fall into the dry area under the deck. The mounting bracket 380 is identical to and interchangeable with the hanger clip 370 . FIG. 12 shows the installation of the fourth embodiment system panel 360 under an existing deck. The mounting bracket 380 is installed on the long axis of the joists 20 , 22 close to the bottom of the deck boards 27 . Before the mounting bracket 380 is installed, an adhesive or sealant 381 , such as PL 500 polyurethane adhesive, available from ChemRex, Inc./Sonneborn, Shakopee, Minn. is applied to either or both the joists or the backside of the mounting bracket. The sealant insures that water from the deck does not seep between the mounting bracket and joists into the dry area below the deck. The mounting brackets 380 are held in place by nail, staple, or screw fasteners, in FIG. 12, nails 29 are driven through the mounting brackets into the joists. The fourth embodiment system panel 360 is installed by pushing upward on the panel until the hooks on the panel and the mounting bracket interlock. The panels of the fourth embodiment system are cut to lengths of 10, 12, 14, 16, and 20 or more feet and no joints between panels are necessary to span the width of the deck. Although the fourth embodiment deck drainage system can be removed if desired, in normal anticipated usage the installation is permanent. FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the fifth embodiment system. Visible in FIG. 13 are the deck board 27 and joists 20 , 22 , and 24 . The side of the building 60 is also shown in FIG. 13 . The panels 300 and 320 of the fifth embodiment system are identical to the panels of the third embodiment system. The fifth embodiment system differs from the third embodiment system in that the fifth embodiment system is mounted to the bottoms of the joists of an existing deck, rather than be incorporated into new deck construction, as is the third embodiment system. A diversion flange 360 , which is identical to the diversion flange of the third embodiment system, is attached by fasteners such as nails or staples along the length of the joists 20 , 22 , 24 . The diversion flange is oriented with the concave portion down so that water flowing from the top of the deck is diverted away from the bottom of the joists. The panels 300 and 320 are attached by tacks or staples to the bottoms of the diversion flanges 360 . Note that the edges of the panels overlap. Finally, a compression flange 500 is securely and permanently fastened to the bottom of the joists using fasteners such as screws or nails 29 . The compression flange 500 is an elongated piece of wood or plastic similar to a furring strip which serves to tightly bind and seal the panels and the diversion strip against the leakage of water. FIG. 14 is a side view of the fifth embodiment system showing in particular the structure where the deck is attached to the building. The building 60 has attached to it a ledger board 63 to which the joist 20 is attached. A deck board 27 is shown resting on top of the ledger board 63 and joist 20 . A diversion flange 360 is shown attached along the length of the joist 20 , with the exception that the diversion flange 360 does not cover the bottom of the ledger board 63 . This allows for the creation of a good seal between the building 60 and the headwater flashing 67 using a bead of sealant 68 . The headwater flashing extends some 8 to 12 inches away from the building between the diversion flange 360 and the uppermost panel 320 . Drain panels 320 and 300 are then overlapped and another bead of sealant 68 is added to the bottom of the bottommost drain panel 300 . A headwater flashing compression flange 520 is permanently installed along the length of the ledger board 63 and fastened to the bottom of the ledger board 63 using fasteners such as nails or screws 29 . The headwater flashing compression flange 520 acts to tightly bind and seal the flashing and panels and diversion strip at the ledger board 63 and is analogous to the compression flange 500 in this function. Compression flange 500 is permanently attached to the bottom of the joist 20 along its length. The fifth embodiment system serves the same function of the other four embodiments, that of capturing and channeling rain, snow, or other waste water from the deck to a gutter and down spout system while maintaining the area below the deck in a dry condition. The fifth embodiment has the advantage of being capable of installation to an existing deck by an average handyperson, such as a home owner, using tools commonly found in the home. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the examples given here are illustrative only, and that this invention is limited only by the appended claims.
Five examples of the system for waterproofing an outside deck, thereby improving the usefulness of the space below the deck, are disclosed. Both inflexible and flexible panels are used. All panels may be made of fire retardant materials. Examples of both types of panels are installed at the time the deck is constructed and fit between the joists. They consist of panels which may be used in conjunction with each other in order to protect decks of varying widths. The other examples are added to previously constructed decks. One example includes a clip strip which is attached to the bottom of the joists and panels which are attached to the clip strip. A trim piece completes the installation. A second example involves the flexible panel with provisions for connection to a mounting bracket installed between the joists. Another example involves a flexible panel which may be installed by the homeowner along the bottoms of the joists. In each system there are provisions for insuring that the system remains waterproof.
4
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to holding and positioning apparatus for cabinets and construction panels. More particularly, the invention relates to holding devices by which cabinets, sheet rock or other similar panel type materials used in the building industry may be easily held, placed and retained temporarily in position for subsequent permanent installation. 2. Prior Art In the construction industry, both walls and ceilings are covered with flat, broad coverings having a smooth exposed surface. A prime example of this is sheet rock. In the past, sheet rock has been attached to the ceiling joist using a crew of workers who would manually lift the sheet rock into an overhead position and hold it in place while it is nailed or otherwise secured to the ceiling. Sheet rock and other forms of interior surface finishing panels traditionally used in the building industry are applied to the ceiling or wall frames as the case may be by placing sheets in the order of four foot by eight foot (4'×8'), four foot by twelve foot (4'×12') or larger, against the framing and securing each sheet in place by nailing, screwing, adhesive bonding or by a combination of fastening techniques to achieve permanent installation of the adjacent panels or sheets. Because of the size and weight of the sheet or panel, the installation procedure oftentimes requires at least three people, particularly where each sheet must be retained in an elevated position by two people while nails or screws are inserted by the third person. The installation is complicated further by the requirement in many cases that the installers use step ladders, scaffolding or other forms of movable platforms in order to place the sheet in its ultimate position. In other cases, two people are required, one to hold the workpiece in place, the other to do the affixing. Mounting the sheet rock by this method is difficult, very strenuous and not a particularly efficient procedure. The problem of properly installing panel materials has been recognized in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 1,725,329 issued to A. S. Blandford on Aug. 29, 1929 describes a wall board handling device with a wheeled base, extensible support column and a platform to support the wall board thereon. L. M. White in U.S. Pat. No. 2,242,380 issued on May 20, 1941, describes a wall board tool comprising a lower prop having a rubber floor tip, a supporting fork slidably mounted on the prop, a ceiling board medially and pivotally mounted on the supporting fork and means for releasably locking the fork in any adjusted position on the prop. A ceiling board prop utilizing pivoting arms is described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,379,984 issued to R. Couture on June 26, 1945. In this device, swinging arms which move outwardly provide a support surface for the ceiling board. J. Cooper utilizes a support surface which is moved vertically into position by means of a portable lifting apparatus which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,966,993 issued on Jan. 3, 1961. Cooper utilizes a longitudinally extensible tooth jack and a pair of hollow tubes. The device also has a radially extensible arm to support the workpieces thereon. The jack is mounted on casters for free movement on the longitudinal axis of the legs. Leslie G. Love in U.S. Pat. No. 3,179,038 issued on Apr. 13, 1965 discloses a dolly base with casters. Upon the dolly base is placed an extensible column which is provided with a winch means to raise or lower the telescoping extensible extension. Rail members are pivotally mounted to the top of the extensible column to hold the workpieces thereon. A lifting and positioning apparatus for construction panels such as sheet rock is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,375,934 issued Mar. 8, 1983 to Lewis T. Elliott. The apparatus includes at least one lifting standard having a base, a thick strut supported vertically from the base, a movable strut arrangement supported from the thick strut, a guide and latch arrangement for retaining the struts in generally parallel relationship, a handle on the movable strut for elevating the same in relation to the thick strut and the base, and a panel engaging rail supported on the movable strut. The panel engaging rail is supported at the top of the movable strut, in which case, two of the standard are used to elevate and position a panel against the underside of the ceiling framework. In an alternative embodiment, only one standard is used and includes a cleat-like rail at the bottom of the movable strut to engage the lower edge of the panel to be elevated along the vertical wall framework. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,576,354 issued to William Blessing on Mar. 18, 1986, a panel support column for supporting sheet rock panels in an overhead position during the fixed mounting of the sheet rock panels to a ceiling is disclosed. The panel support column comprises a broad flat bearing plate, rotatably attached to a circular cross-section support rod, a support barrel having a cavity which closely accepts the support rod for reciprocative movement, an upper and lower retaining clamp, a compression spring mounted around the juncture of the support rod and support barrel, and non-slip end cup on the lower end of the support barrel. The support rod has a plurality of height adjusting holes to which the upper clamp can be attached so as to allow adjustment of the height of the panel support column to accommodate ceilings of different heights. Earl O. Pettit, in U.S. Pat. 4,600,348 issued July 15, 1986, describes a panel hoist including a telescopic mast assembly. A collapsible base framework is provided with casters so that the panel hoist can be rolled into position. The collapsible base framework is specially constructed so as to minimize the size of the unit in the collapsed state. Two different head assemblies are provided, depending upon whether the panels are being installed horizontally or upright. The head assemblies are also collapsible. Finally, F. J. Miller in Canadian Patent No. 1,024,926 is directed to a panel handling tool having a single support assembly comprising a telescopic, locable tubular section and a platform to support panels or sheet rock thereon. Equally difficult to install are kitchen cabinets or the like. Similar problems are encountered with the manual lift and support procedure, in that the precise placement of the cabinet in a level position is most difficult. This is so because it is difficult to manually hold the cabinet against the wall while an attempt is made to move the cabinet precisely into place which is necessary for the cabinet to function properly and for a professional looking finished product. Despite the problems associated with mounting cabinets, the prior art has not specifically developed mechanical aides which can assist in holding the cabinet in place against the wall and in a level position during the fastening in place process. None of the known prior art devices show a panel hoist that is multi-purpose; that is, it can be used for both panels or cabinets. In addition, none of the above devices assist in leveling, is lightweight, compact, inexpensive and easily disassembled. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, a workpiece holder apparatus is provided with a longitudinal member having a workpiece holding end and an opposite end. A mechanism between the workpiece holding end and the opposite end is provided for adjusting the length of the longitudinal member and finally a clamping mechanism is mounted on the longitudinal member. Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a workpiece holder which assists workers in raising workpieces into place and thereafter holding the workpiece in place while it is precisely positioned and permanently affixing it to the ceiling joist or wall studs and in the case of cabinet installation against the wall itself; thereafter, it can be disassembled quickly and easily for the next job. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a workpiece holder which is capable of being used in one of either two support configurations, which is lightweight and is capable of being converted into a compact unit for ease of transportation. It is still a further object of the invention to provide a workpiece holder which is reliable, easy to construct, easy to assemble and disassemble and efficient in the performance of its desired duties. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description given herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the workpiece holder according to my invention; FIG. 2 is a side view of the workpiece holder for cabinets according to my invention; FIG. 3 is a side view of the lower portion of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the channel members and the center leg; FIG. 4A is an exploded view of the strut member and the foot member;, FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the top member for use with panels; FIG. 6 is a sectional view through 6--6 of FIG. 3; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view through 7-7 in FIG. 1; FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view through 8--8 in FIG. 1; FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view along 9--9 of FIG. 1; FIG. 10 is a side view of the foot member, strut member and partial center leg; FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the center leg stiffener; FIG. 12 is another embodiment of the present invention utilizing two longitudinally extensible members and a T-bar for installing wide panels or a set of cabinets or the like; FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the T-bar and top member of FIG. 12; FIG. 14 is a side view of the handle in the left hand adapter plate of FIG. 13; FIG. 15 is a sectional view along 15--15 of FIG. 14; and FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the top member. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The workpiece holder according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is designated by the numeral 100 as shown in FIG. 1. The workpiece holder 100 includes a foot member 10 which is pivotally connected to a strut member 20, a beam member 30 which is mounted within the strut member 20, a longitudinal member 50 slidably mounted around the beam 30, a pair of clamping means 70 secured to the longitudinal member 50, latch means 85 and a workpiece holder 95. A cabinet C or similar workpiece to be installed, is placed on the workpiece holder 95 as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As is shown in FIG. 4A, the foot member 10 includes a channel member 12. The channel member 12 is preferably made from a lightweight material such as aluminum. The channel member 12 has a bottom 14 and a pair of spaced apart flanges 16 connected to the bottom 14. Each of the flanges 16 has a hole 17 drilled therethrough for a purpose to be described later on. A resilient tooth grid pad 19 is glued or bonded to the bottom 14. Alternatively, foot member 10 may be constructed from a plastic material with a tooth grid pattern molded in the plastic material. The strut member 20 is pivotally connected by conventional threaded fasteners 18 to the foot member 10 as is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A. The strut member 20 is preferably made from a solid, lightweight material such as aluminum and has a box-like form with an open top and an adjacent open side. A pair of spaced apart flanges 24 with a hole drilled through are conventionally fastened to the bottom end of the strut member 20. As best shown in FIG. 10, the first hole 23 is drilled offset toward the closed side of the box-like form of 20, that is from the longitudinal axis of the strut member 20 for a purpose to be described later on. Returning back to FIG. 4A, a second hole 25 is drilled through the first and third sides 26, 27, respectively, of the strut member 20 in a spaced apart relationship to the first hole 23 and centrally located on longitudinal axis 28 of the strut member 20. The top end 9 in each of the first and third sides 26, 27, respectively, of the strut member 20 has a horizontal edge 8 extending from the closed side 7, a partial hole 6 bored in the horizontal edge 8 above the second hole 25 and an angled surface 5 extending from the partial hole 6 to the open side 22. A biased handle 29 is pivotally mounted in a hole drilled near the closed side 7 through the first and third sides 26, 27, respectively, of the strut member 20 but below the horizontal edge 8, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 10. The center beam 30 is an elongated member as is shown in FIG. 4. The center beam is preferably made from a lightweight material such as aluminum. The center beam has a bottom rounded end 32 as in FIG. 4A and an opposite top end 38 as shown in FIG. 4, a hole 31 is drilled through the bottom end 32 along the longitudinal axis 28 of the center beam 30. An elliptical hole 34 is drilled in the center beam 30. The elliptical hole 34 is preferably but not limited to a hole which is dimensionally one-half inch by one quarter inch. The elliptical hole 34 is preferably drilled approximately two and three-quarter inches from the bottom end 32 of the center beam 30. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the distance of the elliptical hole 34 to the bottom end 32 of the center beam 30 can vary depending on the dimensional relationship of the partial hole 6 to the second hole 25 in the strut member 20. The elliptical hole 34 is drilled with its longer axis centered with the longitudinal axis of the center beam. On each side of the elliptical hole, a counter bore 35 is preferably drilled to a depth of approximately 1/8 inch so as to form an elliptical hole which is dimensionally approximately 3/4 by 1/2. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, an elongated slot 36 is formed in the center beam 30 along its longitudinal axis. Preferably, the slot 36 extends dimensionally approximately 10 inches from the top end 38 to dimensionally approximately 15 inches from the bottom end 32 as shown in FIG. 4A. The center beam 30 is pivotally connected to the strut member 20 by means of a conventional threaded member (not shown) inserted through the second hole 25 in the strut member 20 and into the hole 31 drilled into the bottom end 32 of the center leg beam 30 as shown in FIG. 4A. The center beam 30 is positioned relative to the strut member 20 by means of a spring biased collared fastener 40. As best shown in FIG. 9, the collared fastener 40 has a male end 42 and a female end 43. The male end 42 has a cylindrical body with an external threaded end 41, a V-notch 44 in the cylindrical body, a collar 45 and a slotted end 46. The female end 43 is a cylindrical body with a threaded internal bore 47, a collar 48 and a slotted end 49. The threaded bore 47 of the female end threadably engages the external threaded end 41 of the male end 42 when it is inserted into the elliptical hole 34 in the beam member 30. The collars 45, 48, respectively, ride into the counter bore 35 on each side of the elliptical hole 34. A spring member 39 is inserted into V-notch 44 and biases the spring collared fastener 40 towards the hole 31 in the beam member 30. As best shown in FIGS. 4A, 9 and 10, the spring member 39 biases the collared fastener 40 towards the foot member so as to hold the center beam 30 in a substantially vertical position relative to the foot member. The collars 45, 48, respectively, encapsulate the spring biased collared fastener 40 in the elliptical hole 34 and the spring member 39 causes the fastener 40 to engage the partial hole 6 in the strut member 20. A handle 29 is used to move the spring biased collar fastener 40 out of the partial hole 6 in the strut member 20 when a downward force is exerted on the open end of the handle 29 as when the device 100 is in a vertical position. Normally as shown in FIG. 10, the spring biased collared fastener 40 and the threaded fastener in the hole 31 of the beam member 30 hold the beam member 30 so that the beam member 30 is coincident with the longitudinal axis 28 of the strut member 20. Returning back to FIG. 4, the center beam or longitudinal member 30 also has a series of latch teeth 37 formed or machined thereon. The latch teeth 37 are formed on the side perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the center beam 30 formed by the hole 31, elliptical hole 34 and the slot 36. The center beam 30 is inserted into a composite longitudinal member 50 as is shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6. The longitudinal composite member 50 includes a pair of channel members 60 preferably made from aluminum. Each of the pair of channel members 60 has a pair of flanges 62, 64 and 66, 68, respectively, to form a double track. The inner flanges 64, 66, respectively, form a groove within which the center beam 30 is guided. The pair of channel members 60 are preferably secured together by a pair of clamping means 70 which will be described later on herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that only one clamping means 70 of suitable size can also be used in practicing my invention. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the latch handle means 85 is mounted on the composite longitudinal member 50 to engage the latch teeth 37 on the center beam 30. The latch handle 86 is pivotally supported by a bolt 87 from the pair of spaced apart edges of the flanges 88. One of the pair of flanges 88 is fastened to one of the pair of channels 60 and the other of the pair of flanges 88 is fastened to the other of the pair of channels 60. The latch handle 86 is biased by a spring 89 so that the upper working end 83 of the latch handle is retained against the outer surface of the latch teeth 37 formed on the center beam 30. The working end 83 of the latch handle or pawl is provided with a chamfered surface so that the upward movement of the pawl, as during the lifting movement of the center beam 30, will allow the pawl to slide easily over the series of latch teeth 37. The downward movement of the center beam 30 will be prevented by the engagement of the working end of the pawl on the latch teeth 37. As is common in most construction projects, there is a need to permit the fine adjustment of the workpiece relative to the structure onto which the workpiece is being installed. To facilitate this fine adjustment, a pair of sandwich clamps or clamping means 70 are provided. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7, each of the sandwich clamps preferably includes (as best seen in FIG. 7) a first cylindrical member 71, a threaded fastener 72, a second cylindrical member 73, a washer 74, a bolt 75 and a clamp handle 65. As best viewed in FIG. 7, the first cylindrical member 71 includes a round body with a first outer diameter 51 with a through hole 52 bored along its longitudinal axis and a counter bore 53 drilled part way through from the one end 54. At the one end 54 is a flange 77 formed on the body of the cylindrical member. Optionally, the flange 77 is a separate member or washer. The other end 55 has a necked down portion with a second outer diameter 56 smaller than the first outer diameter 51. Optionally, a partial threaded bore 57 is formed from the one end 54 for a purpose to be described later on herein. The second cylindrical member 73 includes a first partial threaded bore 201 drilled along the longitudinal axis 202 of the second cylindrical member 73 from its first end 203. A larger counter bore 204 is drilled in the first end 203 for a purpose to be described later on herein. A transverse through hole 205 is drilled through the second cylindrical member 73 near its second end 206. The first cylindrical member 71 is inserted through a hole 207 drilled in one of the pair of channel members and partially through the slot 36 in the center leg 30 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 4 such that the flange 77 is adjacent to the channel member 60. The first end 208 of the second cylindrical member 73 is inserted through the hole 207 in the opposite channel member 60 as shown in FIG. 4 and thence through the slot 36 in the beam member 30. The larger partial counter bore 204 in the second cylindrical member 73 slips over the second outer diameter 56 of the first cylindrical member 71. A threaded member 72 is inserted through the threaded bore 57 of the first cylindrical member 71, through the bore 52 and engages the threads 79 in the partial bore in the second cylindrical member 73. Nominally, the first and second cylindrical members 71, 73, respectively, do not engage each other and are held together by the threaded member 72. A washer 74 is placed over the outer diameter 78 of the second cylindrical member 73 and abuts the channel member 60. As best shown in FIG. 4, a clamp handle 65 is provided having an elongated handle portion 64 at one end and two adjacent spaced apart flange portions 69 at the opposite end. Each of the flanges 69 are formed with a flat portion 67 and an arcuate portion 68 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 for a purpose to be described later on herein. A hole 63 is drilled through both of the flanges 69. The clamp handle 65 is fastened to the second cylindrical member 73 by a conventional threaded fastener 209 as shown in FIG. 7. The sandwich clamping means 70 is so constructed so as to permit the center leg or beam member 30 to move freely within the flanges 64 and 66 of the channel members 60 when the flat portion 67 of the flange 69 on the clamp handle 65 abuts the washer 74. When the operator seeks to clamp the center leg 30 relative to the channel members 60, the operator rotates the handle 65 from neutral that is the "flat" portion 67 abutting the washer onto the cam portion so that the larger arcuate portion 68 abuts the washer so as to cam lock or squeeze one channel member 60 toward the other by virtue of the fact that the washers 74, 77, respectively, move toward each other as a result of the handle's arcuate portion 68 moving the washer 74 on the second cylindrical member 73 towards the washer 77 on the first cylindrical member 71. Optionally, a threaded fastener member 75 is fitted in through the one end 207 of the first cylindrical member and engages the threaded bore. The optional fastener 75 prevents dirt or other foreign material from entering into the bore of the first cylindrical member 71 and to hold the flange or washer 77 to the first cylindrical member 71 in the event that the washer 77 and first cylindrical member 71 are made in two pieces. As shown in FIG. 5, the top member or workholder 95 includes a first supporting member 96 formed in the shape of a tee with two U-shaped ends. The first supporting member 96 is essentially a flat plate preferably 12 inches by 5 inches (but not limited thereto) with a flange 97 extending along the longitudinal axis as shown in FIG. 8. Returning to FIG. 5, at the one end is a U-shaped channel 94 with an approximately 3/16th of an inch opening and extends 1/4 of an inch up from the top surface 98 of the first supporting member 96. The other end has a similar U-shaped channel 93 with a 3/16th inch opening but with an additional vertical flange 92. The flange 92 has a slot 91 formed which is used as a key way for a purpose to be described later on herein. As shown in FIG. 8, the top member 95 also has a pair of substantially equally spaced apart L-shaped slots 90 formed on either side of the flange 97 which forms the tee in the first supporting member 96 earlier described. The top member 95 is pivotally connected to the channel members 60 by means of a conventional fastener through the flange 97 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8. A pair of stiffeners 99 are positioned on each side of the flange 97 and a bolt inserted through the holes in the channel members and the top flange 97. On the opposite side of the surface 98 of the top plate 95 and on each side of the flange 97, are secured a pair of cylindrical members 190. Each of the cylindrical members 190 contain a spring biased pin which extends through an aperture in the surface 98 of the top plate 95. Each cylindrical member 190 is approximately one inch in outer diameter and is approximately 13/4 inch long. Additionally, each cylindrical member 190 has a threaded inside diameter 192 which is larger than pilot hole 164. A threaded nipple 196 which is approximately one inch long with threads on its outer diameter so as to engage the first threaded inside diameter 192 of the cylindrical member 190. The threaded nipple 196 also has first and second counterbores with a shoulder between the first and second counterbores. A bias member 198, preferably a coiled spring, is inserted into the larger of the two counterbores and is contiguous to the shoulder. A pin member 188 has a collar 186 and an aperture 184 at one end 187. The other end 182 of the pin member is inserted into the larger of the two counterbores and against the bias member 198. The threaded nipple 196, the bias member 198 and the pin member 188 are then assembled into the cylindrical member 190 such that the one end 187 of the pin member 188, that is, the end with the aperture 184, is inserted through the pilot hole 194 of the cylindrical member 190. An "O" shaped ring 180 is fitted through the aperture 184 in one end 187 of the pin member 188. The other end 182 of the pin member 188 protrudes through the aperture and is above the surface 98 of the top plate 95 for a purpose to be described later on herein. Those skilled in the arts will recognize that surface 98 of the top plate 95 can be angularly adjusted relative to the longitudinal axis of the channel members 60 by loosening and tightening the bolt through the top flange 97. The top plate 95 also has a level 220 formed or secured above the flange 97 (see FIG. 2) and another level 222 formed or secured to channel 94 (see FIG. 8) so as to be visible to the operator. An installation plate 150 is mounted to the top surface 98 of the workholder 95 as shown in FIG. 5. The installation plate 150 is preferably made of 1/8th thick aluminum and is dimensionally 5 inches wide by 12 inches long (but not limited thereto). Along one end is welded an angle member 158 which is preferably as wide as the plate 150 that is 5 inches wide (but not limited thereto). A pair of cork strips 162 are mounted to the plate 150 and are perpendicular to the angle member 158. The installation plate 150 further has a plurality of equally spaced holes 164 drilled through the top surface 166. One leg 156 of the angle member 158 abuts the cork strips 162 and the other leg 154 of the angle member is perpendicular to the top surface 166. The angle member 158 also has a pair of notches 157 which run along the length of its one leg 156. The notches are parallel to each other and are adjacent and perpendicular to the cork strips 162 located on the top surface 166 of the installation plate 150. Midway along the edge 185 of the one leg 156, a groove 168 is formed. A flat spring member 169 is attached to the top surface 150 in between the cork strips 162 and adjacent to the edge 185. The other end of the spring normally protrudes above the surface of the leg 156 but when required, fits into the groove 168 for a purpose to be described later on herein. A finger 153 extends from the other leg 154 and is parallel to notches 157 in the top of one leg 156. The pair of notches 157, the groove 168 and the finger 153 form a guide and holding mechanism for the holder member 170 to fit into the angle member 158. The holder member 170 is a reversible, multi-purpose structure which can be used either by installing cabinets in one position (or mode) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 or panel members in the other position (or other mode) as shown in FIG. 5. The holder member 170 is formed in the shape of a C-shaped channel which is approximately 4 inches wide (but not limited thereto). The top leg 172 of the holder member is approximately 1/8th inch thick. A finger 174 is located approximately 5/8th inches below the top leg 172 and toward the bottom leg 178. The finger 174 is substantially parallel to the top leg 172 and is of the same approximate length, that is 11/2 inches. The finger 174 has a first step 175 and a second step 176 formed or secured thereon. The first and second steps 175, 176, respectively, are formed so as to each fit into one of the pair of notches 157 in the angle member 158 when assembled thereto. Similarly, the bottom leg 178 of the holder member 170 also has first and second steps 177, 179, respectively, formed therein so as to fit into the finger 153 of the angle member 158. In one assembled position, the holder member 170 is used to hold panel members (as shown in FIG. 5) and in the other assembled position the holder member 170 is used to position cabinets (as shown in FIG. 16). The holder member 170 also has a T-shaped member 147 formed or secured conventionally to its web between the bottom leg 178 and the finger 174. The T-shaped member 147 has first and second grooves 148, 149, respectively, formed on its arms. The grooves 148, 149, respectively, fit into the finger 153 formed in the angle member 158. When the apparatus 100 is to be used to hold panels, the first and second steps 175, 176, respectively, of the finger 174 are assembled into the pair of notches 157 of the angle member 158. Additionally, the first groove 148 of the T-shaped member 147 is assembled so as to fit into the finger 153 in the angle member 158. Thus, the holder member 170 forms a C-shaped member to hold panels therein. When the apparatus is to be used to hold cabinets, the first and second steps 177, 179, respectively, of the bottom leg 178 are assembled into the nothces 157 in the angle member 158. Furthermore, the second groove 149 of the T-shaped member 147 is assembled into the finger 153 in the angle member 158. Thus, the top of the holder member 170 is flush with the cork strips 162. The finger 174 and the bottom leg 178 further have a notch formed or machined in their mid span. The notches in combination with the spring member 169 on the top member 150 serve as a locating and locking mechanism for the holder member 170 when assembled to the angle member 158. To release the holder member 170 from the angle member 158, one pushes the spring member 169 into the groove 168 in the angle member 158. This permits the holder member 170 to slide in the angle member 158 relative to the top member 150. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 16, the installation plate 150 also has a pair of C-shaped channels 152 attached or formed by conventional means to the top surface 166. When assembled, the C-shaped channels 152 of the installation plate 150, fit into the L-shaped slots 90 formed on the top member 95 as shown in FIG. 8. The position of the installation plate 150 relative to the top member 95 is determined by the alignment of the set of holes 164 as shown in FIG. 16 in the installation plate 150 and the pair of spring biased pin members 190 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8. The installation plate 150 can be moved relative to the top plate 95 by pulling the "O"rings such that the head of the pin recedes below the surface 98 of the top plate 95. The plate 150 is then free to slide in the track formed by the C-shaped channels 152 in the L-shaped slots 90 formed on top member 95. When the desired position of the installation plate 150 relative to the top member 95 is determined, the holes 164 in the installation plate 150 are aligned with the pin members 190 in the top member 95 and the pin members released such that the other ends of the pins protrude through the holes 164. The holder member 170 also has a pair of cork strips glued or conventionally secured to its web to act as a cushion or bumper when the holder member 170 is positioned against a wall, as for example in FIG. 2 when cabinets are being installed. Those skilled in the art will note that the head of the pin members used to secure the installation plate 150 to the top plate 95 must not protrude higher than the top of the cork strips 162 on the installation member 150 and preferably not lower than the top surface 166 as shown in FIG. 8 so as not to damage the workpiece (for example, cabinets or panels) being installed. As shown in FIG. 5, the installation member 150 is assembled, preferably for use in the installation of sheet rock or similar panel members and is designated as the second installation mode. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the installation member 150 is assembled, preferably for the use in the installation of cabinets or similar units and is designated as the first installation mode. The workpiece holder 100 in the second installation mode is preferably used to fit panel-like members to walls, studs or ceiling joists. Thus, the workpiece holder 100 with the installation member 150 in the second installation mode is used to fit between studs, in tight closets, in situations where only one person can fit or in a high work area requiring scaffolds or ladders to install panel-like members. When the device 100 is used in situations where the channel members 60 are moved to an extreme vertical position, the slot 36 formed on the beam member 30 will be below the end of the pair of channel members 60 as shown in FIG. 4. In this situation, a leg stiffener 140 should be used as shown in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 11, the leg stiffener 140 includes an E-shaped channel 142 with a center leg 144. The center leg 144 has a hole drilled and tapped through the leg for a purpose to be described later on herein. The center leg 144 is formed so as to slide within the slot 36 of the beam member 30. The other two legs fit around the periphery of the center leg 30. A C-shaped channel 146 has a hole drilled through its center portion and each leg of the C-shaped member fits around the legs of the E-shaped channel 142. When the operator decides to use the stiffener 140, the center leg 144 of the E-shaped channel 142 is inserted into the slot 36 of the channel member 30 and the C-shaped channel 146 is then inserted over the E-shaped channel 142 so that both the E-shaped channel 142 and the C-shaped channel 146, respectively, encapsulate the center leg 30. To hold the two channels 142, 146 together, a threaded fastener as shown in FIG. 11 is inserted through the hole in the E-shaped channel 142 and through the tapped hole in the C-shaped channel 146 and fastened together. In operation, the foot member 10 is placed on the floor with the strut member 20 and beam member 30 in a longitudinally extensible manner as shown in FIG. 2. With the first installation plate 150 installed on the top member 95, a cabinet C or similar workpiece is placed on the first installation plate 150. The operator then makes sure that the top plate 95 moves freely with regard to the channel members 60 and loosens the clamping means 70. The height of the top plate is adjusted until the work panel is slightly lower than its final height position against the wall framework and the sandwich clamps are then tightened, then the cabinet is leveled and placed in its approximate final position for securing to the wall. The cabinet is adjusted into its final lateral position by placing the holder member 170 in the first installation mode with the cork strips against the wall and kicking the foot member 10 so as to position and level the apparatus 100 firmly against the wall. After screwing the cabinet permanently in place, the operator presses downward on the handle 29 which causes the collared fastener 40 to move vertically so as to move out of the partial hole 6 in the strut member 20 and permits the beam member 30 to pivot at its lower end as shown in FIG. 10 and thereby collapse the device 100. In FIG. 12, an alternative embodiment of the workpiece holder of the present invention is shown in which the parts corresponding directly with those of the previous embodiment are identified by the same reference numerals, parts serving the same function but modified structurally are identified by the same reference numerals, but primed, and new parts to be described are identified by new reference numerals. Thus, the alternative embodiment of the workpiece holder, identified generally by the reference numeral 200, is intended for use to position at least two cabinets or similar large workpieces against a vertical wall framework. In this instance, the sheet rock is supported on the top of a pair of workpiece holders 100 and 100' and a bridge piece 110. As shown in FIG. 12, the workpiece holders 100 and 100' are of nearly identical construction except for the workholder or the top plate member 95 and constitutes another embodiment of the present invention 100. Top plate 95' is similar to top plate 95 except flange 97' is mounted on the opposite side of the top plate member. Thus, 95' is a mirror image of 95. As shown in FIG. 12 and 13, a bridge member 110 connects the workpiece holder 100 to workpiece holder 100' so that wide or multiple cabinets can be positioned for screwing to the wall. The composite tee bar or bridge member 110 includes a left hand adapter plate 130, a right hand adapter plate 120, a liquid bubble level 115, and a cross member 112. The left hand adapter plate 130 (shown on the left-hand side of FIGS. 12 and 13) has a tee bar 132 connected to a C-shaped channel 134 with a handle 136 pivotally connected to it as shown in FIG. 13. The C-shaped channel 134 is shaped so as to engage the vertical flange formed in the other end of the top member 95'. The C-shaped channel 134 slides into the other end of the top member 95' and the handle 136 is rotated so that the notch 138 and the lower end of the handle engages the slot 91' in the flange 92' as shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15. The left hand adapter 130 has a liquid bubble level 139 mounted to the C-shaped channel 134 between the tee bar 132 and the handle 136. In a similar manner, the right hand adapter plate 120 has a tee bar 122 connected to a C-shaped channel 124 with a handle 126 pivotally connected to it. The C-shaped channel 124 also has a liquid bubble level 129 (not shown) mounted between the tee bar 122 and the handle 126. The C-shaped channel 124 slides into the slot 91 (not shown) and the flange 92 of the top member 95 and the handle 126 is rotated so that the notch 128 (not shown) in the lower end of the handle 126 engages the flange in a manner similarly described for handle 136. As shown in FIG. 12, the tee bar 132 on the left hand adapter plate 130 faces toward the tee bar 122 in the right hand adapter plate 120. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the cross member 112 slidably engages the tee bars 122, 132, respectively, and the member 112 is in the form of a U-shaped member 114 with a pair of internal webs 116, 118, respectively. One of the webs 116 is spaced away from but adjacent to the top of the U-shaped member and the other web 118 is also spaced away from the web 116. The tee bar 112 of the tee bar member 110 slides into the slot or gap 119 formed in the webs 116, 118. A pair of sandwich clamps 70 are fitted through a pair of holes below the slot 119 in the cross member 112. The cross member 112 slidably engages the tee bars 122, 132, respectively, to the desired depth, the sandwich clamps 70 are tightened to clamp the tee bars 122, 132 respectively, into the slot 119 of the cross member 112. The cross member 112 further has a leveling device 115 fastened thereon. To support a series of cabinets or other similar item, the operator attaches installation plates 150 and 150' (not shown) to top plates 95 and 95'. The height of the workpiece holders 100 and 100' are adjusted to the left and right of the device 200 and the cross member 110 is adjusted to the desired width of the cabinet or a series of cabinets. The tee bars 122, 132, respectively, and cross member 112 are locked securely by the clamping means 70. The clamping means 70 on the pair of channel members 60 on both the workpiece holder 100 and 100' are loosened. The operator then slides the channel members 60 of both workpiece holders 100 and 100', respectively, to the final height with the base of the leg members 10 angled out slightly from the vertical axis to the wall that the workpiece is being fastened to. The operator then locks the clamping means 70 on both workpiece holders 100 and 100' and secures the pair of channels 60 to each of the center beam 30. The cabinet is then placed onto the installation plates 150 and 150' on top plates 95, 95', respectively, of the workpiece holders 100, 100' and the final adjustment to the desired height is accomplished after 158 and 158' are placed against the wall and then by kicking the foot member 10 and 10' of each workpiece holder toward the wall until the workpiece is positioned at the desired height. To verify the level of the workpiece, the liquid bubble level devices 115, 129, 139, respectively, are checked and appropriate adjustments of the workpiece holder 100, 100' are made. After the workpiece is moved against the wall framework and elevated upwardly to the appropriate position, the workpiece is screwed or otherwise affixed permanently in place. Once the cabinet C or other similar object is secured to the wall, the operator releases the workpiece holders 100, 100' by placing his foot on the handle 29 so as to raise the spring biased collared fastener 40 toward the top member 95 and thus disengage the fastener 40 from the partial hole 6 in the strut member 20. This causes the channel member to pivot and disengage from the workpiece. To install one cabinet C next to another cabinet C', the operator places the top plate member 95 of the workpiece holder 100 under a portion of the previously installed cabinet C with member 158 against the wall. The workpiece holder 100 is then adjusted until all level devices are satisfactory and the cabinet is first secured to the adjacent cabinet and then to the wall. In all other respects the operation of this embodiment is similar to that previously discussed. While the invention has been described in connection with a pair of preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
A workpiece holder apparatus for either panels or cabinets is disclosed. The holder can be used for either panels or the like or cabinets and assists workers in holding the workpiece, raising the workpiece, and precisely positioning the workpiece into place, thereby facilitating the permanent affixing of the workpiece to the ceiling joist or wall studs and in the case of cabinets installation, against the wall itself. Thereafter, the workpiece holder apparatus can be quickly disassembled after the attachment of the workpiece to the ceiling joist or wall studs.
4
FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to methods and systems for facilitating transactions at a self-checkout terminal and, more particularly, to methods and systems for facilitating transaction at self-checkout terminals with scales. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Self-checkout terminals at grocery stores and other retail stores are well known. The terminals permit a consumer to present items for purchase to sensors at the terminal so the terminal can identify the items and a corresponding price. When the consumer indicates all items for purchase have been presented to the terminal, a sub-total is accumulated, any taxes and discounts are computed, and a total amount due is displayed for the consumer. The terminal then allows the consumer to select a payment method. The terminal presents menu selections to the consumer so funds are transferred to the retailer's account. Upon confirmation of payment, the items are released to the consumer. A self-checkout terminal typically includes a display, a scanner for reading unit price codes (UPC), and a checkout area for holding items once they have been scanned. The checkout area may include a motor driven belt to carry items for which a purchase has been verified to a collection area. The terminal also includes a processor, memory, programmed instructions, and data peripherals to control the operations of the terminal. The programmed instructions may contain modules for querying for item prices, computing totals and performing other functions related to the purchase of items through a self-checkout terminal. Some checkout terminals may also include a security application program that operates to reduce the likelihood that the consumer leaves without scanning all of the items or exchanges scanned items with more expensive items that have not been scanned. In many self-checkout terminals, the surface area of the checkout area or belt has a scale underneath it to help track items during checkout. By monitoring the weight of items placed on the checkout area, the security application is able to determine some actions of the consumer for purposes of detecting fraud or operator error by a consumer. For example, the change in weight detected by the scales of the checkout area may be used to determine the weight of an item just placed on the checkout area. This item weight may then be compared to the weight of the item last scanned that is stored in a database or other memory. If the weights are different, the security application program notifies the consumer and prompts the consumer to remove the item and scan the item again to rectify the discrepancy. Thus, the application program is capable of tracking the scanning of items and their placement on the checkout area through its monitoring of the scales associated with the checkout area. While this type of item monitoring is useful for security tracking purposes it does have some drawbacks. For one, activities in the vicinity of the scales may affect the accuracy of the weighing operations. For example, vibrations caused by carts or other objects impacting a self-checkout station may oscillate one or more items on the scale and displace the items with respect to the weighing transducers. Other activities that may affect weighing operations include pressure from a consumer's hand on an item, the serial placement of items on the scale that were purchased at the same time, or air pressure from air ducts located near the checkout station. For example, a consumer may scan a group of three oranges having a single unit price (3 oranges/$1) and then place them one at time on the scales. Activities like the ones described cause measurements of the weight of items placed on the scales to fluctuate. These fluctuations result in measured weights that do not correspond to the weight stored in association with an item's bar code or other identifier. In previously known self-checkout stations, the scale control software requires N weight readings within a tolerance T of a weight value stored in association with an item identifier such as its bar code. Fluctuations in weight readings may prevent the accumulation of N readings within a weight sampling period and cause the terminal control software to determine that an item placed on the scales does not correspond to a scanned item. The checkout process is then delayed until the weight of the scanned item is verified. Verification may require rescanning by the consumer after the last item is removed from the items scanned list or it may require the intervention of a cashier or other self-checkout station attendant. Both verification procedures are time-consuming and adversely impact the efficiency of the self-checkout process. What is needed is a system and method of weighing scanned items that compensates for weighing irregularities caused by activities in the vicinity of the self-checkout station. What is needed is a system and method for measuring the weight of scanned items at a self-checkout station that reduces the necessity of rescanning items or attendant intervention to verify the weight of an item. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above-noted limitations of previously known systems and methods for tracking items in the checkout area of a self-checkout terminal have been overcome by a system and method that operate in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The system of the present invention comprises an item verifier for verifying placement of an item on a scale of a self-checkout station and a measurement adjuster operatively coupled to the item verifier for adjusting the item verifier operation in response to an erroneous reading signal from the item verifier. In one embodiment of the present invention, the measurement adjuster increases the number of samples required by the item verifier for determining the weight of an item. By increasing the number of samples collected before determining the weight of the item, the probability that temporary vibrations will not disturb an accurate weight measurement is increased. For example, if N weight measurements with tolerance T are required to verify the placement of an item on scale then an increase in the number of samples collected provides more time for vibrations to dampen or a consumer's hand to be removed from the item. In another embodiment of the present invention, the period between samples is increased so an accurate weight measurement may be obtained without interference from vibrations, a consumer's hand, or the like. The system of the present invention may be implemented with a self-checkout terminal that includes a display, a bar code scanner, and a checkout scale, all of which are coupled to the processor for the terminal. The checkout scale may include a processor operated by programmed instructions with memory for collecting and analyzing weight data or it may provide the weight data to data peripheral interfaces for the terminal processor. The program memory of the terminal processor may include one or more program modules for determining whether the checkout scale processor requires adjustment. The program memory may also include a security application that uses the item weight data to track items in the checkout area. The display may be used to communicate with the consumer regarding movement of items in the checkout area. The method of the present invention includes verifying placement of an item on a scale of a self-checkout station and adjusting the weighing of the item in response to a failure to sense a weight corresponding to the identification of the item placed on the scale. The adjustment may be an increase in the number of weight samples collected for verification so the likelihood of collecting a prerequisite number of samples within the toleration range for verification is increased. Alternatively, the adjustment may be an increase in the time between weight measurement samples. These adjustments increase the time required for measuring the weight of an item placed on a scale, however, they reduce the likelihood that the weight measured by the scale is erroneous because of temporary activities in the vicinity of the checkout station. Erroneous weight readings necessitate a consumer rescanning an item or a self-checkout attendant intervening in the checkout procedure. Thus, the method of the present invention reduces the occurrence of problems with self-checkout that are associated with erroneous weight measurements caused by temporary perturbations in the sensing of the weight on the scale of the self-checkout station. It is an object of the present invention to provide a more robust scheme for measuring the weight of items placed on the scale of a self checkout station. It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustment to the process of determining the weight of an item placed on the scale of a self-checkout station so fluctuations are less likely to prevent the verification of a scanned item. It is an object of the present invention to increase the time for determining the weight of a scanned item placed on the scale of a self-checkout station so that an accurate measurement of the item's weight is not disturbed by temporary vibrations or additional weight. These and other advantages and features of the present invention may be discerned from reviewing the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention may take form in various system and method components and arrangement of system and method components. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating an exemplary embodiment and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a self-checkout station in which the present invention may be used; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the components for adjusting the weight measurement of items scanned by the station shown in FIG. 1; and FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for adjusting the verification of items scanned by the station shown in FIG. 1 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A self-checkout station used with the system and method of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 . Checkout station 10 may include a feeder unit 14 and a checkstand 18 . Feeder unit 14 includes a feeder belt 20 and housing 22 for the motor and control circuitry that operates feeder belt 20 . Feeder unit 14 is movably coupled to checkstand 18 so the feeder belt may be aligned with scanner/scale unit 26 . Checkstand 18 includes scanner/scale unit 26 , consumer terminal 34 , a payment terminal 38 for entry of payment data, and receipt printer 44 . Scanner/scale unit 26 uses a laser shining on a glass or other transparent platen to input data from bar codes applied to products or packages. Unit 26 may also include a scale for measuring the weight of items that are sold on a price/unit of weight basis. Consumer terminal 34 displays item data as it is entered through scanner/scale unit 26 . Payment terminal 38 may be any known POS terminal that incorporates a keypad and card reader to support credit card, debit card, and other payment methods. Receipt printer 44 provides a consumer with a receipt itemizing the items purchased and the method of payment. Separating receipt printer 44 and scanner/scale unit 26 is a bagwell 46 , which has a floor that is adjoined to three upright walls. The floor of bagwell 46 may rest on scale 48 . Consumers place scanned items in bags hanging from rails 50 in bagwell 46 so the items rest on the floor of bagwell 46 and scale 48 . Security scale 48 uses item weight data derived from scanner/scale 26 or a database using a scanned unit product code (UPC) to verify that only the items scanned are placed on the security scale. Security application programs operating within terminal 34 monitor security scale 48 to determine whether items not scanned have been added to the security scale area. An anomalous condition that requires investigation may be signaled by lighting a warning or alert light color within the tri-color indicator 54 mounted at the terminal end of indicator pole 52 of checkstand 18 . Indicator pole 52 may also have mounted thereon a security camera 56 for providing a video signal to a security officer surveillance area or to some storage media. A database, disk drive, or other computer peripheral required for station operation may be housed within peripheral tray 60 located within checkstand 18 . Checkstand 18 also includes currency acceptor 40 for receiving units of paper currency and coins from a consumer as payment for a transaction while cash dispenser 42 returns change to a consumer or funds requested from a debit account or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, a consumer may place items on feeder belt 20 and belt 20 is driven to bring items to the end of belt 20 where a shut-off mechanism stops belt 20 . The consumer may commence a transaction by removing items from belt 20 and moving them, one at a time, over scanner/scale 26 for item product data retrieval and/or weighing. The scanned items may then be placed in bags on security scale 48 . Once all of the items are scanned, a consumer may provide payment through payment terminal 38 or currency acceptor 40 , receive change from dispenser 42 , and a receipt from printer 44 . The consumer may then remove the bags from security scale 48 and leave station 10 to complete a transaction. In one embodiment of the present invention, an item weighing adjustment system may reside in the computer that controls terminal operation for the checkout stand or in the computer that controls operation of scale 48 . The item weighing adjustment system includes the components shown in the block diagram of FIG. 2 . System 68 includes an item verifier 70 and a measurement adjuster 74 . Item verifier 70 receives weight data sensed by scale 48 as well as weight data stored in association with an identifier for the last item scanned. Verifier 70 compares the sensed weight data to the stored weight data to determine whether the sensed data is within a tolerance range about the stored weight data for the scanned item. Verifier 70 generates a signal indicative of whether the sensed weight data is in the tolerance range about the stored weight data and transmits the weight reading signal to measurement adjuster 74 . In response to the signal, measurement adjuster 74 determines whether to adjust the verification process of verifier 70 . After the verifier 70 completes the verification process, it generates a verification signal and the state of that signal indicates to the program controlling terminal 34 whether the last scanned item was placed on scale 48 or not. The security program of terminal 34 may then determine the appropriate response for reducing the likelihood of fraudulent activity in the ongoing transaction. An exemplary process that may be implemented by verifier 70 and adjuster 74 in accordance with the principles of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3 . The process retrieves the stored weight for the last scanned item (block 100 ) and also receives the latest weight reading from scale 48 (block 104 ). The sensed weight reading is compared to the retrieved weight data to determine whether it is within a tolerance range about the retrieved weight data (block 108 ). This may be performed by a number of methods. One method is to read the total weight of the scale and subtract the last verified reading to determine a differential weight that corresponds to the weight of the last scanned item. A tolerance weight T may then be added to and subtracted from the retrieved weight for the item. This tolerance weight range may then be compared to the differential weight. Alternatively, the retrieved weight may be added to the last verified reading and the tolerance weight T may then be added to and subtracted from this value to determine the tolerance range for comparison with the weight readings. If a weight reading is within the computed tolerance range, the sample counter for weight readings is reduced (block 110 ) and verifier 70 may generate an in-range weight reading signal for adjuster 74 that is indicative of a weight reading within the tolerance range. The sample counter is initialized at the beginning of an item verification to a number of samples that have been determined adequate for establishing a stable reading from scale 48 . The number of samples N 1 is set at a number that provides a reliably accurate weight reading within a minimum time for item verification when scale 48 is not subject to activities that affect the accuracy of weight measurement. The number of samples for this minimum time may determined by empirical data before placing system 68 into operation or it may be determined from an analysis of historical weight data by verifier 70 , adjuster 74 , or terminal 34 . The samples may be read at a periodic rate so that the N 1 samples define a weight sampling period for an item verification performed by verifier 70 . Alternatively, the samples may be acquired at a rate that is not periodic. While the number of samples N 1 may be used to initialize the sample counter for an item verification and then decremented, the number of samples may alternatively be used as a threshold to compare to a count accumulated in the sample counter as weight readings are obtained for item verification. A determination is made as to whether all of the samples required for verifying that the weight of the item placed on the scale is within the tolerance range have been received (block 114 ). If not, the process continues until the reading stabilizes and the reading is verified as being within the tolerance range for the last scanned item. If a sensed weight is not within the tolerance range, verifier 70 generates an erroneous reading signal that is sent to adjuster 74 . Adjuster 74 may then determine what, if any, adjustment is made to the verification process (block 118 ). In response to the error signal, adjuster 74 may count the number of erroneous readings and only adjust the verification process when the number of erroneous signals exceeds a threshold. Alternatively, adjuster 74 may adjust the verification process upon receipt of a single error signal. Adjustment of the verification process may be made in a number of ways. For one, adjuster 74 may provide a new value for the sample counter that increases the number of samples required for item verification. Alternatively, adjuster 74 may alter the rate at which verifier 70 receives sensed weight data from scale 48 . Both of these adjustments increase the time for measuring the weight increase caused by placement of the last scanned item on scale 48 . This increase in weight sampling time improves the chances of obtaining an accurate measurement that is not erroneously altered by vibrations, a lingering hand on the item, or serial placement of items in a single transaction unit. However, the adjustment does not adversely impact the ability of verifier 70 to detect the substitution of items on scale 48 that do not conform to the tolerance range about the weight stored for a last scanned item. Once the number of samples for determining the weight of a scanned item have been obtained, verifier 70 generates a signal for terminal 34 that indicates whether the weight of the item placed on the scale corresponds with the weight data stored for the last scanned item ( 120 ). The system and method of the present invention may be implemented by adding functionality to an existing self-checkout terminal. That is, hardware and software may be added to existing checkout station processors, such as the processor terminal 34 , scale 48 , or a combination thereof. The system and method of the present invention provide a security application of terminal 34 with more robust data as the item verification analysis based on item weight becomes more resilient against false or erroneous readings arising from temporary activities in the vicinity of station 10 . While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of exemplary processes and system components, and while the various processes and components have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will also readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broadest aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, implementations, or illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.
A system provides a more robust measurement of scanned items at a self-checkout station. The system comprises an item verifier for verifying placement of an item on a scale of a self-checkout station and a measurement adjuster operatively coupled to the item verifier for adjusting the item verifier operation in response to an error signal from the item verifier. In one embodiment, the measurement adjuster increases the number of samples for determining the weight of an item. By increasing the number of samples collected before determining item weight, the probability that temporary vibrations will not disturb weight measurement is increased. An exemplary method to implement the system includes verifying placement of an item on a scale and adjusting the weighing of the item in response to a failure to sense a weight that corresponds to the item placed on the scale. The adjustment may include increasing the number of samples collected or the time between samples.
6
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] (1) Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a collapsing mechanism for umbrellas, and more particularly, to a stepless collapsing mechanism for umbrellas. [0003] (2) Description of the Prior Art [0004] A conventional umbrella includes a runner movably mounted to the shaft of the umbrella and multiple stretchers are pivotably connected between the runner and the gore. The user has to move the runner from the lower end of the shaft to the top of the shaft to expand the umbrella. In order to expand the stretchers quickly, an automatic device is developed and which includes a spring in the shaft so that when the umbrella is folded, the spring is in an extended status, and a control button located at the handle positions the spring. When the control button is pushed, the spring is disengaged from the hook that holds the spring in its extended status, and the spring force brings the runner upward along the shaft so that the stretchers are expanded. [0005] However, when folding the umbrella, the user has to pull the runner downward along the shaft to allow the hook to hold the spring and this action requires a certain level of force to overcome the spring force. This is not convenient for some users who do not have too much muscle power. Besides, it happens often that the user's hand is wet and the runner slip away from the user's hand during pulling it downward, and the umbrella will suddenly opened and this may hurt the user or the people standing beside the user. [0006] The present invention intends to provide a umbrella collapsing mechanism to improve the shortcomings of the conventional automatic umbrella. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] The present invention relates to a collapsing mechanism for umbrellas, and the mechanism comprises a base, a movable member, a transmission member, an operation member, a sleeve and a handle. By pressing the movable member by the shaft, the movable member is engaged with the transmission member such that the transmission member can only be pivoted in one direction. Accordingly, the collapsing action of the umbrella can be stopped temporarily while the umbrella does not open suddenly. [0008] The collapsing mechanism for umbrellas, and the mechanism comprises a base having a neck which extends from a first end of the base and defines a hole, and a second end of the base is an open end. A movable member is an F-shaped member when viewed from a side thereof. The movable member includes a through hole, a first arm, two second arms and a bar. The first arm and the two second arms extend from an upright portion of the movable member and the through hole is defined in a lower end of the upright portion of movable member. The bar is located in the upright portion and located at a top of the through hole. A transmission member has a spool which includes a ratchet on an outside thereof and a cable is wrapped to the spool. An operation member has a window, a pivotal plate and a pin. The operation member has an inside wall at a rear side thereof so as to cover a rear lower portion of a rear side of the window. A fixed member extends from the inside wall and is accessible from a front of the window. A hollow and cylindrical handle has an aperture in a wall thereof and a block is connected to an inner periphery of the handle. A hollow and cylindrical sleeve is mounted to the base and located in the handle. The operation member, the movable member, the transmission member and the base are received in the sleeve in sequence. [0009] The present invention will become more obvious from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which show, for purposes of illustration only, a preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded view to show the collapsing mechanism of the present invention; [0011] FIG. 2 is another exploded view to show the collapsing mechanism of the present invention; [0012] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the collapsing mechanism of the present invention, wherein the umbrella is not yet opened; [0013] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the collapsing mechanism of the present invention, wherein the umbrella starts to be opened; [0014] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the collapsing mechanism of the present invention, wherein the umbrella starts to be collapsed; [0015] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the collapsing mechanism of the present invention, wherein the umbrella is collapsing; [0016] FIG. 6A shows that the pawl of the movable member is engaged with the ratchet of the transmission member; [0017] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the collapsing mechanism of the present invention, wherein the umbrella is collapsed, and [0018] FIG. 7A shows that the pawl of the movable member is disengaged from the ratchet of the transmission member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 , the collapsing mechanism 100 for umbrellas of the present invention comprises a base 110 , a movable member 120 , a transmission member 130 , an operation member 140 , a sleeve 150 and a handle 160 . The base 110 has a neck 110 A which extends from a first end of the base 110 and defines a hole and a second end of the base 110 is an open end. The shaft 180 of the umbrella extends through the neck 110 A. The base 110 comprises a chamber 110 B, an operation area 110 C and a transmission area 110 D. [0020] The chamber 110 B is used to accommodate some parts of the movable member 120 to move therein and the chamber 110 is located between the neck 110 A and an M-shaped unit. The operation area 110 C is located beneath the chamber 110 B and separated from the chamber 110 by the M-shaped unit. The wall of the chamber 110 B is a half circular wall. [0021] There are multiple stops 112 are located in the operation area 110 C and connected to a lower portion of the M-shaped unit. The operation area 110 C comprises a passage 114 which extends through the operation area 110 C and communicates with the chamber 110 B and the transmission area 110 D. The space located above each of the stops 112 has a first spring 116 located therein and the stop 112 contacts a lower end of the first spring 116 . The cable 130 C extends through the passage 114 and the neck 110 A and extends out from the base 110 . [0022] The transmission area 110 D is the open end of the base 110 and has a reception portion 118 from which a rod 122 extends so that the transmission member 130 is connected to the rod 122 . The transmission member 130 has a spool 130 A which includes a ratchet 130 B on an outside thereof. A cable 130 C is wrapped to the spool 130 A and the other end of the cable 130 C extends through the passage 114 and the neck 110 A and extends out from the base 110 to be connected with the top cap 200 ( FIG. 3 ) of the umbrella. [0023] The movable member 120 is an F-shaped member when viewed from a side thereof. The movable member 120 includes a through hole 120 A, a first arm 120 B, two second arms 120 C and a bar 120 D. The first arm 120 B and the two second arms 120 C extend from an upright portion of the movable member 120 to form the two transverse bars of the F-shaped member and the through hole 120 A is defined in a lower end of the upright portion of movable member 120 . The bar 120 D is located in the upright portion and located at a top of the through hole 120 A. A pawl 124 is located at a lower portion of the through hole 120 A and the first arm 120 B is located in the chamber 110 B. The two second arms 120 C are located to contact two respective top ends of the first springs 116 . The ratchet 130 B of the transmission member 130 is located in the through hole 120 A, and the pawl 124 is engaged with the ratchet 130 B. [0024] The operation member 140 has a window 140 A, a pivotal plate 142 and a pin 144 . The operation member 140 has an inside wall 140 B at a rear side thereof so as to cover a rear lower portion of a rear side of the window 140 A. A fixed member 148 extends from the inside wall 140 B and is accessible from a front of the window 140 A. A second spring 146 has a first end fixed to the fixed member 148 on the inside wall 140 B. The pivotal plate 142 comprises a first plate 142 A and a second plate 142 B which is connected to the first plate 142 A at an angle. A pin 144 is connected between a conjunction portion of the first and second plates 142 A, 142 B. Two ends of the pin 144 are pivotably connected to two insides of the window 140 A, so that the pivotal plate 142 can be pivoted about the pin 144 . A second end of the second spring 146 contacts the rear side of the second plate 142 B of the pivotal plate 142 . The first plate 142 A of the pivotal plate 142 constantly extends through the top portion of the window 140 A and is engaged with the bar 120 D when the pivotal plate 142 is not operated. [0025] The handle 160 is a hollow and cylindrical handle and has an aperture 160 A in a wall thereof and a block 160 C is connected to an inner periphery of the handle 160 . The block 160 C of the handle 160 is in contact with the second plate 142 B when no force is applied to the pivotal plate 142 as shown in FIG. 2 . The handle 160 has an axial groove 160 B defined in the inner periphery thereof. [0026] The sleeve 150 is a hollow and cylindrical sleeve which is mounted to the base 110 and located in the handle 160 . The operation member 140 , the movable member 120 , the transmission member 130 and the base 110 are received in the sleeve 150 in sequence. The sleeve 150 has a notch defined in a top portion thereof and the notch is cooperated with the aperture 160 A of the handle 160 to form an opening 150 A. The sleeve 150 further has a rail 150 b on an outside thereof, the rail 150 B is slidably engaged with the groove 160 b so that the handle 160 is movable relative to the sleeve 150 . [0027] Referring to FIG. 3 , the umbrella includes the shaft 180 which is fixed to the base 110 and composed of multiple sections retractably connected to each other. An operation spring 181 is located in the shaft 180 and the top cap 200 is connected to the top end of the shaft 180 . A runner 170 is movably mounted to the shaft 180 is multiple stretchers 120 are pivotably connected between the top cap 200 and the runner 170 . An inner piece 220 is located in the shaft 180 is connected to the top cap 200 . A push member 190 is connected to the shaft 180 and is used to control the use of the umbrella. The lower end of the shaft 180 has an engaging hole 182 and the push member 190 is installed to the aperture 160 A in the handle 160 . The push member 190 includes a switch 192 and a U-shaped portion 191 . The switch 192 is pivotably connected to a mediate portion of the push member 190 and the U-shaped portion 191 is engaged with the engaging hole 182 of the shaft 180 . The U-shaped portion 191 is installed to the recess 119 B in the chamber 110 B by a third spring 119 A so as to allow the U-shaped portion 191 to move in the recess 119 B. [0028] When the umbrella is to be opened, as shown in FIG. 4 , the push member 190 is pushed and the U-shaped portion 191 is pushed toward the recess 119 B of the chamber 110 B. The U-shaped portion 191 is disengaged from the engaging hole 182 of the shaft 180 and the operation spring 181 pulls the sections of the shaft 180 to an operation status. The first plate 142 A of the pivotal plate 142 is engaged with the bar 120 D of the movable member 120 and the pawl 124 in the through hole 120 A of the movable member 120 is not engaged with the ratchet 130 of the transmission member 130 . Therefore, the spool 130 A is able to freely rotate in both directions and the cable 130 C is pulled along with the shaft 180 and the top cap 200 . [0029] When the push member 190 is pushed and the umbrella is completely opened, as shown in FIG. 5 , the inner piece 220 in the shaft 180 is exposed so that when the push member 190 is pushed again, the switch 192 pushes the inner piece 220 which moves upward and the stretchers are then pivoted and folded. [0030] Further referring to FIGS. 6 and 6A , when retracting the shaft 180 , the user pulls the umbrella toward the handle 160 and the handle 160 moves in the opposite direction of the direction that the shaft 180 and gore are collapsed. The block 160 C presses the second plate 142 B to pivot the pivotal plate 142 so that the first plate 142 A disengages the movable member 120 from the bar 120 D. The movable member 120 is released and the pawl 124 in the through hole 120 A of the movable member 120 is engaged with the ratchet 1308 to restrict the transmission member 130 to move only in one direction. [0031] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 7A , when the shaft 180 is retracted, the shaft 180 presses the first arm 120 B of the movable member 120 and the movable member 120 is moved back with the shaft 180 to release the pawl 124 in the through hole 120 A of the movable member 120 from the ratchet 130 B as shown in FIG. 7A , and the spool 130 A is freely rotatable. The cable 130 A pulls the to p cap 200 by the rotation of the spool 130 A such that the user does not need to exert too much force to retract the shaft 180 . After the shaft 180 is retracted completely, the U-shaped portion 191 of the push member 190 is again engaged with the engaging hole 182 of the shaft 180 , and the first plate 142 A is engaged with the bar 120 D. The umbrella is completely collapsed and the mechanism is in its initial status as shown in FIG. 3 . Besides, even if the collapsing action is suddenly stopped during collapsing the umbrella, the force that applied to the first arm 120 B of the movable member 120 is disappeared, the two first springs 116 on two sides of the movable member 120 provide a force 120 to let the pawl 124 be engaged with the ratchet 130 B again as shown in FIG. 6A . Therefore, the umbrella can be held at the status because of the engagement of the pawl 124 and the ratchet 130 B. This prevents the umbrella opens suddenly. [0032] While we have shown and described the embodiment in accordance with the present invention, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that further embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
A collapsing mechanism for umbrellas includes a transmission member and a movable member which is engaged with the transmission member to stop the mechanism from being stopped during the action and the umbrella does not opened suddenly to hurt people. During the collapsing action, the action can be stopped as desired and the umbrella is maintained at that status and does not open. By the mechanism, the user does not need to complete the collapsing action at one time.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention This invention relates generally to electronic document reading Systems. In particular, this invention is directed to an electronic document reading system that suggests other related documents when displaying a first document. 2. Description of Related Art Retrieving documents similar to a document identified by the user as being related is known as relevance feedback. Relevance feedback is described in “Introduction to Modern Information Retrieval”, G. Salton et al., McGraw Hill, (1983), incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Interfaces that support relevance feedback conventionally require explicit action on the part of the reader and do not spontaneously offer suggestions of relevant documents. Information exploration interfaces designed for window-based computing environments typically present search results for other relevant documents via lists in a separate window or by replacing the visible document with the search results. These systems are very intrusive and interrupt the reading process. Hypertext interfaces display links to documents relevant to a source document either by providing a margin that contains the links or by embedding the links in the text of the source document in the manner pioneered by “Hyperties.” This system is described in “User Interface Design for the Hyperties Electronic Encyclopedia”, by Shneiderman, Proceedings of Hypertext '87, November 1987, Chapel Hill, N.C., incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. However, these links are static and are created along with the source document by the hypertext author. Some systems, such as Trellis, display links dynamically, but only from a fixed set of previously-defined links. Trellis is described in “Programmable Browsing Semantics and Trellis”, by R. Furuta et al. Proceedings of Hypertext '89, November 1989, Pittsburgh, Pa., ACM Press, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The HieNet System uses inter-node similarity measures to create hypertext links based on links previously created by the hypertext author. This system is described in “Hienet: A User-Centered Approach for Automatic Link Generation”, D. T. Chang, Proceedings of Hypertext '93, November 1993, Seattle, Wash., ACM Press, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. When the author creates a link from a document A to a document B, the system automatically adds links from all documents similar to document A to all documents similar to document B. Anchors for these automatically-generated links are represented by icons in the margin of the various documents. Clicking on an icon displays a pop-up menu that contains a list of possible destination documents that are ranked by relevance to the query. Again, this System relies on links previously created by the author. Other conventional Systems relate to hypertext-like ways of displaying search results. HieNet displays automatic links in the margin, but anchors in the margin are not relevant to the content of the passage adjacent to the anchor. HieNet does not distinguish between document-document and passage-document links. Furthermore, HieNet does not indicate the number and nature of the documents reachable through the margin links. Visualization of Information Retrieval System (hereinafter VOIR) is described in “Queries? Links? Is There a Difference?”, Proceedings of CHI '97, G. Golovinsky, March 1997, Atlanta, Ga., ACM Press and in “What the Query Told the Link: The Integration of Hypertext and Information Retrieval”, Proceedings of Hypertext '97, G. Golovinsky, April 1997, Southhampton, UK, ACM Press, each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. VOIR is a mechanism that dynamically creates and resolves hypertext links with queries that are computed from the text surrounding a selected anchor. VOIR uses queries to retrieve sets of documents that are related to the passage containing the selected anchor. VOIR does not show the user links that have pre-established relationships. Rather, to submit a query and to establish a relationship, the user has to pause and select an anchor. VOIR was designed specifically to Support interactive information exploration, rather than to facilitate the reading process. Thus, VOIR's focus is supporting navigation between documents. The user is thus expected to devote much cognitive effort to browsing. Furthermore, VOIR does not permit the user to annotate or tag documents. VOIR also does not indicate which link was selected to generate a particular display. A background information retrieval process called the Remembrance Agent (hereinafter RA) is described in “A Continuously Running Automated Information Retrieval System”, B. J. Rhodes et al. Proceedings of The First International Conference on the Practical Application of Intelligent Agents in Multi-Agent Technology , PAAM '96, April, 1997, London, UK, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. RA operates in an EMACS text window and suggests documents related to the last few lines of text typed by the user. RA is designed to search through a user's private data to suggest documents related to the text being typed. However, these suggestions are ephemeral and relate only to text that is currently being written. RA does not support reading tasks because it continuously replaces suggestions as the user edits the document. QRL is a query-based information exploration interface that uses ink-like marks on text to specie boolean queries. This system is described in “Queries-R-Links: Graphical Markup for Text Navigation”, by G. Golovchinsky et al., Proceedings of INTERCHI '93, April 1993, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, ACM Press, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Query terms are selected with rectangles. Lines connect the rectangles to represent boolean AND operators. All of these systems require extensive user interaction to generate links to related documents or only support writing. An electronic document reading system is needed that passively and unobtrusively generates links to related documents to support reading. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention provides a method and a system for passively showing the reader related documents without interfering with the reading process. The invention further provides intuitive support for reading by automatically detecting documents potentially of interest to the reader based on the reader's interaction with the source document being read. When people read text, they often make annotations to highlight interesting or controversial passages and terms. The presence or relative density of such marks and scribbles may be used as an indicator of the relative interest that the reader has in a particular passage. When a large body of documents related to the document being read is available, the reader may be interested in finding related documents as part of the reading process. References to documents related to specific passages of interest to the user are placed in the source document's margins and references to documents similar overall to the source document are inserted as end notes. The system and method of this invention maintain the links once they have been identified to facilitate non-linear reading and skimming. A user's interests are inferred from annotations made while reading the source document. Therefore, the system and method of this invention minimize cognitive overhead in two ways: 1) no expressive query is required to identify documents related to the source document; and 2) selectable links to the related documents are provided unobtrusively in the margins and at the end of the document, this is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. The system also introduces suggestions to the reader in a manner compatible with other interactions, rather than burdening the user with modal dialogues. Suggested documents are accessible by following the selectable links. However, the user does not have to act on a suggestion when it is made. Rather, the user can act on the suggestion when (or if) it makes sense to do so. The system and method of this invention represent the type of the referenced document with an icon and provide a textural label to the icon to give users a better understanding of the target of the link. These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in or apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The preferred embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the electronic document reading system of this invention; FIG. 2 shows a source document having an icon in the margin adjacent to an annotated passage; FIG. 3 shows another source document having an endnote; and FIG. 4 is a flowchart outlining a control routine for one embodiment of this invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of one embodiment of a document reading system 10 according to this invention. The document reading system 10 includes a processor 12 communicating with a first memory 14 that stores a source document 16 that is currently being read by a user on a display 18 . The processor 12 also communicates with a second memory 20 that stores potentially related target documents 22 . A user interacts and controls the document reading system 10 through any number of conventional input/output devices 24 , such as a mouse 26 , a keyboard 28 , or a pen-based interface 30 . The input/output devices 24 communicate with an input/output interface 31 that, in turn, communicates with the processor 12 . As shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 is preferably implemented on a programmed general purpose computer. However, the system 10 can also be implemented using a special purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and any necessary peripheral integrated circuit elements, an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a hardwired electronic or logic circuit such as a discrete element circuit, a programmable logic device such as a PLD, PLA, FPGA or PAL, or the like. In general, any device on which a finite state machine capable of implementing the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 can be used to implement the system 10 . Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1, the storage devices or memories 14 and 20 are preferably implemented using static or dynamic RAM. However, the devices 14 and 20 can also be implemented using a floppy disk and disk drive, a writable optical disk and disk drive, a hard drive, flash memory or the like. Also, it should be appreciated that the devices 14 and 20 can be either distinct portions of a single memory or physically distinct memories. Further, it should be appreciated that the links 15 and 17 connecting the devices 14 and 20 and the processor 12 can be a wired or wireless link to a network (not shown). The network can be a local area network, a wide area network, an intranet, the Internet or any other distributed processing and storage network. In this case, the electronic document 16 is pulled from and physically remote memory device 14 through link 15 for processing in the processor 12 according to the method outlined below. In this case, the electronic document 16 can be stored locally in portion of some other memory device of the system 10 (not shown). The method of this invention identifies two kinds of target documents 22 for each source document 16 . The two types of target documents are: 1) target documents that are specifically related to annotated passages; and 2) target documents that are generally related to the overall source document. Once a relationship is established between the source document and the target documents 22 , the target documents may be displayed by clicking on selectable links in the displayed document 16 . References to the two types of target documents 22 is shown in FIG. 2. A target document 22 related to the specific passage 32 in the source document 16 is identified by a margin representation 34 placed in the margin of the source document 16 near the related passage 32 . As shown in FIG. 3, a target document 22 that is related to the source document 16 as a whole is annotated and shown as an end-note 36 to the source document. The end note 36 includes the type, the title and summary information. FIG. 4 is a flowchart outlining a control routine for one embodiment of the method of this invention. Beginning in step S 100 , the control routine continues to step S 105 In step S 105 , the control routine determines if the user has made any annotations. If not, control loops back to step S 105 . If so control continues to step S 110 . In step S 110 , the control routine determines the annotation of the source document mode by the user. Next, in step S 120 , the control routine analyzes the text of the source document and the annotation to determine the passage being annotated. A passage may include a paragraph marked with a margin bar, an underlying sentence or phrase, or the context of one or more circled terms. Then in step S 130 , the control routine generates a query from the passage. The query includes content-bearing terms from the identified passage that are weighted to give importance to any circled words. Next, in step S 140 the control routine searches the target document using the query to identify documents that are related to the passage. Then, at step S 150 , the search results are clustered. Clustering is preferably performed in a manner similar to that described in “Reexamining the Cluster Hypothesis: Scatter/Gather on Retrieval Results”, M. A. Hearst et al., Proceedings of ACM SIGIR '96, August 1996, Zurich, Switzerland, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Next, in step S 160 , the control routine selects a typical document from each cluster. These documents are further filtered by a user-specified similarity threshold in step S 170 . Then, in step S 180 , the remaining documents are identified by displaying links to those documents in the margin of the source document adjacent to the passage from which the query was generated. Each selectable link may be an icon representing a type of the selected and filtered target document and a short title. Next, in step S 190 , the control routine determines if a user has selected a selectable link in the current source document. If in step S 190 , a user has selected a selectable link, the control routine proceeds to step S 200 . In step S 200 , the target document is displayed as the new current source document, control then continues back to step S 105 , where it waits for another annotation to be made. Alternatively, if in step S 190 , no selectable link is selected, then the control jumps directly back to step S 105 . The control routine continues until the user has closed all open source documents 16 displayed on the display 18 . To compute end notes the flowchart of FIG. 4 can be used with slight modifications. The control routine proceeds identically as described for the creation of margin notes from step S 100 through step S 120 . However, at step S 130 a weighted sum query is generated. In step S 130 terms that are explicitly identified by the reader and terms identified by standard relevance feedback techniques are used to construct weighted-sum queries at step S 130 . The identified terms are assigned weights based upon the annotations made to the document. For instance, words that have been expressly selected by the user are weighted the highest and words that occur in selected paragraphs are weighted higher than the remaining terms of the source document. Documents that have been identified as related to the document using the weighted sum query generated in step S 130 are processed in a manner similar to the remaining steps S 140 through S 200 with the exception that the link is displayed as an end note in step S 180 rather than as a margin note. It should be understood that either or both of these control routines may be running in the background of a document reading system of the invention. Optionally, the system and method of this invention may derive summaries from documents through an automatic text summarization process in a manner similar to that described in “A Trainable Document Summarizer”, J. Kupiec et al., Proceedings of SIGIR '95, July 1995, Pittsburgh, Pa., ACM Press, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The summaries are then displayed as end notes. It is to be understood that the term annotation as used herein is intended to include text, digital ink, audio, video or any other input associated with a document. it is also to be understood that the term document is intended to include text, video, audio and any other media and any combination of media. Further, it is to be understood that the term text is intended to include text, digital ink, audio, video or any other content of a document to include the document's structure. While this invention has been described with the specific embodiments outlined above, many alternatives, modifications and variations are and will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments described above are illustrative and not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
The document reading system passively analyzes a document to generate margin or end notes of references to other documents that relate to annotated passages in the document or to the entire document. The invention is responsive to the annotation of a document to passively generate a query that retrieves documents that have similar content to the annotated passage. The retrieved documents are available to the reader through selectable links placed in the margin near the annotation. Additionally, the invention provides end notes with links to documents that are similar in content to the overall content of the annotated document. The invention assists the reader by passively generating selectable links to related documents to assist the user in relating the new document to previously read material.
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